That was in 2013. It was a waste of money then but the latest version was far worse. The one we just held cost us at least $250 million and had only a few entries, If you think $36 million was bad what do you think of $250 million?
Now what good things could we have done with that sort of money?
"….it won't have even bought votes. Maybe some doations."
I can see the sense in that.
Using taxpayers money to give donations to yourself through a grateful and wealthy third party makes a lot of sense.
I mean, if you gave that money to poor people, they would just spend and not have any left over to donate to your party, no matter how grateful they were.
Give it to rich people makes much more sense, they can always scratch around for a couple of loose thou or so down the back of the couch to donate to your party.
That at least is a rational response. Cleaning the port area up might be a good idea (I don't really know and am not qualified to comment as I don't live there). Having the Yacht races doesn't seem essential for that though.
Claiming that the America's Cup is good for the country isn't even a rational proposal in my opinion. And I used to sail when I was a lot younger so I am likely to be in the group that might be interested.
Here is a piece from a few days ago when it was the tenth year since a western alliance of the USA, the UK and France bombed Libya, under the pretense of a humanitarian intervention…the result today being worse than one can imagine..and as is the case in those countries, our own media always seems to make room for news that promotes military intervention, but never an equal or more often no opposing voices to these actions…why is that?
So of course when it all goes wrong or the west is caught fabricating reasons for military intervention on so called humanitarian grounds our media is also silent…why is that?
And while we are on the issue of propaganda by omission, think about Julian Assange, a near media black out him now, though when the alleged 'rape' charges were being pushed, our media couldn't dive into the shit deep enough…why is that?
Propaganda By Omission: Libya, Syria, Venezuela And The UK
" Maya Garner, a spokesperson for the IUNW commented: "The UK and its allies, which played a key role in the removal of Colonel Gaddafi's murderous regime in 2011, have failed to do enough to stabilise Libya, while profiteering from the sale of weapons to Tripoli."
@Jenny how to get there
So lets be clear here, are you saying that allowing the OCPW/USA/UK/France falsify OCPW documents and reports that allow for military strikes in Syria is OK with you because Assad must be removed by the western intervention if necessary?
I do not allow and would not allow OCPW etc to falsify documents and reports, as you impute I am.
You are twisting things to fit your preconceived views of my motives.
I don't have a hidden agenda. I have been to Syria and witnessed the Assad regime close up. Admittedly that was just before the war, in 2010, but I have followed events there very closely ever since, including watching live feeds of the regime's first atrocities against civilians in places I had been in only months before and knew well.
To me the most telling quote in the following video, is this one. @7:37 minutes in.
Which I have transcribed for you below:
"….It is important to note that these chemical attacks are not the only documented war crimes that have been committed by Syrian Government forces throughout this entire conflict There are plenty of other human rights violations that have been committed by the Syrian Arab Army that the West could easily have used to justify invading Syria years ago…."
Syria Chemical Attacks: 10 Truther Arguments Debunked
One of those 'other' war crimes is the undeniable total destruction of the Syrian city of Homs. Apologists for the Assad regime on this blogsite have consistently and repeatedly refused to address or admit to the evidence of their own eyes to the scale of this mass murder of a Syrian civilian population by the Assad regime.
This is an unaparralled war crime, no other government in human history has carpet bombed its own cities.
This and other monstrous war crimes and human rights abuses by the Assad regime are swept under the carpet and ignored by Assad apologists to give credence to the 'regime change conspiracy' narrative.
Something I didn't know until today, the BBC world Service is unregulated….so in other words, can publish or provide to other countries news services like New Zealand's, news that has no regulatory oversight what so ever…
" BBC World Service is not regulated by Ofcom. Instead the BBC is responsible for setting its overall strategic direction, the budget and guarding its editorial independence for World Service. It must set and publish a Licence for the World Service, which defines its remit, scope, annual budget and main commitments, as well as "objectives, targets and priorities" which are agreed with the Foreign Secretary."
I could go on with examples of Raab's anti progressive/Left positions but you get the idea…
So the mystery around to where at least some of our own misinformed, underinformed international news/views comes from is easily explained.
One of the strange thing I thought of while typing this comment, is how many so called ‘lefties’ agree vehemently with all the positions of the UK conservative Foreign Secretary…..hilarious.
Our Labour government is proposing to do away with our totally government run and controlled radio, for a few shekels. Jack in the Beanstalk sold solid milkfat for unknown types of beans that happily grew into a giant plant which he climbed then found gold and a magic harp. Fairytales like this are what Labour believe in, in their hearts if they have any.
They are planning to put the mostly commercial tv model to use for radio, the one place where they should get their message over without tilting someone's elbow. The bloody fools, they have put the cowherd in charge of running the farm, and he is selling it off like Jack while the few who should understand this and be responsible look the other way. Faafoi has announced:
"A new public media entity would operate with a mixed funding model, drawing part of its revenue from commercial sources and part from government funding," Faafoi confirmed.
"It would provide content across a variety of platforms, and have full editorial and operational independence from Government enshrined in legislation." (This was copied from the newspaper piece on Apr.1/2021 – Panel to oversee radio, TV proposal)
..Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi has said he expects to take a case for the proposal to the Cabinet in October…
The members of the governance group appointed by Faafoi are Tracey Martin, Glen Scanlon, Michael Anderson, SandraKailahi, Bailey Mackey, William Earl, John Quirk, and Trisha Dunleavy….
Details about them are in the on line piece.
1984 deja vu all over again, Labour being the pointy-headed kids on the block, demonstrating (to whom?) how cleaver [sic] they are, modern, efficient, smaller government etc. How Labour can sell off, virtually, this major item of national importance capable of delivering excellent product, and tarnish it, with the old adage of commercial doing it better – that's an oxymoron. But Labour appears to be run by morons, lost in the world of Now which I can see clearly by standing away from it, noticing, educating myself, thinking about it, they are too close, too tied to the 'beltway'.
