Daily review 27/09/2019
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5:30 pm, September 27th, 2019 - 18 comments
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- Ministers sworn in to GovernmentToday the Governor-General swore in the new Executive. ...3 weeks ago
- Green Party responds to final election results from specialsGreen Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said today: “The final results are in and we’re incredibly excited to confirm our outstanding success this election. ...3 weeks ago
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- Minister of Māori Development pays tribute to Rudy TaylorToday the Minister of Māori Development, alongside other Government Ministers and MP’s said their final farewells to Nga Puhi Leader Rudy Taylor. “Rudy dedicated his life to the betterment of Māori, and his strong approach was always from the ground up, grassroots, sincere and unfaltering” “Over the past few ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister to attend APEC Leaders’ SummitPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern will attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and associated events virtually today and tomorrow. “In a world where we cannot travel due to COVID-19, continuing close collaboration with our regional partners is key to accelerating New Zealand’s economic recovery,” Jacinda Ardern said. “There is wide ...4 days ago
- Speech to Infrastructure NZ SymposiumTena Koutou, Tena Koutou and thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. This is a critical time for New Zealand as we respond to the damage wreaked by the global COVID-19 pandemic. It is vital that investment in our economic recovery is well thought through, and makes ...5 days ago
- Pike River 10 Year Anniversary Commemorative ServiceTēnei te mihi ki a tātau katoa e huihui nei i tēnei rā Ki a koutou ngā whānau o te hunga kua riro i kōnei – he mihi aroha ki a koutou Ki te hapori whānui – tēnā koutou Ki ngā tāngata whenua – tēnā koutou Ki ngā mate, e ...5 days ago
- Huge investment in new and upgraded classrooms to boost construction jobsAround 7,500 students are set to benefit from the Government’s latest investment of $164 million to build new classrooms and upgrade schools around the country. “The election delivered a clear mandate to accelerate our economic recovery and build back better. That’s why we are prioritising construction projects in schools so more ...5 days ago
- Keeping Pike River Mine promises 10 years onTen years after the Pike River Mine tragedy in which 29 men lost their lives while at work, a commemorative service at Parliament has honoured them and their legacy of ensuring all New Zealand workplaces are safe. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended the event, along with representatives of the Pike ...5 days ago
- Additional testing to strengthen border and increase safety of workersNew testing measures are being put in place to increase the safety of border workers and further strengthen New Zealand’s barriers against COVID-19, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “These strengthened rules – to apply to all international airports and ports – build on the mandatory testing orders we’ve ...5 days ago
- More public housing delivered in AucklandThe Government’s investment in public housing is delivering more warm, dry homes with today’s official opening of 82 new apartments in New Lynn by the Housing Minister Megan Woods. The Thom Street development replaces 16 houses built in the 1940s, with brand new fit-for-purpose public housing that is in high ...5 days ago
- Agreement advanced to purchase up to 5 million COVID-19 vaccinesThe Government has confirmed an in-principle agreement to purchase up to 5 million COVID-19 vaccines – enough for 5 million people – from Janssen Pharmaceutica, subject to the vaccine successfully completing clinical trials and passing regulatory approvals in New Zealand, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. “This agreement ...5 days ago
- Jobs for Nature funding will leave a conservation legacy for Waikanae awaNinety-two jobs will be created to help environmental restoration in the Waikanae River catchment through $8.5 million of Jobs for Nature funding, Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan announced today. “The new funding will give a four-year boost to the restoration of the Waikanae awa, and is specifically focussed on restoration through ...5 days ago
- New Dunedin Hospital project progresses to next stageAs the new Dunedin Hospital project progresses, the Government is changing the oversight group to provide more technical input, ensure continued local representation, and to make sure lessons learnt from Dunedin benefit other health infrastructure projects around the country. Concept design approval and the release of a tender for early ...5 days ago
- Jump in apprentice and trainee numbersThe number of New Zealanders taking up apprenticeships has increased nearly 50 percent, and the number of female apprentices has more than doubled. This comes as a Government campaign to raise the profile of vocational education and training (VET) begins. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced ...6 days ago
