I have just been reading an article on Stuff about a South American tumbleweed type grass they call “Hairy Panic”.
It is an invasive species which has turned up in Victoria at Wangaratta, so deep cars were getting lost in it and they had to close the town’s main street.
A woman nearby posted photos on facebook, seeking help as it took over her yard, more than a metre deep, and was on to her verandah. A living moving sea of grass.
This could be another feature of travel…. introduced species becoming pests.
Google Hairy Panic grass for articles and photos off this strange plant.
Initially, my reaction was April 1st?
But no, there has been quite a bit about this grass on Australian and other media over the last week or longer. Plenty more links here.
Panicum effusum, commonly known as hairy panic, is a grass native to inland Australia.[2] It occurs in every mainland state,[3] as well as New Guinea. In dry conditions, the fast-growing grass can become a tumbleweed.
The weed is a constant problem for the area while another form of the grass, known as Hillman’s panic — a species which was introduced from southern America — is reported to be spreading across NSW from Victoria and South Australia.
Panicum hillmanii, commonly known as Hillmann’s panicgrass, is a grass from genus Panicum native to Southwestern United States.[1] It has been introduced to many other areas, notably including southern Australia where it became widespread,[2] and several parts of Europe.
It was introduced to Australia in the early 1900s, and has spread across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania,[3][2] sharing the habitat with related native witchgrass (P. effusum).
This could be another feature of travel…. introduced species becoming pests.
Introduced species almost always become pests but I suspect that travel today is less likely to result in introduction of species due to border checks.
“But our survey found the vast majority, about 90 per cent of samples, were identified as Hillman’s panic grass (P. hillmanii). Hairy panic and witchgrass accounted for only five per cent and one per cent of samples respectively.”
Hillman’s panic grass is a noxious weed introduced from the southern United States to South Australia and Victoria in the 1900s.
Oh, Thanks for that. Very interesting. I can’t locate the article to re read it, but you sound like an authority on the subject. I read a piece on Google which said it is related to the dandelion. Is that true? Is tumble weed just a name to describe the seed dispersal?
A tumbleweed is a structural part of the above-ground anatomy of a number of species of plants, a diaspore that, once it is mature and dry, detaches from its root or stem, and tumbles away in the wind. In most such species, the tumbleweed is in effect the entire plant apart from the root system, but in other plants, a hollow fruit or an inflorescence might serve the function.[1] Tumbleweed species occur most commonly in steppe and arid ecologies, where frequent wind and the open environment permit rolling without prohibitive obstruction.[2]
Apart from its stele (i.e., primary vascular system and roots), the tissues of the tumbleweed structure are dead; their death is functional because it is necessary for the structure to degrade gradually and fall apart so that the propagules (that is, its seeds or spores) can escape during the tumbling, or germinate after the tumbleweed has come to rest in a wet location. In the latter case, many species of tumbleweed open mechanically, releasing their seeds as they swell when they absorb water.[3]
I admire this government for its refusal to support the lemming like rush to war against Russia.
Craig Murray was formerly British ambassador to Uzbekistan and provides a much needed alternative to the propaganda the western public has been bombarded with about the Skripal poisoning.
No evidence has been presented.
Winston Peters should fly to Moscow to look at signing a bilateral trade deal.
This would free us from the clutches of Washington and Beijing and show the world we are an independent nation, not a lackey of the US.
The Nats narrative continues….but they are laying it on a little too thick and obvious…people still like Jacinda and want to give her a chance so I reckon these unfair attacks will backfire.
Too many rules. MMA is better – sparring with a good friend is better still, so long as you have the emotional fortitude not to get upset by the occasional broken rib or fat lip 🙂
When a young bloke of ANY colour is wanting a way out of poverty and ratty jobs he will often start thinking about working to be a professional fighter of some kind.
Some join the military. Some become MMA fighters. Some are bouncers or enforcers. Some turn to boxing.
And where there aren’t any ‘rich white men’ there will certainly be men of other skin shades willing to pay for the training and overheads to see if their ‘prospect’ has what it takes to win them large-ish sums.
Cock fights, dog fights, rats in a pen. It doesn’t matter how illegal you make it all (and it has been) it still goes on. Must be a species thing.
“When a young bloke of ANY colour is wanting a way out of poverty and ratty jobs he will often start thinking about working to be a professional fighter of some kind.”
Stop with the patronising bs and do some research why don’t ya. Start with a simple google search on JP’s upbringing.
I could have said he was that far behind he had to go for the ko which would have meant forcing the issue and taking more hits but since I was posting between rounds I didn’t have the time. However anyone with even a basic knowledge of combat sports would get the gist of it, since you didn’t why even bother to post?
Puckish, it’s the language used. I know what it means, but the language, “beast mode”, is not the language of sport, or fair human competition. Rather it is the language of the arena.
I followed boxing in terms of Cassius Clay/Mohammed Ali as a young man.
Then I began to find the notion of two human beings, in the name of sport, trying to disable or knock each other unconscious distasteful, appalling even.
Now at 68 years old, with the adrenalin of the young a fading memory, I deliberately put my attention elsewhere.
I prefer the likes of Tom Walsh- strong, competitive, skilled, in a sport where the big, fast and powerful do harm to 7.2 kg iron balls.
We would if we could but when it is rammed down your throat by the so-called “News” media on every pathetic excuse of news bulletins, it hard to ignore it.
It is a pity the news media did not give the same in-depth coverage of Findlaysons breach of Dot Com privacy rights or the state of our health service after 9 years of Nationals incompetence, or the lack of bridges built by Bridges. Just a few items to get on with.
“We had friends around for a boxing breakfast. Very enjoyable and social.”
Bully for you. I have just realised how fortunate I am compared with you, as I have NO friends who are interested in that barbaric thuggery and they certainly would not be invited for breakfast to watch 2 males over bacon and eggs smashing shit out of one another creating future brain damage
It is not sport mate it is thuggery nothing more nothing less.
+1. Was going to reply to his sad comment but you did it better than I could have. Any society that considers two people in a contest where the object is to harm the other other human being is “sport” or “entertainment” is in a decline to cruelty and darkness.
“Bully for you. I have just realised how fortunate I am compared with you, as I have NO friends who are interested in that barbaric thuggery and they certainly would not be invited for breakfast to watch 2 males over bacon and eggs smashing shit out of one another creating future brain damage
It is not sport mate it is thuggery nothing more nothing less.”
All I can say – perhaps if you had a wider group of friends – perhaps with differing views, as opposed to a small group of people that can only think like you then perhaps, just perhaps you might end up a happier, more rounded person.
We also had hash browns, and black pudding.
But despite your passioned statement – Boxing IS a sport – Its in the olympics.
So – we can at least we agree you were wrong – that it is a sport.
Thats great.
Yes – I know knockouts can cause problems. Shall we ban all sports that have the potential for knockouts? Lets start with Rugby, League, Aussie rules, etc etc etc
So – we can at least we agree you were wrong – that it is a sport.
Sorry, how can I be wrong? I never said it wasn’t a sport James. I just said it was also thuggery. You must be thinking of someone else.
Nice try at whataboutism with other sports as well. The difference is that the potential for knockouts and brain damage is incidental to those other activities, whereas in boxing it’s the object.
Wrong guess as yes I have boxed. And no it’s no surprise to me that those who take part or watch don’t consider it’s thuggery.
But I suspect that any fan of blood sports thinks they are okay. Calling trying to give a fellow human being brain damage “a sweet science” is a wee bit of a stretch don’t you think?
That evidence will never be presented in any formal sense, because there’s never going to be a trial, because when someone is charged, the Kremlin (not “the Russians”) will refuse to extradite them, just like Lugovoy.
However, the fact that the Kremlin (not “the Russians”) has authored an ongoing series of self-contradictory bullshit stories and excuses makes them (the Kremlin, not “the Russians”) look as guilty as fuck.
Also, the fact that Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Albania, Australia, Canada, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Ukraine and the USA have expelled diplomats indicates that sufficiently persuasive evidence has been presented to convince them.
Whereas if the Kremlin presented a signed confession, you would claim the CIA forced them into it.
Diplomacy and justice are separate domains. This is why your house is being sold from under you: because you have no friggin’ idea which rules apply to which circumstances.
Is it “just like” that? Saddam never had WMD, and stuck to that story throughout. The intelligence services backed him up.
In this instance, the Kremlin makes contradictory excuse after contradictory excuse, their story changes multiple times a day, a chemical weapon has actually been used, and its use fits a well-established pattern.
What’s more, Putin boasted about it the day after it happened. I get it: lots of people are scared that Russia is ruled by a gang of poisonous trash. The UK and USA aren’t much better, and you really oughta stop lying to yourselves and face facts.
OAB,
not so hasty
Your reading of Putin’s “boast” fails to disclose the quote “As for the traitors “etc was actually made in 2010, some years after Litvinenko (who died in 2006) and some years before the Skripal poisoning .(2018)
As well the quote was purposely abbreviated to suggest the opposite of its meaning, and showcased on March 6th 2018 as if it was a current statement
A closer reading of the Telegraph article would have clarified that
You alongside several others were apparently fooled https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/40900/did-putin-threaten-to-have-traitors-assassinated
Those who serve us with poison will eventually swallow it and poison themselves.”
Speaking in an interview with the Russian state television, Mr Putin lavished US President Donald Trump with praise, describing him as a great communicator.
“I have no disappointment at all,” Mr Putin said when asked about the US president.
“Moreover, on a personal level he made a very good impression on me.”
OAB, that is not the2010 Telegraph link you were trying to say negated my post , which you sent me back to
However , if you want to run with your new link,.. thats hardly a boast
Its a pretty much solid observation..karma, what goes around comes around
I hadn’t noticed that you had ever linked to the 2018 news article, in our earlier exchanges you were most definitely talking about the Telegraph article which was supposed to have undermined my posts
Not enough evidence to convince JA though. I’d suggest that’s coz there is no evidence. The expulsions are symbolic only and good on JA for telling them to get fucked with their shitty symbolism.
Heather Duplicity-Allen calle for someone, anyone to be expelled for the sake of appearances. OAB, do you stand shoulder to shoulder with Duplicity-Allen on this?
Is it your position that JA is lying when she says “there is no plausible alternative to who else it could be…”?
Is it your position that she is lying when she says the SIS advises that there are no Kremlin henchmen Russian diplomats in NZ who meet the criteria for expulsion?
Do you think it’s likely that I agree with HdPA? Try Professor Geddis.
The media critics of the new government seem to have no recall of the fact National in 2008 had some new inexperienced ministers who took a while (and some, never) to become conversant with their portfolios. Likewise of Key who got away with all sorts of hiccups, with barely a whimper from them.
A relative started listening to HDP on the radio and was not impressed and this relative has been a Key supporter. Likewise does not like Hosking.
As for Barry Soper, what an unpleasant man he is. I have witnessed him have an almighty temper tantrum. Boils down to these critics not being nice people. Too many adjectives to use for them! So in my book, they have very jaundiced thought processes.
Jacinda herself said early on there would be mistakes. She is not so arrogant to think otherwise. Life’s lessons are often learnt from mistakes. As was said in an article on some children learning chess – the children have to learn to lose before they learn to win when playing chess.
Jacinda will come through these issues a little wiser and better prepared. She is a quick learner. I think it’s remarkable how she has risen to all the challenges she has faced in the last year and some patience and understanding from the left and centre left please!