These people, (are they?) running the Labour Party are driving us right into the BBC-media state, which is the one that helped bring down silly Jeremy Corbyn who waited to do anything to first see what the people had to say. The people couldn't see clearly what was happening because there isn't a clear path that they know to follow, to the actual news and explanations about its background. That was then, now BBC has jumped through the flaming hoop like a well-trained little hound.
And UK Labour is held in limbo apparently by the anti-Palestine group who control and will agitate against any power that the terminal left try to exert. We will have our own agitators controlling everything we say and do that is outside of a closed agenda decided by others who have the media's ear.
Anne Perry could write a great novel using her modern detective but ferreting out dark secrets, undercurrents and venality here just as she did for London in the Victorian years.
@greywarshark…yes it is very sad that out Labour government now is Left only in peoples imaginations…the are a Free Market liberal party…just check out what is happening to our public Libraries and Universities across most of NZ…not only are Labour free market fundamentalism their free market policies leads directly to anti intellectualism.
One of the strange thing I thought of while typing this comment, is how many so called ‘lefties’ agree vehemently with all the positions of the UK conservative Foreign Secretary…..hilarious.
Certainly no more 'hilarious' than the otherwise left supporters that uncritically endorse a murderous kleptocracy.
You are starting to sound like some sort of unhinged anti Putin fundamentalist here Stuart Munro..anyway I will say this again, and hopefully for the last time…show the readers of The Standard just one time I have said anything pro Putin or have linked to one piece that is pro Putin…
If you cannot find that one time, then Stuart Munro you are then honour bound to give me a full apology, or if it turns out you are not a honourable person ..then how about not commenting on my comments in the future if you all you can do is spread lies and innuendo.
Show us one – just one time you have departed from the Kremlin script on:
Syria, Novichoks, Navalny, Ukraine
Which makes your views less part of genuine individual opinion, which should be tolerated, and more like braying the cant of a mischievous propagandist, which should not.
It ought not to surprise you if many leftists here occasionally find common ground with a conservative UK foreign office, if only because policy endures beyond individual governments.
The UK position on Russia necessarily reflects the concerns of fellow NATO members who face invasion if Russia is allowed to do whatever it will. If your views were ever informed by the experiences of anyone from eastern Europe instead of your go to nutbar sites, you might have a glimmering of why that might not be an appealing prospect.
"occasionally find common ground with a conservative UK foreign office,"
Slightly more than occasional…
Julian Assange
Venezuela
Navalny
Syria regime change
Russiagate
China
Libya (when it was happening)
Ukraine
etc etc etc…man you and Boris (and Thatcher probably) would get on real well, seems like a very similar world view you guys got going there…sort looks a lot like a modernist colonialist ideology when you think about it for one second….which of course you don't, though for most intelligent people it is quite obvious you and your pals are in fact just modern colonists only just under the surface, which is why I have always described you lot as nothing more than [deleted] only waiting for the order to arrive.
Yep the irony is that you and so many like you who go on and on about authoritarianism are all just under the surface craving that very thing..it's so transparent it actually quite funny….just like all those conservative preachers who everyone know are going to get busted for something dodgy in the not too distant future…that is you right there pal, shit for all we know you probably admire Putin deep down yourself, I wouldn't be surprised if something like that came out if you where on the couch for half an hour..LOL!!
Actually lets see what Putin has to say about Russiagate himself, it seems that unlike Biden and Boris Putin has no problem sitting down with hostile foreign journo's…
I don't need to hear Putin's version. I heard everything I need to know about him decades ago – and he hasn't changed a bit.
Maybe, just maybe, you should search out the other side of the story – the one you have chosen is not remotely tenable.
I get that you're young, and have no access to primary sources. Doesn't mean you can take the devil at his word however.
You might want to reflect upon why it is that the main Russiagate deniers are the kind of loons who stormed the capitol. Are these your fellow travellers? Maybe you're not as Left as you think.
We need unions for sure, that understand employers and watch out for union members.
Whenever we use Amazon for online shopping delivery, we should feel guilty. The company’s labour practices are notoriously unsafe. Shop floor employees in Amazon warehouses are required to work punishing ten to 12 hour shifts that routinely require them to walk 24 kilometres a day to fill orders and stack shelves. Meanwhile, their work output and journeys round the warehouses are being electronically tracked and timed to maximise efficiency…
You just don't like facing criticism about your controversial opinions. You delete comments that are critical of you as if you occupy some hallowed ground because of the length and wordiness of your posts.
I deleted a nasty insult and if you use it again, I will delete it again and step up the ‘censorship’ until you stop insulting other commenters here with your despicable language or until you will lose your commenting privileges here, which you will undoubtedly label ‘cancelled’.
The Pre-Moderation filter is my friend; you keep an eye on your own behaviour here, which is the issue, as far as I am concerned, and you don’t need to concern yourself with how I apply my ‘censorship’ to others, as this is already covered well by another commenter who feels compelled to act as ‘critic and conscience’ on and of this site.
By Bryce Edwards* (says a mouthful and i assume it isn't an April fool)
Opinion: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern can essentially say "kia kaha" as much as she wants to those at the bottom of the housing market, but it won't help their plight. Eventually her government is going to have to take state housing seriously as a tool for helping solve the housing crisis – especially for low-to-average income earners, who were ignored in last week's housing package announcement.
State housing – government housing setting a base for housing the poor, many of whom the government has helped to make that way, what a good idea.
