Chris Hedges discusses with UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer the conditions of Julian Assange's detention, his psychological and physical health as well as the judicial proceedings against the WikiLeaks founder.
Exclusive footage showing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in London’s high security Belmarsh prison has been obtained by Ruptly. It was filmed on a device by a fellow inmate who describes himself as a supporter of the whistleblower.
Two words: David Kelly. I understand a documentary about his "suicide" is being made which will raise many questions about the 'dark actors' he spoke about before his death.
175 years or the death warrant for someone that exposed the deep state of the USA's ( aka CIA / FBI and the neo con Hawks ) military industrial complexes agenda.
Disgusting.
Whats more disgusting is that a little while ago a Mod / blogger on this site tried to relegate that all down to a now disproven Swedish ' rape' charge , – along with all the other fan kids who supported that twisted identity politics apologist for the far right.
How gross.
How vomitous.
Learn well from your elders and superiors, freaks. Learn your history well before you dare to comment and speak.
There is a new type of constituent on the rise in Global Politics these days. They're not conservative but they're old fashioned. They're not Liberal but they're flashy. They are composed of both sexes, some token races and a broad range of age and economic cohorts. I am, of course, talking about Elvis Impersonators.
When the King of Rock & Roll shrugged off his mortal coil in 1977, there were already a few diehard fans who wanted to be the King more than most. These folk, armed with sequins, bedazzlers and a wide variety of fringed suede rodeo wear; soon made their way onto karaoke stages everywhere as they began to pretend in earnest.
From a paltry few on the fringes of fashion the movement grew. Three impersonators in 1978, 12 in 79, and now, in 2019, 100 million billion Elvis Impersonators and growing bigly.
While this group had been considered a joke amongst establishment politicians, the groups candidate, Donald ‘Jive Turkey’ Trump, took the reins of power in America after threatening to perform a 24 hour rendition of Heartbreak Hotel if he didn't win. Trump's opposition, Hillary 'I left my heart in San Francisco' Clinton's fate was also sealed in a presidential debate when, after calling Trump a petulant pig, he countered with 'You aint nothin' but a hound dog'.
Trump's first decree was to change the title of President to King, and to have stacks of burgers delivered to the White House by a Black Man. This pleased him tremendously. Other initiatives have seen him eradicate all record of Chuck Berry, and to establish laws banning Mexican Elvis Impersonators from America; especially the good ones. Future initiatives include rhinestone studs to replace the stars on the American flag, Karaoke machines with the complete Elvis collection installed in all McDonalds, and 250 Billion dollars put into research for hair replacement therapy.
People all over the world have wrung their hands in earnest 'how did an Elvis Impersonator get power in the White House' simply forgetting the promise of burgers for all, and how he'd combed over the truth. Also, that Hillary was nothin' but a hound dog.
There hasn't been a lot of discussion on the nature of the new budget. For what it is worth it is a game changer in its approach to setting policy guidelines on government spending. Yet from what I see in NZ its been a huge "Meh!"
However, progressive media overseas are looking not at the details -(which regrettably is the focus of most NZers) – but at the overall intention and direction of the new Wellbeing Budget process.
Here is an article on Vox's Future Perfect to see what I mean.
Forget GDP — New Zealand is prioritizing gross national well-being
The country’s new “well-being budget” emphasizes citizen happiness over capitalist gain.
We usually think of a country’s wealth or capital in terms of its financial bottom line: its gross domestic product. But New Zealand challenged the world to assess it in terms of a very different commodity, as the country released the first-ever “well-being budget” on May 30.
To Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the purpose of government spending is to ensure citizens’ health and life satisfaction, and that — not wealth or economic growth — is the metric by which a country’s progress should be measured. GDP alone, she said, “does not guarantee improvement to our living standards” and nor does it “take into account who benefits and who is left out.”
The budget requires all new spending to go toward five specific well-being goals: bolstering mental health, reducing child poverty, supporting indigenous peoples, moving to a low-carbon-emission economy, and flourishing in a digital age.
To measure progress toward these goals, New Zealand will use 61 indicators tracking everything from loneliness to trust in government institutions, alongside more traditional issues like water quality.
Ardern, who has spoken of empathy as the trait most needed in political leaders nowadays, said that her government has “laid the foundation for not just one well-being budget, but a different approach for government decision-making altogether.”
Even the Guardian has an article outlining the new Well-Being Budget process.
Child poverty, domestic violence and mental health will be the priorities in New Zealand’s “wellbeing budget”, the finance minister has announced, with the nation declaring itself the first in the world to measure success by its people’s wellbeing.
On Tuesday Grant Robertson said that despite New Zealand’s “rockstar” economy many New Zealanders were being left behind, with home ownership at a 60-year low, the suicide rate climbing and homelessness and food aid grants on the rise.
According to predictions by the International Monetary Fund, the New Zealand economy is expected to grow at around 2.5 % in 2019 and 2.9% in 2020. But Robertson emphasised many New Zealanders were not benefitting in their daily lives.
Although comparable countries such as the UK have begun to measure the national rate of wellbeing, New Zealand is the first western country to design its entire budget around wellbeing priorities and instruct its ministries to design policies to improve wellbeing.
Shock! Horror! that The Guardian would cover, and no doubt like, a safe, middle of the road, hand wringing, non transformational, financially suffocated budget from NZ Labour….have you ever read the Guardian?
Have you actually read what this Well-being budget is about and how it was created? Are you, as well as almost every other NZer, completely unaware that this is a world first – aimed at creating a Budget and therefore Government Policy that addresses the welfare of all New Zealanders – not just the chosen few. Yes even the Guardian has chosen to highlight the significance of this world first attempt at creating a better society.
And yes I do read the Guardian which you obviously don't. You might like to read the article I linked to, to see what it does have to say. I quoted some of it for you.
Here is what Robert Kennedy had to say about our obsession with GDP – the fiscal measure that drove previous Budgets both here and everywhere else in the western world.
"“For me, well-being means people living lives of purpose, balance and meaning to them, and having the capabilities to do so,” said Robertson"
Purpose balance and meaning are great – but we only get to that point once material necessities are taken care of and not under continual threat of loss or removal by the powerful – "the realm of freedom begins where the realm of necessity ends."
All elected MPs are there to further the wellbeing of every NZer. We believe most MPs who say that that is what they are there for.
So how does the behaviour of MPs like Simon Bridges fit into that claim? By all means hold the Government to account but to deny the evidence that the Budget marks a significant shift to improve the wellbeing of we the people, is treasonous in my book. Bullies twist truth, belittle, sneer and demean. Does this sound like what Bridges/Bennett do?
<i>" deny the evidence that the Budget marks a significant shift to improve the wellbeing of we the people, is treasonous in my book "</i>
I'm with Rosemary on this. Despite the fanfare, the improvements proposed are not significant in terms of investment or effectiveness. As an innovative budget it does not deliver more for those who have waited an awfully long time to be noticed.
We were not told if the "leaked" material was actually part of the Budget. Gordon writes:
To repeat: the fact that the information released by Bridges had been only the pre-announced stuff – which was why it had been pre-loaded on the website, awaiting the full inputs on Budget Day itself – should have immediately told those concerned what they were (almost certainly) dealing with.
So molehills certainly grow. Had Treasury/Robertson front footed this it would have negated Simon's blather wouldn't it?
…early on the Wednesday, the sole focus of National leader Simon Bridges on the “bungling” and incompetence” aspects (while not giving further revelations about Budget content) should have galvanized Robertson to go on the front foot and (a) publically clarify the likely nature of the leak (b) re-assure the public of its limited nature and thereby (c) begin to distance the government from Treasury’s overcooked initial “explanation” as to what had happened. As we now know, Robertson did none of the above.
This new information is concerning.
Indeed, why didn't Grant Robertson front foot it the next day – or the day after?
It could be because they were receiving conflicting information from more than one source so they decided to go for an inquiry.
Molly and Rosemary I wonder why the commentary on the Wellbeing Budget has been noticed and written about overseas. After all, a small country Budget would usually cause a big yawn or less – unless it was the beginning of some pretty important direction in spite of the relentless naysayers.
Ianmac. Twenty something years ago I was speaking with a child protection social worker from the UK. This social worker had attended a training program on Family Group Conferences.
The model they were rolling out in her area of the Midlands was based on our wonderful Family Group Conference scheme here in New Zealand. "World Beating!!!" "Innovative!!!" "The Answer to Rising Youth Offending!!!".
I don't think she fully believed me when I told the the scheme was largely a flop.
There's the spin, and then there's the reality.
Perhaps some of us live closer to the ground.
Results Ianmac, how are we going to measure the outcomes/outputs?
What is wellbeing? Wellbeing is when people lead fulfilling lives with purpose, balance and meaning to them. Giving more New Zealanders the capability to improve their wellbeing requires tackling the long-term challenges we face as a country, like the mental health crisis and breaking the cycle of child poverty and domestic violence. It means improving the state of our environment, the strength of our communities and the performance of our economy. Making the best choices for current and future generations requires looking beyond economic growth and considering social, environmental, and economic implications together. The Wellbeing Budget does this in three ways:
1. Breaking down agency silos and working across government to assess, develop and implement policies that improve wellbeing
2. Focusing on outcomes that meet the needs of present generations at the same time as thinking about the long-term impacts for future generations, and
3. Tracking our progress with broader measures of success, including the health of our finances, natural resources, people and communities.
The Wellbeing Budget Package focuses on the five priorities announced in the Budget Policy Statement, as well as funding to maintain public services at the level New Zealanders expect. These priorities were identified using collaborative and evidence-based processes, involving Science Advisors and the Treasury’s Living Standards Framework. The five priorities are:
• Supporting mental wellbeing for all New Zealanders, with a special focus on under 24-year-olds
• Reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing, including addressing family violence
• Lifting Māori and Pacific incomes, skills and opportunities • Supporting a thriving nation in the digital age through innovation, social and economic opportunities, and
• Creating opportunities for productive businesses, regions, iwi and others to transition to a sustainable and low-emissions economy.
Macro, I find myself in company with The Chairman more and more these days, – the link he put up is worth watching.
I miss the lack of critique of any policy just because it is produced by the current coalition. It is not just a question of tribal politics, there are New Zealanders who are currently living diminished lives – and who have already waited decades to be noticed and they are still required to wait.
There are fundamental failures in essential services that need innovative and directed change, and none of this is happening.
I am beyond 'missing'. I feel bereft. Near weeping I am at the lack of real debate and shocked at the slurs against those of us who are not yet convinced…
Hint…not being 100% convinced this Current Mob are committed to reversing three decades of sociopathic governance doth not a National supporter make.
Getting fleas is usually better than being dog tucker.
The results of election2017 are the facts on the ground. I sure can't see any other coalition deal possible from those results that would deliver more funadamental change than what we have.
At least they're making an effort, and minimising NZ1's immigration ideas while supporting the regional growth plans.
FFS, this centre left bs is tiring. All you ever do is lose voters, you have done that for the last 30 odd years. You keep throwing people to the wolves in the name of political expediency. Your ideological as all hell without accepting you are – and it makes you look alot like those other crazy ideologies.
If the labour party of the early 20th century had acted like you lot, then social democracy would never of happened.
Just a final point, because the blindly obvious needs to be said. You know that quoting Bismark and/or Churchill makes you look like a Tory prick on a left wing website, don't you?
Screw you. I tried the NLP and Alliance. There were others even further left that made even less of an impact. If incrementalism is losing votes, why did none of them take the place of Labour?
That's the shitty thing about democracy – votes win, not theory.
The sooner you realise that, the sooner you'll stop railing against your nearest allies.
This government is not the end in itself. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning – especially if the terminally glum start being able to identify friend from foe.
The results of election2017 are the facts on the ground. I sure can't see any other coalition deal possible from those results that would deliver more funadamental change than what we have.
Evidently, you need help to see. Labour could have (in numerous ways) offered Peters more, allowing him to keep face with his supporters in return for his support for more.
Ah, so the way to getting more left wing policy is the make policy concessions to an inherently conservative party, rather than focusing on the common ground?
Which policy concessions do you recommend Labour and the Greens make to NZ1? Walk back a bit on immigration? In exchange for what?
Ah, so the way to getting more left wing policy is the make policy concessions to an inherently conservative party, rather than focusing on the common ground?
No. Offering more where there is common ground along with more (such as in the way of funding) where concessions have already been made. Conditional on more NZF support of course.
