It's an opinion piece, we've heard about the coming financial crisis for years now. The last labour government left us in a great place to tackle the last financial crisis, I'm sure if there is another one they will again be prepared.
However it's a popular article, 330 comments and counting
"Some female Nats will cross the floor on a conscience vote. Little will be fine on with this."
FIFY
What a sexist comment, Ad. Shame on you.
Also – Some Labour MPs will cross the floor on a conscience vote. Little will be fine with this.
It is obvious that you have never looked at and analysed the make-up of conscience votes taken during this current Parliament such as those taken to date on the End of Life Bill. I have followed the latter very closely, including watching the total 5+ hours of the debate last week when the Committee of the House began its deliberations on the Bill as it was returned from the Select Committee and at 11.38pm passed Part A of the Bill on a conscience vote of 70 Ayes to 50 Nays.
There was a real mixed bag as to who made up those totals in relation to their Party and their gender etc, and a number of MPs both National and Labour changed their votes from their earlier votes on the First and Second Readings of the Bill.
I am in the process of putting together a summary of the above breakdowns for other reasons, and later today I will put up a short summary here of this breakdown in support of what I have said above.
When you can "pretend" about electric or low emmision car subsidies, you will pretend about anything, you ain't seen nothing yet wait till the marijuana decriminalisation and euthanasia debates he'll be spinning like a top.
Conscience votes are supposed to be left to individual MPs.
The broad backgrounds, experiences and beliefs etc of ALL MPs may cover the range of opinions of the rest of us, the general populace and provide a fairly good coverage for all of us!!
However, I am sure that there is definitely "political manipulation" when ALL members of one Party vote in the same way!
True, there is no such thing as 'crossing the floor' on a conscience vote.
I also agree that there will probably be a reasonable number of Nat MPs who will vote for the abortion changes – but there will also be quite a number who will not.
My bet is that the voting from all parties will be similar to that on the various stages of the End of Life Bill and it may well be very close … In other words, the passing of the abortion amendments is not a given.
Turns out the PM has shifted stance on China, after all. "The Government has rebuked China over its recent comments and actions where it sought to suppress freedom of speech and voiced support for violent opposition to Hong Kong protestors in New Zealand. On Monday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials met with Chinese Government representatives in New Zealand to reiterate that freedom of expression would be upheld and maintained, which included on university campuses."
"Along with New Zealand adding its name to a public letter regarding the treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang, this public reproach seems to signal a change in Jacinda Ardern’s approach to China. On Tuesday, Ardern confirmed MFAT reiterated the New Zealand’s position on freedom of speech, particularly on university campuses."
When the invasion of HK occurs, she'll have a better opportunity to demonstrate moral leadership. Xi's fate will hinge on whether he defaults to traditional communist state control, or attempts to chart a new course embracing democracy. He'll make history if he chooses the non-conformist option.
So they did absolutely nothing, then leapt into action and made their official representations to the Chinese government on the same day they discovered Seymour was so angry his top lip was quivering? Gosh, he has such influence.
"When the invasion of HK occurs, she'll have a better opportunity to demonstrate moral leadership. "
Not sure what you mean by invasion? How can a country invade itself. In case you don't know Hong Kong is a part of China (as Trump said), and that happened on 1 July 1997.
That is why most Hong Kong people carry Chinese passports, but with HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative region stamped on them)
But, if you do insist on calling it an 'invasion', well that already happened on 1 July 97:
Currently there are already around 10000 PLA troops stationed in Hong Kong.
Fuck you are a hypocrite. New Zealand, and other countries tries to influence other countries, particularly under the pretext of 'human rights' all the time.
So NZ signs up to that pathetic letter on Xinjiang with 21 other countries (37 other countries much more representative of the world community supported China's actions), and yet it cries 'interference' when some drama queen fakes a fall on campus.
What about New Zealand's lack of respect of the rights of the elderly and women? Recently we have had old people, women, tourists bashed in horrific acts of violence, and the courts hand out pathetic home detention sentences —-is that not a 'human rights' issue? How would NZ like it if China thought fit to comment on these incidents of outrageous injustice in NZ?
That you can't see this reeks of a sense of western exceptionalism bordering on white supremacy
What's the point of a climate emergency declaration?
"That question deserves a considered answer. First, let us immediately concede that the declaration of a climate change emergency produces no automatic and positive outcomes. It produces no new resources or solutions and provides no new powers. Such a declaration has no legal or statutory force – in that sense, it changes nothing.
But in other senses it is a significant step forward. It is, first, a formal and public recognition by those in authority that the issue is real and that the threat will only become more serious if it is not addressed.
And, it signals a determination to take whatever action is necessary to avert the threatened damage to our planet and our way of life. That signal serves as a constant reminder to themselves of their commitment to act – but is also a message to those they serve, alerting them to the certain need for measures that may be unwelcome."
If it's an emergency, then any form of denialism is marginal lunacy. If it's an emergency, a gradualism that permits only those actions that do not threaten the existing architecture of wealth and power is discredited. If it's an emergency, then holding out for magical techno-fixes is irresponsible risk-taking.
i.e. calling it an "emergency" determines what constitutes a rational response. It's a significant propaganda victory and an important one to win – which is why it is bitterly opposed.
A brilliant interview with Chris Finlayson by Sean Plunket laying out the actual facts around Ihumatao and the full and final Treaty settlement that included the land in dispute.
No, Muttonbird. Finlayson is/was a complete arsehole to work for (I know) and was a Member of the party I do not support or vote for – BUT he did a marvellous job as Minister in moving historical Treaty disputes and settlements forward in a timely but respectful manner. He was/is respected for his knowledge and work in this area by the vast majority of other MPs from all Parties, and of parties to Treaty settlements, including iwi, hapu etc, the legal profession and the judiciary.
I don't know whether you watched his valedictory speech on leaving Parliament but I doubt that National would have him back after that speech. LOL.
I have been thinking over the last week or so that he would be the go to person on the Ihumaatao* situation. Much as I cannot stand Sean Plunket, I will watch the interview in the link above.
However, I also found two more articles on the background to Ihumaatao yesterday which are well worth reading for detail of the earlier Treaty settlement and the complicated dealings, Council decisions etc in relation to the sale of the land to Fletchers by the Wallace family.
Vincent O'Malley was a source of information for both articles; and the Listener article details that the confiscated land was given to a “Gavin Wallace” and owned by the Wallace family for 150 years until sold to Fletchers by the family through Gavin H Wallace Ltd. (Obviously not the same Gavin Wallace unless he defied all usual human age limits!)
This registered company is still in existence but now based in Dargaville and is listed as a Fish breeding /farming (onshore) company.
In fact Labour and the Greens will have voted for all the Treaty settlement bills that CF proposed.
Ngapuhi was the big miss. But that also seems to be the case with Andrew Little. Right at the moment the Ngapuhi negotiations seem to be stalled. Basically a fresh mandate is required, probably with major hapu sub groupings, such as Ngati Hine.
Peeni Henare in particular will be very conscious of the potential effect of Ihumatao on Ngapuhi (or hapu thereof) negotiations. As will Shane Jones and Winston Peters. What was likely to be a $200 to 300 million settlement could suddenly be $500 million, if the government does not get Ihumatao right.
Totally agree, Wayne*. It is a very complex situation which needs very careful handling otherwise the backlash and cost to- and from – everyone, Maori and Pakeha, will enormous in relation to the Treaty agreements already completed.
I highly recommend the two links above in my 5.1.2. You, probably better than any of us, will understand the conniptions etc vis a vis the Council decisions etc.
Pair of conservative White guys have little patience for Māori land protests – gee, who could have seen that coming? We should subject ourselves to it for what reason, now?
As PM says, good luck with that. Even at the time it was implemented it was obvious the full and final was never going to work. There are also compelling reasons why it should be applied in this case.
Then the Iwi should never have agreed to sign the deed of Settlement. If full and final does not mean full and final then the whole Treaty settlement process is a joke.
If they hadn't signed they would have got nothing. Hobson's choice.
The Crown mandated full and final, Māori weren't treated at partners in that decision. Yes, that part of it is a joke. There was plenty of discussion at the time that this would come back to bite the government.
Yes it is . The iwi have made that clear as part of their claims in 1989 Treaty hearings at the very marae just around the corner from the land in dispute.
As a result of those the Manukau Council purchased the Stonefields and mountain as open space reserve. The iwi wanted the other block included and that didnt happen, this block is the supject of the protest by SOUL
“Sean notes that on average waitangi settlements result in two to three percent returns[of land] for Maori while Fletchers have gone above that and returned 25 percent of the land, which Pita [Turei] resoundingly agrees.
The Crown gives financial compensation where it cant return land
Private land is excluded from Treaty settlements, so how would that work?
I think there are at least four Iwi with connections to Ihumātao. I don't have a good enough grasp of the situation to explain how Hapū fit into that, but if we put the Crown's imposition of legal structures aside for a moment, it's clear that more than TKAM have a stake in this.
Land confiscation issues can be discussed and dealt with as far as I am aware. Compensation can be made for land confiscated that is in private hands and this can be used to buy back private land when it becomes available for sale.
You're talking about the treaty, the protectors want the land included as part of the existing historic reserve. This is more a reserve issue and how culturally important land is put into reserve.
I get what you are saying, maui, and now I know a lot more about the historical significance of that whole area, I too would like to see as much as possible put into historic reserve. And also, if done in a culturally respectful way (ie not as a tourist site) a site for visits to learn the history of both the area itself and its role in NZ's overall history and culture.
