Finally the REAA has been dragged kicking and screaming to the table to address corruption in its industry.
Agents who fail to disclose to a vendor any links with future buyers can face misconduct charges and lose their licence.
Incredible that an industry watchdog didn’t have the will to clean up corruption like this, in a market under such inflationary stress, until the media highlighted it for the umpteenth time.
> Faced with a series of controversial on-sales cases highlighted by the Herald, REAA chief executive Kevin Lampen-Smith said yesterday his organisation was becoming more proactive in its monitoring of wrong-doing.
Massive reason for the Auckland haves to vote out the do-nothing National government. They can’t get teachers for their rich kids.
Education Minister Hekia Parata has ruled out subsidised housing – and says one problem is a reluctance from Auckland schools to hire younger teachers on permanent contracts.
“Only the older teachers live close to schools, but the young teachers have to live miles away (two-hour commutes!) and this has a significant impact on their ability to be engaged with the school.”
So Parata blames schools (of course, it’s in the National Party manual) for not hiring young teachers but it turns out young teachers can’t afford to live near the places they work. Parata might have missed it’s because of her own government’s inaction on housing and infrastructure, and its addiction to immigration, that we have arrived at this point.
Correct, no salary addition.
Many years ago -in the country there were houses provided at low rent for teachers to teach in country schools.
There was also a salary step you could not progress beyond until country service was completed.
Hey we seem to be getting into unnecessary semantics on TS more and more. Wrangling over points, stranded on a rock or a high point like some cattle, while the river or the landslide goes on around them.
Save your energies so you’ve got some left for the next wave of malfeasance I say. There is too much worrying and wrangling, both in the Brit and USA meaning. A bit of semantics from me?
“Hey we seem to be getting into unnecessary semantics on TS more and more.”
Ain’t that the frikken truth! And the more it continues – destination IRRELEVANCE, and simply a place in the boudoir to look at oneself and shadows in the mirror, all moderated and peachy keen by the backlight that makes the contributor in favour look their best, whilst fading to black those that don’t present themselves at their ideological best.
“…Harrison, also known as Joanne Sidebottom and Joanne Sharp, stole by using fake invoices to bill fake companies when she worked at the Ministry of Transport.
In Manukau District Court today, Judge Sanjay Patel sentenced her to 43 months imprisonment on three charges to which she pleaded guilty.
And it’s not the first time Harrison had committed fraud.
“Ms Harrison has previous convictions for similar offending. In July 2007 she was sentenced to undertake 300 hours of community work,” Judge Patel said.
Martin Matthews, now the Auditor-General, was the Ministry of Transport’s chief executive who hired Harrison.
…”
__________________________
I heard an item on rnz that the protest against rape culture to be held outside Wellington college is to moved because of threats of violence by the students. That’s appalling! And just proves the point of the protest!
The young woman leading the protest thinks the guys are probably joking. But jokes can lead to the threats being taken seriously. Makes the young protesters feel unsafe.
And this shows that the male students making such threats, joking or not, must have some pretty poor roles models among men older than them.
I have read the comments – I think they are more trolling as opposed to real threats – however the comments are, simply put, disgusting and need to be addressed by the school and the parents.
I’d be really pissed if that was my son making comments like that.
It would be nice if the school/parents publicly came out and said that any threats toward the protest would be met with punishment and that they are supportive of the protest action.
Indeed. If they disagree with the protest – they could protest the protest. But as for threats – 100% the need to know they will be held to account and should be publicly warned.
I think they should be suspended. There should be zero tolerance of threats of grievous bodily harm irrespective of who is joking or not.
This shit has gamergate written all over it. Go look up what happens eventually to women who speak out.
There is a whole cultural sanctioning of misogyny, including sexual assault, and then harassment of women who speak out about it, and it’s bizarre beyond belief that there is even any debate about how to deal with this. But hey, Roastbusters.
Yep and shows why this cancerous rape culture has to be eradicated. But it won’t easily imo because too much priviledge and vested interest. Seriously this is really prevalent and it is disgusting and everywhere. I have heard some other stories about rape culture and sexism today and they make my fucken blood boil.
Big ups to the youth organising it. Kia kaha. The protest has been moved to 4:30 at parliament grounds. Us grown ups should be there to support them. Show how the community supports them.
Winston Peters has challenged Minister for Women, Paula Bennett, to ensure the Public Service leads the way in equal pay for women.
Mr Peters says the Crown Law office has a 39 percent gender pay gap, the Social Services Commission 27 percent and the Ministry of Education 26 percent.
Across the Public Service the gap is 14 percent, he says.
The official gender pay gap is 12 percent.
The Green Party has put up a bill it believes would close the gap but Ms Bennett says legislation isn’t the way forward at this stage.
Hey don’t call orangutans rabid, they are actually very peaceful and healthy living, and shouldn’t be bad mouthed. They are pretty close to us and if we had a more stable nature without so much deviousness in our ways we would have had a happier world instead of our destructive one. They are among the apes that people have studied and are beginning to ask for personhood for.
Trump on the other hand – is he actually a person, or a cartoon impersonation?
I agree comparing Trump to healthy orangutans is defamation of orangutans. Admittedly I’m extrapolating what an orangutan in the final throes of a rabies infection might be like, but I have seen other other rabid animals (and left the area quickly) and it seems likely to be a fair comparison.
“Whatever we are facing now we need to have a root system embedded in weather patterns, the presences of animals, our dreams, and the ones who came before us. Myth is insistent that when there is a crisis, genius lives on the margins not the centre. If we are constantly using the language of politics to combat the language of politics at some point the soul grows weary and turns its head away because we are not allowing it into the conversation, and by denying soul we are ignoring what the Mexicans call the river beneath the river. We’re not listening to the thoughts of the world. We’re only listening to our own neurosis and our own anxiety.”
“Some $16.3 billion in profits and investment income left this country in the year to March 2016, and Dr Rosenberg said over the past decade this had averaged more than the combined dairy and forest product exports.
More than $2 out of every $5 – $6.8bn – went to the mainly Australian owners of New Zealand’s banks.”
Woah that’s interesting. Imagine if we had solely a state bank (kiwibank) controlling our money supply instead of aussie owned private banks. The Government has $6.8 billion extra to play with each and every year and all of a sudden New Zealand looks like it did back in the 1950s – healthy state housing, healthy numbers of jobs, Universal Basic Incomes for everyone, healthy people and education systems.
