Daily Review 23/11/2016
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8:22 pm, November 23rd, 2016 - 85 comments
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These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...55 mins ago - A land without pier
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- Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunchesMore essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...2 weeks ago
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- Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals billThe Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...2 weeks ago
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- Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project insteadCancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priorityA laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...3 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori to visit Queensland to strengthen ties with Māori in AustraliaTe Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...3 weeks ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...14 hours ago - Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...17 hours ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...18 hours ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...20 hours ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...22 hours ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...1 day ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...2 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...2 days ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...2 days ago
- Community hui to talk about kina barrensPeople with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...2 days ago
- Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into forceKiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...2 days ago
- Mining resurgence a welcome signThere are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...2 days ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first readingThe return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...3 days ago
- Government to boost public EV charging networkEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...3 days ago
- Residential Property Managers Bill to not progressThe coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...3 days ago
- Independent review into disability support servicesThe Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...3 days ago
- Justice Minister updates UN on law & order planJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...3 days ago
- Ending emergency housing motels in RotoruaThe Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...3 days ago
- Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and DubaiTrade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...4 days ago
- Education priorities focused on lifting achievementEducation Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...4 days ago
- NZTA App first step towards digital driver licenceThe new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...4 days ago
- Supporting whānau out of emergency housingWhānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...4 days ago
- Tribute to Dave O'SullivanRacing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...4 days ago
- Speech – Eid al-FitrAssalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...4 days ago
- Government saves access to medicinesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...4 days ago
- Pharmac Chair appointedHon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...5 days ago
- Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderHundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...6 days ago
- New sports complex opens in KaikoheRegional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...6 days ago
- Diplomacy needed more than everForeign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...6 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery BelgiumAmbassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...7 days ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk BairDistinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...1 week ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, TürkiyeMai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...1 week ago
- PM announces changes to portfoliosPaul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...1 week ago
- New catch limits for unique fishery areasRecreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...1 week ago
- Minister welcomes hydrogen milestoneEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...1 week ago
- Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment BillThe coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...1 week ago
- Overseas decommissioning models consideredOverseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...1 week ago
- Release of North Island Severe Weather Event InquiryEmergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...1 week ago
- Justice Minister to attend Human Rights CouncilJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...2 weeks ago
- Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facilityAssociate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...2 weeks ago
- Despite a tenfold increase in ADHD prescriptions, too many New Zealanders are still going without
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Beaglehole, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago niphon/Getty Images The number of people accessing medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Aotearoa New Zealand increased significantly between 2006 and 2022. But the disorder is still under-diagnosed and ...2 hours ago - Pay equity taskforce disbanded, 'no longer required' – Minister
The government is being accused of "misdirected priorities" after it disestablished the pay equity taskforce. ...3 hours ago - How bad at reading are New Zealand children?There are more bad readers among our 10-year-olds, but the picture has improved for teenagers, international testing has found. ...3 hours ago
