Open mike 12/07/2013

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 12th, 2013 - 61 comments
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Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

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Step right up to the mike…

61 comments on “Open mike 12/07/2013 ”

  1. Rosetinted 1

    Latest bright idea dreamt up by Treasury wallah – ooh that’s a good one, I must turn on the light and put my voice recorder on to retain this pearl before I go off to sleep again – a possible 17.5% GST. (A high of 15% GST used to be in Switzerland, a much more wealthy and strategically run country than we are).

    My waking thought, was a bit of a nightmare. We were wanting to parade with all the major countries, with our little putea of goodies, country’s revenue and tax income over our shoulders. A little figure manfully struggling along, tripping over untidily tied shoe laces (she’ll be right, we don’t fuss over trifles in this country). Eyes right, salute, follow the big boys, and try not to get stood on boy.

    (All very masculine in this comment, because it is still the major theme running through our politics – a masculine individualistic domination approach – leavened by very thin cracks in the barrier door that allow the wider community’s interests and needs to be viewed and heard and the positive and fair ones included in policies.)

    • richard 1.1

      Pity the poor treasury officials: armed with only blind ignorance and stupidity they have had to set the agenda of NZ governments for nearly 30 years.

      They had just enough nous to learn the chants from the Chicago School of Economics in the early 80’s and have managed to get by on not having to come up with anything remotely like a new thought ever since. So pleased were they with having learnt the Chicago school chants that even the discrediting of their source as an intellectual fallacy divorced from reality couldn’t make them waiver. Perfectly understandable because the chants were hard to learn and there were 10 of them, which is a lot.

      This article on Salon nicely shows how the economists in treasury simplistic world view is destroying America Econ 101 is killing America. Unfortanely, it also says that all the chants they learnt are myths.

    • Rogue Trooper 1.2

      but wait, there’s more, get in quick before GST comes on your < $400 online purchase (oh those poor High St retailers, "it's not an easy game" don't you know…
      -when, not if, the retirement age is lifted.
      -CPI Index taxation
      and to round off the sale, reduce growth in government Vote Health expenditure.

      (nett GDP/ debt is going to get worse before it gets better, but Nevermind, treasury have a wand that will fix debt to 20% GDP).
      Pain for the government (Nah), or, pain for the people (Yeah).

      It seems that government and their officials only lag about Four years behind informed awareness of the zeitgeist .

      • Rosetinted 1.2.1

        Rogue
        Well the High St retailers might well complain, as the whole system was supposed to be set on a base of a level playing field. When you are in a specialist field where people can go outside the taxation regime that you operate under, it hurts.

        And when some of these people talk about how cheap things are overseas, have they included the shipping? There are some specials with free shipping offered from time to time, that’s a good buy then. Some people complain that booksellers here make too much. If you compare how many booksellers still exist in business, to how many women’s clothes shops there are, it is noticeable that there are far fewer booksellers. It suggests that it isn’t a hugely profitable business.

        I suggest that we all go and visit our local book store and look at the wonderful array of authors and topics, and cover designs, all gems of the mind, forget about pretty bracelets and rings. Buy something there people, keep them open and stop moaning that they charge too highly.

        • Rogue Trooper 1.2.1.1

          I have not bought anything online for, I can’t remember how long, maybe over a year. I only buy second-hand books (got plenty anyway): Last two books, ‘The Human Web : A Birds-eye View of World History’ – McNeill & McNeill , and, ‘Middlesex’- Jeffrey Eugenides, both for $2. I have known for some time now, the traps of the technology, the technology being a glorified pokie machine, extracting peoples money regardless of location. For me, it’s free, unlimited UFB, for now, and if that comes to another boring dead-end, so be it. c’est la vie 😉

          • Rosetinted 1.2.1.1.1

            Rogue
            I am into book trading on Trademe. I generally use them for cheap, under $10 plus postage and I find the 1960s books I’m following. I buy my occasional new book (low income bracket) from my local bookseller where everybody knows my face! Overseas is good for second hand books that are hard to get here, and sometimes I can be tempted by an omnibus volume and so get two or three stories for the same price and post as one. Having done that a few time I am on the promotion lists for anyone I have dealt with which can be a nuisance.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.2.1.2

          And when some of these people talk about how cheap things are overseas, have they included the shipping?

          More than likely. I bought a set of books a while back. To get them through Whitcoulls and other books stores was going to cost $70+ (in one it was over $100). I got them from Amazon, delivered to my door, for $30.

          Some people complain that booksellers here make too much. If you compare how many booksellers still exist in business, to how many women’s clothes shops there are, it is noticeable that there are far fewer booksellers. It suggests that it isn’t a hugely profitable business.