- ReBuilding Nations Symposium 2020 (Infrastructure NZ Conference opening session)Tena koutou katoa and thank you for the opportunity to be with you today. Can I acknowledge Ngarimu Blair, Ngati Whatua, and Mayor Phil Goff for the welcome. Before I start with my substantive comments, I do want to acknowledge the hard work it has taken by everyone to ensure ...6 days ago
- New Zealand's biosecurity champions honouredBiosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor has paid tribute to the winners of the 2020 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards. “These are the people and organisations who go above and beyond to protect Aotearoa from pests and disease to ensure our unique way of life is sustained for future generations,” Damien O’Connor says. ...7 days ago
- Tourism Industry Aotearoa Conferencespeech to Tourism Industry Aotearoa annual summit Te Papa, Wellington Introduction Nau mai, haere mai Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, Ka nui te mihi, ki a koutou. Thank you Tourism Industry Aotearoa for hosting today’s Summit. In particular, my acknowledgements to TIA Chair Gráinne Troute and Chief Executive Chris Roberts. You ...7 days ago
- Supermarkets announced as Government’s second market studyThe Government has today launched a market study to ensure New Zealanders are paying a fair price for groceries. “Supermarkets are an integral part of our communities and economy, so it’s important to ensure that Kiwis are getting a fair deal at the checkout,” Minister of Commerce and Consumer ...7 days ago
- Masks to be worn on Auckland public transport and all domestic flightsMasks will need to be worn on all public transport in Auckland and in and out of Auckland and on domestic flights throughout the country from this Thursday, Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins said today. “I will be issuing an Order under the COVID-19 Response Act requiring the wearing ...1 week ago
- New Zealand signs Regional Comprehensive Economic PartnershipIncrease to New Zealand’s GDP by around $2 billion each year Increase opportunities for NZ exporters to access regional markets Cuts red tape and offers one set of trade rules across the Asia Pacific region New government procurement, competition policy and electronic commerce offers NZ exporters increased business opportunities Prime ...1 week ago
- Minister acknowledges students as exams beginEducation Minister Chris Hipkins has recognised the extraordinary challenges students have faced this year, ahead of NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship exams which begin on Monday. “I want to congratulate students for their hard work during a year of unprecedented disruption, and I wish students all the best as ...1 week ago
- Prime Minister meets with key ASEAN and East Asia Summit partnersPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern today attended the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit and discussed with Leaders a range of shared challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, including: The ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic; The importance of working collectively to accelerate economic recovery; and Exploring further opportunities for partners to work more ...1 week ago
- Veterans Affairs Summit held in KoreaA Ministerial Summit on Veterans’ Affairs was held in the Republic of Korea this week. Ministers with veteran responsibilities were invited from all 22 countries that had been part of the United Nations Forces during the Korean War (1950 – 1953). The Summit marked the 70th anniversary of the outbreak ...2 weeks ago
- Clear direction set for the education system, skills prioritisedThe Government has released a set of priorities for early learning through to tertiary education and lifelong learning to build a stronger, fairer education system that delivers for all New Zealanders. “The election delivered a clear mandate from New Zealanders to accelerate our plan to reduce inequalities and make more ...2 weeks ago
- A Progressive AgendaSpeech to the Climate Change + Business Conference, November 12, 2020 Tena koutou katoa Thank you for inviting me to speak here today. It is great to see us all come together for a common cause: to redefine our future in the face of unprecedented times. Covid-19 and climate change are ...2 weeks ago
- Commemorative address at Act of Remembrance for Armistice DayTuatahi māku Ka mihi tu ki a koe Pita E pīkauria ana i te mana o Ngā tūpuna o te whenua nei. Thank you Bernadette for your warm introduction. I would also like to reflect on your acknowledgments and welcome Peter Jackson, Taranaki Whānui; Members of the National War Memorial ...2 weeks ago
- New fund launched to reduce carbon emissions from coal and gasThe Labour Government is quickly delivering a key election policy that will help business to switch from fossil fuels like coal and gas to clean energy for process heat while accelerating the economic recovery from Covid. The $70 million fund will allow business and industries to access financial support to ...2 weeks ago
