And tied up with Clearview is all kinds of far right low life including an NZ citizen by the name of Peter Thiel and the compay, Palantir, that he founded.
This sort of behaviour by some of the cops seems to go on and on. They act like they can do exactly what they want and the rules are what they decide. All the stuff around Nicky Hager and the other journalists, the roast busters, illegal traffic stops in wellington, under policing of some poor behaviour by people associated with RW blogging – the lists go on and on. Opposing liquor licences where there may be personal issues in play. Police Groups with guns being used multiple times with the need being some what blurry.
It must be demoralising for police staff who don't subscribe to any of this and frankly some of it has cost the taxpayer a fortune. Nobody ever seems to be reprimanded, fired or held responsible in any way. I think we need a royal commission into the police because nothing ever changes.
Now we have a new commissioner whose career path looks very much like he has been groomed for top jobs for about the last decade – so mainly under RW governments. Has he done anything about this suveillance or is he just going to approve it in retrospect?
Polls smolls…..ask about and reasonable people get what national are doing and it apalls them. Their lack of humanity by politicking through this will hurt them in September IMO.
Yes Francesca Out of step with the NZ population. That is why I would like to see "comments" allowed again on their articles. I would subscibe to receive the paper daily if they did !
"It’s a fair assumption to suggest that at the time of entering Parliament, an MP’s political views and beliefs are set and are the motivation to enter politics in the first place."
"Accordingly, to understand Ardern’s political ideology it is important to revisit 2008, when she entered Parliament as a Labour list-MP. Earlier in 2008 Ardern was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth. In early 2009, just two months after becoming an MP, Ardern presided over the union's World Council annual meeting in her capacity as president."
"Official records of that meeting give us insights into Ardern’s political ideology. For example, the meeting documents state the aim of the union is to “defend and spread our core socialist principles”. The 2009 union meeting is relevant not just because Ardern was president, but because the official resolutions outlined “progressive answers to the financial crisis” – aka the global financial crisis or GFC."
"Given Ardern and her comrades had “progressive answers to the financial crisis”, those answers might now be used to guide us through the turmoil and hardship of post-Covid-19. By the way, I have used "comrade" because it is how union members referred to themselves throughout the 2009 meeting."
"I do not use "comrade" disparagingly here, as indeed Ardern herself used the term 15 times in just seven minutes at this public event."
Comrade Ardern and her other comrades stated: “Redistribution will lead to more financial stability and justice. As IUSY we struggle for redistribution between the north and the south and for redistribution between the poor and the rich, because we believe in equality and justice.” On the same trajectory, Ardern and her comrades said: “Human beings are born with unequal resources available. We as young socialists believe in a social democratic system which secures a redistribution of resources.”
Which all raises the question; did she have a subsequent conversion to neoliberalism & kept quiet about it? Or is she a socialist wolf wearing neoliberal sheeps clothing? She may even explain that one can be both simultaneously, kinda like walking and chewing gum. We'll never know. Aotearoa lacks journos clever enough to ask her those questions.
Steve has vital questions of his own: "I wonder then what is the exact point whereby "inequality" becomes acceptable? For example, is a 20 per cent gap of "inequality" acceptable? Or does it need to be closer, like 10 per cent? Or do we all need to have the exact same amount of income and wealth?"
Waste of time. In the history of socialism, no socialist has ever spelt out a recipe for how it is meant to work. That's why Corbyn & Sanders felt obliged to fake it. Vapid vacuous innuendo, sadly, failed to turn them into winners. Credit Jacinda for not making the same stupid mistake. Well, not so obviously, perhaps…
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread? 😎 Well, correct me if I'm wrong. I suspect Savage et al promoted a scheme based on pragmatism more than design-based plan, but I agree state houses do seem sufficiently similar to imply a blueprint. As regards design of an alternative economy, history seems rather moot on that point.
A columnist somewhere the other day commended Grant Robertson for not yielding to to the Keynesian recipe. I'm tempted to feel that Aotearoa would benefit from his yielding somewhat, but let's see how the budget copes with circumstance first.
"A columnist somewhere the other day commended Grant Robertson for not yielding to to the Keynesian recipe. I'm tempted to feel that Aotearoa would benefit from his yielding somewhat, but let's see how the budget copes with circumstance first."
you appear somewhat confused…you do understand what Keynes advocated?
If you havnt read any of his theories (though ‘authoritatively’ reference them) then i suggest you do and you will quickly realise what nonsense your post was.
No point. Nobody in the media has claimed that the budget was Keynesian, as far as I know. So you have yet to demonstrate relevance.
I cited the columnist as an indicator of the non-Keynesian nature of Grant's design. Take up your grouch with the columnist, if you disagree. I'm agnostic on whether it is or not…
within the constraints of a decades long winding back of state capacity it would be difficult to imagine a more Keynesian response…the gov is not increasing taxes (nor reducing state demand) but rather stepping in to replace the lost demand from the private sector and it is doing so by expanding the fiscal envelope (borrowing) and providing employment….if that is not recognised by any of the columnists you peruse then you need to read better informed columnists.
Not saying you're wrong on that point, but I just took a look at Michael Reddell's budget analysis to see if he called it Keynesian. He didn't. He did have this interesting observation:
"For some reason, not known to me, the government is going to put lots more money in the NZSF over the next few years – beyond what the statutory formula provides for – as if having a flutter on the world markets, at your risk and mine, was an important part of a recovery programme."
So Grant the gambler. Does that fit the neoliberal model or the socialist model?
Well. You already know what I think about people "gambling in stock markets" privatising super provision, expecting it to magically build capability to supply resources to people in future, rather than investing in our own future capability and resilience.
I’ll put my capitalist hat on here. Government should be investing in infrastructure, services and people, not private corporations.
Note that Robertson s money into trade training, retraining and apprenticeships instead of continuing with "free" B com degrees for well off kids, is something I totally agree with.
Along with a lot of their other initiatives.
