dear sysop: on covid-19 debt

Written By: lprent - Date published: 3:33 pm, April 25th, 2020 - 60 comments
Categories: covid-19, Economy, internet, Media, Politics, treasury - Tags: businessdesk, dear sysop, guest post, nzier, stuff, The Spinoff

We put in guest posts and reposts here periodically. The reposts are from where we have generic arrangements with other sites, and we can just put them up. Usually they are on areas that none of our authors have covered or where an alternate view is worth (in the view of a person with editor rights) to discuss.

Guest posts are unsolicited and are either sent directly to authors with editor privilege or go tho the email. That latter’s chance of being published here depend on the person with access to the e-mail (currently just me) having time to process them. Sometimes they get overtaken by events. Sometimes they simply don’t pass a very criteria.

I’ve often thought that I should start doing some training on why I’d reject something. So I’ve started with this one that arrived today. Hopefully this will educate this author and other prospective authors how to lift their work up to The Standard.

I’ve left the identifier of the author off. But this is otherwise the full text. And I’ll discuss why this isn’t worth being a guest post under the specific Contribute following guidelines (my italics):

A guest post should be something more than a comment. It needs to offer new insight or information that hasn’t appeared in posts on The Standard already.
Take some time to form your argument well and make it comprehensible.

Labour’s response to Covid 19 has been exceptional. That the great majority of New Zealanders should take upon themselves such hardships because asked, extraordinary. But also not extraordinary. We were asked to do what we agreed was the reasonable thing to do.

Labour’s response to the financial situation caused by Covid 19 is poor in comparison. This is not a criticism of the measures taken. But rather of the opacity that surrounds the financial situation compared with the transparency indicative of the Covid 19 response.

We do not know for example what it means for the government to borrow billions. Is this debt printed by the reserve bank and able to be forgiven? Is it debt borrowed from Australian banks, borrowed from American banks, printed by their Fed? Certainly moneys put into an economy need to be taken out of it to control inflation. But we are not taught this. Nor therefore a role of tax, or a role of paying down public debt.

How can the people be expected to behave in a financially cogent manner, similar to the manner they have behaved towards lock-down, when we can’t agree with what the government are doing because we don’t understand the reasons for it. And how can we trust the government when we suspect financial obscurity is retained for the purposes of controlling the population sans their reasoned consent?

Ok at the face of it, this is a fair enough argument and clearly written.

I personally don’t know the answers to the points raised myself. And I’m kind of over-educated in that I have two degrees particularly relevant. Nor are a pile of completed and uncompleted graduate and undergraduate papers in diverse topics. But this is a question of public and economic policy that isn’t something that I have more than a vague theoretical knowledge acquired from 35 years ago.

It was covered briefly in the MBA back in 1985. But I mostly remember that part of the courses as being horrified at the morass of debt we’d got sunk into as a nation by the National government under Muldoon. And the focus of a MBA is about business rather than public or economic policy. I’m reminded of this whenever I see any businessman trying to do public policy. They are invariably appalling at the basic job because the skills, timescales and attitudes required are so different.

However I’m pretty much a generalist. So when I take the time from my other tasks to put up guest posts, I will do some basic checks to see if the author took time to understand their topic and have their facts correct. This reduces the amount of time moderators have to expend to staunch with the blood flow as commenters deal with bad arguments by authors.

I started by typing “nz govt borrowing for covid-19 response” into google search without any other parameters. The 3rd link in the resulting list was a Spinoff article from last week: “How do we pay for the Covid-19 stimulus package?“.

This is by the NZIER who are accurate on facts. Rough reading time: 2 – 8 minutes depending on how often you start yawning.

How do we pay for it?

Obviously, the government doesn’t just have a spare $12 billion sitting around – but like the rest of us, it can borrow when it wants to spend more than it has. It does this by selling government bonds, called Kiwi Bonds. These are basically little packages of debt which promise to pay a fixed amount of interest, and to repay the borrowed amount after an agreed length of time (with Kiwi Bonds, time frames range from six months to four years). These bonds are considered low risk, because people trust that the government will be able to pay them back in the future. They’re a staple for investors, and you’re likely to have invested in them yourself if you’ve got a KiwiSaver.

Then as they should, they have moved on to the contingencies. After they talked about the downstream effects of the interest rates and the Reserve Bank OCR.

When you’re all out of OCR options and interest rates still threaten to rise, there’s another tool the Reserve Bank can use, and this is the first time we’ve used it here in New Zealand. This time it’s all about stopping the bonds from getting cheaper in the first place, by guaranteeing to buy the bonds wherever they are being held.

and

Hold up… where does the Reserve Bank get money to buy the bonds?

That’s the clever bit. Conveniently, the Reserve Bank can produce NZ dollars, so it can actually buy the bonds by effectively creating money. As an extra bonus, buying up government bonds held by retail banks puts more money into circulation, so banks are able to lend more. Using new money to buy government bonds is called quantitative easing (QE), and it was a popular tool for the countries worst affected by the 2008 financial crisis.

And they then go on to how this accumulated debt gets projected into the future, why we don’t want to use QE all of the time, and why it needs to be reserved as a capability for real emergencies like great depressions, world wars, and pandemics rather than (as I’d put it) every time we can’t get a societal consensus on how we fix a social issue.

Good article. Clear, factual, and a bit of reminder about why I need to give The Spinoff a donation; next month. I just subscribed to BusinessDesk to get some local business news as the generally decent business news is locked down behind the other trash like Mike the Moron at the NZ Herald.

But a single source talking about a topic isn’t enough.

So I did a cursory scan on the next link from april fools day at Stuff: “Coronavirus: Government doubles borrowing forecast as economy worsens” which said much the same things in the simpler journalist cant. Reading time 1-4 minutes depending on how distracted you get by the damn ads. My italics indicate the only new bit of information that I was really interested in.

The Treasury’s Debt Management Office will now be releasing a plan of how much it plans to borrow an when each month.

It plans to borrow $800 million each week in April.

Despite its plans to borrow more, borrowing costs remain low.

This is in part thanks to the Reserve Bank which has announced that it will purchase Government debt, although it has said it will not be purchasing debt directly from the Government.

The Bank has said it will buy up to $30 billion over the next 12 months.

Ok, so in two links from a general query on google search, I’d found out who was responsible for the managing debt at the government.

A quick search for “treasury debt management office” yields their home page. I did a little read around to look at the different kinds of financial instruments, a couple of upcoming tender announcements, and the results.

Now if I look back at the potential guest post…

… But rather of the opacity that surrounds the financial situation compared with the transparency indicative of the Covid 19 response. We do not know for example what it means for the government to borrow billions.

That is clearly a false fact. The information is easily available on the net if someone looked for it.

That NZIER article at Spinoff was damn near perfect and fully visible in the public sphere. The general news article at Stuff provided the information about the direct organisation was responsible for managing the debt. That had fully transparent information about the mechanics.

There was no opacity in the public domain about either what the level of debt was, how it was being financed, how it was being managed, and ultimately how it was going to be paid back. I found all of this out in less than 10 minutes sitting at my desk. It took me far far longer to write this post.

I was forced to conclude that the author of this potential post was just someone who didn’t look for the information or possibly had a reason that they didn’t want to look for it. If it was the latter, then I’m not going to speculate on the reasons for that. I’d suggest commenters don’t inside my post either.

I really did find the inherent assumption in the post rather offensive when it said in the final lines..

And how can we trust the government when we suspect financial obscurity is retained for the purposes of controlling the population sans their reasoned consent?

I’d suggest that author can take me and most commenters on this site out of the ‘we’ in his final words. The author wrote their own opinion. The presumption of trying to make out that I was also being a lazy willfully ignorant conspiracy addled fool like the author quite offensive. A point to note when you’re writing a post is to always make it blindingly clear what is your own opinion and to not presume to speak for others unless you are in fact a spokesperson for a group.

Similarly where the author says “But we are not taught this” then that is also just weird. It implies that we should be educated on things that are possible to look up. Sure there probably should be more emphasis on what could be described as ‘civics’ in schools. But I hardly think that is likely to drop down to the layer of talking about the process of debt formation by government.

In the days of yore we had the libraries which we got taught about. And these days the internet which, while it allows false fact trash to propagate, also allows valid information to be dug out with minimal effort. You mostly need to know how to search and read.

Education is mostly about being taught to allow people on how to dig out information to make their own assessments and opinions. Mindlessly expecting someone else to do the work for them is just the epitome of of a gullible fool just waiting to be skimmed by a con artist – like Trump.

Expecting to be spoon fed current information is something that, in my opinion, can sometimes accept from children. But personally I’m usually more interested in getting even them to hop on their devices and looking it up than telling them how to think.

