Thi household did exactly that yesterday afternoon. Went onto the website and picked up two packs of 5 within minutes.
It's important to have these available to all, regardless of income, rather than the Key/Luxon model where private profit was the most important consideration.
The worried well will still be able to purchase RATs from retail outlets, and at a reasonable price because they have to compete with the MoH.
Chemist Warehouse were expecting delivery overnight last night because they didn't have any yesterday.
Think I heard New World were selling at cost (plus admin/handling probably). They see it as a public service, but realistically while the govt is rolling out free tests for symptomatic people and household contacts, they can't really do much else.
Be very interested to see if the West follow through with their promise to seize the assets of Russian oligarchs all around the world.
As the worship of capital is a cornerstone of the American Dream,I am very sceptical.
' going after Russian oligarchs with financial attack that will seize billions
Senior US government officials are preparing to dramatically expand the number of Russian oligarchs subject to United States sanctions, aiming to punish the financial elite close to Russian President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine, according to three people briefed on internal administration deliberations.
Officials at the White House and Treasury Department are working on producing a list of names that is expected to overlap in part with the line-up of Russian oligarchs who were newly subjected to sanctions by the European Union on Monday, the people said.
For instance, the White House is weighing imposing new sanctions on Alisher Usmanov, the owner of an iron and steel conglomerate who Forbes has estimated to be worth more than US$15 billion (NZ$22bn), the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to reflect internal deliberations not yet made public.
Usmanov was placed under sanctions by European Union officials on Monday (local time). The US sanctions would also probably include travel restrictions and the seizure of overseas assets that could run into the billions.'-Stuff.
No, because US made an effort to contrive an actual justification and false evidence for the invasions. Even so, there was a shedload of opposition to both wars internationally and within the invading nations, and NZ's own participation in Iraq was the final straw that resulted in the shattering and demise of the Alliance Party.
Oh, and there was actually a connection between Afghanistan and a major terrorist attack, so the world was a bit more sympathetic – in the same way the Russian apartment bombings provided a bit more justification for Russia's invasion of Chechnya when they were attributed to Chechens. The FSB guys were just doing a security drill, honest.
Oil, gas, wheat and phosphate fertilisers. Between them Russia and Ukraine supply a substantial fraction of world supply in these major commodities. And they have just gone offline for the foreseeable future.
Keeping the global population alive requires global peace and global supply chains. In this rapidly deglobalising world, that peace and those supply chains are gone forever, and could well result in the death of a billion people by starvation. The future is here. The leading edge of the famines of tomorrow begins in 2022.
Putin has stepped over a line that no-one can tolerate – he has threatened a nuclear first-strike against any nation that interferes with his actions in Ukraine. And so far this had proven a successful strategy, preventing direct EU responses on the ground.
Essentially he has put the West into a bind, if we do nothing the longer run outcome is bad, if we do act the outcome will be immediately worse. This will not be tolerated, Russia will be as hermetically isolated as possible – the political will for this will be immense, any nation or corporation seen funding the Russian war machine will be immediately ostracised.
Putin has lost the plot and needs to be held to account ?
Yes.
In 2002 I marched down Lambton Quay along with many thousands of others to protest the imminent US invasion of Iraq. While none of us can re-write the past – this is 2022 and Ukrainians are dying as we type.
Nato made it very clear many months back even that it would not get involved in Ukraine itself. That would shatter the myth of a 'self defence' military alliance
Unusually full of certainties and jingoism today . Must be the caffeine
While NATO, consistent with its purpose as a defensive military alliance has not involved itself, the EU nations have absolutely responded with substantial and increasing economic sanctions.
However there is a list of Eastern European NATO members who reasonably anticipate that after Ukraine they are next. And their military leaderships will be making the case that it will be much easier to stop Putin in Ukraine than on the outskirts of their own cities.
And your logic erases the crucial matter – that one nation after another in Eastern Europe has actively clamoured to become a member of NATO. And as we are seeing on our news and video feeds, ordinary people are willing to give truth to that European choice with their lives.
You dishonour them with you fake moral equivalences.
The foiling of the attempt to assasinate Kelensky by a Chechen unit was down to the Russian Federations FSB. Is this the first sign of official breaking away from Putin? No wonder he’s hiding in a bunker, now we just need him to do the last step!
The FSB is the Russian internal version of the KGB, patch war going on by any chance?
Kiwi business culture going Green shifts up a gear, led by two women:
The Institute of Directors (IoD) was hosting the local chapter of a global climate governance initiative (CGI) to help directors to effectively govern organisations in their response to climate change.
Chapter Zero's first online event was due to kick off this morning with 750 people registered to take part. IoD chief executive Kirsten Patterson said the launch of Chapter Zero was a significant milestone in New Zealand's climate emergency response.
"Being armed with the most up-to-date climate change information including the global agenda, New Zealand's obligations, and understanding science-based targets to reduce emissions, is imperative for directors in ensuring the long-term resilience of the companies they serve," Patterson said, adding climate issues were one of the top concerns for directors of listed companies right through to not-for-profit organisations.
