Why we urgently need to investigate Chinese influence over National.
‘The shocking reality that the National Party is little more than a front for Chinese business interests demands far more attention than it gained…
New research paper lays bare China’s influence campaign in New Zealand
Concerns raised over political donations and directorships offered to former ministers and relatives
Chinese-owned New Zealand dairy farms said to possibly being used to test advanced missile technology’
Sure. What for? They seemed very quiet during the election I thought. And hasnt the campaign to destroy their influence resulted in low enough wages yet for yoyr liking?
Apologizes’s for up setting you all as this was not my intention.
But that is my reality as the Government system has not displayed any reason for me to trust them to do the right thing YEA RIGHT .This site and our viewers have given us the power to influence changes to our society’s for the better of everything in OUR WORLD.
I have tried to get life insurance and that was rejected I will be sorting that out later.
So my words yesterday was my way of insuring my safety as if any thing happens to me these people no that my case will be scrutinized and people held responsible for there actions against me.
Bigg upps to OUR net ball Lady’s you have improved your game remarkably and we all no you can win against the AUSSIES Kai Kaha Lady’s
Over a year ago, two suicide deaths on the edge of my social circle …. came closer to pushing me into depression or breakdown than at any other point in my life.
The Grief of those I was close too …. and the indifference of many wealthy but un-civil New Zealanders …. had my emotions going from despair to fury.
Despite myself & my immediate family doing relatively well in life and circumstances, …. I felt a powerlessness against harms, hardships and stress being put upon our working class citizens … and those at the lower financial end of society.
Deliberate punitive policy choices made law …. despite knowing full well the results literally kill people….even if not as obvious as trade deals for ( illegal ) war participation…. Job insecurity, housing insecurity, debt for the young, poverty for families … it all cuts and claws at our people.
Back at the time I copped a ban for abusing Puckish Rouge, who for me was personifying this sickness of indifference … so comfortable in their casual consent for cruelty …..
saying we are going in the right direction …. even when our numbers increasingly represent a death march … no mercy for stragglers or those left behind.
James sometimes makes me a bit wild and angry ….. for the same reasons …
If People feel I sometimes over-react in my rudeness to RW trolls …….I say they get off light …. it’s my sticks and stones …..versus their shit Kills real New Zealanders …
It’s hurt people I know….
The two suicide victims impacting upon me did not know of each other ….
One was a father, Imperfect and flawed like most of us ….. a rugged incredibly hard working forestry man …, fluently Bi-Lingual, knowledgeable in history ,. a talented musician Artist. …. …
He was made unemployed,…. like just about every other man in his small community …. When the local forestry industry stopped tree felling … during the start of Nationals housing crisis/bubble/shortage…. and when growing numbers of NZ kids… were living in cars… or other substandard, overcrowded and unhealthy accommodation .
Unemployment , Bennett/Keys sick WINZ culture…. and other attacks against human decency …. throughout his life but particularly at the end ….. broke his spirit….Attacked his pride ….stole his hope.
With Death, the grief, sadness and anger of those who knew and loved him … metastasizes through and harms all our society . …
NZ Harder … meaner ……. colder ….. certainly for his children.
The other victim was a teenage girl, ……talented and tough enough to be selected into regional age rep teams in the most competitive woman s sport in New Zealand …. but who suffered from our un-civil treatment towards her parents, which of course affected her circumstances and home life ….
……This coupled with a complete Failure by her school, first with bullying, …. and then in delaying Medical treatment …. turned what was a ‘cry for help’ suicide attempt … into a fatal one. …a needless death of a young, sad, talented, teenager Isolated in her anxietys.
I strongly suspect a white girl would have been taken more seriously….. and had immediate medical action …. rather than sent too and mucked around at her school sick bay …..as she was.
Both of the suicide victims did not have easy lives … both had so much talent …. both were loved
The loss of their sensitivity and humanity …. and the legions of others like them in New Zealand ….. cuts at the very spirit of our society….. they bear the crushed hope of our descent into cruel economic segregation..
Take the civil out of society and what are we left with ? …. The dreams of the rich result in a nightmare for most.
I’ll finish this posts with the words and Lyrics of the forestry worker, father … and musician….A small sliver and sample of what was his life ….. in his words …
Snippets from songs, which had me in tears at times…. knowing the tragic ending.
N8v child: ( native child ) ….. One of our best Artists …. we never knew we had……
“Theres no gas in the subey ……. CV’s are about to snap… Motor smokes like doobies
No warrant or registration …. awww fucken sue me
Im up to my neck . in debt .. with finacial shit …..
And the rest of me out-stretched ….. with I.O.U on my chest “
On drink …..
“Theres a way to make a shitty day a happy day,
N8v child get drunk ,, drink sorrows away.
Nothing can stop you when your in the zone and on your way,
Wake up…….. everythings on the next day .
Theres a way to make a shitty day a happy day,
Square gin, johnny walker, JDs …its all the same.
Nothing can stop you when your in the zone and on your way,
Wake up…….. everythings on the next day.”
Life
“Hey, I gota risk my life for this shit,
Felling Pinus-Radiata with a six , six ..and missed”…
“Like a ghost presence appearing ….you never see me.
I’m a native Cannabil from Aotearoa ….
