Well I'm not excited. Lots of downside for NZ businesses who have surely been put through enough, and let's keep in mind the horrendous track record Amazon have with shitty employee treatment.
Why the fuck are we subsidising Amazon of all creatures? Outraged we can afford this, but not proper maternity care.
Essentially some years back (2014) Kranzler alleged that Amazon had been using an accounting trick similar to what Enron used hide massive losses. Yes, according to what I've read from Kranzler in the past Amazon made a loss with every sale – the mind boggles at how that could possibly happen. I am aware of how this sounds especially given the size of Amazon, but note that Amazon has yet to lob a C&D order at Kranzler, suggesting there is substance behind his comments.
While I'm certain most readers will find the statements made by Kranzler laughable since he predicted a crash of AMZN stock, and he also trashes Tesla (fair enough…dog with fleas) , in the end I think a desperate US government or an equally desperate State will find reason to heavily audit the Amazon beast, and the game will finally end.
What would be really impressive is if NZ conducted it’s own investigation of Amazon before plunging ahead with a dump of taxpayer money into this company.
Ive always been told never to trust anyone that needs to tell you they're being honest. And I lost count how many times I was told this by the minister.
Is the mass tourism he forecasts truly sustainable.
The company’s film arm is already in the country, filming a TV series based on The Lord of the Rings.
But, following an agreement with the government to secure the higher-than-usual subsidies attached to the film, Amazon agreed to send a team of senior staff to New Zealand to look for “opportunities”.
Now this should be a wake up call if there ever was one. Labor will not be my choice, full stop. Predatory companies like Amazon should not be allowed to operate here. We have already enough poverty, we certainly do not need more. Any to pay taxpayer money for this is the highest of insult. How about repairing the pipes that carry the sh…, or build affordable houses, maybe more funding for maternity care? I think I am in a parallel universe.
sadly no. This is our reality, where a so called progressive party can't wait to wine and dine some super rich company that causes very little other then hardship to anyone working there (government subsidies for the workers to make ends meet cause pay is to little) and the businesses that it kills.
Never mind we don't need houses, we don't need upgraded maternity wards, we don't need ICU beds in Startship hospital either.
We crowd fund for Starship hospital ICU beds. ….Cause poverty for all and riches for a few is NZ. It so is.
My take homes were: because maybe earthquake, because some people don't like the idea of foreign landlords… we can spend $200 million in two years time.
Nevermind children actually living with black mould, or in motels or garages.
As I have said before, it aint a lack of money it is a lack of will
“I was filming in a supermarket which has so far lost $30,000 in produce from throwing that out and I was meeting to film them,…
“What they are worried about is if they keep breeding, by the time you come to spring, which is when you really see them start multiplying their numbers, we’re worried about next year when we’re going to have an even bigger base to start from in terms of mouse population.”
In the preceding drought many predators such as owls and birds of prey died, she says, and people are now taking matters into their own hands out of desperation. “People are at their wits end spending thousands of dollars on baits, poisons and traps whatever they can do to try and kill these mice, like I mentioned people are catching 1000 every single night.” But it’s having no impact and the mice are getting bigger and stronger, she says. “Mice are eating chicken feet, mice are eating each other we’ve now got rats coming as well.”
There is no support for people in regional Australia being hit hard by this plague, Thackery says. “This is costing people so much money, they are coming back from the drought, they had grain in silos and hay stored and people are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of hay and in a lot of cases grain as well.”
BG – Well, I know a couple of people actually considering this. There was a business article about this very issue a week or so ago. We should be concerned if skilled people leave NZ. I don't think the country can afford to loose staff in those professions where we have a dire need.
Your reaction is actually exactly that close mindedness that is very unhelpfull and political correctness prevents issues to be voiced.
BTW. I will vote next time for David Seymour, as shocking as it is as I have always been red/green. This uncoordinated waffling on that is happening right now is at best amateur and no matter where you look only self serving blah blah can be heard.
You might not like this, but though. I am not the only one saying this. Behind closed doors of cause because one is not allowed to say anything, it could offend someone, anyone. 🙄
I would take a close look at the ACT manifesto before voting for Seymour if I were you. For instance their pro-gun stance, among many other things.
Under ACT we would have had 6000 deaths from Covid, because all that matters is business and development.
I attended a meeting where Seymour spoke at the last election where he basically advocated no controls on development at all, thus throwing out District Plan rules agreed to by the community and experts over many years.
When I asked him a question, saying that the effect of his policy would be to allow carte blanch development all over the precious Queenstown Lakes District landscapes with commensurate adverse effects, he called me a busybody and rudely dismissed the question, showing his blinkered attitude and non-tv face.
