One word away from needing food parcels

Written By: - Date published: 1:05 pm, December 24th, 2014 - 71 comments
Categories: class, Economy, jobs, national/act government, workers' rights - Tags:

The smug middle class National voter seems oblivious to how close they are to financial hardship. Other than the self employed who face financial precariousness for other reasons, the employed middle class, living close to the edge  in pursuit of all things material, are a word away from needing food parcels…

No right wing government has been better at disguising the true state of most kiwis vulnerability  to job loss. Especially their nodding band of middle class followers, pursuing the brighter future with avarice and no redundancy  clause. The later quietly taken away with the smiling agreement of middle management.

 

65 of them at KiwiRail may now be waking up.

 

Acting chief executive David Walsh confirmed that up to 65 people were affected by a restructure that had been unwinding since October, including senior engineers, administrative staff and middle and senior management.

http://i.stuff.co.nz/business/64437513/KiwiRail-sends-big-bosses-packing 

 

71 comments on “One word away from needing food parcels ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. NZJester 1
    24 December 2014 at 1:50 pm

    Most of those running businesses are also fools to vote National. They see the tax breaks National offer them as a good idea. But when National takes away all the spare spending money of their customers and the after tax profits of their business shrinks even with the tax break they are also getting closer and closer to needing food parcels themselves along with their employees.
    Businesses selling non essential goods tend to make better after tax profits even if they are paying higher taxes under Labour as more people tend to have the money to spend.
    The only business that do well under National are those offering the essentials that people can not survive without and thanks to National they are allowed to heavily overcharge for those essentials.

    • Halcyon 1.1
      24 December 2014 at 6:02 pm

      However, if those poor misguided National supporters focus their marketing of production on overseas countries then it does not matter if people in NZ do not buy their products.

      And there is nothing to stop the unions from starting businesses making essential goods and underselling the current manufacturers who are heavily overcharging for their products,

      • Paul 1.1.1
        24 December 2014 at 6:17 pm

        What are you talking about?

      • NZJester 1.1.2
        25 December 2014 at 10:31 am

        Very few of the businesses selling products here make there own product. They are just retail stores that rely on local sale for their profits.
        As for selling overseas the high New Zealand dollar has meant it has been hard for local companies to compete overseas and that some overseas companies have swooped in to purchased some of our best manufacturing names that have taken this country decades to build up. Now some of them are getting rid of the kiwi workers and slowly taking the brands overseas. Thanks to the National government a lot of or local companies are now rich in assets such as their brand name recognition and product copyrights and patents, but low in cash making them perfect targets for corporate raiders.

        Fisher & Paykel and its 420 patents is one such NZ company now 90% owned by overseas interests and has been slowly closing down NZ production for overseas manufacturing.

  2. Draco T Bastard 2
    24 December 2014 at 1:59 pm

    Other than the self employed who face financial precariousness for other reasons,

    Yep. My nephew just found out that he isn’t being paid today because it appears that his employer didn’t get paid for a job done a couple of weeks ago.

  3. batweka 3
    24 December 2014 at 2:15 pm

    “65 of them at KiwiRail may now be waking up.”

    Maybe. Surely the right wing narrative is that you should have prepared for such a possibility? So those that have will continue to be smug.

  4. The Pink Postman 4
    24 December 2014 at 2:40 pm

    I hate saying this but how many off these people voted National ? How many loked down on the unemployed and unfortunate ,most I would say. And I bet if there was an election this week they would still vote National .

    • tracey 4.1
      24 December 2014 at 4:35 pm

      sadly for many life has to personally affect them before they wake up.

    • tracey 4.2
      24 December 2014 at 4:38 pm

      contractors, particularly lower paid like courier drivers and some trades are very vulnerable… but also amongst those I know the most scathing towards those on welfare.

      • Colonial Rawshark 4.2.1
        24 December 2014 at 4:55 pm

        Of course. Because they work hard for their money, up at 6am every day, while the spongers get cash for doing fuck all.

      • Paul 4.2.2
        24 December 2014 at 5:43 pm

        And the Nats play to that.
        As long as they can keep pointing to beneficiaries as bludgers, workers will not see that the real bludgers are at the top of the pyramid.
        We saw that for a brief period in 2008 and events like Sky City asking for more cash is a reminder. However, the media is owned by the wealthy corporate bludgers who don’t pay their taxes by using tax havens. They ensure their propaganda outlets constantly remind people of beneficiary fraud.
        Divide and rule.

