Hourly rainfalls in mm from Milford since 10am. Looks a lot, but pretty common there. At least the Kepler isn't prone to flooding like parts of the MF track, but pretty exposed to wind up on the ridges.
I was surprised/pleased by his denunciations of the illegal israeli settlements..in land occupied in israeli military actions…and his call for a two state solution…
The US seems to be getting the message that the brutality shown by their support of the Israeli genocide in Gaza is going to cost them dearly at the elections. First Schumer and now Pelosi. The deliberate killing of workers from a US NGO and the bombing of Iranian embassy in Damascus are bridges too far even for them. It appears that negotiations between the Iranians and US have come to the point that Iran will not retaliate if the war in Gaza comes to an end. This leaves Israel as the only nation now comitted to escalation as a path out of their abhorrent mess. It also shows that the US could have ended this at any time simply by withdrawing Israeli support. The build up of international repulsion has left the US with no other choice and has demonstrated the potential of the UN even when constrained by UNSC vetos
Sadly, Israel would only agree to a temporary cease fire which goes to highlight their bad faith bargaining and intention to continue with their genocide after the hostages were released
I'm gobsmacked to think of what your "more deaths" means. Also, genocide does not mean complete eradication of a population. You do understand that the ICJ has determined that Israel has a case of genocide to answer? And that the killing in Gaza was at a pace far exceeding any modern conflict??
The problem Biden has is that if takes too strong an anti-Israel stance, he will lose a large enough percentage of the population (not just Jewish Americans, but Christians as well) that he will be handing Trump a victory. A Trump presidency would let Netanyahu off the leash, which will be much worse for Palestinians.
[Please stick to your approved user name, thanks – Incognito]
In fact, the opposite is the case. As with the whole world outside of Israel, repulsion of Israels actions in Gaza is the majority amongst US Jews and the younger they are, the more this horror is felt and expressed. What may dry up is money from the super wealthy who are generally older and more likely to be strongly Zionist.
"If everyone in the world contributed the same level of warming per capita as New Zealand, total warming would peak with a temperature rise of five degrees and decline to around 4.3 degrees by 2100, the Commission said. Even more embarrassing, if global emissions were allocated to countries entirely on a per capita basis, New Zealand would emit way above the global per capita allocation in 2050. Because 51 per cent of New Zealand’s warming emissions come from livestock farming, the Commission has focused much of its advice on this.
"Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere. Even though CO2 has a longer-lasting effect, methane sets the pace for warming in the near term."
"About 30% of today’s global warming is driven by methane from human actions."
Am I reading the data correctly that is associated with this report.
So for example in the worst case scenario of the modelling data (low technology and low systems change so basically if we do nothing from now on?) New Zealand's estimated contribution to all global warming from 1850 up until 2020 was approximately 3 / 1000th's of 1 degree C or 0.0003 degrees C ?
Further in the same scenario that assumes we do nothing to address emissions, New Zealand's contribution to all global warming from 2020 up until 2050 is projected to be approximately 1 / 10,000th of 1 degree C or 0.0001 degrees C ?
This worst case scenario is a pretty miniscule contribution, but regardless this is the only scenario out of the 4 in which we are actually projected to contribute to any warming at all which happens between now and 2050. Even the the high technology / Low systems change scenario expects us to be negative or non contributors in the future.
Is that what the modelling data says? If so then doesn't that mean we are on the right path for net zero by 2050?
approximately 3 / 1000th's of 1 degree C or 0.0003 degrees C ?
"3 / 1000th's of 1 degree C" is 0.003°C, not "0.0003 degrees C".
Probably just a typo – it'll be fune
Not sure I'm interpreting that spreadsheet data correctly either, but here goes.
Using the data in, say, the "NZ_ssp126_EB41990" sheet (that's the first sheet to the right of the "Readme" sheet) to calculate the contribution of NZ's methane emissions to global warming over the last 30 years, I'd add up the annual contributions in the "NZCH4" column ("Contribution to global warming from biogenic CH4 emissions since 1850 to 2300 in Aotearoa New Zealand") from 1994 to 2023 inclusive, which sum to +0.06°C. That's a large fraction of the contribution of NZ's total emissions (+0.087°C) over the same period – seems a bit much tbh.
Still, the point is that on a per capita basis, NZ punches well above its weight in anthropogenic emissions, particularly methane. How could it be otherwise, given the amount of ruminant meat and dairy Kiwi farmers produce – and I do love dairy.
Michael, my initial interpretation must be wrong – NZ's contribution to global warming would be way to high, maybe 6% of the total ~1.5°C.
So maybe the numbers are cumulative, in which case according to the spreadsheet data NZ's contribution to global warming (to 2023) is +0.0031°C (so your intepretation is correct), with methane making up +0.002°C of that? Help!
Hard to take the commission completely seriously when they start throwing in so many "if's" for scenarios that don't exist.
I think it says that emissions targets are allocated based upon economic capacity not per capita.
Regardless it's not that embarrassing when you take into account that NZ has a small population but is a global food producer via our dairy and to a lesser extent meat exports. Regardless the commission says we can reach net zero in terms of our food production emissions and farmers have already begun to make the necessary changes.
I find these reports and the modelling data quite difficult to read and understand clearly so please don't abuse me if I'm wrong.
Fuck I hate the per capita argument, most of our methane is from food production, we produce somewhere between 30 to 40 million peoples worth of food, so if ypu being honest divede our methane buy 30 million people
The Taxpayer's Onion send out emails such as this to those they believe support their fomenting 🙂
"Hi Friend,
Look, I know we've been giving Finance Minister Nicola Willis a hard time in recent months for the various tax u-turns and backdowns, but, actually, right now I think we need to swing in behind her.
Here at the Taxpayers' Union, we'll stick up for taxpayers no matter who is in charge, but reading the media over the last few weeks, it's like Wellington lives in a parallel universe.
The media and so-called 'pundits' are falling over themselves to call on Ms Willis to cancel her long-signalled tax relief.
In politics, the squeaky wheel gets the oil – and unless we make a song and dance too, there is a real risk Nicola Willis takes the 'easy road' and kicks tax relief into the long grass.
That would mean the Government wouldn't need to go as hard or fast in tackling wasteful spending – that's exactly why Wellington's self-interested bureaucracy are trying to sink Ms Willis' plan.
Every day we seem to be waking up to Luxon, Seymour and others behaving increasingly like dictators, constantly lecturing and haranguing New Zealanders on how awful we are. Am sick of it.
More thoughts on free speech and Rainbow story time
"First my personal view on Rainbow story time is that in NZ it is pretty harmless. My kids have been to a couple of them, and they enjoyed them. They were totally non-sexual and they are more akin to children’s pantomimes where leading female characters are often played by men for humorous effect."
Farrar is a fucktard who piously offers up his liberal credentials on the targets of right wing culture war hate while vigorously pumping out the bullets to be fired via his various grifting cronies and comments sections.
He can take his so-called liberalism and shove it up his blue arse.
Always found Farrar's cultivated tone of sweet reasonableness on mainstream platforms like RNZ irritating. A right wing janitor who superficially tidies up the bathroom, but leaves pathogens on every surface.
One of those sit back in your chair and go "Dang! I wish I'd thought of that!" metaphor moments followed by a secret resolution to steal it and use it on every occassion as if it was yours.
His mincing pronunciation makes him difficult to listen to on any subject. He is a classic right opportunist and crawler, feigning reasonableness depending on his audience.
I have not forgotten “Dirty Politics” and his Slateroil days.
He's trying to have a foot in both camps. It starts off reasonably and ends reasonably but in the middle he gets into the political element of the matter.
I think local councils have every right to have a say in who is allowed to speak at council owned venues – within reason of course and bound by rules which ensure the right cannot be abused.
If some outfit invites an off-shore nut-bar [or two] to come here and incite racial hatred or crackpot theories designed to generate civil unrest, then they would be failing in their duty if they allowed them a platform to spread disinformation and create widespread disorderly conduct.
The Court applied the recent CA judgment in Moncrief-Spittle v Regional Facilities Auckland [2021] NZCA 142 which dealt with similar facts. Nation J concluded that the Library’s decision to cancel the event was reviewable and engaged the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly under New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.
Nation J found "There is sufficient evidence before me at this stage to be clear that SUFW cannot rationally be described as a "hate group"". He found that this cannot affect whether SUFW should be allowed to exercise its rights to free speech and freedom of assembly.
Nation J found the Council's decision was a "significant failure to recognise SUFW's right to freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly." SUFW did not in any way mislead the Library as to the nature of the event or the particular views they wished to discuss. Library staff had no safety concerns for themselves or anyone else and there was no evidence of a threatened protest.
However, the Council's decision put conditions on the event which insisted that SUFW could only present their views on the Bill if they were countered by speakers with an opposing view.
Result
The High Court found the cancellation decision was not a rational and reasonable limitation on rights and ordered that the event proceed, which is reportedly did, without protest.
Was thinking about the Wellington event, but from memory the Mayor decided it was allowed (though he personally would have preferred it not be allowed) after the SUFW court case.
This should be a serious discussion, ignoring other people's or groups views only results in further resentment, alienation, division within society.
Imho, some views are soooo wack that if I didn't ignore them, then teasing would be a rational response. Maybe there's a chance a patient person could persuade a Destiny Church member that earthquakes are not caused by homosexuals – a remote chance.
Why Do So Many People Believe Nonsense? [19 Sept 2022]
If you believe in truth, you are not free to choose the truth you want. You are obliged to choose the truth that is true, the one that is based on the preponderance of evidence-supported conclusions.
…
Why do people believe nonsense? Again, because they want to. Studies have revealed a statistical personality profile for folks that embrace false conspiracy theorists. They are often people who feel that they have little control over their own lives. Perhaps believing they have an esoteric peek behind the curtain to see the guy manipulating the switches gives them a sense of empowerment. And joining with others, who in their minds, have also dared to look behind the curtain, gives them a sense of belonging. Hence the QAnon slogan, “Where we go one, we go all.”
How's he trying to have a foot in both camps. It says in the post that he believes in NZ it is non sexual and harmless. That to me would fairly clearly show him to be in one camp, the yep it's fine nothing to see here camp?
How do you figure councils have a right to not allow anyone to speak at a publicly owned venue???? People who have viewpoints you don’t like pay rates as well you know….
That’s exactly how you create division by not allowing viewpoints to be heard which are different from your own.
As long as they aren’t inciting violence, anybody has a right to promote their viewpoint. If people disagree with that viewpoint then they should give an argument that people will listen to and agree with. Banning speech only ever leads to polarization and worst still extremism.
There’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of when it comes to people having many different ideas and viewpoints.
It's got nothing to do with what I might think, and everything to do with the intention of the person/persons who come here to create unrest. The case I was thinking of was a couple of dubious characters from Canada who came here to spread extremist ideology. I don't remember their names but, iirc, the owners (don’t think it was council in this case) of the venue cancelled the hall hire and they flounced off in a raging sulk.
While they were here, they ridiculed a Maori cultural mural at the airport. They thought they were being funny.
Of interest is that when Palmerston North council tried the same thing with Speak Up For Women, the council lost. The judge said there was no evidence that SUFW were a hate group. I linked elsewhere on this page.
It would be nice to think the courts are drawing a useful line in the sand, but I think the Southern/Molyneux case was more to do with threats of violence from people protesting the event.
"It would be nice to think the courts are drawing a useful line in the sand, but I think the Southern/Molyneux case was more to do with threats of violence from people protesting the event."
