I do the scheduling but occasionally scheduled posts failed to appear (!?) and I have to push them out manually. I noticed 7:06 AM and needed a minute to get over the shock 😉
The tragedy at White Island shows the importance of provincial hopistals, like the one at Whakatane. Most of these hospitals were closed down in the 1990's by National to pay for tax cuts, thankfully, Whakatane's was somehow kept open.
I agree. if there was a major tragedy in the Central Otago/Lakes district, or Fiordland, then there would be grossly inadequate hospital care available. Helicopters are used a lot now (they are in and out of Dunedin all the time), and there are advantages with evacuating people to larger hospitals, but capacity, travel time and weather are potential issues.
No live volcanoes down this way, but there are major faultlines so earthquakes are an obvious risk.
there's a difference between not having basic secondary support and not having sufficient support to deal with a couple of dozen serious cases requiring ICU or specialists.
I'm impressed by how smoothly the dedicated burns units around the country have shared the load. Imagine needing a million square cm of skin for repeated grafting during the healing process.
Major re-seal underway this week at Lake Hayes, about 5 km of it. Less than two weeks to Christmas…… tradie meltdown.
Credit to contractors though, they are doing a really good job of it and managing traffic well.
Great irony is that it was last resealed about 3 years ago and fell to pieces because of a cheap job with no traffic management on the new seal. Going from less than 5000 vehicles/day 20 years ago to over 30,000 probably doesn't help either.
Bloody good question. But when the last seal was done it was pretty obvious what was going to happen with the amount of post seal traffic control, and both contractors were the same, so I'd be looking at NZTA there for screwing the price down. Resealing is a very refined and practiced game, so that reduced price comes from doing less.
I've seen seal lift like that a few times, notably the Bay road on the Otago Peninsula. That would have been a DCC contract. Maybe the contracts need more scrutiny.
Culture of trying to hold cost down, which results in only doing half the job.
Would have been interesting to see how National would have handled it if they had stayed in power, but a huge amount has to be done quite quickly. Big shout to the infrastructure team in Government that they are just doing it.
They do, but if the contractor's work is within the scope of the contract then it's the principle's problem. A prudent contractor will tag out anything they foresee causing a problem as well. Pretty rare that a contractor stuffs up, does happen but margins aren't that great and having to re-do jobs hurts, even big contractors can't handle much of that, ie Fletchers
Generally roading problems go back to poorly scoped and / or specified contracts
Part of the issues sit with the way the budgets work around new spends and maintenance. In short money is scrimped in the build phase to make a budget look good and then the fix up comes from the maintenance budget which is more opaque.
Contractors for the most part aren't thay keen on doing a half arsed job but that's where the contract specs…
5,000>30,000 daily in 20 years for vehicles on road near Lake Hayes. Would NZ tourists and new settlers in the area have caused that? Mainly international tourists causing that sort of exponential rise?
Mainly "locals". Interesting driving past a line of stopped traffic and getting a good look at the vehicles and occupants. Vast majority are either resident or construction related.
A tight little circular economy; land sold, builders come, vital services installed, buyers come, traffic comes, more services and better roads needed. Repeat. But has that served the resident populations needs and interests? It brings to mind Flanders and Swann 'It all makes work for the working man to do.'
Yes that's the picture I got from your comment. Seems that this house stuff is like a big Ponzi scheme. There just isn't enough reliable business going on to invest in that will produce 8% or more dividend annually. So solid-brick housing, or what appears to be solid, is the plat du jour.
Too much money sloshing around while those diseased with affluenza have the gripe and the gout from accumulated money blockage but won't allow a small operation to make the equivalent of an organ donation to a small-loans low interest bank so that it can be used where it will give immediate relief and healthy, steady growth.
I have been reading a crime novel that is so-so. But the author has come up with an apt description of the residents of a self-centred, materialistic, hubristic gated community. I thought that the above description of the culture of the community sizes up National Party thinking. The author describes the attitudes of the individuals:
'Malice with taste, cruelty with restraint, and deceit with a smile.'
(An old paperback 19993 by Janice Law; A Safe Place to Die.)
I see the whakatane mayor wants White Island trips to resume. she's quoted as saying "nature of adventure tourism is that there is a degree of risk.." Risk of injury maybe but dying isn't part of healthy tourism industry.
Leadership required here as whilst we're known for adventure tourism, landing people on a small island that has an active volcano most would say is more than risky.
I turned down a trip there years ago as it's an active volcano, no thank you. Like whale watching, go close but don't endanger anyone. IMO no more landing tourists on the island ever again.
[Sadly, we will have to miss your lovely trolling contributions over Christmas because you have failed to respond to moderation requests. Banned for three weeks and enjoy the break – Incognito]
How much crystalline silicon have we in the world? I haven’t read all the article yet but the demand would be enormous. It could be a great idea but not sustainable, and obtaining it could damage the environment. So I will read on to check affects.
Thatsite has interesting science headings down the bottom, could be one to bookmark.
A lot of sand / rock is silicon – so no shortage of the underlying raw material. But takes significant energy to convert to the forms used in solar cells, so there is a potential greenhouse gas consideration.
Edit
The UK voters are queuing; that shows Brit solidarity and determination rising to the fore indicating determination for something, not apathy which might have fallen upon the benighted country grappling with EU disagreements within UK for the best part of…decades. I hope the determination is not to cut themselves adrift from Europe
which might be with a bang, but will end up with a whimper.
The Guardian has produced a great little timeline outlining important dates in the bubbling volcanic situation between the UK and the EU. The summaries make for interesting reading as these neighbours attempt harmonious and prosperous relationships.
Back to queues, I am reading a book by Polish Major General Stanislaw Sosabowski* who in WW2 got away to the UK in about 1940 with Polish troops and became Commander there. He said 'queue' was the first English word he learned. The Polish fought with the UK on the Allied side. When they arrived in England he notes his first sight was of the 'beautiful Plymouth cliffs'. The green grass, the brightly painted houses, the boys and girls swimming were peaceful and comforting, in contrast with frightened, burning France…
* Freely I Served by Major General Stanislaw Sosabowski from Battery Press, Nashville USA ISBN 0-89839-061-3
In a foreword to this book British General Sir Richard Gale writes; "In these days of alliances it is of vital importance that we British should understand our allies. They have points of view, often at variance with ours. Though their aims are the same as ours, their approach to problems will often differ."
The ties to Europe from the UK can not be lightly passed over. The idea of going off like rough and smart buccaneers comes from the upper classes, who often made all their money from extractive ventures in other countries where they gained dominance.
Independent trade experts from the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) looked at the likely impact of US, Australian and New Zealand free trade deals.
They found that even combined, new tariff-cutting agreements were likely to boost the UK economy by just 0.4%.
A simple free trade deal would also depress the economy UKTPO said. The body said that moving from full EU membership to a simple deal with our closest trading partner – the objective enshrined in Boris Johnson's Withdrawal Agreement – would depress the size of the economy by at least 1.8%.
Not looking like a very promising end to the year….UK election and this
"The talks, known as COP25 in UN parlance, appear to be faltering, according to interviews with negotiators, delegates and observers, who say there is a serious risk of failure.
Developing countries are growing increasingly angry at what they have called concerted attempts by high-emitting countries to block progress in Madrid."
Yup, dirty politics by the massed forces of the British establishment appear to have been sufficient to grind the reputation of an extraordinarily principled man into the dust.
For @UKLabour leadership to blame Brexit for the result is mendacious nonsense. Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership was a bigger problem. To say otherwise is delusional. The Party’s leadership went down like a lead balloon on the doorstep. Labour’s leadership needs to take responsibility.
We warned this would happen. We tried everything we could to prevent the hard-left self-indulgence within the Labour Party. And now the country will pay the price. I’m so sorry too few within Labour took a stand with us, when it would have mattered.
[sorry Pete, lefties only in that thread – weka]
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
Pete, when you are quoting tweets, please click on the date/time stamp of the tweet, then copy and paste the URL into the TS comment text box. This will link to the tweet not the account, and thus people can click through for context. Thanks.
if you don't want the tweet embedded, then you can past the quote, then click on the date/time stamp, copy the URL, then paste into a comment using the link HTML tags. More work that way.
also, if you want to talk politics with actual lefties and be taken seriously maybe focus more on the politics and less on taking potshots at the left.
I note in your "lefties only" comment item on the UK election that some (you included) are saying Jacinda will loose in 2020 because she is not left enough.
Surely the result in the UK shows that is wrong. Jacinda is successful because she is not seen as extreme. She uses progressive language, but does not threaten an economic revolution. Instead she says things can get better with a moderate amount of social democracy.
Most people don't want revolution because who knows where it might end up. Revolutions are full of risk. And basically don't happen in democratic nations.
While there is no doubt Johnson's simple Brexit message appeals because it offers certainty (in contrast to Labour promise of more confusion), I am also certain that Corbyn's socialist message did not appeal. What Labour needs is a modern Blair. In fact that is exactly what Jacinda is. Which in my view is why she is successful.
A question, would Blair be reviled if Iraq had never happened, or instead would he be seen as the most successful Labour Prime Minister ever?
No, I think Labour will get to form govt next year, but it will be closer than is comfortable for the left. Labour do have a problem in that many people voted Labour last time presumably because of JA (multiple reasons) but may be disappointed in what Labour have achieved. The solution to that is to vote Green, so we're not in the same situation as the UK.
"I am also certain that Corbyn's socialist message did not appeal."
Obviously not enough, but I think the UK election is more about poor voter turnout, people being sick of Brexit back and forth, Labour Leavers objecting to Labour's second referendum, vote splitting with the LDs, MSM and poll bias and so on. In other words, lots of dynamics going on.
The issue for the left is how to shift the Overton Window in NZ. I agree with you that NZ doesn't want a revolution, but that doesn't mean it's not possible to move the centre. The right has done this in the past 35 years without prior approval /shrug.
I know that is a theme with the momentum left, but in truth their views only appeal to a small minority of voters. Some on the left also accuse Helen Clark of also accepting/endorsing neo-liberalism, but most people regard her as a very good PM. Without Iraq wouldn't Blair be seen in the same light?
In my view NZers (apart from a mysogonist rump) have formed the same view of Jacinda as they did with Helen. A same pair of hands who won't fundamentally unsettle the economic compact that prevails in NZ (for instance her commitment against CGT so long as she is PM). The major criticism she gets is that she (her government) have not delivered that well on their stated targets. In my view that is fixable with more focus and discipline.
From a YouGov poll at the start of November, asking about policies in Labour's manifesto.
… and generally they are pretty, or very popular.
The tax rises on the rich are actually the most popular policy YouGov polled: The most popular is the 50 per cent tax rate for earnings over £123,000: 64 per cent of voters support that, with just 20 per cent opposed and 16 per cent not sure.
A 45 per cent rate for earnings over £80,000 is similarly popular: 60 per cent support and just 23 per cent oppose.
Concerns that voters would oppose tax rises on a bracket they one day hope to aspire to seem to be, frankly, not true.