- Support for flood affected Napier communityThe government will contribute $100,000 towards a Mayoral Relief Fund to support those most affected by the recent severe weather in Napier, the Minister for Emergency Management Kiri Allan announced today. “I have been in the region overnight meeting with locals and emergency service responders to discuss their needs, and ...2 weeks ago
- New vaping laws take effect todayNew laws intended to discourage young people from vaping while allowing smokers to continue using vaping to give up cigarettes take effect today, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “Today’s changes mean the laws around vaping are now similar to those around tobacco smoking,” Andrew Little says. The Smokefree Environments and ...2 weeks ago
- $84m to support research in scienceThe Government is investing $84.7 million in innovative research projects including those focussed on health, climate change, astronomy and the impact of Big Data on social equality says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. This year’s Marsden Fund will support 134 new projects including explorations of the connection between ...2 weeks ago
- Former Cook Islands Prime Minister mournedForeign Affairs Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta has noted with sadness the passing of Jim Marurai, who served as Cook Islands Prime Minister between 2004 and 2010. “Jim Marurai made a significant contribution to his country through a lifetime of service. “As a teacher and as a politician, he was greatly ...2 weeks ago
- Minister heads to flood-hit NapierMinister of Emergency Management Kiri Allan will travel to Napier this afternoon to meet with frontline staff and residents affected by the severe weather that hit the area overnight. “My thoughts are with the Napier community as they deal with the damage and disruption that this deluge has caused, and ...2 weeks ago
- Crown accounts better than forecast as confidence in the economy growsThe Government’s books were stronger than expected as the economy continues to recover post COVID lockdown, the Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. The Crown Accounts for the three months to the end of September show a lower than forecast deficit due to a better than expected tax take. “Tax revenue ...2 weeks ago
- Live updates, November 24: Stricter rules lead to nurse shortage at managed isolation hotels
Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for November 24. Reach me on stewart@thespinoff.co.nz7.50am: Nurse shortage at Auckland managed isolation hotelsNurses helping to keep the community safe from Covid-19 are having to work overtime, or take on double shifts, to fill gaps in the system, according to RNZ.Healthcare workers have also ...7 mins ago - The Bulletin: Shifts in foreign policy since the electionsGood morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Shifts in foreign policy since the elections, government increasingly looking to fast-track through RMA, and Andy Foster gets into bizarre tent tangle.All things being equal, which US president would you enjoy a twenty minute conversation with more – Joe Biden ...57 mins ago
- Retail sales set Sept quarter record
Business & Investing: Total retail sales down just 0.2 percent for the year to October, but Europe's economic activity falls again due to the resurgence of Covid-19 ...1 hour ago - Mammy, Eve, and Jesus: A personal essay by Noelle McCarthy
Noelle McCarthy returns home in this prize-winning personal essay "Get in ‘til you see what we got you. This is my daughter.” Mammy is loud, showing off for the driver. The cab smells of drink and Estee Lauder. Wherever they’ve been, they’ve been there all morning. Angela is jammed in ...2 hours ago - Push for inclusive Covid recovery through sharp increase to minimum wage
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark's thinktank says no-one should be left behind in Covid recovery. ...2 hours ago - Holly Stewart passes tennis racquet to a new generation
Young tennis star Holly Stewart's first year at a US college was cut short by the global pandemic, but she's making the most of her time back home in NZ, giving back to young women with less opportunity. Holly Stewart knows how much a hand up can help change the ...2 hours ago - How Billy TK is using the far right
Billy TK is not a duped victim of far-right interests, but is instead employing their conspiracies for his own NZ-style conservative Evangelical purposes, writes Dr Deane Galbraith In dozens of online videos, Billy Te Kahika has told hundreds of thousands of viewers that the Covid-19 crisis obscures a massive conspiracy. He doesn’t use ...2 hours ago - Tracking Covid-19's creep across a flight to NZ
Analysis: A new study shows how Covid-19 spread on an 18-hour flight from Dubai to Auckland, eventually infecting four people on-board and another in MIQ, Marc Daalder reports On September 28, Emirates Airlines flight 448 departed Dubai for Auckland with 86 passengers on board and a full complement of aircrew. ...2 hours ago - The (potential) path ahead for NZ First
As W R Peters puts another $120k towards the party, can NZ First rise again in 2023? ...2 hours ago - Locals can't fill hole left by international tourists
