Labour’s Ardern and Democrats’ Biden: Learnings

Written By: - Date published: 7:47 am, August 28th, 2022 - 47 comments
Categories: covid-19, health, jacinda ardern, Joe Biden, us politics - Tags:

For those fishing around for a progressive playbook in this fractious world, Biden and Ardern are pretty similar. But Biden appears to be turning the fortunes of the Democrats around but Ardern is currently unrewarded. Is there anything to learn?

Let’s check a few common fields, as succinctly as one can.

COVID 19 Action

Both Biden and Ardern administrations successfully mobilised the largest free vaccination programme in the history of either New Zealand or the United States of America. Arguably the recalcitrance of Republican-controlled states and conservative media cost far more lives in the USA than any resistance in New Zealand. The Biden administration effort got over 75% of U.S. citizens fully vaccinated, and the New Zealand response and population-wide effect was even better.

Guns

At the level of gun saturation and gun violence between the United States and New Zealand there is no useful national comparison. But turn to the legislation. The United States passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that broke a 30-year streak of Federal inaction on gun violence legislation, including everyone under 21 to undergo enhanced background checks. Biden also signed dozens of executive orders to build on this most significant gun violence reduction legislation to pass Congress since the 1980s.

The Ardern government built upon a very strong legislative regime, with the Arms Act 2020, Arms Regulations Amendment 2021, and the big weapons buyback coming just in time to give stronger powers to the Police to combat a massive influx of Australian-domiciled gangsters. The first tranche of changes had overwhelming if not unanimous Parliamentary support while the second were more closely contested. It’s the biggest arms policy shift since the Aramoana massacre 32 years ago.

International Leadership

Under previous administrations, New Zealand influence such as it was in the South Pacific weakened, and confidence in U.S. leadership around the world plummeted to historic lows. Since taking office both President Biden and Prime Minister Ardern have worked to revitalise alliances and restore their respective positions on the global stage (nothing that New Zealand’s advances from ‘undetectable’ to ‘now we know you exist’). Arguably the Russian invasion of Ukraine has provided renewed energy to defensive alliances and sharpened common values between the U.S., Europe, the United Kingdom, and smaller players such as New Zealand.

And now a couple of big divergences.

Student Loans

In the last week of August President Biden signed orders wiping US$10,000 off student loans and US$20,000 from student loans through Pell Grants – under a specific salary income. This is an incredibly popular policy move.

The last time Labour did something big with student loans was in the final weeks of the 2006 election, in which Labour promised to wipe out interest on student loans. There’s political opportunity in students and their parents to harvest if Labour are up for it. Right now Labour’s tertiary training reforms are in chaos. Loans is a great hip-pocket place to improve this perception.

The CHIPS and Science Act

President Biden signed this into law to accelerate semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. The policy focus is on bringing back manufacturing jobs from China to the United States and advance U.S.-led technological leadership. An equivalent for New Zealand would be to target key offshored manufacturing eg requiring Icebreaker, Fisher&Paykel Healthcare, Fonterra and Fletcher Building to bring all their key ingredients and product lines and R&D back into New Zealand rather than being beholden to more fragile Chinese manufacturing and supply lines. One could only imagine the effect if they were required to as Biden has.

Ardern has been remarkably doctrinaire when it comes to industry protection and in-sourcing, and there’s plenty to learn as a very small and very narrow economy to vulnerability to China.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

President Biden’s once-in-a-generation transformational investment in repairing bridges and roads, removing all lead piping, upgrading ports and airports, and expanding broadband to all is remarkable in the state system of the United States. It also included the largest federal investment in public transport and the biggest investment in Amtrak since its creation.

Ardern’s government too invested on top of the Provincial Growth Fund with a $NZ60 billion further investment, and nearly a billion further to assist Councils with water network upgrades.

But the key is in the politics. With consistent infrastructure benefit evaluation, and network benefits, whoever is in New Zealand parliament and both sides agreeing on the need for investment in resilient state highways, huge public transport systems, and climate emergency impacts, there is ample room for Ardern to sit down with National and take all-transport-network infrastructure off the political table for good. Indeed it is only internal Labour politics that is preventing cross-party agreement on water and wastewater reform that all agree is necessary.

Healthcare

New Zealand’s socialised – often free and otherwise massively subsidised – healthcare again doesn’t compare well to the United States. But there are key policy moves that are remarkable to both. President Biden’s win has been in the Inflation Reduction Act which goes straight for the U.S. citizen’s hip pocket by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time. It’s like a baby step towards Pharmac. There are specific caps to pay for annual prescriptions like insulin. 13 million US Citizens will have their premiums reduced by US$800, and the uninsured in the United States is now at a record low 8.8 million.