- Knocked Up, American Pie, the Bean movie: A brief history of NZ music in Hollywood
To celebrate the start of New Zealand music month, we look back at the best local tuneage that managed to weasel its way into Hollywood productions. There’s nothing quite like the thrilling zap of recognition when New Zealand weasels its way into a glamorous Hollywood production. Crack open a Tui ...3 hours ago - Why I told a cop about my lasagne and what it’s got to do with the mediaPeople trust other people more than institutions. So how can the media gain that trust through journalists without losing what’s important about the institution? Anna Rawhiti-Connell reflects on two years of curating the news for The Bulletin. Amonth ago, armed cops descended on my neighbourhood as calls to “lock your ...3 hours ago
- Fast-track bill is a lolly scramble for deep-pocketed applicants
Opinion: There’s nothing transparent about the fast-track bill despite what ministers say The post Fast-track bill is a lolly scramble for deep-pocketed applicants appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago - Electoral donations under the microscope with full disclosure imminentGovernment consenting and fisheries policy has seen large donations and those directly to MPs scrutinised – full donations will be released as soon as Friday The post Electoral donations under the microscope with full disclosure imminent appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Fire and Emergency payroll plan scrapped after spending $29mAfter three years and millions of dollars, Fire and Emergency’s payroll replacement project is back to square one The post Fire and Emergency payroll plan scrapped after spending $29m appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- The Crown versus Māori ChildrenEssay: If the Crown harms children, how do you hold it accountable? Analysis by Aaron Smale in light of the Waitangi Tribunal court decision. The post The Crown versus Māori Children appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Low levels of ‘forever chemicals’ doesn’t mean we can wash our hands of themOpinion: PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals used widely in everyday consumer items such as textiles, packaging, and cookware, popular for their water, grease and stain-repellent properties. However, the very properties that make PFAS so attractive to manufacturers are also what ...3 hours ago
- This week’s biggest selling books – May 3NONFICTION 1 The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour & Jude Dobson (Allen & Unwin, $37.99)’ This is the hottest book in New Zealand, number one with a bullet in its first week, selling more than any overseas title, and demand is so huge that it’s already been reprinted. A ...3 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 3 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 3 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 3 MayThe post Daily crossword, Friday 3 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- A cry of help for the James Bond of the bird worldSecretive and shy, the nationally critical, native bitterns are on the edge in Canterbury, a researcher says The post A cry of help for the James Bond of the bird world appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Drama as the knife hovers over Kiwi soapA warning – suicide is discussed in this podcast New Zealand’s own long-running soap Shortland Street doesn’t hesitate to kill off its much-loved characters. But would TVNZ dare to kill off our favourite soap? That’s the fear as times get tough in television – even though it’s been pointed out ...3 hours ago
- OPM’s Bomanak accuses UN of failing to uphold decolonisation role over West PapuaAsia Pacific Report A West Papuan resistance leader has condemned the United Nations role in allowing Indonesia to “integrate” the Melanesian Pacific region in what is claimed to be an “egregious act of inhumanity” on 1 May 1963. In an open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Organisasi Papua Merdeka-OPM ...8 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: O’Neil and Giles dodge the spotlight shining on blunders over ex-detaineesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A key part of the Albanese government’s political strategy is to fill the news cycle with its presence and messaging. Ministers are deployed to the maximum, even when they’ve little to say. This week ...9 hours ago
- Bob Carr confirms intention to launch legal action against Winston PetersCarr has confirmed his lawyers have written to Peters, informing him they intend to launch legal action against him. ...10 hours ago
- A lot to learn from kura kaupapa Māori – Education MinisterDespite low literacy rates in mainstream schools amongst Māori, the results are the complete opposite in kura kaupapa, Stanford says. ...10 hours ago
- Julie Anne Genter: Greens had 'no prior knowledge' of fresh complaint against MPA florist says she felt intimidated during a heated exchange with the MP. ...12 hours ago
- Insurance law overhaul passes first readingRecent extreme weather events showed the importance of a well-functioning insurance system, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs minister Andrew Bayly. ...12 hours ago
- NZ Foreign Minister Peters accused of ‘entirely defamatory’ remarks about ex-Australian ministerBy Jo Moir, RNZ News political editor, and Craig McCulloch, deputy political editor New Zealand’s Labour Party is demanding Winston Peters be stood down as Foreign Minister for opening up the government to legal action over his “totally unacceptable” attack on a prominent AUKUS critic. In an interview on RNZ’s ...12 hours ago
