Losing confidence in education

Written By: - Date published: 1:00 pm, June 15th, 2010 - 37 comments
Categories: education, Social issues - Tags: ,

I really like my children’s school – I think they work hard to keep those young minds engaged and bodies active. I know it’s a job that is pretty demanding, and hugely important. So when I hear that three-quarters of teachers are feeling unprepared and rushed as they work to implement National’s new national standards (according to a NZEI survey) I start to feel apprehensive. According to the survey:

94% of principals said they had concerns about National Standards and their implementation and only 10.1% thought National Standards would make a positive difference to student learning. When asked how confident they were that they’d had enough time and professional learning to implement the National Standards policy, only 2.5% said they felt very confident, while 75% said they were not very confident or severely lacking in confidence.

However according to the NZ Herald, Education Minister Anne Tolley said the majority of schools were getting on with implementing the standards in a professional manner. Eight-four per cent of schools had taken part in the first round of national standards workshops and feedback had been positive, she said. But just 18 per cent of survey participants said the development sessions would help to implement the standards.

Plus I’m not sure whether attending is the same as agreeing – indeed attending may have hightened the level of concern! I have to agree with NZEI President Frances Nelson who says
‘It’s not too late to listen to the voice of principals, teachers, schools and parents, and acknowledge that the Standards are flawed and are being rushed”. I’d certainly rather have something slower that actually has the support of the professionals who we enstrust our children to.

37 comments on “Losing confidence in education ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Lanthanide 1
    15 June 2010 at 1:20 pm

    As only 1/3rd of principals responded, and generally people only answer opt-in surveys if they have strong opinions, it is reasonable to assume that the remaining 2/3rds aren’t quite as against National standards as the ones who did respond, are.

    I do wonder about this rushing business, though. All it’s doing is creating controversy, for no gain as far as I can tell. It’s almost like they don’t expect to win the next election, so they have to rush to get stuff done. Of course doing a half-assed rushed job does go some way to ensure that they *won’t* win the next election. Slow and steady wins the race?

    • Pete 1.1
      15 June 2010 at 1:34 pm

      “As only 1/3rd of principals responded, and generally people only answer opt-in surveys if they have strong opinions, it is reasonable to assume that the remaining 2/3rds aren’t quite as against National standards as the ones who did respond, are.”

      Either that or they figure it will get the same level of dismissal any other dissenting comment has got to date – with a healthy dollop of ridicule and arrogance.

    • Bright Red 1.2
      15 June 2010 at 2:34 pm

      Your’e right that such a survey is going to get more responses from people who feel strongly on the issue.

      Isn’t it telling that near no principals appear to be strongly for National Standards?

  2. ianmac 2
    15 June 2010 at 1:31 pm

    A teacher friend commented that when planning studies with other teachers, the other teachers had dismissed the new Curriculum in favour of the planning to try and meet the needs of National Standards. One seems to conflict with the other. Pity given that the new Curriculum is the product of years of planning/trialling/consultation.

    It it seems that that awful woman who heads the so-called Trustees Association is talking about better reporting to parents which is a separate ball game. If that was a legitimate concern then there are great ways of informing parents better already. National Standards get in the way!

  3. freedom 3
    15 June 2010 at 2:01 pm

    When Diane Ravitch admitted her policies had been wrong i sent our Minister of Education a wee note.
    Thought i would share the reply
    ——————————————————
    To the Hon Anne Tolley

    To allow a high functioning productive society to operate succesfully, i can think
    of no area that is more vital than Education. It is a pillar of the society’s belief in
    itself to develop and grow. It is a surveyor’s flag for the pioneers of the future.
    It is the badge of respect we show for those around us.

    By your own admission, it has been reported, much of the structure and intent of your policy initiatives are based on contributions to education policies by Diane Ravitch and her work in the United States over the last decades.

    Perhaps this article will shed some light on issues we are currently attempting to address in New Zealand.
    http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/thewrongstuff/archive/2010/05/17/diane-ravitch-on-being-wrong.aspx

    I respectfully ask you to reconsider many of the programmes you have been developing.

    sincerely
    ( name withheld for privacy)

    sent to :anne.tolley@national.org.nz
    sent: 19/05/2010
    ———————————————————
    and her PDF response which finally arrived today
    ———————————————————
    transcribed from pdf received
    stamped 14 june 2010

    Dear ( name witheld)

    thankyou for your email of 19 May 2010 about the work of Diane Ravitch and its implications for education policy.