It was. "Before Southern and Molyneux could share their deeply unpleasant worldviews in Auckland (an indication of its likely content here, with strong trigger warnings for racism), the protest group Auckland Peace Action promised to confront the pair in the streets and blockade entry to their speaking venue. Those promises raised concerns about whether the event could be safely held at the Bruce Mason Centre, which in turn caused Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) – the Auckland Council-owned company running the venue – to cancel the contract to use it."A commonsense conclusion to the sordid little Southern/Molyneux saga | The Spinoff
FWIW I happened upon this piece on TS that was written at the time of On ‘free speech victims’. « The Standard. It covers some discussion (including comments from you) about SUFW.
I’m not a fan of cancelling opinions we disagree with, even if we find them abhorrent, primarily because these assessments are often subjective and the risk of the thugs veto is always in play. And then there’s this – it seemed to me at the time that Southern and Molyneux received more attention by being cancelled than they ever would have by being allowed to speak.
…. it seemed to me at the time that Southern and Molyneux received more attention by being cancelled than they ever would have by being allowed to speak.
There is truth in what you say. Thank-you for the reminder. However some of that attention was the result of their ridiculing antics over the Maori mural at the airport and that was what pushed them over the line for me. I was glad they were sent packing because of that behaviour alone.
Okay Anne, who should get to decide whether or not someones views or opinions should not be heard?
How do you know that someone has extremist ideology? And who gets to decide what an extremist ideology is? Or is it just what some random group of people believe?
Personally I’d like to know who these busybodies are, so I can if possible avoid them. I generally don’t like to be told what to think, say or do, however I’m usually open to a discussion.
"Personally I’d like to know who these busybodies are, so I can if possible avoid them. "
The problem is that it if you want to have the discussion, simply avoiding the people you label 'busy bodies' isn't enough. They are taking a position that you are to be prevented from listening in person, devoid of censorship or context editing, to people they disapprove of. That rather renders redundant your desire to discuss or even, God forbid, challenge the ideas (e.g. by way of Q&A).
Pantomime "Dames" you mean? And how did they portray women? "Widow Twankey" etc were shown as unattractive older women, usually sexually frustrated, and the butt of sexist jokes. OTOH – the "Best Boy" (played by a woman) was cast as the "Hero".
At the same time – Asian characters like "Wishy Washy" were also the subject of racist stereotyping.
"Yellowface, Blackface" and "Womanface" – all equally offensive.
"and Mrs Doubfire" Robert, once again you participate in matters concerning women and girls but seem to have little empathy and understanding for nuances.
"Drag queens take the trappings of femininity and exaggerate these to create a grotesque caricature which, at its core, humiliates women. "
"But it is also highly sexualised adult entertainment, which many people feel is pretty misogynistic"
"Mrs Doubtfire and panto dames are nothing like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Paul O’Grady was a brilliant performer, wholly respectful of the women he drew on for his inspiration for Lily Savage."
It is ominous that this Government cuts data collection so I guess that they can claim that there is no problem, in say Child Poverty.
Sharon Brettkelly writes;
The uncertain future of two comprehensive studies on children and poverty has sparked fears that data gap will lead to leaky sieve policies. How can we fix problems we don't know about?
After thinking it through, I've decided I'm in favour of less crime. And I think healthcare should be good. Education is also good. And when it comes to the environment, I will be bold and honest. I think it should be nice and green.
Luxon is doing a terrible job representing business people to New Zealand with his incredible tone deafness and unpopularity.
He’s like a cartoon villain from a 1980s cartoon.
Mr. Lux is helping tobacco companies get more smokers addicted.
Mr. Lux is giving all the money to landlords.
‘No, citizens you are feeble in economics and don’t understand the blessings this will bring you’
Mr Lux is mining on special conservation land and destroying marine reserves.
‘We need more space for my friends yacht races. The lack of pollution is red tape holding back our empire.’
Mr Lux doesn’t like his house, it needs more servants! CEOs aren’t like us, they’re a kind of royalty. CEOs are entitled, citizens.
‘We consulted on rentals and environmental reforms, citizens. Arrhahaha!’
Agriculture is your friend. Dumped tree waste is your friend. The floods will not return. Pay no attention to those insurance companies. We don’t need scientists. We have a plan!
He's sending nz into depression, he's convinced everyone the country is fucked ,he's putting people on the unemployment benefits, he's forcing more people to aussie, housing projects getting canceled left right and center, fuckers are up to something, or just incompetent?
In fact a short article on the Generation Zero site ties together decolonisation here and climate concerns in a manner that resonates with many. Hence why one sees tino rangitiratanga signs at Palestine activities and Palestine signs at climate activities or demonstrations of mana motuhake.
Rob Campbell tackles head-on the misguided criticism (by older generations, I assume) of youth activism by Generation Zero, and SS4C, I assume. I stress that he avoids making this an inter-generational issue.
When younger activists talk about the related nature of many injustices that surround climate, they should not be rejected or scoffed at but welcomed and supported. After all, they are right.
The Taxpayers’ Onion are such a bunch of disingenuous shit-stirrers aided by useful RWNJs and idiot trolls for spreading their spawn. As usual, they’re trying to connect dots in the time-space continuum by digging wormholes that only exist in their pubescent little brains that boil over with premature excitement at the idea or mental image of scoring a point with their willy-wads. Of course, they cannot figure out the difference between past tense (date of RFP well over a year ago and date of tender award more than 9 months ago) and future tense (what may, or may not, happen with Government-ordered cuts by the new shambolic Coalition of Charlatans).
I agree Robert. Incognito is on a roll. Please supply lots of material so he can continue.
As usual, they’re trying to connect dots in the time-space continuum by digging wormholes that only exist in their pubescent little brains that boil over with premature excitement at the idea or mental image of scoring a point with their willy-wads.
This for brilliance and I like the 'Coalition of Charlatans' as well!
For sure, have watched CC since a kid and still do. The funny thing is these days they include more new age farmers running on solar, horticulturists with interesting crops, more women involved in farmwork, organic growers–and they get complaints sometimes from the Groundswell lot for doing so. Farms in picturesque or high country locations get shown too.
The giant industrial waterway ruining Dairy lot are rarely covered from what I have seen the last couple of years. But they are still there…
Fair Go challenges con artists and poor business practice and holds people to account–or did…
Yep, effective comms people and deep pockets, it is almost seen as unpatriotic to criticise dairy.
“They” grabbed the narrative on Three Waters also, which sees people the country over facing substantial rate rises, with still no clear solution to the crumbling infrastructure. I collect rain water with two tanks and filter it, didn’t use to bother filtering, but it tastes good and I don’t get “boil water” notices.
The staff can go independent and produce a programme online.
They can set up a Friends of Fair Go site for donations.
They can work with Consumer Magazine, Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
They can do stories on landlords and tenants – no doubt plenty about.
News staff and others from Newshub have the option of bringing "video" skilled staff to various online media and or making that a point of difference, with their own on-line media site.
Well there's one spot of good news in all this darkness: Reality Check Radio is off the air and having to rattle the old begging-bowls (you'll need to scroll down a fair bit):
should the word 'woman' be legally defined by gender identity or biological sex.
My take,
Historically, when laws were written around this, woman mean adult, human female. It wasn't defined in law, because everyone understood what woman and female meant. In recent decades, gender identity has been written into law to give trans people some protections. But this was done without addressing the sex/gender/gender identity definitions and what the conflict might mean for other rights and legislation.
So I'll stick my neck out. Where the rights of trans people can be protected they should be, but never, ever at the expense of 'biological women', or of the meaning that very phrase.
Seems to me like there are two distinct aspects to the trans rights side. One is establishing that it's illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender identity for things like housing, jobs etc. This makes sense to me, given the antipathy towards gender non-conforming people generally.
The other is the push to colonise women's spaces and culture. Some of that is justified as affirming trans women, but it's also clear to me that some of it is just straight out misogyny. Neither are justifications for removing women's rights.
Agreed. My view is the 'colonising woman's spaces and culture' bit is (or at least appears to be) a dominant force in the 'trans rights side' atm, which seems to me to be problematic for the rights of both gender non-conforming people and biological women generally.
This is probably pie in the sky and wouldn't necessarily be effective in a legal sense, but in theory….
That's why a solution could be for the vast majority to grit their teeth and give up on the words 'man' and 'woman'.
If everyone starts using only 'male' and 'female' where 'man' and 'woman' have traditionally been used then it could solve a lot of arguments. If a tiny minority are using words that the majority don't understand the meaning of so don't use things would quieten down pretty quickly maybe?
It would mean giving up part of the English language which could be difficult for some to stomach but it wouldn't be to appease a certain group of people it would be to simply remove the arguments.
If you don't know what a woman is (and who can these days) just start always using 'female'.
Of course in that scenario we may end up with people starting to yell and scream about trans females… hehe
the word woman has a lot of usage where female is inappropriate. We don't say 'see that female over there' because that's kind of rude/weird.
not all females are women. Female applies to other animals, and plants. This is why the word woman means adult human female, and why giving up the word woman is a terrible idea. There is not really any other word we can use to name women.
at least half of TRA politics is about colonising. Everyone else changing their language won't make that go away.
TWATW. There was a period of time when most women would have been fine with old school transsexual/trans identified males. The arising of AGP culture changes everything. No way are women going to let men with the need to exhibit their sexual fetish into our spaces.
I believe body-shape has to come into it somewhere. No-one who went through puberty as a male and/or still has functional male genitals should be allowed to colonise spaces reserved for cis-women, against the occupants' will. No male-bodied people in women's toilets, changing-rooms or prisons.
That said, I'm easy about how people want to define or identify themselves.
It will be "interesting" LOL; and today he will not have Winston Peters sitting next to him propping him up and/or raising/causing diversions. I wonder who they will have in Winny's seat …
It may be my imagination but is Gerry getting tougher? But previous speakers would never allow a minister to keep talking over him when he's trying to cut political comments short. What's happened to the ability to cut a mike?
I notice that Gerry Brownlee frequently interrupts Opposition MPs when they are starting to ask a question. He comments about supposedly "too much" background noise from other MPs, then asks the questioning Opposition MP to start again. I feel this is a tactic, to try to unsettle the questioner and to interrupt the flow of the question. However, it doesn't seem to be effective.
The rule is that questions are heard in silence. Brownlee is insisting on that. He's starting to crack down on Ministers 'attacking' the previous government and today asked a government patsy questioner to ask her supplementary question without being a leading question opening up a further attack. Hopefully, he's starting to grow into the role.
Yes, I realise questions are to be heard in silence. However Brownlee does not consistently apply this requirement when Government MPs ask questions. Their colleagues are at times speaking to each other during these questions.
Cuts to two child poverty reports today. That was holding the country back.
Listened to a chap from CAB on the radio. No wonder they are always wanting to cut them and libraries. They give advice to under -25s and immigrants on casual work issues such as holiday pay and in tenancy issues. Particularly when flatting with the landlord it seems they’re exempt from a lot of the legal protections.
The public are looking for leadership, and if Labour can offer it, the Red-Green alliance will win the next election. The Greens are doing their bit already.
Call me old school, but the rule of thumb from a class left view is to unite all who can be united around certain things to build organisation and success.
Mr Hipkins sunk NZ Labour with his Cap’n’s Call from afar on wealth tax and CGT and will be replaced in due time. Te Pāti Māori and Greens get out and about and are leading the way at the moment–politics is way more than just Parliament and comms.
