'Murica does not deserve AOC. She is truly a goddess when she can wind up Steve King so much he goes and drinks toilet water thinking that's owning the libs.
The fear of exiting Brexit is about the loss to the person producing the product. Some people do well in business, some do not and will not regardless of who they are trading with.
For the business owners/producers who need some help to transition, help needs to be given providing it is viable to do so.
I am in favour of Brexit going forward as Britain has limited economic control with trading within the EU. This is evident due to how hard it is to exit from the EU.
But it's cold outside, and warm inside, and the cat thought it wanted out, so now it's sitting in the open doorway while the European parliament is waiting for the british cat to make up it's damned mind. Sooner or later there will be a helpful foot up the arse in the form of "no extensions", and there'll be a soggy wee moggy wanting back inside.
Oh, and arseholes will be shooting up border stations in Armagh again.
The European Parliament has made up its mind and it ain't changing it. May thought she could change the EU exit and gave up so resigned as prime minister. Boris is decisive he said he would rather die in a ditch than delay leaving.
See what happens when parliament resumes, election or no election.
The European Parliament is the stupid human holding the door open for the cat.
Britain signed up to the method of departure when it signed up to join the EU. Now it wants to leave, it wants to renege on those terms, and actually wants the EU to do it a favour with trade deals..
Reminds me of a drunk in a pub – calls the bouncer rude words when leaving, but then is all "aww mate, do me a favour" when he wants to take the drink with him.
Is there an address I can send a bale of cotton wool to Precious?
I'm doing my best to round up a few troops from around the colonies to ensure Borrie Jo, Little Jo and the Minister for the 18th Century are well protected and that their sight looking downwards is not impaired. Chin up old bean – we'll win out in the end doncha know – and unlike you, we'll FIGHT till the bitter end even if we do have to call in a few of those bloody "Yanks"
I disagree. A viable business competes on innovation and effectiveness to a much greater extent than geography, especially in this connected and mobile age. Brexit is about self-interest of entrenched elites on both sides of the channel.
Schumpeter wrote about Creative destruction (German: schöpferische Zerstörung), sometimes known as Schumpeter's gale who derived it from the work of Karl Marx and popularized it as a theory of economic innovation and the business cycle.
"More than 100,000 people have applied to register to vote since the start of the week, with young people making up the bulk of the surge against the backdrop of a momentous 48 hours in British politics.
On Monday, 52,408 applications were submitted, according togovernment figures, followed by 64,485 on Tuesday.
The figure on both days was significantly above the typical number for weekday applications, which has averaged about 27,000 for the past month.
Parties that have traditionally drawn support from younger people will be most encouraged by the figures, which show that 58% of applications submitted on the two days were from people aged 34 and under. Many of those signing up this week are understood to be students moving into new areas for the start of term, but experts pointed out that others may have put registering on the backburner.
“It’s not surprising that there will be a lot of young people in these figures,” said Dr Toby James, a senior lecturer at the University of East Anglia who has authored reports on Britain’s low levels of voter registrations.
“But I think that there is probably a tidal wave of applications to come. We’re all guilty of leaving things to the last minute.”
Labour, in particular, has been having conversations in recent months with groups behind voter registration drives amid concerns about the limitations in systems or names “falling off” registers.
Hey, if the british people (well, not Scotland but they'll probably do devolution pretty soon after this) want to commit to a bloody stupid decision which will criple their supply lines in the short term and fuck their trade structure in the long term simply because they can't admit they didn't understand the chaos their bloody stupid decision would cause, that's their business.
But what about Northern Ireland? If there's a hard border with checkpoints, the IRA will come back. If there's a soft border people will shoot the cameras on one side and the unionists will screw the system at the other side. And things will escalate.
Scotland voted to stay in the UK parliament. The UK parliament had the mandate to leave the EU.
It is about being no worse off financially and maximising profit. The EU can change terms and this would affect the UK even if there was no Brexit. The terms are not yet in play.
Copy that. Get it over and done with, then have patience.
Sorry, how will you stop Troubles 2: the Brexiting from happening? I keep missing the bit where you describe a border resolution that brings permanent peace to Northern Ireland.
I don't think there will be much difference in day to day life in Ireland. I feel that there is enough stability in Ireland for a Brexit to not become a flash point.
When NZ lamb and dairy got dumped in the mid 1970s by Britain NZ survived. Moyle actually got some new trading deals and look what Muldoon did to him in 1976.
There is a bit of irony as Fonterra might do well in Britain.
Ireland will survive with the assistance of the British parliament working closely with Irish MPs.
The Troubles had nothing to do with trade, and everything about national identity. Hopefully the peace holds, but you're painfully optimistic if you're not worried about it.
Britain was the main trading partner with NZ to sell dairy, beef and lamb. Once Britain joint the EU new trading partners needed to be found.
I know about the troubles IRA and British army. This has been stabilised.
When it comes to national identity the Irish Parliament will need to be carefully listened to by the British Parliament.
Do you know if the Irish Parliament will be able to make trade deals without Britain's consent once the Irish are no longer part of the EU?
I am again optimistic that exiting the EU is the right thing to do.
Time will only tell. You never know what the EU will pull out in the future. Uncertain times globally for trade due to USA and China trade relations. I am not a fan of Trump but he is decisive on trade. Unemployment is the lowest it has been in 50 years in the USA. I do realise that people are needing to pay more for some products. This may only be short term.
I have not even mentioned patent rights/intellectual property when it comes to trade.
Britain and Ireland survived prior to joining the EU and they will survive once no longer an EU trading partner.
With Britain and Eire both being in the EU, everyone could pretend their own acceptable level of fantasy. The Republicans could travel all over Ireland without customs or barriers. The British were part of Britain, even if there was no border, just like the French and Belgians don't have border checkpoints any more, and they're still separate countries, right?.
Brexit fucks this happy compromise up.
The Northern Irish Assembly is already a big compromise by the Unionists and the Republicans. Having it negotiate a free trade and movement agreement with the EU (because Eire can't negotiate a separate agreement by itself) will be seen as further devolution from Britain.
That leads to bang-bangs.
On the flipside, a no-deal brexit means a hard border. Checkpoints in County Antrim again. That means the Republicans will view it as a step back towards Unionism.
That leads to bang-bangs.
Forget trade. How will you stop the Troubles from returning? Do you really expect bojo to "listen carefully"?
… even if practical, it puts the border checks between NI and the rest of the UK. The Unionists call that "devolution". They are adamant that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
But the idea of a border checkpoint in the middle of the Irish Sea is a joke, anyway.
Something went very wrong when May spoke with the EU re Brexit situation affecting Northern Ireland. The EU need to take some responsibility for this. EU want the trade border outside of Ireland. Exactly what did EU say?
1. That Northern Ireland is part of Ireland trade system and cannot have separate trade deals and only trade with EU?
2. That Northern Ireland can trade with EU and others?
Northern Ireland and Ireland need to be able to trade with EU and others. Basically immunity from EU restrictions. A time limit of 5 years then a review.
Ireland is not overly populated and the EU could be compensated from Britain.
So risky to get out for Northern Ireland from EU. Some thinker needs to go back to what the deal was when Northern Ireland and Ireland signed up. International trading law might over ride EU decision in insisting a trading border in Ireland.
The Good Friday agreement has held for 20 years. This has been progressive.
Probably the Good Friday agreement did not have a scenario for the EU trade border if either part of Ireland left the EU.
A solution might be found in a Switzerland neutrality. International banking seems to function there.
Are there trade exceptions with Switzerland and the EU. Think Switzerland is part of the EU.
Maybe the EU might need to modernise to avoid a future scenario.
Britain and Ireland joined the EEC in 1973. To put it in partisan terms (to make it clear), British-occupied Ireland has never had independent foreign or trade policy. Look up "Potato Famine" for more information.
Until 1973, independent Ireland and British-occupied Northern-Ireland had a hard border, the result of the 1922 independence treaty. While that unified trade, the British were firmly in control of NI from London. The IRA & co had a problem with this, so the British sent in the Paras who shot some joy-riders, and everything went to shit for twenty years.
After twenty years of murders, bombings, bad movies, depressing but good movies, and okay music, the Good Friday accords fuzzed up the border and created the Northern Irish Assembly.
But if the Republic of Ireland and the United Kindom are under different trade rules, with no border between the two there will be massive amounts of smuggling both ways. The Irish won't get kicked out of the EU, and the Unionists won't let NI be separated from the UK. But if the border gets re-established anywhere, someone with thirty year old semtex will be angry.
This isn't an EU problem. It's a problem caused by the fuckers who put "325 million pounds a week" on the side of a bus rather than actually tell the truth.
If an Irish passport holder needs to cross into Ireland, no worries. A British person would need to satisfy the requirements of any other foreigner entering the EU.
If an Irish person wants to take goods from Belfast to Dublin, they pay EU duties. UK duties the other way. Same as anyone else.
This is a British problem of English construction. They chose it, but without thinking about how to solve it.
At the moment anyone born in NI can move throught the EU, including England and Ireland.
After Brexit, this will devolve into the bounds of the Common Travel Area. So Dubliners can go to Manchester, Mancunians to Dublin, etc. This doesn't include the flow of goods, though. So the problem is if Polish goods go to Ireland and are then on-sold to Belfast and then forwarded to Manchester, at what point are duties paid to Britain and how is it detected? And what about goods travelling the opposite direction?
And NI is just one issue:
what about additional customs checks on cross-channel cargos? How will that affect the logistics chains of factories that run so lean they have to shut the production lines if they don't get replenishment every three hours? What about medications that can't be stockpiled because of their narrow expiry dates, but with no trade deals with nations that can supply them?
All of these factors should have been considered during the referendum, but people were lied to by sociopaths who didn't want to be subjected to EU tax or anti-money-laundering laws.
DUP in Northern Ireland want to Brexit but population of Northern Ireland did not.
May back stop idea was unrealistic and time consuming. EU were unwise to settle with May on a Brexit date until the trade border with Britain and any EU trader with Britain was settled.
So now time has run out to re negotiate. EU became so stubborn and would not renegotiate.
EU needs to renegotiate and Johnson needs to put Brexit date to January.
Very roughly speaking, that's the "Irish backstop" May agreed with the EU, but didn't get through parliament: that the UK and EU stay in a single customs union (except fish: cf: "Cod War") until they figure out what to do.
The bojo cons and the DUP oppose this solution. Bojo cons because they have fantasies about NZ beef and free trade with the USA, DUP because they see it as a concession that Northern Ireland is partly joined to Ireland, not England.
With the letter of withdrawal sent to the EU, Britain is on its way out. Because the Irish Backstop scuppered Britain ratifying the post-EU-membership agreement, it's currently going to be a no-deal brexit with hard borders on the county line.
Treetop – Major surgery? Get it over and done with. If someone's heart is removed, they need a working replacement to help them survive while another one is being fitted. And that had better work when the mechanical one is taken away.
And probably a lot of morphine. The patient might become a drug addict while trying to cope with the trauma.
Anticipation can cause overwhelming anxiety and not change the outcome. British voters voted to leave.
There are going to be interim measures when transitioning. No one knows the fine detail yet.
Like I said above the Good Friday agreement has held for 20 years and is progressive.
It would be interesting to know what dooms day thinking was said back then regarding the agreement.
October 17 Johnson is to attend EU exit talks. The EU better be thinking hard about not having a trade border in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Population is 4.88 million.
'Any remaining hopes that an enlightened government would engineer a supply shock to drive home prices down to improve affordability for both renters and first home buyers has just evaporated, if it ever existed to start with.
New Housing Minister Megan Woods did her best on Wednesday to put a brave face on what was easily the worst day politically in this second Labour-led Government post-MMP. Labour deployed Green Co-Leader Marama Davidson and the Green's rent-to-own plan to try to distract from the complete capitulation of abandoning the 100,000 over 10 years target.
It also tried to dress the broken promise by making it easier to use more KiwiSaver money for home deposits and to be able to borrow more to buy a first home.
Neither will sweeten this dead rat much. It's more of a rotting and hairy cat.'..
It looks bad but I still believe we have an over supply (ref Joe Wilkes, DFA channel commentary about NZ on YT). We are one GFC 2.0 away from seeing that.
By failing they will lessen our housing market demise.
Hickey's general thesis suggests that a house-price collapse will be a DISASTER for lower-income earners and young people. Summary:
Baby Boomers own all the property.
Baby Boomers participate in elections far more than young people.
Ergo
The issues that win elections are those that favour the people that already own all the property.
If a house-price collapse happens, the Baby Boomers will demand government action to protect their investments. And they'll get it, no matter the collateral damage to renters, low-wage workers, young people, etc.
i understand that boomers vote more than the young..
but i also think that cd be about to change –
as the urgencies of the climate-change – that will effect them the most – becomes more and more..
in the last 48 hrs there has been the biggest ever surge of young (under 33) voters registering to vote for the first time – in britain…and of course brexit is help driving that..
but the fast-rising extinction rebellion also argues for the power the young have in their hands – at the ballot box..
so for those reasons – i think that young don't vote assumption could soon become passe..
My view of the history of great depressions is that normally the less well-off get hammered and forced into selling off everything, while the ultra-rich go around cherry-picking and buying up everything they like at bargain basement prices.
A housing price collapse will probably result in lower private ownership of houses, and Corporates renting out more of them.
Actually somewhat South of 60% of boomers own their own home. Many with mortgages. Down from the 80%plus in the previous generation who retired with mortgage free houses.
Then there are the large number of boomers who are ending up with a mortgage, on retirement, to help their kids into houses.
Nearly half of boomers do not have a house, let alone housing "investments.
Funny all those inventions over the years based on attempts to find solutions again and again after getting it wrong again and again. The gnat lovers would give up after one or two attempts and run away yapping – meanwhile people that are serious keep on trying. An even funnier thing is that imo many of the inventors and worker outerers in the past were conservative – that was the ethos. Not the quick jammy fix that the gnational party prefers with it's simpleton leader and lackey supporters. Not the party of deep thinkers anymore the gnats, that's for sure.
'Ardern also pointed out that while the government had fallen well short of its initial 100,000 homes target, it was performing “much better” in relation to its target of 100,000 measles cases.'
Of course they want a policy of subsidised housing to keep going.