What Biden has done that the Ardern government hasn’t been able to do yet – and desperately needs to – is demonstrate how greater national power over the health system will result in lower costs to the public and faster and better treatment to get them well. At some point the NZ targets may well be published, but at this point in the cycle what people need is a dollar-and-cent improvement to what they have now which is chaotic.

Rescue Plan

All citizens like to think their government has a plan, and the first big one to come out of the Biden administration was simply the American Rescue Plan. This US$1.9 trillion rescue plan paid for the full vaccination programme, family debt relief with mailed cheques to most people, and a new child tax credit that led to the largest-ever one-year decrease in recorded U.S. child poverty.

The Ardern government has been renowned less for its plan for recovery per se than for Ardern’s own daily media briefings. It is s substitute of perpetual visibility for a durable plan. New Zealand’s government expenditure was as a proportion of GDP even greater than that of the United States, but the economic effects have been uneven with unemployment remaining low yet economic growth stagnating.

What hasn’t remained is a sense that the Ardern government is continuing to be guided by a plan, a plan with a visible public shape and direction.

The key differences with Biden’s broad and very bold plans are the focus on costed benefits to citizens, the focus on strong guidance of the whole economy, and translating the legislative and policy wins into fresh political momentum.

Progressives have similarities, but Biden has a performance edge Ardern can learn from.

47 comments on “Labour’s Ardern and Democrats’ Biden: Learnings ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Kiwijoker 1
    28 August 2022 at 9:05 am

    “Learnings”. Proof that Advantage is John Key in drag!

    [You attack an Author without adding anything to the discussion. Less than a week ago you were warned for the same thing (https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-22-08-2022/#comment-1907179). Take a month off – Incognito]

  2. Blazer 2
    28 August 2022 at 9:11 am

    Ardern is articulate….Biden is a bumbling fool ,that struggles to remember what day…it is.

    The Democrats initiatives you mention do not seem to be translating into support for Biden.

    • Favorability of President Joe Biden 2022 | Statista

    • LibertyBelle 2.1
      29 August 2022 at 11:08 am

      It is a source of much curiosity (for me anyway) how a country with the size and power of the US can elect people of the obvious inadequacies of Biden.

    • Corey Humm 2.2
      31 August 2022 at 2:57 pm

      Jacinda has not been articulate at all this year and has seemed stuck in first gear all year.

      Out of the two of them Biden has done more to overturn forty years of neoliberalism by bringing back manufacturing jobs and that semiconductor chip bill is massive and should be praised by the left.

      This not only makes his country less reliant on china it also brings some jobs to an underclass who has been so screwed by offshoring that they have become liable to propaganda by extremists.

      The closest thing Ardern has to reversing neoliberalism is putting benefits up for the first time since Ruth Richards.

      Bidens gone from being the most unpopular president in history to being a president whose party now has a chance in midterms cos he turned the ship around with big bold policy wins.

      The way he's turned his ship around could teach Ardern and labour a lesson.

      People like it when you're bold and visionary. Ardern has been stuck in management mode for 18 months ruling more policies out than passing policy wins.

      Biden can teach Ardern a thing or two.

      If Ardern wants a shot at a third term she's gonna need to get out of management and status quo mode and get into bold visionary mode and rack up some big huge policy wins that the public wants not bugger around on inner governmental reforms.

  4. alwyn 4
    28 August 2022 at 11:40 am

    Why do you bring Fisher And Paykel Healthcare into the subject of fragile supply lines and the manufacture of product in China.

    F&P, to the best of my knowledge, carry out all their R&D and the majority of their manufacturing in New Zealand. The do have manufacturing plants in Mexico but that is to supply their major market in the USA and is to shorten the supply lines into that country. They do not have any manufacturing facilities in China.

    Any change in these arrangements would be more likely to harm rather than help their operations and their business prospects.

    • lprent 4.1
      28 August 2022 at 6:19 pm

      I was thinkingvthe same thing. I thi k advantage is confusing Fisher and Paykel whiteware with Fisher and Paykel Healthcare.

      • lprent 4.1.1
        28 August 2022 at 6:58 pm

        Damn the editor on a cell phone while trying to cook dinner…

        Imagine what I was saying.