Green Co Leader Ms Swarbrick seems to eat Govt. MPs for breakfast going by any interview I have seen. So…Labour, Green, TPM need to get a combined move going and State Sector Unions might consider finally electing a CTU leader as good as Hellen Kelly and taking some direct action against the COC Govt.
Paul The Other One discusses NZers' decrease in media trust, media literacy, and social media algorithms that encourage bias confirmation.
I wonder how much of this is the decrease in tone-neutral fact reportage, and the rise, begun by Paul Holmes in feely news and op-ed infotainment, vs. thinky news?
Although the trend is worldwide, New Zealand is a trend leader, along with UK and USA.
Could it have anything to do with the Public Interest Journalism Fund? The PIJF required news media to show “commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to Māori as a Te Tiriti partner” i.e. to support the previous government's promotion of the treaty as a "partnership". The report also cites public concern about censorship of the news, bias, and dumbing down.
"Could it have anything to do with the Public Interest Journalism Fund? "
Nope. It's entirely down to the agents who seek to undermine public confidence in the media they trusted for so long; that media hasn't betrayed the public, they've just been vilified by those who will benefit from insecurity in the populace.
Claims were also made by some that the news media was captured by government funding through the pandemic-related Public Interest Journalism Fund. At present, this theme is weaker than last year.
"In 2022, the JMAD trust in news report noted that one of the main reasons for distrust in news media was the government’s support for news media, in particular the $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund that was launched during the pandemic and that included direct monetary support for newsroom roles and projects.9 The scheme was disestablished in June 2023."
The report is about public trust in the news. in response to the question "Could it have anything to do with the Public Interest Journalism Fund?" you replied "Nope" and "It's entirely down to…"
Based on this research, in 2022 the PIJF was clearly a factor, and it remains so in the latest report, albeit (as pointed out above) "this theme is weaker than last year".
I don't know who you are referring to as "Idiot conspiracy-theorists". If you explain, I can answer your question to me.
There are 'idiot conspiracy theorists' pontificating about all manner of things, Robert. Some clam the MSM is systemically left or right wing. Some claim the MSM is in the grip of evil global corporates or shadowy secret societies.
I understand your point to be that the public loss of confidence in the media was unrelated to the PIJF, and that criticism of the fund was the work of 'idiot conspiracy theorists'.
Specifically in relation to the PIJF, the report found (both on P42):
"Some stakeholders also expressed reservations that public funding of media firms may make those firms beholden to the government of the day and public officials might be reluctant to fund proposals that will be critical of government policies – which would undermine a key plurality objective of the media being able to hold public institutions and elected officials accountable." (Emphasis added). Unexpectedly, 'most news firms' denied that would be the case.
"However, several stakeholders expressed concern that funding decisions had crossed into editorial decision-making, with New Zealand On Air effectively holding a ‘beauty contest’ to choose which proposed stories/investigations merited support. It was suggested that funding these one-off incremental outputs will produce marginal public benefit and does little to encourage the industry to confront the true challenges of producing sustainable news." (Emphasis added).
The report raised other concerns with the PIJF, but I would argue that the issue of editorial independence is key to public confidence.
It was made clear many times as I heard in this discussion that, once funding was approved, the media content produced had full editorial independence.
If the general media fill their on-air hours with outrage content, like much of NewsTALK ZB, or private investors fund conspiracy channels like The Platform and Counterspin, then a balance of some sort is essential for healthy democracy.
Of course. And 'opinions' are what public perception (in this case "NZers' decrease in media trust" (from your comment above) is all about.
"Have a look here where all projects funded are."
Although the Sapere report raised other concerns, this conversation is about how public perception of the media was influenced by the PIJF. In that regard, the issue is not so much which projects were funded, but the conditions placed on editorial content to access that funding. Graham Adams (Graham Adams: Has government money corrupted journalism? – The Common Room (commonroomnz.com)) has a piece at The Common Room that outlines the 'instructions' and 'guidance' in the expanded criteria in 2022. The document providing this 'guidance' was titled “Te Tiriti Framework for News Media”, and amongst other things includes this "For news media, it is not simply a matter of reporting ‘fairly’, but of constructively contributing to Te Tiriti relations and social justice” and "Repeated references by the government to the English version [of the Treaty], in which Māori supposedly ceded sovereignty, have created systematic disinformation that protects the government’s assumption of sole parliamentary sovereignty.” Whatever you think of Adams' conclusions, the criteria, instructions and guidance provided are IMHO easily construed as editorial interference, whether they acted as such or not.
"It was made clear many times as I heard in this discussion that, once funding was approved, the media content produced had full editorial independence."
Well, that's what the media claimed. It may well be correct. However the Sapere report shows that there were concerns about how providing funding to media with (non-financial) strings attached that go specifically to editorial coverage was be perceived.
A couple of recent cases suggest that the courts are awarding significant sums for defamation even where the publication is very small. This is despite the new rule that says plaintiffs, if challenged, have to show that the publication they are complaining about has caused them “more then minor harm.” ...
Damages for breaches of the Privacy Act used to be laughable. The very top award was $40,000 to someone whose treatment in an addiction facility was revealed to the media. Not only was it taking an age for the Human Rights Review Tribunal to resolve cases, the awards made it ...
It’s Friday and we’ve got Auckland Anniversary weekend ahead of us so we’ve pulled together a bumper crop of things that caught our attention this week. This post, like all our work, is brought to you by a largely volunteer crew and made possible by generous donations from our readers ...
Long stories short, the six things of interest in the political economy in Aotearoa around housing, climate and poverty on Friday January 24 are:PM Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nationspeech in Auckland yesterday, in which he pledged a renewed economic growth focus;Luxon’s focused on a push to bring in ...
Hi,It’s been ages since I’ve done an AMA on Webworm — and so, as per usual, ask me what you want in the comments section, and over the next few days I’ll dive in and answer things. This is a lil’ perk for paying Webworm members that keep this place ...
I’m trying a new way to do a more regular and timely daily Dawn Choruses for paying subscribers through a live video chat about the day’s key six things @ 6.30 am lasting about 10 minues. This email is the invite to that chat on the substack app on your ...
The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts & talking about the week’s news with regular and special guests, including: on Donald Trump’s first executive orders to reverse Joe Biden’s emissions reductions policies and pull the United States out of ...
The Prime Minister’s State of the Nation speech yesterday was the kind of speech he should have given a year ago.Finally, we found out why he is involved in politics.Last year, all we heard from him was a catalogue of complaints about Labour.But now, he is redefining National with its ...
Photo by Mauricio Fanfa on UnsplashKia oraCome and join us for our weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm today.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news with myself , plus regular guests and ...
Aotearoa's science sector is broken. For 35 years it has been run on a commercial, competitive model, while being systematically underfunded. Which means we have seven different crown research institutes and eight different universities - all publicly owned and nominally working for the public good - fighting over the same ...
One of the best speakers I ever saw was Sir Paul Callaghan.One of the most enthusiastic receptions I have ever, ever seen for a speaker was for Sir Paul Callaghan.His favourite topic was: Aotearoa and what we were doing with it.He did not come to bury tourism and agriculture but ...
The Tertiary Education Union is predicting a “brutal year” for the tertiary sector as 240,000 students and teachers at Te Pūkenga face another year of uncertainty. The Labour Party are holding their caucus retreat, with Chris Hipkins still reflecting on their 2023 election loss and signalling to media that new ...
The Prime Minister’s State of the Nation speech is an exercise in smoke and mirrors which deflects from the reality that he has overseen the worst economic growth in 30 years, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff. “Luxon wants to “go for growth” but since he and Nicola ...
People get readyThere's a train a-comingYou don't need no baggageYou just get on boardAll you need is faithTo hear the diesels hummingDon't need no ticketYou just thank the LordSongwriter: Curtis MayfieldYou might have seen Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's speech at the National Prayer Service in the US following Trump’s elevation ...
Long stories short, the six things of interest in the political economy in Aotearoa around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday January 23 are:PM Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation speech after midday today, which I’ll attend and ask questions at;Luxon is expected to announce “new changes to incentivise research ...
I’m trying a new way to do a more regular and timely daily Dawn Choruses for paying subscribers through a live video chat about the day’s key six things @ 6.30 am lasting about 10 minues. This email is the invite to that chat on the substack app on your ...
Yesterday, Trump pardoned the founder of Silk Road - a criminal website designed to anonymously trade illicit drugs, weapons and services. The individual had been jailed for life in 2015 after an FBI sting.But libertarian interest groups had lobbied Donald Trump, saying it was “government overreach” to imprison the man, ...
The Prime Minister will unveil more of his economic growth plan today as it becomes clear that the plan is central to National’s election pitch in 2026. Christopher Luxon will address an Auckland Chamber of Commerce meeting with what is being billed a “State of the Nation” speech. Ironically, after ...
This video includes personal musings and conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). 2025 has only just begun, but already climate scientists are working hard to unpick what could be in ...
The NZCTU’s view is that “New Zealand’s future productivity to 2050” is a worthwhile topic for the upcoming long-term insights briefing. It is important that Ministers, social partners, and the New Zealand public are aware of the current and potential productivity challenges and opportunities we face and the potential ...
The NZCTU supports a strengthening of the Commerce Act 1986. We have seen a general trend of market consolidation across multiple sectors of the New Zealand economy. Concentrated market power is evident across sectors such as banking, energy generation and supply, groceries, telecommunications, building materials, fuel retail, and some digital ...
The maxim is as true as it ever was: give a small boy and a pig everything they want, and you will get a good pig and a terrible boy.Elon Musk the child was given everything he could ever want. He has more than any one person or for that ...
A food rescue organisation has had to resort to an emergency plea for donations via givealittle because of uncertainty about whether Government funding will continue after the end of June. Photo: Getty ImagesLong stories short in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Wednesday, January 22: Kairos Food ...
Leo Molloy's recent "shoplifting" smear against former MP Golriz Ghahraman has finally drawn public attention to Auror and its database. And from what's been disclosed so far, it does not look good: The massive privately-owned retail surveillance network which recorded the shopping incident involving former MP Golriz Ghahraman is ...
The defence of common law qualified privilege applies (to cut short a lot of legal jargon) when someone tells someone something in good faith, believing they need to know it. Think: telling the police that the neighbour is running methlab or dobbing in a colleague to the boss for stealing. ...
NZME plans to cut 38 jobs as it reorganises its news operations, including the NZ Herald, BusinessDesk, and Newstalk ZB. It said it planned to publish and produce fewer stories, to focus on those that engage audience. E tū are calling on the Government to step in and support the ...
Data released by Statistics New Zealand today showed that inflation remains unchanged at 2.2%, defying expectations of further declines, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “While inflation holding steady might sound like good news, the reality is that prices for the basics—like rent, energy, and insurance—are still rising. ...
I never mentioned anythingAbout the songs that I would singOver the summer, when we'd go on tourAnd sleep on floors and drink the bad beerI think I left it unclearSong: Bad Beer.Songwriter: Jacob Starnes Ewald.Last night, I was watching a movie with Fi and the kids when I glanced ...
Last night I spoke about the second inauguration of Donald Trump with in a ‘pop-up’ Hoon live video chat on the Substack app on phones.Here’s the summary of the lightly edited video above:Trump's actions signify a shift away from international law.The imposition of tariffs could lead to increased inflation ...