        • Draco T Bastard 4.2.2.1
          24 December 2014 at 6:29 pm

          As long as they can keep pointing to beneficiaries as bludgers, workers will not see that the real bludgers are at the top of the pyramid.

          And that the only reason why we have beneficiaries is because of those at the top of the pyramid.

          • Paul 4.2.2.1.1
            24 December 2014 at 6:38 pm

            Yes and how to apply the focus on the criminal behaviour at the top of the pyramid when the elite have control of their powerful propaganda tool, the media, is a huge challenge for all of us.

  5. The Pink Postman 5
    24 December 2014 at 2:40 pm

    I hate saying this but how many off these people voted National ? How many loked down on the unemployed and unfortunate ,most I would say. And I bet if there was an election this week they would still vote National .

    • Paul 5.1
      24 December 2014 at 5:48 pm

      A lot of people have invested a lot in the whole ‘aspirational’ bs line put out by the elite through their puppets in the National Party.
      There is less social mobility now since the advent of neoliberalism. Class is becoming more entrenched.
      Being born poor is a more likely predictor of you dying poor than it was in the1970s.

      • Lloyd 5.1.1
        25 December 2014 at 11:15 pm

        I have aspirations to live in a country where I share in the ownership of public assets through an equitable tax system. The left must recapture the word “aspiration” . Actually it would be a really good word to work into the next election slogan.

  6. Stuff the Politicians 6
    24 December 2014 at 3:49 pm

    Yes, I see a method in Silly Billy English’s half brain.
    No surplus equals no wage increases and that suits this awful Govt just fine.

    Surely if every one was being paid a wage that is keeping up with rising costs would be far better for the NZ economy and business would prosper.
    The awful Govt would have a higher tax take through GST also.

    But no, Silly Billy would sooner have us on hard times and under his thumb.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 6.1
      24 December 2014 at 3:55 pm

      Please be charitable to those afflicted with right wing brain syndrome this Xmas.

    • tracey 6.2
      24 December 2014 at 4:33 pm

      earlier this year bling was telling businesses to give pay rises. this was when they were pretending it was a rock star economy

    • adam 6.3
      25 December 2014 at 2:56 am

      Bugger gst – it is an evil tax.

      Flat taxes hurt everyone – except the rich, the rich get a good belly laugh about that fact on a regular basis.

  7. Reddelusion 7
    24 December 2014 at 4:51 pm

    What a load of dribble, people just move on, one door closes another opens, if you embrace change instead of wallowing in the above clap trap or acting and thinking like a victim your ok. I can’t believe some of the views here, it’s like you want nz to fail or individuals to suffer to prove an idealogical point, very sad

    • Colonial Rawshark 7.1
      24 December 2014 at 4:58 pm

      Enough with your stupid hateful aphorisms. Who will pity you when you are next in line to be economically fucked? Do you really think the 1% give a shit about a little cog like you?

      The people destroying the country are the same people who are economically destroying Kiwi lives which are all but invisible to them.

      The simple fact is that doors are being closed on the bottom 95% of the population by the top 1% to 2%.

      Need to change the economic system so that the rich who are raking in shit loads of unearned wealth stop making off like bandits.

      Much more of the country’s income needs to go directly to workers, not corporate profits. The left seem to have no idea how to actually bring this about but there is always hope.

    • tracey 7.2
      24 December 2014 at 5:10 pm

      reading is a skill. many middle class are very close to the breadline and are a layoff away from calamity. once you are in your mid 40s the doors dont open anything like they do in your 20s and 30s.

      mortgaged to their eyeballs, spending as fast or faster than they earn.

      acknowledging reality is not wallowing.

      let us know when you awaken.

      • Paul 7.2.1
        24 December 2014 at 5:38 pm

        ‘mortgaged to their eyeballs’

        It is this fact that makes many of the middle class vote for the right wing.
        They are wedded to rising house prices which is the only way they can make money to clear debt.
        Their jobs no longer pay enough to clear that debt.

        They are terrified and the Nats play to that fear.

        • Colonial Rawshark 7.2.1.1
          24 December 2014 at 5:45 pm

          Too many MPs with too many property investments. And Labour doesn’t have the guts to roll out any game changers. $400K-$500K “cheap” houses FFS.