If NZ unilaterally puts an extra tax on financial transaction, it would simply feed into higher interest costs. The banks would simply see this as an additional cost of doing business in NZ compared to say Australia. In short borrowers would pay the tax.
Hey, Wayne housing problem solved as our houses stop going up! Especially if we stop foreign investment and foreign ownership at the same time, and stop lazy immigration so that we are not outcompeted by cheap interest rates and NZ tax havens our government has so thoughfully put in place to help the rest of the world get on the property ladder in NZ. sarc.
No, they would keep going up, with the tax on as well. A tax isn’t going to stop anything. I don’t understand why everyone thinks this is the case. It might slow it down slightly, that’s about it.
FTT is a minor small tax which brings in a lot because of volume. Stop bringing up old textbook answers to questions Wayne. Time that you got some new ideas instead of offering rote learning that was probably wrong when you learned it.
The claim is private enterprise can do everything better. Can it?
I have a small urgent parcel coming from New York. It has taken 2 days to get from New York to Auckland. It arrived yesterday.
When I phoned and asked when would I expect delivery I was told not before Tuesday if I am lucky
A good bit of private enterprise that, 2 days from New York and 6 DAYS from Auckland to where I live not far from Auckland.
Now back in the BAD days when the government run the socialistic parcel service called Road Services not known for their efficiency if I phoned for goods from an Auckland company before 3.00 pm I would be able to collect them at 8.0 am the following morning from their local depot. If it missed the morning run it would definitely be there in the afternoon. In those days if that happened everyone would winge how inefficient they all were and private enterprise would be so much better.
Also no doubt the truck bringing the parcels from Auckland would have been driven by a New Zealander on a reasonable wage so he didn’t have to live in a cardboard box instead of the migrant labour we seem to have these days no doubt on the minimum wage.
So the shit about private enterprise can do everything better is nothing but crap, because they don’t.
Matt Nippert is doing an excellent job researching the involvement of Peter Thiel in NZ and surveillance in NZ. This Herald article was posted last night. I have the feeling there could be more to come.
New Zealand spy agencies and our elite Special Air Service soldiers have long-standing commercial links with a controversial big-data company founded by surprise Kiwi Peter Thiel, the Herald can reveal.
An investigation into Thiel’s links to New Zealand has found his firm Palantir Technologies has counted the New Zealand Defence Force, the Security Intelligence Service and the Government Communications and Security Bureau as clients with contracts dating back to at least 2012.
Thiel’s NZ citizenship should be revoked on the grounds he obtained it by highly questionable means.
If this story grows legs – and I think it will – then if enough NZers rise up and say essentially “get rid of him” then an incoming government will have the mandate to do exactly that?
What I would like to know is whether the agencies mentioned were “instructed” by the Key-led government to purchase the Palantir software in the first place?
And was the shenanagens around the granting of that citizenship and the purchase of the Palantir equipment a reason why Ian Fletcher suddenly upped and resigned before his tenure expired?
I agree that his citizenship should be revoked but it is actually quite difficult to do apparently.
As you will recall, l I have been thumping the table here from time to time over the years about Palantir so it good that it is finally coming to light – not just in NZ but also in the US.
If you are interested in recent media articles in the US on Thiel, Palantir, Trump and US regulatory/intelligency agency connections, that reply contains links to some of these plus other replies with further links to US articles. Convoluted !
I look forward to further revelations from Matt Nippert (with help from David Fisher apparently).
Great investigative journalists both of them – even if the work for the Herald!
I will look at those links veutoviper but my primary interest is what was going on in NZ vis a vis Palantir and Thiel.
For instance, I wonder how the time-lines pan out re-Ian Fletcher being head-hunted to take over the GCSB at what now looks to have been a critical period. I refer to the installation of Palantir products into the GCSB and elsewhere. (Bear in mind Fletcher had technical experience in both the public and private sectors) Then he suddenly decides to piss off before his time is up. And how does it all fit in with the “brief” visits by Thiel apparently (we’re told) to set himself up for citizenship which he obtained without going through any of the hoops everyone else has to, and in record time. And what about John Key? He definitely fits in otherwise why did he lie about Ian Fletcher’s appointment process in the first place.
JK probably was telling the truth when he said he was stepping down as PM because he had “run out of steam” but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t another reason as well…. such as the knowledge some shit was going to hit the fan within months?
I wish “karol” was still around because she was brilliant at the research stuff and joining all the dots but I’ll have a go when I get the time and inclination.
Further to my earlier reply advising that Karol did a detailed post and I also did a number of detailed comments back then on the NZ aspects you talk about, discussion on Palantir in NZ and Key are in my comment on 29 January 2017 here:
Links to Karol’s post and the Q time questioning of Key re Thiel and Palantir
are in my comment.
My focus has been mainly on the NZ aspects; the US articles etc tend tp confirm the concerns etc re Thiel’s real motives and Palantir’s interests here.
Myself, I’m also waiting to see what Nippert will say in part two – he expects to be writing more articles when the rest of the OIAs he submitted throw up some more info. He’s the maestro at sifting through spreadsheets and other documentation, and drawing out the most significant bits, and then matching up info from different places.
I haven’t started the time-lining (might not get a chance until after the week-end), but from the little bit I’ve read and recalled… I’ll stick my neck out and state the following:
NZ was being used as an unwitting repository for international political machinations which was never about – or in the interest of – New Zealand. (Yes, our country too). It was all about the preservation of a very wealthy and powerful elite (the 1%) across the planet and they are solely responsible for the dire economic and environmental circumstances the entire world is currently experiencing.
It is sickening that John Key and his cronies ( in particular this Peter Thiel character) were the witting facilitators of NZ’s involvement. I will go further and say: this is almost certainly the reason John Key was handed a safe National seat on a plate… and created leader and PM at the earliest opportunity. One wonders what he has been promised by way of gratitude once the “mission” was completed. We’ll find out soon enough methinks.
Now watch the rwnjs come running to this site screaming conspiracy, conspiracy, conspiracy.
“Labour’s new leadership team had their first ever public debut on Thursday – and it revealed Jacinda Ardern maybe isn’t as popular as everyone thinks.
Even in the left-wing safe zone of Victoria University’s Kelburn campus, hardly any students knew who she was.”
I hope this clears up the little meme that you are trying over the last couple of days. Starting flame wars is stupid – and that is the only thing I can see you trying to do since your comment had nothing to do with anything being discussed.