An interesting article in Stuff a few weeks ago asked a couple of interesting questions in it’s headline, “How big can Auckland get? And how big is too big?“. Unfortunately, the article doesn’t really answer those questions, instead focusing on current growth projections, but there were a few aspects to ...
Today is Donald J Trump’s second inauguration ceremony.I try not to follow too much US news, and yet these developments are noteworthy and somehow relevant to us here.Only hours in, parts of their Project 2025 ‘think/junk tank’ policies — long planned and signalled — are already live:And Elon Musk, who ...
How long is it going to take for the MAGA faithful to realise that those titans of Big Tech and venture capital sitting up close to Donald Trump this week are not their allies, but The Enemy? After all, the MAGA crowd are the angry victims left behind by the ...
California Burning: The veteran firefighters of California and Los Angeles called it “a perfect storm”. The hillsides and canyons were full of “fuel”. The LA Fire Department was underfunded, below-strength, and inadequately-equipped. A key reservoir was empty, leaving fire-hydrants without the water pressure needed for fire hoses. The power companies had ...
The Waitangi Tribunal has been one of the most effective critics of the government, pointing out repeatedly that its racist, colonialist policies breach te Tiriti o Waitangi. While it has no powers beyond those of recommendation, its truth-telling has clearly gotten under the government's skin. They had already begun to ...
I don't mind where you come fromAs long as you come to meBut I don't like illusionsI can't see them clearlyI don't care, no I wouldn't dareTo fix the twist in youYou've shown me eventually what you'll doSong: Shimon Moore, Emma Anzai, Antonina Armato, and Tim James.National Hugging Day.Today, January ...
Is Rwanda turning into a country that seeks regional dominance and exterminates its rivals? This is a contention examined by Dr Michela Wrong, and Dr Maria Armoudian. Dr Wrong is a journalist who has written best-selling books on Africa. Her latest, Do Not Disturb. The story of a political murder ...
The economy isn’t cooperating with the Government’s bet that lower interest rates will solve everything, with most metrics indicating per-capita GDP is still contracting faster and further than at any time since the 1990-96 series of government spending and welfare cuts. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāLong stories short in ...
Hi,Today is the day sexual assaulter and alleged rapist Donald Trump officially became president (again).I was in a meeting for three hours this morning, so I am going to summarise what happened by sharing my friend’s text messages:So there you go.Welcome to American hell — which includes all of America’s ...
This is a re-post from the Climate BrinkI have a new paper out today in the journal Dialogues on Climate Change exploring both the range of end-of-century climate outcomes in the literature under current policies and the broader move away from high-end emissions scenarios. Current policies are defined broadly as policies in ...
Long story short: I chatted last night with ’s on the substack app about the appointment of Chris Bishop to replace Simeon Brown as Transport Minister. We talked through their different approaches and whether there’s much room for Bishop to reverse many of the anti-cycling measures Brown adopted.Our chat ...
Last night I chatted with Northland emergency doctor on the substack app for subscribers about whether the appointment of Simeon Brown to replace Shane Reti as Health Minister. We discussed whether the new minister can turn around decades of under-funding in real and per-capita terms. Our chat followed his ...
Christopher Luxon is every dismal boss who ever made you wince, or roll your eyes, or think to yourself I have absolutely got to get the hell out of this place.Get a load of what he shared with us at his cabinet reshuffle, trying to be all sensitive and gracious.Dr ...
The text of my submission to the Ministry of Health's unnecessary and politicised review of the use of puberty blockers for young trans and nonbinary people in Aotearoa. ...
Hi,Last night one of the world’s biggest social media platforms, TikTok, became inaccessible in the United States.Then, today, it came back online.Why should we care about a social network that deals in dance trends and cute babies? Well — TikTok represents a lot more than that.And its ban and subsequent ...
Sometimes I wake in the middle of the nightAnd rub my achin' old eyesIs that a voice from inside-a my headOr does it come down from the skies?"There's a time to laugh butThere's a time to weepAnd a time to make a big change"Wake-up you-bum-the-time has-comeTo arrange and re-arrange and ...
Former Health Minister Shane Reti was the main target of Luxon’s reshuffle. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāLong stories short to start the year in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate: Christopher Luxon fired Shane Reti as Health Minister and replaced him with Simeon Brown, who Luxon sees ...
Yesterday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a cabinet reshuffle, which saw Simeon Brown picking up the Health portfolio as it’s been taken off Dr Shane Reti, and Transport has been given to Chris Bishop. Additionally, Simeon’s energy and local government portfolios now sit with Simon Watts. This is very good ...
The sacking of Health Minister Shane Reti yesterday had an air of panic about it. A media advisory inviting journalists to a Sunday afternoon press conference at Premier House went out on Saturday night. Caucus members did not learn that even that was happening until yesterday morning. Reti’s fate was ...
Yesterday’s demotion of Shane Reti was inevitable. Reti’s attempt at a re-assuring bedside manner always did have a limited shelf life, and he would have been a poor and apologetic salesman on the campaign trail next year. As a trained doctor, he had every reason to be looking embarrassed about ...
A listing of 25 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, January 12, 2025 thru Sat, January 18, 2025. This week's roundup is again published soleley by category. We are still interested in feedback to hone the categorization, so if ...
After another substantial hiatus from online Chess, I’ve been taking it up again. I am genuinely terrible at five-minute Blitz, what with the tight time constraints, though I periodically con myself into thinking that I have been improving. But seeing as my past foray into Chess led to me having ...
Rise up o children wont you dance with meRise up little children come and set me freeRise little ones riseNo shame no fearDon't you know who I amSongwriter: Rebecca Laurel FountainI’m sure you know the go with this format. Some memories, some questions, letsss go…2015A decade ago, I made the ...
In 2017, when Ghahraman was elected to Parliament as a Green MP, she recounted both the highlights and challenges of her role -There was love, support, and encouragement.And on the flipside, there was intense, visceral and unchecked hate.That came with violent threats - many of them. More on that later.People ...
It gives me the biggest kick to learn that something I’ve enthused about has been enough to make you say Go on then, I'm going to do it. The e-bikes, the hearing aids, the prostate health, the cheese puffs. And now the solar power. Yes! Happy to share the details.We ...
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park from the Gigafact team in collaboration with members from our team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Can CO2 be ...
The old bastard left his ties and his suitA brown box, mothballs and bowling shoesAnd his opinion so you'd never have to choosePretty soon, you'll be an old bastard tooYou get smaller as the world gets bigThe more you know you know you don't know shit"The whiz man" will never ...
..Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.The Numbers2024 could easily have been National’s “Annus Horribilis” and 2025 shows no signs of a reprieve for our Landlord PM Chris Luxon and his inept Finance Minister Nikki “Noboats” Willis.Several polls last year ...
This Friday afternoon, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced an overhaul of the Waitangi Tribunal.The government has effectively cleared house - appointing 8 new members - and combined with October’s appointment of former ACT leader Richard Prebble, that’s 9 appointees.[I am not certain, but can only presume, Prebble went in ...
The state of the current economy may be similar to when National left office in 2017.In December, a couple of days after the Treasury released its 2024 Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HEYFU24), Statistics New Zealand reported its estimate for volume GDP for the previous September 24 quarter. Instead ...
So what becomes of you, my love?When they have finally stripped you ofThe handbags and the gladragsThat your poor old granddadHad to sweat to buy you, babySongwriter: Mike D'aboIn yesterday’s newsletter, I expressed sadness at seeing Golriz Ghahraman back on the front pages for shoplifting. As someone who is no ...
It’s Friday and time for another roundup of things that caught our attention this week. This post, like all our work, is brought to you by a largely volunteer crew and made possible by generous donations from our readers and fans. If you’d like to support our work, you can join ...
Note: This Webworm discusses sexual assault and rape. Please read with care.Hi,A few weeks ago I reported on how one of New Zealand’s richest men, Nick Mowbray (he and his brother own Zuru and are worth an estimated $20 billion), had taken to sharing posts by a British man called ...
The final Atlas Network playbook puzzle piece is here, and it slipped in to Aotearoa New Zealand with little fan fare or attention. The implications are stark.Today, writes Dr Bex, the submission for the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill closes: 11:59pm January 16, 2025.As usual, the language of the ...
Excitement in the seaside village! Look what might be coming! 400 million dollars worth of investment! In the very beating heart of the village! Are we excited and eager to see this happen, what with every last bank branch gone and shops sitting forlornly quiet awaiting a customer?Yes please, apply ...
Much discussion has been held over the Regulatory Standards Bill (RSB), the latest in a series of rightwing attempts to enshrine into law pro-market precepts such as the primacy of private property ownership. Underneath the good governance and economic efficiency gobbledegook language of the Bill is an interest to strip ...
We are concerned that the Amendment Bill, as proposed, could impair the operations and legitimate interests of the NZ Trade Union movement. It is also likely to negatively impact the ability of other civil society actors to conduct their affairs without the threat of criminal sanctions. We ask that ...
I can't take itHow could I fake it?How could I fake it?And I can't take itHow could I fake it?How could I fake it?Song: The Lonely Biscuits.“A bit nippy”, I thought when I woke this morning, and then, soon after that, I wondered whether hell had frozen over. Dear friends, ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Asheville, North Carolina, was once widely considered a climate haven thanks to its elevated, inland location and cooler temperatures than much of the Southeast. Then came the catastrophic floods of Hurricane Helene in September 2024. It was a stark reminder that nowhere is safe from ...
Early reports indicate that the temporary Israel/Hamas ceasefire deal (due to take effect on Sunday) will allow for the gradual release of groups of Israeli hostages, the release of an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails (likely only a fraction of the total incarcerated population), and the withdrawal ...
My daily news diet is not what it once was.It was the TV news that lost me first. Too infantilising, too breathless, too frustrating.The Herald was next. You could look past the reactionary framing while it was being a decent newspaper of record, but once Shayne Currie began unleashing all ...
Hit the road Jack and don't you come backNo more, no more, no more, no moreHit the road Jack and don't you come back no moreWhat you say?Songwriters: Percy MayfieldMorena,I keep many of my posts, like this one, paywall-free so that everyone can read them.However, please consider supporting me as ...
This might be the longest delay between reading (or in this case re-reading) a work, and actually writing a review of it I have ever managed. Indeed, when I last read these books in December 2022, I was not planning on writing anything about them… but as A Phuulish Fellow ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to stand firm and work with allies to progress climate action as Donald Trump signals his intent to pull out of the Paris Climate Accords once again. ...
The Green Party has welcomed the provisional ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and reiterated its call for New Zealand to push for an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestine. ...
The Green Party welcomes the extension of the deadline for Treaty Principles Bill submissions but continues to call on the Government to abandon the Bill. ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the new membership of the Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control (PACDAC), who will serve for a three-year term. “The Committee brings together wide-ranging expertise relevant to disarmament. We have made six new appointments to the Committee and reappointed two existing members ...
Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora, good morning, talofa, malo e lelei, bula vinaka, da jia hao, namaste, sat sri akal, assalamu alaikum. It’s so great to be here and I’m ready and pumped for 2025. Can I start by acknowledging: Simon Bridges – CEO of the Auckland ...
The Government has unveiled a bold new initiative to position New Zealand as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) that will create higher paying jobs and grow the economy. “Invest New Zealand will streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors, to increase capital investment ...
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced the largest reset of the New Zealand science system in more than 30 years with reforms which will boost the economy and benefit the sector. “The reforms will maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into ...
