Lol gws. I did think the hoe thing looked appropriate for some reason. Tilling the soil and all that. However, *goes it is*. I thought no1 son was toddling off to Harvard to a double in maths and economics? You know, so it would look good on his cv and all. Lord luv a duck. I’m sure he would knock it all off in a couple of weeks, supposing he has his father’s IQ of 131 I believe it is. Same as Helen Clark’s he has said. Oops!!………… ‘Scuse me. Just got knocked off my chair by a flying pig.
Ffloyd
You obviously have a very agile brain that feeds satire through your fingers, and also sparks it in others. For instance, you refer to tilling the soil, soil makes me think of sod. So appropriate don’t you think.
Of course he would ‘go’ to Harvard, where they run equality courses for ‘hos’. That’s where all NZs go to get their embedded economic and political propaganda. (Harvard can work with all classes and persuasions so they all get persuaded to The Right Way and Efficiency – think Shane Jones who went there and see how successful he has become.) Such a noble and august university and place of re-education. Better conditions than were provided to intellectuals in China and other places not as well-furnished as having walls papered with redundant banknotes.
A lot of emphasis is (rightly) placed on family members’ being off limits in terms of using them to get at politicians in the public arena – or, perhaps more accurately, publishing stories about those family members that may reflect poorly on themselves or their politician relatives, and that would not have been deemed newsworthy had they not been related to a public figure. To be fair, there have been exceptions in the past (smears on Peter Davis purely because he was the husband of Helen Clark spring to mind).
The recent spate of gossip and human-interest fluff about Max Key makes me rather uncomfortable, since it essentially means that, if he is involved (or is even rumoured to be involved) in anything embarrassing or stupid, but essentially private in nature, that must be fair game for all in the media – in fact, balanced reporting would demand that the media provide prominent coverage of it.
In case you are thinking of me Hanswurst. I feel the same about all politicians and their families and their wealthy fellow travellers or drivers for that matter. Going to Harvard is not a slip to be put down, it’s a hoist and if it’s on his own petard that is a side issue.
Harvard is the castle of the rich magicians – the others go to Hogworts where they have to learn the difference between good and evil. At Harvard only part of their alumni (female?) are exposed to such philosophical matter.
That’s all very well Hanswurst, and normally I would agree with you – politicians families should be kept out of the media.
But its his father who keeps pushing him into the media, right in our faces, and for nothing else but extra publicity for himself – keeping the Key name in front of the voters.
Its a dangerous game Key is playing …. his son is young and so many young people get into trouble along the way, why will his son be any different, and what will he do when that happens.
As I said, the media should be obliged to make an absolute smorgasbord of any embarrassment that comes Max Key’s way, and I shall have absolutely no sympathy for Mr. Key and only slightly more for his son if and when that does happen. What I would suggest is that the media should have largely ignored Max Key until such time as he did something inherently newsworthy, and if any publicity agents for the Keys came to them looking for media attention for Max Key, they should have been told to go f*** thenselves.
I’m with Jenny on this one. Both Keys have used their fame to put the younger one in the spotlight. Celebrity’s get celebrity exposure (which is separate issue in terms of appropriate media attention). Key junior has already ceded his right to ‘family political’ privacy.
“I thought no1 son was toddling off to Harvard to a double in maths and economics?” – no, he got a job advising/mentoring young high achievers helping them go to Harvard, the fact that he has no qualifications or higher education doesn’t mean he only got the job because he’s the PMs son, oh no no no. Has any other politician exposed their children to the public like Key? They mostly keep that stuff private don’t they?
Will there be a red carpet from the steps of the aircraft and does he inspect the troops on the tarmac before embarking on his first state visit? Most important of all , will the Chinese Premier be there to greet him and did we send a posse of fawning journos to record this historic event?
Please let us know what the tyke was wearing… we’re all ears.
Gawd – his dad will do anything for publicity ! Did you see him (the freaky Dad) posing as an outdoorsy type on the newshub night before last ….. it was creepy !
It clearly doesn’t worry Key that his son is near emblematic of ‘let them eat cake’. Nor that it’s his photo-op whoring on top of the publicity seeking of the surly, entitled wee boy that contribute to this.
In the US during Depression years Barbara Hutton’s private railcar would be stoned by angry starving poor as it motored through countryside rail stations.