Air New Zealand and ASB Bank chair Dame Therese Walsh was taking on the role of chair of the Chapter Zero's steering committee. She said social justice was the emerging issue out of climate change agenda, which would have far reaching implications for directors and the organisations they serve. "And so it's not good enough to just say, well, I'm fine over here in my organisation or my community is fine and not impacted. We're actually going to have to take a broader view, and that's where collaboration is important."
Dame Therese said New Zealand was the first country in the world to introduce mandatory climate-related risk disclosures and could make an important contribution to the global effort, even as a small country.
Anyone who questions Putin's authority will be dealt with, this is how Gangsters operate same as domestically here in NZ with the Gangs which have been allowed to flourish here in NZ since Muldoon's Era.
"Prices were also lower with the median selling price declining for the third month in a row to $1,122,500 in February, which is $117,500 lower than its November 2021 peak of $1,240,000.
The average selling price declined for the second month in a row to $1,196,036, down by $82,611 from its December peak of $1,278,647."
Couldn't happen soon enough I don't know how people can survive on the minimum wage here in NZ ? Let alone buy a house ?
Maybe Helen Clarke and John Key shouldn't have let all those Asian House Farmers into NZ, where by they could invest $10 Million in Residential Housing and obtain Perminant Residency ?
That's still there although the investing has to be in building new houses for other people to live in, not houses for oneself or one's family/friends.
Those prices are ridiculous. Glad I've always (last 35 years anyway) lived on a boat. The one I live on at the moment cost just over 10% of that median price quoted three years ago. Looking at what's happened to many of the million dollar houses in Brisbane and NE NSW during the last few days climate change affected devastating floods (plus the less than a million dollar houses affected more than once recently in Westport), I've also noted that houses don't float very well!
The commentators all seem to be saying that it's too close to call (one swallow, etc.) – and that the increases are still double-digit year-on-year (so Feb 2021 to Feb 2022 more than 10% increase) – not a sign to break out the bubbly, yet.
"We need to keep in mind that we are still seeing double-digit year-on-year growth in all regions, but I'd be following this data closely over the next few months if I were looking to buy. It might just spell good news to come," Williams said.
Also that some regions had an increase – so not a consistent trend.
The Omicron outbreak will have had a cooling effect on sales, as has the unintended consequences of the anti-loan-shark legislation (which unintentionally caught mortgages in its scope)
I suspect that the widely signalled interest rate rises (Omicron and now Russia/Ukraine conflict) will be having an impact, too (or, at least, I can't see how it could not have an impact on people's willingness to commit to enormous mortgages)
Keep watching with interest (sorry for the pun) to see how the next couple of months go.
It is more than 'one swallow' however… declines in the major market for 3 months running.
But yes, whether it gathers steam is yet to be seen….listings certainly are growing, interest rates moving up and banks are restricting credit so the conditions are all there.
Referring to the sanctions approved by the bloc, she said: "We ban the sale of all aircraft, spare parts, and equipment to Russian airlines. This will degrade the key sector of Russia's economy and the country's connectivity."
She added: "Three-quarters of Russia's current commercial air fleet was built in the European Union, the US, and Canada. And therefore, they are massively dependent on that."
'Kevin Michaels, founder of AeroDynamic Advisory and an aerospace supply chain expert, said VSMPO supplies about 35% of the titanium used in structural parts of Boeing airframes, in particular for the 787 and 777 widebody aircraft.'
'The joint venture in Russia “has a 54,000-ton forging press that makes the main struts for the 787 and 777 landing gear,” said Michaels.
It also details that just moving production to another forge could take 3 years because of aviation certification processes.
It would work in 1952 or 1962. But it's 2022, and Russian kids have smart phones.
On March 3, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation will hold an all-Russian open lesson “Defenders of Peace” for schoolchildren. This was announced on March 2 by the press service of the department.
It will be dedicated to the "liberation mission in Ukraine." You can view it here . Beginning at 12:00 Moscow time.
“During the open lesson, the audience will be told in detail the background of today's events and will be explained what danger NATO poses to our country. The lesson will also help you figure out how to distinguish truth from lies in the flow of information,” the release says.
"Both Boeing and Airbus are cutting off support and spare parts to Russia".
So is this also the reason INDIA abstained from voting in the UN today – Worried about spare parts for the huge number of weapons they buy from Russia.
India, China , Brazil, Argentina and various others have been supportive of the Russia/China call for international finance reform over recent years, so their abstention is not necessarily surprising.
It certainly was the case the coup in Ukraine originated-instigated in western security services, just as the Syrian Civil war was 'instigated' by western backed Sunni nations aided by a flow of Arms from Libya paid and organised by CIA.