Turbocharging New Zealand’s economic growth is the key to brighter days ahead for all Kiwis, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. In the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation Speech in Auckland today, Christopher Luxon laid out the path to the prosperity that will affect all aspects of New Zealanders’ lives. ...
The latest set of accounts show the Government has successfully checked the runaway growth of public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “In the previous government’s final five months in office, public spending was almost 10 per cent higher than for the same period the previous year. “That is completely ...
The Government’s welfare reforms are delivering results with the number of people moving off benefits into work increasing year-on-year for six straight months. “There are positive signs that our welfare reset and the return consequences for job seekers who don't fulfil their obligations to prepare for or find a job ...
Jon Kroll and Aimee McCammon have been appointed to the New Zealand Film Commission Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am delighted to appoint these two new board members who will bring a wealth of industry, governance, and commercial experience to the Film Commission. “Jon Kroll has been an ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has hailed a drop in the domestic component of inflation, saying it increases the prospect of mortgage rate reductions and a lower cost of living for Kiwi households. Stats NZ reported today that inflation was 2.2 per cent in the year to December, the second consecutive ...
Two new appointed members and one reappointed member of the Employment Relations Authority have been announced by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today. “I’m pleased to announce the new appointed members Helen van Druten and Matthew Piper to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) and welcome them to ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has delivered a refreshed team focused on unleashing economic growth to make people better off, create more opportunities for business and help us afford the world-class health and education Kiwis deserve. “Last year, we made solid progress on the economy. Inflation has fallen significantly and now ...
Veterans’ Affairs and a pan-iwi charitable trust have teamed up to extend the reach and range of support available to veterans in the Bay of Plenty, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says. “A major issue we face is identifying veterans who are eligible for support,” Mr Penk says. “Incredibly, we do ...
A host of new appointments will strengthen the Waitangi Tribunal and help ensure it remains fit for purpose, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. “As the Tribunal nears its fiftieth anniversary, the appointments coming on board will give it the right balance of skills to continue its important mahi hearing ...
Almost 22,000 FamilyBoost claims have been paid in the first 15 days of the year, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The ability to claim for FamilyBoost’s second quarter opened on January 1, and since then 21,936 claims have been paid. “I’m delighted people have made claiming FamilyBoost a priority on ...
The Government has delivered a funding boost to upgrade critical communication networks for Maritime New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand, ensuring frontline search and rescue services can save lives and keep Kiwis safe on the water, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand has ...
Mahi has begun that will see dozens of affordable rental homes developed in Gisborne - a sign the Government’s partnership with Iwi is enabling more homes where they’re needed most, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. Mr Potaka attended a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of earthworks for 48 ...
New Zealand welcomes the ceasefire deal to end hostilities in Gaza, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Over the past 15 months, this conflict has caused incomprehensible human suffering. We acknowledge the efforts of all those involved in the negotiations to bring an end to the misery, particularly the US, Qatar ...
The Associate Minster of Transport has this week told the community that work is progressing to ensure they have a secure and suitable shipping solution in place to give the Island certainty for its future. “I was pleased with the level of engagement the Request for Information process the Ministry ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says he is proud of the Government’s commitment to increasing medicines access for New Zealanders, resulting in a big uptick in the number of medicines being funded. “The Government is putting patients first. In the first half of the current financial year there were more ...
New Zealand's first-class free trade deal and investment treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been signed. In Abu Dhabi, together with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, witnessed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and accompanying investment treaty ...
The latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion, which shows the highest level of general business confidence since 2021, is a sign the economy is moving in the right direction, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “When businesses have the confidence to invest and grow, it means more jobs and higher ...
Events over the last few weeks have highlighted the importance of strong biosecurity to New Zealand. Our staff at the border are increasingly vigilant after German authorities confirmed the country's first outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in nearly 40 years on Friday in a herd of water buffalo ...
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee reminds the public that they now have an opportunity to have their say on the rewrite of the Arms Act 1983. “As flagged prior to Christmas, the consultation period for the Arms Act rewrite has opened today and will run through until 28 February 2025,” ...
Complaints about disruptive behaviour now handled in around 13 days (down from around 60 days a year ago) 553 Section 55A notices issued by Kāinga Ora since July 2024, up from 41 issued during the same period in the previous year. Of that 553, first notices made up around 83 ...
The time it takes to process building determinations has improved significantly over the last year which means fewer delays in homes being built, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “New Zealand has a persistent shortage of houses. Making it easier and quicker for new homes to be built will ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is pleased to announce the annual list of New Zealand’s most popular baby names for 2024. “For the second consecutive year, Noah has claimed the top spot for boys with 250 babies sharing the name, while Isla has returned to the most popular ...
Work is set to get underway on a new bus station at Westgate this week. A contract has been awarded to HEB Construction to start a package of enabling works to get the site ready in advance of main construction beginning in mid-2025, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“A new Westgate ...
Minister for Children and for Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour is encouraging people to use the resources available to them to get help, and to report instances of family and sexual violence amongst their friends, families, and loved ones who are in need. “The death of a ...
An A-to-Z cheat sheet to help you keep up with the awards chat this year.It’s hard to stay on top of awards buzz here in Aotearoa, especially when all the announcements tend to happen when we’re all off the grid and at the beach. The Golden Globes, for example, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lowe, Chair in Contemporary History, Deakin University After many years of heated debate over whether January 26 is an appropriate date to celebrate Australia Day – with some councils and other groups shifting away from it – the tide appears to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Whiterod, Science Program Manager, Goyder Institute for Water Research Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre, University of Adelaide Nick Whiterod Murray crayfish once thrived in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. The species was found everywhere from the headwaters of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hargreaves, Senior Learning Advisor, University of Southern Queensland There are two verses to Advance Australia Fair, but do you know the second? Probably not. It’s in our citizenship booklet, Our Common Bond, suggesting Aussies know it and new citizens could be ...
We round up the best of the homegrown content coming to your screens this year. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. 2025 is a brand new year, and with it comes a brand new year of television and films. While the local ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Bridgewater, Adjunct Professor in Conservation, University of Canberra Getty Images/Servais Mont Existing policies to tackle environmental challenges fail to take into account that biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution are intertwined crises and produce compounding and intensifying impacts. Policy ...
Following the obscene spectacle of Trump’s inauguration, in which he enunciated his far-right agenda including mass deportations and imperialist expansionism, New Zealand’s politicians are pitching to “work with” Washington as closely as ...
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 50-year-old who volunteers at an op shop explains her approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here.Gender: Female. Age: 50. Ethnicity: NZ European. ...
The country can’t afford to lose any more skilled workers - the reforms Minister Reti will now drive will only succeed if the Government properly respects and values the existing workforce who now face more uncertainty on top of a year of restructuring. ...
Minister Nicola Willis and the Commerce Commission are set to put big retailers, not just supermarkets, under scrutiny The post Govt to crack down on retail monopolies appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Kelsey Teneti is blossoming in the Black Ferns Sevens. Contracted since 2020 she hardly got a look in until after the Paris Olympics in July 2024. In the first two tournaments of the 2024-25 SVNS series, Teneti ran amok as New Zealand made the final in Dubai and captured the title ...
A rolling maul of policy announcements has been promised to attract foreign investment, explains The Bulletin’s Stewart Sowman-Lund. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
Analysis: After poor poll results for his party and on the country’s economic direction, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is declaring action stations on business competition, planning laws and health and safety laws.His second State of the Nation speech included a litany of frustrations at systemic failures to change economic settings, ...
In the pursuit of growth it’s yes to mining, yes to tourism, yes to an overhaul of the science sector, and no to saying no, writes Toby Manhire from the PM’s state of the nation speech in Auckland. Growth, said Christopher Luxon yesterday. Growth, growth, growth. Growth “unlocked”, he said. ...
The government announced some big changes to the science and research sector this week. Here’s what you need to know. On Thursday, outgoing science minister Judith Collins announced major changes to New Zealand’s science sector that will impact several thousand staff working across Callaghan Innovation and the Crown Research Institutes. ...
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Shannon-Leigh Litt has always known the importance of witnesses in her professional life as a criminal defence lawyer.For the past 390 days, she’s had to find her own witnesses out on the street, usually in the early hours of the morning. It’s all part of her quest to claim a ...
NONFICTION1 Tasty by Chelsea Winter (Allen & Unwin, $55)Food without meat.2 More Salad by Margo Flanagan & Rosa Power (Allen & Unwin, $49.99)Food without meat.3 View from the Second Row by Samuel Whitelock (HarperCollins, $49.99)Rugby memoir.4 Wild Walks Aotearoa: A Guide to Tramping in New Zealandby Hannah-Rose Watt (Penguin ...
They say prevention is better than a cure. It is also a lot cheaper than a cure.A helpful new report on BMI and obesity seeks to clarify how we measure and define clinically relevant obesity, especially for treatment purposes.But with New Zealand’s health system under enormous pressure, we argue that the ...
Comment: My first wish for 2025 is that all the retired greyhounds, which came about through the end of greyhound racing in New Zealand, are rehomed well and become beloved family animal companions. ▶ While on the animal welfare theme, this also leads to my second wish for 2025 which is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government if re-elected will provide a $10,000 incentive payment to apprentices to work in housing construction. The promise will be announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he addresses the National Press ...
By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent Two LGBTQIA+ advocates in the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are up in arms over US President Donald Trump’s executive order rolling back protections for transgender people and terminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the federal government. Pride Marianas ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Ricketson, Professor of Communication, Deakin University This week Prince Harry achieved something few before him have: an admission of guilt and unlawful behaviour from the Murdoch media organisation. But he also fell short of his long-stated goal of holding the Murdochs ...
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Hoping everyone in Otago and Westland has provisions and a full fuel tank. That's a mighty system coming down.
What is the Kepler going to be like today and tomorrow? Asking for a friend….
at this stage it looks like the heavy rain will be Thurs. forecasting isn’t very accurate under this El Niño.
https://www.metvuw.com/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain®ion=nz&noofdays=7
I talked to your friend this morning and suggest they start going over that Kepler ridge early tomorrow morning.
Also be assured DoC team are in hourly contact with each other, and everyone will get a briefing morning and evening.
Thursday they will be in strong beech forest with good cover and no stream crossings of note.
Very experienced team rest assured.
More worried our English academic friend will be carried off unnoticed in the wind and rain and mugged by a pair of rambunctious Keas….
Hourly rainfalls in mm from Milford since 10am. Looks a lot, but pretty common there. At least the Kepler isn't prone to flooding like parts of the MF track, but pretty exposed to wind up on the ridges.
9.1
11.8
15.1
18.1
14.7
14.9
No Right Turn has it right on methane emissions. More Luxon lies.
https://norightturn.blogspot.com/2024/04/climate-change-bad-faith-from-national.html
Rod Carr was interesting on this issue on Morning Report just now. Listen here.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018933455/nz-should-strengthen-2050-climate-target-says-climate-change-commission
He is coming up soon on RadioNZ's Nine to Noon to do a much longer interview today.
Peters did ok…@ the u.n….
(Better late than never..)
Yep…just 5 months too late.
I was surprised/pleased by his denunciations of the illegal israeli settlements..in land occupied in israeli military actions…and his call for a two state solution…
Yep all good…Biden has been utterly useless….while the American's back Israel and keep sending arms and money nothing will happen.
