Yet another driver failing to stop for police with tragic consequences. Lets hope the judge uses the full extent of the law when sentencing him to keep him locked up and off the roads for as long as possible.
Oddly enough, I was in Christchurch late last week and paid about 10 cents a litre less (for diesel) than when I got back to Dorkland early this week and filled up at Glen Eden Gull (usually near the cheapest around here).
GAS never seems particularly low-priced here in Orclund, unlike Gull. Whereas the mainland has NPD and Allied which both seemed reliably low-priced. Gull and Waitomo also appear to be starting up down there.
"Apathy towards mainstream politicians has seen support for independent candidates surge by five percentage points, according to a new poll.
The Savanta ComRes poll for the Telegraph found that six per cent of British adults plan to support aspiring MPs who do not belong to any of the six main parties on December 12.
The pollster puts support for “other” parties at 6 per cent – higher than the 4 per cent planning to support the SNP, the 3 per cent behind the Brexit Party and the 2 per cent voting for the Greens.
However, the results may also reflect methodological change .."
.. one week until election day there is still time for public opinion to shift – just as it did away from Theresa May in 2017.
Labour have been steadily narrowing the gap with the Tories, in-part thanks to a relatively popular manifesto, but continue to suffer from the on-going accusations of anti-Semitism which are plaguing both party and leader.
Still some life in the old anti-Semitism canard yet. Whereas the real Islamophobia in the Tories is seldom mentioned. The closing gap can yet again be attributed to the election period rules pegging back the anti-Labour media bias from the stratospheric to the merely blatant.
I understand his personal situation to be genuine and I think he did have a case, which is why I offered to speak to his local MP," Faafoi told Newshub
From the link: "Text messages obtained by Newshub … "
Translation: "Jason Kerrison has given Tova O'Brien … "
There is no other possible source (unless you think Tova can hack into Facebook and phones).
Honest reporting would be: "Today, in an attempt to manipulate me and you, I was sent these messages, which I will now pass off as an exclusive, as if I had done the investigating myself."
Kerrison is his own worst enemy. Faafoi referred his case to Northland MP Matt King who apparently asked Kerrison to contact him. Kerrison apparently never did.
Yeah I had forgotten all about that weirdness. His is not a style of music that resonates with me so seeing his name pop up during the local elections was a surprise.
My son did have the same problems with immigration as Jason had early last year.
Where my son had met a German lady while over there in Germany for a wedding.
His girlfriend later came to NZ after my son returned home to NZ and my son and her approached immigration and requested a work permit for her as she had university certification to show high work value skills for NZ.
Shockingly she was roughly told by the immigration officials "don't bother to send in an application as we will not look at it" !!!!
So as parents both my wife and I arranged to meet with our local MP Stuart Nash and explained the situation that as disabled older folks we needed my son here to care for us.
Stuart Nash said he can't help but would allow his staff to contact the Immigration department to see what they can do, and it never came to anything,
So we lost our son who was a fully licenceed Master Electrician when he went back to Germany to live with his fiance.
Nothing now makes any sense to us when you see the Government is prepared to break up even NZ born families now.
It was bad for my son it be treated that way as my Wife and I remember when our Son told us what Immigration NZ said that they would ignore any application for his Fiance to get a work permit he was very angry.
As he had worked very hard to get his full registration/licence to become a fully fledged Master Electrician he was despondent with legitimate reasons.
Considering almost any other country would welcome a skilled tradesman into their country but not his own with the wife of his choice.
Rest assured @ Cleangreen, our Immigration policy is based on "best practice" (/sarc) – which is pretty much code for not very much of it makes any sense.
I've given up having any sympathy for any of the 'officials ' that have, and continue to make fuckup after fuckup (as a matter of record), AND for ministers/associate minister that refuse to undertake radical reform of the cistern.
Ministers are going to continue to be let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they do.
More fool them though eh! As far as I know, masochism and flagellation is legal. Not as though the whole issue of immigration policy could be the tipping point of an election given an opposition wanting to use any dirty trick at their disposal.
* "………..let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they do." = " ……….let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they (a gummint) do undertake radical reform".
I feel for Kris Faaoi having worked so hard to do so much for NZ to be badgered like that, and then possibly see that work jeopardised by someone you felt that close to. In the interests of NZ the Coalition need to stop trusting that others are as honourable & honest as they are, it looks like many media – certain ones in particular are basing their entire careers on it – some govt employees & those who will call you friend are driven by self interest. It's actually a very sad and undeserved day that Mr Faafoi is facing.
pffffft to all above and below. (I'm desperate to know when we can apply for funding for a series of Border Force NZ. The dogs are in training, some Shortland Street star is rehearsing the smart-arse voice-overs, Julie Christie's bidding for the rights, and NuZullOn Ear are considering funding applications)
By the way …. Does anyone know if that queue jumper Dawn Baxendale's visa has been sorted?
Edit
China attempted to control its projected population growth by decree and brute force. The culture elevates males to carry the family line and fortunes down the generations. One child only was allowed to most people. So males took precedence often. Some people drowned their girl baby in a bucket.
It was a traumatic decree with consequences with now a vastly skewed gender balance which will have the affect of females being greatly prized but also being objects to be controlled and guarded, not free, and likely to be traded in a commercial way for advantage.
Chinese men are looking to Pakistan and women trafficking with 629 victims of a people smuggling ring being accused. But Pakistan wants to obtain agreements 'to cement business with its ally' so witnesses are being told to stay schtum.
To lessen birth numbers the MIT in USA is working on a contraceptive pill that will give a month's protection from only one taken each month. That may be good if it passes trials for safety and effectiveness.
(Items – p.16 Nelson Mail World section Dec 6 2019 Fairfax).
But I think there must be an effort to limit the population burden on countries and the planet. We could allow people to choose their time of death after the age of 75, and ensure that this was properly planned for, with respect and effectively achieved according to the wishes of the person.
He said they were wrong to back the Conservatives and “don’t understand” what is happening in the Labour seats being contested by the Brexit Party. The BBC's Andrew Neil told Mr Farage that links that the MEPs had to the Tories were well known when he “paraded” them as Brexit Party candidates.
(Farage reminds me of pictures of Toad in Wind and the Willows. Anyone else see a likeness?) Confusion in Labour about Brexit – why would they be disturbed at having another Brexit vote? Which must first have a legally raised majority level to ensure it's a widely and firmly supported decision.)
.
In Hartlepool, in northeast England, most people voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. Now they are threatening to switch to pro-Brexit parties. Al Jazeera's Emma Hayward reports from Hartlepool.
.
EU's Donald Tusk (Polish politician) is not confused, he has considered and pronounces: Brexit has been “one of the most spectacular mistakes” in the history of the EU and followed a campaign marked by “an unprecedented readiness to lie”, Donald Tusk has said….
The unabashed anglophile, who recently said he would “in my heart always be a remainer”, put himself at odds with other EU leaders by declaring it would still be better for both sides if Brexit did not happen. Many EU diplomats fear any second referendum leading to a remain result would mean festering divisions in the UK that would block the EU from making decisions – a view Tusk strongly rejected.
A little slow with my Israel Folau comment, but here's my penny's worth:
A satisfactory result for him, all considered it would seem.
He walks away smiling and they, Rugby Australia (RA), get rid of a social media zealot.
But in a way, Folau has won on two counts;
1. He ends up with a settlement in his back pocket with only a relatively small amount having to be spent on legal "mouthpieces" (paid for by others in any case) and he will probably do well elsewhere in relation to recreational sport as a money making venture.
