Good morning Duncan on the AM Show TV3 m
Mark said Labour and Green support the ttp 11 contract.
The greens are not supporting the ttp11
And i have seen poles that show 54% of people are against this connetract.
We have seen what companies do in country’s with now laws this contract is going to give these companies the power to act behave as if they are above the law in New Zealand.
Ka kite ano
Read the following in a stuff comment. Woukd be interested to know if others are hearing the same whispers?
“Worse still NZ, the Waitangi Estate, that 1000 acres gifted to the people of NZ by Lord Bledisloe all those years ago – you know, the place that a small piece of paper was signed by many that made NZ a nation, the place that we all own. Well, there are plans afoot, under the radar right now of course, to build a hotel complex for the same type of people that are spoken of in this article, the elite. Coincidentally there happens to be a decent golf course frequented by many Kiwis out for a hit and a giggle within metres of this proposed complex that will also be gobbled up. No doubt for the good of all NZers of course, but only for the super rich of good character for sure.
Too bad about the views that are unrivalled in this country, the historic significance, the serenity, or the fact that it is a place enjoyed by everyone. No, we will likely see high fences and gated areas to protect the privacy and enjoyment of those few able to afford it.
Every Kiwi should be talking about this – friends, neighbours, even visitors to our land that such a proposal could even be considered. Write to your MP, even you deep south people, because once this starts, where will it stop? There is a reason this is being kept quiet you know.
I would be very surprised if this was true in light of the nature of the land, its status vis a vis the gifting of it by the Bledisloes in 1932, the legislation relating to the land and its historical significance.
Why don’t you do some research yourself , tracey? A quick Google brought up a number of links which look worth following through but I’m not doing it as have other priorities. But here is one I looked at which gives some good background to the Waitangi Estate and its two types of land etc
This is a PDF which is a Departmental Submission in 2015 by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to the Maori Affairs Select Committee re proposed changes to the Waitangi National Trust Act 1932. The WNT Act incorporated the Waitangi National Trust Board, vested the 500-hectare WNT estate in it, and conferred powers on the Board. The proposed 2015 amendments related to technical changes to the Board membership provisions relating to the Governor-General, PM etc.
I don’t know whether these membership provisions were passed by Parliament in 2015 (haven’t checked) but the PDF contains some very clear explanations about the 506 hectares owned by the WNT; and the adjourning 545 hectare Endowment land also gifted by the Beldisloes in 1932.
These explanations start at para 18 onwards and there is also a good map on page 18. So there is a good start for someone to do more research.
Hi veutoviper, hope your’e getting on top of the cause of your pain. So understand. Our youngest son now 50, was diagnosed with coeliac disease 8 mths ago. That often causes irritable bowel and diviticulitus along with the illness which goes with it.
He has done everything to help himself now he knows, and it is 6 months since he was last in hospital with dehydration. He is well now as he shops online from the coeliac’s section of his supermarket in AUS, and got his own toaster,bread knife etc. But some conditions people think of as minor can have major impacts.
Those who kindly told me the timetable to a hip operation. Well I have had my Xrays 2 weeks back. Have been told it is in a dangerous state by my Dr. So now I am awaiting the Specialist to “Look” and “Date stamp” my application as being in the next 4 months for an operation. Long slow wait.
Hi Patricia – much better and caused by similar but different autoimmune disease to your son, Want to discuss this (and hip) more but conscious that this is in no way related to the subject of tracey’s post and thread. LOL
Will figure out how we can talk more elsewhere …
Don’t be so mean James.
The MPs we are blessed(?) with are meant to represent the people of New Zealand. Thus they have to include some who are, shall we say, a few cards short of a full deck.
Any current MP who wants to go in for this show clearly qualifies as a representative of those citizens.
I asked but I was assured the person they were interested in was named Meteria.
My source also told me that the program generally liked to use people who were known to the public. They were very unlikely to have a place for your friend who he said he had never heard of.
Tell her not to get discouraged though. There must be something out there that she can do in the way of real work and she will be able to give up play-acting.
ECO MAORIs Kiwi Bank ac 389019048573100 Please help me to sort the nz police out
I decided against trying to use PayPal to receive donations .I decided to copy
Thestandards safe way of appealing and receiving donations I set up a Kiwi Bank AC
So he tangata the people of Aoteraoroa New Zealand who support ECO MAORI can use internet banking to make donations and know that there bank accounts are safe after they have made a donation . ECO MAORI will use the donations to SUE the nz police for all the breaches to mine and my Whano Privacy Rights & Human Rights a lot of people can see this has been happening to ECO MAORI when I win my case I will set up a
Charitable Trust and I will pay the money that I used and any extra donations into this Trust account and appeal to anyone else in Aoteraoroa who need help with finance to SUE the nz police for there in justices I will copy bank statements on this site to let he tangata the people know that ECO MAORI has Honest Honorable and transparent intentions to use your hard earned Putea Money. P.S I see a couple of post I haven’t seen for a bit here on the standard I wonder what they are going to say about this .
Kia Kaha Ka kite ano
Its a account with know internet axis Kiwi Bank same as Thestandards has for there donations the sandflys have blocked axis to that Australian website that had the book on Ropata Wahawaha .
Ka kite ano
I just really question the ethics of letting someone ask for donations on The Standard without actually being clear what the money is being used for and why.
Just my 2c and I’ll leave it with the site mods and owner from here on in
As a confirmed bibliophile, I’m not fan of Amazon at all, especially not their oppressive labour practises. Now it looks like it’s going to get worse, as this article from The Economist shows:
If you have to buy books online, there are alternatives, such as The Book Depository and Fishpond, while Abebooks and Alibris connect you with independent second-hand booksellers. However, the threat is not just Amazon; it’s likely to become a model for future labour relations and negotiations.
