Open mike 09/01/2016
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6:00 am, January 9th, 2016 - 57 comments
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- The Few are on the run, again, it still won’t stop reality catching up…
We are seeing what has been termed “a greater challenge than the crash of 2008” by a growing number of economists and more rational, sane commentators, because whilst that was a shocking exposure of the levels to which hubris had sunk, right down to the blank cheque given those who ...11 hours ago - Speaker: Locked down in Jersey City
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Paul Connet, head of the anti-fluoride propaganda group, Fluoride Action Network, claims that the IQ of children bottle-fed in fluoridated areas drops by 9 points. But he misrepresented the research. There is no observable effect. For earlier articles in this series see: Part 1: Anti-fluoridation propaganda now relies on only ...21 hours ago - The Role of Government
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- Life in Lock Down: Day 12. . April 6: Day 12 of living in lock-down… Another day of a near-empty Park N Ride carpark; . . And another day of near-empty Wellington streets; . . . Light traffic on the motorway. No apparent increase in volume. Commercial vehicles sighted; a gravel-hauling truck; McAuley’s Transport; a ...2 days ago
- A Lamentable Failure of Imagination.
Imagination By-Pass: Had the Communications Minister, Kris Faafoi (above) taken a firm stand with Bauer, reminding them of their obligations to both their staff and the wider New Zealand public, then a much more favourable outcome may well have ensued. He should have made it clear to the Bauer board ...2 days ago - Simon Bridges can’t connect
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Connett promotes Riddell et al (2019) as one of the only four studies one needs to read about fluoridation. But he misunderstands and misrepresents the findings of this study. Image credit: Fluoride Action ... 2 days ago- The biggest challenge for a generation ahead – covid-19. Defeat and Recovery
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Paul Connett is putting all his eggs in one basket. He says “you only have to read four studies” to find community after fluoridation harmful. Image credit: Fluoride Action Network newsletter. For part 1 of this series see Anti-fluoridation propaganda now relies on only four studies. 1: Bashash et al (2018). Paul Connett, ...3 days ago- Hard News: Splore Listening Lounge 2020: the road to a “yes” vote
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This is the advice from the very top of the anti-fluoride movement – Paul Connett, director of the Fluoride Action Network (FAN). Don’t worry about reading up on all the scientific information “You only have ... 4 days ago- Life in Lock Down: Day 10
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6 days ago- Maybe axing Clark would be unfair. But what about any of this is fair?
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Outgoing Police Commissioner Mike Bush appeared before the Epidemic Response Committee today, who asked him for the rules police are using to enforce the lockdown. He refused:Police Commissioner Mike Bush has admitted the advice given to Kiwis about what they're able to do during the lockdown hasn't been clear enough. ...7 days ago- Life in Lock Down: Day 7 (sanitised version)
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by Phil Duncan For Marxists, a key concern about social trends is their context – not just their causes, but why they happen when they do. Events and phenomena have causes, but they also are time or period-specific. While much of the left have capitulated recently to postmodernism, most notably ...1 week ago- Time for a living wage for supermarket workers
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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The scale of what we face right now is unlike anything we have ever seen before. Overcoming it is our common purpose. ...2 weeks ago - Winston Peters urging New Zealanders overseas to stay putForeign Minister Winston Peters is encouraging New Zealanders overseas to stay where they are amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "We are reaching a point where the best option for most New Zealanders offshore is to shelter in place, by preparing to safely stay where they are.” "This includes following the instructions ...2 weeks ago
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- COVID-19 Hospital Preparation Well AdvancedHospital preparations for COVID-19 are well advanced says Health Minister David Clark. “Hospitals across New Zealand are repurposing buildings and training staff to get ready for COVID-19 patients. This gives me confidence that we are well prepared for any potential increase in COVID-19 patients needing hospital level care,” said David ...6 days ago
- Further measures to support businessesThe Government will be introducing legislation to make changes to the Companies Act to help companies facing insolvency due to COVID-19 to remain viable and keep New Zealanders in jobs. The temporary changes include: Giving directors of companies facing significant liquidity problems because of COVID-19 a ‘safe harbour’ from insolvency ...6 days ago
- Govt’s COVID plan, economic strength recognisedThe Government’s plan to cushion the blow of COVID-19 by supporting incomes, jobs and businesses, and position the economy to recover has been backed by another international report. International credit rating agency Moody’s today reaffirmed its highest Aaa credit rating on New Zealand, saying the economy is expected to remain ...6 days ago
- Funding certainty for sports through COVID-19National sports organisations have been given certainty of funding to ensure they can remain viable through the COVID-19 pandemic, Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson announced today. “The global spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on sport and recreation in New Zealand, including the cancellation or postponement of ...6 days ago
- Butchers now allowed to process porkChanges have been made to allow butchers to process pork, only for supply to supermarkets or other processors or retailers that are open, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has announced. “We carefully weighed the risk of allowing butchers to open their shops for retail customers, but the risk of spreading COVID-19 ...7 days ago
- Essential workers leave scheme establishedEssential workers who take leave from work to comply with public health guidance are being supported with a leave scheme to ensure they will continue to receive income, say the Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety Iain Lees-Galloway and Minister for Social Development, Carmel Sepuloni. A number of essential businesses ...7 days ago
