The Greens are as alienating as a Spin-off dinner party where everyone is arguing over who hates white men the most.
But there's more!
The Greens repeatedly get screwed over by Labour in a never ending cycle of abuse that started with Helen Clark and you kind of feel like someone should step in and intervene now.
Jacinda’s tepid incrementalism will not be challenged by the Greens, it will be supported by them. As the climate crisis events explode over the next 2 years, as welfare reform goes no where, as housing stagnates, as poverty spreads, the Greens will sit alongside Labour like a parasitic twin unable to think for itself let alone change things.
I've made a few milder comments onsite here over the past year so I'm not disagreeing with his view, just inclined to cut Labour some slack on the basis of prioritising pandemic management. Let's see what this year brings us before rendering a verdict.
It is rapidly becoming apparent that Labour and the Greens are not the political vehicle for transformative change. With Labour too focused on preventing Covid from exploding in NZ and the Greens now gagged, no forward thinking vision on how to transform things will be articulated.
It’s a Labour + Green supported Government, that gives them 75 seats in a 120 seat Parliament and yet they STILL CAN’T be transformative?
Sad, but true. They believe they must walk and therefore they can't possibly chew gum at the same time. Conformity rules, ok?
The Greens don’t know if they are Arthur or Martha and if they did they would need a 7month hui to discuss pronoun use.
Dunno if it would take that long. More likely a couple of hours on a zoom call to hear all views, after which the Executive would meet to thrash out a way to fake consensus.
Despite my contempt for what the Greens have mutated into I will still probably vote for them in 2023 but will jump the second there is a real alternative.
There Is No Alternative. TINA. Got it?
Imagine Jacinda as Prime Minister with Chloe as Deputy.
Alternate realities can be fun. They can be instructive too, providing guidance. This one will not be permitted by Labour during this term. Get a grip, lad, the path to resilience gets easier if you toughen up first…
I have a little insight into governance and the challenges it holds and expect the Green leadership will be engaged in navigating those as best they can – mostly, anyone from outside of the "circle" won't be able to accurately gauge what's happening inside, so I don't expect to hear anything much beyond speculation tinged with prejudice on the issue of James & Marama. Accounts from high-profile people who have worked with James indicate that he's very able indeed and held in high regard in and around Parliament. I have met Marama – she seemed very capable also. Likeable too. I still celebrate The Green's having achieved the position they now hold, particularly when I remember how they were portrayed/regarded/treated in the years prior to this present situation, where they hold significant roles and sit beside, not opposite to, the Government.
Good response to a good question Robert. You are the right person to ask because we know the answer will be a rational one.
I have a little insight into governance and the challenges it holds and expect the Green leadership will be engaged in navigating those as best they can – mostly, anyone from outside of the "circle" won't be able to accurately gauge what's happening inside.
To put it another way: too many ignorant loud mouthed pseudo 'experts' think they can dogmatically crucify political parties of a left persuasion in particular despite their having no knowledge what they're talking about. Journos figure prominently among them. 😉
I don't, Blade. Have you been watching/listening to any of her interviews around Maori issues, particularly those made by Maori media? She's respected and hardworking, imo.
I saw one of her interviews on Maori TV. She was OK.
I believe she is in her co-leadership position as a token gesture to diversity. When Metiria Turei was disgraced, they seem to have picked another Maori person just to show the electorate not all Maori are bad.
Jeanette Fitzsimons noted in the 90s that the Greens had to expand from their hard leftist roots if they wanted to gain political power.
She was right. But that expansion has come at a cost. The Greens have gained factions the further they moved from their roots. I predicted last year the Greens would splinter. The run up to the next election will put huge pressure on all Green factions. What gives will be the question.
James and Marama are living on borrowed time in my opinion,
We are all of us, on borrowed time, Blade. Wider circumstances will dictate the future of The Greens, as they will all of us. They have taken an ideological position that will bring them further and further forward into the political and public "lime-light" – they recognised this long ago and have remained true to their realisation. Risk-taking now could jeopardise all that preparatory work. While relative caution has its downside (criticism from risk-taking supporters), maintaining a position where their very presence has a positive effect across the Parliament and public sphere (The Greens are in! The Greens are still in! What has the world come to!! * say all critics of The Greens) is vital. Their sinking back into Opposition and losing that "iconic" role would be something to worry all of us, Imo.
That's the subtext of what we get from the complaining Greens. Just wanna oppose govt when it doesn't do sufficiently leftist stuff. Sorta like driving a car while continually turning the steering wheel to the left regardless of whether the car is approaching a left turn or not.
The Greens have essentially created a noose for their own neck by taking two Associate Minister positions in areas of policy where it is highly improbable that there will be improvement even if they could implement any significant policy changes (which they won't be able to do). Taking on Housing and Family violence will just mean the Greens get blamed when nothing improves.
Big ups then for The Greens in taking on those roles, knowing they'd be thankless ones. Lesser politicians would perhaps choose easier challenges, for the sake of looking good in the public's eye; kudos to the Green MPs for their integrity, I say.
It might be noble but it is terrible politics. If the Greens want to be regarded as serious players they need to get better at playing the game. Politics is about the art of the possible. The Greens should focus on the areas that they can make progress in. Climate change is an obvious area which they are doing this in however they should have stuck to areas like conservation or even welfare reform where they could implement changes that might make a difference rather than housing and family violence.
It's the only goal of politics and The Greens are just like every other party, right – that's why, as Gosman points out, they choose only the soft-option roles … oh … hang on …
Loosing representation in Parliament after going with Labour.
That's priceless 🤣
The Greens are in for the longterm and don't rely on one person to gain power.
PR what you want is for the greens to collapse their vote.or to Moderate their policies to be able to form a coalition with National with policies that don't change anything.
The blue rinsing of the Greens something Winston was able to do.
The only chance National has to form a Coalition next election.
Winston's Days are over he only ever sucked in National voters who wanted to put a handbrake on Labour.
Do I wish The Greens played the same sort of game Winston plays?
No thank you.
Their game is a long one. It's not surprising people scratch and itch when they don't see the plays they are used to seeing in other parties.
Are they achieving what I'd like them to achieve?
