BAMIAN, Afghanistan — The war has finally found Bamian, a remote corner of Afghanistan that for a decade had enjoyed near immunity to Taliban violence…..
……a series of deadly strikes in recent months has intimidated residents and served notice that roads are unsafe and government officials are targets.
With news that the security situation in Bamian province is getting worse and “officials are targets”
Former Afghan teenage interpreter, Diamond Kazimi, tells Kathryn Ryan how shabbily our Afghan support team in Bamian is being treated by the Defence Force and the government. As the Taliban get stronger in the region, and in the lead up to our withdrawal, Kazimi reports that support team workers have been receiving threats to their lives by phone, letter, and even verbally delivered in person from Taliban supporters.
Because of these very real threats, Diamond Kazimi has made an appeal through the media to New Zealanders to take up the cause of the abandoned support workers and pressure the government to reverse their decision to leave them behind to be killed or otherwise punished.
Prime Minister John Key says a resettlement offer to Afghan interpreters applies only to those currently working with the New Zealand Defence Force in Bamyan province because they are the ones most at risk from the Taliban.
Radio New Zealand news
The Prime Minister’s statement reveals that the government is counting only on the good will of the Taliban to not to take revenge against the rest.
With news that the NZSAS is currently engaged in a revenge mission. Mercy from the Taliban even towards those the Prime Minister claims are not the “ones most at risk” is likely to be non-existent.
With the removal to safety of those described by the Prime Minister as “most at risk”, the risk will go down the chain. The “ones” casually deemed by the Prime Minister as not most at risk – as the only ones that the Taliban can get their hands on, will likely receive Taliban revenge attack disproportionate to their involvement with us.
No matter how you dress it up, only 23 to 26 families will be given sanctuary in New Zealand. The majority are going to be abandoned to their fate.
Defence Minister Johnathon Coleman has said that those left behind can apply as refugees, and if their lives are in danger their applications will be looked on “reasonably”. Coleman went on to say this favourable eye would not be extended to cooks cleaners and other contracted support staff. As they had “not had a high profile“. This maybe so. But this doesn’t mean that the local Taliban supporters don’t know who the cook for our troops is. And will not be determined to punish her after we leave.
The government continuing their legalistic quibbling in defence of their policy of abandoning our Afghan support, have argued that no promise was made to the interpreters, or to our other Afghan support personal before they were hired. And that the army are quite within their legal rights to leave them behind to face the fury of the Taliban. However, Diamond Kazimi claims, some were given a letter from the commander of the last rotation assuring them of asylum, an assurance which the Defence Force is now distancing themselves from. The commanders and officials are refusing to reply to the emails of those they gave this promise to.
Diamond Kazimi told Kathryn Ryan that he is making efforts to get a copy of this written assurance sent to him from Afghanistan.
I would argue, that there was also an unspoken promise made to these people when we hired them. The same promise made to the New Zealand people. That our mission in Afghanistan would be successful. That the Western Alliance would be victorious. That the Taliban would be defeated. And finally, that Afghanistan would be made a safer place for all. None of this has happened. And now we are leaving those Afghan citizens who supported us, alone and undefended.
For the loyalty they showed and the sacrifices they made, and the hardships they bore, after the promises we gave, this will leave a very bitter legacy of our military presence in Bamian.
I need to some help from the media to get my point out there for the government to hear. There are people that remain in Afghanistan and I don’t want to leave them behind…….
….I don’t have any authority, and I can’t do anything, and as I have said before they have tried to email them, those former commanders and those former officials but it is really disappointing how they didn’t even email them back. Because they have got kids, they have got families. How hard will it be for them to hear the news that they are only going to take 23 to 26 interpreters who are currently working, and not these poor people who have worked for more than a decade, and it is just heart breaking for them….
….the forces (that are working with them) do agree that everyone should be included in this deal. But it is just like; I just don’t understand this decision that John Key made regarding of this. Because there are like, contractors, electricians, builders who first worked for the New Zealand army in there to build the base. I mean, they’re the ones, that we need to look into that too. They have actually helped us build the base and they are still waiting they are locals they need New Zealand’s help…..
There are more than five or ten, there are a hundred of them…..
There is a female who works in the base and she usually cooks for the soldiers, I mean, what a great danger she is going to be (in) when New Zealand leaves……
These people, the contractors, the interpreters, the former interpreters want their families to become residents of New Zealand. Because these people have actually showed commitment, they have done service to New Zealand and they deserve to come here.
Diamond Kazimi Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan, 26/10/ 2012
Shame on the government, shame on all of us. If after publicly pleading with us to save their lives we leave any of our mission support staff behind to be killed.
Instead of our soldiers retreating in good order their honour intact. A sad and disgraceful chapter in New Zealand’s military history is currently being written by this government, and the commanders under them.
I might ask these commanders, and even those who serve under them. Whatever happened to the time honoured military code, “Leave no man behind”? Do you think that this tradition should only apply to those who wear body armour and carry the guns?