2. He walks off with the satisfaction of knowing that he has sent RA into a tail spin as it pertains to employment contracts and fine print.
Of course, few ever suggested that RA were anti-Christian and it should be evident that they were, more or less, trying to stay compliant in relation to almost global anti-discrimination laws pertaining to religion, race, gender etc.
But in fact, that which he expressed on social media didn’t appear to break any of those laws.
For example, if I were to take some obscure interpreted verse from the Quran and I were to state that this book of joy suggested death and damnation to the infidel, my advice is that I would not be breaking the law either.
I may seriously have an issue with the comments made by Folau, (and hey, I'm not even homosexual, nor am I a Muslim), but I do congratulate him for his entrepreneurial spirit in relation to the use of contractual law and sport to profit from.
He has proven something that is clearly apparent, people can make oodles of money from virtually doing nothing.
Translation : Someone skilled at playing with balls and his equally skillful ball handling squeeze are cunning as shit-house rats and can now go back into their circle-jerk pretend religion family and spout as many knuckle dragging opinions as they like on the dime of poor innocent rugby players.
Now maybe they'll start doing what their god wishes and start punching out babies instead of focusing on their illustrious careers.
May a God bless them and heal their hurt feelings.
well, contract law or a bit of litigious extortion: you can pay me X to settle, or you'll pay your lawyers X+Y to fight the case in court.
He was allowed to say what he said, I don't think anyone's said it crossed legal lines. He just shat on the brand that was paying him by advertising the brand that's the family business.
Edit
This is really interesting. On Radionz details about a building firm that has put up a new building in Christchurch which a junior structural engineer blew the whistle about. Just as well or probably no-one would have known until there was a disaster. What a story, the young engineer walking past the building, looked past the construction fence, and saw some unnerving evidence of poor construction and reported it. Good on that person, and on his firm to which he first reported.
Then…bad. The building was allowed to be continued. And now sits vacant and pending dangerous.
A full two years of wrangling later – during which time the building was completed, as was one next door – experts have confirmed there are 10 significant weaknesses in the design or construction of columns, bracing, the calculation of seismic loads, hold-down bolts, the pile design and the stairs.
The building consent team at the city council said it was "gutted" the eight-storey design got through its checking systems.
This from another developer who has background on the people and company behind the building.
"Two or three years ago, they approached us, were aware that we wanted to build a carparking building in Hereford Street. They said that they felt that Christchurch was being overcharged for buildings and that they could do it so much better," Mr Gough said.
He looked into Rockwell, he said.
Companies office records show it was set up in 2014 and 2015 by business interests originally from Korea, and in online posts says it offers seismic engineering and specialised construction.
"They had a company that was only about $100 shareholding, was less than a month old and had no experience in New Zealand or Christchurch whatsoever," Mr Gough said.
Don't we check on integrity of people, company, experience, materials etc before approving projects and their formation? Have NZ and particularly, Christchurch planners and regulators, been overcome by some virus that has over-ridden their normal desire to do their jobs well? What sort of background credentials have they, to even get into their jobs? What are they being taught during the time they are studying for their qualifications?
We have so many botches in NZ and it is time for a revolution as all–embracing as that of Douglas & Co, and old worn-out Labour. We can't let this country be run by cowboys with the rodeo running on a national scale. Those who specialise in looking after animal welfare have got rodeos banned. We humans consider ourselves so intelligent, and on a higher level above animals, yet we can't trust our trained and well-paid managers to look after our welfare, and ultimately, their own. We are the animals being spurred and kicked. God help us!
One of the downsides not considered in NZ's unseemly haste to embrace globalization is the issue of enforcement across language barriers. Council inspectors are fairly taxed assuring compliance even among builders from our own culture, and moreso in Christchurch, where large numbers of substandard earthquake repairs seem to have slid through without the inspectorate so much as clearing it's throat. Throw in language and cultural issues and they are more likely to avoid the job than demonstrate the extra vigilance and communication skills required.
Ideally you'd have a surplus & cycle them through the construction sector & polytechs & WEAs during low build times, to upskill and spread the knowledge. Kindof at odds with the black economy model of exploited foreign workers building McMansions though.
"$100 shareholding", more at "$100 company". An old phrase or terminology but still widely used and used most legitimately as a description for a company which might only be worth the cost of the original company registration set up cost, and then even less when the company is being pursued by creditors or other irate individuals or groups.
Indeed the safety and quality assurance concerns are one issue, and also the other issue pertaining to the many who'd have assisted with the construction in good faith and had supplied materials, only to find that as creditors, they may never get paid anything close to their costs, let alone getting paid adequately for their supply and trade.
That, and when we've run out of undies and decide to go jocks "commando style".
Then he can be likened to some used and soggy tea leaves in tea cup, probably only fit to be placed at the window side of a Newmarket cafe on Carlton Gore Road, so as to be mishandled or reused for an even weaker, pallid, lackluster brew and then abused or consumed by any and sundry, in and around the national political set.
"Farm environment plans can be the one thing that you know you need to follow and work to," Ms Ardern told the conference."But then, how do we know those have relevant at the level of each catchment. "So there are things we would like your views on…
Farmers have already fenced off around 25,000 kilometres of riverbank under earlier agreements with the Crown. But most of them were built closer to a river than the five metre setback required under September's Action Plan for Healthy Waterways….
Ms Ardern said the Minister for the Environment, David Parker, would offer farmers a temporary reprieve. "He (Mr Parker) has said there could be a 10-year period (to do this) or a five-year period, so he is being very pragmatic about this."
I have a small creek running through the bottom of my 10 acre mini-farm and wonder what we need to do as the sheep all 40 of them don't go near the creek that we see.
We wonder where to for us now? – do we need to fence that small creek, will Gov’t help fund it?
If not do we just de-stock to keep just a few pet sheep like we had at the beginning of our organic farm?
There are councils/developers that are looking for land to assist in protecting water courses from stock, by providing offsetting mitigation that has resulted from effects of development. You could ask someone at your local authority/council for information as to the suitability of your land, the mitigation can be fencing, riparian planting
If the Pharmac apologists are still floating around here I would be very interested in hearing your views on these latest developments. Just be warned, I'm still recovering from a seizure last night and I'm very stroppy and argumentative(a very common after effect) but I'll do my best to manage it.
I hope you are all right now Kay. Have you got the treatment that you want?
Why can't people be asked to trial it, while they still have their previous medication. And if it doesn't suit, they can change back again. Those with the condition will understand their condition and know when it is suitable to try anything new, and have their other medication handy if there is a reaction.
@grey, thank you, I actually managed to fluke funding to stay on my long-standing brand some months ago before the Pharmac back down, but it could've gone the other way. Had I not, I would've been paying to stay on it and starving in the process, and probably dropping my dose to afford it.
I've been helping out with the fight behind the scenes and in the process have seen so many documents and OIA requests etc, and it's bloody scary what goes on. This fight is not over because Logem is still the sole funded brand and the other 2 brands are only still available here by the grace of the drug companies, ie supply not guaranteed. So we're not out of the woods.
Remember this isn't just a fight over a drug used for a few people with epilepsy and bipolar- this has happened before and will continue to happen, and people will continue to be harmed if this practice is not severely scrutinised and reigned in. And the people who want to back Pharmac blindly are welcome to, but they might want to remember they could be next to be affected.
It is amazing to see how things work out. We are talking about a drug for people who will be ill without it. There is a right dose, neither too little and certainly not too much will give the required effect.
The government has to be careful with its health budget and we all know that. So they try to be careful with expenditure, and yet need to keep the right amount of health treatment available. They want to take a balanced approach.