For your question. I think it is debatable. Thatcher apologists, claimed her sell offs of State infrastructure meant everyone, through their shares, still owned it. Similar to some here. Conveniently ignoring that so many who pay the higher prices of privatisation could never afford, shares.
You might want to check out the the published socialist histories of the UK Attlee government, postwar Denmark, postwar Netherlands, postwar Finland, Ireland's welfare system, as well as the crap ones like Cuba, Tanzania, and Nicaragua.
If $50b of state borrowing and dumptrucks of infrastructure and health investment, and utterly massive business tax breaks and wage subsidies isn't Keynsean, then you need a new version of Keynes.
"I do not use 'comrade' disparagingly here, as indeed Ardern herself used the term 15 times in just seven minutes at this public event"
The lecturer, Steve Elers, "doth protest too much, methinks."
Gertrude in 'Hamlet' said this about an actor who was overacting in an insincere way to incriminate Hamlet's uncle.
The lecturer wrote. "It's a fair assumption to suggest that at the time of entering Parliament, an MP's political views and beliefs are set and are the motivation to enter politics in the first place."
In the immortal words of Ardern and Robertson in response to leading questions from the Opposition, "Mr Speaker, I reject the premises of that question."
I note the weasel words in the opening quotation- 'assumption' and 'suggest'.
Who would believe that statement made this way? "At the time of entering Parliament, an MP's political views and beliefs are set and are the motivation to enter politics in the first place"?
In my lifetime I have changed my views about abortion, the infallibility of the Pope, homosexuality, cannabis, war, and the need to provide potatoes with every dinner.
To say that all views of all MPs are fixed, and further to argue that if an MP seems to acting differently that they are being deceitful about their true beliefs and motivations is stupid and a self-serving belief that attempts to self explain what is in itself a fixed belief- "That socialism is bad, all comrade socialists are bad, comrade Ardern is doing things that I don't approve of because she is doing things that I do approve but I don't like her doing them because at heart she is a comrade socialist and all comrade socialists are bad and I don't like socialism."
This is not the kind of thinking I like to read from someone who is a lecturer in communications.
Well, there's this thing called rhetoric. I suppose he was doing that. I never studied classics but the orators would pitch a stance, apparently, then back it up with reasoning. Ad nauseum, sometimes.
I agree that folks tend to amend views through life, but it is true that beliefs formed in formative years are enduring. Some politicians have a world-view seeming to be set in concrete, eh? They only get traction if supporters locked into the same world-view are numerous enough. Those flexible enough to take on board the world-view of others tend to do better at politics (the art of compromise).
"Vapid vacuous innuendo" just about sums it up – wonder if Elers ever put his 'thoughts' about John Key's 'motivations' on paper, or are only socialist motives 'suspect'?
As for Elers' 'concern' about the correct setting of an (un)acceptable ‘inequality threshold‘, that's an absolutely transparent attempt to delay significant redistribution of wealth. Yes yes, of course we all agree redistribution is urgently needed, but 'how much', and by what mechanism'? – let the hand wringing commence.
I don't share his stance re socialist motives – I see them as well-intentioned, altruistic idealists mostly. I remain puzzled about why they continue to refuse to learn from their experience of politics. Talk to them, they ain't obviously stupid. Corbyn & Sanders don't seem stupid to me. As people. It's the adherence to a failed belief system that makes them seem stupid to most voters.
I reckon they could have sold neosocialism as a tweaked evolutionary development of mid-20th century socialism. Just eliminate the bads and point out that the goods are timeless. Simple! You'd think any politico could figure out such an evident political strategy.
As regards specifying the inequality threshold, I advocated doing so by societal consensus onsite here a couple of years ago. I advocated it to Metiria Turei when she appealed to Green Party members for ideas on how to get the job done a couple of years prior to that. I presume she failed to adopt it due to preferring to have a political career by faking consensus rather than actually doing it.
Many people are selfish – what percentage of wealthy NZers (please don’t ask me to define ‘wealthy‘), and those with ambitions/expectations of being wealthy, would support a political party advocating a greater redistribution of wealth (hard-earned and otherwise) than we currently have? 30%, 20%, 10%…?
As a "well-intentioned, altruistic idealist" (thank-you), I don't know how to sell a 'wealth redistribution product' to the selfish, and it's no good asking selfish people for advice. Consider Lisa Owen's introduction to the post-budget edition of Checkpoint; "What's in it for you?"
Presumptions come easy to some – just an observation. Still, no-one’s perfect.
I didn’t know who the author was of that piece in Stuff but I can’t be bothered with his pseudo-academic musings. I’ve read enough from and about him in the last few weeks. Did you know that (Sir) Bob Jones labelled him as Man of the Year? I wonder when and where he’s going to stand for office. Enough said.
Elers only says one thing, and he says it every week. You should read his previous droppings, it's hard to know whether or not they are satire. Not great satire, mind – a proper parody of the frothing Cindyphobes would be much better written.
He never revisits his previous columns, which is not surprising. He got everything wrong about Ardern's leadership, but like a true obsessive, he does not let reality intrude on his world.
”Working humans are so much more than “resources”. This is one of the central lessons of the current crisis. Caring for the sick; delivering food, medication and other essentials; clearing away our waste; stocking the shelves and running the registers in our grocery stores – the people who have kept life going through the Covid-19 pandemic are living proof that work cannot be reduced to a mere commodity. Human health and the care of the most vulnerable cannot be governed by market forces alone. If we leave these things solely to the market, we run the risk of exacerbating inequalities to the point of forfeiting the very lives of the least advantaged.”
Freightways need a damn good kick up the arse. I have close family working as full time contract couriers and the whole business model in this country is suffering from the 'sin of cheapness'.
Thousands of drivers have been working around the clock to deliver the skyrocketing volumes of residential freight over the past few weeks.
But despite parcel numbers and hours being higher than ever, their pay has taken a significant hit.
One courier driver – who works for NZ Couriers – told RNZ she was arriving at her depot at 4.15am to start loading up and was not finishing until 6pm most days.
She used to deliver about 300 packages per day, but that had jumped to 600. She said she had been working such long hours she'd had to ask her partner to help so they could run two vehicles to keep up.