Is this really the sort of treatment to those who served closely beside you, that you signed up for?
When you were serving beside them in the field did you ever think that they would abandon you?
Do you think that they ever imagined, that you would abandon them?
Whatever happened to the time honoured military code, “Leave no man behind”? Do you think that this tradition should only apply to those who wear body armour and carry the guns?
That’s correct. It doesn’t apply to civilians. It’s also a motto that was made famous by the US Marines, US Army Rangers and the Foreign Legion. Not by NZ forces.
A TED talk by Heather Brooke about government corruption. Quite boring imo, for such an interesting subject. However, I found this this international open source programme for freedom of information, fascinating. It allows anyone with internet access to type in a freedom of information question, and the programme does all the work and publishes the result.
… So this is a guy called Seb Bacon. He’s a computer programmer, and he built a site called Alaveteli, and what it is, it’s a Freedom of Information platform. It’s open-source, with documentation, and it allows you to make a Freedom of Information request, to ask your public body a question, so it takes all the hassle out of it, and I can tell you that there is a lot of hassle making these requests, so it takes all of that hassle out, and you just type in your question, for example, how many police officers have a criminal record? It zooms it off to the appropriate person, it tells you when the time limit is coming to an end, it keeps track of all the correspondence, it posts it up there, and it becomes an archive of public knowledge. So that’s open-source and it can be used in any country where there is some kind of Freedom of Information law. So there’s a list there of the different countries that have it, and then there’s a few more coming on board. So if any of you out there like the sound of that and have a law like that in your country, I know that Seb would love to hear from you about collaborating and getting that into your country…
From what I can see, NZ FOI isn’t yet available on this site. But all it will take is someone with the computer knowledge and time to set it up. I’m sure it will happen and it will become a wonderful resource for citizens.
“I couldn’t work for a man who purposely promoted an interview with Jim Anderton that was edited on purpose to look like Jim had said an earthquake would be the only thing that could cost him the election. I couldn’t work for a man who was calling for Cornelius Arie Smith to be gut shot for looting before his Aspergers was made public. I couldn’t work for a man with such a hysterical hatred of Unions that he willingly published the personal details of an employee to point score.
Oh and let’s not forget his claim that Chris Carter’s decade old dead mother was using a taxpayer funded cell phone.
No, I couldn’t work for Christian Family man and gun fetishist Cameron Slater. He’s not a journalist, he’s a far right hate merchant whose blog borders on hate speech.”
National’s WOF scam is for the benefit of trucking firms. Trucks comprise 2.5% of road traffic and 15% of road deaths are caused by trucks so the morons in National want the trucking companies to write their own WOFs so they can make more profit. Fucking monsters
Is the paper going to keep the name ‘TRUTH’ with Cameron Slater as Editor?
My personal experience of Cameron Slater is that he purports to support ‘freedom of expression’ – but not on his ‘Whaleoil’ blog.
Cameron Slater has banned me from his blog – although I am never personally abusive, am able to sustantiate my considered opinion with FACTS and EVIDENCE and always put my name to my posts in an ‘open, transparent and accountable’ way.
I guess Cameron Slater doesn’t like to hear the TRUTH’ when it conflicts with his ‘opinion’?
In my considered opinion, Cameron Slater has been appointed as Editor of the ‘TRUTH’ to push a rabid anti-union line to a mainly working-class readership?
My opinion is he banned you for posting long-winded boring diatribes that had nothing to do with the thread. You also wouldn’t engage when challenged and most importantly of all…its his blog and he’ll run it the way he wants to
Duncan Garner is damning of David Shearer. I’m inclined to agree with him. The narrative that’s emerging is that Shearer is not up to the job. If caucus can’t bring itself to make Cunliffe leader, at this point I’d settle for the return of Goff.
And this comment by Garner is damning of the current Labour Party leadership!
Cunliffe was the easiest to get hold of. But, without naming names, the hoopla I was put through before he was ‘allowed’ on TV was fascinating. Even Cunliffe was nervous – but keen.
It took six hours of negotiating to get him on. It was quite simply, outrageous. It took me one text to get Russel Norman on the telly. It took two phone calls to get the Prime Minister to agree to a one-on-one interview.
Labour needs to look at itself. If reporters want to interview Cunliffe – they should be allowed to. I believe Labour is blocking his appearances or at least trying to limit them. Certainly on TV anyway.
The reality is that so-called pro-life movement is not about saving babies. It’s about regulating sex. That’s why they oppose birth control. That’s why they want to ban abortion even though doing so will simply drive women to have dangerous back alley abortions.…
It’s not about babies. It’s about controlling women. It’s about making sure they have consequences for having unapproved sex.
I don’t agree with everything she writes. In fact, I believe that the ‘pro-life’ movement is actually about increasing population because our economic system requires it. Without an increasing market to sell goods to profit would decline.