          It comes down to turnover. NZ booksellers probably don’t get a lot (we have this anti-intellectual bias) and so they have to hike their prices to cover costs which decreases turnover (and I’m not a fan of the demand curve argument) but, mostly, with the internet people can compare prices here and overseas and then buy the cheaper ones.

          With e-books it’s getting even easier to buy books. I just bough two, not from the publisher or retailer but direct from the author. The internet means that we can kiss the middlemen goodbye. Eventually, even manufacturers will realise this as they’ll be able to maintain a high rate of turnover without having to wholesale their products.

          What will become of mainstreet when the only stores there will be cafes?

          • Rosetinted 1.2.1.2.1

            DTB
            We may just have to foster the old intellectual gatherings in coffee shops of yore?

    • RedLogix 1.3

      Neo-classical economics has spent the last 40 yrs destroying everything it touched:

      http://www.salon.com/2013/07/08/how_%E2%80%9Cecon_101%E2%80%9D_is_killing_america/

    • Draco T Bastard 1.4

      The Secret to Finland’s Success With Schools, Moms, Kids—and Everything

      The theory of the welfare state was that “everyone should get a slice of the cake so that they have what they need to realize their life projects.”

      Exactly and that’s why NZ is going backwards as we’ve decided that the rich should more of the cake while everyone else should get less and less and thus can’t “realize their life projects.”

      • Rosetinted 1.4.1

        DTB
        I think our problem here is that NZ people demean each other too often. The tight-minded groupthink on how to be causes thoughts about people being undeserving of consideration, and affects people’s willingness to make room for and give respect and opportunities to people who are perceived to be different.

        One example is Maori grievance. The first thought amongst some is not that we should make reparation for mass denials of rights and theft, but why should they get something when I’m not, they don’t deserve what they are getting.

  2. weka 2

    Anyone else finding the standard slow to load in the past day or two?

    • Colonial Viper 2.1

      yes, and I’ve had a number of experiences where it never seems to quite finish loading.

      • Tom 2.1.1

        That’s OK, it’s just your friendly local GCSB techie working on the lines ..

        • Rogue Trooper 2.1.1.1

          Lineman for The County (sheriff).

        • weka 2.1.1.2

          I thought it was our friendly local techie lying on a beach in Samoa 😉

          (not that I think Lynn should be working on ts today).

  3. Anyone else concerned about this?

    Will the NBR publish THIS comment – on the increased risk of money-laundering with the proposed ‘Sky City’ deal /legislation?

    http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/sky-city-convention-centre-bill-conscience-vote-fizzer-ck-142765#comment-626178

    Who is looking at the MAMMOTH ‘elephant in the room’?

    The increased risk of money-laundering associated with the NZ International Convention Centre (Sky City) Bill?

    Increased economic growth for ‘organised crime’?

    Increased employment opportunities for ‘money launderers’?

    Seen THIS?

    http://www.med.govt.nz/about-us/publications/publications-by-topic/regulatory-impact-statements/mbie-regulatory-impact-statements/NZICC-RIS-June-2013.pdf

    ” New Zealand International Convention Centre Bill 2013

    Regulatory Impact Statement

    New Zealand International Convention Centre

    Potential risk of money laundering

    95 Cash intensive industries such as casinos are attractive to money laundering activity. New Zealand’s National Risk Assessment 2010 assessed casinos as presenting moderate to high risk of money laundering.
    …………….

    97 However, there are aspects of the regulatory concessions that
    potentially raise the risk of money laundering through SkyCity.

    98 For example, the anonymity that can be associated with TITO technology has the potential to facilitate money laundering, by increasing the potential for currency refining and ticket structuring.

    In effect, this means that low denomination notes could be fed into one or more gaming machines or kiosks and then be redeemed by ticket into high denomination notes or casino cheques.

    Increasing the use of TITO technology (and raising the denominations that can be fed into a machine) may therefore increase the potential for money laundering.

    99 Increased use of “white cards” may also lead to increased risk of money laundering.

    White cards are an account-based system with a unique identifier that permits transaction sequences to be tracked. However, the form of identification information associated with each card will depend on the “business relationship” between the casino and the white card holder(s).

    100 The limits on anonymous cashing-out of TITO and white cards described in paragraphs 69-71 of this paper are aimed at mitigating this potentially higher risk of money laundering. ”

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption/anti-privatisation’ campaigner

    2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

  4. Bearded Git 4

    This has stuffed up Key’s bill a treat. Anyone for a reverse ferret?

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10897315

    • Rogue Trooper 4.1

      Cunning Human Rights. (freedom of expression and association).

    • weka 4.2

      what’s a reverse ferret?