And one way to fund that (along with raising more revenue for the Government overall) is to vastly increase the tourist levy. From the $35 recently announced to say $200 per adult and a $100 per child. That way, a million visitors (NZ has almost 4 million annually) would generate in excess of $100 million in new Government revenue. That would help buy a lot more of NZF's support.
So your suggestion is that both NZ1 and Labour have a "common ground" in triple-figure tourist levies? Without any data on how that might affect tourism in the regions?
@McF
I know the outdoor community is definitely fed up with the chronic underfunding of DoC, while at the same time watching the tourism industry profit either directly or indirectly from the Conservation Estate.
I've participated in numerous discussions elsewhere that all generally agree that increased levies on tourists is both justified and affordable for most visitors.
Yes it will price some marginal visitors from coming here, and yes there is plenty of scenery elsewhere in the world. What everyone agrees on is that NZ's competitive advantage is in the quality of visitor's experience here and maintaining that is the intelligent way forward.
Yeah, that is probably the case. There's a long haul between that and NZ1 in particular supporting the tourist industry cool off a bit. The transition to package coach tours does keep more of the money away from the regions visited, but tourism is still an employer in a lot of the regions.
There have already been calls to slow our tourism numbers. We have a shortage of hotel rooms and an expected surging increase in visitors.
Therefore, we have scope for numbers to slow and perhaps even fall off a little.
Additionally, although numbers may fall off, the up side is it is likely to lift the quality of visitors which in turn are likely to spend more increasing our tourist income stream.
But of course, I wasn't suggesting research on it not being done. Nevertheless, as you can see, with tourism trending up coupled with NZ reaching maximum capacity, the notion has real potential.
Not at all. I highlighted one way Labour could have possibly gained more NZF support.
Moreover, seeing as an entry levy has recently been announced, it indicates the three support the notion. Suggesting the potential for increasing it is in the realm of reality.
No. I don't seriously think this government will deliver meaningful changes, which is why I didn't vote Labour last election. With or without NZ First, none of their election promises seem to be effective solutions to my personal areas of concern.
That seems to be borne out by the last twenty months of policy and programmes.
But I will not cheer for substandard measures because of their … Coalition partner, self-imposed budget restrictions, need to get re-elected, rhetoric about wellbeing…
I will applaud along with many others when policy arrives that does help the most marginalised and forgotten.
So what have you applauded in the last couple of years?
Winter energy payments? $60/w for parents of infants? Money to apprenticeships? Healthy rental homes? Removal of "name the father" benefit sanctions? Actually setting child poverty reduction as a targeted priority? Supergold card? First year free tertiary education?
I hope that all of you who have responded to The Chairman @ 3.4 understand that he is a concern troll, and, just like the devil, quotes the scriptures for his own purposes. His aim is to spread despondency on the Left, and with your replies you have pretty well given him reason to smile sardonically.
Labour's failure to deliver that is behind the growing despondency on the left
The only despondency on show is from the nat media and you.
And as rim clingers have quite unrealistic expectations and won't ever be satisfied, however left the government is, they're always moping, so nothing in particular to do with this budget.
Firstly, addressing you in your bubble, they're not my heroes and heroines, they're just who I voted for, and sure there are policies I want which aren't there yet, but considering the make up of the government I fully accept you can't always get what you want when you want it. Compromises have to be made, but it's still better than English's nats ruling the roost, right? Well that's called progress. Next time out, if we vote accordingly, then I’d expect to see more and more.
As far as despondency goes, it's just more of the same from the same people, here and the media. I stand by my above post. There is no groundswell of dissatisfaction against the government, no movement for change, no national debate. Nothing is perfect, not by a long shot, but to claim growing despondency is just malicious.
As shown numerous times, I'm far from the only one disappointed.
The People's Budget was totally about the recent Budget.
What's come to my attention is there is more and more left commentators (that are largely supportive of Labour) expressing their disappointment.
And while you foolishly write them off as mopers, you forget they are the voices and those working on the front line whose insights help change public opinion and help muster Labour's foot soldiers and voters come election day.
The problem with getting rid of the mosquitoes is they are an integral part of the food chain in many ecosystems. So I am a little surprised that Wiles is advocating it.
From memory though, there are organisms that suppress malaria in the mosquito phase. Wohlbachia comes to mind. Those look like better targets for further engineering.
Scientists have identified some ecological niches (pollinators, food) for mosquitos but also believe mosquitos ecological niche would be filled fairly readily. While I am dubious of such claims the fact is mosquitos are an absolute curse to mankind.
It only takes one, non-disease carrying mossy to completely screw up your nights sleep. And I've slapped myself so it hurt a number of times coming out of slumber to target the whining buzz. Yet here in NZ we have it easy, but in many countries these things severely weaken and even kill humans.
I think a gene drive makes more sense than an engineered fungi (or microbe) because every critter we've ever tried to control with insecticidal compounds has simply grown a resistance to it over time. The more you use bio and chemical pesticides, the greater the chances they will be overcome.
Some folks in the greens resist for the sake of resisting and have little to no scientific or ecological knowledge. Others are extremely sharp, are are not close to the Luddites as you describe. Is it dogmatism or caution that keeps them in opposition to such technology? Science has done itself no favors getting in bed with the corporates of the world. Now, the world is understandably cautious.
The rent a crowd mob really are annoying (and shrill), but sometimes they're the only people protesting and illuminating things of great public interest. Without canaries in the coal mine we'd all be cooked.
Folding and letting industry just get on with anything is a mugs game. At the end of the day public interest and common sense should prevail – but not if there's money to be made – then it's a dollar each way.
I understand that the wild animal seasonal stampede across the vast plains was to get free of the midges. Perhaps we subconsciously are taking a lesson from the wild when some of us (not me) set out on marathons. Perhaps they do serve some practical purpose other than avoiding sitting and thinking about our world and we people and what we personally can do to aid us all in the near future after disasters played like concertinas. Perhaps they will set themselves up as part of a message relay system when the lines go down from Auckland to Wellington.
Agreed. In the early days of GE technology there were good reasons to be cautious and hold back. That's not the same thing as being stuck in the past forever.
And the same with nuclear power. The first few generations of nuclear energy generation were worth skipping over, but the new molten salt reactors look a lot more promising.
The first one or two generations of any new technology will always have the most unintended consequences. But GE has been around for quite a few decades now and the world may have problems, but a runaway GE disaster is not one of them.
I'm not advocating that NZ should rush into a wholesale embrace of GE, but the time is past when we can justify keeping the door fully slammed shut either.
Qiane Matata-Sipu says “We live here, this is our whenua, we’ve been here for 800 years and we’ll be here for 800 more and if it’s not me it will be my daughter. I’m so actively involved in this kaupapa and sacrificing time with my family now because I don’t want her to have to do this when she gets older, so she can just be and not have to fight and not have to try to protect her whenua and assert her rights and right the wrongs of her past.”
Fletchers has 18 months from May 6 to close the Ihumātao Quarry Road, and force the SOUL protesters off the land. Matata-Sipu doesn’t think Fletcher have all the necessary paperwork to do so yet, and is holding on to hope that someone steps in to help them claim back their whenua before it comes to confrontation.
“You have to be hopeful, if you lose your hope you have nothing left … This is all a part of history and what we’re asking people is: What side of history do you want to be on? How do you want to be remembered? This is our whenua that we are so strongly connected to, so what have we got to lose?”
"In 1863 Ihumātao was confiscated by the crown as a punishment for supporting the Kīngitanga movement, and Matata-Sipu says since then, the government and council have not done enough to make reparations."
Well the crown should bloody well give it back then. That's the modern day equivalent of taking Fletchers land for supporting National.
"I don't think about Simon Bridges to be perfectly honest," one person told Newshub.
"I'm a little bit disappointed in him," said another.
One local said they're a "super fan of National" – but not its leader.
"I think he made quite a lot of it when he could have told us in perhaps not such a derogatory way," said another.
"He could've waited and delved into it later but not beforehand, he only does it so he can get his face out there which we don't want to see anyway," one person said.
yep and he'll come out saying that either the polls are a waste of time (until one shows his support increasing) or that he is confident everything is cool. But his pinched lemon pursed lipped grimace (reminiscent of that 5th tequila shot lemon suck you may remember) will slightly lighten as sour lemonaid gets ingested instead.
As I walked out in the streets of Tauranga
As I walked out in Tauranga one day
I saw Simon Bridges dressed in his brown winkle-pickers,
White shirt, blue tie, and brylcreem pomade.
Oh play the drum loudly and not quite in rhythm
To echo my political career up to this date.
Take me to Caucus I'll hand in my papers
I’ll hand in my papers for I’m resigning today!
"I see by your outfit that you're a reporter"
These words he did say as I boldly walked by
"Come sit down beside me and hear my sad story
Got stabbed in the back and I still don't know why."
"T'was once I was famed as leader of National
And still am as far as the caucus might say
But 5 per cent of voters are all that support me
Five per cent, with David Seymour on a good day.
"Go fetch me a glass of a craft Monteith lager
And a drum kit to beat up a political storm!"
Before I returned his caucus had left him
For champers with Judith and let him forlorn.
"Oh play the drum loudly and not quite in rhythm
To echo my political career up till now.
Take me to Caucus I'll hand in my papers
I'll hand in my papers for I'm resigning, the cow! "
Despite this, the party's deputy leader Paula Bennett insists Bridges' leadership is safe.
"I'm the person that works most closely with him and I can tell you that I reckon that he is going to be our next Prime Minister," she told the AM Show this morning.
She said the public know that Bridges was "capable and he is intelligent and is incredibly hard-working".
Oh and I just heard DPF is going to be on the radio with Jesse explaining the difference between the polls – ffs that guy is tainted and not independent imo – use your brains radionz or whatever you’re called.
Is anyone else lost for words that the Herald pays Hoskings to write this "Ardern's D-Day snub a glib insult to D Day" though it goes hand in hand with the day by day reckonings if she attends something it is to grab favour and headlines and if not it's a glib insult.
That aside and I suppose people will decide, assuming they even see it as such or even an issue, but blatant "glib dismissal" is, for me, written all over the Opposition "leader's" face with his thick-skinned denial that a huge number of NZers from all quarters are not buying into him, his leadership or his most recent political offering.
I had hoped that following their recent Theft of Documents – Without Permission – and distributing them nation wide – Simon Bridges and Mrs Bennett would realise their stupidity, get out of their National gutter, and follow the Laws that ban Theft and promote ethics.
Instead, they have utterly ridiculed the 2019 Budget which has been built on new structures. WellBeing Budget – for All. The Finances are allotted to achieve the highly innovative structures.
Mr Bridges and Mrs Bennett immediately started their propaganda declaring there is nothing for the Middle Class. They will get nothing.! Liars.
How low do those two Politicians go !
The Coaltion Government must develop well spoken Advocates and send them through Aotearoa to make sure all of New Zealand knows the Truth.
They are the opposition, I recall labour where also more than adept at barking at every passing car Just accept not every one has jumped onto the Jacinda train
"barking at every passing car" & how effective was that for Labour? & they were disparaged for doing it too, National haven't learned a thing, what's the saying about the definition of stupidity is repeating the same thing & expecting a different result? That's National bouncing off that same wall…long may it last.
The words of the song from Midnight Oil regarding civil freedoms – pertaining even to Julian Assange and his plight against overwhelming state collusion and bullying , our wildlife brethren and the environment we share , still ring true today.
Then it was Bush and Blair and their odious lies on 'weapons of mass destruction' and Bush Sr's One World Govt fetish… today its that same hack of globalists trying to silence one of our greatest exposer's of Deep State secrecy ,… Julian Assange.
Thing is , your taking stats from a time when NZ didn't have any opposition to Douglas's neo liberalism. Or Bolgers, or Richardsons, or Shipleys , or Clarkes or any of the other scumbags who followed Douglas.
And we have yet to see any viable opposition to neo liberalism to date.
Therefore the whole argument is slanted in favor of the incremental diatribe of that of ideology. Therefore it is bogus. Proves nothing. And that is why we have had a Teachers strike. And in future, there will be more as more Union leaders acquiesce to their members instead of Labour party fishead's and demand realistic wages and conditions.
Don't blame me. – I'm just the messenger .
And personally ?