And new disciplinary technologies create an additional risk for workers. Heaps of data about their activities within a workspace are gathered, while their cognitive contribution is reduced. In both ways, such technologies pave the way for automation, much as the introduction of regimentation and discipline in factories facilitated the replacement of humans by machines. The potential for automation increases the power of firms over workers. Anyone thinking of demanding higher pay, or of joining a union in the hope of organising to grab a share of the returns to increased efficiency, can be cowed with the threat of robots.
And just a reminder that it is The Economist:
The high pay of workers with exacting jobs in finance or technology can reasonably be seen as compensation for their burdensome working conditions.
For second-hand and new books, I also use Better World Books. A B-corporation since 2008, with a fairly high rating of 114/200. As with Book Depository – postage is included in the book price.
Like you, usually avoid Amazon, but find the others to be really good.
Book Depository is really just Amazon…owned by Amazon and run on the same ‘principles’.
It was set up by an ‘Ex’ Amazon employee, same tax haven status, left alone for a few years to be established in consumers mind as an ‘ethical alternative’.
Though why anyone thought that I do not know.
Nice font I guess.
The name suggesting rosy cheeked English villagers collecting books in wicker baskets, in a lovely refurbished Victorian warehouse, and then sending those books POSTAGE FREE…presumably the workers paying for our postage out of the goodness of their hearts.
But no, just another branch of Amazon for a good few years now.
ABE, also owned by Amazon.
I get regular emails asking me to sell my books through them, and while I occasionally have to buy from ABE if I cannot contact the actual seller overseas, I would rather not have Amazon clicking the ticket everytime I sell a book.
God bless Russia. This is the way to deal with people who defy you. How dare anarchists no less, question the FSB (Russia’s Federal Security Service). Lets have more of this in NZ, and way more closed courts. Capitalism can not be questioned.
The teachers union strike in West Virginia is going real well. It would appear that the teachers themselves are in control of strike, and the corporate union types have lost control of the workers. In other good news, it’s spreading.
A U.S. billionaire threatens to stop further investment in New Zealand if the bill before Select Committee to stop the right of foreign buyers to purchase homes goes ahead.
He has worked assiduously with local Maori on the co-development near Parakai, and wants to do more.
His objection is notably not for himself, but because the luxury dwellings he is building will have too small a pool of buyers to be worth the development risk.
“It seems counter-intuitive to allow me to be a New Zealand resident under existing Immigration Act provisions while requiring me to then sell my residence under Overseas Investment Act provisions,” Kayne complained.
It seems counter-intuitive to consider that a sellers immigration status would impact a foreign ‘buyer’ ban
Yep, apparently those luxury developers in Queenstown have the same problem, Kiwis not rich enough. Maybe they can house swap or perhaps invest in NZ so that people who live here 365 days a year have wages high enough to afford what NZ has to offer.
Personally over all the ‘luxury golf courses’ being built here.
Haven’t we got enough already?
It seems either mines (James Hardie), giant stanching cruel battery chicken farms for Tegel/Asian private equity firm Affinity Equity Partners (http://www.kaipara.org) , Golf courses or Hyatt hotels.
Much of the so called foreign investment seems to be polluting or not really helping the NZ people. Some seem to be doing the opposite.
Maybe rather than breaking foreign investment down in money spent, it should be more focused on foreign money being spent to help the NZ people not just $$$ amounts to make NZ a banana republic to build themselves a hideaway or earn as much profit as possible while polluting as much as possible?
A number of speculative golf developments failed to get buyers on the Gold Coast Aus.
Hotel investments also ended up lemons as an income stream often.
But, many hung on and 10 years later their investment base value rose and the capital gains tax diminished. They often just kept up with inflation though. GST?
He wants to live here? In which case he would only need to purchase one house to live in.
Oh, he doesn’t want to live here he wants to make money here. Living here is the excuse, the ticket to do that. “You’re only worth it if I can make a financial killing.”
No doubt a lovely man like Peter Thiel. In some words what they do is colonisation. Another word could be the horrible G word which people like Trump hate, as well I guess as his mates like Thiel – Globalisation
If America is so great make your money there by investing in US companies who are going to make money by manufacturing in factories at home. You know making all the American stuff at home rather than the poorly paid factories in China.
I wish I spoke Italian so I could read their platform instead of relying on mainstream liberal media, favouring the centrist ground, probably don’t report on the Five Star Movement all that fairly or accurately.
As it stands, I’m not altogether sure whether the Five Star Movement is a good thing, a bad thing, or something that falls between those subjective markers.
I’d done ye olde “page translate” on their web site. But when it came to anything of substance it was all in downloaded pdf form and I couldn’t quite see where the translate option was (if there was one).
In case you were wondering if there was anything more ludicrous than the result, USA based commenters are calling the Italian electoral system a farce.
So it looks like the Russell McVeigh complaint spread through the law industry might be hitting law student clubs: UO law camp could be cancelled.
Thing is, while law students were frequently the worst to work venue security for, 10-15 years back they weren’t the only clubs with dodgy attitudes to alcohol, female freshers and club outings. And nor was it restricted to one university.
Who the fuck reads a story about lots of alcoholic antics and people being pressured to take off their clothes at a minimum when they don’t want to and talks about Victorian morals? Big fucking surprise.
Anyway… shit. I liked Henaghan. I hope he comes up with something more impressive than an apologist saying “15 minutes”.
Don’t know about that, but at this stage the msm is reporting he was present for a skit that involved stripping and also for some liquor stuff, but not the jelly wrestling (so far).
Basically turning up to events, staying a bit, and pissing off, and then things got more visibly out of control. But that’s the situation so far, and he’s being zeroed in on by the ODT and other media. So a bit of a pressure test, and even if that’s the extent the uni might throw him under the bus, anyway.
From what I recall doing venue security for law gigs, there was always a lot of drinking, a lot of hidden pukers (who we had to kick out then sort out), a lot of screwing (who we had to prevent/stop), and a lot of people pissed off they couldn’t one-up the others.
