Open mike 02/10/2010
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6:00 am, October 2nd, 2010 - 27 comments
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Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...2 weeks ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...2 weeks ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...2 weeks ago
- Tourism on the table for Pacific Ministers’ meet-up
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey will meet with Trade and Tourism Minister of Australia Don Farrell and Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica in Rotorua this weekend for a trilateral tourism discussion. “Like in New Zealand, tourism plays a significant role in Australia and Fiji’s economy, contributing massively to ...14 hours ago - Young people report on family and sexual violence
The Te Puna Aonui Expert Advisory Group for Children and Young People has presented its report today on improving family and sexual violence outcomes for young people, to the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour. The presentation at the Auckland event was an opportunity for ...14 hours ago
- $18 million being invested in the victims of crime
The Government is putting more than $18 million towards improving the experience of the criminal justice system for victims, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Minister for Children Karen Chhour say. “No one should experience crime, but for those who through no fault of their own become victims, they need to ...15 hours ago
- Landmark phonics check in te reo Māori
For the first time, schools can use a purpose-built tool to check how a child is progressing in reading through te reo Māori. “Around 45 schools are trialling a New Zealand first te reo Māori phonics check, known as Hihira Weteoro. It will help kaiako (teachers) focus on what ākonga ...16 hours ago
- New sea walls safeguard Ōpōtiki’s transformation
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- Kitmap to improve access to science infrastructure
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced an online platform to optimise the use of New Zealand’s science and technology research infrastructure and to link the public and private sector. “This country is home to world-class science, technology, and engineering expertise. Kitmap is set to empower Kiwi innovators, ...18 hours ago
- Driving the uptake of low emission heavy vehicles
The Government has launched the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (LEHVF) to promote innovation and offset the cost of hundreds of heavy vehicles powered by clean technologies, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts say. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan ...18 hours ago
- Speech on replacing the Resource Management Act
Replacing the RMA Hon Chris Bishop: Good morning, it is great to be with you. Can I first acknowledge the Resource Management Law Association for hosting us here today. Can I also acknowledge my Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Simon Court, who is on stage with me. He has assisted me in establishing the ...18 hours ago
- Replacement for the Resource Management Act takes shape
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- Tough laws pass to make gang life uncomfortable
Legislation passed through Parliament today will provide police and the courts with additional tools to crack down on gangs that peddle misery and intimidation throughout New Zealand, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “From November 21, gang insignia will be banned in all public places, courts will be able to issue non-consorting orders, and ...2 days ago
- New levy rates set to ensure continued funding of FENZ
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- Consultation begins on significant updates to the biosecurity system
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- Wānaka community to benefit from new overnight health service
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says an Overnight Acute Care Service opening in October will provide people in Wānaka and the surrounding area with the assurance of quality overnight care closer to home. “When I was in Wānaka earlier this year, I announced funding for an overnight health service – ...2 days ago
- Preventing potholes with data-driven technology
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- GDP data shows effect of high interest rates
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- NZ to host first Fiji, Australia trilateral trade Ministers’ meeting in Rotorua
Trade Minister Todd McClay will host Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for trilateral trade talks in Rotorua this weekend. “Fiji is one of the largest economies in the Pacific and is a respected partner for Australia and New Zealand,” Mr McClay says. Australia and New Zealand ...2 days ago
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New Zealand has voted for a United Nations resolution on Israel’s presence in occupied Palestinian Territory with some caveats, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand’s yes vote is fundamentally a signal of our strong support for international law and the need for a two-state solution,” Mr Peters says. “The Israel-Palestine ...2 days ago
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It’s my pleasure to be here to join the opening of the NZNO AGM and Conference for 2024. First, I’d like to thank NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku, NZNO President, Anne Daniels, and Chief Execuitve Paul Gaulter for inviting me to speak today. Thank you also to all the NZNO members ...3 days ago
- Improvements for New Zealand authors
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- Minister commends Police for gang operation
Police Minister Mark Mitchell congratulates Police for the outstanding result of their most recent operation, targeting the Comancheros. “That Police have been able to round up the majority of the Comancheros leadership, and many of their patched members and prospects, shows not only the capability of Police, but also shows ...4 days ago
- New appointments to the EPA board
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- Enabling rural recovery works in Hawke’s Bay
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- FamilyBoost childcare payment registrations open
From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government’s tax relief plan to help Kiwis who are doing it tough. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we ...4 days ago
- Prioritising victims with tougher sentences
The Government has today agreed to introduce sentencing reforms to Parliament this week that will ensure criminals face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. "In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences ...5 days ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...5 days ago
- Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...5 days ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...5 days ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...5 days ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...5 days ago
- Short story: Abicene, by Michael Hodder
When Brian alerted Andy that an owl was caught in the netting, he had been puzzled, wondering how such a large bird could have got inside. Its talons had got caught on the outside. Andy guessed it was the morepork which he had heard most nights over the past year – ...9 mins ago - The Secret Diary of .. The Comancheros
MONDAYMemo to all staff: Hope you all had wonderful weekends! Please send your encrypted messages with a detailed list of what you’re working on today and I’ll see you on an all-hands Zoom call at 0930.And just a reminder to please file your cash earnings in microwave ovens. There are ...9 mins ago
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Regional councillors have voted to continue work on the plan, despite ministers suggesting they hold off until the government confirms its policy direction. ...9 hours ago
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There are fears lives could be lost if the government doesn't step in to bring the country's ailing Cook Strait ferry services up to scratch. ...11 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Burridge, Professor of Linguistics, Monash University Shutterstock “Honestly, I can’t wait to have grandkids and spoil them — but I don’t want to be called ‘Granny’” (overheard on the No. 96 tram in Melbourne) “I love it. It’s not ...18 hours ago
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Warning of possible asset sales, service cuts, rate rises and increased council debt in order to shoulder the spiralling cost of leaky building liabilities.