I aint no Kiwi”
“Dial tone , I’m a little engaged …hard case … Maori or Polynesian
That just a little reminder …. of theres somebody in the background .. preparing for tomorrow”
“No matter how hard you try …your left behind .. in your mind”
“Ashes to dust …Government corruption is such,
The seas black, .. and they’re still trying to drill and frack the fuck.
Mother earths had enough ……
And i’m looking around ,….. and Im looking around alot ,…. you got me looking around …
trying to find a way out… I’m trying to find my way out.”
R.I.P … N8v Child …… his truth grows in strength … the music from his heart will always shine.
Thanks for that reason. A loved mother in our community, known to all, killed herself the other day. The ripples just go on and on. Arohanui to everyone struggling out there.
Thank you so much for this, Reason, even though it has left me in tears.
Your stories are but two of thousands of similar stories in this “rock-star economy. The RWNJ who refuse to acknowledge that what is happening in this country is both cruel and unnecessary are despicable IMO.
Reason, thank-you for this, it’s a beautiful piece of writing that really touches the situation NZ is in now. It would make a fine Guest Post. If you were willing, I can put it up. I would need to edit the ellipses out for readability (and I might want to take out the RW names, but would probably link back to the original comment if people want to see). Have a think about it, and also if you are ok with the families having their story more prominent (on the front page of The Standard and then out via social media).
Thanks for the support and sharing everyone … there’s so much individualized pain as communities unravel ….
And thankyou Weka,….. I would have to gain permission from N8V childs family as his story is their living heartbreak … I know his children will grow up very proud of him … But its whether his family are ready …..
To let go of him again, in a way.
I will ask.
Soundcloud seems to be playing up … but heres a youtube link to a full n8v child song.
What I find stunning is how we almost exist in silos (which I suppose explains to some extent how some people can think the place is going fine).
I live in Dunedin, a small city more like a large town. I know of only one friend/acquaintance who has committed suicide, almost 20 years ago. I have a friend in south D, she’s been to several funerals this year, and about half a dozen last year. She knew directly several people who committed suicide.
For some social circles or geographic areas, suicide and other early death is almost at levels seen in war zones, yet for another section of the community life is long and happy. Privilege.
Thanks reason for your words, honesty and insight.
I, too, have been consoling friends who lost their beautiful early twenties daughter to suicide
You are right, there is a direct link between this free-market, neo-liberal regime and the real pain folks are feeling.
Thankyou everyone ….. but do not feel sorry for me ….. my sadness was for those cut the deepest ….
As marty mars, Karen, McFlock and gsays have shown …. we are all close to those feeling pain and being hurt … Just reaching out and offering a little help or empathy can mean a lot …
Humanity is one of our greatest gifts we can give …. relationships, even with a cat or dog, are lifes greatest rewards.
Weka,… N8v childs family will want his voice heard …. I know for some of them its a mission of respect …. Part of their healing.
Initially the numbing desolation and pain smothered any thoughts or decision making for his Music…
His spirit will shine again….
“Sending aroha to you both Pero & Haam 🙂 may u both be jamming in the after life & jamming beside those who love you and your music in spirit. “got me looking around, trying to find a way out…” Nga mihi aroha, Nga mihi maioha ki a korua xox <3 ma te atua e manaaki – moe mai ra xox <3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8uQOCW05Vo
I am continually amazed as to the apathy people show to being rinsed and ripped by the big 4 Australian banks.Recently they abolished other bank ATM charges in Australia, but offer a spurious,lame excuse as to why they cannot do the same here.In Australia depositors have compulsory insurance guaranteeing their investments.Here we have the opposite-an OBR that allows these banks to give NZ customers a ‘haircut’ should the bank find it has been incompetent or imprudent.With TSB,KIWI BANK,and Co-op Banks available here,there are options!With the increasing frequency of online banking transactions and the closure of many physical stores,what USP do the Australian banks offer anyway?Access to investment capital in NZ is supposedly paramount,yet the National Govt seem determined to stymie Kiwi Bank,The Cullen Fund,and Kiwisaver in favour of exporting billions of profits offshore!Winston seems to appreciate the value of Kiwi Bank at least.
Oz consumers get reamed more then kiwis do and a banking royal commission is being pushed for against turdbulls wishes, my there’s a surprise.
What you are seeing is banks pretending they care when in fact they are desperate to avoid a royal commission. It’s been brewing before their last election and banks being banks keep reminding people what vampires they are.
Between the gouging on transactional fees and their superannuation management fees racket you bet they don’t want the gilt edged platinum goose exposed.
It is a good thing that the guy was a rich farmer who could afford to go without $2000 for 2 weeks. Had this been someone who was living week to week, it would have totally fucked their finances up.
Exactly under neoliberalism the NZ government has turned Kiwis into cash cows for mostly foreign owned businesses. That’s the reason that the cost of living is so high. We also pay some of the highest mortgage rates compared to other comparable countries.
Tried to bank a cheque the other day, found the bank branch had closed down since I last banked a cheque. What are we paying all these fees for?
Banks make record profits here, but not much interest from government – in fact they cheer them on – like the power companies – who now charge people for solar.
My eldest granddaughter has a problem with a skin reaction around her mouths her mother dropped her off about 2 months ago because it takes 10 days to get a doctors appointment where they live.