Not fun jobs. Lots of arseholes. But faculty usually kept themselves straight.
I think Labour should, and I was under the impression they’re in their own internal process on this so hopefully the Greens setting the bar high will encourage Labour to do this well.
IMO, for the most part Edwards’ article is a pretty good summation of the situation and the problems.
Like you, however, I disagree with his conflation of the Tracey Bridges’ situation and Dirty Politics as he does in this extract:
“In this sense, the Bridges issue is more akin to some of the issues brought up by Nicky Hager in his Dirty Politics book – about the misuse of government power in political communications.
Surely, it’s time for a bigger conversation about the use of so many PR professionals in the media. Some of these pundits may well have earned their place as respected political commentators in their own right. But is it good for democracy that punditry is awash with people who are representing undeclared vested interests?”
My view is that the current situation with the employment, contracting etc of lobbyists, PR professionals in the public service is a end (possibly unintended) result of the corporatisation of the public service beginning in the 1980s.
As an old ex PS (state Sector) employee whose career spanned both sides of that era, I remember well the strict rules of conduct and integrity applicable in respect of conflicts of interest; engagement with the media; acceptance of gifts, hospitality, etc pre the mid-1980s changes. Sadly, post the changes, I saw the slow erosion of these rules and the integrity of the public service to the point that later generations of PS employee/contractors never receive any training or education in such matters.
Rather than intentional ‘Dirty Politics’, I think some of these conflicts etc now arise from sheer lack of education or consideration of the possible consequences.
Not denying that some cases may be intentional, but without clear rules of engagement, conduct etc and training in these, it is hard to identify and isolate such cases.
But it is actually good to see these issues being brought into the public arena for discussion- even though it was the National opposition that brought the Tracey Bridges case to notice to diss the new government!
Not holding my breath, but perhaps this – and the Greens announcing rules for their Ministers and MPs re transparency and banning treating and similar perks (as used to be the case for all public servants) – may be a first step to moving back to a better overall public service based on clear rules re integrity and conduct.
Good comment vv.
Especially re consideration given to codes of conduct et al.
We no longer have a public SERVICE. We have a series of CEOs and their enterage running little feifdoms with coal face peons doing all the work and taking the blame when thinhs go tits up.
Where has there been ANY accountability by Snr Management in MSD, or NZTA, or MPI, or MoBIE or……..
Bradbury is correct in his claim that this govt’s biggest enemy will be parts of the PS.
David Farrar never owns up to, and is never introduced as, the pollster for the National Party when he goes on The Panel. Similarly it should be made clear that the Taxpayers Union is a right wing lobby group when Jordan Williams appears, but it never is.
He probably deserves a stronger warning than that – he’s a far-right agent. He involved himself in a couple of takedowns – Colin Craig and Len Brown – he didn’t confine himself to lobbying.
“Ms Bright has made wild and inaccurate accusations about the council and its probity and is using this as the basis for not paying her fair share to the ongoing running of Auckland.
These assertions are completely unfounded and her actions are at the expense of all Aucklanders,” says council chief executive Stephen Town.
My latest formal request to Auckland Council elected representatives to ‘do their jobs’ and INSTRUCT the CEO to provide details of awarded contracts to be made available for public scrutiny.
27 February 2018
Finance and Performance Ctte.
Scroll through to 1.50 minutes for my 5 minute presentation:)
“Ms Bright, a former boilermaker turned “anti-corruption whistle blower”, is unschooled in the intricacies of law, but won 21 of the 22 trespass cases brought against her by the former Auckland City Council.”
The final Fonterra dividend for the year was paid in September 2016 and an interim dividend paid in April 2017.
The offences allegedly occurred between October 2016 and April 2017 at Hukanui, a small settlement just off State Highway 2 between Eketāhuna and Pahiatua in Northern Wairarapa.
Although the 11 different charges all relate to cows, they come under two broad categories – lameness and surgical bandages.
One charge alleges the trio and their company failed to ensure the health of 74 cows by failing to both protect them from, and diagnose them with, lameness.
They are also charged with reckless ill-treatment of 54 cows suffering from chronic lameness by failing to get them appropriate treatment.
A different charge alleges 25 cows were recklessly ill-treated to the point where they had to be euthanised.
Seven of the 11 charges related to surgical bandages not being removed from specific cows, with one of those cows having to be euthanised.
No excuse whatsoever for that level of disregard for animal welfare, if true/proven.
I am not quite sure what to read into the coincidence between the Fonterra dividend payments dates and the period between which the alleged offences occurred.
I am getting a bit of deja vu in respect of this situation, however. I seem to recall a similar situation with another MP some years ago – but cannot remember who at the moment.
The early morning tRump twitter tantrum’s going to be monumental.
The grand jury investigating alleged collusion between Russia and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has issued a subpoena seeking all documents involving the president and a host of his closest advisers, according to a copy of the subpoena reviewed by NBC News.
According to the subpoena, which was sent to a witness by special counsel Robert Mueller, investigators want emails, text messages, work papers, telephone logs and other documents going back to Nov. 1, 2015, 4½ months after Trump launched his campaign.
[…]
n addition to the president, the subpoena seeks documents that have anything to do with these current and former Trump associates:
Steve Bannon, who left the White House as chief strategist in August.
Michael Cohen, a personal lawyer for Trump who testified before congressional investigators in October.
Rick Gates, Trump’s former deputy campaign manager, who pleaded guilty last month to conspiracy and lying to the FBI.
Hope Hicks, who resigned last week as Trump’s communications director.
Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s campaign manager until June 2016.
Paul Manafort, a former Trump campaign manager and Gates’ business partner, who pleaded not guilty to money laundering, conspiracy and making false statements last week.
Carter Page, a former Trump campaign aide.
Keith Schiller, a former bodyguard for Trump who left as director of Oval Office operations in September.
