The NZ Herald use the word "Downfall" of Poto. But I guess in your view the NZH is a hard right wing publication.
It was only a week ago that Jacinda said she had full confidence in Poto but I guess a week is a long time in politics. I agree with your comment "Williams was wrong for Police and Ardern has corrected that." I guess Jacinda has to wear that error of judgement appointing her in the first place, but she took an awful long time to correct that, and has now been forced to act due to public pressure and probably internal polling.
Over the previous weeks there were plenty of Labour supporters here who defended Williams a whole lot more than Ardern did yesterday. For them, such love is blind.
I don't particularly like Ardern granted, but TBH Labour is always going to lose a Law and Order debate no matter what they do.
Ardern has renewed with 18 months to get the game back for a 3rd term.
"Over the previous weeks there were plenty of Labour supporters here who defended Williams"
That is a bit like going to an AA meeting and asking "Do any of you like beer?"
People on the Standard will of course defend any Labour or Green MP (and knock any Nats) no matter what they do. Remember when David Clark broke his own party's lockdown rules and went mountain biking, it was all fine according to people on here. Imagine if it had been a National MP that went biking!
Poto Williams is a fantastic caring and kind person with a huge background with helping the misfortune downtrodden and abused and vulnerable, she was the wrong person for police (and frankly Mahuta is a terrible pic for Mahuta but Mahutas faction is too powerful to reshuffle her)
Poto will do an incredible job in her new portfolios. Things she is strong and confident in, police was always a bizarre and strange pick for Poto but if you're offered a cabinet position you take it.
Call it a demotion call it whatever you want but she's still a minister, she's still in an extremely safe seat and will do a very good job with disabilities.
Trevor, compared to Carter as speaker, did a great job. Carter was probably the worst speaker in my lifetime (quite a long time!)
Poto did a great job of supporting the police. Not much will change under Hipkins because strong foundations have been laid by Poto and Labour. He just might be able to answer bully boy Mercenary Mitchell's attacks on the police a little better than Williams (though I think she did a good job of that too).
A few months back I said if I was advising the PM, I would be telling her to move off shore once her tenure in politics was over.
Fast forward, and Newshub reports threats against the PM have trebled. It's interesting to note for those who still believe our media is rightwing, the reasons given for these increased threats:
''The official information shows anti-vaccination sentiment was a driving force. Opposition to the Government's firearms crackdown post-March 15 was another factor.''
Understandable, especially watching well looked after semi-autos being destroyed by dint of a liberal governments ultimate political wet dream.
''Police said it was not possible to determine the motivation for many of the threats because they were simply "offensive, obscene or threatening words directed at the PM".
Yeah, it's possible to determine another cause for a solid core of threats against the PM. Of course that would be hard for liberal media to report because it may be considered offensive?
Flash back over a decade ago. Banskie was at his best. He had just received a threat on air from a Maori bro who told Banksie to keep his opinions about Maori to himself, or he would come up to Auckland and ''do Banksie, himself.'' ( Banks was proud to have his own case manager at the racist Race Relations Office.)
Banks then spoke about the many threats he had received as a politician. He said he ignored most of them because most people who really wish you harm don't rant and rave – they just get on with the job as one person had tried to do.
So when it comes to the PM, I doubt there's any conspiracy to ''get her'' once she no longer has diplomatic protection. More likely she will be walking to the dairy one day, when Bob Kiwi who is sitting in his car rolling a smoke happens to glance up and sees the woman responsible for not allowing him to hold the hand of his beloved grandma as passed away with no one by her side. The woman who'd brought Bob up. The person he loved the most. His mind goes blank as he exits the car.
Here's the problem. There are many Bobs up and down the length of our once great land. These people don't detest the PM. They don't dislike her. They hate her with a vengeance.
You should think before you post. You just reinforce the stereotype of the nasty Leftie. In your case brainless halfwit at that. Talking of nasty things. Check out this legacy.
"I don't comment on people's private lives and certainly when Trevor Mallard and David Benson-Pope made their allegations in Parliament about Dr Brash's private life they crossed the line," Mrs Collins said on National Radio today.”
You don't see your own hypocrisy Blade? You should follow your own advice and think before you post. You are coming across just like what you are accusing others of being.
That's quite an unhinged, rather threatening rant.
Why should the PM "move off shore once her tenure in politics was over'? I note John key and Paula Bennett, who were quite despised by many still live in NZ. Why should the PM leave NZ? it's her home.
Sounds like the Bob you are describing is yourself Blade, you're the one that hates the PM with a vengeance.
''That's quite an unhinged, rather threatening rant.''
No it's not. That's what you want it to be. That is my honest opinion. You didn't need to abuse. Or did you?
''Why should the PM "move off shore once her tenure in politics was over'? ''
Well, believe it of not, the answer to that is in my post.
''I note John key and Paula Bennett, who were quite despised by many still live in NZ. Why should the PM leave NZ? it's her home.''
''Quite true, and of course, Jacinda does not have to leave NZ. My post said… if I was advising her. John Key and Paula Bennett are not in the same dislike club as Jacinda, simply because Jacinda has had to make decisions that have pissed way more people off – whether rightly or wrongly.''
''Sounds like the Bob you are describing is yourself Blade, you're the one that hates the PM with a vengeance.''
I am neutral regarding the PM – she does nothing for me, or against me. In fact I have praised her on occasions. Not that that would interest you with your cheap point scoring.
"Cheap point scoring" That's what you're doing. Your opinion was abusive and threatening, you don't need to be like that but neither are you neutral either when it comes to the PM and her govt, quite the opposite in fact. Key and Bennett did indeed piss off a hell of a lot of people and the anti Jacinda brigade appear to be a minority, albeit loud and fodder for media clickbait. btw, unlike John key, it's not in Jacinda's DNA to do a runner when times get tough. NZ couldn't have a better leader than Ardern, particularly during these global crises.
No need. I have written time and again there is no one better than Jacinda for fronting a crisis. She is the best of all times. I have written she has bewitched the global community(not all though) with her special brand of Jacinda fairy dust.
Stu.. you are asleep at the wheel. Stay awake and I will learn you.
You need to establish that you are not merely a toxic turkey begging for the axe by showing that some tiny proportion of your sad contributions are based in fact.
You are a dull Blade, but the habit of validating your assertions will (eventually) grind away that superficial dross and scale, until you are no longer a blunt instrument.
