The truth is that for every child that makes the paper or even makes it to the emergency department there are many more that suffer in silence behind closed doors with nobody to help them.
We also need be clear that, regardless of what measure a government or a community can take, the final responsibility rests with the individuals who abuse these children and the families that allow abuse to be hidden.
Preventing child abuse and neglect requires not only a response from government but also requires a social change which can only happen with the help of all New Zealanders.
Some of these issues are complex, but we have turned around damning social problems like drink driving before. It requires political will, intelligent policy, but most of all a strong commitment by all New Zealanders to say at every opportunity that it is NOT ok.
Jacinda Ardern
There are some things we don’t need to be told; we just know. Shamefully for all New Zealanders, our appalling child abuse rates is one of those things. Surely then, it’s time to stop all the chat, the lamenting, the writing of discussion documents. Surely, it’s time to act?
I am under no illusion that there is a quick fix to ridding New Zealand of child abuse and neglect and just as many of the answers and solutions as to how we can protect our children will come from within communities as they will from parliament. But we cannot ignore our responsibility to act. That’s why, ultimately, I am glad that the Government has released a Green Paper for Vulnerable Children.
We will offer to work with the Government again on this issue. Because now is not the time for more words- it’s time to act.
We need all politicians and all parties to talk together and to act together so we can improve things for our most vulnerable children. No party politics and no election should get in the way of this.
It won’t just help children now, it will help them for life, and it will help their children.
No party politics and no election should get in the way of this.
Easier said than done. Because poverty is the strongest indicator of abuse and to deal with poverty you have to deal with the distribution of resources. WFF or “communism by stealth” as Key calls it pulled many working families out of poverty. It has to remain and relief for the poorest on beneficiaries needs to be put in place. But this requires the wealthy to pay more tax.
That entrenched starting point for any issue is a major impediment to our country’s progress.
It shouldn’t be “our party must win this argument”, it should be “what’s best for the kids”. The obsession with “poverty” is simplistic posturing, problems with kids are far more complex than that. Poverty is just one symptom of the problems, not a cause.
It is not an entrenched starting point, it is a statement of reality.
Debate the specifics PG
1. Is poverty an indicator of child abuse?
2. If so is the taxation system the means of redistributing wealth to ensure that minimum standards of living are available to all.
I agree that abuse happens in all sectors but the correlation between poverty and abuse is mind numbingly significant.
I am not in the least bit interested in party politics determining an approach to child poverty. The solution itself drives my politics.
This is what you don’t understand PeteG. Lefties do not advocate for redistribution of wealth to score political points, we advocate for redistribution of wealth because it is the right thing to do, whether for dealing with child abuse of any other of a myriad of problems.
I agree that abuse happens in all sectors but the correlation between poverty and abuse is mind numbingly significant.
I’m pretty sure that the link between financial stress and domestic violence has been proven to a high probability. It’s not just correlation any more.
Agreed – poverty is the immediate common cause of many conditions that kill our kids.
There are causes closer to the condition (e.g. violence causing injuries), and causes less proximal (alienation of citizens in our modern industrial-capitalist society creating a malaise that enables the wealthy to ignore others’ hardship), but poverty is a fundamental cause to many conditions, and we can reduce it dramatically with very little effort.
communism by stealth, as opposed to the rank stench of proto fascism where mainstream politicians dole out such remarks as ‘dream lifestyle’, ‘shouldn’t breed’ and might as well claim everyone whose poor is a waste of space and should crawl into a corner eat the damn cockroaches already. Key is told to spin, and what to spin, and the left is now a growing source of solutions, how that must unsettle our proto fascist elites.
Remind us, who was it who said Working for Families is communism by stealth… and yesterday was praising it up? Who had a similar attitude towards KiwiSaver?
First teaser of the journey i’ll be joining next year. I feel so privileged as it encompasses everything i believe to be true. From Pasifikans as One People One Culture, Tangata o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa separated by the sea, but belonging more to it than we think any land belongs to us, to ‘dead zones’ of ocean degradation created through increased CO2 emissions, to extinction of species by over fishing, to pollution by plastics and noise…
If there’s one thing to be learnt it’s that sacrifice outweighs desire. The needs of the many over the wants of a few.
Looks to be an awesome project to be involved with pwog, are you one of the fortunate few who gets to crew one of the canoes, on the movie crew or both?.
Watched the vids you’ve posted so I assume you’re one of the novices who’s off, next week?, on the adventure of a lifetime, lucky lucky man.
I’m wondering if the 21st century bling that I could see on the vessel in the “Our Blue Canoe” trailer will have the bells and whistles to run an online diary because I’d love to follow your adventure.
Lucky sod, wont speak too quickly as I have been out on the ocean and its big and wet and cold…and it keeps moving.
Listened to a guy talk about Polynesian navigation skills, absolutely amazing skills based upon being able to mind matrix wave lengths, water colours, cloud types. birds etc etc, heaps of information stored in the navigators mind to analyse. Human computers doing impossible trips to and from small points on an enormous ocean to other small points on that ocean. No maps, compasses, atrolabes etc yet so long as they knew where they were coming from they knew where they were in relative terms. Well before we Euro “discovered” and mapped the Pacific.
I won’t be navigating at all B. I don’t even know how to sail or if i’m prone to seas sickness but i’m gonna find out and learn things the hard way 🙂
Hopefully by the end of it, or at least mid way through, I’ll have a basic understanding of the concepts surrounding celestial navigation, be able to read the predominant swells and the reflections of distant islands and semi-predict weather patterns as well.
I’m quite lucky in that I’ll be joining the second leg from San Diego to the Solomons. From what i understand, it’s pretty much a straight run following the sun as it tracks across the sky east to west with all the good winds and currents boosting us along in fine spirits.
Hardly the test of seamanship and courage the crews faced in the roaring 40’s on leaving NZ in May , combined with the other tricky bits of navigation…reading stars, currents and wind patterns as they switched from the southern hemisphere to the northern on their way to Hawaii.
Now, having arrived in San Francisco they get to chill a bit before meandering down to San Diego over the next month where they will lay up for 3 months over hurricane season before embarking on the second leg in January next year.
On the whole it should take about 8-9 months including stops for reprovisioning and reconnecting with islands from Galapagos to Marquesas, Tahiti, Samoa ,Fiji… finishing in the Solomons for the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival, though the exact sail plan hasn’t been finalised.
Oh man, I just can’t wait…
BTW here’s a good read on how much the elders got around back in the day
Looks amazing mr polly. I spend way too much time in the ocean, though never crossed an ocean. Just watch out or it will get into your blood and everything else will fall to one side. Bon voyage!
I also had the opportunity to go on the first leg. I travelled to Auckland in April for some training and to meet the captain and crew and only planned on being there 3 days. Ended up being there 3 weeks, and painted the sails.
Though when the time came, i couldn’t just bail on my family here on a whim and a prayer, to leave the house unprepared over winter with no one to look after them, as I’m the stay at home parent while my lady works.
Now, it’s a case of getting their heads around me being gone for most of next year and me getting my head around the enormity of the challenge.
I’ve heard how tough it is for spouses of sailors with the pull of the sea in their veins. From the looks of it, it’s gonna be my next obsession and probably life mission.
When the time comes the diary/blog will become a book i hope to inspire kids with, but written in the style of old Pasifikan myths and legends using the magic jawbone.
In the beginning was the word. The word was of IO and it was IO. Neither good nor evil is IO, but all that was good was in the word of it and all that was not was in the nothing. Then as now, IO is the one and the nothing, the I and the O to which all knowledge springs and flows and from which all that is and will ever be, is.
At first the word boomed across the nothing, shattering it, tearing from it the light, and as the light grew faster than the wind could carry the word, so did it echo amongst the heavens as they formed to become the 9. From thence until the time of man, time passed slowly.
Fire, never one to move slow, unless tamed, raged through the 9 as the spirit of the word settled to become embodied in the houses of the gods of old. From them was formed the cool waters and the dusts of the earth. All that people it came later, as the spirit of IO was once again moved to speak, this time across the tides of the waters.