Then they allow their agent Pharmac to go OTT in a type of experiment, as it cannot be predicted just how many people will not be able to utilise the new type of the old drug. So they are prepared for them to underdose on the budget availability for epilepsy drugs and take a risk in the process, with your life. No wonder you are angry. They are virtually taking a guinea pig approach (sorry for any guinea pigs that have been hurt in the process).
If you wanted to boost support for the PM, it would go something like this:
"Stage a gun protest outside a primary school. Have no connection at all with the location, the event, the people. Involve ultra-fringe groups like the New Conservatives. Make sure you get on telly. Antagonise the public as much as possible."
Perhaps people who are agitated and excited seem silly and journalists only respect cold-blooded types like the March gunman who apparently remained detached while he created mayhem. He wasn't highly agitated although others were. Journos need to look for the cool one, at the eye of the storm.
Whenever there is a protest by lefties/greenies/Maori, especially during weekday work hours, they are immediately labelled "rentamob". (Disclosure: nobody has ever paid me rent to go and protest, but my rates are available on request).
Why is "rentamob" never used for right wing protests?
I've my digs, a billy and some te secured in a fag end wrap, attached to the end of a broomstick handle, and I’m off to seek my fortune in marketing and script writing.
No more the philosophical journeys (imposed or otherwise) down a path of hand to mouth monk hood if I can help it.
It's been a pleasure, am sure. One to one, to many and a chance to deliberate the wherefores and y's.
Don't leave us – now we have learned to appreciate your sterling qualities and ideas. If you have an idea why not drop it in – just takes a moment and then leave it to us to note it or thrash it out. Something of interest that intrigues you. Maybe just give us a link and a steer – this for the USA political watchers or Climate Change findings etc. Set a time limit for yourself which I have to do now. I confess I have to have a wind up device that ticks off the minutes. It's quirky, shaped like a tomato and dings when my time is up.
Nearly all family visitors start to grind on each other after a while. I love my beautiful ol Dad to bits but gee after 2 days of sharing the same space together…
The true and divine pleasure lives in the anticipation of being together again Clean and you're rolling in clover.
I was thinking today about protesting and if there could be a better way.
Traditionally, it is about getting in the face of perpetrators or influencers and harping 'We don't like what you're doing, stop it.'
It's a very basic strategy, rudimentary.
I wonder if we could be doing more with the same energy if we got in Twyford's face and demanded free rego and a rebate on the sticker price for electric vehicles as opposed to inhibiting OMV vessels from leaving port.
Creative protesting. Abseiling up the beehive will draw popular media coverage to a cause.
I don't know about you but I'm a long way from Wellington and a first-time abseiler…should that be absailor? If not, it should be.
Anyway, creative protesting. making the most effective noise possible with the least energy.
There must be better ways than standing outside Rio Tinto's head office chanting 'Stop all Mining you bastards'.
Traditional protesting is about 'Stop doing that'. I think protesting stands a much better chance of attracting a groundswell of popular support if it's focused on 'Lets do this instead'. Like hassling Twyford to make owning an electric car so easy and attractive you'd be a mug not to.
Imagine the kudos if an energy minister could declare '3 new geothermal generators are coming on line. There will be 30 fewer tankers tying up to the Marsden Point refinery this year. 300,000 more Kiwis will be getting around courtesy of the steam escaping from our beautiful country.'
Politicians with stories like that don't get voted out.
Early Nissan Leafs with gasping batteries are worthless.
If I had a burning desire to make money, I'd be looking for a way to give a worthless Leaf a new lease on life on a tight budget.
I could keep my Princess as she is accustomed rebirthing orthodox Leafs but if I could convince Mr Twyford to go absolutely loopy over electric cars I think I could make serious money with a competition range.
The Nissan Bud with the sticky head handling package.
How much dope do you reckon Phil Twyford has smoked? That Kiwibuild thing was a bit of a stoner's FU hey.
Great thoughts David Mac. Your idea of positive protesting is wise. We can whine about what is being done wrong and be accused of being airy-fairy theoretical types. But practical ideas are springing out of this blog like shoots from a creeper. Can we use this place as a central post to grow round and stick out individual shoots, carry them out and report we did it? Not sure about too much info. We will have to consider, sooner or later we will be annoying enough to the uncouth pollies and their dainty wealthy friends who will find us uncouth in turn.
There are groups around NZ who can see NZ is on the decline and doing something about it. When I mentioned decline here the other day a regular said What? explain yourself. Hollow laughter from me. The thinking and practical need to keep in touch off the big screen in a way that does not make them vulnerable.
That's the way Opotiki tangata 5000 signed petition to take to the Bop health board to keep the birth unit open you will have fresh taringa now that should listen.
Alcohol and hard drugs is making a big mess of Maori and Pacific tangata lives That's the way let all the people know the stuff is rotten with your march .
I sports is a great way for tangata Stars to shine Bright.
For some rural ports along the East Coast, this is the closest birthing Uni, which is up to an hours drive to opotiki! And yes this affects Hapū Māmā, but they are also effecting changes to emergency services, so it actually affects all whānau.
This sounds similar to Southland's situation. The country being run like a factory business – there must be a certain volume of units going through to be efficient.
Get those machine-minds out of their comfy chairs! Including those of Parliament. Big sale – must clear – comfy chairs from Parliament, each one personally signed by its previous owner. Great souveniers and talking points at parties. Can be used as fund raisers along with cake stalls – a koha per minute of sitting in The Chair and addressing the audience about the things that you would do for the country if you were elected.
Now that is a great idea don't you all think? Making fun and frolic with the empty pomposity and cunning conversation that we hear from the powers-that-be.
Andy Te Tangata Whenua all know that the treaty settlement putea is only 1 cent in the dollar of the Whenua that was stolen from us stop playing hard ball a pony up more putea. That's what it is some are settling for bugger all while we watch the fat cats who got our whenua cheap going on holiday with flash waka boats while our whano struggle to keep our whanau afloat.
Hine brand looks great that is needed encouragement for our Tangata to keep fit and keep Wahine heads held up.
We need to protect our beautiful wildlife from being over exploitatived.
Measures to arrest nature's decline must be passed into law, say MEPs
Officials call for global targets on protection of land, oceans and wildlife to be subject to Paris-style legal framework.
If humanity wants to reverse the widespread destruction of the natural world, biodiversity needs legal protection like the Paris agreement on climate change, members of the European parliament have said.
Action to halt biodiversity decline is based on voluntary commitments but, less than a year before a crucial UN biodiversity conference in China, MEPs pointed to the destruction of precious ecosystems and the more than 1m species facing extinction as evidence that the approach is failing
The global biomass of wild animals has fallen by 82% since records began and 25% of plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. The IPBES report also found there was a strong link between climate change and loss of biodiversity and one could not be solved without the other.
“The dual emergency of nature decline alongside climate breakdown means transformational action is needed,” said Sandra Bell from Friends of the Earth.
“We seem to have lost sight of the fact that nature provides us with healthy soils, water and air. In the UK, and across the EU, existing targets haven’t worked because they have lacked action, so it’s up to the EU commission and national governments to enforce nature laws
Global Warming is creating huge problems we have to minimise our use of green house gases ASAP.
1.9 billion people at risk from mountain water shortages, study shows
Rising demand and climate crisis threaten entire mountain ecosystem, say scientists
A quarter of the world’s population are at risk of water supply problems as mountain glaciers, snow-packs and alpine lakes are run down by global heating and rising demand, according to an international study.