I noticed that too. Rather than stop threats of violence against public figures, that she should move. Thankfully she has other advisors.
Or we could treat threats of violence in public life with the severity it deserves and act sharply against extremism. Those who deliberately spread untrue statements about government actions and create all kinds of trouble.
On Groundswell I guess we have to wait until a significant number of farms are rendered uneconomic by flooding and so on and even then perhaps we won’t see any kind of teal/green realization like Aussie.
This is the reality of transition surgery for some. It’s also why so many people are against affirmation of gender identity in children, because once they get to puberty the paths to this kind of surgery is often uncritically offered.
Tullip is a British man in his thirties who was so distressed he couldn’t give informed consent. His doctors certainly didn’t seek it. He had radical transition surgery on the NHS and is left permanently disabled in multiple ways. This is both medical negligence (I would guess much worse than negligence, there’s the sense of experimentation), but also part of a medical scandal that few will talk about but affects many.
The politics of this are that large chunks of the left had supported No Debate (the political position that no one should be allowed to criticises any trans issues), and cancel culture to the point that people are afraid to speak out for fear of losing the jobs and careers. Hence we don’t know what is happening, good research isn’t being done, and we are passing bad laws.
Tulip did a good interview last week on Transition Radio Show's Youtube channel. They also interviewed Shapeshifter a couple of weeks ago, another MtF transitioner talking openly about their medical interventions.
The backstory and timeline of Transition Radio show is interesting to look into, as well.
Scrolling through the replies leads to this contribution from the outstanding UnHerd platform.
Is it a result of the 'baby led' trend that has contributed to this crop of tantrum throwing snowflakes that demand their every wish be not only fulfilled, but accepted and embraced without question by all?
Time for the grown ups to put aside the 'cringe' from their own youthful struggles and step up and be actual parents.
I was talking to a friend recently about a mutual friend whose daughter has said she is a boy, and so her mum bought her a chest binder, and I said how sad I found that. My friend was shocked by my sadness.
“But what would you do if your daughter wanted one?” she asked.
“I’d ask her what she thought she could do as a boy that she can’t do as a girl, and I’d ask if she wanted to be a boy, or did she want to be different person,” I said.
“But it’s the daughter’s choice,” my friend said.
“It would be her choice if she wanted to self-harm. But I wouldn’t buy her the razor,” I replied.
I'm a bit worried about David, he appears to be the only ACT rep allowed to talk to the media. They don't care about his mental health and will work him delusional if he can't delegate. Could ACT find a representative to cover him while he takes a break?
Surely this lack of sharpness says a lot about why hes considered too Socialist in some circles.
Especially with your increased risk of substantive capital loss,on investment watch the capital gains of the last 2 years contract to their real price of around 5 median incomes to median price.
US mortgage rates just crashed through to 6.13%,and the bloody monday event on wall street saw a 4% wack on your super fund.
The substantive rates increases coming for AK will be a problem going forward with the debt blowout heading to 20b by 2027.(excluding the cost blowouts and uncosted changes to infrastructure for the light rail lemon.
Treasury stated in the budget update that ownership had yet to be determined for light rail.The cost of land and infrastructure realignment has not been determined or costed into the project,and is expected to double the cost.
Look at the cost of the blowouts on cycleways alone,all funded on increased debt.
Yes that's Treasury keeping the back door open for a PPP + 'targeted rates'. Whether they went through with a targeted rate, it's not determined if Ak Council would collect it, but I very much doubt they will.
Minister Robertson was clearer, saying: "the Government will fund the "lion's share" of the $15b project and look at other options, including "value uplift" – a charge on businesses and developments that benefit from the project – and some kind of targeted rate."
In the major projects industry we are generally viewing light rail is dead, unless Labour get back for a third term.
My general view of cycleway cost blowouts is simply: every single major transport project is about to blow out. Nothing we can do except kill projects if we want to stay in budget.
the full cost is 25B as neither land or moving of infrastructure and services has been costed in,treasury warning also stated interest costs and forex costs not fully included.
The $$ for ones on the starting line like PenLink, AMETI to Botany, Riverlink, 2nd Harbour Crossing, Downtown Wellington, and the next tranche of Ak trains … I would watch them closely as they are going to blow sky high.
In the US and Europe construction materials such as rebar and lumber have fallen off peaks,the latter in the US coming back 55% in 3 months as new inventory stalls in the housing market.
The RBNZ review into housing determined the NZ housing and construction sectors were operating at 133% of capacity and it needed to contract to sustainable levels to constrain build inflation.
The OECD suggested pausing large infrastructure,to constrain both deflation and forward debt risk.
House prices will fall,thats a given as the central banks QT and ratchet interest mechanisms start to rotate both buyers and sellers to the new reality.
Well the sandflys are still breaking into my whare at will trying to set me up to crashs everyday i go to work next minute national are waving the flag
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New Zealand faces a stark choice this election – vote for Labour to continue to confront the climate emergency with eyes wide open or bury your head in the sand alongside Christopher Luxon. ...
Labour is supercharging its plan to solve the public housing shortfall created by National, promising another 6,000 homes on top of what has already been committed says Labour Housing spokesperson Dr Megan Woods. ...
Labour will back migrant working families by introducing a 10-year multiple-entry parents’ and grandparents’ Super Visa, and make good on the Dawn Raids apology by providing a one-off visa for overstayers who have been in the country ten years or more, Labour’s Immigration Spokesperson Andrew Little says. ...
The Green Party is today welcoming Labour coming to the table to ensure an amnesty for overstayers, but only the Greens will ensure immigration settings actually reflect the reality of people who have been failed by our immigration system. ...
The Green Party is calling on Auckland Council to do more to protect urban trees and housing developer Aedifice Property Group to restore and replant the native forest it cleared, and protect all the remaining trees on Ngahere Road in Pukekohe after a significant number of native trees were cut ...
Latest Police data shows monthly ram raids have hit a two-year low, laying waste to Christopher Luxon’s false claim that there are two ram raids a day says Labour’s Police Spokesperson Ginny Andersen. ...
Free and healthy school lunches will be here to stay if Labour is re-elected, guaranteeing food for our kids who need it most and significant cost saving for parents. ...
The next Labour Government will build a new hospital in Hawke’s Bay, Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall announced. ...