I'm confident they'll achieve all they can and they certainly don't need me chiding them. As to what I'd like to see happen, in politics, society, the environment and so on… no party comes very close to what I'd like to see (will see 🙂 but The Greens are at least within cooee 🙂
'or to Moderate their policies to be able to form a coalition with National with policies that don't change anything.'
Well close but, as an example, I would like to see no more dairy farms in areas where they're not sustainable, less water taken out of Canterbury rivers and mandatory shade shelters put up in paddocks
I think thats something that would be quite achievable for a National/Green coalition or a Labour/Green coalition
Pucky – all that glisters is not gold – it's the unseen shifting of the Overton Window that I'm watchful for. I've seen this in my own council, to dramatic effect, over time but am aware that members of the public can't easily detect the changes, as they are looking for different markers.
Hmm. Yeah, I think having the Greens on board is useful for Labour in that any policies that are good for addressing climate change or the environment but that might be unpopular with voters also ensures that any dissatisfaction is directed at the Greens rather than Labour.
But against this has to be balanced the likelihood that many ordinary voters & younger voters in particular will likely approve of them.
I don’t think the Greens are doing too badly out of the current cooperation arrangement.
Addressing family violence & housing (homelessness) are certainly going to be big challenges though. There’s only so far one can take blaming family violence on a century of colonial oppression & I think that’s been done to death in the minds of most voters now. Somewhere along the line those who commit family violence are going to have to take responsibility for their bad behaviour themselves.
And filling the towns’ & cities’ hotels & motels & Kainga Ora state housing up with some homeless people that are gang members or affiliates, and antisocials, is generating negative reactions from ordinary townfolk who have to suffer the consequences of gang-related drug dealing/usage, violence & general antisocial behaviour they weren’t previously cursed with.
But I don’t think the Greens will carry the can problems in these two areas. I think Labour will.
There's some truth to his argument, but he's mixed up cause and effect. He slates them continually, urging his readers off them, then complains when they don't have leverage.
So they try any strategy to get cut through (wacky things, straight, boring things) then get slated for that.
I reckon if he encouraged his readers to vote for them, so Labour actually needed them, THEN they'd be able to demand more policy without compromise.
They actually do, Roy, insofar as they are partly within & partly without. So you can see they have a triad of options:
1. operating within the govt, which is what the co-leaders are doing
2. remainder of caucus operating outside the govt, of which the apparent lack thereof is the basis for the complaints from the disaffected Greens
3. using a principled basis to integrate those two and communicating the strategy to the party, the broader Green movement, and the public
Note that the comms strategy they ain't using is likewise a triad. That's an example of how suitable political framing can be derived from metaphysics.
The GP also don't have the adequate media coverage. So they'll try a combination of protests and stunts (C-word rally), compromise, if that's the right word (meetings with Feds), cage-rattling (Chloe's debating other poli's), and irony (that unicorn picture). Any publicity is good publicity and all that.
My point is that Bradbury and others can't seem to differentiate between the actions they are able to perform versus what the rest of the electorate 'must be thinking about them' (because they only see through the media lens). I just think it would be way more helpful if we highlighted the good stuff, which would translate to votes, then to action. Shaming them for how they appear just isn't working in our favour.
That's a very good psychological point. Too subtle for most punters, no doubt! But definitely one that any pr or media pro the GP is using ought to get their head around tout suite!
More and more people around the world are suffering because their immune systems can no longer tell the difference between healthy cells and invading micro-organisms. Disease defences that once protected them are instead attacking their tissue and organs.
The focus of the reporter is research "to identify common genetic patterns among those suffering from an autoimmune disease". Blaming fast food is easy, habitual, and I've never noticed correlative evidence being amassed to support it. I'm more inclined to suspect the web of electromagnetic fields we live in, which has intensified considerably in recent decades.
Think of it as a matrix. It is a deep dimension of our environmental habitat which we can escape only via retreat to living remotely. Science has discovered various ways that organisms are effected by these dynamic intangible components of our life matrix. The pandemic highlights the relation of the health of victims to the state of their auto-immune defence system. I hope researchers take a broader view.
A slight touch, no more. Just enough to remind us of the longish concern that the 5G pathology arises from – the historical context stretching back to the mid-20th century. The entirety of the thing is vast.
I've been diffidently attempting to encompass it throughout my life. Easy to see how those without scientific education get spooked by simplifying it!
Thank goodness for Tiwai and it's high-quality aluminium!
I wonder if anyone in Southland has realised the huge potential down here, for a hat-making industry?
Love how so many people look for a single cause for a complex problem.
Yes, DNA hasn't changed, but we're living a lot longer and counting better – especially in emergent economies/nations . Rheumatoid Arthritis, one of the highlighted examples, is prevalent in older age groups, despite onset often occurring much, much younger.
The headline is playing to the crowd. Further down is the more important:
If you look at some autoimmune diseases – for example, lupus – it has become clear recently there are many different versions of them, that may be caused by different genetic pathways,” said Vinuesa. “And that has a consequence when you are trying to find the right treatment.
“We have lots of potentially useful new therapies that are being developed all the time, but we don’t know which patients to give them to, because we now realise we don’t know exactly which version of the disease they have. And that is now a key goal for autoimmune research. We have to learn how to group and stratify patients so we can give them the right therapy.”
For Rheumatoid, tobacco smoking (primary or secondhand) is a proven environmental factor in the development of an important 'version' and there probably a range of other environmental factors, fast food might be one, or not one at all.
Yes I see it as a natural consequence of biodiversity but also of complex systems generally. Reductionists are averse to such contemporary views.
Correlating patients with causes & effects requires pattern-matching ability, and is more inherently sophisticated than the old put 'em in known simple categories…
Reductionists are averse to such contemporary views.
Also reductionists write headlines. Did you see how many times that piece has been shared?! I'm not looking forward to another round of 'advice' from the 'well-being' people (apologies to the ones that do good work).
I keep thinking about a review I once did on childhood immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis. There's a known decent correlation between peaks and earlier bacterial/viral disease outbreaks. It could be interesting, with Covid, to review the number of cases of various auto-immune diseases in a few years.