“Every invocation of Lord Keynes is an admission of failure. To propose Keynesian solutions to the crises of the 21st century is to ignore three obvious problems. It is hard to mobilise people around old ideas; the flaws exposed in the 70s have not gone away; and, most importantly, they have nothing to say about our gravest predicament: the environmental crisis. Keynesianism works by stimulating consumer demand to promote economic growth. Consumer demand and economic growth are the motors of environmental destruction.
What the history of both Keynesianism and neoliberalism show is that it’s not enough to oppose a broken system. A coherent alternative has to be proposed. For Labour, the Democrats and the wider left, the central task should be to develop an economic Apollo programme, a conscious attempt to design a new system, tailored to the demands of the 21st century.”
The problem is not Keynesianism but all the ersatz copies of it. Government spending to support soft economies is sensible – but you can’t be stupid about it – if you have a car industry like Leyland it must remain state of the art or it will perish. Same goes for dairy or fishing – you need light-footed adaptive operators, not crude commodity mills.
The same can be said of neo-liberalism – there can be social savings from private sector involvement – but if they don’t turn up, as in the case of Max Bradford’s insane ‘reforms’, the government must reverse them or apply penalties until they do.
What we have in NZ now is fake government, it is unconcerned with whether its actions work at all. Large corporates like Serco simply rip off gormless governments like this. Key has reduced us to the economic version of Hobbes’ dystopia, the war of all against all – which is what you get when there is no government. They’ve abdicated.
there can be social savings from private sector involvement
No, actually, there can’t. The private sector is less efficient than the public sector and on top of that you’ve also got the dead-weight loss of profit.
but if they don’t turn up, as in the case of Max Bradford’s insane ‘reforms’, the government must reverse them or apply penalties until they do.
Far simpler to renationalise or, in some instances, actually nationalise. Many banking services such as EFT-POS would certainly suit being a state monopoly.
Korea runs neoliberalism successfully. Companies accepting government contracts will be restructured or dissolved if they fail to achieve objectives. In fact government departments need similar performance incentives from time to time – the worst example I knew being the Chatams shipping service back in the day – ultra costly and underperforming.
Current NZ neo-liberalism is simply fraud – Serco underperforms, the minister (Collins) doesn’t punish, either for a gratuity or some other benefit. If the bimbo did her job it could work – since she won’t it can’t.
The same laxity and corruption dooms state enterprises equally – Bill the numpty destroying solid energy.
You can have a black cat or a white cat, either will catch mice – unless it’s a fat cat, which is simply useless.
The freedom that neoliberalism offers, which sounds so beguiling when expressed in general terms, turns out to mean freedom for the pike, not for the minnows.
Some might feel that it is hopeless to fight the economic juggernaut, that once the market economy escaped the boundaries of morality it would be impossible to bring the economy back under the dictates of morality and the common good. I am told time and time again by the rich and powerful, and the mainstream media that represent them, that we should be “practical,” that we should accept the status quo; that a truly moral economy is beyond our reach. Yet Pope Francis himself is surely the world’s greatest demonstration against such a surrender to despair and cynicism. He has opened the eyes of the world once again to the claims of mercy, justice and the possibilities of a better world. He is inspiring the world to find a new global consensus for our common home.
And I like this bit – he certainly doesn’t pull any punches
Over a century ago, Pope Leo XIII highlighted economic issues and challenges in Rerum Novarum that continue to haunt us today, such as what he called “the enormous wealth of a few as opposed to the poverty of the many.”
And let us be clear. That situation is worse today. In the year 2016, the top one percent of the people on this planet own more wealth than the bottom 99 percent, while the wealthiest 60 people – 60 people – own more than the bottom half – 3 1/2 billion people. At a time when so few have so much, and so many have so little, we must reject the foundations of this contemporary economy as immoral and unsustainable.
I thought “economy” was all about limited resources and, if so, it must be linked to ethics to be optimal. Similarly, politics ought to contain a strong ethical component. However, the current yardsticks appear to be GDP and legality – pretty legal will suffice.
A society that has no or does not follow clear ethical principles is doomed; ethical conduct is paramount in democracies and economies. By extension, regard for the environment and the whole planet rely on strong ethical foundations.
I’d suggest that Max studies ethics & economics rather at Harvard but Hooton studying philosophy hasn’t done him much good either as far as I can tell – that’s as far I wish to take it, even on OM.