Seeing successive governments have followed in 1984 Labour's footsteps and discarded a great range of jobs as a sacrifice to bring in cheap goods and open trading lines, at the same time keeping wages down so that those still working find it impossible to have a life without two wages and devil take the children, say the gummint; what a good idea that government ploughs some of that money into reasonable housing in an appropriate place.
With all that in mind, it is essential for the government to get off its fat bum, (not PC? they deserve worse), and do some appropriate state housing. And could you also raise the bar on the high jump for speculators whether NZ born, white, green or orange, and foreign-born of whatever colour or ethnicity. Remember Rackman in the UK! How come we repeat the history when we have had so much education to enable us to learn about?
Perec or Peter Rachman came to England during the war as a refugee from Poland. He died a millionaire in 1962. Rachman started work in an estate agency in Shepherds Bush but soon branched out on his own to exploit the post-war housing shortage. Infamous residents – Peter Rachman
Agree entirely Incog. Bryce Edwards is a devious and misleading commentator who seems to be a slave to the right. The figures he quotes in his article give an entirely false impression.
As the figures in your link show, the Labour-led government will increase public housing by 14,000 in the period 2018-2024, an increase of 20%. Creditable, though more still would be preferable.
Over the 9 years of the Key junta the number of state houses actually decreased. Key and English sold them off to bolster the public accounts so that they could give tax cuts to their mates.
"Labour-led government will increase public housing". That is probably OK as far as it goes. After all one more house would make that claim true. But why do you think it will be on anything like the scale in the proposal you have linked to?
What a trusting person you are. They say that, this time, they are going to achieve something significant. You actually seem to believe, in spite of all the evidence from past promises, that they will do what they have promised.
Well, back in 2017 they promised that they would build 100,000 houses in 10 years. Then they gave some estimates for the first 3 years. And how did they get on? All true believers now look in the other direction. It was a total disaster wasn't it?
They promised that by the end of 2021 there would be light rail to Mt Roskill. No ifs, no buts. It would be there. Well they haven't even got a route so far, so what are the chances that it will be achieved?
But we are now asked to believe that things will be different this time. This time the numbers they promise are really truly going to happen. And everyone can believe in the tooth fairy as well I suppose.
It all comes down to money, or the 16 billions they gave the rich so that a few breadcrumbs can fall off the table. There is no money for infrastructure, housing or any other improvement we wish to see. If there isn't a Corporate in line of bolstering their pockets, we are simply out of luck. Look at the timber shortage and the commercial manoeuvring in NZ. Anyone can see we are being blackmailed to give up on public housing. Meanwhile, the government needs to fill the hole of 16 bill. with log exports. Aren't they?
As the figures in your link show, the Labour-led government will increase public housing by 14,000 in the period 2018-2024, an increase of 20%. Creditable, though more still would be preferable.
You mean the same Labour that promised 100,000 houses in ten years about 3 1/2 years ago and failed embarrassingly to the point of giving in and saying it was bollocks?
Why are we supposed t trust their housing promises again?
National decreased the overall state housing stock in its period in power.
Labour is increasing it. Has done so. Will it get to 14,000? Maybe. Would have to pull finger, but it's already moving in the correct direction.
You know what's worse than trying to get X number of extra homes built and failing? Not even trying.
So National didn't promise or try to improve things (well, except towards the end, when they started promising to halve child poverty in a sudden pretence of caring). Labour has tried to achieve its goals, failed on some and succeeded on others.
One of the things about "whataboutism" is that it does introduce the concept of hypocrisy, in that a party which criticises another party for doing 'nothing' or 'not enough' when it actually made things worse by selling off housing which it did not replace as it promised, is accountable. The 'what about you' points out this hypocrisy.
How many were sold in areas where they were no longer needed due to population shift? The question really should be, "How many sold……… and for what reason?"
In the town where I live, our National MP assured us in Grey Power that houses would be built to replace those sold. They weren't. Houses that I looked at as being up for sale but in need of refurbishment under National were not sold under Labour,
and are being done up. As well, a hundred more are being built in the region. The spokesperson for Grey Power locally (not me!) reported to our recent AGM that he was very pleased with local and national (small 'n', =note) government efforts in addressing housing needs locally.
Certainly not a city's (1140) worth as the National govt did in Tauranga – who decided that was a remotely good idea to lose the income from freehold properties & the valuable land they stand on in a city with a shortage of it. The "idea" failed were English put both the entire stock of Tauranga & Invercargill up as Invercargill in 2014-2016, into 2017 when the sale was completed, was experiencing none of the demand for property Tauranga did and still does. Now the tax payer supplements the "market" rents – so lost income, lost land and supplemented rents on 1140 properties hardly stacks up as a brilliant idea by any assessment. The owners Accessible Properties had approx 1600 properties in 2017 now they have 2700 approx so any claim it would lead to social housing providers providing extra social housing on the back of it is bunkum – they are profit for purpose supported by tax payers money.
Your Government, your Prime Minister. Why are they letting Australia hang in the wind? Why are they not backing us up in this very serious confrontation with the Chinese dictatorship.
Here's why tenants shouldn't worry about housing changes
Sell and run?
Property investors won't sell up and run, due to a very common trait. Most are wusses when it comes to risk. That’s not a bad thing. They know their tolerance level and they’re stable investors. They won't switch asset classes easily and often have no diversification.
This is good news for tenants as their attitude to risk makes them more prepared to absorb regulatory shock. Long term, tax-free capital gains on borrowed money will always attract them.
Sound reason in this article by Janine Starks. Make a mockery (and she does mock them) of landlord's claims they are going to hammer tenants for this.
The simple theory of supply and demand has not led to desirable outcomes for all, which is I assume what everyone wants. Constraints on the supply side render the theory inadequate, therefore some intervention is required.
I am fairly certain that homes aren't being destroyed and house numbers are rising quite rapidly, if not rapidly enough.