The first inventory of high-altitude sources finds the Indus is the most important and vulnerable “water tower” due to run-off from the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Ladakh, and Himalayan mountain ranges, which flow downstream to a densely populated and intensively irrigated basin in Pakistan, India, China and Afghanistan.
The world has a third pole – and it's melting quickly
Read more
The authors warn this vast water tower – a term they use to describe the role of water storage and supply that mountain ranges play to sustain environmental and human water demands downstream – is unlikely to sustain growing pressure by the middle of the century when temperatures are projected to rise by 1.9C (35.4F), rainfall to increase by less than 2%, but the population to grow by 50% and generate eight times more GDP
Its not looking good for New Zealand's toursim flooding down south roads washed out desaster in the north a earthquake in Te Tairawhiti that was felt in Whakatane what next.
I remember reading stories from the deniers that Wind power and Solar power ie Green energy can never replace coal. Well in your face Global warming deniers no only is Wind and Solar replacing Coal its cheaper and cleaner they use a fraction of the water that is need to burn coal. This tells me one thing the World is corupt for these lieing fools being able to get away with their lies for 40 years.
Windfarms drive fall in wholesale energy price with lower bills forecast for 2020
Australian Energy Market Commission says prices will begin to fall next year and by 2022 will be $97 a year lower
The price of residential electricity is estimated to start falling next year and continue to fall until 2022, the Australian Energy Market Commission says.
The AEMC’s annual report on electricity price trends shows an overall falling price outlook over the next few years, mostly due to decreases in the wholesale cost from increased generation capacity, particularly from windfarms.
By the end of 2022, almost all Australians are expected to spend an average $97 less on their annual power bills after prices start falling in 2020, the Australian Energy Market Commission says.
Annual bills during the financial year 2018-19 reached $1,370 and have been calculated to fall to $1,273 by June 2022.
This drop is not expected for Western Australia, where annual bills are estimated to be $100 more expensive
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I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
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Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wilmot, Senior Lecturer, Film, Deakin University Among the many Australian who served during the second world war, there is a small group of people whose stories remain largely untold. These are the Muslim men and women who, while small in number, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
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Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
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A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
A leaked document shows the Canterbury/Waitaha arm of health agency Te Whatu Ora is scurrying to save $13.3 million by July. The “financial sustainability target”, which was “allocated” to Waitaha, is consistent with what’s happening in other districts, says Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists. ...
A look at the state of the previous government’s affordable housing scheme, and what could come next.Remind me: What’s KiwiBuild again?First announced in 2012, KiwiBuild was a flagship policy of the Labour Party heading into both its 2014 and 2017 election campaigns. With Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, ...
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There’s relief for building owners bending under the weight of earthquake strengthening rules – and costs – that came into force seven years ago. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced a scheduled 2027 review of the earthquake-prone building regulations will now start this year. Owners will also get ...
Opinion: It has been announced that nine percent of roles at Oranga Tamariki will be disestablished, presumably to help fund the tax cuts promised by the coalition Government. I am reminded of the graphics used to illustrate pandemic events, where five thousand people are standing in a field and then ...
After more than two sleepless days, running through savage terrain, Greig Hamilton didn’t know if he was going to finish one of the most gruelling psychological assaults in sport. He was metres away from the finish line, a yellow gate made famous in a Netflix documentary; a race he’d dreamed ...
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The following interview with former Green Party MP Sue Kedgley came about because she features in the new memoir Hine Toa by activist Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku; the two knew each other at the University of Auckland in the early 70s, when they were both took on leadership roles in the ...
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Yet another driver failing to stop for police with tragic consequences. Lets hope the judge uses the full extent of the law when sentencing him to keep him locked up and off the roads for as long as possible.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12291153
Sad eh; right before Xmas I feel for the family left behind, as much as the father who will never spend time with a loving family. Very sad..
I agree, the driver and their supervising officer should be in the dock facing charges.
I lack trust in the evidence the police would bring.
Do we remember when petrol was priced the same no matter where we bought it? A remote country store, a petrol pump and same price as in the city.
If so, why was it changed?
Oddly, last year we found a remote country town has petrol 30c cheaper that the local city price!!!!!
dv – probably the price to lease land out in the country is cheaper so less overhead cost.
We saw this effect of lower prices outside the US cities to for the 10 yrs we spent over there,
Yeah, the Gulls at Atiamuri and Te Kuiti are reliably way lower price than just about anywhere else.
And why is petrol so expensive in Christchurch (more than Auckland I think) as they do not have the Auckland extra tax?
I am guessing because higher transport costs from Marsden Point, and maybe higher distribution costs within ChCh.
Could also be because ChCh has less fuel station chains (eg GAS etc in Auckland maybe undermines the old Big Four cosy cartel) .
Oddly enough, I was in Christchurch late last week and paid about 10 cents a litre less (for diesel) than when I got back to Dorkland early this week and filled up at Glen Eden Gull (usually near the cheapest around here).
GAS never seems particularly low-priced here in Orclund, unlike Gull. Whereas the mainland has NPD and Allied which both seemed reliably low-priced. Gull and Waitomo also appear to be starting up down there.
"Apathy towards mainstream politicians has seen support for independent candidates surge by five percentage points, according to a new poll.
The Savanta ComRes poll for the Telegraph found that six per cent of British adults plan to support aspiring MPs who do not belong to any of the six main parties on December 12.
The pollster puts support for “other” parties at 6 per cent – higher than the 4 per cent planning to support the SNP, the 3 per cent behind the Brexit Party and the 2 per cent voting for the Greens.
However, the results may also reflect methodological change .."
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/12/04/surge-independents-poll-finds-voters-set-boycott-main-parties/
More from Ashcroft’s Conservative Home ..
https://www.conservativehome.com/frontpage/2019/12/newslinks-for-thursday-5th-december-2019.html
Tory lead slips to single figures
.. one week until election day there is still time for public opinion to shift – just as it did away from Theresa May in 2017.
Labour have been steadily narrowing the gap with the Tories, in-part thanks to a relatively popular manifesto, but continue to suffer from the on-going accusations of anti-Semitism which are plaguing both party and leader.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/12/05/general-election-2019-opinion-polls-latest-odds-uk-labour-conservative/?li_source=LI&li_medium=li-recommendation-widget
Still some life in the old anti-Semitism canard yet. Whereas the real Islamophobia in the Tories is seldom mentioned. The closing gap can yet again be attributed to the election period rules pegging back the anti-Labour media bias from the stratospheric to the merely blatant.
not a good look….'bro'
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/12/i-m-on-it-bro-messages-show-kris-faafoi-offering-help-to-friend-jason-kerrison-over-immigration-case.html
Mountain, molehill.
As long as he just passed it on to the local MP then no problem.
From the link: "Text messages obtained by Newshub … "
Translation: "Jason Kerrison has given Tova O'Brien … "
There is no other possible source (unless you think Tova can hack into Facebook and phones).
Honest reporting would be: "Today, in an attempt to manipulate me and you, I was sent these messages, which I will now pass off as an exclusive, as if I had done the investigating myself."
Being used isn't journalism, it's laziness.
I do not get what would be in it for Kerrison to leak this stuff to the media. Won't help his family's case.
"I'm angry so I'll screw you even if it screws me" is a story as old as history (and Hollywood).
Kerrison is his own worst enemy. Faafoi referred his case to Northland MP Matt King who apparently asked Kerrison to contact him. Kerrison apparently never did.
Thanks Formerly Ross
So Matt King was going to assist too was he just???
Very interesting, so the plot thickens eh?
We wonder if tonight on Newshub Tova OBrien is 'chirping' about National MP's wanting to assist Jason Kerriston as well??
Not likely as she is anti labour isn't she?