If this could be done outside the Treaty and related processes – eg as a Reserve issue as you suggest – that would be great and hopefully a lot of very experienced, knowledgeable legals etc are currently working hard on trying to achieve exactly this. Having worked on the fringes of the Treaty Settlement process/agencies, my limited knowledge of that process leads me to believe it is a minefield that needs to be traversed very carefully as one step out of place could have major consequences not only in relation to this particular situation, but many others including Treaty settlements already completed.
I have everything crossed that a good solution can be found without this happening. If you haven't read the two links that I included in my 5.1.2 above, I recommend them as they gave me a much better picture of the complicated path that has led to the current impasse.
But on reflection after reading them, I am beginning to think that if the Wallace family had got their original consents through to allow the land to be rezoned, all would have been lost back in 2012; and that the sale to Fletchers may in fact have been a blessing in disguise in now leading to the opportunity to relook at the whole future of this area. Here's hoping… .
We're seeing the dark side of socialism again. RNZ midday news had a story of the Canterbury manufacturer of tiny houses being bullied by little hitlers in the local council. Apparently he explained that the ones he makes are actually vehicles. Local govt folks get their jobs due to the need to reduce the number of unemployed drifters, so it's a mistake to assume they can actually do anything. They obviously think "it's called a tiny house, so it must be a house".
Check the specs & you find it ain't necessarily so: "Built on a strong steel chassis, mobilised on tri-set axles, 6 low set radial tyres. Lightweight & size allows for ease of transportation. Unique efficient construction telescopic drawbar, both ends!" http://ecocottages.co.nz/
The cerebral processing involved in thinking "well, if it moves around on wheels it obviously can't be a house" is way too hard for the council officials.
I was going to pull up Dennis Frank on that one too. On the one hand he describes them as "little Hitlers" and them refers to "the dark side of socialism". Nothing to do with socialism. As my father used to call them "big frogs in little pools". Much more apt description.
One aspect of the neo-liberal religion is to manipulate the meaning of language. If they could, they’d sell it to the highest bidder – along with emotion and religious belief itself if they perceived there was a market for it.
One of the latest things that drew my interest was the idea that there are a huge number of ‘Co-Operatives’ in New Zealand. Now I guess that COULD be technically correct if you are prepared to believe that ‘franchises’ that pay minimum and under-wage to their workers should be included in the definition.
Actually, now I think about it, they’ve already managed it if you consider how “Oh Woe! Bizzniss Confidence is down” seems to reign supreme – even when all else suggests it’s a complete bloody appeal to emotion and reality.
These days – I wouldn’;t even call Fonterra a fucking Co-Operative – but more fool its owners eh?
Trouble is they’ll be squealing like stuffed pigs if and when it all goes tits up and calling for mummy/nanny state
that's not socialism, its neoliberalism and protofeudalism. If it was socialism, the council would be full of socialists assisting people to build tiny homes.
They're registered as vehicles for the purposes of the Land Transport Act, so calling them buildings on their website is a bit daft. I'm going to guess they're built to code though (where possible), and that the issue for the council is about preventing unauthorised dwellings on sections.
I've owned a similar transportable 2 bedroom home for around 12 years now. It cost around $90,000 on site. (Auckland). It is extremely well finished including cedar panelling and came with fridge/freezer, full gas stove/oven. gas hot water, and dish drawer, carpeted and ready to go. Just needs to be plugged in to a builders pole for electricity – a caravan connection suffices – can run off a tap for water supply or a small rain tank and water pump if not on town supply. The main problem for councils is the grey water and sewage disposal. Obviously, it has the same outflows as a normal dwelling.
The company has supplied a similar home to one of NZ's wealthiest, so they are far from tatty. It is classified as a caravan and awning, and comes on a steel chassis and is towed onto site. A large transporter truck can ferry it over large distances (each module is 3 m wide and 10 m in length), so no need to be registered for road use. So is very transportable. I shifted mine to a new location in the Coromandel from Auckland after two years. No problems.
Being small, well insulated it is very quick to heat on a cold night, and with two large ranch slider doors easy to ventilate and keep cool in summer. I think if we really wanted to house homeless people in NZ. a building programme along the lines of these transportable dwelling would ensure a lot of people could enjoy a private comfortable place in short order far quicker and less costly than the current method of building.
Trouble is that trailer-homes can end up being rusted in place after a few years in the same place – or people can't pay lot fees and then can't afford to move them. ends up being another trap for the poor.
But my main issue with this is that if they become mainstream, it basically screws consents systems. Stick a prefab on wheels, oh look we don't need a consent to double the built-space area on our land. Double the infrastructure burden on council, too, but it's not an addition (even though we haven't moved it in 15 years) and doesn't count as an "improvement" on our rates bill.
The area ends up being a high-density slum without any council knowledge or consent.
Let me put it this way – currently, it seems that there might more process required around the installation of a 1.8m wide swimming pool for the summer than there is for a three-bedroom modular home for ten years… because wheels?
Bishop reminds me of a chubby little four year old kid sitting on the floor with some upturned paper cups. He's trying to work out which one's got the piece of chocolate under it. He lifts one, not there, another, not there, … Inevitably, when they've all been lifted and he knows there's no chocolate there what does he do?
Silly question – he keeps on lifting them and looking. Meanwhile the world keeps on turning.
Bishop caught Genter out on a technicality; fair enough; she's learned. I think she should have been more up-front in the House. Mallard thought so to. A minor issue, but that's all National have to chuck at the Coalition.
Jeez, if you call that a grilling, you've been hanging out too long at National damp sausage with limp lettuce Barbeques too much. JAG didn't waiver and answered well. Bishop should go back to spending his time doing searches on Budget websites and "political grooming" on social media.
I thought this was interesting. I feel that males are having hard time coping with life, finding what it is to be a man and a person coping with a contradictory culture – things being the opposite that is the accepted state in the public mind. No wonder their mental health is down. And no wonder so many are thinking of changing their gender – who can find their way in such a shitty present and see what they might be in the future?
It's helping to encourage men and boys to talk about things that might be bothering them – encouraging them to open up and share what's going on in their lives in a safe place.
Matt, who started barbering more than 10 years ago, realised while working at his first barbers in Auckland that men came for more than a cut.
“Men were coming in and not you know, wanting more than just the haircut, they wanted a conversation. And not many places, spaces, allow men to really open up quite like the barber chair.”
The land claims over land now in private hands reminded me of Titford in Northland. The road can be hard for Maori with connections to historic land to get it back from someone to whom it's just a piece of dirt. Titford make a right old fuss and wanted compensation for the future profitable enterprise he was going to develop – yeah right.
It was found he had burnt down his own home in 1992, but had blamed it on local Maori to increase his claim to compensation from the government. Te Roroa Maori hope this is a chance for their story to be told and the claims of harassment, terrorism, and sabotage exposed as lies…
Anything we had to say was just dismissed out of hand, the perception was such that we were the nasties, all the negative was laid on us,” said Alex Nathan, who along with Murray is the last of the Te Roroa Treaty negotiators.
“At the time that was hurtful but we weren’t given an opportunity to put an alternative point of view. There wasn’t a mood to listen to what we were saying,” he said.
Titford became a spokesman for apparently honest farmers having land stolen by apparently greedy Maori. He fed into a racist sentiment that turned many New Zealanders against Maori.
“There is a current just beneath the surface that is quite racist and it doesn’t take much to reveal it,” said Nathan.
“Titford represents the extreme end of the spectrum. It is very easy for someone if they are noisy enough to stir a response from the generality.”
Date of the stuff report on Titford was 24/11/2013. The long time stand-off started with his farm purchase in 1986, then Maori claims against subdivision, then he burnt his house in 1992 and in 1995 the Crown came in and paid out $3.25 million. He had paid $600,000 in 1986.
I was at the negotiating round in Melbourne in early July. Officials met again in China this week for intensive negotiations on the investment chapter.
RCEP trade ministers are due to meet in Shanghai on Friday to decide on matters still outstanding in this secretive negotiation, including the investment rules.
There is a high risk that New Zealand will capitulate again and accept, at best, a footnote that allows it to object, but would still allow the investor to sue New Zealand in this expensive and discredited system of international investment arbitration.
I call on David Parker to “assure New Zealanders that he won’t sell us out again by accepting ISDS and giving foreign investors even more power to intimidate governments from acting in the national interest.”
Those are the final wordefrom Professor Jane Kelsey on negotiations around our international trade deals that NZ thinkers hate. So David Parker have you any spine?
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Around a million billion pass through you each second, almost all originating from our sun, but few of them are likely to interact with you enroute. I was reading in a physics magazine earlier in the week about the nature of neutrinos. These are extremely numerous elementary particles, but only ...
By Pallab GhoshThere’s value in covering new research advances, even when the underlying science is unsettled. But there are also risks.The recent announcement that scientists discovered water on the planet K2-18b, 110 light years away, prompted a media swoon. News stories, including a piece written by me, billed ...
I wrote this review a couple of years ago when I was still in the process of getting my head around the politics of transgenderism, and specifically the claim that intersex conditions lend support to the notion that sex is ‘socially constructed’. Since writing this review I have come across ...
Climate Explained is a collaboration between The Conversation, Stuff and the New Zealand Science Media Centre to answer your questions about climate change.If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, please send it to climate.change@stuff.co.nzHow much does our use of air travel contribute to the ...