I don't give a rats shit what anyone of you thinks. And why ?, – because I don't give a rats arse about being tribal. I could just as soon see Labour take a dive as well as National , so long as the working people of NZ get a fair deal , – which they haven't over the last 35 years of bullshit neo liberal incrementalism.
From Nicki Hager , author of the book 'Dirty Politics' to the Afghanistan incident to which John Key was signatory for the go – ahead , and Wayne Mapp was the Minister of Defense , and the subsequent Police raiding of his ( Hagers ) home to Martyn Bradbury's 'behind closed doors evidence' against him by the NZ Police,… to the illegal warrant and arrest and detainment of Kim Dotcom and the illegal impounding of his assets designed to deny him moneys to finance his defense, – in order to pander to the then ratification of the Hollywood Motion Picture industry's TTPA's copyright laws before Congress which have no jurisdiction in NZ ,…
How can we ever expect to see Julian Assange receive a fair trial if we cannot even stand up against corruption on our own shores?
Just to say I have put up an extensive comment on How to Get There which is in moderation at present because there were quite a few links. But then come and see –
on tree planting in Africa – the Green Wall, and
A NZr Wendy Campbell Purdie who did wonders with tree planting and disbelieving governments, and
Algeria and Morocco about their tree planting in the past and now
and Moroccos solar array and
the many women who have been involved in tree planting schemes on the planet and
An idea by environmental scientists on how to create a different sort of boundary between USA and Mexico.
And remember that How to Get There is a living document' it is just not fish'n'chips wrapper thrown away after the day, it is the actual fish and chips! There to take a bite of whatever is on offer and lots of good things over the weeks.
And btw… this site seems to have turned to shit a little bit as of late… no offense but its a little crappy with posting or pasting atm… anyways we humans are slow learners it seems at times… me included , so its nothing personal. And that's why again, … the posting of Midnight Oil. In the words of Led Zeppelin, … the 'Song Remains The Same'…
WK I know you are a bit wild and a force of nature commenter but please don't throw ordure around just saying. If there is something with the site that you want improved say so – don't say it's shit.
So specifically is it difficult for you to put up links, vids etc? If so state the problem, ask others for advice, and we can all learn – very helpful if it gets explained on site. List the problems will you so we don't get too much creativity of description.
No , its not the site ,- its great ,… its more the techco side that's cumbersome.
I use Google , and the pasting thingy is crap.
I'd also thank you to not distract from the 'issues' at hand and attempt to relegate them to a mere mechanical technological deflection because you are comfortable with the format. Other than that , no problems from what you posted.
The issue lies with the spell checker and the post / paste thingy.
Who says I'm comfortable with the format? I just realise that lprent is a sort of wizard who puts a lot of his spare time into keeping this show going. So I have been schtum for a long time about the search engine, just a wee mention FTTT, and now I am happy to have that.
If something else doesn't work out I find a way around it, or swear, or do what you did and ask. I just don't say the shebang is shit, as I try to adopt the 'substance over style' approach.
The spell checker I find now, if I go into edit, is so littered with those terms for a space @&sb sort of thing, which get underlined in red, that I can't see any wrong spellings. That's my moan. Also if anyone wants to know how to get rid of unwanted links in pasted material I have found a way. But I am in Firefox and am told that I should be updating. So maybe it's only me.
Its cool that Canada has banned single use plastic bags and cutlery by 2021 .I will write a post on Canadas indigenous people today.
I agree there is a huge gap in the rural and provincial NZ I say a cottage industry set up around our Marae.
Its very good that New Zealand is pulling our troops out of Iraq.
I try not to use cash as for me when I use cash I spend to much.
48 % is not the Majority of people like the other person said the people need to be informed of the TRUTH about weed so people can make good informed decision & discussion on weed.
With what happened in Murrupara its because there are no jobs that's why I have been advocating for Marae based cottage industry's and other ways for people to earn a income the forestry industry is not delivering what was promised to the East Coast. Consist Mahi is good for the Wairua. If te tangata tried to get mahi in town there are no whare/houses
Happy birthday young fella Mark that looks like a nice cake.
It's sad to see Louis the last Canadian tangata whenua /people of the land coders in world war 2 pass it even sadder than him and his pears didn't get recognized for the great contribution they made that helped shape our society today.
Condolences to his whanau/family for their losses.
Last of the Mohawk code talkers dies after finally being hailed a war hero
Second world war efforts of Louis Levi Oakes and other indigenous peoples stayed secret coders.
In the dense jungle battlefields of the south Pacific, Louis Levi Oakes was a target. Often flanked by bodyguards as he carried a large field pack with a tangle of transmission lines, the men surrounding Oakes were assigned to protect a valuable asset – his language
A Mohawk soldier from a territory straddling the US and Canada, Oakes was the last surviving member of a secretive group of second world war soldiers who used their native language to confound and frustrate enemy forces.
On 28 May he died at his home, surrounded by family. He was 94.
Known as the Mohawk code talkers, Oakes and 16 others from the Mohawk nation of Akwesasne were part of a broader – but clandestine – facet of the allied war effort. Because critical communications were vulnerable to interception, the military recruited indigenous speakers to transmit sensitive messages. As many as 500 speakers of indigenous languages were recruited into the US military to work as code talkers, including Navajo, Tlingit, Lakota, Meskwaki, Cree and Comanche, all of whom were sworn to secrecy.
The code they used, drawn from 33 different languages, confused both the Germans and Japanese, who failed to break the code.
But the classified nature of their work kept Oakes and others silent for generations ka kite ano link below.
Its good to see the next generation are treating ALCOHOL like it should be. Take with caution better still don't take at all.
Alcohol causes many problems to our society the people in glass houses throw stones at other natural relaxation thing meanwhile they ignore the problem associated with their relaxation of choice. The one giving to us from God doesn't do no we near a much damage to our society's as Alcohol.
People are sick of drinking. Investors are betting on the 'sober curious
hey are part of larger trend. People are paying greater attention to their mental health and wellness, and many Americans are specifically looking to reduce their alcohol intake. People of all ages are drinking less beer, while millennials are drinking less overall. And Silicon Valley is taking note, with tech companies reevaluating their alcohol policies and investors looking to capitalize on people who prefer not to drink.
"It's such a part of the culture, especially here in San Francisco that I would go out for dinner and have two to three drinks everyday," Silicon Valley entrepreneur Justin Kan, the CEO of law-tech startup Atrium, told CNN Business. He said he has seen a shift recently within his tech circle. "I was at a dinner with a lot of tech people last night and probably half the people weren't drinking."
Kan announced last month, in a post on Twitter, that he was giving up alcohol. He called drinking an unhealthy habit that had gotten in the way of his experiencing life. It wasn't exactly unusual for Kan to share personal details about himself: He once livestreamed his life through the startup he co-founded in 2007 called Justin.tv, which ultimately became Twitch, the popular live streaming platform for gamers now owned by Amazon.
The same day he tweeted, Kan launched a group on chat app Telegram to connect with others who were similarly deciding to get sober from alcohol. He didn't expect that more than 1,000 people would join ka kite ano link below.
,,I ,, Our young men need to learn to respect our Wahine.
The Americas Cup will put Aotearoa on the Papatuanuku map .
All the up grades to the Auckland harbor will ad value to the waterfront and a legacy.
Costco welcome to Aotearoa the duopoly of our super markets have been creaming people for way too long $60 to join the club is not to much to pay to access the shop ka pai.
I don't think Grant Robinson should step down from his Minister of finance national is just spraying wai into tawhirimate.
That guy in Australia who ran over and killed 6 people in a shopping mall looks like the police miss a the sign of his irrational behavior .
Yes with AirNew Zealand accepting ta moko shows that the world is starting to learn how great tangata whenua O Aotearoa cultural Art is ka pai.
I think Orange tamariki should keep the mokopuna with the mother for the first six months at least the number of tamariki being up lifted is a shame it is cool that our government has invested more money into helping the vaunrable people of all cultures but Maori and Pacific tamariki end up in sips the most.
Our Maori Wardens do a great job in our community's ka pai
It is very cool that our government is investigating our climate change risk so that we can mitigate a plan for the future changes advancing fast to our environment.
Thanks to the Auckland council for putting climate change in all their plans for the community developments
I ran across a recent essay from The Brothers Krynn, which attempts to map common horror monsters onto the Seven Deadly Sins: https://canadianculturecorner.substack.com/p/horror-monsters-and-vice My interest, however, is not in the meat of the piece, but rather the opening paragraph: It is an interesting fact that in recent decades, Vampires have ...
Buzz from the Beehive Transport Minister Simeon Brown dutifully issued advice to all road users to keep safe on our roads during the Easter weekend. He encouraged them to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. ...
Oliver Hartwich writes – New Zealanders recently learned about a new feature film. It will be about former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern – and taxpayers will subsidise it to the tune of NZ$800,000. Ardern had nothing personally to do with either the film or the subsidy. But her government’s ...
TL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above that was recorded yesterday afternoon above between and The Kākā’s climate correspondent : An independent review panel into the emergency response to Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawkes Bayconcluded “that ...
There are now only a few days left to give feedback on the Draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport 2024-34 (see our earlier post this week on GPS submission guides). As we’ve reported, the GPS is a disaster for Local Government, so we were particularly interested to hear ...
Willis has pledged to go ahead with the debt-funded tax cuts, despite growing opposition from her own supporters worried about appearing fiscally irresponsible. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for ...
Open access notables A survey of interventions to actively conserve the frozen North, van Wijngaarden et al., Climatic Change:The frozen elements of the high North are thawing as the region warms much faster than the global mean. The dangers of sea level rise due to melting glacier ice, increased ...
Bryce Edwards writes – New Zealand’s biggest-ever political donations scandal is finally at an end. But what is the conclusion? No one can really be sure. The Court of Appeal released its judgement on Tuesday about the Serious Fraud Office case against the NZ First Foundation. On ...
In 2015, then-Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a huge ocean sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands, banning fishing and mining from 15% of Aotearoa's EEZ. It was bold, it was ambitious, and it suggested that National might actually care about the environment. Except they fucked it up: Key failed ...
1. Who has just been given the accolade New Zealander of the Year?a. The Kokakob. The Cook Strait Ferryc. Fair God. Dr Jim Salinger 2. Which of these is an affront to decent society?a. Dame Edna Everageb. Mrs Doubtfire c. Dr. Frank-N-Furterd. Brian 3. Who is Penny Simmonds?a. The aspiring actress in Big ...
New Zealand’s biggest-ever political donations scandal is finally at an end. But what is the conclusion? No one can really be sure.The Court of Appeal released its judgement on Tuesday about the Serious Fraud Office case against the NZ First Foundation. On the face of it, the court found ...
Buzz from the Beehive Waves of rain are set to lash much of the North Island during Easter Weekend as a low-pressure system forms east of New Zealand, according to a weather forecast published in the past day or so. Niwa was warning of a “moisture-laden” long weekend, with rain expected ...
Look around us…Nicola Willis’ promises of balancing the books, of cutting spending without reducing services, and of delivering game changing tax cuts are disappearing before her eyes.Everyday we see stories of violent crime ending in horrific injuries, or worse. The cost of living worsens, whereas the PM claimed renters would ...
TL;DR: My top six news of note on the morning of Thursday, March 28 include:The Government will have to borrow between $10 billion to $15 billion more than previously expected in order to make up for a slowing economy and to pay for $14.9 billion of tax cuts, according to ...
This story by Naveena Sadasivam and Kate Yoder was originally published by Grist and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. The long-awaited jobs board for the American Climate Corps, promised early in the Biden administration, will open next month, according to details shared exclusively ...
Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don’t think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of ...
Treasury’s first report on the economy since the change of government presents a damning indictment of Labour’s economic management. The problem for National is that it is so damning that logically, coupled with a rapidly slowing economy, Finance Minister Nicola Willis should respond to it by postponing or even cancelling ...
Budget tensions are becoming evident within the Coalition Government. Winston Peters made numerous political points in his speech to the NZF annual conference. But the attack on his own government’s fiscal policies raised issues of substance. ‘Today in the Sunday Star Times, journalist and former advisor to the Labour ...
Buzz from the Beehive The media – sure enough – have been binging on Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ release of the Budget Policy Statement and a statement headed Government announces Budget priorities This assures us – or rather, this parrots the Luxon team mantra – that the Budget “will deliver ...