- How much time should you spend sitting versus standing? New research reveals the perfect mix for opt...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Brakenridge, Postdoctoral research fellow at Swinburne University, Centre for Urban Transitions, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute The Conversation, Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock People have a pretty intuitive sense of what is healthy – standing is better than sitting, exercise is great for overall ...12 hours ago
- Into The Deep End – Karori Lifeguard Up For Challenge As Reserve Force Soldier
The Wellington-based Reserve Force soldier is now almost three years into his New Zealand Army career with 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. ...13 hours ago - Brazilian couple's residency case taken up by minister after advisor forgets to apply for visaAfter multiple pleas and petition, an Auckland couple's residency case is being looked at by the Associate Minister of Immigration. ...13 hours ago
- Fast Track Approvals Bill: None from first day of hearings support bill in current formNone of the groups that spoke to Parliament's environment committee on Thursday supported the bill as it stands. ...13 hours ago
- Australia will trial ‘age assurance’ tech to bar children from online porn. What is it and will ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Haskell-Dowland, Professor of Cyber Security Practice, Edith Cowan University Daniel Jedzura/Shutterstock Responding to a resurgence in gender-based violence and deaths in Australia, the National Cabinet has committed almost A$1 billion to a range of strategies. Tackling “online harms” was among the ...14 hours ago
- Government Cuts Put 130 Jobs On The Line At Kāinga Ora, And 40 At HUD"The Government needs to release the review immediately as this reckless approach to change risks disjointed decision making and creates more distress and uncertainty for staff," Fitzsimons said. ...14 hours ago
- Jeremiah Manele is new Solomon Islands PM with ‘100 day plan’By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Jeremiah Manele has been elected Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, polling 31 votes to 18 over rival candidate and former opposition leader Mathew Wale with one abstention. The final result of the election by secret ballot was announced by the Governor-General, Sir David Vunagi, ...14 hours ago
- Will Solomon Islands’ new leader stay close to China?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Priestley Habru, PhD candidate, public diplomacy, University of Adelaide Former foreign minister Jeremiah Manele has been elected the next prime minister of Solomon Islands, defeating the opposition leader, Matthew Wale, in a vote in parliament. The result is a mixed bag for ...15 hours ago
- A clock in the rocks: what cosmic rays tell us about Earth’s changing surface and climateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shaun Eaves, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Jamey Stutz, CC BY-SA How often do mountains collapse, volcanoes erupt or ice sheets melt? For Earth scientists, these are important questions as we try ...17 hours ago
- Watch: PM's pre-Budget education announcement for teaching readingFrom next year, the government expects all public schools to take a "proven structured literacy approach". ...17 hours ago
- Multiple parties complain over Green MP Julie Anne Genter's conductSpeaker Gerry Brownlee won't say which parties have taken issue with Julie Anne Genter's outburst. ...17 hours ago
- Aggressive? Homophobic? Stoic? Here’s what thousands of Australian men told us about modern mascul...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Flood, Professor of Sociology, Queensland University of Technology Shutterstock Most young adult men in Australia reject traditional ideas of masculinity that endorse aggression, stoicism and homophobia. Nonetheless, the ongoing influence of those ideas continues to harm men and the people ...17 hours ago
- Watch live as the PM makes pre-Budget education announcementFrom next year, the government expects all public schools to take a "proven structured literacy approach". ...18 hours ago
- NZQA Jobs To Go As Government Education Cuts Roll OnThe NZQA proposal released to staff today would involve a net loss of 35 roles. There are 66 roles being disestablished with 13 of those currently vacant, and 31 new roles proposed, said Fleur Fitzsimons Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga ...18 hours ago
- The star-studded New Zealand movie you need to see as soon as possibleAlex Casey talks to Loren Taylor, the writer, director and star of new film The Moon is Upside Down, about assembling her dream ensemble cast, toilet paper pads and turning literal dreams into reality. There’s a moment in The Moon is Upside Down where frazzled anaesthetist Briar (Loren Taylor) gets ...18 hours ago
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to cut 40 jobs, NZQA to cut 35The total number of job losses in the public services has now gone over 3500. ...18 hours ago
- Renters and realtors upset at scrapping of bill to regulate property managersRenters and realtors are upset with a government decision to scrap a bill meant to regulate property managers over concerns about unethical and unlawful behaviours. ...19 hours ago
- You’ve been ‘volun-told’ to coach junior sport – here’s how to best handle the parents inv...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassy Dittman, Senior Lecturer/Head of Course (Undergraduate Psychology), Research Fellow, Manna Institute, CQUniversity Australia With winter sports swinging into action, adults around the country have volunteered or been volunteered by others (humorously known as being “volun-told”) to coach junior sports teams. ...19 hours ago
- Do we really need to burp babies? Here’s what the research saysSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karleen Gribble, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University richardernestyap/Shutterstock Parents are often advised to burp their babies after feeding them. Some people think burping after feeding is important to reduce or prevent discomfort crying, or to ...19 hours ago