There are always gaps in everyone’s knowledge. I tend to feel them rather acutely myself every time I sit down to write code or blog posts. But the basic information about our government these days is largely published in public. Where it isn’t, there are tools like the Official Information Act available to dig them out.

I’d tend to agree that often some the open media are pretty dire at explaining even mildly complicated things very well. But when you want to write something for The Standard then it pays to use one of the open forums like our OpenMike to test your idea first. Otherwise the hordes of commenter tend to be pretty cruel to authors at exposing just how much they don’t understand. But this post would have been an excellent comment. The author would have been ‘educated’ while also raising an interesting topic for discussion.

And almost anyone else would be kinder than my nature allows me to be when forced to use up my valuable time. I know that I’m a harsh teacher. But I prefer working that way when educating because it reduces my time in that role. Most people, while learning fast, will also find my process of training people to think rather than leaning on me to be rather exhausting and probably somewhat demeaning. I really don’t care that much if that is their impression.

I was trained by the army and by private business in how to teach rapidly and clearly. That has been heavily honed by moderating trolls on this site and its predecessors on the net. I like facts to be accurate and at least supportable with a quick search on the net, opinions to be clearly stated as opinions, and that anyone putting up a proposition to be in a position to defend it (even if they modify it in the face of robust debate).

I don’t require that I like the argument or the opinion. But if I take the responsibility to put a guest post, then I require that I can defend the decision to do so. This post didn’t rise anywhere close to those requirements apart from having a topic worth looking at.

Now moving on.. While I have rather eviscerated this author, is there any substantive commentary on the technique of pre-processing guest posts?

And while, in my opinion, this guest post wasn’t worth putting up, the topic raised was. Has anyone else got some other points links or links about the debt, its sources, process, and eventual repayment?

There are other specific sources of information that are behind paywalls. Like a paywalled article “Finance Minister quashes idea of RBNZ buying bonds directly from government” that refers to Robertson’s answer at a presser yesterday. If I dug around inside paywalls, then I’d expect to find more information. However for the purposes of this post, we’ll follow the usual practice of requiring linked sources and authorities to be open public sources.

Updated post with the comment about NZIER removed. I was confused them with NZ Initiative.

60 comments on “dear sysop: on covid-19 debt ”

Comments are now closed

tsmithfield 1

25 April 2020 at 6:19 pm

I think that quantitative easing is the obvious answer here.

In normal times, this sort of move would be highly inflationary. But in our current situation it is merely generating income the economy is not generating through standard means.

Therefore the government should just get on with it and flood the economy with as much liquidity as is needed to do the trick.
Plus, as mentioned above, the RB can forgive the created debt. So, it may never have to be repaid.

Despite the government embarking on this course of action, the NZ dollar has hardly shifted. The reason is that most other countries are doing the same. Therefore, in relative terms it isn't overly affecting the value of our dollar.
- David Mac 1.1
  
  25 April 2020 at 7:59 pm
  
  Ha, that's interesting, everyones' currency is tanking so everyones' currency is worth about the same. I guess the foreign exchange jockeys are trying to pick which one might breakaway and tank faster and which are the most buoyant.
  
  Lprent, I think it has the potential to be a great post and it hasn't matured. The good posts seem to pose a question or state a case that triggers stimulating debate. If it's a question that can be answered factually with a few Googles, I agree the author needs to do that. I think the writer has an underdeveloped idea for a good conversation starter.
  - David Mac 1.1.1
    
    25 April 2020 at 8:22 pm
    
    There is the '2 Googles and 5 minutes reading blew your concerns out of the water.' approach and the approach you don't have the time or inclination to deal with Lyn. You know the Cuomo approach is right…"Thank-you for your submission, we're very grateful for those that take the time to prepare a guest post. A quick Google revealed the answer to your primary case but I think the A, B and C points you raise are very interesting. Do you think you would be able to re-focus on these aspects and re-submit?"
    
    Lyn, give this job to a few of the trusted regulars here that regularly pose interesting questions. The Guest post review team. It will enhance the site.
  - pat 1.1.2
    
    25 April 2020 at 9:08 pm
    
    a conversation starter…what happens when the intrinsic value of the worlds reserve currency is destroyed?
    - Blazer 1.1.2.1
      
      25 April 2020 at 10:10 pm
      
      How can the value of the U.S dollar be destroyed?
      
      There would need to be an alternative that had widespread credibility and acceptance.
      
      Since Bretton Woods post WW2, the U.S dollar has been the default international currency,along with U.S domination of the IMF and B.I.S,and the swift payments system it would be extremely unlikely.
      
      The amount of $U.S denominated debt held by other countries has to rely on a level of stability otherwise it would undermine repayment.
      
      Private debt is the big problem not public debt.
      
      The domino effect of chronic unemployment will lead to bank insolvency and the now expected Govt bailout.
      - pat 1.1.2.1.1
        
        25 April 2020 at 10:35 pm
        
        "How can the value of the U.S dollar be destroyed?"
        
        By constantly creating more of them without a commensurate increase in backing assets.
        
        "There would need to be an alternative that had widespread credibility and acceptance."
        
        Or several alternatives perhaps…when trust in a currency is lost alternatives are found.
        
        " Since Bretton Woods post WW2, the U.S dollar has been the default international currency,along with U.S domination of the IMF and B.I.S,and the swift payments system it would be extremely unlikely"
        
        A whole 70 years ago…what was the reserve currency pre Bretton Woods?
        
        "The amount of $U.S denominated debt held by other countries has to rely on a level of stability otherwise it would undermine repayment."
        
        You may note the general acceptance that the debt will not (cannot) be repaid.
        
        "Private debt is the big problem not public debt."
        
        DEBT is the problem…both public and private.
        
        "The domino effect of chronic unemployment will lead to bank insolvency and the now expected Govt bailout."
        
        Governments (those with sovereign currency) are only able to create their own currency (or use foreign reserves) not USD …the numbers dont add up.
        
        Every time the Fed creates more USD they devalue the rest of the worlds assets…why would the world continue to accept that?
        
        Nic the NZer 1.1.2.1.1.1
        
        25 April 2020 at 10:45 pm
        
        "By constantly creating more of them without a commensurate increase in backing assets."
        
        What prey tell is backing the $US?
        
        pat …
        
        25 April 2020 at 11:08 pm
        
        US owned assets…and the expectation they will remain required/available.
        
        Nic the NZer …
        
        25 April 2020 at 11:29 pm
        
        Oh, so its their economy backing their money supply, can we measure this by US GDP.
        
        I'm just wondering because the US has been implementing these kinds of monetary policies for about 10 years now (Japan has for 20 without being a reserve currency, whatever that means). So just when can we expect your economic theory to kick in?
        
        Actually it sounds like something one Peter Schiff (a well known US gold bug) was saying months after the US started doing QE (so more than 10 years ago), so is it the same and would buying gold shortly before this kicks in be profitable?
        
        pat …
        
        25 April 2020 at 11:47 pm
        
        "I'm just wondering because the US has been implementing these kinds of monetary policies for about 10 years now (Japan has for 20 without being a reserve currency, whatever that means). So just when can we expect your economic theory to kick in?"
        
        and Im wondering how many financial crises it takes to realise the root of the problem.
        
        pat …
        
        26 April 2020 at 1:14 am
        
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triffin_dilemma
        
        "In the wake of the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the governor of the People's Bank of China explicitly named the Triffin Dilemma as the root cause of the economic disorder, in a speech titled Reform the International Monetary System. Zhou Xiaochuan's speech of 29 March 2009 proposed strengthening existing global currency controls, through the IMF.[2][3]
        
        This would involve a gradual move away from the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency and towards the use of IMF special drawing rights (SDRs) as a global reserve currency.
        
        Zhou argued that part of the reason for the original Bretton Woods system breaking down was the refusal to adopt Keynes' bancor which would have been a special international reserve currency to be used instead of the dollar.
        
        American economists such as Brad DeLong agreed that on almost every point where Keynes was overruled by the Americans during the Bretton Woods negotiations, he was later proved correct by events.[4]
        
        Zhou's proposal attracted much international attention;[5] in a November 2009 article published in Foreign Affairs magazine, economist C. Fred Bergsten argued that Zhou's suggestion or a similar change to the International Monetary System would be in the best interests in both the United States and the rest of the world.[6] While Zhou's proposal has not yet been adopted, leaders meeting in April at the 2009 G-20 London summit agreed to allow 250 billion SDRs to be created by the IMF, to be distributed to all IMF members according to each country's voting rights.
        