Well Joseph Parker was beaten but certainly not disgraced, going the distance and all but that ref stepped in far too many times for either fighters liking I reckon
Congratulations to Anthony Joshua, he fought a good game plan and was a well-deserved winner and Joseph Parker still has a future in the heavy weight division
“Without intervention, the situation for our most vulnerable citizens is only going to get worse, as fresh food becomes more frequently priced out of reach.”
A massive building human tragedy 9 years in the making
“Israel: Gaza March ‘Dangerous’ Provocation, Hamas to Blame for Any Violence”
Friday’s March of Return will see Gazans protest on Israeli border ■ Israeli official to Palestinians: You’ve been warned ■ Palestinian lawmaker: Proof that Israel’s intentions are to kill protesters
By Noa Landau and Jack Khoury
Manelis reiterated Saturday that Israel “will not allow a massive breach of the fence into Israeli territory.”
He said that Hamas and other Gaza militant groups are using protests as a cover for staging attacks. If violence continues, “we will not be able to continue limiting our activity to the fence area and will act against these terror organizations in other places too,” he said.
The border protests were seen as a new attempt by Hamas to break the border blockade, imposed by Israel and Egypt after the Islamic militant group seized Gaza in 2007 from forces loyal to its rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The continued closure has made it increasingly difficult for Hamas to govern.
Life in the coastal strip has deteriorated further in recent months, with rising unemployment, grinding poverty and daily blackouts that last for hours.
Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the PLO’s executive committee, told Haaretz that these talking points show “that Israel is preparing itself to explain a violent response. This is more proof that Israel’s intentions are to kill protesters. It’s a license to kill. The event is not organized just by Hamas, but by all the Palestinian groups. We call on all the international organizations to prevent a massacre from taking place. This is peaceful nonviolent resistance.”
“EU’s Mogherini Calls for Independent Probe Into Israeli Army Fire on Gaza Border”
“EU foreign policy chief says Friday’s events show need for ‘political solution for Gaza’ and ‘urgent resumption of peace talks’ between Israel and the Palestinians”
European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini called on Saturday for an independent and transparent investigation into the Israeli military’s use of live fire during mass rallies along Israel’s border…
The call for an independent inquiry into the killings of protesters by Israel has also been made by the United Nations General Secretary. However a meeting of the UN Security Council, which has the power to order such an investigation, reportedly ended its deliberations without any agreement on this matter which was raised there. No mention of whether permanent SC member the USA, threatened to use its veto to prevent such an investigation.
“Defense chief Lieberman slams ‘chorus of hypocrites’ calling for independent investigation into Gaza border deaths”
Haaretz, Mar 31, 2018
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the events on Israel’s border with Gaza for the first time Saturday evening, a day after at least 15 Palestinians were killed in clashes with the Israeli army during…
My free articles to Haaretz has been used up, but I think we can get the message.
Israel does not want any investigation into its shooting down of unarmed protesters.
And the US will back Israel by vetoing any move by the UN to call one, if it is ever raised again in the Security Council.
Talking about “hypocrites”, the US representative to the UN has complained long and hard about other Permanent Member, Russia, using their veto to prevent investigation into the killing of civilians by the Assad regime.
We know where every bullet went IDF
| “Israel admits, then deletes, responsibility for Gaza killings”
Electronic Intifada, 31 March, 2018
The Israeli army posted a statement on Twitter on Saturday apparently accepting full responsibility for the killings a day earlier of 15 Palestinians as thousands took part in the Great March of Return in Gaza.
The army then quickly deleted the admission – as more evidence of war crimes by its soldiers came to light – but not before a copy was made by the human rights group B’Tselem.
IDF @IDFSpokesperson
Yesterday we saw 30,000 people; we arrived prepared and with precise reinforcements; everything was accurate and measured, we know where every bullet landed
The army’s deletion of the tweet is hardly surprising. The admission that its killings of demonstrators were premeditated down to the last bullet means it cannot deny responsibility for apparent war crimes, such as the lethal shooting of Abd al-Fattah Abd al-Nabi, 19, as he ran away from the Israel-Gaza boundary fence. Abd al-Nabi was reportedly shot in the head.
Video of the slaying, widely shared on social media, shows Abd al-Nabi running alongside two other Palestinians far away from the boundary fence when the crack of a gunshot is heard and he falls suddenly.
“Abdul Fattah Abdul Nabi, a 19-year-old Palestinian, was shot dead during Friday’s protests in the Gaza Strip.”
Mahmoud Abu Salama
BEIT LAHIA, Gaza
The morning after burying 19-year-old Abdul Fattah Abdul Nabi, his family gathered in a tent set up to receive mourners, watching and re-watching a video of the moment they say Israeli soldiers shot him in the back of the head.
The video appears to show the teenager, dressed in black, running away from Gaza’s border fence with Israel carrying a tire. Just before reaching a crowd, he crumples under gunfire.
“He had no gun, no molotov, a tire. Does that harm the Israelis, a tire?” asked his brother Mohamed Abdul Nabi, 22. “He wasn’t going toward the Israeli side. He was running away.”
Abdul Fattah’s family is among those demanding an investigation into the Israeli response to the protest, saying videos show he posed no threat. More than 700 people were injured with live ammunition in the demonstration, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. Forty-nine were wounded Saturday, it said.
The United Nations on Saturday said it was “deeply concerned” and called for a transparent, independent investigation.
However with the US right of veto at the United Nations Security Council, it is unlikely that the US will allow any international independent investigation into these killings.
“Stop the forced rating sale of my home! How is Auckland Council lawfully compliant with its own ‘Rating Sale Policy’?”
“Today (Saturday 31 March 2018) the forced rating sale of my freehold property was publicly advertised,” says ‘anti-corruption whistle-blower, Penny Bright.
” I have contacted the Barfoot and Thompson agent, and advised him that I do NOT consent to anyone ‘viewing’ my property, and that I am raising this matter directly with the Attorney-General because I believe that lawful due process has not been followed by Auckland Council.”
“The Auckland Council Rating Sales Policy (CP2013/01403) states:
“14: The rating sales process is outlined by the following steps:
1. legal proceedings are initiated, and a court judgment issued with a Charging Order (registered on title documents) against the property.
..
16. The power to enforce a rating sale comes with a significant responsibility to ensure that the power is not used inappropriately.
A policy on rating sales has therefore being developed to ensure that there are clear rules regarding rating sales.”
“The ‘Composite Computer Register Under Land Transfer Act 1952, that I have, (search date 8 March 2017) hows no Charging Order registered against my property for the Judgment Debt of $47,431.76, given in the Auckland District Court on 18 January 2017.”
It appears that Auckland Council CEO Stephen Town, has not followed Auckland Council’s ‘Rating Sale Policy’.
…….
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption whistle-blower’.
PS: A ‘Give A Little Page’ will be set up ASAP, because a number of people have requested it.
The goal will be to raise the $20,000 to cover outstanding rates, and the money will be deposited into a solicitor’s account.
This money will be held there, until the Public Records Act 2005, s.17 is fully complied with, regarding transparency and accountability in the spending of public monies on private sector consultants and contractors, and the following information is published on the websites of Auckland Council and all Auckland Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs), under ‘Procurement – Awarded Contracts’:
* The unique contract number.
* The name of the consultant / contractor.
* A brief description of the scope of the contract.
* Contract start / finish dates.
* The exact dollar value of each and every contract – including those sub-contracted.
* How the contract was awarded – by direct appointment or public tender.
There will be a LOT of good that comes from this draconian municipal bullying of an unprotected ‘citizen whistle-blower’ in New Zealand ‘perceived’ to be ‘the least corrupt country in the world’, and WE ‘turn this bad thing into a good thing’!
I’m fighting for transparency, I’m not wrong and I’m NOT backing down.
Sell your house yourself to ensure best price. Repay your rates and buy a smaller place with lower rates. You are not going to win this fight to keep your house so plan for the longer game.
Penny Bright your cause and desire to expose the fraudulent operations of Auckland Council are admirable indeed…
The system has decided it has had enough and must make a clear statement to the citizens that they do not own property, even when no mortgage exists…
Take that as a signal of how close to full exposure you have achieved…your actions will no longer be tolerated…
The advice to take control of the situation for yourself before you are sidelined completely, is sound and should be considered…surely you are evaluating the risks…
It’s not quitting if you get out while you’re ahead…which in a moral sense, absolutely you are…
That said, if you choose to remain on tact, that is equally honourable…
This money will be held there, until the Public Records Act 2005, s.17 is fully complied with
It could easily be considered fraudulent to solicit money from the public on the basis of mis-reading the Public Records Act as a law about publishing information. It simply isn’t. You have been told this repeatedly.
Penny has a fair point… I know for a fact that Auckland transport engaged a consultant, then hired the consultant’s son’s company to quote for and carry out the recomended works. They asked said contractor to break the quoted sum into 3 parts as to avoid triggering a high enough sum which would need another 2 prices in a competitive process and signing off from higher up. Total figure was around 90k…
Yeah she had a point, but if she was going to pay the rates when they satisfied her reporting demands, why hadn’t she simply put the money aside in the first place?
Now she seems to be looking for crowdsource funds to put the money aside (so they’re still going to sell her house and get the rates that way). They’re still her damned rates to pay.
No argument from me there, I was under the impression she had the funds set aside.
She has made her point and could continue to make it if she paid enough to avoid the sale or in fact cleared the sum before refusing to pay again forcing the council to begin the process again keeping the matter in the spotlight.
As discussed on the other post, here are links to all ten of the articles Henry Cooke did as he accompanied the five day Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific which were published progressively by Stuff on their website over that timeframe. The only one you read and criticised for its once over lightly was in fact his wrap up article at 10. below completing the series.
In sequence, these ten articles by Henry Cooke were:
Oops I think my long one deservedly has gone into moderation or spam (Moderators can ditch my long one re the same subject which has presumably gone into moderation or spam due to the number of links. My sincere apologies as I had intended to spread over a couple of comments then forgot and pressed submit and raced off to do something else.)
So i will start again.
To patricia bremner
As discussed on the other post today, Henry Cooke wrote ten (10) articles – not one – while he was on the Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific Islands earlier in March and which were progressively published on the Stuff website (and presumably in some of the Fairfax newspapers) over the course of those five days. The only one that you apparently read and then criticised for being once over lightly in your comment on Daily Review 9 March 2018 was the last on which was Cooke’s wrap up article.
Here are the links which I will break into three lots so as not to clog up the works here.
In sequence, these ten articles by Henry Cooke were:
5. and 6. Two articles on the one day visit to Niue – One on the aid assistance announced, which included $5m for another solar panels farm to help Niue reach their goal of 80% renewable energy by 2025; and the second a lighter one focusing in part on the PM’s reunion with her family in Niue:
8. and 9. Two articles on the visit to the Cook Islands – One specifically on the biggest announcement of the whole trip on the relaxation of the rules for the payment of NZ Superannuation to Niueans, Cook Islanders and Tokelauans, and the other on the very colourful and friendly visit itself, but which also includes further discussion on the relaxed NZ Super rules:
Hello Veutoviper, Thank you for those articles. By now you will realise I have limited computer skills.
I definitely deserved a reprimand, as I had skimmed two of those articles without taking in that Henry wrote them. (A busy week with hospital and family visits none of which are easy currently)
Henry Cooke’s articles were clear and evocative, showing skill. I stand corrected.
In case you do not see this, I will again post on open mike. I said I had looked, I obviously need to learn a few more skills… will get Norm to show me how to Bookmark.
