The mission:
To fly Edward Snowden from Moscow to Caracas without passing over any country that takes orders from Washington.
The plan:
Edward Snowden, carrying documents proving diplomatic immunity and letters of safe passage provided by the government of Venezuela. Will board a Gulfstream G550, the only long range private jet capable of making such an epic journey. Especially commissioned, the G550 will be rechristened the “Paul Revere”.
Accompanying Snowden on this journey will be prominent journalists, celebrities, film makers and spokespersons for civil liberties groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
The Paul Revere will be fully internet capable and the journey will be broadcast live for its entire duration. A number of internationally known film makers including Mike Moor and Oliver Stone have put their hand up to accompany Edward Snowden and document his journey and carry out in flight interviews of the passengers which will be webcast live.
The flight of the Paul Revere:
The flight plan filed by the Paul Revere with the Sheremetyevo airport authorities, will be to depart from the Moscow area heading due North, leaving Russian airspace over the Arctic Ocean.
On reaching international airspace over the Arctic Ocean, the Paul Revere will then head, due West, towards the North Atlantic.
On reaching the North Atlantic the Paul Revere will change direction again, heading due South, picking a zig zag flight path down the centre of the Atlantic Ocean.
If the US government does decide to break all international norms and engages in an extremely risky aerial maneuver using US fighters to try and force the Paul Revere down, which remember will be flying at the edge of its operational limits, above international waters far from land. Then this would mark the US out for the rest of history as a rogue state. The same way Israel was marked out as a rogue state by their attack on the Mavi Marmara in International Waters in May 2010.
Fly bonny plane like a bird on the wing
Over the Arctic sky
If Edward Snowden’s supporters can pull this off. The networked global commons will become a new player in global politics. No longer will the world’s affairs be solely decided by the superpowers.
The pool of aircraft available for lease, capable of flying Snowden to Venezuela has been increased greatly by a decision of the Irish Courts.
In a move that pits the diplomatic weight of the new global commons against the diplomatic power of the US.
The Irish state has rejected US demands to detain Snowden if the plane carrying him lands in Ireland on its way to Venezuela. This opens the way for the Paul Revere to land and refuel unmolested.
The 30-year-old’s earlier decision to apply to 21 countries for political asylum prompted fears that he could pass through Ireland’s Shannon Airport en route to safe haven in South America.
This led to the US applying for a provisional arrest warrant through its embassy in Dublin, according to Irish media reports.
In a High Court ruling in Dublin last week, Judge Colm Mac Eochaidh refused the application because US authorities had failed to detail where the alleged offences of espionage had taken place.
He also found that the US had not provided information on the theft charges, such as where the offence took place or exactly what government property Snowden had stolen.
Though the rejection of the arrest warrant was on legal technicalities, this is a major blow to US efforts to apprehend Snowden. And leaves the US authorities with two uncomfortable options. The first, to engage in a high profile and very likely long drawn out legal appeal in the full glare of the world’s media spot light. Or engage in some behind the scenes naked arm twisting to try and get the Irish government to overrule the High Court. Neither uncomfortable option is likely to give the State Department much comfort, both options risking huge negative fallout. And even then, may not deliver the result they want.
The decision, based on technical aspects, mirrors similar action taken by the Hong Kong government when it allowed Snowden to leave Hong Kong on June 23 because the US had failed to provide Snowden’s full name and passport number.
Snowden told the South China Morning Post in an interview on June 12 that he decided to come to Hong Kong to make his initial revelations because he trusted the city’s rule of law.
A stopover at Shannon Airport is also likely to be a media bonus for the journalists on board the Paul Revere commenting through their live web feed.
Providing a further humbling lesson for the impotent US superpower as to the limits of their diminishing global power.
FRANCE 14 July 2013 – 226th anniversary of the STORMING OF THE BASTILLE. Celebration !
NEW ZEALAND 15 July 2013 – King ShonKey Louis Python XVI and gluttonous wife Paula Bennettoinette ramp up the WAR ON THE POOR. Already deployed measures of cynical societal division, demonisation of the poor, and systematic disentitlement of the poor have proved ineffective to create 170,000 new jobs.
“Mon Friggin’ Dieu !!!”
“Paula………the peasants have shafted our Brighter Future”.
“I see that Lou’……….shall I make them REALLY pay for their ugliness ?”
BASTILLE DAY + 1………”Work and Income chief Debbie Power said 85,000 people – mainly the sick, long-term unemployed, and sole parents and widows with no children under 14 – would move today into intensive “work-focused case management” with 760 personal case managers to help them find jobs and overcome barriers such as transport and childcare costs, addictions, debts and workplace attitudes to mental illness and other conditions. A further 1000 sole parents and 1000 people with mental health problems will be handed over to contractors who will be paid from $2250 to $16,500 for each person they place in employment for at least a year.”
Of course it was a total and utter defeat for the union movement.
Well, no it was not. The Waterside Workers’ Union was defeated, but the union movement in this country, as in Australia, Britain, the United States, Japan and all of Western Europe except for the dictatorships in Portugal and Spain, went from strength to strength, and the standard of living in all those places—except Portugal and Spain—increased for all citizens.
You either know that, of course, and are simply trying to stir up trouble, or you are unfeasibly ignorant.
The real agenda of the right is to ban unions and lock up union members. This is where the freedom and liberty stops for ACT supporters like BB. Freedom to join anything as long as it isn’t a union.
Not at all. Anybody should be free to choose to join a union if they are stupid enough. The difference between us is that you want to make it compulsory to belong to a union.
What the government should do is stop the deduction of union dues from workers wages, only then when the morons who do belong to a union see just how little they get for their money will they wake up to the fact that they are being ripped off by what is undoubtedly a corrupt union.
speaking of stupid – care to explain how fees incurred from a voluntary contract are forcibly extracted, and how when youve forcibly stopped payment from a voluntary contract that two separate parties have entered into, one of those parties will see the “error of their ways”?
The murder of Trayvon Martin goes unpunished and the twisted wannabee policeman, the racist Zimmerman walks free, completely free.
Why ? That “greatest nation in the world” the US of A…… Florida…….Florida’s “stand your ground” lethal force statute…….”Hoodied black kids gotta be dealt to……”…….a racist rogue jury…….unartful prosecution……..brilliant defence lawyers ? Who can really know ?
New Zealand position – s.48 Crimes Act 1961 – self defence, even to a lethal conclusion, carries no criminal liability if there is belief (subjective) that one is under attack or is about to be …….AND the response to the belief is reasonable in the circumstances (objective). Sledgehammer cannot meet ant in other words.
Many remain troubled that the knifing which ended the life of young Pihema in Manurewa did not result in criminal liability greater than that actually suffered by the perpetrator.
That said I suspect that if a New Zealand court were to hear the Florida case, the circumstances of which included Zimmerman being warned by the police not to continue tracking the non-offending, walking home with some lollies, Trayvon Martin, then Zimmerman would be awaiting sentence for murder.
Karma may yet do the job the legal system in Florida failed to do. Wouldn’t be comfortable to live the rest of one’s life looking over one’s shoulder for a second hollow-nosed bullet, would it ?
Maybe that’s Zimmerman’s (inadequate?) karma……..a second bullet engraved with his name……never fired or felt.
RIP the young Trayvon Martin, walking home, lollied-up and innocently hoodied, nervously telling girlfriend on the phone that he was being stalked (poor guy got it wrong……he was being hunted by a man “standing his ground”).
RIP Trayvon. And arohanui to those who loved you, rather than anonymously hated you, during your short life.
Without having read the article, I am very suspiscious of anything from breitbart.
As the following search on AlterNet shows, breitbart is an ultra-consertive site and is far from unbiased and even-handed in it’s aproach: http://www.alternet.org/search/site/breitbart
Not that Winston Smith @ 4.1.1.1 might be mischievously selective at all – apologists for racial profiling and the lethalism it encourages…….well they do that.
A Google search – “What injuries did Zimmerman and Martin get ?” – brings up not less than 10 pages of links ranging from “Zimmerman injuries insignificant….” to “Prosecution cannot succeed…..”. The whole range of partisan expression.
Zimmerman’s best friend, a Mr Osterman, was with Zimmerman within hours of the killing, uplifted him from police headquarters the night of the killing, and thereafter hid him away for weeks. Osterman wrote and published a 175 page “book” recording Zimmerman’s account as related to him by Zimmerman.
Lo, Zimmerman’s account in the book differs quantumly from that given by way of defence in the trial ??? Read it.