The Ides of March brought me COVID followed by a bereavement. No wonder they tell you to be careful of them.I’m home now and have resumed the interrupted recuperation. Very much looking forward to getting back to regular things. Meanwhile, some thoughts…OneThis new Prime Minister guy just keeps getting more dire. ...
News that the Chinese ATP 40 cyber-hacking unit penetrated parliamentary internet networks in 2021 has renewed concerns about the PRC’s malign intentions in Aotearoa. But is the hack that significant given the length of time that has passed since its … Continue reading → ...
When Parliament passed the Intelligence and security Act in 2017, they assured us all that it was full of safeguards. Any intrusive surveillance of New Zealanders would be subject to a "triple lock", requiring the approval of the Minister and (supposedly independent) Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, as well as post-facto ...
Eric Crampton writes – Richard Harman’s Politik newsletter provides a bit of the context that ought to have been showing up in other media reports on potential reductions in public service staffing. Media has been reporting on staffing cuts on the order of about 7%. Is that ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – It’s becoming increasingly apparent that many perceive free speech to have become the preserve of the politically right wing, the religiously conservative, the libertarian fringe, the anti-trans, the anti-Māori and…. well, just fill in with whatever groups or individuals you don’t like and don’t ...
Don Brash writes – As everybody who is not blind and deaf is aware, there is a huge political preoccupation with climate change at the moment, a widespread (though by no means unanimous) belief that global temperatures are rising mainly as a result of the greenhouse gases created ...
TL;DR: My six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy on Wednesday, March 27 include:Chris Bishop laid out his vision for filling Aotearoa-NZ’s $100 billion infrastructure deficit in a speech yesterday, emphasising user pays and private funding, but failed to say how to achieve bipartisanship on population, public borrowing and ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins have been conveying how unhappy they are with the tax system. Last week in his valedictory speech, Robertson called for the introduction of a wealth or capital gains tax. And this week Hipkins ...
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 ...
Buzz from the Beehive China has loomed large in Beehive considerations over the past 24 hours, largely because of that country’s mischief-making in the cyber espionage department. Two media statements emerged on that subject hard on the heels of the PM baulking at questions put to him on RNZ’s Morning ...
Chris Trotter writes – WHY IS THE NATIONAL PARTY doing so much for landlords, property developers, trucking, and construction companies, and so little for everybody who isn’t already pretty well-off? It’s as if protecting landlords’ investments and building apartments and roads now constitute the whole of National’s ...
Bryce Edwards writes – When she was campaigning to be Minister of Finance last year, Nicola Willis pledged that she would resign from the job if she failed to deliver tax cuts in her first Budget. Now, it’s that pledge, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s ...
Robert MacCulloch writes – The Reserve Bank has doubled staff numbers in five years to 510, with personnel costs rising to $80 million in 2023 from $32 million in 2018 – up by a whopping 150%. I guess when you print $50 billion and flood markets with liquidity, ...
The furore. In case you didn’t notice there was a controversy in the weekend involving dolphins in a little town off the South Island. Don’t panic, they haven’t declared independence and resumed whaling, this was simply a sailing event.The problem began when racing was cancelled on the opening day of ...
For 20 years or more, the case for a meaningful capital tax gains has been mulled over and analysed to death, including by the tax working group chaired by Sir Michael Cullen. More than once, the International Monetary Fund has said a CGT would be a good idea for New ...
TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: The Public Health Communications Centre (PHCC) call for urgent preventive action and a risk assessment survey of long covid in this briefing noteLocal scoop: NZ road deaths surpass OECD rates, so why is the govt reversing safety plans? ...
This story was originally published by Grist and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. This story is part of a collaboration with Grist and WABE to demystify the Georgia Public Service Commission, the small but powerful state-elected board that makes critical decisions about everything from raising ...
This is a guest post from Robert McLachlan Global warming is accelerating; 2023 was off the charts. We need to stop burning fossil fuels. In New Zealand, transport accounts for half of all fossil fuels burnt. In the Emissions Reduction Plan, transport emissions fall 41% by 2035. As the ...
Labour productivity has been receding rapidly over the past two years, reversing a post-lockdown rise. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy as at 6:26am on Tuesday, March 26 include:Workers have been treading water in output per hour worked for 12 years, ...
TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 2 include:Today, Parliament resumes sitting at 2pm for the second week of a two-week session. Officials for SIS and GCSB report their annual reviews in public to the Intelligence and Security Select Committee from 5.10pm.Tomorrow, ...
Faced with a barrage of criticism over the promised tax cuts from usually supportive commentators, Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday reaffirmed her intention to include them in this year’s Budget. The Government is up against it over the cuts just about every way it turns. Commentators like Fran O’Sullivan, Matthew ...
Here’s my pick of today’s substack posts as of 6:26pm on Monday, March 25: writes via his substack that Market-rate housing will make your city cheaper writes via his substack about the problems talking to double-cab ute (truck) drivers about their vehicles. today about moments of radicalisation in ...
Buzz from the Beehive Just before Christmas, Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivered something that was pitched as a mini-budget and brayed about the decisive action being taken to repair the Government books and support income tax relief in Budget 2024. In a statement headed Fiscal repair job underway. she introduced ...
My sister Belinda asked Dad yesterday what one word would describe Mum best. He said: vivacious.If you only knew her from the photos on the slideshow we've made for today,you might wonder about that, because the camera tended to lie with Mum.If ever she saw a camera pointed at her, she ...
There are two major public consultations closing in the next week, Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP), and the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS). Closing dates and times: LTP closes Thursday 28 February, at 11.59pm – a minute to midnight! GPS closes Tuesday 2 April, at 12pm noon – note that’s ...
From Kiwiblog’s David Farrar – Bryce Wilkinson writes: Senior Fellow Bryce Wilkinson’s analysis reveals that since March 2009, New Zealand has spent $158 billion more overseas than it has earned, but its NIIP has only fallen by $32 billion.Statistics New Zealand shows that receipts from overseas reinsurers have ...
Is she hinting that the Coalition Government will have to back down on key promises it made in Opposition? Brian Easton writes – The Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, is telling an evolving story about her fiscal challenges. In Opposition she was confident that she could ...
Dear Nicola Willis,Right now you’ve probably got lots of competing demands coming at you. Ministers who’ve inherited quite a mess, or so you’ve told us, looking for money in the budget to improve things. I imagine that’s why they came to parliament - to make things better.You’ll have to make ...
The Local Government, Transport and Auckland Minister hasthreatened councils with intervention if they don’t merge water assets to take them off balance sheet, just as the now-repealed Three Waters plan directed. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My six things of note this morning for Monday, March 25 include:Simeon ...
A listing of 36 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 17, 2024 thru Sat, March 23, 2024. Story of the week Thanks to John Mason having the stamina to sit down to watch "Climate - the Movie" ...
This morning the Q&A programme had Simeon Brown on to talk about National’s replacement for Three Waters. In case anyone’s forgotten the three are - drinking water, waste water, and sewerage. It’s quite important not to get them mixed up. In much the same way that you wouldn’t want to ...
Today’s newsletter comes with a mini-podcast conversation between me and my buddy Liv Tennet, talking about her time as a child actor in Lord of the Rings. It’s a conversation with a lot of giggles as she talks about falling off a horse, and becoming a meme. Read ...
The Desmog Climate Disinformation Database documents, "individuals and organisations that have helped to delay and distract the public and our elected leaders from taking needed action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and fight global warming." It's a who's who of the organised climate change denial movement, in other words. In ...
Bob Edlin writes – A High Court judge has decided miscreants who have mana – or who claim to have mana – should be treated differently from miscreants who have none. It’s a ruling that suggests indigenous law-breakers have a better chance of securing a discharge without conviction ...
Welcome to the first, and possibly last, edition of Brickbats, Bouquets and Bull’s Wool. In which I’ll take a look at the events of the last week or so, and rate them.In such ratings the numbers usually have more to do with the opinions of the reviewer, than the actual ...
Roger Partridge writes – My earlier column this month, New Zealand’s highest court could be facing a turning point, prompted a flood of feedback from business readers and lawyers alike. A common query was what Parliament can do to restrain an overreaching judiciary. This week I discuss two steps Parliament ...
TL;DR: In today’s ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.16pm on Friday, March 22: writes about New Zealand's Building Boom—And What the World Must Learn From It over at his substack. challenges the Auckland Council’s use of a 3.8 degrees of warming forecast to oppose a wave-park and data centre project ...
Is she hinting that the Coalition Government will have to back down on key promises it made in Opposition?The Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, is telling an evolving story about her fiscal challenges. In Opposition she was confident that she could deliver her promised income tax cuts. Appointed minister, she ...
Buzz from the Beehive Ministers of the Crown have drawn attention to one sector of the science sector which is unlikely to be subjected to heavy spending cuts, a state-funded broadcaster which is doing nicely, thank you, and a sporting event that had $5.4 million from the public purse puffed ...
Abbott’s Freestyle Libre sensors allow continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The sensor is applied to the back of the patient’s arm, with a thin filament under the skin measuring glucose levels constantly. But it costs around $100 per sensor and must be replaced once every 14 days. Photo by BSIP/Universal Images ...
The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) recently released a report in which he exposes the existence of a foreign intelligence partner-controlled technological “capability” inside the headquarters of the GCSB, NZ’s 5 Eyes-affiliated signals intelligence collection and analysis agency. … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – Nearly three decades after the introduction of MMP and multiparty governments there should be a greater level of understanding about their finer points than often appears to be the case. The reaction to the despicable outburst from the Deputy Prime Minister at the weekend highlights ...
The sweet kisses from fruit of summerHave slowly been turning dullerYou say, "those times"And "remember the daysWhen we went outside and there still was the shade?"Taking no reason into play…Autumn. Clear, blue days shortening to longer nights, growing colder. Aotearoa.That’s us. The temperature dropping, the looming car crash - so ...
Bryce Edwards writes – “It is often said that behind every great man is a great woman”. This is the pitch by the National Party Botany electorate branch to attend their “Ladies Afternoon Tea with Amanda Luxon”. For $110 including GST, you can turn up on Saturday 20 April ...
David Farrar writes – The Electoral Commission has published the expense returns for political parties for the 2023 election. I’ve put them in a table with how many votes a party got so we can see the spend per vote. National only spent $3.34 for every vote they got, almost ...
Winston Peters’ headline-making actions over the past week may have been a show of political power intended to strengthen his hand in Budget negotiations. It was no accident that his State of the Nation speech was as it was. He made it as New Zealand First Leader, not as Deputy ...
Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:Former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson bowed out of politics this week, giving a series of exit ...
Graham Adams writes — If you love the law or sausages, as the saying goes, best not to look too closely at how they are made. And after watching the orgy of self-pity when Newshub’s closure was announced on February 28, television journalism should definitely be added to the list of those ...
Venerable New Zealand political commentator, Chris Trotter (https://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/), is a sad creature these days. Once one of the most reliable Leftist writers out there – Economic Left at that – Trotter seems to have absorbed the worldview of Auckland culture-war obsessives. It is not for me to categorise what he ...
The Coalition Government’s plan to ‘get Auckland moving’ is a cuts cover-up that will ultimately cost Aucklanders more to move around the city, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Slashing the Ministry of Pacific Peoples by 40% will have a devastating impact on pacific communities and further highlights how little this government cares about anything other than cutting taxes for the wealthiest few. ...
Labour has proposed an urgent inquiry to investigate the ever-increasing profits of supermarkets, aiming to lower costs for shoppers and food producers alike, says Labour Spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs Arena Williams and Primary Production Spokesperson Cushla Tangaere-Manuel. ...
With 14% of jobs on the line at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, the responsible Minister Melissa Lee is failing to stand up for the very communities she’s meant to be representing. ...
COURT OF APPEAL: TRIFECTA OF VICTORY FOR NZ FIRST, TRIFECTA OF FAILURE FOR OPPONENTS For the third time since April 2020, New Zealand First has defeated the Serious Fraud Office and all those complicit in a malicious attack against a political party going about its lawful business in a lawful ...
The Green Party stands with people who live in public housing, people in dire housing need, experts and advocates in demanding better than the Government’s archaic approach to housing those who need our support the most. ...
New Zealand has recently lost the hosting rights of some major international sporting events including the America’s Cup, the Rugby Championship, Netball World Cup, and the Wellington Sevens. We are now at a huge risk of losing SailGP as well. And it won’t stop there. The recent issues with SailGP ...
A Member’s Bill drawn this week would modernise insurance law and make things fairer and more transparent for consumers, Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb said. ...