The party's nationalisation plans are also broadly popular: 56 per cent support nationalising railways and just 22 per cent oppose. Water companies 50 per cent support and just 25 per cent oppose. Utilities like gas and electricity are supported by 45 per cent – though Labour's policy is less ambitious than this and relates to the national grid and publicly owned competitors.
The most high-profile announcement on broadband is a bit more complicated: voters aren't as sure about nationalising Openreach, with 32 per cent supporting and 31 per cent opposed – not an unpopular policy by any means. But the ends of the policy: free broadband for all, is widely supported. 62 per cent support the idea and 22 per cent oppose it.
The plans discussed by John McDonnell on Friday to overhaul corporate governance and make boards one third elected workers have also been very positively received: 54 per cent support these policies and 21 per cent oppose them.
What to make of all this? The public are absolutely not scared of government intervention and quite like Labour's socialist platform. These policies individually range from quite popular to ridiculously popular.
There's more that troubles the Left than you suppose Wayne. Clark rode into office on a wave of resentment against the vicious and ineffectual policies of the Black Decade of Gnat misrule.
Jacinda also needs to distance herself from the squalor and ineptitude of Gnat misrule, not cozy up to the fork- tongued weasels of the right.
The CGT is long overdue – but we understand, Boomer, that you never intended to pay your share.
Wayne, UK Labour is losing seats in the north because the working class there has Brexit sympathy. Given the Blairite faction is the pro Remain one in the caucus – while they will blame Corbyn for the defeat, it's an outright deceit.
Blair won elections – but he also encouraged local takeover of state schools, creating a lot of resistance in working class areas to inward migration by Moslems. Then there was the opening up of the labour market to the East Europeans (10 years before Germany) and thus an influx leading to northern support for Brexit. Whatever his intent it has come to bite Labour big time. And now they will blame it on Corbyn and reclaim their natural right to be lords managing the working class party like bosses of a company founded union.
And labour have picked up their only gain in Putney, my old stomping ground, which overwhelmingly voted remain.
Corbyn’s brexit stance has damaged labour, and proves that an each way bet may sometimes work on the gee gees, but not so much in politics.
Given Corbyn was leading a pro Remain caucus, how could he have taken a side that would have helped Labour hold (Brexit voting) seats in the north?
His real mistake was to agree to an election before Brexit was sorted. It was an election which would give BJ a majority for Brexit and cost him and maybe the left leadership of Labour.
I think the Al1en was highlighting that most Labour boroughs were pro brexit and the UK Labour position on that appears to have influenced the election outcome.
Here is a prediction of just that from a few weeks ago,
Harsh Wayne. I am generally a critic of NZ Labour but even I wouldn't accuse Jacinda of being NZs Tony Blair.
Also Iraq isn't something which just happened to the war criminal. Its a war he actively persued. His legacy is obviously not separable from the policies he persued in office.
While there is no doubt Johnson's simple Brexit message appeals because it offers the perception of certainty …
FIFY
This was not an election, it was the second referendum. Simplicity appeals because it makes it appear simple while, in fact, it is the opposite.
People were sick of it. However, the future is as uncertain as tomorrow’s Lotto numbers and perhaps even less so because we don’t even know how many balls are in the game and when they will be drawn. If Boris is the man to do it then I suggest people have no clue what it entails.
I don't consider myself a centrist. I don't think you have much idea at all about my political and policy preferences.
There's things I support across the spectrum, and also don't support. Same with politicians. I think two of the more successful MPs this year have been David Seymour on the End of Life Choice Bill and Chloe Swarbrick on a number of issues. Both have worked hard across party lines.
James Shaw has done pretty well given the political circumstances, again working cross party – but I know he's not left enough for some here either. Would you stop him from commenting in one of your lefty-only threads?
I don't really care what others may deem to be right or left, it's a pointless game unless you want to promote differences and division.
I understand that some old school activists can't fathom it,but it's becoming more common that people ignore political labels and pigeon holes and judge issues on what they see as their merits and drawbacks.
Actually while large party PR tries to promote differences there's a lot more common ground and cooperation in Parliament than is publicly apparent. Bloody centrists.
"I don't really care what others may deem to be right or left, it's a pointless game unless you want to promote differences and division."
And yet you clearly tried to join a dedicated left wing conversation. As mentioned, keep shitting on the left and we're hardly likely to want to engage.
Iain McNicol was general secretary of Labour from 2011 to 2018
I think it's you (and others) who shits on anyone deemed outside your political bubble. I get it that you don't like being told that, but I think it's a big problem for the leftward in Aotearoa. 'Divide and conquer' doesn't work very well when it's just on your own side of the political divide.
James and Chloe get how successful politics needs to work. Some of their party supporters could learn something off them, but I don't know whether that will happen.
I wasn’t referring to the tweet, but to you spending way more time here bitching about the left. It’s in most of your comments, about how lacking the left is and what their problem is. Maybe consider that I don’t want to talk politics with you because of that. You can choose to be defensive about that and continue doing, all I’m saying is that it won’t endear me to talk politics.
One of the reasons I support the Greens is because of their beyond L/R kaupapa. But it’s hard in a space like TS, which isn’t culturally green, to work with that. Much of that atm is due to trolling and the large amount of time/energy spent combating that, as well as the interpersonal stuff. This is why I am suggesting to you (not just today) to focus on the politics not the inter personal fighting and put downs of the left. If people are giving you a hard time based on history I think your redemption is to take the higher ground and talk politics. Not that will be necessarily easy, but the opposite will just keep you mired in the bullshit (and eventual bans). FWIW.
Dude, it was things that you claimed were across the spectrum.
So these things that you agree with that you said are from all parts of the spectrum, what % do you think, in your estimation, come from the right third, the middle third, and the left third of the spectrum?
Or is answering that question too close to introspection for your taste?
It's pretty much undefinable especially in any quantifiable way – but prove me wrong and try it for yourself if you like – and I think pretty much irrelevant.
In general I don't like the direction Bridges and National are moving at the moment, I think that while the government has been a bit slow and underperforming and underwhelming policies promoted by Labour and Greens seem mostly fairly good. I realise that's not left enough for some here, but it's around about where many voters seem to be comfortable.
You can't 'make' me anything. I may tend center-ish on some things, but I don't see myself as a centrist, because that suggest to me an unwillingness to look at ideas and policies right across the spectrum.
Both John Key and Jacinda Ardern have been described as political pragmatists – I largely support much of the approach of both of them, but with some criticisms.
But that's nothing like a centrist label. Why do you see a need to label other than to exclude people from some of your discussions?
You want more people to support the Greens (I've voted Green at times) but dump on people that don't fit with whatever you think is necessary to be green. That seems counter-productive to me.
I think that one of the best ways of learning about issues is by engaging with people with different ideals and ideals. But I have found that engagement is not what most political activists seem to want, they prefer the 'agree or you're an enemy' type of approach.
It's not me making you centrist Pete, it's your views.
"I largely support much of the approach of both of them, but with some criticisms."
QED.
You can call yourself whatever you like Pete, and sure, pick a word that isn't 'centrist', but that doesn't make you left wing. I'm sorry, it just doesn't. LW people don't support John Key.
You want more people to support the Greens (I've voted Green at times) but dump on people that don't fit with whatever you think is necessary to be green. That seems counter-productive to me.
I'm not actually expect you to support the Greens, but it is true that I've given you a hard time over the years. Before I was an author and mod that was mostly driven by seeing the impact you had on the discussions coupled with you being unwilling to take feedback on it and instead staying to fight which just causes disruptions. That's not about your politics but instead is about how you engage. The Chairman has a similar problem and it is hard to overcome such a reputation.
But, you know how to think and formulate and argument and what I am suggesting here is that instead of choosing to fight about your right to be here or part of the left, instead talk politics. eg this conversation started with you debating the way the Lefties thread is being run. Instead you could have talked about the UK election.
If you want to talk meta politics (eg how political debate happens on TS, issues with L/R framing), then try and separate out the behaviour from the personal stuff. But I think you need to be solid on the political debate first.
"If you want to talk meta politics (eg how political debate happens on TS, issues with L/R framing), then try and separate out the behaviour from the personal stuff. But I think you need to be solid on the political debate first."
That's really funny, but I presume you didn't intend it as a joke.
You at least tacitly support personal attacks and sideshows here with no attempt made to discuss the topic raised (that happened a day or two ago and many times in the past) when I post something, and blame me for that behaviour?
Next thing will you be saying that posting something that someone else may disagree with is asking for it?
“You at least tacitly support personal attacks and sideshows here with no attempt made to discuss the topic raised (that happened a day or two ago and many times in the past) when I post something, and blame me for that behaviour?”
In the interests of us getting somewhere then, can you please link me to what you are referring to and give a brief explanation of what you think I am missing in terms of moderation? My memory of the past week was of a lot of time and energy being spent managing trolls, and doing some early intervention to dampen down fires. It’s entirely possibly I am missing something, so it’s always better to be specific (otherwise I won’t know how you are seeing things).
“Next thing will you be saying that posting something that someone else may disagree with is asking for it?”
As you know, my position, and something I say reasonably often when moderating is that abuse for its own sake isn’t ok, but that people can get away with being rude if they are making a political comment. It’s the balance between the robust debate ethic and not using tone or language that puts other people off. I don’t set the standard for that here, but like other mods I do influence it by how I moderate. I’m open to feedback that is constructive.
In terms of asking for it, unfortunately it’s a dynamic of many online spaces (and RL too) that communities of people just get sick of certain patterns of behaviour when they go on too long. There’s not really anything much a moderator can do about that once it involves a large number of people. Hence the tendency to focus on the person perceived as having the problematic behaviour. The obvious exception to that is if a mob forms and targets someone, but that’s not so common on TS at the moment (have seen it in other political spaces though). What people forget here is that much of moderation comes down to lessening moderator work load in the future and often in the ends if there is an intractable problem it’s just more efficient to remove the most impactful part of the dynamic. It’s not that people are asking for abuse, it’s that there are people who just simply refuse to change and there has to be a break point somewhere if we don’t want the community destroyed.
If you confuse my comments with some kind of official declaration by the site's moderators, that's not my fault. You've said you're bemused by "this left/right division" – in that case, take the advice of people who aren't bemused by it: no, you're not part of the left.
Obviously I'm not part of the left who judge everyone else's leftworthiness and dump on anyone deemed not up to scratch, but I don't think you own membership of the left.
If your "the left" drives all the unworthy away what do you think you will have left? Probably only infighting left.
Only you seem to be under the impression you've been deemed "unworthy" of something, Pete. The rest of us are just pointing out that "lefties on the The Standard" doesn't include you, for reasons you've provided extensively via your comments.
I will add that I did think about the good of TS generally in running a leftie only post on UK election day when it was likely that no other author would put up an election post. But actually, with some exceptions, the quality of right wing contributions to the commentariat at the moment is so low I don't think it matters. Most of the volume from the right recently has been Gosman and co trolling. I'm pleased to see some other righties making an effort and I hope this increases. Bring decent political discussion to the table and we'll all have a better time.
FYI, James, if you comment like a “righty” you are likely to cop some flak but might also earn some respect depending on how you handle things. If you act like a stirrer, you will cop a ban.