Televangelist Jerry Falwell spearheaded the reversal of opinion on abortion in the late 1970s, leading his Moral Majority activist group into close political alliance with Catholic organizations against the sexual revolution
I would have added a slight but important qualification in there.
“It’s not about babies. It’s about controlling (poor or working class) women. It’s about making sure they have consequences for having unapproved sex.”
There’s a different set of rules for the well off and more recently famous who are allowed their mistresses and whose young men are allowed to sow their wild oats, where trading in your partner for a younger model reminds you of how powerful you are.
When is the last time you saw the religous berating the wealthy for their broken relationships, their second or third marriages, their dalliances or their affairs.
I’m in two minds about these interpreters. Part of me says they’ll get what they deserve and are equal to collaborators in occupied Europe during WW2. The other part says that they did help our government’s troops and it reflects badly on us to leave them there. Obviously this sort of situation can only be avoided once we stop participating in the invasions of other nations, and I think aiming for that is a better use of my energies than worrying about those who helped invading forces. On the other hand, I thought Key and co would identify strongly with anyone who acted as an agent of foreign powers, seeing as that is so central to their own actions.
DAVID Cameron’s conference speech was being discussed in a Glasgow pub last night. Amongst the negative comments, one toper piped up: “To be fair to David Cameron, he’s doing the work of two men.” This comment surprised a few folk until the chap added: “Laurel and Hardy.”
From Ken Smuth’s Diary, Herald Scotland.
New Zealand tops the education rankings – which were made on the basis of performance in three areas: access to education, quality of education and human capital.
New Zealand’s lowest ranked sub-index was economic prosperity, for which we were ranked 27 of the 142 countries in the survey.
You lefties complain about the MSM when really most the MSM in NZ is left-leaning (maybe not left-leaning enough), you’re now running scared because Cam Slaters the editor of the Truth so why question is:
Whats stopping a bunch of you lefties getting together and starting up your own newspaper to combat the supposed right-wing newspapers?
Unions, latte liberals etc etc should be able to kick to start one up so why not do it?
Left leaning MSM – yep I can see the editorials all over the place promoting 8 hour working days, decent wages, increased rights for unions, increasing taxation, trumpeting our education system as one of the best in the world, telling private schools to bugger off from expecting state-funding, promting the welfare state as something positive and important, etc etc.
Fuck the Labour Party can’t even express these things and you somehow think the MSM is more left than Labour.
And for me all those things were normal growing up.
It shows how far to the right we have moved if you think the occassional criticism in the media is a left bias.
And that’s all without a push in the media for Socialism or Communism.
But my point here is that most journalism and commentary about the position of New Zealand policy on the left-right spectrum have been profoundly wrong. As the ACT Party campaign manager had explained to Brash, the way that usefully biased ideas are established is by producing “some common lines that become the ‘mantra’” and then, as the National Party’s Australian strategy advisors told them, you just have to “keep repeating it endlessly” (THM p. 165). This is a good summary of politics in New Zealand through the free market years and still today: endless hectoring from the business lobby groups and free-market politicians. If the public and opinion leaders understood that New Zealand is a bizarre policy outlier, then there would naturally be political pressure to move back to a less extreme position. But if repetition paints a picture of an extreme Nanny State, then the political pressure is naturally in the opposite direction. This is of course the purpose of this political distortion: it suggests that nothing needs to change.
Basically, you’re wrong. NZ is hard right and the MSM is leading the way.
I don’t purport to speak for a collective of other lefties.
What reason would you like to hear?
Already have a job
Happy commenting on blogs
Don’t have the expertise
Wife wouldn’t like it
Newspapers are dying anyway and you’d be a dick to try and start one up
Can come up with a hundred reasons if you want.
More pertinent would be asking why can’t the successful businessmen of this country come up with their own businesses instead of trying to pinch state run businesses?
He’s right though. What’s to stop Leftys from putting together $5M to run their own weekly paper. Nothing except a few investors and a dedicated core of a dozen or so people.
More pertinent would be asking why can’t the successful businessmen of this country come up with their own businesses instead of trying to pinch state run businesses?
-Not really the point of my question. Lefties decry right-wing newspapaers and the MSM yet won’t get of their (collective) chuffs to do anything about it.
Never forgetting of course that newspapers don’t make their money from selling newspapers, nor from selling news – they make their money from selling advertising.
Also noting that newspapers generally are struggling and that news is being accessed more and more, and in more varied ways, on-line.
I personally would but maybe 7 or 8 newspapers per year and mainly read OP’s now and then. Daily I can seek out a range of news and thought from across the world.
Tell me then, Chalupa Batman, would starting up a left wing newspaper be a sound business decision or would it be a business folly throwing away money.
My business sense tells me that it would be folly and that it would be a sound business decision not to go down that road.
Do you have some business acumen that would suggest otherwise?
And we do get off our chuffs to do something about it including blogging – I don’t think however the correct response is to try and start one up.