        • alwyn 4.1.1.1
          29 August 2022 at 9:43 am

          The brain is a wonderful thing. I didn't see anything wrong with your first comment until I read the second one. Then, when I reread it I saw the typos that hadn't even registered at my first glance.

      • Gosman 4.1.2
        30 August 2022 at 12:04 pm

        Even that is inaccurate as Fisher and Paykel whiteware has distributed manufacturing across Thailand, Italy and Mexico not just China. On top of that it is 90% owned by Haier which is a Chinese company so trying to force them to manufacture in NZ would be similar to trying to get BMW to manufacture cars here.

        • lprent 4.1.2.1
          31 August 2022 at 11:58 am

          That latter point was the one that I was making. But I was trying to type one-handed on a cell-phone while using a fish slice in the other.

          So I either the comment clear or got the scalding earlier than your comment. The imminent threat was quite a lot more on my mind than simple pedantry.

  5. bwaghorn 5
    28 August 2022 at 12:25 pm

    If labour wants to do anything with student loans the only acceptable road is ,a reduction in debt for each year worked in nz , with the reduction increasing if you're actually employed in the feild you got in debt to learn ,

    • SPC 5.1
      28 August 2022 at 3:18 pm

      Sure, and one would start in areas where there is a shortage of local workers – such as nursing and some areas of education (science/maths teaching etc).

  6. Bearded Git 6
    28 August 2022 at 12:53 pm

    "Learnings". WTF? I expect better on TS.
    (written before I saw Kiwijoker’s comment above-no apologies for this grammar attack)

    • Ad 6.1
      28 August 2022 at 1:20 pm

      'Lessons' had a didactic or patrician tone.

      • SPC 6.1.1
        28 August 2022 at 3:20 pm

        Note to Ad – you were auto spell checked into use of the word nothing (line 5 international leadership).

        Interest free loans were policy for the 2005, not 2006, election.

        The US and European chips/science move was based on Taiwan being the major supplier and at risk of embargo action by China. The major Taiwanese producer is offshoring production to Texas/USA and Europe.

        Without a continuing child tax credit they are returning low income families to poverty. And have to return to campaigning on it.

        • SPC 6.1.1.1
          28 August 2022 at 3:45 pm

          I doubt that there is any easy agreement between Labour and National on funding transport projects when one favours them and the other prioritises funding for roads.

          And one on water and waste reforms is also unlikely, because one is focused on centralisation and co-governance and the other is championing local (democratically elected council) ownership. And one on public ownership and the other into selling down the public stake to raise money.

          • Ad 6.1.1.1.1
            28 August 2022 at 5:16 pm

            Your political laziness is profound. No political agreement cross-Parliament is easy. But:

            Labour and National agree on carbon and climate legislation, housing policy legislation, electricity markets, welfare policy, and most of the RMA reforms.

            National started CRL and most of the big cycleways, as well as RONS. Labour opened them

            The water reforms are only centering on governance because that's all there is left to debate.

            What is needed is higher-order political work.

            Seriously the next time you want to just moan about syntax, put your keyboard away.

            • SPC 6.1.1.1.1.1
              28 August 2022 at 7:07 pm

              Classic projection and transference.

              I explained why agreement would be difficult and you accuse me of being lazy – it's the Labour government that is in office, not me.

              And while National and Labour have agreed on some legislation (and on some public transport projects) that is not the same as agreeing on the totality of policy and even the planning approach (in those portfolio areas).

              I'll note your lack of reply to the substance of my first post – and as to the claim I was only questioning the syntax of your post. Na. Much more than that.

              Just "governnance" … co-governance and the role of local government (as to assets and debt on its books) within any centralisation (its assets and debts) – has anyone proposed an accounting model for that that fits into existing practice?

      • Bearded Git 6.1.2
        28 August 2022 at 3:41 pm

        "There is no actual reason for the questionable usage of the count noun “learnings” instead of lessons. We know so far that it’s a buzzword in business-speak….Despite being more popular than “lessons” in the corporate setting, “learnings” is still incorrect. It’s an erroneous plural form of the colloquial term “learning."

        https://grammarist.com/usage/learnings/#:~:text=Despite%20being%20more%20popular%20than,instead%20of%20a%20mass%20noun.

        • SPC 6.1.2.1
          28 August 2022 at 3:47 pm

          From learning lessons, learning is the singular, lessons is the plural.

          • Stephen D 6.1.2.1.1
            28 August 2022 at 4:46 pm

            Not sure about that.

            I write and follow Lesson Plans, not learning plans.