What if the law were not merely a fossilised instrumental arm of the patriarchy? What if it were to transform itself into a force for good? Natural rights! Dr Greg Severinsen is a senior policy adviser at the Environmental Defence Society and has a PhD in resource management law:
In a recent article in Policy Quarterly I outlined the different kinds of justice we can use to scrutinise whether change is necessary for our seas. These include distributional (or intragenerational) equity, environmental justice, intergenerational justice, ecological justice, and procedural justice. Cutting across all of these is te Tiriti o Waitangi and indigenous justice.
Ecological justice is different. It is more about the interests and rights of nature itself, and looking at ways we can give the natural world a “voice” in its own future… Perhaps nature as a whole should be recognised as an entity with recognisable rights that can be defended in court
No perhaps about it – the necessity has been evaded far too long already. We expect the law profession to conserve the past and ignore the future as usual, but when the survival of humanity is at stake we need legal advocates to extricate themselves from their congenital laziness and make progress instead. Advocates for Gaia are essential.
We don’t internalise the true costs of resource use to those causing damage, and the polluter doesn’t pay – society does. So too do future generations. Coastal communities, Māori and others who rely on the ocean for food and wellbeing are often disproportionately affected by such damage in their watery backyards. For some, including Māori, this harm can also have a spiritual or metaphysical component…. humans could be viewed as part of a complex web of relationships with the natural world that needs to be respected. We are not just resource users. The environment is not just a supermarket shelf. That view is more consistent with te ao Māori, which considers whakapapa and whanaungatanga (kinship relationships) to be at the heart of environmental management, with the moana taking pride of place as an ancestor.
Well day one was not quite what I was expecting but then the first test didn't go as I thought it would.
The Black Caps were obviously hurt by their performance in the first test and surprised by the outstanding performance by Bangladesh so they wanted to put out a statement and did they ever
Are the Black Caps looking to put on their biggest test score ever, previously 715/6 declared against Bangladesh 2019, bat 7 sessions and bowl them out twice?
Is Will Young shaping up to be the new Mark Richardson, average 45 but only 4 100s and a high of 140 so reliable and consistently made good scores but didn't push on and if Young does turn out like Richardson is that bad thing (I don't think it is at all)
Will the Boss get a 100 in his last game, will it matter?
Can Bangladesh come back from (two days in the field in hot weather takes it out of you)
Conway's third century in his first five tests certainly seems an admirable foundation for a test career. Statistics suggests he could maintain that 60% rate if he stabilises self-discipline with technique…
Not only that, it's promising for the future. I started listening to test cricket in the mid-1950s when we were non-contenders & like the way the side has been trending in recent years…
I'd imagine he would and even if it takes a little longer we finally have the depth to cover him being out (as much as you can cover someone like Williamson)
Too soon to say, eh? Most unlikely to be in Bradman's class, that's for sure. There's a natural tendency for young guys to start well and then fade slowly – notice how Williamson has been unable to maintain the high standard he set in his first few years, for instance.
I see your point but conditions come into it as well (Patel 10 for against India) plus the need for rotation so your bowlers don't break down has to be considered
Personally I like variation so my team (assuming injury free) would be:
1. Latham
2. Young (I'd prefer NZ develop another opening batter)
3. Williamson
4. Conway
5. Nicholls
6. Mitchell (keep it tight at one end for the others to attack)
7. Seifert (though I'd like to see him score some runs)
8. Kyle Jamieson (height for variety)
9. Trent Boult (left arm swing for variety)
10. Adam Milne/Ben Sears/bowler that clocks above 145 (pace for variety)
11. Patel (spinner for variety)
Wagner and Southee would then come in to rest bowlers or as injury replacements (the pace bowlers most likely)
Yeah that would be good as we haven't had any genuine all rounders since Chris Cairns and Dan Vettori but I sort of see it like Tim Southee
I think Tim Southee could have worked on his batting a more and contributed a bit more with the bat but, and its a pretty big but, hes taken over 300 test wickets at under 29, only the third NZ player to do so
Would he have taken over 300 wickets if he'd concentrated on his batting a bit more…I don't know but in the same vein for Kyle I'd rather see him concentrate on his bowling and bowl teams out and therefore win
I mean if he can do both then great but bowlers win matches and maybe Mitchell can become the number 6 (and bowl a tight line like Chatfield) and Ravindra can come in at 7 or that Nathan Smiths not tracking badly …
Yeah I thought at least another 20 overs, take the score to 600 and still have 10 sessions to bowl them out twice would have been a better plan
Theres forecast for rain on Wednesday but it doesn't look to bad…still if they win it'll be deemed a good decision by the captain especially in light of the last ashes test
Why would they bother? In the first test New Zealand only got 63 runs in the first innings after the fall of the sixth wicket and only 15 in the same interval in the second innings. At that sort of rate we would only have got another 40 or so runs and all the bowlers would have to have gone out to bat. We are probably better of having all the bowlers ready to fire without having to have a session out there batting.
I think the captain asks the bowlers if they can do it or if they need a session off, basically. Hot weather down here, but on the other hand, unsettled weather later in the week, so a finely balanced decision.
I would enforce because they basically played a one dayer so less bowling and less time in the field than usual plus they probably want a little bit of payback so an innings victory will on their minds
So yeah should be good to go again tomorrow however if the bowlers are feeling a bit iffy then you'd have to take that into account
Nice to see a different thread on this site. So while we are at it, when can we return to a commentary team of articulate knowledgeable pundits rather than the qualification of "I've played test cricket so I'm an expert." Commentary used to be given by wordsmiths who had a grounding in the game. As for television we are constantly given "expertise" on what we can see for ourselves.
And finally – when did the expression "running between the wickets" come in – where else do batsmen run to – square leg?
Actually it's not finally. The second new ball came after 160 overs or 400 runs. The new ball was due after 80 overs.
Ian Galloway, Alan McGilvray and Brian Johnston would be embarrassed by this current lot. (Right throughout the cricketing world of commentary boxes)
I fear that, to get some truly great commentators we are going to have to find some way of reincarnating the dead.
I always thought the best were Brian Johnstone and Richie Benaud. Johnstone unfortunately died in 1994 and Benaud in 2015 so getting them back in the commentary box might be difficult.