As far as I can tell this is not Amazon setting up low paying, union busting distribution lines in NZ.
This is about the New Zealand screen industry which is respected around the world. We have significant competitive advantages:
Unique and spectacular locations
Those locations are concentrated and easy to access from main centres
Experienced, hard-working crews
Low levels of worker representation (Hobbit law, no syndication, and weak guild)
English is the main language
Favourable exchange rate
Reasonably competitive subsidies (Producers want more, of course)
But we are also up against it:
Limited studio infrastructure (although this is increasing)
Poor time zone for most international producers
We're a long way from anywhere
Australia is also a premier film destination
Significant crew and accommodation constraints
Only reasonably competitive subsidies
The argument for international productions and screen partnerships is a no brainer as far as I'm concerned. The economic benefits far outweigh the costs which are set globally, not locally. As the PM says, "you either have a screen industry, or you don't".
If Amazon Prime want to come here following our Covid response and because of our safe place reputation, and look to add to screen infrastructure and formalise screen partnerships then this can only be a good thing for New Zealand.
It all adds to our premier destination status. Also, and significantly, film production is a very environmentally friendly export industry. Locally anyway.
The wider issue which most of us here are concerned about is Amazon's retail business model which is rightly viewed as exploitative of workers. I hate it too but the right thing to do is keep the pressure on where it is required.
Who knows, they might learn something once they get here…
Nice to read some apparent facts Muttonbird instead of hot diatribe. I have yet to read them but your comment looks more promising than those earlier ones who seem to have eaten hot chilis.
Putting aside Labours free-market neo liberal agenda for the moment…its probably time we start looking into lobbyists in NZ a heck of alot more..
The article below makes an interesting read…though I note alot of the factual information is via Australian public records…..
"Neither Raeburn or Jones will say who they work for. Everyone's entitled to a bit of privacy. But neither would object to a law requiring disclosure in New Zealand — their firms operate just fine in Australia where there is a mandatory register of lobbyists and their clients.
(During the previous government's second term, the Green Party attempted to establish a register. The bill didn't make it past the Select Committee which recommended it not be passed, and the submissions show the government relations industry was nearly uniformly opposed.)"
Interesting that neither lobbyists "neither would object to a law requiring disclosure in New Zealand"..yet it never made it past the select committee…hilarious…you have to wonder who exactly is protecting whos interests…
So what are the consequences of banning live cattle exports? Free mince for all? Paddocks of neglected cows being shot live on the 6pm news by bitter cockies blaming Jacinda whilst pumping round after round into a horrific mass of bellowing Friesans?
It's two years away. Plenty of time to downsize herd numbers over 2 breeding seasons. Maybe there'll be a corresponding decrease in the devastation mass dairying is wreaking on our land use. Oh – and maybe we can stop importing the evil palm kernel shit right away.
Free mince would never happen, but the cow shooting has potential as a game show. It just needs to be thought through – call it "Pretty Communist" and have Mike Hosking as compere – there's money to be made somewhere in there.
Ah yes – those gun-toting dentists on the steps of that elegant but somewhat faded 19th century mansion in the Central West End of St Louis, MO. Not far it looked like, from the bust of TS Eliot on the corner of Euclid and McPherson Avenues – an incongruity so total, it can be put down only to "the distress of nations and perplexity."
Violence is everywhere now. To many people not housed properly, not eating properly, not having anything to do, kids growing up in this shit and nary a social worker, police man/women/other in sight and hey, its all good. We just don't have the money to care for people, we only have money for nice to have projects taht serve no one really, Americas cup, Spas for the Rotorua Lakefront for the future tourism wave, subsidies for the richest company on the planet (or else they won't hire min wage slaves) and so on and so forth.
On Newtalk ZB this morning Hosking was actually praising Mallard (no that's not a typo!) for allowing Bishop 4 extra questions. He was however bagging Dr Liz Craig for the way she ran the meeting.
Liz Craig said what she was hoping to achieve. To provide information from health officials about our Covid-9 response measure to a wide range of MPs and therefore who they represent.
It is typical that the National Party and their slavish followers believe select committees are all about them.
Perhaps if the National Party, and its spokesperson for storms-in-a-teacup, Chris Bishop, wanted more time for questions they and he should have done better at the last election.
You need to take off your red tinted glasses and your "I love Labour no matter what they fuck up" T-shirt and cap every now and then, and see what is really happening. Yes, Chris Bishop is like a small annoying yappy dog that barks at everything, but I think even many left leaning people on this site would think that the time wasting by Liz Craig in that meeting was over the top and deserves to be called out. Obviously Mallard thought so.