Minor planet/asteroid (2309) Mr. Spock is named not for the character in Star Trek, but for a cat that was itself imperturbable, logical, intelligent and had pointed ears. In a preceding blog post I introduced one of my favourite asteroids, (2472) Bradman, and also mentioned (6581) Sobers amongst a few ...
Today the death toll from measles in Samoa rose to 32. All but four of the dead were less than 5 years old. Absolutely terrible, heartbreaking, news. That statistic alone should be enough to give the lie to the common claim by antivaccination activists plague enthusiasts that “measles is a ...
by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh It is late here in Bogotá, almost 11.30pm on Monday the 25th of November as I write this. The day began full of hope with yet more massive marches throughout the country, a mix of the International Day of Non-Violence Against Women and the National Strike. ...
Anti-fluoride activists are rubbing their hands in glee over what they claim is “yet another study” showing fluoride harms the brains of children. But their promotion relies on IQ relationships which the paper’s authors acknowledge disappearing when outliers or other factors are considered. And they completely ignore other relationships ...
The feature below is the conclusion of A History of Economic Thought, whose author was a leading Marxist economist in Russia in the early 20th century, Isaac Ilyich Rubin. The book arose from a course he ran at Moscow University following the Russian Revolution. First published in Russian in 1929, ...
There are many thousands of asteroids with formal names, some humdrum but other more noteworthy (depending on your predilections). One of my favourites, the name of which I was involved in suggesting, is (2472) Bradman, named for the Australian cricketing great. As a minor planet (synonym: asteroid) spotter, I have ...
Tory manifesto: big on austerity, low on promise, non-existent on delivery. The Tories: the party so big on ambition they couldn't be arsed writing a manifesto. MLK: "I have a dream!"BJ: "I'll just have a nap." Labour: Broadband!Tories: Narrow minds! Labour have hope, dreams and ambition. The Tories will save ...
The Ministry of Health has announced that “people under the age of 50 travelling from New Zealand to Samoa, Tonga, Philippines and Fiji” are now on the list of national priorities for MMR vaccination. Given the outbreaks of measles in Samoa, Tonga, Philippines and Fiji, the Ministry of Health is ...
Hong Kong has been protesting for six months for, demanding democracy, human rights, and an end to police violence. Today, they went to the polls in district council elections - a low-level of government with virtually no power, similar to community boards in New Zealand. But while the positions themselves ...
Text and photos by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh On Friday 22nd of November a curfew came into effect and troops were deployed on the streets, here in Bogota. It was the first time since September 1977 that a curfew had been imposed on the city. The decision was a cynical pre-planned ...
Meanwhile, while the government is planning to restore voting rights to prisoners, National is promising to turn our prisons into US-style slave-labour camps:The Opposition is proposing compulsory education, training or employment for prisoners who are serving sentences of two years or more. [...] On Sunday, National Party Leader Simon Bridges ...
Excerpts from Being and Being Bought, by Kajsa Ekis Ekman Spinifex Press, 2013. Ekman, a Swedish journalist and critic, brings together a Marxist and feminist analysis of prostitution and surrogacy in this groundbreaking book. This is the second part of a synopsis and brief commentary of the book by Daphna ...
Dalmeet Singh ChawlaIn 2008, psychologists proposed that when humans are shown an unfamiliar face, they judge it on two main dimensions: trustworthiness and physical strength. These form the basis of first impressions, which may help people make important social decisions, from who to vote for to how long a ...
Claas Kirchhelle, University of Oxford; Adam Roberts, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Andrew Singer, Centre for Ecology & HydrologyAntibiotics are among the most important medicines known to humankind, but we are running out of this crucial resource. Decisive action is needed if we are to retain access to ...
Things That Make You Go - Hmmmm: “All right. Let me come at this another way. I’m guessing that what you’ve got in that box contains names, dates, bank account numbers – all the details you need to put Winston Peters and Jacinda Ardern squarely in the cross-hairs. So, the first ...
Coasters Turn Out In Droves: It’s precisely the widening gulf between those with actual experience of things like guns, chainsaws and drilling machines, and those who regulate their use, that accounts for the angry crowd at Greymouth’s Messenger Park on Sunday, 17 November 2019. In the rarefied atmosphere where decisions ...
There are perennial arguments about the circumstances of the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, and in particular whether more than one shooter is required by the evidence (such as the Zapruder film). Those who know little about physics frequently claim that the sharp backwards motion of JFK’s head as ...
Apparently, some people enjoy washing their cars. Each to his or her own, I suppose. I mean, some people like duck shooting, some people follow Coronation Street, and some people’s idea of a good day out is to sit on a grass bank at Seddon Park and watch cricket all ...
Last week we learned that New Zealand First had apparently tried to enrich itself from public office, with a dodgy forestry company linked to a number of NZ First figures sticking its hand out repeatedly for government money. Today in Question Time Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones had his ...
Finally, governments seem slowly to be beginning to act on climate change. But its not enough. While they're publicly signing up to targets, they're planning to destroy the world by continuing fossil fuel extraction:The world’s nations are on track to produce more than twice as much coal, oil and gas ...
Stuff has begun interviewing NZ First's secret donors, and it turns out that its as bad as we expected. They start with racing industry figure Garry Chittick, who is predictably grumpy about NZ First's coalition choices. Meanwhile, I'm looking at the list of pork NZ First has effectively given its ...
Mark Patterson, Spokesperson for Primary Industries New Zealand First spokesperson for Primary Industries, Mark Patterson, has called for awareness to be raised and more stringent biosecurity checks to be put in place for African Swine Fever (ASF), a widespread virus that is uncontrolled in most of Asia and a serious ...
Jenny Marcroft MP, Spokesperson for Human Rights A critical step has been taken to end gender based violence against women and girls in Parliament this evening. New Zealand First Spokesperson for Human Rights Jenny Marcroft MP has welcomed the passing of the first reading of the Crimes (Definition of Female ...
New Zealand First MP Shane Jones says it's time to recognise market forces haven't led to the expected reduction in Māori smoking rates and try a new approach. The Party had recently invoked the agree to disagree clause in their Coalition Agreement with the Labour Party, and will not support ...
Live from the Whanganui Opera House, on the final day of the 2019 Labour Party Conference, Jacinda Ardern announced the largest investment in school property in 25 years. ...
The Coalition Government will be banning foreign donations to political parties and candidates, ahead of next year’s general elections. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament and passed under urgency – emphasising the need for such restrictions to safeguard our democracy. The bill introduces a new requirement that party secretaries and ...
Associate Transport Minister Shane Jones opened Taipā's $19 million bridge recently, improving transport infrastructure in the Northland region. The two-lane bridge is 107m long with a 2.5m-wide shared walking and cycling path, and will reduce the congestion that the old one-lane bridge was notorious for. The project had also included ...
The Overseas Investment Office have rejected the application of Mercury Agriculture LP, which is 92 per cent controlled by Canadian interests, to purchase more than 2000 hectares of South Canterbury and Otago land. Mercury wanted to buy 2000ha at Rangitata, 1494ha near Ashburton, 816ha near Cromwell and 212ha near Temuka. ...
This weekend was Labour's 103rd Party Conference! We welcomed over 500 of our Labour whānau in red to Whanganui, where we reflected on the last two years in Government, and looked ahead to 2020 and beyond. We know the long-term challenges facing New Zealand won't be tackled overnight, but we're making ...
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced that the Provincial Growth Fund will invest $9.6 million to seal the final unsealed section of State Highway 43 from Stratford to Taumarunui. The Minister said sealing the 12-kilometre gravel section of the highway – also called the “Forgotten World Highway” - through ...
Former Finance Minister and former chair of the Tax Working Group, Sir Michael Cullen, has voiced his support for New Zealand First’s decision to oppose the planned increase in tobacco excise tax. In an interview with The Weekend Collective, he said that increasing the price was no longer effective in ...
Māori are natural storytellers. On the marae we use stories to tell our history, to teach the next generation life lessons and to let people know, in our most creative of ways, who we are and where we have come from. ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, New Zealand First Leader New Zealand First has invoked the ‘Agree to Disagree’ provisions of the Coalition Agreement because it cannot support the announced 11.46 percent increase in the tobacco excise from 1 January 2020. “Studies show that the automatic tobacco excise increases are having less effect ...
Taupō-based company Geo40 has made a breakthrough in extracting near battery-grade lithium from geothermal fluid which its says could be a gamechanger. Its chief executive John Worth said the earth mineral was highly prized, with battery-grade lithium selling for US$10,000 (NZ$15,600) a tonne. Geo40 was founded in 2010 to find ...
Crown research institute AgResearch Ltd, as part of its Future Footprint plan, had intended to relocate top scientists and support staff — particularly those focused on sheep genetics and genomics — from Invermay to Lincoln. However, those plans seem to have been shelved at the request of the Coalition Government. ...
Ten engineering firms in Southland are receiving a total of $2.13 million in Provincial Growth Fund funding to lift productivity and create new jobs. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced in Invercargill that the 10 engineering and manufacturing firms would receive funding to assist them with buying equipment that ...
The number of new residents to New Zealand is the lowest it has been in nearly two decades and it has earned the ire of the immigration industry. The industry alleges that 'Trump-style extreme vetting' is being put in place aimed at keeping a lid on immigration numbers. June Ranson, ...
The Royal New Zealand Air Force is one step closer to modernising its fleet after the United States State Department recently approved the sale of five new C-130J Hercules aircraft to New Zealand. Arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin, in Fort Worth, Texas, will provide the aircraft, but as a "foreign military ...