- Govt WhatsApp helps share COVID-19 informationA Government WhatsApp channel has been launched to help make information more easily accessible and shareable in the fight against COVID-19. Govt.NZ, which is free to use on any mobile device, will carry information and news for the public, businesses, healthcare providers, not for profits and local government. It can ...7 days ago
- Managed departure plan for stranded foreign nationals enables safe, orderly exitThe Government has announced a plan to enable the safe, orderly exit of tens of thousands of stranded foreign nationals from New Zealand during the current COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restrictions, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has said. “When we moved into lockdown a week ago, the ...7 days ago
- Government delivers COVID-19 support to GPs and PharmaciesHealth Minister Dr David Clark says the Government is delivering on its commitment to support general practice doctors and nurses, and pharmacies on the front-line of our fight against COVID-19. "For us to overcome COVID-19, we need community health services such as general practice and community pharmacy to step up ...7 days ago
- Susan Thomas the new Chief High Court JudgeJustice Susan Thomas has been appointed Chief High Court Judge, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. She replaces Justice Geoffrey Venning who has resigned from the position. David Parker paid tribute to Justice Venning, who he said had stewarded the High Court very capably over the last five years. “On behalf ...7 days ago
- Business Finance Guarantee – applications openBusinesses can start applying to their banks for loans under the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme set up to support the New Zealand economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re moving quickly to protect New Zealand businesses, jobs and the economy during this unprecedented global economic shock,” Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. ...1 week ago
- Work starts on ways to fast-track consents to boost recovery from Covid-19 downturnWork is underway looking at measures to speed up consents for development and infrastructure projects during the recovery from COVID 19, to provide jobs and stimulate our economy. Environment Minister David Parker said the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global crisis that will have a wide ranging and lasting impact ...1 week ago
- Advance payments to support contractorsAdvance payments will be made to transport construction industry contractors to retain the workforce and ensure it is ready to quickly gear up to build projects which will be vital to New Zealand’s COVID-19 economic recovery, Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced today. He said keeping the workforce required to build ...1 week ago
- Government seeks infrastructure projectsThe Government has tasked a group of industry leaders to seek out infrastructure projects that are ready to start as soon as the construction industry returns to normal to reduce the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford and Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones say. The Infrastructure ...1 week ago
- Health system scaled up to prepare for COVID-19Work to scale up the health system in preparation for COVID-19 was today outlined by Health Minister David Clark, as he reported back to the new Epidemic Response Committee. “We are well placed to contain the spread of COVID-19. We have taken early and decisive action at our borders, and ...1 week ago
- Essential media COVID-19 guidelines refinedThe Government is refining its COVID-19 essential business guidance to include the distribution of news publications for communities which are hard to reach. The Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media, Kris Faafoi, said the move was in recognition of the importance for New Zealanders who might be harder to ...1 week ago
- Supermarkets able to open on Easter SundayThe Government is ensuring supermarkets can open on Easter Sunday so we can buy groceries, but stay closed on Good Friday allowing workers to take a break. This provides a balanced approach and ensures we avoid large queues that two days closure may cause. “Supermarkets will be able to open ...1 week ago
- New Zealand defence personnel conclude mission at TajiFollowing the successful conclusion of the Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission at Taji, New Zealand defence personnel are returning to New Zealand from Iraq, in accordance with the Cabinet decision made in June 2019, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Ron Mark announced today. “New Zealand is very ...1 week ago
- State of National Emergency extendedThe State of National Emergency to help stop the spread of COVID-19 has been extended for a further seven days, Minister of Civil Defence Peeni Henare said. The initial declaration on March 25 lasted seven days and can be extended as many times as necessary. “Since we went into isolation ...1 week ago
- Strong Govt books support ‘go hard, go early’ responseNew Zealand’s ability to go hard and go early in the fight against COVID-19 has been underpinned by strong Government finances and the growing economy heading into this global pandemic, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. The Treasury today released the Crown financial statements for the eight months to the end ...1 week ago
- Christchurch Hospital Hagley ICU to open to support COVID-19 responseHealth Minister Dr David Clark says 36 new intensive care beds at Christchurch Hospital’s new Hagley building are being fast tracked so they are available for treatment of COVID-19 patients. The Ministry of Health is working with contractor CPB and Canterbury DHB to enable access to the hospital’s ICU, ...1 week ago
- Government supports Air NZ freight flightsThe Government has fast-tracked up to $1 million to help Air New Zealand move urgent freight to and from New Zealand, with the first flight to Shanghai leaving tonight, Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced today. Phil Twyford says it’s crucial that trade in vital goods such as medical supplies and ...1 week ago
- Tariff concessions on COVID-19 related productsNew Zealand will temporarily remove tariffs on all medical and hygiene imports needed for the COVID-19 response. Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi said today that the New Zealand Customs Service will apply tariff concessions to all diagnostic reagents and testing ...2 weeks ago