Breitfart trumps even Fux News for heresy to the truth.
Wasn’t there footage from immediately after the assassination which showed Zimmerman arriving at police headquarters in police custody………exhibiting no injury whatsoever ?
In May 2012, Corey prosecuted 31-year-old Marissa Alexander and obtained a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. Alexander had a restraining order issued against her ex husband at the time and, during the day of the incident, had returned to their old home to collect clothes and some possessions thinking he was not there. Her ex husband was there, with their children, and they began to argue. After the argument became heated, Marissa Alexander returned to her car, picked up her firearm, and returned inside the house where she threatened him with the handgun before firing a warning shot into the wall. She was charged with reckless endangerment of children and threatening with a deadly weapon. Despite being offered a 3 year sentence and later a probational sentence with time served, Alexander chose to attempt a SYG defence at trial[30]. She was found guilty and according to Floridas gun laws (where 10 years can be added for committing a crime while carrying a firearm, with an added 10 years for discharging a firearm during a crime) was sentenced to 20 years
Warning to all subscribers to a television service which includes Fux News:
Clip after clip of coiffed silver hair atop botoxed white Republican congressmen, celebrating Zimmerman’s acquittal as a vindication of the magnificence of the US justice system – the most despicable being one such racist gargoyle from Iowa, intoning majestically that there were no grounds to prosecute the hunter killer of the black kid in the first place !
I paraphrase the thinking – “Dead black kid ?………well……..yeah……..and your point is…….?
Hope my screen doesn’t get hacked with that aging pornstar look-alike Fux News’ Geraldo Rivera. He who within hours of the boy’s assassination peppered his deepest sympathies to Trayvon’s family with recommendation to black kids that they not get about with hoodies tent-like.
I paraphrase in advance – “Well folks……..hate to say ‘I told ya so’………”
Jesus Christ……..the hacking’s started already.
Rupert Murdoch’s Fux News disporting Karl Rove !
Aging pornstar Geraldo to Rupert – “Damn ! Boss……you knew all along that black boy was carryin’ a cellphone. Boss……ya coulda told me !” Boss !
According to some little git actor ,from hobbits I think, on tv last night peter Jackson is the “King of New Zealand” I wonder if our little despot knows that.
Oooerrr!! Ever so sorry, but anyone who say’s peter Jackson is King of NZ is IMO a little git, actor or not. And he was in the hobbit movies. Makes him a double git. Just my opinion.
chrissy
People seem to have some strong opinions about Sir Peter Jackson – either love or hate him.
I love someone who makes business in New Zealand. Then I hate the way that the government has opened up the entry quota, or wiped it, for bringing in technicians etc.. instead of ensuring that NZs got trained first.
If NZs get the chance to get big films here, it may be best that they don’t go all bolshie and march up the road threatening to withdraw their labour while trying to boost their payments. When they should be jawing up better conditions in meetings nose to nose. I think people got hoist with their own petard (not Peter).
Speaking of hobbits, I saw that movie on Sky’s pay-per-view service over the weekend.
Nothing to write home about really. The digital matte paintings and the background shots are the only decent thing about it (could have made a travelogue in IMAX format for a fraction of the price).
Perhaps I am just used to the more rigorious storylines of Game of Thrones?
London School of Economics Professor Robert Wade said Mr English made a stabbing motion with his finger towards his chest and berated him in between their separate appearances on TVNZ’s Q + A programme at the weekend. There was no physical contact.
Mr English disagreed with his remarks on inequality and capital gains tax and warned him “Don’t you say that again”, Prof Wade said
Heh. I’d say English was pissed off that he has been constrained by the reality’s of MMP in what he has been able to do for the 1%. MOMs instead of full asset sales, not mining our National parks, it’s bloody outrageous what.
<blockquoteHe was interviewed on the current affairs show ahead of Mr English, and asserted that "over the past two decades or so, economic policy in the US, the UK and New Zealand has increasingly been set by the top 1 per cent or so for the top 1 per cent".
t was this comment to which Mr English took exception – and Prof Wade says he was later told the Clutha-Southland MP "just sort of exploded like a volcano out in the anteroom".
As if there was any further requirement to illustrate, who the NZ government actually represents!
He was interviewed on the current affairs show ahead of Mr English, and asserted that “over the past two decades or so, economic policy in the US, the UK and New Zealand has increasingly been set by the top 1 per cent or so for the top 1 per cent”.
t was this comment to which Mr English took exception – and Prof Wade says he was later told the Clutha-Southland MP “just sort of exploded like a volcano out in the anteroom”.
As if there was any further requirement to illustrate, who the NZ government actually represents!
Mods – Please feel free to delete the 7.1.1.3 comment, its a double
Interesting news mix this morning.
In Ireland there was a riot over the march of the Orangemen who wanted to stride past the Catholics in the usual provocative and traditional way.
In Spain there was the running of the bulls in Pamplona with the odd goring one of which, who is an Australian woman, has serious injuries.
There was an affronted and angry response from Germany to the news that the USA has been bugging them – supposedly their allies and both being countries adopting high standards of respect for each other and their peoples.
What about making a tradition of having an entertaining ‘Running of the Politicians’ through Wellington! That would bring in the crowds and give our representatives a chance to show they’re the Right Stuff in front of thousands. One could make jokes about them being bull-headed, bovine etc. It would be such fun and a therapeutic release for so many of us. And we could be especially scathing of some of the fatter ones, some of whom deserve our scorn for other reasons, and some who would benefit from physical training and better diet enabling them to be even better.
And another thought – what if we somehow could change our method of government and bring in a provision that each new government had to carry on with a previous government’s policy unless given clear direction about change from the electorate. That would be their mandate, (not a manban though) and change would come about from bills decided after select committees thorough discussion, which would be overseen by a carefully picked observer group with each member having a different status.
The new laws and regulations would be monitored for deletorious effects and useful effectiveness to the public and be reviewed after the first, and third years to see if satisfactory or requiring change. No measures could be agreed by the government without consulting the people widely, and no secret agreements made of a binding nature.
No emergency parliamentary sessions could be held without agreement from a widely diverse watchdog citizen group. Such people would be on an on-call basis and be devoted to the country’s wider interests so would attend with the alacrity of firemen when called on. There would be problems but we cannot have important parts of our country’s system of government overthrown ‘by mandate’ every time there is a change in government. I’m more afraid of having nothing left of our political culture under our present ‘system’ than the problems that might arise from my suggestions.
Smalley interviews Colin James about the Labour Leadership
Excellent piece form TV3. Summary:
Shearer has gone to ground, refusing interviews and stopped releasing copies of his public schedule to the media.
There is disgruntlement with Shearer and Shearer’s political management, but he could still cling on if he lifts his game, particularly as there does not appear to be any organised effort to move him on. However many are wanting a new Leader in place by Conference.
A Robertson/Cunliffe ticket is the obvious option but can they work out an agreement. Cunliffe remains a divisive figure to some and Robertson would probably say he is not yet ready to be Leader. Little also seen as divisive and Ardern talented but still 5 years out from being ready.
Key had the same lack of understanding of NZ and NZ politics that Shearer demonstrates, but proved to be a smooth talker and fast learner.
Strange or laughable that the segment pins all the disquiet on Shearer’s visit to the corporate box?
Was a good interview, but I’m thinking James is a wee bit off the mark in his analysis of possible future configurations. Fact is (I think), that Cunliffe has the membership vote. So any one who can get the numbers in caucus probably needs his endorsement – or he theirs. And I’m reckoning (with relief) that that wipes out ‘log jam’ Robertson.
As I said yesterday
How Convenient is this shit? No problems since the year dot, and now we have ‘white powder’ popping up all over the place, over the weekend. What the fuck? does Shonkey and co think we are all that dumb as to believe this stunt?
Emergency services prepared decontamination equipment after a white powder scare at the Treasury building in central Wellington just after midday.
Police and fire crews cordoned off parts of the building after the envelope containing the white powder was received.
Completely missed that wee scare story. Can’t quite figure the article though as it states the powder as being both ‘innocuous’ and…’unidentified’. Oh well….
Trouble is, as soon as someone makes the call, they have to take it seriously. There’s been more than one responder infected or killed by a suspicious package they treated less than cautiously. Low likelihood, but serious consequence in the event.
Besides, it’s good training for when the hazard is real.
And don’t forget, the release of calicivirus 20 years ago demonstrates there have been illicit biological agents smuggled into the country, beyond our bio security measures. Do people really think we’d be able to detect anthrax, or foot-and-mouth?