The list of CIA backed coups in various countries since the 1950s is a very long one. One doesnt have to be scohlar to check a few facts ( which isnt your way)
Monbiot is just a left wing version of Hosking , both with Rubrik cubes of self justifying opinions. Its quite silly that you would think he would be credible on some major events. Hes just doing this to avoid being cancelled by The Guardian editos
Ah yes, I remember thinking when marching through London with the Syrian community on an Amnesty organised March in response to Assad’s thugs beating peaceful protestors prior to a single shot being fired in the war “Feels good to be a stooge of American foreign policy”.
Funny how the ‘Russia were justified as Assad was just responding to a civil war in which he was the least worst operative’ have erased all that from history Orwell style.
You truly are morally bankrupt, but then what should one expect from that Avatar or is it meant to be ‘ironic’. The double standard is funny, as a Hitler avatar would unsurprisingly be a non starter.
The list of CIA backed coups in various countries since the 1950s is a very long one. One doesnt have to be scohlar to check a few facts ( which isnt your way)
Ukraine isn't, though. And the US involvement in the downfall of Yanukovich (public and diplomatic comments, sanctions when violence started) seems to be far short of the US actions against Assad described in your links (sanctions, weapons & training to rebels)
You don't spend 5 Billion and expect nothing in return.
7:30: “Since Ukrainian’s independence in 1991 the United States has supported Ukranians as they build democratic skills and institutions as they promote civil participation and good goverments all over which are pre conditions to achieve its European aspirations. We’ve invested over 5 billion dollars to assist Ukraine in these and other goals that will assure and secure a prosperous and democratic Ukraine”
So, worst possible interpretations at the ready, US bribed Ukraine with international aid, Ukrainians aligned to the US and revolted when Yanukovich tried to pivot to Russia, so Russia launched a military invasion.
Is that your summary of the last 35 years of Ukrainian foreign relations? If not, could you please clearly state what your position actually is?
Innuendo and titillating fragments do not make your assertions identifiable.
As the world reacts to Russian actions of late, many countries have imposed sanctions eg freezing their assets. Yet I now read Roman Abramovich is now contemplating selling his football team and for these $$billions of funds to be placed into his charity. Am I a little skeptical, or is he trying to liquify some of his assets while he can 🤫, especially as he has historic ties to Putin. ps Well done Liverpool last week 11-10
And that's not been the pattern observed here. A couple of jumps (which may be attributable to the PCR testing delays) – but certainly not the doubling that's been described overseas, and predicted in the modelling here.
[Sorry, this is only current to the 1st March – can't find a nice graphic incorporating the last 2 days – but the numbers aren't enormously greater than 1/3 – around 23K for all 3 days]
Why? Is the high vaccination rate having a significant slowing effect? Is it just a statistical anomaly (and we'll get a big spike in cases early next week)?
I'm not complaining! But would like to understand what's going on.
It seems the RATS tests will be slow in identifying a positive result (slower viral load build up compared to delta variant). So people will remain active while infectious because initial test results will be negative.
In terms of medical treatment it would appear important that the old and the health compromised get priority for PCR tests to identify infection early, so early anti-viral use keeps them out of hospital.
Just did a Google search – and it seems 98% of last months flu types in the USA were A(H3N2) and the same for January in Europe. It's a flu strain that results in more hospitalisations (impacts on the aged).
The number of cases is still lower than in most pre coronavirus pandemic years but higher than since 2019-2020 as community activity increases (and will now include us as border barriers come down).
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Queuing on Queen St: the Government is set to announce another apparently splashy growth policy on Sunday of offering residence visas to wealthy migrants. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāLong stories short, the top six things in our political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, February 7:PM Christopher ...
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The hundreds of jobs lost needlessly as a result of the Kinleith Mill paper production closure will have a devastating impact on the Tokoroa community - something that could have easily been avoided. ...
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Erica Stanford has reached peak shortsightedness if today’s announcement is anything to go by, picking apart immigration settings piece by piece to the detriment of the New Zealand economy. ...
Our originating document, theTreaty of Waitangi, was signed on February 6, 1840. An agreement between Māori and the British Crown. Initially inked by Ngā Puhi in Waitangi, further signatures were added as it travelled south. The intention was to establish a colony with the cession of sovereignty to the Crown, ...
Te Whatu Ora Chief Executive Margie Apa leaving her job four months early is another symptom of this government’s failure to deliver healthcare for New Zealanders. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Prime Minister to show leadership and be unequivocal about Aotearoa New Zealand’s opposition to a proposal by the US President to remove Palestinians from Gaza. ...
The latest unemployment figures reveal that job losses are hitting Māori and Pacific people especially hard, with Māori unemployment reaching a staggering 9.7% for the December 2024 quarter and Pasifika unemployment reaching 10.5%. ...
Waitangi 2025: Waitangi Day must be community and not politically driven - Shane Jones Our originating document, theTreaty of Waitangi, was signed on February 6, 1840. An agreement between Māori and the British Crown. Initially inked by Ngā Puhi in Waitangi, further signatures were added as it travelled south. ...
Despite being confronted every day with people in genuine need being stopped from accessing emergency housing – National still won’t commit to building more public houses. ...