Yet United Future's positioning is (was) quite a long way from your claimed position, and there's three other parties awfully close to the line between your claimed position and UF.
Not really, I had a dabble which was a very interesting experience but very much from the outside – and I had an undertaking that I could promote cannabis law reform if the opportunity arose.
But that's a long time ago and has little to nothing to do with now – except that after the efforts of many people from different political leanings cannabis law reform may be a reality in the next year or two. I had a very useful discussion with Kevin Hague on it while he was still an MP. Some Green supporters are happy to talk to anyone with common interests.
Could be a decade or more. Or maybe someone with a more engaging and pragmatic personality will emerge from the ranks and turn things around like Jacinda did.
Let's face it, BloJo really isn't likely to do anything that's going to improve his image and popularity, is he? So he's always going to be vulnerable to a Labour party with a leader that's at least moderately acceptable.
That's one of the things that's always bothered me about political defeats. Instead of regrouping and thinking about what could be done differently/better next time, people start slagging each other off, and screeching, "This is all your fault!" Labour looks likely to lose, and that sucks. Britain has a chance to do something different and better under the leadership of beige, cardigan-wearing hippie with a track record of fighting the good fight and only the best of intentions. Instead they'll probably chose the leadership of a pathological liar with a personal grooming phobia — a man who would rather hide in a fridge than face the humiliation of being grilled by the media. Because he's quite obviously full of shit and making it up as he goes along.
If the Tories win… well done, Britain. Give yourself an upper cut.
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Yeah, that's how I see it too. Not Boris or Jeremy, Left or Right. A simple 'Leave' or 'Remain' choice.
I guess the people voted for Leave, and Boris made a clear and time stamped promise to fulfill that (forgetting for the moment whether or not he can deliver), and Jeremy…. well what did Jeremy want – leave or remain?
Therein lies the seeds of Labours defeat today. I guess defy the will of the people at your peril.
Dont discount that Corbyn was unelectable. Brexit may have been the defining issue – but Corbyn is the reason for the mammoth defeat that will have the Tories in power for a decade.
Defy the will of the majority you mean. Let's face it, the majority are frequently morons who only understand words of one syllable. That could be described as a fault across all Labour/Labor parties who like to use words of two syllables or more.
For the more moronic among us (ie.rwnjs) yes, I’m exaggerating to make a point.
We can look forward to fun and games watching the Tories bugger-up Brexit and Britain (with the possible exception of Scotland) goes down the gurgler.
You keep talking about "the people" and "everyone" as though referring to some overwhelming majority, rather than a plurality of voters. The UK has an FPP electoral system, so a "landslide" win could mean little more than 40% of the vote. Likewise, a "landslide" loss could also mean more than 40% of the vote. There is no "the people have spoken" under FPP, just some decisions by a relatively small number of voters in a relatively small number of seats. That's why we dumped it.
Anne. The 'majority' are just that. So you think MOST people are morons who, presumably because they disagree with you, are not capable of understanding what affects them or not?
So clearly, in your eyes, the majority should not have the right to choose their future. Yeah, let's bring in those who know better and can think on their behalf.
Pathetic. The extreme left always pretend to speak for the people, but never wish to listen to them.
I suggest you read your post again, as clearly the concept of democracy is something you either fail to understand or do not believe in. And you are a Labour NZ person of long standing who, at least publicly, pretended to wish to represent the people. Not good.
Get off your high horse and read what I said P chch
1) I made it clear I was exaggerating.
2) I was baiting James who has a history for making exaggerated claims and starting flame wars. Hence the reason he regularly gets banned from this site.
3) I wasn't disclaiming your view rather adding to it.
4) Many people are politically moronic naive. If it is considered non-pc to say so then… happy to admit I'm non-pc.
Perhaps that little endpiece /sarc should be used again. People who when annoyed don't go out and kinghit somebody, or kick the cat or dog, need to vent with sarcasm, irony, wit or whatever as the more controlled and cerebral outlet. But some people have never developed the ironic bit in the brain that can tell when someone is having someone on.
I am just reading Our Kids – the American Dream in Crisis by Robert D Putnam and on p161 I think he talks about the importance of brain development from pre-natal time and especially 3-5 years. I think many NZs lack much stimulation in these foundation years. He talks about what seems to be the 'tennis affect' – the baby gurgles or utters sounds, the carer looks at the baby and makes a sound in turn. Then the baby tries that simple communication again, and is encouraged by interest from the carer, and so on. Simple eh, and not new, but just confirmed as absolutely necessary for underpinning the habit of communication and confirmation of the worth of the individual's thought.
learn some maths sunshine…conservatives 43.6% brexit 3 %..the conservatives got a plurality ..which under fpp gave them a big majority of seats…they were further away from a majority of voters than national were here
It's so sweet that you think the Conservative Party got a majority of the vote. Or at least, it would be sweet if you were a child. In an adult it would just be exasperating – hopefully you're under 18?
WOW – Ruth Smeeth, the Labour candidate for Stoke-on-Trent North.
"Jeremy Corbyn’s action on antisemitism have made us the nasty party. We are the racist party. When you have a prime minister who has said such vile Islamphonic comments and we’re the racist party because of the actions of my leader, then we have a real real problem.
The Labour party needs detoxified, we need to move on and this culture needs destroyed within the party."
Personally I think anyone who stood behind Corbyn and his party while comments like the above deserve to lose their seat.
Notice she used the expression "Jews". That is regarded as a demeaning slang word for "Jewish" people. If she doesn't know the correct nomenclature, then you have to wonder if the rest of her rant is any more correct.
I don't know the truth for sure, but have long held the suspicion that the extent of anti-semitism inside the British Labour Party has been a big beat-up by Corbyn opponents.
I agree, Anne – a big beat-up. The interesting thing is that earlier on when they tried to oust Corbyn, they could not because he had inspired so many new members to join up with the Labour Party.
What will happen now, if those disillusioned new members leave Labour? Few will replace them, and Labour could now find its membership diminished, as well as its voice in Parliament.
Emily Thornberry impresses me. A strong, compassionate and very articulate woman who could stand up to anything the Tories – and Boris Johnson in particular – tried to throw at her.
She would be my pick for the next leader of the British Labour Party.
So, is Smeeth disingenuous or stupid? I presume disingenuous, ie she wants Corbyn gone so is happy to smear him using Tory talking points she knows are bullshit. At least we're agreed she deserved to lose her seat.
Its a lot more likely that she knows a lot more about the guy than you do.
No doubt. And yet she says
…we’re the racist party because of the actions of my leader…
without specifying those actions (because there aren't any) and without mentioning the actual cause of the propaganda campaign alleging anti-semitism against Corbyn (payback from UK Israel lobbyists for his pro-Palestinian views, and the usual right-wing dirty politics).
My assumption is that a Labour MP would have to be either disingenuous or stupid to peddle that bullshit, because there isn't any obvious third possibility. Do you see one?
"There is only one poll that counts – and it’s today."
Irrespective of whether that is true, you mocked Corbyn for saying that Labour's policies were popular. Research shows he is right.
It doesn't take theoretical physics to see that this was a complex election with many dynamics, some of them unusual. Denying one aspect of that supported by evidence seems like hubris.
The Leader of the Opposition in Ottawa, Conservative Andrew Scheer has just resigned. He was facing a backlash for his performance on the hustings in the recent Federal Election and some in the party had started to leak against him. It’s been revealed he had quietly diverted Cons Party funds to help pay for his 5 kids private school fees in Ottawa.
Edit!
Thatcher declared 'There's no such thing as society' And set in action policies to ensure that was true.
Centrist Labour, trying not to step over the line marked where the RW starts, is trying to think of a catchphrase for themselves that dissembles but means 'There is no such thing as labour',
Replacing physical labour they need to read Terry Pratchett's Discworld book where he outlines the principles and practice of ‘headology*'; a new way of thinking about things. Politics has always been a sideshow, with sleight-of-hand, confusing legerdemain and magical promises, and this has reached a stage of high art. Wise witches developed 'headology' and anything they thought must be better than what is too often grimy drivel we hear from pollies.
In NZ the Labour Coalition has been trying but people should note that the strain is so much on many of the politicians who try to be good and practical, and care about the country, that they often die of exhaustion and stress-related disease before being able to implement their ideas in full. The death of Michael Savage and Norman Kirk come to mind; now Shane Jones has need of some RandR.
*Headology. From Discworld & Terry Pratchett Wiki. Like psychology, but many witches think "psychology" is a bad word, or that it means "having a psychological problem". The practice of headology relies on the principle that what people believe is what is real.Sep 3, 2017
Headology – Discworld & Terry Pratchett Wiki – LSpace Wiki https://wiki.lspace.org › mediawiki › Headology
Well that's being charitable I think. Why can't they deliver in your opinion? And Labour doesn’t seem drawn very far to the left very notably either here or in the UK. Just putting a few toes in the water.
Shamabeel Equb advising that new controls on bank businesses will result in higher prices for borrowers. Oh dear. Each year, the uncontrolled buying of homes needed for real people to live in, by investors wanting solid reliable investments has put the prices up by over 10% per annum and out of reach of ordinary people. Heaven forbid that we should stop those inflationary price rises!
From people who think like shop tills 'ker-ching'; – to having our news collected, sorted, promoted by machines, (and who drives the machines?) Algorithmically turbo-charged journalism
Two big tragedies now this year in NZ which have a taint of carelessness of government controls in the background requiring compassion from our Prime Minister with soothing words. What is then to be done to put it right, and ensure that there are no more preventable tragedies. Do older commenters remember the motto of company LV Martin 'It's the putting right that counts'? That is an oldie but a goodie, still true.
Yes Its good that the Auckland City mission is taking a more thoughtful approach to gifting Kai to the poor Allso using Marae to help with the increaseing numbers of poor. This is not just A Aotearoa phenomenon this is happening all around the world.
I agree with the Professor from Otago. There is A old saying about
He tangata He tangata have to keep the pressure on the climate deniers to change the world so Our mokopuna will have a healthy environment and healthy wildlife. We have to become carbon neutral ASAP.
The UN climate talks are over for another year – was anything achieved?
A conference marked by squabbling and deferral yielded little progress despite protests
Two weeks of talks ended on Sunday afternoon with a formal recognition of the need to bridge the gap between greenhouse gas targets set in 2015 in Paris and scientific advice that says much deeper cuts are needed. Current targets would put the world on track for 3C of warming, which scientists say would ravage coastal cities and destroy agriculture over swathes of the globe.
Few countries came up with new targets at these talks.
The snail’s pace and low ambition of the talks stood in stark contrast to pleas from activists, who staged a 500,000-strong march through the Spanish capital. Greta Thunberg, the Swedish school striker, said the last year of protests had “achieved nothing” as countries were still failing to bring forward the measures needed
“The world is screaming out for action but this summit responded with a whisper. The poorest nations are in a sprint for survival, yet many governments have barely moved from the starting blocks. Instead of committing to more ambitious cuts in emissions, countries have argued over technicalities.
