I think it’s reasonable to assume that in many cases the family moving into the 800k Kiwibuild homes will have sold their $450k home to do so or freed up a rental.
The price isn’t as important as the supply.
The Auckland market has pulled back 8.2% in 12 months, I think that’s more than noise.
I think the people buying Kiwibuild houses will be those with a good bit of equity in $500k houses.
Yes, that was the pitch but I think first home buyers are unlikely to move into homes priced in the upper quartile, they never have. It’s an unrealistic expectation.
“I know that as Leader of the Opposition I’m supposed to complain about everything.
But that’s not my style.”
No no no no no! A thousands times no! Ten thousand thundering typhoons and billions of bilious blue blistering barnacles this makes me angry!!!!!
Part of the reason Labour went through so many leaders and were in the doldrums for so long was (apart from being generally poo) because they opposed absolutely everything, everything National did was wrong, if National had said the grass was green Labour would said no its blue
We (ok me) don’t want National to oppose everything because not everything Labour, NZFirst or the Greens will say is wrong (sure its mostly wrong but even a stopped clock is right twice a day) I want National to oppose that which needs opposing and supporting that which should be supported because that’ll show National are actually taking note of whats going on and not just running on auto pilot
Its now National who is opposed to everything even when they previously said they supported/ would consider some issues.
We saw that on very first day of parliament when the reduction in Mps on select committees which they and labour worked for in last parliament became ‘hell no we wont go lower’
National will oppose everything that Labour/NZGreens and NZFirst do because it’s against their ideology of giving all state assets to the already rich and empowering the already rich over the poor.
BTW, Labour did support a few things National did. Sometimes that was because it was right but, more often than not, because Labour are still following the failed neo-liberal ideology.
This government’s adopted National’s Social Security (Legislation Rewrite) Bill pretty much in its totality – complete with sanctions – after it said it would oppose it. Good on you, Labour – you can always be trusted to do what you think is right.
Our local National Party MP, Sarah Dowie is leading the charge! She complains about everything! . She even complains about things the Government might, at a stretch, vaguely consider perhaps doing a bit of. Her press releases and letters to the editor are a constant bore; other writers of letters to the editor have labled her a “show pony” and accurately accuse her of always wanting to be noticed. The National Party are following the Dowie prescription and squawking at every passing zephyr. It’s eroding their support but they can’t see it. The polls might declare a high following, but deeper down, they’re losing support by the yap yap day.
The double face palm reminds me of the triple hand shake. Hasn’t Jacinda done well; she’s not fallen off the stage and broken her arm, made an exhibition of herself camping it up on the catwalk, made soap or cannibal jokes nor yanked anyone’s hair; seems odd not to have a sociopath for a PM.
Well shanking a whole industry without any consultation at all could be considered slight sociopathic given how many lives are going to be, at the very least, disrupted
Also not sure if its narcissistic or just plain vanity to take nice, pr positive pics with school kids before closing their schools down
Well shanking a whole industry without any consultation at all could be considered slight sociopathic given how many lives are going to be, at the very least, disrupted
Considering the damage that that industry is doing – no it couldn’t.
Knowing the damage and yet trying to keep it going is the sociopathic action and it’s what National does all the time across many industries.
What would of been the point consulting ? The oil companies would have rallied their supporters and lunched a massive fight back . We elect leaders to lead . The on it’s knees Nat pack don’t know the meaning of the word
Ear to the ground, Pucky, ear to the ground – don’t you know nuttin”? In any case, your claim that the industry is ended is, sadly, not the case. Leaders have to “make the call” sometimes and this one is a minor one, despite your biggering.
You know like how National stated before the election it was going to partially sell off some of the power company shares
They didn’t start a conversation on that at all. They simply said that they would sell them off and did so despite the majority (~70%) being against them doing so.
If they were honestly having a conversation and listening to the owners then they would have stopped the sale.
“they said what they were going to do”
But they hadn’t asked New Zealanders if that’s what they wanted to do. When they did and New Zealanders said, NO, they did it anyway! Pucky??
Or they could have not got enough votes to win the election which meant while people didn’t want them to do the partial sell down it wasn’t a big enough deal to change their votes
It is a bit of a head scratcher, the nurses union recommending the latest proposal.
I wouldn’t hold my breath over the nurses accepting the pay offer.
For RNs (the majority of nurses), the offer has delayed the final proposed two steps, other than that, no change.
The difference in the ‘new’ deal is that it includes senior nurses and health care assistants.
The latest offer considerably reduced what I would have received under the rejected offer. I have no inclination to now accept less. All the NZNO have done by recommending acceptance is fuel anger, its not for a paid union official to try and sway the membership. The feeling among Nurses is one of having been shafted by both the employer and Union.
Have you put up your hand to join the negotiating team at Nurses Union or work on the background in your specialty for the lead negotiators ? How about being a local rep ?
So well within one generation most these “affordable houses” will have just become part of our obscene national obsession of using our homes as commodities, while working class families will never have that security.
Not sure what planet you on, but the spiteful levels have dropped measurably. I know you love your spite, but the rest of us like the break from it.
As for hard ideology, you get your lot destroyed peoples live to score cheap political points. I guess you never had to deal with anyone who was kicked out of their home over the P lie.
It will take a long time to get even close to Key levels of lying, a long, long, long time.
As for lying well I’d point out the TPP, sorry the CPAPTPP or whatever its called but I can’t because there were so many conflicting press releases on what Labour was, or wasn’t going to do
I’d also point out what the current government parties said they’d do pre-election vs post-election but apparently its ok now because you have to wait for the negotiations to see whats really going to happen
James has a peculiar fascination with this event. He nearly wet himself with excitement over the potential for partisan political point-scoring at the time (implying that the Labour Party enabled a sexual predator), and eventually copped a ban.