The Green Party says the Government is giving up on growing the country’s public housing stock, despite overwhelming evidence that we need more affordable houses to solve the housing crisis. ...
Before any thoughts of the New Year and what lies ahead could even be contemplated, New Zealand reeled with the tragedy of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming losing her life. For over 38 years she had faithfully served as a front-line Police officer. Working alongside her was Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson will return to politics at Waitangi on Monday the 3rd of February where she will hold a stand up with fellow co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. ...
Te Pāti Māori is appalled by the government's blatant mishandling of the school lunch programme. David Seymour’s ‘cost-saving’ measures have left tamariki across Aotearoa with unidentifiable meals, causing distress and outrage among parents and communities alike. “What’s the difference between providing inedible food, and providing no food at all?” Said ...
The Government is doubling down on outdated and volatile fossil fuels, showing how shortsighted and destructive their policies are for working New Zealanders. ...
Green Party MP Steve Abel this morning joined Coromandel locals in Waihi to condemn new mining plans announced by Shane Jones in the pit of the town’s Australian-owned Gold mine. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to strengthen its just-announced 2030-2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and address its woeful lack of commitment to climate security. ...
Today marks a historic moment for Taranaki iwi with the passing of the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill in Parliament. "Today, we stand together as descendants of Taranaki, and our tūpuna, Taranaki Maunga, is now formally acknowledged by the law as a living tūpuna. ...
Labour is relieved to see Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has woken up to reality and reversed her government’s terrible decisions to cut funding from frontline service providers – temporarily. ...
It is the first week of David Seymour’s school lunch programme and already social media reports are circulating of revolting meals, late deliveries, and mislabelled packaging. ...
The Green Party says that with no-cause evictions returning from today, the move to allow landlords to end tenancies without reason plunges renters, and particularly families who rent, into insecurity and stress. ...
The Government’s commitment to get New Zealand’s roads back on track is delivering strong results, with around 98 per cent of potholes on state highways repaired within 24 hours of identification every month since targets were introduced, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is ...
The former Cadbury factory will be the site of the Inpatient Building for the new Dunedin Hospital and Health Minister Simeon Brown says actions have been taken to get the cost overruns under control. “Today I am giving the people of Dunedin certainty that we will build the new Dunedin ...
From today, Plunket in Whāngarei will be offering childhood immunisations – the first of up to 27 sites nationwide, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. The investment of $1 million into the pilot, announced in October 2024, was made possible due to the Government’s record $16.68 billion investment in health. It ...
New Zealand’s strong commitment to the rights of disabled people has continued with the response to an important United Nations report, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has announced. Of the 63 concluding observations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 47 will be progressed ...
Resources Minister Shane Jones has launched New Zealand’s national Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals List, documents that lay a strategic and enduring path for the mineral sector, with the aim of doubling exports to $3 billion by 2035. Mr Jones released the documents, which present the Coalition Government’s transformative vision ...
Firstly I want to thank OceanaGold for hosting our event today. Your operation at Waihi is impressive. I want to acknowledge local MP Scott Simpson, local government dignitaries, community stakeholders and all of you who have gathered here today. It’s a privilege to welcome you to the launch of the ...
Racing Minister, Winston Peters has announced the Government is preparing public consultation on GST policy proposals which would make the New Zealand racing industry more competitive. “The racing industry makes an important economic contribution. New Zealand thoroughbreds are in demand overseas as racehorses and for breeding. The domestic thoroughbred industry ...
Business confidence remains very high and shows the economy is on track to improve, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says. “The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey, released yesterday, shows business confidence and expected own activity are ‘still both very high’.” The survey reports business confidence fell eight points to +54 ...
Enabling works have begun this week on an expanded radiology unit at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital which will double CT scanning capacity in Hawke’s Bay to ensure more locals can benefit from access to timely, quality healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. This investment of $29.3m in the ...
The Government has today announced New Zealand’s second international climate target under the Paris Agreement, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand will reduce emissions by 51 to 55 per cent compared to 2005 levels, by 2035. “We have worked hard to set a target that is both ambitious ...
Nine years of negotiations between the Crown and iwi of Taranaki have concluded following Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its third reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the historical grievances endured by the eight iwi ...
As schools start back for 2025, there will be a relentless focus on teaching the basics brilliantly so all Kiwi kids grow up with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to grow the New Zealand of the future, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “A world-leading education system is a key ...
Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson have welcomed Kāinga Ora’s decision to re-open its tender for carpets to allow wool carpet suppliers to bid. “In 2024 Kāinga Ora issued requests for tender (RFTs) seeking bids from suppliers to carpet their properties,” Mr Bishop says. “As part ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today visited Otahuhu College where the new school lunch programme has served up healthy lunches to students in the first days of the school year. “As schools open in 2025, the programme will deliver nutritious meals to around 242,000 students, every school day. On ...
