‘Commercial banks have been moderating their growth forecasts, based on sharply lower dairy prices and on reports that the Christchurch rebuild is past its peak.’
Remember when Hosking said our high dollar was a sign we were doing really well?
Does that mean the dollar being much lower since then means we aren’t doing well anymore?
“It is hard to know what I am more excited about this week, our dollar or our houses. Records all over the place. But both signs of just how well we are doing.”
remember when Hosking (like fisiani on here at the time) were smug about the meaning of parity, the great golden summer for NZ our coming of age, our sign that we are doing well?
Yet, the dropping dollar, apparently, doesnt mean the opposite of a rising dollar.
“This little nation of four and a half million produces a dollar that is at least as appealing as that monstrous land to our left. When the traders can invest in whatever they like … they like us. And they like us for good reason.
Yes it makes a holiday cheaper, yes it makes imported TVs cheaper, and yes it makes selling our milk harder, but it is more than that, the dollar is our fiscal calling card. It is a huge number of policies, ideas, attitudes, outlooks and actions all encapsulated in a currency.
A freely floated currency can’t hide, it can’t trick, it can’t be a charade. It is judged on all its frailties and merits. And the call being made this week, the reason the word parity is in the vocab, is because at last we’ve nailed it.
The dollar is on a roll, housing is on a roll, we’re on a roll. These are golden days.”
Slight difference: Hager used the data in the public interest and thus doing so wasn’t a crime. Apparently Slater used it to defame someone for personal gain thus it was a crime.
If you live in Auckland, have any friends / relations / contacts in the Hawkes Bay region – you might care to pass on this suggestion?
‘Open Letter’ to the people of the Hawkes Bay region –
“Ask Aucklanders about our ‘Supercity’ (for the 1%!)”
“For those folk in the Hawkes Bay region, who have yet to cast their vote on the proposed Hawkes Bay amalgamation (‘Supercity’) – may I respectfully suggest that you consider the following?” asks Penny Bright, confirmed 2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
“Try contacting ordinary Auckland citizens and ratepayers that you know – who are NOT big business private contractors / consultants, NOT overseas investors, NOT property developers, NOT speculators, NOT representatives of overseas-owned financial institutions – and ask how the (forced) Auckland ‘Supercity’ amalgamation has worked for them, their neighbours, workmates and local communities?”
(Votes need to be posted TODAY – to make the September 15th 2015 deadline!)
Accepting Norway’s freedom of speech prize via a video link from Moscow, due to Washington’s pressure for his extradition, whistleblower Edward Snowden noted that the US’ reputation is crumbling every year it stands against human rights, the rule of law and its own values.
Snowden said that as he became increasingly exposed to top secret material, he noted that the statements offered on a number of issues by the US establishment were not “simply untrue” but raised questions as to how the US was “interpreting the law.”
“And this is fundamentally dangerous. It is about more than just surveillance, I think. It is about democracy. It is about the relationship between the governed and the governing,” Snowden said.
Which, of course, is true. As long as the US stands as an oppressor it looses the any reputation it ever had for standing for freedom. Of course, it never really stood for freedom but for capitalism – the freedom of the rich to oppress and exploit the poor.
ISIS told the world they would infiltrate the West through a refugee crisis. Now we have one and Andrew Little is catering to the people who want to invite refugees to come to New Zealand and is calling for an increase in refugee numbers.
What he should be calling for is the arrest of the Western war criminals terrorizing these poor people into fleeing their countries when we bomb them back to the stone age of course.
So what will happen when the first false flag bombs go off in Europe or God forbid in New Zealand somewhere? Will that be the end of whatever we have left of an opposition as National can claim the refugees were here because of Labour and them softie left wing nampiepampies in the first place?
Could you identify the “Western war criminals” you imagine are terrorising the people of Syria? (Hint: the Syrian government, Da’esh and the Russian Federation are not “Western.”)
well syrias a tricky one, since the west aren’t seen openly to doin much, but I think you will find that most of the so-called ‘freedom fighters’ are heavillty financed, armed and trained by “the west” ie amerika. Funny to think that many of the groups are being fed with one hand in Syria yet are fought in other territories.
also if we broaden our gaze a little from Syria to other areas of conflict that are contributing to the refugee crisis we can see the heavy hand of the west at work. think Yemen, Libya, etc
Traveller, we’ll need to be more even-handed about determining who might be a terror threat.
Key will have to send Immigration and other border security profile agencies (the intelligence ones) to determine who would be a risk to the country. I don’t mind if the Cabinet gets manipulated by the public through tv images. If only they reacted with heart more often.
Ordinarily, New Zealanders who so much as visit Syria (or Somalia, or Yemen) get files made on them. No problem about welcoming them in, but we need to do so with our eyes open.
Refugees is a defined term with associated criteria. Anyone saying “I’m from Syria, let me in” and with nothing else to back a claim for refugee status won’t qualify.
“I’ve been waiting most of my life for the Left to make its glorious return. This is not what I’ve been waiting for. I’ve not changed my principles, and have only changed my views to fit the facts. I’m the one who feels abandoned – everything has moved around me. I lay down in a big tent, and I woke up in the rain.”
A fascinating and depressing read on Corbyn and the state of the left in Britian
Does it make a difference to you that Little doesn’t seem to have the kind of “baggage” that Corbyn has? Interm sof how you feel about the NZ LP I mean, as a comparisson to Labour UK?
I feel the same kind of tension that you express and is expressed in this article. And mostly I come to the same place;;;
vote for a blairish type and see the rot slowed but harm continuing, or vote for someone I can hope will gain support and will roll back the rot (as it were).
My biggest problem is that voting for the Blair-type means watching while some of the same old means are perpetuated but by the “good guys”.
And I feel sad when I consider that when the Right did (in 2007/2008) what Corbyn is criticised for below, it works, but it fails if the Left do it.
