Open mike 15/08/2012

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 15th, 2012 - 63 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

63 comments on “Open mike 15/08/2012 ”

  1. just saying 1

    I notice that The Standard is now regularly updating itself without the need to leave the site and return, or hit refresh.

    Thanks for that. And kudos

    • lprent 1.1

      It is? I haven’t added it.

      Ummm. I will have a look through the javascript, cloudflare and the plugins to see where it is coming from. But after the weekends move – too much to do before then.

      I have been speculating that something like this is what is required to explain some of the reported page views on some sites. But we have had a major lift in page views last week and this – but they have been politically active weeks. Have been too busy to look at it so far.

      • just saying 1.1.1

        I don’t want to hold you up LPrent, but are you saying that when a page is updated, it counts as a new view? That would mean that when an active conversation is going on like the one last night, when updating is necessary to follow the live convesration, pageviews skyrocket disporportionately.

        • lprent 1.1.1.1

          Yes. There are several different bits of JavaScript on each page that talk to the stat counters. When the page is loaded or refreshed they are run.

          We run
          Google analytics for ourselves and for scoop (who do the ads) – does deep analysis
          StatCounter for the primitive public stats
          Wordpress stats for the editors and authors – gives stats on posts
          Neilson which is used for ads.

          These all work on page refreshes and loads for page views. There is a pretty good agreement within about +/- 5% for page views. They disagree on “visits” or sessions because these depend on timings and cookies – that has a variance of about +/- 20% which makes it pretty useless unless you compare the same system.

          But auto refreshes will push their stats way up. So does active discussion. But in one case mostly no one reads the result of the refresh, and in the other a human did it to read something.

          As well as that we run awstats and wassup stats to look at raw data for actual traffic volumes. These work from lower in the system. awststs sees every request including graphics at the actual server and has become redundant now that so much is handled by caches at cloudflare. Wassup works at the WordPress page provision and allows me to look at spambots and search engine crawlers

        • lprent 1.1.1.2

          BTW: I haven’t gotten out of bed yet. iPad reading of news, blogs, email, and looking up computer references is the usual morning routine. I go to work after the morning rush at about 9, which is 5 minutes down the hill by car and 30 healthy minutes by bus/walking.

      • Lanthanide 1.1.2

        I haven’t seen any auto-refreshing. Predominantly use Chrome on Ubuntu.

        • just saying 1.1.2.1

          I’m on Firefox.

          It’s been intermittent.
          During a live debate last night, it happened on my computer quite a lot. It happened a few times early this morning. I’ve just got back to my computer and it hasn’t happened yet.
          Anyone else experience it? How you notice is that the comments list on the left side of the page periodically updates new comments without the need for hitting reload. It’s not continuous though, and I think I occasionally noticed it a little while before last night.

          Maybe this is something peculiar to my machine.

          edit: It just did it again. I went back to the main page and the comments had been renewed.

          • weka 1.1.2.1.1

            I’m on Firefox mac, and I haven’t noticed it. But I tend to only go to the comments list when I have or am about to refresh manually. I’ll keep an eye out today.
             
             
            Lprent, a wee thing for when you have the time. The edit box text doesn’t seem to be adjustable. When it opens the text is wider than the box and there are no scroll bars (I have my browser fonts set largely than default). Manually decreasing browser text size (command -) doesn’t make a difference, it just decreases the text box as well. I’m fairly sure this is new, but couldn’t say when it happened.

            • lprent 1.1.2.1.1.1

              That is odd and new. It has always been slightly off on the size on different browsers. But always adjustable.

              On chrome I see the sizegrip, but cannot grasp it.

          • lprent 1.1.2.1.2

            edit: It just did it again. I went back to the main page and the comments had been renewed.

            Ah. I know what this will be. I get the same thing on my iPad tabs for both safari and chrome. When you go to another tab and start working on it (ie reading pages etc), at some point it ‘forgets’ most of the content of the inactive tab. When you focus back onto it then it fetches it again. Therefore it does a page refresh.

            Chrome on the iPad has this cute trick of storing a greyscale image of what it used to look like that it displays before it does the fetch.