"Hello first home buyer, would you like a brand new home as your first home, you do well we'll make it cheaper for you"
I'm surprised more people didn't want it to continue but imagine if the question asked was something like: "do you think Labour will be able to build 100 000 homes in ten year"
The fact that people want then to carry on with kiwibuild proves most kiwis see a need for government intervention and despite labours troubles so far the are willing support their attempts to get it right .
If at first you dont succeed try again is far fucking better than anything the fuckwit nats can come up with.
Incorrect. Labours flagship policy, the policy used to discredit National, the policy that got Labour into power was not going to fail.
When critics pointed out it wouldnt work Labour said it would, Twyford insulted Treasury because they said it wouldnt work, Labour convinced enough people it would work, Jacinda was happy to pose for photos so no "If at first you dont succeed try again is far fucking better than anything the fuckwit nats can come up with." is simply not good enough
How well did Nationals cycle ways program work out and the 'big boost ' to the economy and 1000s of new jobs….. oh you like everyone else have forgotten
Just like John Keys promise – no matter what AND dont believe the naysayers- that makes it a double promise to bring the Pike River miners out that was make ( and recorded 11 months after the disaster)
Nationals not in power (if you hadn't noticed) and Kiwibuild was one of, if not the biggest, reasons that Labour got elected and the cycleway certainly wasn't
This is a monumental cock up of Twyford-like proportions and all you've got is 'National cycleways'
But hey as long as its coming from Labour is all good right
Labour do some stupid stuff for which they should be rightly bagged. But at least they do stuff. National spent most of their time arguing semantics in regard to whether the housing crisis was an actual crisis rather than merely a challenge. Talk about fiddling while Rome burns.
I'd like to think not everyone here is so blinded by partisan loyalty they're prepared to ignore Labour's failings. But let's be honest, Pucky. National have never been the party of the less fortunate. They'll make a valiant attempt to portray themselves as such every now and then, but scratch the surface and you'll find the usual callous indifference which tends to be their stock-in-trade. Paula Bennett's shameful antics around Te Puea Marae are adequate testimony. National essentially let the wound fester until it erupted in a geyser of pus and maggots, and now the current government is attempting clean up the mess while National jeer and throw rocks from the Opposition benches.
National have zero moral high-ground on this. If anything, they should be standing in a smoking crater.
National discredited itself – that's what happens when for seigneurial reasons you put deadwood like Nick Smith in charge of anything. Even they were too ashamed to call him housing minister in the end.
As for kiwibuild failing, it's like Marengo – Napoleon had lost the battle by 14:00 and won it back by 18:00. Housing is a critical issue and it must be built – giving up like the Gnats did, while it reflects Nick's actual capacity, cannot get the job done.
I think it'll take 'nine long years' and comcomitant jeers.
Seriously though, it would just take as long as the calculated cost of the shortfall in expenditure over those nine years on things that needed expenditure, less the surplus revenue now available to the government minus the willingness of the electorate to apportion blame upon that government of nine long years.
Whichever comes first.
Less the number of dead cats strewn upon the table, global crises, natural disasters, forest fires, possible re-elections of Boris and Donald, China, the cost of fossil fuel and who won the World Cup.
Not necessarily in that order.
I hope that helps.
Oh, and whether Judith makes it or not, or should I say, when?
Housing isn't their screw up yet – though it's true they should have done more about it under Clark. If the Gnats had not been utterly incompetent in that portfolio it would be a different story, but actually it's kind of hard to put your finger on a Gnat area of responsibility where a fairly ineffectual effort doesn't represent a vast improvement – they were rubbish – and that is the baseline against which Coalition performance is measured.
That maybe what Kiwibuild was supposed to be but the message to the people was different.
Basically Labour over promised and under delivered, this would never have happened until Helen Clark so now now Jacinda has to own her, Twyfords and Labours failure over this
I suspect what Kiwibuild was to many varies greatly. Certainly it covered the "housing problems" that were being ignored, but the scalpel of the media and opposition, and possibly insufficient time on setting out its scope, meant that it became just a small part of the "housing problem". I believe priority was rightly given to social housing, to reducing the number in motels and on waiting lists, and these do not seem to be the issues they used to be, although they are not yet totally resolved. That part of the housing problem that affected new home buyers is a problem that is a total market problem; it will not be resolved quickly, but it is not as urgent as reversing the reduction in social housing services. The number I would like to see measured is how many New Zealanders the government has assisted into some form of 'satisfactory' housing, rather than emergency housing.
As for the market failure of the building sector, we have had a serious deterioration in that industry over the term of the Nat-led government; a reliance on imported labour, a reduction in training and youth employment, fragmented small companies that had an incentive to go out of business, matched with too few trading in product supply, and starved local authorities who struggled with infrastructure and planning/ approvals. Leaky building have not helped either.
So yes there was a marketing failure by the government, but I do not think it is clear whether there is any significant failure otherwise. In effect the media and opposition have won the propaganda / lying war, with the only real winners those who are still able to exploit rental shortages . . ..
'arr – arr – i have 'ammered the odd nail – seen the odd bracing wall – and can remember once helping to build a nickel-refinery – and i do have some knowledge of ‘planing’ – i can make my wood smooth – does that count..?'
(said in lancashire accent..)
heh..!..but really – what the fuck has that got to do with anything here..?
you are getting desperate – aren't you..(not waving – flailing..heh..!)
and plse don't try selling some meme that i am/was anti-kiwibuild..
my anger at the failures is from disappointment – not opposition too..mm-kay..?
If the reset was really important our PM would have been present, like many well educated leaders appear to follow … good news be associated with the release, bad news allow others to be seen. Thus protecting the brand.
'it uses a standard chest freezer with added thermal mass, a simple controller, and a photovoltaic panel that effectively stores sunshine as coldness, obviating the need for expensive backup batteries.
The Fridge0 is an advance on traditional off-grid 12v solar fridges that assume that solar panels are expensive and inefficient; by exploiting modern PV technology,
Hess says "A kilowatt of solar panels provides enough power to run a conventional fridge on even most cloudy days, and costs less than a commercial offgrid fridge."
"A kilowatt of solar panels provides enough power to run a conventional fridge on even most cloudy days, and costs less than a commercial offgrid fridge."
Depending on the efficiency of the panels, between 4 and 10 sq m of panels will give you 1 kW peak output.
Given a fridge-freezer or chest freezer only draws around 150W or less when running, I presume putting in 1 kW of panels is so they can run even on really dark cloudy days.
Dunno if they've got anything fancier for their thermal mass than just a jug filled with a 30% propylene glycol solution that freezes around -15 degrees C.That's all a distant rellie needed 25 years ago for their off-grid set-up.
Frequency of the power supply is important too – so an inverter is required to convert solar DC to AC – unless you have a DC fridge.
The 150W 'while running' is about right , but as they stop and start often , you will draw much more for a few secs to spin up the compressor- could be the the 1Kw.
The article talks about having a battery to manage shutting it off. That would be useful to manage the startup surge, as well as managing the power on cloudy days if the output of the panels is marginal so it's not trying to kick on and off all the time. Seems to me it would make more sense to just invest in a few more batteries to take advantage of all the engineering and economies of scale for making conventional off-grid systems and be done with it.
Recently I read of taking a freezer, changing the thermostat to operate around 4+ degrees, and using it as the household fridge. Toploaders loose less chill. Stay cold longer. Better insulated. Standard fridge use up to 2Kw per day. The freezer/fridge use less than 1kw per day. (I once made a built-in top loading chilly bin for a boat I built, with 4inch insulation, and by putting in frozen goods it would stay cool enough for 5-7 days.)
A combined fridge freezer like my upright LG 298 litre has a single source of cooling for the unit, the cold air is circulated to each compartment to maintain the temp – it has both a freezer temp adjustment outside, 5 levels ( with vacation and quick freeze settings) and a fridge adjustment inside.
Sounds like its easier to get a modern unit – even second hand – and reduce your power consumption that way.
Anything that makes us more independent of the grid, the better.
EcoFlow DELTA, the world's strongest battery-powered generator just launched on Kickstarter. Don't think EF ships to NZ yet. I tried the end of last year to buy their stuff and couldn't 🙁
"International postage excludes any GST, duty and customs clearance costs that may be payable on arrival in New Zealand.".
The current Government are insisting that companies like Amazon should collect GST due on things they ship to New Zealand and remit the taxes to the New Zealand Government.
Why is a Government owned organisation like New Zealand Post already doing that?
They are just the shippers , Amazon are the seller who know what the item is and its worth.
The Amazon tax came in two forms , the first was for 'online type services and subscriptions' where there wasnt a physical shipping, just dowmloads etc.
The later one was the $400 'exemption' for GST for imported physical items for personal use.
That last rule means sellers with more than $60k annual sales to NZ are required to 'register and collect the tax' .
NZ Post seems to be just following the rules, not that Ive used it are current with ALL the details
How the Government spent well over $100,000 and 15 years pursuing a chronically-ill beneficiary mother for a debt she should not have.
By Catriona MacLennan
While it was over twenty years ago when she was alleged to have fraudulently obtained a benefit, this case has a history that starts well before that. The cycle of poverty and abuse began, as so often is the case, in her own childhood. It is fair to say that the way she has been treated in the judicial process, both the criminal conviction, her imprisonment, and the subsequent pursuit for reparations has been extremely damaging for her children and compounded her own Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder arising from her previous traumatic experiences. The NZ Treasury has recently shown that poor outcomes for children by the time they are young adults are highly correlated with having “a finding of abuse or neglect, time spent in care of child protection services; most of their lifetime supported by benefits; a parent who has received a community or custodial sentence; a mother who has no formal qualifications.” NZ Treasury 2016.
Parliament is "falling apart before our eyes" thanks to Brexit, one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement has said.
Seamus Mallon, former NI (Northern Ireland) deputy first minister, described Boris Johnson as a "carpetbagger", which he defined as someone without principles….
Mr Mallon was deputy first minister from 1998 to 2001.
He is considered to be one of the key negotiators of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
"The lunacy of putting a referendum in Britain in relation to trying to unite the Tory party was a monumental mistake, and they have staggered from one mistake after another," Mr Mallon told BBC News NI, on the margins of the Kennedy Summer School in County Wexford.
"And this is the mother of parliaments. This is the home of democratic political process and it is falling apart before our eyes, and it is doing it in such a way that a carpetbagger like Boris Johnson is now leading it as prime minister."
Recalcitrant Boorish.
Boris Johnson has said he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than ask the EU to delay Brexit beyond 31 October.
Never ask that person who changes their mind, to do or have anything again. Don't have anything to do with them. They are losers! And this vid goes on for too long. Make the point faster – remember the ten second attention span that is talked about today. It is otherwise a greeaaat video. (That's really meant to be 'great', just got too long.)
Goodness marty mars – I am fine but just trying to keep thinking not becoming a reactive paper towel sucking up every idea that is presented in a conformist way to the in-meme. How about you?
well that meme was not designed for a 70 year old women (feel free to show to family and friends for their men if you want) – so maybe just have a wee think…
It's an excellent video and it goes for as long as it does because some people just cannot accept every individual has the right to any decision they choose to make and then change their mind if they so wish.
Sounds to me like that video touched a rather raw nerve with you Greywarshark and that maybe it should have gone on for another 3 days before you actually understood and accepted the point it was making.
For tea or sex, that's a "fail: safe" approach. If someone regards that approach as reasonable regardless of circumstance, they're probably not really equipped to safely offer consensual tea or sex in the first place, so for them it is actually a reasonable approach.
Whereas the "fail: deadly" approach is that someone who doesn't particularly understand consent still tries to have sex with other people, or make them drink tea.
I can only presume that the Fresh Water Discussion Document is intended only to be Labour’s opening gambit. Parker must know a fair bit of it will not be acceptable to the farming community or to the National Party. Legislation of this nature has to be sustainable across successive governments, it can’t be just acceptable to the party in power.
There will be a lot of support including within the farming community for more planting on stream margins, wider margins, and much stronger protection for wetlands. Probably with subsidies to help pay for it.
There will be major opposition to getting resource consents for farming changes or increased production. I predict that won’t survive consultation. I reckon NZF will oppose, as will National. If it is passed into law with NZF support, then I am certain such a requirement will be repealed by the next National government.
The more interesting discussion will be around monitoring water quality on farms. There is a very good case for it, with the intention of doing things to improve water quality. I reckon this will happen, but not with a whole raft of government inspectors. More likely a partnership with Dairy NZ.
If you really believe that then I fear you are 10 years out of date….with dairy (esp) under financial pressures unrelated the rural sector and banks will see the opportunity to use this to hedge future income streams (with gov assistance) and the noise from the likes of FF spokespersons will be largely disregarded.
National may well find they have backed a loser if they try to push back too hard….the dairy sector growth has been milked dry, time for ‘the next big thing’
yep some self interested and selfish farmers oppose water quality controls – pity not enough decent caring farmers are speaking up against their destructive brethren – still early days yet and the tide is turning against farming practices that are hurting the environment and communities.
Just filing away for future reference the admission that, when it comes to measures to improve NZ's freshwater quality, "a fair bit of it will not be acceptable to the farming community or to the National Party."
I did know that already, of course, but it's nice to have someone involved in the National Party state it so explicitly.
Shock, horror! Farmers and National don’t accept every single policy point that Labour proposes. Who would have guessed? They must be really bad to think like that.
no wayne – 'shock/horror' at national quite happy to allow the continued befouling of our environment/world..
and this at the behest of the biggest leeches – since forever ('it's rained – give us some money..!..we are the backbone of the economy – it hasn't rained – give us some more money..!..we are the backbone of the economy!' – repeat ad nauseum)
i think we are all sick of that schtick..eh wayne..?
so if you want to wave yr arms and say 'i'm/national is with them..!'..
why don't you do that – and we'll see how that goes down with an increasingly angry/impatient rest of us..eh..?
and if you can't see/feel that growing anger/impatience – wayne – at the excuses/behaviour/whining.polluting of the (fast going down the gurgler) dairy industry..
you clearly have all the political nous of a doorknob..
If you actually read my initial comment, I do think more needs to be done (wider stream margins, more planting, preserving wetlands, better monitoring, and other things) I support a fair amount in the discussion document. A lot of it is good.
But that doesn’t mean I and others have to agree with everything in it. And just because farmers don’t agree with everything doesn’t automatically make them the “ biggest leeches – since forever”.