Domestic tourism is booming as Kiwis get out and explore the country but without international tourists New Zealand will face a deficit of nearly $13 billion. Mark Jennings reports. It takes 12 overnight trips from someone living in New Zealand to equal the spend of one international visitor. New research ...2 hours ago - The searing report linking popular NZ brands to sexual abuse and slaveryAn investigation has found that workers on many palm oil plantations suffer shocking levels of abuse and exposure to chemicals so toxic they can cause miscarriage. But, as Amal Samaha explains, a consumer boycott of the brands that use the oil may not be the answer.Some of New Zealand’s most ...3 hours ago
- Coming Home: Who’s returning to New Zealand, and what did they leave behind?In part two of Coming Home, hosts Duncan Greive and Jane Yee meet more recently returned New Zealanders and learn what factors drew them abroad and what life looked like in their new home countries.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you usually listen to podcasts.In last week’s episode, we heard about ...3 hours ago
- Building pressure
There's no quick fix to the housing problem but the Government knows that, with this sort of political pressure, something's got to give. ...3 hours ago - The Reserve Bank's housing storm
The Reserve Bank has been caught up in a political furore over the housing crisis. Is it really the Bank's fault that the levers it pulls have seen prices spiral out of control? The Reserve Bank is under attack for pouring fuel on the house price bonfire with its latest ...3 hours ago - Scott Morrison’s message to China: Don’t pigeonhole us
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australia’s actions should not be seen just through the lens of the strategic competition between China and the United States, Scott Morrison has said in a speech rejecting “binary choices”. With China casting Australia as ...8 hours ago - PM defends temporary suspension of Facebook until new law in placeBy Robert Iroga in Honiara Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare insists his government will push on with the temporary suspension of Facebook while lawmakers explore ways to regulate social media. In a statement in Parliament today, a fired-up Sogavare did not hide his government’s desire to suspend Facebook. He ...11 hours ago
- Daniel Andrews plans pilot for casual workers’ sick pay but Morrison government criticalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Victorian government plans a pilot scheme for up to five days sick and carer’s pay, at the national minimum wage, for casuals or insecure workers in priority industries. Even though the initiative is at ...12 hours ago
- National Party announces terms of reference for election campaign review
The review will be done by five panel members, including former party president Judy Kirk and former National minister Kate Wilkinson. ...13 hours ago - Prosecuting within complex criminal networks is hard. Data analysis could save the courts precious t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roberto Musotto, Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre Postdoctoral Fellow, Edith Cowan University It’s no secret the trail of data we leave online can reveal intimate details about our lives. And there are myriad people whose job it is to collect and sift ...13 hours ago
- Physio, chiro, osteo and myo: what’s the difference and which one should I get?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charlotte Ganderton, Lecturer, Swinburne University of Technology, Swinburne University of Technology Many of us might not be as fit as we were before the pandemic hit, and as community sport restarts and gyms reopen across the country amid eased coronavirus restrictions, some ...13 hours ago
- Fiji tries to salvage Nations Cup rugby tour from covid ruinsBy RNZ Pacific Fiji’s rugby team is set to have another round of covid-19 testing today as they seek to salvage what is left of their Autumn Nations Cup tour of Europe. Over the weekend it was announced the Flying Fijians would have their third consecutive test match cancelled due ...14 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Analysis – Fixing the 2020 New Zealand House Price BubbleAnalysis by Keith Rankin. Keith Rankin. To the surprise of most pundits, substantial real estate price inflation has resumed, after a hiatus from 2017 to 2019. As to be expected, most of the usual tropes have been employed: a lack of supply, immigration (in this latest case returning New Zealanders), ...14 hours ago
- Human Rights Commission Welcomes Calls For Transformation Of Oranga Tamariki
...15 hours ago - No one escaped COVID’s impacts, but big fall in tertiary enrolments was 80% women. Why?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Churchill, Research Fellow in Sociology, University of Melbourne The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been so profound, particularly for women, that it threatens to upend the progress on gender equality in recent years. During the lockdown, women were doing ...16 hours ago