Her pay has dropped from an average of $6600 per month to $4800 last month – before tax.
Residential deliveries, which are taking up the vast bulk of their work at the moment, pay between 20c and $1 each.
I can fully testify to this, somedays they're working from 4am to 8pm handling an unprecedented surge in volume. Yes it is dangerous and almost certainly illegal, but at the same time they still get regularly abused by customers who think their precious delivery was an hour or two late.
Nonetheless Freightways have chosen to rort their own workers as a reward for this extraordinary effort:
Most couriers are independent contractors – meaning they should have control over their business, hours and working conditions.
But that was often not the reality of their working situation. During lockdown, NZ Couriers has told drivers to take the government's wage subsidy, which is only available for employees.
Their contract for May states: "For the 12 weeks that the government subsidy applies, $117 per day of contractor remuneration is assumed to have been received, and the company will contribute the balance up to 90 percent of run's listed minimum earnings or tickets redeemed, whichever is greater."
So on one hand they're treating the drivers as contractors which lets them get away with them working dangerously long hours, on the other they're treating them as employees and deducting any wage subsidy they received covering the quiet period at the beginning of the lockdown.
Turning all of the drivers into employees is not necessarily the desired solution, the 'wagies' who do work in the business are treated even worse than the contractors, probably deliberately so.
The couriers need a a less restrictive contract which would allow them to deliver for other companies. Uber has copped a lot of flack, and rightly so at times, but at least they let their drivers work for other rideshare companies. There is no reason why the likes of Fastways and CrestClean cannot do the same.
That's not a bad suggestion. The problem at the moment is the sham nature of their contracts, where they really are neither employees nor contractors and have the protections of neither.
The fact that are not self-employed was highlighted a few years back when a family member was working for one of them.
His run area was pretty poor and he worked hard with the customers to build up the run til it was nicely profitable. When it cam up for renewal the owner gave that run to a mate of the owners and put him on another shitty run-down run.
The companies don't want the capital and maintenance of the vehicles on their books; and probably for good reason. Drivers do tend to be a lot better at looking after them when the expenses come out of their pockets.
Also drivers tend to be a lot more proactive about looking after customers and building the business when it directly goes onto their bottom line. Many enjoy the modest freedom it brings, not having to account for every damned minute of their day to some petty manager is a small, but real pleasure.
Plus the ability to manage tax directly can work for them as well.
So there are good reasons for them to be contractors; but of course the downside is they are locked into one client which is where all the problem arise.
In this view a traditional union model might not be the best fit; but something like a 'Drivers Association' that provided a collection of services to assist owner drivers to negotiate and obtain good legal advice would be a step in the right direction.
Last week I was sent a pic of a van load of School packs, that were paid at 20 cents each. That worked out to be less than the cost of the fuel alone.
I remember having a chat with a taxi driver along the same lines. He was just about sold on it by the time he dropped me off at union HQ from the airport!
The Spanish security firm UC Global who were ostensibly protecting the Ecuadorean embassy but in ;spying comprehensively on Assange&his family,,friends, defense team and visitors and turning everything over to the CIA was recruited by Sheldon Adelson,Trumps;s second biggest donor for his 2016 campaign (10 mill).He also owns the Sands Hotel and Casino; (where Frank Sinatra and the Ratpack used to carouse)and is one of the most rabid advocates for Israel
“In February 2012, Adelson told Forbes magazine that he is “against very wealthy people attempting to or influencing elections. But as long as it’s doable Im going to do it. Because I know that guys like George_Soros have been doing it for years, if not decades. And they stay below the radar by creating a network of corporations to funnel their money. I have my own philosophy and I’m not ashamed of it”
"Morales was charged by a Spanish High Court in October 2019 with violating the privacy of Assange and abusing the publishers attorney-client privileges, as well as money laundering and bribery. The documents revealed in court, which were primarily backups from company computers, exposed the disturbing reality of his activities on the dark side.”
This is a rather sickening look in to the way the world works, money ,power, and influence
Thanks. It's almost as if there was/is a state-coordinated conspiracy against a journalist responsible for publicising information that embarrassed politicians and officials.
Are senior members of the caucus ready to sacrifice their colleagues low on the list? Then they can let Simon lead them to disaster. Following the election do the leadership purge.
The caucus don't need to see the polling results. It means they can concentrate on something that's a really big deal to them. Even writing this I can the likes of Chris Bishop going on about it.
The thing that is the most important in the world? Transparency.
Monday's caucus, imagine it. The Member for Northcote peeping up from the back,"Paula, you know how you told us we must use the word transparency at least 29 times everyday because transparency is important, are we going to be able to see the poll figures?"
Bridges interview was another train wreck I thought. When asked specifically what the National plan would be he instinctly went to his base. I paraphrase, "We'd help businesses go and and buy new tractors"
Yes – it will give Shane Jones plenty of cover for funding water storage schemes. It's unavoidable in the current environment – as anything that looks like economic development/job creation will get a big tick. It'll most likely be bad for fresh water quality.
This is because I'm not trying to paint a roof in Auckland this year (unlike last winter when it pissed down). How much do think I could get paid to come back over and do another one?
The trick is to use one of the new HVLP airless sprayers to put it on fast. Start at around 12:30pm once the roof is dry and be done by 2pm at the latest. If the temp is over 10 degC you can get away with it. Just.
NZ has plenty of water, we're just bad at managing it sustainably and future-proofing supply (also a sustainability issue).
For instance, putting in localised water storage for gardens, alongside teaching people how to garden with low and/or variable rainfall, would mitigate the problem of people now not being able to water their gardens.
There is no clear definition of a “weak positive” COVID-19 test result, apparently, or at least not one that has been communicated clearly to us, the public of NZ. Similar confusion about “elimination”, “eradication”, and other terms that are highly confusing to laypeople (e.g. containment, mitigation, suppression, etc.).