You didn’t do it? But now, you support smacking children?
Is that since you embraced the Act Party ideology? What made you this way, James? Will you smack your grandchildren?
Would you like to have a go at defining the difference between smacking and hitting?
Just so as you know, the Cambridge English dictionary defines smacking thus: “smack meaning, definition, what is smack: to hit someone or something forcefully with the flat inside part of your hand”
It would appear they would see ‘hit as a synonym – interesting, that!
JanM is saying (I think) that smacking and hitting are synonymous by definition. Your view on the difference between smacking and hitting would be interesting, James; like to give it a go?
A smack is a hit with the open palm of the hand. Hit is a more general term. A smack will never be as forceful as a punch (a hit with a closed fist) but all these hits can be powerful enough to damage a small child, and I agree with the anti-smacking law.
Stop pretending that a smack can do no harm. Brutally delivered, it can. And when it is brutally delivered, prosecution is justified.
James, oh James. I followed your link and read the piece:
“Leader Andrew Little on the other hand, was recognised by almost everyone.”, says the journalist, “But don’t get me wrong – from what I saw today, I believe the pair will be a force to be reckoned with when the campaign ramps up.”
James, James, James. Please get your Act together.
Great to see National’s flagship Land and Water Forum fall apart.
In the last few days the following have left:
– Forest and Bird Society
– Federated Mountain Clubs
– Fish and Game
Forest and Bird society are pretty well known to be fully oppositional to this government, and are gearing up to further humiliate them in the Supreme Court about Ruataniwha Dam proposal. Fair to say they have tens of thousands of members, and so far as I know them, almost all of them vote.
Federated Mountain Clubs is a very large conglomeration of all sorts of tramping clubs. All the way from alpine ski clubs to the Catholic Tramping Clubs.
Fish and Game have a statutory role in licensing hunting and fishing, but have become increasingly outspoken against this government.
This Land and Water Forum has been the flagship for Jackie Blue, led within shrinking walls by Rob Salmon, and 100% pushed by Nick Smith. In short, the primary blue-green machine for this government.
As the real impact of these national fresh water quality standards hits home to the broader public, and the new RMA bill heads to Parliament, this Forum will be seen clearly for what it is now: a front for Federated Farmers and NZ Big Ag Inc to screw our land once more.
I talked with Guy long ago about the collaborative model he’d experienced in Norway (I think it was). It was a good one, but National have not followed that model, as I believe Guy suspected all those years ago (20? 25? Can’t remember exactly). This abandonment by the significant environmental lobby is indicative, appalling, and sad. And utterly predictable and predicted. My council has heard my views about this ad nauseum and are getting them again today, as the result of this latest development. Local government is being “encouraged” to adopt the Government’s practice and many councils, such as mine, have fallen, imo, for the spin.
The Tump peace dividend exceeds all expectations.
/
After a week of punishing airstrikes loosed on al Qaeda in Yemen that saw 40 targets go up in flames and smoke, American pilots took a breather the past two nights, watching the dust settle.
The weeklong blitz in Yemen eclipsed the annual bombing total for any year during Obama’s presidency. Under the previous administration, approval for strikes came only after slow-moving policy discussions, with senior officials required to sign off on any action. The Trump administration has proven much quicker at green-lighting attacks.
Now, having seen the trump regime for a couple of months, do we think that this bombing intensity reflects a more responsive command and control system that enables the US to fight its enemies more effectively?
Or do we think that it simply reflects poor impulse control?
Interesting piece talking about the economy. But right in the middle of this an interesting piece on what the labour party in G.B will do if elected. Goes some way to explain the people who have been attacking Corbyn. Democracy has broken out inside the labour party, and it must be quashed at any cost.
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Chris Trotter writes – New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy.Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Changes in the May 14 budget will cut the student debt of more than three million people, wiping more than $3 billion from what people owe. The government will cap the HELP indexation rate ...
Asia Pacific Report The prosecutor’s office at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has appealed for an end to what it calls intimidation of its staff, saying such threats could constitute an offence against the “administration of justice” by the world’s permanent war crimes court. The Hague-based office of ICC Prosecutor ...
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A women’s union in New Caledonia has staged a sit-in protest this week to support senior Kanak indigenous journalist Thérèse Waia, who works for public broadcaster Nouvelle-Calédonie la Première, after a smear attack by critics. The peaceful demonstration was held on ...
New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring overseas recalls of Indian packaged spice products manufactured by MDH and Everest due to concerns over a cancer-causing pesticide. ...
By Stephen Wright and Stefan Armbruster of BenarNews Fiji’s ranking in a global press freedom index has jumped into the top tier of countries with free or mostly free media after its government last year repealed a draconian law that threatened journalists with prison for doing their jobs. Fiji’s improvement ...
We might be in Invercargill but all anyone can talk about is Gore. Specifically, Salford Street. That’s where three-year-old Lachlan Jones lived, south of the centre of town, between the A&P Showgrounds and the Mataura River. Roughly 1.2 km away from the single level home he lived in with his ...
MONDAY I lined up the latest round of civil servants from city hall against the wall, and signalled for the firing squad to drop their rifles. I stepped up onto a wooden crate to look at the office workers in the eye. But that didn’t feel right, so I found ...
Keen hiker and second-year MSc student Liam Hewson wears two hats when he’s in the great outdoors. “The scientist in me appreciates nature and goes, ‘Oh, there’s that thing and there’s another thing,’ but then the tramper and the outdoorsy person in me thinks, ‘Cool bush.’” Born and bred in ...
After a long and illustrious career as a goal kicker, Dan Carter’s favourite way to unwind is… kicking goals. Why can’t he get enough of it? And what it’s like to watch him do it for an hour straight? A semicircle of people wielding cameras and phones has formed in ...
Dame Susan Devoy takes us through her life in television, including late night ER debriefs, her proudest CTI moment and the show she watches in secret. Quite aside from her four world champion squash titles, Dame Susan Devoy will likely go down in history as one of the best Celebrity ...
Hera Lindsay Bird reveals the best places in Ōtepoti to score more for your apocalypse-prep book hoard.Sometimes I get the feeling I’ve been killed in a car crash, and this second half of my life is just the brain unspooling itself, like one of those episodes of a hospital ...
ThreeNow’s new murder mystery series takes us on a dark, damp journey into the Australian wilderness.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. High Country is ThreeNow’s new Australian eight-part crime drama, set in a remote part of the Victorian highlands. It tells ...