- Clarification of modification to wage subsidy schemeMinister of Finance Grant Robertson has clarified that the changes to the wage subsidy scheme announced yesterday mean that employers should be passing on the full subsidy to workers, except in the case where the person’s normal income is less than the level of the subsidy. “We still want employers ...2 weeks ago
- Face masks flowing to DHBsMedical face masks from the national reserve supply are now being distributed to District Health Boards, while at the same time local production is being ramped up. Yesterday more than 640,000 masks were sent to DHBS – that is an immediate two week supply, with more to follow in coming ...2 weeks ago
- COVID-19: Further steps to protect New Zealanders’ jobsThe Government has made modifications to the wage subsidy scheme to ensure people don’t lose their jobs during the national lockdown. These changes will soften the impact of COVID-19 on workers, families and businesses, and position them to exit the lockdown and look to recovery, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. ...2 weeks ago
- Options for the slow road back
When and how to start loosening anti-virus controls is a vexed question in countries around the world, writes Rod Oram Fighting Covid-19 remains the absolute priority for governments and citizens. But pressure is building to allow more social movement and economic activity along the way. Once again China is ...12 mins ago - Grant Schofield: Why we need a Plan B
Professor of Public Health Grant Schofield asks what happens if the lockdown doesn't work, and argues it's time to be looking at a mitigation strategy Yesterday morning my teenage boys Sam and Jackson were out riding their bikes. The police pulled them over to question them about what they were doing and where ...46 mins ago - Don’t try to be a Black Fern on day one of fitness kick
If you think the lockdown is the perfect time to start an exercise regime, LockerRoom writer Ashley Stanley has a warning for you. It was the fifth day after I decided to exercise, and my body was still a painful reminder of my ridiculous thinking, yet again. I had ...46 mins ago - A guide to cyber security in lockdown
As many transition to unfamiliar systems as part of working from home, being vigilant about cyber security has never been more important, writes Victoria University of Wellington's Val Hooper The past few weeks have been tumultuous as the majority of us have scampered and scrabbled to get organised for, and come ...46 mins ago - How ready is NZ for online education?
As schools move their teaching online, we must be cautious of the risk of amplifying our shameful record of inequalities across the education system, writes Victoria University of Wellington's Louise Starkey When schools begin teaching again it will be through a distance mode. New Zealand has a long history of distance ...46 mins ago - After the crisis: Cities are the future
There is a great deal of anxiety about Covid-19 but in many ways we're much better off than we would be after a natural disaster: the water will keep flowing, the power will stay on, the sewers will keep working. The University of Auckland's Bill McKay makes a case for city ...46 mins ago - MediaRoom: Throw out the lifeline
MediaRoom: Inside the pressure building on the Government to step in and save news media businesses before it's too late. For months, some parts of the news media have been sending out SOS messages publicly and in intense lobbying in the shadows of bureaucracy for urgent Government financial and regulatory ...46 mins ago - The secret to rapidly increasing Covid-19 tests? The pool
Bulk testing of samples could be the way forward for coronavirus surveillance in New Zealand, reports Mirjam Guesgen.With the number of completed coronavirus tests in New Zealand breaking 4,000 in a day on Tuesday, scientists are looking at more efficient tests to push that number even higher.By testing samples from ...1 hour ago - NZ lockdown – day 14: Pacific groups at risk over social media ‘fake info’
By RNZ News Social media misinformation about Covid-19 is putting Pacific communities in New Zealand at particular risk, government advisers say. The government announced a $17 million package toward building an awareness campaign in Pacific languages, as well as support for health providers. Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa identified ...10 hours ago - Pell decision: why sexual offence trials often result in acquittal, even with credible witnessesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marilyn McMahon, Deputy Dean, School of Law, Deakin University A distinctive feature of the prosecution of Cardinal George Pell is that the former choirboy who accused him of sexual abuse (known in the High Court as Complainant “A”) was regarded as a ...10 hours ago
- Epidemic Response Committee faces more focus on essential business
Business leaders are scrutinising the government's decision to only let essential businesses and those with essential goods operate. ...10 hours ago - Pandemic policing needs to be done with the public’s trust, not confusionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darren Palmer, Associate professor, Deakin University The law on what we can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak is changing on an almost hourly basis. Some of what is written now might be overtaken by the shifts in the pandemic powers ...11 hours ago
- As use of digital platforms surges, we’ll need stronger global efforts to protect human rights onl...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Mudgway, Senior Lecturer in Law, Auckland University of Technology As millions of people are moving work and social interactions online to protect themselves from COVID-19, existing online safety measures may not be enough to deal with a surge in harassment and ...11 hours ago
- O’Connor recognises how pandemic has affected the economy and its primary players
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says the primary sector will play a critical role in NZ’s economic recovery once the country emerges from the Covid-19 lockdown. It is the first time (at least within Point of Order’s close surveillance of the issue) that a coalition minister has acknowledged how the pandemic ...12 hours ago - Without international students, Australia’s universities will downsize – and some might collapse...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Doughney, Emeritus professor, Victoria University The loss of international students due to COVID-19 restrictions, and predicted second semester declines, will see universities lose between A$3 and 4.5 billion, according to Universities Australia. The higher education sector was dealt another blow this ...12 hours ago