Well, I'm going to buck the trend – film is a good industry for NZ – producing value from our environment and local talent without the downsides of dairy.
Amazon is indeed something to be cautious of, however, and local film interests like PJ present threats not only their labour force, but also to the reputation and long term health of the industry.
Much truth in that Stuart…and there is talk of a massive studio complex being set up near Wanaka which this Amazon Prime outcome can only help….only quibble is "Nash's outcome". As he said on RNZ today, this deal was negotiated before he became the minister.
This is a company of dirtbag tax dodgers of the first order. They'll fuck over NZ businesses in their thousands and the general public will have to pay. The rich get richer dontchaknow, and all your fantasy PR will not make them humane.
But film, cos celebrities are so, you know, wholesome.
'Premier destination status' – for suckups? For smokescreen greens? For a bolthole for pedo rich pricks?
Real artists turn in their graves watching this fucking circus of monkeys pumping out tedious mediocre content to a public who, more and more, know no better.
An interesting read. Add welfare and ACC to his list. Ardern's refusal to do little to nothing in these areas – in the face of compelling evidence of the dire need to – is staggering:
Job done?. America the Great (grate) says they've, won their war of payback for the twin towers demolition and are pulling out of Afghanistan telling Pakistan, Turkey, China and Russia it's their problem now to contain the Taliban.
Leaving Afghanistan a ruined land, a land that once produced Academics in every field, both men and woman when it was a socialist state (PDPA), that was undermined by the CIA's covert actions with suitcases of money for Bin Laden and the Mujahideen to destroy the Government, of course after the Soviets pulled out, the Yanks done the dirty on Bin Laden and paid the price blaming him for the demolition of the Twin Towers and other buildings.
So, what will the Grate America do now with all their weapons of shit and personal? Yes that's right set up new and existing bases in our part of the world to counter their paranoia of China. They've fucked up most parts of the world, so now it's our turn to reap their shit.
For all you right-wing- lefties out there screaming for links, go research yourself, though your bias wont allow you to do a proper job. Cheers.
The borders Russia currently shares with NATO member states are marked in yellow. But do carry on with your useful idiot schtick parroting Russia's NATO encirclement fantasy.
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Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Chartres, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney shutterstockAhmet Misirligul/Shutterstock You go to the gym, eat healthy and walk as much as possible. You wash your hands and get vaccinated. You control your health. This is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Hendriks, Research Fellow and Lecturer, Curtin University Children and young people may be seeing news headlines about men murdering women or footage of people rallying to call for action. Perhaps they or their friends have even gone to the protests. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Balanzategui, Senior Lecturer in Media, RMIT University ABC “Bluey mania” shows no sign of abating. Bluey’s season finale, The Sign, was the most viewed ABC program of all time on iView. A “hidden” follow-up episode, aptly named The Surprise, created ...
Labour market figures came in softer than the Reserve Bank had forecast, but they won’t be enough to move the needle on interest rates, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Unemployment ...
The campaign will engage the community and encourage submissions on the bill to the New Zealand government by the closing submission deadline of Friday 31st of May 2024 4pm. ...
The paper raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand's political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency plays in that. ...
The Urban Habitat Collective was an attempt to built an innovative new form of apartment building in Wellington. Here’s why it failed, and why the idea could still work, writes co-founder Bronwen Newton. When we started the Urban Habitat Collective in November 2018, we thought we were starting a revolution, ...
Two decades ago this week, a controversial law that attempted to define ownership of the foreshore and seabed prompted a formidable display of outrage and kōtahitanga as 15,000 marched to parliament. Jamie Tahana looks back.‘Hīkoi, hīkoi,” they chanted by the thousands as the biggest Māori march in a generation ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 2 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Why has New Zealand slipped from third to 12th on Quality of Death Indexes over the past decade or so? Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive Wayne Naylor has a list of reasons. “We don’t have a current national strategy – the Government hasn’t renewed our 2001 strategy, so we don’t ...
While women’s sport is exploding in Aotearoa and around the world, you still don’t hear a lot of talk about athletes and their periods, RED-S, breastfeeding and visible panty-lines. SASS (Suze and Sez Sports)Talk isn’t afraid to have that kōrero.LockerRoom founder Suzanne McFadden and Olympian broadcaster Sarah ...
On an unusually hot night in January 2019, a little boy’s lifeless body was found face up in a small town’s sewage oxidation pond. To the police, it was an open and shut case: three-year-old Lachlan Jones had run away from his home in the Southland town of Gore, climbed ...
A Labour Party Member’s Bill aims to plug a culpability gap between manslaughter and health and safety breaches The post New push for corporate killing laws appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Terence O’Brien had the rare and no doubt undesired distinction of rising to one of the most exalted positions in New Zealand diplomacy, then being unceremoniously recalled to Wellington without explanation just when his career was at its zenith. What is perhaps more surprising is that he appears to have ...
