Using bent corrupt courts to lock up the most popular politician in the country stinks to high heaven …. and it makes mad dog Bolsonaro and his right wing thugs the most illegitimate Govt in South America …. I wonder if the Bank of England will steal their gold .
it becomes apparent that his speeches against corruption are nothing but empty words. From the allies arrayed alongside Bolsonaro during his first speech as president-elect to the transition team he assembled and the governmental department heads he’s appointed, Bolsonaro picked at least seven people tangled up in scandals, from lawsuits and official investigations to criminal convictions and even confession of guilt.
Can you limit the opened links to one and just give us the link addresses for the others? You fill up my screen with the way you are putting up blocks of image, it must be hard to read if people are doing so on small handheld devices.
National's solution for shit pay for shit jobs that no one wants – import third world labour. Not put pay up, or anything that might actually raise the wages and living standards of Kiwis, just do what the squatocracy demands.
National, coming up with friendly solutions for the boss class and it cow cocky mates that f**k the working man over since forever.
Yes, they are undermining themselves, the Government and the local potential benefits of the scheme itself. While further adding to housing and other local infrastructure demand.
I guess they could take the approach of one or two orchard owners (or their contractors and sub-contractors – just enough levels of out-sourcing to allow a distancing of responsibility). As far as housing goes anyway. Shove up a tin shack or two onsite with a few bunks, and just enough gaps to let the rats in, and charge like an angry bull in rent. It'd be a win win sitch. The work would get done, and just as long as those natives had their visas tied to the specific employer that's giving them such a great opportunity, there'd be no question of a challenge.
Could even jack up the standard warning alert system when the Labour Inspectors were in town – even the ones like a Casson anxious to get some of that "scum" can't seem to beat it
Many thanks to all the participants of the demonstration in New Zealand, opposing the persecution of Assange and Australian journalists; and the WSWS reporters for this valuable report.
Please note, the US Department of Justice is preparing to file additional charges against the WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange on top of the 18 charges under the Espionage Act already brought against him potentially carrying 175 years imprisonment. The charges will be revealed during the 3rd extradition hearing this Friday 14th of June.
Join the protest organised by JADC in support of Julian Assange at this Hearing outside Westminster Magistrates Court, 181 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5BR from 9am in the morning. The nearest tube station is Edgware Road (on District and Circle Lines) or Marylebone (Bakerloo Line).
The proceedings will take place via video link at Court 3, which only has 10 seats available at the public gallery.
Watch the wonderful interview UN Rapporteur for Torture Nils Melzer gave to Chris Hedges about Julian Assange’s situation. https://www.youtube.com/wat…
Peters said democratic rights, such as freedom of information and free speech, were under attack in every country, because they were “not compatible with endless war and endless attacks on living standards.”
He added that the New Zealand Labour Party-led government of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had remained completely silent on the police raids in Australia, for the same reason it had refused to defend Assange: “That is, the alliance with US imperialism, which has been strengthened under Ardern. New Zealand troops are remaining in Iraq and Afghanistan at least another year and $20 billion is being spent on the military so it can integrate more effectively in US-led operations.”
The New Zealand state-run and corporate media, Peters said, had either remained silent on the persecution of Assange or actively joined in the global campaign to smear his character.
Yeah it's there, we're just covered in bloody cloud again, Interestingly those fronts are always on about a 7+ day cycle which is why it sometimes rains on every weekend.
Whats happening at the moment? Those very cold storms are big and are pushing the big Aussie highs a little further north and as they slide over NZ they pull down warm moist air from the sub tropics on their western side.
And it's weather not climate change, been happening for years. If you have an argument with that spend 70 years outside like I have.
They tell me that the ocean retains some warmth so that delays the coldness of winter especially since we are an island ocean with every spot of land less than 100km from the sea. Hence the winter after the shortest day.
Speaking of Jones, Shane Jones won't say how many full-time, long-term jobs have been created under the $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund.
When recently questioned on this, Jones replied, "I find when these questions come up it reminds me of someone popping pimples."
Answering an important question in this manner undermines the Government's credibility and ultimately, it's leadership.
A credibility (which in this regard) is already on thin ice. Back in February, MBIE revealed it had based the job creation figures on the estimates provided by the applicants (not the actual jobs created) with no work undertaken to assess whether the claims were credible.
Chair, you say that the Government's "credibility (in this regard) is already on thin ice."
Since you are, by your own admission, "more left than most", would you care to comment on the opposition's credibility (in any regard.)
Just hoping for one objective critique of the National party – then you can get back to holding the Government to account in that unique "more left than most" way of yours.
The Chairman @8
Bad week for PM – ‘Budgetgate‘
Winston prematurely announcing…
Jones giving a stupid answer…
undermining PGF, Government’s credibility, leadership
Twyford accused covering up secret meetings.
@MatthewHootonNZ Jun 9
If you call the police & report your house was burgled, and then find out it wasn’t burgled (the kids took the stuff perfectly legally) then you are meant to call the cops immediately & tell them, not say “I can’t say anything about this because it’s a police matter”. #BudgetGate
If you were as left as me you would be more concerned about the damage being done to the lefts credibility rather than attempting to somewhat justify it (or distract from it) by suggesting National's credibility should also be questioned.
If Labour are going to allow the number of new jobs to be counted in such a lax manner in such a major scheme, it won't be long before people start asking what else is the Government allowing to be counted in such a negligent manner? Which will ultimately come back to its leadership. And Labour can't afford to have Jacinda politically damaged. So she needs to get on top of this ASAP.
"National's credibility should also be questioned" – thanks Chair, much appreciated.
Agree that it's legitimate to question the integrity of both the Government and the National-led opposition. Who do you think should be questioning National's credibility? Might you, as one who is "more left than most", have a role to play?
#HoldingNationalToAccount ?
“damage being done to the lefts credibility”
“Government allowing to be counted in such a negligent manner”
“Jacinda politically damaged”
“Jacinda will be called upon to show some (leadership)
While people, the media and the Government are free to question National's credibility, considering the going-ons, the Government's focus should be on getting their own house in order, which we've yet to see.
If the overwhelming number of voters thought National was credible they would potentially be the Government now. If Labour want to maintain being in Government, they need to address their lacking credibility now.
IMHO Labour are currently more credible than National. If your blinkered critiques of the Government accurately reflect your political 'vision', then it's no wonder that you can't see that this credibility gap is widening.
Maybe your increasingly desperate one-eyed critiques are damaging your "more left than most" credibility on this site. Tbh I see no evidence that you are a friend of the left, and zero evidence that you disapprove of National party policies and MP behaviour, either in Government or in opposition, again IMHO.
That’s a fine example of binary thinking to ponder with a rather arbitrary conditional state. Assuming we (still) live in a democracy, the question is or should be whether it functions as well as it can or should. This is an open question IMO because democracy is not a fixed concept but something that can evolve over time.
Not at all. "The Chairman" exists to peddle National Party talking points from a supposedly left-wing perspective, so it's no surprise the account would phrase things the same way Hooton does.
Kevin and Guy were joined by meteorologist Nick Humphrey for this pre-recorded show. We discussed the links between climate change, weather, and crop failures. You can support Nick via his Patreon page.
a matter of fact discussion with some interesting information about impacts particularly in the US….and as noted at the end, not the narrative we will recieve from any government
Along with Budgetgate. She had Winston prematurely announcing the teachers settlement. Jones giving a stupid answer to a serious employment question undermining the Provincial Growth Fund, the Government's credibility and ultimately, its leadership. And Twyford being the latest minister accused of covering up secret meetings.
I've just come in from outside, Macro; my garden’s mist-enshrouded right now, mysterious and moist; I love it like that. Everything sounds and looks happy out there; I know I was.
We had a misty moisty morning the other day but it turned into a good sunny day in the afternoon. We had planned to be doing some tree planting in the William Hall Arboretum (just down the road), but it really was far too inclement the weather for us oldies – always another day.
I didn't express any joy, Robert. Unlike you (that thinks it's all good) I'm disappointed in their performance.
And ultimately, a party's overall performance always comes back to its leadership. And with what has come out in the in the past week, Jacinda will be called upon to show some (leadership).
That'll be the polls. Winston'll have done the math that he needs to make noise if he means to be re-elected. The Jones spendup doesn't seem to have pulled the punters in yet. With the Gnats promising carte blanche to exploit cheap foreign labour you'd think Winston wouldn't be short of things to have a crack at, but of course he chiefly picks up disgruntled voters, so the PMs habit of leaving people gruntled feels like an existential threat.
"undermining the Government he is apart of, isn't the right way to go about it"
I suspect the internal logic goes something like – "sitting here waiting for it to happen ain't going to happen either".
Winston may have to rein Jones in a little – endorsing a serial exploiting employer for the NZTA and conspiring to import even more cheap labour won't play well with contemporary 1st supporters.
The real thing here is whether government sustains the effort until it succeeds. Kiwibuild can be made to work, though it seems that some of those tasked to implement it were not committed. Same goes for the PGF. But that doesn't mean that either will produce the desired results in a timely manner for the next election.
On the other hand, the Gnats are busy cultivating their own personal version of internal withering and thus producing disaffected voters of the kind that traditionally support Winston.
The Government needs to do more than just sustain current efforts on these to main policies, they also need to improve their implementation for them to have a better chance of succeeding.
Moreover, if they want regional communities to genuinely prosper, they need to ensure decent jobs paying a living wage are being created. Ensuring the benefits are widely shared, thus resulting in a larger economic stimulus regionally.
To date, there has been a lot of handouts to the private sector in both schemes and little to show for it. Time for the Government to get a little more hands on.
As for desired results in a timely manner, the clock is ticking.
I think that's probably true – but it flies in the face of neo-liberal public service norms, in which operational matters were surrendered to managers who were supposedly more professional. Changing back is fraught because it requires both much more work, but also the risk of politically dangerous failure. This is why the Key government chiefly did nothing – it avoids conspicuous failures in the short term.
It flies in the face of neo-liberal public service norms
Indeed. Nevertheless, we have witnessed the results of the alternative resulting in Labour's housing reset.
Yes, it will require far more work from the Government's perspective, but it will give them the potential to have far more control in producing the desired results. Generally, there will always be risks in most things Government do, the competence is shown in mitigating them.
Alas, The Chairman's comments were relentlessly soggy (nice) when the Labour & Green parties were in opposition – expecting The Chair to change 'their' tune if National regains the Treasury benches is admirable but hopelessly optimistic.
Each comment by The Chair is in dire need of musical cheer, IMHO.
“I don't think anyone is clocking what you are calling a bad week for the PM, Chairman.”
Really, well here is your chance to show me why you don't think the matters highlighted are resulting in a bad week for the PM.
And no, I'm not paid to post here. Unlike many Kiwis, I partake in democracy, which is more than just voting every three years. Moreover, I'm a strong believer in the public driving change, which is reliant on people speaking up.
If Labour are going to allow the number of new jobs to be counted in such a lax manner in such a major scheme, it won't be long before people start asking what else is the Government allowing to be counted in such a negligent manner? Which will ultimately come back to its leadership. And Labour can't afford to have Jacinda politically damaged. So she needs to get on top of this ASAP.
I don't recall seeing one article calling on Jacinda to show strong leaderenhip over the provincial fund. Saw a clip on the tele with Shane J being slightly defensive about his approach telling him the PM has told him to pull his head in (in a much kinder way than that). Stories of the week are 1. the polls, which look good for Jacinda 2. Simon still making stuff around the budget leak and there was clip in the news showing Ardern making mince meat out of him, 3, teachers resolved with higher pay (public support this). 4. stuff about housing, increase in state houses built, still negative stuff about Kiwibuild but 60% of kiwis support the scheme, Defence spending……..people have different points of views on this.
Your article about no numbers on Provisional Growth fund all hypothetical, trying to manufacture ????? not sure what………I believe you are here to troll. I could be wrong
Do you really need to see an article calling for Jacinda to show strong leadership over the provincial fund to realise she needs too? Are you happy for Jones to continue carrying on showing up the leader and undermining the Governments credibility? From what has been reported, it's clear she needs to show some leadership on this before it further undermines their credibility.
While the polls look good for Jacinda, it's not good for us on the left wanting more. The better Labour poll, the less likely they are to listen. They already believe they have the balance about right, while many on the left disagree.
News that has recently come out in regard to the Budget leak hasn't been good for Labour. Jacinda has now been implicated as knowing.
And despite Winston's assertion, the dispute between teachers and the Government isn't settled yet.
The report on the increase in state housing seems a desperate attempt to look as if something is being done when in reality the number of new state homes is nowhere near enough to address the current and growing demand.
Nevertheless, the matters I highlighted above have all been reported, moreover, you have failed to show me why you don't think the matters highlighted above are resulting in a bad week for the PM.
While the polls look good for Jacinda, it's not good for us on the left wanting more. The better Labour poll, the less likely they are to listen
What a wank job that is. The other week you were banging on about how labour should be doing better and getting higher poll results. Now they have, you're changing the tune to 'if they poll high they won't listen'.
One poll has Labour going down while one has them going up.
And as for my comments re Labour otentially doing better in the polls, you have used them out of context to try and claim a point – weak. I post plenty on here, therefore try pulling me up on something I actually said and keep it in context.
You said what I've posted above, about how labour should be getting higher poll numbers, and in no way is it out of context. I even made a joke about it in the topic before the two polls were released.
What you are doing, I guess, is trying to cause a smokescreen to hide the fact you've been caught out. Not convincing enough, by far.
Both those polls, even the one where they went down, showed the government advancing from national.
Both those polls, even the one where they went down, showed labour improved from election night '17.
The poll that put labour able to govern alone, over 50% they said, how much higher do you think they should be mid term?
Seems like they're doing fine in winning support, apart from as you state, "while disappointing many on the left. Explaining their slip in the other". I'd put money on any genuine lefty not being disappointed at the highly likely fact the prospect of labour not being a one term government is looking really good. The only people not happy with labour are the nats, the nat media, rim clingers and you.
Really, well here is your chance to show me why you don't think the matters highlighted are resulting in a bad week for the PM.
Nobody cares except you and other irredeemable tories. The semantice of "hacking" vs "unauthorised access"? lol
Shane Jones? No harm to the govt, and he's Winston's problem anyway. Lol
Twyford is the only area of mild concern, and even that's offset by the stirling work on state house numbers. KB hasn't gone off well, for whatever reason, but that and anything else has negative has been largely ignored by the tories in favour of their parliamentary obsession with the semantic nature of soimon's legal transgression.
While Shane Jones is largely Winstons problem he is also the public's (due to his position in Government and what he oversees) and Jacinda's (due to also being part of a Government she leads).
He is best at home with his mates over at National.
Twyford is the only area of mild concern, and even that's offset by the stirling work on state house numbers.
Now that was a good laugh. Have you seen the number on the state housing waiting list and compared it to the number of houses being provided? It's far from acceptable. Wellbeing? Yeah right.
Have you seen the state housing stock vs the trend over time of the nats?
Really? The old they did it too excuse.
I'm not defending National's poor performance on this nor am I (unlike you) using them to diminish Labour's shortcomings.
Funny thing about waiting lists: if it starts looking realistic, people apply rather than not even bothering to fill out the form.
And that's a bullshit line out of Labour's spin book. Chances of securing a home isn't looking more realistic when the waiting list is growing so fast. Moreover, and here is the kicker, Labour aren't even providing enough houses to cover the number that were on the waiting list before they even came into power.
Any genuine lefty would be disappointed with Labour's shortcomings and over their spin. Moreover, Labour are failing to meet their own modest housing targets.
Yet here you are apparently defending their shortcomings suggesting I'm not left. If you were genuinely left you would be joining me in putting the pressure on Labour to up their game.
Any genuine ‘righty’ would be delighted to point out “Labour’s shortcomings“, “their spin“, “failing to meet their own targets“, again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again. And many genuine ‘righties’ do just that on this blog, but none are as “relentlessly soggy” as you. You’re not even fooling yourself!
Are you suggesting that because I'm asserting that whoever is behind The Chairman identity is not left, that I cannot be genuinely left?
That's some mighty fine reasoning.
For the record, I would be more than happy to join you in putting pressure on National to up their game (and, let's face it, they've nowhere to go but up), but you are contractually unable togive me that opportunity.
Are you suggesting that because I'm asserting that whoever is behind The Chairman identity is not left, that I cannot be genuinely left?
Far from it. I'm suggesting that if you were genuinely left you would be agreeing with a good number of the issues I've raised. Especially areas where Labour themselves have expressed shortcomings.
I'd be happy for National to take up my recommendations, there was a time when they were Keynesian too.
The Chairman has but one mode of comment: 'criticise the Government' (but only if that government is left-leaning.)
This breaks down to: 'criticise Labour', 'criticise PM Ardern', 'criticise Twyford', etc.;
'criticise the Greens', 'criticise Shaw', 'criticise Davidson' (and Turei before her – that's 'right', The Chairman was also highly critical of the left in opposition), etc.;
'criticise NZ1st', 'criticise deputy PM Peters', 'criticise Jones', etc.
Seems that the only NZ politicians that have escaped The Chairman's critical gaze are National and ACT party politicians – The Chairman can't even bear to criticise Bridges, or Seymour ffs.
The Chairman is currently contractually unable to criticise the National-led opposition. Any genuine friend of the left should be able to do that, at least occasionally, on this blog, yet The Chairman can't, and never has.
The Chairman‘s 'cover' is well and truly blown, but keep digging and we'll keep pointing it out – you lefty you!
The Chairman was also highly critical of the left in opposition
Glad you noticed. And as you would have seen, I was onto Labour's shortfalls back then too. If it wasn't for the turn of events, Jacinda taking leadership, Labour would have been hammered. And despite the recent poll, Labour shouldn't be quick to forget that.
I just told you before that I don't believe National will vastly improve our nation, so clearly your claims are crap.
"clearly your claims are crap" – have I touched a nerve, Chair?
I'll make two more 'claims' – you'll be criticising the PM, and Winston, and the Labour party/MPs, and the Green party/MPs, and NZ1st/MPs (unless they throw their lot in with National – you wish) on this site for every and a day. That's your demonstrable modus operandi – can you prove otherwise?
And your critiques of National party policies/MP behaviour will continue to be 'strangely' lacking – strange at least for one "more left than most".
Oh, what a tangled web we weave
When first we practise to deceive!
No, I wasn't pulling a "they did it too" line. I was pointing out that the waiting list increased despite an increase in state houses. Labour increased state houses when national didn't, and in fact national sold state houses despite the fact that waiting lists were increasing.
So at least Labour are trying to address the problem.
I was pointing out that the waiting list increased despite an increase in state houses.
Clearly, the increase was insufficient. And your point seems moot.
Labour increased state houses when national didn't, and in fact national sold state houses despite the fact that waiting lists were increasing
Now you seem to be contradicting yourself. Are you on the piss?
Yes, Labour have generally done a little of everything, giving them something to spout off for the media soundbites. But just about everything they've done has fallen far too short.
And no. I'm not an extremist expecting them to deliver us everything at once, tomorrow, but me and others do expect them to get their priorities right and deliver more.
Failing to is only going to cost us more in the long run as things further deteriorate due to Labour not even doing enough to stem the decline, admitting they expect things to worsen. And on the ground, the result is society will continue to suffer, illness, poverty, death, hunger, crime.
"National literally did the opposite" is not "national did it, too".
As for your constant criticism, I find it disingenuous. There are several commenters who would like, nay demand, the government do more. And yes, they criticise Labour. But they make what they want, their exact policy requirements, very clear. Whereas you criticise, but keep your actual demands very vague.
And even the most zealous lefties have managed to give credit where credit is due, but you'd crawl over hot glass before doing that without some snide, backhanded criticism.
As for your constant criticism, I find it disingenuous
Then address it without trying to personally tar me.
I often stated what I'd like to see from Government. And just the other day I told you a way Labour could possibility get more support from NZF. So don't resort to talking crap. And I've also given credit to Labour, Greens, and NZF on occasion.
I'm telling it as it is and you know it, hence your need to resort to talking crap.
Oh bullshit. When challenged on yet another vague criticism of Labour, you pulled out of your arse the idea of dramatically increasing the tourist tax as a policy that would be attractive to all three coalition parties (when you have no idea whether that was the case) and then using however much cash that would generate (of which you have no idea) to fund more expenditure.
I have many disagreements with folk like Adam or Bill or Francesca, but at least they are up front and specific about their demands on government and they give the impression that they've considered those ideas for longer than the twenty minutes since the latest reply to their comments.
I didn't just whip it out. I've posted this suggestion before and provided potential figures.
Moreover, as an entry levy has recently been announced, it indicates the three support the notion. Therefore, suggesting the potential for increasing it is in the realm of reality. And that is only one of many suggestions I've made over the years posting here.
Taxing the offshore property investors that Labour's ban failed to capture is another.
I didn't just whip it out. I've posted this suggestion before and provided potential figures.
Really? How did you arrive at those figures? What calculations and assumptions did you incorporate in deriving those figures?
Moreover, as an entry levy has recently been announced, it indicates the three support the notion. Therefore, suggesting the potential for increasing it is in the realm of reality. And that is only one of many suggestions I've made over the years posting here.