The Minister for Disability Issues has confirmed she was aware of funding issues in mid-December and did nothing to stop it. On 14 March, she signed off on changes that were announced and implemented on 18 March without any consultation with disability communities. ...
Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter says her members' bill is an opportunity for the coalition government to plug the gap in electric vehicle incentives. ...
The National Government continues to talk about irresponsible tax cuts that will only drive up inflation, despite the country entering a technical recession. ...
The Minister for Disability Issues must act urgently to reinstate flexibility around the funding for disability support and apologise to disabled carers. ...
This story has been initiated by a leftie shill reporter who proactively sought to call a member of a former band, which disbanded twelve years ago, give their biased appraisal of what was said in my speech, and concocted a ham-fisted attempt at a story that does nothing but show ...
The Government has accepted Labour’s change to the Road User Charge (RUC) discount for hybrid vehicles, meaning there will still be some incentive for people to buy greener vehicles. ...
Many in the mainstream media have taken what was said in New Zealand First’s State of the Nation Speech in Palmerston North on Sunday and deliberately, deceitfully, and ignorantly misrepresented what I said and why I said it. The headlines and commentary on the news stated that I compared ‘co-governance ...
Kicking the most vulnerable people out of state housing and pushing them towards homelessness will result in a proliferation of poverty and trauma across our most vulnerable communities. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi has penned a letter asking MPs to support his members bill to remove GST from all food. The bill is expected to go through its first reading in parliament this Wednesday. “I’m calling on all political parties to support my ...
Good afternoon. Thank you for, in your very busy lives, turning up to this meeting today. On October 14th last year New Zealanders overwhelmingly voted for change. That is exactly what this new government is bringing. New Zealand First campaigned to ‘take back our country’ and stop the disastrous economic ...
This year is about getting real with Kiwis and discussing the tough issues, as the National Government exacerbates inequality and divides New Zealand, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said ...
The Government adding Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) to its already roaring environmental policy bonfire is an assault on the future of wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique. ...
After 12 years of fighting to protect our moana we are finding ourselves back at square one and back at court. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is sitting in Hawera to reconsider an application from Trans-Tasman Resources to dig up 50 million tonnes of the seabed in South Taranaki. This ...
Minister Shane Jones’ decision to step away from a seabed mining project is evidence of the murky waters surrounding the Government’s fast-track legislation. ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The Coalition Government’s miscalculation saga continues as it has forgotten an eyewatering $90 million gap in its interest deductibility cost figures, say Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds and Revenue Spokesperson Deborah Russell. ...
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has today released advice that says if the Government doesn’t act now New Zealand is at risk of not meeting its climate goals. ...
The Coalition Government has today confirmed it is abandoning first home buyers who are struggling to get ahead, says Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April. “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates. Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend. “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says. Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track. “Dam safety regulations ...
The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009. ...
The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function. The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union. “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says. “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
Good morning, it’s great to be here. First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning. I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed. “Northland has faced a number ...
New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
COMMENTARY:By Ronny Kareni Since the atrocious footage of the suffering of an indigenous Papuan man reverberates in the heart of Puncak by the brute force of Indonesia’s army in early February, shocking tactics deployed by those in power to silence critics has been unfolding. Nowhere is this more evident ...
Analysis - Nicola Willis is holding firm on tax cuts despite the economic outlook being worse than forecast and critics urging her to wait, writes Peter Wilson for The Week In Politics. ...
Opposition MPs and unions are criticising a proposal by New Zealand’s Ministry of Pacific Peoples to cut staff by 40 percent. The country’s largest trade union — The Public Service Association — says the ministry has informed staff that it is looking to shed 63 of 156 positions. Opposition MPs ...
A poem by Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook 2024 featured poet Carin Smeaton. Daughtr of the 90s when she gets promoted to usherette a baby blu eel carries her all the way up to mothership she’s hovering high she lets the underaged in to see keanu reeves she lets the only lonely ...
Analysis by Keith Rankin. Keith Rankin, trained as an economic historian, is a retired lecturer in Economics and Statistics. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand. My earlier article – Can ‘Good’ be the Greater Evil? – looked at the issue of how wars should end, and how Good versus Evil ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 AMMA by Saraid de Silva (Moa Press, $38)A stunning debut novel reviewed by Brannavan ...
From Steve Martin to Ricky Stanicky, a pick’n’mix of things worth watching and listening to this long weekend. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. If you’re at a loss for something to occupy yourself with this Easter, don’t panic: The Spinoff’s got ...
Jesus had dinner with his 12 disciples right before he died. Noted historian Madeleine Chapman finds out who really deserved to be there.First published in 2018 but let’s be honest, the subject is timeless. As you sit on your couch this Easter Sunday, eating a chocolate egg you know ...
The newly-promoted Northern League club is on a mission to return to the National League for the first time in two decades. Plenty about domestic football in New Zealand has changed in that time – but the sense that this amateur competition is not an entirely level playing field remains. ...
Comment: Every year on February 2, a dozen men in tuxedos and top hats approach the burrow of a groundhog in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania and entice the beaver-like rodent to emerge and predict the weather. If the groundhog, named Punxsutawney Phil, sees its own shadow when it is summoned, legend ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 29 March appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Auckland Council has put a deadline on new weather-impacted property owners applying for categorisation as government funding looks set to run out. Councillors have voted to support a deadline of September 30 for property owners who haven’t accessed support to come forward and engage with the council’s recovery office. It ...
NONFICTION 1 BBQ Economics by Liam Dann (Penguin Random House, $40) “It’s official,” wrote Dann nine days ago in the Herald, where he works as business editor at large, “we’re in recession.” Yeah, great. He delivered the bad stats: “GDP fell 0.1 percent in the December 2023 quarter, compared with ...
By Anneke Smith, RNZ News political reporter A petition urging the New Zealand government to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people has been tabled in the House. More than 200 people gathered on Parliament’s forecourt today and they were met by MPs from Labour, the Greens and Te ...
Pacific Media Watch The Paris-based global media freedom watchdog RSF (Reporters Without Borders) has appealed for information about the “disappearance” of Palestinian journalist Bayan Abusultan. She was reportedly last seen on March 19 among people “sequestered” in this week’s raid and siege of Al Shifa hospital by Israeli troops in ...
EDITORIAL:The Jakarta Post It happens again and again; indigenous Papuans fall victim to Indonesian soldiers. This time, we have photographic evidence for the brutality, with videos on social media showing a Papuan man being tortured by a group of plainclothes men alleged to be the Indonesian Military (TNI) members. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn J. Whitaker, Director of the Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy & Associate Professor, New Testament, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity A strange and eclectic range of activities takes place across these few weeks of the year. Some ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Panizza Allmark, Professor Visual & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University It’s Easter weekend, which means many of us will be kicking back with the greatest hits on repeat. But whether you’re a boomer, or an ‘80s or ’90s kid, you might be ...
RNZ Pacific Fiji’s Acting Public Prosecutor has filed an appeal against the sentences of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended police chief Sitiveni Qiliho in their corruption case. Bainimarama was granted an absolute discharge for attempting to pervert the course of justice while Qiliho received a conditional discharge with ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arosha Weerakoon, Senior Lecturer and General Dentist, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland Casezy idea/Shutterstock How does toothpaste work? What did people use before toothpaste was invented? – Amelia, age 7, Meanjin (Brisbane) Thanks for your ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Hallam, Associate professor, UNSW Sydney IM Imagery/Shutterstock Solar SunShot is well named. The Australian government announced today it would plough A$1 billion into bringing back solar manufacturing to Australia, boosting energy security, swapping coal and gas jobs for those ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Dix, Research Fellow in Nutrition & Dietetics, The University of Queensland Easter is the time for chocolate. The shops are full of fantastically packaged and shiny chocolates in all shapes and sizes, making trips to the supermarket with children more challenging ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Felton, Adjunct Senior Researcher, University of South Australia Even in a stubborn cost-of-living crisis, it seems there’s one luxury most Australians won’t sacrifice – their daily cup of coffee. Coffee sales have largely remained stable, even as financial pressures have ...
Mining company Trans-Tasman Resources has unexpectedly withdrawn its application for a consent to suck the valuable metals vanadium and titanium from the Taranaki seafloor, as it apparently wagers on the Government’s new fast-track process. It had spent two-and-a-half days putting its case to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision-making committee, at ...
Contrary to the Associate Minister of Education’s claims, analysis of Healthy School Lunches Programme - Ka Ora, Ka Ako assessments has revealed it provides excellent value for the taxpayer dollar, as a groundswell of public opposition to Government ...
Greenpeace says wannabe Taranaki seabed miner Trans-Tasman Resources is likely banking on Christopher Luxon’s fast-track process to side-step proper scrutiny of its Taranaki seabed mining proposal by bailing out of the Environmental Protection Agency hearing ...
Kiwis Against Seabed mining today slammed Australian owned would-be seabed miner Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) for abandoning its application to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to mine the seabed of the South Taranaki Bight. The company ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Attwell, Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia Ground Picture/Shutterstock Months after COVID vaccines were introduced in 2021, governments and private organisations mandated them for various groups. Health and aged care workers were among the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dzurak, Scientia Professor Andrew Dzurak, CEO and Founder of Diraq, UNSW Sydney Diraq For decades, the pursuit of quantum computing has struggled with the need for extremely low temperatures, mere fractions of a degree above absolute zero (0 Kelvin or ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national Essential poll, conducted March 20–24 from a sample of 1,150, gave the Coalition a 50–44 lead including undecided, a reversal ...
The Taxpayers’ Union has today made a formal request under the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Open Government Information () for information held about how New Zealand Members of Parliament are spending taxpayer ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Nelson, Honorary Principal Fellow, The University of Melbourne A Byzantine depiction of the Eucharist in Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv.Jacek555/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA A nasty quarrel arose in the 11th century over what kind of bread should be used in holy ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Hesp, Professor, Flinders University Patrick Hesp In some parts of Australia, coastal dunes are retreating from the ocean at an alarming rate, as waves carve up the beach and wind blows the sand inland. But coastal communities are largely ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Heemsbergen, Senior Lecturer, Digital, Political, Media, Deakin University With an impressive 60% of the US smartphone market, Apple is undeniably big, but not a clear monopoly. Yet, years of innovation by Apple have effectively given the company its own exclusive ...
Whether you’re facing layoffs or are just an emotional junior staffer, it’s always a good idea to scout out a good crying place before you need it. It’s an incredibly hard time for Wellington. Across the city, thousands of public servants are hearing tough news about redundancies and layoffs. Government ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Miller-Jones, Professor, Curtin University Nuclear explosions on a neutron star feed its jets. Danielle Futselaar and Nathalie Degenaar, Anton Pannekoek Institute, University of Amsterdam, CC BY-SA How fast can a neutron star drive powerful jets into space? The answer, it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl Adair, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Technology Sydney Earlier this week, independent MP Andrew Wilkie accused the AFL of conducting “off the books” illicit drug testing to identify players using substances of abuse, then inappropriately withdrawing them from matches ...
The Government’s announcement that it will scrap plans for a vast marine sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands is ‘shameful’ and will make it impossible for Aotearoa New Zealand to meet its international commitments, says the World Wide Fund for Nature ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Shutterstock The federal government has bowed to pressure from the car industry, announcing it will relax proposed emissions rules for utes and vans and delay enforcement of the new standards ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suzanne Rutland, Professor Emerita, University of Sydney In his latest book, Jewish Life in Medieval Spain, Jonathan Ray focuses on the tumult of the 14th century in Spain – a time of the plague, civil strife and war between the two largest ...
While creating a slate of world-class shows, Whakaata Māori also developed a generation of world-class creatives. Television is an odd word. It mixes the Ancient Greek and Latin languages, and its most literal meaning is “far-off sight”. In the contemporary and living language of te reo Māori, “whakaata” as a ...
Yesterday the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza. This significant step and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza prompted an urgent debate in the New Zealand Parliament. Leader ...
The Government’s decision to reduce access to continuous glucose monitors (CGM) not only threatens the lives of children with type 1 diabetes and increases the potential for ‘Dead in Bed’ syndrome, but also threatens the health of their parents an ...
Apples are available year-round, but the wide variety on offer involves intensive scientific research – and large-scale commercialisation. What’s beautiful, red, sweet and crunchy? Tony Martin’s favourite kind of apple: Sassy. The CEO of apple and pear breeding organisation Prevar, Martin’s fondness for Sassy represents professional success as well as ...