Whereas, if an evidence-based ranking of organisations that enable sexual exploitation in NZ was constructed, I reckon that the legal profession, the police, the military and the National Party would all out-rank Labour. “Look to your sins.”
or children being sexually attacked at a youth camp
….or appointing the chair of the law and order select committee, despite your knowledge of a police inquiry into the alleged behaviour of a prominent New Zealander….
So people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, roast busters. May I remind you, that your mate Key said “boy’s will be boy’s” about that crew of rapists, and effectively stomped on an enquiry.
Yep the gnats pretended there was no issue and watched families living in cars – laughing and mocking the poor then and blaming them now imo. That is why the gnats are disliked so much and why there no name team will fade into oblivion.
‘So if you take the average wage a a production worker ($38000) + the average wage of a full time cleaner ((35,000) total $73000 figure in rent and two children…..”
Of course they cant afford to rent and pay a mortgage… but thats not the intention but the mortgage replaces the rent.
And please dont wave LVRs of 20% as they dont apply to new houses.
Since when is there some sort of ‘left credentials’ now. Decided by you of course. Spare us the purity of your ideology .
this aint the ‘party line’ anymore
The purity of ideology is not a prerequisite for party membership or ammunition for attempted shaming of others for not being ‘pure enough’ ideologically. ??? Perhaps?
Oh look the argument of the weak of mind, “purist”. I don’t have a party or did you miss that memo. Anymore “red” baiting you wanna practice, or will you wait for your Tory mates to give you some more attack lines?
Socialism does have this annoying thing, where economics matters. It puts the economic interests of working people and poor first. I know bit hard for corporate liberal’s to comprehend, but some really good books out their that can explain it.
Stupid game that requires ‘penalty shootouts to decide a game’
if it was up to me , I would remove goal keeper from field for the extra time period to make goals easier. The other way is to make goal bigger for these sort of games or other rule changes like sending off for professional fouls or penalty goals
Extra time and sudden death. Then count up the number of corners awarded if need be, It’s how it used to be done.
This crap of penalty shootouts…why bother with all the preceding however many minutes?
Meanwhile, for the sake of ‘everyone’ in Wales and Scotland, and the insufferable bullshit they’d have to endure if England won this, any support I may be offering is for “anyone but”.
As a long suffering Fulham and England fan, you have to enjoy these moments and dare to dream for a day or two.
They are the highest ranked team on the bottom half of the draw. That does not guarantee anything, but there has never been a better opportunity since 66 to advance to the final.
as a long suffering though currently happy Burnley fan i felt a bit sorry for Colombia and their fans….couldnt beleve Southgate bringing Dier on rather than Rashford….too negative and so it turned out…still I too am starting to dream a bit
Yep his outrage is volcanic… when someone else has stuffed up. Maybe as mayor he should be FINANCIALLY penalised every time a beach closes due to excessive poos – all elected officials too and their managers.
Basically KIwibuild is little more than a government subsidy for developers.
And yes I know that some middle class families who rent because they are priced out of the house buying market will benefit by being able to “get on the property ladder”. That is not where the most serious need is. The most serious need is further down the income scale, where families don’t have any roof at all.
If the government wanted to address homelessness, (which if we were being honest, is not the purpose of Kiwibuild).
Instead of being put on the housing market, possibly better use might be made of these properties if they were nationalised and made state rentals.
This would make accommodation available at the bottom of the market, where it is most needed, instead of in the middle of the market, where people at least still have some other choices.
Just to remember another bold adventurer, Andrew McAuley R.I.P. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_McAuley Sea kayaking
In 2003, he made the first non-stop kayak crossing of the Bass Strait.[3]
In 2004, he kayaked across the Gulf of Carpentaria.
In 2006, he led an expedition in the Australian Antarctic Territory where they paddled over 800 km within the Antarctic Circle.[4]…
The documentary of McAuley’s journey, Solo, incorporated video footage recovered from one surviving memory stick in his camera, as well as interviews with people on his team during the expedition. It begins with the distress call he made on the evening of 9 February: “Do you copy? This is kayak one. Do you copy, over? I’ve got an emergency situation. I’m in a kayak about 30 kilometres from Milford Sound. I need a rescue. My kayak’s sinking. Fell off into the sea and I’m going down.”[9]
McAuley’s wife Vicki McAuley wrote a book, Solo, about him and his final voyage.[12]
In the same summer, a specially-constructed two-person kayak crossed the Tasman Sea at a more northerly route. The competitive spirit may have played a part in McAuley’s determination to make the journey when he did.[9] A song has recently been written about his final journey by Australian composers Paul Jarman and Phil Voysey, entitled “Towards Infinity”.
“New Zealand unquestionably needs maritime surveillance aircraft – we use them for maritime search & rescue, fisheries patrols, and damage assessment after tropical cyclones. But we don’t need high-tech sub-hunters, for the simple reason that we are not threatened by submarines. Seriously, where are these mythical submarines they are expected to find? And if this fantasised threat is expected to exist not now, but a decade or two in the future, then that suggests that we get the hugely expensive sub-hunting electronics (which makes up a huge chunk of the inflated cost of these aircraft) in that decade or two, not now.
Basicly, high-end military equipment in the absence of any real threat is a vanity purchase. All it does is allow generals to feel like they’re keeping up with the Aussies, while enabling them to get involved in more American wars. There are far better things we could be spending that money on, like schools, hospitals, and state houses, which will make far of a difference to the safety of New Zealanders than expensive, pointless sub-hunting electronics ever will. We should ditch this contract and buy something cheaper which actually serves our needs.”
IS
Where does your computer, phone or internet device come from?
How much does NZ exports go by ship?
How much does NZ imports come by ship?
How much wealth comes from NZ exports which pays for education, health, welfare etc?
What’s the best way to achieve the in-direct military approach attack when combined with direct attack on critical infrastructure, cyber and bio warfare (agriculture and horticulture).
How did the French spooks/ SF personal who bombed the Rainbow Warrior escaped by using a yacht and what else?
What’s the best way to attack NZ and maintain surprise and pauseable deinalability, the direct approach or the indirect approach?