The left, or at least a fair part of it, automatically thinking of farmers that way will result in a much bigger divide than currently exists. And not a way to get constructive dialogue.
Hey, he isn’t responsible for Nick Smith. It is like saying that I’m responsible for John Tamihere because he used to be a sort of a progressive and a Labour MP. Who knew that they were kind of a dickheads?
Of course getting rid of John Tamihere appears to have been a whole easier for Labour it is has been for National to cast off their waste.
Isn't there a convention of collective responsibility? In which case Wayne was indeed responsible for Nick Smith; if he wasn't up to snuff (and he ain't) it was Wayne's job, among others, to get rid of him.
I didn't for a moment expect Wayne to take responsibility for Nick Smith. I merely wanted to know his view on the story the book tells. It's a great read.
Farmers and National don’t accept every single policy point that Labour proposes.
More specifically, they don't accept any policy point that would significantly improve NZ's freshwater quality – those are the bits that "will not be acceptable to the farming community or to the National Party." If that weren't the case, farmers and National would be willing to give a fair hearing to proposals beyond doing a bit more planting along river banks.
You do realise Canterbury wouldnt be in this mess of you and you cronies hadn't sacked the democratically elected board ecan so you could sugar fuel the economy.
Like the trial school lunches it is just something that sounds big popped either side of the KiwiBuild fiasco to try to take the focus off what a complete hash it is.
I used to think hed make a great Labour Party leader but the more I read of his comments in the media the more I decided he is neoliberal at heart…might be a result of when he was educated, who knows…. I suspect he would have been in his happy place in a Douglas cabinet…and thats saying something
I've met him a few times and like his boldness. I agree he's more right than I am, but I reckon he feels the urgency of environmental degradation keenly and is making a last-ditch stand. It's now or never, he seems to have learned and resolved. In my personal experience.
Parker came to a farmers meeting at Ashburton before the last election and showed his true colours. Questioned on his intentions regarding the ill intentioned water tax it was obvious that the environment was secondary to putting farmers out of business.
Am well aware of Parkers reputation in rural sector…wasnt where I was looking…hes an obviously intelligent guy (who isnt beholden to Ag sector) but seems to struggle with the link between growth and environmental degradation…curious (IMO)
This is interesting on what causes insomnia or unrefreshing sleep leading to depression. It is good stuff but oddly lit, but good overall. She looks at the result of being bombarded with negative messages every day etc.
Tedtalk: Attention – This is Why you can't Sleep. Bronwyn Milkins research.
Looks like the Minister chose the "just fix it" option rather than the full-throated "let's connect the rail line to Northport and prepare to shift some of Auckland's port" option.
The repairs look like they are going to be done next year. That's hopefully good for those still underemployed in this part of Northland.
Still leaves open the possibility of a proper shift once the government finally lands on the Upper North Island ports study, and can then unveil a proper rail line and sea port upgrade for Whangarei in time for the election.
A couple of years ago, for reasons known only to himself, my man decided to not avoid that hole in the asphalt and tumbled he and his wheelchair arse over tip. Now he's a Big Lad my man, all of six foot four and at least 100kgs, so the chances of me getting him re-seated by myself are nil. The only help available were a vegan couple from eastern Europe, somewhere. I'm going "One, two, three lift! and they are doing… nothing. I try French, then German, with little extra effect. This pale and almost bloodless pair had absolutely no umph at all.
I'm fascinated by your ability to correctly identify the flaws in those arguments against vegan diets, but completely miss very similar flaws in the "red meat causes colon cancer" argument.
It is hard to describe the smell of meat burning when you don't like it – sorta like puke on wings. It is the hardest thing for me as a vege to tolerate and I have to over and over again with no thought for my sensibilities.
In regards yr hypothetical, sure, ask them to not cook meat all day every day.
Complain to management, organize a petition..
But when you look round and are the only one right….
As for not knowing why she complained: The neighbours were carnivorous, breeding, smoking people that incidentally had foreign sounding names. Oh, also, Cilla is a self centred person with a highly developed sense of entitlement
I can take you at yr word that the panel was a wank fest over the vegan story in Oz.
When I read the articles about Cilla Carden and she is quoted as saying:
"They've put it there so I smell fish, all I can smell is fish. I can't enjoy my backyard, I can't go out there." Self centred – check
and "It's been devastating, it's been turmoil, it's been unrest, I haven't been able to sleep," she said. Hyperbole and exaggeration – Check.
Then you add her desire for the children not to play basketball (too noisy).
Top it off with being told that the Supreme Court Judge and the State Administrative Tribunal have sided with her neighbours and have refused her appeal.
Is a two way street….where does the ability to object start and finish? Is it in the middle ground where the majority can accommodate or is it somewhere else?At some point it becomes dysfunctional does it not?
Aussie anti intellectualism adopted by the RNZ panel–Boofheads munching on charred animal bits is an achievement apparently…
Veganism and Vegetarianism is the future, and many are attempting to live it right now–but Whadarrryaaaaaa! seems the regular bloke response, hard working, god fearin’ Nu Zilundas eat meat–got it!…
Zimbabwe will be celebrating tonight, mugabe has passed away.
“His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten…….
Not wrong about that….mugabe has been accused of being a dictator responsible for economic mismanagement, widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and crimes against humanity.
Edit:
The ability of the older voter to comprehend that the status quo can not be an option; to grasp on BAU is for the innocent, ignorant middle aged and the olders resolutely looking away towards the tourism attractions and way from the real world.
Abbott said dying populations, not climate change, were the biggest threat to western civilisation, and lashed out at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for recent remarks that they would not have more than two children due to the effects on the environment. “Having fewer children in western countries will hardly make the climate better when so many children are being born elsewhere,” said Abbott.
Here's a Man Eco Maori admires and agrees with Kia Kaha stay strong keeping the Neanderthal in Check Ka pai
John Kerry says we can't leave climate emergency to 'neanderthals' in power
It’s a lie that humanity has to choose between prosperity and protecting the future, former US secretary of state tells Australian conference
The former US secretary of state John Kerry has warned that humanity risks marching off a cliff unless governments take immediate action to fight the climate emergency.
In a keynote address to the Global Table food and agriculture conference, Kerry made veiled swipes at the Australian government’s lack of climate and energy policy. He also weighed in on the heated debate about the massive Adani coalmine proposed for north Queensland.
“We just can’t sit on our asses and leave the political process to neanderthals who don’t want to believe in the future,” Kerry told the audience in Melbourne. “We have a dearth of leadership, but this will turn.”John Kerry: US 'cannot afford truculent child president
The former US Democratic presidential candidate said it was not a choice between taking action on the climate emergency and securing jobs and growth.
“They are not separate. And anybody who persists in putting forward that notion that you have to make the choice – you can either have jobs plus prosperity or you can protect the environment and the future. That’s a lie
The governments of the Papatuanuku need to do the humane thing and help the tangata of the Bahamas servive the huge mess hurricane Dorian made of their Island why because the government of the world are responsible for the cause of CLIMATE CHANGE
That's why I dislike PEE some people will do anything to get there next fix that phenomenon is what drives most crimes and thefts.
I have read that it's hot in Australia at the minute The Bush fire season has started early there government is still backing old carbon neanderthals.
Vegans are 22% more likely to have a stroke there you go we need a good veritable diet yes we can lower our protein consumption but not leaving animals protein out of our diet totally is what I believe.
I don't think that Wahine actor from America should be jailed for what she and many wealth people do.
Yes Wallaby need to be control to protect our native floral and birds and stop them from going extinct.
The way the Hawaii government is treating the tangata whenua O Hawaii is bad and sad. That is the way simon wanted to treat tangata whenua o Aotearoa Protesters.
The Amazon fires are a great man made desaster it shows that the government is not very intelligent they don't understand how Papatuanuku diversity of wild life is a great taonga that needs to be protected the. muppets
We are making a big mess in Tangaroa and on the whenua this is causing a masse extinction of our wild life and environment.
All in the goal of humanity instant satisfaction. Ie boil the jug to make a cup of tea turn on the light by a new TV because the relies have a better one. We have become a throw away society and in the process we are throwing away OUR FUTURE descendints right to a natural healthy life. We need to change and manufacture thing to last 20 years at least and stop using products with a huge carbon footprint.
After bronze and iron, welcome to the plastic age, say scientists
Plastic pollution has entered the fossil record, research shows
Plastic pollution is being deposited into the fossil record, research has found, with contamination increasing exponentially since 1945.
Scientists suggest the plastic layers could be used to mark the start of the Anthropocene, the proposed geological epoch in which human activities have come to dominate the planet. They say after the bronze and iron ages, the current period may become known as the plastic age.
The study, the first detailed analysis of the rise in plastic pollution in sediments, examined annual layers off the coast of California back to 1834. They discovered the plastic in the layers mirrors precisely the exponential rise in plastic production over the past 70 years.
Most of the plastic particles were fibres from synthetic fabrics used in clothes, indicating that plastics are flowing freely into the ocean through waste water Ka kite Ano link below.
Whanau don't fall this con as you see they target the common poor people stay away from skyway capital. They no poor people are desperate and will believe there rubbish and lies IF ITS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE THAN ITS A LIE.
I can guess why the USA is doing that nothing is logical in the USA now.
The Bahama desaster after math is evedince that global warming is going to affect the poor people the most.
TE REO Language week is awesome too celebrate Maori Language as a taonga.
I hope there is not too many people lives are affected negativey and wild life losses with the Australian Bush fire season starting earlier than expected.
So, the Trump Administration ordered the management of the central meteorological agency, NOAA to reverse its claim that Alabama was not included in the original forecast track for Hurricane Dorian?
Blackmail? If you don't reverse your original statement we'll remove your government financial resources – or something like that?
Meteorologists throughout the country are angry and upset at the way the "management" have folded. Shocking!
“It’s unheard of that [Noaa] would – with no scientific basis whatsoever – undermine their own employees for political reasons. That’s never happened before under any administration … This doesn’t happen. This is a scientific agency. People gather data and they make the best decisions they can make from that data.”
It's not funny any more. Beyond disgraceful that a scientific organisation whose primary task is to advise and warn the public of weather related events should be undermined in the course of its duty.
Totally agree Anne – somehow this has now become de rigueur in Trumpland. For instance the EPA is just a shadow of its former self, and there is now hardly a Department of State that has a permanent head. The US administration is practically on its knees. Trump plays on his phone keyboard while America burns.
The worms will live in every hostIt's hard to pick which one they eat the mostThe horrible people, the horrible peopleIt's as anatomic as the size of your steepleCapitalism has made it this wayOld-fashioned fascism will take it awaySongwriter: Twiggy Ramirez Read more ...
Hi,It’s almost Christmas Day which means it is almost my birthday, where you will find me whimpering in the corner clutching a warm bottle of Baileys.If you’re out of ideas for presents (and truly desperate) then it is possible to gift a full Webworm subscription to a friend (or enemy) ...
This morning’s six standouts for me at 6.30am include:Rachel Helyer Donaldson’s scoop via RNZ last night of cuts to maternity jobs in the health system;Maddy Croad’s scoop via The Press-$ this morning on funding cuts for Christchurch’s biggest food rescue charity;Benedict Collins’ scoop last night via 1News on a last-minute ...
A listing of 25 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, December 15, 2024 thru Sat, December 21, 2024. Based on feedback we received, this week's roundup is the first one published soleley by category. We are still interested in ...
Well, I've been there, sitting in that same chairWhispering that same prayer half a million timesIt's a lie, though buried in disciplesOne page of the Bible isn't worth a lifeThere's nothing wrong with youIt's true, it's trueThere's something wrong with the villageWith the villageSomething wrong with the villageSongwriters: Andrew Jackson ...
ACT would like to dictate what universities can and can’t say. We knew it was coming. It was outlined in the coalition agreement and has become part of Seymour’s strategy of “emphasising public funding” to prevent people from opposing him and his views—something he also uses to try and de-platform ...
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park from the Gigafact team in collaboration with members from our team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Are we heading ...
So the Solstice has arrived – Summer in this part of the world, Winter for the Northern Hemisphere. And with it, the publication my new Norse dark-fantasy piece, As Our Power Lessens at Eternal Haunted Summer: https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/issues/winter-solstice-2024/as-our-power-lessens/ As previously noted, this one is very ‘wyrd’, and Northern Theory of Courage. ...
The Natural Choice: As a starter for ten percent of the Party Vote, “saving the planet” is a very respectable objective. Young voters, in particular, raised on the dire (if unheeded) warnings of climate scientists, and the irrefutable evidence of devastating weather events linked to global warming, vote Green. After ...
The Government cancelled 60% of Kāinga Ora’s new builds next year, even though the land for them was already bought, the consents were consented and there are builders unemployed all over the place. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political ...
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on UnsplashEvery morning I get up at 3am to go around the traps of news sites in Aotearoa and globally. I pick out the top ones from my point of view and have been putting them into my Dawn Chorus email, which goes out with a podcast. ...
Over on Kikorangi Newsroom's Marc Daalder has published his annual OIA stats. So I thought I'd do mine: 82 OIA requests sent in 2024 7 posts based on those requests 20 average working days to receive a response Ministry of Justice was my most-requested entity, ...
Welcome to the December 2024 Economic Bulletin. We have two monthly features in this edition. In the first, we discuss what the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update from Treasury and the Budget Policy Statement from the Minister of Finance tell us about the fiscal position and what to ...
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi have submitted against the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, slamming the Bill as a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an attack on tino rangatiratanga and the collective rights of Tangata Whenua. “This Bill seeks to legislate for Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles that are ...
I don't knowHow to say what's got to be saidI don't know if it's black or whiteThere's others see it redI don't get the answers rightI'll leave that to youIs this love out of fashionOr is it the time of yearAre these words distraction?To the words you want to hearSongwriters: ...
Our economy has experienced its worst recession since 1991. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, December 20 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above and the daily Pick ‘n’ Mix below ...
Twas the Friday before Christmas and all through the week we’ve been collecting stories for our final roundup of the year. As we start to wind down for the year we hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and new year. If you’re travelling please be safe on ...
The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts & talking about the year’s news with: on climate. Her book of the year was Tim Winton’s cli-fi novel Juice and she also mentioned Mike Joy’s memoir The Fight for Fresh Water. ...