Family violence specialist service Shine is calling on employers to stop asking for proof of domestic violence in order for employees to access domestic violence leave. The call comes five years after the introduction of the Domestic Violence ...
The Deputy Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for public submissions on the Budget Policy Statement 2024. The Budget Policy Statement 2024 (BPS) sets out the Government's priorities for the 2024 Budget. It explains the approach ...
Brutal government spending cuts that will see the size of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples slashed by 40% will hit Pasifika communities hard, the PSA says. The Ministry has told staff that it is seeking voluntary redundancies, and to redeploy and reassign ...
I live with five people I mostly love, but our different ideas about generosity are starting to really irk me.Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,This is a bit of a random one but here goes. I’m 22 and work an OK job (OK meaning I get paid ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maria Nicholas, Senior Lecturer in Language and Literacy Education, Deakin University Earlier this month, the New South Wales government announced it would roll out programs for gifted students in every public school in the state. This comes amid concerns gifted school ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Rudge, Law lecturer, University of Sydney Massachusetts General Hospital In a world first, we heard last week that US surgeons had transplanted a kidney from a gene-edited pig into a living human. News reports said the procedure was a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Tombs, Howard Paterson Chair of Theology and Public Issues, University of Otago The 5th-century Maskell panel showing Jesus in a loincloth.British Museum, CC BY-NC-SA When Jesus is shown on the cross, he is almost always depicted wearing a loincloth around ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Panizza Allmark, Professor Visual & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock When you think about a red object, you might picture a red carpet, or the massive ruby in the Queen’s crown. Indeed, Western monarchies and marketing from brands such ...
COMMENTARY:Jewish Voice for Peace The UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Monday — and for the first time since the beginning of the Israeli military’s genocide of Palestinians, the United States abstained rather than vetoing it. Security Council resolutions are legally binding, ...
Asia Pacific Report A New Zealand investigative journalist and author says the US spy system hosted by the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) appears to be a controversial intelligence system used in global capture-kill operations. Writing a commentary for RNZ News today, Nicky Hager, author of Secret Power, a 1996 ...
While Nicola Willis wouldn’t give any details on its size, she said a package of tax cuts is definitely still coming in this year’s budget, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the investigation into the Department of Internal Affairs after it was revealed that the Department’s Chief Executive personally reached out to expedite a DJs passport application. Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns ...
Finance minister Nicola Willis delivers her first budget statement, and unwittingly helps Joel MacManus save his relationship. Nicola Willis strode into the Beehive Theatrette. Around me, on the green foldout seats, were the country’s top business and political journalists. They were all here to see her announce the Budget Policy ...
Twenty years ago today, Māori Television launched after much controversy. Jamie Tahana looks back on its survival and impact across two decades. Chad Chambers stepped onto the stage, the brim of his cap casting a shadow across his face. His smile beamed as bright as his white freezing works gumboots, ...
A lengthy response to the recently released draft Government policy statement on transport will soon be delivered from Auckland Council to Minister of Transport Simeon Brown. A submission raising concerns about funding distribution and the plan’s treatment of Auckland passed through the council’s transport committee on Wednesday, despite some councillors ...
The unidentified foreign intelligence operation discussed in a scathing report by New Zealand’s Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) last week appears to be a controversial United States intelligence system. The IGIS report said the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) decision to host a foreign system from 2012-2020 was “improper” ...
Chris Hedges discusses with UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer the conditions of Julian Assange's detention, his psychological and physical health as well as the judicial proceedings against the WikiLeaks founder.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq_P9Nj6N58
Exclusive footage showing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in London’s high security Belmarsh prison has been obtained by Ruptly. It was filmed on a device by a fellow inmate who describes himself as a supporter of the whistleblower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylCDaBM3gHo&feature=player_embedded
Looks healthy and well nourished Porridge must be ok
Allegations of torture in Belmarsh. Why did his health suddenly collapse? Allegations of poisoning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=17&v=35sO9HErcuM
Two words: David Kelly. I understand a documentary about his "suicide" is being made which will raise many questions about the 'dark actors' he spoke about before his death.
175 years or the death warrant for someone that exposed the deep state of the USA's ( aka CIA / FBI and the neo con Hawks ) military industrial complexes agenda.
Disgusting.
Whats more disgusting is that a little while ago a Mod / blogger on this site tried to relegate that all down to a now disproven Swedish ' rape' charge , – along with all the other fan kids who supported that twisted identity politics apologist for the far right.
How gross.
How vomitous.
Learn well from your elders and superiors, freaks. Learn your history well before you dare to comment and speak.
https://youtu.be/CWiIYW_fBfY?t=3
Devil In Disguise.
There is a new type of constituent on the rise in Global Politics these days. They're not conservative but they're old fashioned. They're not Liberal but they're flashy. They are composed of both sexes, some token races and a broad range of age and economic cohorts. I am, of course, talking about Elvis Impersonators.
When the King of Rock & Roll shrugged off his mortal coil in 1977, there were already a few diehard fans who wanted to be the King more than most. These folk, armed with sequins, bedazzlers and a wide variety of fringed suede rodeo wear; soon made their way onto karaoke stages everywhere as they began to pretend in earnest.
From a paltry few on the fringes of fashion the movement grew. Three impersonators in 1978, 12 in 79, and now, in 2019, 100 million billion Elvis Impersonators and growing bigly.
While this group had been considered a joke amongst establishment politicians, the groups candidate, Donald ‘Jive Turkey’ Trump, took the reins of power in America after threatening to perform a 24 hour rendition of Heartbreak Hotel if he didn't win. Trump's opposition, Hillary 'I left my heart in San Francisco' Clinton's fate was also sealed in a presidential debate when, after calling Trump a petulant pig, he countered with 'You aint nothin' but a hound dog'.
Trump's first decree was to change the title of President to King, and to have stacks of burgers delivered to the White House by a Black Man. This pleased him tremendously. Other initiatives have seen him eradicate all record of Chuck Berry, and to establish laws banning Mexican Elvis Impersonators from America; especially the good ones. Future initiatives include rhinestone studs to replace the stars on the American flag, Karaoke machines with the complete Elvis collection installed in all McDonalds, and 250 Billion dollars put into research for hair replacement therapy.
People all over the world have wrung their hands in earnest 'how did an Elvis Impersonator get power in the White House' simply forgetting the promise of burgers for all, and how he'd combed over the truth. Also, that Hillary was nothin' but a hound dog.
Come on folks I spent a good 15 minutes on that satire bahaa!
I didn't think it was satire !
There hasn't been a lot of discussion on the nature of the new budget. For what it is worth it is a game changer in its approach to setting policy guidelines on government spending. Yet from what I see in NZ its been a huge "Meh!"
However, progressive media overseas are looking not at the details -(which regrettably is the focus of most NZers) – but at the overall intention and direction of the new Wellbeing Budget process.
Here is an article on Vox's Future Perfect to see what I mean.
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/6/8/18656710/new-zealand-wellbeing-budget-bhutan-happiness
And shock! horror!
Even the Guardian has an article outlining the new Well-Being Budget process.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/14/new-zealands-world-first-wellbeing-budget-to-focus-on-poverty-and-mental-health
Shock! Horror! that The Guardian would cover, and no doubt like, a safe, middle of the road, hand wringing, non transformational, financially suffocated budget from NZ Labour….have you ever read the Guardian?
Have you actually read what this Well-being budget is about and how it was created? Are you, as well as almost every other NZer, completely unaware that this is a world first – aimed at creating a Budget and therefore Government Policy that addresses the welfare of all New Zealanders – not just the chosen few. Yes even the Guardian has chosen to highlight the significance of this world first attempt at creating a better society.
And yes I do read the Guardian which you obviously don't. You might like to read the article I linked to, to see what it does have to say. I quoted some of it for you.
Here is what Robert Kennedy had to say about our obsession with GDP – the fiscal measure that drove previous Budgets both here and everywhere else in the western world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FAmr1la6w0
looks like the russians were there first on a wellbeing budget.
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/57425
Macro…perhaps we, the hoipolloi, the one's who don't get 'it', need some kind Sign from the Coalition.
Something to convince us that they are Serious, that the Mean Business.
That they genuinely Care.
Because all this talk, after three decades of being ground underfoot, is simply not convincing.
The fact that the Guardian thinks it's all very wonderful is not an accolade.
"The fact that the Guardian thinks it's all very wonderful is not an accolade"
So true Rosemary.
"“For me, well-being means people living lives of purpose, balance and meaning to them, and having the capabilities to do so,” said Robertson"
Purpose balance and meaning are great – but we only get to that point once material necessities are taken care of and not under continual threat of loss or removal by the powerful – "the realm of freedom begins where the realm of necessity ends."
"which regrettably is the focus of most NZers"
.. of our media.
All elected MPs are there to further the wellbeing of every NZer. We believe most MPs who say that that is what they are there for.
So how does the behaviour of MPs like Simon Bridges fit into that claim? By all means hold the Government to account but to deny the evidence that the Budget marks a significant shift to improve the wellbeing of we the people, is treasonous in my book. Bullies twist truth, belittle, sneer and demean. Does this sound like what Bridges/Bennett do?
"…but to deny the evidence that the Budget marks a significant shift to improve the wellbeing of we the people, is treasonous in my book. "
What evidence? Surely it is way too soon to be counting the hatchlings?
Methinks calling those of us who are less than orgasmic 'treasonous' is more than a little harsh.
Makes me wonder who is up whom and who's paying.
<i>" deny the evidence that the Budget marks a significant shift to improve the wellbeing of we the people, is treasonous in my book "</i>
I'm with Rosemary on this. Despite the fanfare, the improvements proposed are not significant in terms of investment or effectiveness. As an innovative budget it does not deliver more for those who have waited an awfully long time to be noticed.
We were not told if the "leaked" material was actually part of the Budget. Gordon writes:
So molehills certainly grow. Had Treasury/Robertson front footed this it would have negated Simon's blather wouldn't it?
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1906/S00024/the-treasury-debacle-and-nzs-wider-security-problems.htm
This new information is concerning.
Indeed, why didn't Grant Robertson front foot it the next day – or the day after?
It could be because they were receiving conflicting information from more than one source so they decided to go for an inquiry.
Well have to wait and see the outcome now.
Molly and Rosemary I wonder why the commentary on the Wellbeing Budget has been noticed and written about overseas. After all, a small country Budget would usually cause a big yawn or less – unless it was the beginning of some pretty important direction in spite of the relentless naysayers.
Ianmac. Twenty something years ago I was speaking with a child protection social worker from the UK. This social worker had attended a training program on Family Group Conferences.
The model they were rolling out in her area of the Midlands was based on our wonderful Family Group Conference scheme here in New Zealand. "World Beating!!!" "Innovative!!!" "The Answer to Rising Youth Offending!!!".
I don't think she fully believed me when I told the the scheme was largely a flop.
There's the spin, and then there's the reality.
Perhaps some of us live closer to the ground.
Results Ianmac, how are we going to measure the outcomes/outputs?
Fair enough Rosemary. Results trump Rhetoric. I am optimistic about the intent turning into healthy results.
A significant shift? You way funnier than bleepy makky.
https://treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2019-05/b19-at-a-glance.pdf
Regrettably these shifts are obviously insignificant for many commentators here.
Unfortunately, the international coverage is miles away from the reality on the ground.
https://youtu.be/FNCMIjXMK9o?t=1
As I said – NZers such as you, have obsessed about the detail rather than the significance of the way in which this Budge was formulated.
But we can only expect that sort of reaction from naysayers such as yourself who can never find the good and only look for the bad.
The reason being, the importance is generally in the details and the difference it actually makes on the ground.
Macro, I find myself in company with The Chairman more and more these days, – the link he put up is worth watching.
I miss the lack of critique of any policy just because it is produced by the current coalition. It is not just a question of tribal politics, there are New Zealanders who are currently living diminished lives – and who have already waited decades to be noticed and they are still required to wait.
There are fundamental failures in essential services that need innovative and directed change, and none of this is happening.
I miss the lack of critique…
I am beyond 'missing'. I feel bereft. Near weeping I am at the lack of real debate and shocked at the slurs against those of us who are not yet convinced…
Hint…not being 100% convinced this Current Mob are committed to reversing three decades of sociopathic governance doth not a National supporter make.