I imagine rents will rise at about the same pace as they have historically, that is well above wage growth. As it ever was 🙁
Simon Angelo is quite impressed with what the government has done and not that keen on small scale residential rental / investment as a business.
Even more disingenuous is suggesting that most residential rental homes are a ‘business.’ Most operators do not provide the service at any scale. Nor are they incentivised to grow profits by delivering a more productive service.
A low-yield building that mainly allows one customer to have a roof over their head looks more like a social good, not a market product. Perhaps we need to change the way we provide it?
Businesses produce profits across many customers. They, in turn, are subject to industry, health, trading, taxation, and countless specific regulations.
Angelo does have a barrow to push, he sells investment products other than housing. He's quite keen on the idea of a listed company that builds and rents medium to high density housing, either as a partial float of Housing New Zealand, or a new entity.
There's already a couple of outfits doing the build to rent thing Du Val, and Williams Corp who've previously been pre-sold builders but have been popping up on my Facebook feed with build to rent product returning 10%
Perhaps you have trouble recognising what a number is, because you very, very rarely back up anything you write with numbers, via links or otherwise.
I thought the article was very well thought out by a person well established in the personal finance and investment industry. It was also a relief to hear someone in that industry not hand-wring about the recent legislative changes and show that this will in fact stabilise the rental market by weeding out amateur and leveraged party-time investors.
I haven't watched all of it yet Robert, but I plan to.
Yes, for something like this I think you are quite entitled to be proud of it and to make available to others. Mind you, I think the rampant growth of your beard almost puts the growth of the vegetation to shame.
Thanks Robert, just finished watching it all the way through. Very inspiring for what i am doing here though mine will be a fraction of the size. I have very sheltered but sunny half an acre in Whangarei.
Last winter i planted a good 150 native plants and lots of comfrey. This winter i will put in plum and apricot trees now i have mostly finished my terracing. I've got four pineapple plants in pots to go in and will do more once once the pineapples are available again at the growers market. I'm also looking to put in mandarins, grapes, bananas and thornless blackberries.
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Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
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 ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
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. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
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. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
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. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
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. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
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. ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
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 ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
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 The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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OMG Auckland airport is chaos inside and out this morning.
another plague flight arrived? What happened?
just easter travel
Start the long weekend off with this gem
https://twitter.com/simonjward/status/1377591993224822787
that was excellent.
It may have been had I been able to understand the words she was singing.
ironic
Talented, funny and entertaining. 🙂
Great article on Stuff today. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300266207/coroners-report-tells-of-erratic-controlling-and-abusive-behaviour-that-ended-in-murder-suicide
Like watching a slow motion train wreck
Brazil health System on verge of collapse with covid
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24933283-500-brazil-faces-health-system-collapse-as-covid-19-cases-skyrocket/?utm_source=nsday&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NSDAY_010421
NZ health system on the verge of collapse without covid
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/439170/new-zealand-hospitals-in-crisis-after-biggest-january-february-on-record
Trans Tasman Bubble just days away.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/ministry-health-documents-reveal-trans-tasman-bubble-may-just-days-away
How about this. But instead of relying on a charity to fund it?
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-best-medicine-doesnt-always-come-in-a-bottle/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=today-in-science&utm_content=link&utm_term=2021-04-01_top-stories&spMailingID=69909708&spUserID=MzA0NTQ4NDI1MzE5S0&spJobID=2100187857&spReportId=MjEwMDE4Nzg1NwS2
Afterall we gave millionaire yacht racers $36 million leg up.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/is-36m-well-spent-on-the-americas-cup/9151816/Americas-Cup-Is-it-worth-36m
We can shell out for those at the top of society, why can't we do it for those at the bottom?
$36 million?
That was in 2013. It was a waste of money then but the latest version was far worse. The one we just held cost us at least $250 million and had only a few entries, If you think $36 million was bad what do you think of $250 million?
Now what good things could we have done with that sort of money?
It's far worse, and it won't have even bought votes. Maybe some doations.
Gabby5.1.1
2 April 2021 at 11:12 am
"….it won't have even bought votes. Maybe some doations."
I can see the sense in that.
Using taxpayers money to give donations to yourself through a grateful and wealthy third party makes a lot of sense.
I mean, if you gave that money to poor people, they would just spend and not have any left over to donate to your party, no matter how grateful they were.
Give it to rich people makes much more sense, they can always scratch around for a couple of loose thou or so down the back of the couch to donate to your party.
Money well spent imo… purely because it inevitably ends up in forcing a little bit more of the industrial shite off the waterfront.
That at least is a rational response. Cleaning the port area up might be a good idea (I don't really know and am not qualified to comment as I don't live there). Having the Yacht races doesn't seem essential for that though.
Claiming that the America's Cup is good for the country isn't even a rational proposal in my opinion. And I used to sail when I was a lot younger so I am likely to be in the group that might be interested.
Rich ppl playing trumps poor ppl working evrytime.
Here is a piece from a few days ago when it was the tenth year since a western alliance of the USA, the UK and France bombed Libya, under the pretense of a humanitarian intervention…the result today being worse than one can imagine..and as is the case in those countries, our own media always seems to make room for news that promotes military intervention, but never an equal or more often no opposing voices to these actions…why is that?
So of course when it all goes wrong or the west is caught fabricating reasons for military intervention on so called humanitarian grounds our media is also silent…why is that?
And while we are on the issue of propaganda by omission, think about Julian Assange, a near media black out him now, though when the alleged 'rape' charges were being pushed, our media couldn't dive into the shit deep enough…why is that?
Propaganda By Omission: Libya, Syria, Venezuela And The UK
https://www.medialens.org/2021/propaganda-by-omission-libya-syria-venezuela-and-the-uk/
Are the Brits selling arms to the factions?