Remember this is the guy who built a bunker in 2012 to prepare for the end of the world…
Yeah I had forgotten all about that weirdness. His is not a style of music that resonates with me so seeing his name pop up during the local elections was a surprise.
I don't think Jason Kerrison will be getting a Christmas card from Kris this year.
My son did have the same problems with immigration as Jason had early last year.
Where my son had met a German lady while over there in Germany for a wedding.
His girlfriend later came to NZ after my son returned home to NZ and my son and her approached immigration and requested a work permit for her as she had university certification to show high work value skills for NZ.
Shockingly she was roughly told by the immigration officials "don't bother to send in an application as we will not look at it" !!!!
So as parents both my wife and I arranged to meet with our local MP Stuart Nash and explained the situation that as disabled older folks we needed my son here to care for us.
Stuart Nash said he can't help but would allow his staff to contact the Immigration department to see what they can do, and it never came to anything,
So we lost our son who was a fully licenceed Master Electrician when he went back to Germany to live with his fiance.
Nothing now makes any sense to us when you see the Government is prepared to break up even NZ born families now.
So much for the free market when it applies to NZ people who genuinely would like to access its cross-border benefits.
Agreed GWS
It was bad for my son it be treated that way as my Wife and I remember when our Son told us what Immigration NZ said that they would ignore any application for his Fiance to get a work permit he was very angry.
As he had worked very hard to get his full registration/licence to become a fully fledged Master Electrician he was despondent with legitimate reasons.
Considering almost any other country would welcome a skilled tradesman into their country but not his own with the wife of his choice.
Rest assured @ Cleangreen, our Immigration policy is based on "best practice" (/sarc) – which is pretty much code for not very much of it makes any sense.
I've given up having any sympathy for any of the 'officials ' that have, and continue to make fuckup after fuckup (as a matter of record), AND for ministers/associate minister that refuse to undertake radical reform of the cistern.
Ministers are going to continue to be let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they do.
More fool them though eh! As far as I know, masochism and flagellation is legal. Not as though the whole issue of immigration policy could be the tipping point of an election given an opposition wanting to use any dirty trick at their disposal.
Shudda Cudda Wudda
* "………..let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they do." = " ……….let down by their "officials", and NZers and immigration applicants are going to continue to be let down by the cistern until they (a gummint) do undertake radical reform".
Thanks Once Was Tim.
Yes it’s cold comfort to see the Minister being lamb-basted by the media hounds when it was the bureaucrats that have caused the mess not him.
So a restructuring of the obviously dysfunctional system needs radical change now as you allude too.
Since so many mistakes have been found.
Kris is a casualty of this dysfunctional bureaucratic mess.and must be excused for thinking they were doing right for all of us.
I feel for Kris Faaoi having worked so hard to do so much for NZ to be badgered like that, and then possibly see that work jeopardised by someone you felt that close to. In the interests of NZ the Coalition need to stop trusting that others are as honourable & honest as they are, it looks like many media – certain ones in particular are basing their entire careers on it – some govt employees & those who will call you friend are driven by self interest. It's actually a very sad and undeserved day that Mr Faafoi is facing.
pffffft to all above and below. (I'm desperate to know when we can apply for funding for a series of Border Force NZ. The dogs are in training, some Shortland Street star is rehearsing the smart-arse voice-overs, Julie Christie's bidding for the rights, and NuZullOn Ear are considering funding applications)
By the way …. Does anyone know if that queue jumper Dawn Baxendale's visa has been sorted?
So much more important (/sarc)
OWT yes she (Dawn Baxendale) will get a free pass for her TV interest and her looks I would imagine; – unless she is a he; (sarc..
Edit
China attempted to control its projected population growth by decree and brute force. The culture elevates males to carry the family line and fortunes down the generations. One child only was allowed to most people. So males took precedence often. Some people drowned their girl baby in a bucket.
It was a traumatic decree with consequences with now a vastly skewed gender balance which will have the affect of females being greatly prized but also being objects to be controlled and guarded, not free, and likely to be traded in a commercial way for advantage.
Chinese men are looking to Pakistan and women trafficking with 629 victims of a people smuggling ring being accused. But Pakistan wants to obtain agreements 'to cement business with its ally' so witnesses are being told to stay schtum.
To lessen birth numbers the MIT in USA is working on a contraceptive pill that will give a month's protection from only one taken each month. That may be good if it passes trials for safety and effectiveness.
(Items – p.16 Nelson Mail World section Dec 6 2019 Fairfax).
But I think there must be an effort to limit the population burden on countries and the planet. We could allow people to choose their time of death after the age of 75, and ensure that this was properly planned for, with respect and effectively achieved according to the wishes of the person.
Source ?
https://apnews.com/c586d0f73fe249718ec06f6867b0244e
To date – Brexit in the UK generally
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-politics-50670627/general-election-2019-farage-on-meps-leaving-brexit-party
General election 2019: Farage on MEPs leaving Brexit Party
Nigel Farage said three of the MEPs who have left his Brexit Party have links to the Conservative party.
He said they were wrong to back the Conservatives and “don’t understand” what is happening in the Labour seats being contested by the Brexit Party.
The BBC's Andrew Neil told Mr Farage that links that the MEPs had to the Tories were well known when he “paraded” them as Brexit Party candidates.
(Farage reminds me of pictures of Toad in Wind and the Willows. Anyone else see a likeness?) Confusion in Labour about Brexit – why would they be disturbed at having another Brexit vote? Which must first have a legally raised majority level to ensure it's a widely and firmly supported decision.)
.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/uk-labour-supporters-unhappy-prospect-brexit-vote-191205121502167.html
The decision by Britain's main opposition Labour party to hold another Brexit vote if it wins the upcoming election has upset some supporters.
In Hartlepool, in northeast England, most people voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum.
Now they are threatening to switch to pro-Brexit parties.
Al Jazeera's Emma Hayward reports from Hartlepool.
.
EU's Donald Tusk (Polish politician) is not confused, he has considered and pronounces:
Brexit has been “one of the most spectacular mistakes” in the history of the EU and followed a campaign marked by “an unprecedented readiness to lie”, Donald Tusk has said….
The unabashed anglophile, who recently said he would “in my heart always be a remainer”, put himself at odds with other EU leaders by declaring it would still be better for both sides if Brexit did not happen. Many EU diplomats fear any second referendum leading to a remain result would mean festering divisions in the UK that would block the EU from making decisions – a view Tusk strongly rejected.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/05/brexit-one-of-most-spectacular-mistakes-in-eu-history-donald-tusk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Tusk
A little slow with my Israel Folau comment, but here's my penny's worth:
A satisfactory result for him, all considered it would seem.
He walks away smiling and they, Rugby Australia (RA), get rid of a social media zealot.
But in a way, Folau has won on two counts;
1. He ends up with a settlement in his back pocket with only a relatively small amount having to be spent on legal "mouthpieces" (paid for by others in any case) and he will probably do well elsewhere in relation to recreational sport as a money making venture.
2. He walks off with the satisfaction of knowing that he has sent RA into a tail spin as it pertains to employment contracts and fine print.
Of course, few ever suggested that RA were anti-Christian and it should be evident that they were, more or less, trying to stay compliant in relation to almost global anti-discrimination laws pertaining to religion, race, gender etc.
But in fact, that which he expressed on social media didn’t appear to break any of those laws.
For example, if I were to take some obscure interpreted verse from the Quran and I were to state that this book of joy suggested death and damnation to the infidel, my advice is that I would not be breaking the law either.