Do you seriously expect that from a government coalition that relies on a party that went into coalition with the 4th national govt?
Hmm…what was that about lying down with dogs?
I was just saying this morning that a Certain Person must be causing no end of irritation for Ardern and Co.
What was it about…oh, yes, the cameras on fishing boat thing…https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/06/plan-to-protect-maui-dolphin-slammed-by-environmentalists-academics.html
Getting fleas is usually better than being dog tucker.
The results of election2017 are the facts on the ground. I sure can't see any other coalition deal possible from those results that would deliver more funadamental change than what we have.
At least they're making an effort, and minimising NZ1's immigration ideas while supporting the regional growth plans.
Exactly.
So many people seem unable to comprehend the reality perhaps best espoused by Bismarck":
FFS, this centre left bs is tiring. All you ever do is lose voters, you have done that for the last 30 odd years. You keep throwing people to the wolves in the name of political expediency. Your ideological as all hell without accepting you are – and it makes you look alot like those other crazy ideologies.
If the labour party of the early 20th century had acted like you lot, then social democracy would never of happened.
Just a final point, because the blindly obvious needs to be said. You know that quoting Bismark and/or Churchill makes you look like a Tory prick on a left wing website, don't you?
Screw you. I tried the NLP and Alliance. There were others even further left that made even less of an impact. If incrementalism is losing votes, why did none of them take the place of Labour?
That's the shitty thing about democracy – votes win, not theory.
The sooner you realise that, the sooner you'll stop railing against your nearest allies.
This government is not the end in itself. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning – especially if the terminally glum start being able to identify friend from foe.
especially if the terminally glum start being able to identify friend from foe.
Or indeed cease from multiplying their foes 🙂
Evidently, you need help to see. Labour could have (in numerous ways) offered Peters more, allowing him to keep face with his supporters in return for his support for more.
Ah, so the way to getting more left wing policy is the make policy concessions to an inherently conservative party, rather than focusing on the common ground?
Which policy concessions do you recommend Labour and the Greens make to NZ1? Walk back a bit on immigration? In exchange for what?
No. Offering more where there is common ground along with more (such as in the way of funding) where concessions have already been made. Conditional on more NZF support of course.
And one way to fund that (along with raising more revenue for the Government overall) is to vastly increase the tourist levy. From the $35 recently announced to say $200 per adult and a $100 per child. That way, a million visitors (NZ has almost 4 million annually) would generate in excess of $100 million in new Government revenue. That would help buy a lot more of NZF's support.
So your suggestion is that both NZ1 and Labour have a "common ground" in triple-figure tourist levies? Without any data on how that might affect tourism in the regions?
@McF
I know the outdoor community is definitely fed up with the chronic underfunding of DoC, while at the same time watching the tourism industry profit either directly or indirectly from the Conservation Estate.
I've participated in numerous discussions elsewhere that all generally agree that increased levies on tourists is both justified and affordable for most visitors.
Yes it will price some marginal visitors from coming here, and yes there is plenty of scenery elsewhere in the world. What everyone agrees on is that NZ's competitive advantage is in the quality of visitor's experience here and maintaining that is the intelligent way forward.
Yeah, that is probably the case. There's a long haul between that and NZ1 in particular supporting the tourist industry cool off a bit. The transition to package coach tours does keep more of the money away from the regions visited, but tourism is still an employer in a lot of the regions.
There have already been calls to slow our tourism numbers. We have a shortage of hotel rooms and an expected surging increase in visitors.
Therefore, we have scope for numbers to slow and perhaps even fall off a little.
Additionally, although numbers may fall off, the up side is it is likely to lift the quality of visitors which in turn are likely to spend more increasing our tourist income stream.
But of course, I wasn't suggesting research on it not being done. Nevertheless, as you can see, with tourism trending up coupled with NZ reaching maximum capacity, the notion has real potential.
So you actually have nothing then.
Including having no idea whether your suggestion would be palatable to either Labour/Grn or NZ1, let alone all of them.
Not at all. I highlighted one way Labour could have possibly gained more NZF support.
Moreover, seeing as an entry levy has recently been announced, it indicates the three support the notion. Suggesting the potential for increasing it is in the realm of reality.
No. I don't seriously think this government will deliver meaningful changes, which is why I didn't vote Labour last election. With or without NZ First, none of their election promises seem to be effective solutions to my personal areas of concern.
That seems to be borne out by the last twenty months of policy and programmes.
But I will not cheer for substandard measures because of their … Coalition partner, self-imposed budget restrictions, need to get re-elected, rhetoric about wellbeing…
I will applaud along with many others when policy arrives that does help the most marginalised and forgotten.
So what have you applauded in the last couple of years?
Winter energy payments? $60/w for parents of infants? Money to apprenticeships? Healthy rental homes? Removal of "name the father" benefit sanctions? Actually setting child poverty reduction as a targeted priority? Supergold card? First year free tertiary education?
and this
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/mental-health-and-addictions/budget-2019-mental-health-wellbeing-and-addiction-initiatives
I hope that all of you who have responded to The Chairman @ 3.4 understand that he is a concern troll, and, just like the devil, quotes the scriptures for his own purposes. His aim is to spread despondency on the Left, and with your replies you have pretty well given him reason to smile sardonically.
In Vino, veritas.
@In Vino
We know claiming I'm a concern troll puts your mind at ease, saving you from facing the reality I'm from the left.
Nevertheless, what you fail to see in my post at 3.4 is I had nothing to do with the People's Budget and the feelings expressed there.
So while I largely agree with the sentiments expressed, it is Labour's failure to deliver that is behind the growing despondency on the left.
The only despondency on show is from the nat media and you.
And as rim clingers have quite unrealistic expectations and won't ever be satisfied, however left the government is, they're always moping, so nothing in particular to do with this budget.
@ The Al1en,
The only despondency on show is from the nat media and you.
You seriously, and I mean seriously, need to get out more.
You are doing your heroes in the Coalition no favours by this blind and almost insensible defense of their every word, every policy, every move…
Firstly, addressing you in your bubble, they're not my heroes and heroines, they're just who I voted for, and sure there are policies I want which aren't there yet, but considering the make up of the government I fully accept you can't always get what you want when you want it. Compromises have to be made, but it's still better than English's nats ruling the roost, right? Well that's called progress. Next time out, if we vote accordingly, then I’d expect to see more and more.
As far as despondency goes, it's just more of the same from the same people, here and the media. I stand by my above post. There is no groundswell of dissatisfaction against the government, no movement for change, no national debate. Nothing is perfect, not by a long shot, but to claim growing despondency is just malicious.
@The Al1en
As shown numerous times, I'm far from the only one disappointed.
The People's Budget was totally about the recent Budget.
What's come to my attention is there is more and more left commentators (that are largely supportive of Labour) expressing their disappointment.
And while you foolishly write them off as mopers, you forget they are the voices and those working on the front line whose insights help change public opinion and help muster Labour's foot soldiers and voters come election day.
In Vino
Come a bit more often if you can. I don't see IV often enough. What about doubling it to VIII?
How much longer can the Luddite wing of the Green party maintain it's irrational and dogmatic opposition to GE in the face of so much good it can do?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/113270164/better-strategy-to-control-malaria-get-rid-of-the-mosquitoes
The problem with getting rid of the mosquitoes is they are an integral part of the food chain in many ecosystems. So I am a little surprised that Wiles is advocating it.
From memory though, there are organisms that suppress malaria in the mosquito phase. Wohlbachia comes to mind. Those look like better targets for further engineering.
https://www.nature.com/news/2010/100721/full/466432a.html
Scientists have identified some ecological niches (pollinators, food) for mosquitos but also believe mosquitos ecological niche would be filled fairly readily. While I am dubious of such claims the fact is mosquitos are an absolute curse to mankind.
It only takes one, non-disease carrying mossy to completely screw up your nights sleep. And I've slapped myself so it hurt a number of times coming out of slumber to target the whining buzz. Yet here in NZ we have it easy, but in many countries these things severely weaken and even kill humans.
I think a gene drive makes more sense than an engineered fungi (or microbe) because every critter we've ever tried to control with insecticidal compounds has simply grown a resistance to it over time. The more you use bio and chemical pesticides, the greater the chances they will be overcome.
Some folks in the greens resist for the sake of resisting and have little to no scientific or ecological knowledge. Others are extremely sharp, are are not close to the Luddites as you describe. Is it dogmatism or caution that keeps them in opposition to such technology? Science has done itself no favors getting in bed with the corporates of the world. Now, the world is understandably cautious.
The rent a crowd mob really are annoying (and shrill), but sometimes they're the only people protesting and illuminating things of great public interest. Without canaries in the coal mine we'd all be cooked.
Folding and letting industry just get on with anything is a mugs game. At the end of the day public interest and common sense should prevail – but not if there's money to be made – then it's a dollar each way.
I understand that the wild animal seasonal stampede across the vast plains was to get free of the midges. Perhaps we subconsciously are taking a lesson from the wild when some of us (not me) set out on marathons. Perhaps they do serve some practical purpose other than avoiding sitting and thinking about our world and we people and what we personally can do to aid us all in the near future after disasters played like concertinas. Perhaps they will set themselves up as part of a message relay system when the lines go down from Auckland to Wellington.
I doubt it.
Agreed. In the early days of GE technology there were good reasons to be cautious and hold back. That's not the same thing as being stuck in the past forever.
And the same with nuclear power. The first few generations of nuclear energy generation were worth skipping over, but the new molten salt reactors look a lot more promising.
You really think that the precautionary principle on GE, should be abandoned?
So far research funding for GE, is about 100 to 1 balance towards commercial application, compared with research on safety.
I've yet to be convinced that GE, is any better than introducing rabbits.
The first one or two generations of any new technology will always have the most unintended consequences. But GE has been around for quite a few decades now and the world may have problems, but a runaway GE disaster is not one of them.
I'm not advocating that NZ should rush into a wholesale embrace of GE, but the time is past when we can justify keeping the door fully slammed shut either.
Fighting the good fight
"In 1863 Ihumātao was confiscated by the crown as a punishment for supporting the Kīngitanga movement, and Matata-Sipu says since then, the government and council have not done enough to make reparations."
Well the crown should bloody well give it back then. That's the modern day equivalent of taking Fletchers land for supporting National.
The reaction from the streets of Tauranga.
🤣
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/06/poll-most-new-zealanders-think-national-was-wrong-to-leak-treasury-budget-details.html
lol ouch
I'm sure he'll have the lemonade stand going at full production this morning.
I think you mean the 'Kool-Aid stand "
For Gods sake don't drink the Kool-Aid that way means Death. Uh oh, too late.
yep and he'll come out saying that either the polls are a waste of time (until one shows his support increasing) or that he is confident everything is cool. But his pinched lemon pursed lipped grimace (reminiscent of that 5th tequila shot lemon suck you may remember) will slightly lighten as sour lemonaid gets ingested instead.
👏
The Streets of Tauranga.
As I walked out in the streets of Tauranga
As I walked out in Tauranga one day
I saw Simon Bridges dressed in his brown winkle-pickers,
White shirt, blue tie, and brylcreem pomade.
Oh play the drum loudly and not quite in rhythm
To echo my political career up to this date.
Take me to Caucus I'll hand in my papers
I’ll hand in my papers for I’m resigning today!
"I see by your outfit that you're a reporter"
These words he did say as I boldly walked by
"Come sit down beside me and hear my sad story
Got stabbed in the back and I still don't know why."
"T'was once I was famed as leader of National
And still am as far as the caucus might say
But 5 per cent of voters are all that support me
Five per cent, with David Seymour on a good day.
"Go fetch me a glass of a craft Monteith lager
And a drum kit to beat up a political storm!"
Before I returned his caucus had left him
For champers with Judith and let him forlorn.
"Oh play the drum loudly and not quite in rhythm
To echo my political career up till now.
Take me to Caucus I'll hand in my papers
I'll hand in my papers for I'm resigning, the cow! "
he has one loyal supporter – lol
Oh and I just heard DPF is going to be on the radio with Jesse explaining the difference between the polls – ffs that guy is tainted and not independent imo – use your brains radionz or whatever you’re called.
Radionz-z-z-z…..doh!
"She said the public know that Bridges was "capable and he is intelligent and is incredibly hard-working".
That's ridonkulous. Funny though.