The Green Party will keep up the fight to support exploited migrant workers, including pushing to end single employer visas, after the government picked up Green recommendations to improve immigration settings. ...
Green Party co leader James Shaw visited a home in Auckland today that has been upgraded with a wide range of energy improvements, similar to those that would be supported through the Green Party’s Clean Power Payment. ...
The Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta’s presence in New York today at the United Nations General Assembly is a contempt of New Zealand’s “caretaker government” convention. Despite the long-standing caretaker convention, Minister Mahuta is today at the UN to sign a highly contentious “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement”, delivering a ...
The Pre-Election Fiscal Update Changes EverythingWithin an hour of this speech there is going to be a debate between the political parties that the media, under MMP, still think are the only parties that matter in this campaign. Both of those parties are riddled with inexperience, as evidenced by ...
National and ACT's tax plans don't add up, and that means deep cuts to the public services New Zealanders rely on, says Labour Campaign Chair Megan Woods. ...
Thank you for your invitation to speak with you this afternoon about New Zealand Foreign Policy. After offering one or two general thoughts about the nature of foreign policy, the focus today will be the Pacific Reset and why its goals remain even more important today as when they were ...
National’s plan to cut policies that are reducing New Zealand’s climate emissions will result in a huge gap in the country’s emissions budgets and could see Kiwis paying significantly more at the petrol pump as a result of Christopher Luxon hiking the ETS price. ...
Labour’s plan to support rooftop solar is a step in the right direction, but falls short of what could be achieved through the Green Party’s Clean Power Payment. ...
Labour will double the number of houses with rooftop solar in New Zealand, lowering household power bills, reducing emissions and boosting renewable electricity generation. ...
A re-elected Labour Government will continue its proud tradition of advancing women’s health, employment, and legal rights Spokesperson for Women Jan Tinetti said. ...
Speaking at the E Tū Election Launch in Auckland today, Green Party co leader Marama Davidson outlined the Green Party’s manifesto commitment to ensure everyone has five weeks of annual leave. ...
A re-elected Labour Government will protect hard-fought workers’ rights and keep the momentum on wage growth to lift incomes for all New Zealanders, leader Chris Hipkins announced today. ...
New Zealand First is proud to announce the Party List for the upcoming 2023 General Election. We have had a great number of applicants and potential candidates moving through the selection process over the past few months. Our final selection for our list proves we have a wide range ...
Massive cuts to public service are on the cards as Nicola Willis has promised to resign if she doesn’t deliver tax cuts but is refusing to make the same commitment if she doesn’t raise enough income from her bungled foreign buyer’s tax. ...
Labour will help more victims of crime achieve justice faster by introducing a formal class-action regime, modernising consent laws and increasing the use of technology to speed up hearings. ...
Labour will deliver the largest ever increase to the number of doctors trained each year, adding an additional 335 doctors a year to our health workforce from 2027, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has announced. ...
Today’s PREFU has some alarming statistics showing an economy deteriorating and the cost of unaffordable government expenditure, mainly in the 2022 and 2023 budgets. Despite this alarming economic and fiscal picture, political parties are making unaffordable promises, talking about a surplus by 2027, or four years time, all of which ...
If re-elected Labour will make cervical screening services free to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 years, delivering better cancer care for over 1.4 million New Zealanders. ...
Māori: Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna te Whakaaetanga Whakataunga Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna i tētahi Whakaaetanga Whakataunga hei whakamihi i ō rātou tāhuhu kerēme Tiriti o Waitangi. E tekau mā rua ngā hapū o roto mai o Te Whānau ...
Regions around the country will get significant boosts of public housing in the next two years, as outlined in the latest public housing plan update, released by the Housing Minister, Dr Megan Woods. “We’re delivering the most public homes each year since the Nash government of the 1950s with one ...
Judicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap increased by 500 Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement More roles added to Green List Three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders The Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of ...
Tangi ngunguru ana ngā tai ki te wahapū o Hokianga Whakapau Karakia. Tārehu ana ngā pae maunga ki Te Puna o te Ao Marama. Korihi tangi ana ngā manu, kua hinga he kauri nui ki te Wao Nui o Tāne. He Toa. He Pou. He Ahorangi. E papaki tū ana ...
40 solar energy systems on community buildings in regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events Virtual capability-building hub to support community organisations get projects off the ground Boost for community-level renewable energy projects across the country At least 40 community buildings used to support the emergency response ...
The lifting of COVID-19 isolation and mask mandates in August has resulted in a return of almost $50m in savings and recovered contingencies, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Following the revocation of mandates and isolation, specialised COVID-19 telehealth and alternative isolation accommodation are among the operational elements ...
Susie Houghton of Auckland has been appointed as a new District Court Judge, to serve on the Family Court, Attorney-General David Parker said today. Judge Houghton has acted as a lawyer for child for more than 20 years. She has acted on matters relating to the Hague Convention, an international ...
The Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...
Another $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...
The future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...
The economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...
The Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today. “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...
Temporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...
An export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...
The Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...
The Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...
Defence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...
Around 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...
Aotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...
The Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...
The Government has today confirmed a $2 million grant towards the regeneration of Greymouth’s CBD with construction of a new two-level commercial and public facility. “It will include a visitor facility centred around a new library. Additionally, it will include retail outlets on the ground floor, and both outdoor and ...
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Suva, Fiji alongside New Zealand’s regional counterparts. “Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply committed to working with our pacific whanau to strengthen our cooperation, and share ways to combat the challenges facing the Blue Pacific Continent,” ...
Economy to grow 2.6 percent on average over forecast period Treasury not forecasting a recession Inflation to return to the 1-3 percent target band next year Wages set to grow 4.8 percent a year over forecast period Unemployment to peak below the long-term average Fiscal Rules met - Net debt ...
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall proudly opened the Canterbury Cancer Centre in Christchurch today. The new facility is the first of its kind and was built with $6.5 million of funding from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group scheme for shovel-ready projects allocated in 2020. ...
$12 million to improve the resilience of roads in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions Hope Bypass earmarked in draft Government Policy Statement on land transport $127 million invested in the top of the south’s roads since flooding in 2021 and 2022 The Government is investing over $12 million to ...
Ko tēnei te wiki e whakanui ana i tō tātou reo rangatira. Ko te wā tuku reo Māori, e whakanuia tahitia ai te reo ahakoa kei hea ake tēnā me tēnā o tātou, ka tū ā te Rātū te 14 o Mahuru, ā te 12 o ngā hāora i te ahiahi. ...