Introducing a new way to read The Spinoff every weekend. After nearly 10 years of being an online magazine, we’re finally embracing the weekend liftout. Despite our best efforts to convince you otherwise, writers and editors at The Spinoff don’t work weekend. It is through the sheer power of technology ...
Tip one: let yourself be nurtured by this big old man. Tip two: don’t ask him to adopt you. So, you’ve arrived at your first session with a new therapist. He tells you to make yourself comfortable and you opt for the tweed armchair, hoping it makes you look like ...
I didn’t know books could open you back up; that there were books that stayed with you, where reading was like a chemical event. I knew nothing.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.Not too long ago, I was listening to the American ...
Former Olympic swimmer James Magnussen has already started training for the Enhanced games, though says he won’t start taking performance enhancing substances until about nine months out from the competition. The Australian world champion was the first athlete to be announced by Enhanced, but he says the organisation has had ...
Everyone thinks he’s dead. Every day they expect his body to be washed up along the coast. Most likely up Karitane way, the way the tide’s running. But nobody’ll be too surprised if his body’s never found. Even in death he wouldn’t have wished for such attention. He would have ...
Council members voted 21 to 4 in favour of Ahluwalia returning to the Laucala campus following a much-awaited meeting in Vanuatu this week. It comes as USP and its two unions — the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the Administration and Support Staff Union ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Henry, Professor & Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University Shutterstock Following an emergency meeting of the National Cabinet this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a raft of measures to tackle the problem ...
Analysis - A poll showing the opposition is more popular than the government raises questions, politicians go through their 'trial by pay rise' and a Green MP loses her cool in the debating chamber. ...
The entire stretch of Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast will be subject to a joint customary marine title for two hapū, and extending up to four miles out to sea. A High Court judge has found the two groups, who during the case settled a dispute over boundaries for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Hall, Lecturer, Media & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University A longstanding feud between TikTok and Universal Music Group seems to have finally reached an end, with both parties signing a deal that will see Universal-backed music returned to the social media ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Siobhan O’Dean, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney After several highly publicised alleged murders of women in Australia, the Albanese government this week pledged more than A$925 million over five years ...
Political parties have now fully disclosed the donations they received last year - with National getting more than double the cash of any other party. ...
A Pacific regionalism expert has called out New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for withholding information from the public on AUKUS military pact. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard de Grijs, Professor of Astrophysics, Macquarie University Bruno Scramgnon/Pexels All systems are “go” for tonight’s launch of China’s next step in a carefully planned lunar exploration program. Placed on top of a powerful Long March 5 rocket, the Chang’e 6 ...
National returned a massive donation the day after a Newsroom story linked the donors to a property being investigated for operating unlawfully as a migrant workers’ hostel. The party’s 2023 donation filings, released on Friday, show it returned a $200,000 donation from Buen Holdings on August 23. That was the ...
Pacific Media Watch New Zealand has slumped to an unprecedented 19th place in the annual Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index survey released today on World Press Freedom Day — May 3. This was a drop of six places from 13th last year when it slipped out of its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Political Historian and Administrator Officer, Australian Historical Association, Australian National University Australia has had its fair share of public record-keeping controversies in recent years. Some have been mere farce, as in the case of two formerly government-owned filing cabinets (containing ...
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a United Nations-affiliated organization dedicated to fostering peace through civilian-led initiatives, has issued a statement in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. ...
A poem by Tessa Keenan, from AUP New Poets 10. Mātou These days we are a photograph; one of a farm strewn with cows that used to be bright harakeke or swamp. The kids point at it and say the sun sits behind a smudge (left by someone at Christmas); ...
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 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Faber & Faber, $25)The masterful Irish writer ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. Key facts Marriages and civil unions In ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lennon Y.C. Chang, Associate Professor of Cyber Risk and Policy, Deakin University Taiwan stands out as a beacon of democracy, innovation and resilience in an increasingly autocratic region. But this is under growing threat. In recent years, China has used a variety ...
In this excerpt from her new memoir, Dame Susan Devoy remembers her turn as star contestant on the 2022 season of Celebrity Treasure Island. The most anxious time of every day was pre-elimination, when you knew this could be your final day on the show. I felt such contradictory emotions, ...
A week that began in triumph ended in an all-too-familiar disaster for the Green Party. Duncan Greive asks if there’s something in the mission that breaks its best and brightest. A long, strange week for the Green party began with a fantastic poll result. On one level this is hardly ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Vanuatu’s former prime minister and opposition MP Ishmael Kalsakau has stepped down — just two days after he confirmed he was the rightful opposition leader. Kalsakau, MP for Port Vila, confirmed to ABC’s Pacific Beat, and the Vanuatu Daily Post on Thursday that he ...
What’s to blame for the coalition’s choppy start? Six months in, and the mojo meter is in the doldrums. A new poll would put National out of power and sees its leader, Chris Luxon, sliding in popularity. How much is it about policy, how much coalition management and a perception ...
The striking report goes far beyond the proposed repeal of the Oranga Tamariki Act’s Treaty of Waitangi provision, and its impact should be felt far beyond the unique circumstances of the claim it addresses. Earlier this week, the Waitangi Tribunal released an interim report on the government’s proposed repeal of ...
The world has been experiencing a productivity slowdown, from which New Zealand has not been exempt. COVID-19 temporarily boosted labour productivity, but more recently, productivity has retreated. The overall trend since 2007 has been one of slow productivity ...
What’s more wasteful than spending $315k on syrup and machine maintenance? Trying to drum up a controversy about it.Cast your mind back to the pre-pandemic idylls of 2019. A “rat” was a disgusting rodent and not a self-administered plague test; the sixth Labour government was in power; and the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Monash University Ken stocker/Shutterstock In the wake of numerous killings of women allegedly by men’s violence in 2024, thousands of Australians have joined rallies across the country to demand action ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Cutler, Professor and Director, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University Oleg Ivanov IL/Shutterstock Waiting times for public hospital elective surgery have been in the news ahead of this year’s federal budget. That’s the type of non-emergency surgery ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, Historical and Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne Amna Artist/Shutterstock One of the earliest descriptions of someone with cancer comes from the fourth century BC. Satyrus, tyrant of the city of Heracleia on the Black Sea, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Rose, Professor of Sustainable Future Transport, University of Sydney LanaElcova/Shutterstock Electric vehicles are often seen as the panacea to cutting emissions – and air pollution – from transport. Is this view correct? Yes – but only once uptake accelerates. Despite the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giselle Natassia Woodley, Researcher and Phd Candidate, Edith Cowan University There is widespread agreement Australia needs to do better when it comes to gender-based violence. Anger and frustration at the numbers of women being killed saw national rallies over the weekend and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Graham, Lecturer in Economics, University of Sydney Mark and Anna Photography/Shutterstock As home ownership moves further out of reach for many Australians, “rentvesting” is being touted as a lifesaver. Rentvesting is the practice of renting one property to live ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sukhmani Khorana, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, UNSW Sydney Netflix The new season of Heartbreak High is garnering mixed reviews. Critics are writing about the racy story lines, comparing it to other coming-of-age series about teenage relationships and ...