Explosive devices aside, how many packages of ‘suspicious powder’ – white or otherwise – treated ‘less than cautiously’, has resulted in how many deaths globally in the past 10 – 15 years? I mean, any ball park figure will do. I’m guessing single digits. There or thereabouts. And how many in NZ over the same period? Like you say, good training for imaginery threats and hazards – or a complete bloody waste of time and only ever good for ratcheting up levels of groundless fear in gullible portions of the populace.
But those skillsets are largely the same regardless if it’s asbestos from a burning warehouse, a legitimate biohazard or just someone with baking soda.
lol
Wasn’t there a kid who wanted to shoot the Queen when she made a visit to Dunedin years back? Ended up getting confused and setting a rifle up on the wrong street or something. Probably needed Google Earth
Wouldn’t have helped in Samoa. Google maps was way way way out of date. Many of the unpaved roads were in fact paved. Many of the streets didn’t exist on their maps. Never looked at the sat images though.
I was just surprised after how accurate it has been in NZ. But it does make me aware of the limits to how far you can trust net info
They spent a couple of years running round in cars taking photos and generally getting into shit for grabbing wifi data illegally or something was about privacy. Was all done by about 5 years ago
That kid would be Christopher Lewis, one of NZ’s most fascinating criminals of all time.
If I recall correctly he wasn’t actually that far off shooting the queen either. Fired one at the footpath I think.
He was only 16 or 17 at the time and had already held up the post office at gunpoint for $10k cash. With bicycles for getaway vehicles it was all done during his school lunch break and he was back in class for the afternoon.
Yay, another Fletcher, another Devoy, another Hot Chick C-Rankin on the Families Commission. I’m so looking forward to mine Potty,Gower being appointed to the BSA, David Garret boss of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Morrissey honoured with ambassador to Tel Aviv.
A fabulously incendiary Brighter Future lies ahead !
KRudd (on Skoi News) has just announced that he’s interested in a policy whereby citizens of PNG could subscribe to the same border control mechanism that exists between OZ and NZill.
Now watch the Natzis come out with all their Yea…. but Nah …. but Yea …. but Maybe crap.
(after all, they are fuzzy wuzzies aye – next thing you know, there’ll be P.I’s asking for the same thing – you know – those ‘in-betweens’ Just as soon as we can ensure they’re ‘Noble Savages’ rather than the ignoble. “We’ll get back to you”)
KEY’s (KEYS) (or Stoivie Jooooooice’s) attitude on US citizens:
Walk right in ….. sit right down, baby let your mind roll on.
P.I. neighbours and any with a shared culture; those without money money moneeeeey – ooooh let’s take a while shall we?.
Oh….. hey!!!! Dunk: reliable sauces in the Beehive tell me it’s ALL ON. If John Key doesn’t ditch the discriminatory pollsee against PoiEyes when the Okkers go for this open border thing with PNG, then the Nats will be toast. KRudd’s proposal is circulating around kebnit. Check with Paddy (and while you’re at it – give him some guidance on the hand and arm movements for tonight).
MORE on Nightline tonight!!!!
and NO – sauces is not misspelt.
Pik ya flavour – just as long as you can produce enough for Progressive Enterprises or it’s “competitor” to dictate how much you have to produce before they’ll stock it.
Normally when a select committee hears submissions on a bill, they post them online on the Parliamentary website to inform the public. Except, apparently, for the Intelligence and Security Committee – they’ve refused to post submissions on John Key’s spy bill. Meaning that the public can’t see just how few people supported it.
Fortunately, Stuff’s Andrea Vance has got hold of them, and posted them here [PDF]. I wonder if they’ll try and prosecute her for it?
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In short in our political economy this morning:Fletcher Building is closing its pre-fabricated house-building factory in Auckland due to a lack of demand, particularly from the Government.Health NZ is sending a crisis management team to Nelson Hospital after a 1News investigation exposed doctors’ fears that nearly 500 patients are overdue ...
Exactly 10 years ago, the then minister for defence, Kevin Andrews, released the First Principles Review: Creating One Defence (FPR). With increasing talk about the rising possibility of major power-conflict, calls for Defence funding to ...
In events eerily similar to what happened in the USA last week, Greater Auckland was recently accidentally added to a group chat between government ministers on the topic of transport.We have no idea how it happened, but luckily we managed to transcribe most of what transpired. We share it ...
Hi,When I look back at my history with Dylan Reeve, it’s pretty unusual. We first met in the pool at Kim Dotcom’s mansion, as helicopters buzzed overhead and secret service agents flung themselves off the side of his house, abseiling to the ground with guns drawn.Kim Dotcom was a German ...
Come around for teaDance me round and round the kitchenBy the light of my T.VOn the night of the electionAncient stars will fall into the seaAnd the ocean floor sings her sympathySongwriter: Bic Runga.The Prime Minister stared into the camera, hot and flustered despite the predawn chill. He looked sadly ...
Has Winston Peters got a ferries deal for you! (Buyer caution advised.) Unfortunately, the vision that Peters has been busily peddling for the past 24 hours – of several shipyards bidding down the price of us getting smaller, narrower, rail-enabled ferries – looks more like a science fiction fantasy. One ...
Completed reads for March: The Heart of the Antarctic [1907-1909], by Ernest Shackleton South [1914-1917], by Ernest Shackleton Aurora Australis (collection), edited by Ernest Shackleton The Book of Urizen (poem), by William Blake The Book of Ahania (poem), by William Blake The Book of Los (poem), by William Blake ...
First - A ReminderBenjamin Doyle Doesn’t Deserve ThisI’ve been following posts regarding Green MP Benjamin Doyle over the last few days, but didn’t want to amplify the abject nonsense.This morning, Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, answered the alt-right’s prayers - guaranteeing amplification of the topic, by going on ...
US President Donald Trump has shown a callous disregard for the checks and balances that have long protected American democracy. As the self-described ‘king’ makes a momentous power grab, much of the world watches anxiously, ...
They can be the very same words. And yet their meaning can vary very much.You can say I'll kill him about your colleague who accidentally deleted your presentation the day before a big meeting.You can say I'll kill him to — or, for that matter, about — Tony Soprano.They’re the ...
Back in 2020, the then-Labour government signed contracted for the construction and purchase of two new rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries, to be operational from 2026. But when National took power in 2023, they cancelled them in a desperate effort to make the books look good for a year. And now ...
The fragmentation of cyber regulation in the Indo-Pacific is not just inconvenient; it is a strategic vulnerability. In recent years, governments across the Indo-Pacific, including Australia, have moved to reform their regulatory frameworks for cyber ...
Welcome to the March 2025 Economic Bulletin. The feature article examines what public private partnerships (PPPs) are. PPPs have been a hot topic recently, with the coalition government signalling it wants to use them to deliver infrastructure. However, experience with PPPs, both here and overseas, indicates we should be wary. ...
Willis announces more plans of plans for supermarketsYesterday’s much touted supermarket competition announcement by Nicola Willis amounted to her telling us she was issuing a 6 week RFI1 that will solicit advice from supermarket players.In short, it was an announcement of a plan - but better than her Kiwirail Interislander ...
This was the post I was planning to write this morning to mark Orr’s final day. That said, if the underlying events – deliberate attempts to mislead Parliament – were Orr’s doing, the post is more about the apparent uselessness of Parliament (specifically the Finance and Expenditure Committee) in holding ...
Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC’s plan to build a plant in the United States looks like a move made at the behest of local officials to solidify US support for Taiwan. However, it may eventually lessen ...
This is a Guest Post by Transport Planner Bevan Woodward from the charitable trust Movement, which has lodged an application for a judicial review of the Governments Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 Auckland is at grave risk of having its safer speed limits on approx. 1,500 local streets ...
We're just talkin' 'bout the futureForget about the pastIt'll always be with usIt's never gonna die, never gonna dieSongwriters: Brian Johnson / Angus Young / Malcolm YoungMorena, all you lovely people, it’s good to be back, and I have news from the heartland. Now brace yourself for this: depending on ...
Today is the last day in office for the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Adrian Orr. Of course, he hasn’t been in the office since 5 March when, on the eve of his major international conference, his resignation was announced and he stormed off with no (effective) notice and no ...
Treasury and Cabinet have finally agreed to a Crown guarantee for a non-Government lending agency for Community Housing Providers (CHPs), which could unlock billions worth of loans and investments by pension funds and banks to build thousands of more affordable social homes. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories shortest:Chris Bishop ...