- Action 1 December And 3 December For XR Te Whanganui A TaraTwo actions soon, please join us. 1. Demand Action on Western Sahara When : Tuesday 1 December at 8:30 am Join us on Tuesday, December 1, 8.30am at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 195a Lambton Quay, Te Whanganui-a-Tara (corner of Panama St). ...16 hours ago
- Three new infrastructure projects to be fast-tracked – Ardern, ParkerPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Environment Minister David Parker have announced three new projects to be fast-tracked past the Resource Management Act. ...16 hours ago
- Tree Planting As Resistance; A Memorial For Pouya Bakhtiari, The Face Of Iran's Bloody NovemberBy Ali Mostolizadeh Translated by Abbas Alizadeh Pouya Bakhtiari, a 27-year old graduate of electrical engineering, was never able to celebrate his 28th birthday. His family celebrated Pouya’s birthday in Behesht-e Sakineh Cemetery in Karaj. ...16 hours ago
- Watch live: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's post-Cabinet conferencePrime Minister Jacinda Ardern is speaking to media after today's Cabinet meeting. ...16 hours ago
- Oranga Tamariki Reforms Must Address Systemic Racism And Unsafe WorkloadsThe union for Oranga Tamariki employees says Te Kuku O Te Manawa - the Children’s Commissioner’s Report on Oranga Tamariki - highlights the need for deep and far-reaching change, both at OT and throughout New Zealand society. Oranga Tamariki staff are ...16 hours ago
- Oranga Tamariki Reforms Must Address Systemic Racism And Unsafe WorkloadsThe union for Oranga Tamariki employees says Te Kuku O Te Manawa - the Children’s Commissioner’s Report on Oranga Tamariki - highlights the need for deep and far-reaching change, both at OT and throughout New Zealand society. Oranga Tamariki staff are ...16 hours ago
- Ardern speaks with US President-elect Joe BidenPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern has spoken on the phone with the US President-elect Joe Biden this afternoon. ...16 hours ago
- My favourite detective: Trixie Belden, the uncool girl sleuth with a sensitive moral compassSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tanya Dalziell, Associate Professor, English and Literary Studies, University of Western Australia In a new series, writers pay tribute to fictional detectives on page and on screen. Trixie Belden, girl detective, does not rank in the world’s pantheon of cool sleuths. ...16 hours ago
- Give a kid a book and you give them the worldLast year the fledgling charity scheme Kiwi Christmas Books gave 1600 children’s books to Auckland Women’s Refuge and the Auckland City Mission. This year they’re going national, as founder Sonya Wilson explains.My earliest memories involve books. Kew Hospital, circa 1983: I remember stiff scratchy sheets, red jelly on a grey ...17 hours ago
- Green MP Applauded For Brave Stance On Accommodation Supplement...18 hours ago
- Dietary Requirements: What is seltzer and why is it suddenly everywhere?The Dietary Requirements team drag Lucy and Matt out of the office and into the studio to discuss some of The Spinoff’s most controversial food topics from the past week.Exciting news – Dietary Requirements is moving from monthly to fortnightly episodes! We’ll still have a special guest from the food ...19 hours ago
- How the Nats have opted to invest in the future with small change
A post on the left-wing The Standard blog expresses bemusement at National’s re-election of its party president. MickySavage writes: You would think that the conference held immediately after National suffered one of its worst drubbings in its history National would take the opportunity to refresh its leadership and change its ...19 hours ago - The Labour Government Gaslights People In PovertyThe government issued a response letter to the open letter which now has support from 70 organisations in New Zealand, calling them to lift benefits and low incomes to liveable levels before Christmas. In their response they outline what they’ve ...19 hours ago
- Wellington Mayor’s Tent-pitching Undermines Democracy, Ratepayers, And Property Rights...20 hours ago
- Take action to save lives in West Papua, activists tell ForumBy Laurens Ikinia in Auckland A Pacific Islands Forum-hosted webinar has called on the United Nations and Indonesia to be “more responsive” to the pleas of West Papuans and take action to resolve human rights issues in the Melanesian region. The Secretary-General of the Forum, Dame Meg Taylor, the secretary-general ...20 hours ago
- Siouxsie Wiles: Aches on a plane – new findings on in-flight Covid transmissionA new New Zealand study offers some important lessons on how the coronavirus can spread aboard an aircraft. One of the good things about New Zealand pursuing an elimination strategy for Covid-19 (aside from the obvious) is that we are able to help answer some of the questions there are about ...20 hours ago
- Green Party reveals portfolio reshuffle ahead of official Parliament openingThe Green Party has unveiled an unsurprising portfolio reshuffle, ahead of the official opening of Parliament this week. ...20 hours ago
- Why does New Zealand love Country Calendar so much?And the one change that would make it even better.It’s been on telly for 50-odd years, it frequently tops the weekly ratings and it just won best factual series at the 2020 NZ TV Awards. What is it about Country Calendar that we just can’t get enough of? José Barbosa ...21 hours ago