    I agree with you about the importance of education to the future of New Zealand. The Government was elected in 2008 with a strong mandate for change and a commitment to improving educational opportunities for all students.

    The article you referred to describes what Diane Ravitch has discussed in her most recent book The Death and Life of the Great American School System. I understand Diane Ravitch’s views expressed in the book relate to education policy in the United States including no Child left Behind.

    Education policy in New Zealand, including National Standards, differs significantly from similar policies in England, Australia and the United States. New Zealand National Standards have no national tests associated with them and assessment will remain student-centred and teachers’ professional judgements will be valued.

    There is strong international and national evidence that this appraoch leads to school improvement. If you are interested in further reading, some of this evidence is available at the following website: http://assessment.tki.org.nz/Research

    thankyou for taking the time to write to me with your concerns

    Yours sincerely

    Hon Anne Tolley
    minister of Education

    ————————————————-
    Paragraph 2 is an outright lie but paragraph 4 just begs the question;
    How can a National Standard have no National testing?
    and i still believe National Standards is a huge misnomer
    capcha: exactly

    • ianmac 3.1
      15 June 2010 at 4:23 pm

      freedom: Great reading. Thanks. I did look at the tki site but could not quite see how that would help align to Nat Stds. The bits that I did see on Maths assessment were dated 2002. Must be some answers hidden in there somewhere.
      As for the Minister’s reply given the resources she has, she still fails to explain the reasoning. The failure rate is about 7% actually but in a year or two when it suits the Minister, she will use revised figures to show an “improvement” from 20% to 7% failure rate.

  4. Irascible 4
    15 June 2010 at 2:28 pm

    The evidence against National Standards testing continues to build up as the research on the effects of the different forms comes from the independent analysts. Every form of National Standards, even if it is defined in the claytons manner chosen by Tolley, has not delivered any of the promised golden education futures.
    Tolley is caught on the end of the lure NACT used during the election only she’s at the other end of the rod and she’s trying to wriggle off the hook.

  5. Tanya 5
    15 June 2010 at 4:17 pm

    Tolley is doing a great job. National will dismantle the socialist school state that we currently have, I hope, and replace it with the old teaching methods – they worked. Get rid of valueless ‘values’, because look at the chaotic result. Secular humanism needs to go, what a falsity it is. National Standards, please.

    • Bright Red 5.1
      15 June 2010 at 4:25 pm

      You’ll have to point out to me where National Standards abolishes secular humanism.

      Must have missed that.

    • ianmac 5.2
      15 June 2010 at 4:28 pm

      Well Tanya. Would you explain what no one else has managed, just exactly how National Standards will help.
      For example, we already know that my grandson Joel is about 18mths behind average in reading and similar in Maths. The school and parents are dealing with it as best they can.
      Please explain how Nat Test will help Joel.

      • Pascal's bookie 5.2.1
        15 June 2010 at 5:37 pm

        Please explain how Nat Test will help Joel.

        Because Jesus.

        • Lanthanide 5.2.1.1
          15 June 2010 at 5:52 pm

          Lol.

          The obvious answer is that National Standards won’t help Joel. They will however help Jimmy, Joel’s friend, because right now no one knows that Jimmy is actually 9 months behind on maths and 6 months ahead on english (he uses his good english skills to fool everyone about his maths).

    • Mac1 5.3
      15 June 2010 at 6:01 pm

      Tanya, what is a ‘socialist school state’? Very alliterative but what does it mean?

      What ‘valueless values’ are being taught?

      And what were the old teaching methods? The ol’ corporal ‘This will hurt me more than it hurts you, boy” punishment?

      Lots of questions, I know. But that’s how we learn- by asking questions.

  6. Tanya 6
    15 June 2010 at 6:56 pm

    Mac1, the old teaching standards are when the teachers were in charge, not the children, when children respected adults and when decent teaching methods were used, not the Leftist indoctrines of today, where ‘unsavoury’ parts of history are changed or omitted, and where socialist values are very cunningly taught, where good reading and writing matters not. Anything goes, as long as it ‘hurts nobody’. No, National will not remove secular values, but at least they are aware of some of the in-set rot and communist ideals entrenched in our educational institutions starting at the pre-school stage. But it’s all about degrees, isn’t it?