Is anyone else lost for words that the Herald pays Hoskings to write this "Ardern's D-Day snub a glib insult to D Day" though it goes hand in hand with the day by day reckonings if she attends something it is to grab favour and headlines and if not it's a glib insult.
That aside and I suppose people will decide, assuming they even see it as such or even an issue, but blatant "glib dismissal" is, for me, written all over the Opposition "leader's" face with his thick-skinned denial that a huge number of NZers from all quarters are not buying into him, his leadership or his most recent political offering.
Hosking's rants are the sign of a desperate man and this one is no different.
I'll tell you what is an insult – that suit jacket.
I live in Tauranga and am quite shocked that people are now talking publically, normally it's what's wrong with everyone else.
I bet Bill English has a bit of chuckle to himself most days, a bit of a "dish eaten cold".
The Scum of National
I had hoped that following their recent Theft of Documents – Without Permission – and distributing them nation wide – Simon Bridges and Mrs Bennett would realise their stupidity, get out of their National gutter, and follow the Laws that ban Theft and promote ethics.
Instead, they have utterly ridiculed the 2019 Budget which has been built on new structures. WellBeing Budget – for All. The Finances are allotted to achieve the highly innovative structures.
Mr Bridges and Mrs Bennett immediately started their propaganda declaring there is nothing for the Middle Class. They will get nothing.! Liars.
How low do those two Politicians go !
The Coaltion Government must develop well spoken Advocates and send them through Aotearoa to make sure all of New Zealand knows the Truth.
They are the opposition, I recall labour where also more than adept at barking at every passing car Just accept not every one has jumped onto the Jacinda train
"barking at every passing car" & how effective was that for Labour? & they were disparaged for doing it too, National haven't learned a thing, what's the saying about the definition of stupidity is repeating the same thing & expecting a different result? That's National bouncing off that same wall…long may it last.
The words of the song from Midnight Oil regarding civil freedoms – pertaining even to Julian Assange and his plight against overwhelming state collusion and bullying , our wildlife brethren and the environment we share , still ring true today.
Then it was Bush and Blair and their odious lies on 'weapons of mass destruction' and Bush Sr's One World Govt fetish… today its that same hack of globalists trying to silence one of our greatest exposer's of Deep State secrecy ,… Julian Assange.
https://youtu.be/qspbF5owcZk?t=2https://youtu.be/qspbF5owcZk?t=2https://youtu.be/qspbF5owcZk?t=2https://youtu.be/qspbF5owcZk?t=2vv
Smoking weed again OT?
On the Meth again, old son?
Jacinda & Simon: Preferred PM Comparisons
https://sub-zero-politics.blogspot.com/2019/06/jacinda-simon-preferred-pm-comparisons.html
Thanks for all that work Swordfish.
Thanks, great work as usual. Bolger really was an unpopular plonker wasn't he. Had forgotten about that particular excrement.
Thing is , your taking stats from a time when NZ didn't have any opposition to Douglas's neo liberalism. Or Bolgers, or Richardsons, or Shipleys , or Clarkes or any of the other scumbags who followed Douglas.
And we have yet to see any viable opposition to neo liberalism to date.
Therefore the whole argument is slanted in favor of the incremental diatribe of that of ideology. Therefore it is bogus. Proves nothing. And that is why we have had a Teachers strike. And in future, there will be more as more Union leaders acquiesce to their members instead of Labour party fishead's and demand realistic wages and conditions.
Don't blame me. – I'm just the messenger .
And personally ?
I don't give a rats shit what anyone of you thinks. And why ?, – because I don't give a rats arse about being tribal. I could just as soon see Labour take a dive as well as National , so long as the working people of NZ get a fair deal , – which they haven't over the last 35 years of bullshit neo liberal incrementalism.
From Nicki Hager , author of the book 'Dirty Politics' to the Afghanistan incident to which John Key was signatory for the go – ahead , and Wayne Mapp was the Minister of Defense , and the subsequent Police raiding of his ( Hagers ) home to Martyn Bradbury's 'behind closed doors evidence' against him by the NZ Police,… to the illegal warrant and arrest and detainment of Kim Dotcom and the illegal impounding of his assets designed to deny him moneys to finance his defense, – in order to pander to the then ratification of the Hollywood Motion Picture industry's TTPA's copyright laws before Congress which have no jurisdiction in NZ ,…
How can we ever expect to see Julian Assange receive a fair trial if we cannot even stand up against corruption on our own shores?
How can we sleep when our beds are burning?
Shame on NZ.
Just to say I have put up an extensive comment on How to Get There which is in moderation at present because there were quite a few links. But then come and see –
on tree planting in Africa – the Green Wall, and
A NZr Wendy Campbell Purdie who did wonders with tree planting and disbelieving governments, and
Algeria and Morocco about their tree planting in the past and now
and Moroccos solar array and
the many women who have been involved in tree planting schemes on the planet and
An idea by environmental scientists on how to create a different sort of boundary between USA and Mexico.
And remember that How to Get There is a living document' it is just not fish'n'chips wrapper thrown away after the day, it is the actual fish and chips! There to take a bite of whatever is on offer and lots of good things over the weeks.
Perhaps we could go a long way by taking notice of this article by Christine Rose over at the Daily Blog ,… long term campaigner and environmentalist…
$17million camera programme good for fishing sector not for dolphins …
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/…/17million-camera-programme-good-for-fishing-sector-n…
And btw… this site seems to have turned to shit a little bit as of late… no offense but its a little crappy with posting or pasting atm… anyways we humans are slow learners it seems at times… me included , so its nothing personal. And that's why again, … the posting of Midnight Oil. In the words of Led Zeppelin, … the 'Song Remains The Same'…
Midnight Oil – Beds Are Burning – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejorQVy3m8E
WK I know you are a bit wild and a force of nature commenter but please don't throw ordure around just saying. If there is something with the site that you want improved say so – don't say it's shit.
So specifically is it difficult for you to put up links, vids etc? If so state the problem, ask others for advice, and we can all learn – very helpful if it gets explained on site. List the problems will you so we don't get too much creativity of description.
No , its not the site ,- its great ,… its more the techco side that's cumbersome.
I use Google , and the pasting thingy is crap.
I'd also thank you to not distract from the 'issues' at hand and attempt to relegate them to a mere mechanical technological deflection because you are comfortable with the format. Other than that , no problems from what you posted.
The issue lies with the spell checker and the post / paste thingy.
Thanking you.
Who says I'm comfortable with the format? I just realise that lprent is a sort of wizard who puts a lot of his spare time into keeping this show going. So I have been schtum for a long time about the search engine, just a wee mention FTTT, and now I am happy to have that.
If something else doesn't work out I find a way around it, or swear, or do what you did and ask. I just don't say the shebang is shit, as I try to adopt the 'substance over style' approach.
The spell checker I find now, if I go into edit, is so littered with those terms for a space @&sb sort of thing, which get underlined in red, that I can't see any wrong spellings. That's my moan. Also if anyone wants to know how to get rid of unwanted links in pasted material I have found a way. But I am in Firefox and am told that I should be updating. So maybe it's only me.
Is that… what ha…ppened to your punctuation katty…
Kia ora The Am Show.
Its cool that Canada has banned single use plastic bags and cutlery by 2021 .I will write a post on Canadas indigenous people today.
I agree there is a huge gap in the rural and provincial NZ I say a cottage industry set up around our Marae.
Its very good that New Zealand is pulling our troops out of Iraq.
I try not to use cash as for me when I use cash I spend to much.
48 % is not the Majority of people like the other person said the people need to be informed of the TRUTH about weed so people can make good informed decision & discussion on weed.
With what happened in Murrupara its because there are no jobs that's why I have been advocating for Marae based cottage industry's and other ways for people to earn a income the forestry industry is not delivering what was promised to the East Coast. Consist Mahi is good for the Wairua. If te tangata tried to get mahi in town there are no whare/houses
Happy birthday young fella Mark that looks like a nice cake.
Ka kite ano
It's sad to see Louis the last Canadian tangata whenua /people of the land coders in world war 2 pass it even sadder than him and his pears didn't get recognized for the great contribution they made that helped shape our society today.
Condolences to his whanau/family for their losses.
Last of the Mohawk code talkers dies after finally being hailed a war hero
Second world war efforts of Louis Levi Oakes and other indigenous peoples stayed secret coders.
In the dense jungle battlefields of the south Pacific, Louis Levi Oakes was a target. Often flanked by bodyguards as he carried a large field pack with a tangle of transmission lines, the men surrounding Oakes were assigned to protect a valuable asset – his language
A Mohawk soldier from a territory straddling the US and Canada, Oakes was the last surviving member of a secretive group of second world war soldiers who used their native language to confound and frustrate enemy forces.
On 28 May he died at his home, surrounded by family. He was 94.
Known as the Mohawk code talkers, Oakes and 16 others from the Mohawk nation of Akwesasne were part of a broader – but clandestine – facet of the allied war effort. Because critical communications were vulnerable to interception, the military recruited indigenous speakers to transmit sensitive messages. As many as 500 speakers of indigenous languages were recruited into the US military to work as code talkers, including Navajo, Tlingit, Lakota, Meskwaki, Cree and Comanche, all of whom were sworn to secrecy.
The code they used, drawn from 33 different languages, confused both the Germans and Japanese, who failed to break the code.
But the classified nature of their work kept Oakes and others silent for generations ka kite ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/03/last-of-mohawk-code-talkers-dies-after-finally-hailed-war-hero
Some Eco Maori music for the minute.
https://youtu.be/5Yj4j_lZMBo
Its good to see the next generation are treating ALCOHOL like it should be. Take with caution better still don't take at all.
Alcohol causes many problems to our society the people in glass houses throw stones at other natural relaxation thing meanwhile they ignore the problem associated with their relaxation of choice. The one giving to us from God doesn't do no we near a much damage to our society's as Alcohol.
People are sick of drinking. Investors are betting on the 'sober curious
hey are part of larger trend. People are paying greater attention to their mental health and wellness, and many Americans are specifically looking to reduce their alcohol intake. People of all ages are drinking less beer, while millennials are drinking less overall. And Silicon Valley is taking note, with tech companies reevaluating their alcohol policies and investors looking to capitalize on people who prefer not to drink.
"It's such a part of the culture, especially here in San Francisco that I would go out for dinner and have two to three drinks everyday," Silicon Valley entrepreneur Justin Kan, the CEO of law-tech startup Atrium, told CNN Business. He said he has seen a shift recently within his tech circle. "I was at a dinner with a lot of tech people last night and probably half the people weren't drinking."
Kan announced last month, in a post on Twitter, that he was giving up alcohol. He called drinking an unhealthy habit that had gotten in the way of his experiencing life. It wasn't exactly unusual for Kan to share personal details about himself: He once livestreamed his life through the startup he co-founded in 2007 called Justin.tv, which ultimately became Twitch, the popular live streaming platform for gamers now owned by Amazon.
The same day he tweeted, Kan launched a group on chat app Telegram to connect with others who were similarly deciding to get sober from alcohol. He didn't expect that more than 1,000 people would join ka kite ano link below.
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/08/tech/alcohol-alternative-sober-curious/index.html
Kia ora Newshub.
,,I ,, Our young men need to learn to respect our Wahine.
The Americas Cup will put Aotearoa on the Papatuanuku map .
All the up grades to the Auckland harbor will ad value to the waterfront and a legacy.
Costco welcome to Aotearoa the duopoly of our super markets have been creaming people for way too long $60 to join the club is not to much to pay to access the shop ka pai.
I don't think Grant Robinson should step down from his Minister of finance national is just spraying wai into tawhirimate.
That guy in Australia who ran over and killed 6 people in a shopping mall looks like the police miss a the sign of his irrational behavior .
Ka kite ano
Kia ora te ao Maori news.
Yes with AirNew Zealand accepting ta moko shows that the world is starting to learn how great tangata whenua O Aotearoa cultural Art is ka pai.
I think Orange tamariki should keep the mokopuna with the mother for the first six months at least the number of tamariki being up lifted is a shame it is cool that our government has invested more money into helping the vaunrable people of all cultures but Maori and Pacific tamariki end up in sips the most.
Our Maori Wardens do a great job in our community's ka pai
It is very cool that our government is investigating our climate change risk so that we can mitigate a plan for the future changes advancing fast to our environment.
Thanks to the Auckland council for putting climate change in all their plans for the community developments
Ka kite ano