Benaud had one practice I always approved of. He was doing commentary before they had the third umpire but while they had instant replay on TV. He would show you the replay and sometimes the umpire had made a mistake. However he would always finish by playing the incident at full speed with the comment that "That was what the umpire saw". At full speed it was very easy to see how they could get it wrong.
It’ll be interesting to see how National play the early part of the year. Luxon seems to have decided to drop the consistently negative approach to our Covid response.
Attack lines are going to have to be carefully managed. Housing, immigration, inflation, poverty, all have serious fish hooks for National given their track record over their last term in office. My guess would be inflation will be a primary target. Voters don’t really care that it’s not the government’s fault when it comes to supply chains, product shortages etc. National will be blaming the government as much as they can.
Okay, I admit that as a non-economist I defaulted to global framing (inflation is produced when the capitalist system malfunctions) whereas your focus was Aotearoa.
Fake vax exemption doctor Jonie Girouard 'no longer able to practise in New Zealand'
"The North Canterbury doctor under investigation for allegedly issuing fake vaccine exemptions can no longer practise medicine in New Zealand.
Dr Jonie Girouard – who runs a weight loss clinic – is an unvaccinated GP who was captured in an undercover Newshub sting late last year issuing fake certificates and coaching patients on how to get away with using them."
Went to a garage sale on the weekend. It was at the front of six units of flats. I talked to a bro who was running the garage sale. He said the landlord was selling up because of new rules around renting. He said all tenants had told the landlord they wouldn't complain about anything even if the flats didn't meet new standards. But the landlord said it was too risky. The bro and one other flat tenant are the lucky ones. They both have clapped out vans that could be slept in. The other tenants will be hitting the streets. Not a good situation. But it's happening all over New Zealand. Its another reason why this Labour coalition gummint has to go. We need firm policy from National as to how they will tackle these renting market issues. Will they have the guts to make changes? Or will it be another typical Tory government that continues the status quo? I said last year it's only a matter of time before visible tent communities spring up all over New Zealand. It looks like that process is well under way.
Expecting a Natz government to give a solitary f**k about the poor of this country seems to fit the definition of insanity to me.
True – and yet it would probably be their best competitive strategy. Housing has already been identified as a govt. weak point – if National actually got off their gluteus and did something useful for the first time in four or five decades, they might have a dogs show of getting back in.
I've been spending a bit of time in the MacKenzie recently. One cannot help but notice that none of our current parties seems up to public interest projects on the scale of the canals. They are like jackals slinking through the ruins of our country – certainly not the equal of the parties that went before them.
Christchurch suffered a bit of an inflexion a few years back, and one of the curiosities in the way it was rebuilt, where it was, is that many rebuilds have, shall we say, a whiff of Evergrande about them – they seem somehow less permanent than they might be.
The first cause is still going strong all around the Ring of Fire, but as a housing solution, it does not bend especially readily to human convenience:
And if California slides into the ocean
Like the mystics and statistics say it will
I predict this motel will be standing until I pay my bill ~ Warren Zevon
I have a feeling however, that good governance lies more in deliberate constructive action, than in abandoning one's responsibilities to either the vagaries of 'the market' or to the cthonic forces released along the subduction zones of the Pacific plate.
Doing something different is the way to go when facing a vexing problem. However, doing something different – successfully or not – to only align with your ideological worldview is no better than keeping the status quo.
I had occasion to call the Apple-online assistance today. And the automated system gave me some options. What type of music I should prefer in the possible/likely event, that I might be on hold. I could choose Contemporary, Classic, Jazz, and (well I do not know how many further options because I had already pressed "2" for classical. Sadly, it didn't last the eternity of our IP's, Insurances, IRD or other help desks. Apple were too efficient and someone in The Philippines soon interrupted my blissful disposition and took up my service request. However, if only …
…one can still hope. Just who is it that selects the screeching crass sounds that pass for music on most "waiting" systems.
April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
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It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
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Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
The protest outside the White House correspondents’ dinner hotel. Image: Anatolu video screenshot APR More than two dozen Palestinian journalists had called for a boycott of the dinner, writing an open letter urging their American colleagues not to attend. “You have a unique responsibility to speak truth to power and ...
“Our exporters should, therefore, be deeply concerned that the Fast-track Approvals Bill was not assessed for consistency with any of our free trade commitments prior to being introduced to the House,” says Gary Taylor, Chief Executive of the Environmental ...
NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff is calling on all political parties to support the new Member’s Bill from Labour’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson Camilla Belich MP that would ensure negligent companies are held accountable when their employees ...
A historian with an uncanny track record of predicting US election winners tells RNZ's Sunday Morning that President Biden looks to be on track for another term, but things could still go very wrong for him. ...
A historian with a track record of predicting US election winners tells RNZ's Sunday Morning that President Biden looks to be on track for another term, but things could still go wrong for him. ...
Ngaio Marsh House is one of Christchurch’s best kept secrets – and contains more than a few mysteries of its own.Trust Ngaio Marsh to leave more than a few mysteries scattered through her house long after her departure. For a start, there’s the curious concrete portal in the garden, ...
Appointment viewing has been lost to the mists of time, but memories of Montana Sunday Theatre can still be conjured by hitting play on a particular piece of classical music. “You’re not going to be able to sell it.” Over 30 years on, Karen Bieleski still recalls how the task ...
Performance Review King Luxon sat behind His massive polished oak desk. It is Performance Review time. There is a knock on the door. “Enter!” says the King. In steps Minister of Disabilities and Carer Pedicures, Penny Simmonds. “I can explain everything …” she begins. “Fine,” says King Luxon, pressing the ...
The pair opened their first fully collaborative exhibition, Nina for Flowers, last Saturday. Gabi Lardies visited their studio to find out who Nina is and what working together was like.‘It didn’t start out like, ‘This is a show about Nina,’” says Josephine Jelicich, gripping a thermos of peppermint tea. ...
Thank you, Dr Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner, for your brilliant invention. I’m another mid-20s Kiwi who had an OE last year. I hopped on my bicycle where France meets the Atlantic and cycled east. I pedalled through the Loire Valley, down rivers lined with willows and ancient wisteria-draped chateaus. I relished ...