The 70-year-old Wildlife Act will be replaced with modern, fit-for-purpose legislation to better protect native species and improve biodiversity, Minister of Conservation Willow-Jean Prime has announced. “New species legislation is urgently needed to address New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis,” Willow-Jean Prime said. “More than 4,000 of our native species are currently ...
Central and Local Government are today announcing a range of new measures to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour in the Auckland CBD to complement Police scaling up their presence in the area. “Police have an important role to play in preventing and responding to crime, but there is more ...
The Government has confirmed $73.7 million over the next four years and a further $40.5m in outyears to continue to transform the disability support system, Minister for Disability Issues Priyanca Radhakrishnan has announced. “The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach is a framework which guides positive change for disabled people, ...
Standard and Poor’s is the latest independent credit rating agency to endorse the Government’s economic management in the face of a deteriorating global economy. S&P affirmed New Zealand’s long term local currency rating at AAA and foreign currency rating at AA+ with a stable outlook. It follows Fitch affirming New ...
Christchurch barrister Kelvin Reid has been appointed as a Judge of the Environment Court and the District Court, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. Mr Reid has extensive experience in Resource Management Act issues, including water quality throughout the South Island. He was appointed to the Technical Advisory Group advising the ...
New Zealand is on track to have greener steel as soon as 2026 with New Zealand Steel’s electric arc furnace project reaching a major milestone today. The Government announced a conditional partnership with New Zealand Steel in May to deliver the country’s largest emissions reduction project to date. Half of ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: TOP leader Raf Manji.The book I wish I’d writtenThe Mandibles: A Family 2029-2047 by Lionel Shriver. It covers much of what I’ve been thinking ...
Responding to the Labour Party’s Fiscal Plan, Taxpayers’ Union Head of Campaigns, Callum Purves, said: “Labour’s current economic plan of overtaxing hard-working New Zealanders just to waste money on middle-managers, consultants and vanity projects ...
It has been just over a year since Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, came into effect and yet as we lead into the election a running theme from some parts of the political sphere is to ask the question "Why hasn't the Māori Health ...
Everything the Labour Party has promised it can pay for with some left over, it says, but National has dubbed the notion a fantasy The Labour Party has released its fiscal plan showing how its election promises and the ongoing cost pressures in the public sector would fit within Budget allowances. Finance spokesperson ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Holly Thorpe, Professor in Sociology of Sport and Gender, University of Waikato As a former competitive snowboarder and instructor, and later a researcher of snow sports, I’ve been lucky to enjoy ski resorts around the world. But nothing compares to Mount Ruapehu ...
Explainer - On 2 October, early voting will begin for the general election that will decide who will govern the country for the next three years. So let's take a look at the nuts and bolts of casting a vote. ...
Customer and financial data 'not compromised', city's transport agency believes Auckland Transport confirms hackers have made good on their threat to offer up the transport agency’s stolen data on the dark web. Roger Jones, the executive general manager for business technology, and his team were monitoring the threat overnight, after a group ...
Citing an escalation in crime in CBD areas, National has announced it would increase the number of frontline police officers focused on inner-city crime, if elected. ...
Benefit advocate and Welfare Expert Advisory Group member Kay Brereton is calling for some basic facts and empathy from political parties looking to fish for votes with beneficiary bashing. Brereton says the call to put sanctions on people on benefits ...
Chris Hipkins’ claim this morning that Labour’s costings for removal of GST off fruit and veg account for behavioural changes are completely untrue. Responding to Mr Hipkins’ attacks on the Union, spokesman Jordan Williams said: “We couldn’t ...
A Charles Sturt University journalism academic says the evolving communication course at his institution in Australia continues to feed the ranks of the irrepressible “Mitchell Mafia’”. Jock Cheetham, senior lecturer in news and media in the Charles Sturt School of Information and Communication Studies in Bathurst, said recent “news” ...
Te Tai Tonga, the largest of the 71 electorates, and encompassing the entire South Island, Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, all the islands in the Southern Ocean, as well as a large part of Wellington City, has been held by incumbent Labour MP Rino Tirikatene for 12 years. And according ...
Citing an escalation in crime in CBD areas, National has announced it would increase the number of frontline police officers focused on inner-city crime, if elected. ...
This week in our campaign style series, Winston Peters is the king of snot-less pocket squares and bringing things back from the depths of his wardrobe. Not many encyclopaedic entries include politicians’ personal style, choosing instead things like biography, policies, speeches and ideological alignments. But in Te Ara, the official ...
As the National Party gets closer to government, lobbyists and business interests will be lining up for influence and to get policies adopted. It’s therefore in the public interest to have much more scrutiny and transparency about potential conflicts ...
Nearly half of voters aged 18-39 [49%] said, in a Curia Poll, they would consider giving the Women’s Rights Party their party vote in the upcoming Election. In a poll conducted by Curia Market Research commissioned by the Women’s Rights ...
It’s a cold and blustery day here in the central Hawke’s Bay and I’ve just pulled into a local cafe for a coffee and some food (I now understand why being on the road like our political leaders encourages you to eat a very pastry-heavy diet). I’m here to spend ...
Media have once again been led into incorrect reporting on the firearm registry, this time repeating claims that the new firearms registry enabled identification of a firearm on-seller, even though the data had been collected separately by Police ...
No surprises in today’s final fiscal announcement – but clear evidence Labour believes its request that National ‘show it the money’ is working. Prime minister Chris Hipkins and finance minister Grant Robertson delivered Labour’s fiscal plan – its vision for how it will raise money, and what it will spend ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist The New Zealand government has given its full blessing to Cook Islands and Niue establishing diplomatic relations with the United States. At the US-Pacific summit on Monday (Washington time), President Joe Biden said he recognised the two island nations as sovereign and independent states, ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist The New Zealand government has given its full blessing to Cook Islands and Niue establishing diplomatic relations with the United States. At the US-Pacific summit on Monday (Washington time), President Joe Biden said he recognised the two island nations as sovereign and independent states, ...
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland could experience a six per cent reduction in GDP compared to the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2050, according to a new climate report. Mitigating climate change in New Zealand: impacts on Auckland’s economy describes how the ...