- Does JK Rowling’s breathing technique cure the coronavirus? No, it could help spread itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brian Oliver, Research Leader in Respiratory cellular and molecular biology at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Professor, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney Harry Potter author JK Rowling says a breathing technique has helped her coronavirus-like respiratory symptoms, a ...12 hours ago
- Chief Justice: Update On Operation Of The Courts Under COVID-19 Alert Levels
8 April 2020 This media release summarises changes to the operation of the courts entering week of COVID-19 alert level 4. It also looks ahead to how the courts will operate in the short and medium term under alert restrictions. Courts to function ...13 hours ago - Should everyone be wearing face masks? It’s complicatedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Glasziou, Professor of Medicine, Bond University Should members of the public be wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic? It’s a controversial question, with different countries and authorities giving different advice. We have reviewed the results of more than a dozen ...13 hours ago
- Covid-19: Ministry of Education reveals support plans for distance learningSchools around the country will be given help to make sure students can still learn at home under lockdown, when term two officially starts. ...13 hours ago
- The Devil In The Detail Of Debt HibernationThe Government is moving to safeguard businesses from insolvency with 'safe harbour' legislation for directors’ liabilities and a business debt hibernation regime. Practically, the business debt hibernation regime will see company directors seeking ...13 hours ago
- A very different kind of Passover, in lockdown New ZealandThis Passover, we won’t be attending synagogue, we won’t be participating in large raucous dinners and sharing our food with our extended family and friends, we won’t be welcoming strangers into our homes, as Jewish people are instructed to do, writes Juliet Moses.Tonight, on what is hopefully the halfway point ...13 hours ago
- Time well spent, not wasted: video games are boosting well-being during the coronavirus lockdownSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brad Elphinstone, Lecturer in psychology., Swinburne University of Technology The same week social distancing measures were announced in Australia (March 16 – March 22), sales of game consoles leaped 285.6%. Prior to this, sales were declining month on month. We’ve also seen ...13 hours ago
- The coronavirus ban on elective surgeries might show us many people can avoid going under the knifeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Harris, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, UNSW As part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all elective surgeries across Australia have been temporarily cancelled. Elective surgery is non-urgent surgery people choose (elect) to have: things like cataract surgery, joint replacement, ...13 hours ago
- Infratil and Wellington eye loan to airport
Infratil and Wellington Council are preparing to lend Wellington Airport funds to help it cope with a traffic collapse because of Covid-19 restrictions, DIleepa Fonseka reports from Infratil's update to investors Wellington City Council and listed investment firm Infratil are preparing a loan to support Wellington Airport, which has seen ...14 hours ago - Covid-19: New Zealand cases mapped and charted, April 8The latest in our new series of charts, graphics and data visualisations by Chris McDowall.This work is entirely funded by the generosity of The Spinoff MembersThese posts collate the most recent statistics and present them as charts and maps. The Ministry of Health typically publishes data updates in the early ...14 hours ago
- Police crack down on non-compliance
After two weeks of lockdown, police are no longer taking "I didn't know the rules" as a valid excuse, Marc Daalder reports Two weeks into the nationwide lockdown, the police are starting to take non-compliance seriously. The number of prosecutions nearly tripled in 24 hours and 76 new breaches of ...14 hours ago - InternetNZ: Response To Ministry Of Education Announcement...15 hours ago
- Let’s change NZ’s welfare system nowAs the Ministry of Social Development struggles to cope with unprecedented inquiries due to Covid-19, Child Poverty Action Group is calling for the Government to fix our broken welfare system and redesign it so all New Zealanders, but particularly ...15 hours ago
- Cyclone Harold swamps Fiji
Fijian authorities are scrambling to ensure Cyclone Harold doesn’t make the country’s Covid-19 crisis worse, Teuila Fuatai reports. As Cyclone Harold hits Fiji, authorities have issued physical distancing and sanitation guidelines for evacuation centres. Lashing rain and strong winds caused widespread flooding, power outages and damage to homes and buildings ...15 hours ago - Digital devices rolled out as ‘virtual’ school term set to start
The Government has announced a $88 million package to help students adjust to the new normal of learning from home Thousands of modems and internet-ready devices are being sent to households around the country, in a bid to bridge the digital divide before children resume their studies at home next ...15 hours ago - I’m an asthmatic: what should I do during the coronavirus pandemic?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christine Jenkins, Professor, Respiratory Medicine, UNSW Sydney and Clinical Professor at the University of Sydney, George Institute for Global Health The new respiratory coronavirus COVID-19 is particularly worrying for the 2.7 million Australians who already suffer from asthma. That’s roughly one in ...15 hours ago
- Restricted movement on Viti Levu as TC Harold hammers FijiBy Maggie Boyle of FBC News Fiji disaster authorities have put the whole of Viti Levu island on restricted movement due to TC Harold. Director for National Disaster Management Vasiti Soko confirmed the step had been taken as a precautionary measure. Soko said everyone except emergency services were to ...15 hours ago
- Latest Fiji coronavirus case – taking total to 15 – ‘expected’, says PMBy Wansolwara staff Fiji now has 15 coronavirus cases after a single new case has been confirmed by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. The new case was one of 25 samples that were tested at the molecular lab and is the husband of an existing patient from Lautoka – the Zumba ...15 hours ago