Oh bollocks. It indicates that at least one party supports the notion enough to put it forward, and the other two will tolerate it up to a certain point.
Only a goddamned fool of a burger joint owner would assume that just because I bought a $5 burger, I might find a $20 or even a $100 burger to be a serious proposition.
Your "many suggestions" are overwhelmed and diluted by the multitude of pointless beat-ups and criticisms you present on a daily basis. I just decided to double check and reread all your comments on this page. Maybe you should do the same and see how many specific suggestions you actually put forward, and how much despondency you try to sow.
Only a goddamned fool of a burger joint owner would assume that just because I bought a $5 burger, I might find a $20 or even a $100 burger to be a serious proposition.
Well yes, but if on the same night out I'd spent $2000 at the bar and it turns out the 'burgers' actual cost is $100 to provide … then maybe it's a different story. No comparisons are perfect, but NZ's Conservation Estate can't really be valued in the same category as a burger.
It's an issue being grappled with, and it has a few complex aspects. Here is an article on the impact of differential charging on the Great Walks:
For what it’s worth I’d prefer a generic airport fee on all overseas visitors; the vast majority of them are coming here to enjoy some aspect of our outdoors, even if only sitting in a car or bus.
Calculations were based upon the Governments with the entry levy pricing deriving from public consultation I've had with tourists and local operators in the sector.
As tourist numbers are expected to exceed our population in the near future, operators in the sector that I've spoken to aren't that nervous about a fee of that rate ($200 per adult, $100 per child) negatively impacting upon their income stream. In fact, many understand the need and the benefits (better infrastructure etc) to do this.
Many tourists (around 80%) understood this too. Plenty (just over 20%) of them were happy to pay more to enter our little slice of paradise. Understanding it costs money to maintain and manage. With around 40% comfortable with the suggested pricing.
But of course, there was a small number (close to 5%) that totally opposed it, with the rest preferring it to be less.
It indicates that at least one party supports the notion enough to put it forward, and the other two will tolerate it up to a certain point.
The Government's $35 levy comes into effect in October. And the levy rate won't increase for the first 5 years. So not only does it indicate it is supported, in 5 years it is bound to increase.
Where is your evidence it was only supported by one party and merely tolerated by the other two?
lol so let me get this straight, you think a policy necessarily means all three support it, rather than it being a concession for one or two parties making the coalition deal?
As for your "consultation" for the triple figure levy, I don't believe you.
When Labour has Mitchell backing them saying his party would have done the same if it was in power. The left should very well know things are going wrong.
Can you remember Labour's position on the military spend when Little (the elected left representative) was party leader. And how that has now changed with Jacinda now in charge?
Just to refresh your memory. Little said the $20 billion to be spent on the defence upgrade could be better spent on housing and education.
The Chairman is a (concern) troll and should be ignored. He has taken up way too much time on this site today. He claims to be left wing, but is always criticizing the coalition with the usual meme's such as Jacinda = needs to show stronger leadership, implication is she's a weak leader.
I'm not a concern troll. I'm a lefty expressing my valid conerns which you have failed to refute when challenged.
You provided a link to an article promoting Labour's military spend suggesting Labour have done no wrong this week. Showing National's backing
The left don't support massive military spends, especially when when locals are homeless and kids are going hungry. So where do you get off calling me a concern troll?
Along with Budgetgate. She had Winston prematurely announcing the teachers settlement. Jones giving a stupid answer to a serious employment question undermining the Provincial Growth Fund, the Government's credibility and ultimately, its leadership. And Twyford being the latest minister accused of covering up secret meetings.
A set of talking points taken straight from Kiwiblog by the concern-troll account supposedly belonging to a left-winger. I'm not sure you're aware of this, but every week is a bad week for the PM on Kiwiblog. The number of non-Kiwiblog readers who are even aware of the above "issues" would be tiny, let alone the number who find they reflect badly on the PM.
A set of talking points taken straight from Kiwiblog.
Really? Seems you visit there more than me. These are matters recently reported by the media and have concerns for the left.
Jacinda can't afford to have Winston going rogue. It undermines her leadership. And Labour can't afford that to happen to their star player. How you think this valid concern (hence line of talk) aligns with National is bizarre.
The similar applies to Twyford being the latest minister accused of covering up secret meetings. Jones running wild and Jacinda being implicated in Budgetgate. And as for Budgetgate, Labour could have put it to bed before it got to this if they owned it from the onset.
I visit there quite often, yes. That's how I could identify every one of the items in your comment as talking points featured on Kiwiblog. It's also the only place I've seen mention of a supposed Twyford "secret meeting." These are "issues," for want of a less-ridiculous term, that only interest Tories and their concern-troll sock-puppet accounts.
Reminds me of the poster on here during the build up to the '14 election who continually bagged the greens for intruding on labours territory, parroting the nat line, saying they should stick to environmental issues and leave the social stuff out of it.
Can't remember the name, but I'm sure someone will. Eerily similar.
Well, if you also paid attention to the news, you would have seen the Twyford story (as with the others) was reported with comparisons of the infamous Clare Curran clip shown.
And if you paid attention to the news you would have known that the omission of the meeting in the publicly available schedule of ministerial meetings had been an inadvertent mistake on the part of the staffer responsible for putting it together. Given the huge number of ministerial meetings on a weekly basis, it is not surprising it happens now and then.
And if you paid attention you would also have known that this government introduced the publicly available schedule of ministerial meetings in the interest of transparency. Under the last government there was no such schedule available so they could – and did – hold secret meetings without anyone knowing.
And if you paid attention you would also have known that this government introduced the publicly available schedule of ministerial meetings in the interest of transparency.
Yes, they did. However, that didn't stop it from being done, seems you have forgotten (or is that willingly overlooked?) the Clare Curran incident.
As for this one, there is the emails Twyford's office refused to release and the suspect timing (apparently when he was caught) of the correction being made. So even if it is legit, it is all looking rather dodgy. And you know what they say about perception.
Chair, just a friendly observation – if it's easy for me to see that you’re putting the boot into Labour with your comments, then it'll be easy for others to see that too.
"the Clare Curran incident"
"emails Twyford's office refused to release"
"the suspect timing"
"it is all looking rather dodgy"
This news item has gathered some examples of the same breed of dog attacking people. Should there be some more controls on breeding so that bad traits aren't intensified?
A 72-year-old woman was also killed last month when she was attacked by her pet Staffordshire cross breed at her home in Sydney's south-west.
Her husband was bitten while trying to save her, but survived
Three people were critically injured in a "horrific" dog attack involving a Staffordshire cross in Sydney's west this year.
One of those attacked died five weeks later.
On Staffordshire bull terriers. The item below notes they can be good family dogs. But dogs need to be classified as whether they need special puppy training to learn good traits, or not. If it is essential that they be trained properly then that should be started before they are sold, and the new owner have to sign a contract to continue. If they later cause trouble, then there would be a fine and the dog would be put down. I think there needs to be control over owners, who may be lax, too busy, or irresponsible, and they should know there will be consequences to them for failure. No excuses and legal battles.
On the "dog news" website gooddogstory.com, an article about the case said Staffordshire bull terriers, which are a permitted breed in New Zealand, were bred in the 19th century as agile fighting dogs. "Just because they were bred to fight other dogs does not mean they are bad with people; in fact, as nearly any educated enthusiast would agree – these dogs have severely misunderstood reputations, and are in fact some of the absolute best family dogs an owner can find. Anywhere," the site said. https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/79308625/euthanasia-reprieve-for-staffordshire-bull-terrier-found-eating-part-of-its-owner?rm=a
A NZ dog attack story – dog breaks away from walker and attacks a cat on own property. Walker laughs and walks on. Some advice:
"If a dog does have to be dragged off another animal it should be grabbed by the back legs and pulled away while lifting its legs up," van der Merwe said.
"It is also helpful to remember any details about the owner's appearance, and record any other information, such as addresses or vehicle registration numbers. This will assist Animal Management with the investigation in the event that the dog or owner has left the area before the officer's arrival."
Please can I put people straight about the Staffordshire terrior. They are a fabulous breed – loyal, warm-hearted, gentle, full of personality and wonderful family dogs. And they are one of the easiest breeds to train in obedience.
Yes, the complete opposite to what is claimed by many in their ignorance and I particularly blame the media. The key word is "cross-breed". It is not the pure bred staffies who are prone to being dangerous, but the irresponsible, undesirable dog owners who breed them for their sharp teeth with the real fighting breeds.
The media should have long ago been called out on their propensity for naming these dangerous dogs "Staffordshire crosses". It sends entirely the wrong message. Call them by the breeds that are the real culprits like "American Pit Bull crosses" or "Mastiff Bull crosses" but stop attributing the blame to the little pedigree Staffie.
I have known of little Staffies who have been attacked in the street or on beaches by individuals because of this wrong publicity and it left both the dogs and their owners distraught and terrified by the intensity of the hostility.
Older Bull Terriers were OK until American Pit Bull Terriers etc were imported (we were warned at the time but did nothing) and now we have huge cross-breed problems, despite trying far too late to limit the Pit Bulls.
This was emailed to the NZTA (responsible for drivers licencing) and CCd to Phil Twyford (Transport) and Julie Anne Genter (Associate Minister) about 2 weeks ago. According to the instant auto-replies, all 3 offices have recieved it. As anticipated, I've heard nothing. I've posted it here because I'm not the only one whose very real and legitimate concerns over this drug brand switch are being completely ignored, brushed off, blatently lied about and in the case of Ministers of the Crown (especially the Minister of Health,)not even being acknowledged in the first place. The latter is also refusing to speak to a senior reporter on the subject.
For a Government spouting the compassion and well being line they are completely abdicating their responsibility for the well being of the general public. This is bigger than Pharmac wanting to save a bit of money. Knowing there are more than likely people closely connected to Paliament/Government who read this blog maybe they will see it. It's also really important that the public at large know what is going on, because, PUBLIC SAFETY.
This letter is written in pain English to make it simple enough for even a Minister to understand, one would think. Again, PUBLIC SAFETY. This brand switch has already started. If you are concerned about this then make a noise to the suitable Ministers, or in public if you're in a position to do so.
"I am sure you are aware of Pharmacs’ recent decision to enforce a brand switch of the epilepsy drug lamotrigine. And of course you’re very aware of the very real consequences of someone driving when they are at risk of a seizure behind the wheel which is why there’s very reasonable rules/laws in place for the safety of both the individuals and the general public.
So I’m writing to you with extreme concern over your response to the driving status of persons who will be undertaking this lamotrigine brand switch over the next few months. According to Pharmacs notification on their website
“New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) noted a brand change does not constitute a treatment change for purposes of driving and considered that any risks from changing would be extremely low.”
Now, given that NO ONE can guarantee that break through seizures will not occur as a result of this brand change- and trust me, they do- how did you reach the conclusion that any risks would be ‘extremely low’ and why is this not be treated in the same way as a drug change, ie a 6 month stand down? Is one person crashing and killing someone acceptable to you?More to the point, why haven’t you insisted to Pharmac that anyone currently fully controlled and driving continue having their current brand funded and stay on it?
Since we are now in the position of the Medicines Safety Agency strongly disagreeing with the Medicines Funding Agency over the safety of this decision, until something is clarified either way you cannot continue to say there is no risk to individuals- or to the general public- if they carry on driving while changing brands of this medication. This is a PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE.
While I’m personally not affected in this area (permanently banned from driving due to the nature of my epilepsy), as a member of the public it terrifies me to think there will be people out there driving around not knowing their longstanding fully controlled epilepsy is at risk. Personally, I don’t want to be on the receiving end when they have a seizure behind the wheel and crash into the footpath. Are you really prepared to continue this stance?
Finally, should heaven forbid the worst happen and even one person dies or is seriously injured as a result of your refusal to face reality on this issue, will the NZTA be accepting any responsibility for their role given they are now fully aware? I sincerely hope you have sought legal advice on where you stand with this.
Please get this out there. If the worse case scenario did happen- and hope like hell it doesn't- there will be avoidable blood on the hands of a lot of Government agencies, but none of them will accept any responsibility.
It has, Guyon Espinor has been amazing. There's an even bigger story that's unfolding out of this with major ramifications. It's way more than just defunding a drug brand used for a couple of conditions that most of the public don't care about anyway.
Managing seizures so that you can have a normal life and not have them occurring when you are in a position where you can harm yourself and others – that's a serious thing.
My old car is good but has a 'condition' where in humid conditions water gets into the distributor or something and it will conk out just when I enter an intersection. CRC will fix it, stronger pressure on the accelerator will prevent it, but if it happens the steering goes, the motor dies, and i have to send distress signals to avoid harm. It's alarming but I can prevent it, and handle it if it happens.
So I sympathise. It is particularly important for your ability to have a life to have the right medication. Government should give Pharmac the right and also the responsibility to choose not just the best efficient drug for each disability, but also look at which is most effective. It is no good just being given a good quality drug, if it does not provide the essential help to prevent the momentary seizure that can lead to harm, injury or death.
(This would apply for someone who is not at an old age; there will be a need to limit more expensive drugs to people over say 75, as we are being too demanding in our numbers, living to longer age, and that is a fact.)
This letter is written in pain English to make it simple enough for even a Minister to understand, one would think.
Brilliant! (A young friend, reading one of the 2765 or so such letters/emails I've written to Ministers, CEOs, Managers, Lawyers and the like over the years on matters Disability, proffered the opinion that it was no wonder I was getting nowhere because I was assuming too high a level of comprehension from the addressee.
"One issue per letter, in plain language, and no polysyllables."
Kay, Peter and I are wishing you the very best outcome on this…we pay extra for one of Peter's meds that was disfunded by Pharmac a few years ago…but we're better placed to pay the extra with Peter now off the Supported (Hah!) Living Payment and grazing in the lusher pasture of National Super.
Knowing there are more than likely people closely connected to Parliament/Government who read this blog maybe they will see it.
I have no doubt there are…but do they actually care?
It seems there are far too many Coalition flag-wavers frequenting these pages…those that leap into print at the mere hint of complaint from those who are not feeling the Lovingkindness.
Rosemary, I'm not even fighting for my own situation anymore. Well it's on hold, it has to be. I had no idea just how ill fighting the government could make you, physically and mentally. I have even more admiration for you now- how the hell have you kept this up for so long and not lost the plot completely??? I'm under GPs orders to back off for now the situation got so dangerous.
As that email is referring to, it's the very real dangers facing people who are currently fully controlled and driving, something that's never going to affect me. I guess that's called giving a damn about people other than myself? A foreign concept to Public servants and politicians too…
…how the hell have you kept this up for so long and not lost the plot completely???
I have had the odd moment or nine. So has Peter. We tell each other to buck the fuck up, but sometimes when we both are laid low…it is hard not to be teary. But shit man…(for those close to the Government that lurk around these pages ) we ain't dead yet. We have nothing to lose…well, MOH funding for Peter's care since they still refuse to pay…so we have no fear of speaking out. You just might be shocked how vulnerable MOH DSS clients feel. If they complain publicly, funding could be cut. I'm more than happy to be a goad…
Oranga Tamariki following the letter of the law? They want to keep whanau together and their relationships and culture alive as encouraged for decades, presumably. But also well known is that when children are bonded with loving people, it breaks a child's trust and feeling of security and instinctive acceptance of continual caring relationships when cut-and-dried law results in separation and replacement with other carers.
This is not just a case of pakeha preference, it is following a practice that Maori have wanted.
If you bred any of those nasty little fucking handbag rats much adored by young women and the retired to be as big as a staffy or ridgeback you would have a lethal, filthy tempered killing machine without paralell in the animal world.
Worse than the nasty little rats that often come on to this blog and want to take a rabid bite out of our arms or anywhere, they don't care? They have never been properly trained in how to consider other people in society fairly and considerately, and shouldn't be left alone in a room with a computer, Facebook or twitter.
What was the name of the immense snake in Harry Potter books? N-something. Very reliable in service of Voldemoor, but didn't Harry find that he had some of her genes, and could understand snake language – a bit horrifying for him?
I tend to see analogies; we all have some of the unpleasant side of snake-like people which we have to keep under control. I often hiss when I find something annoying. Sometimes I worry about myself!
Yes PeterCh That's what I am trying to lessen. I have to be in a room with other computer users soon and want to show that my parents brought me up well.
Read "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling, greywarshark, if you want to get inside a snake's skin; it's a remarkable short story, featuring a mongoose and two cobra snakes; it'll have you curled up on your chair, looking to the corners of the room 🙂
If you have met a 'nasty little fucking handbag rat' Adrian and it was in a situation that leaves you in a foul temper, I feel for you. But the bigger dogs have a bigger bite, and nipped heels, and if accompanied by careless, inconsiderate women are not in the same league as being mauled by mini-tigers.
Chch gunman in court this morning. Pleaded 'not guilty'. What on earth is he thinking? If someone films their crime and broadcasts it live, bit of a problem mounting a defence i would have thought.
His lawyer certainly drew the short straw with this.
Of course he is going to plead Not Guilty – he wants his day/s in Court and to be as big a toe-rag as possible, playing our system of civilian justice for all its worth. If we got as tough as he we would kill him without much ado but we are afraid that we will look into the abyss, and see ourselves if we do that.
Yes not guilty to get his day in court………..that is all he has. The rest of his life is finished. Years and years, day in day out in virtual solitary……………
I hope the judge shuts it down as much as possible within the law.
Yes, I think it does sound horrendous Peter, regardless of what he has done. But then I think of those who have lost love ones and also the survivors and their injuries, one woman who will never walk again, one who is in constant pain due to the damage the bullet did and the little girl with unknown consequences of the effect of the bullet in her brain. My compassion goes to them. they didn't choose it…….He did.
True, but why would anyone actually 'choose' that? My sympathies too go to the victims and their loved ones. But somewhere somehow the shooter is ill or something similar. Hate is easy. Understanding is not.
On this site, I have been called a right wing troll (absolutely not true), yet on this, I am a 'bleeding heart liberal'.
Hanibal Lector was so true. Execute or put to work. But torture (which is his de facto future) is not worthy of the 21st century.
Thing is, he's not ill. He's ideological. There is a difference.
And execution is still worse than imprisonment.
As for his status, if found guilty he needs to be in prison to protect us, and he needs to be in solitary to protect himself. He'd still get to talk to his guards.
Entitled to your point of view about the gunman Peter.
Given he is not pleading Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (which would mean he was psychotic at the time and out of touch with reality) we can assume he was sane. We all have to take responsibility for our actions. If we don't that means we blame someone else. There is no one else to blame here.
The shooter was exposed to extremist views. He continued to engage with them. He developed a hatred for people of the Muslim faith. He took many months/years to plan and execute these horrendous attacks that cost 51 their lives left many injured and disabled and disturbed the peace of mind of many, many others. In pleading not guilty, he shows no remorse or sympathy for his victims. I and many others suspect he has done that to expose his hate filled views and gain notoriety.
His will now be the most hideous existence and likely he will have long periods where he wishes he was dead and regrets what he did, not for his victims, but for himself. I know myself to be a compassionate person and have no problem saving that compassion for those who are deserving of it.
It's so costly to keep them locked up. If they can't be contained where they can grow their own food and not run away or have a go at staff, they would be better off dead. We will have better people to look after, including ourselves.
Not guilty will be to gain a platform to mount a defence in order to promote his philosophy. Be interesting to see how a Judge handles the extent of that.
A barrister acting for someone like the shooter who seems to have no attributes or soul, in giving his defence acts against his own nature but follows the law which says that we should hear what can be said in the accused's defence. I think defending bastards that he thought were guilty led to Greg King's death.
Unbelievably, some idiot was outside court this morning abusing Muslims attending the session for Mosque shooter. Heil Hitler salutes and Nazi music (the Nazis actually actively helped Muslim freedom movements, so he is ignorant as well as bigoted and just plain stupid). And of course nasty anti Muslim speech. He has now appeared in court.
I despair. A crazy like ******* is one thing, but the supporters, in the cool light of day, scare me more.
Teeth brushing programs for primary schools would be excellent preventative care, and have a flow-on effect for other health problems and general wellbeing of children. A caring community being both kindly and practical!
We need to be caring about our young people who may be prevented from gaining employment because of unreasonable and unnecessary drug tests that bear no relation to their readiness and ability to do the work they apply for. Two opinions about drug testing methods:
This week the Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told parliament's health select committee that a register to track patients who have been harmed by mesh implants would be too expensive and take too much time.
FFS! He expects the DHBs to collect the data in their region..too much for the MOH to assign one of their overpaid bureaucrats to simply be the person that receives that data from the DHBs on a regular basis and puts them a file for future reference.
They are deliberately sidestepping here…you can't measure what you don't count.
Really disappointing. Have a friend who was severely damaged by mesh implants, and has been active with select committee hearings.
Part of the difficulty of her return to health was the relationships between surgeons and specialists in this small country of ours. Our ACC was the reason given why some NZ patients were unable to join in on class action lawsuits in the states. However, many in NZ have been unable to get compensation or support from ACC as they won't recognise the injuries caused by the mesh implants.
It may be that the mode of attack points to a state actor – one of the ships claimed to have been torpedoed. A torpedo is a bit more complex than the usual scratchbuilt bombs employed by the likes of ISIS for example. Limpet mines appear to have used, and these are primarily available to states – though of course one could readily supply them to the perpetrators.