Papers are a thing of the past, they are full of old news, much easier to get news off the net. A paper’s news is usually about 12 hours old (at best) by the time it gets out. Therefore most people who buy papers will be slightly backward…see why right wing papers do so well?
I hear right wingers whinging all the time about beneficiaries.
A positive solution to redress that would be to employ them, ensure that incomes are sufficient to support wages, to share the jobs around by reducing hours of work and increasing leisure time, to pay more tax to support those who are unable to work, to ensure local ownership and to take less in profit.
Instead of doing any of those positive things all I hear is moaning.
However, the knock-on effect of the rise of paid-for services is the loss of digital “pure advertising” opportunities for companies.
“Although content consumption across connected devices is on the rise, the very services driving digital content growth are limiting pure advertising opportunities for brands,” she says. “Payment models don’t require brand advertising for revenue and … are driving consumer appetite for more ad-free content.”
It could be done, just need to come up with the needed model.
suggesting that ‘lefties’ try to distort the hegimonic discourse by challenging powerful (but decreasing) institutions within a dying industry is only a solution if you are stupid. If you are not stupid, then its a smart ass remark.
Excellent lecture by hager, and touches on so many important things: from the increasing dominance of PR people and wealthy lobbyists, to the state of NZ politics.
But also, he makes some important points about how investigative journalists (read, all good journalists) are anyone who investigates thoroughly, looking for the truth – it doesn’t need to be MSM journalists”.
Why? Its lefties always complaining about the so-called bias, I’m merely posing a question (and offering a solution)
As has been pointed out by Descendant Of Smith,further up the thread. Newspapers make their income not on their cover price but on the advertising space they sell. If they relied on their cover price it would barely cover the cost of production. If they raised the price, they could never compete with those papers that rely on advertising income, not only that from $2 dollars for a Herald you would be paying $5 or $10 or more dollars for your daily rag.
Why is this pertinent?
Because capitalist enterprises will not be placing any advertising in a newspaper that advocates for their regulation, or for stronger union rights for their workers, or demands that they stop polluting the environment.
Further than this advertisers often set the editorial tone if not the line of most the media they are effectively sponsoring with their advertising money. This goes for TV and radio as well as newspapers.
There you are Chalupa Batman I have answered your question. (and pointed out why your solution won’t work).
To misquote Anatoly France; Not only are both the wealthy and the poor free to sleep under bridges they are also both free to set up $multi-million dollar newspapers.
This is the beauty of the internet. You don’t need multi million dollar advertisers who will pull their funding if they don’t like what you say.
This is why the Electronic Intifada played such a big role in the Arab Spring. The rich and powerful were no longer the only voice making comment and organising society around their ideas.
This phenomenon can only spread and grow, eventually becoming stronger and more influential than the mainstream media. Indeed, Chalupa, it is why you yourself are commenting on this blog instead of writing a letter to the Herald.
On this note I might also mention that as well as suffering declining readership, the Herald’s letters column has been getting smaller. Now that people have a choice other than following the mainstream rightwing opinion expressed by the Herald they are leaving it in droves.
Why? Because not being content just to control the editorial line, the Herald has enforced a strict policy bias against publishing left wing letters effectively expressing policy they disagree with. I can personally vouch for this, after many years of writing to the Herald with little result. Like many others I have given up. I will no longer be wasting my time.
And even in their on line version, the Herald and other mainstream news sites don’t allow comment on most of their right wing propaganda pieces. (However they will allow it for lifestyle pieces on fashion etc or in simple yes and no answers to carefully worded leading questions, posed in on line polls.Healthy and reasoned debate backed up by facts is not something they can tolerate.)
Jenny,
A few years ago, a friend of mine did the same.
She was fed up with the “editorial balance” of the letters page, so she took to regularly writing to them on a number of subjects. I’m not sure if they published any, other than one short, witty, and not particularly political, letter.
To make matters worse, when they did publish letters with a differing viewpoint similar to her’s, they were invariably incoherent, illogical and badly written – the worst possible examples, with letters agreeing with the paper’s line published at a rate of about six to one. Because of her own efforts (and she’s won a couple of prizes for her writing in the past), she knew it was a deliberate editorial policy to make opposing viewpoints look bad.
Exactly. Take asset sales, everyone agrees when floated on the share market will attract foreigner buyers. Those investors will take their profits overseas, and so make it harder for NZ debtors to pay back their debts, as that money stops going into government coffers, as that money stops going into investment in NZ, jobs for Kiwis. But since the left hold such a rapacious hold on the media we of course hear this every single day, NOT. Globally, globalization, has made the world one economy, when they print money and don’t sell state assets elsewhere, then its unfathomable why we should do the exact opposite. We don’t have to align but selling at the bottom of the market, with a cashed up China, and empty pocket middle NZ, its just damn odd.
But hey National aren’t a capitalist party, they are a crony right wing socialist nationalist party.