- Indonesian security forces attack Papuan musician, say activistsPacific Media Watch Newsdesk A young West Papuan musician, Kris Douw, who has written many powerful protest songs against Indonesia’s illegal military occupation in his homeland, has been beaten up by security forces, allege activists. Douw was atacked about 8am on by Indonesian special forces at the Kodim Complex ...22 hours ago
- Inquiry: Turn child protection over to Māori
The latest official inquiry into the removal of babies by Oranga Tamariki calls directly for power and resources to be given to Māori to provide care and protection for their children The Children's Commissioner wants a "total transformation" of the country's system of care and protection for children - transferring resources ...22 hours ago - Kirihimete gift guide 2020: supporting Māori and Pasifika businesses and creatorsIt’s never been more important to support local. Janaye Henry has brought her exceptional taste to the fore to help you support Māori and Pasifika-owned business this Christmas (and just all year round if you want). Kirihimete is fast approaching and what better excuse to support our Māori and Pasifika creators? ...23 hours ago
- John Key backs Peter Goodfellow, Judith Collins after National Party AGMNational members copped a handful home truths at its AGM over the weekend, and former leader Sir John Key says it's time for the party to take control of the media narrative. ...23 hours ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – November 23 2020Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. Today’s content National Party Sam Sachdeva (Newsroom): Mixed messages in wake of National’s defeat Richard Harman: Goodfellow beats off challenge and calls for unity Tracy Watkins (Stuff): Sir John Key’s speech a chilling ...23 hours ago
- Jacinda Ardern not surprised by China's threat to 'pluck out eyes' of criticsPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern is calling China's threats to "pluck out the eyes" of nations criticising it over it's approach to Hong Kong a "strong response". ...23 hours ago
- Face masks cut disease spread in the lab, but have less impact in the community. We need to know whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Glasziou, Professor of Medicine, Bond University In controlled laboratory situations, face masks appear to do a good job of reducing the spread of coronavirus (at least in hamsters) and other respiratory viruses. However, evidence shows mask-wearing policies seem to have had ...24 hours ago
- Albanese is running out of time to solve Labor’s climate crisis. He needs a plan that works for tw...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Kenny, Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University During the recent American elections, the most eye-catching graphics were were the individual county tallies. These showed that even when states appeared to be overwhelmingly Republican red, some still “flipped” to the Democrats ...24 hours ago
- Humans are changing fire patterns, and it’s threatening 4,403 species with extinctionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Centenary Research Fellow, University of Melbourne Last summer, many Australians were shocked to see fires sweep through the wet tropical rainforests of Queensland, where large and severe fires are almost unheard of. This is just ...24 hours ago
- Who cares about university research? The answer depends on its impactsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Bliemel, Associate Dean of Research; Course Director, Diploma in Innovation, University of Technology Sydney This essay is based on the Impact at UTS podcast series. The audio series examines how a diverse range of researchers embed knowledge exchange and impact in ...24 hours ago
- 3 out of 10 girls skip class because of painful periods. And most won’t talk to their teacher abou...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mike Armour, Senior research fellow, Western Sydney University More than one-third of young women in a nationwide survey said they missed at least one class, either at school or university, in the past three months due to menstrual symptoms, including pain and ...24 hours ago
- Regional Australia’s time has come – planning for growth is now vitalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Matthews, Senior Lecturer in Urban and Environmental Planning, Griffith University Australian governments have always wanted thriving regional cities, but policy innovations with this goal in mind have a bad history. Planned well, regional cities have huge potential to generate national economic ...24 hours ago
- What matters is the home: review finds most retirees well off, some very badly offSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Hodgson, Professor, Curtin Law School and Curtin Business School, Curtin University The government’s Retirement Incomes Review paints an encouraging picture of the finances of retired Australians. Most are at least as well off in retirement as they were while working, and ...24 hours ago