        On April 13, 2010, the Strategy, Policy and Review Department of the IMF published a comprehensive report examining these aforementioned problems as well as other world reserve currency considerations, recommending that the world adopt a global reserve currency (bancor) and that a global central bank be established to administer such a currency.[7] In this report, the current issues with having a national global reserve currency are addressed. The merits, difficulties and effectiveness of establishing a multi-currency reserve system are weighed against that of the SDRs, or "basket currency" strategy, and those of establishing this new "global reserve currency". A new multilateral framework and "multi-polar system" for managing capital flows and national debts is also called for, but the IMF cautions that it prefers a gradual shift to this new framework, rather than a sudden change."
        
        Blazer …
        
        26 April 2020 at 8:58 am
        
        Nixon taking the U.S off the Gold Standard in 1971 was the catalyst for the explosion in debt and inflation.
        
        The costs of constant war and the arms/space race meant the U.S could not honour the $US35 -10Z GOLD exchange rate.
        
        The U.S dollar is backed by their domination of financial institutions mentioned and the confidence in its military might.
        
        The Greenspan years ,when banks became gambling institutions with an array of 'products' to promote and their ramifications has lead to the situation today where the Fed is relied on ,basically to implement QE infinity to maintain economies.
        
        Forex gambling,share buybacks,derivatives,private equity funding have all superceded productive sectors of the U.S economy.
        
        The Fed undertake currency swaps with other countries to keep some balance in exchange rates.
        
        If there was a finite amount of acceptable 'currency' in the world and no compounding interest charges ,there would be no inflation and the price of all goods and services would adjust in line with the aggregate of the total 'currency'.
        
        Various alternatives have/are being considered ..the 'Bancor' was promoted by Keynes(I think)as an international trading unit and these days there is talk of 'special drawing rights' allocated as a universal device for trade.
        
        Nations know the present system gives the U.S a huge advantage in conducting international business.
        
        They know it too and believe in…'never give up on a..good thing'.
        
        NZ is too small a player but can explore different forms of payment with agreeable counter parties as long as it does not upset the U.S.
        
        Nic the NZer …
        
        26 April 2020 at 9:47 am
        
        I am going to suggest that the Triffin Dilemma appears to be a phenomena relating to the Bretton Woods era of relatively fixed exchange rates. There was especially towards the end certainly a pressure on the US to supply sufficient reserves to facilitate the rest of the worlds liquidity requirements for payments. But that era ended in 1971 so too has this pressure subsided.
        
        One can see that the long term US economic policy of exporting production to China and China's fixed exchange rate with the US could exhibit similar pressures.
        
        On the other hand its pretty clear that the US financial crisis was caused by widespread de-regulation of the US financial system and the on-going fraud epidemic which has been a long standing part of the US financial system (this is the one which started out as the Savings and Loan crisis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savings_and_loan_crisis).
        
        In terms of the balance of trade it simply doesn't seem to have a significant impact on US$ exchange rates, so we are still waiting for your theory on the negative consequences to kick in and have some traction in the real world.
        
        Note I agree that a more strict implementation of Keynes Bancor plan would likely have resulting in a more stable Bretton Woods system. I just don't think that the US monetary policy has shown any evidence of resulting in significant real world foreign exchange devaluation (which you seem to be anticipating).
        
        pat …
        
        26 April 2020 at 10:20 am
        
        @Blazer
        
        "The U.S dollar is backed by their domination of financial institutions mentioned and the confidence in its military might"
        
        Ultimately any currency (or system) is maintained by its ability to be enforced…when that happens we have wars, something Keynes sought to avoid.
        
        "Nations know the present system gives the U.S a huge advantage in conducting international business.
        
        They know it too and believe in…'never give up on a..good thing'.
        
        NZ is too small a player but can explore different forms of payment with agreeable counter parties as long as it does not upset the U.S."
        
        Yes we can explore trade directly currency to currency…as the EU has attempted ….that wasnt well tolerated you may note.
        
        What the world is doing is playing a game of monopoly where one player has the ability to print endless monopoly dollars (and rewrite the rules as they please)…the board will be tipped over and the players will walk away as the inevitable outcome becomes increasingly apparent.
        
        pat …
        
        26 April 2020 at 10:38 am
        
        @nic
        
        And Im going to suggest the Triffen dilemma applies irrespective of fixed currency, it is a function of hegemony..something Keynes recognised and sought to avoid with Bancor.
        
        Yes the financial crises have been accelerated and accentuated by financial instruments and deregulation but at the base of the worlds economic and political situation today is trade imbalances…it is destroying the EU, is the source of Trumps power, and holds countries like NZ in bondage to a system that dosnt serve it.
        
        Your poster child Japan is fortunate to have accumulated a vast sum of USD reserves through through decades of a positive balance of trade and investment in highly productive industries that they can now use to offset the deflationary impact of a declining population…that trade position is beginning to falter and their reserves will come under increasing pressure as will their currency and productivity.
        
        Of course the whole shooting match could collapse before that happens.
        
        Blazer …
        
        26 April 2020 at 10:52 am
        
        'Yes the financial crises have been accelerated and accentuated by financial instruments and deregulation but at the base of the worlds economic and political situation today is trade imbalances'
        
        Disagree that trade imbalances are the base cause.
        
        Imo deregulation and the creation of financial 'products' by Wall St and the City is the root cause.There is always a counter party to every transaction.
        
        https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/052715/how-big-derivatives-market.asp
        
        pat …
        
        26 April 2020 at 3:33 pm
        
        @ Blazer
        
        Have already conceded derivatives accentuate the problem both by the multiplying factor and the uncertainty they create….key word 'accentuate'
        
        Blazer …
        
        26 April 2020 at 4:05 pm
        
        @Pat what do you base trade imbalances being the major factor…on?
        
        Any examples.
        
        pat …
        
        26 April 2020 at 6:59 pm
        
        Its as Stephen says a matter of mathematics…if you have a consistent negative trade imbalance you cannot help but default…the examples are many. Keynes was involved in resolving the debt defaults of a hundred years ago and saw the damage caused and sought to ensure it was unlikely (not impossible) to occur again…he was out bid.
        
        Examples?…
        
        https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/173/30447.html
        
        Blazer …
        
        26 April 2020 at 7:53 pm
        
        So the U.S has been running trade imbalances/deficits for at least a decade.
        
        Does not appear to be in any danger of…default.
        
        pat …
        
        26 April 2020 at 7:59 pm
        
        considerably longer than 10 years…and appearances can be deceptive.
        
        As noted earlier they can print USD to cover that debt…but not without consequence.
        
        Stephen Jones 1.1.2.1.1.2
        
        26 April 2020 at 12:23 am
        
        It is a mathematical issue. Sovereign countries have their own currencies. You could not run a system where each country decided the value of each other's currencies face to face because arbitrage would open up. Somebody would simply buy all the money of one country selling low and sell it to another country buying high. You need some standard ruler with which to measure all country's currencies. How much is the $NZ worth against the $AU if there is no $US into which both can be converted? The $US performs this function as a matter of history, and as a matter of transparency and trust. It really doesn't matter how much money America prints people are going to want it so they can buy stuff from other countries.
        
        Blazer …
        
        26 April 2020 at 9:57 am
        
        Some countries peg their currency to others including the U.S.
        
        The whole construct is artificial and subject to movements of hot money'…regardless.
        
        pat …
        
        26 April 2020 at 4:01 pm
        
        "You need some standard ruler with which to measure all country's currencies. How much is the $NZ worth against the $AU if there is no $US into which both can be converted?"
        
        Not at all…willing buyer ,willing seller….it may be more efficient to use a common currency but it is by no means necessary…Iran and the EU were quite happy with their arrangement until the US stomped on it.
        
        Nic the NZer …
        
        26 April 2020 at 4:22 pm
        
        @pat. Its hard to discern what you are talking about here.
        
        In particular if you purchase UK pounds or Euro or another currency at an exchange (using NZ$) then no US$ are involved in that transaction what-so-ever.
        
        On the other hand if an index wants to compare the price of the Big Mac across multiple countries then they will probably convert all the individual prices to US$. As you know that doesn't mean you need US$ to buy a Big Mac.
        
        pat …
        
        26 April 2020 at 5:03 pm
        
        We are not talking Maccas dollars.
        
        https://www.globalresearch.ca/eu-to-switch-from-us-dollar-to-euro-on-oil-trades-from-iran/5640805
        
        https://www.resilience.org/stories/2006-01-29/trading-oil-euros-%E2%80%93-does-it-matter/
        
        https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/173/30447.html
        
        a brief selection not behind paywalls
        
        Nic the NZer …
        
        26 April 2020 at 9:05 pm
        
        Wow. You know there is an unbelieveably deep rabbit hole back there. Like it just goes on and on and on and just when you think you found the end there is another rabbit hole coming off from there.
pat 2

25 April 2020 at 7:08 pm

It is important to note where the money to purchase the bonds originates…it isnt necessarily from one pocket to the other.
- Blazer 2.1
  
  27 April 2020 at 1:27 pm
  
  the magic show…
  
  By Pam Martens and Russ Martens: April 24, 2020 ~
  
  The Fed is back to its same ole bait and switch routine.
  