Minister for Children Karen Chhour has intervened in Oranga Tamariki’s review of social service provider contracts to ensure Barnardos can continue to deliver its 0800 What’s Up hotline. “When I found out about the potential impact to this service, I asked Oranga Tamariki for an explanation. Based on the information ...
A bill to make revenue collection on imported and exported goods fairer and more effective had its first reading in Parliament, Customs Minister Casey Costello said today. “The Customs (Levies and Other Matters) Amendment Bill modernises the way in which Customs can recover the costs of services that are needed ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Department of Internal Affairs [the Department] has achieved significant progress in completing applications for New Zealand citizenship. “December 2024 saw the Department complete 5,661 citizenship applications, the most for any month in 2024. This is a 54 per cent increase compared ...
Reversals to Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions begin tonight and will be in place by 1 July, says Minister of Transport Chris Bishop. “The previous government was obsessed with slowing New Zealanders down by imposing illogical and untargeted speed limit reductions on state highways and local roads. “National campaigned on ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced Budget 2025 – the Growth Budget - will be delivered on Thursday 22 May. “This year’s Budget will drive forward the Government’s plan to grow our economy to improve the incomes of New Zealanders now and in the years ahead. “Budget 2025 will build ...
For the Government, 2025 will bring a relentless focus on unleashing the growth we need to lift incomes, strengthen local businesses and create opportunity. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today laid out the Government’s growth agenda in his Statement to Parliament. “Just over a year ago this Government was elected by ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes students back to school with a call to raise attendance from last year. “The Government encourages all students to attend school every day because there is a clear connection between being present at school and setting yourself up for a bright future,” says Mr ...
The Government is relaxing visitor visa requirements to allow tourists to work remotely while visiting New Zealand, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism Minister Louise Upston say. “The change is part of the Government’s plan to unlock New Zealand’s potential by shifting the country onto ...
The opening of Kāinga Ora’s development of 134 homes in Epuni, Lower Hutt will provide much-needed social housing for Hutt families, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I’ve been a strong advocate for social housing on Kāinga Ora’s Epuni site ever since the old earthquake-prone housing was demolished in 2015. I ...
The government should not set military style academies into youth justice law, the children's commissioner says, despite its first bootcamp getting a glowing report. ...
The infamous over-the-suit T-shirt worn by the PM at a Parliament barbecue has gone on sale to raise funds for children living in poverty, in a TradeMe auction. ...
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https://twitter.com/davidfarrier/status/1498874128136245249
Perhaps Stewart is saying the people throwing rocks are Antifa-like. Surely projection, if so.
Farrier is right though, it’s further evidence of US style alt-right narrative entering this country.
Yes, but it’s not only the alt right, it’s also true of the left as well.
https://twitter.com/abigail1963/status/1498902107620982785
Rachael Smalley being opportunistic in accusing the PM of being opportunistic.
Shes on Talk Radio now so has to play the shock-jockette card
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/462615/free-rapid-antigen-tests-available-for-home-covid-19-testing
Thi household did exactly that yesterday afternoon. Went onto the website and picked up two packs of 5 within minutes.
It's important to have these available to all, regardless of income, rather than the Key/Luxon model where private profit was the most important consideration.
The worried well will still be able to purchase RATs from retail outlets, and at a reasonable price because they have to compete with the MoH.
Good luck with having anything couriered
Apologies, I wasn't clear. You order on the website with name, address, etc, then you go to a testing centre to physically pick up.
Deliveries to come later, from the article
The Chemist Warehouse had 5 pack for $44.99! I believe Foodstuffs and The Warehouse will be selling for $31.99 (I think that is close to cost price).
Chemist Warehouse were expecting delivery overnight last night because they didn't have any yesterday.
Think I heard New World were selling at cost (plus admin/handling probably). They see it as a public service, but realistically while the govt is rolling out free tests for symptomatic people and household contacts, they can't really do much else.
Be very interested to see if the West follow through with their promise to seize the assets of Russian oligarchs all around the world.
As the worship of capital is a cornerstone of the American Dream,I am very sceptical.
' going after Russian oligarchs with financial attack that will seize billions
Senior US government officials are preparing to dramatically expand the number of Russian oligarchs subject to United States sanctions, aiming to punish the financial elite close to Russian President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine, according to three people briefed on internal administration deliberations.
Officials at the White House and Treasury Department are working on producing a list of names that is expected to overlap in part with the line-up of Russian oligarchs who were newly subjected to sanctions by the European Union on Monday, the people said.
For instance, the White House is weighing imposing new sanctions on Alisher Usmanov, the owner of an iron and steel conglomerate who Forbes has estimated to be worth more than US$15 billion (NZ$22bn), the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to reflect internal deliberations not yet made public.
Usmanov was placed under sanctions by European Union officials on Monday (local time). The US sanctions would also probably include travel restrictions and the seizure of overseas assets that could run into the billions.'-Stuff.
Bernie opines on the scale of the thieving.
https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1498775884018368514
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1498775884018368514.html
One of the responses:
https://twitter.com/Cooper36447270/status/1498777450209288193
the Russian invasion i deplore but would note…did the world do the same when the USA and UK invaded Iraq or Afganistan?