Well said aerobubble! , and good civilised journos are fighting back by the way.
The trick is to relay your own opinions or “Thinking Ground” as well as the facts, that way people will know the perspective of the data, and will understand/trust it much more.
Hence why I like the articles on the standard, but hate WhaleOil.
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This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
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Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
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http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/31/world/asia/taliban-hits-region-seen-as-safest-for-afghans.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&
With news that the security situation in Bamian province is getting worse and “officials are targets”
Former Afghan teenage interpreter, Diamond Kazimi, tells Kathryn Ryan how shabbily our Afghan support team in Bamian is being treated by the Defence Force and the government. As the Taliban get stronger in the region, and in the lead up to our withdrawal, Kazimi reports that support team workers have been receiving threats to their lives by phone, letter, and even verbally delivered in person from Taliban supporters.
Because of these very real threats, Diamond Kazimi has made an appeal through the media to New Zealanders to take up the cause of the abandoned support workers and pressure the government to reverse their decision to leave them behind to be killed or otherwise punished.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2536635/ex-afghan-interpreters-say-they're-excluded-from-refugee-deal.asx
The Prime Minister’s statement reveals that the government is counting only on the good will of the Taliban to not to take revenge against the rest.
With news that the NZSAS is currently engaged in a revenge mission. Mercy from the Taliban even towards those the Prime Minister claims are not the “ones most at risk” is likely to be non-existent.
With the removal to safety of those described by the Prime Minister as “most at risk”, the risk will go down the chain. The “ones” casually deemed by the Prime Minister as not most at risk – as the only ones that the Taliban can get their hands on, will likely receive Taliban revenge attack disproportionate to their involvement with us.
No matter how you dress it up, only 23 to 26 families will be given sanctuary in New Zealand. The majority are going to be abandoned to their fate.
Defence Minister Johnathon Coleman has said that those left behind can apply as refugees, and if their lives are in danger their applications will be looked on “reasonably”. Coleman went on to say this favourable eye would not be extended to cooks cleaners and other contracted support staff. As they had “not had a high profile“. This maybe so. But this doesn’t mean that the local Taliban supporters don’t know who the cook for our troops is. And will not be determined to punish her after we leave.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7865719/Afghan-interpreter-resettlement-deal-confirmed
The government continuing their legalistic quibbling in defence of their policy of abandoning our Afghan support, have argued that no promise was made to the interpreters, or to our other Afghan support personal before they were hired. And that the army are quite within their legal rights to leave them behind to face the fury of the Taliban. However, Diamond Kazimi claims, some were given a letter from the commander of the last rotation assuring them of asylum, an assurance which the Defence Force is now distancing themselves from. The commanders and officials are refusing to reply to the emails of those they gave this promise to.
Diamond Kazimi told Kathryn Ryan that he is making efforts to get a copy of this written assurance sent to him from Afghanistan.
I would argue, that there was also an unspoken promise made to these people when we hired them. The same promise made to the New Zealand people. That our mission in Afghanistan would be successful. That the Western Alliance would be victorious. That the Taliban would be defeated. And finally, that Afghanistan would be made a safer place for all. None of this has happened. And now we are leaving those Afghan citizens who supported us, alone and undefended.
For the loyalty they showed and the sacrifices they made, and the hardships they bore, after the promises we gave, this will leave a very bitter legacy of our military presence in Bamian.
Shame on the government, shame on all of us. If after publicly pleading with us to save their lives we leave any of our mission support staff behind to be killed.
Their blood will be on our hands.
Well said.
And as Afghanistan slips back into murderous chaos, a small slice of it will be ruing the day they ever relied on the word of Key and Coleman.
Instead of our soldiers retreating in good order their honour intact. A sad and disgraceful chapter in New Zealand’s military history is currently being written by this government, and the commanders under them.
I might ask these commanders, and even those who serve under them. Whatever happened to the time honoured military code, “Leave no man behind”? Do you think that this tradition should only apply to those who wear body armour and carry the guns?
Is this really the sort of treatment to those who served closely beside you, that you signed up for?
When you were serving beside them in the field did you ever think that they would abandon you?
Do you think that they ever imagined, that you would abandon them?
That’s correct. It doesn’t apply to civilians. It’s also a motto that was made famous by the US Marines, US Army Rangers and the Foreign Legion. Not by NZ forces.
NZ will develop a reputation of using people then abandoning them like cast off clothing. A sort of abuse?
Don’t we already have that sort of reputation? Our behaviour in other conflicts around the world haven’t been exemplary.
Name it.
How big is Bamian province? should move the lot of them over!
http://www.ted.com/talks/heather_brooke_my_battle_to_expose_government_corruption.html
A TED talk by Heather Brooke about government corruption. Quite boring imo, for such an interesting subject. However, I found this this international open source programme for freedom of information, fascinating. It allows anyone with internet access to type in a freedom of information question, and the programme does all the work and publishes the result.
http://www.alaveteli.org/getting-started-guide/
From what I can see, NZ FOI isn’t yet available on this site. But all it will take is someone with the computer knowledge and time to set it up. I’m sure it will happen and it will become a wonderful resource for citizens.
http://fyi.org.nz/
It gets quite a considerable amount of use as well and is having quite an effect.