I think your source contains wildebeests of dubious provenance Brigid. 2,300 Humvees would be noticed, as would an Abrams tank battalion. Sure they had plenty of Toyota trucks – they're a preferred civilian and civil service vehicle in the region.
IEDs seem to be a preference with ISIS, which might be because they don’t have an Abrams tank battalion.
Explosive violence in Iraq in 2018
There were 2,510 deaths and injuries from explosive violence
60% (1,508) were civilians
This is a 77% decrease in civilian casualties from explosive violence. In 2017, AOAV recorded 6,571 civilian casualties from explosive weapons in Iraq,
Of civilian deaths and injuries, 89% were caused by IEDs
When explosive violence was used in a populated area in Iraq last year 86% of those dead and injured were civilians https://aoav.org.uk/explosiveviolence/iraq/
It's time we mounted a humanitarian project and took all those people off Manus Island, not only for their health and humanity, but for ours and that or the Pacific Island country that is under such strain and warping of their life and culture and ability to plan for their future under CC and CUH (Chinese/Usa hegemony).
For years, the Manus Provincial Police Commander David Yapu has dealt with the impact of hundreds of young, male refugees foisted on his community by Australia.
Conflict and crime are just some of the problems My Yapu has faced, but its only now with refugee suicide attempts reaching epidemic proportions that the police commander has turned to policy makers in Port Moresby.
"There must be some intervention from the government because the trend of attempted suicide is growing," Mr Yapu said.
"Anything drastic can happen, meaning that they can lose their life. This is something that I don't want to see."
Refugees have reported about 40 suicide attempts or incidents of self harm since the Australian election on 18 May, a statistic borne out by Mr Yapu's plea in which he described two attempted hangings and a failed self immolation last week, while admitting the situation was beyond his control.
This will go in our history where we sat back and did nothing but ineffectually wag our hands and tongues. It is hard to bear to think of these poor people inside and outside of the prison complex. And we are being screwed by the Australians as well. Have we any strength of will; do we have any integrity or are we true mercenaries, willing to sell ourselves and our integrity if any, if we are offered the right price?
Can we start a fund-raiser to send a fleet of little boats there, like Dunkirk. This might prompt some nastiness! But would highlight the disaster for the world's attention. Embarrassment at being shown up might do it.
And where would they come to in NZ. Pepin Island say? What about buying that NZ Government and settling them there and giving them the care and mental health services they need and deserve. That would be a good answer, as similar events will continue to happen. And we need to remember that NZ troops have participated in attacks and destruction of home areas that have caused many of these people to flee. We help destabilise the world, and injure and kill and deprive the populations in those places.
Where are our standards, our morals, our higher civilisation, or are we at heart ready to sink below the bottom line as long as we are comfortable? We won't be for long anyway, so let us try to do some good and not misuse our intelligence and cleverness to take us below the beasts as we decline.
That is a great idea Stuart. That would smooth the way in to our paradise, and keep the cockies quiet for a short time. They would all live in a giant housebus and have a medical team alongside. They might be able to cope for 4 hours a day. They would be pretty debilitated mentally if not physically but some therapeutic work not over demanding would be good.l
Hi greywarshark…. I agree fully …. refugees have contributed and benefited to New Zealand throughout our past …..
Recently The Canadians found that refugees payed more tax and contributed to society more than their Millionaire Investor citizens…. The Aussies also found the same sad sack returns from their rich investment citizen schemes
Not to long ago, The Aussie five eyes spies bluffed, bullshitted and punked our prime minister …. when she previously offered NZ to take 100 ( or more? ) refugees off the Ausie Island prison camps.
Shortly after the offer our media carried stories of the aussie navy turning back refugee boats bound for Nz … it was reported as the Aussies stopped these boats from " crossing the ditch " …… To me "The ditch" infers the Tasman sea ….. but according to the Aussie Navy, these boats were turned back into Indonesian waters … So thousands of miles and a sea or two away.
In what seemed a beat up to me ,,,, Aussie 'officials' and herald type media …. were trying to blame jacinda Arden for an upsurge in mythical NZ bound boat people.
In January of this year we were 'warned' that a fishing boat, full of refugees, had left India , NZ bound which is over 11,000 Kms…… never to be heard of again.
John Key fearmongered about refugee boats for most of his DP time as PM …. his proof was … steel boats … and vague reports of the threat ' getting closer'.
It's all bullshit ……….. as the old rooted and often dangerous refugee boats … will always try to make it onto Aussie soil.
The aussie strategy is intercept and prevent this ……. as it allows them to deny a lot of rights refugees who actually make it onto Aussie soil would be entitled to.
Its a cynical stripping of human rights ,, this aussie intercept at sea ,,,, is a nasty creative run around policy…. to avoid acting humane
It is to be noted that the Aussie intelligence agencies have been living in the pockets of the CIA for many decades. So, it is not surprising they have acted from time to time in the same devious and dishonest way.
Interesting report on the Globug electricity pre-payment system (through Mercury I think.) It sounds like a feel-good advertisement but they have anecdotes to say that it works for people who make payments regularly rather than monthly and if they try to do so will get all the discounts that regular monthly account holders would get. They may get behind and get cut off, but if they contact their provider they can get electricity reinstated quickly with no hefty charge for the reinstatement. It sounds Hope it is as good as it sounds.
It doesn't sound good at all. I gather the issue is people who end up on Globug are people who have financial issues already, and are unlikely to be ontop of payments, otherwise they would be okay with the usual system..
A new satisfaction survey shows Globug customers are more likely to say they are getting bad service.
Globug is a prepay power service that is often used as a last resort by people who have poor credit and can't get an account with another retailer.
"Consumers who've experienced financial difficulty paying their bills or had their power disconnected may have no other choice than Globug," Consumer NZ head of research Jessica Wilson said.
That is interesting. It came up as a news item I thought. But my antennae thought it sounded too smooth. So thanks for the feedback. I must look again and see the steps – if Radionz have started advertorials I shall go up and kick them in the bum.
Some people eh – so sad and reduced to nothing inside themselves that they hate on others because of skin pigmentation or religious beliefs – yep the real deal – and the others who refuse to notice this shit even when they live down there – ffs
Shooting survivor Mustafa Boztas was speaking to media on Lichfield Street outside the court shortly before 11am, when the Pākehā man approached them and appeared to make race-related threats.
The man had earlier been sitting on a bicycle on the street, playing music with Nazi lyrics though a set of handheld speakers.
From my reading the increases by increasing the number of pay steps have been loaded to take effect from July 2020. Excluding the $1,500 one off bonus paid only to the union members, those non union will also have to wait another 3 months for their increase to apply – delaying the financial impact to the govts books.
Increasing beginning teachers pay hopefully will make the profession a little more appealing. Still like so many workers of today the difficulty in funding the "Affordable" $650k 2+ bedroom house
So the following govt. will have to deal with the implications as this agreement takes effect a few months before the next election.
It's almost as though a three-party coalition government might struggle to define and implement a cohesive policy programme, or something. If people are concerned about it, they should vote Labour or Green next time so those two can govern without NZ First. You'd see a coherent policy programme then, alright.
During the Key government the huge wind farm project planned for near Huntly named Hauauru Ma Raki, was cancelled when the price of coal dropped. Eric Sykes the head of the Wind Energy Association of New Zealand said at the tim, "the right policy settings" could see the cancelled Hauauru Ma Raki wind farm be restarted.
So why aren’t these policy settings being put in place?
Tanya it is not good the out comes of the tamariki who end up in state care most of those tamariki are Maori & Pacific tamariki they end up in jail or on the streets .
I think that the state abuse should be dragged out into court and sorted OUT so that the state abuse of tamariki will stop .
Eco Maori knows what the state not listening to one concerns as I have tried to use the Official Information act 3 x nothing.
Its sad Tanya that you lost your sister to suerside ultermitly because of state abuse being covered up. .
I agree people should not be put through recalling the trummer 2 or 3 X to get justice that would trummertize you and darn right rude that the person who was listening to you story of abuse while in state care falling asleep is down right rude and disrespectful the state servants are all about protecting them selves and there m8 and the state who care of the carnage that there actions do to the poor common tangata.
I don,t think a state opolergy is going to make any difference to the people whos lives have been harmed I say drag the people at fault for the abuse over the hot coals of a court and COMPONSATION for the people who have been abused that will improve the people whos lives that have been dammaged more than sorry Tova but thanks for this story.
david free speech is diffrent to Hate Speech and white supremacy if we let fools make hate speech and white supremacy common practices we will end up in anarchy A big MESS.
Niki shonky ran NZ like a busness take over he slashed and burned the state agencys budeget and sack heads of agencys use the state police to suppress people that were a threat to him and his goals all targeting a surplase in the state budget denied the housing crisses he was making . One can not run a goverment to cater for one small part of our socity the state need to be run for the better of all people not just the 00.1 %
Kia kaha Extinction Rebellion all the people around the world for championing human caused climate change our grandchildren futures are so special to Eco Maori ka pai.
Extinction Rebellion protesters stop rush-hour traffic in London
Lewisham campaigners block three roads into city centre to highlight ‘air pollution crisis
Environmental protesters stopped traffic on three main roads into central Londonfrom the south-east in protest over the “air pollution crisis” in the area.
The protesters, organised by a local chapter of the Extinction Rebellion group, blocked traffic on the A20 near Lewisham station, A205 South Circular in Catford and the A2 in Deptford during the morning rush-hour.
XR said the action was intended as the first in a series of disruptions in the area as part of a campaign called Let Lewisham Breathe. Protesters handed out leaflets and cake to apologise for the disruption caused on a main route into the centre of London.
Extinction Rebellion protesters in Lewisham. Photograph: Lorna Greenwood/Extinction Rebellion
Lorna Greenwood, who took part in the protest despite being nine months pregnant, said she and about 50 fellow activists – all from the local area – began their action at 7.30am ka kite ano link below.
Eco Maori thanks the Pope for his declaration that Human Caused Climate Change is a World Emergency ka pai.
Pope Francis has declared a global “climate emergency”, warning of the dangers of global heating and that a failure to act urgently to reduce greenhouse gases would be “a brutal act of injustice toward the poor and future generations”.
He also endorsed the 1.5C limit on temperature rises that some countries are now aiming for, referring to warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of “catastrophic” effects if we crossed such a threshold. He said a “radical energy transition” would be needed to stay within that limit, and urged young people and businesses to take a leading role.
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“Future generations stand to inherit a greatly spoiled world. Our children and grandchildren should not have to pay the cost of our generation’s irresponsibility,” he said, in his strongest and most direct intervention yet on the climate crisis. “Indeed, as is becoming increasingly clear, young people are calling for a change.”
The Pope’s impassioned plea came as he met the leaders of some of the world’s biggest multinational oil companies in the Vatican on Friday to impress upon them the urgency and scale of the challenge, and their central role in tackling the emissions crisis. It followed a similar meeting last year, but this time the Pope’s stance was tougher as he warned that time was running out and urged them to hear “the increasingly desperate cries of the earth and its poor
Ollie I don't think david cares really he just wants the publicity who cares about the people whom are hurting because of hate speech and people who think that they are superior.
Condolences for the whanau of the plane that crashed and the pilot died in NZ
I think everyone should put those life bars on Quads I have had a close call 6 years ago .
I don't think the Nelson council should leavening that leakey suerage pipe spewing crap into Tangaroa for another minute if farmers do something like that they would get a huge fine .
It is shocking the way Australia treats those refugees asylum seekers on manus island the people are self harming and can't see a better future than death WTF Scottmo gets of your ASS and fix this atrocity.
It is very cool all the buildings and aroha that Sir Edmond Hillary graced Nepal with awesome to give it was the old Maori way to give a the receiver userly tried to out gift the other if they had the resources.
I say that oranga tamariki is going to change its prosess in the way that they assess and up lift Pepe and tamariki I hope that they have Maori whanau involvement and maybe get a credible kaumatua to sign the papers before pepe are up lifted should be same Iwi but not a immediate whanau member ie they should not no each other for a fair CALL.
Aotearoa produces enough food to feed 40 million people worldwide that is one of the reason why I back our farmers for one food is going to become more expensive and harder for the common and the poor people to get with Global warming. We have to do our part to feed the whole Papatuanuku. The other is corporate farming taking over our farms and turning Aotearoa into one big factory farm f that.
Awesome to that Wahine printing te reo on cloving kia kaha I missed her company name Eco Maori mite have to get a few shirts branded with my name.
"Non-union teachers are angry that they will have to wait three months to get the pay rises that the Government has offered to union members…Justin Lindsay, a Hastings Boys' High School music teacher who is philosophically opposed to unions, said the three-month delay in the pay rise for non-union members is unprecedented and unfair.
"We are the teachers who would like to see performance pay and individual contracts," he said.That's a philosophical issue, but I feel like we are being punished for taking that point of view."
Charter school founder Alwyn Poole said even the three-month advance on the pay rise and the $1500 lump sum were less than the fees paid by union members. Union members have paid, on average, well in excess of $500 a year for the last three years and the next three years, i.e. $3000," he said. The percentage increase for three months will only be marginal. Plus the union members have struck for at least three days, [losing] approximately $900. So us non-members are still winning by about $2000 and don't have all of the ridiculous hassle of union membership."
I guess Justin Lindsay will be refusing the pay increases and contacting the Ministry of Education to negotiate an Individual Employment Agreement with performance based pay. If teachers want the pay increases at the same time as every one else, well, they could join the union.
And as for Alwyn Poole, well, if it wasn't for the education unions it's very likely the pay rates for teachers would be quite a bit lower than they are at present and teachers would still be dealing with rubbish like National Standards and Charter Schools.
You cannot expect to pound communities into the ground day after day, year after year, decade after decade and just expect them to take it lying down. There’s a point at which the place will explode. And we’re faced with some very big ructions on both sides of the Atlantic ...
Back in May, Destiny Church leaders Brian and Hannah Tamaki launched another political party. Despite consisting entirely of followers of their religion, they grandly called it "Coalition New Zealand", in a vain effort to suggest it was something broader. But when they applied for registration, submitters opposed the name, as ...
The following article is excerpted and translated from two articles in recent issues of Lutte de Classe (Class Struggle), the magazine of Lutte Ouvrière (Workers Struggle), the revolutionary workers group active in France. We don’t necessarily agree with everything in it – for instance, the 1956-62 war for independence involved rather more revolutionary forces than ...
The Pacific is on the front line of climate change, and if we don't cut emissions quickly, some countries are literally going to be underwater. Because of this, small Pacific states had tried to use this week's Pacific Islands Forum meeting to get Pacific countries to agree to ending coal ...
To Limit Another's Rights Is To Limit One's Own: Is it too much to expect senior members of our Government to be capable of explaining that we protect the rights of human-beings precisely because not even the most depraved act can cancel-out the fact that its perpetrator is also a ...
Going Down? Once truth and propaganda become fused in the minds of one’s followers, debate and discussion become redundant. If one’s opponents are all outrageous liars, then engaging with them in any way is pointless. Rather than waste its time, a political party should, instead, target all its messages at ...
This section builds on Part 1 of this series to provide a theoretical basis for the final instalment (part 3 – to come). Self-determination: law or resurgence — or both? International law promotes the principal of equal treatment and self-determination, which includes peoples’ rights to freely pursue their social, cultural and ...
Everyone was outraged yesterday to learn that the Christchurch shooting accused had been able to send mail from prison to his Nazi fans, apparently pushing more hate. "How could this possibly happen", people asked. Simple: because New Zealand is a civilised country, and so we let prisoners send and receive ...
If we are to avoid dangerous anthropogenic climate change, we need to rapidly decarbonise our transport fleet. The good news: its starting to happen:The number of electric vehicles on New Zealand's roads have nearly tripled in the past two years. There are currently 15,453 registered electric vehicles (EVs), up ...
We need to fundamentally reframe our systems settings to address the drivers causing and underpinning inequality; structural change in systems especially financial. The Equality Network Hui was held in Wellington on 27 June 2019. The hui covered important topics such as child poverty; a living wage; taxation; public health; mental ...
The views-per-page for some of my recent postings:Depressing, isn't it? Provide thoughtful and wise commentary on the mainstream of British politics and no-one notices. Make a passing reference to Tommy DICKHEAD Robinson in a thread title and you get hundreds of views. Write something about anti-Semitism and you get another ...
The government has announced plans to move the Treaty of Waitangi and other taonga to a new site. Great news! So where are they going? Right next to the old one:The new plan will see a new 22,000-square-metre archive built on the former site of Defence House - the former ...
Back in June, StatsNZ went public about a project to track population data on an hourly level by using people's cellphones. It wasn't as bad as it initially looked - they were receiving no individual data, only counts by suburb - but there was still a huge consent problem, so ...
Most economists agree that a currently slowing economy could do with some stimulus – and they would also agree that there is no shortage of infrastructure projects which could be brought to productive fruition with help from that stimulus. In view of the current practice of sub-contracting economic policy decisions ...
I did an interview on the TVNZ Breakfast Show about the situation in Hong Kong. I tried to frame the issue as a collective action problem between two sides with very different end games. The video is here. Because of time constraints we could not discuss the fact that the ...
Image Credit: Wild Rose College A new study reporting the ranges of values for kidney and liver parameters in a healthy population is being actively misrepresented by anti-fluoride campaigners. The Fluoride Action Network’s (FAN) latest ...
Image Credit: Wild Rose College A new study reporting the ranges of values for kidney and liver parameters in a healthy population is being actively misrepresented by anti-fluoride campaigners. The Fluoride Action Network’s (FAN) latest ...
AN OPEN LETTER FOR SIGN ON BY ORGANISATIONS AND MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE WORLD, ALLIED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INEQUALITY. This letter was released at the UN Political Forum on 9 July, where the Sustainable Development Goal on inequality was reviewed. The purpose of the letter is to call out the ...
We asked a young gay science student and critic of trans ideology and the trans activists’ assault on women’s and gay rights to outline his views on Redline. Thanks to him for his article. by Cian Ó Catháin Gender identity ideology (Gender ID) is ripping through western society at full ...
The Environment Committee is currently hearing submissions on the Zero Carbon Bill, and Stuff is reporting on the submissions. Today, they're covering yesterday they heard from "NZ" Steel:NZ Steel has told MPs it may be forced to close with the loss of thousands of jobs if changes aren't made to ...
Students are striking against climate change on September 27. And this time, they're asking everyone to join them:Students are taking to the streets, beaches and parks on 27 September, and we're inviting everyone to join us. That's right, this is an intergenerational issue, and you're all invited to put pressure ...
Peter McKenzie has a piece on Newsroom this morning about how local body politics is awash with property developer cash. 70% of all the donations in the 2016 Wellington mayoral election came from property developers. And its pretty obvious what they want in exchange:That’s particularly important in local government, according ...
Source: Unknown, twitter user Recently, I wrote a (relatively) short paper titled as above, to explore what self-determination could like in a practical sense. Maybe I’m a bit of an international trade truther or something, but I absolutely believe trade is at the heart of achieving peace and self-determination. Since ...
In the 1960s, after I had graduated with a first-class Oxford postgraduate law degree, I joined the British Foreign Office as the top entrant of my year. There, I worked for a couple of years on European affairs and was eventually posted to the Embassy in Brussels. After this exposure ...
Alone, Alone. All, All Alone: Will it be a good or a bad thing, when humanity’s bright blue spacecraft is stricken by the civilisation-destroying problem of Climate Change, that no Huston Control will be standing-by to rescue the crew?“WE HAVE A PROBLEM, HUSTON.” These were the words used by the ...
I heard a 45 minute interview with Monica Lewinsky talking to TED’s Chris Anderson on BBC Radio 4 over the weekend, and have listened to it another two times out walking. I recommend it. Highly. Man, I am so impressed with how this woman has integrated her life experiences and ...
Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, The Coddling of the American Mind: how good intentions and bad ideas are setting up a generation for failure, London, Penguin, 2019, 352pp; reviewed by Gearóid Ó Loingsigh Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff’s book The Coddling of the American Mind is a timely book, whose ...
When the Justice Committee reported back on the Administration of Justice (Reform of Contempt of Court) Bill, free speech advocates breathed a sigh of relief. As originally introduced, the Bill reitered the ancient offence of "scandalising the court" - basicly, a special sedition law protecting judges from criticism. The select ...
Eighteen months ago, the government promised to strengthen the Bill of Rights Act, by explicitly affirming the power of the courts to issue declarations of inconsistency and requiring Parliament to formally respond to them. Since then - crickets. Which raises the obvious question: are they actually going to do this, ...
Back in March, the Ministry of Justice conducted a public consultation exercise on whether to hold a review of the Official Information Act. 285 people submitted on it. Now, Stuff has trawled through those submissions, and the case for reform is strong:The Justice Ministry asked Kiwis what they thought was ...
National's prisoner voting ban has gone down as one of the worst laws in New Zealand history. Passed after a farcical debate (including this farcial speech from ACT MP Hilary Calvert), it has subsequently been found to be inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act by the High Court, Court ...