Roger Stone, a longtime Republican political operative and Trump campaign adviser who sources have told NBC News is the focus of investigators interested in his contacts with WikiLeaks during the campaign.
If anyone in Auckland is interested in joining with a great big series of practical ecological activisms and efforts at the very very flaxroots level, there’s a month of them occurring in Auckland’s west:
Inside this link is a fat set of events and groups to hang with.
Personally I love Ecoday festival itself simply as a great trackmeet of the good and the great working through all sorts of orgamisations to green the world.
But also with the impending closure of all tracks in the Waitakere Ranges, we are also a focus for national and regional biosecurity efforts. This gets pretty important towards central and local budget time coming up in the next two months.
Just WoW, maybe this is why h.r.c lost. Communications, yeah right – racist and xenophobic – gotta ask, when are these people going to leave? I’m supposed to believe 13 russian did it, when Jennifer Palmieri can write this on twitter?
“You guys. I just got into unmarked gypsy cab at sfo airport with a Russian driver. If I disappear- it’s a tan Lincoln continental.”
The project I can see the sandflys are shaking in there boots now a .
I can remember when your opposition was reading the weather on 3 there was some subliminal messaging going on back then ECO MAORI picked that up that sort of behavior just added to discrimination against lady’s Ana to kai P.S one just has to look at old footage to back up my claims Ka kite ano
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
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 ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
You can’t have missed the Gallipoli story as the movies, documentaries, essays and books capture what it was like for New Zealand troops in their eight-month campaign on the Peninsula. But this Anzac Day the Auckland War Memorial Museum has published a book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 26 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
Good morning Duncan on the AM Show TV3 m
Mark said Labour and Green support the ttp 11 contract.
The greens are not supporting the ttp11
And i have seen poles that show 54% of people are against this connetract.
We have seen what companies do in country’s with now laws this contract is going to give these companies the power to act behave as if they are above the law in New Zealand.
Ka kite ano
Mark was a cricket player. Now he “i reckon” for a living. Nuff said.
Read the following in a stuff comment. Woukd be interested to know if others are hearing the same whispers?
“Worse still NZ, the Waitangi Estate, that 1000 acres gifted to the people of NZ by Lord Bledisloe all those years ago – you know, the place that a small piece of paper was signed by many that made NZ a nation, the place that we all own. Well, there are plans afoot, under the radar right now of course, to build a hotel complex for the same type of people that are spoken of in this article, the elite. Coincidentally there happens to be a decent golf course frequented by many Kiwis out for a hit and a giggle within metres of this proposed complex that will also be gobbled up. No doubt for the good of all NZers of course, but only for the super rich of good character for sure.
Too bad about the views that are unrivalled in this country, the historic significance, the serenity, or the fact that it is a place enjoyed by everyone. No, we will likely see high fences and gated areas to protect the privacy and enjoyment of those few able to afford it.
Every Kiwi should be talking about this – friends, neighbours, even visitors to our land that such a proposal could even be considered. Write to your MP, even you deep south people, because once this starts, where will it stop? There is a reason this is being kept quiet you know.
“
I wouldn’t put too much weight on the comments section of stuff.
Which is why I am throwing it out there to see what has been heard. This seems quite specific.
So every comment’s shite?
Not at all. But I would be surprised if it’s true. It just doesn’t pass the “sniff test”.
I would be very surprised if this was true in light of the nature of the land, its status vis a vis the gifting of it by the Bledisloes in 1932, the legislation relating to the land and its historical significance.
Why don’t you do some research yourself , tracey? A quick Google brought up a number of links which look worth following through but I’m not doing it as have other priorities. But here is one I looked at which gives some good background to the Waitangi Estate and its two types of land etc
https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-NZ/51SCMA_ADV_00DBHOH_BILL12851_1_A421951/31106c55f6c5ab0ff8165497c8db74cc2c79bdd4
This is a PDF which is a Departmental Submission in 2015 by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to the Maori Affairs Select Committee re proposed changes to the Waitangi National Trust Act 1932. The WNT Act incorporated the Waitangi National Trust Board, vested the 500-hectare WNT estate in it, and conferred powers on the Board. The proposed 2015 amendments related to technical changes to the Board membership provisions relating to the Governor-General, PM etc.
I don’t know whether these membership provisions were passed by Parliament in 2015 (haven’t checked) but the PDF contains some very clear explanations about the 506 hectares owned by the WNT; and the adjourning 545 hectare Endowment land also gifted by the Beldisloes in 1932.
These explanations start at para 18 onwards and there is also a good map on page 18. So there is a good start for someone to do more research.
https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-NZ/51SCMA_ADV_00DBHOH_BILL12851_1_A421951/31106c55f6c5ab0ff8165497c8db74cc2c79bdd4
A bit more about the WNT here, including more background re the Bledisloe gifting of the land.
http://www.waitangi.org.nz/waitangi-national-trust/about-the-trust
But the Act is probably the key to whether any of that could be dispersed for the uses suggested. I very much doubt it.
Hi veutoviper, hope your’e getting on top of the cause of your pain. So understand. Our youngest son now 50, was diagnosed with coeliac disease 8 mths ago. That often causes irritable bowel and diviticulitus along with the illness which goes with it.
He has done everything to help himself now he knows, and it is 6 months since he was last in hospital with dehydration. He is well now as he shops online from the coeliac’s section of his supermarket in AUS, and got his own toaster,bread knife etc. But some conditions people think of as minor can have major impacts.
Those who kindly told me the timetable to a hip operation. Well I have had my Xrays 2 weeks back. Have been told it is in a dangerous state by my Dr. So now I am awaiting the Specialist to “Look” and “Date stamp” my application as being in the next 4 months for an operation. Long slow wait.
Hi Patricia – much better and caused by similar but different autoimmune disease to your son, Want to discuss this (and hip) more but conscious that this is in no way related to the subject of tracey’s post and thread. LOL
Will figure out how we can talk more elsewhere …
Cheers.