“All he’s done is offer up the very basic outline of a social democratic programme, and then waved his hands in place of explanations as to where he’d get the money – never mind what the holy hell he’d do about capital flight or uncontrolled inflation – but by God, these are filthy and desperate times, and if the things he said tonight were all he had to say, he’d have my vote tomorrow morning”
My personal experience, Ad, is that I closely-read the colourful first half then found myself resorting to skimming the article. Not because I’m lazy/time-poor (OK, I am both) but because the criticisms suddenly began feeling awfully re-heated, and some of the shots at the activists were hackneyed and cheap (albeit colourful).
Criticisms of Corbyn based around anti-semitism simply because he represents a departure from the British Oxbridge status quo on Israel and the Middle East are lazy. It will be delightful to see what is pulled from the “top drawer” to skewer him on this issue once leader, but I think it safe to say that they had credible material to portray him as a Jew-hater, they would have made a much better job of it thusfar.
Then again, with the formidable powers of Mossad et al. at their side, they might at least manage something as incontrovertibly damning as a Donghua Liu letter. /sarc
Well, I’m glad it gave you warm, fuzzy feelings, Ad.
Personally, I thought it was disingenuous beyond belief.
No surprise to me that the Phil Quin’s and Nick Cohens of this world are enthusiastically linking to it. And, of course, dear old affluent hand-wringing, Liberal Centrist, Russell Brown.
Essentially a mix of those who believe that Israel’s brutal 48-year Occupation and regular carpet-bombing and massacre of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians is all down to the evil, bearded, bogeyman, Hamas and Hezbollah (you know, the 2 groups that emerged as a response to that brutal Occupation – Hamas initially financed and nurtured by Israel as a means to dissipating Palestinian national sentiment) …….and those smugly comfortable centrists like Brown who, deep down, believe the western, American, Neo-Liberal establishment really is a force for great good.
Personally, I thought it was disingenuous beyond belief.
I agree. And no amount of mealy mouthed “reasonableness” can alter the fact that when a big chunk of the constituency you take for granted starts looking for a saviour, your lot have failed. Moreover, you are lucky when those people end up placing their hope in someone like Corbyn – desperate people can turn to far more alarming leaders than he appears to be.
Congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II for being the Uks longest ever benefits claimant!!
Going 63 years and 7 months without being sanctioned, falling foul of her Claimant Commitment, missing her Jobcentre Plus appointments,
not attending a Customer Service training course, missing any compulsory job interviews, or quitting any previous jobs because of her behaviour is a real achievement !
ouch Anno.
I think her destiny/jobs a bit shit really. Her Majesty seems to have made a good fist of it. I mean ..really? Her Majesty? you gotta laff 🙂
The royals are spreading like boils, it does your head in
We have no choice, we’re invoiced for the weddings
It’s like a soap, a Dallas or a Dynasty
We live in hope so put them out their misery
Fire the freaky family, we’re tired of the cheek
As you holiday your life away our futures look bleak
As your castle’s burning down you want the people to pay for it
Ask us to defend you, we’ve got nothing to say for it
Kicking at the gates like we think we’re on the guest list
We’re told to wait, too late, we’re getting restless
The crowd is swelling as they’re smelling the thrill
There’s dancing in the rubble and there’s trouble at the mill
There’s warning of the storming, news of the resistance
The peasants are revolting, advancing from the distance
There’s panic and there’s anarchy and breaking the rules
They’re making fake money and they’ve taken the jewels
All without a fuss, the coup has been victorious
The banners wave, proclaiming annus glorious !
1701 also largest beneficiery claiment
UK taxpayers fork out about a billion $ a year so she can maintain her platinum plated diamond encrusted lifestyle .
Her estimated wealth $20 billion+ its alright for some.
The Queen has given something a permanent dignified presence as leader to Britain as a reliable interested principled head of state unlike the motley collection of politicians. She had to put up with Margaret Thatcher queening about though and dominating the stage for some time. Eclipsed the Queen some thought. The Queen has outlasted her though.
Anno1701
In 1701 the Royal Family may have been this, In 1901 they may have been that. This Royal Family today, this Queen, has done very well. Don’t lay every royal wrongdoing on her shoulders.
Here are some interesting stories on royalty’s actual history. First, I noted the other day that the vicious Belgian monarch of the Congo sadistic regime was Queen Victorias uncle. Then also Germans have a big input into the British family..
The abdication of Edward VIII to marry Wallis was a fortunate avenue for the British in stepping down from the throne when he had unreliable attitudes to Germany, feeling that they should be left to fight communism. Fascism was acceptable.
It was apparently unwise to have had the susceptible British future king Edward VIII roaming around unmarried. After affairs with other women he met and became fascinated by Wallis who was a bit of a femme fatale and a very attractive, intelligent woman. Wikipedia –
In 1935, the head of the Metropolitan Police Special Branch told the Metropolitan Police Commissioner that Wallis was also having an affair with Guy Marcus Trundle, who was “said to be employed by the Ford Motor Company”.[50] Claims of an affair were doubted, however, by Captain Val Bailey, who knew Trundle well and whose mother had an affair with Trundle for nearly two decades,[51] and by historian Susan Williams.[52]
Like Princess Diana, Wallis before they married had to flee the British press, eager for a good royal story. Wikipedia – ” In November [1936] the King consulted with the British Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, on a way to marry Wallis and keep the throne. The King suggested a morganatic marriage, where he would remain king but Wallis would not be queen, but this was rejected by Baldwin and the Prime Ministers of Australia and South Africa.[59] If the King were to marry Wallis against Baldwin’s advice, the Government would be required to resign, causing a constitutional crisis.[63]
Wallis’s relationship with the King had become public knowledge in the United Kingdom by early December. She decided to flee the country as the scandal broke, and was driven to the south of France in a dramatic race to outrun the press.”