Divided Loyalties: Can the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, be relied upon? That’s what the boys and girls at Foggy Bottom and the Pentagon needed to be reassured about. Because, from the perspective of Washington, it’s looking more and more like Jacinda Ardern and her Labour Party comrades are getting ready ...
This handy Queer Theory Glossary is from thetranswidow.com In case you’ve had trouble keeping up with the spate of new queer theory terms, here’s a handy glossary for your reference. Queer – A straight person with an interesting haircut. Non-binary/genderqueer – A chubby young female, typically 16-28, who has ...
by Daphna Whitmore US social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt spoke on 1 August in Auckland to a crowd of around one thousand people. He is best known for his bookThe Coddling of the American Mind which examines the new climate of trigger warnings and acute sensitivity of Gen Z. ...
What an extraordinarily depressing experience it is to be compelled to watch, at 12,000 miles distance, the contortions and machinations of the British political class as they set about their determined attempt to overturn the decision taken by the British people that they wish to leave the European Union. The ...
The winter grazing issue is becoming a highly sensitised one that I hope will not become so politicised that it delays solutions and results in the suicides of some very stressed farmers.Winter grazing has hit the headlines after a determined campaign, including the release of a video of some very ...
by Don Franks Way back when British guitar virtuoso Joe Brown was a beginning session guy he got to back a visiting American artist. Young Joe was an able technician but had yet to learn some points of professionalism. Part way through “Five foot high and rising” Joe tired of ...
Since scientists started studying climate change, they have warned that it will reduce food production. And now, its happening:The climate crisis is damaging the ability of the land to sustain humanity, with cascading risks becoming increasingly severe as global temperatures rise, according to a landmark UN report compiled by some ...
The Abortion Legislation Bill just passed its first reading, 94-23. Its a far bigger margin than I expected, even allowing for the Winston factor, and it reflects the overwhelming support there is in this country for reform. but that support isn't a new thing - it has existed for literally ...
The Justice Committee has called for submissions on the Referendums Framework Bill. The Bill does what it says on the label - establishes a framework for referenda. Things you may want to address in your submission: Whether the bill should apply only at the 2020 election, or whether it should ...
The Thompson and Clark / MBIE spying scandal continues to result in fallout, this time in the form of a report on the implementation of MBIE's "Operation Exploration", its internal operation to enforce the infamous Anadarko Amendment which criminalised protests against the oil industry. MBIE's enforcement operation was tainted by ...
So, Winston Peters is defending his last-minute demand for a referendum on abortion by claiming he was "blindsided" by the bill. Really? The bill is a government bill. It has been working through the cabinet approval process since December last year. As part of that process, NZ First was consulted, ...
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...
Last week, the ongoing democracy protests in Hong Kong saw a pro-Hong Kong student assaulted at the University of Auckland. The Chinese consulate in Auckland followed this up with a press release "express[ing] its appreciation to the students for their spontaneous patriotism" - effectively condoning the assault and inciting further ...
Only those who close their eyes and minds to the evidence can still be in any doubt that we are facing a climate change crisis. The evidence is conclusive that the world is not only getting inexorably hotter, but also that the rising temperatures are creating a number of other ...
Rural communities are wailing about forestry conversions "taking land out of production" and putting it into locking up carbon. Its driven purely by economics: there's more money and lower costs in carbon than in sheep or beef, and if carbon prices rise, there'll be more net money than dairy even. ...
This week, the government introduced its (underwhelming) Abortion Legislation Bill. And despite having negotiated the text of the bill through the coalition process, Winston Peters is now suggesting that he will demand a referendum on it:NZ First leader Winston Peters has hinted that his party may only support the Government's ...
Blowing-Up The House: Is Winston Peters planning to put himself at the head of all those New Zealanders who refuse to countenance the Coalition Government caving-in to the Ihumatao protesters? The most effective way of doing this would be to issue Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with an ultimatum. If she ...
Last night the police dramatically incresed their numbers at Ihumātao, shoving over protestors and threatening them with arrest. Despite police talk about the need to maintain "public order" and prevent a "breach of the peace", there appeared to be absolutely no justification for this: the protest camp is, was, and ...
A Cult, that many actors, politicians, and those with a low IQ are joining is sweeping across civilisation, with one main intention – ending humans reign on Earth. Starting as a well meaning though deeply flawed theory, that the Earth was warming due to mankind emitting greenhouse gasses, it was ...
Today's abortion reform announcement is just the latest in a long line of disappointing decisions or outright failures from the Labour government. The 90-day law. KiwiBuild. A capital gains tax. Climate change. Every time they make one of those decisions, we hope for better next time. No repeal of the ...
The Greens used their party conference over the weekend to push for a rent-to-own scheme, where people would be able to work towards home ownership by renting from the government. Its a sensible policy, and one which could make a real difference to home ownership rates. But its also basicly ...
by Daphna Whitmore Over the past fortnight, thousands of people have come to the Ihumātao land protest in South Auckland. On 23 July police prepared to evict a few dozen people who had maintained the encampment at Ihumātao for the past three years. As hundreds of supporters arrived the ...
The following article is translated from an article in Lutte de Classe (Class Struggle), the magazine of the French revolutionary workers’ organisation Lutte Ouvrière (Workers Struggle). The United States’ blacklisting of the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, which took shape in Google’s ban on Huawei using its systems on its phones, marks a ...
There is a military phrase: “Full spectrum dominance”. It refers to the all-encompassing policy to dominate across all spheres of war. Lately, that has come to include the internet – in other words, cyberwarfare initiatives. That is in addition to land, sea, air and the like. Now, if ...
The IMF issued a Report on the state of the Economy as it is at present. Some of it points out significant issues that certainly warrant attention, but that we know already exist. Some of it is very much tied to the very obvious context of global concerns, that everyone ...
I'm glad to see the Lib Dems won.I had a moment of terror yesterday thinking that the Conservatives might cling on, due to a combination of Johnson's elevation to the premiership, the apparent uselessness of the Lib Dem candidate (who had failed to be elected in other constituencies) and the ...
. . Current Leader of the National Party, Simon Bridges gave the usual rah-rah speech to the Loyal & Faithful in Christchurch today (27 July). With National’s party polling and his own personal popularity sliding steadily in the polls, Mr Bridges has not much left to reverse his fortunes. ...
Those concerned for Langridge’s wellbeing say they hope he’ll change his mind when he sees the ocean coming. The protester who has vowed to stand outside Parliament every day until the Government announces a climate emergency says he accepts that his quest will most likely end in drowning. Ollie Langridge, ...
What will climate change do to our capital city? The Wellington City Council has updated its projections, ditching its optimistic 0.6m estimate for sea-level rise in favour of a more realistic 1.5m. And the result is devastating:Wellington City Council has unofficially ditched an optimistic sea-level rise scenario in favour of ...
Image Credit: How To Start a Blog – Beginner’s Guide for 2019 I notice a few regulars no longer allow public access to the site counters. This may happen accidentally when the blog format is altered. ...
More complaints have been aired about the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCICh) into the Christchurch terrorist attacks. These have centred on the perception that the RBICh has not paid enough attention to the Muslim community who were the targets of the attacks and the sole victims of them. Even though ...
The government has announced more decisions about the ETS, specifically about the phase-down of free allocation. Industrial emitters have been receiving free credits for a decade now, originally tied to 2005 emissions levels, then linked by National to current production (turning it into a direct pollution subsidy). If we are ...
Opportunities to dodge tax are shrinking with the completion of a new tax agreement with Switzerland, Revenue Minister Stuart Nash announced today. Mr Nash and the Swiss Ambassador David Vogelsanger have today signed documents to update the double tax agreement (DTA). The previous DTA was signed in 1980. “Double tax ...
Small Business Minister Stuart Nash says the report of the Small Business Council will help maintain the momentum for innovation and improvements in the sector. Mr Nash has thanked the members of the Small Business Council (SBC) who this week handed over their report, Empowering small businesses to aspire, succeed ...
Extra Police officers are being deployed from Northland to Southland with the graduation of a new wing of recruits from the Royal New Zealand Police College. “The graduation of 78 constables today means that 1524 new constables have been deployed since the government took office,” says Police Minister Stuart Nash. ...
Almost $600 million has been paid into taxpayers’ bank accounts in the past two months, after the first season of automatic tax assessments. Revenue Minister Stuart Nash says the completion of this year’s tax refund season is a significant milestone. “The ability of Inland Revenue to run auto calculations for ...
Simon Shepherd: Roads, schools, hospitals, prisons, the building blocks that keep society functioning. And we don't have enough. It's called the infrastructure deficit and will be the focus of a major conference this coming week. The man charged with ...
New Zealand has been issued a stark challenge from Pacific leaders to dramatically upscale its action to address climate breakdown, Oxfam says, after a clear rallying cry from nations at this week’s Pacific Islands Forum. ...
Support for Recreational Dope Going ‘Up in Smoke’ Family First NZ is welcoming yet another poll showing plummeting support for legalising cannabis in New Zealand. The Horizon Research poll shows support for legalising has plummeted from 60% last ...
The prospect of ending wider cannabis prohibition looks increasingly unlikely. Over the last nine months, the percentage of New Zealanders who would vote for legalising the personal use of cannabis has declined at a near linear rate of around 10% per ...
“It’s disappointing that news out of the United States of hospitalisations linked to illegal street drugs is somehow seen as relevant to the New Zealand vaping scene,” says Ben Pryor, Director of Alt New Zealand – the largest Kiwi-owned vaping company. ...
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the successful passing of Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill through parliament, by the New Zealand Government. ...
Today’s news from the Electoral Commission has provided the party with the clarity it was seeking around use of the word “Coalition” being used as the brand name of the party. ...
A recently released Otago University study has provided further evidence that low-quality housing is a significant problem in Aotearoa. This has prompted the Chief Executive of the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACENZ) Paul Evans to question “why ...
With the BNZ-Business NZ PMI signaling manufacturing is contracting , the Government needs to seriously consider tax relief, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union . ...
The New Zealand Maori Council has called for an overhaul of the Public Services executive ranks as the Corrections debacle shows mis-management and incompetence at the highest level. Matthew Tukaki, Executive Director of the New Zealand Maori Council has said ...
Findings from the 2018 New Zealand Consumer Survey have been released and the results are in; 48 per cent of respondents consider their purchases based on how ethically employees are treated. ...
The responsibility for the fact that Westland Milk Products is now in the hands of an overseas conglomerate 25% owned by the Chinese government can be laid fair and square at our government's doorstep. ...
As Fonterra is projecting multi million dollar losses for the second year in a row, it is clear the writing is on the wall for dairy as more and more Kiwis turn to plant milks. 22nd August is International Plant Milk Day and there is now a different plant ...
The $65,000 granted to Interislander so it can install electric vehicle chargers on its ferries is the most absurd waste of money yet to be delivered by the “Low Emissions” vehicle fund, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. ...
Wellingtonians will have the chance to hear international child rights experts from Ireland, Scotland and Samoa speak at the Making Child Rights Real in Aotearoa New Zealand seminar to be held in the city on Wednesday 21 August. ...
Paul Evans, Chief Executive of the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACENZ), is advocating a balanced approach to the development of productive land. ...
CPAG (Child Poverty Action Group) says that new research from the University of Otago provides a solid foundation for why the Government must not delay instating a comprehensive Warrant of Fitness for tenanted homes in Aotearoa-New Zealand, and ...
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that an officer drove carelessly during a pursuit and that this was the primary cause of a collision with a motorcycle that injured the rider. ...
Responding to the Prime Minister’s commitment of $150 million in funding for climate change response in the Pacific, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says: “It is no secret that many Pacific nations lack serious oversight when it ...
AUT research not only shows an increase in political affiliation, but that candidates affiliated to a central political party are more likely to win seats in Auckland local government. ...
On the 23rd of August School Strike NZ will join Ollie Langridge in his 100th day of sitting outside of New Zealand Parliament calling for the government to declare a climate emergency. School Strike 4 Climate NZ also demand that Parliament acknowledge ...
You have stood up for what is fair, and I am sure you will speak for over 7 million people who have been muted and rendered voiceless in Indian occupied Kashmir for more than a 10 days now. I am writing to bring to your notice the plight of Kashmiri ...
In the last 10 months alone, 11 petitions have been delivered to Parliament calling for medicines to be funded by Pharmac. Today, another nine petitions have been launched by Patient Voice Aotearoa (PVA) members asking that life changing, saving and extending ...
When we were first working to get Miscanthus approved for import into New Zealand, the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) waived the fee for their work because they thought that having Miscanthus in New Zealand was so very much in the ...
PHARMAC’s recent decision to fund two additional drugs from December this year has been widely welcomed by patients and the general public alike. The drugs, Kadcyla and Ibrance, are used in the treatment of advanced lung and breast cancers and will ...
Animal rights organisation SAFE is urging the Government to include experts and advocates from outside the agriculture industry on its newly announced winter crop grazing taskforce. ...
The Government’s plans to prohibit housing on ‘productive’ farmland will serve as yet another regulatory tax on housing, and is a shameful breach of Jacinda Ardern’s promise to fix housing supply, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union . ...
The latest round of the Ethnic Communities Development Fund opens today, supporting projects that grow the leadership and capability of ethnic groups, improve cultural understanding, and ensure our ethnic communities are a vibrant and celebrated part ...
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is warning of the dangers of hiking excise tax, in response to calls from a former Prime Minister for stronger action on alcohol harm. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “It seems inevitable ...
LGNZ will be cautiously assessing the wider implications of the newly proposed National Position Statement on Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL), noting that that it traverses a number of highly complex policy areas including housing affordability and property ...
Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s draft National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land, saying it will help ensure that New Zealand can grow its own vegetables and fruit. ...
Background documents for Budget 2019 are now available from on the Treasury website: https://treasury.govt.nz/publications/information-release/budget-2019-information-release ...
The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry has welcomed a move by Crown agencies to lift confidentiality obligations on survivors of abuse in State care arising from settlement agreements with the Crown. ...
An evaluation of New Zealand’s first sexual violence court has confirmed that the approach taken in the judge-led pilot considerably reduces the time that cases take to reach trial. ...
The National Party is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Bennett as our Campaign Chair for the 2020 General Election, President Peter Goodfellow says. ...
14 August 2019 – 18 senior business leaders and employment experts have been appointed as judges for New Zealand’s sixth annual Equal Pay Awards reflecting the breadth of companies who have entered. The Awards added three new categories in 2018: Innovation, ...
Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “This is more proof that bureaucrats do not make good tech tycoons, no matter how much taxpayer money they throw at geeks in Silicon Valley.” ...
August marks five years of the Community Finance initiative. In addition to its well established Financial Mentoring service, The Salvation Army has held more than 5800 financial conversations with Community Finance clients. The loan program helps ...
Today 14/8/19 on news hub AM show Duncan Garner asked National Party leader Simon Bridges ‘what would he do to combat climate change and improve the economy again if he is the next PM”. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/08/simon-bridges-says-most-kiwis-believe-system-gamed-at-last-election.html ...
DairyNZ Chief Executive Dr Tim Mackle is urging the Government to work with agricultural groups to drive real behaviour change on farm, instead of imposing a broad-based tax. Sector organisations have put forward an alternative Primary Sector Climate ...
Iwi forging closer relationship with Stats NZ over Māori data solutions The Data Iwi Leaders Group supports the findings of an independent review into the 2018 New Zealand Census – but says its failings provide a unique opportunity to co-design ...
“Any justification for paying exorbitant salaries to senior managers in business has just been buried in the Fonterra debacle” said Peter Malcolm spokesperson for Income Equality Aotearoa New Zealand Inc---“Closing the Gap” ...
Students are celebrating the Governments announcement of a student voice consultation document at the ‘Voices of the Sector’ hui at Waikato University today. ...
The Spinoff is covering local elections across the country with a new pop-up section. To kick things off, Hayden Donnell went to a mayoral debate at Grey Power on the North Shore of Auckland.John Tamihere walked into the mayoral debate at North Shore Grey Power on Friday just minutes after ...
The Spinoff is covering local elections across the country with a new pop-up section. To kick things off, Hayden Donnell went to a mayoral debate at Grey Power on the North Shore of Auckland.John Tamihere walked into the mayoral debate at North Shore Grey Power on Friday just minutes after ...
Things I Learned at Art School is a new series featuring artists discussing how they do what they do and know what they know. In the second instalment, Megan Dunn talks to Berlin-based New Zealander Simon Denny about Michael Parekowhai, teaching and technology, and an idea involving the online shoe ...
With the acquisition of global rugby streaming leader RugbyPass, Sky might have just secured its future, writes Trevor McKewen.For several months now, the war between Sky and Spark Sport for the peerless prize of All Blacks and New Zealand rugby rights from 2021 onwards has been escalating. Every week, one ...
The Lightbulb asks innovators and entrepreneurs how they turned their ideas into reality. This week we talk to Jamie Cashmore, co-founder of Auckland-based edible packaging company Twiice. First of all, give us your elevator pitch for Twiice.Twiice is a company making edible coffee cups with plans to progress into other areas ...
The recent discovery of a fossil parrot the size of a human toddler is even more reason for Foulden Maar to be protected, writes the chairperson of Save Foulden Maar, Kimberley Collins.Last week, scientists discovered a new species of extinct parrot in the St Bathans Fauna. Weighing in at seven ...
Could a new hybrid of all the government’s major media holdings solve multiple media and government problems? Duncan Greive assesses the case.The media industry, despite what some of us might like to believe, really doesn’t matter all that much economically. Doesn’t employ all that many people. Relatively low wage. ...
The three governing parties are turning their attention to next year’s general election. RNZ‘s Jo Moir surveys the field.The night New Zealand First formed a government with Labour and the Greens, its leader Winston Peters quoted the song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.Almost two years later all three ...
Analysis: The botched census brings down a chief executive, there's another wave of speculation about Christopher Luxon standing for National and NZ First could sink an attempt to reverse the ban on prisoner voting. ...
Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk Wording has played a crucial role in a reportedly “fierce” Pacific Islands Forum in Tuvalu with Australia allegedly managing to alter documental terms to downplay its commitment to climate change mitigation. According to RNZ Pacific, a communiqué and separate statement on climate change was released ...
Australia’s coal policy and its use of carry over credits to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement have come under fire and been major points of contention at this year’s 50th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Meeting in Funafuti, Tuvalu. READ MORE: ‘We should have done more for our ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael O’Keefe, Head of Department, Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University The Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tuvalu this week has ended in open division over climate change. Australia ensured its official communique watered down commitments to respond to climate change, gaining ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Forensic Criminologist, University of Newcastle Even in death, the voice of Carl Williams is louder than that of his victims. Intimate prison letters written by the convicted murderer and drug trafficker to his ex-wife, Roberta – herself arrested this month ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brianna Chesser, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice, RMIT University In September 2018, a prominent Melbourne surgeon and academic was charged with rape and sexual assault for alleged offences committed a year earlier against a male doctor. The surgeon and doctor had ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Dearnaley, Associate Professor, University of Southern Queensland The blotched butterfly orchid (Sarcochilus weinthalii) looks fairly unremarkable when it’s not flowering, generally resembling the far more common orange blossom orchid. But when it flowers, it is exquisite. Dark purple blotches stand out ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Cropper, Senior Lecturer, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne Almost every person throughout the existence of humankind has looked up at the night sky and seen more than just a random scattering of light. Constellations of stars have helped ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Desbrow, Associate Professor, Nutrition and Dietetics, Griffith University A recent study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety has attracted widespread media attention. Media reports said eating chocolate, in particular, dark chocolate, was linked to reduced symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, we ...
He’s the artist who launched a million memes and over a billion streams. Sam Brooks picks out Bazzi’s best moments so far, from his career-making breakthrough to his mature new mixtape Soulsearching.1. ‘Mine’“You’re so fuckin’ precious when you smile.”It’s the line that didn’t just launch a million memes, it’s the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Crosby, Professor, Monash University Since President Trump tweeted about imposing new tariffs on China, global equity markets have gone into a tailspin. Trump’s more recent announcement that the new tariffs would be delayed has not calmed the markets, with recent days ...
A new poem by Waikato poet Loren Thomas.to convince myself we’re dreamingwe were walking through suburbia houses kissing front lawns copied one after anotheryou tasted like mint leaves and chlorophyll that’s been pissed on by catsI held your hand and we walked towards the ocean dodging planks from dead train ...
The ancient Australian shock-jock yesterday targeted Jacinda Ardern, urging Australia’s PM to ‘shove a sock down her throat’. It’s all in keeping with a substantial history of being an arse.The plucky nation of Australia excels in a range of endeavours, but nowhere more than the angry, anguished howls of bloated, ...
Today, TVNZ released its latest findings on who is watching what on TVNZ OnDemand. Sam Brooks analyses the results.Today, TVNZ released the 2019 figures for who is watching TVNZ OnDemand, what they’re watching and in what kind of numbers. The big numbers are hopeful – over 1.4 million people reached ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jock Collins, Professor of Social Economics, UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney The federal government wants to boost the number of migrants moving to regional areas in Australia to fill job vacancies and reduce the pressure on our cities. That’s why ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Associate Professor, Criminology and Justice Studies, RMIT University There can be no doubt violence against women is a national crisis. On average in Australia, one woman every week is killed. A 2016 survey found one in four women experienced violence ...