What’s best way to sink a ship and stuff up NZ economy at the same time
Should we be more worried about the indirect military attack or the direct attack on NZ and which achieves the biggest amount of bang, but doing it with the economy of force?
Does globalisation leave NZ vulnerable to an indirect attack either in NZ or else where within the Asia- Pacific?
Resource thief in a Climate Change environment how you stop that when countries are give the current international rules base the two finger salute?
I’ll be back later after some gardening with some interesting trade facts IRT to shipping in the Asia Pacific and current tends.
A “couple” of questions, Ex?
More like a cluster 🙂
Okay: Noel Leemings, lots, lots, plenty (but there are other ways), sneaky means, cunningly, sneakily, wiv a bomb?, no, yes, tricky!
“K”?
So, we’re screwed, right? Gotta play the game and muscle up? Is that what you think, KiwiF?
Or maybe, just maybe – we could put our collective dicks away for a while, and sort out real problems – rather than tacitly support this continuous war that has been happening globally for the last thirty odd year.
Point I’m trying to make is since the start of this Neo Liberalism / Goblalisation B/S has left NZ quite vulnerable as NZ is an export base economy. So if NZ doesn’t want to or can’t maintain it Sea Lanes Of Communication (SLOC) then NZ’s economy turns to shit rather fast because if you can’t import, then it is highly unlikely that you will be able to export which in turns leads to some sort of economic downturn or collapse etc.
It’s not about the size of one’s dick or the size one’s tits etc, but about having an independent Defence, Trade, Foreign Affairs and Aid Policies within the recognised International Base Rules Principles. If NZ can’t and isn’t prepared to defend, protect these Principles then what does NZ stand for?
And if you think unarmed Neutrality is going to protect you then good luck with that because it aren’t and if it’s a one state nation that comes knocking then your basic human rights are toast, which I know is a fact from my time in East Timor in 99-00 Peacekeeping at what the TNI did from 1975.
Way to miss my point. In a big way – so you support the war machine, for the war machines sake? Ever done any reading on the collapse of the economy’s of the fascist states of Europe? Here a short summary, war economy has a limited life span, before it effectively bankrupts itself and leaves it’s population in abject poverty. Spain and Portugal have never really recovered. Italy is still a basket case, and Germany got lucky, it got the Marshall Plan.
We need to work out how to do this smarter, otherwise we really are in the crapper.
Exkiwiforces the US generally makes more reliable military equipment with a long life the C130 and p3 orion are testament to that.
If a war started how long would it Take to be operational from order date.
5 yrs plus by then it will be over?
Depending on the threat matrix at the time, if you have already have level of full operational capability (FOC) then the usual time fame would be around 2-3yrs tops as you won’t run down existing capability until the last 2-3 aircraft has been delivered.
What happen to the ACF is that The No Mates Party started to rundown the A4’s before the F-16’s arrived and when that got caned, the cost for regeneration of A4’s become a sticking point for the incoming government when ET turned to a shit fight. The plan was to keep the Macchi’s flying to maintain a IOC level which will be then be able to force generate an ACF SQN with initial IOC within 18 mths and a full operational capability with 18- 24mths later. But to regenerate the ACF will now take between 5- 10yrs at minimum.
The one’s that got caught were the recon/ logistics team not the direct action team (DAT) who escaped by yacht which they later scuttle half way between Norfolk Is and New Caledonia where they were picked by a French boomer which the RN had asked NZ to find when it didn’t turn up on station. That’s when the penny dropped for some people high up and anyway from what I’ve heard over the yrs is that P3 guys found the boomer and ask permission to drop a few a depth charges but someone brink.
To R G at 10 : Sad that this common-sense approach has taken so much energy
over the decades yet still needs propounding . Many thanks for bringing it to notice again.
Heather, in the ideal world I wish there was not a cent spent on a Nations Security budget as I know what war is and it’s effects, but in the real world in which I live unfortunately we have to spend money on a Nations Security and for a nation like NZ it economic wealth is heavily dependent on open and free Sea Lanes Of Communications which can vulnerable to sub- surface and surface interdiction.
The last two World Wars has seen Foreign Nations attempt to interdict our SLOC through the use of Submarines, Armed Merchant ships disguised as tramp ships conducting surface attacks and laying Sea mines, in modern times a Direction Attack in NZ using a yacht and submarine and then we have the RNZN Frigate Canterbury F421in East Timor during the INTERFET operation chasing one, possibly two type 209 subs from the TNI Navy inside ET’s 12 mile limit. God only knows what they will do when we finally kick the assholes out of West Papua, but going on their form guide from ET it will be an ugly operation of undertake and at least a Chap 6 Mission.
And I will refer back to my comment https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-04-07-2018/#comment-1499639. That the indirect attack is more likely to happen to NZ than a direct attack aka an over the beach, air assault attack which requires an awful lot of manpower, equipment and a bloody long logistical nightmare where as an indirect attack requires bugger all manpower and equipment which requires a bugger logistics foot print. It doesn’t mean it has to be in NZ waters which accounts for 10% of the worlds surface water for an indirect attack, it can be at the Singapore hub/ the South China Sea, the North Asia box, the MER Sea Lanes etc.
Then we throw in Climate Change which is going to bring a whole host of other problems as well.
The indirect attack is the most likely and dangerous to NZ interests than a direct attack as a lot of things need to fall into place before its a goer and even then there is no guarantee of success.
I don’t why the left is so fixated on the direct attack/ approach when the indirect means is a lot easier to achieve, but then again they probably don’t study Military tactics, Military logistics , Military History and future Military tends within the Asia/ Pacific Region at University.
I have listened to many of the arguments and justifications for the announced details of Kiwibuild eligibility but sadly can only conclude how out of touch with reality Twyford (and Cabinet) appear with this decision…..it increasingly appears that the Minister is struggling with this key policy area for the coalition, but more importantly for the electorate.
The only way for Kiwibuild not to be a shambles is for a reboot of the old MOW and a return of the old Housing Corp mortgages. The government knows this but knows there will be a political fall out.