Asia Pacific Report From France to Australia, university pro-Palestine protests in the United States have now spread to several countries with students pitching on-campus camps. And students at Columbia and other US universities remain defiant as campuses have witnessed the biggest protests since the anti-Vietnam war and anti-apartheid eras in ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)New Zealand Government’s Fast Track legislation. Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government ...
Tara Ward talks to presenter Naomi Toilalo about the new TV show that turns food waste into a three course feast. Naomi Toilalo is standing in the warehouse at Good Neighbour Tauranga, helping unpack the two-and-a-half tonnes of rejected food that will arrive at the community support hub that day. ...
Scout is our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Scout’s human, Avril, for her support. Dog name: Scout (named after the little girl in To Kill a Mockingbird – she inherited the independent spirit ...
Megan Alatini takes us through her life in TV, including ‘terrible’ daytime TV, the class of Carol Hirschfeld and her most embarrassing TrueBliss moment. When she responded to a vague newspaper ad asking “do you have what it takes to be a popstar?” 25 years ago, Megan Alatini never guessed ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
Tara Ward unravels the many nuanced layers of a cartoon about talking dogs.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s not often an episode of a children’s cartoon has adults sobbing into their sleeves, but that’s exactly what happened this week when ...
Working as a doctor in developing countries to help communities achieve better health outcomes is nothing short of a life goal for Jessica Tater. The University of Otago medical student has her sights firmly set on joining the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) when she qualifies ...
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Greens voter slags the Greens:
But there's more!
I've made a few milder comments onsite here over the past year so I'm not disagreeing with his view, just inclined to cut Labour some slack on the basis of prioritising pandemic management. Let's see what this year brings us before rendering a verdict.
Sad, but true. They believe they must walk and therefore they can't possibly chew gum at the same time. Conformity rules, ok?
Dunno if it would take that long. More likely a couple of hours on a zoom call to hear all views, after which the Executive would meet to thrash out a way to fake consensus.
There Is No Alternative. TINA. Got it?
Alternate realities can be fun. They can be instructive too, providing guidance. This one will not be permitted by Labour during this term. Get a grip, lad, the path to resilience gets easier if you toughen up first…
"I warned the Greens!", warbles Bradbury, as he regularly does.
"I know what's best for them!" he doubtless thinks.
Are you happy with the GP ,its leadership and performance Robert?
I have a little insight into governance and the challenges it holds and expect the Green leadership will be engaged in navigating those as best they can – mostly, anyone from outside of the "circle" won't be able to accurately gauge what's happening inside, so I don't expect to hear anything much beyond speculation tinged with prejudice on the issue of James & Marama. Accounts from high-profile people who have worked with James indicate that he's very able indeed and held in high regard in and around Parliament. I have met Marama – she seemed very capable also. Likeable too. I still celebrate The Green's having achieved the position they now hold, particularly when I remember how they were portrayed/regarded/treated in the years prior to this present situation, where they hold significant roles and sit beside, not opposite to, the Government.
Good response to a good question Robert. You are the right person to ask because we know the answer will be a rational one.
To put it another way: too many ignorant loud mouthed pseudo 'experts' think they can dogmatically crucify political parties of a left persuasion in particular despite their having no knowledge what they're talking about. Journos figure prominently among them. 😉
So you don't consider Marama a liability for the Greens, Robert? I do, although I'm only going by her public utterances.
I don't, Blade. Have you been watching/listening to any of her interviews around Maori issues, particularly those made by Maori media? She's respected and hardworking, imo.
I saw one of her interviews on Maori TV. She was OK.
I believe she is in her co-leadership position as a token gesture to diversity. When Metiria Turei was disgraced, they seem to have picked another Maori person just to show the electorate not all Maori are bad.
Jeanette Fitzsimons noted in the 90s that the Greens had to expand from their hard leftist roots if they wanted to gain political power.
She was right. But that expansion has come at a cost. The Greens have gained factions the further they moved from their roots. I predicted last year the Greens would splinter. The run up to the next election will put huge pressure on all Green factions. What gives will be the question.
James and Marama are living on borrowed time in my opinion,
We are all of us, on borrowed time, Blade. Wider circumstances will dictate the future of The Greens, as they will all of us. They have taken an ideological position that will bring them further and further forward into the political and public "lime-light" – they recognised this long ago and have remained true to their realisation. Risk-taking now could jeopardise all that preparatory work. While relative caution has its downside (criticism from risk-taking supporters), maintaining a position where their very presence has a positive effect across the Parliament and public sphere (The Greens are in! The Greens are still in! What has the world come to!! * say all critics of The Greens) is vital. Their sinking back into Opposition and losing that "iconic" role would be something to worry all of us, Imo.
sinking back into Opposition
That's the subtext of what we get from the complaining Greens. Just wanna oppose govt when it doesn't do sufficiently leftist stuff. Sorta like driving a car while continually turning the steering wheel to the left regardless of whether the car is approaching a left turn or not.
The Greens have essentially created a noose for their own neck by taking two Associate Minister positions in areas of policy where it is highly improbable that there will be improvement even if they could implement any significant policy changes (which they won't be able to do). Taking on Housing and Family violence will just mean the Greens get blamed when nothing improves.
Big ups then for The Greens in taking on those roles, knowing they'd be thankless ones. Lesser politicians would perhaps choose easier challenges, for the sake of looking good in the public's eye; kudos to the Green MPs for their integrity, I say.
It might be noble but it is terrible politics. If the Greens want to be regarded as serious players they need to get better at playing the game. Politics is about the art of the possible. The Greens should focus on the areas that they can make progress in. Climate change is an obvious area which they are doing this in however they should have stuck to areas like conservation or even welfare reform where they could implement changes that might make a difference rather than housing and family violence.
Get better at playing the game?
They seem to be sitting on the better side of the House, Gosman.
That's well-played, in my opinion.
The Greens should, The Greens should, intone their opponents.
Perhaps The Greens have and are.
They're not flailing helplessly on the Opposition benches, as other small parties are and will be for some considerable time yet.
Power for the sake of power, is that it Robert?
Of course that's what I meant, Pucky!