One dignified resignation was a bouquet in a sea of brickbats this week as low levels of accountability had eyes rolling. James Elliott has the news of the week. ...
Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein on the band’s ninth studio album, working with St Vincent, and the departure of bandmate and drummer, Janet Weiss.It’s been almost five years since Sleater-Kinney broke their decade-long hiatus with an album that received almost near-universal praise. It was “raw”, “bristling”, “emotive”, “taut” – all adjectives you’d ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colleen Murrell, Associate Professor, Journalism, Swinburne University of Technology When news of the stabbings in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon came through, one of the first tweets about the incident came from Sky News reporter Laura Jayes. Immediately it got retweeted and sent ...
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 Normal People by Sally Rooney (Faber & Faber, $23)Sally Rooney Sally Rooney Sally Rooney Sally Rooney2 An ...
When Emily Writes reviewed a life-changing sex toy, the response from orgasm-starved women was huge. So why are so many having so few orgasms, and what can be done?For the last two years I’ve been running a pretty small – about 600-odd member – group for mostly New Zealand women ...
When Josie Adams broke her laptop last week, she knew she’d never find love like that again. Can the Asus Chromebook Flip C213SA offer a new kind of technological relationship? She reviews how it stands up to everyday use and the cosmic forces that seek to destroy her.Last Thursday I ...
Wine should be fun, not intimidating, all you need is a little knowledge. Yvonne Lorkin co-founder and chief tasting officer of WineFriend provides some simple tips to help you empower your palate. Even I can get scared by wine. I’m usually super-meek and a tad feeble at high-brow, ‘industry’ wine tastings. ...
Pacific Media Watch NewsdeskBy Makereta Komai in Funafuti, Tuvalu Tonga’s Prime Minister, ‘Akilisi Pohiva, has delivered a stinging attack against regionalism and the Pacific Islands Forum’s stance of leaving no one behind, for failing to amicably resolve the issue of West Papua. Pohiva admitted the issue has divided ...
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage.New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.Today’s content by Dr Bryce Edwards.Corrections, Christchurch mosque shootings Chris Trotter (Daily Blog): Upholding The Accused’s Right To Write Mark Daalder ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amber Marshall, Research fellow, Queensland University of Technology Farming families and communities in Queensland’s remote north are being left behind by the digital economy, putting them at significant social and economic disadvantage. Our report, launched in Cairns today, details the impacts of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Cameron, Associate professor, and Associate Director of the Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University Half-price chips, “two for one” chocolates, “buy one get one free” soft drinks: Australian supermarkets make it very easy for us to fill our trolleys with junk food. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Trethowan, Director, IA Watson Research Centre, Narrabri Plant Breeding Institute, University of Sydney A UN report released last week found a quarter of the world’s carbon emissions come from the food chain, particularly meat farming. This has prompted calls to sharply ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Petrova, Section Editor: Education Whether schools should mandate a uniform is a controversial issue. Some believe wearing the same clothes smooths out inequality. Others see uniforms as authoritarian; believing them a symbol of repression, stifling freedom of thought and individuality. We ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Altman, Professorial Fellow in Human Security, La Trobe University The years between the gay liberation movement at the beginning of the 1970s and the onset of AIDS a decade later are viewed in a certain strand of gay nostalgia as “the ...
As the election looms closer, Jo Moir looks at how the three parties in the coalition government will use their differences to a political advantage. ...
Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Winter grazing in the spotlight, teens smoking much less weed than they used to, and stats show big acceleration in Auckland house building.To lead us off today, a look at a relatively long running farming issue which has burst into ...
Open mike 14/06/2019 
You cannot expect to pound communities into the ground day after day, year after year, decade after decade and just expect them to take it lying down. There’s a point at which the place will explode. And we’re faced with some very big ructions on both sides of the Atlantic ...1 day ago
Back in May, Destiny Church leaders Brian and Hannah Tamaki launched another political party. Despite consisting entirely of followers of their religion, they grandly called it "Coalition New Zealand", in a vain effort to suggest it was something broader. But when they applied for registration, submitters opposed the name, as ...1 day ago
The following article is excerpted and translated from two articles in recent issues of Lutte de Classe (Class Struggle), the magazine of Lutte Ouvrière (Workers Struggle), the revolutionary workers group active in France. We don’t necessarily agree with everything in it – for instance, the 1956-62 war for independence involved rather more revolutionary forces than ...1 day ago
1 day ago
Going Down? Once truth and propaganda become fused in the minds of one’s followers, debate and discussion become redundant. If one’s opponents are all outrageous liars, then engaging with them in any way is pointless. Rather than waste its time, a political party should, instead, target all its messages at ...1 day ago
This section builds on Part 1 of this series to provide a theoretical basis for the final instalment (part 3 – to come). Self-determination: law or resurgence — or both? International law promotes the principal of equal treatment and self-determination, which includes peoples’ rights to freely pursue their social, cultural and ...2 days ago
We need to fundamentally reframe our systems settings to address the drivers causing and underpinning inequality; structural change in systems especially financial. The Equality Network Hui was held in Wellington on 27 June 2019. The hui covered important topics such as child poverty; a living wage; taxation; public health; mental ...3 days ago
The views-per-page for some of my recent postings:Depressing, isn't it? Provide thoughtful and wise commentary on the mainstream of British politics and no-one notices. Make a passing reference to Tommy DICKHEAD Robinson in a thread title and you get hundreds of views. Write something about anti-Semitism and you get another ...3 days ago
The government has announced plans to move the Treaty of Waitangi and other taonga to a new site. Great news! So where are they going? Right next to the old one:The new plan will see a new 22,000-square-metre archive built on the former site of Defence House - the former ...3 days ago
Back in June, StatsNZ went public about a project to track population data on an hourly level by using people's cellphones. It wasn't as bad as it initially looked - they were receiving no individual data, only counts by suburb - but there was still a huge consent problem, so ...3 days ago
Most economists agree that a currently slowing economy could do with some stimulus – and they would also agree that there is no shortage of infrastructure projects which could be brought to productive fruition with help from that stimulus. In view of the current practice of sub-contracting economic policy decisions ...3 days ago
I did an interview on the TVNZ Breakfast Show about the situation in Hong Kong. I tried to frame the issue as a collective action problem between two sides with very different end games. The video is here. Because of time constraints we could not discuss the fact that the ...4 days ago
Image Credit: Wild Rose College A new study reporting the ranges of values for kidney and liver parameters in a healthy population is being actively misrepresented by anti-fluoride campaigners. The Fluoride Action Network’s (FAN) latest ... 4 days ago
Alone, Alone. All, All Alone: Will it be a good or a bad thing, when humanity’s bright blue spacecraft is stricken by the civilisation-destroying problem of Climate Change, that no Huston Control will be standing-by to rescue the crew?“WE HAVE A PROBLEM, HUSTON.” These were the words used by the ...5 days ago
Divided Loyalties: Can the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, be relied upon? That’s what the boys and girls at Foggy Bottom and the Pentagon needed to be reassured about. Because, from the perspective of Washington, it’s looking more and more like Jacinda Ardern and her Labour Party comrades are getting ready ...5 days ago
This handy Queer Theory Glossary is from thetranswidow.com In case you’ve had trouble keeping up with the spate of new queer theory terms, here’s a handy glossary for your reference. Queer – A straight person with an interesting haircut. Non-binary/genderqueer – A chubby young female, typically 16-28, who has ...6 days ago
The winter grazing issue is becoming a highly sensitised one that I hope will not become so politicised that it delays solutions and results in the suicides of some very stressed farmers.Winter grazing has hit the headlines after a determined campaign, including the release of a video of some very ...1 week ago
The Green Part has been accused of lack of transparency in two recent situations. The first was the claimed media lockdown during Green's annual conference and the second was Julie Ann Genter's refusal to release a letter she had sent to Phil Twyford.I do get frustrated when journalist's succumb to ...1 week ago
Blowing-Up The House: Is Winston Peters planning to put himself at the head of all those New Zealanders who refuse to countenance the Coalition Government caving-in to the Ihumatao protesters? The most effective way of doing this would be to issue Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with an ultimatum. If she ...2 weeks ago
A Cult, that many actors, politicians, and those with a low IQ are joining is sweeping across civilisation, with one main intention – ending humans reign on Earth. Starting as a well meaning though deeply flawed theory, that the Earth was warming due to mankind emitting greenhouse gasses, it was ...2 weeks ago
There is a military phrase: “Full spectrum dominance”. It refers to the all-encompassing policy to dominate across all spheres of war. Lately, that has come to include the internet – in other words, cyberwarfare initiatives. That is in addition to land, sea, air and the like. Now, if ...2 weeks ago
The IMF issued a Report on the state of the Economy as it is at present. Some of it points out significant issues that certainly warrant attention, but that we know already exist. Some of it is very much tied to the very obvious context of global concerns, that everyone ...2 weeks ago
I'm glad to see the Lib Dems won.I had a moment of terror yesterday thinking that the Conservatives might cling on, due to a combination of Johnson's elevation to the premiership, the apparent uselessness of the Lib Dem candidate (who had failed to be elected in other constituencies) and the ...2 weeks ago
. . Current Leader of the National Party, Simon Bridges gave the usual rah-rah speech to the Loyal & Faithful in Christchurch today (27 July). With National’s party polling and his own personal popularity sliding steadily in the polls, Mr Bridges has not much left to reverse his fortunes. ...2 weeks ago
Those concerned for Langridge’s wellbeing say they hope he’ll change his mind when he sees the ocean coming. The protester who has vowed to stand outside Parliament every day until the Government announces a climate emergency says he accepts that his quest will most likely end in drowning. Ollie Langridge, ...2 weeks ago
Image Credit: How To Start a Blog – Beginner’s Guide for 2019 I notice a few regulars no longer allow public access to the site counters. This may happen accidentally when the blog format is altered. ... 2 weeks ago
Opportunities to dodge tax are shrinking with the completion of a new tax agreement with Switzerland, Revenue Minister Stuart Nash announced today. Mr Nash and the Swiss Ambassador David Vogelsanger have today signed documents to update the double tax agreement (DTA). The previous DTA was signed in 1980. “Double tax ...1 week ago
On Newshub Nation: Simon Shepherd interviews conflict & terrorism expert Dr Chris Wilson and Muslim community leader Aliya Danzeisen ...8 hours ago
The Spinoff is covering local elections across the country with a new pop-up section. To kick things off, Hayden Donnell went to a mayoral debate at Grey Power on the North Shore of Auckland.John Tamihere walked into the mayoral debate at North Shore Grey Power on Friday just minutes after ...6 hours ago
The Spinoff is covering local elections across the country with a new pop-up section. To kick things off, Hayden Donnell went to a mayoral debate at Grey Power on the North Shore of Auckland.John Tamihere walked into the mayoral debate at North Shore Grey Power on Friday just minutes after ...6 hours ago
The three parties in the coalition have to negotiate compromises, concessions and conquests week after week. ...13 hours ago
Things I Learned at Art School is a new series featuring artists discussing how they do what they do and know what they know. In the second instalment, Megan Dunn talks to Berlin-based New Zealander Simon Denny about Michael Parekowhai, teaching and technology, and an idea involving the online shoe ...13 hours ago
With the acquisition of global rugby streaming leader RugbyPass, Sky might have just secured its future, writes Trevor McKewen.For several months now, the war between Sky and Spark Sport for the peerless prize of All Blacks and New Zealand rugby rights from 2021 onwards has been escalating. Every week, one ...14 hours ago
Today, a short story from the late 1920s, published in a posthumous new collection by Marlborough writer Eileen Duggan. Photo by Peter Black. ...15 hours ago
The Lightbulb asks innovators and entrepreneurs how they turned their ideas into reality. This week we talk to Jamie Cashmore, co-founder of Auckland-based edible packaging company Twiice. First of all, give us your elevator pitch for Twiice.Twiice is a company making edible coffee cups with plans to progress into other areas ...15 hours ago
Black Fern Aleisha-Pearl Nelson was told by doctors, twice, that her rugby days were over - after serious horse-riding accidents. ...17 hours ago
The recent discovery of a fossil parrot the size of a human toddler is even more reason for Foulden Maar to be protected, writes the chairperson of Save Foulden Maar, Kimberley Collins.Last week, scientists discovered a new species of extinct parrot in the St Bathans Fauna. Weighing in at seven ...18 hours ago
Could a new hybrid of all the government’s major media holdings solve multiple media and government problems? Duncan Greive assesses the case.The media industry, despite what some of us might like to believe, really doesn’t matter all that much economically. Doesn’t employ all that many people. Relatively low wage. ...18 hours ago
The three governing parties are turning their attention to next year’s general election. RNZ‘s Jo Moir surveys the field.The night New Zealand First formed a government with Labour and the Greens, its leader Winston Peters quoted the song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.Almost two years later all three ...18 hours ago
Protests in Hong Kong have attracted worldwide attention - but are we ignoring a more serious situation across the sea? ...1 day ago
Analysis: The botched census brings down a chief executive, there's another wave of speculation about Christopher Luxon standing for National and NZ First could sink an attempt to reverse the ban on prisoner voting. ...1 day ago
Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk Wording has played a crucial role in a reportedly “fierce” Pacific Islands Forum in Tuvalu with Australia allegedly managing to alter documental terms to downplay its commitment to climate change mitigation. According to RNZ Pacific, a communiqué and separate statement on climate change was released ...1 day ago
Australia’s coal policy and its use of carry over credits to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement have come under fire and been major points of contention at this year’s 50th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Meeting in Funafuti, Tuvalu. READ MORE: ‘We should have done more for our ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael O’Keefe, Head of Department, Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University The Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tuvalu this week has ended in open division over climate change. Australia ensured its official communique watered down commitments to respond to climate change, gaining ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Forensic Criminologist, University of Newcastle Even in death, the voice of Carl Williams is louder than that of his victims. Intimate prison letters written by the convicted murderer and drug trafficker to his ex-wife, Roberta – herself arrested this month ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brianna Chesser, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Justice, RMIT University In September 2018, a prominent Melbourne surgeon and academic was charged with rape and sexual assault for alleged offences committed a year earlier against a male doctor. The surgeon and doctor had ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Dearnaley, Associate Professor, University of Southern Queensland The blotched butterfly orchid (Sarcochilus weinthalii) looks fairly unremarkable when it’s not flowering, generally resembling the far more common orange blossom orchid. But when it flowers, it is exquisite. Dark purple blotches stand out ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Cropper, Senior Lecturer, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne Almost every person throughout the existence of humankind has looked up at the night sky and seen more than just a random scattering of light. Constellations of stars have helped ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Desbrow, Associate Professor, Nutrition and Dietetics, Griffith University A recent study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety has attracted widespread media attention. Media reports said eating chocolate, in particular, dark chocolate, was linked to reduced symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, we ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Crosby, Professor, Monash University Since President Trump tweeted about imposing new tariffs on China, global equity markets have gone into a tailspin. Trump’s more recent announcement that the new tariffs would be delayed has not calmed the markets, with recent days ...1 day ago
Today, TVNZ released its latest findings on who is watching what on TVNZ OnDemand. Sam Brooks analyses the results.Today, TVNZ released the 2019 figures for who is watching TVNZ OnDemand, what they’re watching and in what kind of numbers. The big numbers are hopeful – over 1.4 million people reached ...1 day ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jock Collins, Professor of Social Economics, UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney The federal government wants to boost the number of migrants moving to regional areas in Australia to fill job vacancies and reduce the pressure on our cities. That’s why ...1 day ago
One dignified resignation was a bouquet in a sea of brickbats this week as low levels of accountability had eyes rolling. James Elliott has the news of the week. ...1 day ago
Corrections has referred a letter written by the alleged Christchurch terrorist to police for further investigation. ...1 day ago
Sky Television is purchasing online rugby streaming service RugbyPass for $US40 million ($NZ62m). ...1 day ago
Jewellery retailer Michael Hill International has reported a lift in profit but is feeling the pinch of lower sales and squeezed margins. ...1 day ago
Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein on the band’s ninth studio album, working with St Vincent, and the departure of bandmate and drummer, Janet Weiss.It’s been almost five years since Sleater-Kinney broke their decade-long hiatus with an album that received almost near-universal praise. It was “raw”, “bristling”, “emotive”, “taut” – all adjectives you’d ...1 day ago
When Emily Writes reviewed a life-changing sex toy, the response from orgasm-starved women was huge. So why are so many having so few orgasms, and what can be done?For the last two years I’ve been running a pretty small – about 600-odd member – group for mostly New Zealand women ...1 day ago
Wine should be fun, not intimidating, all you need is a little knowledge. Yvonne Lorkin co-founder and chief tasting officer of WineFriend provides some simple tips to help you empower your palate. Even I can get scared by wine. I’m usually super-meek and a tad feeble at high-brow, ‘industry’ wine tastings. ...2 days ago
Pacific Media Watch Newsdesk By Makereta Komai in Funafuti, Tuvalu Tonga’s Prime Minister, ‘Akilisi Pohiva, has delivered a stinging attack against regionalism and the Pacific Islands Forum’s stance of leaving no one behind, for failing to amicably resolve the issue of West Papua. Pohiva admitted the issue has divided ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amber Marshall, Research fellow, Queensland University of Technology Farming families and communities in Queensland’s remote north are being left behind by the digital economy, putting them at significant social and economic disadvantage. Our report, launched in Cairns today, details the impacts of ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Cameron, Associate professor, and Associate Director of the Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University Half-price chips, “two for one” chocolates, “buy one get one free” soft drinks: Australian supermarkets make it very easy for us to fill our trolleys with junk food. ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Trethowan, Director, IA Watson Research Centre, Narrabri Plant Breeding Institute, University of Sydney A UN report released last week found a quarter of the world’s carbon emissions come from the food chain, particularly meat farming. This has prompted calls to sharply ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Petrova, Section Editor: Education Whether schools should mandate a uniform is a controversial issue. Some believe wearing the same clothes smooths out inequality. Others see uniforms as authoritarian; believing them a symbol of repression, stifling freedom of thought and individuality. We ...2 days ago
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Altman, Professorial Fellow in Human Security, La Trobe University The years between the gay liberation movement at the beginning of the 1970s and the onset of AIDS a decade later are viewed in a certain strand of gay nostalgia as “the ...2 days ago
Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Winter grazing in the spotlight, teens smoking much less weed than they used to, and stats show big acceleration in Auckland house building.To lead us off today, a look at a relatively long running farming issue which has burst into ...2 days ago
Using bent corrupt courts to lock up the most popular politician in the country stinks to high heaven …. and it makes mad dog Bolsonaro and his right wing thugs the most illegitimate Govt in South America …. I wonder if the Bank of England will steal their gold .
https://theintercept.com/2018/12/09/brazil-jair-bolsonaro-cabinet/
A corrupt justice system perverted the law …..and helped facilitate a corrupt far right Government.
And death squads never really went away in Brazil
https://afropunk.com/2018/08/politicians-are-involved-in-the-murder-of-brazilian-afro-feminist-activist-marielle-franco/
reason
Can you limit the opened links to one and just give us the link addresses for the others? You fill up my screen with the way you are putting up blocks of image, it must be hard to read if people are doing so on small handheld devices.
The comments system automatically expands video links like that. It is long blocks of text there is no excuse for. 🙂
Need a bit of war with that re-election?
https://twitter.com/MSNBC/status/1139237451816419329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1139237451816419329&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailykos.com%2Fstory%2F2019%2F6%2F13%2F1864591%2F-was-there-another-Dog-Wag-in-the-Gulf-of-Oman
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/113458582/national-proposes-a-new-primary-sector-visa-to-solve-labour-issue
National's solution for shit pay for shit jobs that no one wants – import third world labour. Not put pay up, or anything that might actually raise the wages and living standards of Kiwis, just do what the squatocracy demands.
National, coming up with friendly solutions for the boss class and it cow cocky mates that f**k the working man over since forever.
Yesterday, we had Jones talking about bringing in forestry workers from overseas.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699388/shane-jones-to-include-pacific-workers-for-tree-planting
🙄 Yeah New Zealand First has decided to rebrand and call itself Immigration First…
Yes, they are undermining themselves, the Government and the local potential benefits of the scheme itself. While further adding to housing and other local infrastructure demand.
I guess they could take the approach of one or two orchard owners (or their contractors and sub-contractors – just enough levels of out-sourcing to allow a distancing of responsibility). As far as housing goes anyway. Shove up a tin shack or two onsite with a few bunks, and just enough gaps to let the rats in, and charge like an angry bull in rent. It'd be a win win sitch. The work would get done, and just as long as those natives had their visas tied to the specific employer that's giving them such a great opportunity, there'd be no question of a challenge.
Could even jack up the standard warning alert system when the Labour Inspectors were in town – even the ones like a Casson anxious to get some of that "scum" can't seem to beat it
Julian Assange's extradition order is signed by Sajid Javid
New Zealand protest opposes persecution of Julian Assange and Australian journalists
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/06/13/asnz-j13.html
Avatar
Stardust • 11 hours ago
Many thanks to all the participants of the demonstration in New Zealand, opposing the persecution of Assange and Australian journalists; and the WSWS reporters for this valuable report.