- The effects of the Covid-19 recession will hit Māori hardestMāori will likely make up the worst unemployment figures in the forthcoming economic recession. Things can’t go back to the way they were, writes Joshua Hitchcock.Our world has changed. While it is too early to know with any certainty what the full impact of this crisis will be on Māori, ...15 hours ago
- Almost 90% of New Zealanders back Ardern government on Covid-19 – poll‘New Zealand leads world in public perception of Covid-19 response,’ says pollster Colmar Brunton.Public support for the official New Zealand response to the Covid-19 outbreak remains high, and well ahead of the world’s richest coutries, new polling suggests.The numbers show New Zealanders’ backing for measures “far outstrips the response in ...15 hours ago
- Continued testing delays prompt anxiety
People waiting a week or longer for the results of their Covid-19 tests say the delays are making them anxious, even as the Government says they're nothing to worry about, Marc Daalder reports Anand Rama says the worst part wasn't the waiting, it was that he had no idea how ...15 hours ago - Don’t derail Ardern as we take the next steps
In any crisis, large or small, people usually rally round those in control so long as they convey a sense of knowing what they are doing. If those in charge lose that sense, start to waver, or are otherwise deflected, then their authority quickly starts to erode, warns Peter Dunne ...15 hours ago - What governments can do about the increase in family violence due to coronavirusSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melissa O’Donnell, Senior Research Fellow, University of Western Australia Tackling a health crisis such as COVID-19, with society in lockdown can’t help but place families under strain. It’s been reported family violence notifications to police nearly tripled in some areas of China’s ...15 hours ago
- New Zealand Leads World In Public Perception Of COVID-19 ResponseA new study released today by Colmar Brunton shows the public’s response to Government measures to tackle COVID-19 far outstrips the response in any of the G7 nations. The Colmar Brunton COVID Times is a study of over 600 New Zealanders surveyed from ...16 hours ago
- Siouxsie Wiles: Is it OK to meet up with your neighbours down the driveway?Launching a new series, 60 Seconds with Siouxsie, the inimitable Dr Wiles has a few sharp words for anyone thinking they might catch up with neighbours for a drink or a chat, even at a couple of metres apart.In our first video, made possible by the support of Spinoff members, ...16 hours ago
- Where the wild things are: how nature might respond as coronavirus keeps humans indoorsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Bekessy, Professor in Sustainability and Urban Planning, Leader, Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Research Group (ICON Science), RMIT University Intriguing things sometimes happen in places deserted by people. Plants creep back, animals return, and slowly, birdsong fills the air. The coronavirus pandemic means ...16 hours ago
- Rents can and should be reduced or suspended for the coronavirus pandemicSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Martin, Senior Research Fellow, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW The National Cabinet announced a moratorium on evictions just over a week ago in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As government ministers and commentators have tried to make clear, it’s intended only ...16 hours ago
- Glory be, a choccy fave is resurrected: So can this new Snifter egg save Easter?What’s an Ōamaru sweet maker doing giving away a product remarkably similar to the late, lamented Snifter? Amanda Thompson searches for the truth behind a minty mystery.I’m not in this for laughs, people. I’m not playing. At the time of writing, things are bad, they don’t seem to be getting ...16 hours ago
- Tūpuna Maunga Authority Sick Of Watching Auckland Burn; Ban Fireworks SalesThe Tūpuna Maunga Authority is calling for a total ban on the private sale of fireworks following the latest fire at Maungarei / Mt Wellington on Tuesday 7 April. Fire and Emergency crew in attendance advised Authority management they received reports of ...16 hours ago
- We’re not all in this together. Messages about social distancing need the right cultural fitSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geetanjali Saluja, Lecturer, University of Technology Sydney Governments everywhere face the challenge of getting people to stay home so they can limit the spread of coronavirus. In order to make their messages more effective, governments must ensure these appeals resonate with the ...16 hours ago
- Ardern firm on lockdown in face of good numbers
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the Government has no plans to end New Zealand’s four-week lockdown ahead of schedule, despite acknowledging there are signs the country is “starting to turn a corner” in its fight against coronavirus. Ardern’s comments came as Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield reported there had been ...16 hours ago - Yes, we’re flattening the coronavirus curve but modelling needs to inform how we start easing rest...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Blakely, Professor of Epidemiology, University of Melbourne Australia is on track to flatten the curve of coronavirus cases, which will allow our health system to cope with increasing demand for intensive care unit (ICU) beds, recently released modelling confirms. The modelling, ...16 hours ago
- Peace Groups Call On Prime Minister To Withdraw From RIMPACToday, dozens of peace groups, academics and human rights campaigners are calling on Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to withdraw from RIMPAC, the world’s largest, US-led military exercise due to begin in June. The text of the ...17 hours ago
- Courts are moving to video during coronavirus, but research shows it’s hard to get a fair trial re...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meredith Rossner, Professor of Criminology, Australian National University In the past, the courts were ideal breeding grounds for spreading disease. In what became known as the “Black Assize”, a deadly fever that swept through prisons and courts in England in 1586, 11 ...17 hours ago
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- Composting isn’t a trend, it’s a way of lifeReturning nutrients to the soil was once part of every culture, and now, more than ever, it’s time we restore its valuable role in everyday life.Like keep cups, organic cotton tote bags and eco-friendly cleaning products, composting can at times seem like a new trend latched on to by sustainability-obsessed ...17 hours ago
- Covid-19 in NZ – Wednesday’s numbers charted