            I’m rather expecting this to start being a standard on browsers soon as what it depends apon is having a working network link. As the numbers of tabs proliferate and active javascript on pages updating content in a live fashion (think of facebook) there is a steady increase in the amount of CPU and bandwidth being sucked up by inactive tabs behind the scenes (I have 14 tabs open at present). So the browsers will probably start deactivating or reducing the priority of idle pages and refresh them slowly or just when the focus returns to them.

            Firefox. What operating system are you using?

            • Draco T Bastard 1.1.2.1.2.1

              Latest version of FF for Windows has this option for tab loading. Haven’t seen it reload a page that was already loaded during the present session though, i.e, when I open FF with numerous tabs open FF will only grab the tab that is on top, The others it will grab when they become active.

              As for CPU usage, well, I’ve actually got a couple of pages with scripts banned because they’re using 75% of the CPU (both cores) when the page is open.

            • just saying 1.1.2.1.2.2

              Thanks Lynn,
              Sounds like you’re onto it. One small thing, I don’t use tabs, I go backwards and forwards using the arrows, but I assume the principle remains the same.

              .
              I forgot to mention that another aspect of this (kind of cool) new function is that after writing a comment, when I hit send, I’m sent to a page with those comments that have been posted while I’ve been fluffing round with my comment, already present. Then when I return to the front page with my arrow, all the other new comments from other threads are neatly listed, as if the machine has anticipated my next action.

              I’m on the latest version of Firefox – it updates automatically. (However oddly, I notice the olympic flame still hasn’t gone out on the firefox main page) and vista.

              Maybe my machine’s just catching-up with what others’ have been doing for ages.

              • lprent

                Depends on the browser, but in the scenario I was describing it’d probably reload the variable data rather than just pulling out of your local cache.

                When a request is sent from a browser these days it will usually send the ‘stamp’ of the local cached item to the server. If it matches the stamp on the current version of that item then the server will just respond with one of the 3xx (?) codes that means reuse your cached version. Otherwise it will send the new version.

                This is used all of the time for static images and the like. My guess is that desktop browsers are becoming fully aware of sites with good servers with strong caching and are adapting to it. It means that the usual amount of transfer on our site (apart from the ads) is pretty minimal.

    • lprent 1.2

      Odd.

      Nothing on chrome on ubuntu, firefox on ubuntu, or konquerer on ubuntu.

      Wondering if it is just something on your browser.

      • David H 1.2.1

        what addons are you using with firefox? I am on FF and win 7, and I have to reload manually, but the addons that we run with Firefox could very well make it behave a little different on different machines.

        • just saying 1.2.1.1

          I did fiddle with the add-ons menu at one stage to try and fix something. But I wouldn’t have any idea what i did, just changed it to see what would happen.

  2. Carol 2

    I see Jenny Michie’s Standard post got mention in the Herald this morning. It’s in an article about Shearer telling his caucus off for bad-mouthing Cunliffe:

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10827021

    Labour MPs were also told off by former party organiser Jenny Michie who wrote on the Standard blog that they needed to “get it together”. She said the comments about Mr Cunliffe were the last straw and MPs could not afford to indulge in “disloyal, backstabbing” behaviour or they would alienate not only the public but also party activists.

    • bad12 2.1

      Shearer besides being a right wing bene-basher better suited to the ACT Party also seems to accept as fact anything press hacks like Garner from TV3 has to say,

      The fact that He didn’t go into the Caucus asking IF there was any truth to Garners little ‘dog whistle’ further shows that He has a belief system that does not rely upon facts…

      • Carol 2.1.1

        Unless Shearer had already tackled the Cunliffe-bashers individually?

        And this morning Bomber, who usually isn’t that positive towards the Standard, comes out in favour of the Standard in a (so-called) “Standard vs Pagani” conflict. (albeit that Bomber doesn’t seem to be aware that “The Standard” is not a single entity that speaks with one voice)

        http://www.tumeke.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/the-paganis-vs-standard-and-battle-for.html

        The Paganis vs The Standard and the battle for Labour’s political soul
        What I honestly don’t understand is why Labour are listening to the Pagani’s and not to The Standard. While The Standard has me rolling my eyes at times with some of the defense they run, they are far more on the money than bloody John or Josie Pagani. The Standard have hundreds of thousands of hits per month and have a far better idea of the pulse of the nation than the average back bench Labour MP.