“Here are some interesting stories on royalty’s actual history. First, I noted the other day that the vicious Belgian monarch of the Congo sadistic regime was Queen Victorias uncle. Then also Germans have a big input into the British family.. ”
If you dig a little deeper you will find the majority of European Monarchs are related to each other somehow, these ties even cross the Atlantic with blood ties to various American “royal family’s” as well
gods, please tell me this is misreporting and they wouldn’t be as stupid as to remove the civil defence air sirens?
Not enough people have signed on to a new emergency text alert system and Civil Defence heads fear it will take an emergency for people to recognise its importance.
The new alert system was established at the end of May to replace emergency sirens around the region.
What morons. People might not use the important texting system until they learn about it after an emergency. So Civil Defence are adopting the tried-and-true old NZ way of blaming people for lax behaviour instead of ensuring that safe reliable systems are in place. They are taking out the sirens that would have ensured the message did reach all. Technoaddicts at Civil Defence. I can feel a really uncivil response coming on. NZs are such a lot of preachy smarties, always ready to blame others for any holes the systems have in them. It’s always the hapless one’s fault, the ritual phrase is “They should have”.
I thought that part of it astounding. Also, how about explaining properly what is going on? I’m still assuming that if there is a civil emergency I’ll hear a siren. Has that been turned off, where? etc
They are taking out the sirens that would have ensured the message did reach all.
High probability that the sirens don’t actually everyone. In fact, I’d be surprised if they reached 10% of the population. On the other hand, better than 75% of people have cell-phones and they’re usually in range of a cell site thus making them the most reliable system.
Personally, I’d pass a law requiring that a cellphone responds to emergency messaging rather than asking people to sign up for a notification.
If it was my cellphone it probably would have been left at home or elsewhere or not have a recharged battery. Why couldn’t they leave the sirens and for those who haven’t a cellphone the 10% who hear the siren would account for a warning for that group. All this relying on having technology about you all the time is denying the possibility and the right to not have a cellphone, yet still be regarded as a citizen and a person of worth.
Why couldn’t they leave the sirens and for those who haven’t a cellphone the 10% who hear the siren would account for a warning for that group.
Chances are there will be someone within the group that will have a cell phone and be able to tell you what the problem is. Hell of a lot better than just hearing a siren that you probably don’t recognise and don’t know what the problem is.
All this relying on having technology
You do understand that sirens are technology don’t you?
about you all the time is denying the possibility and the right to not have a cellphone, yet still be regarded as a citizen and a person of worth.
Society has moved on and it’s now pretty much essential to have a cellphone to operate effectively in it. That’s just the way things are.
Rather than sending messages to phones individually (e.g. “tower to 021 12345, there’s a flood”, “tower to 021 12346, there’s a flood”, “tower to 021 12347, there’s a flood”), it is a separate type of message sent to everyone who can hear (“tower to everyone, there’s a flood”).
Individual sms messages involve lots of back and forth of confirming whether the phone got the message. That uses up traffic if you’re sending the same message to 5000 phones. So the tower just screams at the top of its lungs, and everyone in the area can hear it.
Just caught up with the right biased media report on NZF and its position on the refugee situation
The point Tracey Martin made completely subverted by these Key fascists putting a spin on it that was nothing like she intended
This is the crap like the stupid flag debate that gets people all fucked up and Key slips another one under the radar
Be very aware of the propaganda machine its finding new fuel
Martin defended NZ First’s policy as being about doing more for refugees, which should involve bringing women and children first, and said Peters had “added on” his comment about Syrian men defending their country.
Asked if the men would get military training under that idea, Martin said, “I don’t really know”.
“The comment was actually about a policy of women and children first.”
Seems like it may have been Winston misrepresenting the policy although the MSM would then have taken it for a ride.
At 30, the property entrepreneur from western Sydney has a staggering portfolio of more than 170 properties, earning rental income of $500,000 a year after expenses.
Birch caught the property investment bug at a tender age when he watched his older brothers buy houses…
Hailing from a blue collar background, Birch bought his first property at 18 for $248,000 in western Sydney. He pushed himself to buy 10 properties.
“By the time I was 24, I was able to exit the workforce. I had a passive income stream coming in at around $30,000 a year at that point.”..
Birch says he has made property investment his life’s work, sacrificing his youth, relationships, holidays and partying.
“One of the benefits of this business is you can start with a single property investment,” says Kelman, who trained to be a veterinary surgeon.
Some of the money you make on your deals can be put into your next property ventures, he says…
“I think if negative gearing was scrapped, rents will rise anyway, so investors will push up rents,” he says. “I think there will be a benefit to me if it got scrapped. I highly doubt that will happen because then the government would have to support public housing more.”
If only we could get people like him to go on with his vet training and not buy houses for his main job. The market would open up for those who wanted a house as a place to make their life in, not as a place to make your living out of.
Yes – it made a point of saying he was from a “blue collar background” but I did notice they seem to have very carefully left out the “how” of his first property “investment”.
From the radionz article on the OCR changes I found this nugget:
“Investors accounted for 33 percent of transactions in Auckland two years ago but that had risen to 41 percent, Mr Wheeler said.
So anyone know where this information came from, and why opposition parties have not used this to beat the government over the head for their lack of action?
“Conservation groups had asked for a formal inquiry, alleging MPI was allowing exporters to send raw timber and unfinished objects out of the country – contrary to the Forests Act.
Ms Provost released the findings of her investigation today, saying she had seen no evidence the ministry allowed the export of illegal timber products.
“But she said interpreting the law – in terms of what was and was not a finished product – was a matter for the courts.
Ms Provost said she had suggested the ministry and local councils carry out an estimate of the total amount of swamp kauri, and work more closely to make sure the kauri is not coming from indigenous wetlands.