On another topic entirely ( for one of our super gardeners here). I can't get dried chick peas in bulk that I cook and freeze. I'm assuming a supply disruption. Looking up the plant it seems to be something that grows on marginal soils and like other peas & beans fixes nitrogen etc. Does anyone know if it is grown commercially here? Likewise lentils? And if we need to go for import substitution how long will I need to wait before it grows?
Most chickpeas for sale in NZ will be imported. There are some growers, but it's small scale.
Don't know about lentils, but I assume the same.
It's why the whole go vegan to prevent climate change is a fail. Large parts of vegan diets have to be imported.
We can change this, there are lots of crops we could be growing here but aren't. This is why I keep banging on about relocalising food supply. It's better for the climate, and food security (and it generally tastes better).
Sun Valley lentils are NZ grown, don't know about their chickpeas. (Also NZ grown are their pearl barley & split peas – just looking at a pack of their soup mix that I need to use up.)
recent discussions on line about how the wheat used to make bread for the North Island comes from Australia, rather than using the wheat in the South Island (something about the right kind of wheat for bread not being able to be grown in the NI). Freight costs apparently.
It was hard to buy organic oats at one point because all the farmers were selling to the Canadian market.
This shit is why I hate globalisation. It's fucking stupid. The reasons that these situations work is because no-one is accounting for ecological damage including climate change.
But yeah, it's a good idea to draw up a list of what we could be growing here. I'd put legumes high up the list.
The other part of the problem is that most food in NZ is grown for export, and if we look at the land being use for industrial dairy, it's going to be hard to convert that to other kinds of farming unless milk prices collapse because there is so much debt on the land and because the industry is basically a rort designed to keep extracting for maximum $.
I've gotten old – make more mistakes than I used plus I'm often drunk. What the hell is her excuse for butchering the English language. Do journalists need to have a cognitive deficit to qualify for the job?
Comments are funny, can't believe he's left the Tweet up. He gets support from people who call Adern our "tranny PM" (??), Covid Hoaxers & Pro Lifer conspiracists. Katie Hopkins, ffs. Oh yeah, apparently we're a communist country now.
I heard Trump wanting unity in appproaches. Given how he sees the world it was a sick joke. A life of "I don't need you, fuck off" suddenly changing to "I'm drowning please save me."
"It is perhaps laudable that many of the victors of capitalism’s spoils want to contribute to the common project of fighting the pandemic. But we should not forget that so many of the factors that have rendered the coronavirus particularly deadly in the United States — income inequality, the lack of a social safety net, the precarious standing of newly-essential gig workers, the obsession with freedom from government tyranny and the lack of a coherent civic identity — are direct products of the way we valorize self-making."
Well, while the rest of us were in lockdown and supposed to be writing the film script or learning French or whatever else we promised ourselves if we only had the time, a 6 year old figured out the bossanova:
New Zealanders have to start taking Internet security serious.
I think the way the money has been distributed for our virus hit economy stimulis has been quite wise as the money will flow through the economy and back to our governments tax take.
Michelle do you want some tissue.
I think that labour will still need the Green party to rule.
Wow that's awesome more putea invested in Maori arts and crafts.
I think that's a logical way to help deal with the droughts. Change the laws so anyone can have tanks to catch wai that falls from Tawhirimate.
Extreme climate change in the past won't be as extreme as we have now being influenced by the billions of tons of carbon we have spewing into our atmosphere warming our planet.
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Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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. ...
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 National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
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 ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
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Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
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FYI: RNZ National this morning:
8:10 Kashmir Hill: Police use of facial recognition software Clearview AI
( This week RNZ exposed an unapproved police trial of controversial facial recognition software Clearview AI. )
And tied up with Clearview is all kinds of far right low life including an NZ citizen by the name of Peter Thiel and the compay, Palantir, that he founded.
https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5e7d028bc5b6cb08a92a5c48
This sort of behaviour by some of the cops seems to go on and on. They act like they can do exactly what they want and the rules are what they decide. All the stuff around Nicky Hager and the other journalists, the roast busters, illegal traffic stops in wellington, under policing of some poor behaviour by people associated with RW blogging – the lists go on and on. Opposing liquor licences where there may be personal issues in play. Police Groups with guns being used multiple times with the need being some what blurry.
It must be demoralising for police staff who don't subscribe to any of this and frankly some of it has cost the taxpayer a fortune. Nobody ever seems to be reprimanded, fired or held responsible in any way. I think we need a royal commission into the police because nothing ever changes.
Now we have a new commissioner whose career path looks very much like he has been groomed for top jobs for about the last decade – so mainly under RW governments. Has he done anything about this suveillance or is he just going to approve it in retrospect?
Usual caveats about polls, but these numbers are remarkable:
Scroll down to the last questions. On the lockdown, the National Party speak for about 6% of the public.
Polls smolls…..ask about and reasonable people get what national are doing and it apalls them. Their lack of humanity by politicking through this will hurt them in September IMO.
The 80% approval of going to level 2 "about right" was interesting with the caveat "despite stories in media saying lift lockdown ages ago".
Seems like our media has political agendas that are totally out of step with the NZ population
Must be upsetting to them that their best efforts have fallen flat
Yes Francesca Out of step with the NZ population. That is why I would like to see "comments" allowed again on their articles. I would subscibe to receive the paper daily if they did !
Pretty obvious messaging strategy at play here from the right
"It’s a fair assumption to suggest that at the time of entering Parliament, an MP’s political views and beliefs are set and are the motivation to enter politics in the first place."
True, so Steve Elers, senior lecturer at Massey University’s School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, examines socialist Jacinda: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/300012145/its-important-to-understand-what-drives-the-prime-minister
"Accordingly, to understand Ardern’s political ideology it is important to revisit 2008, when she entered Parliament as a Labour list-MP. Earlier in 2008 Ardern was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth. In early 2009, just two months after becoming an MP, Ardern presided over the union's World Council annual meeting in her capacity as president."
"Official records of that meeting give us insights into Ardern’s political ideology. For example, the meeting documents state the aim of the union is to “defend and spread our core socialist principles”. The 2009 union meeting is relevant not just because Ardern was president, but because the official resolutions outlined “progressive answers to the financial crisis” – aka the global financial crisis or GFC."