        Shearer’s lack of political traction must be blamed on the Pagani Doctrine – if Labour don’t get Shearer better political advisors, they will lose 2014.

        The silver lining is that early this week, feelers were coming out from the Party towards some left wing strategists as the concerns continue to mount and they would do well to start listening.

      • prism 2.1.2

        It seems to me that Shearer just wants to manage Labour, repair, darn, weld the rusty bits, and go on making noises that sound leftish, getting enough centre voters with feel-good feelings but without wanting to make much change to their present livable lifestyle,. And with luck get some righties who are no longer enamoured with Key (I suppose there are a decent number now, if that’s not an oxymoron). Then when he is in power he will go on managing NZ in that soft-centred way that allows the country to creak on and run over some people in the dark – oh dear but who cares – which is what we have now. In other words go with the flow.

        What he doesn’t appear to have is a strong sense of how to be a noble, strong, upstanding leftie with some bite as well as bark. What is needed is a man or woman with strongly held opinions and ground-breaking plans about reducing the pay gap, increasing jobs and smart business, having reasonable equality, and instituting an investment plan for helping good NZ start ups and established businesses that are employing people, being run properly, so that they stay in NZ.

        It’s hard work but someone needs to be up to it. And a sign of that would be saying that it’s not good enough to have this shitty whiteanting going on, get with the team or get out.>>>>>

        • Colonial Viper 2.1.2.1

          And a sign of that would be saying that it’s not good enough to have this shitty whiteanting going on, get with the team or get out.>>>>>

          Last I heard though, he was pretty pleased with the performance of caucus.

        • Bored 2.1.2.2

          “Strongly held opinions”… that’s the Paganis..wrongly held opinions, thats the Paganis as well. Why are they not part of ACT? WTF is it with Labour that they dont just tel them to F.O?

      • Vicky32 2.1.3

        Shearer besides being a right wing bene-basher better suited to the ACT Party

        Utter nonsense! Of course he’s not any such thing. But the evil right-wing Shearer meme seems to be everywhere, with most Standardistas doing a better and more consistent job of landing hatred on Shearer and Labour than any of the rwnjs!
        They might as well give up and go home.

    • Blue 2.2

      From the article:

      “it is understood some caucus members were upset about Mr Shearer using the example of a person on the sickness benefit to state he did not approve of welfare fraud. Mr Shearer used the anecdote in a speech to GreyPower last week and yesterday said he stood by it.”

      There you go. It’s open season on bennies, and Paula and Dave are competing to see who can bag the most.

      • Colonial Viper 2.2.1

        There you go. It’s open season on bennies

        Nah mate. Its the season for the hunter to become the hunted. You know what I mean.

      • Bill 2.2.2

        Hmm. As a sickness beneficiary who is currently in the throes of house painting, what you reckon I throw an ‘open letter’ post to the Pagani’s of the world?

        • bad12 2.2.2.1

          Yes it would be nice to have the Pagani cabal visit and perhaps explain how they arrive at such views,

          Particularly in light of the ‘facts’ being that beneficiary fraud is identified as 0.1% of the Welfare Budget, and, tax fraud, where in my opinion the Pagani’s and Shearer’s of the world should be differentiating themselves from National amounts to a full 5% of total tax collected,

          In other words, the Bene’s fiddle the system for a few million, (bad), while those with all the money do the State out of 7 billion dollars a year and that don’t include legal avoidance, (f**king atrocious),

          Instead of Me Too Bene-bashing the Pagani’s and Shearer’s of this world would better serve those who they profess to represent by highlighting the above ‘facts’ and telling us all how if we stopped tax avoidance and evasion the welfare system is totally affordable and just what measures they will use to ensure that the avoidance and evasion of taxation ceases…

          • McFlock 2.2.2.1.1

            lol – nice comparison. Puts the benefit ‘fraud’ problem into perspective. I wonder if they’ve updated their system to distinguish between overpayments that are social warfare’s fault, and genuine fraud?

            • Vicky32 2.2.2.1.1.1

              I wonder if they’ve updated their system to distinguish between overpayments that are social warfare’s fault, and genuine fraud?