Thanks patricia. I knew that if you realised that you had not seen the rest of Cooke’s articles that you would see that your criticism was unwarranted. My original draft reply also covered a number of other issues raised in your original comment but we will leave most of those at this point.
However, re political bias, I am sure that you would now agree that there is no way that the quality and content of Cooke’s full set of articles can be equated with some of the (IMO) clearly rightwing lightweight biased garbage masquerading as journalism from these two other writers who are some years Cooke’s senior who also wrote articles on the Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific, although neither writer actually went on the trip.
This is a general explanation, not directed specifically at you, as to why I have stood up for Cooke (and some other individual journalists) and will continue to do so. It was written weeks ago well before the excess of coverage of one event – combined with a lack of coverage of some other major issues, events and decisions of considerable public interest – of the last week or so, which resulted in MS’s post and the enormous response to it over Easter when things usually go quiet here.
But I still stand by it, even if I don’t always follow it to the letter myself. (See my last para!) I did not feel it was appropriate for MS’ post, but want to say it to let off stream if nothing else. I felt Drinnan was brave coming into the lion’s den yesterday. and I give him credit for doing so. This may help explain some of my responses there.
—————————————-
As we had previously discussed, I have no direct connections with Cooke himself although we have mutual acquaintances. This is quite normal in the small world of the government- centred scene here in Wellington. I do not write on his or any other journalists’ behalf; nor am I (or ever have been) a journalist, or teacher of journalism or media studies, or a family member of any journalist. But I have known, and liaised with many journalists over the years, as part of my past jobs in the public service.
My defence of Cooke and his journalism has been because I am very interested in the quality etc of our Fourth Estate here in NZ in view of its influence on society and democracy. There is a lot of criticism of our media which is quite normal – the question is whether it is in fact justified or not, either generally or in the case of specific journalists, publications, or other means of dissemination eg blogs, digital press etc. All of which is a very big separate subject in itself.
In brief, my own personal view is that we have had a fairly stale media for some years with a lot of people in the industry having been around for a long time and with fairly fixed views and positions politically.
In the last couple of years I have noticed a number of younger talented reporters coming through the system with much fresher, more socially aware mindsets and interests, and who do not seem to have the same fixed views, political connections etc that many of the older ones do.
Cooke is one I put into this group, as are Kirsty Johnston and Jess McAllen who I mentioned to you, Patricia, in a separate exchange here on TS recently unrelated to Cooke. These three are by no means the only ones; and I am quite excited to see this generational shift as people like Johnston and McAllen in particular are producing some excellent writing about things like social justice, mental health, and special needs issues.
But it is a hard road for this young cohort with the retrenchment of print media resulting in fewer and fewer opportunities for getting in the door and finding steady employment in this field, and coupled with the increasing reliance on freelance and casual writers to produce the stories for the growing digital media. There is a high drop out rate of the younger reporters as a result of these bigger factors along with low rates of pay, job insecurity, long hours etc.
IMO we need to be encouraging this cohort of young journalists and reporters to keep them in the business and to keep them fresh and open minded – to ensure a healthy Fourth Estate for the future. Unfair criticism and unsubstantiated claims and accusation of political bias etc does not do this and just adds to the other pressures on these people, leading to them quitting the profession.
So I decided some time ago that I would stand up for and support this young cohort collectively and individually where I think they deserve it. I also do this in respect of older journalists where I also think they are being unfairly targeted, criticized etc. Unfortunately there is sometimes here on TS a ‘lemming’ approach to criticism of the media generally, which also fails to distinguish between management and editorial power and control over content and balance, and the work of individual journalists (including the limitations on them to choose their subject and the way their articles are edited and presented).
I really believe that we will achieve far better results towards achieving a better Fourth Estate for the future by trying to communicate with members of the media and opening up discussion rather than continually attacking them.
Yes, critique the structure, management and bias of the organizations, and their editorial decisions re content and balance, and of individual journalists where such criticism is warranted and can be verified with facts; but don’t tar all journalists with the same brush. They themselves are a very broad church of people with different personal and journalistic experience, beliefs, values and goals just as are the rest of us.
——————————
Having read the above, some people would say that I am a total hypocrite in view of my criticism of Garner and Hosking at the top of this post – and they are probably right, but I am human too! LOL.
Co-owner of Russia's Summa group detained. It’s a very important story about Putin 4.0 Let me explain 1/ https://t.co/lwFUTygCl9— Alexander Gabuev (@AlexGabuev) March 31, 2018
[…]
8/ As conflict with the West deepens, many Russian players (powerful SOEs, friends of Putin, siloviks) feel emboldened to go after assets they like using simple tools. Putting your hard-grained opponent in prison is the best negotiation tactic for a business dispute in Russia— Alexander Gabuev (@AlexGabuev) March 31, 2018
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian authorities on Saturday arrested billionaire Ziyavudin Magomedov on charges of embezzling more than $35 million, in one of the highest-profile prosecutions of a Russian tycoon in years.
Magomedov denied the charges at a pre-trial hearing, where a judge ordered that he be held in custody until May 30.
One of Russia’s richest men, the 49-year-old Magomedov holds assets in construction and logistics through his sprawling Summa Group. He also has investments in U.S. tech ventures, including the Virgin One Hyperloop project.
He was detained along with his business partner and brother, Magomed Magomedov, and Artur Maksidov, the head of a company in the Summa Group that was involved in the construction of a soccer World Cup venue in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
Te namu onepu decided to send in a repeat actor back to hang around ECO MAORI this person tried to get me and my wife to move into a whare that was half the size of the one we got now with little privacy for the same price of rent all because they were friends ????? of my wife and there dad owned it last time YEA RIGHT .This time Koni and Te namu onepu decided that they would try me again. I treated this person with respect the problem was this person was wanting to talk to me more than my wife ?????? I played along for a bit then I shut it out of my conversation as its not my friend. Ana to kai ka kite ano
Newshub the deep fake photos will always be able to be discredited with a examination of the data used to make and display those photos .
Many thanks to te Australian Common wealth games people for advocating Ladies Equality ka pai Mana wahine.
I’m quite good at reading the weather not as good as I should be being a ex fisherman but I left that up to the skipper I have fished right around Aoteraroa down to the Auckland Islands Chatham Islands like my tipuna before me .
Some people have to remember that I see all events .
It was a good week of sports for Eco Maori Ka pai ka kite ano
Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei
Hi Au Au Aue ha
Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei
Hi Au Au Aue ha
I aha aha
E ko te rakau a Tu nga werewere I ha
ha
He rakau tapu na Tutaua ki a Uenuku
[Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei]
I patukia ki te tipua ki o Rangitopeka
Pakaru ti upoko o Rangitopeka
Patua ki waenganui o te tau ki
Hikurangi
He toka whakairo etu ake nei
He atua He tangata He atua He
tangata ho
He atua he atua tau Paretaitoko
Kia kitea e Paretaitoko te whare
haunga
I ha ha Kia whakatete mai o rei he kuri
Au
I Ahaha
Na wai parehua taku hope kia whakaka
te rangi
Kia tare au Hi
He roha te kawau
Hi
Kei te pou tara
Tu ka tete ka Tau ha
Ko komako ko komako
E ko te hau tapu
e rite ki te kai na Matariki pakia
Tapa reireia koi tapa
Tapa kononua kaiana tukua
I aue hi
I ahaha
Ka tu te ihiihi
ka tu te wanawana
Ki runga i te rangi
e tu iho nei
HI
Open access notables A survey of interventions to actively conserve the frozen North, van Wijngaarden et al., Climatic Change:The frozen elements of the high North are thawing as the region warms much faster than the global mean. The dangers of sea level rise due to melting glacier ice, increased ...
Bryce Edwards writes – New Zealand’s biggest-ever political donations scandal is finally at an end. But what is the conclusion? No one can really be sure. The Court of Appeal released its judgement on Tuesday about the Serious Fraud Office case against the NZ First Foundation. On ...
In 2015, then-Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a huge ocean sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands, banning fishing and mining from 15% of Aotearoa's EEZ. It was bold, it was ambitious, and it suggested that National might actually care about the environment. Except they fucked it up: Key failed ...
1. Who has just been given the accolade New Zealander of the Year?a. The Kokakob. The Cook Strait Ferryc. Fair God. Dr Jim Salinger 2. Which of these is an affront to decent society?a. Dame Edna Everageb. Mrs Doubtfire c. Dr. Frank-N-Furterd. Brian 3. Who is Penny Simmonds?a. The aspiring actress in Big ...
New Zealand’s biggest-ever political donations scandal is finally at an end. But what is the conclusion? No one can really be sure.The Court of Appeal released its judgement on Tuesday about the Serious Fraud Office case against the NZ First Foundation. On the face of it, the court found ...
Buzz from the Beehive Waves of rain are set to lash much of the North Island during Easter Weekend as a low-pressure system forms east of New Zealand, according to a weather forecast published in the past day or so. Niwa was warning of a “moisture-laden” long weekend, with rain expected ...
Look around us…Nicola Willis’ promises of balancing the books, of cutting spending without reducing services, and of delivering game changing tax cuts are disappearing before her eyes.Everyday we see stories of violent crime ending in horrific injuries, or worse. The cost of living worsens, whereas the PM claimed renters would ...
TL;DR: My top six news of note on the morning of Thursday, March 28 include:The Government will have to borrow between $10 billion to $15 billion more than previously expected in order to make up for a slowing economy and to pay for $14.9 billion of tax cuts, according to ...
This story by Naveena Sadasivam and Kate Yoder was originally published by Grist and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. The long-awaited jobs board for the American Climate Corps, promised early in the Biden administration, will open next month, according to details shared exclusively ...
Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don’t think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of ...
Treasury’s first report on the economy since the change of government presents a damning indictment of Labour’s economic management. The problem for National is that it is so damning that logically, coupled with a rapidly slowing economy, Finance Minister Nicola Willis should respond to it by postponing or even cancelling ...
Budget tensions are becoming evident within the Coalition Government. Winston Peters made numerous political points in his speech to the NZF annual conference. But the attack on his own government’s fiscal policies raised issues of substance. ‘Today in the Sunday Star Times, journalist and former advisor to the Labour ...
Buzz from the Beehive The media – sure enough – have been binging on Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ release of the Budget Policy Statement and a statement headed Government announces Budget priorities This assures us – or rather, this parrots the Luxon team mantra – that the Budget “will deliver ...
The Ides of March brought me COVID followed by a bereavement. No wonder they tell you to be careful of them.I’m home now and have resumed the interrupted recuperation. Very much looking forward to getting back to regular things. Meanwhile, some thoughts…OneThis new Prime Minister guy just keeps getting more dire. ...
News that the Chinese ATP 40 cyber-hacking unit penetrated parliamentary internet networks in 2021 has renewed concerns about the PRC’s malign intentions in Aotearoa. But is the hack that significant given the length of time that has passed since its … Continue reading → ...
When Parliament passed the Intelligence and security Act in 2017, they assured us all that it was full of safeguards. Any intrusive surveillance of New Zealanders would be subject to a "triple lock", requiring the approval of the Minister and (supposedly independent) Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, as well as post-facto ...
Eric Crampton writes – Richard Harman’s Politik newsletter provides a bit of the context that ought to have been showing up in other media reports on potential reductions in public service staffing. Media has been reporting on staffing cuts on the order of about 7%. Is that ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – It’s becoming increasingly apparent that many perceive free speech to have become the preserve of the politically right wing, the religiously conservative, the libertarian fringe, the anti-trans, the anti-Māori and…. well, just fill in with whatever groups or individuals you don’t like and don’t ...