          • Paul 7.2.1.1.1
            24 December 2014 at 5:50 pm

            And an open door to corporate lobbying with a revolving door to cushy corporate jobs on retirement.
            Labour also take corporate cash which restricts their independence. Sky City being the most obvious.

    • sabine 7.3
      24 December 2014 at 5:20 pm

      its the same dribble post but a different name.

      maybe you guys at troll central need a pay rise … your performance is lacking in skill and enthusiasm.

    • Paul 7.4
      24 December 2014 at 5:33 pm

      Did you watch ‘The new Haves and Have nots’ made this year?
      It shows how many people are vulnerable if they lose their jobs.
      There are also 140 000 people unemployed and there have been at least this number out of work for 5 years.
      Please do so before pontificating your extreme views, which I imagine are based on nothing other than an ideological hatred of the left.

    • The Al1en 7.5
      24 December 2014 at 5:37 pm

      “an idealogical point”

      Better watch out ’cause MurrayRawshark will be on your arse for spelling Ideological incorrectly. 😉

      • fender 7.5.1
        24 December 2014 at 5:50 pm

        The deluded fool will probably react with some kind of c*nt-ish abuse.. nudge nudge wink wink

        • The Al1en 7.5.1.1
          24 December 2014 at 5:56 pm

          ‘Some kind of c*nt-ish abuse’ is a common problem for a few commentators here, and it’s never direct enough for me, it’s always snarky or snidey – Sort of like the cowards way out (nudge nudge, wink wink).
          He should just be straight up, call him a cunt and be done with it.

          • fender 7.5.1.1.1
            24 December 2014 at 6:16 pm

            You’re so tough, dunno how that guy managed to knock you off your feet considering your short temper skills with a keyboard.

            • The Al1en 7.5.1.1.1.1
              24 December 2014 at 6:34 pm

              Ouch 😆

            • emergency mike 7.5.1.1.1.2
              24 December 2014 at 6:39 pm

              fender, don’t you know that using swear words at people on teh internet requires the brave heart of a lion? C’mon admit it, you’re really impressed.

              • The Al1en …
                24 December 2014 at 6:44 pm

                So what sort of person does it take to mock a victim (or alleged if you prefer) of violence?
                Or the type that skims over that sort of person to focus on a swear word as a method of attack?

                😆

                • emergency mike …
                  24 December 2014 at 7:27 pm

                  Well the first person: childish, immature, unhelpful, tr0ll. Not sure, I’d have to know the context. But I’m sure an articulate and thoughtful person such as yourself would be able to make your point without lowering yourself to the ‘down pub I’m swearing at you so there’ book of look-at-me words. Often doing so is a sign you are losing the argument. And it looks dumb.

                  I’ve sworn at a few people here, only the most venal tr0lls spouting the ugliest stuff. I’m sure they loved it. But not people who were trying to make a point I thought was misguided. I think of this place as one for mature discussion, i.e. without recourse to swearing at people because they disagree with you. I try to restrain myself on the snark and snide also, but I’m only human.

                  The second: you mean you swear at people who criticize you for swearing because they did so instead of attacking the person you thought deserved to be attacked? Again I don’t know the context, but people don’t always react the way you want them to. And no one is under any obligation to agree with your opinion nor to back you up in attacking someone else. You could disagree with their criticism, but swearing at them seems childish.

                • Paul …
                  24 December 2014 at 7:31 pm

                  Can we get back to the actual issue at debate here?
                  The precariat.

                  ‘Who will be a voice for the emerging precariat?
                  Progressives need to find ways to speak to the new global, insecure classes before the far right does

                  http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jun/01/voice-for-emerging-precariat
                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRNhtGtO9pg

                  • emergency mike …
                    24 December 2014 at 7:54 pm

                    My apologies. Definitely a more interesting and important subject than spelling mistakes and swearing.

                    Interesting times. It seems that there is emerging some semblance of a global awareness than we have lost our way, or that we never had it. A hint of momentum.

                    Which leads to the question of what the power elite’s reaction will be. Of course some, like CV here, have been saying for a while that they preemptively began their preparations against it some time ago.

                  • Murray Rawshark …
                    24 December 2014 at 8:07 pm

                    I think the far right are already speaking to them in Aotearoa, especially when we have people like Collins, Sabin, and Benefat in parliament. I’m pretty sure those three are already moderating their words for public consumption. Winston First could also become extremely right wing very quickly, given the right circumstances.

                    On the other hand, with Syriza and Podemos in Europe, at least some left groups are being heard. I’m still hoping Mana will be able to grow into something that will fill that role in Aotearoa. Labour won’t.