The Government can head off to the holidays, entitled to assure itself that it has done more or less what it said it would do. The campaign last year promised to “get New Zealand back on track.” When you look at the basic promises—to trim back Government expenditure, toughen up ...
Open access notables An intensification of surface Earth’s energy imbalance since the late 20th century, Li et al., Communications Earth & Environment:Tracking the energy balance of the Earth system is a key method for studying the contribution of human activities to climate change. However, accurately estimating the surface energy balance ...
Photo by Mauricio Fanfa on UnsplashKia oraCome and join us for our weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news with myself , plus regular guests and , ...
“Like you said, I’m an unreconstructed socialist. Everybody deserves to get something for Christmas.”“ONE OF THOSE had better be for me!” Hannah grinned, fascinated, as Laurie made his way, gingerly, to the bar, his arms full of gift-wrapped packages.“Of course!”, beamed Laurie. Depositing his armful on the bar-top and selecting ...
Data released by Statistics New Zealand today showed a significant slowdown in the economy over the past six months, with GDP falling by 1% in September, and 1.1% in June said CTU Economist Craig Renney. “The data shows that the size of the economy in GDP terms is now smaller ...
One last thing before I quitI never wanted any moreThan I could fit into my headI still remember every single word you saidAnd all the shit that somehow came along with itStill, there's one thing that comforts meSince I was always caged and now I'm freeSongwriters: David Grohl / Georg ...
Sparse offerings outside a Te Kauwhata church. Meanwhile, the Government is cutting spending in ways that make thousands of hungry children even hungrier, while also cutting funding for the charities that help them. It’s also doing that while winding back new building of affordable housing that would allow parents to ...
It is difficult to make sense of the Luxon Coalition Government’s economic management.This end-of-year review about the state of economic management – the state of the economy was last week – is not going to cover the National Party contribution. Frankly, like every other careful observer, I cannot make up ...
This morning I awoke to the lovely news that we are firmly back on track, that is if the scale was reversed.NZ ranks low in global economic comparisonsNew Zealand's economy has been ranked 33rd out of 37 in an international comparison of which have done best in 2024.Economies were ranked ...
Remember those silent movies where the heroine is tied to the railway tracks or going over the waterfall in a barrel? Finance Minister Nicola Willis seems intent on portraying herself as that damsel in distress. According to Willis, this country’s current economic problems have all been caused by the spending ...
Similar to the cuts and the austerity drive imposed by Ruth Richardson in the 1990’s, an era which to all intents and purposes we’ve largely fiddled around the edges with fixing in the time since – over, to be fair, several administrations – whilst trying our best it seems to ...
String-Pulling in the Dark: For the democratic process to be meaningful it must also be public. WITH TRUST AND CONFIDENCE in New Zealand’s politicians and journalists steadily declining, restoring those virtues poses a daunting challenge. Just how daunting is made clear by comparing the way politicians and journalists treated New Zealanders ...
Dear Nicola Willis, thank you for letting us know in so many words that the swingeing austerity hasn't worked.By in so many words I mean the bit where you said, Here is a sea of red ink in which we are drowning after twelve months of savage cost cutting and ...
The Open Government Partnership is a multilateral organisation committed to advancing open government. Countries which join are supposed to co-create regular action plans with civil society, committing to making verifiable improvements in transparency, accountability, participation, or technology and innovation for the above. And they're held to account through an Independent ...
Today I tuned into something strange: a press conference that didn’t make my stomach churn or the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Which was strange, because it was about the torture of children. It was the announcement by Erica Stanford — on her own, unusually ...
This is a must watch, and puts on brilliant and practical display the implications and mechanics of fast-track law corruption and weakness.CLICK HERE: LINK TO WATCH VIDEOOur news media as it is set up is simply not equipped to deal with the brazen disinformation and corruption under this right wing ...
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting Secretary Erin Polaczuk is welcoming the announcement from Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden that she is opening consultation on engineered stone and is calling on her to listen to the evidence and implement a total ban of the product. “We need ...
The Government has announced a 1.5% increase in the minimum wage from 1 April 2025, well below forecast inflation of 2.5%. Unions have reacted strongly and denounced it as a real terms cut. PSA and the CTU are opposing a new round of staff cuts at WorkSafe, which they say ...
The decision to unilaterally repudiate the contract for new Cook Strait ferries is beginning to look like one of the stupidest decisions a New Zealand government ever made. While cancelling the ferries and their associated port infrastructure may have made this year's books look good, it means higher costs later, ...
Hi there! I’ve been overseas recently, looking after a situation with a family member. So apologies if there any less than focused posts! Vanuatu has just had a significant 7.3 earthquake. Two MFAT staff are unaccounted for with local fatalities.It’s always sad to hear of such things happening.I think of ...
Today is a special member's morning, scheduled to make up for the government's theft of member's days throughout the year. First up was the first reading of Greg Fleming's Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill, which was passed unanimously. Currently the House is debating the third reading of ...
We're going backwardsIgnoring the realitiesGoing backwardsAre you counting all the casualties?We are not there yetWhere we need to beWe are still in debtTo our insanitiesSongwriter: Martin Gore Read more ...
Willis blamed Treasury for changing its productivity assumptions and Labour’s spending increases since Covid for the worsening Budget outlook. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, December 18 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above ...
Today the Auckland Transport board meet for the last time this year. For those interested (and with time to spare), you can follow along via this MS Teams link from 10am. I’ve taken a quick look through the agenda items to see what I think the most interesting aspects are. ...
Hi,If you’re a New Zealander — you know who Mike King is. He is the face of New Zealand’s battle against mental health problems. He can be loud and brash. He raises, and is entrusted with, a lot of cash. Last year his “I Am Hope” charity reported a revenue ...
Probably about the only consolation available from yesterday’s unveiling of the Half-Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) is that it could have been worse. Though Finance Minister Nicola Willis has tightened the screws on future government spending, she has resisted the calls from hard-line academics, fiscal purists and fiscal hawks ...
The right have a stupid saying that is only occasionally true:When is democracy not democracy? When it hasn’t been voted on.While not true in regards to branches of government such as the judiciary, it’s a philosophy that probably should apply to recently-elected local government councillors. Nevertheless, this concept seemed to ...
Long story short: the Government’s austerity policy has driven the economy into a deeper and longer recession that means it will have to borrow $20 billion more over the next four years than it expected just six months ago. Treasury’s latest forecasts show the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s fiscal strategy of ...
Come and join myself and CTU Chief Economist for a pop-up ‘Hoon’ webinar on the Government’s Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) with paying subscribers to The Kākā for 30 minutes at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream to watch our chat. Don’t worry if ...
In 1998, in the wake of the Paremoremo Prison riot, the Department of Corrections established the "Behaviour Management Regime". Prisoners were locked in their cells for 22 or 23 hours a day, with no fresh air, no exercise, no social contact, no entertainment, and in some cases no clothes and ...
New data released by the Treasury shows that the economic policies of this Government have made things worse in the year since they took office, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney. “Our fiscal indicators are all heading in the wrong direction – with higher levels of debt, a higher deficit, and ...
At the 2023 election, National basically ran on a platform of being better economic managers. So how'd that turn out for us? In just one year, they've fucked us for two full political terms: The government's books are set to remain deeply in the red for the near term ...
AUSTERITYText within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedMy spreadsheet insists This pain leads straight to glory (File not found) Read more ...
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi are saying that the Government should do the right thing and deliver minimum wage increases that don’t see workers fall further behind, in response to today’s announcement that the minimum wage will only be increased by 1.5%, well short of forecast inflation. “With inflation forecast ...
Oh, I weptFor daysFilled my eyesWith silly tearsOh, yeaBut I don'tCare no moreI don't care ifMy eyes get soreSongwriters: Paul Rodgers / Paul Kossoff. Read more ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bob HensonIn this aerial view, fingers of meltwater flow from the melting Isunnguata Sermia glacier descending from the Greenland Ice Sheet on July 11, 2024, near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. According to the Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet (PROMICE), the ...
In August, I wrote an article about David Seymour1 with a video of his testimony, to warn that there were grave dangers to his Ministry of Regulation:David Seymour's Ministry of Slush Hides Far Greater RisksWhy Seymour's exorbitant waste of taxpayers' money could be the least of concernThe money for Seymour ...
Willis is expected to have to reveal the bitter fiscal fruits of her austerity strategy in the HYEFU later today. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Tuesday, December 17 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast ...
On Friday the government announced it would double the number of toll roads in New Zealand as well as make a few other changes to how toll roads are used in the country. The real issue though is not that tolling is being used but the suggestion it will make ...
The Prime Minister yesterday engaged in what looked like a pre-emptive strike designed to counter what is likely to be a series of depressing economic statistics expected before the end of the week. He opened his weekly post-Cabinet press conference with a recitation of the Government’s achievements. “It certainly has ...
This whooping cough story from south Auckland is a good example of the coalition government’s approach to social need – spend money on urging people to get vaccinated but only after you’ve cut the funding to where they could get vaccinated. This has been the case all year with public ...
And if there is a GodI know he likes to rockHe likes his loud guitarsHis spiders from MarsAnd if there is a GodI know he's watching meHe likes what he seesBut there's trouble on the breezeSongwriter: William Patrick Corgan Read more ...
Here’s a quick round up of today’s political news:1. MORE FOOD BANKS, CHARITIES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS AND YOUTH SOCIAL SERVICES SET TO CLOSE OR SCALE BACK AROUND THE COUNTRY AS GOVT CUTS FUNDINGSome of Auckland's largest foodbanks are warning they may need to close or significantly reduce food parcels after ...
Iain Rennie, CNZMSecretary and Chief Executive to the TreasuryDear Secretary, Undue restrictions on restricted briefings This week, the Treasury barred representatives from four organisations, including the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi, from attending the restricted briefing for the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update. We had been ...
This is a guest post by Tim Adriaansen, a community, climate, and accessibility advocate.I won’t shut up about climate breakdown, and whenever possible I try to shift the focus of a climate conversation towards solutions. But you’ll almost never hear me give more than a passing nod to ...
A grassroots backlash has forced a backdown from Brown, but he is still eyeing up plenty of tolls for other new roads. And the pressure is on Willis to ramp up the Government’s austerity strategy. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
Hi all,I'm pretty overwhelmed by all your messages and emails today; thank you so very much.As much as my newsletter this morning was about money, and we all need to earn money, it was mostly about world domination if I'm honest. 😉I really hate what’s happening to our country, and ...
A listing of 23 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, December 8, 2024 thru Sat, December 14, 2024. Listing by Category Like last week's summary this one contains the list of articles twice: based on categories and based on ...
I started writing this morning about Hobson’s Pledge, examining the claims they and their supporters make, basically ripping into them. But I kept getting notifications coming through, and not good ones.Each time I looked up, there was another un-subscription message, and I felt a bit sicker at the thought of ...
Once, long before there was Harry and Meghan and Dodi and all those episodes of The Crown, they came to spend some time with us, Charles and Diana. Was there anyone in the world more glamorous than the Princess of Wales?Dazzled as everyone was by their company, the leader of ...
The collective right have a problem.The entire foundation for their world view is antiscientific. Their preferred economic strategies have been disproven. Their whole neoliberal model faces accusations of corporate corruption and worsening inequality. Climate change not only definitely exists, its rapid progression demands an immediate and expensive response in order ...
Just ten days ago, South Korea's president attempted a self-coup, declaring martial law and attempting to have opposition MPs murdered or arrested in an effort to seize unconstrained power. The attempt was rapidly defeated by the national assembly voting it down and the people flooding the streets to defend democracy. ...
National has only been in power for a year, but everywhere you look, its choices are taking New Zealand a long way backwards. In no particular order, here are the National Government's Top 50 Greatest Misses of its first year in power. ...
The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...
The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...
Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the ...
The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...
A separate passport, citizenship and membership of the United Nations are only available to fully independent nations, Winston Peters' office says. ...
By Emma Andrews, Henare te Ua Māori Journalism Intern at RNZ News The New Zealand fuel company Z Energy is swapping out street names for “correct” kupu on service stops around the country, with the help of local hapū. When Z took over 226 fuel sites from Shell in 2010, ...
Summer reissue: Was it a false measurement, a full-blown conspiracy or just some mild incompetence? Mad Chapman uncovers the truth of Maddi Wesche’s final throw. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Old, Associate Professor, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Western Sydney University Dmitry Chulov, Shutterstock At this time of year, images of reindeer are everywhere. I’ve had a soft spot for reindeer ever since I was a little girl. Doesn’t everyone? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grozdana Manalo, Career Services Manager (Education), University of Sydney hedgehog94/Shutterstock Getting casual work over summer, or a part-time job that you might continue once your tertiary course starts, can be a great way to get workplace experience and earn some extra ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ty Ferguson, Research associate in exercise, nutrition and activity, University of South Australia Peera_Stockfoto/Shutterstock It’s never been easier to stay connected to work. Even when we’re on leave, our phones and laptops keep us tethered. Many of us promise ourselves we ...
The NZ Media Council upheld the complaint under principle four: comment and fact On 5 September 2024, The Spinoff published a brief article titled Made in Palestine, found in 1970s Hastings, which highlighted an upcoming art exhibition featuring photographs of vintage cosmetic products labelled “Made in Palestine.” The piece, described ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kasey Symons, Lecturer of Communication, Sports Media, Deakin University We are well and truly in cricket season. The Australian men’s cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Woods, Lecturer, Nursing, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University FTiare/Shutterstock Summer is here and for many that means going to the beach. You grab your swimmers, beach towel and sunscreen then maybe check the weather forecast. Did you think to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saman Khalesi, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead in Nutrition, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia Dean Clarke/Shutterstock The holiday season can be a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence in delicious foods and meals. However, for many, it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ari Mattes, Lecturer in Communications and Media, University of Notre Dame Australia Late Night With The Devil. Maslow Entertainment Marketing is critical to the success of commercial films, and companies will often spend half as much again on top of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francisco Jose Testa, Lecturer in Earth Sciences (Mineralogy, Petrology & Geochemistry), University of Tasmania The Conversation As a kid, it was tough for me to grasp the massive time scale of Earth’s history. Now, with nearly two decades of experience as ...