I may seriously have an issue with the comments made by Folau, (and hey, I'm not even homosexual, nor am I a Muslim), but I do congratulate him for his entrepreneurial spirit in relation to the use of contractual law and sport to profit from.
He has proven something that is clearly apparent, people can make oodles of money from virtually doing nothing.
Translation : Someone skilled at playing with balls and his equally skillful ball handling squeeze are cunning as shit-house rats and can now go back into their circle-jerk pretend religion family and spout as many knuckle dragging opinions as they like on the dime of poor innocent rugby players.
Now maybe they'll start doing what their god wishes and start punching out babies instead of focusing on their illustrious careers.
May a God bless them and heal their hurt feelings.
You have a way with words, Red Blooded One.
You have pretty much expressed what I was thinking when I was tapping away earlier on, but where my words came out a little too politely.
well, contract law or a bit of litigious extortion: you can pay me X to settle, or you'll pay your lawyers X+Y to fight the case in court.
He was allowed to say what he said, I don't think anyone's said it crossed legal lines. He just shat on the brand that was paying him by advertising the brand that's the family business.
Edit
This is really interesting. On Radionz details about a building firm that has put up a new building in Christchurch which a junior structural engineer blew the whistle about. Just as well or probably no-one would have known until there was a disaster. What a story, the young engineer walking past the building, looked past the construction fence, and saw some unnerving evidence of poor construction and reported it. Good on that person, and on his firm to which he first reported.
Then…bad. The building was allowed to be continued. And now sits vacant and pending dangerous.
A full two years of wrangling later – during which time the building was completed, as was one next door – experts have confirmed there are 10 significant weaknesses in the design or construction of columns, bracing, the calculation of seismic loads, hold-down bolts, the pile design and the stairs.
The building consent team at the city council said it was "gutted" the eight-storey design got through its checking systems.
This from another developer who has background on the people and company behind the building.
"Two or three years ago, they approached us, were aware that we wanted to build a carparking building in Hereford Street. They said that they felt that Christchurch was being overcharged for buildings and that they could do it so much better," Mr Gough said.
He looked into Rockwell, he said.
Companies office records show it was set up in 2014 and 2015 by business interests originally from Korea, and in online posts says it offers seismic engineering and specialised construction.
"They had a company that was only about $100 shareholding, was less than a month old and had no experience in New Zealand or Christchurch whatsoever," Mr Gough said.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/404956/developer-declined-rockwell-group-responsible-for-substandard-building-in-christchurch
Don't we check on integrity of people, company, experience, materials etc before approving projects and their formation? Have NZ and particularly, Christchurch planners and regulators, been overcome by some virus that has over-ridden their normal desire to do their jobs well? What sort of background credentials have they, to even get into their jobs? What are they being taught during the time they are studying for their qualifications?
We have so many botches in NZ and it is time for a revolution as all–embracing as that of Douglas & Co, and old worn-out Labour. We can't let this country be run by cowboys with the rodeo running on a national scale. Those who specialise in looking after animal welfare have got rodeos banned. We humans consider ourselves so intelligent, and on a higher level above animals, yet we can't trust our trained and well-paid managers to look after our welfare, and ultimately, their own. We are the animals being spurred and kicked. God help us!
One of the downsides not considered in NZ's unseemly haste to embrace globalization is the issue of enforcement across language barriers. Council inspectors are fairly taxed assuring compliance even among builders from our own culture, and moreso in Christchurch, where large numbers of substandard earthquake repairs seem to have slid through without the inspectorate so much as clearing it's throat. Throw in language and cultural issues and they are more likely to avoid the job than demonstrate the extra vigilance and communication skills required.
not to mention the dearth of capability in house to assess the performance of the design
Really needs to be a lot more inspectors, pain in the ass trying to get an inspector in to sign off on an inspections.
Ideally you'd have a surplus & cycle them through the construction sector & polytechs & WEAs during low build times, to upskill and spread the knowledge. Kindof at odds with the black economy model of exploited foreign workers building McMansions though.
Good point there Stuart.100%
"$100 shareholding", more at "$100 company". An old phrase or terminology but still widely used and used most legitimately as a description for a company which might only be worth the cost of the original company registration set up cost, and then even less when the company is being pursued by creditors or other irate individuals or groups.
Indeed the safety and quality assurance concerns are one issue, and also the other issue pertaining to the many who'd have assisted with the construction in good faith and had supplied materials, only to find that as creditors, they may never get paid anything close to their costs, let alone getting paid adequately for their supply and trade.
https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1202305787705606144
I would like to imagine you to be our Aotearoa (TS) version, Weka.
Like a Weka Thunberg.
☺️
I have been known to sit in paddocks of long grass. Not a Thunberg but appreciate the encouragement 🙂
yep to that Karol21 – weka is awesome.
Greta has to be an inspiration to any human being.
Like the boy who cried wolf, Simon squeaks Meka, Clare, Grant, Ian, Shane, Stuart, Kris must resign!. Everyone resign!, anyone?, hello?, hello?…
A sad lonely voice crying in the wilderness. Poor little Simon.
To be fair though, when in opposition they did cry the same about National ministers whenever they could.
That's part of the job we pay him to do.
Well, maybe I should take a more considered view of Mr Bridges.
Here goes…
Simon is like the skidmark on my undies. Doesn't pass the sniff test, is always unpleasant, but sometimes is just plain unavoidable.
That, and when we've run out of undies and decide to go jocks "commando style".
Then he can be likened to some used and soggy tea leaves in tea cup, probably only fit to be placed at the window side of a Newmarket cafe on Carlton Gore Road, so as to be mishandled or reused for an even weaker, pallid, lackluster brew and then abused or consumed by any and sundry, in and around the national political set.
NoRightTurn nails it again.
http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2019/12/faafoi-should-be-fired.html?m=1
Acta non verba
Something good happening because Labour is working for the country.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/404936/help-may-be-on-the-way-for-farmers-struggling-with-farm-environment-plans
5.12.2019 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern indicated help could be on the way, in answer to a question at a farmers' conference, on what might be available for farmers in next year's budget.
"Farm environment plans can be the one thing that you know you need to follow and work to," Ms Ardern told the conference."But then, how do we know those have relevant at the level of each catchment. "So there are things we would like your views on…
Farmers have already fenced off around 25,000 kilometres of riverbank under earlier agreements with the Crown.
But most of them were built closer to a river than the five metre setback required under September's Action Plan for Healthy Waterways….
Ms Ardern said the Minister for the Environment, David Parker, would offer farmers a temporary reprieve.
"He (Mr Parker) has said there could be a 10-year period (to do this) or a five-year period, so he is being very pragmatic about this."
I have a small creek running through the bottom of my 10 acre mini-farm and wonder what we need to do as the sheep all 40 of them don't go near the creek that we see.
We wonder where to for us now? – do we need to fence that small creek, will Gov’t help fund it?
If not do we just de-stock to keep just a few pet sheep like we had at the beginning of our organic farm?
There are councils/developers that are looking for land to assist in protecting water courses from stock, by providing offsetting mitigation that has resulted from effects of development. You could ask someone at your local authority/council for information as to the suitability of your land, the mitigation can be fencing, riparian planting
https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/104195114/developers-fund-25-million-project-to-return-concrete-culvert-to-stream-in-reserve-on-aucklands-north-shore
Herodotus; -Thanks
Yes I will ask when next at the GDC, as we do always want the steam protected from any pollution inundation.
We came hare 14 yrs ago to escape the Napier city pollution, under doctors orders, so it has been in in our mind for years.
But on a small fixed pension we have very limited funds..