Oh, okay then. Where are the non-indigenous wetlands?
ah, so the devil is in the legal interpretation… even if the intention of the law is clear. i see she has basically told forest and bird to sue if they want to get clarity. So, as long as you have money, you can test the behaviour
“We have suggested to the Ministry some changes that are intended to:
promote better oversight of swamp kauri;
increase transparency and public access to information; and
increase the Ministry’s understanding of the cultural, heritage, and scientific value of swamp kauri.
SUGGESTION ONE: The Ministry should, in co-operation with relevant councils, consider compiling, and making publicly available, information about estimates of the quantity/scarcity of the total swamp kauri resource. This could include the extent of current and potential mining areas.
SUGGESTION TWO: While we acknowledge the Ministry’s July 2015 release of new regulatory measures, the Ministry should work more closely with councils to ensure that extraction takes place from an “approved source” before issuing milling statements.
SUGGESTION THREE: The Ministry should, in co-operation with relevant councils, raise public awareness of improved site inspection and the consequences for milling of illegally sourced and illegally extracted swamp kauri to encourage future industry-wide compliance. Appropriate statistics on the results of those inspections and information on monitoring could be made publicly available by either the council or the Ministry.
SUGGESTION FOUR: In consultation with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and other relevant parties, and well before the resource is exhausted, the Ministry for Primary Industries should use information it has on the industry to initiate and inform discussions with relevant parties about the cultural, heritage, and scientific value some of the swamp kauri might have. This process should provide ways for that value to be retained for future New Zealanders. This information should be publicly released.”
Where do other 2016 Auckland (yet to confirm) Mayoral candidates stand on the current (forced) Auckland ‘Supercity’ amalgamation, and the proposed Hawke’s Bay ‘Supercity’ amalgamation?
I for one, have opposed the Auckland ‘Supercity’ (forced) amalgamation, since the day of the ‘failed Mayoral coup’ – 5 September 2006, and actively opposed the proposed Wellington and Northland ‘Supercity’ amalgamations.
Where is the ‘cost-benefit’ analysis of the Auckland ‘Supercity’ for the majority of citizens and ratepayers, particularly the CCO model, which has been the mechanism by which the Auckland region is now run – ‘like a business – by business – FOR business’?
Hawke’s Bay folks – if you’re still undecided about which way to vote on this amalgamation proposal – remember that in Auckland, 7 democratically elected Councils (warts and all) were replaced, through railroaded legislation, with 7 undemocratically selected Council (Corporate) Controlled Organisations (CCOs), with unelected Boards, and ‘governed’ through a ‘Statement of Intent’ in which the public have no say.
Check it out for yourselves – talk to ordinary Auckland citizens and ratepayers that YOU know, and ask how ‘super’ – this Auckland ‘Supercity’ has been for them?
At least you Hawke’s Bay folks are getting a vote .
Aucklanders didn’t.
In my considered opinion, if YOU don’t want a ‘super-sized’ DISASTER – regarding rates increases / ‘ cost-effectiveness’ / democracy / transparency and accountability – vote NO to the Hawke’s Bay amalgamation.
If National was serious about protecting the critically endangered Maui’s dolphins…
And that’s the thing. Government ministers are of the opinion that NZ Dolphins are beyond saving. I guess it’s a bit like that colonial tear that was shed over the imminent and unavoidable ‘fading’ of ‘the lesser races’.
By the way. If you eat elephant fish (common in fish and chips) , you might want to consider asking for something else. The dolphins are attracted to the nets that are used to catch them – I mean, it being one of their staples and all….
OCR has dropped, great for those in debt, they are now “less” poor, or can increase their indebtedness by paying even more for the 1/4 acre paradise in jafaland!! unfortunately many retirees are also now under greater financial stress. 6 years ago they were receiving over 8% interest less RWT now they are receiving 3% less RWT. And not a mention of this group and the impact the OCR has on this group in the news 😢
Can somebody please tell me why we aren’t putting climate change deniers in prison? We put holocaust deniers in prison and climate change deniers are more of a threat cos climate change deniers threaten our planet! All holocaust deniers threaten is the fascist state of Israel!!
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A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wilmot, Senior Lecturer, Film, Deakin University Among the many Australian who served during the second world war, there is a small group of people whose stories remain largely untold. These are the Muslim men and women who, while small in number, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Knight, Researcher, Queensland University of Technology Have you ever felt sick at work? Perhaps you had food poisoning or the flu. Your belly hurt, or you felt tired, making it hard to concentrate and be productive. How likely would you be ...
Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
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A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
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A look at the state of the previous government’s affordable housing scheme, and what could come next.Remind me: What’s KiwiBuild again?First announced in 2012, KiwiBuild was a flagship policy of the Labour Party heading into both its 2014 and 2017 election campaigns. With Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, ...
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After more than two sleepless days, running through savage terrain, Greig Hamilton didn’t know if he was going to finish one of the most gruelling psychological assaults in sport. He was metres away from the finish line, a yellow gate made famous in a Netflix documentary; a race he’d dreamed ...
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Old news.
Fonterra abandons plan to dig for coal.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11510485
That was a typo .
Meant to say good news.
Good news.
Fonterra abandons plan to dig for coal.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11510485
Rock star economy.
What a lie NZ were told.
‘Commercial banks have been moderating their growth forecasts, based on sharply lower dairy prices and on reports that the Christchurch rebuild is past its peak.’
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11510305
Remember when Hosking said our high dollar was a sign we were doing really well?
Does that mean the dollar being much lower since then means we aren’t doing well anymore?
“It is hard to know what I am more excited about this week, our dollar or our houses. Records all over the place. But both signs of just how well we are doing.”
remember when Hosking (like fisiani on here at the time) were smug about the meaning of parity, the great golden summer for NZ our coming of age, our sign that we are doing well?
Yet, the dropping dollar, apparently, doesnt mean the opposite of a rising dollar.