  Yesterday, the Federal Reserve issued a press release, which, on the surface, made it sound like the Fed is going to make full disclosure on where its trillions of dollars in money created out of thin air is going. Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, the Fed is saying it will only release the names and details of its programs where the taxpayer is putting up money to absorb losses.
  
  That leaves the following programs with no guarantee of timely transparency: the Fed’s repo loan program which has already made more than $9 trillion in super cheap revolving loans to the trading houses on Wall Street; the Fed’s Discount Window which, as of this past Wednesday, has a balance of $33.7 billion that went to unknown banks; the $31.5 billion currently outstanding at the Fed’s Primary Dealer Credit Facility, which is making revolving loans at ¼ of one percent to the trading houses on Wall Street against collateral that includes stocks and toxic waste known as CDOs and CLOs.
  
  Then there is the $409.7 billion that, as of Wednesday of this week, is currently outstanding to unnamed foreign central banks in dollar swap lines from the Fed.
  
  The opening sentence of the Fed’s press release yesterday touted the Fed’s “strong record of transparency and accountability….” That sentence could have come straight out of The Onion, the satirical news site. This is the Federal Reserve that during the last financial crisis battled media outlets in court for almost three years to keep its staggering $29 trillion in revolving loans to Wall Street and its minions a secret from the American people and Congress.
Nic the NZer 3

25 April 2020 at 7:45 pm

Some extended notes,

"Conveniently, the Reserve Bank can produce NZ dollars, so it can actually buy the bonds by effectively creating money." – NZIER

Not only does the Reserve Bank produce NZ dollars, its the only institution which creates the monies which the government uses. The commercial banks also create monies in the form of bank deposits but when large financial institutions pay each other or the government, it is inside the payment systems operated by the Reserve Bank (or rarely in cash also issued by the Reserve Bank).

https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/markets-and-payments

Because the RBNZ is a part of the government this means that the government always has the means to pay for everything available for sale in $NZ. What usually occurs is for the spending to be included in the governments present budget and then that spending occurs. Spending includes repaying government bonds with interest as well as public spending programs. This is the primary reason that bonds held with a government which issues its own dept are said to pay the 'risk free' rate of return (e.g there should be no default risk).

At this point it gets rather more complicated and as in a pay walled link its still considered important for the RBNZ not to lend directly to the government to facilitate payment, but only to link in the secondary markets. Instead the RBNZ (and many other central banks) are lending money to the government by buying up government bonds in the secondary bond markets. Supposedly this allows the bond purchases in the primary bond markets to be correctly price the risk of the government debts defaulting. In theory this imposes financial discipline on the government, but this is certainly debatable. As some financial insiders have figured out however the default risk on such bonds is effectively nill and so a valuable carry trade is regularly manufactured where primary bonds are priced a little below the secondary market price and primary bonds dealers get an automatic profit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Mosler (see pre-Euro Italian bond example)

The actual workings of government payments would obviously be more easy to discern for the public if either the government ran an automatic overdraft with the RBNZ or the RBNZ just loaned directly to the government as needed. In practice the functionality of the system is the same in both cases however (other than minor differences in which institutions clip the ticket).

"Certainly moneys put into an economy need to be taken out of it to control inflation. But we are not taught this. Nor therefore a role of tax, or a role of paying down public debt." – Anonymous

I agree with the sentiment that there is actually a lot of confusion with how government finances work and a further problem is that certain outcomes are fundamentally conjecture and based on tenuous theories of how the economy works. I would not support such claims as that money needs to be taken out of the economy to control inflation, be taught in civics or necessarily even in economics unless the basis for this claim is also taught. In the case of controlling inflation probably Anonymous model of inflation akin to the public facing mainstream theory of inflation (also the 'long run' theory), which is that commercial banks some how multiply the supply of money up into a broad money supply, the reserve supply being constrained by the governments spending and monetary policy, and that this then maps to a fixed supply of goods and services produced by the economy and purchased with the ratio reflecting inflation. This then implies the policy response of removing the reserves from the economy working to reduce inflation (at least in the long run).

Unfortunately this is not a model of the economy which is supported by the economic institutions, because

1) Many countries including New Zealand do not have a fixed reserve ratio, meaning there is no limit on lending based on commercial banks access to reserves.

2) As with many countries the reserve bank OCR policy means it will lend as many reserves as needed for banks to settle at its present policy rate (so reserves are always available).

3) There is no evidence of a correlation between either reserve or bank deposit monies and the evident inflation rate anyway.

4) There is little evidence that people pay attention to the amount of money, or even the monetary policy rate when making pricing decisions which implement the inflation rate.

Instead two claims appear to reflect the institutions of the economy more accurately,

1) The amount of bank lending is constrained by the prospective bank borrowers ability to repay and interest in taking on loans.

2) The inflation rate is probably reflective of peoples perception of what inflation was recently (workers who can influence their raises often consider in the inflation rate to their expectations) and on an individual pricing level basis may reflect when there is strong demand for business services (when there are lots of customers you might consider raising prices).

Regarding the role of paying down government debt, it should be observed that a government like NZ doesn't face any financial constraints and doesn't need to ever need to pay down its debt on that basis. Many governments are still rolling over debts accumulated during the second world war in fact. Its of more considerable importance to keep the economy going, rather than face economic dysfunction. On a macro level the actual economic constraints facing the government are the real resource constraints of the country (which reflects 2, above). An effective economic policy would focus on maximizing the employment of the population by employing anybody who can't find a job in the private sector and adjusting tax rates (among other policies) to reduce private sector access to certain resources where the government wants to use these resources for public policy instead (or due to ecological damage stemming from that resource use).
- Nic the NZer 3.1
  
  26 April 2020 at 9:56 am
  
  Just found this post which goes into detail on the applicability of the 'quantity theory of money' or the belief that 'adding money to or taking money out' of the economy drives inflation.
  
  http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-refutation-of-academic-agents.html
  
  This theory is also sometimes stated as the belief that money is neutral (or neutral in the long run), or the claim that "Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon" – Milton Friedman.
  - RedLogix 3.1.1
    
    27 April 2020 at 8:36 am
    
    Nic.
    
    Very comprehensive and an well structured read. Thanks. I was only ever a very amateur economist, but interested enough to get a lot from that.
    
    This theory is also sometimes stated as the belief that money is neutral
    
    Keen on the other hand insists money is not neutral, and that the creation of credit is the primary driver of credit. One of his earlier papers on endogenous money is quite mathematical, but makes it's conclusions readably enough.
    
    Another unconventional tool that might be applicable here is the idea of a Gesellian currency, money that essentially lost it's value unless it was spent within a short period, like a month. It could be issued in parallel with the usual currency as a UBI. The idea was tried in Depression era Austria with some success, and it seems to me similar conditions now prevail.
    
    Edit: Another link to the Gesellian idea:
    https://tblrj.hypotheses.org/24
    - Nic the NZer 3.1.1.1
      
      27 April 2020 at 9:41 am
      
      The Keen link is certainly worth seeing especially if you are only familiar with equilibrium analysis. The idea of non-neturality of money has a much longer pedagogy. Paul Davidson the economist has been a long standing exponent of non-ergodic economic theory and Keynes almost certainly was somewhat familiar with precursors to ergodic theory concepts including the non-neutrality of money.
      
      "The theory which I desiderate would deal … with an economy in which money plays a part of its own and affects motives and decisions, and is, in short, one of the operative factors in the situation, so that the course of events cannot be predicted in either the long period or in the short, without a knowledge of the behaviour of money between the first state and the last. And it is this which we ought to mean when we speak of a monetary economy.
      
      J. M. Keynes A monetary theory of production (1933)"
      
      I believe Keen would be familiar with this from such sources as he has taught the history of economic thought.
      
      I think Gesellian money might have some impact to reduce saving rates and increase consumption spending, but we have sufficient tools to resolve the economic problems by just applying fiscal policy to the extent required anyway. I am not sure that we need more tools for the policy wonks to play with or certain that it will result in a better outcome.
      - RedLogix 3.1.1.1.1
        
        29 April 2020 at 1:14 pm
        
        Thanks. I missed this reply yesterday.
        