The EU came up with the strongest new plan, finally agreeing a bloc-wide goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2050. Scores of smaller countries agreed similar long-term targets, but other major emitters held back.
There was widespread recognition that long-term targets are not enough, and the pressure is now on to forge a short-term climate plan for the next 10 years. The UK will play a leading role
I say war is for Idiots why kill other humans just because some people are different. We need to learn to respect all cultures. We need to remember and respect our Tipuna /Ancestors We need to have respect for our Mokopuna / Grandchildren future. I avoided this subject because I know how these people behave. Thanks for publishing this story.
The climate emergency, military emissions and Greta Thunberg.
With reference to your report on the COP25 climate talks in Madrid (13 December), we have just returned from Madrid, where we displayed a large banner saying “War causes climate change and climate change causes war”. Thousands of passing delegates expressed a great interest in, and approval of, the message.
Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions result from military-related activity – apart from the unfathomable human devastation – so at first sight it appears astonishing that the subject of war does not feature in the COP negotiations; nor are its emissions taken into account when reduction targets are set.
Perhaps this absence can be explained by the fact that military-related emissions have been excluded by some of the largest polluters from the global north whose delegates, as government officials, will naturally avoid jeopardising lucrative arms and military aid contracts, and whose people do not suffer the catastrophic wars and climatic devastation that directly affect the global south. Evidently we cannot rely on government negotiators to address the subject of war and militarism.
We have to stop believing that war is inevitable and accept that international climate finance offers better value in both resolving conflict and sustaining the environment than the equivalent spent on military operations
• I was delighted to see Greta Thunberg announced as Time magazine’s person of the year (Report, 12 December). For me, after so many years of campaigning on environmental issues, it has been a huge relief that now, in 2019, the future of the planet has finally entered the political mainstream – and not a moment too soon.
This is thanks, in no small part, to the vision and actions of Greta herself, but also to those many others whom she has inspired to take up the fight. The world is realising the scale of the threat posed by every aspect of our destructive exploitation of our lovely planet.
Now we need to see some real political leadership so that the leading nations of the world, our own included, can ensure a real revolution in practice, to match the fiery ambitions that have been lit up in our hearts by this inspirational Swedish teenager
Edit
Some extracts from Robert D Putnam book Our Kids The American Dream in Crisis.
Under What Is to be Done after he has explored problems through talking and discussing their formative years with those who have emerged affected by their various backgrounds, either triumphant or okay but still struggling, he covers suggestions under these headings:
Family Structure, Child Deveopment and Parenting, Schools, Community.
These are some of the ideas aired.
Under Community – He refers to what he has found about the importance of neighborhood effects and puts two bullet points – Invest in poor neighbourhoods and, Move poor families to better neighbourhoods which generally has positive results especially on younger kids. (He found some areas that were totally munted, guns everywhere, and people unable and unwilling to help each other, isolated in the safety of their homes.)
Under Schools – he talks about groups of say 100 students within larger high schools, offering a mixed curriculum of academic and hands-on technical couses for work skills. This to replace the neglected workforce training in the USA. We used to have this system in NZ, but probably along with other lacklustre policies from recent governments, it has been 'let go'.
Under Child Development and Parenting – Children do better if the parent does not work during their first year, and 'Virtually all other advanced countries' are more supportive to parents than USA. Then quality day-care. Read to your children every day. Help programs from trained professionals for parents as needed.
Family Structure – 'By some estimates, 60% of births to young, single women are unplanned, and [note] low-income women don't aspire to have more children than more affluent women. Teen pregnancies have dropped dramatically over recent decades.
But it is felt that young adult women, lacking definite goals and pathways for the future, are more inclined to accept pregnancy as a milestone achieved in their lives, in the absence of a good man to be husband or permanent partner.
And from an economic point oif view, investing in the young saves large further cost in the future, the young become productive increasing the state income by billions.
The fact that capitalist states choose not to consider these figures, and to be cheese-paring about supporting and guiding with known good practices, the raising ofhealthy, active and happy poor kids must be an example of mean prejudice, the Scrooge-like mentality. There is the sickness noted in the book Affluenza, and which is illustrated in the real-life story of Grandpa Getty who was refusing to pay a ransom for his kidnapped grandson, even when they cut off his ear to show they meant business. A torture to the body, but also to the heart to think that no-one loved or cared about him. The story of his mother's campaign to save him was told in the film –
All the Money in the World is a 2017 crime thriller film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa, based on John Pearson's 1995 book Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_Money_in_the_World
Q. How did J. Paul Getty die? A. Heart failure!
How did he make his money. By hard work, careful money management, and an abstemious life. Hah.
J. Paul Getty took the reins of Getty Oil along with many other businesses that went with it when his father died in 1930. … J. Paul Getty became a billionaire after negotiating a series of oil leases with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait starting in 1949. He soon was being widely reported as the richest man alive.
Ordinary good people who have the security of a job and prospects, have to turn to give some time to help others to have the opportunities they have. And because of the economic multiplier effect, the more people working, trading, enjoying life, the more the money flows around, the more work there is, and the more enjoyment and community. Let's keep at it.
That's a rip off tipical pakiha ripping Tangata Whenua off.
$9 million.
Rua kenana was treated badly by the Crown just like most Tangata Whenua. Some think they got treated fairly but next minute the crown is pulling the rug out from under our feet or our mokopuna future.
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The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
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. ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
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 ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
Tara Ward unravels the many nuanced layers of a cartoon about talking dogs.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s not often an episode of a children’s cartoon has adults sobbing into their sleeves, but that’s exactly what happened this week when ...
Working as a doctor in developing countries to help communities achieve better health outcomes is nothing short of a life goal for Jessica Tater. The University of Otago medical student has her sights firmly set on joining the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) when she qualifies ...
There’s an island in the far reaches of Auckland’s territory, sitting off the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, 30 minutes by air from the city or four hours on the slow boat. Aotea Great Barrier is off-grid, it has a population of fewer than a thousand people … and most ...
Asia Pacific Report An Australian author and advocate, Jim Aubrey, today led a national symbolic one minute’s silence to mark the “blood debt” owed to Papuan allies during the Second World War indigenous resistance against the invading Japanese forces. “A promise to most people is a promise,” Aubrey said in ...
Asia Pacific Report The Freedom Flotilla is ready to sail to Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. All the required paperwork has been submitted to the port authority, and the cargo has been loaded and prepared for the humanitarian trip to the besieged enclave. However, organisers received word of an “administrative ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 26 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
You can’t have missed the Gallipoli story as the movies, documentaries, essays and books capture what it was like for New Zealand troops in their eight-month campaign on the Peninsula. But this Anzac Day the Auckland War Memorial Museum has published a book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
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. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
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 ...
Good morning all. Big day today.
I hope it is not a sign of things to come today but OM got ‘stuck’ and missed its schedule by 7 min.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Isn't it just scheduled?
sometimes scheduling fails for reasons completely invisible to me. Not usually posts set that far ahead though. Weird.
I do the scheduling but occasionally scheduled posts failed to appear (!?) and I have to push them out manually. I noticed 7:06 AM and needed a minute to get over the shock 😉
There is a fail-safe that will eventually unstick it. But 7 minutes is a bit long.
However that can wait until well after I fall off a plane in jetlagged state on monday.
Friday the 13th…..who's going to wear the bad luck?
I hope you touched wood after that comment.
The tragedy at White Island shows the importance of provincial hopistals, like the one at Whakatane. Most of these hospitals were closed down in the 1990's by National to pay for tax cuts, thankfully, Whakatane's was somehow kept open.
I agree. if there was a major tragedy in the Central Otago/Lakes district, or Fiordland, then there would be grossly inadequate hospital care available. Helicopters are used a lot now (they are in and out of Dunedin all the time), and there are advantages with evacuating people to larger hospitals, but capacity, travel time and weather are potential issues.
No live volcanoes down this way, but there are major faultlines so earthquakes are an obvious risk.
there's a difference between not having basic secondary support and not having sufficient support to deal with a couple of dozen serious cases requiring ICU or specialists.
I'm impressed by how smoothly the dedicated burns units around the country have shared the load. Imagine needing a million square cm of skin for repeated grafting during the healing process.
Expect roadworks galore over summer as maintenance budgets catch up on a decade of being diverted to building wasteful duplicate highways instead. Where are govt comms teams on this? https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405389/nzta-doubles-road-maintenance-for-this-summer
Major re-seal underway this week at Lake Hayes, about 5 km of it. Less than two weeks to Christmas…… tradie meltdown.
Credit to contractors though, they are doing a really good job of it and managing traffic well.
Great irony is that it was last resealed about 3 years ago and fell to pieces because of a cheap job with no traffic management on the new seal. Going from less than 5000 vehicles/day 20 years ago to over 30,000 probably doesn't help either.
who is paying for the reseal?
Bloody good question. But when the last seal was done it was pretty obvious what was going to happen with the amount of post seal traffic control, and both contractors were the same, so I'd be looking at NZTA there for screwing the price down. Resealing is a very refined and practiced game, so that reduced price comes from doing less.
I've seen seal lift like that a few times, notably the Bay road on the Otago Peninsula. That would have been a DCC contract. Maybe the contracts need more scrutiny.
Culture of trying to hold cost down, which results in only doing half the job.
Would have been interesting to see how National would have handled it if they had stayed in power, but a huge amount has to be done quite quickly. Big shout to the infrastructure team in Government that they are just doing it.
what I don't understand is why the contracts don't include a 'if it fails you hav to fix it' clause.
They do, but if the contractor's work is within the scope of the contract then it's the principle's problem. A prudent contractor will tag out anything they foresee causing a problem as well. Pretty rare that a contractor stuffs up, does happen but margins aren't that great and having to re-do jobs hurts, even big contractors can't handle much of that, ie Fletchers
Generally roading problems go back to poorly scoped and / or specified contracts
what was the technical issue with the Lake Hayes road (apart from the traffic control)?
Part of the issues sit with the way the budgets work around new spends and maintenance. In short money is scrimped in the build phase to make a budget look good and then the fix up comes from the maintenance budget which is more opaque.
Contractors for the most part aren't thay keen on doing a half arsed job but that's where the contract specs…
Yes, we've been happy to pocket the income from more visitors but not to build the infrastructure they need. Public toilets are a disgrace too.
That growth isn't so much from the visitors, but from "locals". Building houses to house people to build more houses.
5,000>30,000 daily in 20 years for vehicles on road near Lake Hayes. Would NZ tourists and new settlers in the area have caused that? Mainly international tourists causing that sort of exponential rise?
Mainly "locals". Interesting driving past a line of stopped traffic and getting a good look at the vehicles and occupants. Vast majority are either resident or construction related.
A tight little circular economy; land sold, builders come, vital services installed, buyers come, traffic comes, more services and better roads needed. Repeat. But has that served the resident populations needs and interests? It brings to mind Flanders and Swann 'It all makes work for the working man to do.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1dvAxA9ib0
Scary thing up here is that there's no economy to pay for it all. Tourism doesn't pay that many million dollar mortgages.
So building houses to house people to build more houses.