That may be an option but they have really sent the wrong message with the criteria for this particular policy….the question is why?..are they so out of touch with real life that they are incapable of seeing how it will be viewed by the average punter or is there some twisted logic behind it?..either way it dosnt provide for those it purports to be targeted at and yet provides for those that dont need it, as if we have a surfeit of housing FFS
Good morning The AM Show I say tasers are a better tool for the police than guns the police have to deal with sycophants people whom have not control on there actions every day and these people put the police lives at risk at least with a taser the person has more chance of serviving the incident.
Sunny Nelson its warm during the summer and very cold in the winter Queen Town has a big lake to ballance out the temperature fluctuations.
Duncan it would be nice if ECO MAORI got paided for all the hits to my post the courts will be dealing with this in the near future. I’m not anti police just anti courpt police.
I see trump got a lesson from the Norwegian Prime Minister he does not mince words just how Eco Maori likes it do what you say and say what you do a link is Below on trump.
We do have a shortage of skilled workers you know who is to blame for this national I say make sure that the workers you import skills cannot be found in the local work force.
You see I hear of stories about foreigns coming here and they are shearmilking in one season you see a lot of people have more respect for Foreigners than they have for Tangata whenua and that’s stuffed up eco Maori can see this behaviour a mile away.
Ka kite ano
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Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wilmot, Senior Lecturer, Film, Deakin University Among the many Australian who served during the second world war, there is a small group of people whose stories remain largely untold. These are the Muslim men and women who, while small in number, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Knight, Researcher, Queensland University of Technology Have you ever felt sick at work? Perhaps you had food poisoning or the flu. Your belly hurt, or you felt tired, making it hard to concentrate and be productive. How likely would you be ...
Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Whiting, Lecturer – Creative Industries, University of South Australia Shutterstock Everyone has a favourite band, or a favourite composer, or a favourite song. There is some music which speaks to you, deeply; and other music which might be the current ...
A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
A leaked document shows the Canterbury/Waitaha arm of health agency Te Whatu Ora is scurrying to save $13.3 million by July. The “financial sustainability target”, which was “allocated” to Waitaha, is consistent with what’s happening in other districts, says Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists. ...
A look at the state of the previous government’s affordable housing scheme, and what could come next.Remind me: What’s KiwiBuild again?First announced in 2012, KiwiBuild was a flagship policy of the Labour Party heading into both its 2014 and 2017 election campaigns. With Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, ...
Labour in opposition will be shocked to learn which party had six years in power but squandered any chance to make real change. Grant Robertson’s valedictory speech was a predictably entertaining trip down memory lane. The acid-tongued incoming Otago University chancellor administered a sick burn to the coalition government. He ...
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The cure got high prices IS high prices.
Kiwibuild assists wealthy couples, foreign buyers, interfering with natural market response which collapses from the top down.
WHY?
NZ Resident is a foreigner imho
I think it’s reasonable to assume that in many cases the family moving into the 800k Kiwibuild homes will have sold their $450k home to do so or freed up a rental.
The price isn’t as important as the supply.
The Auckland market has pulled back 8.2% in 12 months, I think that’s more than noise.
Kiwibuild was originally only for 1st time home buyers – But that has now changed as has the price range. “KiwiBuild homes will only be sold to first home buyers”
https://www.labour.org.nz/kiwibuild
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/361025/kiwibuild-eligibility-couples-can-earn-up-to-180-000
But where are we to find in Auckland 50,000 buyers able to qualify to purchase a “kiwi build” ?
I think the people buying Kiwibuild houses will be those with a good bit of equity in $500k houses.
Yes, that was the pitch but I think first home buyers are unlikely to move into homes priced in the upper quartile, they never have. It’s an unrealistic expectation.
So why did Labour imply that they would be?
“The Auckland market has pulled back 8.2% in 12 months”
Not Kiwibuild homes – they are over 8% from their promised price even before one has been built.
Kiwibuild house prices will be subjected to market forces.
I think labour was pretty clear on the “sale” cost of them in their promises. Of course – its not whats happening now.
“I know that as Leader of the Opposition I’m supposed to complain about everything.
But that’s not my style.”
Simon Bridges
https://www.national.org.nz/speech_to_fieldays_on_climate_change
“I know that as Leader of the Opposition I’m supposed to complain about everything.
But that’s not my style.”
No no no no no! A thousands times no! Ten thousand thundering typhoons and billions of bilious blue blistering barnacles this makes me angry!!!!!
Part of the reason Labour went through so many leaders and were in the doldrums for so long was (apart from being generally poo) because they opposed absolutely everything, everything National did was wrong, if National had said the grass was green Labour would said no its blue
We (ok me) don’t want National to oppose everything because not everything Labour, NZFirst or the Greens will say is wrong (sure its mostly wrong but even a stopped clock is right twice a day) I want National to oppose that which needs opposing and supporting that which should be supported because that’ll show National are actually taking note of whats going on and not just running on auto pilot
Arrgggh, Hulk smash puny National strategists!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msRaooooyds
I didnt see National out there complain about the TPP when Labour signed it.
And that was a biggie.
Thats nonsense.
Its now National who is opposed to everything even when they previously said they supported/ would consider some issues.
We saw that on very first day of parliament when the reduction in Mps on select committees which they and labour worked for in last parliament became ‘hell no we wont go lower’
and more
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/360621/domestic-violence-bill-unfair-to-small-businesses-national
Man, you’re delusional.
National will oppose everything that Labour/NZGreens and NZFirst do because it’s against their ideology of giving all state assets to the already rich and empowering the already rich over the poor.
BTW, Labour did support a few things National did. Sometimes that was because it was right but, more often than not, because Labour are still following the failed neo-liberal ideology.
This government’s adopted National’s Social Security (Legislation Rewrite) Bill pretty much in its totality – complete with sanctions – after it said it would oppose it. Good on you, Labour – you can always be trusted to do what you think is right.