- ASB Workers To Strike As Bank Proposes An Effective Pay CutWorkers at a major ASB contact centre in Auckland have voted to take strike action and withdraw their labour following disappointing pay negotiations with the employer and an "offer" to workers that would leave them worse off than the previous year. ...20 hours ago
- Where else should phones be banned? The most unruly classroom of all – parliamentAs the government tries to get the country back on track with a school phone ban, Tara Ward has an idea for where they should turn their attention to next. New Zealand students returned to school on Monday morning, but their cellphones did not. The government’s new phone ban began ...20 hours ago
- Winston Peters accused of 'entirely defamatory' remarks about ex-Australian ministerThe Labour Party is demanding Peters be stood down, saying "he's embarrassed the country" with a "totally unacceptable" attack on a prominent AUKUS critic. ...20 hours ago
- Watch: Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to mediaThe opposition leader speaks to media during a visit with community advocate Dave Letele . ...21 hours ago
- Watch live: Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to mediaThe opposition leader speaks to media during a visit with community advocate Dave Letele . ...21 hours ago
- Public sector job cuts: All Stats NZ staff offered voluntary redundanciesThe PSA is concerned the cuts will hit the department's ability to deliver on its core functions. ...21 hours ago
- IPAC wants to see acknowledgement of all cyber breaches against public figuresThe Inter-Parliamentary Alliance, whose members were victims of a China-backed cyber attack, is discussing forming a standing committee to deal with foreign influence. ...22 hours ago
- Government’s Cuts Put Work Of Stats NZ At RiskThe PSA is concerned that the voluntary redundancies being offered to staff by Stats NZ will impact on the agency’s ability to deliver on its core functions. ...22 hours ago
- Is cooking with dog food instead of meat actually fine? I gave it a goResults ranged from surprisingly yum to soul-destroying. I love cooking. The kitchen is a hearth of culinary creation, of sensory delights, of gastronomic poetry. I also can’t afford anything nice. Why does a pack of instant noodles and some milk cost ten bucks? I love you, Aotearoa, but I miss ...22 hours ago
- Zero tolerance – Solomon Islands police on high alert ahead of PM electionBy Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Police in Solomon Islands are on high alert ahead of the election of the prime minister today. The two candidates for the top job are former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele at the head of the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation, which is ...22 hours ago
- Fast-track Submitters Must Not Be Silenced Through Poor Select Committee Process“We’re concerned that if the Select Committee process is poorly run members of the public will be silenced on this deeply troubling Bill.” ...22 hours ago
- Number of businesses seeking help to downsize doubles as unemployment growsAn advocate says businesses are hurting and are reluctantly having to lay off workers. ...22 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: My friend’s boyfriend Steve is always, always, always aroundHe’s fine but it feels like I’m losing a friend and it’s making me bitter. How do I say ‘enough is enough’? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Hey Hera, I’ve recently moved in with a girlfriend, her partner Steve, and his friend. We all live in a lovely little house. ...23 hours ago
- What junior doctors’ unpaid overtime tells us about the toxic side of medicineSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Hooker, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator, Health and Medical Humanities, University of Sydney PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock What’s been described as the largest underpayment class action in Australian legal history has just been settled. Who was allegedly underpaid? Thousands of junior ...24 hours ago
- We think we control our health – but corporations selling forever chemicals, fossil fuels and ult...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Chartres, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney shutterstock Ahmet Misirligul/Shutterstock You go to the gym, eat healthy and walk as much as possible. You wash your hands and get vaccinated. You control your health. This is ...24 hours ago
- Here’s how you can talk to your kids about gendered violence, and 7 ways to model good behaviourSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Hendriks, Research Fellow and Lecturer, Curtin University Children and young people may be seeing news headlines about men murdering women or footage of people rallying to call for action. Perhaps they or their friends have even gone to the protests. ...24 hours ago
- Why are adults without kids hooked on Bluey? And should we still be calling it a ‘kids’ show’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Balanzategui, Senior Lecturer in Media, RMIT University ABC “Bluey mania” shows no sign of abating. Bluey’s season finale, The Sign, was the most viewed ABC program of all time on iView. A “hidden” follow-up episode, aptly named The Surprise, created ...24 hours ago
- Over $300K spent on slushy syrup and maintaining machines for prison staffCorrections has spent over $305,000 on slushy syrup and maintaining frozen ice machines in the past six years. ...1 day ago
- Winston Peters still trying to find out what Aukus Pillar 2 is aboutThe Foreign Minister says he is continuing work started by the previous Labour government. ...1 day ago
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Apologies for lateness …
Standing Rock, now they blowing arms off. PLEASE be warned, the photo is very stark.
Why on earth doesn’t President Obama intervene in this ongoing disaster?
You have to be joking. Trump has shares in the disaster and is looking forward to profiting from it. Why blame Obama?