How is Covid-19 spreading within the country? Newsroom is collating information as it's available to paint a picture of what's happening. The following charts are based on numbers shared at the daily press conference. These may vary from the full day's numbers released in the Ministry of Health's spreadsheet ...17 hours ago - What’s on RNZ News at midday – Apr 8
The Prime Minister’s chief science adviser Juliet Gerrard says the next few days will be key to determining when the country can come out of lockdown at the end of four weeks. ...17 hours ago - Epidemic Response Committee hears from industry leadersThe government has been urged to take measures to boost the cash flow of small businesses at today's hearing of the Epidemic Response Committee. ...17 hours ago
- Now we’re in lockdown, how can we get out? 4 scenarios to prevent a second waveSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Trauer, Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Australia is effectively in lockdown. Public gatherings of more than two people are banned and people are only permitted to leave home for a limited set of reasons. The recent tough measures appear to be ...17 hours ago
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Jacinda Ardern has pushed back on calls to lift New Zealand out of lockdown early - but businesses say we need a roadmap for how and when we come out the other side Business leaders have urged the Government to provide greater clarity about how New Zealand will move out ...18 hours ago - Choose your NZ author quarantine house
In which we gaily rip-off the fun quarantine-house thing on the internet and adapt it to NZ authors ...18 hours ago - Covid-19’s economic consequences trigger a reconsideration of PGF queue priorities
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As New Zealand enters day 14 of a scheduled four-week lockdown, director general of health Ashley Bloomfield says New Zealand can be ‘increasingly confident’ . ...19 hours ago - On the Rag: Some cool tips on how to cope with the chaosThe On the Rag team meet one more time to talk about how the Covid-19 crisis affects women and what you can do to cope. It’s our last podcast for a little while so crack open a bottle of something fizzy and join us as we undergo what is basically a ...20 hours ago
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- Bernard’s Pick of the links- Apr 8
Covid 19 coronavirus: Expert professor says no blanket quarantine at border risks a longer lockdown; and Covid-19: 387 Air NZ pilots look set to lose jobs. ...20 hours ago - Amid COVID-19, New Zealanders Disregard Privacy Concerns For ConvenienceAmid COVID-19, New Zealanders disregard privacy concerns for convenience – 1.2m affected by cybercrime, 600k by identity theft Over a third of New Zealanders estimated to have experienced cyber crime in the past 12 months Highlights: More than half ...20 hours ago
- Simon Bridges will continue commute to chair Epidemic Response CommitteeThe National Party leader intends to continue commuting between Tauranga and Wellington so he can do his job effectively in an unprecedented situation. ...21 hours ago
Here we are at 9.49am on a grey overcast day in Auckland and not a single comment on Open Mike.
I went to the heading Water, one of my pet subjects
and this is what I found.
WATER
Categories under water
No categories
I am puzzled (that’s not unusual) but whilst there are big discussions going on on TS about TPP and Free Trade ad nauseum, mostly trolls winding up the argument it seems, there is NO category for Water.
I have commented on other occasions about my concerns and in
particular the Ecan(Environment Canterbury) has been set up with National Party appointed members and will stay that way for another 3 years at least. This in an area that has huge dairy growth and is a major pollution problem.
Ensuring that the water quality in Canterbury, is preserved for future generations might just be a more fruitful subject to discuss and argue than the some the other subjects which trolls start and TS contributors perpetuate.
We’ve had a high number of comments about water quality in the past week or so. In fact I would say it’s been one of the main discussions. Including about Ecan.
If you want to see posts on water, you can always submit a guest post 🙂
The water heading under Environment has 80 posts.
/category/environment/water/
Hi Weka,
Thanks for your reply but I am still puzzled or not understanding how the site is set up.
I got to /category/environment/water/
as you suggested but apart from a good recent article from No Right Turn there seems to be little about water and most of the articles are older rather than recent.
Time to sort dinner will have another go later.
Most of them are about politics and water. ie oils spills, political fiddling to Environment Canterbury (which administers water in Canterbury), water pollution standards, irrigation, dams, lack of water, etc.
9 posts in 2015. It varies according to what is happening and if authors find something they want to write about.
Hi Weka,
Thanks for your reply but I am still puzzled or not understanding how the site is set up.
I got to /category/environment/water/
as you suggested but apart from a good recent article from No Right Turn there seems to be little about water and most of the articles are older rather than recent.
Time to sort dinner will have another go later.
Hi John.
A few days ago (?) I read a lengthy thread about water quality and Ecan on Open Mike. It was, as usual for most discussion on TS, a worthy read. I’m guessing this is what weka is leading you too. Sorry I can’t help you with the date.
I think you can also search the site by the name of the commenter. From memory weka contributed to this discussion (?)
Helen Kelly’s post is attracting huge attention. I suspect that most people are heading straight there.
I’m sure we should be thinking about water more. Here is something relevant that was on RADIONZ this morning.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201785128
Choose Clean Water
8:10 AM. Marnie Prickett is part of group touring around the country to draw attention to diminishing water quality. She is part of the Choose Clean Water tour, traveling down the east coast of both islands, then up the west, finally finishing in Waitangi on Waitangi Day. The group will be filming their travels, engaging with locals to find out about what’s polluting our waterways and what people are doing to restore their streams, lakes and rivers. On the tour she will be stopping to see Jill Roberts in Geraldine. Jill has been a resident in the town for 10 years and has seen the water quality of the river diminish quite significantly.