Even when it’s been proven wrong.
Our local National Party MP, Sarah Dowie is leading the charge! She complains about everything! . She even complains about things the Government might, at a stretch, vaguely consider perhaps doing a bit of. Her press releases and letters to the editor are a constant bore; other writers of letters to the editor have labled her a “show pony” and accurately accuse her of always wanting to be noticed. The National Party are following the Dowie prescription and squawking at every passing zephyr. It’s eroding their support but they can’t see it. The polls might declare a high following, but deeper down, they’re losing support by the yap yap day.
“The polls might declare a high following, but deeper down, they’re losing support by the yap yap day.”
IMHO its less that and more this:
https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-a35af10f8d87a3bf953f4dee9141e4df
The double face palm reminds me of the triple hand shake. Hasn’t Jacinda done well; she’s not fallen off the stage and broken her arm, made an exhibition of herself camping it up on the catwalk, made soap or cannibal jokes nor yanked anyone’s hair; seems odd not to have a sociopath for a PM.
“seems odd not to have a sociopath for a PM”
Well shanking a whole industry without any consultation at all could be considered slight sociopathic given how many lives are going to be, at the very least, disrupted
Also not sure if its narcissistic or just plain vanity to take nice, pr positive pics with school kids before closing their schools down
Considering the damage that that industry is doing – no it couldn’t.
Knowing the damage and yet trying to keep it going is the sociopathic action and it’s what National does all the time across many industries.
So ending the industry without any ideas of what the people working, or supporting, it will do is all good with you?
Good job that they didn’t do that then isn’t it?
And if they had done that I’d expect them to make training and support available so that those people can change careers.
But, then, I think such support be permanently available as industries are often taken over by new knowledge.
With 30 years advance warning? Fine by me.
What would of been the point consulting ? The oil companies would have rallied their supporters and lunched a massive fight back . We elect leaders to lead . The on it’s knees Nat pack don’t know the meaning of the word
Because when its such a contentious, and important, issue you’d think there’d absolutely be a positive conversation about it
You know like how National stated before the election it was going to partially sell off some of the power company shares
You know as well as I do the sell off hated by most . And in no way was the reason the nats got elected.
Nd I have not heard a single person in my sphere complain about the oil shut down
Yet they still announced prior to the election rather than simply waiting to be elected and then running it
“We elect leaders to lead”
– So you’ll have no issues when National gets back in and decide to make some changes, without consultation of course
It would be their right if they got elected wether i like it or not is irrelevant.
And the stopping of oil exploration permits was indicated before the election. No matter how much National want to lie about it.
To bwaghorn, ok fair enough
To Draco, when or where was it indicated?
Ear to the ground, Pucky, ear to the ground – don’t you know nuttin”? In any case, your claim that the industry is ended is, sadly, not the case. Leaders have to “make the call” sometimes and this one is a minor one, despite your biggering.
In their policies leading up to the election as you’re quite aware of.
https://thestandard.org.nz/who-gives-a-hooton-about-climate-change/
https://thestandard.org.nz/government-blocks-off-shore-oil-and-gas-drilling/
They didn’t start a conversation on that at all. They simply said that they would sell them off and did so despite the majority (~70%) being against them doing so.
If they were honestly having a conversation and listening to the owners then they would have stopped the sale.
Pucky don’t care. His mind is made up.
Bollix, they said what they were going to do if they won the election. Labour dropped this after they won the election, big difference.
“they said what they were going to do”
But they hadn’t asked New Zealanders if that’s what they wanted to do. When they did and New Zealanders said, NO, they did it anyway! Pucky??
Or they could have not got enough votes to win the election which meant while people didn’t want them to do the partial sell down it wasn’t a big enough deal to change their votes
Not that. The “partial sell down” was a crock, as most NZers recognised. Do you, Pucky, hold that it was wise?
And the majority of people said, after National won the election, that they didn’t want National to sell state assets.
But National did anyway. This was, of course, fully undemocratic.
This is supposedly a democracy where the will of the people is actually taken into account.
It was in their election policies. So, no, they didn’t drop this after the election.
Who says Slick doesn’t have a sensa yuma?
It is a bit of a head scratcher, the nurses union recommending the latest proposal.
I wouldn’t hold my breath over the nurses accepting the pay offer.
For RNs (the majority of nurses), the offer has delayed the final proposed two steps, other than that, no change.
The difference in the ‘new’ deal is that it includes senior nurses and health care assistants.
The latest offer considerably reduced what I would have received under the rejected offer. I have no inclination to now accept less. All the NZNO have done by recommending acceptance is fuel anger, its not for a paid union official to try and sway the membership. The feeling among Nurses is one of having been shafted by both the employer and Union.
Have you put up your hand to join the negotiating team at Nurses Union or work on the background in your specialty for the lead negotiators ? How about being a local rep ?
didnt think so
How do you know that I dont ?.
My reaction upon hearing the latest offer and the unions recommendation to take it, was not flash.
I do not understand the union’s stance.
Perhaps the strike is the way, sends an expensive message to DHB and is a great way to unify and empower a workforce.
Affordable houses with a $180,000 cap or in other words a couple earning $3500.00 p/w that they can sell within 3 years…what a fucking joke.
So if you take the average wage a a production worker ($38000) + the average wage of a full time cleaner ((35,000) total $73000 figure in rent and two children…they will never be able to afford an “affordable home”
https://www.payscale.com/research/NZ/Job=Production_Worker/Hourly_Rate
https://www.payscale.com/research/NZ/Job=Cleaner/Hourly_Rate
So well within one generation most these “affordable houses” will have just become part of our obscene national obsession of using our homes as commodities, while working class families will never have that security.
It is a disgrace.
Thats Labour and this coalition for you.
Just like national, but not as cruel about it.
I think its mores just like National, but not as upfront about it.
It is nice to not have the spitefulness, hard ideology, and lies though.
Let me know when we have a government like that
Not sure what planet you on, but the spiteful levels have dropped measurably. I know you love your spite, but the rest of us like the break from it.