“This little nation of four and a half million produces a dollar that is at least as appealing as that monstrous land to our left. When the traders can invest in whatever they like … they like us. And they like us for good reason.
Yes it makes a holiday cheaper, yes it makes imported TVs cheaper, and yes it makes selling our milk harder, but it is more than that, the dollar is our fiscal calling card. It is a huge number of policies, ideas, attitudes, outlooks and actions all encapsulated in a currency.
A freely floated currency can’t hide, it can’t trick, it can’t be a charade. It is judged on all its frailties and merits. And the call being made this week, the reason the word parity is in the vocab, is because at last we’ve nailed it.
The dollar is on a roll, housing is on a roll, we’re on a roll. These are golden days.”
Candlelit vigils for refugees this evening.
http://www.actionstation.org.nz/refugees_welcome
Good news, Cameron Slatter is being arm-twisted to go back into the ring.
I think, Irene should give him a good bout.
Thx for the chuckle on this grey morning ! 🙂
Heh heh! good one
Better news would be a private prosecution for his admitted use of hacked data as our police can’t be bothered enforcing the law.
I hadnt seen that – got a link?
How about prosecution of Hagar for the same crime?
Slight difference: Hager used the data in the public interest and thus doing so wasn’t a crime. Apparently Slater used it to defame someone for personal gain thus it was a crime.
Funny that people struggle with the legal definition of public interest… as opposed to
“I’m really interested in anything Slater says and therefore it is in the public interest”
“I’m rarely interested in anything Slater says and therefore it is not in the public interest”
Fixed your typos.
Oracle Hosking……essentially……TINOW……than the JohnKey, the Richie, the Mikey. Whoopee !
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11510463
Some oracles are so far up themselves they’re Wannabe gurus.
that has got to be the most sycophantic rant that I’ve ever read and he’s wrong on all counts.
wow some great comments under that article hoskings gets it socked to him big time !
FYI.
If you live in Auckland, have any friends / relations / contacts in the Hawkes Bay region – you might care to pass on this suggestion?
‘Open Letter’ to the people of the Hawkes Bay region –
“Ask Aucklanders about our ‘Supercity’ (for the 1%!)”
“For those folk in the Hawkes Bay region, who have yet to cast their vote on the proposed Hawkes Bay amalgamation (‘Supercity’) – may I respectfully suggest that you consider the following?” asks Penny Bright, confirmed 2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
“Try contacting ordinary Auckland citizens and ratepayers that you know – who are NOT big business private contractors / consultants, NOT overseas investors, NOT property developers, NOT speculators, NOT representatives of overseas-owned financial institutions – and ask how the (forced) Auckland ‘Supercity’ amalgamation has worked for them, their neighbours, workmates and local communities?”
(Votes need to be posted TODAY – to make the September 15th 2015 deadline!)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11510151
Penny Bright
…………..
‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation Public Watchdog’
2009 Attendee Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
2010 Attendee Transparency International Anti-Corruption Conference
2013 Attendee Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
2014 Attendee G20 Anti-Corruption Conference
2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate (polled 4th with 11,723 votes)
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate
US reputation suffers when it stands against human rights & rule of law – Snowden
Which, of course, is true. As long as the US stands as an oppressor it looses the any reputation it ever had for standing for freedom. Of course, it never really stood for freedom but for capitalism – the freedom of the rich to oppress and exploit the poor.
ISIS told the world they would infiltrate the West through a refugee crisis. Now we have one and Andrew Little is catering to the people who want to invite refugees to come to New Zealand and is calling for an increase in refugee numbers.
What he should be calling for is the arrest of the Western war criminals terrorizing these poor people into fleeing their countries when we bomb them back to the stone age of course.
So what will happen when the first false flag bombs go off in Europe or God forbid in New Zealand somewhere? Will that be the end of whatever we have left of an opposition as National can claim the refugees were here because of Labour and them softie left wing nampiepampies in the first place?
Could you identify the “Western war criminals” you imagine are terrorising the people of Syria? (Hint: the Syrian government, Da’esh and the Russian Federation are not “Western.”)
well syrias a tricky one, since the west aren’t seen openly to doin much, but I think you will find that most of the so-called ‘freedom fighters’ are heavillty financed, armed and trained by “the west” ie amerika. Funny to think that many of the groups are being fed with one hand in Syria yet are fought in other territories.
also if we broaden our gaze a little from Syria to other areas of conflict that are contributing to the refugee crisis we can see the heavy hand of the west at work. think Yemen, Libya, etc
The execs of every single armaments corporation would be an excellent start.
Traveller, we’ll need to be more even-handed about determining who might be a terror threat.
Key will have to send Immigration and other border security profile agencies (the intelligence ones) to determine who would be a risk to the country. I don’t mind if the Cabinet gets manipulated by the public through tv images. If only they reacted with heart more often.
Ordinarily, New Zealanders who so much as visit Syria (or Somalia, or Yemen) get files made on them. No problem about welcoming them in, but we need to do so with our eyes open.
Bali was supposed to be safe.
“ISIS told the world they would infiltrate the West through a refugee crisis.”
“So what will happen when the first false flag bombs go off in Europe or God forbid in New Zealand somewhere?”
How will they be false flags if ISIS have infiltrated the west through refugees? I don’t get it.
Refugees is a defined term with associated criteria. Anyone saying “I’m from Syria, let me in” and with nothing else to back a claim for refugee status won’t qualify.
“I’ve been waiting most of my life for the Left to make its glorious return. This is not what I’ve been waiting for. I’ve not changed my principles, and have only changed my views to fit the facts. I’m the one who feels abandoned – everything has moved around me. I lay down in a big tent, and I woke up in the rain.”
A fascinating and depressing read on Corbyn and the state of the left in Britian
http://thequietus.com/articles/18714-jeremy-corbyn-labour-election-rally-policies
So be careful people, this is a long article.