Thanks Draco,
I couldn’t find the NZ version from the homepage.
What a brilliant resource!
I see ‘open mike’ is now “by” “NATWATCH”. Is this a new author, or are we, the commenters, collectively “NATWATCH”
Trivial, but I’m curious.
Nope. Mistake when settings up. Natwatch wrote a set of posts way back. And it is right next to notices and features.
Quote from Tumeke! today below:
“I couldn’t work for a man who purposely promoted an interview with Jim Anderton that was edited on purpose to look like Jim had said an earthquake would be the only thing that could cost him the election. I couldn’t work for a man who was calling for Cornelius Arie Smith to be gut shot for looting before his Aspergers was made public. I couldn’t work for a man with such a hysterical hatred of Unions that he willingly published the personal details of an employee to point score.
Oh and let’s not forget his claim that Chris Carter’s decade old dead mother was using a taxpayer funded cell phone.
No, I couldn’t work for Christian Family man and gun fetishist Cameron Slater. He’s not a journalist, he’s a far right hate merchant whose blog borders on hate speech.”
National’s WOF scam is for the benefit of trucking firms. Trucks comprise 2.5% of road traffic and 15% of road deaths are caused by trucks so the morons in National want the trucking companies to write their own WOFs so they can make more profit. Fucking monsters
Hidden agenda behind WOF changes – expert | Scoop News
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1210/S00438/hidden-agenda-behind-wof-changes-expert.htm
Madeleine Albright still defiant
Watch this woman in action, and weep for humanity….
http://members5.boardhost.com/medialens/msg/1351706394.html
A tip, for those like me, slow on the uptake: Don’t go to the NZ Herald home page – it’s a diaster zone – tabloid chaos.
Go straight to the National and World pages – there you get mostly news without so much of the headache-inducing and distracting fluff.
Disclaimer: even on the more news-focused pages, I don’t guarantee any sort of quality or lack of neoliberal bias.
FACT! CAMERON SLATER (NEW EDITOR OF TRUTH) DOESN’T PERSONALLY LIKE THE TRUTH WHEN IT CONFLICTS WITH HIS ‘OPINION’. I’M BANNED FROM HIS WHALEOIL BLOG.
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/cameron-slater-named-truth-editor-promises-overhaul-ck-13156
2
PUBLISHED!
#19 by Penny Bright
Is the paper going to keep the name ‘TRUTH’ with Cameron Slater as Editor?
My personal experience of Cameron Slater is that he purports to support ‘freedom of expression’ – but not on his ‘Whaleoil’ blog.
Cameron Slater has banned me from his blog – although I am never personally abusive, am able to sustantiate my considered opinion with FACTS and EVIDENCE and always put my name to my posts in an ‘open, transparent and accountable’ way.
I guess Cameron Slater doesn’t like to hear the TRUTH’ when it conflicts with his ‘opinion’?
Penny Bright
‘Anti-corruption campaigner’
http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com
__________________________________________________
In my considered opinion, Cameron Slater has been appointed as Editor of the ‘TRUTH’ to push a rabid anti-union line to a mainly working-class readership?
“he purports to support ‘freedom of expression’” ahhh I see where you went wrong there
he avidly supports freedom of his expression Penny, not any one else’s
having a tabloid at his fingertips has probably busted the elastic on his grots
(apologies to all for that image)
Apology grudgingly accepted M8! |-(
The left loves to censor, just look at the hand mirror and kiwistargazer, but when it happens to them, well thats a different story, huh.
Hmmmm maybe you could give us some logic to work with instead of dross?
Fascinating that your two prime examples are in fact explicitly feminist blogs, not leftist ones …
My opinion is he banned you for posting long-winded boring diatribes that had nothing to do with the thread. You also wouldn’t engage when challenged and most importantly of all…its his blog and he’ll run it the way he wants to
You are, after all, allowed to run your own blog.
Duncan Garner is damning of David Shearer. I’m inclined to agree with him. The narrative that’s emerging is that Shearer is not up to the job. If caucus can’t bring itself to make Cunliffe leader, at this point I’d settle for the return of Goff.
And this comment by Garner is damning of the current Labour Party leadership!
This is a great comment about the ‘pro-life’ movement:
I don’t agree with everything she writes. In fact, I believe that the ‘pro-life’ movement is actually about increasing population because our economic system requires it. Without an increasing market to sell goods to profit would decline.
This is a very thought-provoking topic Draco; personally, I was pro-life, but you know, the use of stones has been round a long-time.
( I wonder how these political positions align with all that the law and the prophets hang on?)