A society that has no or does not follow clear ethical principles is doomed; ethical conduct is paramount in democracies and economies.</blockquote.
QFT
And this is why our society is failing badly. Our entire system, being based upon greed and selfishness, has become psychopathic.
On a more serious subject –
“ The most recent issue to get the “more to Kiwi than iwi” treatment – from a disaffected group of extreme, right-wing, former politicians – is water rights. “
Good comments in story by Lizzie Marvelly in the Herald this morning – suggesting its about time rightwing Pakeha got over their gripes with Maori having a say in what needs to happen with our fresh waterways. Totally endorse these – up here in the north, its the tangata whenua complaining about the disgusting state of fresh waterways which might finally get some action from the authorities on them.
Yes Jenny. That full page ad in our paper annoyed me. I care about water but the ad seems to say don’t back concerns about clean water and the selling of it because I would be supporting Iwi. Instead I should be supporting the Government position that “No one owns the water.”
Bullshit!
Iwi/Kiwi was a Don Brash thing that should stay in the era of Brash. It won him a lot of National supporters who must have been wondering what to do after the 2002 election pounding, but Iwi/Kiwi was ultimately what cost them the election too – by turning off the very centrist people needed to get National into office.
Also in today’s Herald : this guy will do/say anything to get media attention.
Now he’s jumping on Helen’s bandwagon. Who can compete with that ! I bet we’ll hear about this non-stop when he talks to the UK PM et al, as well.
“Prime Minister John Key and Foreign Minister Murray McCully will start campaigning in force for former rival Helen Clark this week, travelling overseas to push her case for the United Nations Secretary-General role.”
This morning on Radionz – gold. Informative, incisive, humorous analyst of Middle East politics. Someone to follow and listen to if we want a clearer picture of what drives that side of the world.
He made a point about Hussein and about Libya that added insight to me. I was getting going with my morning cuppa but something stuck and that was that one of the leaders, I think Hussein, was in power for decades and aimed to stamp out every free thinker, every intellectual, every NGo, every social assistance group, and when he went there was nothing to replace him. The people had been oppressed so long that they had been forced into silence and suppression of ideas. And I think he said that is the space that tyrants can move into.
We are said to have been reasonably well treated by this right wing government. They have not been as harsh as they could have been! But they are moving to shut down dissent, socially and environmentally concerned groups. The Method is under way. http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201797316
This is the summary of the talk.
8:12 Iyad el-Baghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi is a writer, human rights activist, and entrepreneur who became prominent for tweeting and commenting on the Arab spring. A stateless Palestinian born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, from which he was expelled in 2014, he became well-known for The Arab Tyrant’s Manual, a collection of satirical tweets that has been translated into 13 languages, and is working on a two-volume book, The Arab Spring Manifesto, which is due to be completed this year.
This morning on Radionz – gold. Informative, incisive, humorous analyst of Middle East politics. Someone to follow and listen to if we want a clearer picture of what drives that side of the world.
He made a point about Hussein and about Libya that added insight to me. I was getting going with my morning cuppa but something stuck and that was that one of the leaders, I think Hussein, was in power for decades and aimed to stamp out every free thinker, every intellectual, every NGo, every social assistance group, and when he went there was nothing to replace him. The people had been oppressed so long that they had been forced into silence and suppression of ideas. And I think he said that is the space that tyrants can move into.
We are said to have been reasonably well treated by this right wing government. They have not been as harsh as they could have been! But they are moving to shut down dissent, socially and environmentally concerned groups. The Method is under way. http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201797316
This is the summary of the talk.
8:12 Iyad el-Baghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi is a writer, human rights activist, and entrepreneur who became prominent for tweeting and commenting on the Arab spring. A stateless Palestinian born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, from which he was expelled in 2014, he became well-known for The Arab Tyrant’s Manual, a collection of satirical tweets that has been translated into 13 languages, and is working on a two-volume book, The Arab Spring Manifesto, which is due to be completed this year.
Third time try to get comment up. What is going on with levers, bells and whistles in the background?
This is first part of longer comment. Maybe I can get it up in two pieces. Maybe there were too many links in first one.
This morning on Radionz – gold. Informative, incisive, humorous analyst of Middle East politics. Someone to follow and listen to if we want a clearer picture of what drives that side of the world.