Please note, the US Department of Justice is preparing to file additional charges against the WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange on top of the 18 charges under the Espionage Act already brought against him potentially carrying 175 years imprisonment. The charges will be revealed during the 3rd extradition hearing this Friday 14th of June.
Join the protest organised by JADC in support of Julian Assange at this Hearing outside Westminster Magistrates Court, 181 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5BR from 9am in the morning. The nearest tube station is Edgware Road (on District and Circle Lines) or Marylebone (Bakerloo Line).
The proceedings will take place via video link at Court 3, which only has 10 seats available at the public gallery.
Watch the wonderful interview UN Rapporteur for Torture Nils Melzer gave to Chris Hedges about Julian Assange’s situation. https://www.youtube.com/wat…
Peters said democratic rights, such as freedom of information and free speech, were under attack in every country, because they were “not compatible with endless war and endless attacks on living standards.”
He added that the New Zealand Labour Party-led government of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had remained completely silent on the police raids in Australia, for the same reason it had refused to defend Assange: “That is, the alliance with US imperialism, which has been strengthened under Ardern. New Zealand troops are remaining in Iraq and Afghanistan at least another year and $20 billion is being spent on the military so it can integrate more effectively in US-led operations.”
The New Zealand state-run and corporate media, Peters said, had either remained silent on the persecution of Assange or actively joined in the global campaign to smear his character.
in our local area there are a couple of spur wings nesting in a fenced off area.
just a note not sure if it is I am More aware of this species but they seem to be quite plentiful.
Middle of June 5 kms from mount ruapehu the black birds are singing like its spring I'm working in short sleeves its getting weird out here.
Not really.
Winter doesn't really kick in until after the equinox. August is the coldest month of the year. Right now, it's still late autumn.
Remember the old maxim "the days grow longer, the cold gets stronger"
Below fourty south there are no laws,below 50s no god.
Another map we're not on.
Yeah it's there, we're just covered in bloody cloud again, Interestingly those fronts are always on about a 7+ day cycle which is why it sometimes rains on every weekend.
Whats happening at the moment? Those very cold storms are big and are pushing the big Aussie highs a little further north and as they slide over NZ they pull down warm moist air from the sub tropics on their western side.
And it's weather not climate change, been happening for years. If you have an argument with that spend 70 years outside like I have.
Greenland ice sheet melt graphed: https://twitter.com/EricHolthaus/status/1139234563400634368
might pay to hope were not on any maps the way events are unfolding at the moment
Nature does what nature can do on a rotating planet with an atmosphere.
the nature of immediate concern is human
They tell me that the ocean retains some warmth so that delays the coldness of winter especially since we are an island ocean with every spot of land less than 100km from the sea. Hence the winter after the shortest day.
The birds don't lie.
Quardle oodle ardle, etc
You ARE a pretty boy then?
Speaking of Jones, Shane Jones won't say how many full-time, long-term jobs have been created under the $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund.
When recently questioned on this, Jones replied, "I find when these questions come up it reminds me of someone popping pimples."
Answering an important question in this manner undermines the Government's credibility and ultimately, it's leadership.
A credibility (which in this regard) is already on thin ice. Back in February, MBIE revealed it had based the job creation figures on the estimates provided by the applicants (not the actual jobs created) with no work undertaken to assess whether the claims were credible.
Chair, you say that the Government's "credibility (in this regard) is already on thin ice."
Since you are, by your own admission, "more left than most", would you care to comment on the opposition's credibility (in any regard.)
Just hoping for one objective critique of the National party – then you can get back to holding the Government to account in that unique "more left than most" way of yours.
Curious that “#BudgetGate”
If you were as left as me you would be more concerned about the damage being done to the lefts credibility rather than attempting to somewhat justify it (or distract from it) by suggesting National's credibility should also be questioned.
If Labour are going to allow the number of new jobs to be counted in such a lax manner in such a major scheme, it won't be long before people start asking what else is the Government allowing to be counted in such a negligent manner? Which will ultimately come back to its leadership. And Labour can't afford to have Jacinda politically damaged. So she needs to get on top of this ASAP.
"National's credibility should also be questioned" – thanks Chair, much appreciated.
Agree that it's legitimate to question the integrity of both the Government and the National-led opposition. Who do you think should be questioning National's credibility? Might you, as one who is "more left than most", have a role to play?
#HoldingNationalToAccount ?
While people, the media and the Government are free to question National's credibility, considering the going-ons, the Government's focus should be on getting their own house in order, which we've yet to see.
If the overwhelming number of voters thought National was credible they would potentially be the Government now. If Labour want to maintain being in Government, they need to address their lacking credibility now.
IMHO Labour are currently more credible than National. If your blinkered critiques of the Government accurately reflect your political 'vision', then it's no wonder that you can't see that this credibility gap is widening.
Maybe your increasingly desperate one-eyed critiques are damaging your "more left than most" credibility on this site. Tbh I see no evidence that you are a friend of the left, and zero evidence that you disapprove of National party policies and MP behaviour, either in Government or in opposition, again IMHO.
The way I see it, with National the left know we are screwed.
Whereas, Labour come on friendly, then stab you in the back once obtaining power.
Many on the left see it like this. And for that reason, many no longer vote.
Ponder this:
If the number of people that don't vote start to exceed the number that do, can we still claim we live in a democracy?
That’s a fine example of binary thinking to ponder with a rather arbitrary conditional state. Assuming we (still) live in a democracy, the question is or should be whether it functions as well as it can or should. This is an open question IMO because democracy is not a fixed concept but something that can evolve over time.
Curious that “#BudgetGate”
Not at all. "The Chairman" exists to peddle National Party talking points from a supposedly left-wing perspective, so it's no surprise the account would phrase things the same way Hooton does.
I just wonder why Hootie Blowhard is speshly keen that no crime happened…
http://prn.fm/nature-bats-last-06-12-19/?fbclid=IwAR3AanGjc1CxGsarZJI7vyCUI2OgCjpeAjmkDQHj4U7dLyCsIg4db5NOHK0
Kevin and Guy were joined by meteorologist Nick Humphrey for this pre-recorded show. We discussed the links between climate change, weather, and crop failures. You can support Nick via his Patreon page.
a matter of fact discussion with some interesting information about impacts particularly in the US….and as noted at the end, not the narrative we will recieve from any government
A bad week for the PM.
Along with Budgetgate. She had Winston prematurely announcing the teachers settlement. Jones giving a stupid answer to a serious employment question undermining the Provincial Growth Fund, the Government's credibility and ultimately, its leadership. And Twyford being the latest minister accused of covering up secret meetings.
"A bad week for the PM"
Please try to contain your joy, Chair.
It's unbecoming.
And misplaced.
And makes you sound like Eeyore.
Aside from that, all good!
I strongly recommend a 2 hour dose of Nature Robert. But I'm sure you already know that. 🙂
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/13/two-hour-dose-nature-weekly-boosts-health-study-finds
I've just come in from outside, Macro; my garden’s mist-enshrouded right now, mysterious and moist; I love it like that. Everything sounds and looks happy out there; I know I was.
🙂 Yes I've been doing the same.
We had a misty moisty morning the other day but it turned into a good sunny day in the afternoon. We had planned to be doing some tree planting in the William Hall Arboretum (just down the road), but it really was far too inclement the weather for us oldies – always another day.
https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Visiting-or-moving-to-the-Coromandel/Walkways-cycleway-and-fitness-trails/William-Hall-Arboretum-and-Walk—Thames/
They don't call him Nature Robert for nothing.
I didn't express any joy, Robert. Unlike you (that thinks it's all good) I'm disappointed in their performance.
And ultimately, a party's overall performance always comes back to its leadership. And with what has come out in the in the past week, Jacinda will be called upon to show some (leadership).
Oh, woe is us.
Saddled with Jacinda as PM.
It's enough to make you wet your blanket.
That'll be the polls. Winston'll have done the math that he needs to make noise if he means to be re-elected. The Jones spendup doesn't seem to have pulled the punters in yet. With the Gnats promising carte blanche to exploit cheap foreign labour you'd think Winston wouldn't be short of things to have a crack at, but of course he chiefly picks up disgruntled voters, so the PMs habit of leaving people gruntled feels like an existential threat.
Indeed. But undermining the Government he is apart of, isn't the right way to go about it.
Winston can't really have a crack at that when Jones is suggesting similar and with Labour also considering similar.
"undermining the Government he is apart of, isn't the right way to go about it"
I suspect the internal logic goes something like – "sitting here waiting for it to happen ain't going to happen either".
Winston may have to rein Jones in a little – endorsing a serial exploiting employer for the NZTA and conspiring to import even more cheap labour won't play well with contemporary 1st supporters.
Importing offshore labour etc won't sit well with many NZF voters indeed, Stuart.
And the way he has been failing to answer questions, Jacinda is going to have to have a word with him too.
At this stage, it seems the Provincial Growth Fund is heading the same way as Kiwibuild.
And the sad thing is, these two main policies had (and still have if they can get them right) real potential to vastly improve our nation.
Chair, does the National party have "real potential to vastly improve our nation"?
Interested in the opinion of someone who is "more left than most" – am I asking the 'right' person?
“Chair, does the National party have ‘real potential to vastly improve our nation?'”
I don't believe so.
Hallelujah – something we can agree on.
Unless you're thinking, mass resignation.
The real thing here is whether government sustains the effort until it succeeds. Kiwibuild can be made to work, though it seems that some of those tasked to implement it were not committed. Same goes for the PGF. But that doesn't mean that either will produce the desired results in a timely manner for the next election.
On the other hand, the Gnats are busy cultivating their own personal version of internal withering and thus producing disaffected voters of the kind that traditionally support Winston.
The Government needs to do more than just sustain current efforts on these to main policies, they also need to improve their implementation for them to have a better chance of succeeding.
Moreover, if they want regional communities to genuinely prosper, they need to ensure decent jobs paying a living wage are being created. Ensuring the benefits are widely shared, thus resulting in a larger economic stimulus regionally.
To date, there has been a lot of handouts to the private sector in both schemes and little to show for it. Time for the Government to get a little more hands on.
As for desired results in a timely manner, the clock is ticking.
I think that's probably true – but it flies in the face of neo-liberal public service norms, in which operational matters were surrendered to managers who were supposedly more professional. Changing back is fraught because it requires both much more work, but also the risk of politically dangerous failure. This is why the Key government chiefly did nothing – it avoids conspicuous failures in the short term.
Indeed. Nevertheless, we have witnessed the results of the alternative resulting in Labour's housing reset.
Yes, it will require far more work from the Government's perspective, but it will give them the potential to have far more control in producing the desired results. Generally, there will always be risks in most things Government do, the competence is shown in mitigating them.
Nice typo there.
Seven and a half long years to go Mr. Chairman
Before they deliver anything of significance?
Before we're free of your relentlessly-soggy commentary.
Alas, The Chairman's comments were relentlessly soggy (nice) when the Labour & Green parties were in opposition – expecting The Chair to change 'their' tune if National regains the Treasury benches is admirable but hopelessly optimistic.
Each comment by The Chair is in dire need of musical cheer, IMHO.
The Chairman's Waltz
I don't think anyone is clocking what you are calling a bad week for the PM, Chairman.
Just out of interest, are your paid or a volunteer?
“I don't think anyone is clocking what you are calling a bad week for the PM, Chairman.”
Really, well here is your chance to show me why you don't think the matters highlighted are resulting in a bad week for the PM.
And no, I'm not paid to post here. Unlike many Kiwis, I partake in democracy, which is more than just voting every three years. Moreover, I'm a strong believer in the public driving change, which is reliant on people speaking up.
If Labour are going to allow the number of new jobs to be counted in such a lax manner in such a major scheme, it won't be long before people start asking what else is the Government allowing to be counted in such a negligent manner? Which will ultimately come back to its leadership. And Labour can't afford to have Jacinda politically damaged. So she needs to get on top of this ASAP.
I don't recall seeing one article calling on Jacinda to show strong leaderenhip over the provincial fund. Saw a clip on the tele with Shane J being slightly defensive about his approach telling him the PM has told him to pull his head in (in a much kinder way than that). Stories of the week are 1. the polls, which look good for Jacinda 2. Simon still making stuff around the budget leak and there was clip in the news showing Ardern making mince meat out of him, 3, teachers resolved with higher pay (public support this). 4. stuff about housing, increase in state houses built, still negative stuff about Kiwibuild but 60% of kiwis support the scheme, Defence spending……..people have different points of views on this.
Your article about no numbers on Provisional Growth fund all hypothetical, trying to manufacture ????? not sure what………I believe you are here to troll. I could be wrong
Do you really need to see an article calling for Jacinda to show strong leadership over the provincial fund to realise she needs too? Are you happy for Jones to continue carrying on showing up the leader and undermining the Governments credibility? From what has been reported, it's clear she needs to show some leadership on this before it further undermines their credibility.
While the polls look good for Jacinda, it's not good for us on the left wanting more. The better Labour poll, the less likely they are to listen. They already believe they have the balance about right, while many on the left disagree.
News that has recently come out in regard to the Budget leak hasn't been good for Labour. Jacinda has now been implicated as knowing.
And despite Winston's assertion, the dispute between teachers and the Government isn't settled yet.
The report on the increase in state housing seems a desperate attempt to look as if something is being done when in reality the number of new state homes is nowhere near enough to address the current and growing demand.
Nevertheless, the matters I highlighted above have all been reported, moreover, you have failed to show me why you don't think the matters highlighted above are resulting in a bad week for the PM.
"Us on the left".
lol.
What a wank job that is. The other week you were banging on about how labour should be doing better and getting higher poll results. Now they have, you're changing the tune to 'if they poll high they won't listen'.
Full of shit, mate. 🙄
One poll has Labour going down while one has them going up.
And as for my comments re Labour otentially doing better in the polls, you have used them out of context to try and claim a point – weak. I post plenty on here, therefore try pulling me up on something I actually said and keep it in context.
You said what I've posted above, about how labour should be getting higher poll numbers, and in no way is it out of context. I even made a joke about it in the topic before the two polls were released.
What you are doing, I guess, is trying to cause a smokescreen to hide the fact you've been caught out. Not convincing enough, by far.
Where? Provide a link so we can see the context.
Labour have gone up in one poll while disappointing many on the left. Explaining their slip in the other.
Where I've talked of labour going up in the polls the context was in regard with them doing more to win more support.
For example, if Labour delivered for more people in the Budget, it is logical to assume they would be polling higher now.
Both those polls, even the one where they went down, showed the government advancing from national.
Both those polls, even the one where they went down, showed labour improved from election night '17.
The poll that put labour able to govern alone, over 50% they said, how much higher do you think they should be mid term?
Seems like they're doing fine in winning support, apart from as you state, "while disappointing many on the left. Explaining their slip in the other". I'd put money on any genuine lefty not being disappointed at the highly likely fact the prospect of labour not being a one term government is looking really good. The only people not happy with labour are the nats, the nat media, rim clingers and you.
Nobody cares except you and other irredeemable tories. The semantice of "hacking" vs "unauthorised access"? lol
Shane Jones? No harm to the govt, and he's Winston's problem anyway. Lol
Twyford is the only area of mild concern, and even that's offset by the stirling work on state house numbers. KB hasn't gone off well, for whatever reason, but that and anything else has negative has been largely ignored by the tories in favour of their parliamentary obsession with the semantic nature of soimon's legal transgression.
While Shane Jones is largely Winstons problem he is also the public's (due to his position in Government and what he oversees) and Jacinda's (due to also being part of a Government she leads).
He is best at home with his mates over at National.
Now that was a good laugh. Have you seen the number on the state housing waiting list and compared it to the number of houses being provided? It's far from acceptable. Wellbeing? Yeah right.
Have you seen the state housing stock vs the trend over time of the nats?
Funny thing about waiting lists: if it starts looking realistic, people apply rather than not even bothering to fill out the form.
As for shane jones, nah, he's not the PM's problem. Because everyone knows he works for NZ1.
Really? The old they did it too excuse.
I'm not defending National's poor performance on this nor am I (unlike you) using them to diminish Labour's shortcomings.
And that's a bullshit line out of Labour's spin book. Chances of securing a home isn't looking more realistic when the waiting list is growing so fast. Moreover, and here is the kicker, Labour aren't even providing enough houses to cover the number that were on the waiting list before they even came into power.
The Chairman – "more left than most"? HELP – I'm just not seeing it.
More “relentlessly-soggy commentary” showing The Chairman's true colours – that “more left than most” false flag is wearing pretty thin.
Please, just be honest – I certainly wouldn’t think any less of you.
Any genuine lefty would be disappointed with Labour's shortcomings and over their spin. Moreover, Labour are failing to meet their own modest housing targets.
Yet here you are apparently defending their shortcomings suggesting I'm not left. If you were genuinely left you would be joining me in putting the pressure on Labour to up their game.
Any genuine ‘righty’ would be delighted to point out “Labour’s shortcomings“, “their spin“, “failing to meet their own targets“, again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again. And many genuine ‘righties’ do just that on this blog, but none are as “relentlessly soggy” as you. You’re not even fooling yourself!
Are you suggesting that because I'm asserting that whoever is behind The Chairman identity is not left, that I cannot be genuinely left?
That's some mighty fine reasoning.
For the record, I would be more than happy to join you in putting pressure on National to up their game (and, let's face it, they've nowhere to go but up), but you are contractually unable to give me that opportunity.
Far from it. I'm suggesting that if you were genuinely left you would be agreeing with a good number of the issues I've raised. Especially areas where Labour themselves have expressed shortcomings.
I'd be happy for National to take up my recommendations, there was a time when they were Keynesian too.
The Chairman has but one mode of comment: 'criticise the Government' (but only if that government is left-leaning.)
This breaks down to:
'criticise Labour', 'criticise PM Ardern', 'criticise Twyford', etc.;
'criticise the Greens', 'criticise Shaw', 'criticise Davidson' (and Turei before her – that's 'right', The Chairman was also highly critical of the left in opposition), etc.;
'criticise NZ1st', 'criticise deputy PM Peters', 'criticise Jones', etc.
Seems that the only NZ politicians that have escaped The Chairman's critical gaze are National and ACT party politicians – The Chairman can't even bear to criticise Bridges, or Seymour ffs.
The Chairman is currently contractually unable to criticise the National-led opposition. Any genuine friend of the left should be able to do that, at least occasionally, on this blog, yet The Chairman can't, and never has.
The Chairman‘s 'cover' is well and truly blown, but keep digging and we'll keep pointing it out – you lefty you!
Glad you noticed. And as you would have seen, I was onto Labour's shortfalls back then too. If it wasn't for the turn of events, Jacinda taking leadership, Labour would have been hammered. And despite the recent poll, Labour shouldn't be quick to forget that.
I just told you before that I don't believe National will vastly improve our nation, so clearly your claims are crap.
"clearly your claims are crap" – have I touched a nerve, Chair?
I'll make two more 'claims' – you'll be criticising the PM, and Winston, and the Labour party/MPs, and the Green party/MPs, and NZ1st/MPs (unless they throw their lot in with National – you wish) on this site for every and a day. That's your demonstrable modus operandi – can you prove otherwise?
And your critiques of National party policies/MP behaviour will continue to be 'strangely' lacking – strange at least for one "more left than most".
No, I wasn't pulling a "they did it too" line. I was pointing out that the waiting list increased despite an increase in state houses. Labour increased state houses when national didn't, and in fact national sold state houses despite the fact that waiting lists were increasing.
So at least Labour are trying to address the problem.
Clearly, the increase was insufficient. And your point seems moot.
Now you seem to be contradicting yourself. Are you on the piss?
Yes, Labour have generally done a little of everything, giving them something to spout off for the media soundbites. But just about everything they've done has fallen far too short.
And no. I'm not an extremist expecting them to deliver us everything at once, tomorrow, but me and others do expect them to get their priorities right and deliver more.
Failing to is only going to cost us more in the long run as things further deteriorate due to Labour not even doing enough to stem the decline, admitting they expect things to worsen. And on the ground, the result is society will continue to suffer, illness, poverty, death, hunger, crime.
"National literally did the opposite" is not "national did it, too".
As for your constant criticism, I find it disingenuous. There are several commenters who would like, nay demand, the government do more. And yes, they criticise Labour. But they make what they want, their exact policy requirements, very clear. Whereas you criticise, but keep your actual demands very vague.
And even the most zealous lefties have managed to give credit where credit is due, but you'd crawl over hot glass before doing that without some snide, backhanded criticism.
Then address it without trying to personally tar me.
I often stated what I'd like to see from Government. And just the other day I told you a way Labour could possibility get more support from NZF. So don't resort to talking crap. And I've also given credit to Labour, Greens, and NZF on occasion.
I'm telling it as it is and you know it, hence your need to resort to talking crap.
Oh bullshit. When challenged on yet another vague criticism of Labour, you pulled out of your arse the idea of dramatically increasing the tourist tax as a policy that would be attractive to all three coalition parties (when you have no idea whether that was the case) and then using however much cash that would generate (of which you have no idea) to fund more expenditure.
I have many disagreements with folk like Adam or Bill or Francesca, but at least they are up front and specific about their demands on government and they give the impression that they've considered those ideas for longer than the twenty minutes since the latest reply to their comments.