Morning Rumble Rock radio Roger I have just made a check m8 move against the sandflys the music on the weekend was excellent Kia kaha guys Ka kite ano
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/03/cptpp-fears-the-government-has-rolled-over-says-critic-jane-kelsey.html
The Government has rolled over – Dr Jane Kelsey.
Reading the article it would be interesting to know what’s suspended and will be back in the agreement if the US decides to join.
It could be a very smart move by the US to get a stronger position.
Of course they have rolled over. I am just surprised a supporter of the Nats now cites Kelsey to support their premise 😉
I disagree with her on the benefits of the TPP – but agree that this government has done a complete back flip.
whereas she can’t know if they’ve “rolled over”, or to what degree, without the additional side letters.
You got plenty of room for your jig on that pin, James?
No dancing. I’ve always been for the tpp.
So do you think that labour have done a U – turn on the tpp now they are all for signing it ?
All politicians should keep out of crap like dancing with the stars.
Now we have a labour MP actively asking to be on it.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/03/the-labour-mp-who-wants-to-be-on-dancing-with-the-stars.html
Love the fact he didn’t click the article was satire (especially as the have satire in bold as the first word).
What? No Max Key or Mark Richardson?
Perhaps they are both smarter than the MPs who are dumb enough to go (or try to go) on this show.
Don’t be so mean James.
The MPs we are blessed(?) with are meant to represent the people of New Zealand. Thus they have to include some who are, shall we say, a few cards short of a full deck.
Any current MP who wants to go in for this show clearly qualifies as a representative of those citizens.
I’ve heard a rumour that a Meteria Turei was keen on the idea though.
Hasn’t got much on her plate these days apparently.
Any relation to Metiria Turei? I expect not, seeing as that Turei’s still busy working for the Green Party.
I asked but I was assured the person they were interested in was named Meteria.
My source also told me that the program generally liked to use people who were known to the public. They were very unlikely to have a place for your friend who he said he had never heard of.
Tell her not to get discouraged though. There must be something out there that she can do in the way of real work and she will be able to give up play-acting.
To be fair James, he obviously didn’t read the article, but had received information that came from the article.
But yeah. Maybe NZ Politics should come with a satire tag all of its own.
ECO MAORIs Kiwi Bank ac 389019048573100 Please help me to sort the nz police out
I decided against trying to use PayPal to receive donations .I decided to copy
Thestandards safe way of appealing and receiving donations I set up a Kiwi Bank AC
So he tangata the people of Aoteraoroa New Zealand who support ECO MAORI can use internet banking to make donations and know that there bank accounts are safe after they have made a donation . ECO MAORI will use the donations to SUE the nz police for all the breaches to mine and my Whano Privacy Rights & Human Rights a lot of people can see this has been happening to ECO MAORI when I win my case I will set up a
Charitable Trust and I will pay the money that I used and any extra donations into this Trust account and appeal to anyone else in Aoteraoroa who need help with finance to SUE the nz police for there in justices I will copy bank statements on this site to let he tangata the people know that ECO MAORI has Honest Honorable and transparent intentions to use your hard earned Putea Money. P.S I see a couple of post I haven’t seen for a bit here on the standard I wonder what they are going to say about this .
Kia Kaha Ka kite ano
I’m not sure of the wisdom in putting up your bank acc on a public forum
Its a account with know internet axis Kiwi Bank same as Thestandards has for there donations the sandflys have blocked axis to that Australian website that had the book on Ropata Wahawaha .
Ka kite ano
* shakes head with confusion. Backs away slowly *
I think Eco Maori is trying to say that he has had difficulties with Give-a-little and paypay and is now taking direct donations to his bank account.
James you sound like a kind fellow, how about you start the ball rolling for Eco?
Because I do not believe in the cause they are fund raising for.
Not saying that they are right or wrong – but I cannot donate to something I disagree with.
As far as I can tell Eco is looking for some insect repellent, extra strength.
I just really question the ethics of letting someone ask for donations on The Standard without actually being clear what the money is being used for and why.
Just my 2c and I’ll leave it with the site mods and owner from here on in
I have Dimp.
Shh.
As a confirmed bibliophile, I’m not fan of Amazon at all, especially not their oppressive labour practises. Now it looks like it’s going to get worse, as this article from The Economist shows:
https://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/21737507-pushing-back-against-controlling-bosses-leaves-workers-more-likely-be-replaced?fsrc=scn/fb/te/bl/ed/labourmonitoringtechnologiesraiseefficiencyandhardquestionsfreeexchangeproductivity
If you have to buy books online, there are alternatives, such as The Book Depository and Fishpond, while Abebooks and Alibris connect you with independent second-hand booksellers. However, the threat is not just Amazon; it’s likely to become a model for future labour relations and negotiations.
And new disciplinary technologies create an additional risk for workers. Heaps of data about their activities within a workspace are gathered, while their cognitive contribution is reduced. In both ways, such technologies pave the way for automation, much as the introduction of regimentation and discipline in factories facilitated the replacement of humans by machines. The potential for automation increases the power of firms over workers. Anyone thinking of demanding higher pay, or of joining a union in the hope of organising to grab a share of the returns to increased efficiency, can be cowed with the threat of robots.
And just a reminder that it is The Economist:
The high pay of workers with exacting jobs in finance or technology can reasonably be seen as compensation for their burdensome working conditions.
Sigh.
For second-hand and new books, I also use Better World Books. A B-corporation since 2008, with a fairly high rating of 114/200. As with Book Depository – postage is included in the book price.
Like you, usually avoid Amazon, but find the others to be really good.
A can of coke is good for Robots.
A splash here, or a splash there.
I just had a delivery from The Book Depository arrive today.