Te Pāti Māori has had to adopt a new way of debating, operating and even thinking in Parliament in response to the Government’s “onslaught” against te ao Māori, co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says.In an end-of-year interview with Newsroom, the Te Tai Hauauru MP reflected on how 2024 has differed from her ...
Opinion: The latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science report was announced earlier this month, yet it didn’t get the flurry of media attention and political hand-wringing that typically accompanies these announcements. This might be because it presented good news, or you could argue, no news; the results paint a ...
NewsroomBy Dr Lisa Darragh, Dr Raewyn Eden and Dr David Pomeroy
At long last, The Spinoff shells out for a nut ranking. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today.It recently came to The Spinoff’s attention ...
I was one of hundreds of people who lost my government job this week. Here’s exactly how it played out. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a ...
Summer reissue: One anxiously attentive passenger pays attention to an in-flight safety video, and wonders ‘Why can’t I pick up my own phone?’ The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up ...
Summer reissue: Why do those Lange-Douglas years cast such a long shadow 40 years on? The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today. First published June ...
The Government’s social housing agency has backed out of a billion-dollar infrastructure alliance that would have built about 6000 new homes in Auckland – less than 18 months after signing a five-year extension.Labour says the decision to rip up the contract and sell off existing state houses could lead to ...
An unrelenting faith in “swift transition” has driven Tauranga Whai to their first Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa championship. At a boisterous Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, the visiting Tokomanawa Queens were blown away 90-71 in the final.Whai led by 20 points at halftime as their urgent movement and unflinching faith in three-point shooting from anywhere ...
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ByKoroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor New Zealand’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) says impending bad weather for Port Vila is now the most significant post-quake hazard. A tropical low in the Coral Sea is expected to move into Vanuatu waters, bringing heavy rainfall. Authorities have issued warnings to people ...
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This morning's twitter goodness
https://twitter.com/HamillHimself/status/1169377290762899456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1169377290762899456&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffpost.com%2Fentry%2Fmark-hamill-darth-trump_n_5d70c159e4b09bbc9efa06c7
'Murica does not deserve AOC. She is truly a goddess when she can wind up Steve King so much he goes and drinks toilet water thinking that's owning the libs.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/steve-king-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-toilet-water-video_n_5d70bd3be4b09bbc9ef9ff51
The fear of exiting Brexit is about the loss to the person producing the product. Some people do well in business, some do not and will not regardless of who they are trading with.
For the business owners/producers who need some help to transition, help needs to be given providing it is viable to do so.
I am in favour of Brexit going forward as Britain has limited economic control with trading within the EU. This is evident due to how hard it is to exit from the EU.
You reckon the poms are entitled to more control than lesser nations do you treesy?
The British are entitled to have as much control as they can have with whom they trade with.
When something is so hard to get out of, it usually is not good for you.
I do not like the word you used to identify a British person.
It's not hard to get out of the EU.
But it's cold outside, and warm inside, and the cat thought it wanted out, so now it's sitting in the open doorway while the European parliament is waiting for the british cat to make up it's damned mind. Sooner or later there will be a helpful foot up the arse in the form of "no extensions", and there'll be a soggy wee moggy wanting back inside.
Oh, and arseholes will be shooting up border stations in Armagh again.
The European Parliament has made up its mind and it ain't changing it. May thought she could change the EU exit and gave up so resigned as prime minister. Boris is decisive he said he would rather die in a ditch than delay leaving.
See what happens when parliament resumes, election or no election.
The European Parliament is the stupid human holding the door open for the cat.
Britain signed up to the method of departure when it signed up to join the EU. Now it wants to leave, it wants to renege on those terms, and actually wants the EU to do it a favour with trade deals..
Reminds me of a drunk in a pub – calls the bouncer rude words when leaving, but then is all "aww mate, do me a favour" when he wants to take the drink with him.
There are lots of things I do not like treesy. It would be piss easy to get out of if everyone wanted to.
Is there an address I can send a bale of cotton wool to Precious?
I'm doing my best to round up a few troops from around the colonies to ensure Borrie Jo, Little Jo and the Minister for the 18th Century are well protected and that their sight looking downwards is not impaired. Chin up old bean – we'll win out in the end doncha know – and unlike you, we'll FIGHT till the bitter end even if we do have to call in a few of those bloody "Yanks"
I disagree. A viable business competes on innovation and effectiveness to a much greater extent than geography, especially in this connected and mobile age. Brexit is about self-interest of entrenched elites on both sides of the channel.
Schumpeter wrote about Creative destruction (German: schöpferische Zerstörung), sometimes known as Schumpeter's gale who derived it from the work of Karl Marx and popularized it as a theory of economic innovation and the business cycle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_destruction
One of the best sources of breaking news on Brexit can be – rather ironically – found below.
https://www.conservativehome.com/frontpage/2019/09/newslinks-for-thursday-5th-september-2019.html
"More than 100,000 people have applied to register to vote since the start of the week, with young people making up the bulk of the surge against the backdrop of a momentous 48 hours in British politics.
On Monday, 52,408 applications were submitted, according to government figures, followed by 64,485 on Tuesday.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/04/more-than-100000-people-apply-register-vote-youth-uk-general-election
The figure on both days was significantly above the typical number for weekday applications, which has averaged about 27,000 for the past month.
Parties that have traditionally drawn support from younger people will be most encouraged by the figures, which show that 58% of applications submitted on the two days were from people aged 34 and under. Many of those signing up this week are understood to be students moving into new areas for the start of term, but experts pointed out that others may have put registering on the backburner.
“It’s not surprising that there will be a lot of young people in these figures,” said Dr Toby James, a senior lecturer at the University of East Anglia who has authored reports on Britain’s low levels of voter registrations.
“But I think that there is probably a tidal wave of applications to come. We’re all guilty of leaving things to the last minute.”
Labour, in particular, has been having conversations in recent months with groups behind voter registration drives amid concerns about the limitations in systems or names “falling off” registers.
Trade aside, what about Northern Ireland?
Compensate for the loss (an agreed amount and time limit) and transition.
Some people in Northern Ireland might actually be better off without Brexit.
What if the paramilitaries don't "agree"? Hard border or soft?
Hijacking democracy is the main problem with some British members of parliament.
Have they not heard of one man or woman one vote.
Brexit is like awaiting major surgery. Get it over and done with.
Hey, if the british people (well, not Scotland but they'll probably do devolution pretty soon after this) want to commit to a bloody stupid decision which will criple their supply lines in the short term and fuck their trade structure in the long term simply because they can't admit they didn't understand the chaos their bloody stupid decision would cause, that's their business.
But what about Northern Ireland? If there's a hard border with checkpoints, the IRA will come back. If there's a soft border people will shoot the cameras on one side and the unionists will screw the system at the other side. And things will escalate.
How will you avert this scenario?
Scotland voted to stay in the UK parliament. The UK parliament had the mandate to leave the EU.
It is about being no worse off financially and maximising profit. The EU can change terms and this would affect the UK even if there was no Brexit. The terms are not yet in play.
Patience is required to establish change.
Copy that. Get it over and done with, then have patience.
Sorry, how will you stop Troubles 2: the Brexiting from happening? I keep missing the bit where you describe a border resolution that brings permanent peace to Northern Ireland.
I don't think there will be much difference in day to day life in Ireland. I feel that there is enough stability in Ireland for a Brexit to not become a flash point.
When NZ lamb and dairy got dumped in the mid 1970s by Britain NZ survived. Moyle actually got some new trading deals and look what Muldoon did to him in 1976.
There is a bit of irony as Fonterra might do well in Britain.
Ireland will survive with the assistance of the British parliament working closely with Irish MPs.
Dairy? WTF has dairy got to do with anything?
The Troubles had nothing to do with trade, and everything about national identity. Hopefully the peace holds, but you're painfully optimistic if you're not worried about it.
Britain was the main trading partner with NZ to sell dairy, beef and lamb. Once Britain joint the EU new trading partners needed to be found.
I know about the troubles IRA and British army. This has been stabilised.
When it comes to national identity the Irish Parliament will need to be carefully listened to by the British Parliament.
Do you know if the Irish Parliament will be able to make trade deals without Britain's consent once the Irish are no longer part of the EU?
I am again optimistic that exiting the EU is the right thing to do.
Time will only tell. You never know what the EU will pull out in the future. Uncertain times globally for trade due to USA and China trade relations. I am not a fan of Trump but he is decisive on trade. Unemployment is the lowest it has been in 50 years in the USA. I do realise that people are needing to pay more for some products. This may only be short term.
I have not even mentioned patent rights/intellectual property when it comes to trade.
Britain and Ireland survived prior to joining the EU and they will survive once no longer an EU trading partner.
The Irish will be part of the EU.
The Northern Irish will not.
With Britain and Eire both being in the EU, everyone could pretend their own acceptable level of fantasy. The Republicans could travel all over Ireland without customs or barriers. The British were part of Britain, even if there was no border, just like the French and Belgians don't have border checkpoints any more, and they're still separate countries, right?.
Brexit fucks this happy compromise up.
The Northern Irish Assembly is already a big compromise by the Unionists and the Republicans. Having it negotiate a free trade and movement agreement with the EU (because Eire can't negotiate a separate agreement by itself) will be seen as further devolution from Britain.
That leads to bang-bangs.
On the flipside, a no-deal brexit means a hard border. Checkpoints in County Antrim again. That means the Republicans will view it as a step back towards Unionism.
That leads to bang-bangs.
Forget trade. How will you stop the Troubles from returning? Do you really expect bojo to "listen carefully"?
An off shore check point.
… even if practical, it puts the border checks between NI and the rest of the UK. The Unionists call that "devolution". They are adamant that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
But the idea of a border checkpoint in the middle of the Irish Sea is a joke, anyway.
Something went very wrong when May spoke with the EU re Brexit situation affecting Northern Ireland. The EU need to take some responsibility for this. EU want the trade border outside of Ireland. Exactly what did EU say?
1. That Northern Ireland is part of Ireland trade system and cannot have separate trade deals and only trade with EU?
2. That Northern Ireland can trade with EU and others?
Northern Ireland and Ireland need to be able to trade with EU and others. Basically immunity from EU restrictions. A time limit of 5 years then a review.
Ireland is not overly populated and the EU could be compensated from Britain.
So risky to get out for Northern Ireland from EU. Some thinker needs to go back to what the deal was when Northern Ireland and Ireland signed up. International trading law might over ride EU decision in insisting a trading border in Ireland.
The Good Friday agreement has held for 20 years. This has been progressive.
Probably the Good Friday agreement did not have a scenario for the EU trade border if either part of Ireland left the EU.
A solution might be found in a Switzerland neutrality. International banking seems to function there.
Are there trade exceptions with Switzerland and the EU. Think Switzerland is part of the EU.
Maybe the EU might need to modernise to avoid a future scenario.
Britain and Ireland joined the EEC in 1973. To put it in partisan terms (to make it clear), British-occupied Ireland has never had independent foreign or trade policy. Look up "Potato Famine" for more information.
Until 1973, independent Ireland and British-occupied Northern-Ireland had a hard border, the result of the 1922 independence treaty. While that unified trade, the British were firmly in control of NI from London. The IRA & co had a problem with this, so the British sent in the Paras who shot some joy-riders, and everything went to shit for twenty years.
After twenty years of murders, bombings, bad movies, depressing but good movies, and okay music, the Good Friday accords fuzzed up the border and created the Northern Irish Assembly.
But if the Republic of Ireland and the United Kindom are under different trade rules, with no border between the two there will be massive amounts of smuggling both ways. The Irish won't get kicked out of the EU, and the Unionists won't let NI be separated from the UK. But if the border gets re-established anywhere, someone with thirty year old semtex will be angry.
This isn't an EU problem. It's a problem caused by the fuckers who put "325 million pounds a week" on the side of a bus rather than actually tell the truth.
What about the dual citizenship in Northern Ireland.
The EU need to think about that.
When are you Irish and when are you British when it comes to trade?
No, they don't.
If an Irish passport holder needs to cross into Ireland, no worries. A British person would need to satisfy the requirements of any other foreigner entering the EU.
If an Irish person wants to take goods from Belfast to Dublin, they pay EU duties. UK duties the other way. Same as anyone else.
This is a British problem of English construction. They chose it, but without thinking about how to solve it.
I thought if you held a Irish British passport that you could travel to any of the 27 EU countries as well travel between Britain and Ireland.
I will check if just to Northern Ireland or the whole of Ireland. Probably to the whole of Ireland as no border.
Previously I saw something about being born in Republic of Ireland or if parents or grandparents were born there.
At the moment anyone born in NI can move throught the EU, including England and Ireland.
After Brexit, this will devolve into the bounds of the Common Travel Area. So Dubliners can go to Manchester, Mancunians to Dublin, etc. This doesn't include the flow of goods, though. So the problem is if Polish goods go to Ireland and are then on-sold to Belfast and then forwarded to Manchester, at what point are duties paid to Britain and how is it detected? And what about goods travelling the opposite direction?
And NI is just one issue:
what about additional customs checks on cross-channel cargos? How will that affect the logistics chains of factories that run so lean they have to shut the production lines if they don't get replenishment every three hours? What about medications that can't be stockpiled because of their narrow expiry dates, but with no trade deals with nations that can supply them?
All of these factors should have been considered during the referendum, but people were lied to by sociopaths who didn't want to be subjected to EU tax or anti-money-laundering laws.
Brexit is the biggest tax dodge in history.
Just to wrap up on this thread for me.
DUP in Northern Ireland want to Brexit but population of Northern Ireland did not.
May back stop idea was unrealistic and time consuming. EU were unwise to settle with May on a Brexit date until the trade border with Britain and any EU trader with Britain was settled.
So now time has run out to re negotiate. EU became so stubborn and would not renegotiate.
EU needs to renegotiate and Johnson needs to put Brexit date to January.
The U in DUP stands for "Unionist".
They want a hard border on the county line, not the coast. Brexit is a way to get that.
EU doesn't need to do a damned thing. It's already negotiated one agreement and then agreed to two extensions because Britain is being bloody stupid.
I know I said my last on the thread.
What about a different date for Northern Ireland to leave the EU?
And still be able to trade under any new trade condition s with Britain. Basically dual trading. Britain could pay a tax/levy to EU.
What is population of Northern Ireland?