Man upon his earthly arrival saw that this was good, the truth of which he still remembers in stories written of in the heavens, reflected in the waters and carried on the winds for those who walk the earth and sail its seas. Those chosen few still blessed in their ability to hear IO in the quiet of time, to see its signs in nature and to speak of the word with Maui’s magic jawbone. For nature is aught but the word of IO.
Many were the Pasifika men and women of old gifted with the godspeak by which the magic jawbone echoed their words across time. The jawbone gave meaning and understanding unto their children, wisdom and counsel to the enlightened as they sat around the fires, attuned to the spirits, sharing of the word that sang the fire of the wind of the stars to the waters and in turn, the waters to the earth.
With time on their side, the spirits of the gods of earth, wind, fire and water grew stronger. For some, the dark side of their nature held sway and colluded to hide from man the word of IO and IO itself. To keep sacred the secret of it, that man may not learn to become as the gods, but destined to remain in awe of the spirit of them and thus, in worship of the old ways.
So the restless tides ebbed and flowed in the lives of man and older did those gifted with the magic jawbone become. Less and less the word was told, where it became fewer and fewer of the children of Maui that could hear the godspeak of old. But for the undying spirit of IO hiding in plain sight, it would have come to pass that all man become blind to the vision of what may be and the promise to some of what surely in time they might become in spirit and flesh, gods.
————————————————————————–
btw I’m also about to take up rock painting in the old Waitaha stylez. Being a rigger/rope dangler i’m looking to eventually hang off cliffs and paint big ass old looking stuff using traditional inks.
Though i’ll start with something more acessible and prominent. Lovin the idea of old school rural graffitti 🙂
my old rugby coach Jim Whaanga always said when hitting the ruck, “make your presence felt” – you are doing that – your presence is felt and I can’t wait to get a copy of your book. Go hard!
What I plan to do is, in the spirit of the shared Pasifikan cultural heritage regarding myths and early heroes/exploits, get some chapters translated into different languages, then translated again back into English by a third party so i’m removed from the literal process.
The story then becomes as it might have been when our traditions were passed on orally and subtly changed with the passing of time, language and geography.
I want to see if the ‘magic jawbone’ still keeps the essence of the core truths hidden in the story when told by different authors and still makes it coherent for kids to understand when read to them as bedtime stories.
The book itself won’t be linear cos i’m not :). It will jump all over the place and be disconnected in feel so that in essence it could be from another place or time and be read as individual stand alone chapters imperceptible from traditional stories transliterated from original tellings.
Before the journey started, and in telling the crew in Auckland that i was going to deify them and turn them into gods, they laughed disbelievingly. The thing is, now more than ever, we as Pasifikans need to remind ourselves, and the world, of who we truly are, where we came from, where we’re headed and how we fit in the general scheme of things.
We need something to believe in rather than the constant lies of us being a violent, good for nothing but breeding for business underclass still hypocritically hung up on some christian ideal of a white god with a big stick looking to punish the unworthy.
Earth, wind, fire and water
Out of the darkness came the light and though the gods were born of the light of the word, they had within a spirit of darkness that could, and did, sometimes govern their actions. Forcing their godly selves to split and recreate themselves in their dark images.
So it was that the gods of fire, wind, earth and water became, and so it was that Man in many cultures chose, in various times, to follow and hold in highest esteem certain gods. The men of the east, north and west chose mostly to follow the dark gods of fire, earth and wind. Those from Pasifika chose mostly the gods of water, in both their spirits, dark and light, accepting of the dual nature of the gods that giveth, so too do they take away. For such is the ultimate nature of IO.
The dark gods, in exchange for unbridled worship, gave up the power that could be generated by the fire and wind of the earth and by the churning and heating of the waters to warm and sustain Man. For them that controlled this power, the high priests, was gifted untold riches. For a time, the fires of the earth burned abundantly, and from the power of heat was man able to change the elements and bend them to his will. As he did, the power and riches of the high priests grew. Their influence became consuming and obsessive. Paranoia reigned as the high priests, mirroring the gods became distrustful of each other
In their arrogance, the priests had assumed the power of gods. Many great things were they able to do in our own name. Many false wonders did they perform and many marvellous idols were they able to construct to the amazement of simple folk who wished for nothing more than a simple life as of old and but one god in nature which to marvel at.
Balancing the greed of Man by converting much of the unclean winds from the burning of the fires of earth, to the clean wind of air, that man may still live and breathe, took its toll on the gods of earth, wind, fire and water who were still dedicated to the light of the word of IO. And in his greed Man consumed more than could be balanced.
Slowly the life sustaining waters were becoming poisoned, as too the fields of the earth and the winds of the air. The trees, used for the boats of old to travel the waters, became thin on the ground. The fish that were once plentiful, told stories of the water becoming as fire, burning all that it touches and of places of death, where the winds cannot pass through from the heavens to become clean. Burning water also rained from the skies. The spirits of the dark gods echoed in the sounds of man as it tore through the waters and sought to overwhelm the fishes with the sheer volume of it.
In this time, unwanted aspects generated from the burning of the fires of the earth became plentiful in the water, threatening to kill all who inhabit it. The peoples of Pasifika knew from old that when the waters die, so too does the earth and those who rely on it.
Though it appeared that Man in general, didn’t seem to care. Little thought was given to the generations of the future who would pay a high price for their foolish ancestor’s lustful greed and worship of the dark gods. The gods themselves had become powerless in their control as the ignorance of Man assumed godliness without the cleanliness of godly responsibility.
Okeanos, the Ancient One from which all waters flowed, as he was known in the tongue of the men from the north, chose the Dietermined Man to act in his name and invoke Te Mana o te Moana, to gather the 7 sisters of the sea and once again spread the word of IO that was lost in the nature of what man and the gods had become…blind with lust and greed, reckless with endangerment.
————————————————————————–
..and don’t worry B. You’ll all be with me in spirit 🙂
I can recommend a fascinating book I’m reading, Tuwharetoa by John Te Herekiekie Grace, and I’ve almost finished the first part which covers the construction, preparation and the voyage of the Arawa canoe. It’s been hard work though because of the multitude of characters, their relationship to the other characters, the mile long names and the million and one details but thoroughly enjoyable.
I was talking to a Te Arawa voyager on one of the waka and was interested to note that their tribal lands are laid out in the shape of a canoe 🙂
Have you read Vaka – Tom Davis. It’s a bloody good read too. Spanning 300 years in the life of a canoe as it voyages, changes name and ownership through a number of generations to become the famed Takitimu
Here’s the opening paragraph:
“The police’s handling of a man with Asperger’s syndrome caught looting after the Christchurch earthquake has been described as “cruel and obscene” by people calling for the case to be dropped.”
Here’s the last line:
“Police spokesman Grant Ogilvie said police had “extensive experience” in dealing with people with mental health issues or who had an intellectual impairment.”
I have to wonder if this “extensive experience” comes from dealing with their own staff.
mongrel mob have extensive experience in criminal investigations
taito phillip field has extensive experience in fraud investigations
US defence forces have extensive experience in dealing with people subjected to bombing campaigns
What a crock. But I am glad that this case is not disappearing and that many people are following it through to the bitter end to ensure justice. Does anyone know if the police officer who gave the lad a black eye has been charged with assault yet?
Police may have be hamstrung by the no tolerance law that forced them to treat this individual like any other. Secondly, likely people with disabilities are aware of their disability and so can innoculate themselves to wrong doing. When for instance does it become okay to treat someone with a compulsive disorder seriously? Was stealing lightbulbs during a mass social disruption event like the Earthquake justified that some nuance to policing be over looked due to the high level of social stress, new crime problems, and other new pressures on police. Was it likely that someone who knows they have a problem, justifiably incensed by something that usually would not have led to police action and with a lower iq might have provoked (alledegly) matters.
So no. I think this incidient is a timely reminder that disasters throwup unintended consequences and everyone should just get some cold water and throw it over themselves. I do not believe the disabled community would want to make out that this is some case because there was a Earthquake, how often does that happen. If anyone is responsible its legislators who make laws up for disasters that invoke the zero tolerance proto fascism theory of government, pushing
unstable people into the hands of overstretched, stressed, policing.
Yes another nutting sentencing unsensible trust help the victims and so create more victims, a young
man who could not help it and maybe police officers now worried about their jobs. Thanks again the SST clueless arrogance wins threw.