Mind of Matter – The Images of Pink Floyd:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Pink-Floyd-Mind-Over-Matter-Storm-Thorgerson/9781783056217
A must for any Pink Floyd fan…
I think you’ll find Book Depository is owned by Amazon
Damn. You are right, it was acquired back in 2011..
Book Depository is really just Amazon…owned by Amazon and run on the same ‘principles’.
It was set up by an ‘Ex’ Amazon employee, same tax haven status, left alone for a few years to be established in consumers mind as an ‘ethical alternative’.
Though why anyone thought that I do not know.
Nice font I guess.
The name suggesting rosy cheeked English villagers collecting books in wicker baskets, in a lovely refurbished Victorian warehouse, and then sending those books POSTAGE FREE…presumably the workers paying for our postage out of the goodness of their hearts.
But no, just another branch of Amazon for a good few years now.
ABE, also owned by Amazon.
I get regular emails asking me to sell my books through them, and while I occasionally have to buy from ABE if I cannot contact the actual seller overseas, I would rather not have Amazon clicking the ticket everytime I sell a book.
The Art&Object rare book auctions are good too, especially for New Zealand history, and if you like the live auction experience.
God bless Russia. This is the way to deal with people who defy you. How dare anarchists no less, question the FSB (Russia’s Federal Security Service). Lets have more of this in NZ, and way more closed courts. Capitalism can not be questioned.
https://libcom.org/news/main-thing-moment-situation-was-come-out-alive-03032018
On the good news front.
The teachers union strike in West Virginia is going real well. It would appear that the teachers themselves are in control of strike, and the corporate union types have lost control of the workers. In other good news, it’s spreading.
https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=West+Virginia%3A+Teachers&oq=West+Virginia%3A+Teachers&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
A U.S. billionaire threatens to stop further investment in New Zealand if the bill before Select Committee to stop the right of foreign buyers to purchase homes goes ahead.
He has worked assiduously with local Maori on the co-development near Parakai, and wants to do more.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12006548
His objection is notably not for himself, but because the luxury dwellings he is building will have too small a pool of buyers to be worth the development risk.
It was the last bit that caught my eye.
“It seems counter-intuitive to allow me to be a New Zealand resident under existing Immigration Act provisions while requiring me to then sell my residence under Overseas Investment Act provisions,” Kayne complained.
It seems counter-intuitive to consider that a sellers immigration status would impact a foreign ‘buyer’ ban
Sounds like a win win
He wont lose money and we don’t lose land to aliens
So New Zealanders are not rich enough? Wow who would have guessed?
Yep, apparently those luxury developers in Queenstown have the same problem, Kiwis not rich enough. Maybe they can house swap or perhaps invest in NZ so that people who live here 365 days a year have wages high enough to afford what NZ has to offer.
Personally over all the ‘luxury golf courses’ being built here.
Haven’t we got enough already?
It seems either mines (James Hardie), giant stanching cruel battery chicken farms for Tegel/Asian private equity firm Affinity Equity Partners (http://www.kaipara.org) , Golf courses or Hyatt hotels.
Much of the so called foreign investment seems to be polluting or not really helping the NZ people. Some seem to be doing the opposite.
Maybe rather than breaking foreign investment down in money spent, it should be more focused on foreign money being spent to help the NZ people not just $$$ amounts to make NZ a banana republic to build themselves a hideaway or earn as much profit as possible while polluting as much as possible?
A number of speculative golf developments failed to get buyers on the Gold Coast Aus.
Hotel investments also ended up lemons as an income stream often.
But, many hung on and 10 years later their investment base value rose and the capital gains tax diminished. They often just kept up with inflation though. GST?
He wants to live here? In which case he would only need to purchase one house to live in.
Oh, he doesn’t want to live here he wants to make money here. Living here is the excuse, the ticket to do that. “You’re only worth it if I can make a financial killing.”
No doubt a lovely man like Peter Thiel. In some words what they do is colonisation. Another word could be the horrible G word which people like Trump hate, as well I guess as his mates like Thiel – Globalisation
If America is so great make your money there by investing in US companies who are going to make money by manufacturing in factories at home. You know making all the American stuff at home rather than the poorly paid factories in China.
He claims to live here well above the 100 day minimum.
It would be a useful policy goal to eliminate the need for an investor category of migrant.
I see the centre’s holding up well 🙂
The Five Star Movement has garnered the most votes in Italy’s general election.
I wish I spoke Italian so I could read their platform instead of relying on mainstream liberal media, favouring the centrist ground, probably don’t report on the Five Star Movement all that fairly or accurately.
As it stands, I’m not altogether sure whether the Five Star Movement is a good thing, a bad thing, or something that falls between those subjective markers.
Google Chrome offers up a translate option..
https://www.movimento5stelle.it/programma/download.html
..and will translate the pdf files.
Works for me Chrome but not in Firefox
https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.movimento5stelle.it%2Fprogramma%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F02%2FAffari-Costituzionali.pdf
Cheers joe90.
I’d done ye olde “page translate” on their web site. But when it came to anything of substance it was all in downloaded pdf form and I couldn’t quite see where the translate option was (if there was one).
But seeing as how you’ve done it for me… 🙂
Alex Coleman
@ShakingStick
In case you were wondering if there was anything more ludicrous than the result, USA based commenters are calling the Italian electoral system a farce.
https://twitter.com/ShakingStick/status/970450931161509888
😉
Anyone in USA calling the Italian system a farce, is just sweet irony.
So it looks like the Russell McVeigh complaint spread through the law industry might be hitting law student clubs: UO law camp could be cancelled.
Thing is, while law students were frequently the worst to work venue security for, 10-15 years back they weren’t the only clubs with dodgy attitudes to alcohol, female freshers and club outings. And nor was it restricted to one university.
Soooo – I wonder how far this will go…
Have a look in yesterdays OM, some interesting comments/links.