Bob Carr intends to launch legal action against Winston Peters and Julie Anne Genter is facing a second allegation of bullying. Both sucked the air out of an announcement on education, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in ...
In 1995, Sally Clark went out on her own in a bold and unorthodox attempt to join an illustrious group of equestrian riders conquering the world. In the days of glovebox road maps, brick cell phones, and the hit song How Bizarre, Clark refused to follow Sir Mark Todd, Blyth ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Beaglehole, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago niphon/Getty Images The number of people accessing medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Aotearoa New Zealand increased significantly between 2006 and 2022. But the disorder is still under-diagnosed and ...
To celebrate the start of New Zealand music month, we look back at the best local tuneage that managed to weasel its way into Hollywood productions. There’s nothing quite like the thrilling zap of recognition when New Zealand weasels its way into a glamorous Hollywood production. Crack open a Tui ...
People trust other people more than institutions. So how can the media gain that trust through journalists without losing what’s important about the institution? Anna Rawhiti-Connell reflects on two years of curating the news for The Bulletin.Amonth ago, armed cops descended on my neighbourhood as calls to “lock your ...
Opinion: PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals used widely in everyday consumer items such as textiles, packaging, and cookware, popular for their water, grease and stain-repellent properties. However, the very properties that make PFAS so attractive to manufacturers are also what ...
NONFICTION 1 The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour & Jude Dobson (Allen & Unwin, $37.99)’ This is the hottest book in New Zealand, number one with a bullet in its first week, selling more than any overseas title, and demand is so huge that it’s already been reprinted. A ...
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Finally the REAA has been dragged kicking and screaming to the table to address corruption in its industry.
Incredible that an industry watchdog didn’t have the will to clean up corruption like this, in a market under such inflationary stress, until the media highlighted it for the umpteenth time.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11815330
Slow clap for the REAA, everyone.
> Faced with a series of controversial on-sales cases highlighted by the Herald, REAA chief executive Kevin Lampen-Smith said yesterday his organisation was becoming more proactive in its monitoring of wrong-doing.
Hehe go KL-S! (I know him from some time ago)
A.
Massive reason for the Auckland haves to vote out the do-nothing National government. They can’t get teachers for their rich kids.
So Parata blames schools (of course, it’s in the National Party manual) for not hiring young teachers but it turns out young teachers can’t afford to live near the places they work. Parata might have missed it’s because of her own government’s inaction on housing and infrastructure, and its addiction to immigration, that we have arrived at this point.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11815312
No wonder they sacked her.
So schools in Auckland don’t get more money for staffing, in order to compensate for the higher cost of living? (Genuine question)
A.
Correct, no salary addition.
Many years ago -in the country there were houses provided at low rent for teachers to teach in country schools.
There was also a salary step you could not progress beyond until country service was completed.
Is the same true of other public sector professions?
In the private sector I suppose most would want more money to work in Auckland.
A.
Don’t know, suspect Nurses are the same.
An entertaining rant from a frustrated liberal fed up with those voting against their interests by voting Repug and Trump.
https://newrepublic.com/article/140948/bluexit-blue-states-exit-trump-red-america
According to Antoine, this isn’t corruption.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/326267/call-to-investigate-if-fraudster-forced-out-whistleblowers
Probably not, but fraud and gross incompetence, yes? I in no way defend it.
A.
You just feebly attempt to minimise it instead. Does your flavour of bullshit impress people at Cabinet Club, because it doesn’t work here.
Hehe
I must confess I am not a Cabinet Club habitue
A.
Just has more common sense than most here.
Common sense isn’t and it’s almost always wrong anyway.
Fraud is corruption you moron.
Hey we seem to be getting into unnecessary semantics on TS more and more. Wrangling over points, stranded on a rock or a high point like some cattle, while the river or the landslide goes on around them.
Save your energies so you’ve got some left for the next wave of malfeasance I say. There is too much worrying and wrangling, both in the Brit and USA meaning. A bit of semantics from me?
“Hey we seem to be getting into unnecessary semantics on TS more and more.”
Ain’t that the frikken truth! And the more it continues – destination IRRELEVANCE, and simply a place in the boudoir to look at oneself and shadows in the mirror, all moderated and peachy keen by the backlight that makes the contributor in favour look their best, whilst fading to black those that don’t present themselves at their ideological best.
How is the new Auditor-General Martin Mathews ‘fit for duty’?
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/boss-hired-ministry-transport-726-000-fraudster-not-embarrassed
“…Harrison, also known as Joanne Sidebottom and Joanne Sharp, stole by using fake invoices to bill fake companies when she worked at the Ministry of Transport.
In Manukau District Court today, Judge Sanjay Patel sentenced her to 43 months imprisonment on three charges to which she pleaded guilty.
And it’s not the first time Harrison had committed fraud.
“Ms Harrison has previous convictions for similar offending. In July 2007 she was sentenced to undertake 300 hours of community work,” Judge Patel said.
Martin Matthews, now the Auditor-General, was the Ministry of Transport’s chief executive who hired Harrison.
…”
__________________________
I heard an item on rnz that the protest against rape culture to be held outside Wellington college is to moved because of threats of violence by the students. That’s appalling! And just proves the point of the protest!
Apparently the threats were from Wellington College boys using social media. School (and perhaps police) should come down on them like a ton of bricks
A.
Article about it on RNZ website:
The young woman leading the protest thinks the guys are probably joking. But jokes can lead to the threats being taken seriously. Makes the young protesters feel unsafe.
And this shows that the male students making such threats, joking or not, must have some pretty poor roles models among men older than them.