Forestry Minister Shane Jones wants to create a log barging facility at Hicks Bay and turn the area into a Special Economic Zone. The move would be part of protecting New Zealand's forests from being depleted by India and China, he said. It follows his announcement last week to strengthen ...
New Zealand First supports the changes recommended by the Winter Grazing Taskforce to improve animal welfare outcomes through the winter months, and the establishment of a pan-sector action group to implement them. New Zealand First Primary Industries Spokesperson Mark Patterson says the report highlights areas of concern about the animal ...
Former prime ministers Helen Clark and Sir John Key, formerly from the Labour and National parties respectively, have joined forces in support of New Zealand First’s plan to relocate Auckland's port to Whangārei. While Ms Clark and Sir John spent their political careers on opposite sides of the political divide, ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is in Japan for the Foreign Ministers' meeting of the G20 grouping of countries as one of nine "invited" countries. He has used the opportunity to cast a spotlight on the plight of Pacific countries, calling out countries which still offered subsidies or Government assistance to ...
It's been a great week of progress: we've celebrated Children's Day, we've made communities safer with 1800 new police, and we've seen almost 90% of eligible schools take up Government funding to scrap school donations - taking pressure off the families of more than 416,000 students. ...
Hon Shane Jones, Minister of Forestry The Government will further strengthen New Zealand’s wood processing sector as part of our focus on ‘value over volume’ in our forestry industry, Forestry Minister Shane Jones says. Minister Jones will today meet with forestry representatives in Northland to signal new measures to help the ...
New Zealand First are celebrating the announcement of an investment of $3.5 million into five new trapping devices. These are a range of bait and trap devices, all designed to be left unattended for long periods of time. NZ First conservation spokesperson Jenny Marcroft says that this latest development will ...
Darroch Ball, Spokesperson for Police New Zealand First is proud to have delivered on a key Coalition Agreement commitment to adding 1800 new frontline police, with the graduation of Recruit Wing 332 in Porirua today. Law and Order Spokesperson Darroch Ball says increasing police numbers and boosting their resources was one ...
Jenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Conservation New Zealand First is proud to announce the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has allocated $3.5 million to develop innovative predator control approaches which will reduce the need for repeated 1080 use. $19.5 million of PGF funding was announced for Predator Free 2050 Limited in February ...
Clayton Mitchell, Spokesperson for Consumer Affairs The ‘wheel clamping’ Bill that will cap clamper fees to $100 passed its third readinginParliament today. New Zealand First welcomes The Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Bill to combat predatory wheel clamping behaviour in what is currently a largely unregulated business. Cowboy clampers are: gouging ...
Jenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Health New Zealand First welcomes the passage of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Bill through its first reading in Parliament. “Today’s progress takes serious action on the mental health and addiction crisis the country is facing,” says New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Jenny Marcroft. “The re-establishment ...
Mark Patterson, Spokesperson for Primary Industries Today the Government announced the delivery of the promise to protect New Zealand interests by applying a new National Interest Test to the sales of our most sensitive and high risk assets to overseas buyers. This further strengthening of the Overseas Investment Act will ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced further support as the Government of Samoa responds to a serious measles outbreak. “New Zealand will deploy a further 18 vaccination nurses, bringing the total to 30 working in Samoa over the next ...
The Coalition Government is delivering on its promise to protect New Zealanders’ interests by applying a new national interest test to the sales of our most sensitive and high-risk assets to overseas buyers. Under current Overseas Investment Act (OIA) rules, assets such as ports and airports, telecommunications infrastructure, electricity and ...
Rt Winston Peters, Leader of New Zealand First Allegations raised this morning by Stuff Limited / Fairfax concern a party matter but I am confident that New Zealand First has operated within electoral laws, now and for the last 27 years. Declarable donations were declared to the Electoral Commission. Our ...
A medium-scale adverse event has been declared for the South Canterbury district, which will see up to $50,000 in funding made available to support farming communities which have been significantly affected by recent heavy rain and flooding in the area, says Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. “Two weeks of solid rain ...
The Government will phase out more single-use plastics following the success of its single-use plastic bag ban earlier this year and the release today of a pivotal report for dealing with waste. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has welcomed the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealandreport, released by her Chief Science Advisor ...
International education continues to thrive as the Government focuses on quality over quantity, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said. The tuition revenue from international education increased to $1.16 billion last year with the average tuition fee per student increasing by $960. The total number of international students enrolled in New Zealand ...
Health Minister Dr David Clark says new appointments to DHBs represent a significant changing of the guard, with 13 new chairs including four Māori chairs. Today 76 appointments have been announced to complement elected board members, as well as eight elected members appointed as either chair or deputy chair. Four ...
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Fletcher Tabuteau, is travelling to Germany, Poland, Austria, and Spain next week to bolster New Zealand’s political and trade relationships in Europe. While in Spain, Mr Tabuteau will represent New Zealand at the 14th Asia-Europe (ASEM) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Madrid. “New Zealand strongly supports ...
“I’ve spoken to Minister Faafoi, who has apologised for his poor handling of this issue,” Jacinda Ardern said. “I have confidence in Kris as a hardworking and effective Minister, but this should have been dealt with in a much clearer manner, and I’ve made my views on that very clear ...
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters met with Tongan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa in Wellington today. The pair signed a Statement of Partnership setting out joint priorities for cooperation out to 2023. “We welcomed Prime Minister Tu'i'onetoa on his first visit to New Zealand as Prime Minister. Tonga ...
The Minister of Police Stuart Nash says his sympathies are with the family of a man who died after being shot by Police in Kurow. “Initial reports are that Police were called by a family member to help the man who was threatening to harm himself,” Mr Nash says. “However ...
Healthier waterways, better productivity and farmer wellbeing are front and centre in a new project involving more than 1000 Southland farmers and growers. Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor today announced that the Thriving Southland Change and Innovation Project is the first region-wide extension programme supported by the $229 million Sustainable ...
Work to look after nature and restore freshwater quality in Te Hoiere/Pelorus River catchment is getting a significant boost, thanks to new Government funding support Minister for Conservation Eugenie Sage announced in Canvastown today. “Every New Zealander should be able to swim in their local river without getting sick, and ...
Eight Queen’s Counsel have been appointed under a process that includes the new criterion of a commitment to improving access to justice, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. “The new criterion was included this year. It emphasises that excellence and leadership in the profession can be seen through a wider, community ...
Onslow College in Wellington will get 20 new classrooms for more than 400 students, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The much-needed investment will relieve growth pressure the school has been experiencing for some time. Seven existing classrooms which have deteriorated over time will also be replaced, bringing the total ...
More than 250 young New Zealanders will add international experience to their education, thanks to the latest Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA), Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. This round of scholarships supports 252 recent graduates or current students to undertake study, research or internships ...
Consumers will benefit from a more competitive, transparent retail fuel market as a result of changes the Government will be making in response to the findings of the Commerce Commission’s study of the fuel sector. “We accept the Commission’s findings and, as the Prime Minister has said, we’re ready to ...
Five new cancer medicines have now been funded this year, meaning thousands of people have more treatment options PHARMAC has today announced that it has approved two new medicines for funding – fulvestrant for breast cancer and olaparib for ovarian cancer. This follows earlier decisions on advanced lung cancer treatment alectinib, ...
The Minister of Local Government, Hon Nanaia Mahuta says the Government will consider making changes to local electoral legislation before the 2022 elections to fix the problems that have arisen where elections are settled by a coin toss. The Minister says the recount process in the Murupara- Galatea ward at ...
New Zealand will sign up to new international maritime regulations to reduce ship emissions and lift air quality around ports and harbours, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter announced today. Subject to completion of the Parliamentary treaty examination process, New Zealand will sign up to Annex VI of MARPOL, an ...
New legislation to transform our urban areas and create sustainable, inclusive and thriving communities will tomorrow be introduced to Parliament, Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said. “The Urban Development Bill gives Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities the tools it needs to partner with councils, communities, mana whenua and private developers to ...
Today’s launch of He taonga te Tamaiti: Every child a taonga: The Early Learning Action Plan 2019-2029 provides the foundation for long-lasting changes to early learning, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says. “Early learning will be one of the Government’s top education priorities going into 2020,” Chris Hipkins said. ...
Major decisions made by the Government will now be considered under a climate change lens, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw announced today. “Cabinet routinely considers the effects of its decisions on human rights, the Treaty of Waitangi, rural communities, the disability community, and gender – now climate change will ...
Education Minister Chris Hipkins today announced the appointment of Māori education specialist Dr Wayne Ngata and Business NZ head Kirk Hope to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Dr Alastair MacCormick has been reappointed for another term. “Wayne Ngata, Kirk Hope and Alastair MacCormick bring a great deal ...
The next phase of the Pike River Re-entry project is underway, Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry Andrew Little says. “Fresh air will be pumped into the Pike River Mine drift this week, following acceptance of the plan for re-entry beyond the 170m barrier by New Zealand’s independent health and ...
New Zealand consumers will have greater certainty about their insurance cover when they need to make claims as a result of proposed government changes. “Insurance is vitally important in supporting consumers and businesses to be financially resilient when unexpected events happen,” Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Kris Faafoi said. ...
The Crown is providing an opportunity for the hapu of Ngāpuhi to rebuild its framework from the ground up for collective negotiations to deal with its historical Treaty claims, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little and Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The Crown is also ...