Going to be really entertaining when it all unwinds
Yes that's the picture I got from your comment. Seems that this house stuff is like a big Ponzi scheme. There just isn't enough reliable business going on to invest in that will produce 8% or more dividend annually. So solid-brick housing, or what appears to be solid, is the plat du jour.
Too much money sloshing around while those diseased with affluenza have the gripe and the gout from accumulated money blockage but won't allow a small operation to make the equivalent of an organ donation to a small-loans low interest bank so that it can be used where it will give immediate relief and healthy, steady growth.
I have been reading a crime novel that is so-so. But the author has come up with an apt description of the residents of a self-centred, materialistic, hubristic gated community. I thought that the above description of the culture of the community sizes up National Party thinking. The author describes the attitudes of the individuals:
(An old paperback 19993 by Janice Law; A Safe Place to Die.)
I see the whakatane mayor wants White Island trips to resume. she's quoted as saying "nature of adventure tourism is that there is a degree of risk.." Risk of injury maybe but dying isn't part of healthy tourism industry.
Leadership required here as whilst we're known for adventure tourism, landing people on a small island that has an active volcano most would say is more than risky.
I turned down a trip there years ago as it's an active volcano, no thank you. Like whale watching, go close but don't endanger anyone. IMO no more landing tourists on the island ever again.
First question is "how did tour operators assess the risk before each trip?"
next question, how are they getting informed consent to do low risk/high consequence tourism?
Wow, that's kind of early for a Mayor to be having that conversation. They're still bringing the bodies home, and the rahui is still in place.
I would support the govt providing financial support for people affected by loss of income. This is what the social security system is meant to do.
This was probably more interesting earlier in the morning, but here's the HMNZS Wellington and support boat near Whakaari.
https://www.myshiptracking.com/
Hatip mpledger the day of the eruption.
Exit polls indicate Bills predictions were a long way off – lets see what the evening delivers.
[Deleted]
[You have not yet fully complied with moderation requests. Last warning – Incognito]
See my Moderation note @ 11:29 AM.
[Deleted]
[Sadly, we will have to miss your lovely
trollingcontributions over Christmas because you have failed to respond to moderation requests. Banned for three weeks and enjoy the break – Incognito]See my Moderation note @ 11:13 AM.
https://newatlas.com/materials/scientists-punched-holes-solar-cells-transparent/
Imagine if every pane of glass produced electricity
That is a great idea bwaghorn. Thanks for link.
How much crystalline silicon have we in the world? I haven’t read all the article yet but the demand would be enormous. It could be a great idea but not sustainable, and obtaining it could damage the environment. So I will read on to check affects.
Thatsite has interesting science headings down the bottom, could be one to bookmark.
A lot of sand / rock is silicon – so no shortage of the underlying raw material. But takes significant energy to convert to the forms used in solar cells, so there is a potential greenhouse gas consideration.
Edit
The UK voters are queuing; that shows Brit solidarity and determination rising to the fore indicating determination for something, not apathy which might have fallen upon the benighted country grappling with EU disagreements within UK for the best part of…decades. I hope the determination is not to cut themselves adrift from Europe
which might be with a bang, but will end up with a whimper.
The Guardian has produced a great little timeline outlining important dates in the bubbling volcanic situation between the UK and the EU. The summaries make for interesting reading as these neighbours attempt harmonious and prosperous relationships.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/25/a-timeline-of-britains-eu-membership-in-guardian-reporting
Back to queues, I am reading a book by Polish Major General Stanislaw Sosabowski* who in WW2 got away to the UK in about 1940 with Polish troops and became Commander there. He said 'queue' was the first English word he learned. The Polish fought with the UK on the Allied side. When they arrived in England he notes his first sight was of the 'beautiful Plymouth cliffs'. The green grass, the brightly painted houses, the boys and girls swimming were peaceful and comforting, in contrast with frightened, burning France…
* Freely I Served by Major General Stanislaw Sosabowski from Battery Press, Nashville USA ISBN 0-89839-061-3
In a foreword to this book British General Sir Richard Gale writes; "In these days of alliances it is of vital importance that we British should understand our allies. They have points of view, often at variance with ours. Though their aims are the same as ours, their approach to problems will often differ."
‘The Polish forces as a whole are considered to have been the 4th largest Allied army in Europe, after the Soviet Union, United States and Britain.’… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_contribution_to_World_War_II#Polish_Forces_(West)
The ties to Europe from the UK can not be lightly passed over. The idea of going off like rough and smart buccaneers comes from the upper classes, who often made all their money from extractive ventures in other countries where they gained dominance.
In actuality: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50719616
Brexit: Free trade deals 'won't offset leaving EU'
Independent trade experts from the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) looked at the likely impact of US, Australian and New Zealand free trade deals.
They found that even combined, new tariff-cutting agreements were likely to boost the UK economy by just 0.4%.
A simple free trade deal would also depress the economy UKTPO said.
The body said that moving from full EU membership to a simple deal with our closest trading partner – the objective enshrined in Boris Johnson's Withdrawal Agreement – would depress the size of the economy by at least 1.8%.
Looking like Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson is could lose her seat – Excellent news. Its lining up to be a good day – lots of interesting results to come.
Not looking like a very promising end to the year….UK election and this
"The talks, known as COP25 in UN parlance, appear to be faltering, according to interviews with negotiators, delegates and observers, who say there is a serious risk of failure.
Developing countries are growing increasingly angry at what they have called concerted attempts by high-emitting countries to block progress in Madrid."
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/405333/cop25-hopes-for-a-miracle-as-climate-talks-appear-to-falter
For anyone who thought Corbyn wasnt the problem.
You were wrong.
https://twitter.com/IanMurrayMP/status/1205271817839095810
Yup, dirty politics by the massed forces of the British establishment appear to have been sufficient to grind the reputation of an extraordinarily principled man into the dust.
Pfft – much you know about Corbyn.
https://twitter.com/Maitahitui/status/1205217184240193537
Labour MPs who are not happy:
@Siobhain_Mc
Sorry @daneacross this is one mans fault. His campaign, his manifesto, his leadership.
@VotePhilWilson
For @UKLabour leadership to blame Brexit for the result is mendacious nonsense. Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership was a bigger problem. To say otherwise is delusional. The Party’s leadership went down like a lead balloon on the doorstep. Labour’s leadership needs to take responsibility.
@ChrisLeslieUK
We warned this would happen. We tried everything we could to prevent the hard-left self-indulgence within the Labour Party. And now the country will pay the price. I’m so sorry too few within Labour took a stand with us, when it would have mattered.
[sorry Pete, lefties only in that thread – weka]
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
Pete, when you are quoting tweets, please click on the date/time stamp of the tweet, then copy and paste the URL into the TS comment text box. This will link to the tweet not the account, and thus people can click through for context. Thanks.
it will look like this (and I think one tweet per comment is better unless there is a good reason to put them together).
https://twitter.com/Siobhain_Mc/status/1205252381807656960
https://twitter.com/VotePhilWilson/status/1205274706439475202
https://twitter.com/ChrisLeslieUK/status/1205279445709443073
if you don't want the tweet embedded, then you can past the quote, then click on the date/time stamp, copy the URL, then paste into a comment using the link HTML tags. More work that way.
Obviously you get to judge leftness in this case.
But:
https://i2.wp.com/www.gotoquiz.com/politics/grid/16×22.gif
From https://yournz.org/2019/02/09/political-compass-policies-versus-practice/
That put me close to the Maori, Mana and Green parties and a long way left of Labour and especially National.
pity your commenting history doesn't reflect that then.
It probably depends on what you consider passes for leftness – that further lefties are intolerant of anyone deemed doesn't determine my politics.
But according to some on your lefty only post the Labour MPs and ex MPs I quoted probably wouldn't be deemed lefties either.
I find this left/right division quite amusing and bemusing – and often quite inaccurate. And some wonder why 'the left' is struggling for support.
Pete, you're a centrist. Own it and be proud of it.
also, if you want to talk politics with actual lefties and be taken seriously maybe focus more on the politics and less on taking potshots at the left.
Weka,
I note in your "lefties only" comment item on the UK election that some (you included) are saying Jacinda will loose in 2020 because she is not left enough.
Surely the result in the UK shows that is wrong. Jacinda is successful because she is not seen as extreme. She uses progressive language, but does not threaten an economic revolution. Instead she says things can get better with a moderate amount of social democracy.
Most people don't want revolution because who knows where it might end up. Revolutions are full of risk. And basically don't happen in democratic nations.
While there is no doubt Johnson's simple Brexit message appeals because it offers certainty (in contrast to Labour promise of more confusion), I am also certain that Corbyn's socialist message did not appeal. What Labour needs is a modern Blair. In fact that is exactly what Jacinda is. Which in my view is why she is successful.
A question, would Blair be reviled if Iraq had never happened, or instead would he be seen as the most successful Labour Prime Minister ever?
would Blair be reviled if Iraq had never happened
Given how strongly some commenters here condemn Bill Clinton and Obama, I assume that's just a rhetorical question.
No, I think Labour will get to form govt next year, but it will be closer than is comfortable for the left. Labour do have a problem in that many people voted Labour last time presumably because of JA (multiple reasons) but may be disappointed in what Labour have achieved. The solution to that is to vote Green, so we're not in the same situation as the UK.
"I am also certain that Corbyn's socialist message did not appeal."
Obviously not enough, but I think the UK election is more about poor voter turnout, people being sick of Brexit back and forth, Labour Leavers objecting to Labour's second referendum, vote splitting with the LDs, MSM and poll bias and so on. In other words, lots of dynamics going on.
The issue for the left is how to shift the Overton Window in NZ. I agree with you that NZ doesn't want a revolution, but that doesn't mean it's not possible to move the centre. The right has done this in the past 35 years without prior approval /shrug.
Blair is hated because of how he cemented neoliberalism. Without Iraq only the neoliberals would see him as a great PM.
weka,
I know that is a theme with the momentum left, but in truth their views only appeal to a small minority of voters. Some on the left also accuse Helen Clark of also accepting/endorsing neo-liberalism, but most people regard her as a very good PM. Without Iraq wouldn't Blair be seen in the same light?
In my view NZers (apart from a mysogonist rump) have formed the same view of Jacinda as they did with Helen. A same pair of hands who won't fundamentally unsettle the economic compact that prevails in NZ (for instance her commitment against CGT so long as she is PM). The major criticism she gets is that she (her government) have not delivered that well on their stated targets. In my view that is fixable with more focus and discipline.
Wayne,
From a YouGov poll at the start of November, asking about policies in Labour's manifesto.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tactical-voting-blog/labour-manifesto-policies-popular-polling-nationalise-tax-rising-a9214276.html
There's more that troubles the Left than you suppose Wayne. Clark rode into office on a wave of resentment against the vicious and ineffectual policies of the Black Decade of Gnat misrule.
Jacinda also needs to distance herself from the squalor and ineptitude of Gnat misrule, not cozy up to the fork- tongued weasels of the right.
The CGT is long overdue – but we understand, Boomer, that you never intended to pay your share.