It’s easy to take for granted, but technology exists to help us. The Spinoff spoke to four people with disabilities about the tech they consider essential. We often think of technology as irking us – Duolingo scolds, Instagram pesters and TikTok steals time. But, if I did throw my phone ...
The inspired casting of Tāme Iti on a fundamentally silly reality TV show paid off in an impossibly resonant scene last night. The scene is unimaginably pretty. Somewhere outside Wānaka, on an island far from any road, two men wander along the lakeside. The pair are bathed in sun despite ...
Climate change campaigners will be delivering 40,000 leaflets around the country to alert voters about which parties are best and worst on climate change policies. See attached leaflet. "You wouldn't know it from a lot of political posturing ...
Following the release of the International Energy Agency (IEA) ‘Net Zero Roadmap Update' yesterday, Greenpeace Aotearoa says that the National Party is out of touch with its promise to reverse the 2018 ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration. ...
Labour has released its fiscal plan, a 12-page document laying out its spending plans over the next three years in response to the PREFU released earlier this month. It is forecasting a return to budget surplus in 26/27, and net debt to peak at 22.8% in the 24/25 fiscal year. ...
Labour has released its fiscal plan, a 12-page document laying out its spending plans over the next three years in response to the PREFU released earlier this month. It is forecasting a return to budget surplus in 26/27, and net debt to peak at 22.8% in the 24/25 fiscal year. ...
The Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index (ECI) fell by 7.4 points to 98.3 in the September quarter. This is the first time since March 2021 that households have held a negative view about conditions in the labour market, and the lowest reading ...
At an event in Grey Lynn last night hosted by advocacy group Renters United, candidates for the Mount Albert electorate discussed housing issues with renters. Instead of a standard debate format, the event rotated candidates between tables of renters, giving attendees the chance to talk about some of their concerns ...
At an event in Grey Lynn last night hosted by advocacy group Renters United, candidates for the Mount Albert electorate discussed housing issues with renters. Instead of a standard debate format, the event rotated candidates between tables of renters, giving attendees the chance to talk about some of their concerns ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Labas, Lecturer in Management, Federation University Australia Food waste is a global problem with approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted each year throughout the food lifecycle – from the farm to food manufacturers and households. Across the food supply chain, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacob Prehn, Associate Dean Indigenous College of Arts, Law, and Education; Senior Lecturer – Indigenous Fellow, Social Work, University of Tasmania GettyImages The lead-up to the Voice referendum is already affecting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Wolpe, Non-resident Senior Fellow, United States Study Centre, University of Sydney As former Labor minister Barry Jones has wisely noted, the Voice referendum feels like 2016 all over again. The shock from the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shidan Tosif, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Melbourne While COVID in children has generally been milder than in adults, there are concerns long COVID may be a major consequence for children and young people arising from the pandemic. Long COVID, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olaf Meynecke, Research Fellow in Marine Science, Griffith University WA Western Whale Watch Australia, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a whale, there’s often not too much to see out in deeper water. Perhaps that’s why so many whales get playful with ...
For New Zealand scientists trying to solve big-picture problems, turning them into commercial businesses is often an afterthought. Vanessa Young from the MacDiarmid Institute talks to some of the people guiding scientists through this journey.For many of us, trying to understand the hi-tech world of startups is challenging at ...
For New Zealand scientists trying to solve big-picture problems, turning them into commercial businesses is often an afterthought. Vanessa Young from the MacDiarmid Institute talks to some of the people guiding scientists through this journey.For many of us, trying to understand the hi-tech world of startups is challenging at ...
The deputy PM on boosting the Pasifika vote turnout, her go-to cafe order and why she doesn’t want to be prime minister. Nestled among Titirangi’s native bush and towering trees, down a short steep driveway, with Labour Party hoardings spotting the yard, is the home of deputy prime minister and ...
The voters aren't coming to them, so Maungakiekie's candidates are going to the voters. ‘They want to hear me say that if I become the local MP, I will lie on the proposed railway tracks. And I will!’ ...
Overseas voting in the October election starts today, ahead of local voting booths opening on Monday. In today’s Bulletin, the rise and rise of advance voting. In 2020, Claire Robinson concluded that advance voting probably benefits the traditional major parties and that the so-called minor parties benefit from late strategic voting. “Since ...
It’s Tuesday, September 27 and welcome back to The Spinoff’s election live updates. I’m Stewart Sowman-Lund, on deck from Palmerston North, with support from our news team around the country. Get in touch with me on [email protected]Learn more about the political parties and where they stand at Policy.nz ...
In the same week National leader admitted he would work with New Zealand First, both parties have launched new policies aimed at reducing the number of people on benefits. Both take a hardline approach, though are significantly differ. While National’s proposal would introduce a tiered, traffic light framework at which ...
Tayla Bruce has gone from a teenager fan with an NZ fern in her hair to world champion in bowls. Angela Walker tells her remarkable story “A true full circle moment,” is how Tayla Bruce described the surprise celebration that was put on for her at her bowls club in Christchurch. When ...
Overseas voting opens today and advance voting starts on Monday. How influential could offshore voting be, and why are we still waiting for fiscal plans, asks Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Just ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Priya Kurian, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, University of Waikato The Green Party has run a strong campaign. With a 14.2% share in the latest Newshub-Reid Research poll, up by 1.9 percentage points since the previous poll, that is more ...
Aaron Smale tuned in to TVNZ’s Kaupapa Māori Debate which heard from Māori from each of the main parties. He didn't find a lot to get excited about. Comment: It was a shambles but it was also telling. None of the political parties seem to have any coherent vision about where ...
Independent Whangarei Candidate Fiona Green thinks bottom trawling and dredging should be phased out because they have significant negative impacts on marine ecosystems. "Bottom trawling involves dragging a large net along the seafloor to catch fish ...
Members of the 2019 Welfare Expert Advisory Group have rejected National's claim their report backs up the party's harsher sanctions for some jobseekers. ...
Ahead of the election, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ has laid down a challenge to political parties to tackle breast cancer – the leading killer of New Zealand women under 65. The charity surveyed the seven biggest parties, asking them to adopt the ...
Overseas voting in the general election opens today. Could those in Australia decide the winner? One million New Zealanders currently live overseas, representing 20% of New Zealand’s resident population and eligible voters. Almost 70% of our offshore citizens reside in Australia, which could mean up to half a million votes ...