Don Brash writes – As everybody who is not blind and deaf is aware, there is a huge political preoccupation with climate change at the moment, a widespread (though by no means unanimous) belief that global temperatures are rising mainly as a result of the greenhouse gases created ...
TL;DR: My six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy on Wednesday, March 27 include:Chris Bishop laid out his vision for filling Aotearoa-NZ’s $100 billion infrastructure deficit in a speech yesterday, emphasising user pays and private funding, but failed to say how to achieve bipartisanship on population, public borrowing and ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins have been conveying how unhappy they are with the tax system. Last week in his valedictory speech, Robertson called for the introduction of a wealth or capital gains tax. And this week Hipkins ...
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 ...
Buzz from the Beehive China has loomed large in Beehive considerations over the past 24 hours, largely because of that country’s mischief-making in the cyber espionage department. Two media statements emerged on that subject hard on the heels of the PM baulking at questions put to him on RNZ’s Morning ...
Chris Trotter writes – WHY IS THE NATIONAL PARTY doing so much for landlords, property developers, trucking, and construction companies, and so little for everybody who isn’t already pretty well-off? It’s as if protecting landlords’ investments and building apartments and roads now constitute the whole of National’s ...
Bryce Edwards writes – When she was campaigning to be Minister of Finance last year, Nicola Willis pledged that she would resign from the job if she failed to deliver tax cuts in her first Budget. Now, it’s that pledge, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s ...
Robert MacCulloch writes – The Reserve Bank has doubled staff numbers in five years to 510, with personnel costs rising to $80 million in 2023 from $32 million in 2018 – up by a whopping 150%. I guess when you print $50 billion and flood markets with liquidity, ...
The furore. In case you didn’t notice there was a controversy in the weekend involving dolphins in a little town off the South Island. Don’t panic, they haven’t declared independence and resumed whaling, this was simply a sailing event.The problem began when racing was cancelled on the opening day of ...
For 20 years or more, the case for a meaningful capital tax gains has been mulled over and analysed to death, including by the tax working group chaired by Sir Michael Cullen. More than once, the International Monetary Fund has said a CGT would be a good idea for New ...
TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: The Public Health Communications Centre (PHCC) call for urgent preventive action and a risk assessment survey of long covid in this briefing noteLocal scoop: NZ road deaths surpass OECD rates, so why is the govt reversing safety plans? ...
This story was originally published by Grist and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. This story is part of a collaboration with Grist and WABE to demystify the Georgia Public Service Commission, the small but powerful state-elected board that makes critical decisions about everything from raising ...
This is a guest post from Robert McLachlan Global warming is accelerating; 2023 was off the charts. We need to stop burning fossil fuels. In New Zealand, transport accounts for half of all fossil fuels burnt. In the Emissions Reduction Plan, transport emissions fall 41% by 2035. As the ...
Labour productivity has been receding rapidly over the past two years, reversing a post-lockdown rise. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy as at 6:26am on Tuesday, March 26 include:Workers have been treading water in output per hour worked for 12 years, ...
TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 2 include:Today, Parliament resumes sitting at 2pm for the second week of a two-week session. Officials for SIS and GCSB report their annual reviews in public to the Intelligence and Security Select Committee from 5.10pm.Tomorrow, ...
Faced with a barrage of criticism over the promised tax cuts from usually supportive commentators, Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday reaffirmed her intention to include them in this year’s Budget. The Government is up against it over the cuts just about every way it turns. Commentators like Fran O’Sullivan, Matthew ...
Here’s my pick of today’s substack posts as of 6:26pm on Monday, March 25: writes via his substack that Market-rate housing will make your city cheaper writes via his substack about the problems talking to double-cab ute (truck) drivers about their vehicles. today about moments of radicalisation in ...
Buzz from the Beehive Just before Christmas, Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivered something that was pitched as a mini-budget and brayed about the decisive action being taken to repair the Government books and support income tax relief in Budget 2024. In a statement headed Fiscal repair job underway. she introduced ...
My sister Belinda asked Dad yesterday what one word would describe Mum best. He said: vivacious.If you only knew her from the photos on the slideshow we've made for today,you might wonder about that, because the camera tended to lie with Mum.If ever she saw a camera pointed at her, she ...
There are two major public consultations closing in the next week, Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP), and the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS). Closing dates and times: LTP closes Thursday 28 February, at 11.59pm – a minute to midnight! GPS closes Tuesday 2 April, at 12pm noon – note that’s ...
From Kiwiblog’s David Farrar – Bryce Wilkinson writes: Senior Fellow Bryce Wilkinson’s analysis reveals that since March 2009, New Zealand has spent $158 billion more overseas than it has earned, but its NIIP has only fallen by $32 billion.Statistics New Zealand shows that receipts from overseas reinsurers have ...
Is she hinting that the Coalition Government will have to back down on key promises it made in Opposition? Brian Easton writes – The Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, is telling an evolving story about her fiscal challenges. In Opposition she was confident that she could ...
Dear Nicola Willis,Right now you’ve probably got lots of competing demands coming at you. Ministers who’ve inherited quite a mess, or so you’ve told us, looking for money in the budget to improve things. I imagine that’s why they came to parliament - to make things better.You’ll have to make ...
The Local Government, Transport and Auckland Minister hasthreatened councils with intervention if they don’t merge water assets to take them off balance sheet, just as the now-repealed Three Waters plan directed. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My six things of note this morning for Monday, March 25 include:Simeon ...
A listing of 36 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 17, 2024 thru Sat, March 23, 2024. Story of the week Thanks to John Mason having the stamina to sit down to watch "Climate - the Movie" ...
This morning the Q&A programme had Simeon Brown on to talk about National’s replacement for Three Waters. In case anyone’s forgotten the three are - drinking water, waste water, and sewerage. It’s quite important not to get them mixed up. In much the same way that you wouldn’t want to ...
Today’s newsletter comes with a mini-podcast conversation between me and my buddy Liv Tennet, talking about her time as a child actor in Lord of the Rings. It’s a conversation with a lot of giggles as she talks about falling off a horse, and becoming a meme. Read ...
The Desmog Climate Disinformation Database documents, "individuals and organisations that have helped to delay and distract the public and our elected leaders from taking needed action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and fight global warming." It's a who's who of the organised climate change denial movement, in other words. In ...
Bob Edlin writes – A High Court judge has decided miscreants who have mana – or who claim to have mana – should be treated differently from miscreants who have none. It’s a ruling that suggests indigenous law-breakers have a better chance of securing a discharge without conviction ...
Welcome to the first, and possibly last, edition of Brickbats, Bouquets and Bull’s Wool. In which I’ll take a look at the events of the last week or so, and rate them.In such ratings the numbers usually have more to do with the opinions of the reviewer, than the actual ...
Roger Partridge writes – My earlier column this month, New Zealand’s highest court could be facing a turning point, prompted a flood of feedback from business readers and lawyers alike. A common query was what Parliament can do to restrain an overreaching judiciary. This week I discuss two steps Parliament ...
TL;DR: In today’s ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.16pm on Friday, March 22: writes about New Zealand's Building Boom—And What the World Must Learn From It over at his substack. challenges the Auckland Council’s use of a 3.8 degrees of warming forecast to oppose a wave-park and data centre project ...
Is she hinting that the Coalition Government will have to back down on key promises it made in Opposition?The Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, is telling an evolving story about her fiscal challenges. In Opposition she was confident that she could deliver her promised income tax cuts. Appointed minister, she ...
Buzz from the Beehive Ministers of the Crown have drawn attention to one sector of the science sector which is unlikely to be subjected to heavy spending cuts, a state-funded broadcaster which is doing nicely, thank you, and a sporting event that had $5.4 million from the public purse puffed ...
Abbott’s Freestyle Libre sensors allow continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The sensor is applied to the back of the patient’s arm, with a thin filament under the skin measuring glucose levels constantly. But it costs around $100 per sensor and must be replaced once every 14 days. Photo by BSIP/Universal Images ...
The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) recently released a report in which he exposes the existence of a foreign intelligence partner-controlled technological “capability” inside the headquarters of the GCSB, NZ’s 5 Eyes-affiliated signals intelligence collection and analysis agency. … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – Nearly three decades after the introduction of MMP and multiparty governments there should be a greater level of understanding about their finer points than often appears to be the case. The reaction to the despicable outburst from the Deputy Prime Minister at the weekend highlights ...
The sweet kisses from fruit of summerHave slowly been turning dullerYou say, "those times"And "remember the daysWhen we went outside and there still was the shade?"Taking no reason into play…Autumn. Clear, blue days shortening to longer nights, growing colder. Aotearoa.That’s us. The temperature dropping, the looming car crash - so ...
Bryce Edwards writes – “It is often said that behind every great man is a great woman”. This is the pitch by the National Party Botany electorate branch to attend their “Ladies Afternoon Tea with Amanda Luxon”. For $110 including GST, you can turn up on Saturday 20 April ...
David Farrar writes – The Electoral Commission has published the expense returns for political parties for the 2023 election. I’ve put them in a table with how many votes a party got so we can see the spend per vote. National only spent $3.34 for every vote they got, almost ...
Winston Peters’ headline-making actions over the past week may have been a show of political power intended to strengthen his hand in Budget negotiations. It was no accident that his State of the Nation speech was as it was. He made it as New Zealand First Leader, not as Deputy ...
Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:Former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson bowed out of politics this week, giving a series of exit ...
Graham Adams writes — If you love the law or sausages, as the saying goes, best not to look too closely at how they are made. And after watching the orgy of self-pity when Newshub’s closure was announced on February 28, television journalism should definitely be added to the list of those ...
Venerable New Zealand political commentator, Chris Trotter (https://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/), is a sad creature these days. Once one of the most reliable Leftist writers out there – Economic Left at that – Trotter seems to have absorbed the worldview of Auckland culture-war obsessives. It is not for me to categorise what he ...
The cruelty of short-term memory loss is that each time you ask where she is, you get the fresh shock and grief of the news. That was Dad's day yesterday.Comfortingly, it seems to be less so today. Last night he looked crumpled, today he seems more settled. There's a card ...
Photo by Alvan Nee on UnsplashIt’s that new day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when and I co-host our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm. Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news ...
Buzz from the Beehive One minister is talking tough while a colleague – whose ministry had acted tough and drawn a barrage of flak – has shown an official softening. Some ministers are doing what Labour was good at, which is distributing public funds to causes regarded as worthy or ...
A ballot for 4 Member's Bills was held today, and the following bills were drawn: Insurance Contracts Bill (Duncan Webb) Income Tax (Clean Transport FBT Exclusion) Amendment Bill (Julie Anne Genter) Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill (Greg Fleming) Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) ...
One of the strongest narratives about "our" spy agencies is that they are basically institutional traitors, working for foreign powers (or just themselves), without any control or oversight by the elected government. And today, we have yet another report from the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security which explicitly confirms this. ...
“It is often said that behind every great man is a great woman”. This is the pitch by the National Party Botany electorate branch to attend their “Ladies Afternoon Tea with Amanda Luxon”. For $110 including GST, you can turn up on Saturday 20 April to meet the Prime Minister’s ...
The Coalition Government’s plan to ‘get Auckland moving’ is a cuts cover-up that will ultimately cost Aucklanders more to move around the city, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Slashing the Ministry of Pacific Peoples by 40% will have a devastating impact on pacific communities and further highlights how little this government cares about anything other than cutting taxes for the wealthiest few. ...