I didn't just whip it out. I've posted this suggestion before and provided potential figures.
Moreover, as an entry levy has recently been announced, it indicates the three support the notion. Therefore, suggesting the potential for increasing it is in the realm of reality. And that is only one of many suggestions I've made over the years posting here.
Taxing the offshore property investors that Labour's ban failed to capture is another.
Really? How did you arrive at those figures? What calculations and assumptions did you incorporate in deriving those figures?
Oh bollocks. It indicates that at least one party supports the notion enough to put it forward, and the other two will tolerate it up to a certain point.
Only a goddamned fool of a burger joint owner would assume that just because I bought a $5 burger, I might find a $20 or even a $100 burger to be a serious proposition.
Your "many suggestions" are overwhelmed and diluted by the multitude of pointless beat-ups and criticisms you present on a daily basis. I just decided to double check and reread all your comments on this page. Maybe you should do the same and see how many specific suggestions you actually put forward, and how much despondency you try to sow.
Only a goddamned fool of a burger joint owner would assume that just because I bought a $5 burger, I might find a $20 or even a $100 burger to be a serious proposition.
Well yes, but if on the same night out I'd spent $2000 at the bar and it turns out the 'burgers' actual cost is $100 to provide … then maybe it's a different story. No comparisons are perfect, but NZ's Conservation Estate can't really be valued in the same category as a burger.
It's an issue being grappled with, and it has a few complex aspects. Here is an article on the impact of differential charging on the Great Walks:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/388842/price-hike-for-great-walks-more-money-fewer-tourists
For what it’s worth I’d prefer a generic airport fee on all overseas visitors; the vast majority of them are coming here to enjoy some aspect of our outdoors, even if only sitting in a car or bus.
Calculations were based upon the Governments with the entry levy pricing deriving from public consultation I've had with tourists and local operators in the sector.
As tourist numbers are expected to exceed our population in the near future, operators in the sector that I've spoken to aren't that nervous about a fee of that rate ($200 per adult, $100 per child) negatively impacting upon their income stream. In fact, many understand the need and the benefits (better infrastructure etc) to do this.
Many tourists (around 80%) understood this too. Plenty (just over 20%) of them were happy to pay more to enter our little slice of paradise. Understanding it costs money to maintain and manage. With around 40% comfortable with the suggested pricing.
But of course, there was a small number (close to 5%) that totally opposed it, with the rest preferring it to be less.
The Government's $35 levy comes into effect in October. And the levy rate won't increase for the first 5 years. So not only does it indicate it is supported, in 5 years it is bound to increase.
Where is your evidence it was only supported by one party and merely tolerated by the other two?
lol so let me get this straight, you think a policy necessarily means all three support it, rather than it being a concession for one or two parties making the coalition deal?
As for your "consultation" for the triple figure levy, I don't believe you.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/392062/week-in-politics-a-big-week-for-the-government-and-nothing-went-wrong
Sorry Chairman. I think this is game, set and match to me.
As I strongly believe you are a troll, this is the last reply I will give you
When Labour has Mitchell backing them saying his party would have done the same if it was in power. The left should very well know things are going wrong.
Can you remember Labour's position on the military spend when Little (the elected left representative) was party leader. And how that has now changed with Jacinda now in charge?
Just to refresh your memory. Little said the $20 billion to be spent on the defence upgrade could be better spent on housing and education.
You've managed to out-eeyore, Eeyore!
Incredible!
Where do you sit on the military spend Robert? Do you believe in and support spending so much?
Or are you with Little and like to see more money going elsewhere?
Personally, I oppose this massive amount being spent on the military when so much more nationally requires to be done.
The Chairman is a (concern) troll and should be ignored. He has taken up way too much time on this site today. He claims to be left wing, but is always criticizing the coalition with the usual meme's such as Jacinda = needs to show stronger leadership, implication is she's a weak leader.
I am going to encourage people to ignore him
I'm not a concern troll. I'm a lefty expressing my valid conerns which you have failed to refute when challenged.
You provided a link to an article promoting Labour's military spend suggesting Labour have done no wrong this week. Showing National's backing
The left don't support massive military spends, especially when when locals are homeless and kids are going hungry. So where do you get off calling me a concern troll?
"I'm a lefty"
whats wrong with this statement?
Thank-you Pat, well spotted – by their pejoratives shall you know them.
The Chairman, "more left[y] than most", hoisted on their own petard.
Along with Budgetgate. She had Winston prematurely announcing the teachers settlement. Jones giving a stupid answer to a serious employment question undermining the Provincial Growth Fund, the Government's credibility and ultimately, its leadership. And Twyford being the latest minister accused of covering up secret meetings.
A set of talking points taken straight from Kiwiblog by the concern-troll account supposedly belonging to a left-winger. I'm not sure you're aware of this, but every week is a bad week for the PM on Kiwiblog. The number of non-Kiwiblog readers who are even aware of the above "issues" would be tiny, let alone the number who find they reflect badly on the PM.
Really? Seems you visit there more than me. These are matters recently reported by the media and have concerns for the left.
Jacinda can't afford to have Winston going rogue. It undermines her leadership. And Labour can't afford that to happen to their star player. How you think this valid concern (hence line of talk) aligns with National is bizarre.
The similar applies to Twyford being the latest minister accused of covering up secret meetings. Jones running wild and Jacinda being implicated in Budgetgate. And as for Budgetgate, Labour could have put it to bed before it got to this if they owned it from the onset.
Give it a rest tableman, nobody is buying your dog poo here.
I visit there quite often, yes. That's how I could identify every one of the items in your comment as talking points featured on Kiwiblog. It's also the only place I've seen mention of a supposed Twyford "secret meeting." These are "issues," for want of a less-ridiculous term, that only interest Tories and their concern-troll sock-puppet accounts.
Reminds me of the poster on here during the build up to the '14 election who continually bagged the greens for intruding on labours territory, parroting the nat line, saying they should stick to environmental issues and leave the social stuff out of it.
Can't remember the name, but I'm sure someone will. Eerily similar.
Well, if you also paid attention to the news, you would have seen the Twyford story (as with the others) was reported with comparisons of the infamous Clare Curran clip shown.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/06/housing-minister-phil-twyford-accused-of-holding-sneaky-undisclosed-meeting.html
And if you paid attention to the news you would have known that the omission of the meeting in the publicly available schedule of ministerial meetings had been an inadvertent mistake on the part of the staffer responsible for putting it together. Given the huge number of ministerial meetings on a weekly basis, it is not surprising it happens now and then.
And if you paid attention you would also have known that this government introduced the publicly available schedule of ministerial meetings in the interest of transparency. Under the last government there was no such schedule available so they could – and did – hold secret meetings without anyone knowing.
Hi Anne
Is that galloping I hear?
Yes, they did. However, that didn't stop it from being done, seems you have forgotten (or is that willingly overlooked?) the Clare Curran incident.
As for this one, there is the emails Twyford's office refused to release and the suspect timing (apparently when he was caught) of the correction being made. So even if it is legit, it is all looking rather dodgy. And you know what they say about perception.
Chair, just a friendly observation – if it's easy for me to see that you’re putting the boot into Labour with your comments, then it'll be easy for others to see that too.
"You know what they say about perception."
This news item has gathered some examples of the same breed of dog attacking people. Should there be some more controls on breeding so that bad traits aren't intensified?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/113475788/australian-mans-suspicious-death-caused-by-his-pet-dog
He was 51. His dog was a Staffordshire bull terrier….
A 72-year-old woman was also killed last month when she was attacked by her pet Staffordshire cross breed at her home in Sydney's south-west.
Her husband was bitten while trying to save her, but survived
(Rosemary O'Reilly, 72, suffered significant bite wounds and lacerations to her arms, legs and body when she was attacked by the large Staffordshire terrier-Rhodesian ridgeback cross at her home.) https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/112820522/australian-woman-dies-after-being-attacked-by-her-pet-dog?rm=a
Three people were critically injured in a "horrific" dog attack involving a Staffordshire cross in Sydney's west this year.
One of those attacked died five weeks later.
On Staffordshire bull terriers. The item below notes they can be good family dogs. But dogs need to be classified as whether they need special puppy training to learn good traits, or not. If it is essential that they be trained properly then that should be started before they are sold, and the new owner have to sign a contract to continue. If they later cause trouble, then there would be a fine and the dog would be put down. I think there needs to be control over owners, who may be lax, too busy, or irresponsible, and they should know there will be consequences to them for failure. No excuses and legal battles.
On the "dog news" website gooddogstory.com, an article about the case said Staffordshire bull terriers, which are a permitted breed in New Zealand, were bred in the 19th century as agile fighting dogs.
"Just because they were bred to fight other dogs does not mean they are bad with people; in fact, as nearly any educated enthusiast would agree – these dogs have severely misunderstood reputations, and are in fact some of the absolute best family dogs an owner can find. Anywhere," the site said. https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/79308625/euthanasia-reprieve-for-staffordshire-bull-terrier-found-eating-part-of-its-owner?rm=a
A NZ dog attack story – dog breaks away from walker and attacks a cat on own property. Walker laughs and walks on. Some advice:
"If a dog does have to be dragged off another animal it should be grabbed by the back legs and pulled away while lifting its legs up," van der Merwe said.
"It is also helpful to remember any details about the owner's appearance, and record any other information, such as addresses or vehicle registration numbers. This will assist Animal Management with the investigation in the event that the dog or owner has left the area before the officer's arrival."
https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/88686715/cat-mauled-in-front-of-99yearold-owner-dies-from-injuries?rm=a
Please can I put people straight about the Staffordshire terrior. They are a fabulous breed – loyal, warm-hearted, gentle, full of personality and wonderful family dogs. And they are one of the easiest breeds to train in obedience.
Yes, the complete opposite to what is claimed by many in their ignorance and I particularly blame the media. The key word is "cross-breed". It is not the pure bred staffies who are prone to being dangerous, but the irresponsible, undesirable dog owners who breed them for their sharp teeth with the real fighting breeds.
The media should have long ago been called out on their propensity for naming these dangerous dogs "Staffordshire crosses". It sends entirely the wrong message. Call them by the breeds that are the real culprits like "American Pit Bull crosses" or "Mastiff Bull crosses" but stop attributing the blame to the little pedigree Staffie.
I have known of little Staffies who have been attacked in the street or on beaches by individuals because of this wrong publicity and it left both the dogs and their owners distraught and terrified by the intensity of the hostility.
Agreed, Anne
Older Bull Terriers were OK until American Pit Bull Terriers etc were imported (we were warned at the time but did nothing) and now we have huge cross-breed problems, despite trying far too late to limit the Pit Bulls.
This was emailed to the NZTA (responsible for drivers licencing) and CCd to Phil Twyford (Transport) and Julie Anne Genter (Associate Minister) about 2 weeks ago. According to the instant auto-replies, all 3 offices have recieved it. As anticipated, I've heard nothing. I've posted it here because I'm not the only one whose very real and legitimate concerns over this drug brand switch are being completely ignored, brushed off, blatently lied about and in the case of Ministers of the Crown (especially the Minister of Health,)not even being acknowledged in the first place. The latter is also refusing to speak to a senior reporter on the subject.
For a Government spouting the compassion and well being line they are completely abdicating their responsibility for the well being of the general public. This is bigger than Pharmac wanting to save a bit of money. Knowing there are more than likely people closely connected to Paliament/Government who read this blog maybe they will see it. It's also really important that the public at large know what is going on, because, PUBLIC SAFETY.
This letter is written in pain English to make it simple enough for even a Minister to understand, one would think. Again, PUBLIC SAFETY. This brand switch has already started. If you are concerned about this then make a noise to the suitable Ministers, or in public if you're in a position to do so.
"I am sure you are aware of Pharmacs’ recent decision to enforce a brand switch of the epilepsy drug lamotrigine. And of course you’re very aware of the very real consequences of someone driving when they are at risk of a seizure behind the wheel which is why there’s very reasonable rules/laws in place for the safety of both the individuals and the general public.
So I’m writing to you with extreme concern over your response to the driving status of persons who will be undertaking this lamotrigine brand switch over the next few months. According to Pharmacs notification on their website
“New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) noted a brand change does not constitute a treatment change for purposes of driving and considered that any risks from changing would be extremely low.”
Now, given that NO ONE can guarantee that break through seizures will not occur as a result of this brand change- and trust me, they do- how did you reach the conclusion that any risks would be ‘extremely low’ and why is this not be treated in the same way as a drug change, ie a 6 month stand down? Is one person crashing and killing someone acceptable to you?More to the point, why haven’t you insisted to Pharmac that anyone currently fully controlled and driving continue having their current brand funded and stay on it?
Maybe your medical advisors weren’t aware of it at the time but this submission from Medsafe has recently come to light https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6025152-MedSafe-OIA.html
Since we are now in the position of the Medicines Safety Agency strongly disagreeing with the Medicines Funding Agency over the safety of this decision, until something is clarified either way you cannot continue to say there is no risk to individuals- or to the general public- if they carry on driving while changing brands of this medication. This is a PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE.
While I’m personally not affected in this area (permanently banned from driving due to the nature of my epilepsy), as a member of the public it terrifies me to think there will be people out there driving around not knowing their longstanding fully controlled epilepsy is at risk. Personally, I don’t want to be on the receiving end when they have a seizure behind the wheel and crash into the footpath. Are you really prepared to continue this stance?
Finally, should heaven forbid the worst happen and even one person dies or is seriously injured as a result of your refusal to face reality on this issue, will the NZTA be accepting any responsibility for their role given they are now fully aware? I sincerely hope you have sought legal advice on where you stand with this.
Please get this out there. If the worse case scenario did happen- and hope like hell it doesn't- there will be avoidable blood on the hands of a lot of Government agencies, but none of them will accept any responsibility.
I really hope they sort this out. The issue had some good media coverage too.
It has, Guyon Espinor has been amazing. There's an even bigger story that's unfolding out of this with major ramifications. It's way more than just defunding a drug brand used for a couple of conditions that most of the public don't care about anyway.
Managing seizures so that you can have a normal life and not have them occurring when you are in a position where you can harm yourself and others – that's a serious thing.
My old car is good but has a 'condition' where in humid conditions water gets into the distributor or something and it will conk out just when I enter an intersection. CRC will fix it, stronger pressure on the accelerator will prevent it, but if it happens the steering goes, the motor dies, and i have to send distress signals to avoid harm. It's alarming but I can prevent it, and handle it if it happens.
So I sympathise. It is particularly important for your ability to have a life to have the right medication. Government should give Pharmac the right and also the responsibility to choose not just the best efficient drug for each disability, but also look at which is most effective. It is no good just being given a good quality drug, if it does not provide the essential help to prevent the momentary seizure that can lead to harm, injury or death.
(This would apply for someone who is not at an old age; there will be a need to limit more expensive drugs to people over say 75, as we are being too demanding in our numbers, living to longer age, and that is a fact.)
This letter is written in pain English to make it simple enough for even a Minister to understand, one would think.
Brilliant! (A young friend, reading one of the 2765 or so such letters/emails I've written to Ministers, CEOs, Managers, Lawyers and the like over the years on matters Disability, proffered the opinion that it was no wonder I was getting nowhere because I was assuming too high a level of comprehension from the addressee.
"One issue per letter, in plain language, and no polysyllables."
Kay, Peter and I are wishing you the very best outcome on this…we pay extra for one of Peter's meds that was disfunded by Pharmac a few years ago…but we're better placed to pay the extra with Peter now off the Supported (Hah!) Living Payment and grazing in the lusher pasture of National Super.
Knowing there are more than likely people closely connected to Parliament/Government who read this blog maybe they will see it.
I have no doubt there are…but do they actually care?
It seems there are far too many Coalition flag-wavers frequenting these pages…those that leap into print at the mere hint of complaint from those who are not feeling the Lovingkindness.
Rosemary, I'm not even fighting for my own situation anymore. Well it's on hold, it has to be. I had no idea just how ill fighting the government could make you, physically and mentally. I have even more admiration for you now- how the hell have you kept this up for so long and not lost the plot completely??? I'm under GPs orders to back off for now the situation got so dangerous.
As that email is referring to, it's the very real dangers facing people who are currently fully controlled and driving, something that's never going to affect me. I guess that's called giving a damn about people other than myself? A foreign concept to Public servants and politicians too…
"I had no idea just how ill fighting the government could make you, physically and mentally."
Shocking thing to learn the hard way, eh.
…how the hell have you kept this up for so long and not lost the plot completely???
I have had the odd moment or nine.
So has Peter. We tell each other to buck the fuck up, but sometimes when we both are laid low…it is hard not to be teary. But shit man…(for those close to the Government that lurk around these pages 
) we ain't dead yet. We have nothing to lose…well, MOH funding for Peter's care since they still refuse to pay…so we have no fear of speaking out. You just might be shocked how vulnerable MOH DSS clients feel. If they complain publicly, funding could be cut
. I'm more than happy to be a goad…
Take care.
This morning's news.
Nitrate levels in water raising beware flags in Denmark. Scorned by NZ Federated Farmers – nitrate is in lots of things.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699583/nitrates-in-nz-drinking-water-is-a-review-needed
Environment Canterbury response : https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699585/environment-canterbury-stands-by-nitrate-limits-in-water
Oranga Tamariki following the letter of the law? They want to keep whanau together and their relationships and culture alive as encouraged for decades, presumably. But also well known is that when children are bonded with loving people, it breaks a child's trust and feeling of security and instinctive acceptance of continual caring relationships when cut-and-dried law results in separation and replacement with other carers.
This is not just a case of pakeha preference, it is following a practice that Maori have wanted.
But if the child comes first, then their development of trust and security, should be paramount. Letting Samoan foster parents continue caring for a pakeha child, if they are well-integrated in society and adequate and reliable parents, should be enabled not cut away. The trauma of complete or long-term separation can remain for a lifetime. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/first-up/audio/2018699557/oranga-tamariki-rejects-couple-s-request-to-foster-child-for-not-being-european
and
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699579/open-letter-urges-govt-to-stop-taking-maori-children
If you bred any of those nasty little fucking handbag rats much adored by young women and the retired to be as big as a staffy or ridgeback you would have a lethal, filthy tempered killing machine without paralell in the animal world.
Worse than Michelle Boag?
Not possible. Striking resemblance though. She certainly has a face like a dogs ****, but without the charm.
Worse than the nasty little rats that often come on to this blog and want to take a rabid bite out of our arms or anywhere, they don't care? They have never been properly trained in how to consider other people in society fairly and considerately, and shouldn't be left alone in a room with a computer, Facebook or twitter.
Be kind to dogs and Michelle is more snake-like.
Reptile like, yes, that is a good description. Slithering along. Reminds me of Kaa from Jungle Book film now you mention it.
What was the name of the immense snake in Harry Potter books? N-something. Very reliable in service of Voldemoor, but didn't Harry find that he had some of her genes, and could understand snake language – a bit horrifying for him?
I tend to see analogies; we all have some of the unpleasant side of snake-like people which we have to keep under control. I often hiss when I find something annoying. Sometimes I worry about myself!
Ha Greywarshark, being too hard on yourself😉.
Personally, I just launch into a 4 letter word rant for a few.minutes. usually does the trick.
Yes PeterCh That's what I am trying to lessen. I have to be in a room with other computer users soon and want to show that my parents brought me up well.
Good luck greywarshark and I hope you let us know how you go. And I mean that 100% sincerely, as I hope all on this site do!
Yes, and it helps even more if you make up a few more 4 letter words along the way and string them altogether. Quite therapeutic.
Read "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling, greywarshark, if you want to get inside a snake's skin; it's a remarkable short story, featuring a mongoose and two cobra snakes; it'll have you curled up on your chair, looking to the corners of the room 🙂
Nagini.
That's the one. Even sounds slithery somehow.
LMFAO!!!!!!! Mr Guyton 🙂
That's a big if Ady.
If you have met a 'nasty little fucking handbag rat' Adrian and it was in a situation that leaves you in a foul temper, I feel for you. But the bigger dogs have a bigger bite, and nipped heels, and if accompanied by careless, inconsiderate women are not in the same league as being mauled by mini-tigers.
A piece backgrounding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A USA phenomenon.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018698903/the-astonishing-rise-of-aoc
Chch gunman in court this morning. Pleaded 'not guilty'. What on earth is he thinking? If someone films their crime and broadcasts it live, bit of a problem mounting a defence i would have thought.
His lawyer certainly drew the short straw with this.
Of course he is going to plead Not Guilty – he wants his day/s in Court and to be as big a toe-rag as possible, playing our system of civilian justice for all its worth. If we got as tough as he we would kill him without much ado but we are afraid that we will look into the abyss, and see ourselves if we do that.
Yes not guilty to get his day in court………..that is all he has. The rest of his life is finished. Years and years, day in day out in virtual solitary……………
I hope the judge shuts it down as much as possible within the law.
That's sounds absolutely horrendous, regardless of what he has done.
As Hanibal Lector said in Silence of the Lambs: ' a civilised society would either put me to work or put me to death'. So true.
Yes, I think it does sound horrendous Peter, regardless of what he has done. But then I think of those who have lost love ones and also the survivors and their injuries, one woman who will never walk again, one who is in constant pain due to the damage the bullet did and the little girl with unknown consequences of the effect of the bullet in her brain. My compassion goes to them. they didn't choose it…….He did.