No, because US made an effort to contrive an actual justification and false evidence for the invasions. Even so, there was a shedload of opposition to both wars internationally and within the invading nations, and NZ's own participation in Iraq was the final straw that resulted in the shattering and demise of the Alliance Party.
Oh, and there was actually a connection between Afghanistan and a major terrorist attack, so the world was a bit more sympathetic – in the same way the Russian apartment bombings provided a bit more justification for Russia's invasion of Chechnya when they were attributed to Chechens. The FSB guys were just doing a security drill, honest.
Oil, gas, wheat and phosphate fertilisers. Between them Russia and Ukraine supply a substantial fraction of world supply in these major commodities. And they have just gone offline for the foreseeable future.
Keeping the global population alive requires global peace and global supply chains. In this rapidly deglobalising world, that peace and those supply chains are gone forever, and could well result in the death of a billion people by starvation. The future is here. The leading edge of the famines of tomorrow begins in 2022.
This chilling prospect should focus minds.
Dont be silly.
These things will all have sanctions waivers like oil and gas, aluminium, titanium, the noble gases used in computer chip manufacture, etc etc
The list will be endless
Putin has stepped over a line that no-one can tolerate – he has threatened a nuclear first-strike against any nation that interferes with his actions in Ukraine. And so far this had proven a successful strategy, preventing direct EU responses on the ground.
Essentially he has put the West into a bind, if we do nothing the longer run outcome is bad, if we do act the outcome will be immediately worse. This will not be tolerated, Russia will be as hermetically isolated as possible – the political will for this will be immense, any nation or corporation seen funding the Russian war machine will be immediately ostracised.
Putin has lost the plot and needs to be held to account ?
Doubt whether the UN has the gonads to do anything after all the USA has acted ssimilarly with no action taken by the UN ?
Putin has lost the plot and needs to be held to account ?
Yes.
In 2002 I marched down Lambton Quay along with many thousands of others to protest the imminent US invasion of Iraq. While none of us can re-write the past – this is 2022 and Ukrainians are dying as we type.
Your defense of this sickens me.
Given Russia and China have a veto, I’m genuinely curious as to what you think the UN can do?
EU doesnt have an army , thats Nato
Nato made it very clear many months back even that it would not get involved in Ukraine itself. That would shatter the myth of a 'self defence' military alliance
Unusually full of certainties and jingoism today . Must be the caffeine
While NATO, consistent with its purpose as a defensive military alliance has not involved itself, the EU nations have absolutely responded with substantial and increasing economic sanctions.
However there is a list of Eastern European NATO members who reasonably anticipate that after Ukraine they are next. And their military leaderships will be making the case that it will be much easier to stop Putin in Ukraine than on the outskirts of their own cities.
My friend you are making the same logic leap you say Putin is doing.
Building a defensive frontier using somebody elses country.
But its clear to see you are just an old fashioned jingoist after all…tally-ho
I am not your friend.
And your logic erases the crucial matter – that one nation after another in Eastern Europe has actively clamoured to become a member of NATO. And as we are seeing on our news and video feeds, ordinary people are willing to give truth to that European choice with their lives.
You dishonour them with you fake moral equivalences.
The foiling of the attempt to assasinate Kelensky by a Chechen unit was down to the Russian Federations FSB. Is this the first sign of official breaking away from Putin? No wonder he’s hiding in a bunker, now we just need him to do the last step!
The FSB is the Russian internal version of the KGB, patch war going on by any chance?
Its just a social media story. You are really sucked into the 'standard tropes' on these sorts of things
How credible is that story do you think.?
Demonisation propaganda against Russia is full bore in the western media.
I saw the story about the Ukrainian air ace that has supposedly taken out 10 now,Russian jet fighters…straight out of…'Ripley's believe it…or not'!
The World Security Special Forces should be targeting Putin once he is taken out the House of Cards will disintegrate ?
Kiwi business culture going Green shifts up a gear, led by two women:
Too funny . Porsche production in Germany idled because the cars electrical wire harnesses are made in low wage Ukraine. It seems many other are too.
Its hell in a Handbasket
https://www.autoblog.com/2022/03/02/ukraine-invasion-hampers-wire-harness-production-for-automakers/?guccounter=1
Putin’s regime silences an elderly survivor.
https://twitter.com/AlexKokcharov/status/1499080826599919633
Anyone who questions Putin's authority will be dealt with, this is how Gangsters operate same as domestically here in NZ with the Gangs which have been allowed to flourish here in NZ since Muldoon's Era.
Has it begun?
"Prices were also lower with the median selling price declining for the third month in a row to $1,122,500 in February, which is $117,500 lower than its November 2021 peak of $1,240,000.