        I was taught to see that money has two fundamental characterisitics. The obvious one is the 'means of exchange' aspect which applies when we use it to buy goods and services in exchange for our labour. If this were the only aspect, then indeed money would be totally neutral.
        
        The other is the 'store of value' aspect that is introduced whenever we save or invest into the future. This introduces the time as a dimension, and this changes everything about money, and in particular the act of creating or saving money has a dynamic time impact on the economy.
        
        Keen argues the creating credit stimulates GDP and paying debt back (or saving) deflates GDP in a manner that is decidedly not neutral.
        
        A Gesellian currency eliminates the 'store of value' aspect of money, which immediately decouples credit creation from the inflation/deflation cycle. It can immediately stimulate the velocity of money in the short term, without creating instability in the future; ie it is a currency that is truly neutral.
        
        Just a thought; it's been a while since I've put much energy into this area and I'm appreciating your input here.
        
        Nic the NZer 3.1.1.1.1.1
        
        29 April 2020 at 2:27 pm
        
        Regarding Keen's empirical observation that credit creation seems to stimulate GDP more than deposit money. I am not sure that this is a property of credit creation, it may be that the advance of credit very closely correlates with the borrower wanting to spend. This would mean that in an accounting sense credit doesn't perform any differently to deposit money, but that you can maybe track GDP better by looking at how financing is happening.
        
        Its also important to understand that GDP is a measure of spending=income and not a measure of finance directly. The act of saving removes money from the spending=income flow and as a result this drops by the amount saved (or used to repay debt). An expiring currency doesn't eliminate that though it may bring the deadline closer for an individuals saving towards any expenditure. Depending how good people are at managing their inventory of money another possibility is that a lot of spending just gets lost 'down the back of the couch'.
        
        As an example of another thing which should apparently only result in a consumption/usage pricing, but if you think of oil futures they are basically a deadline (when you get your oil delivered) and a price for the delivery at that deadline. This is the reason the oil price went negative recently when all the receivers figured out there was so little demand that they would pay people to take the delivery off their hands in the immediate term.
        
        I would be concerned about this kind of instability resulting should Gesellian currency be the only kind of currency. But its possible it would help a bit if the government had something they could immediately use as stimulus as a temporary measure.
        
        The underlying problem is a balance sheet recession basically indicates a deficit in spending sufficient to abate peoples present demand to save (the mechanism is many acts of saving/repaying debt) which causes consumption and investment spending to fall inside the non-government sector GDP components (this is observable in GDP statistics). There is not necessarily an obvious suggestion as to when this demand to save will be abated. This can always be offset with an increase in government expenditure at this point until the saving desire is sated (or employment has reached a peak again, because people are no longer looking for more work to facilitate their individual consumption + saving desires). The government can but already is not dealing with this as effectively as it could without the complexity of forecasting when the Gesellian stimulus should be scheduled to end.
- Nic the NZer 3.2
  
  29 April 2020 at 12:25 pm
  
  Bill Mitchell (in association with the Bank of England) explains the same facts surrounding government spending in slightly words again.
  
  http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=44808
  
  "He presented this graph which shows that since the GFC, the Bank of England has been swapping bank reserves (light below) for its holdings of government bonds, which it has been buying in the secondary bond market.
  
  This balance sheet pattern is repeated across many central banks now as they have been effectively ‘funding’ government deficits through their various public bond purchasing policies. They have been saying one thing (that they are not doing that) while doing exactly that."
Stephen Jones 4

26 April 2020 at 1:04 am

It is odd that you begin by conceding that even you did not have the information required to deny that the situation is opaque. And while I thank you for your diligent research the question remains unanswered, is the government going to forgive this debt or parcel it out to private investors? If the reserve bank can create money by fiat then they can forgive it by fiat. So long as it does not get sold on to private investors. And so long as other countries will be doing likewise and thus not deeming our behavior immoral. As you also pointed out, a question was asked of Grant Robertson regarding whether bonds were sold on primary or secondary markets, a question that is precisely to this point, and yet one he fudged any answer to. Should we not expect our finance minister to be having just this conversation with his peers in other countries to see if the world might be put back on its feet without laboring under debts that are but figments of economic imagination? And if we cannot expect this then I am glad that you have writ the post you did, and the conversation might be had that might inform the public that it would be in their best interests to make this a thing that our ministers might do.
- Blazer 4.1
  
  26 April 2020 at 9:55 am
  
  'As you also pointed out, a question was asked of Grant Robertson regarding whether bonds were sold on primary or secondary markets'
  
  Interesting as to why he is so shy to answer this question.
  
  A bit like Key/English not revealing exactly who they borrowed all those billions off,post GFC.
  - Nic the NZer 4.1.1
    
    26 April 2020 at 10:30 am
    
    This is just such a beltway question.
    
    Grant Robertson answered that way for the sake of expediency and not starting an unnecessary debate about economic theories.
    
    The insiders are happy because the RBNZ is not funding the government directly (in primary markets) so the government is not fixing the interest rate on its own debt. To insiders this signals that the government is only using fiscal policy in an emergency and will not flip over to "every time we can’t get a societal consensus on how we fix a social issue." – LPrent. Meanwhile the primary bond dealers just clip the ticket and buy the primary bonds and immediately resell them in the secondary markets in whatever volumes the RBNZ is buying. The upshot being that the government eventually pays itself back the interest and principal anyway.
    
    The unfortunate consequence of this however is that the relevant question of why doesn't the government always stand ready to use its fiscal capacity for all kinds of public purposes is avoided directly. Instead the discretion about what constitutes enough of an emergency to justify the use of fiscal policy capacity is placed in the hands of the treasury economists and specialists. And the public debate to the extent it exists discusses these issues based on a framework rife with strange beliefs about how government finances work and conspiracy theories about who the country owes debt to.
    - Blazer 4.1.1.1
      
      26 April 2020 at 10:56 am
      
      Good answer.
      
      Good reasons for 'conspiracy theories' when the machinations are designed to be complex to the degree that even most bankers and politicians do not understand them,let alone the general public.
  - pat 4.1.2
    
    26 April 2020 at 3:15 pm
    
    Perhaps because it been well answered in the original announcement..
    
    "There was agreement amongst members to proceed in this manner and by Sunday morning there was a consensus MPC agreement to:
    - Provide further monetary policy stimulus through a Large Scale Asset Purchase (LSAP) programme of New Zealand government bonds in the secondary market.
    - The initial scale of the LSAP programme is up to $30 billion of government bonds, across a range of maturities, to be purchased over the next 12 months.
    - Communicate the decision on the morning of 23 March.
    https://www.interest.co.nz/news/104206/rbnz-will-buy-30-bln-government-bonds-negative-impacts-emergency-intensify-new-zealand
    - Blazer 4.1.2.1
      
      26 April 2020 at 3:30 pm
      
      Regardless,I still think Nics response to Stephen Jones was a …good answer.
      - Nic the NZer 4.1.2.1.1
        
        26 April 2020 at 4:14 pm
        
        Actually its possible to be more direct.
        
        Stephen Jones asks "is the government going to forgive this debt or parcel it out to private investors?"
        
        As the announcement above describes in about 12 months time the RBNZ will own about $30 billion dollars of the government debt. What you can see in the MPC announcement is that the two groups of government officials have decided that this intervention is warranted now. Given that the RBNZ is part of the government balance sheet this constitutes the government owing itself that $30 billion dollars of debt more than it does at present. At this point its clearly irrelevant if the government pays the bonds out, or the RBNZ writes them off, as the RBNZ operating profits are returned to the government anyway.
        
        At present the payments are made back to mostly large domestic financial institutions (and the underlying basis for the government selling debt is another story but its about the implementation of monetary policy, not a shortage of spending capacity) who purchased these bonds and in part will feed into making interest payments to peoples savings accounts (and the like). There will very likely also be a large quantity of government debt not owed to the RBNZ following this policy running to its present completion date.
        
        The most important take away should be however that the debt in no way threatens the ability of the government to make payments. The ability to make payments itself stems from the function of the RBNZ being to run NZ's payments systems and have monopoly issuer rights over NZ$ in which the New Zealand government transacts.
        
        https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/about-us/the-journey-of-te-putea-matua-our-tane-mahuta
        
        See Timeline of the nationalisation of New Zealand’s currency.
        
        While this doesn't mention electronic reserves, as linked to previously the RBNZ operates all of New Zealand's clearance systems. This is mentioned under 'The Coming of Age of our Tāne Mahuta' section.
- lprent 4.2
  
  26 April 2020 at 2:06 pm
  
  It is odd that you begin by conceding that even you did not have the information required to deny that the situation is opaque.
  