“Police spokesman Grant Ogilvie said police had “extensive experience” in dealing with people with mental health issues or who had an intellectual impairment.”
Like that poor sod they managed to kill in the back of a patrol car some years ago?
FFS Grant Ogilvie, Arie was held in police custody for 11 days. Murders can be bailed within a day or two. People detained under the mental health act can only initially be detained for 5 days. Did anyone from the police consult a psychologist in 11 days? (The police usually employ at least one organisational psychologist, but they probably need about five).
Petrol abuse in outback Australia is a noted problem. Known to cause anti-social behavior amongst the poorest. Strange how our petrol heads often spend countless hours in the area of car exhausts and our neighborhoods become noise magnets as a result. Could we soon see petrol added to alcohol and drugs as yet another addiction warrenting time off work? If petrol fumes cause brain damage could employers sack people for high levels of the exhaust residues in employees blood?
Not so smart after all to get a second hand part that destorys the ability of your engine to remain quiet and keep the suspension from destroy the road surfaces, add to brain damage to the list.
Photos of the anthropocene. The captions are of course couched in denialist terms like “In this century the world’s supply may plummet.” when talking about an old oil field.
“The document was given to right wing blogger Whaleoil today by the SIS, which refused a Fairfax request several days ago for the briefing note to be released immediately.”
This doesn’t seem kosher to me? A supposedly un-partisan organisation giving a document to a partisan blogger after denying the same priveledges to the (again supposedly) neutral media….
Like who applied first? Who applied correctly? Is it normal for someone to queue jump by demanding immediate release? There are many possibilities.
Goff is making major accusations based on backing his memory 100% that he remembers specifically NOT seeing one document? How many documents does he look at? He remembers ALL of them?
He’s on a hiding to nothing blowing this up into far more than it could and should have been.
In the same comment you have questioned Goff’s veracity and Fairfax Media’s competence both in favour of the Government and without the slightest shred of proof. Perhaps we should wait for answers to the first questions.
I’m not questioning Fairfax’s competence. They didn’t get an immediate release, but that could mean anything. Fairfax haven’t accused Whale or the SIS of anything. Whale may have applied first, it could be as simple as that (if not then I’m sure Fairfax will ask more questions).
Goff’s situation is different. He said:
“I was not shown that document. I never read that document. Warren Tucker is wrong.”
(A notation on the document by Tucker said it was shown to Goff during one of his regular meetings with the opposition leader.)
That’s a clear accusation that Tucker is wrong, in effect that he has incorrectly notated the document and is now lying about it. That’s serious – isn’t it?
That’s a clear accusation that Tucker is wrong, in effect that he has incorrectly notated the document and is now lying about it. That’s serious – isn’t it?
Even though the predictable 3 News take on it, is that it’s another point against Goff!
This amounts to a document signed off as part of standard procedure versus Goff saying his memory is infallible. He can’t prove he hasn’t seen or read it. He’s already struggling for credibility. It’s going to be very tough for him to be convincing.
Seems like Goff is the one acting troll-like here to be honest CV. He seems intent on shouting down anyone on this and removing any possiblity that he may be wrong. That’s highly risky if the documents show anything like a discussion taking place. I think Tucker is teaching him a bureaucratic lesson.
Not content with besmirching the reputation of a senior civil servant who has an impeccable record, now Goff’s blaming some vast right-wing conspiracy for Tucker releasing docs under the OIA to Whaleoil…
As for Pagani’s views? … break out the tinfoil hats once again!
For a security document, there are layers, mountainous layers of clearance to go through to release a document. Someone has expedited this document for politics.
If the SIS took a political decision to collaborate with an agent of the National Party, it is treasonous.
Needs a full investigation ASAP. Won’t get one out of this government though as they’ll need to cover their corruption.
No No – It’s called the Official Information Act and anybody can use it to get Official Information released to them provided certain criteria, spelled out in the Act, are met.
I guess Mr Slater’s request met the requirements so he got what he asked for.
Mr Tucker is not answering questions, but then he releases official information which can be misinterpreted and it tells me nothing except that Tucker’s judgement is lacking.
Did someone else other than Tucker give consent for Slater to recieve info which is being disputed?
The job of the SIS is to protect MPs not cause a rift with the leader of a political party.
When it comes to the oia there is no requirement to worry about the reputation of the leader of the opposition – and rightly so. Do you actually realize what kind of world you are wanting to encourage treetop? It’s the kind of world the oia was created to prevent.
I have no problem with the OIA except when information gets released to a right wing blogger who then plays politics with it and will milk it to the max when so much information is blacked out. Slater may end up being charged with slander and where will this leave Tucker?
So information that is politically damaging can not be released to bloggers? or only right wing bloggers? Who makes the judgement call as to what is politically damaging?
Slander? where did you get your bush lawyers degree? I would be asking for a refund.
Who makes the judgement call to what is politically damaging?
Depends which government department is involved, who its minister is and that transparency is seen.
So are you saying that the oia is ok as long as it works for people you like? Did you know that opposition parties make oia requests all the time and make selective use of that information purely for political purposes. No right turn does similar to slater. Sounds like your real issue is that ‘your guy’ got caught out and is wearing the consequences, and it is embarrassing for you. Change your leader not the law if that’s the case
OFGS. It’s not the SIS to blame here, they did what they are legally obligated to do. They did not “cause” anything. It’s Phil Goff fudging the truth, & bumbling handling of the matter.
I guess Mr Slater’s request met the requirements so he got what he asked for.
The information holder can also withhold the information when:
Making the information available would be contrary to a specific Act, or would be contempt of Court or contempt of Parliament, or in some sensitive cases (for example, information about terrorism), the existence of the information can be neither confirmed or denied, or the request is frivolous or vexatious or the information is trivial.
Looks like the judgement call of the SIS is out of whack again.
I think Pagani may be onto something. OIAs often take a long time to review and process, even uncontroversial ones. My instant thought is that this has moved very quickly. He only sent it in on the 26th. I think that reflects Tucker’s annoyance at Goff’s public criticism so this is very nice “Yes MInister” payback. They are doing things by the book, hence Fairfax is having to go through the same process Slater did.
The answer is now clear the Whale asked for the documentation that Phil Goff had seen the document, not the document itself, which is what Fairfax had demanded.
Are you kidding Andrei, you actually believe what Cameron Slater says over Phil Goff? Slater has zero credibility. It appears that Warren Tucker took the document with him but Phil Goff did not see it. I fail to see what the big deal is there.
I really hope that Slater keeps digging though, as the initial scandal of possible Mosad agents attaining false passports from New Zealand again needs a lot more sunlight. More questions need to be asked of John Key.
Why the F did a Right-wing blogger get given the documentation by the SIS, which refused a Fairfax request several days ago for the briefing note? Could this have anything to do with the huge increase in funding the SIS has got under National?
I know that on Thursday, 4 August 2011, 12:41 pm Phil Goff released this press statement and I thought this looks like it is a fairly unwise thing to be saying.
And then a few hours later Cameron Slater released a document which shows unambiguously that Mr Goff’s statements in his press release are, shall we say charitably, incorrect.
Those less charitable than myself might use another word that begins with L to describe Mr Goff’s words.
” you actually believe what Cameron Slater says over Phil Goff? Slater has zero credibility. ” Jackal, you must be getting dizzy with all the spinning you are trying with that comment. This is not a case of Slater vs Goff, it is a matter of what was actually discussed between Goff and Tucker… Slater is just a messenger.
Slater is an agent of disinformation and has gained documents previously not released, even when requested using the same procedure. This is a case of John Key and Warren Tucker abusing their positions to undertake a smear campaign on Phil Goff. When it smells and looks like a bullshit, chances are it is. However this discussion now has its own thread.
That’s my feeling, Anne. Curious that they keep attacking Goff and saying he’s lame…. and yet, they must fear him to spend so much times to smear him, one way or another.
Also I suspect it was given to the slippery one so that National front benchers and Shonkey have their hands clean and can keep spinning that they don’t use negative attack politics.
…. and yet, they must fear him to spend so much times to smear him, one way or another.