Yeah. And if they’re talking about the dude i’m thinking of, I’ll be really disappointed. But I’ve no idea who’s precisely who these days.
this one too,
https://twitter.com/MichelleL0max/status/970398877714010113
Oh FFS.
Who the fuck reads a story about lots of alcoholic antics and people being pressured to take off their clothes at a minimum when they don’t want to and talks about Victorian morals? Big fucking surprise.
Anyway… shit. I liked Henaghan. I hope he comes up with something more impressive than an apologist saying “15 minutes”.
Is he the dude that’s just taken up a post at Ak?
Don’t know about that, but at this stage the msm is reporting he was present for a skit that involved stripping and also for some liquor stuff, but not the jelly wrestling (so far).
Basically turning up to events, staying a bit, and pissing off, and then things got more visibly out of control. But that’s the situation so far, and he’s being zeroed in on by the ODT and other media. So a bit of a pressure test, and even if that’s the extent the uni might throw him under the bus, anyway.
From what I recall doing venue security for law gigs, there was always a lot of drinking, a lot of hidden pukers (who we had to kick out then sort out), a lot of screwing (who we had to prevent/stop), and a lot of people pissed off they couldn’t one-up the others.
Not fun jobs. Lots of arseholes. But faculty usually kept themselves straight.
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/03/04/93965/the-conflicting-interests-of-commentators#
Bryce Edwards using the words labour and possible dirty politics in the same sentence. I fucking hope not
The sewer spent the weekend ginning this up, too.
Funny how this issue of conflict of interest is being talked about more seriously now that we have a centre left govt. 🙄
And Bryce Edwards is part of the problem.
it’s all to complicated for a mere shepherd , maybe labour should open up like the greens
Less sheep sex, more reading.
And less than 2 hours ago you said that most of Ad writes is “just intellectual wank”!? What you call this?
https://thestandard.org.nz/daily-review-05-03-2018/#comment-1457275
I think Labour should, and I was under the impression they’re in their own internal process on this so hopefully the Greens setting the bar high will encourage Labour to do this well.
IMO, for the most part Edwards’ article is a pretty good summation of the situation and the problems.
Like you, however, I disagree with his conflation of the Tracey Bridges’ situation and Dirty Politics as he does in this extract:
“In this sense, the Bridges issue is more akin to some of the issues brought up by Nicky Hager in his Dirty Politics book – about the misuse of government power in political communications.
Surely, it’s time for a bigger conversation about the use of so many PR professionals in the media. Some of these pundits may well have earned their place as respected political commentators in their own right. But is it good for democracy that punditry is awash with people who are representing undeclared vested interests?”
My view is that the current situation with the employment, contracting etc of lobbyists, PR professionals in the public service is a end (possibly unintended) result of the corporatisation of the public service beginning in the 1980s.
As an old ex PS (state Sector) employee whose career spanned both sides of that era, I remember well the strict rules of conduct and integrity applicable in respect of conflicts of interest; engagement with the media; acceptance of gifts, hospitality, etc pre the mid-1980s changes. Sadly, post the changes, I saw the slow erosion of these rules and the integrity of the public service to the point that later generations of PS employee/contractors never receive any training or education in such matters.
Rather than intentional ‘Dirty Politics’, I think some of these conflicts etc now arise from sheer lack of education or consideration of the possible consequences.
Not denying that some cases may be intentional, but without clear rules of engagement, conduct etc and training in these, it is hard to identify and isolate such cases.
But it is actually good to see these issues being brought into the public arena for discussion- even though it was the National opposition that brought the Tracey Bridges case to notice to diss the new government!
Not holding my breath, but perhaps this – and the Greens announcing rules for their Ministers and MPs re transparency and banning treating and similar perks (as used to be the case for all public servants) – may be a first step to moving back to a better overall public service based on clear rules re integrity and conduct.
This is the problem with Edwards. He has generally meaningful analysis, so gets kudos, and then he says stupid shit like that.
That Dirty Politics uses PR and media channels doesn’t mean that all PR and use of media channels is DP.
And too damn right the conversation needs to go wider. No shit Sherlock. What was he saying, and doing, in 2014?
I think Sherlock was well dead in 2014.
Oh, did you mean Edwards? No idea.
It was a rhetorical question. DP was published in 2014.
Good comment vv.
Especially re consideration given to codes of conduct et al.
We no longer have a public SERVICE. We have a series of CEOs and their enterage running little feifdoms with coal face peons doing all the work and taking the blame when thinhs go tits up.
Where has there been ANY accountability by Snr Management in MSD, or NZTA, or MPI, or MoBIE or……..
Bradbury is correct in his claim that this govt’s biggest enemy will be parts of the PS.
Why? Are you saying that they never get involved?
Labour in DP? How about you provide some examples if you think they do.
David Farrar never owns up to, and is never introduced as, the pollster for the National Party when he goes on The Panel. Similarly it should be made clear that the Taxpayers Union is a right wing lobby group when Jordan Williams appears, but it never is.
He probably deserves a stronger warning than that – he’s a far-right agent. He involved himself in a couple of takedowns – Colin Craig and Len Brown – he didn’t confine himself to lobbying.
Where is the EVIDENCE that I’ve ever said ANYTHING about Auckland Council or the Auckland Council CEO that was factually inaccurate?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503367&objectid=11342260
“Ms Bright has made wild and inaccurate accusations about the council and its probity and is using this as the basis for not paying her fair share to the ongoing running of Auckland.
These assertions are completely unfounded and her actions are at the expense of all Aucklanders,” says council chief executive Stephen Town.
My latest formal request to Auckland Council elected representatives to ‘do their jobs’ and INSTRUCT the CEO to provide details of awarded contracts to be made available for public scrutiny.
27 February 2018
Finance and Performance Ctte.
Scroll through to 1.50 minutes for my 5 minute presentation:)
https://councillive.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/video/270218-finance-and-performance-committee-item-1-5
Documents I had appended to the Minutes of the 27 February 2018 Finance and Performance Committee meeting.