Australia has plenty of room to spend more on defence. History shows that 2.9 percent of GDP is no great burden in ordinary times, so pushing spending to 3.0 percent in dangerous times is very ...
In short this morning in our political economy:Winston Peters will announce later today whether two new ferries are rail ‘compatible’, requiring time-consuming container shuffling, or the more efficient and expensive rail ‘enabled,’ where wagons can roll straight on and off.Nicola Willisthreatened yesterday to break up the supermarket duopoly with ...
A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 23, 2025 thru Sat, March 29, 2025. This week's roundup is again published by category and sorted by number of articles included in each. The formatting is a ...
For prospective writers out there, Inspired Quill, the publisher of my novel(s) is putting together a short story anthology (pieces up to 10,000 words). The open submission window is 29th March to 29th April. https://www.inspired-quill.com/anthology-submissions/ The theme?This anthology will bring together diverse voices exploring themes of hope, resistance, and human ...
Prime minister Kevin Rudd released the 2009 defence white paper in May of that year. It is today remembered mostly for what it said about the strategic implications of China’s rise; its plan to double ...
In short this morning in our political economy:Voters want the Government to retain the living wage for cleaners, a poll shows.The Government’s move to provide a Crown guarantee to banks and the private sector for social housing is described a watershed moment and welcomed by Community Housing Providers.Nicola Willis is ...
The recent attacks in the Congo by Rwandan backed militias has led to worldwide condemnation of the Rwandan regime of Paul Kagame. Following up on the recent Fabian Zoom with Mikela Wrong and Maria Amoudian, Dr Rudaswinga will give a complete picture of Kagame’s regime and discuss the potential ...
New Zealand’s economic development has always been a partnership between the public and private sectors.Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) have become fashionable again, partly because of the government’s ambitions to accelerate infrastructural development. There is, of course, an ideological element too, while some of the opposition to them is also ideological.PPPs come in ...
How Australia funds development and defence was front of mind before Tuesday’s federal budget. US President Donald Trump’s demands for a dramatic lift in allied military spending and brutal cuts to US foreign assistance meant ...
Questions 1. Where and what is this protest?a. Hamilton, angry crowd yelling What kind of food do you call this Seymour?b.Dunedin, angry crowd yelling Still waiting, Simeon, still waitingc. Wellington, angry crowd yelling You’re trashing everything you idiotsd. Istanbul, angry crowd yelling Give us our democracy back, give it ...
Two blueprints that could redefine the Northern Territory’s economic future were launched last week. The first was a government-led economic strategy and the other an industry-driven economic roadmap. Both highlight that supporting the Northern Territory ...
Today, the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill has passed its third and final reading, but there is one more stage before it becomes law. The Governor-General must give their ‘Royal assent’ for any bill to become legally enforceable. This means that, even if a bill gets voted ...
Abortion care at Whakatāne Hospital has been quietly shelved, with patients told they will likely have to travel more than an hour to Tauranga to get the treatment they need. ...
Thousands of New Zealanders’ submissions are missing from the official parliamentary record because the National-dominated Justice Select Committee has rushed work on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...
Today’s announcement of 10 percent tariffs for New Zealand goods entering the United States is disappointing for exporters and consumers alike, with the long-lasting impact on prices and inflation still unknown. ...
The National Government’s choices have contributed to a slow-down in the building sector, as thousands of people have lost their jobs in construction. ...
Willie Apiata’s decision to hand over his Victoria Cross to the Minister for Veterans is a powerful and selfless act, made on behalf of all those who have served our country. ...
The Privileges Committee has denied fundamental rights to Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, breaching their own standing orders, breaching principles of natural justice, and highlighting systemic prejudice and discrimination within our parliamentary processes. The three MPs were summoned to the privileges committee following their performance of a haka ...
April 1 used to be a day when workers could count on a pay rise with stronger support for those doing it tough, but that’s not the case under this Government. ...
Winston Peters is shopping for smaller ferries after Nicola Willis torpedoed the original deal, which would have delivered new rail enabled ferries next year. ...
The Government should work with other countries to press the Myanmar military regime to stop its bombing campaign especially while the country recovers from the devastating earthquake. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Government to scrap proposed changes to Early Childhood Care, after attending a petition calling for the Government to ‘Put tamariki at the heart of decisions about ECE’. ...
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill today that will remove the power of MPs conscience votes and ensure mandatory national referendums are held before any conscience issues are passed into law. “We are giving democracy and power back to the people”, says New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters. ...
Welcome to members of the diplomatic corp, fellow members of parliament, the fourth estate, foreign affairs experts, trade tragics, ladies and gentlemen. ...
In recent weeks, disturbing instances of state-sanctioned violence against Māori have shed light on the systemic racism permeating our institutions. An 11-year-old autistic Māori child was forcibly medicated at the Henry Bennett Centre, a 15-year-old had his jaw broken by police in Napier, kaumātua Dean Wickliffe went on a hunger ...
Confidence in the job market has continued to drop to its lowest level in five years as more New Zealanders feel uncertain about finding work, keeping their jobs, and getting decent pay, according to the latest Westpac-McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index. ...
The Greens are calling on the Government to follow through on their vague promises of environmental protection in their Resource Management Act (RMA) reform. ...
“Make New Zealand First Again” Ladies and gentlemen, First of all, thank you for being here today. We know your lives are busy and you are working harder and longer than you ever have, and there are many calls on your time, so thank you for the chance to speak ...
Hundreds more Palestinians have died in recent days as Israel’s assault on Gaza continues and humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, is blocked. ...
National is looking to cut hundreds of jobs at New Zealand’s Defence Force, while at the same time it talks up plans to increase focus and spending in Defence. ...
It’s been revealed that the Government is secretly trying to bring back a ‘one-size fits all’ standardised test – a decision that has shocked school principals. ...
The Green Party is calling for the compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua on hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility, after visiting him at the prison. ...
The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza. ...
The Green Party stands in support of volunteer firefighters petitioning the Government to step up and change legislation to provide volunteers the same ACC coverage and benefits as their paid counterparts. ...
At 2.30am local time, Israel launched a treacherous attack on Gaza killing more than 300 defenceless civilians while they slept. Many of them were children. This followed a more than 2 week-long blockade by Israel on the entry of all goods and aid into Gaza. Israel deliberately targeted densely populated ...
Living Strong, Aging Well There is much discussion around the health of our older New Zealanders and how we can age well. In reality, the delivery of health services accounts for only a relatively small percentage of health outcomes as we age. Significantly, dry warm housing, nutrition, exercise, social connection, ...
Shane Jones’ display on Q&A showed how out of touch he and this Government are with our communities and how in sync they are with companies with little concern for people and planet. ...
The Government’s new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will make it easier to get things done while protecting the environment, say Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court. “The RMA is broken and everyone knows it. It makes it too hard to build ...
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has today launched a public consultation on New Zealand and India’s negotiations of a formal comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. “Negotiations are getting underway, and the Public’s views will better inform us in the early parts of this important negotiation,” Mr McClay says. We are ...
More than 900 thousand superannuitants and almost five thousand veterans are among the New Zealanders set to receive a significant financial boost from next week, an uplift Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says will help support them through cost-of-living challenges. “I am pleased to confirm that from 1 ...
Progressing a holistic strategy to unlock the potential of New Zealand’s geothermal resources, possibly in applications beyond energy generation, is at the centre of discussions with mana whenua at a hui in Rotorua today, Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is in the early stages ...
New annual data has exposed the staggering cost of delays previously hidden in the building consent system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I directed Building Consent Authorities to begin providing quarterly data last year to improve transparency, following repeated complaints from tradespeople waiting far longer than the statutory ...
Increases in water charges for Auckland consumers this year will be halved under the Watercare Charter which has now been passed into law, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. The charter is part of the financial arrangement for Watercare developed last year by Auckland Council ...
There is wide public support for the Government’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity protections, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The Ministry for Primary Industries recently completed public consultation on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act and the submissions show that people understand the importance of having a strong biosecurity ...
A new independent review function will enable individuals and organisations to seek an expert independent review of specified civil aviation regulatory decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Director of Civil Aviation, Acting Transport Minister James Meager has announced today. “Today we are making it easier and more affordable ...
The Government will invest in an enhanced overnight urgent care service for the Napier community as part of our focus on ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown has today confirmed. “I am delighted that a solution has been found to ensure Napier residents will continue to ...
Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey attended a sod turning today to officially mark the start of construction on a new mental health facility at Hillmorton Campus. “This represents a significant step in modernising mental health services in Canterbury,” Mr Brown says. “Improving health infrastructure is ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed confirmation the economy has turned the corner. Stats NZ reported today that gross domestic product grew 0.7 per cent in the three months to December following falls in the June and September quarters. “We know many families and businesses are still suffering the after-effects ...
The sealing of a 12-kilometre stretch of State Highway 43 (SH43) through the Tangarakau Gorge – one of the last remaining sections of unsealed state highway in the country – has been completed this week as part of a wider programme of work aimed at improving the safety and resilience ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters says relations between New Zealand and the United States are on a strong footing, as he concludes a week-long visit to New York and Washington DC today. “We came to the United States to ask the new Administration what it wants from ...
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed changes to international anti-money laundering standards which closely align with the Government’s reforms. “The Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) last month adopted revised standards for tackling money laundering and the financing of terrorism to allow for simplified regulatory measures for businesses, organisations and sectors ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says he welcomes Medsafe’s decision to approve an electronic controlled drug register for use in New Zealand pharmacies, allowing pharmacies to replace their physical paper-based register. “The register, developed by Kiwi brand Toniq Limited, is the first of its kind to be approved in New ...
The Coalition Government’s drive for regional economic growth through the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund is on track with more than $550 million in funding so far committed to key infrastructure projects, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “To date, the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) has received more than 250 ...
[Comments following the bilateral meeting with United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; United States State Department, Washington D.C.] * We’re very pleased with our meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio this afternoon. * We came here to listen to the new Administration and to be clear about what ...
The intersection of State Highway 2 (SH2) and Wainui Road in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be made safer and more efficient for vehicles and freight with the construction of a new and long-awaited roundabout, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. “The current intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road is ...
The Ocean Race will return to the City of Sails in 2027 following the Government’s decision to invest up to $4 million from the Major Events Fund into the international event, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand is a proud sailing nation, and Auckland is well-known internationally as the ...
Improving access to mental health and addiction support took a significant step forward today with Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announcing that the University of Canterbury have been the first to be selected to develop the Government’s new associate psychologist training programme. “I am thrilled that the University of Canterbury ...
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened the new East Building expansion at Manukau Health Park. “This is a significant milestone and the first stage of the Grow Manukau programme, which will double the footprint of the Manukau Health Park to around 30,000m2 once complete,” Mr Brown says. “Home ...
The Government will boost anti-crime measures across central Auckland with $1.3 million of funding as a result of the Proceeds of Crime Fund, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. “In recent years there has been increased antisocial and criminal behaviour in our CBD. The Government ...
The Government is moving to strengthen rules for feeding food waste to pigs to protect New Zealand from exotic animal diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD), says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. ‘Feeding untreated meat waste, often known as "swill", to pigs could introduce serious animal diseases like FMD and ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held productive talks in New Delhi today. Fresh off announcing that New Zealand and India would commence negotiations towards a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the two Prime Ministers released a joint statement detailing plans for further cooperation between the two countries across ...
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the forestry sector. “Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our ...
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the horticulture sector. “Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new Family Court Judges. The new Judges will take up their roles in April and May and fill Family Court vacancies at the Auckland and Manukau courts. Annette Gray Ms Gray completed her law degree at Victoria University before joining Phillips ...
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened Wellington Regional Hospital’s first High Dependency Unit (HDU). “This unit will boost critical care services in the lower North Island, providing extra capacity and relieving pressure on the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency department. “Wellington Regional Hospital has previously relied ...
Namaskar, Sat Sri Akal, kia ora and good afternoon everyone. What an honour it is to stand on this stage - to inaugurate this august Dialogue - with none other than the Honourable Narendra Modi. My good friend, thank you for so generously welcoming me to India and for our ...
Nearly 25 years after the "corngate" saga, the debate on genetic modification is back thanks to the Gene Technology Bill currently in select committee. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Brodie, Research Scientist in Marine Ecology, CSIRO jittawit21, Shutterstock Picture this: you’re lounging on a beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You run your hands through the warm sand, only to ...
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Although New Zealand and Australia seem to have escaped the worst of Donald Trump’s latest tariffs, some Pacific Islands stand to be hit hard — including a few that aren’t even “countries”. The US will impose a base tariff of 10 percent on all ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton both agree Australia should react to US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff regime by continuing to seek a special deal. They just disagree about which of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanne Orlando, Researcher, Digital Literacy and Digital Wellbeing, Western Sydney University UK Prime Minster Keir Starmer met with Adolescence writer Jack Thorne to discuss adolescent safety at Downing Street on Monday. Jack Taylor/ GettyImages Netflix’s Adolescence has ignited global debate. ...
By Anneke Smith,RNZ News political reporter A stoush between the Chief Human Rights Commissioner and a Jewish community leader has flared up following a showdown at Parliament. Appearing before a parliamentary select committee today, Dr Stephen Rainbow was asked about his recent apology for incorrect comments he made about ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rakesh Gupta, Associate Professor of Accounting & Finance, Charles Darwin University US President Donald Trump’s new trade war will not only send shockwaves through the global economy – it also upsets efforts to tackle the urgent issue of climate change. Trump has ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Toohey, Professor of Law, UNSW Sydney It had the hallmarks of a reality TV cliffhanger. Until recently, many people had never even heard of tariffs. Now, there’s been rolling live international coverage of so-called “Liberation Day”, as US President Donald Trump ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director, Department of Endocrinology, RPA Hospital, University of Sydney mavo/Shutterstock In the ever-changing wellness industry, one diet obsession has captured and held TikTok’s attention: protein. Whether it’s sharing snaps of protein-packed meals or giving tutorials to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Maslow, Associate Professor, International Relations, University of Tokyo Two months into US President Donald Trump’s second term, the liberal international order is on life support. Alliances and multilateral institutions are now seen by the United States as burdens. Europe and ...
Starving public services of resources, gutting the workforce and then proposing private market solutions has been a key strategy of this government, says Vanessa Cole, spokesperson for Public Housing Futures. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hayley Geyle, Ecologist, Charles Darwin University Sarah Maclagan/Author provided The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found across 70% of Australia, its range has contracted by ...
The government’s own Regulatory Impact Statement acknowledges that organic producers will bear the financial burden of adapting to the risks posed by GMO expansion. ...
The committee has "rammed it through with outrageous haste", with a report now expected tomorrow, but excluding thousands of submissions, Duncan Webb says. ...
The US president’s sweeping programme of global tariffs will hit every country abroad, including New Zealand, and dramatically raise prices at home. This is an excerpt from The World Bulletin, our weekly global current affairs newsletter exclusively for Spinoff Members. Sign up here.In a dramatic, flag-draped address from the White ...
Alex Casey talks to Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi, the couple who launched a project to change 51 lives in honour of those lost in the Christchurch mosque attacks. When Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi walked into Naeem’s house in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, they knew immediately that he needed their help. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Deane, Professor of Trade Law, Taxation and Climate Change, Queensland University of Technology US President Donald Trump has imposed a range of tariffs on all products entering the US market, with Australian exports set to face a 10% tariff, effective April ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10% global tariff as well as “reciprocal tariffs” on many countries. In ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hayley Geyle, Ecologist, Charles Darwin University Sarah Maclagan/Author provided The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found across 70% of Australia, its range has contracted by ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10% global tariff as well as “reciprocal tariffs” on many countries. In ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Rudge, Law lecturer, University of Sydney Shutterstock Recent media coverage in the Nine newspapers highlights a surge in non-medical ultrasound providers offering “reassurance ultrasounds” to expectant parents. The service has resulted in serious harms, such as misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancies and ...
The three MPs whose rule-breaking haka caught the world’s attention didn’t attend their scheduled hearing yesterday. Constitutional law expert Andrew Geddis has the rundown of what happened, why, and what’s likely to come next. I see Te Pāti Māori and the privileges committee are in some sort of stand-off – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Turner, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland.Nido Huebl/Shutterstock Earth is the only known planet which has plate tectonics today. The constant movement of these giant slabs of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10% global tariff as well as “reciprocal tariffs” on many countries. In ...
Meta has stolen millions of books to train its AI, including books by kaituhi Māori. What does that mean for mātauranga and its status as taonga? New Zealand authors are among the millions whose books have been pirated and scraped by Meta to train its AI. The New Zealand Society of ...
Some hoped the open of the New Zealand markets would open with a bounce as certain tariffs fell short of the worst-case scenario, but investors were met with a deflated thud.The New Zealand market fell immediately as stock market darling Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s shares were punished, with no update ...