  Nope. What I was saying was that
  1. The question was badly framed because it didn't appear to have done any basic research first. The mechanism raising the debt wasn't opaque. It took me less than 10 minutes to determine that.
  2. I didn't move on to the second implied question on the repayment because that also was badly framed. I just didn't bother treating that as in as much depth as the first because writers should be encouraged with constructive criticism rather than repeatably dissected (I live with one).
  On the former I literally hadn't looked at the mechanism of raising debt because there wasn't a functional need for me to be concerned about it. I knew that it wouldn't have been raised by bankers because we haven't needed to do that for a very long time. It has been bonds since the late 1980s. And like 2008 and the GFC we were in a good position economically to weather the storm because our government fiscal position was excellent. Even the National Government had problems trying to muck it up.
  
  On the latter case it comes down to that the question implied some control over future parliaments and governments. That is unknowable.
  
  I'm a functionalist in my nature. To me, it simply doesn't matter which way we run this pandemic in NZ. All ways lead to a economy that gets a partial economic munting in the short and medium term and which will hopefully force long term changes like dropping tourism and immigration as a desired economic targets. All ways lead to increased debt as we transition to something else.
  
  And while I thank you for your diligent research the question remains unanswered, is the government going to forgive this debt or parcel it out to private investors?
  
  It is unlikely that we're going to forgive the debt in the short term – ie over the next few years. Mostly because there is no real reason to do so at present. Robertson has implicitly said that he doesn't intend to. He didn’t answer the goat fucker questions and just said that the usual process was what was being followed. But of course that can and should change with changing circumstances – like a different government or another disaster.
  
  As you also pointed out, a question was asked of Grant Robertson regarding whether bonds were sold on primary or secondary markets, a question that is precisely to this point, and yet one he fudged any answer to.
  
  However the 'fudge(d)' (as you characterise it) was what any responsible minister would do. To me it appears that what you are asking for is that Robertson predicts the future. If he could do that then I don't think he'd be our minister of finance – there would be a lofter goals for him to pursue. If the same question was put to Goldsmith it'd be an interesting test of his fitness to be minister of finance – because responsibly he'd have to 'fudge' it too.
  
  Should we not expect our finance minister to be having just this conversation with his peers in other countries to see if the world might be put back on its feet without laboring under debts that are but figments of economic imagination?
  
  He doesn't need to and he shouldn't waste time on it at present. There is more than enough work to do inside the country. And no-one world wide is ready for that debate yet, if indeed it is ever required or if we feel the need to participate. Because of the nature of the economies down here, I'd rather expect that the level we'd handle it would be between us and aussie, possible extending to nations through south east asia. The reason why is that we have far more in common with that region in terms of how our economy is structured than we do with the northern states. Far lower government debt for instance.
  
  The position of NZ government is that we started with a debt level that was in the order of 20% of GDP. About 4/5th of our export economy is intact and almost entirely functioning. It is suffering a bit due to a lack of air-freight (again damnit!). A major import cost, overseas holidays, got reduced.
  
  Regardless of if the elimination strategy fails (which seems unlikely) and we have to fall back to suppression, our domestic economy is intact and will progressively restart – probably rapidly. We'll just have closed borders and bugger all tourism in or out (except possibly aussie).
  
  Over time under our economic constraints at level 1 or above, the picture may change. We might find that there are some unexpected side-effects of the disease. If we had something like a separate disaster kicking in – say a earthquake in Wellington it will change. We could find that there is a deeper depression kicking in as some states close their borders to trade as happened in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
  
  Effectively what you are asking for doesn't make sense unless you frame it to something that Robertson actually has control over now.
  
  As far as I can see you're asking an open-ended pie-in-the-sky unanswerable question – one that is in fact the decision of future history and voters. Not any particular current government or minister.
  
  And then of course Robertson at best could only say anything binding for 5 months max at present. There is a September election. In every legal and constitutional sense, this government cannot bind future governments. Nor their future responses to extreme events.
  
  FFS: It is possible, albeit unlikely, that we could have a NZ First led government with Shane Jones as Minister of Finance (choice deliberately chosen) for a few years. I'd imagine the policy choices that he'd make would probably be vastly different to those that a Labour led government would do.
  
  I don't think that in the slightly less unlikely National led government would be that much different to a Labour led one in how they handle the debt based on what we know at present. But they can't bind themselves or future governments either..
  
  So what exactly is your question? Currently it appears to be empty rhetoric because it isn't framed in such a way that it makes any sense. Unless you think that Robertson is some kind of minor deity with an ability to shape future events.
- Brigid 4.3
  
  26 April 2020 at 2:47 pm
  
  " thus not deeming our behavior immoral." But why managing our economy as we see fit be seen as immoral?
  
  And considering banks are doing just this thing (creating credit) every night and day of the week..
Bill - not the regular bill 5

26 April 2020 at 6:49 pm

Re: NZIER merger?

You might be mixing up the NZ Initiative and the NZ Institute of Economic Research. The former had a merger a few years ago. The Stuff article was by NZIER.

[Could you please change your user name, as we already have a regular commenter here by the name of “bill”, who also happens to be an Author and Moderator. Thanks – Incognito]
- lprent 5.1
  
  26 April 2020 at 7:05 pm
  
  Yes – you’re correct. It was NZ Initiative, formed from Business Roundtable and NZ Institute that I was thinking of.
  
  Corrected post and noted change at the bottom.
  
  Thanks.
- Andre 5.2
  
  26 April 2020 at 7:16 pm
  
  It doesn't look like you're the bill with a lower case b that's the author of numerous strongly opinionated posts and comments here. If you aren't, you may want to change your handle, or you might get some unexpected responses to your comments.
  - Incognito 5.2.1
    
    26 April 2020 at 7:30 pm
    
    Thanks for that and I’ve changed the handle to make it clear. This commenter appears to be new here and whoever approved him didn’t pick it up either.
    
    I might drop a Moderation note, for good measure 😉
    
    Edit: in the back-end, I cannot see the avatar.
    - Andre 5.2.1.1
      
      26 April 2020 at 7:42 pm
      
      TBH it was the commenting style that prompted me to double check the avatar and spelling.
      - Incognito 5.2.1.1.1
        
        26 April 2020 at 8:04 pm
        
        Yes, it was very ‘polished’ 😉
- Incognito 5.3
  
  26 April 2020 at 7:37 pm
  
  See my Moderation note @ 6:49 PM.
Tricledrown 6

27 April 2020 at 3:26 am

Tsmithfield.Where is your evidence in times of low inflation printing/QE is perfectly fine so long as your economy has the productive capacity. Unlike say Zimbabwe.
- Nic the NZer 6.1
  
  27 April 2020 at 8:11 am
  
  Here is a link explaining what QE is which should give you enough background to understand how its never going to start a hyperinflation.
  
  http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=661
David Mac 7

28 April 2020 at 11:26 pm

Ha, just back. I've found this thread as interesting as most of them.

I dreamed up a 'Mooring Inspection' excuse this morning and peered off the end of the Mangonui wharf. I've been here for 12 years, for the first time ever I could look through 5 metres of water and see the bottom.

Those lockdown views over Paris, it looks like the city of romance, rather that the city so polluted my eyes won't stop watering. Whats so bad about zui? We don't need to fly across the world, just zui. (The Kiwi take on tele-conferencing zoom/hui = zui). Why can't a doctor ask me to put a felt tip pen dot on where my elbow is hurting and hold it up to the camera, ask me to put my phone on my chest so they can hear my heart.

We don't need to be rushing about all over the place all the time and it's high time we stopped it.
David Mac 8

28 April 2020 at 11:46 pm

Rather than the 24,000 of us in the hood running our 24,000 cars down to Pak n Save, we're dumb for not letting 7 electric vans do that job.
- Incognito 8.1
  
  29 April 2020 at 12:12 am
  
  Don’t be naive!
  
  We’re hunter-gatherers and we must collect our food ourselves with our bare hands in the supermarket. We can’t just order it online and get it delivered at our doorstep by an electric van. Where’s the fun in that?
  
