Open mike 15/07/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 15th, 2022 - 95 comments
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Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

95 comments on “Open mike 15/07/2022 ”

  1. Jenny how to get there 1

    First images from Nasa’s James Webb space telescope reveal ancient galaxies

    First images from Nasa’s James Webb space telescope reveal ancient galaxies
    The first full-colour image from Nasa’s James Webb space telescope shows the galaxy cluster ….

    Photograph: EyePress News/REX/Shutterstock

    Nasa has released an image of far-flung galaxies as they were 13bn years ago, the first glimpse from the most powerful telescope ever launched into space, which promises to reshape our understanding of the dawn of the universe.

    https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jul/11/nasa-james-webb-telescope-ancient-galaxy-images

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5cjAkWqz4Y

  2. Sanctuary 2

    The most annoying thing about Christchurch spending what will inevitably turn out to be a billion dollars (fixed price contract my arse) stadium is as night follows day they'll come whining to the government for a bailout, and because the settler class of Canterbury are the most exceptionalist and entitled bunch of complainers and snowflakes in the entire nation as taxpayers we'll all end paying for the cost blow out.

    Another astonishing observation is how enthusiastic local business groups always are for billion dollar convention centres and stadiums, yet how the same business groups are always vehemently opposed to spending money on things like critical infrastructure, public transport and community services.

    It is almost like entitled rich people who have a big voice in business demanding the rest of us subsidise their recreational choices.

    • Anne 2.1

      It is almost like entitled rich people who have a big voice in business demanding the rest of us subsidise their recreational choices.

      yes yes

      And they are the same people who sneer at and criticise the government for not spending enough on housing, health and education – not enough nurses, not enough doctors, nor enough teachers… and so on.

      A billion dollars would go a long way to build more houses, more hospitals, more schools and train more staff to operate them.

      • Jenny how to get there 2.1.1

        The Tron has been bypassed.

        Hurrah!

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129283124/hamilton-section-of-waikato-expressway-open-to-traffic

        I wonder; What if government instead of subsidising private transport and carbon emissions by building more and more motorways put that money into public transport instead?

        Would central government support for Efeso Collins plan for free public transport become more viable?

        Could the whole of the public transport fleet. (buses and trains), be converted to electric?

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/129234357/southern-hemispheres-first-converted-electric-doubledecker-begins-auckland-trial

        No urgency now. Not!

        • Anne 2.1.1.1

          The Hamilton expressway was the brainchild of a National government.

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waikato_Expressway

          In 2009 the Waikato Expressway was announced by New Zealand's minister of Transport, Steven Joyce, as being one of seven "roads of national significance".

          Once a project is underway it has to be completed.

          According to a poll published a day or two ago, Efeso Collins is now the front runner for the Auckland mayoralty. That would suggest that his plan to make public transport free for everybody is being well received.

          He would be a 'breath of fresh air' for Auckland, but be rest assured his opponents will be working overtime as we speak… dreaming up scandals and misdeeds he never committed. Will the MSM correct the record? Some might but most won't.

          • Jimmy 2.1.1.1.1

            As long as Leo Molloy doesn't get in.

          • DavidJ 2.1.1.1.2

            Efeso is 'Goff lite' and would be a disaster for Auckland. The city needs someone independent who can stand up to central government without party allegiances and endorsements coming first.

            [I don’t want you continue to wage an astroturfing campaign against one of the mayoral candidates in Auckland and/or astroturfing in general. Join your other aliases in the sin bin until one month after the Local Elections; only one of your many usernames will be allowed back then here – Incognito]

        • DavidJ 2.1.1.2

          "Would central government support for Efeso Collins plan for free public transport become more viable?"

          Unlikely. Free PT in Auckland would cost the city around $210m each year, which would mean significant rates rises. Not only that, the policy won't reduce greenhouse gas emissions because transport is inside the ETS.

          • KJT 2.1.1.2.1

            You prefer billions to pay for extra roads, instead?

            And. Less car use will reduce Greenhouse gases, in reality. Not the monetary fantasy that is the ETS.