Yes they do…
Posted: 12 February 2021
" Maya Garner, a spokesperson for the IUNW commented: "The UK and its allies, which played a key role in the removal of Colonel Gaddafi's murderous regime in 2011, have failed to do enough to stabilise Libya, while profiteering from the sale of weapons to Tripoli."
https://www.journalism.co.uk/press-releases/government-must-halt-arm-sales-to-libya-and-countries-fuelling-the-deadly-civil-war-says-human-rights-group/s66/a794728/
Following Assad’s genocidal erasing of tens of thousands Syrians, the clean up gang come along behind him to finish the job.
Erasing People through Disinformation
https://newpol.org/erasing-people-through-disinformation-syria-and-the-anti-imperialism-of-fools/?fbclid=IwAR1XxbXquhnE-Na92_rO-h56zYv_cDU-uEp3-HYVk5Oo9kIlUhnd42hFH_k
@Jenny how to get there
So lets be clear here, are you saying that allowing the OCPW/USA/UK/France falsify OCPW documents and reports that allow for military strikes in Syria is OK with you because Assad must be removed by the western intervention if necessary?
@Adrian Thornton
I do not allow and would not allow OCPW etc to falsify documents and reports, as you impute I am.
You are twisting things to fit your preconceived views of my motives.
I don't have a hidden agenda. I have been to Syria and witnessed the Assad regime close up. Admittedly that was just before the war, in 2010, but I have followed events there very closely ever since, including watching live feeds of the regime's first atrocities against civilians in places I had been in only months before and knew well.
To me the most telling quote in the following video, is this one. @7:37 minutes in.
Which I have transcribed for you below:
"….It is important to note that these chemical attacks are not the only documented war crimes that have been committed by Syrian Government forces throughout this entire conflict There are plenty of other human rights violations that have been committed by the Syrian Arab Army that the West could easily have used to justify invading Syria years ago…."
Syria Chemical Attacks: 10 Truther Arguments Debunked
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5fxSBS0kpo&feature=emb_logo
One of those 'other' war crimes is the undeniable total destruction of the Syrian city of Homs. Apologists for the Assad regime on this blogsite have consistently and repeatedly refused to address or admit to the evidence of their own eyes to the scale of this mass murder of a Syrian civilian population by the Assad regime.
This is an unaparralled war crime, no other government in human history has carpet bombed its own cities.
This and other monstrous war crimes and human rights abuses by the Assad regime are swept under the carpet and ignored by Assad apologists to give credence to the 'regime change conspiracy' narrative.
https://thestandard.org.nz/heroes-2/#comment-1299116
[Link fixed]
Something I didn't know until today, the BBC world Service is unregulated….so in other words, can publish or provide to other countries news services like New Zealand's, news that has no regulatory oversight what so ever…
" BBC World Service is not regulated by Ofcom. Instead the BBC is responsible for setting its overall strategic direction, the budget and guarding its editorial independence for World Service. It must set and publish a Licence for the World Service, which defines its remit, scope, annual budget and main commitments, as well as "objectives, targets and priorities" which are agreed with the Foreign Secretary."
https://www.bbc.com/aboutthebbc/governance/regulation
This foreign Secretary…
UK Continues To Recognize Guaido As Venezuela's Interim President – Foreign Secretary
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/uk-continues-to-recognize-guaido-as-venezuela-1134905.html
On Russia..
Dominic Raab to call on Nato allies to ‘face down’ threat from Russia
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dominic-raab-nato-blinken-russia-b1821346.html
Dominic Raab re; Navalny
https://twitter.com/dominicraab/status/1351077741056172039?lang=en
Dominic Raab re; Assange
Silence
I could go on with examples of Raab's anti progressive/Left positions but you get the idea…
So the mystery around to where at least some of our own misinformed, underinformed international news/views comes from is easily explained.
One of the strange thing I thought of while typing this comment, is how many so called ‘lefties’ agree vehemently with all the positions of the UK conservative Foreign Secretary…..hilarious.
Aye and there's the rub!
Our Labour government is proposing to do away with our totally government run and controlled radio, for a few shekels. Jack in the Beanstalk sold solid milkfat for unknown types of beans that happily grew into a giant plant which he climbed then found gold and a magic harp. Fairytales like this are what Labour believe in, in their hearts if they have any.
They are planning to put the mostly commercial tv model to use for radio, the one place where they should get their message over without tilting someone's elbow. The bloody fools, they have put the cowherd in charge of running the farm, and he is selling it off like Jack while the few who should understand this and be responsible look the other way. Faafoi has announced:
"A new public media entity would operate with a mixed funding model, drawing part of its revenue from commercial sources and part from government funding," Faafoi confirmed.
"It would provide content across a variety of platforms, and have full editorial and operational independence from Government enshrined in legislation." (This was copied from the newspaper piece on Apr.1/2021 – Panel to oversee radio, TV proposal)
On-line – https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/124710016/rnz-tvnz-merger-will-now-get-down-to-the-nitty-gritty-says-minister
..Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi has said he expects to take a case for the proposal to the Cabinet in October…
The members of the governance group appointed by Faafoi are Tracey Martin, Glen Scanlon, Michael Anderson, Sandra Kailahi, Bailey Mackey, William Earl, John Quirk, and Trisha Dunleavy….
Details about them are in the on line piece.
1984 deja vu all over again, Labour being the pointy-headed kids on the block, demonstrating (to whom?) how cleaver [sic] they are, modern, efficient, smaller government etc. How Labour can sell off, virtually, this major item of national importance capable of delivering excellent product, and tarnish it, with the old adage of commercial doing it better – that's an oxymoron. But Labour appears to be run by morons, lost in the world of Now which I can see clearly by standing away from it, noticing, educating myself, thinking about it, they are too close, too tied to the 'beltway'.