- My favourite detective: Kurt Wallander — too grumpy to like, relatable enough to get under your sk...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin John Brophy, Emeritus Professor of Creative Writing, University of Melbourne In a new series, writers pay tribute to fictional detectives on page and on screen. As a detective’s apprentice for over 60 years now, I’ve had work-experience stretches in the ...24 hours ago
- Live updates, November 23: Managed isolation scheme to go over budget, costing $2.4m a dayWelcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for November 23. Reach me on stewart@thespinoff.co.nz7.45am: Managed isolation scheme to go over budget, costing $2.4m a dayManaged isolation and quarantine is costing the country more than $2 million a day, according to figures released to RNZ.It means the government is likely to make ...1 day ago
- Support growing for four-year parliamentary term, poll showsMomentum to increase the parliamentary term to four years seems to be growing, an election law expert says after a new poll. ...1 day ago
- Billy Apple will live forever
Hamish Coney reviews a study of artist, enigma and brand ambassador Billy Apple "World famous in New Zealand", that phrase originally coined by a witty adman to spruik L&P could equally be applied to the artist Billy Apple. Apple’s own 1980s one-liner "The Artist has to ...1 day ago - The Bulletin: Contrasting visions on National’s defeat and futureGood morning and welcome the The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Contrasting visions on National’s defeat and future, St Johns ambulance in deep funding hole, and Tauranga mayor quits with call to sack council.Contrasting visions for why National lost the election so badly have been presented at the party’s AGM. As the NZ ...1 day ago
- NZ officials visit cash-strapped Rarotonga to plan travel bubble
As Cook Islands burn through their last dollars, they have welcomed New Zealand health and border control officials planning a travel bubble. ...1 day ago - National 'needed to be a unified team with a credible message' – David CarterNewly-minted National Party board member and former MP David Carter says he wouldn't have made the comments President Peter Goodfellow did to 550 delegates over the weekend. ...1 day ago
- China exports at risk of diplomatic stand-off
In today's Business & Investing wrap: Will China vs Five Eyes impact Kiwi exporters? Plus the kiwi dollar pushes 70c to the US dollar again ...1 day ago - Can a 25-year America's Cup affair be rekindled?
The final countdown to the 36th America's Cup began with the launch of Team NZ's 'spaceship' race boat, Te Rehutai. Suzanne McFadden has been covering the race for the world's oldest sports trophy since 1995, but has been wavering on whether to be drawn in again. It’s been a year since ...1 day ago - 1980 Moscow boycott: a hockey tale of two Sues
Sue Emerson and Sue McLeish were team-mates in the New Zealand hockey side who never went to the Moscow Olympics 40 years ago. But their reactions to the boycott were quite different, Angela Walker discovers in part two of a series on the fate of the 1980 Olympians. If things had gone according ...1 day ago - Agriculture and fairness: why climate chief is optimistic
Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr sat down with Newsroom senior political reporter Marc Daalder to discuss the role of the Commission in New Zealand's political life, what doing our fair share looks like and why he is optimistic about our chances against climate change Terraforming is a common theme ...1 day ago - The bigger picture behind the RCEP
The trade deal seems shallow on the surface but takes on strategic significance in the current climate, ...1 day ago - Removing books an induced amnesia
The National Library’s self-declared mission is to provide books that tell us only what we tell ourselves, writes Dolores Janiewski If George Orwell were still alive, he’d welcome the inclusion of Nineteen Eight-Four and other books going back to 1935 among those pre-2000 books published overseas being removed from the ...1 day ago - Chris Hipkins knuckles down in his 'temporary job'
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins sat down with Newsroom to discuss his priorities for the term ahead, how to reopen the borders and the possibility of a double pandemic. ...1 day ago - The website making it easier to find a woman or gender diverse tradieWith women making up only 3% of tradespeople in New Zealand, it can be tricky to find one for a construction job. That’s why this website has put all the details in one place.Hiring a tradesperson to do a big job on the house can easily turn into a stressful ...1 day ago
- They wanted to oppose a liquor store at the school gates – but say Council’s process is badly br...Community leaders and politicians are crying foul over how Auckland Council runs the decision-making body that rules on liquor store licences, with some going as far to describe the process as an example of institutional racism. “I just hoped we’d get a fair hearing.”That’s what Arihia Stirling was thinking as she ...1 day ago
- Hydrogen: Magic pill or magic bean?