Healthcare dominated the debate in an unusually sober and serious question time. “Hey David!” a group of high school students in the public gallery called out as Act leader David Seymour entered the debating chamber. Standing in the middle of the floor, before any other MPs had arrived, he happily ...
Working title:
Operation FOLLOW
“Flight Of Liberation, on Line, Over the World”
The mission:
To fly Edward Snowden from Moscow to Caracas without passing over any country that takes orders from Washington.
The plan:
Edward Snowden, carrying documents proving diplomatic immunity and letters of safe passage provided by the government of Venezuela. Will board a Gulfstream G550, the only long range private jet capable of making such an epic journey. Especially commissioned, the G550 will be rechristened the “Paul Revere”.
Accompanying Snowden on this journey will be prominent journalists, celebrities, film makers and spokespersons for civil liberties groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
The Paul Revere will be fully internet capable and the journey will be broadcast live for its entire duration. A number of internationally known film makers including Mike Moor and Oliver Stone have put their hand up to accompany Edward Snowden and document his journey and carry out in flight interviews of the passengers which will be webcast live.
The flight of the Paul Revere:
The flight plan filed by the Paul Revere with the Sheremetyevo airport authorities, will be to depart from the Moscow area heading due North, leaving Russian airspace over the Arctic Ocean.
On reaching international airspace over the Arctic Ocean, the Paul Revere will then head, due West, towards the North Atlantic.
On reaching the North Atlantic the Paul Revere will change direction again, heading due South, picking a zig zag flight path down the centre of the Atlantic Ocean.
From Common Dreams
If the US government does decide to break all international norms and engages in an extremely risky aerial maneuver using US fighters to try and force the Paul Revere down, which remember will be flying at the edge of its operational limits, above international waters far from land. Then this would mark the US out for the rest of history as a rogue state. The same way Israel was marked out as a rogue state by their attack on the Mavi Marmara in International Waters in May 2010.
they are a rogue empire methinks
Hope the plane is kept under lock and key until take off. And checked over properly.
The US has been a rogue state for a long, long time. The problem is that people have refused to see this.
People refuse to see it, because they fight to retain their ignorance!
Which nationality/ideology/regime were the, intelligence services primarily formed from….
Fly bonny plane like a bird on the wing
Over the Arctic sky
If Edward Snowden’s supporters can pull this off. The networked global commons will become a new player in global politics. No longer will the world’s affairs be solely decided by the superpowers.
Working title:
Operation FOLLOW
Flight Of Liberty Live Online over the World
Update:
The pool of aircraft available for lease, capable of flying Snowden to Venezuela has been increased greatly by a decision of the Irish Courts.
In a move that pits the diplomatic weight of the new global commons against the diplomatic power of the US.
The Irish state has rejected US demands to detain Snowden if the plane carrying him lands in Ireland on its way to Venezuela. This opens the way for the Paul Revere to land and refuel unmolested.
http://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1282146/ireland-becomes-second-state-reject-us-request-arrest-edward-snowden
Though the rejection of the arrest warrant was on legal technicalities, this is a major blow to US efforts to apprehend Snowden. And leaves the US authorities with two uncomfortable options. The first, to engage in a high profile and very likely long drawn out legal appeal in the full glare of the world’s media spot light. Or engage in some behind the scenes naked arm twisting to try and get the Irish government to overrule the High Court. Neither uncomfortable option is likely to give the State Department much comfort, both options risking huge negative fallout. And even then, may not deliver the result they want.
A stopover at Shannon Airport is also likely to be a media bonus for the journalists on board the Paul Revere commenting through their live web feed.
Providing a further humbling lesson for the impotent US superpower as to the limits of their diminishing global power.
FRANCE 14 July 2013 – 226th anniversary of the STORMING OF THE BASTILLE. Celebration !
NEW ZEALAND 15 July 2013 – King ShonKey Louis Python XVI and gluttonous wife Paula Bennettoinette ramp up the WAR ON THE POOR. Already deployed measures of cynical societal division, demonisation of the poor, and systematic disentitlement of the poor have proved ineffective to create 170,000 new jobs.
“Mon Friggin’ Dieu !!!”
“Paula………the peasants have shafted our Brighter Future”.
“I see that Lou’……….shall I make them REALLY pay for their ugliness ?”
BASTILLE DAY + 1………”Work and Income chief Debbie Power said 85,000 people – mainly the sick, long-term unemployed, and sole parents and widows with no children under 14 – would move today into intensive “work-focused case management” with 760 personal case managers to help them find jobs and overcome barriers such as transport and childcare costs, addictions, debts and workplace attitudes to mental illness and other conditions. A further 1000 sole parents and 1000 people with mental health problems will be handed over to contractors who will be paid from $2250 to $16,500 for each person they place in employment for at least a year.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10898243
BASTILLE DAY + 1. Celebration !
Mon Friggin’ Dieu !!! The lessons of history………?
do we know any further details about these ‘contractors’ who will receive such Bennettoinette bounty ?
loved yr post
North.
Did you know that today is also the anniversary of the ending of the 1951 waterfront strike?
Of course it was a total and utter defeat for the union movement.
It is a day that should be celebrated by all free thinking kiwis, a great day in the nations history.
troll
Of course it was a total and utter defeat for the union movement.
Well, no it was not. The Waterside Workers’ Union was defeated, but the union movement in this country, as in Australia, Britain, the United States, Japan and all of Western Europe except for the dictatorships in Portugal and Spain, went from strength to strength, and the standard of living in all those places—except Portugal and Spain—increased for all citizens.
You either know that, of course, and are simply trying to stir up trouble, or you are unfeasibly ignorant.
“You either know that, of course, and are simply trying to stir up trouble, or you are unfeasibly ignorant.”
… or both.
To the aptly named Big Bruv –
Mon Friggin’ Dieu !!! I did not know that !
Celebrate away Big Bruv but as you intoxicate do remember that history did not end on that day.
Cheers Morrissey – I suspected but did not know that.
The real agenda of the right is to ban unions and lock up union members. This is where the freedom and liberty stops for ACT supporters like BB. Freedom to join anything as long as it isn’t a union.
Millsy
Not at all. Anybody should be free to choose to join a union if they are stupid enough. The difference between us is that you want to make it compulsory to belong to a union.
What the government should do is stop the deduction of union dues from workers wages, only then when the morons who do belong to a union see just how little they get for their money will they wake up to the fact that they are being ripped off by what is undoubtedly a corrupt union.
5% increases in wages against 0% for non-union workers for a couple of hundred dollars per year. Yeah, just so friggen little.
Wtf are you on about? There is no compulsory union membership you nonce.
You’re saying the govt should have the power to interfere in a contract that two parties have freely entered into.
Some libertarian you turned out to be.
did BB ever pay that bet?
so hes still a bludger, right?
Nah, course he didn’t pay.
I don’t begrudge him though, it’s not easy living on a benefit.
You’re really a bit stupid Felix.
Demonstrate.
expecting BB to understand his own comment
Long shot, I know…
speaking of stupid – care to explain how fees incurred from a voluntary contract are forcibly extracted, and how when youve forcibly stopped payment from a voluntary contract that two separate parties have entered into, one of those parties will see the “error of their ways”?
go on – knock yourself out
also – that thing about that debt.
Yep pay up big bruv. A contract is a contract …
The murder of Trayvon Martin goes unpunished and the twisted wannabee policeman, the racist Zimmerman walks free, completely free.
Why ? That “greatest nation in the world” the US of A…… Florida…….Florida’s “stand your ground” lethal force statute…….”Hoodied black kids gotta be dealt to……”…….a racist rogue jury…….unartful prosecution……..brilliant defence lawyers ? Who can really know ?
New Zealand position – s.48 Crimes Act 1961 – self defence, even to a lethal conclusion, carries no criminal liability if there is belief (subjective) that one is under attack or is about to be …….AND the response to the belief is reasonable in the circumstances (objective). Sledgehammer cannot meet ant in other words.
Many remain troubled that the knifing which ended the life of young Pihema in Manurewa did not result in criminal liability greater than that actually suffered by the perpetrator.
That said I suspect that if a New Zealand court were to hear the Florida case, the circumstances of which included Zimmerman being warned by the police not to continue tracking the non-offending, walking home with some lollies, Trayvon Martin, then Zimmerman would be awaiting sentence for murder.
Karma may yet do the job the legal system in Florida failed to do. Wouldn’t be comfortable to live the rest of one’s life looking over one’s shoulder for a second hollow-nosed bullet, would it ?