As for hard ideology, you get your lot destroyed peoples live to score cheap political points. I guess you never had to deal with anyone who was kicked out of their home over the P lie.
It will take a long time to get even close to Key levels of lying, a long, long, long time.
Red this and tell me it isn’t spite or ideology thats causing it: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?
c_id=1&objectid=11946622
As for lying well I’d point out the TPP, sorry the CPAPTPP or whatever its called but I can’t because there were so many conflicting press releases on what Labour was, or wasn’t going to do
I’d also point out what the current government parties said they’d do pre-election vs post-election but apparently its ok now because you have to wait for the negotiations to see whats really going to happen
spite causes broken links?
Well shit…
lol I know the feeling only too well
One point, and then you missed Willy Jackson’s take on it. The whole Maori caucus take on the issue for instance – or did you do that on purpose?
As for you not understanding MMP, that really is your problem. That said, some of us remember the broken promises of the 4th national government.
“I guess you never had to deal with anyone who was kicked out of their home over the P lie.”
or children being sexually attacked at a youth camp
Idjit.
James has a peculiar fascination with this event. He nearly wet himself with excitement over the potential for partisan political point-scoring at the time (implying that the Labour Party enabled a sexual predator), and eventually copped a ban.
Whereas, if an evidence-based ranking of organisations that enable sexual exploitation in NZ was constructed, I reckon that the legal profession, the police, the military and the National Party would all out-rank Labour. “Look to your sins.”
Too complex, Drowsy, if you want to reach James, keep it simple! !
IF… He’s beyond my ‘reach’, but keep up the good fight!
….or appointing the chair of the law and order select committee, despite your knowledge of a police inquiry into the alleged behaviour of a prominent New Zealander….
So people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, roast busters. May I remind you, that your mate Key said “boy’s will be boy’s” about that crew of rapists, and effectively stomped on an enquiry.
Yep the gnats pretended there was no issue and watched families living in cars – laughing and mocking the poor then and blaming them now imo. That is why the gnats are disliked so much and why there no name team will fade into oblivion.
the $180K is a cap not a floor.
‘So if you take the average wage a a production worker ($38000) + the average wage of a full time cleaner ((35,000) total $73000 figure in rent and two children…..”
Of course they cant afford to rent and pay a mortgage… but thats not the intention but the mortgage replaces the rent.
And please dont wave LVRs of 20% as they dont apply to new houses.
This is what happens when your committed to hard right economics, even as you espouse your left credentials cap in hand.
Since when is there some sort of ‘left credentials’ now. Decided by you of course. Spare us the purity of your ideology .
this aint the ‘party line’ anymore
What do you mean..”this aint the ‘party line’ anymore”?
The purity of ideology is not a prerequisite for party membership or ammunition for attempted shaming of others for not being ‘pure enough’ ideologically. ??? Perhaps?
Oh look the argument of the weak of mind, “purist”. I don’t have a party or did you miss that memo. Anymore “red” baiting you wanna practice, or will you wait for your Tory mates to give you some more attack lines?
Socialism does have this annoying thing, where economics matters. It puts the economic interests of working people and poor first. I know bit hard for corporate liberal’s to comprehend, but some really good books out their that can explain it.
En-ger-land
Football is coming home
Big call to make with a few games to go.
Stupid game that requires ‘penalty shootouts to decide a game’
if it was up to me , I would remove goal keeper from field for the extra time period to make goals easier. The other way is to make goal bigger for these sort of games or other rule changes like sending off for professional fouls or penalty goals
Get rid of the offside rule.
Extra time and sudden death. Then count up the number of corners awarded if need be, It’s how it used to be done.
This crap of penalty shootouts…why bother with all the preceding however many minutes?
Meanwhile, for the sake of ‘everyone’ in Wales and Scotland, and the insufferable bullshit they’d have to endure if England won this, any support I may be offering is for “anyone but”.
3-0
3-0 what ?
England beat Colombia by only one penalty goal? I didn’t realise Colombia played rugby…
Ask James.
“Big call to make with a few games to go.”
3-0 was the big (and incorrect) call I made on the AB / Lions tour.
Called the election wrong too. Patterns.
Reckoned The Greens were toast. Wrong!
Thought meat-eating had a future. As above.
Voted blue/yellow – ewwww!
2 ticks blue !
It 100% does.
as they are hovering just above 5% – I might well be right on that one.
I did indeed.
But I only got the last one wrong. More right than wrong on that front.
You’re so often wrong, James – I wonder if you’ve ever been right!
OK – that made me laugh.
As a long suffering Fulham and England fan, you have to enjoy these moments and dare to dream for a day or two.
They are the highest ranked team on the bottom half of the draw. That does not guarantee anything, but there has never been a better opportunity since 66 to advance to the final.
as a long suffering though currently happy Burnley fan i felt a bit sorry for Colombia and their fans….couldnt beleve Southgate bringing Dier on rather than Rashford….too negative and so it turned out…still I too am starting to dream a bit
Any arsehole dumping oil should be named, shamed and put out of business and get 10000 hours community service imo
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/361041/illegal-oil-dumping-case-goes-to-court
Goffle comes to the party with his indignation plate please. Quietly ignoring the poo on the beach.
Yep his outrage is volcanic… when someone else has stuffed up. Maybe as mayor he should be FINANCIALLY penalised every time a beach closes due to excessive poos – all elected officials too and their managers.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/105221856/kiwibuild-registration-more-people-than-homes-within-hours
“The Government is only expecting to build 1000 of its 100,000 affordable homes before July 2019 as the build programme ramps up.”
Sure they will…
I am still to see any evidence that 1 of those houses is a house that would have not have been built without kiwibuild.
You could quite possibly be right about that EiE
Basically KIwibuild is little more than a government subsidy for developers.
And yes I know that some middle class families who rent because they are priced out of the house buying market will benefit by being able to “get on the property ladder”. That is not where the most serious need is. The most serious need is further down the income scale, where families don’t have any roof at all.