Actually disagree mickysavage, there is a court ruling that pipe line should stop. They have not and are carrying on. Also many of these police are crossing state lines. So Obama could call a halt to this at any time, leaving aside that it is currently passing through federal land, it being military land.
No wait, lets not, Obama also has the power to stop it, as commander and chief.
Im responding to the suggestion that it is all Obama’s fault. I don’t understand the intricacies of what is happening so maybe he should make a stand. I was responding to the implication that Obama is wrong but Trump will fix it. If Obama is on a rocky road to hell over this Trump is sitting down there with a devil suit on and holding a trident …
Fair enough mickysavage.
I think Obama did good original reaching out to native Americans, but this is more of the same old, same old from the US establishment. It also he has the ability to not only up hold the law, but to intervene via some many avenues -that is frustrating.
Also with the escalating violence from the police, it is a worry someone has not said stop! I also blame Jack Dalrymple a lot, a hell of a lot actually.
Obama spent his whole first term figuring that republicans won’t give him nothing, reps even went as far as not producing a budget, Obama said he’d close gettmo-fail, recall troops- pass, financial reform – fail, jobs growth- pass, so Obamas a 50/50 president. The only reason his D- is talked about, is because it’s so much better than the F under Bush
Why blame Obama?
Maybe because this lawless, dangerous mess developed, is ongoing and is escalating under his watch as POTUS?
Nope it started years before. He should not be blamed for stuff that has been happening for years …
Remind me MS how many years has Barrack Obama been POTUS? Since 2009, right? How many years does Obama need to act?
Don’t give Obama a pass on this long standing festering mess for tribal political reasons.
Come on CV, mickysavage is right. This sort of rubbish has been going on for years, and years. No matter what political party has power.
The US would be a radically different place if Obama hadn’t have been cut off at the knees by republicans blocking his every move in congress and the senate.
For all the talk about the system failing and people being fed up with stale politics, their lives wouldn’t have been half as bad if they hadn’t voted in tea party, hardliner right wing governors and senators.
Finally a modicum of sense from swift Peter.
It’s always good common sense stuff from me, it’s just you’ve finally found something you can agree with publicly, without fear of getting gang banged by the bigger kids .
So well done, for that, at least. lol
Blaming the voters? That’s a winning strategy in a democratic system.
Face facts. Obama has left the Democratic Party in total disarray, at its weakest state in terms of elected legislators since the 1920s, right from the state level through to federal government.
The Republicans now control something like 68 of the country’s 99 state legislatures, and have total control of something like 26 states (state house, state senate and Governor). The Democrats have control of just 7 states.
And in just two months, liberals are also going to lose control of the Supreme Court.
Absolute Democratic led disaster.
It’s not blaming the voters, it’s holding them accountable to how they voted, and yeah, they did bad, and that’s the only fact worth knowing.
You spout on how the republicans control this and that, which absolutely supports my claim the voters got what they voted for. They, like you, don’t want to admit their part in the mess they’re in, especially when they have a lame duck scapegoat at the ready, as is the way with the modern world.
Why take responsibility when you can blame someone else? 🙄
US voters sh1t lives – Absolutely of their own making.
At least with the republicans controlling the holy trinity, you won’t be able to spin/shill your agenda in 4 years time. Blessings wherever you find ’em lol
The political class and commentariat are going to hold the voters accountable???
How fucking moronic and inverted.
Cluetip – that’s not how a democracy works, that’s how technocratic totalitarianism works.
It’s all about personal responsibility, comrade, not a student union sponsored slogan contest.
Only a modicum of sense, big boy. The Republicans were responsible for only some of what Obama didn’t do. Most if it was for the same reasons Hillary Clinton lost the election. Creative writing course or not, you really are illiterate. Learn to fucking read.
But I haven’t seen you advocating any “personal responsibility” for the shitty out of touch constantly losing coastal elite focussed Democratic Party leadership team.
I’m as illiterate as you are a great thinker. lol
“But I haven’t seen you advocating any “personal responsibility” for the shitty out of touch constantly losing coastal elite focused Democratic Party leadership team.”
Yep, and Vivian is a total bastard. Right on, Rick. 🙄
“But I haven’t seen you advocating any “personal responsibility” for the shitty out of touch constantly losing coastal elite focussed Democratic Party leadership team.”