Wayne, UK Labour is losing seats in the north because the working class there has Brexit sympathy. Given the Blairite faction is the pro Remain one in the caucus – while they will blame Corbyn for the defeat, it's an outright deceit.
Blair won elections – but he also encouraged local takeover of state schools, creating a lot of resistance in working class areas to inward migration by Moslems. Then there was the opening up of the labour market to the East Europeans (10 years before Germany) and thus an influx leading to northern support for Brexit. Whatever his intent it has come to bite Labour big time. And now they will blame it on Corbyn and reclaim their natural right to be lords managing the working class party like bosses of a company founded union.
And labour have picked up their only gain in Putney, my old stomping ground, which overwhelmingly voted remain.
Corbyn’s brexit stance has damaged labour, and proves that an each way bet may sometimes work on the gee gees, but not so much in politics.
Given Corbyn was leading a pro Remain caucus, how could he have taken a side that would have helped Labour hold (Brexit voting) seats in the north?
His real mistake was to agree to an election before Brexit was sorted. It was an election which would give BJ a majority for Brexit and cost him and maybe the left leadership of Labour.
I think the Al1en was highlighting that most Labour boroughs were pro brexit and the UK Labour position on that appears to have influenced the election outcome.
Here is a prediction of just that from a few weeks ago,
http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=43759
Harsh Wayne. I am generally a critic of NZ Labour but even I wouldn't accuse Jacinda of being NZs Tony Blair.
Also Iraq isn't something which just happened to the war criminal. Its a war he actively persued. His legacy is obviously not separable from the policies he persued in office.
I will turn to that question in a post shortly.
FIFY
This was not an election, it was the second referendum. Simplicity appeals because it makes it appear simple while, in fact, it is the opposite.
People were sick of it. However, the future is as uncertain as tomorrow’s Lotto numbers and perhaps even less so because we don’t even know how many balls are in the game and when they will be drawn. If Boris is the man to do it then I suggest people have no clue what it entails.
I don't consider myself a centrist. I don't think you have much idea at all about my political and policy preferences.
There's things I support across the spectrum, and also don't support. Same with politicians. I think two of the more successful MPs this year have been David Seymour on the End of Life Choice Bill and Chloe Swarbrick on a number of issues. Both have worked hard across party lines.
James Shaw has done pretty well given the political circumstances, again working cross party – but I know he's not left enough for some here either. Would you stop him from commenting in one of your lefty-only threads?
I suspect that there's more than a few outliers to the right of the spectrum that you support.
Suspicions are meaningless without specifics.
I don't really care what others may deem to be right or left, it's a pointless game unless you want to promote differences and division.
I understand that some old school activists can't fathom it,but it's becoming more common that people ignore political labels and pigeon holes and judge issues on what they see as their merits and drawbacks.
Actually while large party PR tries to promote differences there's a lot more common ground and cooperation in Parliament than is publicly apparent. Bloody centrists.
"I don't really care what others may deem to be right or left, it's a pointless game unless you want to promote differences and division."
And yet you clearly tried to join a dedicated left wing conversation. As mentioned, keep shitting on the left and we're hardly likely to want to engage.
How is quoting UK Labour MPs 'shitting on the left'?
https://twitter.com/IainMcNicol/status/1205277908148932608
Iain McNicol was general secretary of Labour from 2011 to 2018
I think it's you (and others) who shits on anyone deemed outside your political bubble. I get it that you don't like being told that, but I think it's a big problem for the leftward in Aotearoa. 'Divide and conquer' doesn't work very well when it's just on your own side of the political divide.
James and Chloe get how successful politics needs to work. Some of their party supporters could learn something off them, but I don't know whether that will happen.
I wasn’t referring to the tweet, but to you spending way more time here bitching about the left. It’s in most of your comments, about how lacking the left is and what their problem is. Maybe consider that I don’t want to talk politics with you because of that. You can choose to be defensive about that and continue doing, all I’m saying is that it won’t endear me to talk politics.
One of the reasons I support the Greens is because of their beyond L/R kaupapa. But it’s hard in a space like TS, which isn’t culturally green, to work with that. Much of that atm is due to trolling and the large amount of time/energy spent combating that, as well as the interpersonal stuff. This is why I am suggesting to you (not just today) to focus on the politics not the inter personal fighting and put downs of the left. If people are giving you a hard time based on history I think your redemption is to take the higher ground and talk politics. Not that will be necessarily easy, but the opposite will just keep you mired in the bullshit (and eventual bans). FWIW.
It is notable that you only quote Labour MPs who dissent from Corbyn' s very moderate social democracy.
Had you anything positive to contribute we would have seen some of it by now.
"to you spending way more time here bitching about the left.
I call bullshit on that.
I don't bitch about centrists either.
A funny thing is that I think that maybe most of the bitching about the left here is from a few on the far left.
Dude, it was things that you claimed were across the spectrum.
So these things that you agree with that you said are from all parts of the spectrum, what % do you think, in your estimation, come from the right third, the middle third, and the left third of the spectrum?
Or is answering that question too close to introspection for your taste?
It's pretty much undefinable especially in any quantifiable way – but prove me wrong and try it for yourself if you like – and I think pretty much irrelevant.
In general I don't like the direction Bridges and National are moving at the moment, I think that while the government has been a bit slow and underperforming and underwhelming policies promoted by Labour and Greens seem mostly fairly good. I realise that's not left enough for some here, but it's around about where many voters seem to be comfortable.
"There's things I support across the spectrum, and also don't support"
Yes Pete, this is what makes you a centrist.
You can't 'make' me anything. I may tend center-ish on some things, but I don't see myself as a centrist, because that suggest to me an unwillingness to look at ideas and policies right across the spectrum.
Both John Key and Jacinda Ardern have been described as political pragmatists – I largely support much of the approach of both of them, but with some criticisms.
But that's nothing like a centrist label. Why do you see a need to label other than to exclude people from some of your discussions?
You want more people to support the Greens (I've voted Green at times) but dump on people that don't fit with whatever you think is necessary to be green. That seems counter-productive to me.
I think that one of the best ways of learning about issues is by engaging with people with different ideals and ideals. But I have found that engagement is not what most political activists seem to want, they prefer the 'agree or you're an enemy' type of approach.
It's not me making you centrist Pete, it's your views.
"I largely support much of the approach of both of them, but with some criticisms."
QED.
You can call yourself whatever you like Pete, and sure, pick a word that isn't 'centrist', but that doesn't make you left wing. I'm sorry, it just doesn't. LW people don't support John Key.
You want more people to support the Greens (I've voted Green at times) but dump on people that don't fit with whatever you think is necessary to be green. That seems counter-productive to me.
I'm not actually expect you to support the Greens, but it is true that I've given you a hard time over the years. Before I was an author and mod that was mostly driven by seeing the impact you had on the discussions coupled with you being unwilling to take feedback on it and instead staying to fight which just causes disruptions. That's not about your politics but instead is about how you engage. The Chairman has a similar problem and it is hard to overcome such a reputation.
But, you know how to think and formulate and argument and what I am suggesting here is that instead of choosing to fight about your right to be here or part of the left, instead talk politics. eg this conversation started with you debating the way the Lefties thread is being run. Instead you could have talked about the UK election.
If you want to talk meta politics (eg how political debate happens on TS, issues with L/R framing), then try and separate out the behaviour from the personal stuff. But I think you need to be solid on the political debate first.
"If you want to talk meta politics (eg how political debate happens on TS, issues with L/R framing), then try and separate out the behaviour from the personal stuff. But I think you need to be solid on the political debate first."
That's really funny, but I presume you didn't intend it as a joke.
You at least tacitly support personal attacks and sideshows here with no attempt made to discuss the topic raised (that happened a day or two ago and many times in the past) when I post something, and blame me for that behaviour?
Next thing will you be saying that posting something that someone else may disagree with is asking for it?
“You at least tacitly support personal attacks and sideshows here with no attempt made to discuss the topic raised (that happened a day or two ago and many times in the past) when I post something, and blame me for that behaviour?”
In the interests of us getting somewhere then, can you please link me to what you are referring to and give a brief explanation of what you think I am missing in terms of moderation? My memory of the past week was of a lot of time and energy being spent managing trolls, and doing some early intervention to dampen down fires. It’s entirely possibly I am missing something, so it’s always better to be specific (otherwise I won’t know how you are seeing things).
“Next thing will you be saying that posting something that someone else may disagree with is asking for it?”
As you know, my position, and something I say reasonably often when moderating is that abuse for its own sake isn’t ok, but that people can get away with being rude if they are making a political comment. It’s the balance between the robust debate ethic and not using tone or language that puts other people off. I don’t set the standard for that here, but like other mods I do influence it by how I moderate. I’m open to feedback that is constructive.
In terms of asking for it, unfortunately it’s a dynamic of many online spaces (and RL too) that communities of people just get sick of certain patterns of behaviour when they go on too long. There’s not really anything much a moderator can do about that once it involves a large number of people. Hence the tendency to focus on the person perceived as having the problematic behaviour. The obvious exception to that is if a mob forms and targets someone, but that’s not so common on TS at the moment (have seen it in other political spaces though). What people forget here is that much of moderation comes down to lessening moderator work load in the future and often in the ends if there is an intractable problem it’s just more efficient to remove the most impactful part of the dynamic. It’s not that people are asking for abuse, it’s that there are people who just simply refuse to change and there has to be a break point somewhere if we don’t want the community destroyed.
I find this left/right division quite amusing and bemusing…
Then stop quibbling about it with people who aren't bemused by it.
Sorry, I didn't see that this thread was restricted to the non-bemused only. Where does it say that?
If you confuse my comments with some kind of official declaration by the site's moderators, that's not my fault. You've said you're bemused by "this left/right division" – in that case, take the advice of people who aren't bemused by it: no, you're not part of the left.
"no, you're not part of the left"
Funny.
Obviously I'm not part of the left who judge everyone else's leftworthiness and dump on anyone deemed not up to scratch, but I don't think you own membership of the left.
If your "the left" drives all the unworthy away what do you think you will have left? Probably only infighting left.
Only you seem to be under the impression you've been deemed "unworthy" of something, Pete. The rest of us are just pointing out that "lefties on the The Standard" doesn't include you, for reasons you've provided extensively via your comments.
Pete, Weka's little club of purists just lets the losers weep for a bit.
Come back tomorrow once they're dried themselves and straightened their mascara.
So the election thread is only for people that others on here identify as "lefties" – regardless of peoples own view of their own politics?
Anyway – I identify as a "righty" – if you disagree please let me know and Ill come comment in the election thread.
No the post in question is Lefties on the Standard, part of an ongoing series of leftie-dedicated discussion. Read the post ffs.
At the moment I make the call on who can take part, and that is almost entirely predicated on people's commenting history.
I will add that I did think about the good of TS generally in running a leftie only post on UK election day when it was likely that no other author would put up an election post. But actually, with some exceptions, the quality of right wing contributions to the commentariat at the moment is so low I don't think it matters. Most of the volume from the right recently has been Gosman and co trolling. I'm pleased to see some other righties making an effort and I hope this increases. Bring decent political discussion to the table and we'll all have a better time.