    [lprent: Good to see that we still have the idiots (like Tanya) amongst us. I thought that the age of the moronic paranoid pontificating pedant was over (at least here). ]

    • ianmac 6.1
      15 June 2010 at 7:28 pm

      Tanya. You either have no idea what the National Standards program is, or have no idea how it will fit into a school operation.
      I have tried hard to match what you have written with any school I know and I have no idea where a teacher is not in charge…. Oh what the hell. There is nothing there to respond to. I truly wonder if you think that National Standards to you means discipline, or moral teaching or something else. ????
      Tanya: In what way will National Standards help the progress of children in our schools?

      • Lanthanide 6.1.1
        15 June 2010 at 7:58 pm

        I can only echo ian’s comment.

        Tanya, your reply was just as full of slogans and ‘truisms’ as your original post.

    • NickS 6.2
      15 June 2010 at 8:14 pm

      The Stupid, It Burns

      Sorry, what exactly is so wrong with secularism and secular humanism? Mainly as they’ve played a significant part in the changes in human rights in the developed world over the last century. Allowing for critical examinations of tradition and religious privilege that have been used to deny others their basic human rights, like children, women* etc, etc.

      But I’m guessing you’re one of those people who think gays are teh evil, evolution is totes wrong (because the bible says so), any changes in education practices due to research are actually a communist plot and perhaps that women shouldn’t own their own uteruses. I could be wrong on all these, but given what you’ve said, I might just be on the money this time.

      *There’s still the wage gap, idiots trying to control uteruses that don’t belong to them and the rape culture to deal with. Somedays I end up thinking the rad.fems have it right given the continuing bullshit.

    • Hanswurst 6.3
      15 June 2010 at 8:19 pm

      I happen to agree with you that good reading and writing are not brilliantly taught. I can’t, however, agree with your assertion that it is to do with communist ideals (which is about as stupid an argument as you could possibly make, frankly). I think you’ll find that it has more to do with the increasing use of word processors – where correction and reprinting are easy – and the more recent rise of email and text messaging, where there is often no printed copy, and where speed, not style, is important.

      Thus, the teaching methods have increasingly attempted to cater for students who do not aspire to write books or need to produce memoranda that will be read and considered carefully by lots of important people, but who just want to get their basic point across as quickly as possible (and clarify it later if it’s not clear- it’s all just the push of a button).

      I find the resulting style of communication absolutely repugnant, but I can’t deny that it meets the aim of quickly reading a message and replying as fast as possible. That is a (rather oversimplified) functional definition of literacy. It’s also probably a more or less direct result of the pressure to get more done on lower pay in a tighter jobs market – so that’s your correlation with “socialist values” down the toilet.

      • Galeandra 6.3.1
        15 June 2010 at 10:09 pm

        As an English teacher for nigh on four decades, I’m sorry to disagree but I have to say that your comment is bunkum on a number of counts.
        ” good reading and writing are not brilliantly taught ……Thus, the teaching methods have increasingly attempted to cater for students who do not aspire to write books or need to produce memoranda that will be read and considered carefully by lots of important people, but who just want to get their basic point across as quickly as possible (and clarify it later if it’s not clear- it’s all just the push of a button).”

        • Hanswurst 6.3.1.1
          16 June 2010 at 12:50 am

          Okay, enlighten me then. I’m not an expert; I’m just basing that on my own experiences going through different schools/teachers with varying attitudes to the teaching of English, as well as a bit of reading and discussion around how curricula have changed.

          Also, the bit you quoted was probably not so well expressed on my part. I didn’t mean that teachers lowered their standards, I just meant that they had to adapt to deal with students whose requirements and ambitions – especially in written lanugage – were somewhat different.

  7. freedom 7
    15 June 2010 at 7:02 pm

    i often got kicked out of classes for asking questions, no-one told me back then they only wanted to hear questions they could or were allowed to answer

    • ianmac 7.1
      15 June 2010 at 7:21 pm

      freedom: I think that the question is the answer. A school that actively encourages kids involved in any study, to ask questions to help set the enquiry, will have children as actively involved learners. As some wise person said, children are not vases waiting to be filled but fires waiting to be lit.