If you’re that concerned about it then submit a guest post on it. We’ll all love to read it.
Out of interest, how does this work? I recently submitted a Guest Post by e-mail and although I didn’t expect it to be posted, straightaway or at all, I’ve not heard a dicky bird. Just asking.
The problem is me. A lack of time to deal with the mail queue, and I think that I am the only person left who reads it. The other authors who had logins have long since gone.
Basically I pick off things that are urgent (problems on the blog, legal threats, etc) and leave the rest until I have time. Because of the time taken to set up a post, that tends to be the lowest on the priority queue, and I used to get around to it every week.
But these days I seldom have any time. Either work or family or blog or simple exhaustion always seem to get in the way.
In fact I will be heading back to the chills of a European winter next week for work with some very long days. That isn’t going to help.
I’ll see if I can get some of the others interested in reading and acting on the mail.
Thank you for the reply and clarification, which I (now) fully understand. There are many high-quality posts appearing on TS so my ‘mind-spew’ can wait indefinitely 😉
Seen this?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11571162
Another story how a young fellow managed to start buying property so he could play WOW all day. What a great had work story!
But, read the fine print.
He started with a $200,00 wedding gift..
About the plutocrat – Mickey has a post on it now.
Consumer power is a big weapon against corporate power.
+1 TMM
Kiev is having corruption tussles – there is talk about not being a banana republic. There is a familiar ring about their difficulties.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/kiev-struggles-to-battle-rampant-corruption-1451641811
It has to be viewed in the context of the pre-existing endemic corruption though greywarshark. From what i read it’s not that corruption is getting worse, the complaint is the Govt isn’t doing enough to combat what’s already there
The ousting of Yanukovich looks to have been largely driven by a population finally fed up with the top-level corruption, he and his cronies alone looted close to Ukraine’s national debt it’s no wonder the country is broke.
The ordinary people in Ukraine would likely be pretty upset that corruption is still rampant but I doubt many would be pining for the old days of even worse corruption.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11571180
Canadian company set to sue USA under NAFTA this is what key the shmuck is signing us up to with tppa.
Fern-themed teatowels are the policy focus at the moment.
Your “facts” are just an annoyance.
The Pacific islands will need our attention and concern. Already some have had drought conditions and there is a fear that a big weather depression is going to form early in the season.
Water rationing introduced as Port Moresby copes with drought.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201783140/water-rationing-introduced-as-port-moresby-copes-with-drought
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201783140
800,000 people short of food in PNG
…A co-author of a compilation of 200 reports from government, NGOs, church organisations and individuals in drought- and frost-affected regions says immediate action is needed to alleviate ongoing suffering.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/293730/800,000-people-short-of-food-in-png
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/75600686/tonga-takes-stock-after-cyclone-ula-creates-widespread-damage
http://reliefweb.int/report/world/el-ni-o-strengthens-pacific-preparing-impacts-drought
http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/rare-january-depression-in-central-pacific-atlantic-subtropical-storm
Oxfam is keeping an eye on the Pacific plight and watching this strong El Nino.
Oxfam said that New Zealand must immediately act on promises made under the new global climate agreement, as evidence suggested climate change may increase the frequency of extreme El Niño occurring.
Around 4.7 million people face hunger, poverty and disease across the Pacific alone due to El Niño-related droughts, erratic rains and frosts. Globally, 18 million people are already in need of assistance. –
See more at: http://www.oxfam.org.nz/news/el-ni-o-warning-bells-deafening-early-action-vital-saving-lives#sthash.oVDuVB3x.dpuf
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-urgent-aid-super-el-nino.html
http://phys.org/news/2015-09-el-nino-strongest.html#nRlv
News story-Philadelphia policeman shot by Islam nutter.Policeman survives, defends himself and wounds the nutter.
Other TV channels report the facts but Fox news (sic) blames Obama. If the policeman didn’t have a gun (because of Obama as Fox implies) he’d be defenseless. Never mind that the nutter had his own (stolen) gun.
Intrigues me how Fox spins it that Obama wants to take guns away from Police.
..Fox republican policy…….More guns = less dead people…WFM
Not to confuse, that less guns will equal less ‘dead people’
Which is a false equilvilance that many attach themselves to
Pedants Revolt: https://twitter.com/johnrentoul/status/439327593687703552
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/less-versus-fewer?page=all
Indeed Grant.
The words were lifted from the comment by Rodel, which should have been obvious ,” ” aside
Pedants add nothing to a conversation…..
Thank you gentle people. Point taken. Hope I make fewer or less grammatical errors in future. Thanks for reading my comments.I too suffer from pedantopathy.
I’ve attended lots of barbeques over the last month and negativity to the National government was never heard even once. I sense no mood for change in real people. I honestly do not know what Andrew Little can do to change things.
You go to the wrong bbqs every one I have attended the feeling is universal …
fishy probably has a primus set up on his back porch and talks to himself 😜
Something like this?….
Grant
Delightful. Any fisher would look at that and say my precious. And fishiani?
Who can follow his train of thought. I keep wishing he’d find the station and leave for a holiday.
Perhaps we could send him a brochure for this little excursion?
http://www.phoenixexpeditionmedicine.co.uk/snowy-morning-in-the-steppes-of-northern-mongolia/
Sounds good. Big steppes.