Labour has proposed an urgent inquiry to investigate the ever-increasing profits of supermarkets, aiming to lower costs for shoppers and food producers alike, says Labour Spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs Arena Williams and Primary Production Spokesperson Cushla Tangaere-Manuel. ...
With 14% of jobs on the line at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, the responsible Minister Melissa Lee is failing to stand up for the very communities she’s meant to be representing. ...
COURT OF APPEAL: TRIFECTA OF VICTORY FOR NZ FIRST, TRIFECTA OF FAILURE FOR OPPONENTS For the third time since April 2020, New Zealand First has defeated the Serious Fraud Office and all those complicit in a malicious attack against a political party going about its lawful business in a lawful ...
The Green Party stands with people who live in public housing, people in dire housing need, experts and advocates in demanding better than the Government’s archaic approach to housing those who need our support the most. ...
New Zealand has recently lost the hosting rights of some major international sporting events including the America’s Cup, the Rugby Championship, Netball World Cup, and the Wellington Sevens. We are now at a huge risk of losing SailGP as well. And it won’t stop there. The recent issues with SailGP ...
A Member’s Bill drawn this week would modernise insurance law and make things fairer and more transparent for consumers, Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb said. ...
The Minister for Disability Issues has confirmed she was aware of funding issues in mid-December and did nothing to stop it. On 14 March, she signed off on changes that were announced and implemented on 18 March without any consultation with disability communities. ...
Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter says her members' bill is an opportunity for the coalition government to plug the gap in electric vehicle incentives. ...
The National Government continues to talk about irresponsible tax cuts that will only drive up inflation, despite the country entering a technical recession. ...
The Minister for Disability Issues must act urgently to reinstate flexibility around the funding for disability support and apologise to disabled carers. ...
This story has been initiated by a leftie shill reporter who proactively sought to call a member of a former band, which disbanded twelve years ago, give their biased appraisal of what was said in my speech, and concocted a ham-fisted attempt at a story that does nothing but show ...
The Government has accepted Labour’s change to the Road User Charge (RUC) discount for hybrid vehicles, meaning there will still be some incentive for people to buy greener vehicles. ...
Many in the mainstream media have taken what was said in New Zealand First’s State of the Nation Speech in Palmerston North on Sunday and deliberately, deceitfully, and ignorantly misrepresented what I said and why I said it. The headlines and commentary on the news stated that I compared ‘co-governance ...
Kicking the most vulnerable people out of state housing and pushing them towards homelessness will result in a proliferation of poverty and trauma across our most vulnerable communities. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi has penned a letter asking MPs to support his members bill to remove GST from all food. The bill is expected to go through its first reading in parliament this Wednesday. “I’m calling on all political parties to support my ...
Good afternoon. Thank you for, in your very busy lives, turning up to this meeting today. On October 14th last year New Zealanders overwhelmingly voted for change. That is exactly what this new government is bringing. New Zealand First campaigned to ‘take back our country’ and stop the disastrous economic ...
This year is about getting real with Kiwis and discussing the tough issues, as the National Government exacerbates inequality and divides New Zealand, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said ...
The Government adding Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) to its already roaring environmental policy bonfire is an assault on the future of wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique. ...
After 12 years of fighting to protect our moana we are finding ourselves back at square one and back at court. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is sitting in Hawera to reconsider an application from Trans-Tasman Resources to dig up 50 million tonnes of the seabed in South Taranaki. This ...
Minister Shane Jones’ decision to step away from a seabed mining project is evidence of the murky waters surrounding the Government’s fast-track legislation. ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The Coalition Government’s miscalculation saga continues as it has forgotten an eyewatering $90 million gap in its interest deductibility cost figures, say Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds and Revenue Spokesperson Deborah Russell. ...
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has today released advice that says if the Government doesn’t act now New Zealand is at risk of not meeting its climate goals. ...
The Coalition Government has today confirmed it is abandoning first home buyers who are struggling to get ahead, says Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April. “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates. Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend. “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says. Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track. “Dam safety regulations ...
The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009. ...
The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function. The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union. “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says. “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
Good morning, it’s great to be here. First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning. I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed. “Northland has faced a number ...
New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
EDITORIAL:The Jakarta Post It happens again and again; indigenous Papuans fall victim to Indonesian soldiers. This time, we have photographic evidence for the brutality, with videos on social media showing a Papuan man being tortured by a group of plainclothes men alleged to be the Indonesian Military (TNI) members. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn J. Whitaker, Director of the Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy & Associate Professor, New Testament, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity A strange and eclectic range of activities takes place across these few weeks of the year. Some ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Panizza Allmark, Professor Visual & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University It’s Easter weekend, which means many of us will be kicking back with the greatest hits on repeat. But whether you’re a boomer, or an ‘80s or ’90s kid, you might be ...
RNZ Pacific Fiji’s Acting Public Prosecutor has filed an appeal against the sentences of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended police chief Sitiveni Qiliho in their corruption case. Bainimarama was granted an absolute discharge for attempting to pervert the course of justice while Qiliho received a conditional discharge with ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arosha Weerakoon, Senior Lecturer and General Dentist, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland Casezy idea/Shutterstock How does toothpaste work? What did people use before toothpaste was invented? – Amelia, age 7, Meanjin (Brisbane) Thanks for your ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Hallam, Associate professor, UNSW Sydney IM Imagery/Shutterstock Solar SunShot is well named. The Australian government announced today it would plough A$1 billion into bringing back solar manufacturing to Australia, boosting energy security, swapping coal and gas jobs for those ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Dix, Research Fellow in Nutrition & Dietetics, The University of Queensland Easter is the time for chocolate. The shops are full of fantastically packaged and shiny chocolates in all shapes and sizes, making trips to the supermarket with children more challenging ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Felton, Adjunct Senior Researcher, University of South Australia Even in a stubborn cost-of-living crisis, it seems there’s one luxury most Australians won’t sacrifice – their daily cup of coffee. Coffee sales have largely remained stable, even as financial pressures have ...
Mining company Trans-Tasman Resources has unexpectedly withdrawn its application for a consent to suck the valuable metals vanadium and titanium from the Taranaki seafloor, as it apparently wagers on the Government’s new fast-track process. It had spent two-and-a-half days putting its case to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision-making committee, at ...
Contrary to the Associate Minister of Education’s claims, analysis of Healthy School Lunches Programme - Ka Ora, Ka Ako assessments has revealed it provides excellent value for the taxpayer dollar, as a groundswell of public opposition to Government ...
Greenpeace says wannabe Taranaki seabed miner Trans-Tasman Resources is likely banking on Christopher Luxon’s fast-track process to side-step proper scrutiny of its Taranaki seabed mining proposal by bailing out of the Environmental Protection Agency hearing ...
Kiwis Against Seabed mining today slammed Australian owned would-be seabed miner Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) for abandoning its application to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to mine the seabed of the South Taranaki Bight. The company ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national Essential poll, conducted March 20–24 from a sample of 1,150, gave the Coalition a 50–44 lead including undecided, a reversal ...
The Taxpayers’ Union has today made a formal request under the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Open Government Information () for information held about how New Zealand Members of Parliament are spending taxpayer ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Nelson, Honorary Principal Fellow, The University of Melbourne A Byzantine depiction of the Eucharist in Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv.Jacek555/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA A nasty quarrel arose in the 11th century over what kind of bread should be used in holy ...
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Whether you’re facing layoffs or are just an emotional junior staffer, it’s always a good idea to scout out a good crying place before you need it. It’s an incredibly hard time for Wellington. Across the city, thousands of public servants are hearing tough news about redundancies and layoffs. Government ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl Adair, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Technology Sydney Earlier this week, independent MP Andrew Wilkie accused the AFL of conducting “off the books” illicit drug testing to identify players using substances of abuse, then inappropriately withdrawing them from matches ...
The Government’s announcement that it will scrap plans for a vast marine sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands is ‘shameful’ and will make it impossible for Aotearoa New Zealand to meet its international commitments, says the World Wide Fund for Nature ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suzanne Rutland, Professor Emerita, University of Sydney In his latest book, Jewish Life in Medieval Spain, Jonathan Ray focuses on the tumult of the 14th century in Spain – a time of the plague, civil strife and war between the two largest ...
While creating a slate of world-class shows, Whakaata Māori also developed a generation of world-class creatives. Television is an odd word. It mixes the Ancient Greek and Latin languages, and its most literal meaning is “far-off sight”. In the contemporary and living language of te reo Māori, “whakaata” as a ...
Yesterday the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza. This significant step and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza prompted an urgent debate in the New Zealand Parliament. Leader ...
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I have just been reading an article on Stuff about a South American tumbleweed type grass they call “Hairy Panic”.
It is an invasive species which has turned up in Victoria at Wangaratta, so deep cars were getting lost in it and they had to close the town’s main street.
A woman nearby posted photos on facebook, seeking help as it took over her yard, more than a metre deep, and was on to her verandah. A living moving sea of grass.
This could be another feature of travel…. introduced species becoming pests.
Google Hairy Panic grass for articles and photos off this strange plant.
Lol brilliant name for it
Would be a good band name.
Definitely!
Oh dear – something else to look forward to 🙁
I could not find anything on Stuff, patricia. Do you mean this article on the Herald?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12022506
Initially, my reaction was April 1st?
But no, there has been quite a bit about this grass on Australian and other media over the last week or longer. Plenty more links here.
https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=Hairy+Panic&rlz=1C1LDJZ_enNZ499&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwizuc2ou5faAhULu7wKHTusCdEQ_AUICSgA&biw=853&bih=603&dpr=1.5
LOL No I forgot it was April one. The Jokes on me .
Think Stuff got it from Google.
Actually, it’s native to Australia:
There does appears to be a species from Southern United States though:
Hillman’s Panic:
Introduced species almost always become pests but I suspect that travel today is less likely to result in introduction of species due to border checks.
EDIT:
It’s not ‘hairy’ but Hillman’s panic grass
Oh, Thanks for that. Very interesting. I can’t locate the article to re read it, but you sound like an authority on the subject. I read a piece on Google which said it is related to the dandelion. Is that true? Is tumble weed just a name to describe the seed dispersal?
I’m not. That’s just what I got from a quick Google.
Seems that way:
The china hustle must see documentary its out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55892jT06aI
Very good. Viewed it last night.
I admire this government for its refusal to support the lemming like rush to war against Russia.
Craig Murray was formerly British ambassador to Uzbekistan and provides a much needed alternative to the propaganda the western public has been bombarded with about the Skripal poisoning.
No evidence has been presented.
Winston Peters should fly to Moscow to look at signing a bilateral trade deal.
This would free us from the clutches of Washington and Beijing and show the world we are an independent nation, not a lackey of the US.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDrdlYZXa_o
Were did you get the impression we are not a lackey of the USA. When you have years of a National govt the Yanks say jump and we say how high.
No longer National.
Winston Peters keen to make trade pact with Russia.
Duplicity Allen’s latest hatchet job aimed at undermining the government leads The National Herald online as “breaking news”.
Hyperbolic BS but I guess that’s what she’s paid for.
The Government has had three weeks of car crash problems and Jacinda Ardern dropped the ball virtually every time.
When it starts with the word Hosking, I never read it. I now apply the same to HD Allen.
I’m doing the same to Duncan Garner as well
And both their partners – Soper and Hawkesby.