He made a point about Hussein and about Libya that added insight to me. I was getting going with my morning cuppa but something stuck and that was that one of the leaders, I think Hussein, was in power for decades and aimed to stamp out every free thinker, every intellectual, every NGo, every social assistance group, and when he went there was nothing to replace him. The people had been oppressed so long that they had been forced into silence and suppression of ideas. And I think he said that is the space that tyrants can move into.
We are said to have been reasonably well treated by this right wing government. They have not been as harsh as they could have been! But they are moving to shut down dissent, socially and environmentally concerned groups. The Method is under way. http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201797316
This is the summary of the talk.
8:12 Iyad el-Baghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi is a writer, human rights activist, and entrepreneur who became prominent for tweeting and commenting on the Arab spring. A stateless Palestinian born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, from which he was expelled in 2014, he became well-known for The Arab Tyrant’s Manual, a collection of satirical tweets that has been translated into 13 languages, and is working on a two-volume book, The Arab Spring Manifesto, which is due to be completed this year.
“He made a point about Hussein and about Libya that added insight to me. I was getting going with my morning cuppa but something stuck and that was that one of the leaders, I think Hussein, was in power for decades and aimed to stamp out every free thinker, every intellectual, every NGo, every social assistance group, and when he went there was nothing to replace him. The people had been oppressed so long that they had been forced into silence and suppression of ideas. And I think he said that is the space that tyrants can move into.”
This is utterly fucking bullshit western imperialism interpretation.
Those countries became destroyed states because that is what the USA wanted, and what the USA implemented.
lprent
I am having trouble getting comments up. I have had a medium length comment not go up twice. Tried refreshing F5 and also Home, and restarted but no result.
I hope this short one will get through. There was a link to cloud in last attempt. There was something about earth in one before. I have to go and do some real work now so can’t wait around to pass on some good links on Radionz. Bye for the weekend.
lprent
Thanks. In last one I tried shortening by putting half only – to see if system was rejecting multiple links.
So there should be a top and bottom bit – the last comment put up was on Arab writer only, I think. The other two had that, plus short piece on Tibet with link to that on Radionz.
If you have time you could check and remove the one just up and replace it with earlier complete one. But don’t worry if you don’t have time there are no earthshaking revelations dredged from deep in my intellect on there!
Also nice heading. I have yet to read all about its formation but looks good, and no doubt is an indication of how the blog will go strongly into future, with small improvements that enhance its reputation. (End of PR announcement!)
It’s not fun. I’m over it, seriously. I feel poor,” confessed French teacher Cecile Bourgeois, 39, about her attempts to find a $500,000 home on her $74,000-a-year salary.
“It’s just the increase in the prices in Auckland … I can’t save enough if it keeps increasing.”
How is Auckland going to have enough teachers, nurses to supply the needs, let alone minimum wage workers.
At Prime Minister’s Questions today Jeremy Corbyn accused Conservative MEPs in the European Parliament of voting against measures to stop tax avoidance.
The vote in question was the European Parliament’s annual tax report which included plans to make companies report where they make their profits and pay taxes.
It took place on 25 March this year; across Europe it was backed by 444 MEPs to just 110 who voted against.
From Britain, Conservative, Ukip, and DUP MEPs voted against the report, though many did not show up or not vote.
David Cameron says the UK backed the plans at the Council level despite the way his MEPs voted on the tax report.
So February was 1.04°C above the 20th C average for the month of February and…March has come in at 1.07°C above the 20th C average for the month of March.
Wider context?
2014 was the hottest year on record (data from 1850 to present)… until 2015 came along. And now it looks as though this year will be even hotter again.
I think these are two different earthquakes rather than aftershocks (big ones in Souther Japan yesterday), but it is time to give up the idea that the big one always happens first? I don’t mean from a science perspective, I mean from the perspective of people living in a quake zone.
This is good, I hear someone in NZ had developped an app for here as well (people get a warning txt/noise that the quake is on its way), but it requires lots of people to sign up for it to work. Haven’t heard how that’s going,
It is through bitter experience that Japan has learnt the strategies to mitigate damage, injury and death. Not only does it implement some the best building construction practices but it has also established an early warning network.
This system relies on the lightning analysis of the developing quake, establishing its location and strength. Alerts are then broadcast that can give people more distant from the epicentre vital seconds’ notice.