  We’re also creatures of habit with a pack mentality, which is what the Pak stands for in PAK'nSAVE. Why else would we stand in a queue for over an hour in lockdown when you can literally cross the road and walk straight into a Countdown? Why else would we do our groceries on Saturday when everybody else is doing the same thing at the same time? What more fun could we have than driving around hunting for a car park, avoiding other shoppers doing the same thing or the ones backing out of their car parks after collecting all their shoppings without looking in their mirrors? The joy of pushing your way through packed – there it is again – aisles and almost getting run over by other mad trolley drivers that could easily lead to trolley rage. The highlight is, of course, the queues for the checkouts and invariably picking the shortest but slowest queue. Why on Earth would we want to give all that up? Where would we get our adrenaline rush from? How would we stay in physical shape, keep our senses and instincts sharp, and fulfil our sense of purpose if we did not go shopping? Honestly, I cannot believe dreamers like you, they make no sense to me.
  - David Mac 8.1.1
    
    29 April 2020 at 12:23 am
    
    Shopping for food is a chore like rubbing clothes down a washboard. We should of put it out to pasture the day the internet was invented.
    
    Your choice is kicking a football to your Grandson or squeezing an avocado in the fruit channel at the food Hoover.
    
    We're all looking to kick a ball round that little kid in goal hey.
David Mac 9

29 April 2020 at 12:15 am

My passion got the better of me, when I run numbers, 29 vans but you bastards get the idea. Sorry, I was trying to be hip, I'm sure your parents were married. I should stop trying trying to be hip and get in the queue for one.
- Incognito 9.1
  
  29 April 2020 at 12:17 am
  
  That’s the spirit, my man!

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These people are not our friends
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
1 day ago

Some advice from our tertiary history for the University Advisory Group
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
1 day ago

Still no prudential regulation case around climate change
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
1 day ago

Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links for Wednesday, April 24
TL;DR: These six news links stood out to me in the last 24 hours or so onWednesday, April 23:Scoop: 'Released in error': Treasury paper hints at axing $6b flood resilience plan by NZ Herald-$$$ Thomas CoughlanScoop: EY launches new misconduct review amid Fonterra ban. Fonterra tells EY to remove some ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
1 day ago

How National can neutralise serious allegations of corruption should the “Fast Track” Bill becom...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
1 day ago

Cleaning Up After Gabrielle.
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
1 day ago

Gordon Campbell on bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
1 day ago

Tolling Existing Roads
One of the government’s transport policy and agreements with it’s coalition partners made it clear that they were looking at options like tolling and road pricing. This was reinforced in it’s draft Government Policy Statement released at the start of March which made a couple of references to it. Road pricing, ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
1 day ago

At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Skeptical Science
2 days ago

More criminal miners
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
2 days ago

Photos from the road
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
2 days ago

RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
2 days ago

Luxon Strikes Out.
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
2 days ago

In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
2 days ago

The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
2 days ago

Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
2 days ago

India makes a big bet on electric buses
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
Skeptical Science
2 days ago

Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
2 days ago

What is really holding up infrastructure
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
PolitikBy Richard Harman
2 days ago

“Pure Unadulterated Charge”
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
David FarrierBy David Farrier
3 days ago

Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
3 days ago

The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
3 days ago

Just trying to stay upright
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
3 days ago

“Unprecedented”
Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
3 days ago

Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
3 days ago

Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
3 days ago

The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Point of OrderBy gadams1000
3 days ago

Maori push for parallel government structures
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
3 days ago

An announcement about an announcement
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
3 days ago

All the Green Tech in China.
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
3 days ago

Western Express Success
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
Greater AucklandBy Matt L
3 days ago

Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
3 days ago

The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
4 days ago

2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
Skeptical Science
4 days ago

Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
4 days ago

Thank you
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
4 days ago

Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

Who Makes Mazda Cars?
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

Can You Register a Car Without a License?
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

What Are Struts on a Car?
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How Are Computers Made?
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How to Right-Click on a Laptop
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
5 days ago

How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
5 days ago

The Folly Of Impermanence.
“You talking about me?” The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Bowalley Road
5 days ago

A crisis of ambition
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
5 days ago

Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
5 days ago

'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
5 days ago

The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
5 days ago

The worth of it all
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
5 days ago

What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
6 days ago

What is the Most Expensive Sport?
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Gareth’s WorldBy admin
6 days ago

Release: Working together on consistent support for veterans this Anzac Day
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Labour Blog
1 day ago

Release: Penny drops – but what about Seymour and Peters?
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Labour Blog
1 day ago

Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery funding
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
Labour Blog
2 days ago

Further environmental mismanagement on the cards
The Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...
Greens
2 days ago

Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environment
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour Blog
2 days ago

Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management system
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
Labour Blog
2 days ago

Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise Palestine
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Labour Blog
3 days ago

Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kind
The Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...
Labour Blog
3 days ago

Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
Labour Blog
3 days ago

Three strikes has failed before and will fail again
Resurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...
Greens
3 days ago

Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Labour Blog
3 days ago

Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freeze
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
Labour Blog
6 days ago

Fast-track submissions period must be extended
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
Greens
6 days ago

Release: Progress on climate will be undone by Govt
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
Labour Blog
6 days ago

Release: Dark day for Kiwi kids as a third of Govt cuts affect them
News that 1000 jobs at the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki could go is devastating for future generations of New Zealanders. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunches
More 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. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals bill
The 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. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Government throws coal on the climate crisis fire
The Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...
Greens
1 week ago

Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project instead
Cancelling 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. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priority
A 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. ...
Labour Blog
1 week ago

Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful law
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homes
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on media
The action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Landlord Government leaves little hope for renters
The Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Opportunity to build a more sustainable economy
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust past
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Missed opportunity but NZ will surely one day recognise the right to a sustainable environment
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Release: Don’t cut our lunches – clear message sent to Government
Tens of thousands of people are demanding the Government commits to fully funding free and healthy school lunches. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Release: Govt makes U-turn on Suicide Prevention Office
Labour welcomes the Government’s U-turn on the closure of the Suicide Prevention Office, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

CCC issues warning over further climate delay
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Luxon targets are lousy example of leadership
If talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Luxon targets lame and lousy example of leadership
If talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...
Greens
2 weeks ago

Release: Commitment to disability communities missing from Govt priorities
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Labour Blog
2 weeks ago

Methane target review is dangerous duplication
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
Greens
3 weeks ago

Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
Mai 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 hours ago

PM announces changes to portfolios
Paul 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

New catch limits for unique fishery areas
Recreational 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 day ago

Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
Energy 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
The 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Overseas decommissioning models considered
Overseas 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
Emergency 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
2 days ago

Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
Justice 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
Associate 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 ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
3 days ago

Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

Trade relationship with China remains strong
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
4 days ago

PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
5 days ago

$41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Judicial appointments announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
6 days ago

Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
7 days ago

Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Taupō takes pole position
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Government backing mussel spat project
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Government focused on getting people into work
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Inflation coming down, but more work to do
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
1 week ago

Response To ANZAC Day Protests
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Scoop politics
1 hour ago

Claimants want Children's Minister to front up kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face)
Waitangi Tribunal claimants will appeal a High Court decision to overturn a summons order from the Tribunal for Children's Minister Karen Chhour. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 hour ago

‘It bucked our lads up wonderfully’: the lightning-quick battle that marked the birth of the US-...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918. Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
2 hours ago

GCSB refuses to release details of spy deal 'to protect interests'
The spy agency is refusing to release a copy of its deal with a foreign agency to run a secret operation out of this country. ...
Radio NZ – political
3 hours ago

Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Scoop politics
3 hours ago

Ancient nomads you’ve probably never heard of disappeared from Europe 1,000 years ago. Now, DNA an...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD). Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
5 hours ago

Don’t mention the war: On grandparents and Anzac biscuits
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits. First published in 2021. All my ...
The SpinoffBy Amanda Thompson
5 hours ago

If plastic manufacturing goes up 10%, plastic pollution goes up 10% – and we’re set for a huge ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
6 hours ago

Governor-General's Anzac Day Dawn Service Address
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

Angling-Conservation Group Sees Fast Track Bill As Undemocratic
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Scoop politics
6 hours ago

Remembering the great TrueBliss vs Bardot national anthem sing-off
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff. First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
The SpinoffBy Jamie Wall
6 hours ago

Help Me Hera: Do I even want the public sector job I might be about to lose?
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera, May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
The SpinoffBy Hera Lindsay Bird
8 hours ago

ANZAC Day Wreath Calls For No Future Deaths From AUKUS
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Scoop politics
9 hours ago

Swimmer does everything and more to get to Paris
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
NewsroomBy Dave Crampton
11 hours ago

Seize the day
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell. First published in 2022. The high school’s head girl and ...
The SpinoffBy David Hill
11 hours ago

The first, forgotten Anzacs, more than 50 years before Gallipoli
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association. First published in 2018. When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
The SpinoffBy Scott Hamilton
11 hours ago

Poem for Anzac Day: ‘Hoki Mai’ by Tayi Tibble
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble. Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
The SpinoffBy Tayi Tibble
12 hours ago