Yesterday we were able to get this "study" shut down
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/404933/epilepsy-patients-angry-at-being-told-symptoms-all-in-their-heads
Today, this happened
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/404964/chief-coroner-opens-inquiry-into-deaths-linked-to-anti-epileptic-medication
If the Pharmac apologists are still floating around here I would be very interested in hearing your views on these latest developments. Just be warned, I'm still recovering from a seizure last night and I'm very stroppy and argumentative(a very common after effect) but I'll do my best to manage it.
Although I acknowledge the patients’ rights to be angry the irony is that the study aimed to improve health outcomes for said patients.
I hope you are all right now Kay. Have you got the treatment that you want?
I hope you are all right now Kay. Have you got the treatment that you want?
Why can't people be asked to trial it, while they still have their previous medication. And if it doesn't suit, they can change back again. Those with the condition will understand their condition and know when it is suitable to try anything new, and have their other medication handy if there is a reaction.
@grey, thank you, I actually managed to fluke funding to stay on my long-standing brand some months ago before the Pharmac back down, but it could've gone the other way. Had I not, I would've been paying to stay on it and starving in the process, and probably dropping my dose to afford it.
I've been helping out with the fight behind the scenes and in the process have seen so many documents and OIA requests etc, and it's bloody scary what goes on. This fight is not over because Logem is still the sole funded brand and the other 2 brands are only still available here by the grace of the drug companies, ie supply not guaranteed. So we're not out of the woods.
Remember this isn't just a fight over a drug used for a few people with epilepsy and bipolar- this has happened before and will continue to happen, and people will continue to be harmed if this practice is not severely scrutinised and reigned in. And the people who want to back Pharmac blindly are welcome to, but they might want to remember they could be next to be affected.
It is amazing to see how things work out. We are talking about a drug for people who will be ill without it. There is a right dose, neither too little and certainly not too much will give the required effect.
The government has to be careful with its health budget and we all know that. So they try to be careful with expenditure, and yet need to keep the right amount of health treatment available. They want to take a balanced approach.
Then they allow their agent Pharmac to go OTT in a type of experiment, as it cannot be predicted just how many people will not be able to utilise the new type of the old drug. So they are prepared for them to underdose on the budget availability for epilepsy drugs and take a risk in the process, with your life. No wonder you are angry. They are virtually taking a guinea pig approach (sorry for any guinea pigs that have been hurt in the process).
If you wanted to boost support for the PM, it would go something like this:
"Stage a gun protest outside a primary school. Have no connection at all with the location, the event, the people. Involve ultra-fringe groups like the New Conservatives. Make sure you get on telly. Antagonise the public as much as possible."
Top work, guys!
A motorist yelled at the gun owning protesters : "Why outside a primary school you maniacs ."
The Herald describes the motorist as an "highly agitated driver".
Of course he was agitated. So, I bet were many other passers-by.
How dumb can some of these journos be?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12291623
Perhaps people who are agitated and excited seem silly and journalists only respect cold-blooded types like the March gunman who apparently remained detached while he created mayhem. He wasn't highly agitated although others were. Journos need to look for the cool one, at the eye of the storm.
Exactly as dumb as they need to be to secure continued employment with Granny Herald. 'The NZ Herald – lowering the bar since forever.'
Whenever there is a protest by lefties/greenies/Maori, especially during weekday work hours, they are immediately labelled "rentamob". (Disclosure: nobody has ever paid me rent to go and protest, but my rates are available on request).
Why is "rentamob" never used for right wing protests?
Especially as the typsetting on their posters seems suspiciously uniform. Someone shelled out a few bucks for each placard.
Anne at 19.1
Jouro's by name only but low quality ones at that!!!
How sad that the journo said only the (gun) weapon user was agitated??
Statement from Kris Faafoi,
https://twitter.com/David_Cormack/status/1202781916828598275
Adios Amigos (and others).
I've my digs, a billy and some te secured in a fag end wrap, attached to the end of a broomstick handle, and I’m off to seek my fortune in marketing and script writing.
No more the philosophical journeys (imposed or otherwise) down a path of hand to mouth monk hood if I can help it.
It's been a pleasure, am sure. One to one, to many and a chance to deliberate the wherefores and y's.
Don't go…
Don't leave us – now we have learned to appreciate your sterling qualities and ideas. If you have an idea why not drop it in – just takes a moment and then leave it to us to note it or thrash it out. Something of interest that intrigues you. Maybe just give us a link and a steer – this for the USA political watchers or Climate Change findings etc. Set a time limit for yourself which I have to do now. I confess I have to have a wind up device that ticks off the minutes. It's quirky, shaped like a tomato and dings when my time is up.
Awh, we need you here, thoughtful, poetic and polite. Good luck with your fortune seeking and maybe visit occasionally.
Yeah, good luck Karol, I hope your flight wings you to contentment. You look to be on the way to me.
Well my daughter flew out yesterday so we are 'alone again naturally' (Gilbert o' Sullivan) cera 1974. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTF3BTKlj9Q
Nearly all family visitors start to grind on each other after a while. I love my beautiful ol Dad to bits but gee after 2 days of sharing the same space together…
The true and divine pleasure lives in the anticipation of being together again Clean and you're rolling in clover.
I was thinking today about protesting and if there could be a better way.
Traditionally, it is about getting in the face of perpetrators or influencers and harping 'We don't like what you're doing, stop it.'
It's a very basic strategy, rudimentary.
I wonder if we could be doing more with the same energy if we got in Twyford's face and demanded free rego and a rebate on the sticker price for electric vehicles as opposed to inhibiting OMV vessels from leaving port.
Do to oil what Henry Ford did to the horse.
Creative protesting. Abseiling up the beehive will draw popular media coverage to a cause.
I don't know about you but I'm a long way from Wellington and a first-time abseiler…should that be absailor? If not, it should be.
Anyway, creative protesting. making the most effective noise possible with the least energy.
There must be better ways than standing outside Rio Tinto's head office chanting 'Stop all Mining you bastards'.
Traditional protesting is about 'Stop doing that'. I think protesting stands a much better chance of attracting a groundswell of popular support if it's focused on 'Lets do this instead'. Like hassling Twyford to make owning an electric car so easy and attractive you'd be a mug not to.
Imagine the kudos if an energy minister could declare '3 new geothermal generators are coming on line. There will be 30 fewer tankers tying up to the Marsden Point refinery this year. 300,000 more Kiwis will be getting around courtesy of the steam escaping from our beautiful country.'
Politicians with stories like that don't get voted out.
Early Nissan Leafs with gasping batteries are worthless.
If I had a burning desire to make money, I'd be looking for a way to give a worthless Leaf a new lease on life on a tight budget.
I could keep my Princess as she is accustomed rebirthing orthodox Leafs but if I could convince Mr Twyford to go absolutely loopy over electric cars I think I could make serious money with a competition range.
The Nissan Bud with the sticky head handling package.
How much dope do you reckon Phil Twyford has smoked? That Kiwibuild thing was a bit of a stoner's FU hey.
Great thoughts David Mac. Your idea of positive protesting is wise. We can whine about what is being done wrong and be accused of being airy-fairy theoretical types. But practical ideas are springing out of this blog like shoots from a creeper. Can we use this place as a central post to grow round and stick out individual shoots, carry them out and report we did it? Not sure about too much info. We will have to consider, sooner or later we will be annoying enough to the uncouth pollies and their dainty wealthy friends who will find us uncouth in turn.
There are groups around NZ who can see NZ is on the decline and doing something about it. When I mentioned decline here the other day a regular said What? explain yourself. Hollow laughter from me. The thinking and practical need to keep in touch off the big screen in a way that does not make them vulnerable.