Phil Goff has far more knowledge and experience than Key (and Joyce) when it comes to matters concerning Defence and Foreign Affairs. Key knows it. What I don’t understand is why Dr. Warren Tucker is refusing to accept that he didn’t show the document to Goff because that is seemingly what happened. It was probably no more than an oversight – he may have been under pressure at the time? So why didn’t he just accept Goff’s word that he hadn’t seen the document(s) and apologised to him. I’m sure Goff would have accepted his apology unequivocally and that would have been the end of the matter.
Instead a right-wing slimeball is provided by someone in the SIS with the documentation. That’s where the big smell lies!
micky is right. Questions need to be asked; like where any politician gets off publicly besmirching the reputation of a senior civil servant, particularly one with an exemplary record?
This practice has to stop, regardless of political affiliation.
Am I going bonkers or am I just reading the wrong papers and forms of news.
Now every day I hear of jobs going and mass unemployment. Yet the radio news tells me unemployment has been reduced. Now every day I read that Key is Super-Man in disguise, yet everyone I speak too hates the guy.
Same with the present government every paper tell me the Nats will win by a huge majority .However all the people I speak say “We must get rid of this government.. So what’s going on ? Bye the way Im almost a non- drinker and I do not smoke or take drugs, Answers please !
Doublespeak is a long running machine they have practised with and tuned and now just throw it into gear any time they choose. Vigilance of your own reality is all you can hope for.
Recently it was revealed that Tourism NZ paid the PR frim Hill & Knowlton $10,000, to get John Key on the David Letterman show. They engaged the PR firm because after at least six months of lobbying, Letterman was uninterested in having John Key on his show…
No – Tourism NZ pay Hill & Knowlton to promote New Zealand.
As part of their brief they conceived the idea of our prime minister making an appearance on Letterman and set it up.
Mr Key himself was paid US $250 for this appearance, this being to meet Actors equity union requirements that all those who appear on TV shows get paid. This money, I understand, was donated to charity.
I am listening now to 3 News lying their fat faces off about the latest unemployment figures. Petulant Bean taking credit for the ‘drop’ that only 3News can see… and a whine about ‘yoof’ from someone else. Having just been turned down yet again, today, on the grounds of my age, I didn’t need to see an old lady of 70+ talking about how happy she was to have gone back to work… Nice if you can do that, but some of us can’t even get a job to go back to!
Ditto for me – 60 applicants for the 2nd to last job I applied for in my field, to his credit the employer personally read all the cv’s and cover letters – no interview. Last job applied for the reply even stated that I had many of the skills that they were looking for – still no interview.
WTF.
Spoke to a guy at work today, he been in business for years, never had any trouble finding clients but in the last six months the works has dried up and now he is going ‘door knocking’ looking to drum up business, or to work for someone else.
National must go, the one thing that this country most certainly cannot afford is to dump a whole chunk of the population on the scrapheap through the policies of neglect and indifference.
Statistics New Zealand’s Household Labour Force Survey shows the number of people out of work remained at 154,000 in the three months to June, unchanged from the previous quarter.
While 1000 new jobs were created in the quarter, that was only enough to keep up with the rise in the numbers looking for work. That leaves the official unemployment rate unchanged at 6.5%, according to the survey.
Employment increased for women and decreased for men in the June quarter.
Great! 🙁
But Business New Zealand says a big increase in the number of hours worked in the past three months indicate a stronger pick-up in employment is around the corner.
I’ve been hearing this “just around the corner” for 2 years now
Everything from Nactional politicians.and supporters……..is ‘just around the corner.’
Everything English, Key and Co. promise is ‘soon ‘.. in 2012 etc. i.e ‘the future looks good after the election.’ Hey! NOW is bad for a lot of people who are losing jobs and losing under inflation. I suggest they concentrate on the here and now rather than their contrived mythical future.
Keep up the good work folks. Read most of comments. To mac1 hot air balloon rode over cappadoccia turkey at sunrise magnificent. Down amongst the valleys and hills. Wow!
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
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 ...
The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
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 ...
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 ...
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Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
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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, ...
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Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is seen some as its ‘silicon shield’ against invasion – but how will overseas expansion affect that protection? The post The state of Taiwan’s silicon shield appeared first on Newsroom. ...
There’s relief for building owners bending under the weight of earthquake strengthening rules – and costs – that came into force seven years ago. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced a scheduled 2027 review of the earthquake-prone building regulations will now start this year. Owners will also get ...
Opinion: It has been announced that nine percent of roles at Oranga Tamariki will be disestablished, presumably to help fund the tax cuts promised by the coalition Government. I am reminded of the graphics used to illustrate pandemic events, where five thousand people are standing in a field and then ...
After more than two sleepless days, running through savage terrain, Greig Hamilton didn’t know if he was going to finish one of the most gruelling psychological assaults in sport. He was metres away from the finish line, a yellow gate made famous in a Netflix documentary; a race he’d dreamed ...
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The following interview with former Green Party MP Sue Kedgley came about because she features in the new memoir Hine Toa by activist Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku; the two knew each other at the University of Auckland in the early 70s, when they were both took on leadership roles in the ...
COMMENTARY:By Murray Horton New Zealand needs to get tough with Israel. It’s not as if we haven’t done so before. When NZ authorities busted a Mossad operation in Auckland 20 years ago, the government didn’t say: “Oh well, Israel has the right to defend itself.” No, it arrested, prosecuted, ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Three weeks from now, some of us will be presented with a mountain of budget papers, and just about all of us will get to hear about them on radio, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Lowry, Ice Sheet & Climate Modeller, GNS Science Hugh Chittock/Antarctica New Zealand, CC BY-SA As the climate warms and Antarctica’s glaciers and ice sheets melt, the resulting rise in sea level has the potential to displace hundreds of millions of ...
The government's plan to reintroduce a three strikes regime is being strongly opposed by lawyers, who argue there is no evidence it reduces crime or helps people rehabilitate. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Jerker B. Svantesson, Professor specialising in Internet law, Bond University Do Australian courts have the right to decide what foreign citizens, located overseas, view online on a foreign-owned platform? Anyone inclined to answer “yes” to this question should perhaps also ask ...
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While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
By Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived at Kokoda Station, Northern province, at the start of his state visit to Papua New Guinea. Both Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape will meet with the locals and the Northern Provincial government before they begin their ...
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By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Security forces reinforcements were sent from France ahead of two rival marches in the capital Nouméa today, at the same time and only two streets away one from the other. One march, called by Union Calédonienne party (a component of the ...
A poll last August found that just 16% of New Zealanders oppose bringing back the ‘Three Strikes’ law. The nationwide poll of 1,000 New Zealanders was commissioned by Family First NZ and carried out by Curia Market Research. ...
The solo show from Ana Scotney is both sprawling and intimate, and a must-see, writes Mad Chapman. In the opening moments of Scattergun: After the Death of Rūaumoko, writer and performer Ana Scotney lays out the groundwork, literally. Silently moving around the square stage, Scotney is not so much dancing ...
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COMMENTARY:By Malcolm Evans Last week’s leaked New York Times staff directive, as to what words can and cannot be used to describe the carnage Israel is raining on Palestinians, is proof positive, since those reports are published verbatim here in New Zealand, that our understanding of the conflict is ...
In the case of New Zealand, the results confirm that there is no popular support for the vicious austerity program being imposed by the National Party-led government, which is backed in all fundamental respects by the opposition Labour Party. ...
The ‘Vampire’ singer has never visited our part of the world, but that might all be about to change. We assess the evidence.Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour is pulling in massive crowds as it whips around the US and Europe, even helping to catapult regular supporting act Chappell Roan ...
Testing of drinking water in rural Canterbury over the weekend by Greenpeace revealed that several public town supplies were reaching levels of nitrate above 5 mg/L - the threshold which a growing body of scientific evidence has linked to increased ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rohan Fisher, Information Technology for Development Researcher, Charles Darwin University It may come as a surprise to hear 2023 was Australia’s biggest bushfire season in more than a decade. Fires burned across an area eight times as big as the 2019–20 Black ...
Responding to the Government’s announcement of changes to resource management laws, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said: “These changes are a step in the right direction in terms of removing ideological and unworkable ...
More than two years after the Human Rights Council called for the establishment of a national human rights commission, such a body has yet to be formed. ...
Comment:An emergency management system with wide variations in performance, significant capability gaps, funding shortfalls and above all a setup that is not meeting the needs of New Zealanders at times of crisis. The Government’s inquiry into the response to Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events in the North ...