A Bill enabling referendums to be held with the 2020 General Election has passed its third reading. Justice Minister Andrew Little says the Act is important for upholding the integrity of New Zealand’s electoral process. “The Government has committed to holding a referendum on legalising recreational cannabis at the next ...
The first release of public information on the two referendums to be held at next year’s General Election was made today with an informative new Government website going live. Additionally, the draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill has been released, showing the strict controls on cannabis that will apply if ...
The Government is taking action to protect New Zealand from foreign interference in our elections by banning foreign donations to political parties and candidates, Justice Minister Andrew Little announced today. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament this afternoon and passed under urgency. “There’s no need for anyone other than New ...
Governments and tech companies are holding a two-day workshop, hosted by YouTube/Google in Wellington, to test the Christchurch Call Shared Crisis Response Protocol. The workshop aims to refine and strengthen the response in the event of a terrorist attack with online implications. Companies, governments, civil society experts and NGOs will ...
The new independent Cancer Control Agency has formally opened today, delivering on the Government’s plan to improve cancer care in New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Health David Clark marked the occasion by announcing the membership of the Advisory Council that will be supporting ...
Small businesses who deal with government departments are set to be paid faster and have improved cash flow as a result, under a new strategy released today. The Government is backing recommendations from the Small Business Council (SBC) and has agreed to implement three initiatives immediately to support business and ...
The Education and Training Bill 2019, introduced in Parliament today, proposes the biggest education changes in decades and is an important step towards improving success for all our learners, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said. “The Bill’s rewrite of education legislation is long overdue. Indeed one Education Act, parts of which ...
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio will travel to Bali to represent New Zealand at the 12th Bali Democracy Forum that will be held on the 5-6 December. “The Forum is a valuable opportunity for Asia-Pacific countries to share experiences and best practice in building home-grown democracy and fostering ...
A package of new and expanded technology and other tools will encourage responsible camping and help communities and local councils better manage freedom camping this summer, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced today. “Our Government has been investing to improve the freedom camping experience for everyone because we want to support ...
The government is laying the groundwork to understanding our genes – work that can help us tackle some of our biggest health challenges, like heart disease and diabetes, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. $4.7 million has been invested in the Genomics Aotearoa Rakeiora programme. The programme will ...
Nearly every state schools will receive a capital injection next year valued at $693 per student to bring forward urgent school property improvements, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The one-off cash injection is the first project to be announced from the Government’s infrastructure package ...
The Government has decided to bring forward major investments in New Zealand’s infrastructure to future proof the economy. “Cabinet has agreed to a significant boost to infrastructure investment. I have directed the Treasury to help bring together a package of projects that can be brought into the Government’s short and ...
It is a great pleasure to be with you today in Whanganui. Like the Prime Minister I grew up with the TV clip of Selwyn Toogood booming “What do you say Whanganui, the money or the bag?” to an unsuspecting ‘It’s in the Bag’ audience. For those under the age ...
New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, was officially opened in Blackball today by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage alongside the family members of the Pike 29 and Ngāti Waewae. Local mayors and MP for the West Coast Hon Damien O’Connor were also in attendance. “Paparoa National Park ...
Minister of Defence Ron Mark turned the first sod of earth on the infrastructure works for the new P-8A Poseidon fleet at RNZAF Base Ohakea today. “The Coalition Government’s investment in Ohakea will ensure the Royal New Zealand Air Force can manage, maintain and task the new fleet efficiently ahead ...
Civil Defence Minister Hon Peeni Henare today announced the establishment of the new National Emergency Management Agency from 1 December 2019. The National Emergency Management Agency will replace the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management. It will be an autonomous departmental agency, hosted by the Department of the Prime ...
Sustainable New Zealand Welcomes the Government’s Announcement on Phasing Out Waste But Wants to See More Action on Building and Construction Waste ...
Our Seas Our Future welcomes Prime Minister Jacinda Arden’s announcement that the Government is aiming to phase out another round of single-use hard plastics, made of PVC and Polystyrene. ...
The Fraudster exposes the life and crimes of a million dollar conwoman Award-winning investigative team Stuff Circuit’s latest documentary exposes the cautionary tale of a woman who ripped off New Zealand businesses and government agencies, and a justice ...
Press Release 8 December 2019 Auckland, 8 December 2019 : The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Juliet Gerrard, presented the 262-page report on ‘Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand’ to the Prime Minister on Sunday ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Cabinet should make a policy decision tomorrow that Auckland’s car and container port must close by 31 December 2029, Waterfront 2029 Spokesperson Michael Goldwater said today. ...
In light of increasing public concern over the harmful effects of plastic pollution, the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Juliet Gerrard, is presenting the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand report to the Prime Minister on Sunday ...
The government will start phasing out polystyrene packaging and beverage containers in response to a major new report calling for a nationwide rethink on plastics in New Zealand, PM Jacinda Ardern announced today. Here’s what you need to know about the announcement, and the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa report.For much ...
The Absolute Book is one of our picks of the year and you should buy it for someone you love for Christmas. A story that sticks like a biddi-bid, Elizabeth Knox said on Twitter the other day. Here, she writes about the books that stuck in her own psyche – ...
The government would argue it’s on track to reduce child poverty significantly by the next reporting round, and culture change is well underway at Work and Income. But change at WINZ is a slow-moving process. Pip Colgan is an advocate at Auckland Action Against Poverty (AAAP), which means she spends a ...
Frozen 2 is out, but more importantly the soundtrack is available for your kids to play on repeat. Sam Brooks ranks the songs by how likely it is that they’ll sing them into your face for the foreseeable future.Parents and caregivers, get your loins girded because Frozen 2 is here. The film ...
Five New Zealanders from across culturalspaces explain what it is they love about basketball.Historically, basketball has always held a relatively small but special in Aotearoa’s sporting landscape. The NBL was established in 1981, giving provinces the chance to duke it out for national supremacy. In 2002 the Tall Blacks ...
After 40 years at the frontline, the University of Otago's Professor Marie Crowe discusses her research on treatments beyond medicine to alleviate symptoms of mood disorders like bipolar and depression. ...
Everything you need to know about the suspension of buses in Auckland and the industrial action standoff that it springs from.What’s going on?Yesterday saw the cancellation of thousands of bus trips and a lot of people standing around at Auckland bus stops looking puzzled after services operated by NZ Bus ...
ASMS message to DHB Chairs and appointees The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) welcomes the District Health Board Chairs and board appointees announced by Health Minister David Clark. ...
Eight Queen’s Counsel have been appointed under a process that includes the new criterion of a commitment to improving access to justice, Attorney-General David Parker announced this week. The new criterion, he explained, ” … emphasises that excellence and leadership in the profession can be seen through a wider, community ...
“CEAC – University of Auckland asks ‘Can democracy survive’? Subject; Can democracy survive? https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2019/12/03/can-democracy-survive-.html Citizens Environmental Advocacy Centre Incorporated (CEAC) Press release 8th December ...
The Minister of Health’s announcement to appoint a new chair to the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board has come as a surprise and with some disappointment, especially given he had personally asked me to stand again with his confidence to continue in ...
Hell’s bells it’s Gone By Lunchtime, with Annabelle Lee, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire shooting the breeze on Kris Faafoi, Jason Kerrison, Winston Peters, NZ First donations, a cannabis referendum, and the year to come.Just when you thought politics was tucking under the duvet for Christmas, along comes the guy ...
Tis the season for hangovers, so we convinced some of New Zealand’s most experienced consumers of food and/or drink (OK, Spinoff staff and a bunch of chefs/hospo people) to share their tried-and-true culinary remedies.A hangover is a very individual thing. For some, it manifests as a splitting headache and extreme ...
Before Britain’s Got Talent: Champions hits our screens tonight, let’s take a fond look back at some of the show’s weirdest and most wonderful acts.Place your hands on your Golden Buzzer, because Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions kicks off this weekend. Champions is BGT bigger and better than it’s been before, ...
Following the raging success of the 2018 non-goat ethical Christmas gift guide, here for you today – responsibly wrapped in reusable gift wrap – is the 2019 list of ethical, sustainable, socially conscious, or charitable gift ideas to satisfy all kinds of family members and budgets.Budget Category: ‘Can we pay ...
Lime brought e-scooters to Auckland and changed the way we travel in less than a year. Now, the council is replacing it and Wave with three new contenders. Josie Adams goes to the Lime warehouse to say goodbye to the original scooters.In a warehouse in Eden Terrace, almost a thousand ...
Analysis - The government's first crack at cannabis legislation runs into trouble, a foreign donations bill is rammed through Parliament and a select committee refuses to listen to former NZ First officeholders. ...
Dr Ben Jansen is Oceania's leading prescriber of cannabis medicines, and a co-founder of the Hemp Foundation.org.nz “I’d like to thank the Labour Party and Chris Woodney. Thanks to his policy remit at Labours national conference, and Labours full support, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Soong, Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education Practice, School of Education, University of South Australia Australian 15 year olds were around three and a half years behind their counterparts in China in maths, according to the OECD’s latest results for education systems ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitri Perrin, Senior Lecturer, Queensland University of Technology More than a year ago, the world was shocked by Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui’s attempt to use CRISPR technology to modify human embryos and make them resistant to HIV, which led to the birth ...
Cabinet minister Kris Faafoi has apologised to the Prime Minister for his messages to Jason Kerrison regarding an immigration case, but will not lose his job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julian Meyrick, Professor of Creative Arts, Flinders University The decision to merge the Department of Communications and the Arts with Transport, Infrastructure and Regional development (dropping the “Arts” entirely) ends a year in which Australian politics has been deeply confused over its ...