The average selling price declined for the second month in a row to $1,196,036, down by $82,611 from its December peak of $1,278,647."
https://www.interest.co.nz/property/114621/cooling-auckland-housing-market-means-fewer-sales-and-lower-prices-barfoot-thompson
Couldn't happen soon enough I don't know how people can survive on the minimum wage here in NZ ? Let alone buy a house ?
Maybe Helen Clarke and John Key shouldn't have let all those Asian House Farmers into NZ, where by they could invest $10 Million in Residential Housing and obtain Perminant Residency ?
That's still there although the investing has to be in building new houses for other people to live in, not houses for oneself or one's family/friends.
Those prices are ridiculous. Glad I've always (last 35 years anyway) lived on a boat. The one I live on at the moment cost just over 10% of that median price quoted three years ago. Looking at what's happened to many of the million dollar houses in Brisbane and NE NSW during the last few days climate change affected devastating floods (plus the less than a million dollar houses affected more than once recently in Westport), I've also noted that houses don't float very well!
"…I've also noted that houses don't float very well!"
You would think but apparently one did exactly that in NSW
We can hope. 😉
The commentators all seem to be saying that it's too close to call (one swallow, etc.) – and that the increases are still double-digit year-on-year (so Feb 2021 to Feb 2022 more than 10% increase) – not a sign to break out the bubbly, yet.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2022/03/new-zealand-property-market-asking-prices-plummet-in-some-parts-as-more-houses-available.html
Also that some regions had an increase – so not a consistent trend.
The Omicron outbreak will have had a cooling effect on sales, as has the unintended consequences of the anti-loan-shark legislation (which unintentionally caught mortgages in its scope)
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/127482627/shattered-dreams-as-home-loan-approvals-plunge-after-lending-law-changes
I suspect that the widely signalled interest rate rises (Omicron and now Russia/Ukraine conflict) will be having an impact, too (or, at least, I can't see how it could not have an impact on people's willingness to commit to enormous mortgages)
Keep watching with interest (sorry for the pun) to see how the next couple of months go.
It is more than 'one swallow' however… declines in the major market for 3 months running.
But yes, whether it gathers steam is yet to be seen….listings certainly are growing, interest rates moving up and banks are restricting credit so the conditions are all there.
. Flying in Russia is going to get as risky AF.
https://twitter.com/MikeSchriber/status/1499095225117020164
Referring to the sanctions approved by the bloc, she said: "We ban the sale of all aircraft, spare parts, and equipment to Russian airlines. This will degrade the key sector of Russia's economy and the country's connectivity."
She added: "Three-quarters of Russia's current commercial air fleet was built in the European Union, the US, and Canada. And therefore, they are massively dependent on that."
https://www.businessinsider.com/european-union-ban-russian-flights-airspace-fresh-sanctions-report-2022-2?
Works both ways
'Kevin Michaels, founder of AeroDynamic Advisory and an aerospace supply chain expert, said VSMPO supplies about 35% of the titanium used in structural parts of Boeing airframes, in particular for the 787 and 777 widebody aircraft.'
'The joint venture in Russia “has a 54,000-ton forging press that makes the main struts for the 787 and 777 landing gear,” said Michaels.
It also details that just moving production to another forge could take 3 years because of aviation certification processes.
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-suspends-moscow-engineering-center-and-halts-support-to-russian-airlines/
Hell in a handbasket Vol 2
OMG that is a problem for the world aviation construction industry.
It would work in 1952 or 1962. But it's 2022, and Russian kids have smart phones.
On March 3, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation will hold an all-Russian open lesson “Defenders of Peace” for schoolchildren. This was announced on March 2 by the press service of the department.
It will be dedicated to the "liberation mission in Ukraine." You can view it here . Beginning at 12:00 Moscow time.
“During the open lesson, the audience will be told in detail the background of today's events and will be explained what danger NATO poses to our country. The lesson will also help you figure out how to distinguish truth from lies in the flow of information,” the release says.
google translate
https://www.fontanka.ru/2022/03/02/70482635/
Monbiot on a phenomenon that has direct relevance to some of the Putin apologist bs posted here.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/02/russian-propaganda-anti-imperialist-left-vladimir-putin?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
"Both Boeing and Airbus are cutting off support and spare parts to Russia".
So is this also the reason INDIA abstained from voting in the UN today – Worried about spare parts for the huge number of weapons they buy from Russia.
India, China , Brazil, Argentina and various others have been supportive of the Russia/China call for international finance reform over recent years, so their abstention is not necessarily surprising.
Applies to you too.
It certainly was the case the coup in Ukraine originated-instigated in western security services, just as the Syrian Civil war was 'instigated' by western backed Sunni nations aided by a flow of Arms from Libya paid and organised by CIA.