These people, (are they?) running the Labour Party are driving us right into the BBC-media state, which is the one that helped bring down silly Jeremy Corbyn who waited to do anything to first see what the people had to say. The people couldn't see clearly what was happening because there isn't a clear path that they know to follow, to the actual news and explanations about its background. That was then, now BBC has jumped through the flaming hoop like a well-trained little hound.
And UK Labour is held in limbo apparently by the anti-Palestine group who control and will agitate against any power that the terminal left try to exert. We will have our own agitators controlling everything we say and do that is outside of a closed agenda decided by others who have the media's ear.
Anne Perry could write a great novel using her modern detective but ferreting out dark secrets, undercurrents and venality here just as she did for London in the Victorian years.
@greywarshark…yes it is very sad that out Labour government now is Left only in peoples imaginations…the are a Free Market liberal party…just check out what is happening to our public Libraries and Universities across most of NZ…not only are Labour free market fundamentalism their free market policies leads directly to anti intellectualism.
There is no turning Labour Left!..abandon ship.
One of the strange thing I thought of while typing this comment, is how many so called ‘lefties’ agree vehemently with all the positions of the UK conservative Foreign Secretary…..hilarious.
Certainly no more 'hilarious' than the otherwise left supporters that uncritically endorse a murderous kleptocracy.
You are starting to sound like some sort of unhinged anti Putin fundamentalist here Stuart Munro..anyway I will say this again, and hopefully for the last time…show the readers of The Standard just one time I have said anything pro Putin or have linked to one piece that is pro Putin…
If you cannot find that one time, then Stuart Munro you are then honour bound to give me a full apology, or if it turns out you are not a honourable person ..then how about not commenting on my comments in the future if you all you can do is spread lies and innuendo.
In other words put up or shut up.
Right back at you, you tragic dupe.
Show us one – just one time you have departed from the Kremlin script on:
Syria, Novichoks, Navalny, Ukraine
Which makes your views less part of genuine individual opinion, which should be tolerated, and more like braying the cant of a mischievous propagandist, which should not.
It ought not to surprise you if many leftists here occasionally find common ground with a conservative UK foreign office, if only because policy endures beyond individual governments.
The UK position on Russia necessarily reflects the concerns of fellow NATO members who face invasion if Russia is allowed to do whatever it will. If your views were ever informed by the experiences of anyone from eastern Europe instead of your go to nutbar sites, you might have a glimmering of why that might not be an appealing prospect.
"occasionally find common ground with a conservative UK foreign office,"
Slightly more than occasional…
Julian Assange
Venezuela
Navalny
Syria regime change
Russiagate
China
Libya (when it was happening)
Ukraine
etc etc etc…man you and Boris (and Thatcher probably) would get on real well, seems like a very similar world view you guys got going there…sort looks a lot like a modernist colonialist ideology when you think about it for one second….which of course you don't, though for most intelligent people it is quite obvious you and your pals are in fact just modern colonists only just under the surface, which is why I have always described you lot as nothing more than [deleted] only waiting for the order to arrive.
Yep the irony is that you and so many like you who go on and on about authoritarianism are all just under the surface craving that very thing..it's so transparent it actually quite funny….just like all those conservative preachers who everyone know are going to get busted for something dodgy in the not too distant future…that is you right there pal, shit for all we know you probably admire Putin deep down yourself, I wouldn't be surprised if something like that came out if you where on the couch for half an hour..LOL!!
Actually lets see what Putin has to say about Russiagate himself, it seems that unlike Biden and Boris Putin has no problem sitting down with hostile foreign journo's…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGUgcC3dbOY
I don't need to hear Putin's version. I heard everything I need to know about him decades ago – and he hasn't changed a bit.
Maybe, just maybe, you should search out the other side of the story – the one you have chosen is not remotely tenable.
I get that you're young, and have no access to primary sources. Doesn't mean you can take the devil at his word however.
You might want to reflect upon why it is that the main Russiagate deniers are the kind of loons who stormed the capitol. Are these your fellow travellers? Maybe you're not as Left as you think.
We need unions for sure, that understand employers and watch out for union members.
Whenever we use Amazon for online shopping delivery, we should feel guilty. The company’s labour practices are notoriously unsafe. Shop floor employees in Amazon warehouses are required to work punishing ten to 12 hour shifts that routinely require them to walk 24 kilometres a day to fill orders and stack shelves. Meanwhile, their work output and journeys round the warehouses are being electronically tracked and timed to maximise efficiency…
Gordon Campbell on Amazon and their workers –
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2103/S00109/on-the-battle-to-bring-some-humanity-into-amazons-work-practices.htm
Translation: You don't have one and it disinterests you.
Yet you promote low expectations when advocating for more dominance of the residential retail market by amateur landlords.
[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.]
[The first step of the Moderation process often is moving a comment/thread to OM – Incognito]
Translation: You don't have one and it disinterests you.
Considering that the site search engine gives over 250 results on my handle and the word 'inequality' – then I think you're making shit up again.
Meh. Inequality is a dependent part of the current capitalist system you champion. You love it.
Last time you just started making shit up it nearly ended badly. Is this what you're angling for again?
Because your deliberate baiting here is both unsubtle and going to go unrewarded.
That is hardly fair given what you make up about others, that we don't really care about black people etc.
You just don't like facing criticism about your controversial opinions. You delete comments that are critical of you as if you occupy some hallowed ground because of the length and wordiness of your posts.
Fuck off. (Happy now?)
That's hardly constructive.
[The Easter bunny needs cheering up and I’ve volunteered your services. Have fun, you two, and see you after Easter – Incognito]
See my Moderation note @ 2:41 pm.