          • Jenny how to get there 2.1.1.2.2

            DavidJ

            15 July 2022 at 4:30 pm

            ……Free PT in Auckland would cost the city around $210m each year,

            https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/127837383/auckland-mayoral-race-efeso-collins-makes-free-public-transport-his-big-policy

            Hi David I went to the embedded link in your comment, I could not find anywhere where it said, that Free PT would cost ratepayers $210 million each year.

            But I did find this;

            "…..fare revenue was worth more than $150 million a year, and an earlier Auckland Transport assessment was that extra demand would cost $60m to meet."

            I am guessing here, that to try and make your case against Free PT, you have deliberately conflated the two figures together. (In some circles this would be called 'creative accounting').

            Fare revenue has no relation at all to the cost of running the system. It may cost more, it may cost less.

            I might also remind you that with Free PT the $160 million in fare revenue would stay in PT commuters' pockets, instead of filling the pockets of Auckland's totally privately owned bus companies, this $160 therefore represents a loss to PT commuters and the city. A loss which would be returned with Free PT.

            Even if we took your conflated combined figure of $210 million, for Free PT at face value.
            If public transport was run as a single payer public service, instead of a profit making private enterprise, that figure could be considerably less. Getting rid of all the fare enforcement and collection infrastructure and bureaucracy, would be another cost saving to the commuting public, not having to fish around for cards or cash, would also make PT more convenient to use.

          • Jenny how to get there 2.1.1.2.3

            DavidJ

            15 July 2022 at 4:30 pm

            "Would central government support for Efeso Collins plan for free public transport become more viable?"

            ….the policy won't reduce greenhouse gas emissions because transport is inside the ETS.

            Hi David, I don't get this last one. Could you expound on it a bit?

            • Incognito 2.1.1.2.3.1

              No, he can’t and he won’t because he’s been banned for astroturfing on this site. I loathe dishonest commenters.

              • Jenny how to get there

                That's a shame, because I was digging around on Te internet I found this.

                What is significant about this report is that not only would free public transport, be good for commuters wallets, and good for the climate, it would save lives. Every human life saved is precious beyond cost. But if we were looking at lives saved on a purely economic basis. Rounding up the figures, every road death costs the economy almost $4 million and every major injury costs us almost three quarter million dollars.

                This report points out, that PT funding, is a major determinant of PT usage, articulated by the government in the GPS. ie greater PT use requires govt. buy in.

                The role public transport can play in Safer Journeys

                ….PT is generally considered a safe form of transport. For example, in New Zealand, passengers in cars and vans are seven times more likely than bus passengers to be killed or injured in a crash (for the same time spent travelling), indicating that bus travel is comparatively a very safe mode of travel for passengers….

                …… Safer Journeys does not actively try to improve safety by increasing PT’s modal share on the basis that it is safer. Instead it leaves PT funding, which is a major determinant of PT usage, to be determined by other urban transport considerations articulated by the government in the GPS.

                10.3.1 Social costs

                The MoT publishes social costs of crashes and crash injuries each year. These are disaggregated for urban and rural areas.

                The relevant urban figures for 2014 are (MoT 2015c):

                • fatal injury: $3,982,000

                • serious injury: $730,000

                • minor injury: $71,000

                https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/research/reports/581/581-the-role-public-transport-can-play-in-safer-journeys.pdf

          • Jenny how to get there 2.1.1.2.4

            Hi David, if you are still reading this.
            I am sorry you could not expound on your claim that PT, "won't reduce greenhouse gas emissions"

            But you might be interested in this.

            It seems that greater PT usage also saves lives. To your argument that Free PT is too expensive, (I admit that I haven't done the cost/loss balance).
            But it seems to me, that the economic cost of all these tragic deaths and terrible injuries needs to be added to the balance sheet as well.

            From the report:

            PT is generally considered a safe form of transport. For example, in New Zealand, passengers in cars and vans are seven times more likely than bus passengers to be killed or injured in a crash (for the same time spent travelling),

            ….public transport as a safe and affordable alternative to car travel. We recognise, however, that safety is only one factor in optimising the mix of private and PT; cost, convenience and environmental impact must also be considered.

            https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/research/reports/581/581-the-role-public-transport-can-play-in-safer-journeys.pdf

            • Jenny how to get there 2.1.1.2.4.1

              P.S And dare I mention the cost of traffic congestion?