Yep, and Vivian is a total bast*rd. Right on, Rick 🙄 lol
The great thinker who says Obama was one of the greatest leaders the US has ever had. Yeah, extra-judicial killings, corporate puppet. Shove one of your pathetic lols up your arse.
“The great thinker who says Obama was one of the greatest leaders the US has ever had. Yeah, extra-judicial killings, corporate puppet. Shove one of your pathetic lols up your arse.”
I wrote I can’t recall a president better than Obama, can you? Certainly not either Bush, or Clinton, not Reagan, Carter, nor Ford or Nixon.
Perhaps you could stop acting like a chided child and think about the implications of what you’re actually meaning when you write such guff.
But if you think any of those presidents were better than Obama, so be it, I’m not defeated by a difference of opinion. Just have the nads to go ahead and state it, in public, for all to see and laugh at. lol
“But I haven’t seen you advocating any “personal responsibility” for the shitty out of touch constantly losing coastal elite focussed Democratic Party leadership team.”
Yep, and Vivian is a total bast*rd. Right on, Rick. 🙄 lol
Obama oversaw the decimation of his party at every level of government. Most of his executive order legacy as President is going to be cancelled by the end of January and the guts of Obamacare put in the deep fryer by mid year.
Yes, a great President.
Meanwhile, here is Obama on the Fallon show saying that Trump will never ever be President.
And Vivian is still such a bast*rd. Thanks for that, Rick 🙄 lol
America would be much better off if it wasn’t for your right wing republicans in congress and the senate. Fact.
Blame the bogey man Obama, like you and US voters have been taught to, but that’s your limitation and your complex, not mine.
Hillary Clinton won a pathetic ~300 out of the more than 3,000 counties in the USA.
The Democratic establishment backed the ultimate status quo candidate in a change election year.
The Democrats are now at a 90 year low in terms of elected legislators and have effectively lost control of every single arm of the US government: executive, congress and judiciary.
And you’re still blaming the public as being the problem?
No wonder the Dems got reamed.
“The US would be a radically different place…..”
“…their lives wouldn’t be half as bad if they hadn’t. …”
Speculation is rife, but that’s all it is…
Speculation!
And it would, on both counts, chump 🙄
Go play your arse lick games with people who have the patience and tolerance for misinformed halfwits and the slogan driven enlightened.
Spare me the inner guilt of having to dismiss you as yet another afflicted inconsequential nothing.
That’s harsh, but you won’t get it anyway, so all good. 🙂
Yep the destruction of indigenous rights is a long term project. Just as here we can look at most political parties being implicated in the loss of rights so it is in the US. It is incorrect to blame an individual for the issue. We can say that any fixes have fallen short and responsibility there is obvious.
Indigenous rights activists know this and fight on here there and everywhere.
Indeed why has he not? And why has your boy not said anything?
Mean while, behind the muck, Elon is slowly taking over the world. 1.4 MEGAWATTS! Baby, read and weep, be a winner, not a loser
Edit: link; http://www.teslarati.com/tesla-powering-entire-island-solar-panels-batteries/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=elonquotes
Complete edit:
Great link Clump_AKA Sam, well worth the read.
Wonder how long we can keep talking in edit mode
forever
and 9 minutes
🙂
The US Constitution is clear on this point. While Trump is the President-Elect, there is only one President of the United States in office. And that is Barrack Obama.
Deafening silence from your so called champion of working people.
So CV what will Trump do? Will it be reason for the left to rejoice?
Dunno. We’ll have to see.
But my guess is that no, there won’t be much reason for the “left” (does this grouping actually exist? Many commentators here tell me there is no such grouping) to rejoice in his handling of this mess which has been left over for Trump to handle by a timid procrastinating lawlessness tolerating Barrack Obama.
1) repatriat 5 trillion corporate cash, 2) disband NATO, 3) close half all US forign military bases, 4) golf.
Europe is already preparing for a NATO withdrawal, corporate cash is already flowing back into the US.
Making America Great agin is all academic at this point
– 5 year ban on people leaving his administration and then working as corporate lobbyists
– burying the TPP
– a trillion bucks worth of infrastructure spend with support from both sides of the House.
Not sure if the Left will cheer or cry about the TPP, might want to clear that up a bit
Might ask Andrew Little, he seems to think that TPP is not too bad.