I have read the comments – I think they are more trolling as opposed to real threats – however the comments are, simply put, disgusting and need to be addressed by the school and the parents.
I’d be really pissed if that was my son making comments like that.
It would be nice if the school/parents publicly came out and said that any threats toward the protest would be met with punishment and that they are supportive of the protest action.
Indeed. If they disagree with the protest – they could protest the protest. But as for threats – 100% the need to know they will be held to account and should be publicly warned.
I think they should be suspended. There should be zero tolerance of threats of grievous bodily harm irrespective of who is joking or not.
This shit has gamergate written all over it. Go look up what happens eventually to women who speak out.
There is a whole cultural sanctioning of misogyny, including sexual assault, and then harassment of women who speak out about it, and it’s bizarre beyond belief that there is even any debate about how to deal with this. But hey, Roastbusters.
Oh, and look, the principal of the boys school is a rape apologist, what a surprise.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/326072/wellington-students-encourage-taking-advantage-of-'drunk-girls‘
Yep and shows why this cancerous rape culture has to be eradicated. But it won’t easily imo because too much priviledge and vested interest. Seriously this is really prevalent and it is disgusting and everywhere. I have heard some other stories about rape culture and sexism today and they make my fucken blood boil.
I would argue that suspension is the minimum they should see.
Expulsion would prove that they are not WBC …
Big ups to the youth organising it. Kia kaha. The protest has been moved to 4:30 at parliament grounds. Us grown ups should be there to support them. Show how the community supports them.
Winston Peters has challenged Minister for Women, Paula Bennett, to ensure the Public Service leads the way in equal pay for women.
Mr Peters says the Crown Law office has a 39 percent gender pay gap, the Social Services Commission 27 percent and the Ministry of Education 26 percent.
Across the Public Service the gap is 14 percent, he says.
The official gender pay gap is 12 percent.
The Green Party has put up a bill it believes would close the gap but Ms Bennett says legislation isn’t the way forward at this stage.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/03/paula-bennett-s-job-to-fix-gender-pay-gap-winston-peters.html
National will always say that legislation isn’t the way forward. They like it that their immoral actions are still legal.
It will be interesting to see if public and media pressure forces Bennett to take up the challenge.
If Bennett can’t sort out the public sector what hope is there of her ever sorting out the private sector?
Can National afford to lose the female vote?
Labour should be hammering this home.
Where’s Ruth Dyson on this?
Lost in her own Dyson sphere.
Labour should be capitalizing off of this.
Are you aware that the proposed Bill is only to provide transparency about men’s vs women’s pay, not actually to mandate that they get the same.
A.
Regardless, it doesn’t look like National plan to do anything.
Labour should put forward and campaign on a policy mandating an end to gender inequality within the public sector.
Bet they won’t
Doing so will put more pressure on Bennett to act.
Looks like they won’t need a wall. Just having a rabid orangutan in the White House is enough to scare people off trying to get to the US.
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/3/9/14869194/trump-border-secure-illegal-immigration
Hey don’t call orangutans rabid, they are actually very peaceful and healthy living, and shouldn’t be bad mouthed. They are pretty close to us and if we had a more stable nature without so much deviousness in our ways we would have had a happier world instead of our destructive one. They are among the apes that people have studied and are beginning to ask for personhood for.
Trump on the other hand – is he actually a person, or a cartoon impersonation?
I agree comparing Trump to healthy orangutans is defamation of orangutans. Admittedly I’m extrapolating what an orangutan in the final throes of a rabies infection might be like, but I have seen other other rabid animals (and left the area quickly) and it seems likely to be a fair comparison.
Aren’t orangutan hands rather large, though?
Uncolonizing our imagination (bold mine)
“Whatever we are facing now we need to have a root system embedded in weather patterns, the presences of animals, our dreams, and the ones who came before us. Myth is insistent that when there is a crisis, genius lives on the margins not the centre. If we are constantly using the language of politics to combat the language of politics at some point the soul grows weary and turns its head away because we are not allowing it into the conversation, and by denying soul we are ignoring what the Mexicans call the river beneath the river. We’re not listening to the thoughts of the world. We’re only listening to our own neurosis and our own anxiety.”
http://dark-mountain.net/blog/the-mythos-we-live-by-uncolonising-our-imagination/
That’s good. Any thoughts on how that might work here?
“Some $16.3 billion in profits and investment income left this country in the year to March 2016, and Dr Rosenberg said over the past decade this had averaged more than the combined dairy and forest product exports.
More than $2 out of every $5 – $6.8bn – went to the mainly Australian owners of New Zealand’s banks.”
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/326190/foreign-ownership-nears-50-percent
Time to talk about a financial transaction tax!!
No, time to talk about a ban on offshore ownership.
Woah that’s interesting. Imagine if we had solely a state bank (kiwibank) controlling our money supply instead of aussie owned private banks. The Government has $6.8 billion extra to play with each and every year and all of a sudden New Zealand looks like it did back in the 1950s – healthy state housing, healthy numbers of jobs, Universal Basic Incomes for everyone, healthy people and education systems.
saveNZ,
If NZ unilaterally puts an extra tax on financial transaction, it would simply feed into higher interest costs. The banks would simply see this as an additional cost of doing business in NZ compared to say Australia. In short borrowers would pay the tax.
Hey, Wayne housing problem solved as our houses stop going up! Especially if we stop foreign investment and foreign ownership at the same time, and stop lazy immigration so that we are not outcompeted by cheap interest rates and NZ tax havens our government has so thoughfully put in place to help the rest of the world get on the property ladder in NZ. sarc.
The banks already put an extra tax onto financial transactions.
0.5% to 3.5% of every card transaction.
Maybe we need an FTT, and competition! between banks to let the market work?
Better still. Use Kiwibank properly to keep them honest. And banking profits in New Zealand. See North Dakota.
At the moment all our tourist and dairy farming TURNOVER are exceeded by offshore profit taking.
Capitalism at work. If Australian banks found NZ too costly to do business in, there is an opportunity for some local entrepreneurs.
No, they would keep going up, with the tax on as well. A tax isn’t going to stop anything. I don’t understand why everyone thinks this is the case. It might slow it down slightly, that’s about it.
And a RWNJ comes in to tell us that Nothing Can Be Done and that it should all Just Remain The Same.
Or we could make zero interest loans available from Kiwibank.
FTT is a minor small tax which brings in a lot because of volume. Stop bringing up old textbook answers to questions Wayne. Time that you got some new ideas instead of offering rote learning that was probably wrong when you learned it.