In the heart of a politically charged city, a high-stakes election battle is unfolding between three highly impressive candidates with significant political potential, all almost perfectly tied in the polls.With the Beehive at its centre, the symbolic importance of Wellington Central is obvious: it’s the home of the government, ...
An annual report on the state of New Zealand fiction as something that people actually want to buy About 18 months ago, I wrote a piece for Newsroom that, along with plugging our inaugural Allen & Unwin Fiction prize, lamented the sorry state of New Zealand fiction sales at ...
The more we know, the more it costs when it comes to delivering water. With new discoveries about bugs come new technologies to deal with them, and it often adds up to more than councils can afford. In the 1950s, supplying drinking water was simple: find your cleanest ...
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ANALYSIS:By Ella Stewart, RNZ News longform journalist, Te Ao Māori National Party leader Christopher Luxon made claims about health outcomes that were clearly false. Why was he left unchallenged? In the TVNZ leaders’ debate last night, Luxon and Labour’s Chris Hipkins had a testy exchange over Māori healthcare. Hipkins ...
ANALYSIS:By Ella Stewart, RNZ News longform journalist, Te Ao Māori National Party leader Christopher Luxon made claims about health outcomes that were clearly false. Why was he left unchallenged? In the TVNZ leaders’ debate last night, Luxon and Labour’s Chris Hipkins had a testy exchange over Māori healthcare. Hipkins ...
A recent webinar hosted by the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) brought together minds from across the region to delve into the intricate issues of the digital economy and data value. The webinar’s focus was clear — shed light on who was shaping the rules of the digital landscape ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Strangio, Professor of Politics, Monash University Daniel Andrews, who has announced he will step down after nearly nine years as premier, leaves office as a titan of Victorian politics. An activist premier, a gifted political communicator and a hard man of ...
Analysis by Keith Rankin. Chart by Keith Rankin. Chart by Keith Rankin. The principal measure of economic success in the mainstream narrative is economic growth. The pointy heads associated with that narrative will correctly point out that its economic growth per capita that matters, and which serves as a crude ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. As the National Party gets closer to government, lobbyists and business interests will be lining up for influence and to get policies adopted. It’s therefore in the public interest to have much more scrutiny and transparency about potential conflicts of ...
National says its new benefit sanctions policy would target the kind of person who shows up to a job interview in their pyjamas, not struggling young families. ...
A new Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll in the Auckland Central Electorate has voters undecided between Greens incumbent Chlöe Swarbrick (polling at 26% of voters) and National candidate Mahesh Muralidhar (polling at 24%) - a statistical tie when accounting ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Shutterstock Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government’s employment white paper is “ambitious”. I’m not convinced. A clearly ambitious statement would have specified a target for unemployment, ideally one ...
With Poto Williams being demoted and Trevor Mallard going, that's National's two best assets gone which should strengthen Labour.
Cabinet reshuffle: Chris Hipkins new Police Minister as PM says Poto Williams 'lost focus' – NZ Herald
In my world Conservation is a promotion.
Spot on, Ad. Conservation is a very important portfolio!
You really should do stand up comedy (or spin for Labour. So in your view Poto has been promoted!)………that's gold!
Moved to Disabilities and Conservation where Jacinda hopes even Poto cant fuck those up!
Conservation is the primary Ministry within which our colonial sins are now washed clean. Sure ain't in Office of Treaty Settlements.
Check out the depth of partnership through all the national parks that we have with iwi.
Check out also Minister Williams' depth of background in disability issues.
Williams was wrong for Police and Ardern has corrected that.
The NZ Herald use the word "Downfall" of Poto. But I guess in your view the NZH is a hard right wing publication.
It was only a week ago that Jacinda said she had full confidence in Poto but I guess a week is a long time in politics. I agree with your comment "Williams was wrong for Police and Ardern has corrected that." I guess Jacinda has to wear that error of judgement appointing her in the first place, but she took an awful long time to correct that, and has now been forced to act due to public pressure and probably internal polling.
Over the previous weeks there were plenty of Labour supporters here who defended Williams a whole lot more than Ardern did yesterday. For them, such love is blind.
I don't particularly like Ardern granted, but TBH Labour is always going to lose a Law and Order debate no matter what they do.
Ardern has renewed with 18 months to get the game back for a 3rd term.
"Over the previous weeks there were plenty of Labour supporters here who defended Williams"
That is a bit like going to an AA meeting and asking "Do any of you like beer?"
People on the Standard will of course defend any Labour or Green MP (and knock any Nats) no matter what they do. Remember when David Clark broke his own party's lockdown rules and went mountain biking, it was all fine according to people on here. Imagine if it had been a National MP that went biking!
Poto Williams is a fantastic caring and kind person with a huge background with helping the misfortune downtrodden and abused and vulnerable, she was the wrong person for police (and frankly Mahuta is a terrible pic for Mahuta but Mahutas faction is too powerful to reshuffle her)
Poto will do an incredible job in her new portfolios. Things she is strong and confident in, police was always a bizarre and strange pick for Poto but if you're offered a cabinet position you take it.
Call it a demotion call it whatever you want but she's still a minister, she's still in an extremely safe seat and will do a very good job with disabilities.
plus 1 Ad, Conservation is massive, the fact RWs don't get that is rather showing IMO.
But weren’t Trevor and Poto doing a great job? And just the other day Kris Faafoi said he loved Parliament and wasn’t going anywhere.
Trevor, compared to Carter as speaker, did a great job. Carter was probably the worst speaker in my lifetime (quite a long time!)
Poto did a great job of supporting the police. Not much will change under Hipkins because strong foundations have been laid by Poto and Labour. He just might be able to answer bully boy Mercenary Mitchell's attacks on the police a little better than Williams (though I think she did a good job of that too).
Chris Trotter invokes the ghost of Muldoon.
https://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-recession-new-zealand-has-to-have.html
Fuck he just moans.
He's incapable of admitting that this is the most interventionist social democratic government we've had since Kirk.
That is hard to argue against.
Intervention is not automatically a bad thing.
Chris Trotter spends his whole life living in 1982.
And complaining that the Labour Party don't invite him to sing at their Conferences any more.
He's done very well out of being a 'lefty' for the media to use as 'balance' like pagani etc.
Nice work If you can get it.