"Given Ardern and her comrades had “progressive answers to the financial crisis”, those answers might now be used to guide us through the turmoil and hardship of post-Covid-19. By the way, I have used "comrade" because it is how union members referred to themselves throughout the 2009 meeting."
"I do not use "comrade" disparagingly here, as indeed Ardern herself used the term 15 times in just seven minutes at this public event."
Comrade Ardern and her other comrades stated: “Redistribution will lead to more financial stability and justice. As IUSY we struggle for redistribution between the north and the south and for redistribution between the poor and the rich, because we believe in equality and justice.” On the same trajectory, Ardern and her comrades said: “Human beings are born with unequal resources available. We as young socialists believe in a social democratic system which secures a redistribution of resources.”
Which all raises the question; did she have a subsequent conversion to neoliberalism & kept quiet about it? Or is she a socialist wolf wearing neoliberal sheeps clothing? She may even explain that one can be both simultaneously, kinda like walking and chewing gum. We'll never know. Aotearoa lacks journos clever enough to ask her those questions.
Steve has vital questions of his own: "I wonder then what is the exact point whereby "inequality" becomes acceptable? For example, is a 20 per cent gap of "inequality" acceptable? Or does it need to be closer, like 10 per cent? Or do we all need to have the exact same amount of income and wealth?"
Waste of time. In the history of socialism, no socialist has ever spelt out a recipe for how it is meant to work. That's why Corbyn & Sanders felt obliged to fake it. Vapid vacuous innuendo, sadly, failed to turn them into winners. Credit Jacinda for not making the same stupid mistake. Well, not so obviously, perhaps…
A bold statement in the country of Michael Joseph Savage.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread? 😎 Well, correct me if I'm wrong. I suspect Savage et al promoted a scheme based on pragmatism more than design-based plan, but I agree state houses do seem sufficiently similar to imply a blueprint. As regards design of an alternative economy, history seems rather moot on that point.
A columnist somewhere the other day commended Grant Robertson for not yielding to to the Keynesian recipe. I'm tempted to feel that Aotearoa would benefit from his yielding somewhat, but let's see how the budget copes with circumstance first.
"A columnist somewhere the other day commended Grant Robertson for not yielding to to the Keynesian recipe. I'm tempted to feel that Aotearoa would benefit from his yielding somewhat, but let's see how the budget copes with circumstance first."
you appear somewhat confused…you do understand what Keynes advocated?
I've read plenty of interpretations by others in the media & in books, but never wanted to read him personally. Feel free to quote him if relevant…
If you havnt read any of his theories (though ‘authoritatively’ reference them) then i suggest you do and you will quickly realise what nonsense your post was.
No point. Nobody in the media has claimed that the budget was Keynesian, as far as I know. So you have yet to demonstrate relevance.
I cited the columnist as an indicator of the non-Keynesian nature of Grant's design. Take up your grouch with the columnist, if you disagree. I'm agnostic on whether it is or not…
within the constraints of a decades long winding back of state capacity it would be difficult to imagine a more Keynesian response…the gov is not increasing taxes (nor reducing state demand) but rather stepping in to replace the lost demand from the private sector and it is doing so by expanding the fiscal envelope (borrowing) and providing employment….if that is not recognised by any of the columnists you peruse then you need to read better informed columnists.
Yes, that reasoning does seem valid. Perhaps Keynes means different things to different people? I'll go see if I can find a view from Bernard Hickey.
Why not simply read Keynes.
He explains it clearly.
FFS.
What Robertson, and the previous two Governments have done. Even National, to an extent, is classic Keynes.
Paraphrasing a bit. Run Government surpluses in good times, so as to have room to run the, "necessary" deficits in the bad ones.
It is the ideas behind the whole concept of “keeping Government debt, low”.
Not saying you're wrong on that point, but I just took a look at Michael Reddell's budget analysis to see if he called it Keynesian. He didn't. He did have this interesting observation:
"For some reason, not known to me, the government is going to put lots more money in the NZSF over the next few years – beyond what the statutory formula provides for – as if having a flutter on the world markets, at your risk and mine, was an important part of a recovery programme."
So Grant the gambler. Does that fit the neoliberal model or the socialist model?
Well. You already know what I think about people "gambling in stock markets" privatising super provision, expecting it to magically build capability to supply resources to people in future, rather than investing in our own future capability and resilience.
I’ll put my capitalist hat on here. Government should be investing in infrastructure, services and people, not private corporations.
Note that Robertson s money into trade training, retraining and apprenticeships instead of continuing with "free" B com degrees for well off kids, is something I totally agree with.
Along with a lot of their other initiatives.
For your question. I think it is debatable. Thatcher apologists, claimed her sell offs of State infrastructure meant everyone, through their shares, still owned it. Similar to some here. Conveniently ignoring that so many who pay the higher prices of privatisation could never afford, shares.
The "Free BCom" scheme included all NZQF qualifications including trade training for two years i.e. double the free first year of the BCom.
You might want to check out the the published socialist histories of the UK Attlee government, postwar Denmark, postwar Netherlands, postwar Finland, Ireland's welfare system, as well as the crap ones like Cuba, Tanzania, and Nicaragua.
If $50b of state borrowing and dumptrucks of infrastructure and health investment, and utterly massive business tax breaks and wage subsidies isn't Keynsean, then you need a new version of Keynes.
"Socialists" have frequently spelt out how it is meant to work.
In fact we have the example of our first Labour Government, that it does work.
And, right now, all the "capitalists" that dodged taxes and wanted to avoid paying wages, with their hands out to the "Socialists" to bail them out.
Obviously they are convinced that "Socialism" , works!
They just want someone else to pay for it, for them.
All the complaints, especially from National, has been about not enough “Socialism” for them!
Worked fine here for decades.
Soured after a while but it was still what we needed.
"I do not use 'comrade' disparagingly here, as indeed Ardern herself used the term 15 times in just seven minutes at this public event"
The lecturer, Steve Elers, "doth protest too much, methinks."