Poem for Anzac Day: ‘My World War I Poem’ by Bill Manhire
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin. My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
The SpinoffBy Bill Manhire
12 hours ago

Book of the Week: Talia Marshall on living legend Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
NewsroomBy Talia Marshall
12 hours ago

Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 25 April
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NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
12 hours ago

Daily crossword, Thursday 25 April
The post Daily crossword, Thursday 25 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
12 hours ago

High Court overturns Waitangi Tribunal summons to Minister for Children Karen Chhour
The minister was due to give evidence on Friday regarding the government's plans to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act ...
Radio NZ – political
20 hours ago

Sydney University students set up Gaza solidarity camp as war marks 200 days
Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
21 hours ago

Most bees don’t die after stinging – and other surprising bee facts
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

How Anzac deaths changed the way we mourn to this day
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/Flickr Victor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

Sugar gums have a reputation as risky branch-droppers but they’re important to bees, parrots and p...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

Inflation is slowly falling, while student debt is climbing: 6 graphs that explain today’s CPI
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

Our housing system is broken and the poorest Australians are being hardest hit
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
21 hours ago

‘It bucked our lads up wonderfully’: the lightning-quick WWI battle that marked the birth of the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918. Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

First Nations Anzacs sacrificed life and limb for Country. Why aren’t their stories shown onscreen...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War Memorial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

NZ’s Media Minister Melissa Lee demoted after Newshub crisis
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
22 hours ago

Our tall, wet forests were not open and park-like when colonists arrived – and we shouldn’t be b...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
22 hours ago

Aces in their places: Luxon plays coy over ministers' competence
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Radio NZ – political
22 hours ago

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Economist Chris Richardson on an ‘ugly’ inflation result and the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
23 hours ago

Melissa Lee’s media Hail Mary comes up short
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
NewsroomBy Laura Walters
23 hours ago

Northland council continues four-year Māori ward fight in face of government changes
A council that played a key role in getting Māori ward polling removed is now lobbying against government plans to reinstate binding referendums. ...
Radio NZ – political
23 hours ago

Education Ministry cuts: Roles providing support for disabled kids among those proposed to be axed
Leaked documents show which divisions will bear the brunt of hundreds of proposed job cuts at the Ministry of Education. ...
Radio NZ – political
23 hours ago

Land Information New Zealand proposes 57 job cuts
It is the latest department to announce job cuts as part of the government's cost-cutting measures. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Watch: Government's 'wheels are falling off already', Hipkins says, after ministers d...
The Labour leader says the demotion of two ministers today shows the PM "didn't have particularly good judgement". ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

The stories of Australia’s Muslim Anzacs have long been forgotten. It’s time we honour them
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wilmot, Senior Lecturer, Film, Deakin University Among the many Australian who served during the second world war, there is a small group of people whose stories remain largely untold. These are the Muslim men and women who, while small in number, ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

National emergency response facing 26 separate inquiries: What have we learned
The country's emergency response is besieged by inquiries, despite years of reviews and efforts to make laws that deliver. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Sexual assault victims give evidence in court, but alleged perpetrators don’t have to. Bruce Lehrm...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Watch: Government's 'wheels are falling off already', Hipkins says, after minsters de...
The Labour leader says the demotion of two ministers today shows the PM "didn't have particularly good judgement". ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Anti-Poverty Groups Urge New Minister For Disability Issues To Reverse Funding Cuts
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

New Media Minister Must Rule Out State Intervention In Private Media
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

OPM leader’s open letter condemns Australia’s ‘treachery’ over Papua
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
1 day ago

‘Emily Dickinson made me into a writer’: Lauren Groff on the power of reading
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff. The book I wish I’d written If I wish I’d written a ...
The SpinoffBy The Spinoff Review of Books
1 day ago

Watch live: Chris Hipkins speaks after ministers Melissa Lee, Penny Simmonds lose portfolios
The Labour leader speaks from Parliament after the prime minister's sudden Cabinet reshuffle. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

What kind of diner are you? 6 types of diners who avoid plant-based meat dishes
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Auckland University Criminologist Slams ‘Racist’ Three Strikes Law
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Australia-born judge facing potential deportation from Kiribati
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
1 day ago

Can Body-Worn Cameras Work In Australia And New Zealand? Lessons From Milestone’s Denmark Survey
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Scoop politics
1 day ago

Media Minister Melissa Lee demoted from Cabinet, Penny Simmonds stripped of portfolio
Melissa Lee has been stripped of the Media portfolio, while Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues role. Follow as the PM explains. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Climate change and human rights: how a landmark legal victory in Europe could affect NZ
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vernon Rive, Associate Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images A seven-year campaign by a group of over 2,000 Swiss women – average age 73 – recently ended with a European Court of Human Rights decision variously ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Page-turning rural gothic: Ash by Louise Wallace, reviewed
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
The SpinoffBy Claire Mabey
1 day ago

Lower catch limits in force for Fiordland, Chatham Islands
New catch limits in Fiordland mean recreational fishers will only be able to take much smaller bags of finfish and shellfish. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

New emergency management legislation delayed after bill pulled by Government
The bill was introduced by the previous government in June last year. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

‘It was my Eras tour’: Meet the world’s biggest TrueBliss fans
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
The SpinoffBy Alex Casey
1 day ago

No more Census forms? Stats NZ mulls form of future surveys
The traditional Census form could become a thing of the past, as Stats NZ starts to rely more heavily on administrative data. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

The voices that vanish in a decimated newsroom
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
The SpinoffBy Eda Tang
1 day ago

Half our colleagues suffer pain and discomfort from periods. But they’re still a taboo subject at ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Knight, Researcher, Queensland University of Technology Have you ever felt sick at work? Perhaps you had food poisoning or the flu. Your belly hurt, or you felt tired, making it hard to concentrate and be productive. How likely would you be ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

'We're going to be banning gang patches' – Police Minister adamant
Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Is it possible to ‘objectively’ judge music? We asked 5 experts
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Whiting, Lecturer – Creative Industries, University of South Australia Shutterstock Everyone has a favourite band, or a favourite composer, or a favourite song. There is some music which speaks to you, deeply; and other music which might be the current ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

Gloomy vibe from infrastructure sector as RMA changes unveiled
A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell
1 day ago

From Gallipoli to Gaza: remembering the Anzacs not as a ‘coming of age’ tale but as a lesson for...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
Evening ReportBy The Conversation
1 day ago

The end of the Census? Stats NZ to look at whether survey is still needed
The traditional Census survey could become a thing of the past as Stats NZ starts to rely more heavily on administrative data. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Leaked document reveals millions of dollars of cuts at Te Whatu Ora
A leaked document shows the Canterbury/Waitaha arm of health agency Te Whatu Ora is scurrying to save $13.3 million by July. The “financial sustainability target”, which was “allocated” to Waitaha, is consistent with what’s happening in other districts, says Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists. ...
NewsroomBy David Williams
1 day ago

Hiring freeze leaves Oranga Tamariki with no lawyers in Gisborne or Southland
The ministry's lawyers work with vulnerable children across the country, often in the youth and family courts. ...
Radio NZ – political
1 day ago

Is KiwiBuild finally on its last legs?
A look at the state of the previous government’s affordable housing scheme, and what could come next. Remind me: What’s KiwiBuild again? First announced in 2012, KiwiBuild was a flagship policy of the Labour Party heading into both its 2014 and 2017 election campaigns. With Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, ...
The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
1 day ago

Labour has forgotten it was in government
Labour in opposition will be shocked to learn which party had six years in power but squandered any chance to make real change. Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech was a predictably entertaining trip down memory lane. The acid-tongued incoming Otago University chancellor administered a sick burn to the coalition government. He ...
The SpinoffBy Hayden Donnell
1 day ago

Quake rules in for a shake-up
There’s relief for building owners bending under the weight of earthquake strengthening rules – and costs – that came into force seven years ago. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced a scheduled 2027 review of the earthquake-prone building regulations will now start this year. Owners will also get ...
NewsroomBy Tom Kitchin
1 day ago

Kiwis are learning how to fight climate change – polls
Bucking a common misconception, NZers no longer say recycling is the most effective action they can take to reduce climate pollution The post Kiwis are learning how to fight climate change – polls appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Marc Daalder
1 day ago

Daily crossword, Wednesday 24 April
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 24 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
1 day ago

dear sysop: on covid-19 debt

How do we pay for it?

Hold up… where does the Reserve Bank get money to buy the bonds?

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dear sysop: on covid-19 debt

How do we pay for it?

Hold up… where does the Reserve Bank get money to buy the bonds?

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60 comments on “dear sysop: on covid-19 debt ”

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Recent Posts

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