              In Auckland alone, it estimates the city's congestion costs $1.25 billion a year in lost productivity.

              Traffic congestion costs NZ billions – report | RNZ News

              When you put the social and economic cost of all the preventable grief, injury and death together, with the cost of traffic congestion, caused by private car use, Efeso Collins case for Free Public Transport starts to make a lot of good social and economic sense.

              It can’t come soon enough.

              All those concerned about social justice and the environment, need to get behind Efeso Callin’s bid for Mayor of Auckland

    • Populuxe1 2.2

      On the other hand democratic process was followed through polling and submissions, it carried across socioeconomic groups, and people are really sick and tired of being stuck in limbo for a decade with only a cleared plot of land to show for it. Closure was needed.

    • Visubversa 2.3

      Yes, we have seen exactly that with Eden Park. Despite being owned by a private Trust Board, it has a gargantuan appetite for public funds – and the political clout to extract them.

    • gsays 2.4

      I agree with yr $1B.

      In the fullness of time and lots of corporate language, advisors and experts will get well paid and bear no responsibility.

    • Its because rich people pay the bills so expect some action

    • Corey Humm 2.6

      Am I a rich person?? I want the stadium built and so does 70% of this city.

      The earthquake hit just as I hit 18 I've never not had to go to another city to watch a concert or major game.

      Young people want a stadium bad and we're going to be the ones paying for it. Read the room

      Delaying would make it cost more.

      Just get on with it.

      Chch is a city of nearly half a million and growing rapidly if ya want young people to stay in the city you're going to have to have things like this

      It's been 11 years of utter horrible bollocks and the city has been through enough let people have some fun

      The left makes out only rich people want to go see an all blacks game or a concert.

  3. PsyclingLeft.Always 3

    The danger of stadium costs, a Dunedin study

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/the-danger-of-stadium-costs-a-dunedin-study

    Rugby has reiterated it will not contribute financially to a new stadium in Christchurch.

    https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/rugby-says-no-funding-chch-stadium-cost-blowout

    Sanctuary, Yep…well remember the battle in Dunedin. And very notable the RUGBY not interested in funding !
    Despite their Special Pleading. incl one Richie Richie Richie ..Mcaw . (John Keys special mate )

    ChCh ratepayers…I feel sorry for you.

    • Ad 3.1

      It's not the CAPEX that gets you, it's the OPEX.

      Everyone touting a fixed price for the build contract manages to neglect talking about the bills that truly gets your ratepayers really bleeding:

      • fully funded depreciation of over 5% a year on $600m
      • direct subsidising the operation including: free parking, catering, security, utility bills, rates, utility upgrades, tech upgrades, salaries for staff to attract and run events
      • indirect subsidising the operation: wear and tear on surrounding civic assets like roads, public transport subsidy for each event, city marketing, accelerated utility upgrades

      Pour the next several years of rate increases into the foundations one wheelbarrow at a time.

      Note the Auditor General just came out saying it will be $5.5b for Auckland's City Rail Link, and we've still got 3 years of world events and inflation before it even opens. It works out about $1.5m for every metre of track And that's before you get to the OPEX.

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.2

      While many have hailed the decision to build the multi-use area as a long-awaited economic win for the region, others have warned against gold-plating the central city at the expense of struggling suburban households and other pressing council work.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/470966/christchurch-stadium-pressure-will-fall-on-next-council-to-work-out-finances

      Gee, Bread and Circuses comes to mind ! Just go look at under privileged ChCh . Brighton etc….

      I spose they can always go watch the rugby…..

      • Populuxe1 3.2.1

        That would be Brighton that got the 4 million dollar public library and pier development would it?

        • weka 3.2.1.1

          Pier vs warm, dry, affordable housing… 🤔

          • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.2.1.1.1

            And RUGBY/event Stadium even moreso !

            • weka 3.2.1.1.1.1

              Building stadiums at this point in history is like the fall of the Roman Empire. So much denial, covid, climate, ecology….