FYI, James, if you comment like a “righty” you are likely to cop some flak but might also earn some respect depending on how you handle things. If you act like a stirrer, you will cop a ban.
Weren't you quite tight with United Future?
Yet United Future's positioning is (was) quite a long way from your claimed position, and there's three other parties awfully close to the line between your claimed position and UF.
Not really, I had a dabble which was a very interesting experience but very much from the outside – and I had an undertaking that I could promote cannabis law reform if the opportunity arose.
But that's a long time ago and has little to nothing to do with now – except that after the efforts of many people from different political leanings cannabis law reform may be a reality in the next year or two. I had a very useful discussion with Kevin Hague on it while he was still an MP. Some Green supporters are happy to talk to anyone with common interests.
Siobhain McDonagh has never done anything other than make the UK Labour Party look bad.
Phil Wilson..among other things ..a very successful lobbyist for the Gambling Industry.
Leslie left Labour alongside six other MPs in protest at the leadership of Corbyn to form The Independent Group,
The beatings will continue until all the traitors are excommunicated?
Traitors do nothing to improve electability.
Corbyn has proven to be unelectable.
Corbyn has proven to be unelected.
FiFy
Gareth Snell, the labour candidate in Stoke-on-Trent Central – who hasnt lost yet (but expects too) says Corbyn should resign.
That didnt take long did it?
Corbyn and momentum have been nothing short of a disaster for Labour. Could be a decade before they get a look in again.
Could be a decade or more. Or maybe someone with a more engaging and pragmatic personality will emerge from the ranks and turn things around like Jacinda did.
Let's face it, BloJo really isn't likely to do anything that's going to improve his image and popularity, is he? So he's always going to be vulnerable to a Labour party with a leader that's at least moderately acceptable.
That's one of the things that's always bothered me about political defeats. Instead of regrouping and thinking about what could be done differently/better next time, people start slagging each other off, and screeching, "This is all your fault!" Labour looks likely to lose, and that sucks. Britain has a chance to do something different and better under the leadership of beige, cardigan-wearing hippie with a track record of fighting the good fight and only the best of intentions. Instead they'll probably chose the leadership of a pathological liar with a personal grooming phobia — a man who would rather hide in a fridge than face the humiliation of being grilled by the media. Because he's quite obviously full of shit and making it up as he goes along.
If the Tories win… well done, Britain. Give yourself an upper cut.
Whakaari Island. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405402/live-whakaari-white-island-eruption-day-5
Australian Nine News
New Zealand authorities will start a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the death and injuries of those impacted by the White Island volcano. Subscribe: https://bit.ly/2noaGhv Get more breaking news at: https://bit.ly/2nobVgF
Looking at the results – its an extremely clear mandate for brexit now.
No more moaning from the left – it was clear a vote for Boris was a vote to leave – fast !
Yeah, that's how I see it too. Not Boris or Jeremy, Left or Right. A simple 'Leave' or 'Remain' choice.
I guess the people voted for Leave, and Boris made a clear and time stamped promise to fulfill that (forgetting for the moment whether or not he can deliver), and Jeremy…. well what did Jeremy want – leave or remain?
Therein lies the seeds of Labours defeat today. I guess defy the will of the people at your peril.
Dont discount that Corbyn was unelectable. Brexit may have been the defining issue – but Corbyn is the reason for the mammoth defeat that will have the Tories in power for a decade.
Defy the will of the majority you mean. Let's face it, the majority are frequently morons who only understand words of one syllable. That could be described as a fault across all Labour/Labor parties who like to use words of two syllables or more.
For the more moronic among us (ie.rwnjs) yes, I’m exaggerating to make a point.
We can look forward to fun and games watching the Tories bugger-up Brexit and Britain (with the possible exception of Scotland) goes down the gurgler.
Gee Anne – you sound a bit bitter.
The people have spoken. Labour and Corbyn are being given the message loud and clear.
Still there will be hard of learning like yourself who think you know better than everyone else.
You keep talking about "the people" and "everyone" as though referring to some overwhelming majority, rather than a plurality of voters. The UK has an FPP electoral system, so a "landslide" win could mean little more than 40% of the vote. Likewise, a "landslide" loss could also mean more than 40% of the vote. There is no "the people have spoken" under FPP, just some decisions by a relatively small number of voters in a relatively small number of seats. That's why we dumped it.
I knew it!
Saw that dear James was back among us so dropped him an encouraging line. He fell for it as he invariably does.
Anne. The 'majority' are just that. So you think MOST people are morons who, presumably because they disagree with you, are not capable of understanding what affects them or not?
So clearly, in your eyes, the majority should not have the right to choose their future. Yeah, let's bring in those who know better and can think on their behalf.
Pathetic. The extreme left always pretend to speak for the people, but never wish to listen to them.
I suggest you read your post again, as clearly the concept of democracy is something you either fail to understand or do not believe in. And you are a Labour NZ person of long standing who, at least publicly, pretended to wish to represent the people. Not good.
Get off your high horse and read what I said P chch
1) I made it clear I was exaggerating.
2) I was baiting James who has a history for making exaggerated claims and starting flame wars. Hence the reason he regularly gets banned from this site.
3) I wasn't disclaiming your view rather adding to it.
4) Many people are politically
moronicnaive. If it is considered non-pc to say so then… happy to admit I'm non-pc.As for being extreme left… good grief. 😯
Perhaps that little endpiece /sarc should be used again. People who when annoyed don't go out and kinghit somebody, or kick the cat or dog, need to vent with sarcasm, irony, wit or whatever as the more controlled and cerebral outlet. But some people have never developed the ironic bit in the brain that can tell when someone is having someone on.
I am just reading Our Kids – the American Dream in Crisis by Robert D Putnam and on p161 I think he talks about the importance of brain development from pre-natal time and especially 3-5 years. I think many NZs lack much stimulation in these foundation years. He talks about what seems to be the 'tennis affect' – the baby gurgles or utters sounds, the carer looks at the baby and makes a sound in turn. Then the baby tries that simple communication again, and is encouraged by interest from the carer, and so on. Simple eh, and not new, but just confirmed as absolutely necessary for underpinning the habit of communication and confirmation of the worth of the individual's thought.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/apr/20/our-kids-american-dream-in-crisis-robert-putnam-observer-review
learn some maths sunshine…conservatives 43.6% brexit 3 %..the conservatives got a plurality ..which under fpp gave them a big majority of seats…they were further away from a majority of voters than national were here
The 'majority' are just that.
It's so sweet that you think the Conservative Party got a majority of the vote. Or at least, it would be sweet if you were a child. In an adult it would just be exasperating – hopefully you're under 18?
Putin will be rubbing his hands with delight.
That is exactly what I thought. 🙂
WOW – Ruth Smeeth, the Labour candidate for Stoke-on-Trent North.
"Jeremy Corbyn’s action on antisemitism have made us the nasty party. We are the racist party. When you have a prime minister who has said such vile Islamphonic comments and we’re the racist party because of the actions of my leader, then we have a real real problem.
The Labour party needs detoxified, we need to move on and this culture needs destroyed within the party."
Personally I think anyone who stood behind Corbyn and his party while comments like the above deserve to lose their seat.
Hey James, I saw that interview on Sky News, was like crikey she doesn't like him at all.
She was nasty as about her leader.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/ruth-smeeth-labour-party-racist-sky-news-a4312521.html
Sounds like Corbyn will stay on for a short time then resign, judging from his speech, after retaining his seat.
when you have a leader saying "such vile Islamphonic comments" – its easy to be nasty about them.
deservidly so if you believe it
I don't know much about it, but that interview was jaw dropping.
Notice she used the expression "Jews". That is regarded as a demeaning slang word for "Jewish" people. If she doesn't know the correct nomenclature, then you have to wonder if the rest of her rant is any more correct.
I don't know the truth for sure, but have long held the suspicion that the extent of anti-semitism inside the British Labour Party has been a big beat-up by Corbyn opponents.
I agree, Anne – a big beat-up. The interesting thing is that earlier on when they tried to oust Corbyn, they could not because he had inspired so many new members to join up with the Labour Party.
What will happen now, if those disillusioned new members leave Labour? Few will replace them, and Labour could now find its membership diminished, as well as its voice in Parliament.
Maybe all is not lost In Vino.
I saw this Guardian item just now:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/13/who-will-be-the-next-labour-party-leader
Emily Thornberry impresses me. A strong, compassionate and very articulate woman who could stand up to anything the Tories – and Boris Johnson in particular – tried to throw at her.
She would be my pick for the next leader of the British Labour Party.
'Methinks she (Ruth Smeeth) doth protest too much.'
So, is Smeeth disingenuous or stupid? I presume disingenuous, ie she wants Corbyn gone so is happy to smear him using Tory talking points she knows are bullshit. At least we're agreed she deserved to lose her seat.
"she knows are bullshit."
Its a lot more likely that she knows a lot more about the guy than you do.
You got any evidence that she knows this is bullshit?
You are delusional – I can see why you like Corbyn so much.
Israeli lobby groups do like to try and influence UK politicians not to back a two state solution regarding Palestine.
https://www.aljazeera.com/investigations/thelobby/
Backing a two state solution DOES NOT make a person anti-semitic. Least that's how I see it.
I think there is much confusion as a result.
James, you're only just back, drop the flaming please.
Its a lot more likely that she knows a lot more about the guy than you do.
No doubt. And yet she says
…we’re the racist party because of the actions of my leader…
without specifying those actions (because there aren't any) and without mentioning the actual cause of the propaganda campaign alleging anti-semitism against Corbyn (payback from UK Israel lobbyists for his pro-Palestinian views, and the usual right-wing dirty politics).
My assumption is that a Labour MP would have to be either disingenuous or stupid to peddle that bullshit, because there isn't any obvious third possibility. Do you see one?
LOL – Corbyn says "party’s policies were popular".
Delusional to the end.
And its his end – he says he wont lead the party to any more elections – no shit. After this who would want him.
YouGov poll on popularity of Labour policies 2019
/shrug.
There is only one poll that counts – and it’s today.
it doesn’t seem that the popular policies have resulted in votes – this cant be THAT popular.
You are assuming people voted for policies.
"There is only one poll that counts – and it’s today."
Irrespective of whether that is true, you mocked Corbyn for saying that Labour's policies were popular. Research shows he is right.
It doesn't take theoretical physics to see that this was a complex election with many dynamics, some of them unusual. Denying one aspect of that supported by evidence seems like hubris.
The Leader of the Opposition in Ottawa, Conservative Andrew Scheer has just resigned. He was facing a backlash for his performance on the hustings in the recent Federal Election and some in the party had started to leak against him. It’s been revealed he had quietly diverted Cons Party funds to help pay for his 5 kids private school fees in Ottawa.
That man will get a directorship in a thriving business somewhere in the West.
Edit!
Thatcher declared 'There's no such thing as society' And set in action policies to ensure that was true.