              Not a chance! If a human finds out, they just label it ‘innocent breach’ and demand repayment as per usual… (I have a massive debt, most of it caused by social warfare staff failing to do their jobs when I declared income!)
              The debt was halved when I complained about the amount, and some guy went through and checked, discovering that some staff member had ‘accidentally’ multiplied by 2 when setting it up on the system, so I owed “only” $2000 and not $4000.
              My complaint was acted upon solely and only because of the intervention of David Shearer. Bene basher? Not a chance.

              • McFlock

                I recall reading a case a few years back where exactly that happened – the client wrote many times to inform WINZ of their income change with no result. 2 years later they tried to do her for fraud – the judge kicked it out based on the evidence that she’d told them several times, and she got to keep the cash.
                   
                Not so hot for the people who didn’t keep a thorough paper trail. 

                • Vicky32

                  Not so hot for the people who didn’t keep a thorough paper trail.

                  Luckily for me, I have learnt to always do that… Everything I send is copied and every phone call logged with date and time…

              • bad12

                So Dave as He is paid to do, sorted your little problem with WINZ, that just makes Him one hell of an overpaid social worker don’t it,

                However,

                His comment to Grey power vis a vis the ‘sickness beneficiary’ definitely the worst case of Bene-bashing i have heard from any of them for a while,

                Doesn’t it make you wonder what He was thinking about You while You told Him all about Your little WINZ problem…

        • QoT 2.2.2.2

          Doooooooo iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

      • prism 2.2.3

        blue
        Shearer by talking in this sensationalised way about beneficiaries (to smug Grey Powers) has just dug a pit for himself. He can try to stand by it but the edges will crumble, and Humpty Dumpty will take a tumble and we know what happened to him.

  3. Carol 3

    And a sarcy sideswipe from Nicholas Jones in the Herald this morning, at Key’s “big news” Bangor Little League comment:

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10827013

    Valerie Adams has got her Olympic gold medal, but Prime Minister John Key wants people in the United States to know that baseball is “big news” back in New Zealand.

    And the article ends with this little sarcy touch:

    WHILE YOU WERE AWAY

    * Services for two New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
    * Valerie Adams awarded gold medal after rival Nadzeya Ostapchuk tested positive for an anabolic steroid.
    * Release of the MMP review proposal by the Electoral Commission.

    • bad12 3.1

      Never stops, nor slows, the bulls**t flowing from the mouth of Slippery the Prime Minister, even when there’s no need to talk it,

      Now American Baseball is ‘big news’ in New Zealand, only in the Slippery ones dreams…

      • marsman 3.1.1

        Wonder who tipped off the Maine media about John Key’s visit, Key himself or one of his staff no doubt.

  4. felix 4

    How Labour should be talking. It’s not fucking rocket science, idiots: http://ideologicallyimpure.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/my-struggle-with-labour/

  5. bad12 5

    A definition of poverty, a Hamilton family with four kids reliant upon a benefit has 200 dollars a week left to pay for EVERYTHING after rent is paid,

    A University of Otago study shows that on average a family of that size to maintain a healthy balanced diet and send the kids to school with lunch costs $280 a week,

    RadioNZ nine to Noon host Kathryn Ryan has the answer tho, ”couldn’t they just seek budgeting advice”,

    There are some things in this life that just make me want to scream F**K at the top of my lungs and one of them is really really f**king stupid people being allowed to voice opinions over the public airwaves…

    • tc 5.1

      Ryan isn’t alone at RNZ as being unable to moderate, think on the spot and asks really stupid questions that show she wouldn’t know hardship in any form.
      I’ve stopped listening after seeing her on a book show where she came across as a snobby tart…..she’s in good company.

    • Draco T Bastard 5.2

      There are some things in this life that just make me want to scream F**K at the top of my lungs and one of them is really really f**king stupid people being allowed to voice opinions over the public airwaves…

      QFT

    • weka 5.3

      “RadioNZ nine to Noon host Kathryn Ryan has the answer tho, ”couldn’t they just seek budgeting advice”,”
       
      Text RNZ 2101
       
      Phone 04 474 1999
       
      email  ninetonoon@radionz.co.nz

    • Te Reo Putake 5.4

      Are you sure it was Ryan? She wasn’t on today, replaced by Lynn Freeman, I think.