Just 10 seconds is more than sufficient to drop and get under a sturdy table or open the doors of a fire station.
But from an American perspective, the report’s most salient features pertain to anti-Americanism among young Arabs abroad.
“For years, many have argued that Muslims and Arabs, like other humans, don’t appreciate being bombed or occupied,” says Haroon Moghul, a fellow at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. “Finally, we have a study to confirm this suspicion.”
So glad to see William and Kate swanning around Bhutan and doubtless mingling with royalty there. Wonder if Will and Kate are aware that several thousands of Southern Bhutanese have been imprisoned, and more than 2000 tortured, according to Amnesty International. Very few of them were formally charged. Thousands fled to India and Nepal and after many many years some made it to New Zealand…..Great opportunities for the fawning media but I doubt they can think past the photo ops. I wonder what the Bhutan refugees in NZ think about it… just saying…
“Colombia: there’s no place for clean water under ’free trade’”
The latest country to be hooked under ’free trade’ agreements is Colombia, writes Pete Dolack, sued for tens of billions of dollars by US and Canadian gold mining companies for valuing its national parks and the high-altitude Andean wetlands that provide 70% of the nation’s water above the profits of foreign corporations. Free trade or clean water? You can’t have both.
Yet another standoff between clean drinking water and mining profits has taken shape in Colombia.
Two corporations are insisting their right to pollute trumps human health and the environment. As is customary in these cases, it is clean water that is the underdog here.
Two million people are dependent on water from a high-altitude wetlands, which is also a refuge for endangered species, that a Canadian mining company, Eco Oro Minerals Corporation, wants to use for a gold mine.
The wetlands, the Santurbán páramo in the Andes, has been declared off-limits for mining by Colombia’s highest court due to the area’s environmental sensitivity. Eco Oro is suing the Colombian government because of this under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.
The dispute will likely be heard by a secret tribunal that is an arm of the World Bank, even though the World Bank has provided investment capital for Eco Oro to develop the mine.
Its ok TMM it won’t happen here. Tim and John have said so!
That is the whole crappy thing about these isds tribunals – there is no appeal.
John and Tim and the rest of the Nats and Act and the dunny and Goff are intent on signing away what little sovereignty we have left.
as Bernie said at the Vatican
“Over a century ago, Pope Leo XIII highlighted economic issues and challenges in Rerum Novarum that continue to haunt us today, such as what he called “the enormous wealth of a few as opposed to the poverty of the many.”
And let us be clear. That situation is worse today. In the year 2016, the top one percent of the people on this planet own more wealth than the bottom 99 percent, while the wealthiest 60 people – 60 people – own more than the bottom half – 3 1/2 billion people. At a time when so few have so much, and so many have so little, we must reject the foundations of this contemporary economy as immoral and unsustainable.”
But the Greaves’ application for that was turned down and Ms Greaves says she was only told recently that the reason was simply that WINZ lost some of her documents.
Yeah, all those paper documents that WINZ supplicants have to fill in are, apparently, just so easy to lose.
/sarc
I’ve just been informed that I’ve been over paid $8.58 on my Accommodation Supplement and so they’ll be taking that back. When I enquired as to why I was informed that they had made an error at their end. They also told me that they don’t claim back amounts for less than $10 when it’s their error.
They’re still going to be taking the money off of me.
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What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- 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. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
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 ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The 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. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
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 ...
Asia Pacific Report From France to Australia, university pro-Palestine protests in the United States have now spread to several countries with students pitching on-campus camps. And students at Columbia and other US universities remain defiant as campuses have witnessed the biggest protests since the anti-Vietnam war and anti-apartheid eras in ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)New Zealand Government’s Fast Track legislation. Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government ...
Tara Ward talks to presenter Naomi Toilalo about the new TV show that turns food waste into a three course feast. Naomi Toilalo is standing in the warehouse at Good Neighbour Tauranga, helping unpack the two-and-a-half tonnes of rejected food that will arrive at the community support hub that day. ...
Scout is our latest Dog of the Month. This feature was offered as a reward during our What’s Eating Aotearoa PledgeMe campaign. Thank you to Scout’s human, Avril, for her support. Dog name: Scout (named after the little girl in To Kill a Mockingbird – she inherited the independent spirit ...