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One of the most highly rated members of Jacinda Ardern’s Cabinet is under pressure over assurances given in relation to an immigration case. How bad could it get, asks Toby Manhire.There has never been a New Zealand prime minister more engaged with contemporary homegrown music than Jacinda Ardern. She’s forever ...
Kris Faafoi, Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media; Minister ofCommerce and Consumer Affairs;Minister of Government Digital Services; Associate Minister forHousing; MP for Mana.The latest allegations of a corruption scandal involving a Cabinet minister suggests this government is far too loose when it comes to providing access to power ...
The National Party cannot credibly critique the Government’s hikes to fuel tax while it refuses to commit to reversing these hikes, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “Simon Bridges has lambasted ...
Newspaper staff were among those to express dismay and fury during the frenzy of denunciations that followed publication of an ill-considered cartoon about Samoa and the measles epidemic. The Spinoffrecorded their reactions under the heading ODT cartoonist infuriates his colleagues with Sāmoa measles epidemic ‘joke’. It also reproduced the ...
New Zealand Police Association condemns comments made by People Against Prisons Aotearoa following the fatal police shooting of an armed man who had made threats of suicide. ...
A new poem by Harry Ricketts. The Writing Life You want to write.You want to be published.You want to be read. You want to be a cult figure.You want to be reviewed.You want to write. You want to win prizes.You want to be anthologised.You want to be read. You want to be taught in schools ...
As Christmas is near, it’s time to set the record straight on some of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of employment law that apply to the festive season. ...
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage.New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.Kris Faafoi immigration case Fiona Connor and Tova O’Brien (Newshub): ‘I’m on it bro’: Messages show Kris Faafoi offering help to ...
The Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta has announced changes to prevent Māori wards being voted down by referendums are off the table, saying she believes such a change is not possible within the coalition. ...
It’s officially the festive season, and what does that mean? An office Secret Santa with a budget of $20 and you’ve picked your boss. Instead of settling for a bottle of average wine and a ribbon, follow our essential guide on what to get those unique workmates.At last year’s Secret ...
The shooting of a suicidal man in Southland shows that police armament is dangerous, says criminal justice group People Against Prisons Aotearoa. The shooting comes just over a month into the controversial trial of heavily armed police teams in 3 regions ...
The Prime Minister should deal urgently with reports Cabinet Minister Kris Faafoi offered to help a friend over an immigration case, National Party leader Simon Bridges says. ...
The families of top former All Blacks are likely to donate their loved ones’ brains to research so the effect of head impacts in sport can be studied. ...
A woman who went on a Tinder date with the man who murdered Grace Millane tells her story, and issues a warning to other women to trust their instincts when something doesn’t feel right.First published on Newshub.co.nzI went on a date with Grace Millane’s killer while her body lay in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gottfried Lechner, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute for Telecommunications Research, University of South Australia, University of South Australia Satellites are becoming increasingly important in our lives, as they help us meet a demand for more data, exchanged at higher speeds. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology, Bond University According to the latest figures, homicides in Australia are at historic lows and compare well against international trends. So what do the trends tell us and why is the homicide rate in Australia declining? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy O’Rourke, Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, The University of Queensland Welcome to the next article in our Designing Hospitals series, where we explore how architecture and design shape our hospitals and medical centres. Today, we look at what Indigenous people tell ...
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Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Changes coming to fuel market, anti-vaxxer arrested in Samoa, and banks told to hold more capital.New recommendations to increase competition in the fuel market have been made by the Commerce Commission, reports the NZ Herald. Their conclusion is that it isn’t competitive ...
This week's biggest-selling New Zealand books, as recorded by the Nielsen BookScan New Zealand bestseller list and described by ReadingRoom literary editor Steve Braunias. ...
An alliance of top researchers is trying to keep New Zealand ahead of complex health challenges from overuse of antibiotics, threats to freshwater quality and emerging infectious diseases. ...
The birthplace of the Labour Party is once again at the forefront of a new movement, this time harnessing the power of the collective to step away from coal towards a low carbon future.Blackball is a small place with a huge history. This week the town, 29 kilometres from Greymouth, ...
Open mike 07/08/2019 
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/114789346/grant-robertson-need-to-get-his-tools-ready-for-the-next-crisis
He has a couple of years at the most before the paper ponzi of a monetary system collapses
Yeah, the whole world is going "let's wait for it to crash and burn, then get our repair tools active"
Dingbats. Should change the system now. Wont happen but
It's an opinion piece, we've heard about the coming financial crisis for years now. The last labour government left us in a great place to tackle the last financial crisis, I'm sure if there is another one they will again be prepared.
However it's a popular article, 330 comments and counting
"Justice Minister Andrew Little says he will not be doing a deal with NZ First that would lead to a referendum on proposed abortion law reform." https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/114804743/no-referendum-on-abortion-law–andrew-little
Calling their bluff. Either Peters folds, or the PM will have to intervene via some kind of leadership. Interesting!
Some female Nats will cross the floor on a conscience vote. Little will be fine on this.
"Some
femaleNats will cross the floor on a conscience vote. Little will be fineonwith this."FIFY
What a sexist comment, Ad. Shame on you.
Also – Some Labour MPs will cross the floor on a conscience vote. Little will be fine with this.
It is obvious that you have never looked at and analysed the make-up of conscience votes taken during this current Parliament such as those taken to date on the End of Life Bill. I have followed the latter very closely, including watching the total 5+ hours of the debate last week when the Committee of the House began its deliberations on the Bill as it was returned from the Select Committee and at 11.38pm passed Part A of the Bill on a conscience vote of 70 Ayes to 50 Nays.
There was a real mixed bag as to who made up those totals in relation to their Party and their gender etc, and a number of MPs both National and Labour changed their votes from their earlier votes on the First and Second Readings of the Bill.
I am in the process of putting together a summary of the above breakdowns for other reasons, and later today I will put up a short summary here of this breakdown in support of what I have said above.
Surely it'll depend if simon says they can . The nats dont do courage they do as they are told .
Hate to burst your balloon, but Bridges is voting for the changes himself.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/114782208/simon-bridges-will-vote-for-abortion-bill-at-first-reading-but-wants-more-safeguards
Is that the truth or an interpretation that Slick's entitled to pretend is the truth christy?
When you can "pretend" about electric or low emmision car subsidies, you will pretend about anything, you ain't seen nothing yet wait till the marijuana decriminalisation and euthanasia debates he'll be spinning like a top.
Conscience votes are supposed to be left to individual MPs.
The broad backgrounds, experiences and beliefs etc of ALL MPs may cover the range of opinions of the rest of us, the general populace and provide a fairly good coverage for all of us!!
However, I am sure that there is definitely "political manipulation" when ALL members of one Party vote in the same way!
There is no such thing as "crossing the floor" on a concious vote.
Unless you work for Winston
There will be a heap of people from the Nats just voting for it
True, there is no such thing as 'crossing the floor' on a conscience vote.
I also agree that there will probably be a reasonable number of Nat MPs who will vote for the abortion changes – but there will also be quite a number who will not.
My bet is that the voting from all parties will be similar to that on the various stages of the End of Life Bill and it may well be very close … In other words, the passing of the abortion amendments is not a given.
Fold franko? How does that work in praxis?
Or, if it's not a charade, then at least it's probably a disagreement within agreed bounds and with no danger of escalating – i.e. not 1997.
But depending on how NZ1 mps vote, it does reinfoce NZ1's conservative base.
Turns out the PM has shifted stance on China, after all. "The Government has rebuked China over its recent comments and actions where it sought to suppress freedom of speech and voiced support for violent opposition to Hong Kong protestors in New Zealand. On Monday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials met with Chinese Government representatives in New Zealand to reiterate that freedom of expression would be upheld and maintained, which included on university campuses."
"This is a significant move for a Government that has largely spoken generally about foreign interference and about democratic principles, while avoiding specifically mentioning China’s behaviour in recent years under an emboldened president." https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/08/07/734342/government-raises-interference-concerns-with-china
"Along with New Zealand adding its name to a public letter regarding the treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang, this public reproach seems to signal a change in Jacinda Ardern’s approach to China. On Tuesday, Ardern confirmed MFAT reiterated the New Zealand’s position on freedom of speech, particularly on university campuses."
When the invasion of HK occurs, she'll have a better opportunity to demonstrate moral leadership. Xi's fate will hinge on whether he defaults to traditional communist state control, or attempts to chart a new course embracing democracy. He'll make history if he chooses the non-conformist option.
Labour only making such moves in terms of criticising China likely because Seymour's letter shamed them into doing something.
Seymours letter ?
Nothing that guy do has any effect and 'a letter' even less so. The Consul general probably used it for a paper dart
So they did absolutely nothing, then leapt into action and made their official representations to the Chinese government on the same day they discovered Seymour was so angry his top lip was quivering? Gosh, he has such influence.
See MoreCoq jumped in first to hog the attention thraycy.
How's that a shift franko?
"When the invasion of HK occurs, she'll have a better opportunity to demonstrate moral leadership. "
Not sure what you mean by invasion? How can a country invade itself. In case you don't know Hong Kong is a part of China (as Trump said), and that happened on 1 July 1997.
That is why most Hong Kong people carry Chinese passports, but with HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative region stamped on them)
But, if you do insist on calling it an 'invasion', well that already happened on 1 July 97:
Currently there are already around 10000 PLA troops stationed in Hong Kong.