Rongotai MP Julie Anne Genter has apologised in Parliament after National accused her of intimidating and attacking one of its ministers in the House. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Prime Minister and state and territory leaders met on Wednesday as the national cabinet to discuss a crisis gripping Australia – the horrific number of women murdered this year. The killings have shocked ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Radhika Raghav, Teaching Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Otago Netflix Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his big-budget Bollywood production, featuring grand sets, star casts, meticulously choreographed dance sequences and lavish costumes, jewellery and furnishings. ...
Sir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, says Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga | Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University Violence against women is not a women’s problem to solve, it is a whole of society problem to solve; and men in particular have to take responsibility. Those were the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Allen, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Newcastle Snapshot freddy/ShutterstockPlans to revive an old coal-fired power station using bioenergy are being considered in the Hunter region of New South Wales. Similar plans for the station ...
Responding to the long-awaited release of judges’ special allowances, including free air travel and hotels for spouses, generous sabbaticals, and access to limousines, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Alex Murphy said: “In what world does your employer ...
Analysis - The United States has unveiled plans to boost the weapons trade with Australia and the UK, on the same day that Winston Peters is expected to sketch NZ's position on AUKUS. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Carson, Professor of Political Communication, Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University Since Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023, diverse commentaries have sought to explain why it failed. But what does an analysis of media ...
Lawyers representing two iwi as well as the Māori Women’s Welfare League on Wednesday asked the Court of Appeal to overturn last week’s High Court decision on the Waitangi Tribunal’s decision to summons Children’s Minister Karen Chhour. The Tribunal is currently investigating the Government’s decision to repeal section 7AA of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will introduce legislation to ban deepfake pornography and provide more funding for the eSafety Commission to pilot age-assurance technologies. The contribution of internet sites to gender-based violence was one major issue ...
Average ordinary time hourly earnings, as measured by the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), increased 5.2 percent in the year to the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Annual wage cost inflation, as measured by the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, FinTech Capability Lead | Senior Lecturer, Emerging Technologies and FinTech, Swinburne University of Technology Clem Onojeghuo/Unsplash In the digital era, the job market is increasingly becoming a minefield – demanding and difficult to navigate. According to the Australian Bureau ...
As of the March 2024 quarter, we can now look back on 20 years of data related to youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET), as collected by the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS), according to figures released by Stats NZ today. "The ...
Thousands of workers attended public events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch today to celebrate International Workers’ Day (May Day), but union representatives are urging caution and vigilance over the Government’s blatantly "anti-worker" ...
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in the March 2024 quarter, compared with 4.0 percent in the previous quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. ...
The PSA is warning the Government that the sensitive information of New Zealanders held by various agencies will fall into the wrong hands if the latest round of proposed cuts goes ahead. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Talitha Best, Professor of Psychology, CQUniversity Australia Victoria Rodriguez/Unsplash How do sugar rushes work? – W.H, age nine, from Canberra What a terrific question W.H! Let’s explore this, starting with some of the basics. What is sugar? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karinna Saxby, Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Increasing income support could help keep women and children safe according to new work demonstrating strong links between financial insecurity and domestic violence. ...
ANALYSIS:By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark A Gregory, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, RMIT University The telecommunications industry faces a major shakeup following the release of the post-incident report on last November’s 12-hour Optus outage. Telecommunications companies will have to share more information with customers during future ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoa’s booksellers. This week: Eden Denyer, bookseller at Unity Books Auckland.Weirdest question/request you’ve had on the shop floorA mother came in looking for anything we might have on Alaskan bison as that was her little boy’s ...
NZCTU Economist Craig Renney said new data released by Statistics New Zealand shows the need for Government to act now, with unemployment rising from 3.4% to 4.3%. ...
The outpouring of anger over Maiki Sherman’s hyperbolic presentation of this week’s ‘nightmare’ poll is itself an overreaction, argues Stewart Sowman-Lund. Politicians love nothing more than to pretend they don’t care about polls. This week, deputy prime minister Winston Peters said he didn’t give a “rat’s derriere” about a TVNZ ...
Asia Pacific Report Ngāti Kahungunu in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region has become the first indigenous Māori iwi (tribe) to sign a resolution calling for a “ceasefire in Palestine”, reports Te Ao Māori News. Reporter Te Aniwaniwa Paterson talked to Te Otāne Huata, who has been organising peace rallies ...