    • Rosie 4.3

      Doesn’t seem concerned though. Classic Key: “Ain’t bovvered”. Just like it looked like he was dying of boredom at the hearing, listening to submitters. Key’s couldn’t -care -less type response from that article:

      “Mr Key has dismissed the Human Rights Commission’s concerns about the Government’s controversial GCSB legislation and told the organisation to “pull its socks up” for not making a submission on time.

      “I think the Human Rights Commission actually should take a step back and ask themselves the question why they didn’t put a submission in on time. They are funded by the government and they were the only people that actually couldn’t make the deadline.”

      He dismissed the commission’s concerns that there would be a lack of and oversight and accountability, and that the public’s trust in intelligence agencies would be further eroded.”

      But definitely some one should put a ferret up his trousers. Might be bovvered then.

      • wyndham 4.3.1

        Note the implied threat from Key – – – “they are funded by the government”.

        • Rosie 4.3.1.1

          Exactly. It was a completely unnecessary comment, he just likes to have a little dig and hint at a little threat.

        • Tim 4.3.1.2

          Its a shame the current opposition aren’t offering the same implied threat re GCSB legislation.
          (A simple solution waiting in the wings.)

      • ak 4.3.2

        already a backward weasel in there Rose….

    • Colonial Viper 5.1

      One thing revealed: the NSA works closely with large software companies during the development and testing of things like webmail, instant messaging, social media etc, before the apps are rolled out to the public.

    • Rogue Trooper 5.2

      “The US operates it’s programs under a strict oversight regime…Not all countries have equivalent oversight requirements to protect civil liberties and privacy”- Shawn Turner, NI & Judith Emmel, NSA.

      Guess “Not all countries” implies an oligarchy near you!

      “Following the footsteps of a rag-doll dance
      We are entranced
      Spellbound”.

      • Colonial Viper 5.2.1

        The NSA simply outsource spying on US citizens to the UK’s GCHQ. This is effectively a work around any local restrictions they have against spying on their own citizens.

  5. Mariana Pineda 6

    With a government debt as huge as it is the Nats shouldn’t be burying their heads in the sand for too much longer.

    I don’t understand how they can get us all so much in the crap yet so many people think they emit sweet farts.

    Then any government who follows the Nats and does improve our financial position and the lives of the many are said to be wastrels.

    The reality is that they have done really well because they had to start way behind the 8 ball due to the Nats cronyism and selective spending to enrich their mates.

    It doesn’t figure and demonstrates how our MSM and big money spin situations so that they have little resemblance to reality

    http://www.johnpemberton.co.nz/html/government_debt.html

    • Winston Smith 6.1

      “I don’t understand how they can get us all so much in the crap yet so many people think they emit sweet farts. ”
      – Thats easy, just look at the alternative (Labour)

      • Rogue Trooper 6.1.1

        it’s a Windy City.

      • Mariana Pineda 6.1.2

        But if you have a look at the trend of government debt you will notice that the increase by the Nats isn’t anywhere near a sweet fart.

        It is actually a very smelly dump.

        • Rogue Trooper 6.1.2.1

          That’s what happens when the same finger in the pie doubles as a suppository; not enough consideration given to be Hind u custom.

  6. Mariana Pineda 7

    I like it Rogue. LOL

  7. Want to make a ‘submission’ on the NZ International Convention Centre ( aka SHONKY Sky City Deal) Bill?

    ‘Drop dead’ date for ‘submissions’ is Thursday 22 August 2013.

    It’s gone to the Commerce Select Committee.

    http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub/2/e/e/50SCCO_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL12309_1-New-Zealand-International-Convention.htm

    Cheers!

    Penny Bright
    ‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation’ campaigner

    2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

  8. Tom 9

    Is John Key out of control ?

  9. Rogue Trooper 10

    Some Old news:
    Christchurch City Council experiences a credit down-grade.
    Hot Air Balloons, Yes. Tongan MA60’s, No.
    Aussie- for 4 consecutive months, job ads have fallen. In New Zealand, outside of the main centres, the market is also flat (can be determined by reading between-the-lines of the latest MSM hype concerning the Bay of Plenty / Tauranga.
    The ‘Pakeha Party’ receive around 19000 Facebook ‘likes’; more than the Greens and Labour pages combined.

    Obama on CC; 40% of US GHG come from electricity generation ,and the coal-producing states are resisting; the Republican line- “war on coal is a war on jobs”

    Solid Energy- when is a bail-out not a bail-out? When it’s a secured, or not, loan, which aided and abetted by Carter, Key is “not gonna bother answering” to; Q.5, Q.T 9.7

    The restructuring of DoC has “left it dead in the water”- professor Abby Smith. According to the Department’s own Four-year plan, national eco-systems are on the decline, and the department will have to do less from 2015 on; Q.9 (same day).
    We are losing our biodiversity / biosecurity and this will be exacerbated by further free-trade agreements and growth in tourism- John Lancashire.