Gertrude in 'Hamlet' said this about an actor who was overacting in an insincere way to incriminate Hamlet's uncle.
The lecturer wrote. "It's a fair assumption to suggest that at the time of entering Parliament, an MP's political views and beliefs are set and are the motivation to enter politics in the first place."
In the immortal words of Ardern and Robertson in response to leading questions from the Opposition, "Mr Speaker, I reject the premises of that question."
I note the weasel words in the opening quotation- 'assumption' and 'suggest'.
Who would believe that statement made this way? "At the time of entering Parliament, an MP's political views and beliefs are set and are the motivation to enter politics in the first place"?
In my lifetime I have changed my views about abortion, the infallibility of the Pope, homosexuality, cannabis, war, and the need to provide potatoes with every dinner.
To say that all views of all MPs are fixed, and further to argue that if an MP seems to acting differently that they are being deceitful about their true beliefs and motivations is stupid and a self-serving belief that attempts to self explain what is in itself a fixed belief- "That socialism is bad, all comrade socialists are bad, comrade Ardern is doing things that I don't approve of because she is doing things that I do approve but I don't like her doing them because at heart she is a comrade socialist and all comrade socialists are bad and I don't like socialism."
This is not the kind of thinking I like to read from someone who is a lecturer in communications.
I'll stop now, methinks……….
Well, there's this thing called rhetoric. I suppose he was doing that. I never studied classics but the orators would pitch a stance, apparently, then back it up with reasoning. Ad nauseum, sometimes.
I agree that folks tend to amend views through life, but it is true that beliefs formed in formative years are enduring. Some politicians have a world-view seeming to be set in concrete, eh? They only get traction if supporters locked into the same world-view are numerous enough. Those flexible enough to take on board the world-view of others tend to do better at politics (the art of compromise).
Some of us learn how to amend our "beliefs" as we gain more evidence, experience and knowledge.
Others…….
And. Those who compromise too much, end up achieving, little.
"and the need to provide potatoes with every dinner."
That's a step too far. Next you'll be giving up sardines on toast.
Gave that up very early. My Irish forebears would've said "famine food." Too fishy, too oily- like some opposition politicians……..
Still trying, and failing, to get the family away from the idea every meal must include a big chunk of carbs.
"Vapid vacuous innuendo" just about sums it up – wonder if Elers ever put his 'thoughts' about John Key's 'motivations' on paper, or are only socialist motives 'suspect'?
As for Elers' 'concern' about the correct setting of an (un)acceptable ‘inequality threshold‘, that's an absolutely transparent attempt to delay significant redistribution of wealth. Yes yes, of course we all agree redistribution is urgently needed, but 'how much', and by what mechanism'? – let the hand wringing commence.
I don't share his stance re socialist motives – I see them as well-intentioned, altruistic idealists mostly. I remain puzzled about why they continue to refuse to learn from their experience of politics. Talk to them, they ain't obviously stupid. Corbyn & Sanders don't seem stupid to me. As people. It's the adherence to a failed belief system that makes them seem stupid to most voters.
I reckon they could have sold neosocialism as a tweaked evolutionary development of mid-20th century socialism. Just eliminate the bads and point out that the goods are timeless. Simple! You'd think any politico could figure out such an evident political strategy.
As regards specifying the inequality threshold, I advocated doing so by societal consensus onsite here a couple of years ago. I advocated it to Metiria Turei when she appealed to Green Party members for ideas on how to get the job done a couple of years prior to that. I presume she failed to adopt it due to preferring to have a political career by faking consensus rather than actually doing it.
Many people are selfish – what percentage of wealthy NZers (please don’t ask me to define ‘wealthy‘), and those with ambitions/expectations of being wealthy, would support a political party advocating a greater redistribution of wealth (hard-earned and otherwise) than we currently have? 30%, 20%, 10%…?
As a "well-intentioned, altruistic idealist" (thank-you), I don't know how to sell a 'wealth redistribution product' to the selfish, and it's no good asking selfish people for advice. Consider Lisa Owen's introduction to the post-budget edition of Checkpoint; "What's in it for you?"
Presumptions come easy to some – just an observation. Still, no-one’s perfect.
Meow.
I didn’t know who the author was of that piece in Stuff but I can’t be bothered with his pseudo-academic musings. I’ve read enough from and about him in the last few weeks. Did you know that (Sir) Bob Jones labelled him as Man of the Year? I wonder when and where he’s going to stand for office. Enough said.
Elers only says one thing, and he says it every week. You should read his previous droppings, it's hard to know whether or not they are satire. Not great satire, mind – a proper parody of the frothing Cindyphobes would be much better written.
He never revisits his previous columns, which is not surprising. He got everything wrong about Ardern's leadership, but like a true obsessive, he does not let reality intrude on his world.
Heh! I reluctantly link to one of his previous pieces in Stuff, which drew a ‘clarification’ (at the bottom).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/121206976/prime-minister-needs-to-be-held-to-account-over-coronavirus-claims
This alleged ‘censorship’ generated a lot of commentary, particularly on right-leaning Social Media as well from the OP himself: https://www.magic.co.nz/home/news/2020/04/the-prime-minister-s-office-is-exerting-influence-on-media-and-e.html
How disingenuous is neocon Steve being here, neocon Den?
Lol- and she spent a year in Tony Blair's office or some such.
Desperate.
I know not everyone likes The Guardian, this made a lot of sense.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/15/humans-resources-coronavirus-democratise-work-health-lives-market?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Opening paragraph.
”Working humans are so much more than “resources”. This is one of the central lessons of the current crisis. Caring for the sick; delivering food, medication and other essentials; clearing away our waste; stocking the shelves and running the registers in our grocery stores – the people who have kept life going through the Covid-19 pandemic are living proof that work cannot be reduced to a mere commodity. Human health and the care of the most vulnerable cannot be governed by market forces alone. If we leave these things solely to the market, we run the risk of exacerbating inequalities to the point of forfeiting the very lives of the least advantaged.”