The US seems to be getting the message that the brutality shown by their support of the Israeli genocide in Gaza is going to cost them dearly at the elections. First Schumer and now Pelosi. The deliberate killing of workers from a US NGO and the bombing of Iranian embassy in Damascus are bridges too far even for them. It appears that negotiations between the Iranians and US have come to the point that Iran will not retaliate if the war in Gaza comes to an end. This leaves Israel as the only nation now comitted to escalation as a path out of their abhorrent mess. It also shows that the US could have ended this at any time simply by withdrawing Israeli support. The build up of international repulsion has left the US with no other choice and has demonstrated the potential of the UN even when constrained by UNSC vetos
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2024/04/two-israeli-actions-misfired-pushed-netanyahoo-into-retreat-.html#more
Whoopee….it's only taken 6 months and 33k deaths…but then they are only Palestinian women and kids.
So if Hamas agrees to simply hands the hostages back, then they do that, the war will end.
When are they doing that?
Sadly, Israel would only agree to a temporary cease fire which goes to highlight their bad faith bargaining and intention to continue with their genocide after the hostages were released
If genocide was the goal there would have been far more deaths.
I'm gobsmacked to think of what your "more deaths" means. Also, genocide does not mean complete eradication of a population. You do understand that the ICJ has determined that Israel has a case of genocide to answer? And that the killing in Gaza was at a pace far exceeding any modern conflict??
The problem Biden has is that if takes too strong an anti-Israel stance, he will lose a large enough percentage of the population (not just Jewish Americans, but Christians as well) that he will be handing Trump a victory. A Trump presidency would let Netanyahu off the leash, which will be much worse for Palestinians.
[Please stick to your approved user name, thanks – Incognito]
Mod note
In fact, the opposite is the case. As with the whole world outside of Israel, repulsion of Israels actions in Gaza is the majority amongst US Jews and the younger they are, the more this horror is felt and expressed. What may dry up is money from the super wealthy who are generally older and more likely to be strongly Zionist.
That sound more logical Sub….who needs the money if you get the votes?
And Biden's campaign is already much better funded than Trumps and the polls are now neck and neck where previously Trump was ahead.
Rod Carr on farming and climate:
"If everyone in the world contributed the same level of warming per capita as New Zealand, total warming would peak with a temperature rise of five degrees and decline to around 4.3 degrees by 2100, the Commission said. Even more embarrassing, if global emissions were allocated to countries entirely on a per capita basis, New Zealand would emit way above the global per capita allocation in 2050. Because 51 per cent of New Zealand’s warming emissions come from livestock farming, the Commission has focused much of its advice on this.
Continue reading at https://www.politik.co.nz/why-rod-carr-is-optimistic-farmers-can-beat-climate-change/ | Politik"
"Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere. Even though CO2 has a longer-lasting effect, methane sets the pace for warming in the near term."
"About 30% of today’s global warming is driven by methane from human actions."
https://www.edf.org/climate/methane-crucial-opportunity-climate-fight
Am I reading the data correctly that is associated with this report.
So for example in the worst case scenario of the modelling data (low technology and low systems change so basically if we do nothing from now on?) New Zealand's estimated contribution to all global warming from 1850 up until 2020 was approximately 3 / 1000th's of 1 degree C or 0.0003 degrees C ?
Further in the same scenario that assumes we do nothing to address emissions, New Zealand's contribution to all global warming from 2020 up until 2050 is projected to be approximately 1 / 10,000th of 1 degree C or 0.0001 degrees C ?
This worst case scenario is a pretty miniscule contribution, but regardless this is the only scenario out of the 4 in which we are actually projected to contribute to any warming at all which happens between now and 2050. Even the the high technology / Low systems change scenario expects us to be negative or non contributors in the future.
Is that what the modelling data says? If so then doesn't that mean we are on the right path for net zero by 2050?
Data found here:
https://www.climatecommission.govt.nz/public/Uploads/EB4/supporting-docs/EB4-15-Temperature-modelling-full-results.xlsx
"3 / 1000th's of 1 degree C" is 0.003°C, not "0.0003 degrees C".
Probably just a typo – it'll be fune
Not sure I'm interpreting that spreadsheet data correctly either, but here goes.
Using the data in, say, the "NZ_ssp126_EB41990" sheet (that's the first sheet to the right of the "Readme" sheet) to calculate the contribution of NZ's methane emissions to global warming over the last 30 years, I'd add up the annual contributions in the "NZCH4" column ("Contribution to global warming from biogenic CH4 emissions since 1850 to 2300 in Aotearoa New Zealand") from 1994 to 2023 inclusive, which sum to +0.06°C. That's a large fraction of the contribution of NZ's total emissions (+0.087°C) over the same period – seems a bit much tbh.
Still, the point is that on a per capita basis, NZ punches well above its weight in anthropogenic emissions, particularly methane. How could it be otherwise, given the amount of ruminant meat and dairy Kiwi farmers produce – and I do love dairy.
https://genless.govt.nz/climate-change/new-zealands-emissions/
https://gml.noaa.gov/aggi/
Michael, my initial interpretation must be wrong – NZ's contribution to global warming would be way to high, maybe 6% of the total ~1.5°C.
So maybe the numbers are cumulative, in which case according to the spreadsheet data NZ's contribution to global warming (to 2023) is +0.0031°C (so your intepretation is correct), with methane making up +0.002°C of that? Help!
"If everyone in the world…."
"…, if global emissions were allocated"
Hard to take the commission completely seriously when they start throwing in so many "if's" for scenarios that don't exist.
I think it says that emissions targets are allocated based upon economic capacity not per capita.
Regardless it's not that embarrassing when you take into account that NZ has a small population but is a global food producer via our dairy and to a lesser extent meat exports. Regardless the commission says we can reach net zero in terms of our food production emissions and farmers have already begun to make the necessary changes.
I find these reports and the modelling data quite difficult to read and understand clearly so please don't abuse me if I'm wrong.
Fuck I hate the per capita argument, most of our methane is from food production, we produce somewhere between 30 to 40 million peoples worth of food, so if ypu being honest divede our methane buy 30 million people
Fyi
The Taxpayer's Onion send out emails such as this to those they believe support their fomenting 🙂
"Hi Friend,
Look, I know we've been giving Finance Minister Nicola Willis a hard time in recent months for the various tax u-turns and backdowns, but, actually, right now I think we need to swing in behind her.
Here at the Taxpayers' Union, we'll stick up for taxpayers no matter who is in charge, but reading the media over the last few weeks, it's like Wellington lives in a parallel universe.
The media and so-called 'pundits' are falling over themselves to call on Ms Willis to cancel her long-signalled tax relief.
In fact, the only exception I've seen to the chorus of howls to cancel tax relief was none other than my colleague Callum! He had a cracker op-ed in Stuff's The Post last week.
In politics, the squeaky wheel gets the oil – and unless we make a song and dance too, there is a real risk Nicola Willis takes the 'easy road' and kicks tax relief into the long grass.
That would mean the Government wouldn't need to go as hard or fast in tackling wasteful spending – that's exactly why Wellington's self-interested bureaucracy are trying to sink Ms Willis' plan.
That's why I'm emailing to ask you to join us in telling Nicola Willis to hold firm and deliver tax relief as part of May's budget. "
If the TU is so supportive of tax cuts now it must consider that Robertson did an excellent job in controlling government spending.
Every day we seem to be waking up to Luxon, Seymour and others behaving increasingly like dictators, constantly lecturing and haranguing New Zealanders on how awful we are. Am sick of it.
David Farrar reckons:
More thoughts on free speech and Rainbow story time
"First my personal view on Rainbow story time is that in NZ it is pretty harmless. My kids have been to a couple of them, and they enjoyed them. They were totally non-sexual and they are more akin to children’s pantomimes where leading female characters are often played by men for humorous effect."
Read more, if you care to, here:
https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2024/04/more_thoughts_on_free_speech_and_rainbow_story_time.html
Farrar is a fucktard who piously offers up his liberal credentials on the targets of right wing culture war hate while vigorously pumping out the bullets to be fired via his various grifting cronies and comments sections.
He can take his so-called liberalism and shove it up his blue arse.
Always found Farrar's cultivated tone of sweet reasonableness on mainstream platforms like RNZ irritating. A right wing janitor who superficially tidies up the bathroom, but leaves pathogens on every surface.
Yr janitor metaphor deserves to be shortlisted for metaphor-of-the-week..
One of those sit back in your chair and go "Dang! I wish I'd thought of that!" metaphor moments followed by a secret resolution to steal it and use it on every occassion as if it was yours.
His mincing pronunciation makes him difficult to listen to on any subject. He is a classic right opportunist and crawler, feigning reasonableness depending on his audience.
I have not forgotten “Dirty Politics” and his Slateroil days.
That's the spirit!
He's trying to have a foot in both camps. It starts off reasonably and ends reasonably but in the middle he gets into the political element of the matter.
I think local councils have every right to have a say in who is allowed to speak at council owned venues – within reason of course and bound by rules which ensure the right cannot be abused.
If some outfit invites an off-shore nut-bar [or two] to come here and incite racial hatred or crackpot theories designed to generate civil unrest, then they would be failing in their duty if they allowed them a platform to spread disinformation and create widespread disorderly conduct.
The court case brought by the 'Let Women Speak' group in Wellington appears to indicate that councils don't have that right at all.
Palmerston North, or was there another case?
depends on the situation I think, but yes.
https://www.franksogilvie.co.nz/news/case-brief-whitmore-v-palmerston-north-city-council
Was thinking about the Wellington event, but from memory the Mayor decided it was allowed (though he personally would have preferred it not be allowed) after the SUFW court case.
Anne, who gets to decide if someone is a “nut-bar” and should not be allowed to speak in a publicly owned venue?
Maybe we should all be vetted to ensure that we have the correct opinions and views?
So who gets to decide?
I don’t know if you will agree with me or my views, so maybe you should be sent to a facility where your thinking can be re-calibrated.
We could call these facilities Gulags.
I believe Uncle Joe used them with great success…
Or maybe we could just ignore people whose opinions and views differ from ours.
Let's start with the obvious "nut-bars":
earthquakes are caused by homosexuals
Who said that?
The Bish’, one Mr Brian Scamaki.
In a nutshell.
obvious cases are easy. Try ones that are less clear.
What does that mean, weka?
Okay Robert, so who gets to decide if someone is allowed to speak at a public venue?
This should be a serious discussion, ignoring other people's or groups views only results in further resentment, alienation, division within society.
Who, David?
Not my call.
You reckon, free-for-all?
Wahoo!
Can children attend?
Imho, some views are soooo wack that if I didn't ignore them, then teasing would be a rational response. Maybe there's a chance a patient person could persuade a Destiny Church member that earthquakes are not caused by homosexuals – a remote chance.
"Or maybe we could just ignore people whose opinions and views differ from ours."
Or better still, listen to them and try to understand why they have those differing opinions and viewpoints
How's he trying to have a foot in both camps. It says in the post that he believes in NZ it is non sexual and harmless. That to me would fairly clearly show him to be in one camp, the yep it's fine nothing to see here camp?
How do you figure councils have a right to not allow anyone to speak at a publicly owned venue???? People who have viewpoints you don’t like pay rates as well you know….
That’s exactly how you create division by not allowing viewpoints to be heard which are different from your own.
As long as they aren’t inciting violence, anybody has a right to promote their viewpoint. If people disagree with that viewpoint then they should give an argument that people will listen to and agree with. Banning speech only ever leads to polarization and worst still extremism.
There’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of when it comes to people having many different ideas and viewpoints.