Kia Ora 1 News.
Way down south
There ways blocked from flooding taking out the main roads Tawhirimate has been given heaps of Mana with Global Warming.
That's a great way for the District Health Board to be governed having half Wahine and Tangata whenua on the Board is good.
Well there you go I knew who is not happy with our common peoples government.
Awsome to the Salvation Army running the unit to keep people out of the Hinaki.
Ka kite Ano.
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
That's the way Opotiki tangata 5000 signed petition to take to the Bop health board to keep the birth unit open you will have fresh taringa now that should listen.
Alcohol and hard drugs is making a big mess of Maori and Pacific tangata lives That's the way let all the people know the stuff is rotten with your march .
I sports is a great way for tangata Stars to shine Bright.
Ka kite Ano
The birthing unit at Opotiki closed down with three days notice on 1st December 2019. WTF!
https://www.change.org/p/bay-of-plenty-district-health-board-stop-the-closing-of-the-opotiki-birthing-centre-and-emergency-services
For some rural ports along the East Coast, this is the closest birthing Uni, which is up to an hours drive to opotiki! And yes this affects Hapū Māmā, but they are also effecting changes to emergency services, so it actually affects all whānau.
This sounds similar to Southland's situation. The country being run like a factory business – there must be a certain volume of units going through to be efficient.
Get those machine-minds out of their comfy chairs! Including those of Parliament. Big sale – must clear – comfy chairs from Parliament, each one personally signed by its previous owner. Great souveniers and talking points at parties. Can be used as fund raisers along with cake stalls – a koha per minute of sitting in The Chair and addressing the audience about the things that you would do for the country if you were elected.
Now that is a great idea don't you all think? Making fun and frolic with the empty pomposity and cunning conversation that we hear from the powers-that-be.
https://youtu.be/qQfetkoGrpU
Kia Ora 1 News.
Its better to re use glass bottles.
I think My food bag being delivered to the poorest peoples door is a excellent idea.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
Andy Te Tangata Whenua all know that the treaty settlement putea is only 1 cent in the dollar of the Whenua that was stolen from us stop playing hard ball a pony up more putea. That's what it is some are settling for bugger all while we watch the fat cats who got our whenua cheap going on holiday with flash waka boats while our whano struggle to keep our whanau afloat.
Hine brand looks great that is needed encouragement for our Tangata to keep fit and keep Wahine heads held up.
Mana Wahine
Kia Ora Breakfast.
Well I don't have to worry about personal alcohol problems as I don't touch the stuff anymore.
Is it a coincidence that Bus strikes are happening in the lead up to Christmas. I bet the owners of the bus company's are blue flags wavers.??????.
New Zealand needs to learn to respect all cultures.
trump is not going to win some one else is going to Trump him.
Ka kite Ano
We need to protect our beautiful wildlife from being over exploitatived.
Measures to arrest nature's decline must be passed into law, say MEPs
If humanity wants to reverse the widespread destruction of the natural world, biodiversity needs legal protection like the Paris agreement on climate change, members of the European parliament have said.
Action to halt biodiversity decline is based on voluntary commitments but, less than a year before a crucial UN biodiversity conference in China, MEPs pointed to the destruction of precious ecosystems and the more than 1m species facing extinction as evidence that the approach is failing
The global biomass of wild animals has fallen by 82% since records began and 25% of plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. The IPBES report also found there was a strong link between climate change and loss of biodiversity and one could not be solved without the other.
“The dual emergency of nature decline alongside climate breakdown means transformational action is needed,” said Sandra Bell from Friends of the Earth.
“We seem to have lost sight of the fact that nature provides us with healthy soils, water and air. In the UK, and across the EU, existing targets haven’t worked because they have lacked action, so it’s up to the EU commission and national governments to enforce nature laws
Ka kite Ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/06/measures-to-arrest-natures-decline-must-be-passed-into-law-say-meps
https://youtu.be/QAB6aXOfUmU
Kia Ora 1 News.
Let's hope the government makes decisions that minimise our carbon footprint and not just to maximise Te putea.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
Te puia o whakaai is erupting.
You see the bus company's owner are not just blue flag wavers they are climate change deniers.
I agree one must show respect for Tangaroa.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Breakfast.
Condolences to the tangata who lost whanau on Te Puia O Whakaai out of respect for the dead I will say no more on the subject.
Ka kite Ano
Global Warming is creating huge problems we have to minimise our use of green house gases ASAP.
1.9 billion people at risk from mountain water shortages, study shows
Rising demand and climate crisis threaten entire mountain ecosystem, say scientists
A quarter of the world’s population are at risk of water supply problems as mountain glaciers, snow-packs and alpine lakes are run down by global heating and rising demand, according to an international study.
The first inventory of high-altitude sources finds the Indus is the most important and vulnerable “water tower” due to run-off from the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Ladakh, and Himalayan mountain ranges, which flow downstream to a densely populated and intensively irrigated basin in Pakistan, India, China and Afghanistan.
The world has a third pole – and it's melting quickly
Read more
The authors warn this vast water tower – a term they use to describe the role of water storage and supply that mountain ranges play to sustain environmental and human water demands downstream – is unlikely to sustain growing pressure by the middle of the century when temperatures are projected to rise by 1.9C (35.4F), rainfall to increase by less than 2%, but the population to grow by 50% and generate eight times more GDP
Ka kite Ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/09/billion-people-risk-water-supply-rising-demand-global-heating-mountain-ecosystem
Kia Ora 1 News.
Its not looking good for New Zealand's toursim flooding down south roads washed out desaster in the north a earthquake in Te Tairawhiti that was felt in Whakatane what next.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
I agree we have to be thankful for what we have in Aotearoa it good to see tangata helping out Samoa in there time of sorrow and need.
That's will be Awesome to see St Stevens Maori school reopen soon we must keep tangata whenua culture going Mana.
Great to see Te Rangatahi enjoying Maori sports.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Breakfast.
Should have had a question to spend the putea on Greening Aotearoa economy that can make the economy grow and create jobs and save our environment.
Our whole transport system needs to be changed to a low carbon low cost system.
You might think you are funny pakiha.
Ka kite Ano.
Doesn't matter everyone can see Te Eco Maori affect on you.
I remember reading stories from the deniers that Wind power and Solar power ie Green energy can never replace coal. Well in your face Global warming deniers no only is Wind and Solar replacing Coal its cheaper and cleaner they use a fraction of the water that is need to burn coal. This tells me one thing the World is corupt for these lieing fools being able to get away with their lies for 40 years.
Windfarms drive fall in wholesale energy price with lower bills forecast for 2020
Australian Energy Market Commission says prices will begin to fall next year and by 2022 will be $97 a year lower
The price of residential electricity is estimated to start falling next year and continue to fall until 2022, the Australian Energy Market Commission says.
The AEMC’s annual report on electricity price trends shows an overall falling price outlook over the next few years, mostly due to decreases in the wholesale cost from increased generation capacity, particularly from windfarms.
By the end of 2022, almost all Australians are expected to spend an average $97 less on their annual power bills after prices start falling in 2020, the Australian Energy Market Commission says.
Annual bills during the financial year 2018-19 reached $1,370 and have been calculated to fall to $1,273 by June 2022.
This drop is not expected for Western Australia, where annual bills are estimated to be $100 more expensive
Ka kite Ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/dec/09/windfarms-drive-fall-in-wholesale-energy-price-with-lower-bills-forecast-for-2020
Some Eco Maori Music For The Minute.
https://youtu.be/5Yj4j_lZMBo