True blue genius
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9:26 pm, September 3rd, 2007 - 4 comments
Categories: national -
Tags: national
The depth of National’s talent is a constant source of amusement. Jackie Blue, allegedly one of National’s slightly-brighter-than-average young things (speaking of, has anyone heard a Chris Tremain speech recently? Truly mindboggling), has decided to attack the Ministry of Women’s Affairs over the success of the Labour-led government in getting women on to boards.
As she says in her own statement, the government is on target to meet its goal of 50 percent female representation on state sector boards, but she bemoans the Ministry’s performance in helping to meet that target. Apparently the Ministry has been too assiduous in putting women’s names forward, and therefore its conversion-rate doesn’t meet Blue’s satisfaction.
It’s a statement that speaks volumes for the mind-numbing tedium of being a lowly opposition backbencher, destined to years of trawling through ministers’ responses to parliamentary questions in the hope of turning some humdrum response into a three para brief on page 6 of the Timaru Herald, or some other dreadful rag. Always remember, as John Stuart Mill once noted, not every Tory is a stupid person, but every stupid person is a Tory.
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- Release: Government cuts fair pay for bus drivers
The Government has cut funding for bus drivers to get paid fairly for the work they do, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown Minerals Bill Advances Colonisation
Today, the Crown Mineral Amendment Bill was read for the first time, reversing the ban on oil exploration off the coast of Taranaki. It was no accident that this proposed law change was read directly after the Government started to unravel the ability of iwi and hapū Māori to have ...2 weeks ago
- Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing
Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown should prove their rights to Foreshore & Seabed – Te Pāti Māori
Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Justice, Tākuta Ferris, has hit out at the Government, demanding the Crown prove its rights to the foreshore, following the Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill, passing its first reading. "Māori rights to the foreshore pre-exist the Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must urgently help whanau in Lebanon
The Government must immediately help evacuate New Zealanders and Lebanese whanau caught up in the current conflict unfolding across south Lebanon. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Government will revoke oil and gas permits
The Green Party vows to reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke permits when it returns to government following the coalition’s introduction of legislation to reopen offshore oil and gas exploration this afternoon. ...2 weeks ago
- Government releases plan for affordable electricity
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity clearly sets out the Government’s role in delivering affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. ...1 hour ago - Govt broadly accepts Royal Commission findings
The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations. “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. ...2 hours ago
- Brakes put on contractor and consultant spending
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30. ...15 hours ago
- Accounts confirm need for spending restraint
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today. They show net core Crown net debt at ...15 hours ago
- Minister to co-chair carbon market negotiations at COP29
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will chair negotiations on carbon markets at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) alongside Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. “Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s important for countries to be enabled to work together and support each other ...21 hours ago
- Confirmation of Payee service to improve payment security
A new confirmation of payments system in the banking sector will make it safer for Kiwis making bank transactions, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “In my open letter to the banks in February, I outlined several of my expectations of the sector, including the introduction of a ...23 hours ago
- Medicines access continues to increase
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see Pharmac continue to increase availability of medicines for Kiwis with the Government’s largest ever investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our ...24 hours ago
- Strengthening NZ’s emergency management system
The Government has released its long-term vision to strengthen New Zealand’s disaster resilience and emergency management, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “It’s clear from the North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE) Inquiry, that our emergency management system was not fit-for-purpose,” Mr Mitchell says. “We’ve seen first-hand ...1 day ago
- Brighter days ahead for Kiwis
Today’s cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 4.75 per cent is welcome news for families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Lower interest rates will provide much-needed relief for households and businesses, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money and increasing the opportunities for businesses ...2 days ago
- Sport NZ asked to update Transgender Inclusion Guiding Principles
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has asked Sport NZ to review and update its Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport. “The Guiding Principles, published in 2022, were intended to be a helpful guide for sporting bodies grappling with a tricky issue. They are intended ...2 days ago
- Freshwater farm plan rollout set to be paused by end of year
The Coalition Government is restoring confidence to the rural sector by pausing the rollout of freshwater farm plans while changes are made to ensure the system is affordable and more practical for farmers and growers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “Freshwater farm plans ...2 days ago
- New report shows improvements in air quality