              • Nic the NZer

                The Romans still have their stadium don't they?

                • arkie

                  They also had bread to accompany the circuses.

                • Leaps

                  I'm pretty sure the Christchurch stadium will be under water in a lot less than 2000 years. More like 100 years given the every increasing CO2 levels. It'll make a nice open air swimming pool 😉

                • weka

                  In a manner of speaking. Tourism rules the world. As civ collapses there will still be people rich enough and stupid enough to want to visit and take photos.

              • Populuxe1

                Based on what? I mean aside from your general loathing of humanity. Rome didn't "fall", it declined. Political structures rearranged themselves. The Eastern Empire lingered on another thousand years. People continued to do things and enjoy things.

                • weka

                  Please explain how spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a stadium trumps spending that money on climate transition when we know that climate is going to decline civilisation if we don't act now (and bearing in mind, we're not acting enough yet).

                  I don't loathe humanity, I loathe stupidity.

                  • weka

                    and yes, people will keep enjoying things, but we're already finding that people don't like expensive food and petrol so much and we're not even deep into the crisis yet.

        • pat 3.2.1.2

          “For 30 years, the New Brighton community rallied for another pier to be built. The Pier and Foreshore Society had campaigned to save the original pier, and the group continued lobbying for a new pier. When NZ$2m had been raised, this was matched by funding from Christchurch City Council and a new pier was designed using reinforced concrete. The new pier was built in exactly the same location, and was officially opened on 1 November 1997. It spans 300 metres (980 ft), which makes it the longest ocean pier in Australasia.[1] The New Brighton Pier is held as the icon of New Brighton and later the icon of Christchurch after the 22 February 2011 earthquake that significantly damaged Christchurch's Cathedral. The pier is one of Christchurch's tourist attractions. Currently the New Brighton Pier is the venue of a number of events, such as regular skate on the Pier events and the annual Guy Fawkes fireworks display held on 5 November every year. The pier sustained some damage in the various earthquakes, which was exacerbated in the 2016 Christchurch earthquake. Repairs started in February 2017, took 16 months, and cost NZ$8.5m. New Brighton pier reopened again in May 2018.[4]

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Brighton_Pier,_Christchurch

          [Any comment with 10 or more links will automatically be held up in the Pre-Mod queue, so please limit the number of links in your comments.

          I’d suggest that you paste Wiki quotes as plain text to avoid triggering the trap – Incognito]

        • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.2.1.3

          Hmm Ive been to Libraries in NZ and as a Library user, I always think they are a great Community Hub……however in winter quite sad the poor buggers that go there…just to be warm. Or sleep even. (poor Librarians have to be diplomatic)

          And I spose a Pier Development is where you could go for a long walk.?

          Anyway that is some ChCh money to Brighton. Sure would be great with some additional Councillor Input/Drive from there.

      • Stuart Munro 3.2.2

        It will hit Dunedin ratepayers hard.

        The reason the Dunedin stadium was a mere debacle instead of a catastrophe is that it was able to secure a number of events post-quake Christchurch could not host.

        There will be no more of those.

        • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.2.2.1

          Yep. Also gotta wonder…if a serious (more serious?) pandemic hits. An empty stadium?

  4. Jenny how to get there 4

    Hubris

    noun

    hu·​bris | \ ˈhyü-brəs \

    Definition of hubris

    : exaggerated pride or self-confidence

    https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hubris

    Examples of hubris in a Sentence

    Russia has released passports made for the Citizens of Ukraine.

    Obviously printed before Russia’s invasion and takeover of Ukraine ran into the sand.

    People born in Ukraine have been entered as born in Russia.

    https://twitter.com/sumlenny/status/1542849072394108934?t=kMPfT8-1t7aOekU3L6BICw&s=19&fbclid=IwAR0yu2Iczra9XuEZbZbC36PI4KXshQ8tHxs_IJPym70XilsKrgS1rW0R01E

    • Jenny how to get there 4.1

      It occurs to me that if Kyiv wanted to poke the borax at the Kremlin, they could issue Ukrainian passports to Russian citizens who want them, stamped with 'born in Ukraine'.