Shh, I think that’s Trump on the line, wants to know where all the factories are
If Trump has any chance of making America great again he has to drop a trillion a year in unfunded promises, US defence budget- 1 trillion, makes sense to start there
Although interestingly enough, Trump realises that he has a printing press. The world’s biggest, most powerful, most valuable printing press.
“Why on earth doesn’t President Obama intervene in this ongoing disaster ?”
Counterpunch
November 23, 2016
Buying Silence: Why So Many Democrats are Mute About Standing Rock
Thanks swordfish.
If you watched the video it actually asks that question. It also points out what the establishment are doing. It’s a one party state, with two parties.
NZ isn’t much better. National and Labour have essentially the same economic policies.
Agree with you there. Liberalism is a big house.
We have just moved into our tiny house. 2 adults and 9 and 2 year olds a dog and cat.
I really wondered how my head would cope. It is awesome. Think, if you are watching a movie then the rest of the big house is empty and unused but not for us. Mentally it is about being mindful and present. It may not be for everyone but imo it is future proofing the kids and us.
Sounds like an excellent set up. I cannot stand those ridiculous huge new 350m2 houses with 2 people living inside them.
Yeah times are changing and the old ways of thinking must change too ☺ imo of course.
Wonderful to hear, marty. I wish you and your whanau all the best in your marvelously modest home. Please keep us up to date with how your cosy life goes and flows.
Good on you, sounds like a fun project. Can I be nosy and ask the square metreage?
2.7 wide 7 m long 4.25 high. Like a bus without a motor sort of – road legal as in towable with vehicle. We do have a shed and another structure so the tiny house is the heart of the zone. it is new so that is nice.
That’s impressive, less than 21m ground floor space. Great that it’s portable too could be very handy.
I couldn’t live in that – it would drive me bonkers.
But have watched a few documentaries on tiny living and think it’s a fantastic idea for those who want to give it a crack.
I know some councils are a bit anti – but they need to get on board – there are a lot of people who this appeals to and it should be encouraged.
It’s a hell of a jump and commitment. But bloody good on you.
Hope it goes really well and you are happy there.
Good on you Marty Mars and family. Excellent initiative and showing another way…
All the best
Crikey.
Gutsy move there Marty.
I guess that being on wheels this will add you to the homeless figures ?
Got to be movable for regulations. Not homeless and we are doing it by choice but part of that is affordability.
Fantastic Marty. All the best to you and your whanau.
On ya Marty. I have been seriously thinking of a tiny house for a while but my beloved is not so keen …
Go small, easier to clean and heat. For me the clean bit is a big plus.
Plus added bonus, you get uncluttered, because you have to.
low ceilings and facing the sun in just the right way
You can have tesla power wall and panels installed for 14k, best to just save up 14k
Disclaimer: 30% of my investment portfolio is deployed in Tesla/Solar City/SpaceX or anything else Elon publicly trades
Yep had to downsize stuff considerably
It’s quite enjoyable in a way, once you move all the stuff to the op shop.
Cleaning 14 square metres as opposed to 140 square metres….no brainer!
A surprising number of families raising 3+ offspring in 10 x 2.3 metre buses…they make it work.
Onya marty mars.
Insurance Council lashes out against non-structural damage
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/86768554/insurance-council-lashes-out-against-nonstructural-damage
k…so why am i (or we) in moderation?
You probably have a login using the same “email”. There is a new security protocol that treats comments for emails with logins as being suspicious.
I will check
If I were to comment using a different email than my login one, would I stop going straight to moderation?
Yes. Or I could just send you a updated password. Whichever
Thanks lprent. I am now logged in, using the password you sent, and will see if my comment comes up immediately.
thanks…i probably do, can’t remember , i usually don’t “log in” though i have in an attempt to post past cpl days.
Nope. You aren’t in the users, and don’t match bans.
I’ll have to have a look over the weekend at the logs.
It is quite weird. You appear to sometimes get through and sometimes not.
Yup. All good.
“The safety of Wellingtonians should come before a $120 million film museum and $90 million set aside for the airport runway extension.”
Councillor Pannett agreed that funding for the reservoir should come before funding for the runway extension, putting her at odds with recently-elected mayor Justin Lester.
When contacted by Newshub, Mr Lester refused to comment other than to say the reservoir was a “priority”.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/nznews/new-wellington-reservoir-must-be-priority-after-quake—councillor-2016112221