By Dale Luma in Port Moresby “We want grants and not concessional loans,” is the crisp message from Papua New Guinea businesses directly affected by the Black Wednesday looting four months ago. The businesses, which lost millions after the January 10 rioting and looting, say they need grants as part ...
Happy May Day. Join a union. Q: What’s worse than a staff break room where the only place to sit and have a cup of tea is on a teetering stack of old pornography magazines? A: Your boss replacing the magazine stacks with chairs that are “heartily encrusted with ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Former opposition leader Matthew Wale has been announced as the second prime ministerial candidate ahead of the election in Solomon Islands tomorrow. He will face off against former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele, who was announced by the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation ...
We get but one birthday a year – why not make it last as long as possible by scheduling as many meals with friends and family as you can? This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you celebrate at ...
A Koi Tū discussion paper released today proposes sweeping changes to New Zealand’s media industry. The principal’s key author, Gavin Ellis, explains how journalists have a key role to play in making others value their role in society. This is an abridged version of a piece first published on knightlyviews.com ...
The Government’s spending cuts are again targeting support for Māori with proposed reform of the agency charged with advising on Māori wellbeing and development. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Douglas, Honorary Senior Lecturer, UNSW Aviation., UNSW Sydney The history of budget jet airlines in Australia is a long road littered with broken dreams. New entrants have consistently struggled to get a foothold. Low-cost carrier Bonza has just become the industry’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosalind Dixon, Director, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, UNSW Sydney Australia is finally having a sustained conversation about violence against women and what we can do about it. It is more than time. Australian women and girls continue to experience ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne stockfour/Shutterstock Preliminary bulk billing data released this week shows a 2.1% rise in bulk billing up to March. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Schulz, Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide Australia is once again grappling with how we can stop gendered violence in our country. Protests over the weekend show there is enormous community anger over the number of women who are dying and National ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University AnastasiaDudka/Shutterstock What if the government was doing everything it could to stop thieves making off with our money, except the one thing that could really work? That’s how it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harrington, Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural Studies, University of Canterbury The Conversation It seems to be a time of old favourites. This month our experts have recommended two new seasons – the second season of Alone Australia (although ...
Amazon in NZ
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300278243/amazon-may-be-on-the-way-to-new-zealand-as-government-signs-subsidy-deal
Well I'm not excited. Lots of downside for NZ businesses who have surely been put through enough, and let's keep in mind the horrendous track record Amazon have with shitty employee treatment.
Why the fuck are we subsidising Amazon of all creatures? Outraged we can afford this, but not proper maternity care.
And THEN we have this rarely discussed nugget, hard to find on Google which is probably Amazon's doing https://investmentresearchdynamics.com/?s=amazon
Essentially some years back (2014) Kranzler alleged that Amazon had been using an accounting trick similar to what Enron used hide massive losses. Yes, according to what I've read from Kranzler in the past Amazon made a loss with every sale – the mind boggles at how that could possibly happen. I am aware of how this sounds especially given the size of Amazon, but note that Amazon has yet to lob a C&D order at Kranzler, suggesting there is substance behind his comments.
While I'm certain most readers will find the statements made by Kranzler laughable since he predicted a crash of AMZN stock, and he also trashes Tesla (fair enough…dog with fleas) , in the end I think a desperate US government or an equally desperate State will find reason to heavily audit the Amazon beast, and the game will finally end.
What would be really impressive is if NZ conducted it’s own investigation of Amazon before plunging ahead with a dump of taxpayer money into this company.
Absolutely 100%. What are they thinking? If indeed they are thinking at all.
Makes the money they throw at the Americas cup pocket change…
Disappointed but not surprised. Labour in name only given all amazon's transgressions.
But Stuart says that Jeff is always welcome.
Well Jeff is rich enough to buy NZ……welcome Jeff.
And for the future drivers of the amazon trucks, don't forget your empty plastic bottle to piss in cause we don't do public loos anywhere.
Surely our Unions and Mr. Little will be on the ball to make sure that the subsidies will be spend wisely, right?
A train wreck of an interview.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018791810/nash-didn-t-see-treasury-advice-on-amazon-deal
Well we now know when Government is there to help. Call yourself Jeff Bezos and Stuart boy is getting it all on.
Amazon, cause in these trying times what NZ needs is a behemoth that will kill every last little business in town. What next, Walmart.
laugh, cause if you don't you start crying.
Nash looking to his future?
they all do.
that is the only excuse that i can find for this government.
All?….surely theres at least some altruism in those corridors?
nope. i don't think so.
I commented about Nash once before, to be told "you are negative"
Well yes I am, because he runs with the hares and hunts with the hounds.
Ive always been told never to trust anyone that needs to tell you they're being honest. And I lost count how many times I was told this by the minister.