So I took her to the doctors in Rotorua and met the Kenyan doctor his proscription was some antibiotics and a lip balm that has all natural ingredients in it so we chose Great Barrier ILand with alo vera and manuka honey and her rash came right but she lost it in a week and when i went back to get more I chose another product which just made her rash worse so two more vist to the doctor more antibiotics an the problem got worst .Yesterday I took her to a skin specialist and they were very help full and referred on to some one else . I remembered the first lip balm we got so I said to my granddaughter that we will go and get one of the first lip balms and If that did not work we would go to the person we were advised to go to as one has to watch his money well we found the product and with in 20 hours her proplem has improved 90 % .
I was having selfish thoughts like what if the product gets a big run and runs out ect
But I have over come those thoughts and decided it is to good not to endorse this product and help people with there skin problems P.S I’M going to buy a second lot now and I no that my granddaughter will look after this lip balm now . kai kaha
Directed by Matthew Braley. – As the Earth’s average temperature rises each year, experts warn that we are nearing a fatal tipping point, 2 degrees Celsius …
I Feel for all the people that are unfortunate but please try and use a method I learned which is to look for something positive in our lives if one looks hard they will find it . all the best to you all I AM SURE THINGS ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE FOR THE GOOD OF ALL OF US. my spelling shit hope you had a few laugh’s Kia Kaha
Under a National led Government the New Zealand’s public education system has suffered…
$35 million gifted to private schools (4% of students).
$25 million slashed from the Education Ministry (according to assessments it is the worst performing ministry).
Introduction of new curriculum abandoned and National Standards implemented without trial, against advice and with limited consultation (legislated into law).
Cost of repairing leaky school buildings over $1.2 billion (after National’s de-regulation of building industry in 1991).
$400 million wiped from the early childhood budget and the target for qualified teachers dropped to 80% (many centres operating at 100% had massive budget cuts).
Curriculum narrowed to literacy and numeracy and all other advisors sacked(Science, Technology, Arts…).
The expectation that schools provide healthy food wiped to allow commercial interests into schools again to sell processed food and fruit in schools scheme slashed.
Funding for technology teachers in intermediates cut.
Class sizes over 1:27, 6 more than the OECD average
Health camps closed.
Residential schools for behavioural needs closed (one illegally).
Schools who questioned Standards were threatened with having boards and principals sacked and had PD withheld.
Christchurch school closures are poorly managed and questioned by an ombudsmen and found wanting by a court decision.
New Education Ministry head employed from UK with a background in Charter Schools and limited knowledge of New Zealand system.
Novopay signed off and implemented without a proper trial despite having 147 software faults. Schools are having to devote hours of time every week to deal with past and ongoing problems.
Charter Schools introduced despite no evidence of need and are given afinancial advantage over public schools. The Civilian’s satirical take on Charter Schools is actually not far from the truth.
Private schools capture special needs funding over low decile schools.
Hekia Parata remains in Ministerial role despite poor performance and little respect from the public or the education sector.
After five years under National, New Zealand’s international ranking plummets to as low as 23rd.
Internationally regarded research reveals New Zealand schools are suffering serious harm under the National Standards regime.
The Prime Minister announces that $359 million will be spent on Executive Principals and Teachers who are successful in raising achievement in National Standards. Many question why the money is supporting a corporate management system and isn’t being spent directly to help children with high needs.
You can add to the list the change to teacher training that allows teachers to train in 6 weeks in the school holidays and then train on the job in one school without varied practicums, just as Teach For America does to bring in low cost, short term, untrained ‘teachers’. (Coincidentally great for charter schools, especially those running for profit.)
NZ already has a means for special charter in schools and that is independent schools. We don’t need charter schools and public money being siphoned off and used to enrich businesses and banks! If you want a special school you can already do it under independent schools.
Great post saveNZ….I thought I followed the news pretty well but I hadn’t put all those things together. This has been a government of 9 years of nasty incremental changes-environment/education/health/maori/housing/taxes…you name it.
But the 5% are ok, with their private healthcare and private education and their jobs for the boys. They swim in their private pools not in the wadeable rivers.
Another Hollywood scoundrel and faux-liberal Clintonista bites the dust
predatorn., a person who ruthlessly exploits others. “a sexual predator”
Peter Jackson’s friend Harvey Weinstein has been one of the loudest and most brutal opponents of the open internet. He’s taken sick leave recently. Here’s why….
“Auckland ratepayers [are] now paying 6 percent more this year for council salaries. A staggering 52 percent of rates are now used by the council just to pay staff.”
…Mr Town (CEO)- who got a $34,000 payrise to $690,000…”
Note the article attacks democratically elected Phil Goff NOT the unelected CEO Town who earns $690,000 who is supposed to ‘run’ the council.
Not sure how much the Ports of Auckland CEO gets, or Metrowater CEO’s but probably more than Phil Goff.
Apparently Auckland council has some unbelievable dissatisfaction rate from ratepayers.
Before the supercity and the COO structures the council seemed to be better off with just democratically elected councillors and some managers under them. Much cheaper, better services and much more accountability.
tl:dw?
Rachel Maddow said something.
Glenn Greenwald thinks that something is untrue.