    • BillODrees 5.5

      RNZ National has become less relevant by the day. Ryan is a wet bus ticket. A wasted morning.  The Mora show in the afternoon is in-studio-talkback. 

       
      Without Geoff and Simon in the morning and Mary in the early evening (and a few evening programs) it would not be worth the funding. 

      It is Radio for older respectable non working Wellington pakeha.  

  6. prism 6

    While listening to Radionz – two things in the news have struck me as showing the government and its failures in a further bad light.
    One is the amount of hungry pupils in some schools because they haven’t had breakfast – up to 20% at some schools I think in the Waikato. Schools and charities are trying to make up the slack, and I believe that attention to food needs, pays off with noticeably better functioning students and learning results. Other countries do have meal programmes, so we could do our usual and quote ‘overseas’ practices and follow their established methods.

    We hear about food banks being under pressure – from Ruth Richardson in 1991 arbitrarily cutting benefits to now people have become poorer and its hitting them in basic living needs. People who are struggling on little money have to manage as best they can daily without any planning for a future that is uncertain and may not improve. And this applies whether people are working in low-paid employment, or on a benefit. Now this is a perfect condition for producing a ‘tail’ of education laggards. Why have we put so much money into National Standards when we know already exactly what is happening in our education system? And parents who didn’t know, as in the obligatory chant of the pollies, just needed less gobbldegook in reports and to ask for interviews with teachers. Inadequate, inefficient, ineffective, untargeted (at the cause), ill-informed policy from supposedly modern, intelligent government/s.
    We aren’t getting our moneysworth from these strutters and play actors.

    Schools and teachers are paying to feed hungry children 9.30
    With Pat Poland – Principal of Deanwell School in Waikato and Anna Cox – Researcher from Poverty Action Waikato. (18′05″) http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon

    The second piece of news shows mendacious behaviour by the Ministry of Health. A new policy was introduced to deal intelligently and positively with overcoming the lack of medical personnel in particular areas of need, rural and mental health. There was a bonding system. There was mention of 100 people having signed up for this, but only three had received the promised outcomes originally offered. In the agreements there must have been some reference to changes being needed as the policy matured, but the breadth and depth of these has meant that the original understandings of the original participants are now redundant. And the direction that they have taken as a result of the government’s policy have not been of the expected value to them. And of course the sectors that were needing personnel remain with fewer people prepared to work and help with any future government programmes.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport
    Rural areas still struggling to attract doctors 8.43
    A voluntary bonding scheme designed to attract young doctors, nurses and midwives to rural areas isn’t meeting expectations. (2′46″)
    Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3 | Embed

    This is real bad faith stuff. Both sides to an agreement should keep their word and follow through on it. For government to play games with people, and use them then change the rules, especially when those people are plugging some gap in services that the government needs, is a disgrace. And that statement can apply to both of these cases.

  7. js 7

    What is worse is the beneficiary blaming feedback from such stories – like they still have money for cigarettes and Lotto, so what are they complaining about?
    We need some serious attention to values of inclusion in this country, and looking out for your neighbour as it might be you hitting bad times next.

    • weka 7.1

      We need some serious attention to values of inclusion in this country, and looking out for your neighbour as it might be you hitting bad times next.

       
       
      +100
       
       

      • Bored 7.1.1

        + a few more. As they say (coming to a town near all of us soon) “there but for the grace of God go I”.

  8. Tiger Mountain 8

    I see Paula Bennett has written a rather obsequious letter re the Fuller breach of privacy that she hopes will bury the matter. One wonders if a financial settlement was eventually reached behind the scenes in this ugly case of a minister of the crown bullying a vulnerable citizen.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1208/S00220/media-statement-on-paula-bennett-privacy-complaint.htm

    • Draco T Bastard 8.1

      I note that she doesn’t think that she did anything wrong as well. So much for being accountable for her actions or even being moral.

      The minister later states she was not wrong to release the beneficiary’s details and did not breach her privacy.

      “I do not accept that view but the purpose of this letter is not to further debate the merits of our respective positions,” she says in the letter.

    • Murray Olsen 8.2

      The “Beast of Blenheim” also refuses to accept that he did anything wrong. It’s a common trait among serial abusers, but will no doubt cause more uproar in his case than in hers.

  9. Jackal 9

    Please define ‘internet nuisance’ Judith Collins?