I assume you censored my comment…shame, it suited them perfectly. I will keep an eye out and see if you apply your censorship fairly in the future.
I deleted a nasty insult and if you use it again, I will delete it again and step up the ‘censorship’ until you stop insulting other commenters here with your despicable language or until you will lose your commenting privileges here, which you will undoubtedly label ‘cancelled’.
The Pre-Moderation filter is my friend; you keep an eye on your own behaviour here, which is the issue, as far as I am concerned, and you don’t need to concern yourself with how I apply my ‘censorship’ to others, as this is already covered well by another commenter who feels compelled to act as ‘critic and conscience’ on and of this site.
Stop your moaning and lift your game.
"Stop your moaning and lift your game" …. going to end your comment with that, really?
Fair enough.
Have a good Easter, Adrian.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/439661/state-builds-missing-from-govt-housing-package Apr. 1/21
By Bryce Edwards* (says a mouthful and i assume it isn't an April fool)
Opinion: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern can essentially say "kia kaha" as much as she wants to those at the bottom of the housing market, but it won't help their plight. Eventually her government is going to have to take state housing seriously as a tool for helping solve the housing crisis – especially for low-to-average income earners, who were ignored in last week's housing package announcement.
State housing – government housing setting a base for housing the poor, many of whom the government has helped to make that way, what a good idea.
Seeing successive governments have followed in 1984 Labour's footsteps and discarded a great range of jobs as a sacrifice to bring in cheap goods and open trading lines, at the same time keeping wages down so that those still working find it impossible to have a life without two wages and devil take the children, say the gummint; what a good idea that government ploughs some of that money into reasonable housing in an appropriate place.
Of course not in low-lying areas where they are packed closely together where the temperature rises high, in Sydney to 50degrees in day, falling to a 'low' of 30degrees appr. at night. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018789468/sydney-s-western-suburbs-australian-nightmare
With all that in mind, it is essential for the government to get off its fat bum, (not PC? they deserve worse), and do some appropriate state housing. And could you also raise the bar on the high jump for speculators whether NZ born, white, green or orange, and foreign-born of whatever colour or ethnicity. Remember Rackman in the UK! How come we repeat the history when we have had so much education to enable us to learn about?
Perec or Peter Rachman came to England during the war as a refugee from Poland. He died a millionaire in 1962. Rachman started work in an estate agency in Shepherds Bush but soon branched out on his own to exploit the post-war housing shortage.
Infamous residents – Peter Rachman
I can’t be bothered with Bryce. His pieces and contributions used to be ok many years ago, but now he’s almost as bad, boring, and biased as Plan B.
Just for you, Bryce: https://www.hud.govt.nz/community-and-public-housing/increasing-public-housing/public-housing-plan/
Agree entirely Incog. Bryce Edwards is a devious and misleading commentator who seems to be a slave to the right. The figures he quotes in his article give an entirely false impression.
As the figures in your link show, the Labour-led government will increase public housing by 14,000 in the period 2018-2024, an increase of 20%. Creditable, though more still would be preferable.
Over the 9 years of the Key junta the number of state houses actually decreased. Key and English sold them off to bolster the public accounts so that they could give tax cuts to their mates.
"Labour-led government will increase public housing". That is probably OK as far as it goes. After all one more house would make that claim true. But why do you think it will be on anything like the scale in the proposal you have linked to?
What a trusting person you are. They say that, this time, they are going to achieve something significant. You actually seem to believe, in spite of all the evidence from past promises, that they will do what they have promised.
Well, back in 2017 they promised that they would build 100,000 houses in 10 years. Then they gave some estimates for the first 3 years. And how did they get on? All true believers now look in the other direction. It was a total disaster wasn't it?
They promised that by the end of 2021 there would be light rail to Mt Roskill. No ifs, no buts. It would be there. Well they haven't even got a route so far, so what are the chances that it will be achieved?
But we are now asked to believe that things will be different this time. This time the numbers they promise are really truly going to happen. And everyone can believe in the tooth fairy as well I suppose.
It all comes down to money, or the 16 billions they gave the rich so that a few breadcrumbs can fall off the table. There is no money for infrastructure, housing or any other improvement we wish to see. If there isn't a Corporate in line of bolstering their pockets, we are simply out of luck. Look at the timber shortage and the commercial manoeuvring in NZ. Anyone can see we are being blackmailed to give up on public housing. Meanwhile, the government needs to fill the hole of 16 bill. with log exports. Aren't they?
https://www.hud.govt.nz/urban-development/the-housing-acceleration-fund/
You mean the same Labour that promised 100,000 houses in ten years about 3 1/2 years ago and failed embarrassingly to the point of giving in and saying it was bollocks?
Why are we supposed t trust their housing promises again?
How many houses has the National party built or promised to build – anyone?
Probably a few.
I don't know.
Do you mind pointing out the relevance other than whataboutism?
Are they the current government making promises?
I know it is annoying, but at some stage it needs to sink in to you Key hasn't been around for 4 years or so.
Or a we going to go with "It is ok Labour are shit at (insert issue), because the other lot were nearly as shit” for another 3 years?
National decreased the overall state housing stock in its period in power.
Labour is increasing it. Has done so. Will it get to 14,000? Maybe. Would have to pull finger, but it's already moving in the correct direction.
You know what's worse than trying to get X number of extra homes built and failing? Not even trying.
So National didn't promise or try to improve things (well, except towards the end, when they started promising to halve child poverty in a sudden pretence of caring). Labour has tried to achieve its goals, failed on some and succeeded on others.
One of the things about "whataboutism" is that it does introduce the concept of hypocrisy, in that a party which criticises another party for doing 'nothing' or 'not enough' when it actually made things worse by selling off housing which it did not replace as it promised, is accountable. The 'what about you' points out this hypocrisy.