            • SPC 6.1.2.1.1.1
              28 August 2022 at 5:05 pm

              Lesson and plan can be singular or plural. Learning has been singular …

              • Stephen D …
                28 August 2022 at 5:17 pm

                Learnings is an abomination. End of story.

              • Ad …
                28 August 2022 at 5:19 pm

                Plants must die when you walk in the room.

                • Hanswurst …
                  28 August 2022 at 5:55 pm

                  It's "into the room".

                  • Blazer …
                    28 August 2022 at 8:08 pm

                    Wrong, you can lie in the room…sit in the room and walk in the room….etc.

                    • SPC …
                      28 August 2022 at 8:44 pm

                      You'd have to ask Ad: if he think this happens when I walk into a room, or around the room (close enough to breathe on them, or step on them).

                    • Hanswurst …
                      28 August 2022 at 11:09 pm

                      The only way that your statement can possibly apply would be if I didn’t want to know what Ad means by “come”.

                    • Hanswurst …
                      28 August 2022 at 11:31 pm

                      Oops, bad use of the edit.

                      My statement was that it is 'walk into the room', meaning that that is what it must be in this case, not that the only possible preposition when describing the action of walking with respect to one's relationship to a room is 'into'.

                      Your statement is of the same ilk as if I were to point out to someone driving down the right-hand side of Dominion Road that the correct side to drive on was the left, and you were to suggest that I was wrong, because one is legally required to drive on the right in the USA, France, Guatemala, etc. (unless otherwise signposted). The fact that your additional information is accurate has no bearing on the fact that I am right, whereas you are simply engaging in incomplete parsing of the statements involved, and mistaking the result for pedantry.

                • SPC …
                  28 August 2022 at 6:44 pm

                  Still labouring away with the lazy use of words, and the casual resort to putdowns of Green voters.

                  • In Vino …
                    28 August 2022 at 9:36 pm

                    As a resident pedant, I would say that 'learnings' is a gerund, not a true noun, and is favoured only by the base nouveaux faux pretenders.

                    • Stuart Munro …
                      29 August 2022 at 7:04 am

                      I associate it with unsolicited powerpoints.

                    • Tiger Mountain …
                      29 August 2022 at 7:32 am

                      Heh, “learnings” for me evokes images of men with fringes, and beards, but with no moustache…call that stereotyping, but really… “learnings?”…I even heard a guy on V8 Supercars broadcasts use it!

                    • Mac1 …
                      29 August 2022 at 8:45 am

                      Somehow, Tom Paxton may have the last word. The last thing on my mind.

                      "It's a lesson too late for the learning
                      Made of sand, made of sand………."

        • RosieLee 6.1.2.2
          29 August 2022 at 2:30 pm

          Absolutely and that was my original point.

  7. Tiger Mountain 7
    29 August 2022 at 7:26 am

    Hard to compare the US and NZ really–apart from ruling class collusion with 5 Eyes, and NSA info supply that inextricably binds at top level. Free Trade? don’t think US farmers are in any hurry to admit NZ Dairy.

    The US runs a bent Electoral College system, and state level gerrymandering and voter suppression, while NZ has MMP and people are virtually begged to vote. In my lifetime and my extended family’s, we have had top quality medical care totally free–cancer, cardiology, injury repairs–that would have bankrupted several or more US families.

    Joe has not been able to sit on Manchin or Sinema in the Senate, or bypass the Filibuster to get more done. Jacinda has well tamed 95% of the Labour Caucus–it is ideology that holds her back from doing more in terms of retiring Rogernomics, the State Sector Act and all the rest.

  8. Stuart Munro 8
    29 August 2022 at 9:34 am

    Biden has an industrious team, and translating efforts into results that reach further down into the economy is not only more productive as economic stimulus, but also produces more votes. Housing here in NZ might be a reasonable example: 41000 houses that don't result in higher owner occupation or lower rents is at best a technical success – doctrinal preferences for large investors successfully misdirecting any potential benefits to citizens & voters.

  9. RP Mcmurphy 9
    29 August 2022 at 10:12 am

    I have sstudent loan and $57,000 debt. They take $27 out of my super and I never did get a job. The word went out that I had studied freudian pshychoanalysis and though "they" dont believe in it it scares the crap out of them. I could have gone off to th eUSA and made a killing but out of some stupid misguided sense of loyalty I stayed in NZ butting my head against a brick wall watching the lunatics running the asylum.

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    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
    15 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    15 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    16 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    22 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    24 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    1 day ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 day ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 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
    11 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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