Is the mass tourism he forecasts truly sustainable.
I have observed a similar phenomena that covers the gamut…those that draw attention to some aspect are frequently doing the exact opposite.
Im sure theres a term for it but I dont know what it is.
At this stage, it is an MOU.
I hope the spoon is exceedingly long….though why they accepted the invitation to dine is beyond belief given known history.
they liked the pictures they got send from Bezos?
One ring to rule them all.
That ring needs to be placed where the sun dont shine
hahahahahahahah…….
Now this should be a wake up call if there ever was one. Labor will not be my choice, full stop. Predatory companies like Amazon should not be allowed to operate here. We have already enough poverty, we certainly do not need more. Any to pay taxpayer money for this is the highest of insult. How about repairing the pipes that carry the sh…, or build affordable houses, maybe more funding for maternity care? I think I am in a parallel universe.
sadly no. This is our reality, where a so called progressive party can't wait to wine and dine some super rich company that causes very little other then hardship to anyone working there (government subsidies for the workers to make ends meet cause pay is to little) and the businesses that it kills.
Never mind we don't need houses, we don't need upgraded maternity wards, we don't need ICU beds in Startship hospital either.
We crowd fund for Starship hospital ICU beds. ….Cause poverty for all and riches for a few is NZ. It so is.
I wonder how many will move to Australia once the border opens.
nurses and builders….more work, better pay and cheaper houses.
I hope yr sitting down…
I heard this a couple of days ago and as far as I am aware it hasn't garnered any response round these parts.
rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018791406/three-new-buildings-in-multimillion-dollar-parliament-upgrade
My take homes were: because maybe earthquake, because some people don't like the idea of foreign landlords… we can spend $200 million in two years time.
Nevermind children actually living with black mould, or in motels or garages.
As I have said before, it aint a lack of money it is a lack of will
…or even “Labour” FWaka….off you go to Oz if that is what you want….who wouldn’t want a PM like Scomo? (sarc).
Or this from Australia. Horrific.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights/audio/2018791413/mouse-plague-in-nsw
…“A few years ago I had that experience where they are through your bedroom, through your bed and that is just so awful, and I’ve got this awful job now of following the story.
“I was filming in a supermarket which has so far lost $30,000 in produce from throwing that out and I was meeting to film them,…
“What they are worried about is if they keep breeding, by the time you come to spring, which is when you really see them start multiplying their numbers, we’re worried about next year when we’re going to have an even bigger base to start from in terms of mouse population.”
In the preceding drought many predators such as owls and birds of prey died, she says, and people are now taking matters into their own hands out of desperation.
“People are at their wits end spending thousands of dollars on baits, poisons and traps whatever they can do to try and kill these mice, like I mentioned people are catching 1000 every single night.”
But it’s having no impact and the mice are getting bigger and stronger, she says.
“Mice are eating chicken feet, mice are eating each other we’ve now got rats coming as well.”
There is no support for people in regional Australia being hit hard by this plague, Thackery says.
“This is costing people so much money, they are coming back from the drought, they had grain in silos and hay stored and people are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of hay and in a lot of cases grain as well.”
BG – Well, I know a couple of people actually considering this. There was a business article about this very issue a week or so ago. We should be concerned if skilled people leave NZ. I don't think the country can afford to loose staff in those professions where we have a dire need.
Your reaction is actually exactly that close mindedness that is very unhelpfull and political correctness prevents issues to be voiced.
BTW. I will vote next time for David Seymour, as shocking as it is as I have always been red/green. This uncoordinated waffling on that is happening right now is at best amateur and no matter where you look only self serving blah blah can be heard.
You might not like this, but though. I am not the only one saying this. Behind closed doors of cause because one is not allowed to say anything, it could offend someone, anyone. 🙄
I would take a close look at the ACT manifesto before voting for Seymour if I were you. For instance their pro-gun stance, among many other things.
Under ACT we would have had 6000 deaths from Covid, because all that matters is business and development.
I attended a meeting where Seymour spoke at the last election where he basically advocated no controls on development at all, thus throwing out District Plan rules agreed to by the community and experts over many years.
When I asked him a question, saying that the effect of his policy would be to allow carte blanch development all over the precious Queenstown Lakes District landscapes with commensurate adverse effects, he called me a busybody and rudely dismissed the question, showing his blinkered attitude and non-tv face.
As far as I can tell this is not Amazon setting up low paying, union busting distribution lines in NZ.
This is about the New Zealand screen industry which is respected around the world. We have significant competitive advantages:
But we are also up against it:
The argument for international productions and screen partnerships is a no brainer as far as I'm concerned. The economic benefits far outweigh the costs which are set globally, not locally. As the PM says, "you either have a screen industry, or you don't".