The latest report from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ, Our air 2024, reveals that overall air quality in New Zealand is improving, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly say. “Air pollution levels have decreased in many parts of the country. New Zealand is ...2 days ago
- New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador appointed
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the appointment of Stuart Horne as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador. “I am pleased to welcome someone of Stuart’s calibre to this important role, given his expertise in foreign policy, trade, and economics, along with strong business connections,” Mr Watts says. “Stuart’s understanding ...2 days ago
- Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low. The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...2 days ago
- Holding careless builders accountable
The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...3 days ago
- Further action to tackle driver licence wait times
The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...3 days ago
- Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...3 days ago
- Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations
Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...3 days ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...3 days ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...3 days ago
- Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...3 days ago
- Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses
This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...4 days ago
- New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...4 days ago
- Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval
Kia uru kahikatea te tū. Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...5 days ago
- Fast-track to boost renewable electricity
The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...5 days ago
- Fast-track to drive transport projects forward
The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...5 days ago
- Fast-track projects released
The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...5 days ago
- Ruakākā recreation centre opened
A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...6 days ago
- Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...7 days ago
- Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...7 days ago
- Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property
The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...7 days ago
- New Government support for residential construction market announced
The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. “We know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...1 week ago
- New appointment to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...1 week ago
- Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects
The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our Government is committed to delivering ...1 week ago
- Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes
Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...1 week ago
- Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future. “New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...1 week ago
- Latest census data highlights New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity
The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealand’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. “Today’s census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. It’s something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...1 week ago
- FamilyBoost payments make ECE more affordable
Parents and caregivers are now able to claim for FamilyBoost, which provides low-to-middle-income families with young children payments to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we are supporting families with young children who are struggling with the cost of living, by helping ...1 week ago
- South Pacific defence meeting fosters collaboration
This week’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) has concluded with a renewed commitment to regional security of all types, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. Defence Ministers and senior civilian and military officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga gathered in Auckland to discuss defence and security cooperation in the ...1 week ago
- Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings
Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has welcomed the Police announcement that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year. “This is good news on two fronts – it reflects the fact that more and more New Zealanders are valuing policing and seeing it as ...1 week ago
- Government Fails To Cut Down On Debt Despite Higher Tax Revenue
Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said: “This is not a good look for this government’s first financial statement. They were elected on a promise to deliver real tax relief during a cost of living crisis that hardworking ...36 mins ago - An ode to the indie bookshop
Ahead of this year’s Bookshop Day, books editor Claire Mabey reflects on the great bookshops of her life. This Saturday, October 12, is Bookshop Day in Aotearoa. I’ve been following the campaign run by Booksellers NZ, the organisers of the festivities, for the last few weeks and getting emotional about ...54 mins ago - SAFE Denounces Select Committee’s Failure To Act On Colony Cages
SAFE maintains that colony cages breach the Animal Welfare Act, as they prevent hens from displaying normal behaviours essential to their health and welfare, including the ability to move freely, dustbathe, and forage for food. ...2 hours ago
- Smoking ads are banned in New Zealand. Why are junk food ads still allowed?
With a health crisis driven by preventable illnesses, the government can take one big step now. Last month the UK government banned junk food ads on TV before 9pm, while online ads for the same products have been banned outright. It’s the latest and most profound move in the UK ...2 hours ago
- AI affects everyone – including Indigenous people. It’s time we have a say in how it’s built