True, but why would anyone actually 'choose' that? My sympathies too go to the victims and their loved ones. But somewhere somehow the shooter is ill or something similar. Hate is easy. Understanding is not.
On this site, I have been called a right wing troll (absolutely not true), yet on this, I am a 'bleeding heart liberal'.
Hanibal Lector was so true. Execute or put to work. But torture (which is his de facto future) is not worthy of the 21st century.
Thing is, he's not ill. He's ideological. There is a difference.
And execution is still worse than imprisonment.
As for his status, if found guilty he needs to be in prison to protect us, and he needs to be in solitary to protect himself. He'd still get to talk to his guards.
Entitled to your point of view about the gunman Peter.
Given he is not pleading Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (which would mean he was psychotic at the time and out of touch with reality) we can assume he was sane. We all have to take responsibility for our actions. If we don't that means we blame someone else. There is no one else to blame here.
The shooter was exposed to extremist views. He continued to engage with them. He developed a hatred for people of the Muslim faith. He took many months/years to plan and execute these horrendous attacks that cost 51 their lives left many injured and disabled and disturbed the peace of mind of many, many others. In pleading not guilty, he shows no remorse or sympathy for his victims. I and many others suspect he has done that to expose his hate filled views and gain notoriety.
His will now be the most hideous existence and likely he will have long periods where he wishes he was dead and regrets what he did, not for his victims, but for himself. I know myself to be a compassionate person and have no problem saving that compassion for those who are deserving of it.
It's so costly to keep them locked up. If they can't be contained where they can grow their own food and not run away or have a go at staff, they would be better off dead. We will have better people to look after, including ourselves.
Not guilty will be to gain a platform to mount a defence in order to promote his philosophy. Be interesting to see how a Judge handles the extent of that.
If he started spouting forth his sick ideology, surely the judge would cut him off, and if he persists have him removed from court?
I mean, whatever he says in that vein, it in no way whatsoever can be a defence or related to his defence.
A barrister acting for someone like the shooter who seems to have no attributes or soul, in giving his defence acts against his own nature but follows the law which says that we should hear what can be said in the accused's defence. I think defending bastards that he thought were guilty led to Greg King's death.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141626
Greg King suffered ‘massive breakdown’ – coroner
Unbelievably, some idiot was outside court this morning abusing Muslims attending the session for Mosque shooter. Heil Hitler salutes and Nazi music (the Nazis actually actively helped Muslim freedom movements, so he is ignorant as well as bigoted and just plain stupid). And of course nasty anti Muslim speech. He has now appeared in court.
I despair. A crazy like ******* is one thing, but the supporters, in the cool light of day, scare me more.
Health and wellbeing. Surgical mesh has been a disaster for some people mainly women I think.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018699603/national-surgical-mesh-registry-off-minister-responds
Teeth brushing programs for primary schools would be excellent preventative care, and have a flow-on effect for other health problems and general wellbeing of children. A caring community being both kindly and practical!
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699591/call-for-teeth-brushing-help-in-northland-schools
We need to be caring about our young people who may be prevented from gaining employment because of unreasonable and unnecessary drug tests that bear no relation to their readiness and ability to do the work they apply for. Two opinions about drug testing methods:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699395/employers-warned-to-change-drug-testing-methods
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699589/urine-testing-most-effective-in-detecting-drugs-hardy
This week the Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told parliament's health select committee that a register to track patients who have been harmed by mesh implants would be too expensive and take too much time.
FFS! He expects the DHBs to collect the data in their region..too much for the MOH to assign one of their overpaid bureaucrats to simply be the person that receives that data from the DHBs on a regular basis and puts them a file for future reference.
They are deliberately sidestepping here…you can't measure what you don't count.
Typical MOH. SSDD.
Really disappointing. Have a friend who was severely damaged by mesh implants, and has been active with select committee hearings.
Part of the difficulty of her return to health was the relationships between surgeons and specialists in this small country of ours. Our ACC was the reason given why some NZ patients were unable to join in on class action lawsuits in the states. However, many in NZ have been unable to get compensation or support from ACC as they won't recognise the injuries caused by the mesh implants.
As you often point out, SSDD.
Cleangreen – it's a good start! After puffing and blowing for years to get the wheels rolling, you will have your own Thomas the Tank Engine.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018699590/napier-wairoa-rail-line-reopens
Does Muck Pomposo know who really attacked those tankers? I'm strugglin to see why Iran would annoy the Japanese if they're talking trade.
Maybe Muck set it up all along, it's almost like they are leveraging it as an excuse for a war, not like they've ever done that before. Lolz
It may be that the mode of attack points to a state actor – one of the ships claimed to have been torpedoed. A torpedo is a bit more complex than the usual scratchbuilt bombs employed by the likes of ISIS for example. Limpet mines appear to have used, and these are primarily available to states – though of course one could readily supply them to the perpetrators.
"…. scratchbuilt bombs employed by the likes of ISIS… "
There doesn't seem to be any scratch-built bombs in this list.
"Based on various reports, CNBC came up with the following laundry list of supplies the U.S. has so kindly provided to ISIS so far.
https://www.globalresearch.ca/where-does-isis-get-all-those-tanks-weapons-and-shiny-new-toyota-trucks/5490040
I think your source contains wildebeests of dubious provenance Brigid. 2,300 Humvees would be noticed, as would an Abrams tank battalion. Sure they had plenty of Toyota trucks – they're a preferred civilian and civil service vehicle in the region.
IEDs seem to be a preference with ISIS, which might be because they don’t have an Abrams tank battalion.
Explosive violence in Iraq in 2018
There were 2,510 deaths and injuries from explosive violence
60% (1,508) were civilians
This is a 77% decrease in civilian casualties from explosive violence. In 2017, AOAV recorded 6,571 civilian casualties from explosive weapons in Iraq,
Of civilian deaths and injuries, 89% were caused by IEDs
When explosive violence was used in a populated area in Iraq last year 86% of those dead and injured were civilians
https://aoav.org.uk/explosiveviolence/iraq/
It's time we mounted a humanitarian project and took all those people off Manus Island, not only for their health and humanity, but for ours and that or the Pacific Island country that is under such strain and warping of their life and culture and ability to plan for their future under CC and CUH (Chinese/Usa hegemony).
5/6/19 https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/391291/manus-island-police-chief-calls-for-govt-action-over-suicidal-refugees
For years, the Manus Provincial Police Commander David Yapu has dealt with the impact of hundreds of young, male refugees foisted on his community by Australia.
Conflict and crime are just some of the problems My Yapu has faced, but its only now with refugee suicide attempts reaching epidemic proportions that the police commander has turned to policy makers in Port Moresby.
"There must be some intervention from the government because the trend of attempted suicide is growing," Mr Yapu said.
"Anything drastic can happen, meaning that they can lose their life. This is something that I don't want to see."
Refugees have reported about 40 suicide attempts or incidents of self harm since the Australian election on 18 May, a statistic borne out by Mr Yapu's plea in which he described two attempted hangings and a failed self immolation last week, while admitting the situation was beyond his control.
This will go in our history where we sat back and did nothing but ineffectually wag our hands and tongues. It is hard to bear to think of these poor people inside and outside of the prison complex. And we are being screwed by the Australians as well. Have we any strength of will; do we have any integrity or are we true mercenaries, willing to sell ourselves and our integrity if any, if we are offered the right price?
Can we start a fund-raiser to send a fleet of little boats there, like Dunkirk. This might prompt some nastiness! But would highlight the disaster for the world's attention. Embarrassment at being shown up might do it.
And where would they come to in NZ. Pepin Island say? What about buying that NZ Government and settling them there and giving them the care and mental health services they need and deserve. That would be a good answer, as similar events will continue to happen. And we need to remember that NZ troops have participated in attacks and destruction of home areas that have caused many of these people to flee. We help destabilise the world, and injure and kill and deprive the populations in those places.
Where are our standards, our morals, our higher civilisation, or are we at heart ready to sink below the bottom line as long as we are comfortable? We won't be for long anyway, so let us try to do some good and not misuse our intelligence and cleverness to take us below the beasts as we decline.
No one really gives a crap about those idiots on the island sept the usual left wing nutters
Buster 12, = ignorant, overgeneralisation and labelling. Plus bad spelling. Not worth replying to.
Sorry buster we move in circles much larger than 12 and totally disagree with you. Is that the answer you were hoping for?
Not sure they would be a vote winner, we can’t even house refugees we have, all stuck in Mangere refugee Center with no where to go
I'm sure the cow cockies down south would lap them up.
That is a great idea Stuart. That would smooth the way in to our paradise, and keep the cockies quiet for a short time. They would all live in a giant housebus and have a medical team alongside. They might be able to cope for 4 hours a day. They would be pretty debilitated mentally if not physically but some therapeutic work not over demanding would be good.l
I was being facetious Grey, the southern communities would look after them though – the lactocapitalist mafia not so much.
Hi greywarshark…. I agree fully …. refugees have contributed and benefited to New Zealand throughout our past …..
Recently The Canadians found that refugees payed more tax and contributed to society more than their Millionaire Investor citizens…. The Aussies also found the same sad sack returns from their rich investment citizen schemes
Not to long ago, The Aussie five eyes spies bluffed, bullshitted and punked our prime minister …. when she previously offered NZ to take 100 ( or more? ) refugees off the Ausie Island prison camps.
Shortly after the offer our media carried stories of the aussie navy turning back refugee boats bound for Nz … it was reported as the Aussies stopped these boats from " crossing the ditch " …… To me "The ditch" infers the Tasman sea ….. but according to the Aussie Navy, these boats were turned back into Indonesian waters … So thousands of miles and a sea or two away.
In what seemed a beat up to me ,,,, Aussie 'officials' and herald type media …. were trying to blame jacinda Arden for an upsurge in mythical NZ bound boat people.
In January of this year we were 'warned' that a fishing boat, full of refugees, had left India , NZ bound which is over 11,000 Kms…… never to be heard of again.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/missing-boat-carrying-dozens-indian-migrants-bound-new-zealand-report
John Key fearmongered about refugee boats for most of his DP time as PM …. his proof was … steel boats … and vague reports of the threat ' getting closer'.
It's all bullshit ……….. as the old rooted and often dangerous refugee boats … will always try to make it onto Aussie soil.
The aussie strategy is intercept and prevent this ……. as it allows them to deny a lot of rights refugees who actually make it onto Aussie soil would be entitled to.
Its a cynical stripping of human rights ,, this aussie intercept at sea ,,,, is a nasty creative run around policy…. to avoid acting humane
Creative avoidance of having to act humane.
Thanks for the reminder reason.
It is to be noted that the Aussie intelligence agencies have been living in the pockets of the CIA for many decades. So, it is not surprising they have acted from time to time in the same devious and dishonest way.
Interesting report on the Globug electricity pre-payment system (through Mercury I think.) It sounds like a feel-good advertisement but they have anecdotes to say that it works for people who make payments regularly rather than monthly and if they try to do so will get all the discounts that regular monthly account holders would get. They may get behind and get cut off, but if they contact their provider they can get electricity reinstated quickly with no hefty charge for the reinstatement. It sounds Hope it is as good as it sounds.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018699598/is-the-prepay-power-market-working-as-it-should
It doesn't sound good at all. I gather the issue is people who end up on Globug are people who have financial issues already, and are unlikely to be ontop of payments, otherwise they would be okay with the usual system..
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/104524807/more-protection-needed-for-prepay-power-customers-consumer-nz
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/113441644/prepaid-power-customers-borrowing-to-pay-bills-survey-shows
That is interesting. It came up as a news item I thought. But my antennae thought it sounded too smooth. So thanks for the feedback. I must look again and see the steps – if Radionz have started advertorials I shall go up and kick them in the bum.
An interesting view on Bob Hawke and some of his more radical ideas around reform:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-14/bob-hawke-1979-boyer-lecture-recommended-abolishing-the-states/11203734
"We should seize a simple public education opportunity,
by renaming
GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
to
GDB¹ (Gross Domestic Burn);"
https://un-denial.com/2018/02/08/on-burning-carbon/
Some people eh – so sad and reduced to nothing inside themselves that they hate on others because of skin pigmentation or religious beliefs – yep the real deal – and the others who refuse to notice this shit even when they live down there – ffs
He should be assessed for exposing himself.
Lock em up he obviously is not right in the head
From my reading the increases by increasing the number of pay steps have been loaded to take effect from July 2020. Excluding the $1,500 one off bonus paid only to the union members, those non union will also have to wait another 3 months for their increase to apply – delaying the financial impact to the govts books.
Increasing beginning teachers pay hopefully will make the profession a little more appealing. Still like so many workers of today the difficulty in funding the "Affordable" $650k 2+ bedroom house
So the following govt. will have to deal with the implications as this agreement takes effect a few months before the next election.
Nice to see that "we have no more money" was not true 🤭 Well done the unions as I read this
https://campaigns.nzei.org.nz/time/june-2019-offer-ptca-ppca/
https://campaigns.nzei.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20190614-Proposed-Terms-of-Settlement-PTCA.pdf
Interesting quote from Duncan Garner, a center left journo
I’ve watched politics closely for 25 years and this government is the least effective of them all, by some margin.
It's almost as though a three-party coalition government might struggle to define and implement a cohesive policy programme, or something. If people are concerned about it, they should vote Labour or Green next time so those two can govern without NZ First. You'd see a coherent policy programme then, alright.
Also: Duncan Garner, a center left journo
Oh, my aching sides! Keep 'em coming!
Another vacuous garnerism, don't sweat it, bewildered.
It was one of those Freudian slips.
I've watched Duncan Garner closely for 25 years and this is his least effective of them all, by some margin.
Gardening leave beckons.
You should have tried to participate and lobby for things to make us more effective instead of watching it like some skewed voyeur.
Druncan may be missing the liquid lunches.
My thoughts on the Government's proposed changes to the Hobbit Law:
https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2019/06/14/party-like-its-1894-reforming-the-hobbit-law-new-zealand-politics/
It's either something very good via the back door, or something very bad via the back door.
During the Key government the huge wind farm project planned for near Huntly named Hauauru Ma Raki, was cancelled when the price of coal dropped. Eric Sykes the head of the Wind Energy Association of New Zealand said at the tim, "the right policy settings" could see the cancelled Hauauru Ma Raki wind farm be restarted.
So why aren’t these policy settings being put in place?
http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2019/06/why-hasnt-new-zealand-been-building.html
The Prince of Whales meets the Minnow of Presidents.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-48622001
Kia ora Newshub Nation.
Tanya it is not good the out comes of the tamariki who end up in state care most of those tamariki are Maori & Pacific tamariki they end up in jail or on the streets .
I think that the state abuse should be dragged out into court and sorted OUT so that the state abuse of tamariki will stop .
Eco Maori knows what the state not listening to one concerns as I have tried to use the Official Information act 3 x nothing.
Its sad Tanya that you lost your sister to suerside ultermitly because of state abuse being covered up. .
I agree people should not be put through recalling the trummer 2 or 3 X to get justice that would trummertize you and darn right rude that the person who was listening to you story of abuse while in state care falling asleep is down right rude and disrespectful the state servants are all about protecting them selves and there m8 and the state who care of the carnage that there actions do to the poor common tangata.
I don,t think a state opolergy is going to make any difference to the people whos lives have been harmed I say drag the people at fault for the abuse over the hot coals of a court and COMPONSATION for the people who have been abused that will improve the people whos lives that have been dammaged more than sorry Tova but thanks for this story.
david free speech is diffrent to Hate Speech and white supremacy if we let fools make hate speech and white supremacy common practices we will end up in anarchy A big MESS.
Niki shonky ran NZ like a busness take over he slashed and burned the state agencys budeget and sack heads of agencys use the state police to suppress people that were a threat to him and his goals all targeting a surplase in the state budget denied the housing crisses he was making . One can not run a goverment to cater for one small part of our socity the state need to be run for the better of all people not just the 00.1 %
Ka kite ano
Some Eco Maori music for the minute.
Kia kaha Extinction Rebellion all the people around the world for championing human caused climate change our grandchildren futures are so special to Eco Maori ka pai.
Extinction Rebellion protesters stop rush-hour traffic in London
Lewisham campaigners block three roads into city centre to highlight ‘air pollution crisis
Environmental protesters stopped traffic on three main roads into central Londonfrom the south-east in protest over the “air pollution crisis” in the area.
The protesters, organised by a local chapter of the Extinction Rebellion group, blocked traffic on the A20 near Lewisham station, A205 South Circular in Catford and the A2 in Deptford during the morning rush-hour.
XR said the action was intended as the first in a series of disruptions in the area as part of a campaign called Let Lewisham Breathe. Protesters handed out leaflets and cake to apologise for the disruption caused on a main route into the centre of London.
Extinction Rebellion protesters in Lewisham. Photograph: Lorna Greenwood/Extinction Rebellion
Lorna Greenwood, who took part in the protest despite being nine months pregnant, said she and about 50 fellow activists – all from the local area – began their action at 7.30am ka kite ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/14/extinction-rebellion-protesters-stop-rush-hour-traffic-london-lewisham
Some Eco Maori music for the minute.
Eco Maori thanks the Pope for his declaration that Human Caused Climate Change is a World Emergency ka pai.
Pope Francis has declared a global “climate emergency”, warning of the dangers of global heating and that a failure to act urgently to reduce greenhouse gases would be “a brutal act of injustice toward the poor and future generations”.
He also endorsed the 1.5C limit on temperature rises that some countries are now aiming for, referring to warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of “catastrophic” effects if we crossed such a threshold. He said a “radical energy transition” would be needed to stay within that limit, and urged young people and businesses to take a leading role.
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“Future generations stand to inherit a greatly spoiled world. Our children and grandchildren should not have to pay the cost of our generation’s irresponsibility,” he said, in his strongest and most direct intervention yet on the climate crisis. “Indeed, as is becoming increasingly clear, young people are calling for a change.”
The Pope’s impassioned plea came as he met the leaders of some of the world’s biggest multinational oil companies in the Vatican on Friday to impress upon them the urgency and scale of the challenge, and their central role in tackling the emissions crisis. It followed a similar meeting last year, but this time the Pope’s stance was tougher as he warned that time was running out and urged them to hear “the increasingly desperate cries of the earth and its poor
Ka kite ano link below.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/14/pope-francis-declares-climate-emergency-and-urges-action
Kia ora Newshub.
Ollie I don't think david cares really he just wants the publicity who cares about the people whom are hurting because of hate speech and people who think that they are superior.
Condolences for the whanau of the plane that crashed and the pilot died in NZ
I think everyone should put those life bars on Quads I have had a close call 6 years ago .
I don't think the Nelson council should leavening that leakey suerage pipe spewing crap into Tangaroa for another minute if farmers do something like that they would get a huge fine .
It is shocking the way Australia treats those refugees asylum seekers on manus island the people are self harming and can't see a better future than death WTF Scottmo gets of your ASS and fix this atrocity.
It is very cool all the buildings and aroha that Sir Edmond Hillary graced Nepal with awesome to give it was the old Maori way to give a the receiver userly tried to out gift the other if they had the resources.
Ka kite ano
Kia ora te ao Maori news
I say that oranga tamariki is going to change its prosess in the way that they assess and up lift Pepe and tamariki I hope that they have Maori whanau involvement and maybe get a credible kaumatua to sign the papers before pepe are up lifted should be same Iwi but not a immediate whanau member ie they should not no each other for a fair CALL.
Aotearoa produces enough food to feed 40 million people worldwide that is one of the reason why I back our farmers for one food is going to become more expensive and harder for the common and the poor people to get with Global warming. We have to do our part to feed the whole Papatuanuku. The other is corporate farming taking over our farms and turning Aotearoa into one big factory farm f that.
Awesome to that Wahine printing te reo on cloving kia kaha I missed her company name Eco Maori mite have to get a few shirts branded with my name.
Ka kite ano
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12240761
"Non-union teachers are angry that they will have to wait three months to get the pay rises that the Government has offered to union members…Justin Lindsay, a Hastings Boys' High School music teacher who is philosophically opposed to unions, said the three-month delay in the pay rise for non-union members is unprecedented and unfair.
"We are the teachers who would like to see performance pay and individual contracts," he said.That's a philosophical issue, but I feel like we are being punished for taking that point of view."
Charter school founder Alwyn Poole said even the three-month advance on the pay rise and the $1500 lump sum were less than the fees paid by union members. Union members have paid, on average, well in excess of $500 a year for the last three years and the next three years, i.e. $3000," he said. The percentage increase for three months will only be marginal. Plus the union members have struck for at least three days, [losing] approximately $900. So us non-members are still winning by about $2000 and don't have all of the ridiculous hassle of union membership."
I guess Justin Lindsay will be refusing the pay increases and contacting the Ministry of Education to negotiate an Individual Employment Agreement with performance based pay. If teachers want the pay increases at the same time as every one else, well, they could join the union.
And as for Alwyn Poole, well, if it wasn't for the education unions it's very likely the pay rates for teachers would be quite a bit lower than they are at present and teachers would still be dealing with rubbish like National Standards and Charter Schools.