      • freedom 7.1.1
        15 June 2010 at 8:28 pm

        the comment was meant to slide in under mac 1 but the vagueries of posting kind of killed the small and insignificant joke. oh well. anyway back to the serious side of things.

        Tanya, if you are not taking the piss then i feel truely sorry that you have such a limited exposure to the tremendous kids that go to our schools. Do not confuse the constant war room bleatings of the Education Administration with the actual activity in the trenches. With dwindling and inadequate resources the teachers and communities of our schools battle on and continue to help New Zealand grow and prosper with vibrant intelligent people capable of independant thought.

        ok it got a bit effusive there but jeez louise, our schools are being railroaded into moronic multi-choice box-check education and we get idiots like this who cannot tell the difference between democratic freedom and the corporate fascism of privatisation

        p.s. go the All Whites

  8. Fabregas4 8
    15 June 2010 at 8:31 pm

    National Standards – complete rubbish. Not in Maori Immersion schools and not in private school either – why not? And whilst on Education, how come John Keys son is able to accompany him to the World Cup in term time?

    • ianmac 8.1
      15 June 2010 at 8:49 pm

      Actually Fabregas4, the fact that private schools are exempt from all forms of accounting such as Nat Stds, given that they have high quality, plenty of money, low class sizes on intake, their achievement may well be a lot lower than they could be. Maybe they could all be A pass students instead of many.
      Yeah. Go the All Whites! Anything is possible if you want it badly enough. 🙂

      • Galeandra 8.1.1
        15 June 2010 at 10:14 pm

        35Million dollars worth of extras obviates the need for National Standards.
        Captcha excessive- as in your optimism about the All Whites 😉

  9. Tanya 9
    16 June 2010 at 12:12 pm

    John Key’s son can accompany him to the world cup in term time, because that’s up to JK isn’t it, not our business. I would take mine, if I could, good on the PM! Honestly, you begrudge the PM everything. Go National Standards, and bring the Bible back into schools too, please, and capital punishment (when NZ had this, kids did not attack their teachers with knives – this speaks volumes…!). Blessings all. I await the hate speech…see you at No Minister.

    [lprent: Personally if I see a bible being pushed at a state school around the kids in my family, then I’d help to burn it. The separation between religion and state is an argument that is long over IMHO.

    Religious belief is a personal decision. It is not one that should be done by state indoctrination. If you want your kids to have a religious education – then pay for it yourself. Otherwise do what everyone else does and keep your beliefs inside the family.

    I think that you’re merely trolling because regardless whatever else you say in a comment – you keep pumping this line usually out of any context. I define out-of-discussion-context line pumping like that as being trolling.

    If you do it again largely out of content, then I’ll give you an early dose of purgatory. ]

    • The Voice of Reason 9.1
      16 June 2010 at 12:44 pm

      Hmmm, Tanya. If we are going to have works of fiction like the bible in schools, can we at least have a bit of balance from atheists, too? Howabout ol’ Bill Lee?

      “Never do business with a religious son-of-a-bitch. His word ain’t worth a shit; not with the Good Lord telling him how to fuck you on the deal.”

      William S. Burroughs

    • Daveosaurus 9.2
      16 June 2010 at 7:03 pm

      “and bring the Bible back into schools too, please, and capital punishment”

      How about actually reading the book before trying to impose it on other people?

      I suggest you start with Exodus 20:13.

      • felix 9.2.1
        16 June 2010 at 7:44 pm

        I don’t think Tanya knows the difference between capital and corporal.

        Or shit and shinola for that matter…

        • Pascal's bookie 9.2.1.1
          16 June 2010 at 8:33 pm

          I was going to make an obvious joke from the Life of Brian, re ‘Crucifixion ooh you lucky bastard’ etc, and so went to Mr Gazzoogle to get the required quotes.

          On entering…

          ‘Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be spat at in the face’

          …I figured the first few links would get me what I needed, monty python wise, with rule 34 coming in to play fairly soon thereafter.

          Instead, I found what could be Tanya’s source material.

          http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Basics/spit_in_his_face.htm

          Too funny not to share, even if just for the page’s address, which itself seems pretty damn suspect, rule 34 wise.

          It’s been too long since I’ve read this brand of nut, so thanks Tanya.