Fuck you are a hypocrite. New Zealand, and other countries tries to influence other countries, particularly under the pretext of 'human rights' all the time.
So NZ signs up to that pathetic letter on Xinjiang with 21 other countries (37 other countries much more representative of the world community supported China's actions), and yet it cries 'interference' when some drama queen fakes a fall on campus.
What about New Zealand's lack of respect of the rights of the elderly and women? Recently we have had old people, women, tourists bashed in horrific acts of violence, and the courts hand out pathetic home detention sentences —-is that not a 'human rights' issue? How would NZ like it if China thought fit to comment on these incidents of outrageous injustice in NZ?
That you can't see this reeks of a sense of western exceptionalism bordering on white supremacy
What's the point of a climate emergency declaration?
"That question deserves a considered answer. First, let us immediately concede that the declaration of a climate change emergency produces no automatic and positive outcomes. It produces no new resources or solutions and provides no new powers. Such a declaration has no legal or statutory force – in that sense, it changes nothing.
But in other senses it is a significant step forward. It is, first, a formal and public recognition by those in authority that the issue is real and that the threat will only become more serious if it is not addressed.
And, it signals a determination to take whatever action is necessary to avert the threatened damage to our planet and our way of life. That signal serves as a constant reminder to themselves of their commitment to act – but is also a message to those they serve, alerting them to the certain need for measures that may be unwelcome."
http://www.bryangould.com/whats-the-point-of-a-climate-change-emergency-declaration/
It means a lot if it alters budget allocations and priorities across local governments.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/aug/02/if-you-act-now-you-can-maybe-avoid-the-worst-of-climate-change-but-you-know-youre-not-going-to
If it's an emergency, then any form of denialism is marginal lunacy. If it's an emergency, a gradualism that permits only those actions that do not threaten the existing architecture of wealth and power is discredited. If it's an emergency, then holding out for magical techno-fixes is irresponsible risk-taking.
i.e. calling it an "emergency" determines what constitutes a rational response. It's a significant propaganda victory and an important one to win – which is why it is bitterly opposed.
‘
The stiff resistance to calling it, is an indication that it means something to its opponents.
Well observed. That resistance was intense, rather than casual. It's a deep issue.
A brilliant interview with Chris Finlayson by Sean Plunket laying out the actual facts around Ihumatao and the full and final Treaty settlement that included the land in dispute.
https://www.magic.co.nz/home/news/2019/07/treaty-settlements-concerning-ihumtao-are–full-and-final—-chr.html?fbclid=IwAR338zS4DePQSaJgXXBt4EVrRzMNI7vOVLfBdXgIeLI7gLhi4UI5x5IeRfM
Finlayson is the guy who prided himself on ramming through settlements at record rate, isn't he?
what could possibly go wrong….
No, Muttonbird. Finlayson is/was a complete arsehole to work for (I know) and was a Member of the party I do not support or vote for – BUT he did a marvellous job as Minister in moving historical Treaty disputes and settlements forward in a timely but respectful manner. He was/is respected for his knowledge and work in this area by the vast majority of other MPs from all Parties, and of parties to Treaty settlements, including iwi, hapu etc, the legal profession and the judiciary.
I don't know whether you watched his valedictory speech on leaving Parliament but I doubt that National would have him back after that speech. LOL.
I have been thinking over the last week or so that he would be the go to person on the Ihumaatao* situation. Much as I cannot stand Sean Plunket, I will watch the interview in the link above.
However, I also found two more articles on the background to Ihumaatao yesterday which are well worth reading for detail of the earlier Treaty settlement and the complicated dealings, Council decisions etc in relation to the sale of the land to Fletchers by the Wallace family.
This Spinoff one a week or so ago
https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/27-07-2019/our-trail-of-tears-the-story-of-how-ihumatao-was-stolen/
And this 2016 Listener article which is again very relevant:
https://www.noted.co.nz/planet/ihumatao-and-the-otuataua-stonefields-a-very-special-area/
Vincent O'Malley was a source of information for both articles; and the Listener article details that the confiscated land was given to a “Gavin Wallace” and owned by the Wallace family for 150 years until sold to Fletchers by the family through Gavin H Wallace Ltd. (Obviously not the same Gavin Wallace unless he defied all usual human age limits!)
This registered company is still in existence but now based in Dargaville and is listed as a Fish breeding /farming (onshore) company.
https://www.bizdb.co.nz/company/9429040668253/
* using a double a in place of macron, as suggested by weka.
Thanx for those links VV. Good reading.
Ummm… he had no ability to "ram" through Treaty settlements. I have NEVER seen him make any statement to that effect.
In fact Labour and the Greens will have voted for all the Treaty settlement bills that CF proposed.
Ngapuhi was the big miss. But that also seems to be the case with Andrew Little. Right at the moment the Ngapuhi negotiations seem to be stalled. Basically a fresh mandate is required, probably with major hapu sub groupings, such as Ngati Hine.
Peeni Henare in particular will be very conscious of the potential effect of Ihumatao on Ngapuhi (or hapu thereof) negotiations. As will Shane Jones and Winston Peters. What was likely to be a $200 to 300 million settlement could suddenly be $500 million, if the government does not get Ihumatao right.
Totally agree, Wayne*. It is a very complex situation which needs very careful handling otherwise the backlash and cost to- and from – everyone, Maori and Pakeha, will enormous in relation to the Treaty agreements already completed.
I highly recommend the two links above in my 5.1.2. You, probably better than any of us, will understand the conniptions etc vis a vis the Council decisions etc.
* Also well said on Bowalley Road.
Pair of conservative White guys have little patience for Māori land protests – gee, who could have seen that coming? We should subject ourselves to it for what reason, now?
Except one of those "conservative White guys" was intimately involved in resolving the Treaty claims around the very land in dispute now.
If you don’t think his opinion on the topic is worth listening to then you are seriously close minded.
What is he saying about what should happen?
It seems that he is taking the position that a signed full and final settlement should mean exactly that.
Yeah, good luck with that.
Pania Newton has what leverage … she started this in 2015. Fletchers are in no hurry.
Māori have been there for at least 800 years, so I think Pania and co probably have a different perspective on time and hurry.
As PM says, good luck with that. Even at the time it was implemented it was obvious the full and final was never going to work. There are also compelling reasons why it should be applied in this case.
Then the Iwi should never have agreed to sign the deed of Settlement. If full and final does not mean full and final then the whole Treaty settlement process is a joke.
If they hadn't signed they would have got nothing. Hobson's choice.
The Crown mandated full and final, Māori weren't treated at partners in that decision. Yes, that part of it is a joke. There was plenty of discussion at the time that this would come back to bite the government.
Full and final…unless something genuinely significant comes up. Address the emerging issue. That's what a tribunal is for.
This isn't a treaty issue however.
Yes it is . The iwi have made that clear as part of their claims in 1989 Treaty hearings at the very marae just around the corner from the land in dispute.
As a result of those the Manukau Council purchased the Stonefields and mountain as open space reserve. The iwi wanted the other block included and that didnt happen, this block is the supject of the protest by SOUL
“Sean notes that on average waitangi settlements result in two to three percent returns[of land] for Maori while Fletchers have gone above that and returned 25 percent of the land, which Pita [Turei] resoundingly agrees.
The Crown gives financial compensation where it cant return land
Which Iwi?
The one that signed the Deed of Settlement that included the land in question.
Te Kawerau a Maki. What about the other Iwi and Hapū with ties to Ihumātao?
Such as ?
Have they had Treaty settlements or are in the process of getting one? If so they can raise the matter as part of their negotiations with the Crown.
Private land is excluded from Treaty settlements, so how would that work?
I think there are at least four Iwi with connections to Ihumātao. I don't have a good enough grasp of the situation to explain how Hapū fit into that, but if we put the Crown's imposition of legal structures aside for a moment, it's clear that more than TKAM have a stake in this.
Land confiscation issues can be discussed and dealt with as far as I am aware. Compensation can be made for land confiscated that is in private hands and this can be used to buy back private land when it becomes available for sale.
have you looked at the maths on Iwi buying the Wallace's land using settlement money? What were the blocks there?
Really? Maori have to buy back land which was stolen from them.
Seems fair.
Yes, with the compensation they received for having the land taken from them unjustly (not stolen).
What IS excluded from Treaty Settlements is the idea that Private land can be compulsory purchased to meet the settlement of claims.
You're talking about the treaty, the protectors want the land included as part of the existing historic reserve. This is more a reserve issue and how culturally important land is put into reserve.
I get what you are saying, maui, and now I know a lot more about the historical significance of that whole area, I too would like to see as much as possible put into historic reserve. And also, if done in a culturally respectful way (ie not as a tourist site) a site for visits to learn the history of both the area itself and its role in NZ's overall history and culture.
If this could be done outside the Treaty and related processes – eg as a Reserve issue as you suggest – that would be great and hopefully a lot of very experienced, knowledgeable legals etc are currently working hard on trying to achieve exactly this. Having worked on the fringes of the Treaty Settlement process/agencies, my limited knowledge of that process leads me to believe it is a minefield that needs to be traversed very carefully as one step out of place could have major consequences not only in relation to this particular situation, but many others including Treaty settlements already completed.
I have everything crossed that a good solution can be found without this happening. If you haven't read the two links that I included in my 5.1.2 above, I recommend them as they gave me a much better picture of the complicated path that has led to the current impasse.