Megan Alatini takes us through her life in TV, including ‘terrible’ daytime TV, the class of Carol Hirschfeld and her most embarrassing TrueBliss moment. When she responded to a vague newspaper ad asking “do you have what it takes to be a popstar?” 25 years ago, Megan Alatini never guessed ...
A new exhibition in Wellington showcases the faces behind your local goods and services. Back in 1977, when I was a fine arts student at the University of Canterbury, I took a series of photographs of Christchurch shopkeepers. The photos were for a calendar – a project for my end ...
Toomaj and his resistance to tyranny through his songs have become an icon for the youth of Iran, so his sentence has hit the nation hard. Toomaj Salehi is not the first artist to pay the price for standing with the people. ...
My cousin Dylan and I spotted these big eels under the bridge that summer. We watched them lounging under the dark weed, facing into the flow of water, their mouths frozen open. Dylan and I couldn’t stop thinking about those eels. The night we went down to the creek, we ...
Newsroom, home of satire. My long-running weekly satirical series The Secret Diary has moved to Newsroom and will appear every Saturday, with Victor Billot’s wildly popular satirical Odes continuing to appear every Sunday. Diaries, Odes – while serious political columnists toil at meaningful opinions and stroke their chins to an ...
Tara Ward unravels the many nuanced layers of a cartoon about talking dogs.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. It’s not often an episode of a children’s cartoon has adults sobbing into their sleeves, but that’s exactly what happened this week when ...
Working as a doctor in developing countries to help communities achieve better health outcomes is nothing short of a life goal for Jessica Tater. The University of Otago medical student has her sights firmly set on joining the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) when she qualifies ...
There’s an island in the far reaches of Auckland’s territory, sitting off the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, 30 minutes by air from the city or four hours on the slow boat. Aotea Great Barrier is off-grid, it has a population of fewer than a thousand people … and most ...
Asia Pacific Report An Australian author and advocate, Jim Aubrey, today led a national symbolic one minute’s silence to mark the “blood debt” owed to Papuan allies during the Second World War indigenous resistance against the invading Japanese forces. “A promise to most people is a promise,” Aubrey said in ...
Asia Pacific Report The Freedom Flotilla is ready to sail to Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. All the required paperwork has been submitted to the port authority, and the cargo has been loaded and prepared for the humanitarian trip to the besieged enclave. However, organisers received word of an “administrative ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
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Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
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The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
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Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
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BREAKING NEWS!! First son Max Key hoes to China. And the world cares WHY???
I like the vision of the PM’s son showing solidarity with Chinese peasants, hoe in hand in the fields. Go for it you NZ entrepreneur. Gung ho, hoe.
Lol gws. I did think the hoe thing looked appropriate for some reason. Tilling the soil and all that. However, *goes it is*. I thought no1 son was toddling off to Harvard to a double in maths and economics? You know, so it would look good on his cv and all. Lord luv a duck. I’m sure he would knock it all off in a couple of weeks, supposing he has his father’s IQ of 131 I believe it is. Same as Helen Clark’s he has said. Oops!!………… ‘Scuse me. Just got knocked off my chair by a flying pig.
Ffloyd
You obviously have a very agile brain that feeds satire through your fingers, and also sparks it in others. For instance, you refer to tilling the soil, soil makes me think of sod. So appropriate don’t you think.
Of course he would ‘go’ to Harvard, where they run equality courses for ‘hos’. That’s where all NZs go to get their embedded economic and political propaganda. (Harvard can work with all classes and persuasions so they all get persuaded to The Right Way and Efficiency – think Shane Jones who went there and see how successful he has become.) Such a noble and august university and place of re-education. Better conditions than were provided to intellectuals in China and other places not as well-furnished as having walls papered with redundant banknotes.
A lot of emphasis is (rightly) placed on family members’ being off limits in terms of using them to get at politicians in the public arena – or, perhaps more accurately, publishing stories about those family members that may reflect poorly on themselves or their politician relatives, and that would not have been deemed newsworthy had they not been related to a public figure. To be fair, there have been exceptions in the past (smears on Peter Davis purely because he was the husband of Helen Clark spring to mind).
The recent spate of gossip and human-interest fluff about Max Key makes me rather uncomfortable, since it essentially means that, if he is involved (or is even rumoured to be involved) in anything embarrassing or stupid, but essentially private in nature, that must be fair game for all in the media – in fact, balanced reporting would demand that the media provide prominent coverage of it.