    Despite all this legal farce, Rhys Jones concedes that Jon Stephenson probably did speak to the officer ‘B’ concerning the NZDF SAS turning captured insurgents over to torture (and vacuum cleaner design).

    If a fisherman sees a red-headed woman on May Day, he should not go to sea.
    -Irish folk proverb.
    (the ‘man ban’; Shearer- “a distraction”; Curran- “not happy about it”; Cunliffe- “it’s not really my business). Now, all we have to await is that ‘fiscal drag’ (lower taxation thresholds) that Treasury are proposing to make up the short fall in future government accounts and everything will be coming up roses, or daisies. 😀

  10. aerobubble 11

    So great, we are going to grow the economy by having more gambling, that’s what the voters wanted when they voted National. That I could put up a shed on the front lawn and have some pokies running inside. Oh, joy, the jobs, the country will boom…. …for a short time before it crashes!!!

    No, Key lies again, people voted for the conference center at any cost, no, no they didn’t. Every National MP think that gambling will make us all richer, are they clueless!@!!

    • logie97 11.1

      Interesting to hear Sam Lotu-iinga justifying his “support for” in the conscience vote saying that the Skycentre deal will be good for Pacifika employment. “You only have to go their now and see the bouncers et cetera.” Gee he shows great leadership and aspiration for his people.

      • North 11.1.1

        Sam Sam Sam……..I know some of your aiga. True.

        Refresh me on the Samoan term for “wannabee palagi scab” will you Sammy ?

        In the face of the disgust I observed (but to be fair and in deference to your Molesworth-Street-Matai rep) I soothingly ventured that you had it partly right at least.

        Employment. Yes, those acres and acres and acres of extra carpet for Samoan ladies to vacuum in the middle of the night. On minimum rate plus 5 cents. Away from their kids. The 5.30 am bus just failing to get them home in time to have a cuppa with hubby before he’s off to the factory.

        I left town quickly.

      • aerobubble 11.1.2

        But its also bad business. Say a kid dies from thirst in the car park (as mum is in the casino) just when the water bottlers of NZ have their conference. SkyCity CEO has a duty of care to his shareholders not to expose itself to bad ethical and moral PR. How does the active consent produced from meetings in a conference center getting coupled to a Casino actively help either business? Its like connecting the Hobbit with anti-unionism, its just bad business. Other industries have chemicals in Milk crisises, so why would the National party vote to a man and women that SkyCity Conference center would not turn off big business who want to keep away from bad publicity. Geez, community groups worked very hard to lower the number of pokies. Its just escapes me how poor National understand good business practice. Like de-resourcing, de-regulating, the mines inspectorate. Who does that, lock in the conference center with casino gambling????

  11. logie97 12

    I wonder if the countries new expert minister of security matters, gambling matters, energy matters and anything else that matters will bother to read this research or will he be just be an expert without doing the reading or research…

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2013/jul/11/fracking-water-injection-major-earthquakes

  12. Colonial Viper 13

    G4S private security firm may have fraudulently charged UK Govt by millions

    Surprise surprise.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/jul/11/g4s-investigated-overcharging-millions-pounds

    • McFlock 13.1

      With one or two tweaks, it might be a back-door method of creating the workers’ paradise: conceivably, G4S employees could end up monitoring the home detention anklets of their bosses. 🙂

  13. Colonial Viper 14

    Russ Tice, the original NSA whistleblower, says Obama was a surveillance target well before he ran for the White House

    Some disturbing implications. Also he says that a serving justice of the US Supreme Court, Alito, has been a surveillance target.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6m1XbWOfVk

    • muzza 14.1

      The, other whistle blower, been largely ignored!

      Quite sure, its well past disturbing, CV!

  14. Rogue Trooper 15

    bold

    • McFlock 15.1

      timid

      edit: damn, no subscript tag 🙂

      • Rogue Trooper 15.1.1

        sigh, where is this cat’s tail gonna end Flockie (good to see you and the Viper rough-and-tumbling like litter mates, for now at least).

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  • The worth of it all
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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
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  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
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    19 hours ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    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 ...
    19 hours ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
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    19 hours ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
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    19 hours ago
  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
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    19 hours ago
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    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    19 hours ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
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    19 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
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    19 hours ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
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    19 hours ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
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    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
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    1 day ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
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    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    1 day ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
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    1 day ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
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    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
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    2 days ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
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    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
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    2 days ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
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    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    2 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    2 days ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    2 days ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    2 days ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    2 days ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
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    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
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    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
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    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
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    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
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    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Anzac commemorations, TĂŒrkiye relationship focus of visit
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Taupƍ takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupƍ as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupƍ International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupƍ Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    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 - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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