And Garner.
Richardson.
Trevett.
Kirk.
The list of corporate puppets is long.
The Nats narrative continues….but they are laying it on a little too thick and obvious…people still like Jacinda and want to give her a chance so I reckon these unfair attacks will backfire.
Thank you to the petitioner who held up a mirror to Bob Jones. Sadly he pokes his own eyes out so as not to see. Media giving him more oxygen today
Go Judith Collins nephew, go hard and give it your best!
First few rounds to Anthony but joes coming back
Game plan seems to be to take Anthony to the later rounds
Refs a bit shit, keeps splitting them up when they get close, helps no one
I think boxing is an inhumane sport.
Rich people watching poor people hitting each other.
😆 Joshua is very wealthy and regardless of whether Jospeh Parker wins or loses he will be very comfortably off after this fight.
You can describe Joshua and Parker as a lot of things but definitely not poor.
If you look at the pay cheques they receive they’ll end up a lot richer than most people watching it.
We’re they rich when they started boxing?’
How many boxers get battered brains and never make any money?
You know that people actually do the sport because the love it – they aren’t all chasing money.
Im more inclined to see it as rich white WASPs watching tattooed brown people beat each other up.
I’m more inclined to see it as two exceptional sportspeople competing and putting an amazing show.
Funny what people see huh?
Too many rules. MMA is better – sparring with a good friend is better still, so long as you have the emotional fortitude not to get upset by the occasional broken rib or fat lip 🙂
There is no “Better” they are completely different – and people can love them for what they are.
Fair enough, but participating is still more fun than spectating 🙂
Did plenty in my younger days. Too old, too slow and too fat now.
The Romans reverted to violent sports to distract an ever more unhappy population as their empire came to a close.
https://vimeo.com/38334631
Your equivalence is simplistic and wrong.
You understand that this is simply a sport that people do for enjoyment, and a lucky few get to make it their career as professional sports people.
Will probably go the distance, both fighters still look sharp
Easy to say sitting here but Joe needs to let go, too far behind on the card imho, 2 rounds to go
Last round, joe needs to go beast mode and ko anthony
“beast mode”….. says it all there.
It is a repulsive activity.
All the rich white men approving of it on this site would never get involved themselves.
When a young bloke of ANY colour is wanting a way out of poverty and ratty jobs he will often start thinking about working to be a professional fighter of some kind.
Some join the military. Some become MMA fighters. Some are bouncers or enforcers. Some turn to boxing.
And where there aren’t any ‘rich white men’ there will certainly be men of other skin shades willing to pay for the training and overheads to see if their ‘prospect’ has what it takes to win them large-ish sums.
Cock fights, dog fights, rats in a pen. It doesn’t matter how illegal you make it all (and it has been) it still goes on. Must be a species thing.
Anything to back up that statement – I know for a fact you are wrong.
“When a young bloke of ANY colour is wanting a way out of poverty and ratty jobs he will often start thinking about working to be a professional fighter of some kind.”
Stop with the patronising bs and do some research why don’t ya. Start with a simple google search on JP’s upbringing.
I could have said he was that far behind he had to go for the ko which would have meant forcing the issue and taking more hits but since I was posting between rounds I didn’t have the time. However anyone with even a basic knowledge of combat sports would get the gist of it, since you didn’t why even bother to post?
Puckish, it’s the language used. I know what it means, but the language, “beast mode”, is not the language of sport, or fair human competition. Rather it is the language of the arena.
I followed boxing in terms of Cassius Clay/Mohammed Ali as a young man.
Then I began to find the notion of two human beings, in the name of sport, trying to disable or knock each other unconscious distasteful, appalling even.
Now at 68 years old, with the adrenalin of the young a fading memory, I deliberately put my attention elsewhere.
I prefer the likes of Tom Walsh- strong, competitive, skilled, in a sport where the big, fast and powerful do harm to 7.2 kg iron balls.
Oh goodie, lacking anything constructive to say, puckish rogue has decided that he will actively promote violence.
What next, throwing babies in front of trains. Oh what, that is probably a bit to much hyperbole for your poor wee brain to comprehend.
I find commentary of one human beating up another very unpleasant.
Ignore it then.
Many enjoy it – that’s why they make millions of dollars off people paying $50 to pay it.
We had friends around for a boxing breakfasts. Very enjoyable and social.
“Ignore it then.”
We would if we could but when it is rammed down your throat by the so-called “News” media on every pathetic excuse of news bulletins, it hard to ignore it.
It is a pity the news media did not give the same in-depth coverage of Findlaysons breach of Dot Com privacy rights or the state of our health service after 9 years of Nationals incompetence, or the lack of bridges built by Bridges. Just a few items to get on with.
“We had friends around for a boxing breakfast. Very enjoyable and social.”
Bully for you. I have just realised how fortunate I am compared with you, as I have NO friends who are interested in that barbaric thuggery and they certainly would not be invited for breakfast to watch 2 males over bacon and eggs smashing shit out of one another creating future brain damage
It is not sport mate it is thuggery nothing more nothing less.
+1. Was going to reply to his sad comment but you did it better than I could have. Any society that considers two people in a contest where the object is to harm the other other human being is “sport” or “entertainment” is in a decline to cruelty and darkness.
“Bully for you. I have just realised how fortunate I am compared with you, as I have NO friends who are interested in that barbaric thuggery and they certainly would not be invited for breakfast to watch 2 males over bacon and eggs smashing shit out of one another creating future brain damage
It is not sport mate it is thuggery nothing more nothing less.”
All I can say – perhaps if you had a wider group of friends – perhaps with differing views, as opposed to a small group of people that can only think like you then perhaps, just perhaps you might end up a happier, more rounded person.
We also had hash browns, and black pudding.
But despite your passioned statement – Boxing IS a sport – Its in the olympics.
Boxing IS a sport – Its in the olympics.
It’s still brutal thuggery. Knockout = brain damage. You do know that?
So – we can at least we agree you were wrong – that it is a sport.
Thats great.
Yes – I know knockouts can cause problems. Shall we ban all sports that have the potential for knockouts? Lets start with Rugby, League, Aussie rules, etc etc etc
So – we can at least we agree you were wrong – that it is a sport.
Sorry, how can I be wrong? I never said it wasn’t a sport James. I just said it was also thuggery. You must be thinking of someone else.
Nice try at whataboutism with other sports as well. The difference is that the potential for knockouts and brain damage is incidental to those other activities, whereas in boxing it’s the object.
Apologies – it was halfcrown who said it wasnt a sport.
As for thuggery – it might come as a surprise to you (guessing that you have never boxed) – that people in it do not consider it thuggery.
its called the sweet science for a reason.
But – feel free to have your views and make judgement about the many millions of people who play it, or enjoy watching it as a sport.
Wrong guess as yes I have boxed. And no it’s no surprise to me that those who take part or watch don’t consider it’s thuggery.
But I suspect that any fan of blood sports thinks they are okay. Calling trying to give a fellow human being brain damage “a sweet science” is a wee bit of a stretch don’t you think?
Boxing breakfasts with your friends? It’s barbecue 2.0 all over again.
Classic!
Only for people without the friends or social skills to actually have either.
No evidence has been shown the Russians did it.
[This post was and is about Israeli actions in Gaza]
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
That evidence will never be presented in any formal sense, because there’s never going to be a trial, because when someone is charged, the Kremlin (not “the Russians”) will refuse to extradite them, just like Lugovoy.
However, the fact that the Kremlin (not “the Russians”) has authored an ongoing series of self-contradictory bullshit stories and excuses makes them (the Kremlin, not “the Russians”) look as guilty as fuck.
Also, the fact that Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Albania, Australia, Canada, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Ukraine and the USA have expelled diplomats indicates that sufficiently persuasive evidence has been presented to convince them.
Whereas if the Kremlin presented a signed confession, you would claim the CIA forced them into it.
Just like Sadam had weapons of mass destruction.
Exactly.
What form of ‘natural justice’ includes consequences after unsubstantiated allegations?
Diplomacy and justice are separate domains. This is why your house is being sold from under you: because you have no friggin’ idea which rules apply to which circumstances.
Is it “just like” that? Saddam never had WMD, and stuck to that story throughout. The intelligence services backed him up.
In this instance, the Kremlin makes contradictory excuse after contradictory excuse, their story changes multiple times a day, a chemical weapon has actually been used, and its use fits a well-established pattern.
What’s more, Putin boasted about it the day after it happened. I get it: lots of people are scared that Russia is ruled by a gang of poisonous trash. The UK and USA aren’t much better, and you really oughta stop lying to yourselves and face facts.
Could you link to that OAB?
(Putin boasting the day after)
I’ve been following it pretty closely but I missed that bit.
Francesca, I recommend you follow Craig Murray.
A very interesting perspective.
https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/
Thanks ED, I have been following it
Craigs good
You know perfectly well what I’m referring to, because you tried running your bullshit excuses the last time I mentioned it.
Thats not an answer OAB
I fear you’ve been caught out by your own bluster.
Is your memory so feeble? Or are you simply incapable of arguing in good faith?
I think it’s the latter, and spare me another round of your bullshit excuses: I’ve heard them.
OAB,
not so hasty
Your reading of Putin’s “boast” fails to disclose the quote “As for the traitors “etc was actually made in 2010, some years after Litvinenko (who died in 2006) and some years before the Skripal poisoning .(2018)
As well the quote was purposely abbreviated to suggest the opposite of its meaning, and showcased on March 6th 2018 as if it was a current statement
A closer reading of the Telegraph article would have clarified that
You alongside several others were apparently fooled
https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/40900/did-putin-threaten-to-have-traitors-assassinated
And by the way,OAB, the Qatar incident was even earlier , in 2004
He said this in 2010, apparently.
🙄
OAB, that is not the2010 Telegraph link you were trying to say negated my post , which you sent me back to
However , if you want to run with your new link,.. thats hardly a boast
Its a pretty much solid observation..karma, what goes around comes around
https://russian.stackexchange.com/questions/16026/did-putin-literally-say-those-who-serve-us-with-poison-will-eventually-swallow
I hadn’t noticed that you had ever linked to the 2018 news article, in our earlier exchanges you were most definitely talking about the Telegraph article which was supposed to have undermined my posts
Not enough evidence to convince JA though. I’d suggest that’s coz there is no evidence. The expulsions are symbolic only and good on JA for telling them to get fucked with their shitty symbolism.
Heather Duplicity-Allen calle for someone, anyone to be expelled for the sake of appearances. OAB, do you stand shoulder to shoulder with Duplicity-Allen on this?
Not enough evidence to convince JA though
Is it your position that JA is lying when she says “there is no plausible alternative to who else it could be…”?
Is it your position that she is lying when she says the SIS advises that there are no
Kremlin henchmenRussian diplomats in NZ who meet the criteria for expulsion?Do you think it’s likely that I agree with HdPA? Try Professor Geddis.
Sorry Bill
The media critics of the new government seem to have no recall of the fact National in 2008 had some new inexperienced ministers who took a while (and some, never) to become conversant with their portfolios. Likewise of Key who got away with all sorts of hiccups, with barely a whimper from them.
A relative started listening to HDP on the radio and was not impressed and this relative has been a Key supporter. Likewise does not like Hosking.
As for Barry Soper, what an unpleasant man he is. I have witnessed him have an almighty temper tantrum. Boils down to these critics not being nice people. Too many adjectives to use for them! So in my book, they have very jaundiced thought processes.