An Alex Jones / Lewis Black / Aragorn crossover rants for 7 minutes.
savenz I don’t no how these people who have been destroying our grandchildren’s future can even show there face’s in public let a lone on camera and tell there lies . They are a disgrace to NZ and a disgrace to humanity. We all want the best start for our children everyone no’s that start’s with a good education good health as any little setback will greatly affect our young star’s life in a negative way and will prevent them from reaching there full potential . OUR children are OUR future . and national don’t that. I CAN NOT WRAP MY HEAD AROUND THE WAY national people think because there logic does not exist Kia Kaha
Thanks Maori/kiwi. I think National have got away their shocking social manipulation for 9 years by targeting vulnerable people like children and bullying schools and doing it in a way so that incrementally it’s just getting worse and worse while having a little back slaps with the MSM and so completely misleading reporting with zero facts is being done about what’s happening in this country.
Similar to WINZ targeting beneficiaries. Pick on the vulnerable, like kids and beneficiaries who are less able to ask for help so that money can be siphoned off for other causes (Saudi sheep farms or Sky city convention centres). And we have roads, roads, roads, actually the most expensive road in the world being built by National – so money is no object in some cases. Clearly kids or people in general are not considered worth anything in comparison.
Moko inquiry. Can I say how much I admire Judge, now Childrens Commissioner. Read what this guy writes. He has been trying to be part of solutions for over a decade but so many deaf ears.
This is why Wayne Mapp makes me annoyed when he avoids answering valid questions about the “collateral damage” of his preferred ideology. When he is affronted that people might think National has done bad things. They have had their go, for 9 years, of addressing the Mokos and Moko mums and Tanias… like Nat MPs, not evil people but unlike National MPs doing bad things through desperation…
Had a chuckle at this short piece of satire in The New Yorker
“Doctors at the University of Minnesota Medical School, who have been studying the skeletal structures of both Republicans for months, believe that their ability to stand, walk, and even break into a brisk trot when confronted by reporters’ questions is “virtually inexplicable.”
“When he [Boris Johnson] was lying his way through the referendum campaign, we knew little about what Brexit Britain would look like. Now we are beginning to know more.
The pound worth less – because of Brexit. Rising prices – because of Brexit.
Our falling standing in the world – because of Brexit.
From the top of the G7 growth league to the bottom – because of Brexit.
The investors making plans to move – because of Brexit.
EU workers leaving our NHS and our schools and universities, not welcome – because of Brexit.
Fruit unpicked in East Anglia – because of Brexit.
The Irish border question unresolved and imperiling stability and peace there – because of Brexit. The rights of millions uncertain – because of Brexit.
The most complex negotiations imaginable in the hands of a cabinet incapable of meeting for five minutes without splurging their differences through the media to the other side of the negotiating table. ”
A foreign secretary driven by ego alone; a Prime Minister too weak to deal with it.”
Alastair Campbell in the NewEuropean.
He doesn’t miss and hit the wall.
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Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wilmot, Senior Lecturer, Film, Deakin University Among the many Australian who served during the second world war, there is a small group of people whose stories remain largely untold. These are the Muslim men and women who, while small in number, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
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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 ...
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Why we urgently need to investigate Chinese influence over National.
‘The shocking reality that the National Party is little more than a front for Chinese business interests demands far more attention than it gained…
New research paper lays bare China’s influence campaign in New Zealand
Concerns raised over political donations and directorships offered to former ministers and relatives
Chinese-owned New Zealand dairy farms said to possibly being used to test advanced missile technology’
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2017/10/06/why-we-urgently-need-to-investigate-chinese-influence-over-national/
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11924169
Can we investigate the unions too?
Infusion = bullshit.
You seriously want to investigate the influence of unions over National?? Keen to do a PhD, aren’t you?
Well that “Taxpayers Union” seems pretty dodgy to me
True, that would produce the first R18-rated PhD in NZ history.
He is talking about Federated farmers and the NZ institute.
Oh, it could be worse, e.g. the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council (FGC).
For what? The irresponsible use of placards?
Don’t see why not.
But I also don’t see why you’re concerned. The unions aren’t a foreign power seemingly working against the interests of the country.
Sure. What for? They seemed very quiet during the election I thought. And hasnt the campaign to destroy their influence resulted in low enough wages yet for yoyr liking?
This is very concerning as it could affect our sovereignty and the incoming government needs to call an inquiry.
We should be funding the elections and limiting the money that can be spent as well.
Apologizes’s for up setting you all as this was not my intention.
But that is my reality as the Government system has not displayed any reason for me to trust them to do the right thing YEA RIGHT .This site and our viewers have given us the power to influence changes to our society’s for the better of everything in OUR WORLD.
I have tried to get life insurance and that was rejected I will be sorting that out later.
So my words yesterday was my way of insuring my safety as if any thing happens to me these people no that my case will be scrutinized and people held responsible for there actions against me.
Bigg upps to OUR net ball Lady’s you have improved your game remarkably and we all no you can win against the AUSSIES Kai Kaha Lady’s
Tory corporate media continues to whinge….,,,,,,
This time Winston is too quick.
Watch them drip by drip try to erode MMP.
There are words for people like that.
And it’s not journalists.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11930072
Over a year ago, two suicide deaths on the edge of my social circle …. came closer to pushing me into depression or breakdown than at any other point in my life.
The Grief of those I was close too …. and the indifference of many wealthy but un-civil New Zealanders …. had my emotions going from despair to fury.
Despite myself & my immediate family doing relatively well in life and circumstances, …. I felt a powerlessness against harms, hardships and stress being put upon our working class citizens … and those at the lower financial end of society.