Centrist Labour, trying not to step over the line marked where the RW starts, is trying to think of a catchphrase for themselves that dissembles but means 'There is no such thing as labour',
Replacing physical labour they need to read Terry Pratchett's Discworld book where he outlines the principles and practice of ‘headology*'; a new way of thinking about things. Politics has always been a sideshow, with sleight-of-hand, confusing legerdemain and magical promises, and this has reached a stage of high art. Wise witches developed 'headology' and anything they thought must be better than what is too often grimy drivel we hear from pollies.
In NZ the Labour Coalition has been trying but people should note that the strain is so much on many of the politicians who try to be good and practical, and care about the country, that they often die of exhaustion and stress-related disease before being able to implement their ideas in full. The death of Michael Savage and Norman Kirk come to mind; now Shane Jones has need of some RandR.
*Headology. From Discworld & Terry Pratchett Wiki. Like psychology, but many witches think "psychology" is a bad word, or that it means "having a psychological problem". The practice of headology relies on the principle that what people believe is what is real.Sep 3, 2017
Headology – Discworld & Terry Pratchett Wiki – LSpace Wiki
https://wiki.lspace.org › mediawiki › Headology
Corbyn lost because of centrist Labour?
Politicians can't deliver because they're under strain?
Well that's being charitable I think. Why can't they deliver in your opinion? And Labour doesn’t seem drawn very far to the left very notably either here or in the UK. Just putting a few toes in the water.
On Radionz News:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/404938/borrowers-will-pay-price-of-securing-banks-future
Shamabeel Equb advising that new controls on bank businesses will result in higher prices for borrowers. Oh dear. Each year, the uncontrolled buying of homes needed for real people to live in, by investors wanting solid reliable investments has put the prices up by over 10% per annum and out of reach of ordinary people. Heaven forbid that we should stop those inflationary price rises!
From people who think like shop tills 'ker-ching'; – to having our news collected, sorted, promoted by machines, (and who drives the machines?) Algorithmically turbo-charged journalism
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018725569/algorithmically-turbo-charged-journalism
Two big tragedies now this year in NZ which have a taint of carelessness of government controls in the background requiring compassion from our Prime Minister with soothing words. What is then to be done to put it right, and ensure that there are no more preventable tragedies. Do older commenters remember the motto of company LV Martin 'It's the putting right that counts'? That is an oldie but a goodie, still true.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405402/whakaari-white-island-today-was-all-about-reuniting-them-with-their-loved-ones-pm
Emotions running high in UK Labour…high enough to break up the party?
Not the Tories- they are more than happy.
when did 'UK Labour ' become the Tories?
Leave James to his gloating. It's all he has at the best of times.
https://youtu.be/qQfetkoGrpU
Kia Ora 1 News.
Dog whilst politics.
Yes devious people take advantage of vulnerable people like imaginats and refugees the vulnerable need to be protected.
Its a pity some people got their mahi from other tangata Mana and not their own it shows in their actions.
Hacked.
That's great good minimiseing waste for courier freighted goods any goods at that.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
Condolences to Tipene Whanau for their loss.
Toia 250 showed Te local Iwi true feeling of whats going down at that minute.
I the Kina is sweet and fat from Mahia.
Ka kite Ano.
Kia Ora Breakfast.
Yes Its good that the Auckland City mission is taking a more thoughtful approach to gifting Kai to the poor Allso using Marae to help with the increaseing numbers of poor. This is not just A Aotearoa phenomenon this is happening all around the world.
I agree with the Professor from Otago. There is A old saying about
Te waewae.
The old Maori Tikanga is koha.
Ka kite Ano
He tangata He tangata have to keep the pressure on the climate deniers to change the world so Our mokopuna will have a healthy environment and healthy wildlife. We have to become carbon neutral ASAP.
COP 25: Madrid climate change conference 2019
The UN climate talks are over for another year – was anything achieved?
A conference marked by squabbling and deferral yielded little progress despite protests
Two weeks of talks ended on Sunday afternoon with a formal recognition of the need to bridge the gap between greenhouse gas targets set in 2015 in Paris and scientific advice that says much deeper cuts are needed. Current targets would put the world on track for 3C of warming, which scientists say would ravage coastal cities and destroy agriculture over swathes of the globe.
UN climate talks end with limited progress on emissions targets
Few countries came up with new targets at these talks.
The snail’s pace and low ambition of the talks stood in stark contrast to pleas from activists, who staged a 500,000-strong march through the Spanish capital. Greta Thunberg, the Swedish school striker, said the last year of protests had “achieved nothing” as countries were still failing to bring forward the measures needed
“The world is screaming out for action but this summit responded with a whisper. The poorest nations are in a sprint for survival, yet many governments have barely moved from the starting blocks. Instead of committing to more ambitious cuts in emissions, countries have argued over technicalities.
The EU came up with the strongest new plan, finally agreeing a bloc-wide goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2050. Scores of smaller countries agreed similar long-term targets, but other major emitters held back.
There was widespread recognition that long-term targets are not enough, and the pressure is now on to forge a short-term climate plan for the next 10 years. The UK will play a leading role
Ka kite Ano link below.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/science/2019/dec/15/cop25-un-climate-talks-over-for-another-year-was-anything-achieved
Merry Christms Eco Maori. Your range of comments is interesting with great musical enhancements FTTT.
Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia
Catch this – I want to wish you a merry -Maori- Christmas! Haha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OvWmzpS3Ec
Kia Ora 1 News
There is no need to be confused the World has to dump carbon out of our economy's.
Yes we need to give our Dolphins and Whales respect.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
Ka pai to the Wahine Waka sailing as part of Tuia 250 I miss sailing on Tangaroa.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Breakfast.
Its sad no concrete laws have been made to limit Global Warming to 1.5 degrees at Cop 25 in Madrid this year.
New Zealand has to show the world how to quickly change our economy to a clean and Green economy.
I haven't brought Christmas present for quite a few years now since my children reached their teens.
Ka kite Ano
I say war is for Idiots why kill other humans just because some people are different. We need to learn to respect all cultures. We need to remember and respect our Tipuna /Ancestors We need to have respect for our Mokopuna / Grandchildren future. I avoided this subject because I know how these people behave. Thanks for publishing this story.
The climate emergency, military emissions and Greta Thunberg.
With reference to your report on the COP25 climate talks in Madrid (13 December), we have just returned from Madrid, where we displayed a large banner saying “War causes climate change and climate change causes war”. Thousands of passing delegates expressed a great interest in, and approval of, the message.
Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions result from military-related activity – apart from the unfathomable human devastation – so at first sight it appears astonishing that the subject of war does not feature in the COP negotiations; nor are its emissions taken into account when reduction targets are set.
Perhaps this absence can be explained by the fact that military-related emissions have been excluded by some of the largest polluters from the global north whose delegates, as government officials, will naturally avoid jeopardising lucrative arms and military aid contracts, and whose people do not suffer the catastrophic wars and climatic devastation that directly affect the global south. Evidently we cannot rely on government negotiators to address the subject of war and militarism.
We have to stop believing that war is inevitable and accept that international climate finance offers better value in both resolving conflict and sustaining the environment than the equivalent spent on military operations
• I was delighted to see Greta Thunberg announced as Time magazine’s person of the year (Report, 12 December). For me, after so many years of campaigning on environmental issues, it has been a huge relief that now, in 2019, the future of the planet has finally entered the political mainstream – and not a moment too soon.
This is thanks, in no small part, to the vision and actions of Greta herself, but also to those many others whom she has inspired to take up the fight. The world is realising the scale of the threat posed by every aspect of our destructive exploitation of our lovely planet.
Now we need to see some real political leadership so that the leading nations of the world, our own included, can ensure a real revolution in practice, to match the fiery ambitions that have been lit up in our hearts by this inspirational Swedish teenager
Ka kite Ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/16/the-climate-emergency-military-emissions-and-greta-thunberg
Edit
Some extracts from Robert D Putnam book Our Kids The American Dream in Crisis.
Under What Is to be Done after he has explored problems through talking and discussing their formative years with those who have emerged affected by their various backgrounds, either triumphant or okay but still struggling, he covers suggestions under these headings:
Family Structure, Child Deveopment and Parenting, Schools, Community.
These are some of the ideas aired.
Under Community – He refers to what he has found about the importance of neighborhood effects and puts two bullet points – Invest in poor neighbourhoods and, Move poor families to better neighbourhoods which generally has positive results especially on younger kids. (He found some areas that were totally munted, guns everywhere, and people unable and unwilling to help each other, isolated in the safety of their homes.)
Under Schools – he talks about groups of say 100 students within larger high schools, offering a mixed curriculum of academic and hands-on technical couses for work skills. This to replace the neglected workforce training in the USA. We used to have this system in NZ, but probably along with other lacklustre policies from recent governments, it has been 'let go'.
Under Child Development and Parenting – Children do better if the parent does not work during their first year, and 'Virtually all other advanced countries' are more supportive to parents than USA. Then quality day-care. Read to your children every day. Help programs from trained professionals for parents as needed.
Family Structure – 'By some estimates, 60% of births to young, single women are unplanned, and [note] low-income women don't aspire to have more children than more affluent women. Teen pregnancies have dropped dramatically over recent decades.
But it is felt that young adult women, lacking definite goals and pathways for the future, are more inclined to accept pregnancy as a milestone achieved in their lives, in the absence of a good man to be husband or permanent partner.
And from an economic point oif view, investing in the young saves large further cost in the future, the young become productive increasing the state income by billions.
The fact that capitalist states choose not to consider these figures, and to be cheese-paring about supporting and guiding with known good practices, the raising ofhealthy, active and happy poor kids must be an example of mean prejudice, the Scrooge-like mentality. There is the sickness noted in the book Affluenza, and which is illustrated in the real-life story of Grandpa Getty who was refusing to pay a ransom for his kidnapped grandson, even when they cut off his ear to show they meant business. A torture to the body, but also to the heart to think that no-one loved or cared about him. The story of his mother's campaign to save him was told in the film –
All the Money in the World is a 2017 crime thriller film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa, based on John Pearson's 1995 book Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_Money_in_the_World
Q. How did J. Paul Getty die? A. Heart failure!
How did he make his money. By hard work, careful money management, and an abstemious life. Hah.
J. Paul Getty took the reins of Getty Oil along with many other businesses that went with it when his father died in 1930. … J. Paul Getty became a billionaire after negotiating a series of oil leases with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait starting in 1949. He soon was being widely reported as the richest man alive.
Ordinary good people who have the security of a job and prospects, have to turn to give some time to help others to have the opportunities they have. And because of the economic multiplier effect, the more people working, trading, enjoying life, the more the money flows around, the more work there is, and the more enjoyment and community. Let's keep at it.
Kia Ora Newshub.
A tornado in Kirikiriroa global warming whanau.
Ron I see a lot of that.
shon – – – – – – – – – – – – – – anatokai.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
That's a rip off tipical pakiha ripping Tangata Whenua off.
$9 million.
Rua kenana was treated badly by the Crown just like most Tangata Whenua. Some think they got treated fairly but next minute the crown is pulling the rug out from under our feet or our mokopuna future.
Ka pai Shane.
Ka kite Ano