Jacinda herself said early on there would be mistakes. She is not so arrogant to think otherwise. Life’s lessons are often learnt from mistakes. As was said in an article on some children learning chess – the children have to learn to lose before they learn to win when playing chess.
Jacinda will come through these issues a little wiser and better prepared. She is a quick learner. I think it’s remarkable how she has risen to all the challenges she has faced in the last year and some patience and understanding from the left and centre left please!
They are paid puppets.
Their income and lifestyle depends on pumping out such propaganda.
No wonder they are angry and unhappy people.
“No wonder they are angry and unhappy people.”
What’s your excuse ?
1000% Reality @ 8
Well Joseph Parker was beaten but certainly not disgraced, going the distance and all but that ref stepped in far too many times for either fighters liking I reckon
Congratulations to Anthony Joshua, he fought a good game plan and was a well-deserved winner and Joseph Parker still has a future in the heavy weight division
Anthony Joshua 1st
Joseph Parker 2nd
Ref Zero
No arguments there
The film Dominion opened in Melbourne on the 29th March.
It sounds very powerful.
Does anyone know when it is coming to New Zealand?
https://www.plantbasednews.org/post/activist-james-aspey-breaks-down-intense-vegan-film-dominion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=gv1MRcLBnBs
Good on you Ed,
I would hope no one could watch this trailer and not question the morality of ignoring/defending such human actions towards animals
Sadly there are many who can.
There are many people who are only too ready to heap another slaughtered sentient being on the barbie.
I don’t know what it’s going to take for more people to see how cruel eating meat is. We have a choice.
“Without intervention, the situation for our most vulnerable citizens is only going to get worse, as fresh food becomes more frequently priced out of reach.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12016943
or…
“And it is a certainty the price of these “animal-less” foods is going to drop to a fraction of anything New Zealand could possibly grow in a field.”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/102640438/the-future-of-everything-why-the-third-industrial-revolution-is-a-risk-to-nz
You can see why this guy why voted out of office. Good comments on sanctions. This is what a Christian left can look like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQR5G3kvfNQ&ab_channel=TheLateShowwithStephenColbert
A massive building human tragedy 9 years in the making
“Israel: Gaza March ‘Dangerous’ Provocation, Hamas to Blame for Any Violence”
Friday’s March of Return will see Gazans protest on Israeli border ■ Israeli official to Palestinians: You’ve been warned ■ Palestinian lawmaker: Proof that Israel’s intentions are to kill protesters
By Noa Landau and Jack Khoury
“EU’s Mogherini Calls for Independent Probe Into Israeli Army Fire on Gaza Border”
“EU foreign policy chief says Friday’s events show need for ‘political solution for Gaza’ and ‘urgent resumption of peace talks’ between Israel and the Palestinians”
The call for an independent inquiry into the killings of protesters by Israel has also been made by the United Nations General Secretary. However a meeting of the UN Security Council, which has the power to order such an investigation, reportedly ended its deliberations without any agreement on this matter which was raised there. No mention of whether permanent SC member the USA, threatened to use its veto to prevent such an investigation.
https://www.haaretz.com/.premium-un-security-council-convenes-to-discuss-gaza-without-israel-1.5962543
“Defense chief Lieberman slams ‘chorus of hypocrites’ calling for independent investigation into Gaza border deaths”
Haaretz, Mar 31, 2018
My free articles to Haaretz has been used up, but I think we can get the message.
Israel does not want any investigation into its shooting down of unarmed protesters.
And the US will back Israel by vetoing any move by the UN to call one, if it is ever raised again in the Security Council.
Talking about “hypocrites”, the US representative to the UN has complained long and hard about other Permanent Member, Russia, using their veto to prevent investigation into the killing of civilians by the Assad regime.
We know where every bullet went IDF
|
“Israel admits, then deletes, responsibility for Gaza killings”
Electronic Intifada, 31 March, 2018
“Abdul Fattah Abdul Nabi, a 19-year-old Palestinian, was shot dead during Friday’s protests in the Gaza Strip.”
Mahmoud Abu Salama
BEIT LAHIA, Gaza
However with the US right of veto at the United Nations Security Council, it is unlikely that the US will allow any international independent investigation into these killings.
NZ ANTI-CORRUPTION WHISTLE-BLOWER ALERT!
(Sunday 1 April 2018 – but this is no April Fool’s joke 🙁
31 March 2018
Press Release : Anti-corruption whistle-blower Penny Bright
“Stop the forced rating sale of my home! How is Auckland Council lawfully compliant with its own ‘Rating Sale Policy’?”
“Today (Saturday 31 March 2018) the forced rating sale of my freehold property was publicly advertised,” says ‘anti-corruption whistle-blower, Penny Bright.
” I have contacted the Barfoot and Thompson agent, and advised him that I do NOT consent to anyone ‘viewing’ my property, and that I am raising this matter directly with the Attorney-General because I believe that lawful due process has not been followed by Auckland Council.”
“The Auckland Council Rating Sales Policy (CP2013/01403) states:
“14: The rating sales process is outlined by the following steps:
1. legal proceedings are initiated, and a court judgment issued with a Charging Order (registered on title documents) against the property.
..
16. The power to enforce a rating sale comes with a significant responsibility to ensure that the power is not used inappropriately.
A policy on rating sales has therefore being developed to ensure that there are clear rules regarding rating sales.”
“The ‘Composite Computer Register Under Land Transfer Act 1952, that I have, (search date 8 March 2017) hows no Charging Order registered against my property for the Judgment Debt of $47,431.76, given in the Auckland District Court on 18 January 2017.”
It appears that Auckland Council CEO Stephen Town, has not followed Auckland Council’s ‘Rating Sale Policy’.
…….
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption whistle-blower’.
PS: A ‘Give A Little Page’ will be set up ASAP, because a number of people have requested it.
The goal will be to raise the $20,000 to cover outstanding rates, and the money will be deposited into a solicitor’s account.
This money will be held there, until the Public Records Act 2005, s.17 is fully complied with, regarding transparency and accountability in the spending of public monies on private sector consultants and contractors, and the following information is published on the websites of Auckland Council and all Auckland Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs), under ‘Procurement – Awarded Contracts’:
* The unique contract number.
* The name of the consultant / contractor.
* A brief description of the scope of the contract.
* Contract start / finish dates.
* The exact dollar value of each and every contract – including those sub-contracted.
* How the contract was awarded – by direct appointment or public tender.
There will be a LOT of good that comes from this draconian municipal bullying of an unprotected ‘citizen whistle-blower’ in New Zealand ‘perceived’ to be ‘the least corrupt country in the world’, and WE ‘turn this bad thing into a good thing’!
I’m fighting for transparency, I’m not wrong and I’m NOT backing down.
Sell your house yourself to ensure best price. Repay your rates and buy a smaller place with lower rates. You are not going to win this fight to keep your house so plan for the longer game.
Penny, I have to agree with Tracey, unless you control this, they will sell your house at a low price.
If you want to stay in the fight, think about she said.
Penny Bright your cause and desire to expose the fraudulent operations of Auckland Council are admirable indeed…
The system has decided it has had enough and must make a clear statement to the citizens that they do not own property, even when no mortgage exists…
Take that as a signal of how close to full exposure you have achieved…your actions will no longer be tolerated…
The advice to take control of the situation for yourself before you are sidelined completely, is sound and should be considered…surely you are evaluating the risks…
It’s not quitting if you get out while you’re ahead…which in a moral sense, absolutely you are…
That said, if you choose to remain on tact, that is equally honourable…
Go well
It could easily be considered fraudulent to solicit money from the public on the basis of mis-reading the Public Records Act as a law about publishing information. It simply isn’t. You have been told this repeatedly.
Not to mention that even if she raises the 20 grand, “it’s with a lawyer somewhere” doesn’t mean shit so her house is still going to be sold.
Looks like Penny’s going to lose her home for nothing.
All she had to do was put the rates money aside, and pay it at the last minute.
Penny has a fair point… I know for a fact that Auckland transport engaged a consultant, then hired the consultant’s son’s company to quote for and carry out the recomended works. They asked said contractor to break the quoted sum into 3 parts as to avoid triggering a high enough sum which would need another 2 prices in a competitive process and signing off from higher up. Total figure was around 90k…
Yeah she had a point, but if she was going to pay the rates when they satisfied her reporting demands, why hadn’t she simply put the money aside in the first place?
Now she seems to be looking for crowdsource funds to put the money aside (so they’re still going to sell her house and get the rates that way). They’re still her damned rates to pay.
No argument from me there, I was under the impression she had the funds set aside.
She has made her point and could continue to make it if she paid enough to avoid the sale or in fact cleared the sum before refusing to pay again forcing the council to begin the process again keeping the matter in the spotlight.
yeah, that could make her a fly in the ointment for decades lol
This is 5 minutes long, but the first 3 minutes is what you want to watch. Kid and God completely destroy hateful fox news commentator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3yyhaKk1jk&feature=push-u-sub&attr_tag=3X_zbxvgRsUmziWU-6&ab_channel=TheJimmyDoreShow
For patricia bremner
As discussed on the other post, here are links to all ten of the articles Henry Cooke did as he accompanied the five day Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific which were published progressively by Stuff on their website over that timeframe. The only one you read and criticised for its once over lightly was in fact his wrap up article at 10. below completing the series.
In sequence, these ten articles by Henry Cooke were:
1. A preliminary scene-setting one written before the visit started, detailing the bigger picture issues relevant to the relationships etc between NZ and the Pacific islands, and anticipated achievements from the trip: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101956367/pm-jacinda-arderns-chance-to-set-the-tone-in-the-pacific
2. An article specifically on climate change and its effects on Samoa, speeches given by our PM and Climate Change Minister James Shaw to an audience of Samoan MPs and officials at a climate change luncheon, and their visits to local spots showing the effects of climate change: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101975846/Ardern-says-NZ-must-do-our-bit-to-fight-climate-change-before-asking-the-world-for-help
3. Another article specifically on the donations to Samoa announced by the PM of $3 million more in disaster recovery aid and $6.5m in development funds for small businesses run by women and young people: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101971248/NZ-donates-almost-10-million-to-Samoa
4. A final article on Samoa on the hospitality and celebrations that took place; climate change; and the aid announcements: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101995813/jacinda-arderns-island-honeymoon-with-samoa-comes-with-big-promises
5. and 6. Two articles on the one day visit to Niue – One on the aid assistance announced, which included $5m for another solar panels farm to help Niue reach their goal of 80% renewable energy by 2025; and the second a lighter one focusing in part on the PM’s reunion with her family in Niue: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102020729/niue-gets-575m-from-nz-premier-asks-for-pension-portability and https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102007922/jacinda-arderns-homecoming-visit-to-niue
7. One article on Tonga covering aid including emergency relief for the cyclone Gita damage and the visit itself, which included the delegation seeing this damage first hand: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102039953/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-arrives-in-a-turbulent-tonga
8. and 9. Two articles on the visit to the Cook Islands – One specifically on the biggest announcement of the whole trip on the relaxation of the rules for the payment of NZ Superannuation to Niueans, Cook Islanders and Tokelauans, and the other on the very colourful and friendly visit itself, but which also includes further discussion on the relaxed NZ Super rules:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102082994/pm-jacinda-ardern-announces-pension-portability-for-cook-islanders-tokeulauns-and-niueans
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102082053/jacinda-ardern-saves-the-best-for-last-in-rarotonga
10. And finally, Henry Cooke’s wrap up article summarizing what was achieved by the visit itself, and also looking at the bigger, longer term issues: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102122822/jacinda-ardern-has-begun-a-pacific-reset-but-what-the-region-really-needs-is-an-upgrade
Oops I think my long one deservedly has gone into moderation or spam (Moderators can ditch my long one re the same subject which has presumably gone into moderation or spam due to the number of links. My sincere apologies as I had intended to spread over a couple of comments then forgot and pressed submit and raced off to do something else.)