Deliberate punitive policy choices made law …. despite knowing full well the results literally kill people….even if not as obvious as trade deals for ( illegal ) war participation…. Job insecurity, housing insecurity, debt for the young, poverty for families … it all cuts and claws at our people.
Back at the time I copped a ban for abusing Puckish Rouge, who for me was personifying this sickness of indifference … so comfortable in their casual consent for cruelty …..
saying we are going in the right direction …. even when our numbers increasingly represent a death march … no mercy for stragglers or those left behind.
James sometimes makes me a bit wild and angry ….. for the same reasons …
If People feel I sometimes over-react in my rudeness to RW trolls …….I say they get off light …. it’s my sticks and stones …..versus their shit Kills real New Zealanders …
It’s hurt people I know….
The two suicide victims impacting upon me did not know of each other ….
One was a father, Imperfect and flawed like most of us ….. a rugged incredibly hard working forestry man …, fluently Bi-Lingual, knowledgeable in history ,. a talented musician Artist. …. …
He was made unemployed,…. like just about every other man in his small community …. When the local forestry industry stopped tree felling … during the start of Nationals housing crisis/bubble/shortage…. and when growing numbers of NZ kids… were living in cars… or other substandard, overcrowded and unhealthy accommodation .
Unemployment , Bennett/Keys sick WINZ culture…. and other attacks against human decency …. throughout his life but particularly at the end ….. broke his spirit….Attacked his pride ….stole his hope.
With Death, the grief, sadness and anger of those who knew and loved him … metastasizes through and harms all our society . …
NZ Harder … meaner ……. colder ….. certainly for his children.
The other victim was a teenage girl, ……talented and tough enough to be selected into regional age rep teams in the most competitive woman s sport in New Zealand …. but who suffered from our un-civil treatment towards her parents, which of course affected her circumstances and home life ….
……This coupled with a complete Failure by her school, first with bullying, …. and then in delaying Medical treatment …. turned what was a ‘cry for help’ suicide attempt … into a fatal one. …a needless death of a young, sad, talented, teenager Isolated in her anxietys.
I strongly suspect a white girl would have been taken more seriously….. and had immediate medical action …. rather than sent too and mucked around at her school sick bay …..as she was.
Both of the suicide victims did not have easy lives … both had so much talent …. both were loved
The loss of their sensitivity and humanity …. and the legions of others like them in New Zealand ….. cuts at the very spirit of our society….. they bear the crushed hope of our descent into cruel economic segregation..
Take the civil out of society and what are we left with ? …. The dreams of the rich result in a nightmare for most.
I’ll finish this posts with the words and Lyrics of the forestry worker, father … and musician….A small sliver and sample of what was his life ….. in his words …
Snippets from songs, which had me in tears at times…. knowing the tragic ending.
N8v child: ( native child ) ….. One of our best Artists …. we never knew we had……
“Theres no gas in the subey ……. CV’s are about to snap… Motor smokes like doobies
No warrant or registration …. awww fucken sue me
Im up to my neck . in debt .. with finacial shit …..
And the rest of me out-stretched ….. with I.O.U on my chest “
On drink …..
“Theres a way to make a shitty day a happy day,
N8v child get drunk ,, drink sorrows away.
Nothing can stop you when your in the zone and on your way,
Wake up…….. everythings on the next day .
Theres a way to make a shitty day a happy day,
Square gin, johnny walker, JDs …its all the same.
Nothing can stop you when your in the zone and on your way,
Wake up…….. everythings on the next day.”
Life
“Hey, I gota risk my life for this shit,
Felling Pinus-Radiata with a six , six ..and missed”…
“Like a ghost presence appearing ….you never see me.
I’m a native Cannabil from Aotearoa ….
I aint no Kiwi”
“Dial tone , I’m a little engaged …hard case … Maori or Polynesian
That just a little reminder …. of theres somebody in the background .. preparing for tomorrow”
“No matter how hard you try …your left behind .. in your mind”
“Ashes to dust …Government corruption is such,
The seas black, .. and they’re still trying to drill and frack the fuck.
Mother earths had enough ……
And i’m looking around ,….. and Im looking around alot ,…. you got me looking around …
trying to find a way out… I’m trying to find my way out.”
R.I.P … N8v Child …… his truth grows in strength … the music from his heart will always shine.
https://soundcloud.com/pete-dnanz/vlc-record-2016-05-02-06h39m01s-track-13/stats/plays/2017-09-29/2017-10-05
https://soundcloud.com/pete-dnanz/truth
Link should have been https://soundcloud.com/pete-dnanz/vlc-record-2016-05-02-06h39m01s-track-13/
Tautoko, Reason.
Thanks for that reason. A loved mother in our community, known to all, killed herself the other day. The ripples just go on and on. Arohanui to everyone struggling out there.
Thank you so much for this, Reason, even though it has left me in tears.
Your stories are but two of thousands of similar stories in this “rock-star economy. The RWNJ who refuse to acknowledge that what is happening in this country is both cruel and unnecessary are despicable IMO.
Reason, thank-you for this, it’s a beautiful piece of writing that really touches the situation NZ is in now. It would make a fine Guest Post. If you were willing, I can put it up. I would need to edit the ellipses out for readability (and I might want to take out the RW names, but would probably link back to the original comment if people want to see). Have a think about it, and also if you are ok with the families having their story more prominent (on the front page of The Standard and then out via social media).