It's the only goal of politics and The Greens are just like every other party, right – that's why, as Gosman points out, they choose only the soft-option roles … oh … hang on …
Are they achieving what you'd like them to achieve given what Winston was able to do?
Loosing representation in Parliament after going with Labour.
That's priceless 🤣
The Greens are in for the longterm and don't rely on one person to gain power.
PR what you want is for the greens to collapse their vote.or to Moderate their policies to be able to form a coalition with National with policies that don't change anything.
The blue rinsing of the Greens something Winston was able to do.
The only chance National has to form a Coalition next election.
Winston's Days are over he only ever sucked in National voters who wanted to put a handbrake on Labour.
Do I wish The Greens played the same sort of game Winston plays?
No thank you.
Their game is a long one. It's not surprising people scratch and itch when they don't see the plays they are used to seeing in other parties.
Are they achieving what I'd like them to achieve?
I'm confident they'll achieve all they can and they certainly don't need me chiding them. As to what I'd like to see happen, in politics, society, the environment and so on… no party comes very close to what I'd like to see (will see 🙂 but The Greens are at least within cooee 🙂
At Tricledrown:
'or to Moderate their policies to be able to form a coalition with National with policies that don't change anything.'
Well close but, as an example, I would like to see no more dairy farms in areas where they're not sustainable, less water taken out of Canterbury rivers and mandatory shade shelters put up in paddocks
I think thats something that would be quite achievable for a National/Green coalition or a Labour/Green coalition
At Robert, a very long game indeed
PR after Nick Smith single handedly undermined Ecan allowing unfettered pollution to destroy Canterbury rivers.
The chances of the Greens going into coalition with National are Zero.
So you would be better voting Green and Labour that would a least give a chance for Rivers to be cleaned up.
Under National more rivers will be damaged.
Pucky – all that glisters is not gold – it's the unseen shifting of the Overton Window that I'm watchful for. I've seen this in my own council, to dramatic effect, over time but am aware that members of the public can't easily detect the changes, as they are looking for different markers.
Hmm. Yeah, I think having the Greens on board is useful for Labour in that any policies that are good for addressing climate change or the environment but that might be unpopular with voters also ensures that any dissatisfaction is directed at the Greens rather than Labour.
But against this has to be balanced the likelihood that many ordinary voters & younger voters in particular will likely approve of them.
I don’t think the Greens are doing too badly out of the current cooperation arrangement.
Addressing family violence & housing (homelessness) are certainly going to be big challenges though. There’s only so far one can take blaming family violence on a century of colonial oppression & I think that’s been done to death in the minds of most voters now. Somewhere along the line those who commit family violence are going to have to take responsibility for their bad behaviour themselves.
And filling the towns’ & cities’ hotels & motels & Kainga Ora state housing up with some homeless people that are gang members or affiliates, and antisocials, is generating negative reactions from ordinary townfolk who have to suffer the consequences of gang-related drug dealing/usage, violence & general antisocial behaviour they weren’t previously cursed with.
But I don’t think the Greens will carry the can problems in these two areas. I think Labour will.
There's some truth to his argument, but he's mixed up cause and effect. He slates them continually, urging his readers off them, then complains when they don't have leverage.
So they try any strategy to get cut through (wacky things, straight, boring things) then get slated for that.
I reckon if he encouraged his readers to vote for them, so Labour actually needed them, THEN they'd be able to demand more policy without compromise.
Couldn't be worse than his current strategy.
they don't have leverage
They actually do, Roy, insofar as they are partly within & partly without. So you can see they have a triad of options:
1. operating within the govt, which is what the co-leaders are doing
2. remainder of caucus operating outside the govt, of which the apparent lack thereof is the basis for the complaints from the disaffected Greens
3. using a principled basis to integrate those two and communicating the strategy to the party, the broader Green movement, and the public
Note that the comms strategy they ain't using is likewise a triad. That's an example of how suitable political framing can be derived from metaphysics.
The GP also don't have
theadequate media coverage. So they'll try a combination of protests and stunts (C-word rally), compromise, if that's the right word (meetings with Feds), cage-rattling (Chloe's debating other poli's), and irony (that unicorn picture). Any publicity is good publicity and all that.My point is that Bradbury and others can't seem to differentiate between the actions they are able to perform versus what the rest of the electorate 'must be thinking about them' (because they only see through the media lens). I just think it would be way more helpful if we highlighted the good stuff, which would translate to votes, then to action. Shaming them for how they appear just isn't working in our favour.
That's a very good psychological point. Too subtle for most punters, no doubt! But definitely one that any pr or media pro the GP is using ought to get their head around tout suite!
The focus of the reporter is research "to identify common genetic patterns among those suffering from an autoimmune disease". Blaming fast food is easy, habitual, and I've never noticed correlative evidence being amassed to support it. I'm more inclined to suspect the web of electromagnetic fields we live in, which has intensified considerably in recent decades.
Think of it as a matrix. It is a deep dimension of our environmental habitat which we can escape only via retreat to living remotely. Science has discovered various ways that organisms are effected by these dynamic intangible components of our life matrix. The pandemic highlights the relation of the health of victims to the state of their auto-immune defence system. I hope researchers take a broader view.
A touch of 5G-itis this morning, Dennis?
A slight touch, no more. Just enough to remind us of the longish concern that the 5G pathology arises from – the historical context stretching back to the mid-20th century. The entirety of the thing is vast.
I've been diffidently attempting to encompass it throughout my life. Easy to see how those without scientific education get spooked by simplifying it!
Thank goodness for Tiwai and it's high-quality aluminium!
I wonder if anyone in Southland has realised the huge potential down here, for a hat-making industry?
Good thinking there! Raise it with your local chamber of commerce. Make
hayhats while thesun still shinesthing still produces.Tiwai Pt…the longest Bluff in NZ corporate history…'give us $30 million' or we …will..shoot ..ourselves!
Dr Neil Cherry.
Yep, has plenty of company too. A good global review of research here: https://www.healthline.com/health/emf
In this debate, you'll run the risk of being accused of cherry-picking, Blade!
Love how so many people look for a single cause for a complex problem.
Yes, DNA hasn't changed, but we're living a lot longer and counting better – especially in emergent economies/nations . Rheumatoid Arthritis, one of the highlighted examples, is prevalent in older age groups, despite onset often occurring much, much younger.