The claim is private enterprise can do everything better. Can it?
I have a small urgent parcel coming from New York. It has taken 2 days to get from New York to Auckland. It arrived yesterday.
When I phoned and asked when would I expect delivery I was told not before Tuesday if I am lucky
A good bit of private enterprise that, 2 days from New York and 6 DAYS from Auckland to where I live not far from Auckland.
Now back in the BAD days when the government run the socialistic parcel service called Road Services not known for their efficiency if I phoned for goods from an Auckland company before 3.00 pm I would be able to collect them at 8.0 am the following morning from their local depot. If it missed the morning run it would definitely be there in the afternoon. In those days if that happened everyone would winge how inefficient they all were and private enterprise would be so much better.
Also no doubt the truck bringing the parcels from Auckland would have been driven by a New Zealander on a reasonable wage so he didn’t have to live in a cardboard box instead of the migrant labour we seem to have these days no doubt on the minimum wage.
So the shit about private enterprise can do everything better is nothing but crap, because they don’t.
You’re comment is worth your weight in gold, halfcrown. True in my experience.
@halfcrown (13) … you got it so damn right there. Spot on.
Matt Nippert is doing an excellent job researching the involvement of Peter Thiel in NZ and surveillance in NZ. This Herald article was posted last night. I have the feeling there could be more to come.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11814904
Good heads up Tautoko MM.
Thiel’s NZ citizenship should be revoked on the grounds he obtained it by highly questionable means.
If this story grows legs – and I think it will – then if enough NZers rise up and say essentially “get rid of him” then an incoming government will have the mandate to do exactly that?
What I would like to know is whether the agencies mentioned were “instructed” by the Key-led government to purchase the Palantir software in the first place?
And was the shenanagens around the granting of that citizenship and the purchase of the Palantir equipment a reason why Ian Fletcher suddenly upped and resigned before his tenure expired?
I agree that his citizenship should be revoked but it is actually quite difficult to do apparently.
As you will recall, l I have been thumping the table here from time to time over the years about Palantir so it good that it is finally coming to light – not just in NZ but also in the US.
Earlier this morning I actually replied to a comment on last night’s Daily Review re Matt Nippert’s last article on Thiel and Palantir.
https://thestandard.org.nz/daily-review-09032017/#comment-1308274
If you are interested in recent media articles in the US on Thiel, Palantir, Trump and US regulatory/intelligency agency connections, that reply contains links to some of these plus other replies with further links to US articles. Convoluted !
I look forward to further revelations from Matt Nippert (with help from David Fisher apparently).
Great investigative journalists both of them – even if the work for the Herald!
I will look at those links veutoviper but my primary interest is what was going on in NZ vis a vis Palantir and Thiel.
For instance, I wonder how the time-lines pan out re-Ian Fletcher being head-hunted to take over the GCSB at what now looks to have been a critical period. I refer to the installation of Palantir products into the GCSB and elsewhere. (Bear in mind Fletcher had technical experience in both the public and private sectors) Then he suddenly decides to piss off before his time is up. And how does it all fit in with the “brief” visits by Thiel apparently (we’re told) to set himself up for citizenship which he obtained without going through any of the hoops everyone else has to, and in record time. And what about John Key? He definitely fits in otherwise why did he lie about Ian Fletcher’s appointment process in the first place.
JK probably was telling the truth when he said he was stepping down as PM because he had “run out of steam” but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t another reason as well…. such as the knowledge some shit was going to hit the fan within months?
I wish “karol” was still around because she was brilliant at the research stuff and joining all the dots but I’ll have a go when I get the time and inclination.
Karol already didresearch and an excellent post. I also did a lot of research, replies etc back then.
About to go out, but will search it all out because I should be able to find it through my replies etc.
Here’s some links to get you started.
Karol puts Thiel’s involvement as beginning in 2009
https://thestandard.org.nz/networks-of-influence-key-peter-thiel-the-gcsb/
Russel Norman raised questions about it in 2013:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10890189
https://www.nbr.co.nz/palantir-prism-ck
Hamish Fletcher wrote in 2011 about Thiel in NZ
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10702787
Then further questions raised about Thiel in NZ at the beginning of February 2017
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/88843382/peter-thiel-citizenship-details-revealed
Thanks Carolyn nth. That should get me going. 🙂
Further to my earlier reply advising that Karol did a detailed post and I also did a number of detailed comments back then on the NZ aspects you talk about, discussion on Palantir in NZ and Key are in my comment on 29 January 2017 here:
https://thestandard.org.nz/peter-thiels-citizenship-and-consequent-questions-of-corruption/#comment-1293097
Links to Karol’s post and the Q time questioning of Key re Thiel and Palantir
are in my comment.
My focus has been mainly on the NZ aspects; the US articles etc tend tp confirm the concerns etc re Thiel’s real motives and Palantir’s interests here.
Also see TMM’s comment on last night’s Daily Review thread on the subject.
https://thestandard.org.nz/daily-review-09032017/#comment-1308379
Must go out. Probably more back further. Will try to find time to dig out but it will not be today.
Cheers
Thanks.
Myself, I’m also waiting to see what Nippert will say in part two – he expects to be writing more articles when the rest of the OIAs he submitted throw up some more info. He’s the maestro at sifting through spreadsheets and other documentation, and drawing out the most significant bits, and then matching up info from different places.
I haven’t started the time-lining (might not get a chance until after the week-end), but from the little bit I’ve read and recalled… I’ll stick my neck out and state the following:
NZ was being used as an unwitting repository for international political machinations which was never about – or in the interest of – New Zealand. (Yes, our country too). It was all about the preservation of a very wealthy and powerful elite (the 1%) across the planet and they are solely responsible for the dire economic and environmental circumstances the entire world is currently experiencing.
It is sickening that John Key and his cronies ( in particular this Peter Thiel character) were the witting facilitators of NZ’s involvement. I will go further and say: this is almost certainly the reason John Key was handed a safe National seat on a plate… and created leader and PM at the earliest opportunity. One wonders what he has been promised by way of gratitude once the “mission” was completed. We’ll find out soon enough methinks.
Now watch the rwnjs come running to this site screaming conspiracy, conspiracy, conspiracy.