Agreed Sanc….that's why he hates the Greens. But he can write superbly at times
Hmmm…8 comments and not one addressed the theme of the article….no surprises there.
Mens Health..a sad indictment. And its this week !
A few months back I said if I was advising the PM, I would be telling her to move off shore once her tenure in politics was over.
Fast forward, and Newshub reports threats against the PM have trebled. It's interesting to note for those who still believe our media is rightwing, the reasons given for these increased threats:
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/06/threats-against-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-involving-police-almost-triple-in-three-years.html
Quote:
''The official information shows anti-vaccination sentiment was a driving force. Opposition to the Government's firearms crackdown post-March 15 was another factor.''
Understandable, especially watching well looked after semi-autos being destroyed by dint of a liberal governments ultimate political wet dream.
''Police said it was not possible to determine the motivation for many of the threats because they were simply "offensive, obscene or threatening words directed at the PM".
Yeah, it's possible to determine another cause for a solid core of threats against the PM. Of course that would be hard for liberal media to report because it may be considered offensive?
Flash back over a decade ago. Banskie was at his best. He had just received a threat on air from a Maori bro who told Banksie to keep his opinions about Maori to himself, or he would come up to Auckland and ''do Banksie, himself.'' ( Banks was proud to have his own case manager at the racist Race Relations Office.)
Banks then spoke about the many threats he had received as a politician. He said he ignored most of them because most people who really wish you harm don't rant and rave – they just get on with the job as one person had tried to do.
So when it comes to the PM, I doubt there's any conspiracy to ''get her'' once she no longer has diplomatic protection. More likely she will be walking to the dairy one day, when Bob Kiwi who is sitting in his car rolling a smoke happens to glance up and sees the woman responsible for not allowing him to hold the hand of his beloved grandma as passed away with no one by her side. The woman who'd brought Bob up. The person he loved the most. His mind goes blank as he exits the car.
Here's the problem. There are many Bobs up and down the length of our once great land. These people don't detest the PM. They don't dislike her. They hate her with a vengeance.
Are you always an idiot, or do you work on it for this site?
You should think before you post. You just reinforce the stereotype of the nasty Leftie. In your case brainless halfwit at that. Talking of nasty things. Check out this legacy.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/06/trevor-mallard-retires-a-look-back-at-the-long-time-mp-s-career-in-parliament.html
Yep saw that on TV3 last night. Scalping rugby tickets to students ….how low can you go.
In terms of "lowness" that wouldn't even leave a mark
To be fair he probably needed the cash, MPs aren't well remunerated for their efforts
Terrible stuff, Jimmy. I think he went lower though.
Talking of nasty things = Talking of affairs.
Remember this? I would like to say plenty more about the character of the Left. But Sanctuary above and below has obliged me.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/labours-questioning-of-brash-a-disgrace/MK5GPXOIUJONA2A2PF2B75XKJM/
Quote:
"I don't comment on people's private lives and certainly when Trevor Mallard and David Benson-Pope made their allegations in Parliament about Dr Brash's private life they crossed the line," Mrs Collins said on National Radio today.”
That's a wicked tag-team.
What a snowflake.
You don't see your own hypocrisy Blade? You should follow your own advice and think before you post. You are coming across just like what you are accusing others of being.
The first of your 2 options, Sanctuary!
LOL, I think the PM is a child ,in mind only.She hasnt any depth,she shall be remembered by many for what she has forced on NZ,hers to deal with.
bobnaki lol You show such depth of perception sarc.
I bet she can manage basic grammar and punctuation though.
The last 5 years proves your opinion wrong bobnaki
That's quite an unhinged, rather threatening rant.
Why should the PM "move off shore once her tenure in politics was over'? I note John key and Paula Bennett, who were quite despised by many still live in NZ. Why should the PM leave NZ? it's her home.
Sounds like the Bob you are describing is yourself Blade, you're the one that hates the PM with a vengeance.
''That's quite an unhinged, rather threatening rant.''
No it's not. That's what you want it to be. That is my honest opinion. You didn't need to abuse. Or did you?
''Why should the PM "move off shore once her tenure in politics was over'? ''
Well, believe it of not, the answer to that is in my post.
''I note John key and Paula Bennett, who were quite despised by many still live in NZ. Why should the PM leave NZ? it's her home.''
''Quite true, and of course, Jacinda does not have to leave NZ. My post said… if I was advising her. John Key and Paula Bennett are not in the same dislike club as Jacinda, simply because Jacinda has had to make decisions that have pissed way more people off – whether rightly or wrongly.''
''Sounds like the Bob you are describing is yourself Blade, you're the one that hates the PM with a vengeance.''
I am neutral regarding the PM – she does nothing for me, or against me. In fact I have praised her on occasions. Not that that would interest you with your cheap point scoring.
"Cheap point scoring" That's what you're doing. Your opinion was abusive and threatening, you don't need to be like that but neither are you neutral either when it comes to the PM and her govt, quite the opposite in fact. Key and Bennett did indeed piss off a hell of a lot of people and the anti Jacinda brigade appear to be a minority, albeit loud and fodder for media clickbait. btw, unlike John key, it's not in Jacinda's DNA to do a runner when times get tough. NZ couldn't have a better leader than Ardern, particularly during these global crises.
In fact I have praised her on occasions.
Citation required.
No need. I have written time and again there is no one better than Jacinda for fronting a crisis. She is the best of all times. I have written she has bewitched the global community(not all though) with her special brand of Jacinda fairy dust.
Stu.. you are asleep at the wheel. Stay awake and I will learn you.
I'm afraid there is every need, Blade.
You need to establish that you are not merely a toxic turkey begging for the axe by showing that some tiny proportion of your sad contributions are based in fact.
You are a dull Blade, but the habit of validating your assertions will (eventually) grind away that superficial dross and scale, until you are no longer a blunt instrument.
I noticed that too. Rather than stop threats of violence against public figures, that she should move. Thankfully she has other advisors.
Or we could treat threats of violence in public life with the severity it deserves and act sharply against extremism. Those who deliberately spread untrue statements about government actions and create all kinds of trouble.
Spin-off report on online mischief at the protests
On Groundswell I guess we have to wait until a significant number of farms are rendered uneconomic by flooding and so on and even then perhaps we won’t see any kind of teal/green realization like Aussie.