Wow! The discourse sure has been personal these past threads or two; summer heat? increased light?
(depression can be fatal)
sigh..
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/30/my-take-when-evangelicals-were-pro-choice/
Televangelist Jerry Falwell spearheaded the reversal of opinion on abortion in the late 1970s, leading his Moral Majority activist group into close political alliance with Catholic organizations against the sexual revolution
I would have added a slight but important qualification in there.
“It’s not about babies. It’s about controlling (poor or working class) women. It’s about making sure they have consequences for having unapproved sex.”
There’s a different set of rules for the well off and more recently famous who are allowed their mistresses and whose young men are allowed to sow their wild oats, where trading in your partner for a younger model reminds you of how powerful you are.
When is the last time you saw the religous berating the wealthy for their broken relationships, their second or third marriages, their dalliances or their affairs.
I WANT A PRO DEATH MOVEMENT!
http://www.vhemt.org/
Ahh yes, those guys.
“In fact, I believe that the ‘pro-life’ movement is actually about increasing population because our economic system requires it.”
The pro-life movement is not about economics in the slightest. It is religious
I’m in two minds about these interpreters. Part of me says they’ll get what they deserve and are equal to collaborators in occupied Europe during WW2. The other part says that they did help our government’s troops and it reflects badly on us to leave them there. Obviously this sort of situation can only be avoided once we stop participating in the invasions of other nations, and I think aiming for that is a better use of my energies than worrying about those who helped invading forces. On the other hand, I thought Key and co would identify strongly with anyone who acted as an agent of foreign powers, seeing as that is so central to their own actions.
Sheezus mate, if our Afghan translaters are like collaborators in occupied Europe, what the hell does that make us?!
my god! Not … French!?
Good too see Kim Dotcom is up and running again, encrypted this time
Can’t beat them encrypted caching engines aye M8! 🙂
DAVID Cameron’s conference speech was being discussed in a Glasgow pub last night. Amongst the negative comments, one toper piped up: “To be fair to David Cameron, he’s doing the work of two men.” This comment surprised a few folk until the chap added: “Laurel and Hardy.”
From Ken Smuth’s Diary, Herald Scotland.
Well, well, well Look at this
New-Zealand-first-in-world-for-education-
http://www.3news.co.nz/New-Zealand-first-in-world-for-education—global-survey/tabid/423/articleID/275056/Default.aspx
New Zealand tops the education rankings – which were made on the basis of performance in three areas: access to education, quality of education and human capital.
New Zealand’s lowest ranked sub-index was economic prosperity, for which we were ranked 27 of the 142 countries in the survey.
Serious question here.
You lefties complain about the MSM when really most the MSM in NZ is left-leaning (maybe not left-leaning enough), you’re now running scared because Cam Slaters the editor of the Truth so why question is:
Whats stopping a bunch of you lefties getting together and starting up your own newspaper to combat the supposed right-wing newspapers?
Unions, latte liberals etc etc should be able to kick to start one up so why not do it?
Left leaning MSM – yep I can see the editorials all over the place promoting 8 hour working days, decent wages, increased rights for unions, increasing taxation, trumpeting our education system as one of the best in the world, telling private schools to bugger off from expecting state-funding, promting the welfare state as something positive and important, etc etc.
Fuck the Labour Party can’t even express these things and you somehow think the MSM is more left than Labour.
And for me all those things were normal growing up.
It shows how far to the right we have moved if you think the occassional criticism in the media is a left bias.
And that’s all without a push in the media for Socialism or Communism.
Nicky Hager’s speech:
Basically, you’re wrong. NZ is hard right and the MSM is leading the way.
Whats stopping a bunch of you lefties getting together and starting up your own newspaper to combat the supposed right-wing newspapers?
What me personally?
I don’t purport to speak for a collective of other lefties.
What reason would you like to hear?
Already have a job
Happy commenting on blogs
Don’t have the expertise
Wife wouldn’t like it
Newspapers are dying anyway and you’d be a dick to try and start one up
Can come up with a hundred reasons if you want.
More pertinent would be asking why can’t the successful businessmen of this country come up with their own businesses instead of trying to pinch state run businesses?
He’s right though. What’s to stop Leftys from putting together $5M to run their own weekly paper. Nothing except a few investors and a dedicated core of a dozen or so people.
So basically just laziness then
How did you deduce that, Einstein?
For me, yep, just laziness.
Oh and I have no money to invest and I know nothing about publishing.
What me personally?
-Nope, lefties in general
More pertinent would be asking why can’t the successful businessmen of this country come up with their own businesses instead of trying to pinch state run businesses?
-Not really the point of my question. Lefties decry right-wing newspapaers and the MSM yet won’t get of their (collective) chuffs to do anything about it.
Capital rests in the hands of the elite classes mate. Don’t ignore that. So do the cheque books of corporate advertisers. Don’t ignore that either.