If Amazon Prime want to come here following our Covid response and because of our safe place reputation, and look to add to screen infrastructure and formalise screen partnerships then this can only be a good thing for New Zealand.
It all adds to our premier destination status. Also, and significantly, film production is a very environmentally friendly export industry. Locally anyway.
The wider issue which most of us here are concerned about is Amazon's retail business model which is rightly viewed as exploitative of workers. I hate it too but the right thing to do is keep the pressure on where it is required.
Who knows, they might learn something once they get here…
Nice to read some apparent facts Muttonbird instead of hot diatribe. I have yet to read them but your comment looks more promising than those earlier ones who seem to have eaten hot chilis.
Putting aside Labours free-market neo liberal agenda for the moment…its probably time we start looking into lobbyists in NZ a heck of alot more..
The article below makes an interesting read…though I note alot of the factual information is via Australian public records…..
Interesting that neither lobbyists "neither would object to a law requiring disclosure in New Zealand"..yet it never made it past the select committee…hilarious…you have to wonder who exactly is protecting whos interests…
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/selling-influence-meet-the-lobbyists-shaping-new-zealand-politics-for-a-fee/PSIA6Q2OKYTQ5ZCTPCDQVBCA2U/
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2021/04/nz-government-giving-amazon-over-100m-boost-for-lord-of-the-rings-filming.html
So what are the consequences of banning live cattle exports? Free mince for all? Paddocks of neglected cows being shot live on the 6pm news by bitter cockies blaming Jacinda whilst pumping round after round into a horrific mass of bellowing Friesans?
It's two years away. Plenty of time to downsize herd numbers over 2 breeding seasons. Maybe there'll be a corresponding decrease in the devastation mass dairying is wreaking on our land use. Oh – and maybe we can stop importing the evil palm kernel shit right away.
Free mince would never happen, but the cow shooting has potential as a game show. It just needs to be thought through – call it "Pretty Communist" and have Mike Hosking as compere – there's money to be made somewhere in there.
Trigger happy American dentists like the cut of your jib.
Ah yes – those gun-toting dentists on the steps of that elegant but somewhat faded 19th century mansion in the Central West End of St Louis, MO. Not far it looked like, from the bust of TS Eliot on the corner of Euclid and McPherson Avenues – an incongruity so total, it can be put down only to "the distress of nations and perplexity."
Not good about this gang violence escalating.
'Shooter!': Witness recalls terror after gunshots fired at Auckland Sofitel hotel – NZ Herald
Violence is everywhere now. To many people not housed properly, not eating properly, not having anything to do, kids growing up in this shit and nary a social worker, police man/women/other in sight and hey, its all good. We just don't have the money to care for people, we only have money for nice to have projects taht serve no one really, Americas cup, Spas for the Rotorua Lakefront for the future tourism wave, subsidies for the richest company on the planet (or else they won't hire min wage slaves) and so on and so forth.
Get used to it.
Sad but true.
Is Bishop still gunning for Mallard?
On Newtalk ZB this morning Hosking was actually praising Mallard (no that's not a typo!) for allowing Bishop 4 extra questions. He was however bagging Dr Liz Craig for the way she ran the meeting.
Good on Mike Hosking; it was shambolic!
Perhaps Mr Hosking will be praising Peter Hughes soon too on another shambles.
It was an absolute disgrace. I have no idea what Liz Craig was hoping to achieve with the way she ran that committee.
Well done to Mallard
Liz Craig said what she was hoping to achieve. To provide information from health officials about our Covid-9 response measure to a wide range of MPs and therefore who they represent.
It is typical that the National Party and their slavish followers believe select committees are all about them.
Perhaps if the National Party, and its spokesperson for storms-in-a-teacup, Chris Bishop, wanted more time for questions they and he should have done better at the last election.
Just saying.
You need to take off your red tinted glasses and your "I love Labour no matter what they fuck up" T-shirt and cap every now and then, and see what is really happening. Yes, Chris Bishop is like a small annoying yappy dog that barks at everything, but I think even many left leaning people on this site would think that the time wasting by Liz Craig in that meeting was over the top and deserves to be called out. Obviously Mallard thought so.
does it matter ?
Well, I'm going to buck the trend – film is a good industry for NZ – producing value from our environment and local talent without the downsides of dairy.
Amazon is indeed something to be cautious of, however, and local film interests like PJ present threats not only their labour force, but also to the reputation and long term health of the industry.