The Government is being accused of indulging a ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ energy fantasy ...1 day ago - The ripples of mink mutation
Denmark is looking at culling all of its 17 million mink after they were found to have a mutated form of coronavirus - how worried should we be about this development? A couple of weeks ago, Denmark decided to kill all its mink. All 17 million of them. The ...1 day ago - Dodgy digital election ads: Does the watchdog need teeth?The ASA ruled an online election campaign ad was misleading this week. Mediawatch asks if the system is working if dodgy ads are only called out after the country votes - and the responsible parties aren't penalised. ...2 days ago
- New Zealanders Place High Trust In Our Democratic SystemNew Zealanders have more Trust and Confidence in our democratic process than elsewhere, and there is interest in increasing the Parliamentary term to four years. The topic: Thinking about recent events, we thought it would be interesting to look at New Zealanders’ ...2 days ago
Someone needs to pull this idiot's head in. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12271534
Is yet another reflection of the abysmal quality of so many involved in politics today…it must be contagious
The abysmal quality of thinking of a lot of citizens today. To make comments about something, put the link and say nothing about it. It is an example of how many have a brain that is not fully exercised, and then criticise politicians for not being better. You can't convey a fully formed thought from yourself to someone else!
Most people couldn't manage half of what politicians are doing, so practise being good informed effective citizens why don't you instead of picking away at the scabs of horny politicians. They may not be perfect, but see if overall they are making breakthrough on their jobs towards the desired outcomes.
The polly under the microscope is Shane Jones by the way.
pardon?
Not as abysmal as an old fool asking how to link in to tree planting programs and then coming back with a "what you talking about Willis" response when someone suggests joining the most prominent tree planting group in the country. You are so critical of others yet your walls are of the thinnest glass.
What you on about solkta? I find you are often negative and cutting, yet when I ask that people actually indicate what a link is about when they put it up – as part of a joined up thought to share, you go off your trolley. Are you the only person allowed to pass a judgment?
You know what i am on about. You could apologise. There is nothing negative about suggesting someone join Forest and Bird when they say they want to plant trees.
You didn't read what I had written and was asking. And you won't know what I am talking about because I don't think you do read most of what you reply to.
You said:
So i suggested joining Forest and Bird and you bit my head off without even bothering to go to their website and find out what they do. Local branches already liaise with local councils about where planting should happen. Your council would likely refer you to Forest and Bird or similar group if you were to approach them.
I'm not sure what it is that i might have missed. Perhaps it is that you are a grumpy old man who does not want to work as part of a team. You are so critical of the behaviour of others yet you seem unable to self reflect.
IMHO, this is a great attempt to provide and ask for clarification except for the ‘stingy’ tail. Moving on from this and re-focus on the important topic at hand is what I hope for.
"abysmal… old fool"; "You are so critical of others…" – too critical (imho); let it be?
I don't have a lot of tolerance for holier than thou types.
Me neither
He is conceited, arrogant, self-obsessed and very close to being downright corrupt.
I see him as being a snout-in-the-trougher who expects everyone else to behave the same way. He is not an asset to our Govt.
Greenpeace outraged, and so we all should be.
Friday, September 27th: Greenpeace is calling the Government’s announcement to increase the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) of orange roughy an “insult” to the 30,000 New Zealanders who called for a ban on bottom trawling, and a rejection of the latest ocean science.
Minister for Fisheries Stuart Nash announced on Friday that he would increase commercial catch limits for orange roughy, a fish caught using highly destructive bottom trawling techniques.
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/09/27/orange-roughy-catch-increase-rejection-of-lscience/
(There had been comment that Stuart Nash appeared to have a strong RW lean. This confirms it. It takes a strong person to intervene in fishing industry wishes.)
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2019/sep/27/chinese-factory-profits-slowdown-bank-of-england-brexit-stock-markets-oil-business-live
Pound slides as Bank of England hints at Brexit interest rate cut – business live
A no-deal Brexit could be very bad news for rural businesses, with fears that one in four could go bust
Charts: Brexit uncertainty hurts economy…
Michael Saunders has also provided two charts for his audience of business leaders in Barnsley, showing how the Brexit crisis is hurting the UK economy.
The first shows that more than 50% of firms say that Brexit is an important source of uncertainty for their business:
Worth a chortle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amOpD2ka2Mw