But it is one of the best on the state of the Left in Britain and what lies before them if they choose Corbyn in the next couple of weeks.
I urge you all to read it. A lot of it made me feel that he understood where I am at.
Does it make a difference to you that Little doesn’t seem to have the kind of “baggage” that Corbyn has? Interm sof how you feel about the NZ LP I mean, as a comparisson to Labour UK?
I feel the same kind of tension that you express and is expressed in this article. And mostly I come to the same place;;;
vote for a blairish type and see the rot slowed but harm continuing, or vote for someone I can hope will gain support and will roll back the rot (as it were).
My biggest problem is that voting for the Blair-type means watching while some of the same old means are perpetuated but by the “good guys”.
And I feel sad when I consider that when the Right did (in 2007/2008) what Corbyn is criticised for below, it works, but it fails if the Left do it.
“All he’s done is offer up the very basic outline of a social democratic programme, and then waved his hands in place of explanations as to where he’d get the money – never mind what the holy hell he’d do about capital flight or uncontrolled inflation – but by God, these are filthy and desperate times, and if the things he said tonight were all he had to say, he’d have my vote tomorrow morning”
My personal experience, Ad, is that I closely-read the colourful first half then found myself resorting to skimming the article. Not because I’m lazy/time-poor (OK, I am both) but because the criticisms suddenly began feeling awfully re-heated, and some of the shots at the activists were hackneyed and cheap (albeit colourful).
Criticisms of Corbyn based around anti-semitism simply because he represents a departure from the British Oxbridge status quo on Israel and the Middle East are lazy. It will be delightful to see what is pulled from the “top drawer” to skewer him on this issue once leader, but I think it safe to say that they had credible material to portray him as a Jew-hater, they would have made a much better job of it thusfar.
Then again, with the formidable powers of Mossad et al. at their side, they might at least manage something as incontrovertibly damning as a Donghua Liu letter. /sarc
Corbyn or Sanders or Trump: they will be evaluated on what they actually said, all the way back, and be held to account for it.
There are no excuses, none whatsoever , if you are auditioning for the top job.
Well, I’m glad it gave you warm, fuzzy feelings, Ad.
Personally, I thought it was disingenuous beyond belief.
No surprise to me that the Phil Quin’s and Nick Cohens of this world are enthusiastically linking to it. And, of course, dear old affluent hand-wringing, Liberal Centrist, Russell Brown.
Essentially a mix of those who believe that Israel’s brutal 48-year Occupation and regular carpet-bombing and massacre of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians is all down to the evil, bearded, bogeyman, Hamas and Hezbollah (you know, the 2 groups that emerged as a response to that brutal Occupation – Hamas initially financed and nurtured by Israel as a means to dissipating Palestinian national sentiment) …….and those smugly comfortable centrists like Brown who, deep down, believe the western, American, Neo-Liberal establishment really is a force for great good.
Personally, I thought it was disingenuous beyond belief.
I agree. And no amount of mealy mouthed “reasonableness” can alter the fact that when a big chunk of the constituency you take for granted starts looking for a saviour, your lot have failed. Moreover, you are lucky when those people end up placing their hope in someone like Corbyn – desperate people can turn to far more alarming leaders than he appears to be.
Congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II for being the Uks longest ever benefits claimant!!
Going 63 years and 7 months without being sanctioned, falling foul of her Claimant Commitment, missing her Jobcentre Plus appointments,
not attending a Customer Service training course, missing any compulsory job interviews, or quitting any previous jobs because of her behaviour is a real achievement !
ouch Anno.
I think her destiny/jobs a bit shit really. Her Majesty seems to have made a good fist of it. I mean ..really? Her Majesty? you gotta laff 🙂
you know what the worst thing is
they keep on spitting out babies they cant afford !
Bludgers….
@Anno LOL
The royals are spreading like boils, it does your head in
We have no choice, we’re invoiced for the weddings
It’s like a soap, a Dallas or a Dynasty
We live in hope so put them out their misery
Fire the freaky family, we’re tired of the cheek
As you holiday your life away our futures look bleak
As your castle’s burning down you want the people to pay for it
Ask us to defend you, we’ve got nothing to say for it
Kicking at the gates like we think we’re on the guest list
We’re told to wait, too late, we’re getting restless
The crowd is swelling as they’re smelling the thrill
There’s dancing in the rubble and there’s trouble at the mill
There’s warning of the storming, news of the resistance
The peasants are revolting, advancing from the distance
There’s panic and there’s anarchy and breaking the rules
They’re making fake money and they’ve taken the jewels
All without a fuss, the coup has been victorious
The banners wave, proclaiming annus glorious !
What will it be?
FUNKY
It’ll be funky, it’ll be funky
Yeah it’ll be funky…
+1 pasupial 🙂
1701 also largest beneficiery claiment
UK taxpayers fork out about a billion $ a year so she can maintain her platinum plated diamond encrusted lifestyle .
Her estimated wealth $20 billion+ its alright for some.
The Queen has given something a permanent dignified presence as leader to Britain as a reliable interested principled head of state unlike the motley collection of politicians. She had to put up with Margaret Thatcher queening about though and dominating the stage for some time. Eclipsed the Queen some thought. The Queen has outlasted her though.
you should really look a little further into the history of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha/windsors before you call them dignified or principled.
The original Familus horribilis……
Anno1701
In 1701 the Royal Family may have been this, In 1901 they may have been that. This Royal Family today, this Queen, has done very well. Don’t lay every royal wrongdoing on her shoulders.
Here are some interesting stories on royalty’s actual history. First, I noted the other day that the vicious Belgian monarch of the Congo sadistic regime was Queen Victorias uncle. Then also Germans have a big input into the British family..
The abdication of Edward VIII to marry Wallis was a fortunate avenue for the British in stepping down from the throne when he had unreliable attitudes to Germany, feeling that they should be left to fight communism. Fascism was acceptable.