Included are current details of awarded contracts for:
Auckland Council
Auckland Transport
Watercare Services
ATEED
Also includes my invitation to The Hague by the World Justice Project to the 2017 International Rule of Law Forum as a ‘NZ expert’.
Plus the list of names, positions and email addresses of fellow ‘International Rule of Law experts’ who attended this Forum at The Hague.
http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2018/02/FIN_20180227_MAT_6804.PDF
5.1 Public Input – section 17A ‘value for money’ review of Auckland Council and CCO services – Penny Bright
A. 27 February 2018 Finance and Performance Committee:
Item 5.1: Public
Input, Penny Bright- tabled document
Penny Bright
“Ms Bright, a former boilermaker turned “anti-corruption whistle blower”, is unschooled in the intricacies of law, but won 21 of the 22 trespass cases brought against her by the former Auckland City Council.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=8&objectid=11521031
Fwiw Penny, more power to your arm from the Manawatu.
“Ms Bright has made wild and inaccurate accusations about the council and its probity”
The judge must have thought there was enough evidence, given that you lost the case.
The final Fonterra dividend for the year was paid in September 2016 and an interim dividend paid in April 2017.
The offences allegedly occurred between October 2016 and April 2017 at Hukanui, a small settlement just off State Highway 2 between Eketāhuna and Pahiatua in Northern Wairarapa.
Although the 11 different charges all relate to cows, they come under two broad categories – lameness and surgical bandages.
One charge alleges the trio and their company failed to ensure the health of 74 cows by failing to both protect them from, and diagnose them with, lameness.
They are also charged with reckless ill-treatment of 54 cows suffering from chronic lameness by failing to get them appropriate treatment.
A different charge alleges 25 cows were recklessly ill-treated to the point where they had to be euthanised.
Seven of the 11 charges related to surgical bandages not being removed from specific cows, with one of those cows having to be euthanised.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/101972619/national-mps-son-husband-allegedly-failed-to-stop-cows-going-lame
Thanks for the update.
No excuse whatsoever for that level of disregard for animal welfare, if true/proven.
I am not quite sure what to read into the coincidence between the Fonterra dividend payments dates and the period between which the alleged offences occurred.
I am getting a bit of deja vu in respect of this situation, however. I seem to recall a similar situation with another MP some years ago – but cannot remember who at the moment.
IIRC, the 2016 payout wasn’t too flash.
Thanks, but still no excuse for bad animal management/animal welfare.
Poll: Are you for or against the CPTPP, or just don’t know?
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows/2018/03/poll-are-you-for-or-against-the-cptpp-or-just-don-t-know.html
FYI
As part of the “NZ Festival” of Arts (in Wellington), two of our best political cartoonists will be speaking at Circa on Friday
https://www.festival.co.nz/2018/events/political-pricking/
The early morning tRump twitter tantrum’s going to be monumental.
The grand jury investigating alleged collusion between Russia and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has issued a subpoena seeking all documents involving the president and a host of his closest advisers, according to a copy of the subpoena reviewed by NBC News.
According to the subpoena, which was sent to a witness by special counsel Robert Mueller, investigators want emails, text messages, work papers, telephone logs and other documents going back to Nov. 1, 2015, 4½ months after Trump launched his campaign.
[…]
n addition to the president, the subpoena seeks documents that have anything to do with these current and former Trump associates:
Steve Bannon, who left the White House as chief strategist in August.
Michael Cohen, a personal lawyer for Trump who testified before congressional investigators in October.
Rick Gates, Trump’s former deputy campaign manager, who pleaded guilty last month to conspiracy and lying to the FBI.
Hope Hicks, who resigned last week as Trump’s communications director.
Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s campaign manager until June 2016.
Paul Manafort, a former Trump campaign manager and Gates’ business partner, who pleaded not guilty to money laundering, conspiracy and making false statements last week.
Carter Page, a former Trump campaign aide.
Keith Schiller, a former bodyguard for Trump who left as director of Oval Office operations in September.
Roger Stone, a longtime Republican political operative and Trump campaign adviser who sources have told NBC News is the focus of investigators interested in his contacts with WikiLeaks during the campaign.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/special-counsel-wants-documents-trump-numerous-campaign-associates-n853386?
WOW, just WOW. I gave up watching the debacle happening in what was my second home town for almost 7 years way back when, as it was doing my head in.
This I must watch …
If anyone in Auckland is interested in joining with a great big series of practical ecological activisms and efforts at the very very flaxroots level, there’s a month of them occurring in Auckland’s west:
http://www.ecomatters.org.nz/ecowest-festival?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=down-dirty
Inside this link is a fat set of events and groups to hang with.
Personally I love Ecoday festival itself simply as a great trackmeet of the good and the great working through all sorts of orgamisations to green the world.
But also with the impending closure of all tracks in the Waitakere Ranges, we are also a focus for national and regional biosecurity efforts. This gets pretty important towards central and local budget time coming up in the next two months.
Just WoW, maybe this is why h.r.c lost. Communications, yeah right – racist and xenophobic – gotta ask, when are these people going to leave? I’m supposed to believe 13 russian did it, when Jennifer Palmieri can write this on twitter?
“You guys. I just got into unmarked gypsy cab at sfo airport with a Russian driver. If I disappear- it’s a tan Lincoln continental.”
https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/former-clinton-campaign-official-slammed-after-xenophobic-twitter-comments/
The project I can see the sandflys are shaking in there boots now a .
I can remember when your opposition was reading the weather on 3 there was some subliminal messaging going on back then ECO MAORI picked that up that sort of behavior just added to discrimination against lady’s Ana to kai P.S one just has to look at old footage to back up my claims Ka kite ano
Backward Minded you must be one of those Russian Bot Meddlers.
Incendiary comment from our Boring Meme too Weinstien.
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]