To be honest this Emory bloke is a little….. out there, but his site does cover Thiel.
http://spitfirelist.com/tag/peter-thiel/
Thiel’s book, “Zero to One” ..
gsl.mit.edu/media/programs/south-africa-summer-2015/…/0to1.pdf
Raf Manji of the Christchurch City Council on a Universal Basic Income:
First it was a first world city without power, now they are running out of water.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/aucklanders-told-cut-water-usage-20-litres-per-person-week-after-treatment-plant-hit-storm
Jacinda Who?
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/03/lloyd-burr-jacinda-who-labour-s-new-duo-debuts-at-victoria-university.html
“Labour’s new leadership team had their first ever public debut on Thursday – and it revealed Jacinda Ardern maybe isn’t as popular as everyone thinks.
Even in the left-wing safe zone of Victoria University’s Kelburn campus, hardly any students knew who she was.”
And this is right in her “target market”.
In comparison, Victoria University students turned up in their hundreds on Tuesday night to listen to Winston Peters.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/90166384/winston-peters-draws-big-crowd-of-university-students-to-hammer-home-nz-first-policy
James? The same James that’s been crowing that Jacinda’s popularity will eclipse that of Andrew Little and collapse the Labour Party?
James?
the cognitive dissonance is strong in James…
Well james supports the hitting children, so what do you expect…
smacking children, yes – hitting no.
I hope this clears up the little meme that you are trying over the last couple of days. Starting flame wars is stupid – and that is the only thing I can see you trying to do since your comment had nothing to do with anything being discussed.
Oh, Lord! A child-smacker!
No – i said I supported smacking – not that I did it. For starters my kids are all way to old.
You didn’t do it? But now, you support smacking children?
Is that since you embraced the Act Party ideology? What made you this way, James? Will you smack your grandchildren?
Trust me, if I give you a smack you will call the cops. Now explain why I didn’t assault you.
I’m more a smack back guy. But whatever.
Your ability to predict my actions seems about as qualified as a lot of our other comments (it’s not).
So you agree that (in this theoretical smacking context) I assaulted you.
Thanks for making my point.
Would you like to have a go at defining the difference between smacking and hitting?
Just so as you know, the Cambridge English dictionary defines smacking thus: “smack meaning, definition, what is smack: to hit someone or something forcefully with the flat inside part of your hand”
It would appear they would see ‘hit as a synonym – interesting, that!
If you cannot work the difference out then I guess you won’t understand an argument about it.
JanM is saying (I think) that smacking and hitting are synonymous by definition. Your view on the difference between smacking and hitting would be interesting, James; like to give it a go?
Yes thanks Robert, that is exactly what I was saying
James?
The “difference” is in the eye of the smackee.
Not the smacker. Take a moment to think about that.
Not eye, I hope – rump, perhaps, but even then, you are right.
The difference is that some adults hit children, and they are weak and pathetic next to other adults.
A smack is a hit with the open palm of the hand. Hit is a more general term. A smack will never be as forceful as a punch (a hit with a closed fist) but all these hits can be powerful enough to damage a small child, and I agree with the anti-smacking law.
Stop pretending that a smack can do no harm. Brutally delivered, it can. And when it is brutally delivered, prosecution is justified.
Yep – I still think that *might* happen – but I may well have been wrong in my initial view. Time will tell on that.
James, oh James. I followed your link and read the piece:
“Leader Andrew Little on the other hand, was recognised by almost everyone.”, says the journalist, “But don’t get me wrong – from what I saw today, I believe the pair will be a force to be reckoned with when the campaign ramps up.”
James, James, James. Please get your Act together.
David Seymour *might* win “Dick of the Year” this year (and it’s only March!)
Great to see National’s flagship Land and Water Forum fall apart.
In the last few days the following have left:
– Forest and Bird Society
– Federated Mountain Clubs
– Fish and Game
Forest and Bird society are pretty well known to be fully oppositional to this government, and are gearing up to further humiliate them in the Supreme Court about Ruataniwha Dam proposal. Fair to say they have tens of thousands of members, and so far as I know them, almost all of them vote.
Federated Mountain Clubs is a very large conglomeration of all sorts of tramping clubs. All the way from alpine ski clubs to the Catholic Tramping Clubs.
Fish and Game have a statutory role in licensing hunting and fishing, but have become increasingly outspoken against this government.
This Land and Water Forum has been the flagship for Jackie Blue, led within shrinking walls by Rob Salmon, and 100% pushed by Nick Smith. In short, the primary blue-green machine for this government.
As the real impact of these national fresh water quality standards hits home to the broader public, and the new RMA bill heads to Parliament, this Forum will be seen clearly for what it is now: a front for Federated Farmers and NZ Big Ag Inc to screw our land once more.
Thanks for that. That comment would be a good post.
Guy?
Of course; Guy. And my abjects to both.
I talked with Guy long ago about the collaborative model he’d experienced in Norway (I think it was). It was a good one, but National have not followed that model, as I believe Guy suspected all those years ago (20? 25? Can’t remember exactly). This abandonment by the significant environmental lobby is indicative, appalling, and sad. And utterly predictable and predicted. My council has heard my views about this ad nauseum and are getting them again today, as the result of this latest development. Local government is being “encouraged” to adopt the Government’s practice and many councils, such as mine, have fallen, imo, for the spin.
“Fallen for the spin”
Who authors the spin that they “fall” for?
Why, they do. Malice is a thing, eh.
The Tump peace dividend exceeds all expectations.
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After a week of punishing airstrikes loosed on al Qaeda in Yemen that saw 40 targets go up in flames and smoke, American pilots took a breather the past two nights, watching the dust settle.
The weeklong blitz in Yemen eclipsed the annual bombing total for any year during Obama’s presidency. Under the previous administration, approval for strikes came only after slow-moving policy discussions, with senior officials required to sign off on any action. The Trump administration has proven much quicker at green-lighting attacks.
http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/03/09/trumps-ramped-up-bombing-in-yemen-signals-more-aggressive-use-of-military/?
Not a real war so it doesn’t count.
Now, having seen the trump regime for a couple of months, do we think that this bombing intensity reflects a more responsive command and control system that enables the US to fight its enemies more effectively?
Or do we think that it simply reflects poor impulse control?
I think the odds are in the latter.
Interesting piece talking about the economy. But right in the middle of this an interesting piece on what the labour party in G.B will do if elected. Goes some way to explain the people who have been attacking Corbyn. Democracy has broken out inside the labour party, and it must be quashed at any cost.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozt5uGbTBm0