Welcome to the whirring wonders of one brain trying to align its actions with its beliefs within a system it thinks is evil. My brain has been spiralling in a woke conundrum ever since I found out a bookshop I’ve never been to was shutting down. Good Books, a bookshop ...
We repeat our call for criminal justice policy to be based on evidence, something the three strikes regime neglects to recognise – with no evidence that it either reduces crime or assists with rehabilitation. ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor in Honiara With only four more seats in the 50-member Parliament yet to be officially declared, there is no outright winner in the Solomon Islands elections. As of Monday, the two largest blocs in the winner’s circle, independents and the incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh ...
Two/fiftyseven is a multi-purpose space hidden in the heart of Wellington that is paving a way for sustainable building and responsible landlording in Aotearoa and beyond.By 2060 the world is predicted to double its entire building stock, which equates to building an entire New York City every 34 days, ...
Popstars wasn’t just a reality television revolution, it was also a huge moment for Y2K fashion.It’s 25 years since girl group TrueBliss was formed on New Zealand national television, breaking new ground for both the reality television industry and the shiny clothing industry. With the first episode on NZ ...
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As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a charity director outlines how she’s saving for retirement and buying secondhand. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here.Gender: Female Age: 45 Ethnicity: Pākehā Role: Charity director, mum of ...
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New Zealand’s Palestinian community and Palestinian Youth Aotearoa are voicing alarm and disappointment with the lack of factual rigour present during the Israeli Ambassador’s appearance as a guest on TVNZ’s Q+A With Jack Tame Sunday (21/04). ...
National’s Nikki Kaye and Labour’s Jacinda Ardern have their say in the Herald: Broadsides: Preventing child abuse. Summarising:
We need all politicians and all parties to talk together and to act together so we can improve things for our most vulnerable children. No party politics and no election should get in the way of this.
It won’t just help children now, it will help them for life, and it will help their children.
No party politics and no election should get in the way of this.
Easier said than done. Because poverty is the strongest indicator of abuse and to deal with poverty you have to deal with the distribution of resources. WFF or “communism by stealth” as Key calls it pulled many working families out of poverty. It has to remain and relief for the poorest on beneficiaries needs to be put in place. But this requires the wealthy to pay more tax.
Party politics has everything to do with it.
Party politics has everything to do with it.
That entrenched starting point for any issue is a major impediment to our country’s progress.
It shouldn’t be “our party must win this argument”, it should be “what’s best for the kids”. The obsession with “poverty” is simplistic posturing, problems with kids are far more complex than that. Poverty is just one symptom of the problems, not a cause.
It is not an entrenched starting point, it is a statement of reality.
Debate the specifics PG
1. Is poverty an indicator of child abuse?
2. If so is the taxation system the means of redistributing wealth to ensure that minimum standards of living are available to all.
I agree that abuse happens in all sectors but the correlation between poverty and abuse is mind numbingly significant.
I am not in the least bit interested in party politics determining an approach to child poverty. The solution itself drives my politics.
This is what you don’t understand PeteG. Lefties do not advocate for redistribution of wealth to score political points, we advocate for redistribution of wealth because it is the right thing to do, whether for dealing with child abuse of any other of a myriad of problems.
I’m pretty sure that the link between financial stress and domestic violence has been proven to a high probability. It’s not just correlation any more.
High deprivation index children have a rate of assault/neglect/maltreatment hospitalisation seven times higher than the least deprived.
It is one of the causes! That’s common sense.
Agreed – poverty is the immediate common cause of many conditions that kill our kids.
There are causes closer to the condition (e.g. violence causing injuries), and causes less proximal (alienation of citizens in our modern industrial-capitalist society creating a malaise that enables the wealthy to ignore others’ hardship), but poverty is a fundamental cause to many conditions, and we can reduce it dramatically with very little effort.
Our government simply chooses not to.
communism by stealth, as opposed to the rank stench of proto fascism where mainstream politicians dole out such remarks as ‘dream lifestyle’, ‘shouldn’t breed’ and might as well claim everyone whose poor is a waste of space and should crawl into a corner eat the damn cockroaches already. Key is told to spin, and what to spin, and the left is now a growing source of solutions, how that must unsettle our proto fascist elites.
Remind us, who was it who said Working for Families is communism by stealth… and yesterday was praising it up? Who had a similar attitude towards KiwiSaver?
NewScientist: Dust and ice ages.
Our Blue Canoe
Move your paddle silently through the water.
First teaser of the journey i’ll be joining next year. I feel so privileged as it encompasses everything i believe to be true. From Pasifikans as One People One Culture, Tangata o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa separated by the sea, but belonging more to it than we think any land belongs to us, to ‘dead zones’ of ocean degradation created through increased CO2 emissions, to extinction of species by over fishing, to pollution by plastics and noise…
If there’s one thing to be learnt it’s that sacrifice outweighs desire. The needs of the many over the wants of a few.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=UR_nk7ZEKcE&gl=NZ
Looks to be an awesome project to be involved with pwog, are you one of the fortunate few who gets to crew one of the canoes, on the movie crew or both?.
I’m one of the fortunate ones J90, and while crewing i’ll endeavour to get creative on the movie front also…
http://pollywannacracka.blogspot.com/2011/08/symbolic-savages-suffering-nobly.html
🙂
Watched the vids you’ve posted so I assume you’re one of the novices who’s off, next week?, on the adventure of a lifetime, lucky lucky man.
I’m wondering if the 21st century bling that I could see on the vessel in the “Our Blue Canoe” trailer will have the bells and whistles to run an online diary because I’d love to follow your adventure.
Lucky sod, wont speak too quickly as I have been out on the ocean and its big and wet and cold…and it keeps moving.
Listened to a guy talk about Polynesian navigation skills, absolutely amazing skills based upon being able to mind matrix wave lengths, water colours, cloud types. birds etc etc, heaps of information stored in the navigators mind to analyse. Human computers doing impossible trips to and from small points on an enormous ocean to other small points on that ocean. No maps, compasses, atrolabes etc yet so long as they knew where they were coming from they knew where they were in relative terms. Well before we Euro “discovered” and mapped the Pacific.
How are you going to navigate Polly?
I won’t be navigating at all B. I don’t even know how to sail or if i’m prone to seas sickness but i’m gonna find out and learn things the hard way 🙂
Hopefully by the end of it, or at least mid way through, I’ll have a basic understanding of the concepts surrounding celestial navigation, be able to read the predominant swells and the reflections of distant islands and semi-predict weather patterns as well.
I’m quite lucky in that I’ll be joining the second leg from San Diego to the Solomons. From what i understand, it’s pretty much a straight run following the sun as it tracks across the sky east to west with all the good winds and currents boosting us along in fine spirits.
Hardly the test of seamanship and courage the crews faced in the roaring 40’s on leaving NZ in May , combined with the other tricky bits of navigation…reading stars, currents and wind patterns as they switched from the southern hemisphere to the northern on their way to Hawaii.
Now, having arrived in San Francisco they get to chill a bit before meandering down to San Diego over the next month where they will lay up for 3 months over hurricane season before embarking on the second leg in January next year.
On the whole it should take about 8-9 months including stops for reprovisioning and reconnecting with islands from Galapagos to Marquesas, Tahiti, Samoa ,Fiji… finishing in the Solomons for the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival, though the exact sail plan hasn’t been finalised.
Oh man, I just can’t wait…
BTW here’s a good read on how much the elders got around back in the day
FLOATSAM AND JETSAM FROM THE GREAT OCEAN: OR, SUMMARY OF EARLY SAMOAN VOYAGES AND SETTLEMENT
Looks amazing mr polly. I spend way too much time in the ocean, though never crossed an ocean. Just watch out or it will get into your blood and everything else will fall to one side. Bon voyage!
thanks heaps…
I also had the opportunity to go on the first leg. I travelled to Auckland in April for some training and to meet the captain and crew and only planned on being there 3 days. Ended up being there 3 weeks, and painted the sails.
Though when the time came, i couldn’t just bail on my family here on a whim and a prayer, to leave the house unprepared over winter with no one to look after them, as I’m the stay at home parent while my lady works.