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tamika Worrell, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Critical Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University Since artificial intelligence (AI) became mainstream over the past two years, many of the risks it poses have been widely documented. As well as fuelling deep fake porn, threatening ...3 hours ago - ‘Violence at all levels’: UN report into the abuse of women and girls in sport is a wake-up call...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, Monash University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock This week the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls presented a report detailing the violence experienced by women and ...3 hours ago
- Are you over 75? Here’s what you need to know about vitamin D
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elina Hypponen, Professor of Nutritional and Genetic Epidemiology, University of South Australia OPPO Find X5 Pro/Unsplash Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function and overall wellbeing. And it becomes even more crucial as we age. New guidelines from ...3 hours ago
- A patchwork of spinifex: how we returned cultural burning to the Great Sandy Desert
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Braedan Taylor, Traditional Owner; Karajarri Lands Trust Association/UWA, Indigenous Knowledge How can a desert burn? Australia’s vast deserts aren’t just sand dunes – they’re often dotted with flammable spinifex grass hummocks. When heavy rains fall, grass grows quickly before drying out. That’s how ...3 hours ago
- Use of AI in property valuation is on the rise – but we need greater transparency and trust
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Cheung, Senior Lecturer, Business School, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau New Zealand’s economy has been described as a “housing market with bits tacked on”. Buying and selling property is a national sport fuelled by the rising value of homes across ...3 hours ago
- It’s time to talk about how the media talks about sexual harassment
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rawan Nimri, Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality, Griffith University Sexual harassment is all too common in hospitality and tourism. One Australian survey found almost half of the respondents had been sexually harassed, compared to about one in three in workplaces more generally. ...3 hours ago
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and its harrowing, visceral impact has been rarely matched, 50 years on
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Godfrey, Senior Lecturer, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a product of a unique time in American filmmaking, when independent exploitation films were nastier than ever, and equally capable of piercing the ...3 hours ago
- US Republicans condemn hurricane misinformation spread by their own party
"It's got to stop," President Joe Biden says. "In moments like this, there are no red or blue states." ...3 hours ago - Flurry of borrowers ask to break fixed home loans
There's been a rush of people with fixed mortgage rates regret looking for solutions. ...3 hours ago
- Legal cannabis cards highlights flaws of roadside testing, critics say
The head of a medicinal Cannabis prescribing and supply service says its developing a "Canna-card" ID people can present if stopped by police to show they are legally using the drug. ...4 hours ago
- Luxon in Laos: PM meets with Modi as time ticks on inking India free trade deal
Christopher Luxon is unlikely to visit India this side of Christmas, but described a meeting with Narendra Modi as ‘fantastic’, explains Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...4 hours ago
- Wairoa mayor presses government for urgent action on emergency management reforms
"They need to get on with it because we're getting more events these days," Wairoa's mayor says. ...5 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon meets Narendra Modi, but little sign of free trade deal
The PM has emerged with an official invite to New Delhi after his coveted meeting with India's leader in Laos. ...5 hours ago
- Who’s the Aucklander who claims to feel every earthquake in New Zealand?
Auckland’s false ‘felt’ reports on GeoNet aren’t necessarily the work of an evil mastermind – usually, it’s someone bored, confused or trying to make some art. On Sunday, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck 25km west of Wellington, forcing new-to-town uni students out of their beds while hardened locals spread snore-induced ...6 hours ago
- Could a ‘Canadian compromise’ resolve the high stakes standoff between Google and NZ news media?
A year ago Canada was in a tense standoff with the search giant over its digital news bill. Duncan Greive asks whether New Zealand should follow its lead in resolving it. Illustrations by Daylight’s Ezra Whittaker. It dropped in the classic bad news slot: Friday afternoon, ready to ruin the ...6 hours ago
- Feeding the arts in Christchurch
Christchurch’s fight over food trucks is being labelled unfair and infuriating on one side and anti-competitive on the other, with no sign of a quick resolution.The issue is so fraught the city council is calling in an independent commissioner. The Press reporter Sinead Gill calls it an unsolvable question, while ...6 hours ago - Daily crossword, Friday 11 October
The post Daily crossword, Friday 11 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Interest rate cuts no ‘miracle’ cure for building industry
Interest rate cuts will help the ‘boom and bust’ construction industry, but strong headwinds remain The post Interest rate cuts no ‘miracle’ cure for building industry appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Innovative climate workshops seek new solutions to the crisis
After participating in a workshop, software developer Emily quit her job and started a climate non-profit The post Innovative climate workshops seek new solutions to the crisis appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- ‘Fiscal constraints’ major question mark in emergency reform
Comment: Talk of tight finances may make meaningful reform of emergency management system difficult The post ‘Fiscal constraints’ major question mark in emergency reform appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Flavell’s basketball journey from tears to the top tier
There are plenty of markers which have Bailey Flavell pegged as a basketballer to watch. Being in tears in her first ever game wasn’t one of them.Her coaches now talk about the ambition and passion the 17-year-old has for the game, her obvious talent, and her ability to soak up ...6 hours ago
- Clock is ticking on ferry fiasco