The headline is playing to the crowd. Further down is the more important:
For Rheumatoid, tobacco smoking (primary or secondhand) is a proven environmental factor in the development of an important 'version' and there probably a range of other environmental factors, fast food might be one, or not one at all.
Yes I see it as a natural consequence of biodiversity but also of complex systems generally. Reductionists are averse to such contemporary views.
Correlating patients with causes & effects requires pattern-matching ability, and is more inherently sophisticated than the old put 'em in known simple categories…
Also reductionists write headlines. Did you see how many times that piece has been shared?! I'm not looking forward to another round of 'advice' from the 'well-being' people (apologies to the ones that do good work).
I keep thinking about a review I once did on childhood immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis. There's a known decent correlation between peaks and earlier bacterial/viral disease outbreaks. It could be interesting, with Covid, to review the number of cases of various auto-immune diseases in a few years.
What if the law were not merely a fossilised instrumental arm of the patriarchy? What if it were to transform itself into a force for good? Natural rights! Dr Greg Severinsen is a senior policy adviser at the Environmental Defence Society and has a PhD in resource management law:
No perhaps about it – the necessity has been evaded far too long already. We expect the law profession to conserve the past and ignore the future as usual, but when the survival of humanity is at stake we need legal advocates to extricate themselves from their congenital laziness and make progress instead. Advocates for Gaia are essential.
January 9 2022 the date that the NZ Herald launched the National party election campaign for 2023:
Cricket, cricket, cricket!
Well day one was not quite what I was expecting but then the first test didn't go as I thought it would.
The Black Caps were obviously hurt by their performance in the first test and surprised by the outstanding performance by Bangladesh so they wanted to put out a statement and did they ever
Are the Black Caps looking to put on their biggest test score ever, previously 715/6 declared against Bangladesh 2019, bat 7 sessions and bowl them out twice?
Is Will Young shaping up to be the new Mark Richardson, average 45 but only 4 100s and a high of 140 so reliable and consistently made good scores but didn't push on and if Young does turn out like Richardson is that bad thing (I don't think it is at all)
Will the Boss get a 100 in his last game, will it matter?
Can Bangladesh come back from (two days in the field in hot weather takes it out of you)
Conway's third century in his first five tests certainly seems an admirable foundation for a test career. Statistics suggests he could maintain that 60% rate if he stabilises self-discipline with technique…
A top five of:
Latham
Young
Williamson
Conway
Nicholls
Isn't too shabby at all
Not only that, it's promising for the future. I started listening to test cricket in the mid-1950s when we were non-contenders & like the way the side has been trending in recent years…
Yeah our middle order batting looks strong and guys waiting in the wings, all these guys average 40+ in FC cricket:
Mark Chapman (handy spinner)
Dane Clever (wicket keeper)
Tom Bruce
Will Williamson recover from the elbow injury?
I'd imagine he would and even if it takes a little longer we finally have the depth to cover him being out (as much as you can cover someone like Williamson)
That would be quite a feat. After all Bradman only got centuries in 56% of the tests he played and Tendulkar only got a century in 26% of his tests.
Do you think that Conway is better than they were?
Too soon to say, eh? Most unlikely to be in Bradman's class, that's for sure. There's a natural tendency for young guys to start well and then fade slowly – notice how Williamson has been unable to maintain the high standard he set in his first few years, for instance.
I'd be more than happy with Conway averaging only 50 over his entire test career…
Well the Boss certainly has a good chance of a 100 now…
Regarding team selection.
Shouldn't you select your best bowlers no matter what the conditions?
And if the bowler who could take wickets when no one else could is one of your best, shouldn't they be selected?
I see your point but conditions come into it as well (Patel 10 for against India) plus the need for rotation so your bowlers don't break down has to be considered
Personally I like variation so my team (assuming injury free) would be:
1. Latham
2. Young (I'd prefer NZ develop another opening batter)
3. Williamson
4. Conway
5. Nicholls
6. Mitchell (keep it tight at one end for the others to attack)
7. Seifert (though I'd like to see him score some runs)
8. Kyle Jamieson (height for variety)
9. Trent Boult (left arm swing for variety)
10. Adam Milne/Ben Sears/bowler that clocks above 145 (pace for variety)
11. Patel (spinner for variety)
Wagner and Southee would then come in to rest bowlers or as injury replacements (the pace bowlers most likely)
Possibly Jamieson will evolve into a proper allrounder.
Hold his place as both bowler and batter. At the moment our all rounders don't achieve that.
Then he could bat at 6, and leave room for another bowler.
Yeah that would be good as we haven't had any genuine all rounders since Chris Cairns and Dan Vettori but I sort of see it like Tim Southee
I think Tim Southee could have worked on his batting a more and contributed a bit more with the bat but, and its a pretty big but, hes taken over 300 test wickets at under 29, only the third NZ player to do so
Would he have taken over 300 wickets if he'd concentrated on his batting a bit more…I don't know but in the same vein for Kyle I'd rather see him concentrate on his bowling and bowl teams out and therefore win
I mean if he can do both then great but bowlers win matches and maybe Mitchell can become the number 6 (and bowl a tight line like Chatfield) and Ravindra can come in at 7 or that Nathan Smiths not tracking badly …
Didn’t think we’d declare so early. Usually 30/40 minutes before stumps? Or just before lunch on day 3.
Yeah I thought at least another 20 overs, take the score to 600 and still have 10 sessions to bowl them out twice would have been a better plan
Theres forecast for rain on Wednesday but it doesn't look to bad…still if they win it'll be deemed a good decision by the captain especially in light of the last ashes test
Why would they bother? In the first test New Zealand only got 63 runs in the first innings after the fall of the sixth wicket and only 15 in the same interval in the second innings. At that sort of rate we would only have got another 40 or so runs and all the bowlers would have to have gone out to bat. We are probably better of having all the bowlers ready to fire without having to have a session out there batting.
11/4 so maybe not a bad decision
Not wanting to get ahead of myself but…
Do you enforce the follow on if they’re more than 250/300 behind. Aussie seem not, and it works for them.