Wellington ratepayers face leaky building liabilities of nearly $90m ($70 million from new claims plus $18 million the Council has already provided).
Council has yet to determine how to pay for this.
Wellington’s Deputy Mayor, Ian McKinnon, said: “There will be no easy choices for the next Mayor and council – they will have to make some tough decisions over whether the costs are met through, for example, rates rises, borrowings – cuts in services or even the sale of council assets.”
Surely the most cost effective measure would be to implement a one-off rates increase?
The matter will be considered further by the new Council in the New Year as part of the 2011/12 Annual Plan and the 2012/22 long-term council community plan.
http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=28136
Saw “Exit Through The Gift Shop” last night. If you haven’t yet, do it. You won’t be disappointed.
Righties, don’t bother. It’s all about criminals and you’ll just want to stab them.
Richard Wolff has an interesting take on the reasons that the population of Europe have rebelled against austerity including the cutting of State Services. (NZ?) And in the USA?
http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/sat/sat-20101002-0810-Richard_Wolff_unions_in_Europe-048.mp3
Last night I was doing a few checks on an old system I wrote back in the early 90’s that one of my clients is still using. I was checking that their GST rate change would all work OK and having been through one change already from 10% to 12.5%. I couldn’t help thinking how funny it was that when income tax decreased and GST went up under Labour it was good but when it happened under National it was bad. I’m wondering if I need to make changes to allow for variable GST rates if Labour gets back into power – what do you think?
Oh and it was a blast using OS 9 on an old mac again for the first time in years.
Well you may have changed your mind about it burt, but plenty of us haven’t.
You’ve got a point burt – a number of Labour govt moves were very right wing weren’t they! There is now an effort to get a pragmatic but visionary, smart caring Labour back but there are still a few flies around that sat on young Roger Douglas’s wall. But we keep on hoping and visualising the sort of policies we would like even if Labour (as yet) can’t see their way clear to sticking to their task and being true to their roots.
Thats because everyone around here hates the players but not the game. Anything National does is painted bad on this site, usually with a slew of poorly thought out FUD, strawman or incoherent rambling arguments behind them.
No, thats wrong, plenty of people here hate the game that we all know the Right love so well: unbridled, enslaving capitalism.
Gives you something to do though doesn’t it jacinda – putting everybody right.
But they weren’t burt. There were plenty of protests about those changes rammed through by the 4th Labour government. It was, after all, why they got kicked out in 1990.
So, this would just be another of your attempts to re-write history.
OS9 good MS Windows bad !
lol
I love it when people talk about their cars too.
OS9 good. Leopard OS10.6 better. MS Windows bad!
Macs good. Non-Macs bad.
They’re the same computer nowadays. Only the software is different.
And I still say that it’s a pity that the Amiga didn’t become the base for the computer revolution. Protected by patent and copyright laws the best machine at the time died while the worst one (the Intel based IBM PC) lived. We could have missed out on ten+ years of crappy computers and completely bypassed MS Windows.
Mac’s. overpriced underspecified computers for fashion victims.
Windows 7. Best yet.
I didn’t mention Macs did I?
I did, to ianmac and somebody assumed I was talking about computers. 😉
“Macs good, non-Macs bad.”
Mac1
😛
Yeah and put up with an IBM OS system. I think we got off very lightly.
You never used an Amiga did you? Amiga OS was doing stuff in 1985 that MS only got around to doing in 1995. Silly little things like true multi-tasking in a 32 bit environment (Well, technically, it was a 16/32 bit environment).
I can assure you – we didn’t get off lightly, we lost out very badly.
Actually I have used Amiga systems before. If there was no Microsoft we would have an IBM OS. Windows itself comes from an IBM OS. Amiga may still have existed but I have no doubt without windows IBM would have been the dominated Operating System and that would be far more detrimental than a Microsoft dominated OS.
My whole point was that we would have been better off if the Amiga had been the PC that had been used to start the 1980s computer revolution rather than the IBM PC because it was a better system with a better OS and the reason why we didn’t was because it was protected under copyright and patent laws. Under that scenario we wouldn’t have ended up with IBM OS. In fact we wouldn’t presently having this conversation using an IBM PC compatible at all.
Question on Back Benches the other night:
“What was Peter Jackson’s first feature film?”
Answer according to both Kerry Prendergast and Celia Wade-Brown after blathering on for half an hour about their dedication to Wellington as a creative and cultural capital:
“Frighteners”.
Says it all.
Obviously their Googlefu wasn’t up to it.