Now, it’s a case of getting their heads around me being gone for most of next year and me getting my head around the enormity of the challenge.
I’ve heard how tough it is for spouses of sailors with the pull of the sea in their veins. From the looks of it, it’s gonna be my next obsession and probably life mission.
good one polly – enjoy and keep a diary – your write ups will be awesome. kia kaha e hoa!
Chur bo !
When the time comes the diary/blog will become a book i hope to inspire kids with, but written in the style of old Pasifikan myths and legends using the magic jawbone.
here’s a taste.. in following on from this
Of time and tides
In the beginning was the word. The word was of IO and it was IO. Neither good nor evil is IO, but all that was good was in the word of it and all that was not was in the nothing. Then as now, IO is the one and the nothing, the I and the O to which all knowledge springs and flows and from which all that is and will ever be, is.
At first the word boomed across the nothing, shattering it, tearing from it the light, and as the light grew faster than the wind could carry the word, so did it echo amongst the heavens as they formed to become the 9. From thence until the time of man, time passed slowly.
Fire, never one to move slow, unless tamed, raged through the 9 as the spirit of the word settled to become embodied in the houses of the gods of old. From them was formed the cool waters and the dusts of the earth. All that people it came later, as the spirit of IO was once again moved to speak, this time across the tides of the waters.
Man upon his earthly arrival saw that this was good, the truth of which he still remembers in stories written of in the heavens, reflected in the waters and carried on the winds for those who walk the earth and sail its seas. Those chosen few still blessed in their ability to hear IO in the quiet of time, to see its signs in nature and to speak of the word with Maui’s magic jawbone. For nature is aught but the word of IO.
Many were the Pasifika men and women of old gifted with the godspeak by which the magic jawbone echoed their words across time. The jawbone gave meaning and understanding unto their children, wisdom and counsel to the enlightened as they sat around the fires, attuned to the spirits, sharing of the word that sang the fire of the wind of the stars to the waters and in turn, the waters to the earth.
With time on their side, the spirits of the gods of earth, wind, fire and water grew stronger. For some, the dark side of their nature held sway and colluded to hide from man the word of IO and IO itself. To keep sacred the secret of it, that man may not learn to become as the gods, but destined to remain in awe of the spirit of them and thus, in worship of the old ways.
So the restless tides ebbed and flowed in the lives of man and older did those gifted with the magic jawbone become. Less and less the word was told, where it became fewer and fewer of the children of Maui that could hear the godspeak of old. But for the undying spirit of IO hiding in plain sight, it would have come to pass that all man become blind to the vision of what may be and the promise to some of what surely in time they might become in spirit and flesh, gods.
————————————————————————–
btw I’m also about to take up rock painting in the old Waitaha stylez. Being a rigger/rope dangler i’m looking to eventually hang off cliffs and paint big ass old looking stuff using traditional inks.
Though i’ll start with something more acessible and prominent. Lovin the idea of old school rural graffitti 🙂
Nice…
my old rugby coach Jim Whaanga always said when hitting the ruck, “make your presence felt” – you are doing that – your presence is felt and I can’t wait to get a copy of your book. Go hard!
From one sea faring family to another who are about to become seafarers again, bon voyage! Wish I could come with you.
RE : the book
What I plan to do is, in the spirit of the shared Pasifikan cultural heritage regarding myths and early heroes/exploits, get some chapters translated into different languages, then translated again back into English by a third party so i’m removed from the literal process.
The story then becomes as it might have been when our traditions were passed on orally and subtly changed with the passing of time, language and geography.
I want to see if the ‘magic jawbone’ still keeps the essence of the core truths hidden in the story when told by different authors and still makes it coherent for kids to understand when read to them as bedtime stories.
The book itself won’t be linear cos i’m not :). It will jump all over the place and be disconnected in feel so that in essence it could be from another place or time and be read as individual stand alone chapters imperceptible from traditional stories transliterated from original tellings.
Before the journey started, and in telling the crew in Auckland that i was going to deify them and turn them into gods, they laughed disbelievingly. The thing is, now more than ever, we as Pasifikans need to remind ourselves, and the world, of who we truly are, where we came from, where we’re headed and how we fit in the general scheme of things.
We need something to believe in rather than the constant lies of us being a violent, good for nothing but breeding for business underclass still hypocritically hung up on some christian ideal of a white god with a big stick looking to punish the unworthy.
Earth, wind, fire and water
Out of the darkness came the light and though the gods were born of the light of the word, they had within a spirit of darkness that could, and did, sometimes govern their actions. Forcing their godly selves to split and recreate themselves in their dark images.
So it was that the gods of fire, wind, earth and water became, and so it was that Man in many cultures chose, in various times, to follow and hold in highest esteem certain gods. The men of the east, north and west chose mostly to follow the dark gods of fire, earth and wind. Those from Pasifika chose mostly the gods of water, in both their spirits, dark and light, accepting of the dual nature of the gods that giveth, so too do they take away. For such is the ultimate nature of IO.
The dark gods, in exchange for unbridled worship, gave up the power that could be generated by the fire and wind of the earth and by the churning and heating of the waters to warm and sustain Man. For them that controlled this power, the high priests, was gifted untold riches. For a time, the fires of the earth burned abundantly, and from the power of heat was man able to change the elements and bend them to his will. As he did, the power and riches of the high priests grew. Their influence became consuming and obsessive. Paranoia reigned as the high priests, mirroring the gods became distrustful of each other
In their arrogance, the priests had assumed the power of gods. Many great things were they able to do in our own name. Many false wonders did they perform and many marvellous idols were they able to construct to the amazement of simple folk who wished for nothing more than a simple life as of old and but one god in nature which to marvel at.
Balancing the greed of Man by converting much of the unclean winds from the burning of the fires of earth, to the clean wind of air, that man may still live and breathe, took its toll on the gods of earth, wind, fire and water who were still dedicated to the light of the word of IO. And in his greed Man consumed more than could be balanced.
Slowly the life sustaining waters were becoming poisoned, as too the fields of the earth and the winds of the air. The trees, used for the boats of old to travel the waters, became thin on the ground. The fish that were once plentiful, told stories of the water becoming as fire, burning all that it touches and of places of death, where the winds cannot pass through from the heavens to become clean. Burning water also rained from the skies. The spirits of the dark gods echoed in the sounds of man as it tore through the waters and sought to overwhelm the fishes with the sheer volume of it.
In this time, unwanted aspects generated from the burning of the fires of the earth became plentiful in the water, threatening to kill all who inhabit it. The peoples of Pasifika knew from old that when the waters die, so too does the earth and those who rely on it.
Though it appeared that Man in general, didn’t seem to care. Little thought was given to the generations of the future who would pay a high price for their foolish ancestor’s lustful greed and worship of the dark gods. The gods themselves had become powerless in their control as the ignorance of Man assumed godliness without the cleanliness of godly responsibility.
Okeanos, the Ancient One from which all waters flowed, as he was known in the tongue of the men from the north, chose the Dietermined Man to act in his name and invoke Te Mana o te Moana, to gather the 7 sisters of the sea and once again spread the word of IO that was lost in the nature of what man and the gods had become…blind with lust and greed, reckless with endangerment.
————————————————————————–
..and don’t worry B. You’ll all be with me in spirit 🙂
I can recommend a fascinating book I’m reading, Tuwharetoa by John Te Herekiekie Grace, and I’ve almost finished the first part which covers the construction, preparation and the voyage of the Arawa canoe. It’s been hard work though because of the multitude of characters, their relationship to the other characters, the mile long names and the million and one details but thoroughly enjoyable.
Cheers J.
I was talking to a Te Arawa voyager on one of the waka and was interested to note that their tribal lands are laid out in the shape of a canoe 🙂
Have you read Vaka – Tom Davis. It’s a bloody good read too. Spanning 300 years in the life of a canoe as it voyages, changes name and ownership through a number of generations to become the famed Takitimu
I couldn’t help but be cynical about the last line in this story:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5384841/Police-obscene-in-Christchurch-looter-case
Here’s the opening paragraph:
“The police’s handling of a man with Asperger’s syndrome caught looting after the Christchurch earthquake has been described as “cruel and obscene” by people calling for the case to be dropped.”