It was apparently unwise to have had the susceptible British future king Edward VIII roaming around unmarried. After affairs with other women he met and became fascinated by Wallis who was a bit of a femme fatale and a very attractive, intelligent woman. Wikipedia –
In 1935, the head of the Metropolitan Police Special Branch told the Metropolitan Police Commissioner that Wallis was also having an affair with Guy Marcus Trundle, who was “said to be employed by the Ford Motor Company”.[50] Claims of an affair were doubted, however, by Captain Val Bailey, who knew Trundle well and whose mother had an affair with Trundle for nearly two decades,[51] and by historian Susan Williams.[52]
Like Princess Diana, Wallis before they married had to flee the British press, eager for a good royal story. Wikipedia –
” In November [1936] the King consulted with the British Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, on a way to marry Wallis and keep the throne. The King suggested a morganatic marriage, where he would remain king but Wallis would not be queen, but this was rejected by Baldwin and the Prime Ministers of Australia and South Africa.[59] If the King were to marry Wallis against Baldwin’s advice, the Government would be required to resign, causing a constitutional crisis.[63]
Wallis’s relationship with the King had become public knowledge in the United Kingdom by early December. She decided to flee the country as the scandal broke, and was driven to the south of France in a dramatic race to outrun the press.”
“Here are some interesting stories on royalty’s actual history. First, I noted the other day that the vicious Belgian monarch of the Congo sadistic regime was Queen Victorias uncle. Then also Germans have a big input into the British family.. ”
If you dig a little deeper you will find the majority of European Monarchs are related to each other somehow, these ties even cross the Atlantic with blood ties to various American “royal family’s” as well
https://www.royal.gov.uk/pdf/European_monarchs_family_tree.pdf
As for Queen Elizardbreth 2nd, I personally cant stand the old “Hun”…
gods, please tell me this is misreporting and they wouldn’t be as stupid as to remove the civil defence air sirens?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/69792808/Few-Southlanders-sign-up-for-disaster-alert-system
The bits down the bottom about centralising nationally doesn’t seem too bright either.
Wow. That text thing seems to be a system that was obsolete before it started.
I suspect the nationwide system will send broadcast messages to cellphones that handshake with towers in the affected areas.
What morons. People might not use the important texting system until they learn about it after an emergency. So Civil Defence are adopting the tried-and-true old NZ way of blaming people for lax behaviour instead of ensuring that safe reliable systems are in place. They are taking out the sirens that would have ensured the message did reach all. Technoaddicts at Civil Defence. I can feel a really uncivil response coming on. NZs are such a lot of preachy smarties, always ready to blame others for any holes the systems have in them. It’s always the hapless one’s fault, the ritual phrase is “They should have”.
I thought that part of it astounding. Also, how about explaining properly what is going on? I’m still assuming that if there is a civil emergency I’ll hear a siren. Has that been turned off, where? etc
High probability that the sirens don’t actually everyone. In fact, I’d be surprised if they reached 10% of the population. On the other hand, better than 75% of people have cell-phones and they’re usually in range of a cell site thus making them the most reliable system.
Personally, I’d pass a law requiring that a cellphone responds to emergency messaging rather than asking people to sign up for a notification.
If it was my cellphone it probably would have been left at home or elsewhere or not have a recharged battery. Why couldn’t they leave the sirens and for those who haven’t a cellphone the 10% who hear the siren would account for a warning for that group. All this relying on having technology about you all the time is denying the possibility and the right to not have a cellphone, yet still be regarded as a citizen and a person of worth.
Chances are there will be someone within the group that will have a cell phone and be able to tell you what the problem is. Hell of a lot better than just hearing a siren that you probably don’t recognise and don’t know what the problem is.
You do understand that sirens are technology don’t you?
Society has moved on and it’s now pretty much essential to have a cellphone to operate effectively in it. That’s just the way things are.
what are broadcast messages?
Isn’t it whereby civil defence can send a message through all radios, or cellphones regardless of what station you are tuned to?
Rather than sending messages to phones individually (e.g. “tower to 021 12345, there’s a flood”, “tower to 021 12346, there’s a flood”, “tower to 021 12347, there’s a flood”), it is a separate type of message sent to everyone who can hear (“tower to everyone, there’s a flood”).
Individual sms messages involve lots of back and forth of confirming whether the phone got the message. That uses up traffic if you’re sending the same message to 5000 phones. So the tower just screams at the top of its lungs, and everyone in the area can hear it.
Just caught up with the right biased media report on NZF and its position on the refugee situation
The point Tracey Martin made completely subverted by these Key fascists putting a spin on it that was nothing like she intended
This is the crap like the stupid flag debate that gets people all fucked up and Key slips another one under the radar
Be very aware of the propaganda machine its finding new fuel
NZ First MP: NZ has ‘unconscious bias’ to male refugees
Seems like it may have been Winston misrepresenting the policy although the MSM would then have taken it for a ride.
How to invest in housing in australia and possibly here.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/71895339/This-man-owns-170-properties-and-hes-only-30
At 30, the property entrepreneur from western Sydney has a staggering portfolio of more than 170 properties, earning rental income of $500,000 a year after expenses.
Birch caught the property investment bug at a tender age when he watched his older brothers buy houses…
Hailing from a blue collar background, Birch bought his first property at 18 for $248,000 in western Sydney. He pushed himself to buy 10 properties.
“By the time I was 24, I was able to exit the workforce. I had a passive income stream coming in at around $30,000 a year at that point.”..
Birch says he has made property investment his life’s work, sacrificing his youth, relationships, holidays and partying.
“One of the benefits of this business is you can start with a single property investment,” says Kelman, who trained to be a veterinary surgeon.
Some of the money you make on your deals can be put into your next property ventures, he says…
“I think if negative gearing was scrapped, rents will rise anyway, so investors will push up rents,” he says. “I think there will be a benefit to me if it got scrapped. I highly doubt that will happen because then the government would have to support public housing more.”