Thanks for the support and sharing everyone … there’s so much individualized pain as communities unravel ….
And thankyou Weka,….. I would have to gain permission from N8V childs family as his story is their living heartbreak … I know his children will grow up very proud of him … But its whether his family are ready …..
To let go of him again, in a way.
I will ask.
Soundcloud seems to be playing up … but heres a youtube link to a full n8v child song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGFFAIz5FHs
I understand. It’s also an option to post it at a later time if they feel better about that, but I also get they may not want that to happen at all.
I would also want to link to suicide support services at the bottom of the post, and I would moderate comments tightly.
Sorry for your loss.
What I find stunning is how we almost exist in silos (which I suppose explains to some extent how some people can think the place is going fine).
I live in Dunedin, a small city more like a large town. I know of only one friend/acquaintance who has committed suicide, almost 20 years ago. I have a friend in south D, she’s been to several funerals this year, and about half a dozen last year. She knew directly several people who committed suicide.
For some social circles or geographic areas, suicide and other early death is almost at levels seen in war zones, yet for another section of the community life is long and happy. Privilege.
Thanks @Reason, I read that with tears. Kia kaha
Thanks reason for your words, honesty and insight.
I, too, have been consoling friends who lost their beautiful early twenties daughter to suicide
You are right, there is a direct link between this free-market, neo-liberal regime and the real pain folks are feeling.
Thanks again for your articulate words.
reason
You say it well for many of us. A moving obituary to the two.
NZ Harder … meaner ……. colder…
Thanks for taking the time to write and share this.
Kia kaha
@ reason (4) …
The shocking negligence of families struggling in this country is an absolute disgrace! An indictment on the present uncaring, arrogant government!
Many thanks for bravely sharing your double tragic loss.
Kia kaha.
Thankyou everyone ….. but do not feel sorry for me ….. my sadness was for those cut the deepest ….
As marty mars, Karen, McFlock and gsays have shown …. we are all close to those feeling pain and being hurt … Just reaching out and offering a little help or empathy can mean a lot …
Humanity is one of our greatest gifts we can give …. relationships, even with a cat or dog, are lifes greatest rewards.
Weka,… N8v childs family will want his voice heard …. I know for some of them its a mission of respect …. Part of their healing.
Initially the numbing desolation and pain smothered any thoughts or decision making for his Music…
His spirit will shine again….
“Sending aroha to you both Pero & Haam 🙂 may u both be jamming in the after life & jamming beside those who love you and your music in spirit. “got me looking around, trying to find a way out…” Nga mihi aroha, Nga mihi maioha ki a korua xox <3 ma te atua e manaaki – moe mai ra xox <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8uQOCW05Vo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9MdAJ4f7Yk&list=PL35yXrnbIY_Dnr8cjTurN-UEG-FmfQCZv
I am continually amazed as to the apathy people show to being rinsed and ripped by the big 4 Australian banks.Recently they abolished other bank ATM charges in Australia, but offer a spurious,lame excuse as to why they cannot do the same here.In Australia depositors have compulsory insurance guaranteeing their investments.Here we have the opposite-an OBR that allows these banks to give NZ customers a ‘haircut’ should the bank find it has been incompetent or imprudent.With TSB,KIWI BANK,and Co-op Banks available here,there are options!With the increasing frequency of online banking transactions and the closure of many physical stores,what USP do the Australian banks offer anyway?Access to investment capital in NZ is supposedly paramount,yet the National Govt seem determined to stymie Kiwi Bank,The Cullen Fund,and Kiwisaver in favour of exporting billions of profits offshore!Winston seems to appreciate the value of Kiwi Bank at least.
Oz consumers get reamed more then kiwis do and a banking royal commission is being pushed for against turdbulls wishes, my there’s a surprise.
What you are seeing is banks pretending they care when in fact they are desperate to avoid a royal commission. It’s been brewing before their last election and banks being banks keep reminding people what vampires they are.
Between the gouging on transactional fees and their superannuation management fees racket you bet they don’t want the gilt edged platinum goose exposed.
Speaking of ATM’s:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/97447977/dairy-farmer-waits-two-weeks-for-cash-after-atm-fails-to-deliver
It is a good thing that the guy was a rich farmer who could afford to go without $2000 for 2 weeks. Had this been someone who was living week to week, it would have totally fucked their finances up.
Exactly under neoliberalism the NZ government has turned Kiwis into cash cows for mostly foreign owned businesses. That’s the reason that the cost of living is so high. We also pay some of the highest mortgage rates compared to other comparable countries.
Tried to bank a cheque the other day, found the bank branch had closed down since I last banked a cheque. What are we paying all these fees for?
Banks make record profits here, but not much interest from government – in fact they cheer them on – like the power companies – who now charge people for solar.
My eldest granddaughter has a problem with a skin reaction around her mouths her mother dropped her off about 2 months ago because it takes 10 days to get a doctors appointment where they live.
So I took her to the doctors in Rotorua and met the Kenyan doctor his proscription was some antibiotics and a lip balm that has all natural ingredients in it so we chose Great Barrier ILand with alo vera and manuka honey and her rash came right but she lost it in a week and when i went back to get more I chose another product which just made her rash worse so two more vist to the doctor more antibiotics an the problem got worst .Yesterday I took her to a skin specialist and they were very help full and referred on to some one else . I remembered the first lip balm we got so I said to my granddaughter that we will go and get one of the first lip balms and If that did not work we would go to the person we were advised to go to as one has to watch his money well we found the product and with in 20 hours her proplem has improved 90 % .