Here’s the last line:
“Police spokesman Grant Ogilvie said police had “extensive experience” in dealing with people with mental health issues or who had an intellectual impairment.”
I have to wonder if this “extensive experience” comes from dealing with their own staff.
“extesive experience” could mean anything.
mongrel mob have extensive experience in criminal investigations
taito phillip field has extensive experience in fraud investigations
US defence forces have extensive experience in dealing with people subjected to bombing campaigns
What a crock. But I am glad that this case is not disappearing and that many people are following it through to the bitter end to ensure justice. Does anyone know if the police officer who gave the lad a black eye has been charged with assault yet?
Police may have be hamstrung by the no tolerance law that forced them to treat this individual like any other. Secondly, likely people with disabilities are aware of their disability and so can innoculate themselves to wrong doing. When for instance does it become okay to treat someone with a compulsive disorder seriously? Was stealing lightbulbs during a mass social disruption event like the Earthquake justified that some nuance to policing be over looked due to the high level of social stress, new crime problems, and other new pressures on police. Was it likely that someone who knows they have a problem, justifiably incensed by something that usually would not have led to police action and with a lower iq might have provoked (alledegly) matters.
So no. I think this incidient is a timely reminder that disasters throwup unintended consequences and everyone should just get some cold water and throw it over themselves. I do not believe the disabled community would want to make out that this is some case because there was a Earthquake, how often does that happen. If anyone is responsible its legislators who make laws up for disasters that invoke the zero tolerance proto fascism theory of government, pushing
unstable people into the hands of overstretched, stressed, policing.
Yes another nutting sentencing unsensible trust help the victims and so create more victims, a young
man who could not help it and maybe police officers now worried about their jobs. Thanks again the SST clueless arrogance wins threw.
“Police may have be hamstrung by the no tolerance law that forced them to treat this individual like any other.”
But they don’t have to charge everyone who commits a crime.
Yes they do. They are not allowed to think. Leave it to the Horses they are told, they have bigger heads.
They are allowed to think deadly nz. They can use diversion and they can decide when someone gets a warning if its a trivial offence too can’t they?
“Police spokesman Grant Ogilvie said police had “extensive experience” in dealing with people with mental health issues or who had an intellectual impairment.”
Like that poor sod they managed to kill in the back of a patrol car some years ago?
FFS Grant Ogilvie, Arie was held in police custody for 11 days. Murders can be bailed within a day or two. People detained under the mental health act can only initially be detained for 5 days. Did anyone from the police consult a psychologist in 11 days? (The police usually employ at least one organisational psychologist, but they probably need about five).
Murderers (my spelling is not the best).
It’s disturbing to read that the death of AB Byron Solomon could have been prevented.
The Coroners report indicates that HMNZS Canterbury was rushed into service and this contributed to the unnecessary and preventable death.
A damned shame – so what does the then-Defense Minister have to say?
Petrol abuse in outback Australia is a noted problem. Known to cause anti-social behavior amongst the poorest. Strange how our petrol heads often spend countless hours in the area of car exhausts and our neighborhoods become noise magnets as a result. Could we soon see petrol added to alcohol and drugs as yet another addiction warrenting time off work? If petrol fumes cause brain damage could employers sack people for high levels of the exhaust residues in employees blood?
Not so smart after all to get a second hand part that destorys the ability of your engine to remain quiet and keep the suspension from destroy the road surfaces, add to brain damage to the list.
Gold:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU4h6aQTbDk&feature=player_embedded
Photos of the anthropocene. The captions are of course couched in denialist terms like “In this century the world’s supply may plummet.” when talking about an old oil field.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/age-of-man/anthropocene-photography
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5388471/SIS-mislead-public-Goff
“The document was given to right wing blogger Whaleoil today by the SIS, which refused a Fairfax request several days ago for the briefing note to be released immediately.”
This doesn’t seem kosher to me? A supposedly un-partisan organisation giving a document to a partisan blogger after denying the same priveledges to the (again supposedly) neutral media….
Agreed. Why the slimy one should be preferred over a main stream media outlet, even one controlled by Murdoch is beyond me.
Questions need to be asked.
Like who applied first? Who applied correctly? Is it normal for someone to queue jump by demanding immediate release? There are many possibilities.
Goff is making major accusations based on backing his memory 100% that he remembers specifically NOT seeing one document? How many documents does he look at? He remembers ALL of them?
He’s on a hiding to nothing blowing this up into far more than it could and should have been.
Pete G
In the same comment you have questioned Goff’s veracity and Fairfax Media’s competence both in favour of the Government and without the slightest shred of proof. Perhaps we should wait for answers to the first questions.
I’m not questioning Fairfax’s competence. They didn’t get an immediate release, but that could mean anything. Fairfax haven’t accused Whale or the SIS of anything. Whale may have applied first, it could be as simple as that (if not then I’m sure Fairfax will ask more questions).
Goff’s situation is different. He said:
“I was not shown that document. I never read that document. Warren Tucker is wrong.”
(A notation on the document by Tucker said it was shown to Goff during one of his regular meetings with the opposition leader.)
That’s a clear accusation that Tucker is wrong, in effect that he has incorrectly notated the document and is now lying about it. That’s serious – isn’t it?
Even though the predictable 3 News take on it, is that it’s another point against Goff!
Typical PG trolling.
That’s a very weak response CV.
This amounts to a document signed off as part of standard procedure versus Goff saying his memory is infallible. He can’t prove he hasn’t seen or read it. He’s already struggling for credibility. It’s going to be very tough for him to be convincing.
Seems like Goff is the one acting troll-like here to be honest CV. He seems intent on shouting down anyone on this and removing any possiblity that he may be wrong. That’s highly risky if the documents show anything like a discussion taking place. I think Tucker is teaching him a bureaucratic lesson.
Not content with besmirching the reputation of a senior civil servant who has an impeccable record, now Goff’s blaming some vast right-wing conspiracy for Tucker releasing docs under the OIA to Whaleoil…
As for Pagani’s views? … break out the tinfoil hats once again!
Goff’s dog-tucker
What’s that sound? The sound of a self-congratulatory RWNJ echo chamber? meh.
John Pagani addresses the same point here.
Needs a full investigation ASAP. Won’t get one out of this government though as they’ll need to cover their corruption.
Think that through.
For a security document, there are layers, mountainous layers of clearance to go through to release a document.
So it might be feasible that they couldn’t immediately release it to Fairfax.
Someone has expedited this document for politics.
That’s a major assumption.
Anyway, what would be the difference if Fairfax got it first?
Yes it is. One which seems to fit the facts and is worth formally confirming or denying.
No No – It’s called the Official Information Act and anybody can use it to get Official Information released to them provided certain criteria, spelled out in the Act, are met.
I guess Mr Slater’s request met the requirements so he got what he asked for.
Y’all gonna have to suck on it.
Mr Tucker is not answering questions, but then he releases official information which can be misinterpreted and it tells me nothing except that Tucker’s judgement is lacking.
Did someone else other than Tucker give consent for Slater to recieve info which is being disputed?
The job of the SIS is to protect MPs not cause a rift with the leader of a political party.
When it comes to the oia there is no requirement to worry about the reputation of the leader of the opposition – and rightly so. Do you actually realize what kind of world you are wanting to encourage treetop? It’s the kind of world the oia was created to prevent.
I have no problem with the OIA except when information gets released to a right wing blogger who then plays politics with it and will milk it to the max when so much information is blacked out. Slater may end up being charged with slander and where will this leave Tucker?
So information that is politically damaging can not be released to bloggers? or only right wing bloggers? Who makes the judgement call as to what is politically damaging?
Slander? where did you get your bush lawyers degree? I would be asking for a refund.
Oh yeah, let’s release the info to Right Wing bloggers but not a newspaper.
That’s how a good democracy works eh.
🙄
Slander is any defamation that is spoken and heard.
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Libel+and+Slander
Who makes the judgement call to what is politically damaging?
Depends which government department is involved, who its minister is and that transparency is seen.
So are you saying that the oia is ok as long as it works for people you like? Did you know that opposition parties make oia requests all the time and make selective use of that information purely for political purposes. No right turn does similar to slater. Sounds like your real issue is that ‘your guy’ got caught out and is wearing the consequences, and it is embarrassing for you. Change your leader not the law if that’s the case
OFGS. It’s not the SIS to blame here, they did what they are legally obligated to do. They did not “cause” anything. It’s Phil Goff fudging the truth, & bumbling handling of the matter.