    Such a broad reference could include those with a strong political opinion and the tribunal might in fact be used as a tool to silence the governments critics…

  10. joe90 10

    People and their bronze age superstitions…..barking.

    GOP lawmakers question standards for teaching evolution in Kentucky

    Another committee member, Rep. Ben Waide, R-Madisonville, said he had a problem with evolution being an important part of biology standards.

    “The theory of evolution is a theory, and essentially the theory of evolution is not science — Darwin made it up,” Waide said. “My objection is they should ensure whatever scientific material is being put forth as a standard should at least stand up to scientific method. Under the most rudimentary, basic scientific examination, the theory of evolution has never stood up to scientific scrutiny.”

  11. On the subject of John Banks as cabbage (discussed elsewhere)….
     
    I have serious doubts about his mental stability of late. He has always been a man with “issues” but some of the things he says lately and the way that he says them are quite unnatural and often bizarre given the circumstances.
     
    Is this just me?

  12. vto 12

    Gawd, … have been wildernessing hard out last wee while and have no idea why return to this thing called civilisation is something that has to be done.

    Especially when the old time-proved adage “you judge a society by how it treats its most vulnerable” is exposed in all its ugly glory in these islands, and especially under this government. Came home to me when just out and heard that Womens Refuge / Rape Crisis in Auckland was having to partially shutdown due to lack of support….. at a time when the NZX gets increased support, dairy business gets increased support, the highest income earners get increased support and private education gets increased support, amongst many others…

    Those who support that approach are ugly and unworthy. I spit on their attitude and approach.

    • RedLogix 12.1

      have been wildernessing hard out last wee while and have no idea why return to this thing called civilisation is something that has to be done.

      Kindred spirit. Getting out into the green is all that keeps me passably sane these days.

      Lessons I learnt as a young thing:

      1. The group is only as strong as it’s weakest member.

      2. Look after yourself; keep warm, keep hydrated, get out of the wind.

      3. Then look after the team; drag in the firewood, put up the tent, organise the meal, get the cooker or fire going.

      4. Leave the hut or camp-site better than you found it.

      5. Ultimately it’s up to the resources you have on your pack, how fit and confident you are, the weather and the terrain … and the judgements you make.

      6. And maybe a healthy dose of humility. No matter how good you think you are … nature can always trump you.

      And then when you come out to ‘civilisation’… it’s all arse-about face.

      • vto 12.1.1

        Too true mr logix. The natural world is surely the more civilised place.

        I had some of those ‘nature’ lessons reinforced in a heavy scary way. And solo makes them all the more important.

        Oh well, back to rebuilding a city he he..

  13. Draco T Bastard 13

    And it appears that this governments policy of drug testing beneficiaries is pure ideology as well.

    Following a OIA request, CTU has received information from the Ministry of Social Development today that the government has received no advice, briefings, papers or reports in the last twelve months about complaints from employers about beneficiaries failing drug tests and is unable to locate the much vaunted complaints from employers about beneficiaries failing drug tests.

    Arbitrary laws from people who won’t be held to account for the damage they do to people and this country.

  14. prism 14

    DTB
    NACT known for – Policy made out of sweepings found under the mat.

  15. Colonial Viper 15

    US General tried to hide Auschwitz-like conditions at US supervised Afghan military hospital

    Because its Election year in the US, no less.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2r3zB0pyZw&feature=g-all-u

    This is the level of shit we are involved with in Afghanistan.

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    7 hours ago
  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    7 hours ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    7 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    7 hours ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    7 hours ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    13 hours ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    15 hours ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    16 hours ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    17 hours ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    19 hours ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    19 hours ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    20 hours ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    23 hours ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    1 day ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    2 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    2 days ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    2 days ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    2 days ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    2 days ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    2 days ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    2 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    4 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    4 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
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    2 days ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
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    2 days ago
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    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
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    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
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    3 days ago
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    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
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    3 days ago
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    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
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    3 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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    3 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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    3 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
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    4 days ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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    4 days ago
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    4 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
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    4 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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    5 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
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    5 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    5 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
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    5 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
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    5 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
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    6 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
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    1 week ago
  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
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    1 week ago
  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
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    1 week ago
  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
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    1 week ago
  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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    1 week ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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