Very roughly speaking, that's the "Irish backstop" May agreed with the EU, but didn't get through parliament: that the UK and EU stay in a single customs union (except fish: cf: "Cod War") until they figure out what to do.
The bojo cons and the DUP oppose this solution. Bojo cons because they have fantasies about NZ beef and free trade with the USA, DUP because they see it as a concession that Northern Ireland is partly joined to Ireland, not England.
With the letter of withdrawal sent to the EU, Britain is on its way out. Because the Irish Backstop scuppered Britain ratifying the post-EU-membership agreement, it's currently going to be a no-deal brexit with hard borders on the county line.
Treetop – Major surgery? Get it over and done with. If someone's heart is removed, they need a working replacement to help them survive while another one is being fitted. And that had better work when the mechanical one is taken away.
And probably a lot of morphine. The patient might become a drug addict while trying to cope with the trauma.
Not something to rush into with a 'light heart'.
Anticipation can cause overwhelming anxiety and not change the outcome. British voters voted to leave.
There are going to be interim measures when transitioning. No one knows the fine detail yet.
Like I said above the Good Friday agreement has held for 20 years and is progressive.
It would be interesting to know what dooms day thinking was said back then regarding the agreement.
October 17 Johnson is to attend EU exit talks. The EU better be thinking hard about not having a trade border in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Population is 4.88 million.
I have nothing further to add.
(bernard hickey has covered things quite adroitly..)
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/@pro/2019/09/05/791512/young-renters-just-got-double-toasted#
(excerpt..)
'Any remaining hopes that an enlightened government would engineer a supply shock to drive home prices down to improve affordability for both renters and first home buyers has just evaporated, if it ever existed to start with.
New Housing Minister Megan Woods did her best on Wednesday to put a brave face on what was easily the worst day politically in this second Labour-led Government post-MMP. Labour deployed Green Co-Leader Marama Davidson and the Green's rent-to-own plan to try to distract from the complete capitulation of abandoning the 100,000 over 10 years target.
It also tried to dress the broken promise by making it easier to use more KiwiSaver money for home deposits and to be able to borrow more to buy a first home.
Neither will sweeten this dead rat much. It's more of a rotting and hairy cat.'..
It looks bad but I still believe we have an over supply (ref Joe Wilkes, DFA channel commentary about NZ on YT). We are one GFC 2.0 away from seeing that.
By failing they will lessen our housing market demise.
oh..i am still expecting a housing price collapse..
(that is a separate/different issue..)
and maybe over-supply' means over-priced..?
then of course there is the quality of our existing housing stock – which is pretty crap…
'tis a complex issue..
Hickey's general thesis suggests that a house-price collapse will be a DISASTER for lower-income earners and young people. Summary:
Baby Boomers own all the property.
Baby Boomers participate in elections far more than young people.
Ergo
The issues that win elections are those that favour the people that already own all the property.
If a house-price collapse happens, the Baby Boomers will demand government action to protect their investments. And they'll get it, no matter the collateral damage to renters, low-wage workers, young people, etc.
i understand that boomers vote more than the young..
but i also think that cd be about to change –
as the urgencies of the climate-change – that will effect them the most – becomes more and more..
in the last 48 hrs there has been the biggest ever surge of young (under 33) voters registering to vote for the first time – in britain…and of course brexit is help driving that..
but the fast-rising extinction rebellion also argues for the power the young have in their hands – at the ballot box..
so for those reasons – i think that young don't vote assumption could soon become passe..
and i look forward to that…
My view of the history of great depressions is that normally the less well-off get hammered and forced into selling off everything, while the ultra-rich go around cherry-picking and buying up everything they like at bargain basement prices.
A housing price collapse will probably result in lower private ownership of houses, and Corporates renting out more of them.
Actually somewhat South of 60% of boomers own their own home. Many with mortgages. Down from the 80%plus in the previous generation who retired with mortgage free houses.
Then there are the large number of boomers who are ending up with a mortgage, on retirement, to help their kids into houses.
Nearly half of boomers do not have a house, let alone housing "investments.
Failing ?
Thats not what the polls have said a month or so back. Its almost 2 to one in favour.
'"Do you think the Government should continue with the KiwiBuild scheme?"
Sixty per cent said yes, the Government should keep going, while 34 per cent said no
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/latest-kiwibuild-development-revealed-auckland-poll-shows-kiwis-still-back-concept
poll driven government was what the last government did and achieved nothing in housing…?
Poll Driven ? Kiwibuild in various guises but essentially as state builds for owners has been around as Labour party policy since about 2014.
The polls point out that the public loves kiwibuild in spite of its setbacks and Judith Collins doesnt have as much influence as she might think.
She has plenty here who parrot her talking points.
Hickey has hardly any value as a commentator on housing as he 'knows nothing'
Agree +100%
Given that Kiwibuild was touted as the panacea for all housing ills in NZ Im surprised only 60% said yes
"Given that Kiwibuild was touted as the panacea for all housing ills in NZ"
That is bullshit – this was a solution that was attempted – you are just stirring the muck to get a thrill like a low down gnat always does.
http://www.thecivilian.co.nz/government-says-it-will-now-build-just-one-really-nice-home/
Funny all those inventions over the years based on attempts to find solutions again and again after getting it wrong again and again. The gnat lovers would give up after one or two attempts and run away yapping – meanwhile people that are serious keep on trying. An even funnier thing is that imo many of the inventors and worker outerers in the past were conservative – that was the ethos. Not the quick jammy fix that the gnational party prefers with it's simpleton leader and lackey supporters. Not the party of deep thinkers anymore the gnats, that's for sure.
'Ardern also pointed out that while the government had fallen well short of its initial 100,000 homes target, it was performing “much better” in relation to its target of 100,000 measles cases.'
yes I know you get your points from a comedy account, after all you be a crasher collins devotee lol oh dear what a pity
I was going to get my comedy points from Kiwibuild but I figure its already gone beyond a joke
60% of those polled supported it.
Judith isnt getting traction with her talking points…oh dear.
Is she spending too much time on the fund raising circuit ?
Of course they want a policy of subsidised housing to keep going.
"Hello first home buyer, would you like a brand new home as your first home, you do well we'll make it cheaper for you"
I'm surprised more people didn't want it to continue but imagine if the question asked was something like: "do you think Labour will be able to build 100 000 homes in ten year"
Puck's is still madly in love with Judith.
Well it's one way of getting back the herd immunity puckers.
Always the optimist
and you are always the pessimist puke
Only a pessimist is ever pleasantly surprised…
But they don't expect the pleasant feeling to last…
Damn strait!
But I seem to remember John Key explaining that some unachieved goal of his was only 'esperational'
What is wrong with strong esperations?
The fact that people want then to carry on with kiwibuild proves most kiwis see a need for government intervention and despite labours troubles so far the are willing support their attempts to get it right .
If at first you dont succeed try again is far fucking better than anything the fuckwit nats can come up with.
yep I agree bwaghorni
Incorrect. Labours flagship policy, the policy used to discredit National, the policy that got Labour into power was not going to fail.
When critics pointed out it wouldnt work Labour said it would, Twyford insulted Treasury because they said it wouldnt work, Labour convinced enough people it would work, Jacinda was happy to pose for photos so no "If at first you dont succeed try again is far fucking better than anything the fuckwit nats can come up with." is simply not good enough
How well did Nationals cycle ways program work out and the 'big boost ' to the economy and 1000s of new jobs….. oh you like everyone else have forgotten
Just like John Keys promise – no matter what AND dont believe the naysayers- that makes it a double promise to bring the Pike River miners out that was make ( and recorded 11 months after the disaster)
Nationals not in power (if you hadn't noticed) and Kiwibuild was one of, if not the biggest, reasons that Labour got elected and the cycleway certainly wasn't
This is a monumental cock up of Twyford-like proportions and all you've got is 'National cycleways'
But hey as long as its coming from Labour is all good right
Labour do some stupid stuff for which they should be rightly bagged. But at least they do stuff. National spent most of their time arguing semantics in regard to whether the housing crisis was an actual crisis rather than merely a challenge. Talk about fiddling while Rome burns.
I'd like to think not everyone here is so blinded by partisan loyalty they're prepared to ignore Labour's failings. But let's be honest, Pucky. National have never been the party of the less fortunate. They'll make a valiant attempt to portray themselves as such every now and then, but scratch the surface and you'll find the usual callous indifference which tends to be their stock-in-trade. Paula Bennett's shameful antics around Te Puea Marae are adequate testimony. National essentially let the wound fester until it erupted in a geyser of pus and maggots, and now the current government is attempting clean up the mess while National jeer and throw rocks from the Opposition benches.
National have zero moral high-ground on this. If anything, they should be standing in a smoking crater.
Ok so did Labour know they couldn't meet their targets but went ahead with it anyway which means they deliberately lied to NZ
or did they really think they could meet the targets which makes them delusional
or could they really have met the targets but didn't which makes them incompetent
In regards to Kiwibuild Labour are either liars, delusional or incompetent
Did I miss anything out?
Labour are just getting organised they will make real progress in their second and third terms in Government IMHO ?
@ d of f..
two yrs in – the time for blaming the (undoubtedly guilty) tories for now is past…eh..?
National discredited itself – that's what happens when for seigneurial reasons you put deadwood like Nick Smith in charge of anything. Even they were too ashamed to call him housing minister in the end.
As for kiwibuild failing, it's like Marengo – Napoleon had lost the battle by 14:00 and won it back by 18:00. Housing is a critical issue and it must be built – giving up like the Gnats did, while it reflects Nick's actual capacity, cannot get the job done.
Can you let us know the official date when National stops getting blamed for Labours failings cheers
I think it'll take 'nine long years' and comcomitant jeers.
Seriously though, it would just take as long as the calculated cost of the shortfall in expenditure over those nine years on things that needed expenditure, less the surplus revenue now available to the government minus the willingness of the electorate to apportion blame upon that government of nine long years.
Whichever comes first.
Less the number of dead cats strewn upon the table, global crises, natural disasters, forest fires, possible re-elections of Boris and Donald, China, the cost of fossil fuel and who won the World Cup.
Not necessarily in that order.
I hope that helps.
Oh, and whether Judith makes it or not, or should I say, when?
Housing isn't their screw up yet – though it's true they should have done more about it under Clark. If the Gnats had not been utterly incompetent in that portfolio it would be a different story, but actually it's kind of hard to put your finger on a Gnat area of responsibility where a fairly ineffectual effort doesn't represent a vast improvement – they were rubbish – and that is the baseline against which Coalition performance is measured.
Thats wrong too.
Havent you heard of the Ramped up State House builds
havent you heard of the extended Bright line to catch the speculators and flippers
havent you heard of the Foreign buyers ban
havent you heard of the stand alone Ministry of Housing and Urban development.
Kiwibuild was soley to fix the imbalance at the value end of the new builds where they had become only 5% of the volume.
That maybe what Kiwibuild was supposed to be but the message to the people was different.
Basically Labour over promised and under delivered, this would never have happened until Helen Clark so now now Jacinda has to own her, Twyfords and Labours failure over this
I suspect what Kiwibuild was to many varies greatly. Certainly it covered the "housing problems" that were being ignored, but the scalpel of the media and opposition, and possibly insufficient time on setting out its scope, meant that it became just a small part of the "housing problem". I believe priority was rightly given to social housing, to reducing the number in motels and on waiting lists, and these do not seem to be the issues they used to be, although they are not yet totally resolved. That part of the housing problem that affected new home buyers is a problem that is a total market problem; it will not be resolved quickly, but it is not as urgent as reversing the reduction in social housing services. The number I would like to see measured is how many New Zealanders the government has assisted into some form of 'satisfactory' housing, rather than emergency housing.
As for the market failure of the building sector, we have had a serious deterioration in that industry over the term of the Nat-led government; a reliance on imported labour, a reduction in training and youth employment, fragmented small companies that had an incentive to go out of business, matched with too few trading in product supply, and starved local authorities who struggled with infrastructure and planning/ approvals. Leaky building have not helped either.
So yes there was a marketing failure by the government, but I do not think it is clear whether there is any significant failure otherwise. In effect the media and opposition have won the propaganda / lying war, with the only real winners those who are still able to exploit rental shortages . . ..
@ d of f…
being a tad clever with that poll you keep trotting out there from (in yr words)'a month or so ago'..
it was published on the 11th june – three months ago..
and the polling likely done over the month preceeding that..?
that gets us to polling data 4 months old – and pretty much useless in this post-canning kiwibuild moment..
donchareckon..?
kinda grasping at any straw floating by there..d of j..?
What was new over the last few months ?
Nothing until last week.
The numbers who are aligned with your ideas was 34% !
What exactly is your land development or construction expertise or knowledge of even planing.
Im pretty sure you dont have the foggiest and wouldnt know your bracing wall from your elbow.
'arr – arr – i have 'ammered the odd nail – seen the odd bracing wall – and can remember once helping to build a nickel-refinery – and i do have some knowledge of ‘planing’ – i can make my wood smooth – does that count..?'
(said in lancashire accent..)
heh..!..but really – what the fuck has that got to do with anything here..?
you are getting desperate – aren't you..(not waving – flailing..heh..!)
and plse don't try selling some meme that i am/was anti-kiwibuild..
my anger at the failures is from disappointment – not opposition too..mm-kay..?
Glurglurglurg- eh! Hehehe? Arrrghalarggh… eh?
If the reset was really important our PM would have been present, like many well educated leaders appear to follow … good news be associated with the release, bad news allow others to be seen. Thus protecting the brand.
(and in some good news..a cool open-source off-grid solar-freezer..woo-hoo..!)
https://boingboing.net/2019/09/05/frozen-sunshine.html
'it uses a standard chest freezer with added thermal mass, a simple controller, and a photovoltaic panel that effectively stores sunshine as coldness, obviating the need for expensive backup batteries.
The Fridge0 is an advance on traditional off-grid 12v solar fridges that assume that solar panels are expensive and inefficient; by exploiting modern PV technology,
Hess says "A kilowatt of solar panels provides enough power to run a conventional fridge on even most cloudy days, and costs less than a commercial offgrid fridge."
"A kilowatt of solar panels provides enough power to run a conventional fridge on even most cloudy days, and costs less than a commercial offgrid fridge."