Easter holiday quiz
How many State houses has Labour sold off since 2017
Not as many as the number of Easter eggs I have eaten today.
How many were sold in areas where they were no longer needed due to population shift? The question really should be, "How many sold……… and for what reason?"
In the town where I live, our National MP assured us in Grey Power that houses would be built to replace those sold. They weren't. Houses that I looked at as being up for sale but in need of refurbishment under National were not sold under Labour,
and are being done up. As well, a hundred more are being built in the region. The spokesperson for Grey Power locally (not me!) reported to our recent AGM that he was very pleased with local and national (small 'n', =note) government efforts in addressing housing needs locally.
“How many were sold in areas where they were no longer needed due to population shift?”
Exactly what National said
Let's see…
current housing stock (dec 2020) 67,364 (63,788 state rentals).
dec 2017: 63,209 (61,323 rentals).
So several thousand fewer than they bought or built.
dec 2015: 67,182 (65,681 rentals).
Seems to be the usual for the last 40 years. Nats sell off state housing, then complain that Labour haven't repaired their damage quickly enough.
Certainly not a city's (1140) worth as the National govt did in Tauranga – who decided that was a remotely good idea to lose the income from freehold properties & the valuable land they stand on in a city with a shortage of it. The "idea" failed were English put both the entire stock of Tauranga & Invercargill up as Invercargill in 2014-2016, into 2017 when the sale was completed, was experiencing none of the demand for property Tauranga did and still does. Now the tax payer supplements the "market" rents – so lost income, lost land and supplemented rents on 1140 properties hardly stacks up as a brilliant idea by any assessment. The owners Accessible Properties had approx 1600 properties in 2017 now they have 2700 approx so any claim it would lead to social housing providers providing extra social housing on the back of it is bunkum – they are profit for purpose supported by tax payers money.
I’m surprised that you don’t know, given the on-going importance of this issue.
Better to have tried and failed (Labour), than to have never tried at all (National), imho.
"Nearly as shit"! Mate, yer dreaming.
https://www.hud.govt.nz/assets/News-and-Resources/Statistics-and-Research/Housing-Dashboard-2020/Housing-Dashboard-February-2021.pdf
Andrew Bolt asks of Kiwis:
Perhaps he should ask Peter Dutton.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/04/australian-tv-host-andrew-bolt-launches-extraordinary-tirade-against-backstabbing-new-zealand-for-sucking-up-to-china.html
Sound reason in this article by Janine Starks. Make a mockery (and she does mock them) of landlord's claims they are going to hammer tenants for this.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/300266869/heres-why-tenants-shouldnt-worry-about-housing-changes
Grasping at straws, the simple theory of supply and demand will prevail, you just watch.
The simple theory of supply and demand has not led to desirable outcomes for all, which is I assume what everyone wants. Constraints on the supply side render the theory inadequate, therefore some intervention is required.
I am fairly certain that homes aren't being destroyed and house numbers are rising quite rapidly, if not rapidly enough.
I imagine rents will rise at about the same pace as they have historically, that is well above wage growth. As it ever was 🙁
No they won't cut and run.
They will just ramp up every ones rent.
This is probably the 'uninvestable' reasoning that she refers to
https://www.wealthmorning.com/2021/03/29/637883/help-they-just-made-housing-uninvestable/
Simon Angelo is quite impressed with what the government has done and not that keen on small scale residential rental / investment as a business.
Angelo does have a barrow to push, he sells investment products other than housing. He's quite keen on the idea of a listed company that builds and rents medium to high density housing, either as a partial float of Housing New Zealand, or a new entity.
https://www.wealthmorning.com/2021/03/15/637215/how-investors-could-solve-the-housing-crisis/
There's already a couple of outfits doing the build to rent thing Du Val, and Williams Corp who've previously been pre-sold builders but have been popping up on my Facebook feed with build to rent product returning 10%
Do you mind posting some actual numbersm with links, as no offence, but the link is a bit shit proving whatever point you are trying to make,
There were plenty of numbers in that link.
Perhaps you have trouble recognising what a number is, because you very, very rarely back up anything you write with numbers, via links or otherwise.
I thought the article was very well thought out by a person well established in the personal finance and investment industry. It was also a relief to hear someone in that industry not hand-wring about the recent legislative changes and show that this will in fact stabilise the rental market by weeding out amateur and leveraged party-time investors.
Is there room here for shameless self-promotion?
One hour (a whole hour?!?) mooching about in my forest-garden, ruminating aloud, in the presence of nimble cameraman James Jubb 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj-bnPKVBqw&t=3s
I haven't watched all of it yet Robert, but I plan to.
Yes, for something like this I think you are quite entitled to be proud of it and to make available to others. Mind you, I think the rampant growth of your beard almost puts the growth of the vegetation to shame.
Thanks, Alwyn – I hope you enjoy the watch. As to my beard; it's synchronised it's progress with that of the forest, I'm sure 🙂
Thanks Robert, just finished watching it all the way through. Very inspiring for what i am doing here though mine will be a fraction of the size. I have very sheltered but sunny half an acre in Whangarei.
Last winter i planted a good 150 native plants and lots of comfrey. This winter i will put in plum and apricot trees now i have mostly finished my terracing. I've got four pineapple plants in pots to go in and will do more once once the pineapples are available again at the growers market. I'm also looking to put in mandarins, grapes, bananas and thornless blackberries.
Here is a link re the pineapple people:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018788272/tropical-fruit-coffee-potential-crops-for-winterless-north
Thanks for sticking with it, solkta and thanks for the interesting link.
Interesting musings on the housing package by Brian Easton
https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/taxing-questions-about-taxing-housing
https://youtu.be/LanCLS_hIo4