Nash's outcome won't be immediately measurable, and the crude GDP that will be all that Treasury looks at won't even get close to the real story. Let's just hope we don't see a repeat of the Hobbit debacle – explored at length here: The Hobbit: A Long-Expected Autopsy (Part 1/2) – YouTube at 39 minutes only if you're interested, and the sequels The Hobbit: Battle of Five Studios (Part 2/2) – YouTube and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Warners (Part 3/2) – YouTube each of similar length.
Much truth in that Stuart…and there is talk of a massive studio complex being set up near Wanaka which this Amazon Prime outcome can only help….only quibble is "Nash's outcome". As he said on RNZ today, this deal was negotiated before he became the minister.
I really hope they get this right – NZ would really benefit from a strong creative sector.
But the culture of Weta 'World's most beautiful toxic waste dump' – Weta Digital employees claim sexism, bullying and harassment | 1 NEWS | TVNZ And PJs last few outings – the Hobbit & Mortal Engines – are not encouraging.
Loads of good material in the stories though – Glaurung makes Smaug look like a warm puppy.
This is a company of dirtbag tax dodgers of the first order. They'll fuck over NZ businesses in their thousands and the general public will have to pay. The rich get richer dontchaknow, and all your fantasy PR will not make them humane.
But film, cos celebrities are so, you know, wholesome.
'Premier destination status' – for suckups? For smokescreen greens? For a bolthole for pedo rich pricks?
Real artists turn in their graves watching this fucking circus of monkeys pumping out tedious mediocre content to a public who, more and more, know no better.
Have to respect that rant.
Bit like modern Rugby, really, especially the final paragraph……
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/121827591/all-blacks-aim-to-raise-300-million-in-jersey-rights-deal-with-private-investor
righteous and well said!
An interesting read. Add welfare and ACC to his list. Ardern's refusal to do little to nothing in these areas – in the face of compelling evidence of the dire need to – is staggering:
http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/2021/04/why-havent-they-how-to-explain-this.html
i would change his last phrase to
because they realised they don't have too.
Job done?. America the Great (grate) says they've, won their war of payback for the twin towers demolition and are pulling out of Afghanistan telling Pakistan, Turkey, China and Russia it's their problem now to contain the Taliban.
Leaving Afghanistan a ruined land, a land that once produced Academics in every field, both men and woman when it was a socialist state (PDPA), that was undermined by the CIA's covert actions with suitcases of money for Bin Laden and the Mujahideen to destroy the Government, of course after the Soviets pulled out, the Yanks done the dirty on Bin Laden and paid the price blaming him for the demolition of the Twin Towers and other buildings.
So, what will the Grate America do now with all their weapons of shit and personal? Yes that's right set up new and existing bases in our part of the world to counter their paranoia of China. They've fucked up most parts of the world, so now it's our turn to reap their shit.
For all you right-wing- lefties out there screaming for links, go research yourself, though your bias wont allow you to do a proper job. Cheers.
If the US commit anywhere in the near future, the Ukraine is a good bet.
Opinion: Putin is massing troops at the Ukraine border and testing Biden's mettle – CNN
But not nearly as many as NATO
How many troops are NATO massing in the Ukraine?
More than Russian troops massing in Yankeeland
Russian troops mass excersize on own border
Ukraine isn't "russkieland", so even if NATO did have troops massed there, by your rationale that would be cool.
But they don't. Russia does. And yes, in the Ukraine, ever since 2014.
Read the 'Minsk Agreement
Are you suggesting that Minsk 1 or Minsk 2 involves the Ukraine agreeing that Donbass is not part of Ukrainian territory?
The borders Russia currently shares with NATO member states are marked in yellow. But do carry on with your useful idiot schtick parroting Russia's NATO encirclement fantasy.
/
Seems your head is well burried in that yellow sand
"your bias wont allow you to do a proper job"
And first up is CNN
Hilarious
It is reported right across the reputable media.
There is a chart here that plots their relative reliability.
This is CNN calling out both Australia and New Zealand for squandering their Covid advantage with really weak vaccine rollouts.
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/15/asia/new-zealand-australia-covid-vaccine-intl-dst-hnk/index.html
Not even Ardern and Hipkins will be able to rotate their way out of this kind of coverage.
Even Fauci recognises it's the rest of the world which has to catch up to NZ and AUS, not the other way around.
Still are.
I notice they quote the opposition spokesperson for blind panic, Chris Bishop.
meh.
We only need the vaccine if we let folk in from the plague-lands.
The folks who want us to do that as soon as possible likely largely overlap with the folks who wanted us to do that when vaccines didn't exist.
We are letting in people from plague lands and then we hope to the gods that it don't creep out from the plague hotels into the larger community.
no, not plague lands, really. Just one plague-ish land, and if it doesn't work out then the bubble will shrink again.