What does that amount to .. the whole roof ?
don't have the tech-knowledge to answer that..
but they do mention using 'advances in photovolteic tech'…and that it is much cheaper than usual set-ups.
so i d presume not 'the whole roof'..
did you read the links…?..they should answer yr questions..
No, sorry, I lost the link somehow. My bad ..
Depending on the efficiency of the panels, between 4 and 10 sq m of panels will give you 1 kW peak output.
Given a fridge-freezer or chest freezer only draws around 150W or less when running, I presume putting in 1 kW of panels is so they can run even on really dark cloudy days.
Dunno if they've got anything fancier for their thermal mass than just a jug filled with a 30% propylene glycol solution that freezes around -15 degrees C.That's all a distant rellie needed 25 years ago for their off-grid set-up.
Frequency of the power supply is important too – so an inverter is required to convert solar DC to AC – unless you have a DC fridge.
The 150W 'while running' is about right , but as they stop and start often , you will draw much more for a few secs to spin up the compressor- could be the the 1Kw.
The article talks about having a battery to manage shutting it off. That would be useful to manage the startup surge, as well as managing the power on cloudy days if the output of the panels is marginal so it's not trying to kick on and off all the time. Seems to me it would make more sense to just invest in a few more batteries to take advantage of all the engineering and economies of scale for making conventional off-grid systems and be done with it.
1kw of panels is approx 8.5 square metres.
Recently I read of taking a freezer, changing the thermostat to operate around 4+ degrees, and using it as the household fridge. Toploaders loose less chill. Stay cold longer. Better insulated. Standard fridge use up to 2Kw per day. The freezer/fridge use less than 1kw per day. (I once made a built-in top loading chilly bin for a boat I built, with 4inch insulation, and by putting in frozen goods it would stay cool enough for 5-7 days.)
cool..!..thanks for than info…
A combined fridge freezer like my upright LG 298 litre has a single source of cooling for the unit, the cold air is circulated to each compartment to maintain the temp – it has both a freezer temp adjustment outside, 5 levels ( with vacation and quick freeze settings) and a fridge adjustment inside.
Sounds like its easier to get a modern unit – even second hand – and reduce your power consumption that way.
That is cool. Lol
Anything that makes us more independent of the grid, the better.
EcoFlow DELTA, the world's strongest battery-powered generator just launched on Kickstarter. Don't think EF ships to NZ yet. I tried the end of last year to buy their stuff and couldn't 🙁
Doesnt NZ post have a scheme where they have a contact point in US who then on-ships to NZ- all as a seamless service
https://www.nzpost.co.nz/tools/youshop
Your link includes the following statement
"International postage excludes any GST, duty and customs clearance costs that may be payable on arrival in New Zealand.".
The current Government are insisting that companies like Amazon should collect GST due on things they ship to New Zealand and remit the taxes to the New Zealand Government.
Why is a Government owned organisation like New Zealand Post already doing that?
They are just the shippers , Amazon are the seller who know what the item is and its worth.
The Amazon tax came in two forms , the first was for 'online type services and subscriptions' where there wasnt a physical shipping, just dowmloads etc.
The later one was the $400 'exemption' for GST for imported physical items for personal use.
That last rule means sellers with more than $60k annual sales to NZ are required to 'register and collect the tax' .
NZ Post seems to be just following the rules, not that Ive used it are current with ALL the details
Roger Waters Performs ‘Wish You Were Here’ in Assange’s Support in London
This is worth watching – actually introduction by John Pilger starts at almost six minutes in. Powerful words from him, as well as Roger Waters
marama davidson was impressive on rent-to-own etc on nat-red this morn…
she was also urging the building of many state houses…
Something urgent for Labour to attend to – the way that citizens who have difficulties in the wonderful free market neolib system are being treated in a shocking manner.
https://www.cpag.org.nz/assets/Publications/4-0%2031964%20Kathryn's%20Story.pdf
A Child Poverty Action Group Background Paper
Kathryn’s Story
How the Government spent well over $100,000 and 15 years pursuing a chronically-ill beneficiary mother for a debt she should not have.
By Catriona MacLennan
While it was over twenty years ago when she was alleged to have fraudulently obtained a benefit, this case has a history that starts well before that. The cycle of poverty and abuse began, as so often is the case, in her own childhood. It is fair to say that the way she has been treated in the judicial process, both the criminal conviction, her imprisonment, and the subsequent pursuit for reparations has been extremely damaging for her children and compounded her own Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder arising from her previous traumatic experiences. The NZ Treasury has recently shown that poor outcomes for children by the time they are young adults are highly correlated with having “a finding of abuse or neglect, time spent in care of child protection services; most of their lifetime supported by benefits; a parent who has received a community or custodial sentence; a mother who has no formal qualifications.” NZ Treasury 2016.
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/09/06/cpag-mourns-passing-of-kathryn-and-calls-for-a-more-just-welfare-system/
Contrast those circumstances and outcome with Southern Repsonse's deceitful actions attempting to deny a couple $200,000.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-49601320
Parliament is "falling apart before our eyes" thanks to Brexit, one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement has said.
Seamus Mallon, former NI (Northern Ireland) deputy first minister, described Boris Johnson as a "carpetbagger", which he defined as someone without principles….
Mr Mallon was deputy first minister from 1998 to 2001.
He is considered to be one of the key negotiators of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
"The lunacy of putting a referendum in Britain in relation to trying to unite the Tory party was a monumental mistake, and they have staggered from one mistake after another," Mr Mallon told BBC News NI, on the margins of the Kennedy Summer School in County Wexford.
"And this is the mother of parliaments. This is the home of democratic political process and it is falling apart before our eyes, and it is doing it in such a way that a carpetbagger like Boris Johnson is now leading it as prime minister."
Recalcitrant Boorish.
Boris Johnson has said he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than ask the EU to delay Brexit beyond 31 October.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49598118
Falling apart ?
Its called democracy .
he should talk about how democracy as defined in the GFA about the Northern Ireland Assembly has completely collapsed. Its zero, zilich , nada gone.
As an aside I did a word search on the GFA agreement, and the border is hardly mentioned at all.
Free travel ( and residency) for Irish citizens through out the entire UK came in 1922
There's something Blobbyjobby and I agree on. I'd rather he was dead in a ditch too.
Had this gem come up on my feed – worth watching if you need a reminder
Never ask that person who changes their mind, to do or have anything again. Don't have anything to do with them. They are losers! And this vid goes on for too long. Make the point faster – remember the ten second attention span that is talked about today. It is otherwise a greeaaat video. (That's really meant to be 'great', just got too long.)
I don’t like your comment much.
Not sure what's going on with you at the moment – hope it gets better for you.
Goodness marty mars – I am fine but just trying to keep thinking not becoming a reactive paper towel sucking up every idea that is presented in a conformist way to the in-meme. How about you?
well that meme was not designed for a 70 year old women (feel free to show to family and friends for their men if you want) – so maybe just have a wee think…
Who is the 70 year old woman?
I thought you were – sorry if I've got it wrong – I was sure you had written that but probably misinterpreted.
Agreed! That's another horrible comment. A trend emerges.
If the person who said yes to sex, but then changes their mind for whatever reason, they're a loser and you shouldn't go near them again. Wow.
So how would that work in a marriage situation? Blank your partner for ever or get divorced?
Calm down and go make yourself a cup of tea.
Try thinking Jimmy instead of short reactive jabs of no particular value to people, except to your satisfaction that you can read and write.
A person who changes their mind is a looser?
It's an excellent video and it goes for as long as it does because some people just cannot accept every individual has the right to any decision they choose to make and then change their mind if they so wish.
Sounds to me like that video touched a rather raw nerve with you Greywarshark and that maybe it should have gone on for another 3 days before you actually understood and accepted the point it was making.
For tea or sex, that's a "fail: safe" approach. If someone regards that approach as reasonable regardless of circumstance, they're probably not really equipped to safely offer consensual tea or sex in the first place, so for them it is actually a reasonable approach.
Whereas the "fail: deadly" approach is that someone who doesn't particularly understand consent still tries to have sex with other people, or make them drink tea.
I can only presume that the Fresh Water Discussion Document is intended only to be Labour’s opening gambit. Parker must know a fair bit of it will not be acceptable to the farming community or to the National Party. Legislation of this nature has to be sustainable across successive governments, it can’t be just acceptable to the party in power.
There will be a lot of support including within the farming community for more planting on stream margins, wider margins, and much stronger protection for wetlands. Probably with subsidies to help pay for it.
There will be major opposition to getting resource consents for farming changes or increased production. I predict that won’t survive consultation. I reckon NZF will oppose, as will National. If it is passed into law with NZF support, then I am certain such a requirement will be repealed by the next National government.
The more interesting discussion will be around monitoring water quality on farms. There is a very good case for it, with the intention of doing things to improve water quality. I reckon this will happen, but not with a whole raft of government inspectors. More likely a partnership with Dairy NZ.
If you really believe that then I fear you are 10 years out of date….with dairy (esp) under financial pressures unrelated the rural sector and banks will see the opportunity to use this to hedge future income streams (with gov assistance) and the noise from the likes of FF spokespersons will be largely disregarded.
National may well find they have backed a loser if they try to push back too hard….the dairy sector growth has been milked dry, time for ‘the next big thing’
yep some self interested and selfish farmers oppose water quality controls – pity not enough decent caring farmers are speaking up against their destructive brethren – still early days yet and the tide is turning against farming practices that are hurting the environment and communities.
Resource consent for some farming activities is already here.
https://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Media/Consent/Guide-for-applying-for-intensive-farming-consent.pdf?ext=.pdf
And in places like the central north island lakes I think it covers all farming
https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Community/Your-community/For-Farmers/Taupo/Nitrogen-management-in-the-Lake-Taupo-catchment/
getting your information about Government policies from Hosking can only lead to egg on face Wayne
Just filing away for future reference the admission that, when it comes to measures to improve NZ's freshwater quality, "a fair bit of it will not be acceptable to the farming community or to the National Party."
I did know that already, of course, but it's nice to have someone involved in the National Party state it so explicitly.
PM
Shock, horror! Farmers and National don’t accept every single policy point that Labour proposes. Who would have guessed? They must be really bad to think like that.
Correlation is not causation: they are incredibly bad, but they were bad even before they took up shitting in our water.
no wayne – 'shock/horror' at national quite happy to allow the continued befouling of our environment/world..
and this at the behest of the biggest leeches – since forever ('it's rained – give us some money..!..we are the backbone of the economy – it hasn't rained – give us some more money..!..we are the backbone of the economy!' – repeat ad nauseum)
i think we are all sick of that schtick..eh wayne..?
so if you want to wave yr arms and say 'i'm/national is with them..!'..
why don't you do that – and we'll see how that goes down with an increasingly angry/impatient rest of us..eh..?
and if you can't see/feel that growing anger/impatience – wayne – at the excuses/behaviour/whining.polluting of the (fast going down the gurgler) dairy industry..
you clearly have all the political nous of a doorknob..
eh wayne..?
If you actually read my initial comment, I do think more needs to be done (wider stream margins, more planting, preserving wetlands, better monitoring, and other things) I support a fair amount in the discussion document. A lot of it is good.
But that doesn’t mean I and others have to agree with everything in it. And just because farmers don’t agree with everything doesn’t automatically make them the “ biggest leeches – since forever”.
The left, or at least a fair part of it, automatically thinking of farmers that way will result in a much bigger divide than currently exists. And not a way to get constructive dialogue.
Wayne: have you read, "The Honorable Nick Smith…and me – the art of water politics" by Sam Mahon?
You should. I hope you will and when you do, would you care to comment here?
Thanks.
Robert
Hey, he isn’t responsible for Nick Smith. It is like saying that I’m responsible for John Tamihere because he used to be a sort of a progressive and a Labour MP. Who knew that they were kind of a dickheads?
Of course getting rid of John Tamihere appears to have been a whole easier for Labour it is has been for National to cast off their waste.
Isn't there a convention of collective responsibility? In which case Wayne was indeed responsible for Nick Smith; if he wasn't up to snuff (and he ain't) it was Wayne's job, among others, to get rid of him.
I didn't for a moment expect Wayne to take responsibility for Nick Smith. I merely wanted to know his view on the story the book tells. It's a great read.
you seem to be missing quite a bit of the big-picture there wayne..
dairy/meat-extraction industries are going down the gurgler..
aside from the other problem of a global-glut..
there is the rise of plant-based dairy/meat..
and what nobody is talking about..the increased climate-change pressures on exporting our dairy/flesh to the other side of the planet..
we are going to have to become more inward looking/self-sufficient..
these will be our new priorities..
Farmers and National don’t accept every single policy point that Labour proposes.
More specifically, they don't accept any policy point that would significantly improve NZ's freshwater quality – those are the bits that "will not be acceptable to the farming community or to the National Party." If that weren't the case, farmers and National would be willing to give a fair hearing to proposals beyond doing a bit more planting along river banks.
You do realise Canterbury wouldnt be in this mess of you and you cronies hadn't sacked the democratically elected board ecan so you could sugar fuel the economy.
bwaghorn – have you read the Sam Mahon story?
It's a cracker. Required reading, I reckon.
I reckon confiscating the surplus cows on poosy farms could be a go wayknee. Whatchoo reckon?
Don't think it is meant to go through.
Like the trial school lunches it is just something that sounds big popped either side of the KiwiBuild fiasco to try to take the focus off what a complete hash it is.
Seems to be working if you listen to talkback
I believe David Parker is entirely sincere in his intentions and statements.
I believe Robert Mugabe was entirely sincere in his intentions and statements.
Seems you'd believe anything; I suppose you trusted Key and English as well!
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
a question on the back of that….do you think Parker has the interests of the environment at heart?
Ab
So
Lutely!
and yet his favourite word is 'growth'…go figure
Trees grow. Are you sure you've explored his meaning thoroughly?
I used to think hed make a great Labour Party leader but the more I read of his comments in the media the more I decided he is neoliberal at heart…might be a result of when he was educated, who knows…. I suspect he would have been in his happy place in a Douglas cabinet…and thats saying something
I've met him a few times and like his boldness. I agree he's more right than I am, but I reckon he feels the urgency of environmental degradation keenly and is making a last-ditch stand. It's now or never, he seems to have learned and resolved. In my personal experience.
dont doubt his conviction to address the issue but do question his understanding of its cause
Parker came to a farmers meeting at Ashburton before the last election and showed his true colours. Questioned on his intentions regarding the ill intentioned water tax it was obvious that the environment was secondary to putting farmers out of business.