      Who knows? Applying for one of these passports might be a light hearted way for Russian citizens to express their opposition to Putin's war.

      • mikesh 4.1.1

        From about 1860 to 1865 cities like Atlanta, Georgia, were not part of the USA. Instead they were part of the Confederacy. Kyiv's independence from Russia seems to have lasted a big longer, but may soon be coming to an end.

        Incidentally, hubris is activity which angers the gods, and attracts nemesis, However, on this occasion, if nemesis was aiming at Russia it seems to have missed the target and landed on Ukraine instead, given the destruction it's caused.

      • alwyn 4.1.2

        "a light hearted way for Russian citizens to express their opposition to Putin's war"

        Unfortunately there isn't any light-hearted way to express your opposition in Russia. Any protest at all seems to get very harsh treatment. Even referring to it as a "war" is punished. It is not a "war" or an "invasion". It is a "special military operation". Journalists who call it a war could be jailed for 15 years, as that is publishing false news about the military in Putin's Russia.

        https://www.npr.org/2022/03/05/1084729579/russian-law-bans-journalists-from-calling-ukraine-conflict-a-war-or-an-invasion

    • Blazer 4.2

      This is 'huger'!

      US President Donald Trump has said he recognises Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.

      The announcement came minutes after the 35-year-old declared himself acting leader in Caracas on Wednesday.

      Juan Guaidó: US backs opposition leader as Venezuela president – BBC News

      Hey Jenny which is the only nation to use nuclear bombs on civilians-is it Russia,China or U.S.A?

      • Barfly 4.2.1

        77 years ago Blazer for the USA on that

        China Mao's great leap 45million dead

        Stalin 20 million plus dead

        /shrug

      • Jenny how to get there 4.2.2

        Blazer

        15 July 2022 at 10:16 am

        …..Hey Jenny which is the only nation to use nuclear bombs on civilians-is it Russia,China or U.S.A?

        A rhetorical question that needs no answer from me. We all know what the answer is.

        You might as well ask me which nation gassed 6 million Jews.

        For the one-eyed, the USA is the only evil imperialist power in the world' crowd, a more topical question.

        Which nation has threatened to use nuclear bombs in the current war?

        P.S. I don't expect an answer.

      • lprent 4.2.3

        Kind of a pointless question.

        Just like this pointless question. I’m 63, sometime between the date that I was born and the year when my father and mother were born, some nation used atomic weapons on two cities, shortly after my parents started attending primary school. How old would my parents be today?

        Now what does that have to do with the great depression.

        /sarc

        Or could you tell me when atomic weapons were used on military? If you can’t then you’re a moron.

        /sarc

        If you want to ask sheep shagging questions – then at least don’t simply flop your dick out. Actually make some kind of point that adds to the debate rather than making you look like a simple minded fuckwit.

  5. Gosman 5

    https://www.currentaffairs.org/2021/11/what-would-it-look-like-if-we-treated-climate-change-as-an-actual-emergency?fbclid=IwAR3Gcci4OYuAvs_695IembRvXxIqPrA6Q4jizQ54H1QT1ME0doGjCfzkEHA

    I really like that. What I like is the author or authors are honest about what they want to do. None of this waffle about just transition and so on. They are very specific about the steps they would take and the sort of World they want to see.

    Of course it is a complete totalitarian Hellscape which would lead to a civil war but it is at least detailed.

    • arkie 5.1

      All of this makes it worth asking: What would it look like if we treated the climate crisis like an actual emergency? What would it take to keep global heating to no more than 1.5 degrees? The single most important intervention is the one that so far no government has been willing to touch: cap fossil fuel use and scale it down, on a binding annual schedule, until the industry is mostly dismantled by the middle of the century. That’s it. This is the only fail-safe way to stop climate breakdown.

      Jason Hickel, Current Affairs, 2021. My bold.

      "A totalitarian Hellscape".

      • Gosman 5.1.1

        Did you read their policy proposals?

        • arkie 5.1.1.1

          Jason Hickel is well known for his research in environmental economics and global inequality. That you find his expert opinions on more and equitable climate action unpalatable is unsurprising.