          • ianmac 9.2.1.1.1
            16 June 2010 at 8:52 pm

            Thanks Pascal: I somehow went to your link expecting “The Life of Brian”. I chuckled away at the absurdity then being a bit slow, it dawned on me that this was for real. Stunned. Then saddened for many must use that stuff to guide their lives. Its like some of the things believed in the Middle Ages. Poor old Tanya. Its a free world though. Good luck.

    • Fabregas4 9.3
      16 June 2010 at 10:57 pm

      NO the law in our country says that children under the age of 17 must attend school not go swanning off to the world cup. Unless you are suggesting that the Prime Ministers son is above the law?

  10. ianmac 10
    16 June 2010 at 12:37 pm

    Tanga: Perhaps as you are a priest, beg forgiveness for your guilty little secrets. But in a secular court you might face reality.

  11. Tanya 11
    16 June 2010 at 12:43 pm

    Tanga. Nice. Thanks for putting a smile on my face. Trollng – such an ugly word. Boy, how a small mention of the Bible makes some people angry. What about freedom of speech and tolerance? Hmm, not when it comes to Christianity, right? See you later then, have a good one.

    • lprent 11.1
      16 June 2010 at 12:47 pm

      Don’t be stupid – I said religious.

      There are many people who are religious in both my family and friends. However unlike you, they are not absolute idiots about it. They live their faith rather than going around acting like moronic prats. There are many of this type of religious believer writing here – as is evident from their comments.

      There are also members of my extended family who seem to view religion as some kind of dominance ritual and spend a lot of time talking about faith and religion – but seldom personally practicing it. I call them the bullshit religionists.

      I judge the depth of peoples faith by how they act rather than what they say. You seem to fall into the bullshit category.

    • Mac1 11.2
      16 June 2010 at 4:22 pm

      Tanya, a little time to get back to continue the discussion, having asked the questions.

      Which I am afraid you haven’t answered.

      1. What in heaven’s name is a socialist school state?
      2. What specific valueless values do you mean? I look for actual words like honour or justice or loving kindness, not that I expect them in your answer.

      You say, “the old teaching standards are when the teachers were in charge, not the children, when children respected adults and when decent teaching methods were used, not the Leftist indoctrines of today, where ‘unsavoury’ parts of history are changed or omitted.”

      At least this is an attempt to answer, but raises other questions. I am a teacher, surprise surprise, and I am in charge- have been for nigh on forty years. No evidence at my school that what you say is true. Children try it on- always have- but teacher is in charge, still- have no fear.

      Most children still respect adults. They challenge, but they learn…. mostly. Those who don’t were probably not respected themselves.

      What were the ‘decent teaching methods’ to which you refer? Chalk and talk, shut up and listen to me, chanting, rote repetition, the strap, the cane, sarcasm, ostracism, the dunce’s hat? We use decent methods still, I believe. Not many from my list, I grant you, not often. I’m interested to know what worked for you.

      And as for the charge that leftists change history. Have you studied history, Tanya? For example, did you ever read of the treatment of Samoans in the early Nineteen Twenties by New Zealand troops. Left out of histories by Leftist school teachers? The horrific stories of the atrocities of colonial troops during the Land Wars? Left out by Leftists? You have to give examples to back up your assertions.

      You talked in your comment of 12.43 of freedom of speech and tolerance.

      Frankly I don’t see much tolerance in your stated views. You have exercised your freedom of speech to enunciate them, and I have read them. Please don’t use the ‘poor me, it’s all hate speech’ defence in anticipation of the quality of your views attacked. They need to be questioned- it’s the other side of the practice of freedom of speech. Finally, challenging your views is actually a respectful act- not hatred, nor intolerance. The hope is that we might learn from each other- a profoundly respectful attitude.

      You practise your freedom of speech- I’ll practice my freedom to make hopefully an informed criticism.

Recent Posts

  • 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
    2 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
    3 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
    4 hours 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
    6 hours 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
    7 hours 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
    8 hours 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
    9 hours 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
    12 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    14 hours 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
    15 hours 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
    15 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    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
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, 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?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    5 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    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
    8 hours 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
    10 hours 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
    10 hours 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
    11 hours 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
    11 hours 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
    12 hours 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
    14 hours 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
    1 day 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 day 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 day 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 day 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 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T11:56:48+00:00