Maybe that’s Zimmerman’s (inadequate?) karma……..a second bullet engraved with his name……never fired or felt.
RIP the young Trayvon Martin, walking home, lollied-up and innocently hoodied, nervously telling girlfriend on the phone that he was being stalked (poor guy got it wrong……he was being hunted by a man “standing his ground”).
RIP Trayvon. And arohanui to those who loved you, rather than anonymously hated you, during your short life.
Theres more to the case then whats being fed by the media, don’t jump to conclusions. Hard for this guy to get a fair trial:
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2013/07/13/Media-Zimmerman-Coverage-Rap-Sheet
Without having read the article, I am very suspiscious of anything from breitbart.
As the following search on AlterNet shows, breitbart is an ultra-consertive site and is far from unbiased and even-handed in it’s aproach:
http://www.alternet.org/search/site/breitbart
That maybe however he/she/they provide links for what they’re saying and there were serious issues with the information the media was presenting
Not that the media would make things up though…
Not that Winston Smith @ 4.1.1.1 might be mischievously selective at all – apologists for racial profiling and the lethalism it encourages…….well they do that.
A Google search – “What injuries did Zimmerman and Martin get ?” – brings up not less than 10 pages of links ranging from “Zimmerman injuries insignificant….” to “Prosecution cannot succeed…..”. The whole range of partisan expression.
This link however is germane:
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/09/21/169233/george-zimmermans-friends-book.html
Zimmerman’s best friend, a Mr Osterman, was with Zimmerman within hours of the killing, uplifted him from police headquarters the night of the killing, and thereafter hid him away for weeks. Osterman wrote and published a 175 page “book” recording Zimmerman’s account as related to him by Zimmerman.
Lo, Zimmerman’s account in the book differs quantumly from that given by way of defence in the trial ??? Read it.
Wow ! Winston Smith. True to form. Reflexive “Don’t wanna believe…….won’t believe !”
Breitfart trumps even Fux News for heresy to the truth.
Wasn’t there footage from immediately after the assassination which showed Zimmerman arriving at police headquarters in police custody………exhibiting no injury whatsoever ?
Oh well, never mind…….sympathy to the family.
Magnificent American Obscenity !
Read the links its interesting especially the editing that went on of the recordings and images
Breitbart – Stormfront… same thing.
I just love how you think it is OK for a white man to gun down a black man and get away with it.
In my opinion Zimmerman is no better than the lynch mobs that infested the US south until the 1950’s.
Do you support lynching Smith?
Sanford, Florida, has always been a dangerous place – if you’re black.
http://www.afro.com/sections/news/national/story.htm?storyid=74529
Black Woman Gets 20 Years for Firing Shot at Wall; White Man Gets 0 Years for Shooting Man in the Back 3 Times, Killing Him
Why? Because the USA is massively racist.
Marissa Alexander case
In May 2012, Corey prosecuted 31-year-old Marissa Alexander and obtained a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. Alexander had a restraining order issued against her ex husband at the time and, during the day of the incident, had returned to their old home to collect clothes and some possessions thinking he was not there. Her ex husband was there, with their children, and they began to argue. After the argument became heated, Marissa Alexander returned to her car, picked up her firearm, and returned inside the house where she threatened him with the handgun before firing a warning shot into the wall. She was charged with reckless endangerment of children and threatening with a deadly weapon. Despite being offered a 3 year sentence and later a probational sentence with time served, Alexander chose to attempt a SYG defence at trial[30]. She was found guilty and according to Floridas gun laws (where 10 years can be added for committing a crime while carrying a firearm, with an added 10 years for discharging a firearm during a crime) was sentenced to 20 years
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Corey#Marissa_Alexander_case
I agree Draco that the US is massively racist. It irks to see cases misrepresented though.
Warning to all subscribers to a television service which includes Fux News:
Clip after clip of coiffed silver hair atop botoxed white Republican congressmen, celebrating Zimmerman’s acquittal as a vindication of the magnificence of the US justice system – the most despicable being one such racist gargoyle from Iowa, intoning majestically that there were no grounds to prosecute the hunter killer of the black kid in the first place !
I paraphrase the thinking – “Dead black kid ?………well……..yeah……..and your point is…….?
Hope my screen doesn’t get hacked with that aging pornstar look-alike Fux News’ Geraldo Rivera. He who within hours of the boy’s assassination peppered his deepest sympathies to Trayvon’s family with recommendation to black kids that they not get about with hoodies tent-like.
I paraphrase in advance – “Well folks……..hate to say ‘I told ya so’………”
Jesus Christ……..the hacking’s started already.
Rupert Murdoch’s Fux News disporting Karl Rove !
Aging pornstar Geraldo to Rupert – “Damn ! Boss……you knew all along that black boy was carryin’ a cellphone. Boss……ya coulda told me !” Boss !
I hope the US burns because of this. I really do.
The Black President says that it’s time for “calm reflection”.
According to some little git actor ,from hobbits I think, on tv last night peter Jackson is the “King of New Zealand” I wonder if our little despot knows that.
chrissy Hey I protest on behalf of all hobbits and little git actors. Watch your language you bigot.
Rosetinted
Oooerrr!! Ever so sorry, but anyone who say’s peter Jackson is King of NZ is IMO a little git, actor or not. And he was in the hobbit movies. Makes him a double git. Just my opinion.
chrissy
People seem to have some strong opinions about Sir Peter Jackson – either love or hate him.
I love someone who makes business in New Zealand. Then I hate the way that the government has opened up the entry quota, or wiped it, for bringing in technicians etc.. instead of ensuring that NZs got trained first.
If NZs get the chance to get big films here, it may be best that they don’t go all bolshie and march up the road threatening to withdraw their labour while trying to boost their payments. When they should be jawing up better conditions in meetings nose to nose. I think people got hoist with their own petard (not Peter).
” it may be best that they don’t go all bolshie and march up the road”
that could be levelled at both sides – no?
It was Nick Frost who said that-Simon Pegg’s offsider in the cornetto trilogy (Sean of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s end)
Speaking of hobbits, I saw that movie on Sky’s pay-per-view service over the weekend.
Nothing to write home about really. The digital matte paintings and the background shots are the only decent thing about it (could have made a travelogue in IMAX format for a fraction of the price).
Perhaps I am just used to the more rigorious storylines of Game of Thrones?
It’s simply not correct to say that New Zealand has a rapidly opening gap between the rich and the poor – Bill English
New Zealand’s income gap has grown faster than any other developed country over the past 20 years – OECD
Who’s right?
Certainly NOT Blinglish…
London School of Economics Professor Robert Wade said Mr English made a stabbing motion with his finger towards his chest and berated him in between their separate appearances on TVNZ’s Q + A programme at the weekend. There was no physical contact.
Mr English disagreed with his remarks on inequality and capital gains tax and warned him “Don’t you say that again”, Prof Wade said
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8922076/English-rebukes-visiting-academic
Thoughts?
Heh. I’d say English was pissed off that he has been constrained by the reality’s of MMP in what he has been able to do for the 1%. MOMs instead of full asset sales, not mining our National parks, it’s bloody outrageous what.
Hehe a perfect example of something I tell my kids – don’t point, it shows you’ve lost control of thoughts and lost the argument.
<blockquoteHe was interviewed on the current affairs show ahead of Mr English, and asserted that "over the past two decades or so, economic policy in the US, the UK and New Zealand has increasingly been set by the top 1 per cent or so for the top 1 per cent".
t was this comment to which Mr English took exception – and Prof Wade says he was later told the Clutha-Southland MP "just sort of exploded like a volcano out in the anteroom".
As if there was any further requirement to illustrate, who the NZ government actually represents!
As if there was any further requirement to illustrate, who the NZ government actually represents!
Mods – Please feel free to delete the 7.1.1.3 comment, its a double
Interesting news mix this morning.
In Ireland there was a riot over the march of the Orangemen who wanted to stride past the Catholics in the usual provocative and traditional way.
In Spain there was the running of the bulls in Pamplona with the odd goring one of which, who is an Australian woman, has serious injuries.
There was an affronted and angry response from Germany to the news that the USA has been bugging them – supposedly their allies and both being countries adopting high standards of respect for each other and their peoples.
And another thought – what if we somehow could change our method of government and bring in a provision that each new government had to carry on with a previous government’s policy unless given clear direction about change from the electorate. That would be their mandate, (not a manban though) and change would come about from bills decided after select committees thorough discussion, which would be overseen by a carefully picked observer group with each member having a different status.