                    • Paul …
                      24 December 2014 at 8:11 pm

                      South America is leading the way.

                    • Murray Rawshark …
                      24 December 2014 at 8:19 pm

                      The South American country that I know most about, Brazil, has a scarily large proportion of its population calling for a military dictatorship. The president is only vaguely left wing, appointing some real right wing scum to ministerial positions.

                      Uruguay is much more hopeful, but is also small. Venezuela is trying hard, but has the cards stacked against it at the moment, because they don’t have the technological expertise to run the oilfields. Maybe Brazil will help them. Petrobras, even though I don’t want them anywhere near Aotearoa, is technically proficient. Bolivia is trying something different, but could end up very dependent on China. I’m not too sure about Argentina and Chile, but Colombia is still basically an outpost of the American empire. I haven’t got a clue about Peru or Paraguay.

                      Still, I’d say that overall they’re doing much better than our part of the world. Maybe they are leading.

                    • Paul …
                      24 December 2014 at 8:22 pm

                      Chile another outpost of neoliberalism since Pinochet.
                      Argentina much more hopeful.

                      If you want a clue as to the countries which are progressive or are not, look at the countries Key visited in his South American tour in 2013.
                      Countries visited.
                      Colombia
                      Mexico
                      Brazil
                      Chile

                      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8417291/Key-expects-Latin-American-ties-to-strengthen

                    • Murray Rawshark …
                      24 December 2014 at 10:02 pm

                      Chile has had some slightly leftish governments since Pinochet, but nothing too impressive.
                      Colombia is a failed state run by right wing paramilitaries and with a government where the president is Uncle Sam’s man in Bogota.
                      Mexico is pretty much a basket case, with most of it being held ransom by drug traffickers.

                      Brazil has done some pretty progressive stuff in the last 12 years, and millions fewer people go to sleep hungry every day. It’s still a mess though, with most of the states being run by corrupt crooks. It may have been the corruption that attracted Key, or it may be that the country was just too big to stay away from.

                    • Murray Rawshark …
                      24 December 2014 at 10:15 pm

                      It’s strange to me that Chile is classed as more unequal than Brazil. I saw far more extremes of wealth and poverty in Brazil than in Chile. I suppose I’ve only ever been in Santiago and Viña del Mar, but I never saw beggars in the streets. I saw them everywhere in Brazil. Maybe Brazil has done “um jeitinho” on the statistics.

                • fender …
                  24 December 2014 at 7:46 pm

                  Considering the verbal violence you are only too quick to dish out here to others I’m sure you can handle it in your typical tough guy style.

                  If I was mocking anything it’s the disparity between your online persona and your in the flesh one where others push you around.

            • Murray Rawshark 7.5.1.1.1.3
              24 December 2014 at 7:53 pm

              I am also amazed by it.

      • Murray Rawshark 7.5.2
        24 December 2014 at 7:59 pm

        Why? It’s just more evidence of the sort of person who spells the word incorrectly.

        I wish this blog had a blocking facility like Facebook, because I’m getting more than a bit tired of idiots having shit fights over nothing. If your first resort is to abuse people on the left, go and comment on Whalespew. They’d probably agree with most of what you post.

  8. Paul 8
    24 December 2014 at 5:23 pm

    Nigel Latta mentioned some interesting statistics in his documentary ‘ The New Haves And Have Nots.
    From memory, 55% of all NZers have 4 weeks or less savings.
    There are a lot of people vulnerable to losing their job suddenly.

    http://tvnz.co.nz/nigel-latta/s1-ep4-video-6025283

  9. North 9
    24 December 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Dear Old Delusion, NOTHING a government can EVER DO do will EVER change ANYTHING. How clever of Dear Old Delusion !

  10. Red delusion 10
    24 December 2014 at 5:40 pm

    In my 50s, don’t need to work, I choose to, raised in a family of 7 kids with bugger all, left for OE at 18 for 5 years with 2 k in my pocket (saw a lot of socialism at work, not pretty) , paid my own way through university later in life, made my own way self employed, as a cog at times for evil multinationals. If you want to be a victim you will end up one , your advise is helping no one, the government, unions won’t make your life for you you, never have, never will, take accountability and just get on with it, sure things go wrong but just get back up and move on
    Merry xmas

  11. millsy 11
    25 December 2014 at 12:50 am

    A lot of these guys would probably have savings built up, or a freehold house to break their fall, further softened by a generous redundancy package.