Opinion: Will the Govt’s ferry replacement end up cheap and quick, or expensive, slow, and badly done? The post Clock is ticking on ferry fiasco appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Australia lays groundwork to protect international waters trawled by NZ
Conservation measures in the high seas have become a point of contention between Australia and New Zealand in the past year The post Australia lays groundwork to protect international waters trawled by NZ appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Raw Politics: A year on the Right’s track
Next week marks 12 months since the election that ejected the left from power and ushered in Christopher Luxon’s three-headed coalition of the right.On Raw Politics this week, Newsroom political editor Laura Walters, senior political reporter Marc Daalder and co-editor Tim Murphy discuss how the parties of government and opposition ...6 hours ago
- This week’s bestselling books – October 11
FICTION1 Kataraina by Becky Manawatu (Makaro Press, $37)A free copy of the eagerly-awaited sequel to Auē was up for grabs in last week’s giveaway contest. Readers were asked to state why they wanted to read Kataraina. It was a massive contest, signalling the public thirst for Manawatu’s latest book; some of the best ...6 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 11 October
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 11 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Oil prices could be where the Middle East crisis collides with Australia’s cost...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Angry, accusatory partisan exchanges over the Middle East war have dominated federal politics this week. But for most ordinary voters the issue remains “over there”. Apart from the minorities for whom it has an ...12 hours ago
- There’s a new school funding bill in parliament. Will this end the funding wars?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew P. Sinclair, Lecturer and Researcher of Education Policy, School of Education, Curtin University On Thursday, federal Education Minister Jason Clare introduced a school funding bill to parliament. The bill aims to set a new “floor” for how much the federal ...13 hours ago
- China removes block on Australian lobster, in last big bilateral trade breakthrough
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra China has removed the last significant trade barrier it imposed on Australia, with a timetable to resume full lobster imports by the end of the year. Anthony Albanese announced the breakthrough after a meeting ...15 hours ago
- East Asia Summit: Luxon talks global conflict in relaxed setting
Talking crises over coffee, the leaders of NZ, Australia and Canada convened at a in a meeting on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit. ...15 hours ago
- Decision to remove Luxon artwork from Trade Me ‘weird’ – artist
The artist behind a painting depicting Christopher Luxon in a fleshy tunnel says he is genuinely surprised by its removal. ...15 hours ago
- Collins Targets ‘Armchair Admirals’ Over ‘Misogynistic’ Attacks
Collins said she heard female defence force officials were being "abused in the street" over the Manawanui sinking. The HMNZS Manawanui, aground in Samoa. ...16 hours ago
- Australia’s child support system can put single mothers at risk of poverty and financial abuse
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kay Cook, Professor and Research Director, School of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Swinburne University of Technology KieferPix/Shutterstock Australia’s child support system can not only increase women’s poverty, but can actually facilitate financial abuse, according to our recent research. Child support ...16 hours ago
- Fast Track nod for Northport expansion a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – hapū
Northport's container terminal expansion is one of 149 projects the government has selected for fast tracking. ...17 hours ago
- Space isn’t all about the ‘race’ – rival superpowers must work together for a better future
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Art Cotterell, Research Associate, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University Artist’s concept of the docked Apollo and Soyuz in 1975. David Meltzer/NASA In recent years, a new “space race” has intensified between the United States and China. At a ...18 hours ago
- Is TikTok right? Can adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your coffee help you burn fat?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Evannovostro/Shutterstock Cinnamon has been long used around the world in both sweet and savoury dishes and drinks. But a new TikTok trend claims adding ...18 hours ago
Yeah, and have you heard Kate Wilkinson on labour issues, or the Mappster on defence?
Actually, its truly startling the level of ignorance these poeple display on their portfolio areas – OK sure, spokespsople aren’t necesarily subject-matter experts when they’re appointed but they should be able to get up to speed and come up wih coherent, signifanct ideas pretty quickly. After all, they do want to be Ministers.
Maybe a kind of self-imposed ignorance is the only way to insulate one’s Tory ideological tenants from being damaged by exposure to those annoying facts.
Let’s see here.
Jill Pettis. Dover Samuels. Janet Mackey. Judith Tizard. Parekura Horomia. Mark Burton. Diane Yates. Rick Barker. David Benson-Pope. Steve Chadwick. Darien Fenton. Ann Hartley. George Hawkins. Sue Moroney. Lesley Soper. Ross Robertson.
What have ANY of them done since being in Parliament? Oh, that’s right. When the biggest story in her electorate was the horrific abuse of children, Steve Chadwick comes up with the delightfully high profile issue of making it illegal to discriminate against chardonnay-swilling socialists breast-feeding in cafes.
Jackie Blue dragged the Government over the coals over its shameful claim of offering free early childhood eductation. No wonder you’re still pissed off with her.
Yo IP – “Jonathan Coleman”, “Bob Clarkson” etc. There are some people in there who are ineffectual and there are some people who are just plain nasty and counterproductive. Your crew is very much the latter.
IP – you know we socialists would never be so un-PC as to swill chardonnay while breastfeeding – got to slavishly follow those PC medical experts’ advice on not mixing alcohol and babies after all.