Am well aware of Parkers reputation in rural sector…wasnt where I was looking…hes an obviously intelligent guy (who isnt beholden to Ag sector) but seems to struggle with the link between growth and environmental degradation…curious (IMO)
"it was obvious that the environment was secondary to putting farmers out of business."
Utter nonsense, Ian. You need to settle and rethink.
Do farmers really want to admit their business model depends on the rest of us paying their pollution costs?
I've seen commentary from more responsible farmers, that are annoyed with Federated farmers, and National, giving them a bad name.
BTW. Even the oil industry stopped routinely Flushing oil into the water, decades ago. Why are farmers still allowed to pollute waterways.
Why can everyone else accept new legislation that is for the public good and Wayne and his farmers can't?
Whether it be a lowered speed limit or the banning of plastic bags, people generally adjust and accept and move on.
However, I did not know New Zealand laws do not apply to farmers.
This is interesting on what causes insomnia or unrefreshing sleep leading to depression. It is good stuff but oddly lit, but good overall. She looks at the result of being bombarded with negative messages every day etc.
Tedtalk: Attention – This is Why you can't Sleep. Bronwyn Milkins research.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaAydEAKglw 10 mins.
worth a bonus
"Floppy Johnson can't get an election"
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/4676854/brexit-news-boris-johnson/
+1
Not to be viewed by those easily triggered by facts, and/or facing up to reality.
Just remember, satire is your friend… Unless your a usual tory, snowflake, deniary, push any lie for power sort – then it's your enemy.
Historical perspective for those chicken littles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_votes_of_no_confidence_in_British_governments
These are ones where the government was defeated
Shane Jones puts $94.8 million into fixing the rail line from Auckland to Northland.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1909/S00167/government-investment-in-northland-rail-welcomed.htm
Looks like the Minister chose the "just fix it" option rather than the full-throated "let's connect the rail line to Northport and prepare to shift some of Auckland's port" option.
The repairs look like they are going to be done next year. That's hopefully good for those still underemployed in this part of Northland.
Still leaves open the possibility of a proper shift once the government finally lands on the Upper North Island ports study, and can then unveil a proper rail line and sea port upgrade for Whangarei in time for the election.
yeah – that's all very good…
Shane has actually got a good brain despite all his bravado imho ?
Hmmm. Potential extra stroke risk for vegans – could it be the stress of arguing about it with everyone? https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/food-news/115583500/study-finds-a-plantbased-diet-is-linked-to-a-higher-risk-of-stroke
…extra stroke risk for vegans….
A couple of years ago, for reasons known only to himself, my man decided to not avoid that hole in the asphalt and tumbled he and his wheelchair arse over tip. Now he's a Big Lad my man, all of six foot four and at least 100kgs, so the chances of me getting him re-seated by myself are nil. The only help available were a vegan couple from eastern Europe, somewhere. I'm going "One, two, three lift! and they are doing… nothing. I try French, then German, with little extra effect. This pale and almost bloodless pair had absolutely no umph at all.
It was me who nearly had the stroke…
@ mcdonald..
what a fascinating anecdote..about how going vegan makes you so weak..
you have almost convinced me to eat flesh again..
but hang on..!
have you ever seen something like this..?
https://www.vegansouls.com/vegan-bodybuilders
number 8 is particularly impressive..
so is the 75 yr old…
the women don’t look that weak either..
…have you ever seen something like this..?
Fascinating. And I'm sure there would be no anecdote had any of that line up been available.
Btw….the reason I know the Pale and Weak Ones were vegan is that was the reason they gave for not be able to lift…
Yeah I'm sure they're not getting any 'help' at all
Better living through chemistry!
Righteousness is the best stimulant.
is this one for me..?…ok..
first off the added risk recognised is 3 more strokes every thousand subjects…
(quite the small percentile – i think we all cd agree..)
(in the same study flesh-eaters had 10 more coronaries every 1,000 aubjects – why isn't that the headline..?..)
third off the data used is decades old..
'"This is data that's been collected from a couple of decades ago", Phillips explained.
"It might well be that the typical vegetarian diet today looks very different to a vegetarian or vegan diet from 20 or 30 years ago.
"They looked at what people ate and followed them for years, so it's an association, not cause-and-effect".
(hope that clarifies all that..)
I'm fascinated by your ability to correctly identify the flaws in those arguments against vegan diets, but completely miss very similar flaws in the "red meat causes colon cancer" argument.
well y'see andre – you are confusing the message and the messanger..
the red-flesh/processed-meat/bowel-cancer thing isn't me speaking..
i am just parroting the warnings from those with the medical expertise enabling them to reach that conclusion/issue those warnings..
i am not medically qualified to view their conclusions in a critical/analytical-way..
not my ballgame..
hope that clarifies that..
wallace chapman – david slack – and leonie freeman all riffing on the vegan-lady/bbq thing..on rnz panel..
complete and utter wankers – all three of them…
their ignorances as wide as they are deep..
..fools..!
To be fair phil, you have to include Cilla Carden in your list of wankers.
Not because she is vegan per se, Because of her self centredness and strong sense of entitlement.
can i run a hypothetical past you..
an orthodox jewish old folks home..people who have spent their whole lives avoiding pork like i avoid all flesh..
a new neighbour moves in..and insists on cooking pigs on a spit out in the backyard..each every day..
and this is right next to where the old people sit in the afternoon sun /their exercise area..
do you feel they would have any rights to try to stop this clear and obvious nuisance/impairment of their rights to their quiet enjoyment..?
another nuance to this is we don't know what drove her to go to court..
from the sound of it it was similar to what i outlined in the hypothetical..
and we don't know what complete and utter arseholes those neighbours may have been..
in their 'let's get the vegan lady'…
(and given how the fleshies on here pile into me – getting all hysterical..
i can easily see that mob-mentality at play here..
so no..ii can't call her a wanker..
(but i have met plenty of vegans – who i have thought are wankers = if that helps..?…)
but as for chapman/slack/freeman – no doubt – total ignorant wankers – all of them..
a total nuance-free zone..
Yep I agree
It is hard to describe the smell of meat burning when you don't like it – sorta like puke on wings. It is the hardest thing for me as a vege to tolerate and I have to over and over again with no thought for my sensibilities.
I fully get why she took a stand for her rights.
'sorta like puke on wings'..
aye..!
In regards yr hypothetical, sure, ask them to not cook meat all day every day.
Complain to management, organize a petition..
But when you look round and are the only one right….
As for not knowing why she complained: The neighbours were carnivorous, breeding, smoking people that incidentally had foreign sounding names. Oh, also, Cilla is a self centred person with a highly developed sense of entitlement
I can take you at yr word that the panel was a wank fest over the vegan story in Oz.
When I read the articles about Cilla Carden and she is quoted as saying:
"They've put it there so I smell fish, all I can smell is fish. I can't enjoy my backyard, I can't go out there." Self centred – check
and "It's been devastating, it's been turmoil, it's been unrest, I haven't been able to sleep," she said. Hyperbole and exaggeration – Check.
Then you add her desire for the children not to play basketball (too noisy).
Top it off with being told that the Supreme Court Judge and the State Administrative Tribunal have sided with her neighbours and have refused her appeal.
In anyones langauge, that is being a wanker.
Is a two way street….where does the ability to object start and finish? Is it in the middle ground where the majority can accommodate or is it somewhere else?At some point it becomes dysfunctional does it not?
Aussie anti intellectualism adopted by the RNZ panel–Boofheads munching on charred animal bits is an achievement apparently…
Veganism and Vegetarianism is the future, and many are attempting to live it right now–but Whadarrryaaaaaa! seems the regular bloke response, hard working, god fearin’ Nu Zilundas eat meat–got it!…
yep..!
Zimbabwe will be celebrating tonight, mugabe has passed away.
“His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten…….
Not wrong about that….mugabe has been accused of being a dictator responsible for economic mismanagement, widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and crimes against humanity.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/zimbabwe-president-robert-mugabe-dies-aged-95-190906050943163.html
His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgiven.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/africa/115612520/zimbabwes-first-postindependence-leader-robert-mugabe-has-died-at-the-age-of-95
Better late than never I suppose
Edit:
The ability of the older voter to comprehend that the status quo can not be an option; to grasp on BAU is for the innocent, ignorant middle aged and the olders resolutely looking away towards the tourism attractions and way from the real world.
Chris Trotter in TDB. https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/09/06/the-brexit-revolution-breaking-britain-to-remake-it/
The Telegraph has a piece on what may be a wily Conservative twist-and-turn conga led by Boorish.
https://premium.telegraph.co.uk/newsletter/article0/ignore-the-remainer-triumphalism-boris-is-still-on-course-for-victory
Run you weakling pricks but you can't hide.
Here's a Man Eco Maori admires and agrees with Kia Kaha stay strong keeping the Neanderthal in Check Ka pai
John Kerry says we can't leave climate emergency to 'neanderthals' in power
It’s a lie that humanity has to choose between prosperity and protecting the future, former US secretary of state tells Australian conference
The former US secretary of state John Kerry has warned that humanity risks marching off a cliff unless governments take immediate action to fight the climate emergency.
In a keynote address to the Global Table food and agriculture conference, Kerry made veiled swipes at the Australian government’s lack of climate and energy policy. He also weighed in on the heated debate about the massive Adani coalmine proposed for north Queensland.
“We just can’t sit on our asses and leave the political process to neanderthals who don’t want to believe in the future,” Kerry told the audience in Melbourne. “We have a dearth of leadership, but this will turn.”John Kerry: US 'cannot afford truculent child president
The former US Democratic presidential candidate said it was not a choice between taking action on the climate emergency and securing jobs and growth.
“They are not separate. And anybody who persists in putting forward that notion that you have to make the choice – you can either have jobs plus prosperity or you can protect the environment and the future. That’s a lie
Ka kite Ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/sep/03/john-kerry-says-we-cant-leave-climate-emergency-to-neanderthals-in-power
Kia Ora Newshub
The governments of the Papatuanuku need to do the humane thing and help the tangata of the Bahamas servive the huge mess hurricane Dorian made of their Island why because the government of the world are responsible for the cause of CLIMATE CHANGE
That's why I dislike PEE some people will do anything to get there next fix that phenomenon is what drives most crimes and thefts.
I have read that it's hot in Australia at the minute The Bush fire season has started early there government is still backing old carbon neanderthals.
Vegans are 22% more likely to have a stroke there you go we need a good veritable diet yes we can lower our protein consumption but not leaving animals protein out of our diet totally is what I believe.
I don't think that Wahine actor from America should be jailed for what she and many wealth people do.
Yes Wallaby need to be control to protect our native floral and birds and stop them from going extinct.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
There you go more PEE fueled Crime.
Don't count your chicken on brexit tangata
The way the Hawaii government is treating the tangata whenua O Hawaii is bad and sad. That is the way simon wanted to treat tangata whenua o Aotearoa Protesters.
The Amazon fires are a great man made desaster it shows that the government is not very intelligent they don't understand how Papatuanuku diversity of wild life is a great taonga that needs to be protected the. muppets
Ka kite Ano
https://youtu.be/qQfetkoGrpU
We are making a big mess in Tangaroa and on the whenua this is causing a masse extinction of our wild life and environment.
All in the goal of humanity instant satisfaction. Ie boil the jug to make a cup of tea turn on the light by a new TV because the relies have a better one. We have become a throw away society and in the process we are throwing away OUR FUTURE descendints right to a natural healthy life. We need to change and manufacture thing to last 20 years at least and stop using products with a huge carbon footprint.
After bronze and iron, welcome to the plastic age, say scientists
Plastic pollution has entered the fossil record, research shows
Plastic pollution is being deposited into the fossil record, research has found, with contamination increasing exponentially since 1945.
Scientists suggest the plastic layers could be used to mark the start of the Anthropocene, the proposed geological epoch in which human activities have come to dominate the planet. They say after the bronze and iron ages, the current period may become known as the plastic age.
The study, the first detailed analysis of the rise in plastic pollution in sediments, examined annual layers off the coast of California back to 1834. They discovered the plastic in the layers mirrors precisely the exponential rise in plastic production over the past 70 years.
Most of the plastic particles were fibres from synthetic fabrics used in clothes, indicating that plastics are flowing freely into the ocean through waste water Ka kite Ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/sep/04/plastic-pollution-fossil-record
Some Eco Maori Music For The Minute.
https://youtu.be/SKprXO-f2pM
Kia Ora Newshub.
Whanau don't fall this con as you see they target the common poor people stay away from skyway capital. They no poor people are desperate and will believe there rubbish and lies IF ITS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE THAN ITS A LIE.
I can guess why the USA is doing that nothing is logical in the USA now.
The Bahama desaster after math is evedince that global warming is going to affect the poor people the most.
TE REO Language week is awesome too celebrate Maori Language as a taonga.
I hope there is not too many people lives are affected negativey and wild life losses with the Australian Bush fire season starting earlier than expected.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
Eco Maori reception is not receiving Maori TV Tawhirimate is going Mana at the minute.
Ka kite Ano
So, the Trump Administration ordered the management of the central meteorological agency, NOAA to reverse its claim that Alabama was not included in the original forecast track for Hurricane Dorian?
Blackmail? If you don't reverse your original statement we'll remove your government financial resources – or something like that?
Meteorologists throughout the country are angry and upset at the way the "management" have folded. Shocking!
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/07/sharpiegate-trump-alabama-hurricane-dorian
A trumpkin beholding to dear leader
https://twitter.com/cmkinmia/status/1170340769070223362
edit: tidied up and replied to the right thread
It's not funny any more. Beyond disgraceful that a scientific organisation whose primary task is to advise and warn the public of weather related events should be undermined in the course of its duty.
Totally agree Anne – somehow this has now become de rigueur in Trumpland. For instance the EPA is just a shadow of its former self, and there is now hardly a Department of State that has a permanent head. The US administration is practically on its knees. Trump plays on his phone keyboard while America burns.
Rotten.
https://twitter.com/jamiedupree/status/1170521328748830720
Beat you by 2 mins. 🙂
It's not funny anymore though. Bloody disgraceful!