If the government wanted to address homelessness, (which if we were being honest, is not the purpose of Kiwibuild).
Instead of being put on the housing market, possibly better use might be made of these properties if they were nationalised and made state rentals.
This would make accommodation available at the bottom of the market, where it is most needed, instead of in the middle of the market, where people at least still have some other choices.
Great that kayaker Scott Donaldson makes it across Tasman on his second try.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/105168174/Trans-Tasman-kayaker-Scott-Donaldson-nears-Taranaki-beach
https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/nation-world/article214180639.html
(Good coverage and image from Idaho Statesman.)
Donaldson was forced to abandon a previous attempt in 2014 when he was within sight of the New Zealand coastline after he was hit by a storm.
Just to remember another bold adventurer, Andrew McAuley R.I.P.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_McAuley
Sea kayaking
In 2003, he made the first non-stop kayak crossing of the Bass Strait.[3]
In 2004, he kayaked across the Gulf of Carpentaria.
In 2006, he led an expedition in the Australian Antarctic Territory where they paddled over 800 km within the Antarctic Circle.[4]…
The documentary of McAuley’s journey, Solo, incorporated video footage recovered from one surviving memory stick in his camera, as well as interviews with people on his team during the expedition. It begins with the distress call he made on the evening of 9 February: “Do you copy? This is kayak one. Do you copy, over? I’ve got an emergency situation. I’m in a kayak about 30 kilometres from Milford Sound. I need a rescue. My kayak’s sinking. Fell off into the sea and I’m going down.”[9]
McAuley’s wife Vicki McAuley wrote a book, Solo, about him and his final voyage.[12]
In the same summer, a specially-constructed two-person kayak crossed the Tasman Sea at a more northerly route. The competitive spirit may have played a part in McAuley’s determination to make the journey when he did.[9] A song has recently been written about his final journey by Australian composers Paul Jarman and Phil Voysey, entitled “Towards Infinity”.
Oh – might get some action now – be good if all churches and Christians in the US did this.
‘Baby Jesus ‘detained’ in US immigration protest’ – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-44704580
Not the baby Jesus!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLFQd8OjU90
I know, could be too soon.
“New Zealand unquestionably needs maritime surveillance aircraft – we use them for maritime search & rescue, fisheries patrols, and damage assessment after tropical cyclones. But we don’t need high-tech sub-hunters, for the simple reason that we are not threatened by submarines. Seriously, where are these mythical submarines they are expected to find? And if this fantasised threat is expected to exist not now, but a decade or two in the future, then that suggests that we get the hugely expensive sub-hunting electronics (which makes up a huge chunk of the inflated cost of these aircraft) in that decade or two, not now.
Basicly, high-end military equipment in the absence of any real threat is a vanity purchase. All it does is allow generals to feel like they’re keeping up with the Aussies, while enabling them to get involved in more American wars. There are far better things we could be spending that money on, like schools, hospitals, and state houses, which will make far of a difference to the safety of New Zealanders than expensive, pointless sub-hunting electronics ever will. We should ditch this contract and buy something cheaper which actually serves our needs.”
IS
Nothing wrong with having inter-operability with our allies and having high-end equipment allows for more options so I’m not against this purchase
Goose 🙂
Just a couple of questions Robert?
Where does your computer, phone or internet device come from?
How much does NZ exports go by ship?
How much does NZ imports come by ship?
How much wealth comes from NZ exports which pays for education, health, welfare etc?
What’s the best way to achieve the in-direct military approach attack when combined with direct attack on critical infrastructure, cyber and bio warfare (agriculture and horticulture).
How did the French spooks/ SF personal who bombed the Rainbow Warrior escaped by using a yacht and what else?
What’s the best way to attack NZ and maintain surprise and pauseable deinalability, the direct approach or the indirect approach?
What’s best way to sink a ship and stuff up NZ economy at the same time
Should we be more worried about the indirect military attack or the direct attack on NZ and which achieves the biggest amount of bang, but doing it with the economy of force?
Does globalisation leave NZ vulnerable to an indirect attack either in NZ or else where within the Asia- Pacific?
Resource thief in a Climate Change environment how you stop that when countries are give the current international rules base the two finger salute?
I’ll be back later after some gardening with some interesting trade facts IRT to shipping in the Asia Pacific and current tends.
A “couple” of questions, Ex?
More like a cluster 🙂
Okay: Noel Leemings, lots, lots, plenty (but there are other ways), sneaky means, cunningly, sneakily, wiv a bomb?, no, yes, tricky!
“K”?
So, we’re screwed, right? Gotta play the game and muscle up? Is that what you think, KiwiF?
Or maybe, just maybe – we could put our collective dicks away for a while, and sort out real problems – rather than tacitly support this continuous war that has been happening globally for the last thirty odd year.
Point I’m trying to make is since the start of this Neo Liberalism / Goblalisation B/S has left NZ quite vulnerable as NZ is an export base economy. So if NZ doesn’t want to or can’t maintain it Sea Lanes Of Communication (SLOC) then NZ’s economy turns to shit rather fast because if you can’t import, then it is highly unlikely that you will be able to export which in turns leads to some sort of economic downturn or collapse etc.
It’s not about the size of one’s dick or the size one’s tits etc, but about having an independent Defence, Trade, Foreign Affairs and Aid Policies within the recognised International Base Rules Principles. If NZ can’t and isn’t prepared to defend, protect these Principles then what does NZ stand for?
And if you think unarmed Neutrality is going to protect you then good luck with that because it aren’t and if it’s a one state nation that comes knocking then your basic human rights are toast, which I know is a fact from my time in East Timor in 99-00 Peacekeeping at what the TNI did from 1975.
Keep up the Good Fight, Kiwiforcs ’cause it’s real.