The new laws and regulations would be monitored for deletorious effects and useful effectiveness to the public and be reviewed after the first, and third years to see if satisfactory or requiring change. No measures could be agreed by the government without consulting the people widely, and no secret agreements made of a binding nature.
No emergency parliamentary sessions could be held without agreement from a widely diverse watchdog citizen group. Such people would be on an on-call basis and be devoted to the country’s wider interests so would attend with the alacrity of firemen when called on. There would be problems but we cannot have important parts of our country’s system of government overthrown ‘by mandate’ every time there is a change in government. I’m more afraid of having nothing left of our political culture under our present ‘system’ than the problems that might arise from my suggestions.
Smalley interviews Colin James about the Labour Leadership
Excellent piece form TV3. Summary:
Shearer has gone to ground, refusing interviews and stopped releasing copies of his public schedule to the media.
There is disgruntlement with Shearer and Shearer’s political management, but he could still cling on if he lifts his game, particularly as there does not appear to be any organised effort to move him on. However many are wanting a new Leader in place by Conference.
A Robertson/Cunliffe ticket is the obvious option but can they work out an agreement. Cunliffe remains a divisive figure to some and Robertson would probably say he is not yet ready to be Leader. Little also seen as divisive and Ardern talented but still 5 years out from being ready.
Key had the same lack of understanding of NZ and NZ politics that Shearer demonstrates, but proved to be a smooth talker and fast learner.
http://www.3news.co.nz/Shearer-may-be-challenged-for-Labour-leadership/tabid/370/articleID/304822/Default.aspx
Strange or laughable that the segment pins all the disquiet on Shearer’s visit to the corporate box?
Was a good interview, but I’m thinking James is a wee bit off the mark in his analysis of possible future configurations. Fact is (I think), that Cunliffe has the membership vote. So any one who can get the numbers in caucus probably needs his endorsement – or he theirs. And I’m reckoning (with relief) that that wipes out ‘log jam’ Robertson.
As I said yesterday
How Convenient is this shit? No problems since the year dot, and now we have ‘white powder’ popping up all over the place, over the weekend. What the fuck? does Shonkey and co think we are all that dumb as to believe this stunt?
Emergency services prepared decontamination equipment after a white powder scare at the Treasury building in central Wellington just after midday.
Police and fire crews cordoned off parts of the building after the envelope containing the white powder was received.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8920238/Treasury-building-cordoned-off-after-white-powder-scare
and it disappeared off the front page pretty quickly too
Completely missed that wee scare story. Can’t quite figure the article though as it states the powder as being both ‘innocuous’ and…’unidentified’. Oh well….
Guess that means even the journos don’t buy it, not even for a moment.
I’m quite impressed that no-one has mentioned anthrax yet.
Wasn’t the incident at Dunne’s offices baking powder?
baking soda.
Not sure about the west coast one or today’s envelope.
CV, that’s sure to get a rise out of someone.
I groaned
Baking soda. Auntie says it’s good for cleaning – up Dunne’s act, might stretch to ACT!
But the uniformed gas masked people just tell their own story really and that’s the problem some people only look at the pics.
Trouble is, as soon as someone makes the call, they have to take it seriously. There’s been more than one responder infected or killed by a suspicious package they treated less than cautiously. Low likelihood, but serious consequence in the event.
Besides, it’s good training for when the hazard is real.
And don’t forget, the release of calicivirus 20 years ago demonstrates there have been illicit biological agents smuggled into the country, beyond our bio security measures. Do people really think we’d be able to detect anthrax, or foot-and-mouth?
Explosive devices aside, how many packages of ‘suspicious powder’ – white or otherwise – treated ‘less than cautiously’, has resulted in how many deaths globally in the past 10 – 15 years? I mean, any ball park figure will do. I’m guessing single digits. There or thereabouts. And how many in NZ over the same period? Like you say, good training for imaginery threats and hazards – or a complete bloody waste of time and only ever good for ratcheting up levels of groundless fear in gullible portions of the populace.
But those skillsets are largely the same regardless if it’s asbestos from a burning warehouse, a legitimate biohazard or just someone with baking soda.
Public fear-wise, this isn’t exactly our 9/11.
Heh – and those skillsets around asbestos when NZ’s second city collapsed? They were where?
But yeah. No likely repeat of 12/9 here or elsewhere…not even though we got an Octagon to tempt any would be radical algebrian nutters.
lol
Wasn’t there a kid who wanted to shoot the Queen when she made a visit to Dunedin years back? Ended up getting confused and setting a rifle up on the wrong street or something. Probably needed Google Earth
Wouldn’t have helped in Samoa. Google maps was way way way out of date. Many of the unpaved roads were in fact paved. Many of the streets didn’t exist on their maps. Never looked at the sat images though.
I was just surprised after how accurate it has been in NZ. But it does make me aware of the limits to how far you can trust net info
They spent a couple of years running round in cars taking photos and generally getting into shit for grabbing wifi data illegally or something was about privacy. Was all done by about 5 years ago
That kid would be Christopher Lewis, one of NZ’s most fascinating criminals of all time.
If I recall correctly he wasn’t actually that far off shooting the queen either. Fired one at the footpath I think.
He was only 16 or 17 at the time and had already held up the post office at gunpoint for $10k cash. With bicycles for getaway vehicles it was all done during his school lunch break and he was back in class for the afternoon.
Live protest stream from NY here.
http://www.ustream.tv/occupyeye
LA.
https://twitter.com/jasmyne/status/356585477240938496/photo/1
https://twitter.com/jasmyne/status/356595024814809088/photo/1
https://twitter.com/jasmyne/status/356590889461768193/photo/1
https://twitter.com/jasmyne/status/356587442565939200/photo/1
https://twitter.com/jasmyne/status/356584159612903426/photo/1
https://twitter.com/TheeBeePee/status/356595732754620416/photo/1
More on one of John Key’s mates and helpers…and how he is a big problem when it comes to improving the health of a nation.
So, has he lobbied for tobacco companies in NZ?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/jul/14/lynton-crosby-tobacco-meeting-labour
You missed the appointment of a former tobacco industry bigwig to head the ‘Smokefree 2025’ thing?
Bill @ 12.1.
Yay, another Fletcher, another Devoy, another Hot Chick C-Rankin on the Families Commission. I’m so looking forward to mine Potty,Gower being appointed to the BSA, David Garret boss of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Morrissey honoured with ambassador to Tel Aviv.
A fabulously incendiary Brighter Future lies ahead !
North

KRudd (on Skoi News) has just announced that he’s interested in a policy whereby citizens of PNG could subscribe to the same border control mechanism that exists between OZ and NZill.
Now watch the Natzis come out with all their Yea…. but Nah …. but Yea …. but Maybe crap.
(after all, they are fuzzy wuzzies aye – next thing you know, there’ll be P.I’s asking for the same thing – you know – those ‘in-betweens’ Just as soon as we can ensure they’re ‘Noble Savages’ rather than the ignoble. “We’ll get back to you”)
KEY’s (KEYS) (or Stoivie Jooooooice’s) attitude on US citizens:
Walk right in ….. sit right down, baby let your mind roll on.
P.I. neighbours and any with a shared culture; those without money money moneeeeey – ooooh let’s take a while shall we?.
Oh….. hey!!!! Dunk: reliable sauces in the Beehive tell me it’s ALL ON. If John Key doesn’t ditch the discriminatory pollsee against PoiEyes when the Okkers go for this open border thing with PNG, then the Nats will be toast. KRudd’s proposal is circulating around kebnit. Check with Paddy (and while you’re at it – give him some guidance on the hand and arm movements for tonight).
MORE on Nightline tonight!!!!
and NO – sauces is not misspelt.
Pik ya flavour – just as long as you can produce enough for Progressive Enterprises or it’s “competitor” to dictate how much you have to produce before they’ll stock it.
Settle down there boy!
Excellent effort by Andrea Vance, as reported by NRT:
That’s some nice balance and contrast to the pap pieces on the excellence of the mood and the fare at ShonKey Python’s BBQs.
Note how the Fart Estate goes just a little bit feral when it’s them who’re the victims………?
Thanks Karol, some interesting reading.
This was from sat and probably already been linked to but too bad:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10897497
As the day draws on – questionable sugar levels have this old fulla increasingly cynical about it all…….
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10898476
Roped in early, feted, glorified, little talkie from ShonKey Python. Cargo cult by Power Point ?
Troughing scab pupae ?