I think the captain asks the bowlers if they can do it or if they need a session off, basically. Hot weather down here, but on the other hand, unsettled weather later in the week, so a finely balanced decision.
I would enforce because they basically played a one dayer so less bowling and less time in the field than usual plus they probably want a little bit of payback so an innings victory will on their minds
So yeah should be good to go again tomorrow however if the bowlers are feeling a bit iffy then you'd have to take that into account
Nice to see a different thread on this site. So while we are at it, when can we return to a commentary team of articulate knowledgeable pundits rather than the qualification of "I've played test cricket so I'm an expert." Commentary used to be given by wordsmiths who had a grounding in the game. As for television we are constantly given "expertise" on what we can see for ourselves.
And finally – when did the expression "running between the wickets" come in – where else do batsmen run to – square leg?
Actually it's not finally. The second new ball came after 160 overs or 400 runs. The new ball was due after 80 overs.
Ian Galloway, Alan McGilvray and Brian Johnston would be embarrassed by this current lot. (Right throughout the cricketing world of commentary boxes)
@logie97
I fear that, to get some truly great commentators we are going to have to find some way of reincarnating the dead.
I always thought the best were Brian Johnstone and Richie Benaud. Johnstone unfortunately died in 1994 and Benaud in 2015 so getting them back in the commentary box might be difficult.
Benaud had one practice I always approved of. He was doing commentary before they had the third umpire but while they had instant replay on TV. He would show you the replay and sometimes the umpire had made a mistake. However he would always finish by playing the incident at full speed with the comment that "That was what the umpire saw". At full speed it was very easy to see how they could get it wrong.
It’ll be interesting to see how National play the early part of the year. Luxon seems to have decided to drop the consistently negative approach to our Covid response.
Attack lines are going to have to be carefully managed. Housing, immigration, inflation, poverty, all have serious fish hooks for National given their track record over their last term in office. My guess would be inflation will be a primary target. Voters don’t really care that it’s not the government’s fault when it comes to supply chains, product shortages etc. National will be blaming the government as much as they can.
Whether it works or not, time will tell.
Steve Forbes has a binary view: https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveforbes/2022/01/07/will-inflation-cause-a-stock-market-crash-in-2022/?sh=6921bf3d5a44
Okay, I admit that as a non-economist I defaulted to global framing (inflation is produced when the capitalist system malfunctions) whereas your focus was Aotearoa.
I was pleased to see this:
Fake vax exemption doctor Jonie Girouard 'no longer able to practise in New Zealand'
"The North Canterbury doctor under investigation for allegedly issuing fake vaccine exemptions can no longer practise medicine in New Zealand.
Dr Jonie Girouard – who runs a weight loss clinic – is an unvaccinated GP who was captured in an undercover Newshub sting late last year issuing fake certificates and coaching patients on how to get away with using them."
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-delta-outbreak-fake-vax-exemption-doctor-jonie-girouard-no-longer-able-to-practise-in-new-zealand/ELYAK5VECGTJDU6KLBDQTX4DEM/
Went to a garage sale on the weekend. It was at the front of six units of flats. I talked to a bro who was running the garage sale. He said the landlord was selling up because of new rules around renting. He said all tenants had told the landlord they wouldn't complain about anything even if the flats didn't meet new standards. But the landlord said it was too risky. The bro and one other flat tenant are the lucky ones. They both have clapped out vans that could be slept in. The other tenants will be hitting the streets. Not a good situation. But it's happening all over New Zealand. Its another reason why this Labour coalition gummint has to go. We need firm policy from National as to how they will tackle these renting market issues. Will they have the guts to make changes? Or will it be another typical Tory government that continues the status quo? I said last year it's only a matter of time before visible tent communities spring up all over New Zealand. It looks like that process is well under way.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/127062235/the-people-sleeping-rough-in-nelson
Einstein's (I think it was) definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
Expecting a Natz government to give a solitary f**k about the poor of this country seems to fit the definition of insanity to me.
Expecting a Natz government to give a solitary f**k about the poor of this country seems to fit the definition of insanity to me.
True – and yet it would probably be their best competitive strategy. Housing has already been identified as a govt. weak point – if National actually got off their gluteus and did something useful for the first time in four or five decades, they might have a dogs show of getting back in.
I've been spending a bit of time in the MacKenzie recently. One cannot help but notice that none of our current parties seems up to public interest projects on the scale of the canals. They are like jackals slinking through the ruins of our country – certainly not the equal of the parties that went before them.
Ok so if all prices are raising but Christchurch is still rated as affordable (for now)
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/454639/christchurch-housing-remains-affordable-despite-rising-prices
The question should be asked is how did Christchurch manage this and can it be done in other centres
Christchurch suffered a bit of an inflexion a few years back, and one of the curiosities in the way it was rebuilt, where it was, is that many rebuilds have, shall we say, a whiff of Evergrande about them – they seem somehow less permanent than they might be.
The first cause is still going strong all around the Ring of Fire, but as a housing solution, it does not bend especially readily to human convenience:
And if California slides into the ocean
Like the mystics and statistics say it will
I predict this motel will be standing until I pay my bill ~ Warren Zevon
I have a feeling however, that good governance lies more in deliberate constructive action, than in abandoning one's responsibilities to either the vagaries of 'the market' or to the cthonic forces released along the subduction zones of the Pacific plate.
Wizards aren't famous for explaining their spells – hadn't you noticed??
Doing something different is the way to go when facing a vexing problem. However, doing something different – successfully or not – to only align with your ideological worldview is no better than keeping the status quo.
Ah, bliss at last.
I had occasion to call the Apple-online assistance today. And the automated system gave me some options. What type of music I should prefer in the possible/likely event, that I might be on hold. I could choose Contemporary, Classic, Jazz, and (well I do not know how many further options because I had already pressed "2" for classical. Sadly, it didn't last the eternity of our IP's, Insurances, IRD or other help desks. Apple were too efficient and someone in The Philippines soon interrupted my blissful disposition and took up my service request. However, if only …
…one can still hope. Just who is it that selects the screeching crass sounds that pass for music on most "waiting" systems.
The credibility of this site takes a hit when any old shit like the It's Time junk is allowed past the vetting process.
Go ahead and unpick his arguments…then.