Yep. I'm not sure that the worst of the neolibs care, but it has brought it into stark relief.
Freightways need a damn good kick up the arse. I have close family working as full time contract couriers and the whole business model in this country is suffering from the 'sin of cheapness'.
I can fully testify to this, somedays they're working from 4am to 8pm handling an unprecedented surge in volume. Yes it is dangerous and almost certainly illegal, but at the same time they still get regularly abused by customers who think their precious delivery was an hour or two late.
Nonetheless Freightways have chosen to rort their own workers as a reward for this extraordinary effort:
So on one hand they're treating the drivers as contractors which lets them get away with them working dangerously long hours, on the other they're treating them as employees and deducting any wage subsidy they received covering the quiet period at the beginning of the lockdown.
Turning all of the drivers into employees is not necessarily the desired solution, the 'wagies' who do work in the business are treated even worse than the contractors, probably deliberately so.
The couriers need a a less restrictive contract which would allow them to deliver for other companies. Uber has copped a lot of flack, and rightly so at times, but at least they let their drivers work for other rideshare companies. There is no reason why the likes of Fastways and CrestClean cannot do the same.
That's not a bad suggestion. The problem at the moment is the sham nature of their contracts, where they really are neither employees nor contractors and have the protections of neither.
The fact that are not self-employed was highlighted a few years back when a family member was working for one of them.
His run area was pretty poor and he worked hard with the customers to build up the run til it was nicely profitable. When it cam up for renewal the owner gave that run to a mate of the owners and put him on another shitty run-down run.
Self-employed – not likely.
It seems to me the courier drivers need a union! If they already have one, it needs to flex its muscles!
The case for compulsory unionism?
The companies don't want the capital and maintenance of the vehicles on their books; and probably for good reason. Drivers do tend to be a lot better at looking after them when the expenses come out of their pockets.
Also drivers tend to be a lot more proactive about looking after customers and building the business when it directly goes onto their bottom line. Many enjoy the modest freedom it brings, not having to account for every damned minute of their day to some petty manager is a small, but real pleasure.
Plus the ability to manage tax directly can work for them as well.
So there are good reasons for them to be contractors; but of course the downside is they are locked into one client which is where all the problem arise.
In this view a traditional union model might not be the best fit; but something like a 'Drivers Association' that provided a collection of services to assist owner drivers to negotiate and obtain good legal advice would be a step in the right direction.
Last week I was sent a pic of a van load of School packs, that were paid at 20 cents each. That worked out to be less than the cost of the fuel alone.
I remember having a chat with a taxi driver along the same lines. He was just about sold on it by the time he dropped me off at union HQ from the airport!
The Spanish security firm UC Global who were ostensibly protecting the Ecuadorean embassy but in ;spying comprehensively on Assange&his family,,friends, defense team and visitors and turning everything over to the CIA was recruited by Sheldon Adelson,Trumps;s second biggest donor for his 2016 campaign (10 mill).He also owns the Sands Hotel and Casino; (where Frank Sinatra and the Ratpack used to carouse)and is one of the most rabid advocates for Israel
“In February 2012, Adelson told Forbes magazine that he is “against very wealthy people attempting to or influencing elections. But as long as it’s doable Im going to do it. Because I know that guys like George_Soros have been doing it for years, if not decades. And they stay below the radar by creating a network of corporations to funnel their money. I have my own philosophy and I’m not ashamed of it”
"Morales was charged by a Spanish High Court in October 2019 with violating the privacy of Assange and abusing the publishers attorney-client privileges, as well as money laundering and bribery. The documents revealed in court, which were primarily backups from company computers, exposed the disturbing reality of his activities on the dark side.”
This is a rather sickening look in to the way the world works, money ,power, and influence
https://thegrayzone.com/2020/05/14/american-sheldon-adelsons-us-spy-julian-assange/#more-24388
Thanks. It's almost as if there was/is a state-coordinated conspiracy against a journalist responsible for publicising information that embarrassed politicians and officials.
On NewShub, Matthew Hooten calling for Simon’s resignation if polling is below 35%.
Which is why he’ll never let caucus know how bad it is.
Are senior members of the caucus ready to sacrifice their colleagues low on the list? Then they can let Simon lead them to disaster. Following the election do the leadership purge.
The caucus don't need to see the polling results. It means they can concentrate on something that's a really big deal to them. Even writing this I can the likes of Chris Bishop going on about it.
The thing that is the most important in the world? Transparency.
Monday's caucus, imagine it. The Member for Northcote peeping up from the back,"Paula, you know how you told us we must use the word transparency at least 29 times everyday because transparency is important, are we going to be able to see the poll figures?"
Bridges interview was another train wreck I thought. When asked specifically what the National plan would be he instinctly went to his base. I paraphrase, "We'd help businesses go and and buy new tractors"
Drought.
A washy post-tropical phase in a week's time. That's it.
http://www.metvuw.com/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain®ion=nz&noofdays=10
But not a single southerly front from subantarctic southern ocean all through to June at least.
Nearly half of New Zealand 's population is now in water restrictions.
This is cutting hard, and very deep.
Yes – it will give Shane Jones plenty of cover for funding water storage schemes. It's unavoidable in the current environment – as anything that looks like economic development/job creation will get a big tick. It'll most likely be bad for fresh water quality.
This is because I'm not trying to paint a roof in Auckland this year (unlike last winter when it pissed down). How much do think I could get paid to come back over and do another one?
Trust me the dew is too heavy for roof painting.
I tried it in April once and the corrugated dips just didn't set in time for overnight, and just ran away into the gutter in the morning.
Lesson learned here.
The trick is to use one of the new HVLP airless sprayers to put it on fast. Start at around 12:30pm once the roof is dry and be done by 2pm at the latest. If the temp is over 10 degC you can get away with it. Just.
NZ has plenty of water, we're just bad at managing it sustainably and future-proofing supply (also a sustainability issue).
For instance, putting in localised water storage for gardens, alongside teaching people how to garden with low and/or variable rainfall, would mitigate the problem of people now not being able to water their gardens.