The list of CIA backed coups in various countries since the 1950s is a very long one. One doesnt have to be scohlar to check a few facts ( which isnt your way)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_involvement_in_regime_change
Monbiot is just a left wing version of Hosking , both with Rubrik cubes of self justifying opinions. Its quite silly that you would think he would be credible on some major events. Hes just doing this to avoid being cancelled by The Guardian editos
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/world/middleeast/cia-said-to-aid-in-steering-arms-to-syrian-rebels.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/cia-begins-weapons-delivery-to-syrian-rebels/2013/09/11/9fcf2ed8-1b0c-11e3-a628-7e6dde8f889d_story.html
Ah yes, I remember thinking when marching through London with the Syrian community on an Amnesty organised March in response to Assad’s thugs beating peaceful protestors prior to a single shot being fired in the war “Feels good to be a stooge of American foreign policy”.
Funny how the ‘Russia were justified as Assad was just responding to a civil war in which he was the least worst operative’ have erased all that from history Orwell style.
You truly are morally bankrupt, but then what should one expect from that Avatar or is it meant to be ‘ironic’. The double standard is funny, as a Hitler avatar would unsurprisingly be a non starter.
Syria's on that wikipedia list, fair call.
Ukraine isn't, though. And the US involvement in the downfall of Yanukovich (public and diplomatic comments, sanctions when violence started) seems to be far short of the US actions against Assad described in your links (sanctions, weapons & training to rebels)
You don't spend 5 Billion and expect nothing in return.
7:30: “Since Ukrainian’s independence in 1991 the United States has supported Ukranians as they build democratic skills and institutions as they promote civil participation and good goverments all over which are pre conditions to achieve its European aspirations. We’ve invested over 5 billion dollars to assist Ukraine in these and other goals that will assure and secure a prosperous and democratic Ukraine”
coolcool.
So, worst possible interpretations at the ready, US bribed Ukraine with international aid, Ukrainians aligned to the US and revolted when Yanukovich tried to pivot to Russia, so Russia launched a military invasion.
Is that your summary of the last 35 years of Ukrainian foreign relations? If not, could you please clearly state what your position actually is?
Innuendo and titillating fragments do not make your assertions identifiable.
My assertion is quite clear. Money talks.
People can judge for themselves exactly what she means when she says "civil participation" and "good goverments"
Could explain why a fringe neo-nazi clique got so much power and helped formed a government right after the maidan revolt in 2014.
So US is bad because it uses aid money to bolster democratic institutions that Ukrainian people stand up to support?
What does that make Russia, which outright invades Ukraine against the wishes of Ukrainians?
As the world reacts to Russian actions of late, many countries have imposed sanctions eg freezing their assets. Yet I now read Roman Abramovich is now contemplating selling his football team and for these $$billions of funds to be placed into his charity. Am I a little skeptical, or is he trying to liquify some of his assets while he can 🤫, especially as he has historic ties to Putin. ps Well done Liverpool last week 11-10
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/01/roman-abramovich-hastily-selling-uk-properties-mp-claims
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/26/roman-abramovich-russia-sanctions/
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/02/two-uk-based-russian-oligarchs-have-shares-in-22bn-conglomerate-frozen
YNWA.
Current Covid cases (presumably mostly Omicron) at 23K today.
Not that I think that's anything to celebrate.
But, overseas rates have cases doubling every 3 or so days.
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/omicron-cases-doubling-15-3-days-areas-with-local-spread-who-2021-12-18/
And that's not been the pattern observed here. A couple of jumps (which may be attributable to the PCR testing delays) – but certainly not the doubling that's been described overseas, and predicted in the modelling here.
[Sorry, this is only current to the 1st March – can't find a nice graphic incorporating the last 2 days – but the numbers aren't enormously greater than 1/3 – around 23K for all 3 days]
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/450874/covid-19-data-visualisations-nz-in-numbers
Why? Is the high vaccination rate having a significant slowing effect? Is it just a statistical anomaly (and we'll get a big spike in cases early next week)?
I'm not complaining! But would like to understand what's going on.
It seems the RATS tests will be slow in identifying a positive result (slower viral load build up compared to delta variant). So people will remain active while infectious because initial test results will be negative.
In terms of medical treatment it would appear important that the old and the health compromised get priority for PCR tests to identify infection early, so early anti-viral use keeps them out of hospital.
I wish that were happening, but I don't think it is. System is still working out the kinks.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/23/1074978193/rapid-covid-tests-omicron
test. Can you please let me know if you can see the video in this comment?
https://www.facebook.com/661042032/videos/492239455679916
https://www.facebook.com/661042032/videos/492239455679916
Works here, MS Edge on PC.
It works for me, Chrome browser on PC.
ta, I can see it now too.
Flu is back up north.
Just did a Google search – and it seems 98% of last months flu types in the USA were A(H3N2) and the same for January in Europe. It's a flu strain that results in more hospitalisations (impacts on the aged).
The number of cases is still lower than in most pre coronavirus pandemic years but higher than since 2019-2020 as community activity increases (and will now include us as border barriers come down).
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/return-flu-eu-faces-threat-prolonged-twindemic-2022-01-17/
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm
In a truly medieval response, a new power has joined the Ukrainian side, gaining instant popularity and supporting pro-Ukrainian charities abroad.
Ukraine war: St Javelin and the missile that has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance | Euronews