Never forgetting of course that newspapers don’t make their money from selling newspapers, nor from selling news – they make their money from selling advertising.
Also noting that newspapers generally are struggling and that news is being accessed more and more, and in more varied ways, on-line.
I personally would but maybe 7 or 8 newspapers per year and mainly read OP’s now and then. Daily I can seek out a range of news and thought from across the world.
Tell me then, Chalupa Batman, would starting up a left wing newspaper be a sound business decision or would it be a business folly throwing away money.
My business sense tells me that it would be folly and that it would be a sound business decision not to go down that road.
Do you have some business acumen that would suggest otherwise?
And we do get off our chuffs to do something about it including blogging – I don’t think however the correct response is to try and start one up.
The thing is lefties go on about right-wing MSM. A way for lefties to redress the balance is to start up a newspaper.
But instead of doing something positive like starting a left-wing newspaper (I’m sure its been done before) all I hear is moaning.
Papers are a thing of the past, they are full of old news, much easier to get news off the net. A paper’s news is usually about 12 hours old (at best) by the time it gets out. Therefore most people who buy papers will be slightly backward…see why right wing papers do so well?
I hear right wingers whinging all the time about beneficiaries.
A positive solution to redress that would be to employ them, ensure that incomes are sufficient to support wages, to share the jobs around by reducing hours of work and increasing leisure time, to pay more tax to support those who are unable to work, to ensure local ownership and to take less in profit.
Instead of doing any of those positive things all I hear is moaning.
Online paid-content market poses threat to traditional advertising
It could be done, just need to come up with the needed model.
If lefties are prepared to put their money where their mouths are…
Stump up then mate. You want to see a proper newspaper in this country don’t you? Or are you just being an ass for ass’ sakes?
Why? Its lefties always complaining about the so-called bias, I’m merely posing a question (and offering a solution)
suggesting that ‘lefties’ try to distort the hegimonic discourse by challenging powerful (but decreasing) institutions within a dying industry is only a solution if you are stupid. If you are not stupid, then its a smart ass remark.
Can you list some other countries that NZ is to the right of in your opinion ?
Neoliberal wave swept through most of the western world in the 1980’s. Carefully orchestrated and resourced.
Excellent lecture by hager, and touches on so many important things: from the increasing dominance of PR people and wealthy lobbyists, to the state of NZ politics.
But also, he makes some important points about how investigative journalists (read, all good journalists) are anyone who investigates thoroughly, looking for the truth – it doesn’t need to be MSM journalists”.
On this note I might also mention that as well as suffering declining readership, the Herald’s letters column has been getting smaller. Now that people have a choice other than following the mainstream rightwing opinion expressed by the Herald they are leaving it in droves.
Why? Because not being content just to control the editorial line, the Herald has enforced a strict policy bias against publishing left wing letters effectively expressing policy they disagree with. I can personally vouch for this, after many years of writing to the Herald with little result. Like many others I have given up. I will no longer be wasting my time.
And even in their on line version, the Herald and other mainstream news sites don’t allow comment on most of their right wing propaganda pieces. (However they will allow it for lifestyle pieces on fashion etc or in simple yes and no answers to carefully worded leading questions, posed in on line polls.Healthy and reasoned debate backed up by facts is not something they can tolerate.)
Jenny,
A few years ago, a friend of mine did the same.
She was fed up with the “editorial balance” of the letters page, so she took to regularly writing to them on a number of subjects. I’m not sure if they published any, other than one short, witty, and not particularly political, letter.
To make matters worse, when they did publish letters with a differing viewpoint similar to her’s, they were invariably incoherent, illogical and badly written – the worst possible examples, with letters agreeing with the paper’s line published at a rate of about six to one. Because of her own efforts (and she’s won a couple of prizes for her writing in the past), she knew it was a deliberate editorial policy to make opposing viewpoints look bad.
Exactly. Take asset sales, everyone agrees when floated on the share market will attract foreigner buyers. Those investors will take their profits overseas, and so make it harder for NZ debtors to pay back their debts, as that money stops going into government coffers, as that money stops going into investment in NZ, jobs for Kiwis. But since the left hold such a rapacious hold on the media we of course hear this every single day, NOT. Globally, globalization, has made the world one economy, when they print money and don’t sell state assets elsewhere, then its unfathomable why we should do the exact opposite. We don’t have to align but selling at the bottom of the market, with a cashed up China, and empty pocket middle NZ, its just damn odd.
But hey National aren’t a capitalist party, they are a crony right wing socialist nationalist party.
Well said aerobubble! , and good civilised journos are fighting back by the way.
The trick is to relay your own opinions or “Thinking Ground” as well as the facts, that way people will know the perspective of the data, and will understand/trust it much more.
Hence why I like the articles on the standard, but hate WhaleOil.
So this is “the left” website in NZ, is it?
I am sorry, this IS A SICK JOKE! For memory:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2mjyt_nathalie-cardone-hasta-siempre-coma_music