I was having selfish thoughts like what if the product gets a big run and runs out ect
But I have over come those thoughts and decided it is to good not to endorse this product and help people with there skin problems P.S I’M going to buy a second lot now and I no that my granddaughter will look after this lip balm now . kai kaha
Watch this as National is driving us quickly to the end.
Two degrees Point of no return.
Two Degrees: The Point of No Return (TV Movie 2017) – IMDb
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7339080
Directed by Matthew Braley. – As the Earth’s average temperature rises each year, experts warn that we are nearing a fatal tipping point, 2 degrees Celsius …
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/05/carbon-emissions-warming-soils-higher-than-estimated-signalling-tipping-points
Reason, your grief and anger in the face of government indifference is felt here too.
I had two lovely friends, a couple, who worked hard all their lives for their family of five
He developed a mental illness, and wasn’t helped when it made him afraid of the meds
She developed type 2 diabetes and soon after cancer.
They were mainly helped by their children. The safety net more holes than net.
For me, the anger and grief when he was put out of hospital with his meds in his hand.
And when she was asked as she was dying, “Can you work 15 hours a week?”
They didn’t live to 65, so no pension. So I voted for no age increase.
I hear you Reason, and share your grief and pain. The misery inflicted by the comfortable, while they look the other way.
Our hope is together we can make this a better place. Kia kaha.
to PB and Reason above : Yes indeed we MUST make this a better place. Let’s trust that present political deliberations enable it.
I Feel for all the people that are unfortunate but please try and use a method I learned which is to look for something positive in our lives if one looks hard they will find it . all the best to you all I AM SURE THINGS ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE FOR THE GOOD OF ALL OF US. my spelling shit hope you had a few laugh’s Kia Kaha
Hi patricia bremner, and Heather Grimwood…. I’ve just seen and read your post …. sorry for not seeing it and replying earlier.
So sad and cruel regarding your friends …. Almost literally Worked to death…
Causalities of The pressures and stress …. from our sick ‘Greed race’ society …
National rats now being the minority …… means some repairs to to the holes they have gnawed in our society …. may finally be done.
ButNever trust a blue rat ,,,,,,,,, they are from ‘the Sewer’ family.
Under a National led Government the New Zealand’s public education system has suffered…
$35 million gifted to private schools (4% of students).
$25 million slashed from the Education Ministry (according to assessments it is the worst performing ministry).
Introduction of new curriculum abandoned and National Standards implemented without trial, against advice and with limited consultation (legislated into law).
Cost of repairing leaky school buildings over $1.2 billion (after National’s de-regulation of building industry in 1991).
$400 million wiped from the early childhood budget and the target for qualified teachers dropped to 80% (many centres operating at 100% had massive budget cuts).
Curriculum narrowed to literacy and numeracy and all other advisors sacked(Science, Technology, Arts…).
The expectation that schools provide healthy food wiped to allow commercial interests into schools again to sell processed food and fruit in schools scheme slashed.
Funding for technology teachers in intermediates cut.
Class sizes over 1:27, 6 more than the OECD average
Health camps closed.
Residential schools for behavioural needs closed (one illegally).
Schools who questioned Standards were threatened with having boards and principals sacked and had PD withheld.
Christchurch school closures are poorly managed and questioned by an ombudsmen and found wanting by a court decision.
New Education Ministry head employed from UK with a background in Charter Schools and limited knowledge of New Zealand system.
Novopay signed off and implemented without a proper trial despite having 147 software faults. Schools are having to devote hours of time every week to deal with past and ongoing problems.
Charter Schools introduced despite no evidence of need and are given afinancial advantage over public schools. The Civilian’s satirical take on Charter Schools is actually not far from the truth.
Private schools capture special needs funding over low decile schools.
Hekia Parata remains in Ministerial role despite poor performance and little respect from the public or the education sector.
After five years under National, New Zealand’s international ranking plummets to as low as 23rd.
Internationally regarded research reveals New Zealand schools are suffering serious harm under the National Standards regime.
The Prime Minister announces that $359 million will be spent on Executive Principals and Teachers who are successful in raising achievement in National Standards. Many question why the money is supporting a corporate management system and isn’t being spent directly to help children with high needs.
You can add to the list the change to teacher training that allows teachers to train in 6 weeks in the school holidays and then train on the job in one school without varied practicums, just as Teach For America does to bring in low cost, short term, untrained ‘teachers’. (Coincidentally great for charter schools, especially those running for profit.)
https://saveourschoolsnz.com/2014/03/17/the-list-what-national-has-done-to-new-zealand-education/
Add to that horrendous list a further subsidy to private schools via the use of the Aspire scholarships.
Ballot scholarships paying up to $82.500 per student- most of it as fees to a private school – over a period of five years.
Yep the government seem to have it all wrong.
NZ already has a means for special charter in schools and that is independent schools. We don’t need charter schools and public money being siphoned off and used to enrich businesses and banks! If you want a special school you can already do it under independent schools.