There is no clear definition of a “weak positive” COVID-19 test result, apparently, or at least not one that has been communicated clearly to us, the public of NZ. Similar confusion about “elimination”, “eradication”, and other terms that are highly confusing to laypeople (e.g. containment, mitigation, suppression, etc.).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/121533536/coronavirus-what-it-means-to-get-a-weak-positive-covid19-test-result
On another topic entirely ( for one of our super gardeners here). I can't get dried chick peas in bulk that I cook and freeze. I'm assuming a supply disruption. Looking up the plant it seems to be something that grows on marginal soils and like other peas & beans fixes nitrogen etc. Does anyone know if it is grown commercially here? Likewise lentils? And if we need to go for import substitution how long will I need to wait before it grows?
Puy lentils were being grown in Canterbury
https://www.agronomysociety.org.nz/files/SP7_21._Lentil_production_in_Canterbury.pdf
Also chick peas
https://www.agronomysociety.org.nz/files/SP7_23._Chickpeas.pdf
Most chickpeas for sale in NZ will be imported. There are some growers, but it's small scale.
Don't know about lentils, but I assume the same.
It's why the whole go vegan to prevent climate change is a fail. Large parts of vegan diets have to be imported.
We can change this, there are lots of crops we could be growing here but aren't. This is why I keep banging on about relocalising food supply. It's better for the climate, and food security (and it generally tastes better).
Sun Valley lentils are NZ grown, don't know about their chickpeas. (Also NZ grown are their pearl barley & split peas – just looking at a pack of their soup mix that I need to use up.)
Thank you all. Lots of good info. So I can now ponder digging up my back yard or visiting Canterbury….
Sometimes I wonder if we should publish a list of the stuff we import and then try to work out if we can economically produce the same volume here?
recent discussions on line about how the wheat used to make bread for the North Island comes from Australia, rather than using the wheat in the South Island (something about the right kind of wheat for bread not being able to be grown in the NI). Freight costs apparently.
It was hard to buy organic oats at one point because all the farmers were selling to the Canadian market.
This shit is why I hate globalisation. It's fucking stupid. The reasons that these situations work is because no-one is accounting for ecological damage including climate change.
But yeah, it's a good idea to draw up a list of what we could be growing here. I'd put legumes high up the list.
The other part of the problem is that most food in NZ is grown for export, and if we look at the land being use for industrial dairy, it's going to be hard to convert that to other kinds of farming unless milk prices collapse because there is so much debt on the land and because the industry is basically a rort designed to keep extracting for maximum $.
Also hunting is great for local meat and keeping pests down – also the suffering is minimal compared to farmed animals
The deer are out there in nature doing their Rousseauian best and then one day a quick death puts meat on your table
Get a license, grab a rifle, head into the hills and get into it!
Simeon seems rather pleased with his nazi mention.
https://twitter.com/SimeonBrownMP/status/1260863071846723584
"PM’s staff can locked you in your home"
I've gotten old – make more mistakes than I used plus I'm often drunk. What the hell is her excuse for butchering the English language. Do journalists need to have a cognitive deficit to qualify for the job?
Nope. But clearly if you want to appear to be a meaningless dimwit incapable of understanding an issue, then it clearly helps to build the impression.
It's hawsers for corsets, Barfly
Most spam is misspelled.
Comments are funny, can't believe he's left the Tweet up. He gets support from people who call Adern our "tranny PM" (??), Covid Hoaxers & Pro Lifer conspiracists. Katie Hopkins, ffs. Oh yeah, apparently we're a communist country now.
I heard Trump wanting unity in appproaches. Given how he sees the world it was a sick joke. A life of "I don't need you, fuck off" suddenly changing to "I'm drowning please save me."
"It is perhaps laudable that many of the victors of capitalism’s spoils want to contribute to the common project of fighting the pandemic. But we should not forget that so many of the factors that have rendered the coronavirus particularly deadly in the United States — income inequality, the lack of a social safety net, the precarious standing of newly-essential gig workers, the obsession with freedom from government tyranny and the lack of a coherent civic identity — are direct products of the way we valorize self-making."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/billionaires-are-playing-savior-now-but-they-broke-the-economy-to-begin-with/2020/05/15/6014e04e-9544-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html
Thread.
https://twitter.com/willripleyCNN/status/1261131205841350656
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1261131205841350656.html
Well, while the rest of us were in lockdown and supposed to be writing the film script or learning French or whatever else we promised ourselves if we only had the time, a 6 year old figured out the bossanova:
http://metvuw.com/forecast/forecast.php?type=rain®ion=swp&noofdays=10
wait, what?
Kia Ora Newshub.
That's is going to make the election interesting.
That's is cool people still working from home Ka pai.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
Good to see more money being invested in our mokopuna teachers the better you treat the seedling the stronger they will grow.
It is cool that more whare are being built in Te Tairawhiti there has been a shortage of affordable whare there for a while now.
I think that our return service people should be given the royal treatment when they retired.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Newshub.
New Zealanders have to start taking Internet security serious.
I think the way the money has been distributed for our virus hit economy stimulis has been quite wise as the money will flow through the economy and back to our governments tax take.
Michelle do you want some tissue.
I think that labour will still need the Green party to rule.
Wow that's awesome more putea invested in Maori arts and crafts.
I think that's a logical way to help deal with the droughts. Change the laws so anyone can have tanks to catch wai that falls from Tawhirimate.
Extreme climate change in the past won't be as extreme as we have now being influenced by the billions of tons of carbon we have spewing into our atmosphere warming our planet.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Newshub.
The new public holiday could be environment day.
I say domestic tourist will keep our tourist attractions running till we get some international tourist back.
That shows burning fossil fuels is bad for our health as well as our environment.
Ka kite Ano.
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
I'm glad that crap is getting stamped out of our society
Good to see the tangata at Te puia smiling.
Correct if we don't obey the virus rules our Kaumatua could suffer.
Cool funding for broadband at Marae.
Ka kite Ano