It's got nothing to do with what I might think, and everything to do with the intention of the person/persons who come here to create unrest. The case I was thinking of was a couple of dubious characters from Canada who came here to spread extremist ideology. I don't remember their names but, iirc, the owners (don’t think it was council in this case) of the venue cancelled the hall hire and they flounced off in a raging sulk.
While they were here, they ridiculed a Maori cultural mural at the airport. They thought they were being funny.
Good riddance to bad rubbish I say.
Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux. Auckland Council cancelled a venue hire booking. Two men took that all the way to the Supreme Court and lost.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130655335/supreme-court-dismisses-appeal-after-lauren-southern-stefan-molyneux-barred-from-venue
Of interest is that when Palmerston North council tried the same thing with Speak Up For Women, the council lost. The judge said there was no evidence that SUFW were a hate group. I linked elsewhere on this page.
It would be nice to think the courts are drawing a useful line in the sand, but I think the Southern/Molyneux case was more to do with threats of violence from people protesting the event.
Southern and Molyneux had another venue cancel on them – The Powerstation in Auckland. Cancelled: Alt-right activists Stefan Molyneux and Lauren Southern in limbo after venue backs out of hosting event – NZ Herald
"It would be nice to think the courts are drawing a useful line in the sand, but I think the Southern/Molyneux case was more to do with threats of violence from people protesting the event."
It was. "Before Southern and Molyneux could share their deeply unpleasant worldviews in Auckland (an indication of its likely content here, with strong trigger warnings for racism), the protest group Auckland Peace Action promised to confront the pair in the streets and blockade entry to their speaking venue. Those promises raised concerns about whether the event could be safely held at the Bruce Mason Centre, which in turn caused Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) – the Auckland Council-owned company running the venue – to cancel the contract to use it." A commonsense conclusion to the sordid little Southern/Molyneux saga | The Spinoff
FWIW I happened upon this piece on TS that was written at the time of On ‘free speech victims’. « The Standard. It covers some discussion (including comments from you) about SUFW.
I’m not a fan of cancelling opinions we disagree with, even if we find them abhorrent, primarily because these assessments are often subjective and the risk of the thugs veto is always in play. And then there’s this – it seemed to me at the time that Southern and Molyneux received more attention by being cancelled than they ever would have by being allowed to speak.
There is truth in what you say. Thank-you for the reminder. However some of that attention was the result of their ridiculing antics over the Maori mural at the airport and that was what pushed them over the line for me. I was glad they were sent packing because of that behaviour alone.
Okay Anne, who should get to decide whether or not someones views or opinions should not be heard?
How do you know that someone has extremist ideology? And who gets to decide what an extremist ideology is? Or is it just what some random group of people believe?
Personally I’d like to know who these busybodies are, so I can if possible avoid them. I generally don’t like to be told what to think, say or do, however I’m usually open to a discussion.
"Personally I’d like to know who these busybodies are, so I can if possible avoid them. "
The problem is that it if you want to have the discussion, simply avoiding the people you label 'busy bodies' isn't enough. They are taking a position that you are to be prevented from listening in person, devoid of censorship or context editing, to people they disapprove of. That rather renders redundant your desire to discuss or even, God forbid, challenge the ideas (e.g. by way of Q&A).
Pantomime "Dames" you mean? And how did they portray women? "Widow Twankey" etc were shown as unattractive older women, usually sexually frustrated, and the butt of sexist jokes. OTOH – the "Best Boy" (played by a woman) was cast as the "Hero".
At the same time – Asian characters like "Wishy Washy" were also the subject of racist stereotyping.
"Yellowface, Blackface" and "Womanface" – all equally offensive.
""Womanface" – all equally offensive."
And Mrs Doubtfire?
Dame Edna?
Then there’s the Top Twins’ Ken & Ken.
"and Mrs Doubfire" Robert, once again you participate in matters concerning women and girls but seem to have little empathy and understanding for nuances.
"Drag queens take the trappings of femininity and exaggerate these to create a grotesque caricature which, at its core, humiliates women. "
"But it is also highly sexualised adult entertainment, which many people feel is pretty misogynistic"
"Mrs Doubtfire and panto dames are nothing like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Paul O’Grady was a brilliant performer, wholly respectful of the women he drew on for his inspiration for Lily Savage."
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/apr/07/drag-a-sexist-caricature-or-a-fabulous-art-form?
" once again you participate in matters concerning women and girls"
Oh, I see. It's a "women and girls-only" space.
Got it
"Oh, I see. It's a "women and girls-only" space."
No Robert Drag Queens are not a women's place.
and no Robert, you do not 'got it'- still some way off
I suspect being only able to read half a sentence is why you don't get it.
Is Mrs Doubtfire not "women face"?
It is ominous that this Government cuts data collection so I guess that they can claim that there is no problem, in say Child Poverty.
Sharon Brettkelly writes;
https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/04/09/when-its-too-expensive-to-measure-poverty/?utm_source=Newsroom&utm_campaign=9e2d04f920-Daily_Briefing+09.04.2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71de5c4b35-9e2d04f920-95522477&mc_cid=9e2d04f920&mc_eid=88a3081e75
Was the chocolate ration increased to 20 grammes, or reduced from 30 grammes to 20? Who would be able to tell?
Oh joy…
/
@davidho@mastodon.world
In the nearly 70 years between 1950 and 2019, the world produced a total of ~9.5 billion tonnes of #plastic.
That's equivalent in weight to the amount of CO₂ we emitted to the atmosphere during the first three months of 2024.
https://mastodon.world/@davidho/112198484934191221
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/global-plastics-production
After thinking it through, I've decided I'm in favour of less crime. And I think healthcare should be good. Education is also good. And when it comes to the environment, I will be bold and honest. I think it should be nice and green.
I am courageous. Vote for me.
Did you, in the past, run an airline?
Me Me. I'll vote for you because you are a visionary and a doer.
Luxon is doing a terrible job representing business people to New Zealand with his incredible tone deafness and unpopularity.
He’s like a cartoon villain from a 1980s cartoon.
Mr. Lux is helping tobacco companies get more smokers addicted.
Mr. Lux is giving all the money to landlords.
‘No, citizens you are feeble in economics and don’t understand the blessings this will bring you’
Mr Lux is mining on special conservation land and destroying marine reserves.
‘We need more space for my friends yacht races. The lack of pollution is red tape holding back our empire.’
Mr Lux doesn’t like his house, it needs more servants! CEOs aren’t like us, they’re a kind of royalty. CEOs are entitled, citizens.
‘We consulted on rentals and environmental reforms, citizens. Arrhahaha!’
Agriculture is your friend. Dumped tree waste is your friend. The floods will not return. Pay no attention to those insurance companies. We don’t need scientists. We have a plan!
He's sending nz into depression, he's convinced everyone the country is fucked ,he's putting people on the unemployment benefits, he's forcing more people to aussie, housing projects getting canceled left right and center, fuckers are up to something, or just incompetent?
Rob Campbell tackles head-on the misguided criticism (by older generations, I assume) of youth activism by Generation Zero, and SS4C, I assume. I stress that he avoids making this an inter-generational issue.
https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/04/08/single-issue-activism-gets-joined-up/
Non-violent direct action is close to failing on climate change.
So Callaghan Innovation is spending $170K on a rebrand while shedding about 30 staff. What the ….?
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2404/S00034/revealed-callaghan-innovation-wastes-over-170000-on-rebrand-as-staff-call-out-job-cuts.htm
The Taxpayers’ Onion are such a bunch of disingenuous shit-stirrers aided by useful RWNJs and idiot trolls for spreading their spawn. As usual, they’re trying to connect dots in the time-space continuum by digging wormholes that only exist in their pubescent little brains that boil over with premature excitement at the idea or mental image of scoring a point with their willy-wads. Of course, they cannot figure out the difference between past tense (date of RFP well over a year ago and date of tender award more than 9 months ago) and future tense (what may, or may not, happen with Government-ordered cuts by the new shambolic Coalition of Charlatans).
Brings tears to my eyes, Incognito.
I agree Robert. Incognito is on a roll. Please supply lots of material so he can continue.
This for brilliance and I like the 'Coalition of Charlatans' as well!
"Brings tears to my eyes"
Are they wet and real or are they your crocodile tears.
tears for fears
Tears of laughter, tears of joy – Incognito can wring water from a stone, TT. Did they elicit a giggle from you, you ol' chunk'a granite?
Incog. @12.1 beats lprent on that one.
A science research fulltime equivalent costs around $250k pa. The rebrand is only half a person's worth.
GEEZ Fair Go canceled!!!
It's only right – after all, New Zealanders aren't getting a fair go (under this Government).
Yeah, Fair Go gone but Country Calendar gets to live.
Coz, agriculture.
For sure, have watched CC since a kid and still do. The funny thing is these days they include more new age farmers running on solar, horticulturists with interesting crops, more women involved in farmwork, organic growers–and they get complaints sometimes from the Groundswell lot for doing so. Farms in picturesque or high country locations get shown too.
The giant industrial waterway ruining Dairy lot are rarely covered from what I have seen the last couple of years. But they are still there…
Fair Go challenges con artists and poor business practice and holds people to account–or did…
"The giant industrial waterway ruining Dairy lot are rarely covered from what I have seen the last couple of years. But they are still there…"
Keeping their heads down. Have you noticed they succeeded in killing the "dirty dairying"meme?
Yep, effective comms people and deep pockets, it is almost seen as unpatriotic to criticise dairy.
“They” grabbed the narrative on Three Waters also, which sees people the country over facing substantial rate rises, with still no clear solution to the crumbling infrastructure. I collect rain water with two tanks and filter it, didn’t use to bother filtering, but it tastes good and I don’t get “boil water” notices.
The staff can go independent and produce a programme online.
They can set up a Friends of Fair Go site for donations.
They can work with Consumer Magazine, Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
They can do stories on landlords and tenants – no doubt plenty about.
News staff and others from Newshub have the option of bringing "video" skilled staff to various online media and or making that a point of difference, with their own on-line media site.
Maybe not, TVNZ has prevented the Fair Go brand leaving the stable.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/09/tvnz-cuts-fair-go-gets-partial-reprieve-midday-and-tonight-axed/
Well there's one spot of good news in all this darkness: Reality Check Radio is off the air and having to rattle the old begging-bowls (you'll need to scroll down a fair bit):
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350239818/live-tvnz-officially-cancels-fair-go-midday-and-tonight
Bye; don't let the door hit you on the way out.
the conflict between women's rights and trans' rights, in an Australian court today. Do women have a right to female-only spaces?
Tickle v Giggle
Live tweeting for those that want to follow,
https://twitter.com/tribunaltweets2/status/1777327982321041588
this seems key: should woman be defined by gender identity or biological sex?
Tickle's counsel (Tickle is a trans identified male/trans woman) argues,
https://twitter.com/tribunaltweets2/status/1777497626503794982
should the word 'woman' be legally defined by gender identity or biological sex.
My take,
Historically, when laws were written around this, woman mean adult, human female. It wasn't defined in law, because everyone understood what woman and female meant. In recent decades, gender identity has been written into law to give trans people some protections. But this was done without addressing the sex/gender/gender identity definitions and what the conflict might mean for other rights and legislation.
The battleground has shifted from merely a fight for gender identity rights to the erasure of the sex binary. IMHO this is an attack on both the scientific/biological basis for the sex binary (In Humans, Sex is Binary and Immutable by Georgi K. Marinov | NAS) and of same sex attraction (Trans activism is homophobia in drag – spiked (spiked-online.com)).