The idea brings to mind Peter Sellers in Balham Gateway to the South
where the tone-deaf son of the Mayor bangs away on a piano before the villagers who are raising money to send him away – to Vienna, or Paris, or anywhere.
lol
I haven’t attended any bbqs – I prefer my meat cooked.
But the mood I pick up at my dinner parties is also universal and totally opposed to the present govt!
But then again that’s what happens when like meets like. But Fisi being of little brain wouldn’t understand the error of sampling bias.
Polling certainly backs up my BBQ findings.
yes, we all know there is power in the Dark Side.
Polling over last 6 months suggests Govt and Oppo neck-and-neck, if anything with the Oppo slightly in front.
Or, to put it another way
2014 Election Party-Vote = NZF nowhere near holding balance of power
Poll Average over last 6 months = NZF holds balance of power.
All down to Labour’s 6 point surge since last election.
You having a laugh or just thinking no one would call you out?
http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/6599-roy-morgan-new-zealand-voting-intention-december-2015-201512092333
You’re simply pointing to one solitary poll, I’m talking about poll averages over recent months.
In case you haven’t noticed, a clear gap opened up in 2015 between:
(1) The TV News Polls (One News Colmar Brunton and 3 News Reid Research) = which, since May, have consistently placed the Oppo ahead of the Govt
and
(2) The Roy Morgan and (infrequent) Herald-Digi Polls = Most of the former (and all of the latter) favour the Govt.
(You’ve simply quoted the latest Roy Morgan)
Result of this divergence between the 2 sets of polls = Oppo and Govt neck-and-neck over last 6 months, when taking all polls into account.
Take, as an example, Polls since Sep 2015.
Average of All Polls
Govt 49.9 … Oppo 49.2
Average of Colmar Brunton / Reid Research Polls
Govt 48.4 … Oppo 51.0
Average of Roy Morgan / Herald-Digi Polls
Govt 51.1 … Oppo 47.7
polling says roughly 50/50, has done for the last 7 years.
Your bbq was 100% tory.
So, no, your bbq survey was more shit than what you usually spew out.
National rode to power on the coat tails of the GFC promising magic fairy dust to all and sundry. They have a solid bloc of perhaps 30% support from the highly influential upper middle class who also happen to run the elite news media and their sponsors.
Little and the Left need to engage the “missing million” voters who, if motivated, could easily kick out the incumbents
The missing million was mana territory and their hopes were sold for
$3 million .
Mana should have told Dotcom to stick his money up his arse. They may have had a chance.
yep that was a colossal fuck-up on their part. but Kelvin Davis was a good result for TTT.
I actually belive that Davis will become leader of the Labour Party and NZ’s first Maori PM.
Though he and his supporters need to take care that he isn’t placed in the job too soon, like Shearer and Cunliffe were.
I honestly believe the dotcom fiasco gifted key the election and possible the next one to. With no rabble rousing far left party there is a lot of votes going begging.
Money is not to be sneezed at, at election time. Mana should have told Dotcom to keep his mouth shut and breathe through his nose. All election stunts and rallies should have been passed by Leila and her cohorts without putting pressure on her to compromise with what she knew would work best.
The election push got mixed up with Dotcom’s private fight and the Mana message got overlooked, as it got overshadowed by Dotcom’s grievance and the dirty government spying and secretive message from Julian Assange. That was not the main problem that Mana was wanting to put forward.
I like this bit of plain English analysis from Bryan Bruce. http://bryanbruce.co.nz/feature/election-2014/voting-and-inequality
Great link,
Also the rise of Dirty Politics has turned a lot of people off *all* politicians.
If engaged….despondency and fear are the 2 things that stop people voting according to Tony Benn, so National have it sewn up, unless people have hope and stop being afraid!
Hi WN. Did you read my Bryan Bruce link above?
It’s worth a look, but you may find parts of it challenging.
Here’s a taste.
“One of the things we do know about voting behaviour is that a high voter turn out favours truly left wing governments. Why? Because, in theory, the Left can appeal to a larger number of ” have not” people than the privileged Right. However 30 years ago that pattern was disrupted when a supposedly Left wing Labour government introduced the New Right economics of neo-liberalism. So for 3 decades now voters on the traditional Left have not seen a viable alternative economic policy for which they could vote.
The result? A general decline in the number of people voting which has increased the chances of the Right of being elected . “
Could Health Policy be the Nats’ Achilles Heel?
Hat tip @GSilbery:
Somehow #HeraldActPartyNewsletter would rather tell us someone owns 11 houses so what are the poor complaining about
Talking about the health system. For some months I have briefly chatted to an Indian man who works in my local supermarket. I noticed him limping and expressed sympathy. He said he was waiting for an appointment for treatment for a sore foot.
I saw him at Christmas and he said he has been waiting to see a specialist, not for the treatment as I had thought. He can’t even get his foot examined and diagnosed, though he has pain as he’s standing and walking all day. He says he has decided to get it done in India, along with treatment to his knee which is also giving trouble. I said that’s no good, it’s a shame that our health system is declining. He made the side to side hand movement of judging on balance, and said that overall NZ was still better.
But that is based on how we are at present, we are still declining, and the present tranche of politicians and power brokers have no desire or vision to return us to the vibrant, hopeful, socially mobile, modern society that we were.