          I do agree that the Current Affairs piece is well worth a read.

          • DavidJ 5.1.1.1.1

            Hickel is talking about a world in which the fossil fuels industry is "dismantled by the middle of the century". That's 28 years away. I guess it's technically possible, but I doubt the policy prescription required will be either politically or socially acceptable.

    • pat 5.2

      The problem being that while the specific steps are imo about right the results are a dysfunctional world….consider the impact of the removal of Ukraine grain and (food) oils from the world markets and you have a taste of the problems….it isnt the wealthy countries most impacted but the developing food reliant economies…we have a world population and productive output barely supported by current energy production, the bulk of which is fossil in origin…reduce that energy and the system collapses (if it isnt already)….its too glib to say remove unnecessary fossil energy use (i.e. private motor vehicles etc) when the maintenance of the system largely relies upon that to function.

      We wasted the time to transition that we may have had.

    • At the same time, we need to scale down less-necessary parts of the economy in order to reduce excess energy demand: SUVs, private jets, commercial air travel, industrial beef, fast fashion, advertising, planned obsolescence, the military industrial complex and so on. We need to focus the economy on what is required for human well-being and ecological stability, rather than on corporate profits and elite consumption.

      We either do this in time, or we lose the chance and face extinction.

      There's no "complete totalitarian Hellscape" in any of this, compared to what WILL happen if we don't take active steps now!

  6. Ad 6

    Anyone else's workplace getting smashed with COVID and 'Flu over the last month?

    Truly mashing us.

    • Barfly 6.1

      Avoiding it so far in the club I live at.

      • Patricia Bremner 6.1.1

        Same Barfly and Ad, but family have not been so lucky. Two have been told their excess white cell count is part of long covid which has gone on for months now.

        Grant's work in Australia is struggling to get and keep staff. That may change now the covid assistance has gone.

    • RedLogix 6.2

      Almost no-one comes into our office, so I find it a good place to isolate devil. I get lonely and bored, but so far the Sword of Damocles continues to hang on in there for us.

    • joe90 6.3

      Had a mate stay Wednesday night. He was on an apology tour for the fabrication/coating outfit he works for, placating primary/food industry clients affected by covid related productivity problems.

    • Graeme 6.4

      Waiting for the excreta to hit the air circulating device in Queenstown over the School Holidays.

      Most / all tourist business are having severe staffing issues, firstly getting staff who are willing to work in customer racing roles, and then keeping them healthy and able to work.

      Things were pretty tough in town last week, and the ZQN mountains closed their rental departments saying they were out of gear, but heard it was more staffing related. Best snow they’ve had for a very long time too.

      Next two weeks could get interesting. Really glad we're watching from the sidelines (home) until it settles down.

    • Belladonna 6.5

      Yep. Had a constant trickle of cases since Omicron arrived – 1-2 off work at a time (workforce of around 100). Since end of June we're around 10-15 at a time (including me) – both Covid/Flu (workplace provides free flu jabs on demand) and household contacts. Some can work from home (assuming they're well enough) – but others have to take the leave – and it's almost impossible to replace them – not only can't hire people, but specialized work – you can't just walk in off the street – there's a significant learning/training curve, and trying to do that puts added pressure on the people who are there.

      We're communicating the reasons for delay with our customers – who are understanding – but it doesn't do much for the bottom line (if you're not invoicing the work, you're not getting paid)

      Case infections are almost certainly originating outside the workplace (so far) – i.e. the people coming down with Covid/Flu aren't directly connected inside the workplace, and most have a prior household contact with the virus/es.

      Hoping that this will quickly work it's way through the staff and give a decent level of immunity. But not optimistic, with the protection against Covid re-infection window now down to a month.

      So far, just one serious case (and we have some high risk people – over 70 and with associated health conditions) – not serious enough for hospital, but not bouncing back quickly – she has a history of bronchial conditions, and seems to get hammered by secondary infections.

  7. Foreign waka 7

    Doe anyone in this forum know whether the use of images for any purpose has been officially presented to the public? The article says that

    "A business case has been developed and approved,"

    Is biometric information not protected in NZ?