Great post saveNZ….I thought I followed the news pretty well but I hadn’t put all those things together. This has been a government of 9 years of nasty incremental changes-environment/education/health/maori/housing/taxes…you name it.
But the 5% are ok, with their private healthcare and private education and their jobs for the boys. They swim in their private pools not in the wadeable rivers.
Another Hollywood scoundrel and faux-liberal Clintonista bites the dust
predator n., a person who ruthlessly exploits others. “a sexual predator”
Peter Jackson’s friend Harvey Weinstein has been one of the loudest and most brutal opponents of the open internet. He’s taken sick leave recently. Here’s why….
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/05/us/harvey-weinstein-harassment-allegations.html
http://www.scpr.org/blogs/economy/2013/01/24/12175/harvey-weinstein-still-thinks-silicon-valley-steal/
“Auckland ratepayers [are] now paying 6 percent more this year for council salaries. A staggering 52 percent of rates are now used by the council just to pay staff.”
…Mr Town (CEO)- who got a $34,000 payrise to $690,000…”
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/10/bump-in-auckland-council-staff-earning-six-figure-salaries.html
Note the article attacks democratically elected Phil Goff NOT the unelected CEO Town who earns $690,000 who is supposed to ‘run’ the council.
Not sure how much the Ports of Auckland CEO gets, or Metrowater CEO’s but probably more than Phil Goff.
Apparently Auckland council has some unbelievable dissatisfaction rate from ratepayers.
Before the supercity and the COO structures the council seemed to be better off with just democratically elected councillors and some managers under them. Much cheaper, better services and much more accountability.
Buttgate
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/97622773/buttgate-top-official-at-wellington-city-council-slams-stupid-and-wasteful-bylaw
Gotta have a giggle with Lee Camp. Some good points from this short video, and funny as well. 7.15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UknXRayNr_M&mc_cid=94cd1b6202&mc_eid=524e48683c&ab_channel=RedactedTonight
tl:dw?
Rachel Maddow said something.
Glenn Greenwald thinks that something is untrue.
An Alex Jones / Lewis Black / Aragorn crossover rants for 7 minutes.
Did you watch it to save the rest of us the time? Or just educated guesses from what’s on the screens and past form?
I actually watched it. Totally reminded me of Dr AMP’s podcast/radio show in Twin Peaks. Without the props though lol.
savenz I don’t no how these people who have been destroying our grandchildren’s future can even show there face’s in public let a lone on camera and tell there lies . They are a disgrace to NZ and a disgrace to humanity. We all want the best start for our children everyone no’s that start’s with a good education good health as any little setback will greatly affect our young star’s life in a negative way and will prevent them from reaching there full potential . OUR children are OUR future . and national don’t that. I CAN NOT WRAP MY HEAD AROUND THE WAY national people think because there logic does not exist Kia Kaha
Thanks Maori/kiwi. I think National have got away their shocking social manipulation for 9 years by targeting vulnerable people like children and bullying schools and doing it in a way so that incrementally it’s just getting worse and worse while having a little back slaps with the MSM and so completely misleading reporting with zero facts is being done about what’s happening in this country.
Similar to WINZ targeting beneficiaries. Pick on the vulnerable, like kids and beneficiaries who are less able to ask for help so that money can be siphoned off for other causes (Saudi sheep farms or Sky city convention centres). And we have roads, roads, roads, actually the most expensive road in the world being built by National – so money is no object in some cases. Clearly kids or people in general are not considered worth anything in comparison.
Moko inquiry. Can I say how much I admire Judge, now Childrens Commissioner. Read what this guy writes. He has been trying to be part of solutions for over a decade but so many deaf ears.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11929541
This is why Wayne Mapp makes me annoyed when he avoids answering valid questions about the “collateral damage” of his preferred ideology. When he is affronted that people might think National has done bad things. They have had their go, for 9 years, of addressing the Mokos and Moko mums and Tanias… like Nat MPs, not evil people but unlike National MPs doing bad things through desperation…
Fuck, you’re an obnoxious wanker.
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
I try to be your mirror: thanks for the encouragement.
Had a chuckle at this short piece of satire in The New Yorker
“Doctors at the University of Minnesota Medical School, who have been studying the skeletal structures of both Republicans for months, believe that their ability to stand, walk, and even break into a brisk trot when confronted by reporters’ questions is “virtually inexplicable.”
https://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/scientists-baffled-by-mcconnell-and-ryans-ability-to-stand-upright-without-spines
“When he [Boris Johnson] was lying his way through the referendum campaign, we knew little about what Brexit Britain would look like. Now we are beginning to know more.
The pound worth less – because of Brexit. Rising prices – because of Brexit.
Our falling standing in the world – because of Brexit.
From the top of the G7 growth league to the bottom – because of Brexit.
The investors making plans to move – because of Brexit.
EU workers leaving our NHS and our schools and universities, not welcome – because of Brexit.
Fruit unpicked in East Anglia – because of Brexit.
The Irish border question unresolved and imperiling stability and peace there – because of Brexit. The rights of millions uncertain – because of Brexit.
The most complex negotiations imaginable in the hands of a cabinet incapable of meeting for five minutes without splurging their differences through the media to the other side of the negotiating table. ”
A foreign secretary driven by ego alone; a Prime Minister too weak to deal with it.”
Alastair Campbell in the NewEuropean.
He doesn’t miss and hit the wall.