Way to miss my point. In a big way – so you support the war machine, for the war machines sake? Ever done any reading on the collapse of the economy’s of the fascist states of Europe? Here a short summary, war economy has a limited life span, before it effectively bankrupts itself and leaves it’s population in abject poverty. Spain and Portugal have never really recovered. Italy is still a basket case, and Germany got lucky, it got the Marshall Plan.
We need to work out how to do this smarter, otherwise we really are in the crapper.
As for unarmed neutrality, who said that?
Exkiwiforces the US generally makes more reliable military equipment with a long life the C130 and p3 orion are testament to that.
If a war started how long would it Take to be operational from order date.
5 yrs plus by then it will be over?
Depending on the threat matrix at the time, if you have already have level of full operational capability (FOC) then the usual time fame would be around 2-3yrs tops as you won’t run down existing capability until the last 2-3 aircraft has been delivered.
What happen to the ACF is that The No Mates Party started to rundown the A4’s before the F-16’s arrived and when that got caned, the cost for regeneration of A4’s become a sticking point for the incoming government when ET turned to a shit fight. The plan was to keep the Macchi’s flying to maintain a IOC level which will be then be able to force generate an ACF SQN with initial IOC within 18 mths and a full operational capability with 18- 24mths later. But to regenerate the ACF will now take between 5- 10yrs at minimum.
Exkiwiforces the French escaped by paying $13million to the NZ govt.
The one’s that got caught were the recon/ logistics team not the direct action team (DAT) who escaped by yacht which they later scuttle half way between Norfolk Is and New Caledonia where they were picked by a French boomer which the RN had asked NZ to find when it didn’t turn up on station. That’s when the penny dropped for some people high up and anyway from what I’ve heard over the yrs is that P3 guys found the boomer and ask permission to drop a few a depth charges but someone brink.
To R G at 10 : Sad that this common-sense approach has taken so much energy
over the decades yet still needs propounding . Many thanks for bringing it to notice again.
Heather, in the ideal world I wish there was not a cent spent on a Nations Security budget as I know what war is and it’s effects, but in the real world in which I live unfortunately we have to spend money on a Nations Security and for a nation like NZ it economic wealth is heavily dependent on open and free Sea Lanes Of Communications which can vulnerable to sub- surface and surface interdiction.
The last two World Wars has seen Foreign Nations attempt to interdict our SLOC through the use of Submarines, Armed Merchant ships disguised as tramp ships conducting surface attacks and laying Sea mines, in modern times a Direction Attack in NZ using a yacht and submarine and then we have the RNZN Frigate Canterbury F421in East Timor during the INTERFET operation chasing one, possibly two type 209 subs from the TNI Navy inside ET’s 12 mile limit. God only knows what they will do when we finally kick the assholes out of West Papua, but going on their form guide from ET it will be an ugly operation of undertake and at least a Chap 6 Mission.
And I will refer back to my comment https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-04-07-2018/#comment-1499639. That the indirect attack is more likely to happen to NZ than a direct attack aka an over the beach, air assault attack which requires an awful lot of manpower, equipment and a bloody long logistical nightmare where as an indirect attack requires bugger all manpower and equipment which requires a bugger logistics foot print. It doesn’t mean it has to be in NZ waters which accounts for 10% of the worlds surface water for an indirect attack, it can be at the Singapore hub/ the South China Sea, the North Asia box, the MER Sea Lanes etc.
Then we throw in Climate Change which is going to bring a whole host of other problems as well.
The indirect attack is the most likely and dangerous to NZ interests than a direct attack as a lot of things need to fall into place before its a goer and even then there is no guarantee of success.
I don’t why the left is so fixated on the direct attack/ approach when the indirect means is a lot easier to achieve, but then again they probably don’t study Military tactics, Military logistics , Military History and future Military tends within the Asia/ Pacific Region at University.
to Exkiwiforces at 10.3.1: Your seeming condescension not welcomed. I well remember the ramifications of WW2 AND the world politics involved.
I have listened to many of the arguments and justifications for the announced details of Kiwibuild eligibility but sadly can only conclude how out of touch with reality Twyford (and Cabinet) appear with this decision…..it increasingly appears that the Minister is struggling with this key policy area for the coalition, but more importantly for the electorate.
The only way for Kiwibuild not to be a shambles is for a reboot of the old MOW and a return of the old Housing Corp mortgages. The government knows this but knows there will be a political fall out.
That may be an option but they have really sent the wrong message with the criteria for this particular policy….the question is why?..are they so out of touch with real life that they are incapable of seeing how it will be viewed by the average punter or is there some twisted logic behind it?..either way it dosnt provide for those it purports to be targeted at and yet provides for those that dont need it, as if we have a surfeit of housing FFS
New Zealand plays the intrusive bullying colonial busybody in the Pacific.
No such intrusive secret interception and spying against our other near Pacific neighbor, Australia has been revealed.
Why?
Is it because Australia is a white majority settler country like us?
Or is it because Australia are bigger than us and we might get called out on it?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/105220392/report-confirms-the-gcsb-was-spying-on-the-pacific–but-its-legal
Good morning The AM Show I say tasers are a better tool for the police than guns the police have to deal with sycophants people whom have not control on there actions every day and these people put the police lives at risk at least with a taser the person has more chance of serviving the incident.
Sunny Nelson its warm during the summer and very cold in the winter Queen Town has a big lake to ballance out the temperature fluctuations.
Duncan it would be nice if ECO MAORI got paided for all the hits to my post the courts will be dealing with this in the near future. I’m not anti police just anti courpt police.
I see trump got a lesson from the Norwegian Prime Minister he does not mince words just how Eco Maori likes it do what you say and say what you do a link is Below on trump.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/105248944/trump-pressed-aides-on-venezuela-invasion-us-official-says
We do have a shortage of skilled workers you know who is to blame for this national I say make sure that the workers you import skills cannot be found in the local work force.
You see I hear of stories about foreigns coming here and they are shearmilking in one season you see a lot of people have more respect for Foreigners than they have for Tangata whenua and that’s stuffed up eco Maori can see this behaviour a mile away.
Ka kite ano