If only we could get people like him to go on with his vet training and not buy houses for his main job. The market would open up for those who wanted a house as a place to make their life in, not as a place to make your living out of.
Out of interest I couldn’t see how he financed his first property at 18 years of age? I wonder why they left that out, cos it’s quite important.
Yes – it made a point of saying he was from a “blue collar background” but I did notice they seem to have very carefully left out the “how” of his first property “investment”.
From the radionz article on the OCR changes I found this nugget:
“Investors accounted for 33 percent of transactions in Auckland two years ago but that had risen to 41 percent, Mr Wheeler said.
So anyone know where this information came from, and why opposition parties have not used this to beat the government over the head for their lack of action?
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/283849/'no-evidence'-of-illegal-swamp-kauri-exports
“Conservation groups had asked for a formal inquiry, alleging MPI was allowing exporters to send raw timber and unfinished objects out of the country – contrary to the Forests Act.
Ms Provost released the findings of her investigation today, saying she had seen no evidence the ministry allowed the export of illegal timber products.
“But she said interpreting the law – in terms of what was and was not a finished product – was a matter for the courts.
Ms Provost said she had suggested the ministry and local councils carry out an estimate of the total amount of swamp kauri, and work more closely to make sure the kauri is not coming from indigenous wetlands.
Oh, okay then. Where are the non-indigenous wetlands?
ah, so the devil is in the legal interpretation… even if the intention of the law is clear. i see she has basically told forest and bird to sue if they want to get clarity. So, as long as you have money, you can test the behaviour
from the report
“We have suggested to the Ministry some changes that are intended to:
promote better oversight of swamp kauri;
increase transparency and public access to information; and
increase the Ministry’s understanding of the cultural, heritage, and scientific value of swamp kauri.
SUGGESTION ONE: The Ministry should, in co-operation with relevant councils, consider compiling, and making publicly available, information about estimates of the quantity/scarcity of the total swamp kauri resource. This could include the extent of current and potential mining areas.
SUGGESTION TWO: While we acknowledge the Ministry’s July 2015 release of new regulatory measures, the Ministry should work more closely with councils to ensure that extraction takes place from an “approved source” before issuing milling statements.
SUGGESTION THREE: The Ministry should, in co-operation with relevant councils, raise public awareness of improved site inspection and the consequences for milling of illegally sourced and illegally extracted swamp kauri to encourage future industry-wide compliance. Appropriate statistics on the results of those inspections and information on monitoring could be made publicly available by either the council or the Ministry.
SUGGESTION FOUR: In consultation with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and other relevant parties, and well before the resource is exhausted, the Ministry for Primary Industries should use information it has on the industry to initiate and inform discussions with relevant parties about the cultural, heritage, and scientific value some of the swamp kauri might have. This process should provide ways for that value to be retained for future New Zealanders. This information should be publicly released.”
How about just properly implementing and enforcing the Public Records Act 2005?
Oh – and establishing a genuinely Independent Commission Against Corruption?
Penny Bright
Where do other 2016 Auckland (yet to confirm) Mayoral candidates stand on the current (forced) Auckland ‘Supercity’ amalgamation, and the proposed Hawke’s Bay ‘Supercity’ amalgamation?
I for one, have opposed the Auckland ‘Supercity’ (forced) amalgamation, since the day of the ‘failed Mayoral coup’ – 5 September 2006, and actively opposed the proposed Wellington and Northland ‘Supercity’ amalgamations.
Where is the ‘cost-benefit’ analysis of the Auckland ‘Supercity’ for the majority of citizens and ratepayers, particularly the CCO model, which has been the mechanism by which the Auckland region is now run – ‘like a business – by business – FOR business’?
Hawke’s Bay folks – if you’re still undecided about which way to vote on this amalgamation proposal – remember that in Auckland, 7 democratically elected Councils (warts and all) were replaced, through railroaded legislation, with 7 undemocratically selected Council (Corporate) Controlled Organisations (CCOs), with unelected Boards, and ‘governed’ through a ‘Statement of Intent’ in which the public have no say.
Check it out for yourselves – talk to ordinary Auckland citizens and ratepayers that YOU know, and ask how ‘super’ – this Auckland ‘Supercity’ has been for them?
At least you Hawke’s Bay folks are getting a vote .
Aucklanders didn’t.
In my considered opinion, if YOU don’t want a ‘super-sized’ DISASTER – regarding rates increases / ‘ cost-effectiveness’ / democracy / transparency and accountability – vote NO to the Hawke’s Bay amalgamation.
Penny Bright
2016 confirmed Auckland Mayoral candidate.
sigh
maui dolphins in trouble
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1509/S00191/minister-allows-proposal-for-drilling-in-dolphin-sanctuary.htm
From your link. Kevin Hague –
And that’s the thing. Government ministers are of the opinion that NZ Dolphins are beyond saving. I guess it’s a bit like that colonial tear that was shed over the imminent and unavoidable ‘fading’ of ‘the lesser races’.
By the way. If you eat elephant fish (common in fish and chips) , you might want to consider asking for something else. The dolphins are attracted to the nets that are used to catch them – I mean, it being one of their staples and all….
OCR has dropped, great for those in debt, they are now “less” poor, or can increase their indebtedness by paying even more for the 1/4 acre paradise in jafaland!! unfortunately many retirees are also now under greater financial stress. 6 years ago they were receiving over 8% interest less RWT now they are receiving 3% less RWT. And not a mention of this group and the impact the OCR has on this group in the news 😢
Agree with you mate 200%
Can somebody please tell me why we aren’t putting climate change deniers in prison? We put holocaust deniers in prison and climate change deniers are more of a threat cos climate change deniers threaten our planet! All holocaust deniers threaten is the fascist state of Israel!!