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/470882/internal-affairs-lawfully-allowed-to-use-facial-recognition-system-waka-kotahi

  8. Anker 8

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/470985/week-in-politics-andrew-little-s-bad-week

    this is a very scary read about what Drs are saying re the state of the health system

    • Poission 8.1

      The Health systems globally are under pressure,with continued problems with Covid,(removing spare capacity) and a large backlog of selective surgery etc, becoming problematic for acute emergency.

      https://twitter.com/picardonhealth/status/1547565514578280450

      With increased expenditure the outcomes are not necessary improvements of increased life expectancy or increased quality of life as people age.

      https://twitter.com/andy23tran/status/1547244767733506050

      The increasing challenge with technology (and its complexity) is paradoxical in the Health sector as is increased investment.

      https://www.technologyreview.com/2013/09/05/252307/the-costly-paradox-of-health-care-technology/

      • Anne 8.1.1

        It's an uphill battle trying to explain to some people that the situation re-our health services is not confined to NZ. It's everywhere, and many countries are in a far worse state than NZ. I read somewhere in recent days that Australia's hospitals are also stretched to the limit. I would link to it, but can't recall where I saw it.

        There is a moral dilemma here. If we were to lure health workers from other countries then we would be denying those countries the workers they desperately need themselves.

        And unvaccinated staff are not the answer. If they can show such poor judgement over vaccines and masks, then who can trust them to make sound judgements over other health issues.

        • Poission 8.1.1.2

          I read somewhere in recent days that Australia's hospitals are also stretched to the limit.

          Its been on ABC,Hospitals in Queensland (similar pop to NZ ) have slightly more patients for covid,influenza etc.Similar conditions with colder weather (record cold spells in QA) similar economic conditions,staffing shortages,cold housing,all playing out on the same songsheet.

          https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-15/covid-patients-fill-regional-queensland-hospital-beds/101242460

          • Anne 8.1.1.2.1

            You could replace "Queensland" with "New Zealand" and it would be just as accurate an assessment.

        • arkie 8.1.1.3

          Try luring anyone when this is how you're ranked:

          New Zealand has been ranked second-worst place in the world to move by immigrants, according to a survey.

          In a resulting ranking of 52 countries – those for whom there was a large enough sample size – Aotearoa New Zealand ranked in the doldrums, at 51. It was beaten to the bottom by Kuwait.

          The country’s poor showing was attributed to lower wages and high cost of living. New Zealand was the worst-performing country in the survey’s personal finance measure: 49% of respondents said their disposable household income was not enough to lead a comfortable life, compared with 28% globally. For general cost of living, 75% rated the country negatively, compared with 35% globally.

          https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/14/100-pure-rip-off-new-zealand-voted-second-worst-place-to-move-to

          • observer 8.1.1.3.1

            Expats. Not citizens. The opposite, in fact. Many of the most comfortable countries for expats are anything but comfortable … for their own people.

            The United Arab Emirates made the top 10. Blasphemy and homosexuality are illegal, and the maximum penalty is death.

            If human rights don't matter, the survey is fine. Otherwise, it's a sick joke. Cheap maids are more important than democracy?

            • arkie 8.1.1.3.1.1

              You’re pretty damning of human rights and the state of democracy in Australia which is at number 9.

              And it was a reply to Anne’s comment about the difficulty of attracting immigrants (Not citizens, at least not yet) to fill our health worker shortage.

              “The cost of living is too high here in comparison to the salaries,” one survey respondent from Botswana said. An expat from India was concerned about the “growing divide between the rich and poor”.

              This cannot be reasonably refuted, we do have objectively low wages and a higher cost of living compared to our international analogues. Are these conditions just ‘the price of democracy’? Not sure it really works out well for expats, immigrants or citizens in general, personally.

          • weka 8.1.1.3.2

            wtf is that photo, lol.

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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity
    This year’s Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity and the contribution of Pacific communities to New Zealand culture, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti.  Dr Reti announced dates for the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks during a visit to the Pasifika festival in Auckland today and says there’s so ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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