But on reflection after reading them, I am beginning to think that if the Wallace family had got their original consents through to allow the land to be rezoned, all would have been lost back in 2012; and that the sale to Fletchers may in fact have been a blessing in disguise in now leading to the opportunity to relook at the whole future of this area. Here's hoping… .
We're seeing the dark side of socialism again. RNZ midday news had a story of the Canterbury manufacturer of tiny houses being bullied by little hitlers in the local council. Apparently he explained that the ones he makes are actually vehicles. Local govt folks get their jobs due to the need to reduce the number of unemployed drifters, so it's a mistake to assume they can actually do anything. They obviously think "it's called a tiny house, so it must be a house".
Check the specs & you find it ain't necessarily so: "Built on a strong steel chassis, mobilised on tri-set axles, 6 low set radial tyres. Lightweight & size allows for ease of transportation. Unique efficient construction telescopic drawbar, both ends!" http://ecocottages.co.nz/
The cerebral processing involved in thinking "well, if it moves around on wheels it obviously can't be a house" is way too hard for the council officials.
Councils have been ultra picky for the last 15 years or so. Your thing about 'its socialism' is baseless.
Thats the problem with calling it a tiny house to mean permanent fixed site when they want it built under caravan regulations.
Even Fixed houses can be moved – if they have timber floor. Keith Hay homes arrive on the back of a truck.
The downside is that councils will be stuck with US style 'trailer parks' which are mostly fixed houses.
The pictures dont emphasise the mobility!
https://i.ontrapages.com/static/images/117525.8244ec9c41c37b8442d480a924409217.JPEG
Your thing about 'its socialism' is baseless.
I was going to pull up Dennis Frank on that one too. On the one hand he describes them as "little Hitlers" and them refers to "the dark side of socialism". Nothing to do with socialism. As my father used to call them "big frogs in little pools". Much more apt description.
Franko prolly thinks the narzies were leftists anny, That's the twisty little wordgamery his ilk praxises.
Irony?
One aspect of the neo-liberal religion is to manipulate the meaning of language. If they could, they’d sell it to the highest bidder – along with emotion and religious belief itself if they perceived there was a market for it.
One of the latest things that drew my interest was the idea that there are a huge number of ‘Co-Operatives’ in New Zealand. Now I guess that COULD be technically correct if you are prepared to believe that ‘franchises’ that pay minimum and under-wage to their workers should be included in the definition.
Actually, now I think about it, they’ve already managed it if you consider how “Oh Woe! Bizzniss Confidence is down” seems to reign supreme – even when all else suggests it’s a complete bloody appeal to emotion and reality.
These days – I wouldn’;t even call Fonterra a fucking Co-Operative – but more fool its owners eh?
Trouble is they’ll be squealing like stuffed pigs if and when it all goes tits up and calling for mummy/nanny state
that's not socialism, its neoliberalism and protofeudalism. If it was socialism, the council would be full of socialists assisting people to build tiny homes.
Sounds like they're looking after the building industry in praxis franko. That's crony capitalism, that is.
Besides the "nothing to do with socialism" thing, the website even calls them "buildings" in one or two places.
It's a smart-arse dodge around planning regulations. Maybe it'll work, maybe not.
They're registered as vehicles for the purposes of the Land Transport Act, so calling them buildings on their website is a bit daft. I'm going to guess they're built to code though (where possible), and that the issue for the council is about preventing unauthorised dwellings on sections.
I've owned a similar transportable 2 bedroom home for around 12 years now. It cost around $90,000 on site. (Auckland). It is extremely well finished including cedar panelling and came with fridge/freezer, full gas stove/oven. gas hot water, and dish drawer, carpeted and ready to go. Just needs to be plugged in to a builders pole for electricity – a caravan connection suffices – can run off a tap for water supply or a small rain tank and water pump if not on town supply. The main problem for councils is the grey water and sewage disposal. Obviously, it has the same outflows as a normal dwelling.
The company has supplied a similar home to one of NZ's wealthiest, so they are far from tatty. It is classified as a caravan and awning, and comes on a steel chassis and is towed onto site. A large transporter truck can ferry it over large distances (each module is 3 m wide and 10 m in length), so no need to be registered for road use. So is very transportable. I shifted mine to a new location in the Coromandel from Auckland after two years. No problems.
Being small, well insulated it is very quick to heat on a cold night, and with two large ranch slider doors easy to ventilate and keep cool in summer. I think if we really wanted to house homeless people in NZ. a building programme along the lines of these transportable dwelling would ensure a lot of people could enjoy a private comfortable place in short order far quicker and less costly than the current method of building.
Trouble is that trailer-homes can end up being rusted in place after a few years in the same place – or people can't pay lot fees and then can't afford to move them. ends up being another trap for the poor.
But my main issue with this is that if they become mainstream, it basically screws consents systems. Stick a prefab on wheels, oh look we don't need a consent to double the built-space area on our land. Double the infrastructure burden on council, too, but it's not an addition (even though we haven't moved it in 15 years) and doesn't count as an "improvement" on our rates bill.
The area ends up being a high-density slum without any council knowledge or consent.
Let me put it this way – currently, it seems that there might more process required around the installation of a 1.8m wide swimming pool for the summer than there is for a three-bedroom modular home for ten years… because wheels?
JAG getting grilled by Bishop over her letter in question time.
Bishop reminds me of a chubby little four year old kid sitting on the floor with some upturned paper cups. He's trying to work out which one's got the piece of chocolate under it. He lifts one, not there, another, not there, … Inevitably, when they've all been lifted and he knows there's no chocolate there what does he do?
Silly question – he keeps on lifting them and looking. Meanwhile the world keeps on turning.
Bishop caught Genter out on a technicality; fair enough; she's learned. I think she should have been more up-front in the House. Mallard thought so to. A minor issue, but that's all National have to chuck at the Coalition.
Jeez, if you call that a grilling, you've been hanging out too long at National damp sausage with limp lettuce Barbeques too much. JAG didn't waiver and answered well. Bishop should go back to spending his time doing searches on Budget websites and "political grooming" on social media.
I don't think it's over for JAG yet. I'm sure it will continue today.
I thought this was interesting. I feel that males are having hard time coping with life, finding what it is to be a man and a person coping with a contradictory culture – things being the opposite that is the accepted state in the public mind. No wonder their mental health is down. And no wonder so many are thinking of changing their gender – who can find their way in such a shitty present and see what they might be in the future?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018707417/matt-brown-a-haircut-and-a-friendly-ear
It's helping to encourage men and boys to talk about things that might be bothering them – encouraging them to open up and share what's going on in their lives in a safe place.
Matt, who started barbering more than 10 years ago, realised while working at his first barbers in Auckland that men came for more than a cut.
“Men were coming in and not you know, wanting more than just the haircut, they wanted a conversation. And not many places, spaces, allow men to really open up quite like the barber chair.”
The land claims over land now in private hands reminded me of Titford in Northland. The road can be hard for Maori with connections to historic land to get it back from someone to whom it's just a piece of dirt. Titford make a right old fuss and wanted compensation for the future profitable enterprise he was going to develop – yeah right.
The tail-end of the saga:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/9435787/Bittersweet-vindication-for-iwi
It was found he had burnt down his own home in 1992, but had blamed it on local Maori to increase his claim to compensation from the government. Te Roroa Maori hope this is a chance for their story to be told and the claims of harassment, terrorism, and sabotage exposed as lies…
Anything we had to say was just dismissed out of hand, the perception was such that we were the nasties, all the negative was laid on us,” said Alex Nathan, who along with Murray is the last of the Te Roroa Treaty negotiators.
“At the time that was hurtful but we weren’t given an opportunity to put an alternative point of view. There wasn’t a mood to listen to what we were saying,” he said.
Titford became a spokesman for apparently honest farmers having land stolen by apparently greedy Maori. He fed into a racist sentiment that turned many New Zealanders against Maori.
“There is a current just beneath the surface that is quite racist and it doesn’t take much to reveal it,” said Nathan.
“Titford represents the extreme end of the spectrum. It is very easy for someone if they are noisy enough to stir a response from the generality.”
Date of the stuff report on Titford was 24/11/2013. The long time stand-off started with his farm purchase in 1986, then Maori claims against subdivision, then he burnt his house in 1992 and in 1995 the Crown came in and paid out $3.25 million. He had paid $600,000 in 1986.
Another piece of shit in a stolen car kills an innocent pedestrian.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12256538
That " piece of shit " will get a slap on the wrist if they catch him.
Manslaughter is not a serious crime in New Zealand.
We don't value human life or animal life come too that.
Oh, some of us value them before they are born, but not much afterwards.
That judge Raoul Neave thinks he is a nice person and can come good!
Making the white man great again.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/outrage-photo-shows-police-leading-black-man-rope-190807015812644.html
I was at the negotiating round in Melbourne in early July. Officials met again in China this week for intensive negotiations on the investment chapter.
RCEP trade ministers are due to meet in Shanghai on Friday to decide on matters still outstanding in this secretive negotiation, including the investment rules.
There is a high risk that New Zealand will capitulate again and accept, at best, a footnote that allows it to object, but would still allow the investor to sue New Zealand in this expensive and discredited system of international investment arbitration.
I call on David Parker to “assure New Zealanders that he won’t sell us out again by accepting ISDS and giving foreign investors even more power to intimidate governments from acting in the national interest.”
Those are the final wordefrom Professor Jane Kelsey on negotiations around our international trade deals that NZ thinkers hate. So David Parker have you any spine?
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/08/04/is-nz-about-to-break-its-promise-again-by-accepting-investment-disputes-in-rcep/