    The likes of Rick van Barnveld (sp?), who had spent 2 decades at Transit NZ prior to joining KiwiRail would probably end up forming their own consultancies and rake in the cash this way.

    We should be more concerned about the loss of expertise and institutional knowledge these 65 people had and the impact this will have on KiwiRail (and possibly on other jobs in the business).

    Every company has a worker (or several workers) who are so vital to operations the company litterally would not be able to afford to let them go.

    • Colonial Rawshark 11.1
      25 December 2014 at 1:00 am

      Unless the owner of the company was looking at deliberately running down and degrading the business.

    • tracey 11.2
      25 December 2014 at 11:44 am

      Admin and Middle management and others amongst that 65, if a reflection of the rest of their ilk may not have redundancy clauses. I know many in similar positions who dont. Dont confuse them with high management

      As for equity, you may be right but I also know people in million dollar homes with 850k mortgages. It takes time to sell. WINZ wont help cos they have an expectation that such salary earners put money aside and saved. Most havent. So the stand down period, depending on which part of NZ they live, will be the same time it takes the house to sell, 10-15 weeks.

      I was interested that the person in charge of passenger transport had their position disestablished, showing the priority of kiwirail,perhaps, and by extension, the govt.

  12. vto 12
    25 December 2014 at 10:19 am

    I think, besides from the actual point you are making, you have shown that most awful left wing trait which puts off so very many so-called “middle” nzers…

    … and that is looking down your nose at them and painting them as unthinking cogs and dimwits living shallow and fruitless lives. Examples;

    “the employed middle class, living close to the edge in pursuant of all things material”

    “nodding band of middle class followers”

    “smug middle class National voter ”

    Bit of a shame really as such a lack of understanding of fellow humans taints the cred of the balance of the post.

    But anyways, merry Christmas to you and all the other addicts of this site…..

    • tracey 12.1
      25 December 2014 at 10:33 am

      I look forward to your guest pots in 2015

      • vto 12.1.1
        25 December 2014 at 10:42 am

        ha ha – there is a reason for the lack thereof ……….

        but to the point made I say – Go “middle” NZ Go!”

        • tracey 12.1.1.1
          25 December 2014 at 11:39 am

          To quote ms collins

          you are a “sensitive wee sausage”.

          • fender 12.1.1.1.1
            25 December 2014 at 11:38 pm

            Ms Collins

            Yuk

            2012
            ‘Collins was giving Slater confidential information about what the e-mail contained and the possible ACC reaction to it. Collins, as ACC minister, was sharing sensitive information about her department’s business and about one of her clients.’ (DP p.52)

            2009
            ‘The e-mail contained just five words: ‘Simon Pleasants, Manager, Ministerial Property.’ It seems very much as though a senior Cabinet minister was collaborating in publicly accusing a ministerial staff member of wrongdoing’ (DP p.50)

            Just two examples of why Ms Collins should not be allowed anywhere near parliament or any government department. Rotten sausages need to be discarded. Come on Key/National, you appear to be a sorry excuse for a man despite what’s written on your stupid t-shirt.

  13. Michael 13
    25 December 2014 at 10:49 pm

    I think Tracey’s depiction of middle class New Zealanders as smug, venal materialists is spot on. What’s more: National knows this (so does Crosby Textor) and manipulates this group very successfully. It will take a big shock to wake this bunch up.

    • vto 13.1
      26 December 2014 at 8:38 am

      It is not spot on at all, it is an easy way to paint a picture to support what you wish to see in the world.

  14. vto 14
    26 December 2014 at 8:55 am

    Tracey, what is spot on here is the very short, yet difficult to see, route from relative comfort to poverty. Life can come undone in a flash. Many d not appreciate this, especially those who have not experienced it.

    And the higher our debt levels go to buy houses off each other over and over, the shorter that route becomes.

    Beware

  15. collette 15
    26 December 2014 at 2:12 pm

    more like two letters away from sending families to the food bank when employed becomes UNemployed

  16. Rob 16
    26 December 2014 at 6:43 pm

    Yes, nothing like a good dose of paranoia to make you feel positive through the well earned holiday period. Keep spreading the fear Tracey. Merry Christmas.

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    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
    23 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
    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

  • 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    10 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
    12 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
    13 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
    14 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
    14 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
    14 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
    17 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
    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
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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