Andrei
The information holder can also withhold the information when:
Making the information available would be contrary to a specific Act, or would be contempt of Court or contempt of Parliament, or in some sensitive cases (for example, information about terrorism), the existence of the information can be neither confirmed or denied, or the request is frivolous or vexatious or the information is trivial.
Looks like the judgement call of the SIS is out of whack again.
Zaoui could not defend himself due to information not being disclosed by the SIS.
You’ve got to be kidding. The information requested and supplied is none of those.
Cameron Slater’s request was vexatious. Do know what that word means law?
I think Pagani may be onto something. OIAs often take a long time to review and process, even uncontroversial ones. My instant thought is that this has moved very quickly. He only sent it in on the 26th. I think that reflects Tucker’s annoyance at Goff’s public criticism so this is very nice “Yes MInister” payback. They are doing things by the book, hence Fairfax is having to go through the same process Slater did.
The answer is now clear the Whale asked for the documentation that Phil Goff had seen the document, not the document itself, which is what Fairfax had demanded.
And he got it..
Somebody is gonna be dogtucker after this fiasco
Are you kidding Andrei, you actually believe what Cameron Slater says over Phil Goff? Slater has zero credibility. It appears that Warren Tucker took the document with him but Phil Goff did not see it. I fail to see what the big deal is there.
I really hope that Slater keeps digging though, as the initial scandal of possible Mosad agents attaining false passports from New Zealand again needs a lot more sunlight. More questions need to be asked of John Key.
Why the F did a Right-wing blogger get given the documentation by the SIS, which refused a Fairfax request several days ago for the briefing note? Could this have anything to do with the huge increase in funding the SIS has got under National?
I know that on Thursday, 4 August 2011, 12:41 pm Phil Goff released this press statement and I thought this looks like it is a fairly unwise thing to be saying.
And then a few hours later Cameron Slater released a document which shows unambiguously that Mr Goff’s statements in his press release are, shall we say charitably, incorrect.
Those less charitable than myself might use another word that begins with L to describe Mr Goff’s words.
Game Set and Match, I’d say
What you say is worth dog shit.
Yes but contemporaneous notes speaks volumes
” you actually believe what Cameron Slater says over Phil Goff? Slater has zero credibility. ” Jackal, you must be getting dizzy with all the spinning you are trying with that comment. This is not a case of Slater vs Goff, it is a matter of what was actually discussed between Goff and Tucker… Slater is just a messenger.
Slater is an agent of disinformation and has gained documents previously not released, even when requested using the same procedure. This is a case of John Key and Warren Tucker abusing their positions to undertake a smear campaign on Phil Goff. When it smells and looks like a bullshit, chances are it is. However this discussion now has its own thread.
http://thestandard.org.nz/its-who-you-know/#comment-360484
How did he know what to ask for? And how do you know what Fairfax asked for?
It smells.
It smells alright ms. And when the RWFWs start trying to muddy the waters you know something smells.
You have to wonder where John Key might fit into it too.
That’s my feeling, Anne. Curious that they keep attacking Goff and saying he’s lame…. and yet, they must fear him to spend so much times to smear him, one way or another.
Also I suspect it was given to the slippery one so that National front benchers and Shonkey have their hands clean and can keep spinning that they don’t use negative attack politics.
…. and yet, they must fear him to spend so much times to smear him, one way or another.
Phil Goff has far more knowledge and experience than Key (and Joyce) when it comes to matters concerning Defence and Foreign Affairs. Key knows it. What I don’t understand is why Dr. Warren Tucker is refusing to accept that he didn’t show the document to Goff because that is seemingly what happened. It was probably no more than an oversight – he may have been under pressure at the time? So why didn’t he just accept Goff’s word that he hadn’t seen the document(s) and apologised to him. I’m sure Goff would have accepted his apology unequivocally and that would have been the end of the matter.
Instead a right-wing slimeball is provided by someone in the SIS with the documentation. That’s where the big smell lies!
Further to the above and as has already been commented on:
The fact that the story only broke two weeks ago, and Slater is already in possession of documents smells of extremely rancid fish.
micky is right. Questions need to be asked; like where any politician gets off publicly besmirching the reputation of a senior civil servant, particularly one with an exemplary record?
This practice has to stop, regardless of political affiliation.
That’s what the State Services Commission is for.
Sent to Malaysia without passing Go
Governments are using social media and YouTube more and more as a way to get their message across.
http://kiwi-linkwhore-simplexity.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/sent-to-malaysia-without-passing-go/
The speedy top cop Cox
The Southern Motorway in Auckland was the scene of a police crackdown on speeding in January that aimed to reduce the number of fatalities on New Zealand roads.
http://kiwi-linkwhore-simplexity.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/the-speedy-top-cop-cox/
http://kiwi-linkwhore-simplexity.wordpress.com/
Am I going bonkers or am I just reading the wrong papers and forms of news.
Now every day I hear of jobs going and mass unemployment. Yet the radio news tells me unemployment has been reduced. Now every day I read that Key is Super-Man in disguise, yet everyone I speak too hates the guy.
Same with the present government every paper tell me the Nats will win by a huge majority .However all the people I speak say “We must get rid of this government.. So what’s going on ? Bye the way Im almost a non- drinker and I do not smoke or take drugs, Answers please !
Doublespeak is a long running machine they have practised with and tuned and now just throw it into gear any time they choose. Vigilance of your own reality is all you can hope for.
John Key on Letterman
Recently it was revealed that Tourism NZ paid the PR frim Hill & Knowlton $10,000, to get John Key on the David Letterman show. They engaged the PR firm because after at least six months of lobbying, Letterman was uninterested in having John Key on his show…
No – Tourism NZ pay Hill & Knowlton to promote New Zealand.
As part of their brief they conceived the idea of our prime minister making an appearance on Letterman and set it up.
Mr Key himself was paid US $250 for this appearance, this being to meet Actors equity union requirements that all those who appear on TV shows get paid. This money, I understand, was donated to charity.
Do pay attention
http://thestandard.org.nz/you-paid-to-get-try-hard-john-on-the-telly/
you may want to read this thread Andrei to get your timeline in order
Brown noser (Andrei)- it is not Mr Key it is Shonkey.
Andrei = latest CT astroturfer
I am listening now to 3 News lying their fat faces off about the latest unemployment figures. Petulant Bean taking credit for the ‘drop’ that only 3News can see… and a whine about ‘yoof’ from someone else. Having just been turned down yet again, today, on the grounds of my age, I didn’t need to see an old lady of 70+ talking about how happy she was to have gone back to work… Nice if you can do that, but some of us can’t even get a job to go back to!
Ditto for me – 60 applicants for the 2nd to last job I applied for in my field, to his credit the employer personally read all the cv’s and cover letters – no interview. Last job applied for the reply even stated that I had many of the skills that they were looking for – still no interview.
WTF.
Spoke to a guy at work today, he been in business for years, never had any trouble finding clients but in the last six months the works has dried up and now he is going ‘door knocking’ looking to drum up business, or to work for someone else.
National must go, the one thing that this country most certainly cannot afford is to dump a whole chunk of the population on the scrapheap through the policies of neglect and indifference.
RNZ has been reporting a jobless economic recovery – no improvement in unemployment stats.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/81710/unemployment-figures-'amount-to-jobless-recovery‘
Great! 🙁
I’ve been hearing this “just around the corner” for 2 years now
@vicky32 Bet that female employment rise was in part time and casual work.
That’s what I heard (on the news) the stats were saying, cautious increases in employment, especially part time.
Everything from Nactional politicians.and supporters……..is ‘just around the corner.’
Everything English, Key and Co. promise is ‘soon ‘.. in 2012 etc. i.e ‘the future looks good after the election.’ Hey! NOW is bad for a lot of people who are losing jobs and losing under inflation. I suggest they concentrate on the here and now rather than their contrived mythical future.
Keep up the good work folks. Read most of comments. To mac1 hot air balloon rode over cappadoccia turkey at sunrise magnificent. Down amongst the valleys and hills. Wow!