So i will start again.
To patricia bremner
As discussed on the other post today, Henry Cooke wrote ten (10) articles – not one – while he was on the Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific Islands earlier in March and which were progressively published on the Stuff website (and presumably in some of the Fairfax newspapers) over the course of those five days. The only one that you apparently read and then criticised for being once over lightly in your comment on Daily Review 9 March 2018 was the last on which was Cooke’s wrap up article.
Here are the links which I will break into three lots so as not to clog up the works here.
In sequence, these ten articles by Henry Cooke were:
1. A preliminary scene-setting one written before the visit started, detailing the bigger picture issues relevant to the relationships etc between NZ and the Pacific islands, and anticipated achievements from the trip: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101956367/pm-jacinda-arderns-chance-to-set-the-tone-in-the-pacific
2. An article specifically on climate change and its effects on Samoa, speeches given by our PM and Climate Change Minister James Shaw to an audience of Samoan MPs and officials at a climate change luncheon, and their visits to local spots showing the effects of climate change: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101975846/Ardern-says-NZ-must-do-our-bit-to-fight-climate-change-before-asking-the-world-for-help
3. Another article specifically on the donations to Samoa announced by the PM of $3 million more in disaster recovery aid and $6.5m in development funds for small businesses run by women and young people: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101971248/NZ-donates-almost-10-million-to-Samoa
4. A final article on Samoa on the hospitality and celebrations that took place; climate change; and the aid announcements: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/101995813/jacinda-arderns-island-honeymoon-with-samoa-comes-with-big-promises
Rest to follow.
Continuation of the above. Part 2 of 3
5. and 6. Two articles on the one day visit to Niue – One on the aid assistance announced, which included $5m for another solar panels farm to help Niue reach their goal of 80% renewable energy by 2025; and the second a lighter one focusing in part on the PM’s reunion with her family in Niue:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102020729/niue-gets-575m-from-nz-premier-asks-for-pension-portability and
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102007922/jacinda-arderns-homecoming-visit-to-niue
7. One article on Tonga covering aid including emergency relief for the cyclone Gita damage and the visit itself, which included the delegation seeing this damage first hand: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102039953/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-arrives-in-a-turbulent-tonga
Part 3 of 3 to follow
Part 3 of 3
8. and 9. Two articles on the visit to the Cook Islands – One specifically on the biggest announcement of the whole trip on the relaxation of the rules for the payment of NZ Superannuation to Niueans, Cook Islanders and Tokelauans, and the other on the very colourful and friendly visit itself, but which also includes further discussion on the relaxed NZ Super rules:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102082994/pm-jacinda-ardern-announces-pension-portability-for-cook-islanders-tokeulauns-and-niueans
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102082053/jacinda-ardern-saves-the-best-for-last-in-rarotonga
10. And finally, Henry Cooke’s wrap up article summarizing what was achieved by the visit itself, and also looking at the bigger, longer term issues: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102122822/jacinda-ardern-has-begun-a-pacific-reset-but-what-the-region-really-needs-is-an-upgrade
This last one seems to be the only one you read, Patricia.
Hello Veutoviper, Thank you for those articles. By now you will realise I have limited computer skills.
I definitely deserved a reprimand, as I had skimmed two of those articles without taking in that Henry wrote them. (A busy week with hospital and family visits none of which are easy currently)
Henry Cooke’s articles were clear and evocative, showing skill. I stand corrected.
In case you do not see this, I will again post on open mike. I said I had looked, I obviously need to learn a few more skills… will get Norm to show me how to Bookmark.
Thanks patricia. I knew that if you realised that you had not seen the rest of Cooke’s articles that you would see that your criticism was unwarranted. My original draft reply also covered a number of other issues raised in your original comment but we will leave most of those at this point.
However, re political bias, I am sure that you would now agree that there is no way that the quality and content of Cooke’s full set of articles can be equated with some of the (IMO) clearly rightwing lightweight biased garbage masquerading as journalism from these two other writers who are some years Cooke’s senior who also wrote articles on the Parliamentary Mission to the Pacific, although neither writer actually went on the trip.
Mike Hosking – http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12009354
Duncan Garner – https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/102122996/pm-dishes-out-the-charm-and-money-on-pacific-tour
I think, and hope that you would actually find that equation horrifying.
I would also like to include a rather long explanation which I included in my original draft response to you and which I touched on briefly in one of my many comments yesterday on MS’ excellent post – https://thestandard.org.nz/the-manufacturing-of-a-narrative/#comment-1468693
This is a general explanation, not directed specifically at you, as to why I have stood up for Cooke (and some other individual journalists) and will continue to do so. It was written weeks ago well before the excess of coverage of one event – combined with a lack of coverage of some other major issues, events and decisions of considerable public interest – of the last week or so, which resulted in MS’s post and the enormous response to it over Easter when things usually go quiet here.
But I still stand by it, even if I don’t always follow it to the letter myself. (See my last para!) I did not feel it was appropriate for MS’ post, but want to say it to let off stream if nothing else. I felt Drinnan was brave coming into the lion’s den yesterday. and I give him credit for doing so. This may help explain some of my responses there.
—————————————-
As we had previously discussed, I have no direct connections with Cooke himself although we have mutual acquaintances. This is quite normal in the small world of the government- centred scene here in Wellington. I do not write on his or any other journalists’ behalf; nor am I (or ever have been) a journalist, or teacher of journalism or media studies, or a family member of any journalist. But I have known, and liaised with many journalists over the years, as part of my past jobs in the public service.
My defence of Cooke and his journalism has been because I am very interested in the quality etc of our Fourth Estate here in NZ in view of its influence on society and democracy. There is a lot of criticism of our media which is quite normal – the question is whether it is in fact justified or not, either generally or in the case of specific journalists, publications, or other means of dissemination eg blogs, digital press etc. All of which is a very big separate subject in itself.
In brief, my own personal view is that we have had a fairly stale media for some years with a lot of people in the industry having been around for a long time and with fairly fixed views and positions politically.
In the last couple of years I have noticed a number of younger talented reporters coming through the system with much fresher, more socially aware mindsets and interests, and who do not seem to have the same fixed views, political connections etc that many of the older ones do.
Cooke is one I put into this group, as are Kirsty Johnston and Jess McAllen who I mentioned to you, Patricia, in a separate exchange here on TS recently unrelated to Cooke. These three are by no means the only ones; and I am quite excited to see this generational shift as people like Johnston and McAllen in particular are producing some excellent writing about things like social justice, mental health, and special needs issues.
But it is a hard road for this young cohort with the retrenchment of print media resulting in fewer and fewer opportunities for getting in the door and finding steady employment in this field, and coupled with the increasing reliance on freelance and casual writers to produce the stories for the growing digital media. There is a high drop out rate of the younger reporters as a result of these bigger factors along with low rates of pay, job insecurity, long hours etc.
IMO we need to be encouraging this cohort of young journalists and reporters to keep them in the business and to keep them fresh and open minded – to ensure a healthy Fourth Estate for the future. Unfair criticism and unsubstantiated claims and accusation of political bias etc does not do this and just adds to the other pressures on these people, leading to them quitting the profession.
So I decided some time ago that I would stand up for and support this young cohort collectively and individually where I think they deserve it. I also do this in respect of older journalists where I also think they are being unfairly targeted, criticized etc. Unfortunately there is sometimes here on TS a ‘lemming’ approach to criticism of the media generally, which also fails to distinguish between management and editorial power and control over content and balance, and the work of individual journalists (including the limitations on them to choose their subject and the way their articles are edited and presented).
I really believe that we will achieve far better results towards achieving a better Fourth Estate for the future by trying to communicate with members of the media and opening up discussion rather than continually attacking them.
Yes, critique the structure, management and bias of the organizations, and their editorial decisions re content and balance, and of individual journalists where such criticism is warranted and can be verified with facts; but don’t tar all journalists with the same brush. They themselves are a very broad church of people with different personal and journalistic experience, beliefs, values and goals just as are the rest of us.
——————————
Having read the above, some people would say that I am a total hypocrite in view of my criticism of Garner and Hosking at the top of this post – and they are probably right, but I am human too! LOL.
Kremlin connected thugs emboldened.
[…]
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/980032323923185664.html
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian authorities on Saturday arrested billionaire Ziyavudin Magomedov on charges of embezzling more than $35 million, in one of the highest-profile prosecutions of a Russian tycoon in years.
Magomedov denied the charges at a pre-trial hearing, where a judge ordered that he be held in custody until May 30.
One of Russia’s richest men, the 49-year-old Magomedov holds assets in construction and logistics through his sprawling Summa Group. He also has investments in U.S. tech ventures, including the Virgin One Hyperloop project.
He was detained along with his business partner and brother, Magomed Magomedov, and Artur Maksidov, the head of a company in the Summa Group that was involved in the construction of a soccer World Cup venue in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-summa-corruption/russian-tycoon-magomedov-arrested-on-embezzlement-charges-idUSKBN1H70A2
Te namu onepu decided to send in a repeat actor back to hang around ECO MAORI this person tried to get me and my wife to move into a whare that was half the size of the one we got now with little privacy for the same price of rent all because they were friends ????? of my wife and there dad owned it last time YEA RIGHT .This time Koni and Te namu onepu decided that they would try me again. I treated this person with respect the problem was this person was wanting to talk to me more than my wife ?????? I played along for a bit then I shut it out of my conversation as its not my friend. Ana to kai ka kite ano
Newshub the deep fake photos will always be able to be discredited with a examination of the data used to make and display those photos .
Many thanks to te Australian Common wealth games people for advocating Ladies Equality ka pai Mana wahine.
I’m quite good at reading the weather not as good as I should be being a ex fisherman but I left that up to the skipper I have fished right around Aoteraroa down to the Auckland Islands Chatham Islands like my tipuna before me .
Some people have to remember that I see all events .
It was a good week of sports for Eco Maori Ka pai ka kite ano
Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei
Hi Au Au Aue ha
Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei
Hi Au Au Aue ha
I aha aha
E ko te rakau a Tu nga werewere I ha
ha
He rakau tapu na Tutaua ki a Uenuku
[Ko Ruaumoko e ngunguru nei]
I patukia ki te tipua ki o Rangitopeka
Pakaru ti upoko o Rangitopeka
Patua ki waenganui o te tau ki
Hikurangi
He toka whakairo etu ake nei
He atua He tangata He atua He
tangata ho
He atua he atua tau Paretaitoko
Kia kitea e Paretaitoko te whare
haunga
I ha ha Kia whakatete mai o rei he kuri
Au
I Ahaha
Na wai parehua taku hope kia whakaka
te rangi
Kia tare au Hi
He roha te kawau
Hi
Kei te pou tara
Tu ka tete ka Tau ha
Ko komako ko komako
E ko te hau tapu
e rite ki te kai na Matariki pakia
Tapa reireia koi tapa
Tapa kononua kaiana tukua
I aue hi
I ahaha
Ka tu te ihiihi
ka tu te wanawana
Ki runga i te rangi
e tu iho nei
HI