+1 newsense
This is the reality of transition surgery for some. It’s also why so many people are against affirmation of gender identity in children, because once they get to puberty the paths to this kind of surgery is often uncritically offered.
Tullip is a British man in his thirties who was so distressed he couldn’t give informed consent. His doctors certainly didn’t seek it. He had radical transition surgery on the NHS and is left permanently disabled in multiple ways. This is both medical negligence (I would guess much worse than negligence, there’s the sense of experimentation), but also part of a medical scandal that few will talk about but affects many.
The politics of this are that large chunks of the left had supported No Debate (the political position that no one should be allowed to criticises any trans issues), and cancel culture to the point that people are afraid to speak out for fear of losing the jobs and careers. Hence we don’t know what is happening, good research isn’t being done, and we are passing bad laws.
https://twitter.com/wekatweets/status/1536454022407655424
Tulip did a good interview last week on Transition Radio Show's Youtube channel. They also interviewed Shapeshifter a couple of weeks ago, another MtF transitioner talking openly about their medical interventions.
The backstory and timeline of Transition Radio show is interesting to look into, as well.
Detrans subreddit now at 33.6K members.
https://youtu.be/qtNVFljdo1E
Scrolling through the replies leads to this contribution from the outstanding UnHerd platform.
Is it a result of the 'baby led' trend that has contributed to this crop of tantrum throwing snowflakes that demand their every wish be not only fulfilled, but accepted and embraced without question by all?
Time for the grown ups to put aside the 'cringe' from their own youthful struggles and step up and be actual parents.
I was talking to a friend recently about a mutual friend whose daughter has said she is a boy, and so her mum bought her a chest binder, and I said how sad I found that. My friend was shocked by my sadness.
“But what would you do if your daughter wanted one?” she asked.
“I’d ask her what she thought she could do as a boy that she can’t do as a girl, and I’d ask if she wanted to be a boy, or did she want to be different person,” I said.
“But it’s the daughter’s choice,” my friend said.
“It would be her choice if she wanted to self-harm. But I wouldn’t buy her the razor,” I replied.
Indeed.
Political blindness 101. This lot should be the last to be pontificating.
Quote:
''But the changes haven't gone over well at the ACT Party, and Seymour said the reshuffle doesn't change the Government's "lack of talent.''
Oh, boy!
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/06/act-national-decry-cabinet-reshuffle-say-it-won-t-change-government-s-lack-of-delivery.html
I'm a bit worried about David, he appears to be the only ACT rep allowed to talk to the media. They don't care about his mental health and will work him delusional if he can't delegate. Could ACT find a representative to cover him while he takes a break?
Surely this lack of sharpness says a lot about why hes considered too Socialist in some circles.
Stats just released food index inflation came in at 6.8% annual increase,rental index cam in at 3.8% for existing tenancy ,and 5.3% for new tenancy.
https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/annual-food-price-increase-remains-high-at-6-8-percent/
https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/rental-price-indexes-may-2022/
prices will not affect next months ocr review as housing costs are still substantive,and property prices need a good wack.
Yep my fixed term tenancies ending at the end of this year will have prices going up. Got to pay that higher mortgage.
Especially with your increased risk of substantive capital loss,on investment watch the capital gains of the last 2 years contract to their real price of around 5 median incomes to median price.
US mortgage rates just crashed through to 6.13%,and the bloody monday event on wall street saw a 4% wack on your super fund.
My gearing is tiny and the cashflow just needs to stay balanced.
I'm reasonably sanguine on Growth … so far.
The substantive rates increases coming for AK will be a problem going forward with the debt blowout heading to 20b by 2027.(excluding the cost blowouts and uncosted changes to infrastructure for the light rail lemon.
Light rail is on central government's books not local government.
But Auckland Council is on the hook for the cost increases within City Rail Link which are already substantial.
Treasury stated in the budget update that ownership had yet to be determined for light rail.The cost of land and infrastructure realignment has not been determined or costed into the project,and is expected to double the cost.
Look at the cost of the blowouts on cycleways alone,all funded on increased debt.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/469068/cycleway-building-programme-faces-delays-deferrals-over-potential-670m-overspend
Yes that's Treasury keeping the back door open for a PPP + 'targeted rates'. Whether they went through with a targeted rate, it's not determined if Ak Council would collect it, but I very much doubt they will.
Minister Robertson was clearer, saying: "the Government will fund the "lion's share" of the $15b project and look at other options, including "value uplift" – a charge on businesses and developments that benefit from the project – and some kind of targeted rate."
Auckland $15b light rail project will largely be paid for by Government and built by 2033, say ministers – NZ Herald
In the major projects industry we are generally viewing light rail is dead, unless Labour get back for a third term.
My general view of cycleway cost blowouts is simply: every single major transport project is about to blow out. Nothing we can do except kill projects if we want to stay in budget.
The QS and Estimating teams are going nuts.
the full cost is 25B as neither land or moving of infrastructure and services has been costed in,treasury warning also stated interest costs and forex costs not fully included.
It's not a project we need to worry about.
The $$ for ones on the starting line like PenLink, AMETI to Botany, Riverlink, 2nd Harbour Crossing, Downtown Wellington, and the next tranche of Ak trains … I would watch them closely as they are going to blow sky high.
In the US and Europe construction materials such as rebar and lumber have fallen off peaks,the latter in the US coming back 55% in 3 months as new inventory stalls in the housing market.
The RBNZ review into housing determined the NZ housing and construction sectors were operating at 133% of capacity and it needed to contract to sustainable levels to constrain build inflation.
The OECD suggested pausing large infrastructure,to constrain both deflation and forward debt risk.
House prices will fall,thats a given as the central banks QT and ratchet interest mechanisms start to rotate both buyers and sellers to the new reality.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/us-canada/300612838/how-to-murder-your-husband-author-jailed-for-murdering-her-husband
For some reason I felt like listening to this song…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jne9t8sHpUc
Bloody hell. Compton, here comes Aotearoa. It's been reasonably quiet in my neck of the woods recently. Just a couple of bashings and two ram raids.
https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/taupiri-shooting-man-dropping-his-child-off-at-school-injured-when-gunman-opened-fire/
Blade – you remind me of Marilyn Monroe luxuriating in a bubble-bath. Except for your appearance, of course.
Kia Ora whano
Well the sandflys are still breaking into my whare at will trying to set me up to crashs everyday i go to work next minute national are waving the flag