So I'll stick my neck out. Where the rights of trans people can be protected they should be, but never, ever at the expense of 'biological women', or of the meaning that very phrase.
Seems to me like there are two distinct aspects to the trans rights side. One is establishing that it's illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender identity for things like housing, jobs etc. This makes sense to me, given the antipathy towards gender non-conforming people generally.
The other is the push to colonise women's spaces and culture. Some of that is justified as affirming trans women, but it's also clear to me that some of it is just straight out misogyny. Neither are justifications for removing women's rights.
Agreed. My view is the 'colonising woman's spaces and culture' bit is (or at least appears to be) a dominant force in the 'trans rights side' atm, which seems to me to be problematic for the rights of both gender non-conforming people and biological women generally.
This is probably pie in the sky and wouldn't necessarily be effective in a legal sense, but in theory….
That's why a solution could be for the vast majority to grit their teeth and give up on the words 'man' and 'woman'.
If everyone starts using only 'male' and 'female' where 'man' and 'woman' have traditionally been used then it could solve a lot of arguments. If a tiny minority are using words that the majority don't understand the meaning of so don't use things would quieten down pretty quickly maybe?
It would mean giving up part of the English language which could be difficult for some to stomach but it wouldn't be to appease a certain group of people it would be to simply remove the arguments.
If you don't know what a woman is (and who can these days) just start always using 'female'.
Of course in that scenario we may end up with people starting to yell and scream about trans females… hehe
a few problems with that.
the word woman has a lot of usage where female is inappropriate. We don't say 'see that female over there' because that's kind of rude/weird.
not all females are women. Female applies to other animals, and plants. This is why the word woman means adult human female, and why giving up the word woman is a terrible idea. There is not really any other word we can use to name women.
at least half of TRA politics is about colonising. Everyone else changing their language won't make that go away.
TWATW. There was a period of time when most women would have been fine with old school transsexual/trans identified males. The arising of AGP culture changes everything. No way are women going to let men with the need to exhibit their sexual fetish into our spaces.
I believe body-shape has to come into it somewhere. No-one who went through puberty as a male and/or still has functional male genitals should be allowed to colonise spaces reserved for cis-women, against the occupants' will. No male-bodied people in women's toilets, changing-rooms or prisons.
That said, I'm easy about how people want to define or identify themselves.
Exactly, got dingle , go dangle it some other place!!
Tweet thread unrolled of the first bit of the hearing,
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1777327982321041588.html
Part 2 starts here
https://twitter.com/tribunaltweets2/status/1777513716101341645
Four of the first 5 Questions today are aimed at the PM.
10 points for each time the PM answers a question.
Nil points are expected.
Gerry reckons; It's all good!
It will be "interesting" LOL; and today he will not have Winston Peters sitting next to him propping him up and/or raising/causing diversions. I wonder who they will have in Winny's seat …
Rest easy.
He's got Gerry.
It may be my imagination but is Gerry getting tougher? But previous speakers would never allow a minister to keep talking over him when he's trying to cut political comments short. What's happened to the ability to cut a mike?
I don't think the Speaker "cuts the mike". Some technician, I'm guessing.
Gerry relies upon bonhomie to get through. Soon, that will be challenged.
I notice that Gerry Brownlee frequently interrupts Opposition MPs when they are starting to ask a question. He comments about supposedly "too much" background noise from other MPs, then asks the questioning Opposition MP to start again. I feel this is a tactic, to try to unsettle the questioner and to interrupt the flow of the question. However, it doesn't seem to be effective.
The rule is that questions are heard in silence. Brownlee is insisting on that. He's starting to crack down on Ministers 'attacking' the previous government and today asked a government patsy questioner to ask her supplementary question without being a leading question opening up a further attack. Hopefully, he's starting to grow into the role.
Yes, I realise questions are to be heard in silence. However Brownlee does not consistently apply this requirement when Government MPs ask questions. Their colleagues are at times speaking to each other during these questions.
I think if you paid closer attention you would see his insistence applies to both gummint and opposition…
The issue was highlighted in The House on RNZ Nights at about 8.15 pm.
This is the link. However, being just minutes ago it's not yet on screen to be listened to…..
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/the-house
Statler or Waldorf
Cuts to two child poverty reports today. That was holding the country back.
Listened to a chap from CAB on the radio. No wonder they are always wanting to cut them and libraries. They give advice to under -25s and immigrants on casual work issues such as holiday pay and in tenancy issues. Particularly when flatting with the landlord it seems they’re exempt from a lot of the legal protections.
New poll shows 4 leaders all with negative ratings (coalition trifecta, plus Hipkins).
NEW POLL: More Bad News For Centre-Right As Government Parties Drop In Support | Scoop News
The public are looking for leadership, and if Labour can offer it, the Red-Green alliance will win the next election. The Greens are doing their bit already.
Call me old school, but the rule of thumb from a class left view is to unite all who can be united around certain things to build organisation and success.
Mr Hipkins sunk NZ Labour with his Cap’n’s Call from afar on wealth tax and CGT and will be replaced in due time. Te Pāti Māori and Greens get out and about and are leading the way at the moment–politics is way more than just Parliament and comms.
Green Co Leader Ms Swarbrick seems to eat Govt. MPs for breakfast going by any interview I have seen. So…Labour, Green, TPM need to get a combined move going and State Sector Unions might consider finally electing a CTU leader as good as Hellen Kelly and taking some direct action against the COC Govt.
L-G-TPM now lead NACT (45 to 44).
NZF at 6% over the threshold – taking the coalition to 50%.
One wonders how they will fare once NACT tries to bring in changes to foreign investment rules …
Interesting that Act + NZF combined is less than the Greens.
Paul The Other One discusses NZers' decrease in media trust, media literacy, and social media algorithms that encourage bias confirmation.
I wonder how much of this is the decrease in tone-neutral fact reportage, and the rise, begun by Paul Holmes in feely news and op-ed infotainment, vs. thinky news?
Here's the report itself, showing plummeting public trust in the news media.
https://www.jmadresearch.com/_files/ugd/a95e86_cc317afe8a414d69a47c034735e58854.pdf?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Although the trend is worldwide, New Zealand is a trend leader, along with UK and USA.
Could it have anything to do with the Public Interest Journalism Fund? The PIJF required news media to show “commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to Māori as a Te Tiriti partner” i.e. to support the previous government's promotion of the treaty as a "partnership". The report also cites public concern about censorship of the news, bias, and dumbing down.
"Could it have anything to do with the Public Interest Journalism Fund? "
Nope. It's entirely down to the agents who seek to undermine public confidence in the media they trusted for so long; that media hasn't betrayed the public, they've just been vilified by those who will benefit from insecurity in the populace.
Bottom of pg. 27 of the Report.
Sorry – posted my reply to Robert before I saw yours.
"It's entirely down to the agents who seek to undermine public confidence…"
The authors provide a number of reasons for the drop in public confidence, including this: ( a95e86_cc317afe8a414d69a47c034735e58854.pdf (jmadresearch.com))
"In 2022, the JMAD trust in news report noted that one of the main reasons for distrust in news media was the government’s support for news media, in particular the $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund that was launched during the pandemic and that included direct monetary support for newsroom roles and projects.9 The scheme was disestablished in June 2023."
"one of the main reasons for distrust in news media was the government’s support for news media"
Idiot conspiracy-theorists.
You running with them, Traveller?
Shooting the messenger again Rob? Or then again, the left could take notice and learn something useful.
The report is about public trust in the news. in response to the question "Could it have anything to do with the Public Interest Journalism Fund?" you replied "Nope" and "It's entirely down to…"
Based on this research, in 2022 the PIJF was clearly a factor, and it remains so in the latest report, albeit (as pointed out above) "this theme is weaker than last year".
I don't know who you are referring to as "Idiot conspiracy-theorists". If you explain, I can answer your question to me.
You're unaware, Traveller, of the idiot conspiracy theorists making crack-pot claims about the MSM?
There are 'idiot conspiracy theorists' pontificating about all manner of things, Robert. Some clam the MSM is systemically left or right wing. Some claim the MSM is in the grip of evil global corporates or shadowy secret societies.
I understand your point to be that the public loss of confidence in the media was unrelated to the PIJF, and that criticism of the fund was the work of 'idiot conspiracy theorists'.
Assuming I have represented your position correctly, the problem you have is that with reviews such as the Sapere report (The-implications-of-competition-and-market-trends-for-media-plurality-in-New-Zealand-November-2021.pdf (srgexpert.com))
Specifically in relation to the PIJF, the report found (both on P42):
"Some stakeholders also expressed reservations that public funding of media firms may make those firms beholden to the government of the day and public officials might be reluctant to fund proposals that will be critical of government policies – which would undermine a key plurality objective of the media being able to hold public institutions and elected officials accountable." (Emphasis added). Unexpectedly, 'most news firms' denied that would be the case.
"However, several stakeholders expressed concern that funding decisions had crossed into editorial decision-making, with New Zealand On Air effectively holding a ‘beauty contest’ to choose which proposed stories/investigations merited support. It was suggested that funding these one-off incremental outputs will produce marginal public benefit and does little to encourage the industry to confront the true challenges of producing sustainable news." (Emphasis added).
The report raised other concerns with the PIJF, but I would argue that the issue of editorial independence is key to public confidence.
That's several stakeholders' opinions. Where's the actual information on specific projects which these stakeholders objected to?
Have a look here where all projects funded are listed. (See section on Detail of funding- projects only). Which were problematic in their outputs? There's quite a few NZME and other non-state media that got funded.
It was made clear many times as I heard in this discussion that, once funding was approved, the media content produced had full editorial independence.
If the general media fill their on-air hours with outrage content, like much of NewsTALK ZB, or private investors fund conspiracy channels like The Platform and Counterspin, then a balance of some sort is essential for healthy democracy.
"That's several stakeholders' opinions."
Of course. And 'opinions' are what public perception (in this case "NZers' decrease in media trust" (from your comment above) is all about.
"Have a look here where all projects funded are."
Although the Sapere report raised other concerns, this conversation is about how public perception of the media was influenced by the PIJF. In that regard, the issue is not so much which projects were funded, but the conditions placed on editorial content to access that funding. Graham Adams (Graham Adams: Has government money corrupted journalism? – The Common Room (commonroomnz.com)) has a piece at The Common Room that outlines the 'instructions' and 'guidance' in the expanded criteria in 2022. The document providing this 'guidance' was titled “Te Tiriti Framework for News Media”, and amongst other things includes this "For news media, it is not simply a matter of reporting ‘fairly’, but of constructively contributing to Te Tiriti relations and social justice” and "Repeated references by the government to the English version [of the Treaty], in which Māori supposedly ceded sovereignty, have created systematic disinformation that protects the government’s assumption of sole parliamentary sovereignty.” Whatever you think of Adams' conclusions, the criteria, instructions and guidance provided are IMHO easily construed as editorial interference, whether they acted as such or not.
"It was made clear many times as I heard in this discussion that, once funding was approved, the media content produced had full editorial independence."
Well, that's what the media claimed. It may well be correct. However the Sapere report shows that there were concerns about how providing funding to media with (non-financial) strings attached that go specifically to editorial coverage was be perceived.
NZ videogame spoof from Tavola for a little giggle…
Tavola NZ facebook Sunday 7th April 2024