In case you are thinking of me Hanswurst. I feel the same about all politicians and their families and their wealthy fellow travellers or drivers for that matter. Going to Harvard is not a slip to be put down, it’s a hoist and if it’s on his own petard that is a side issue.
Harvard is the castle of the rich magicians – the others go to Hogworts where they have to learn the difference between good and evil. At Harvard only part of their alumni (female?) are exposed to such philosophical matter.
That’s all very well Hanswurst, and normally I would agree with you – politicians families should be kept out of the media.
But its his father who keeps pushing him into the media, right in our faces, and for nothing else but extra publicity for himself – keeping the Key name in front of the voters.
Its a dangerous game Key is playing …. his son is young and so many young people get into trouble along the way, why will his son be any different, and what will he do when that happens.
As I said, the media should be obliged to make an absolute smorgasbord of any embarrassment that comes Max Key’s way, and I shall have absolutely no sympathy for Mr. Key and only slightly more for his son if and when that does happen. What I would suggest is that the media should have largely ignored Max Key until such time as he did something inherently newsworthy, and if any publicity agents for the Keys came to them looking for media attention for Max Key, they should have been told to go f*** thenselves.
I’m with Jenny on this one. Both Keys have used their fame to put the younger one in the spotlight. Celebrity’s get celebrity exposure (which is separate issue in terms of appropriate media attention). Key junior has already ceded his right to ‘family political’ privacy.
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11623391
“I thought no1 son was toddling off to Harvard to a double in maths and economics?” – no, he got a job advising/mentoring young high achievers helping them go to Harvard, the fact that he has no qualifications or higher education doesn’t mean he only got the job because he’s the PMs son, oh no no no. Has any other politician exposed their children to the public like Key? They mostly keep that stuff private don’t they?
GOES! China very excited.
Will there be a red carpet from the steps of the aircraft and does he inspect the troops on the tarmac before embarking on his first state visit? Most important of all , will the Chinese Premier be there to greet him and did we send a posse of fawning journos to record this historic event?
Please let us know what the tyke was wearing… we’re all ears.
Gawd – his dad will do anything for publicity ! Did you see him (the freaky Dad) posing as an outdoorsy type on the newshub night before last ….. it was creepy !
It clearly doesn’t worry Key that his son is near emblematic of ‘let them eat cake’. Nor that it’s his photo-op whoring on top of the publicity seeking of the surly, entitled wee boy that contribute to this.
In the US during Depression years Barbara Hutton’s private railcar would be stoned by angry starving poor as it motored through countryside rail stations.
Monbiot gets a lot into one well-crafted nutshell:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/15/neoliberalism-ideology-problem-george-monbiot
as usual Monbiot doesn’t pull any punches..
“Every invocation of Lord Keynes is an admission of failure. To propose Keynesian solutions to the crises of the 21st century is to ignore three obvious problems. It is hard to mobilise people around old ideas; the flaws exposed in the 70s have not gone away; and, most importantly, they have nothing to say about our gravest predicament: the environmental crisis. Keynesianism works by stimulating consumer demand to promote economic growth. Consumer demand and economic growth are the motors of environmental destruction.
What the history of both Keynesianism and neoliberalism show is that it’s not enough to oppose a broken system. A coherent alternative has to be proposed. For Labour, the Democrats and the wider left, the central task should be to develop an economic Apollo programme, a conscious attempt to design a new system, tailored to the demands of the 21st century.”
Sadly I fear we lost our chance in 2009….
The problem is not Keynesianism but all the ersatz copies of it. Government spending to support soft economies is sensible – but you can’t be stupid about it – if you have a car industry like Leyland it must remain state of the art or it will perish. Same goes for dairy or fishing – you need light-footed adaptive operators, not crude commodity mills.
The same can be said of neo-liberalism – there can be social savings from private sector involvement – but if they don’t turn up, as in the case of Max Bradford’s insane ‘reforms’, the government must reverse them or apply penalties until they do.
What we have in NZ now is fake government, it is unconcerned with whether its actions work at all. Large corporates like Serco simply rip off gormless governments like this. Key has reduced us to the economic version of Hobbes’ dystopia, the war of all against all – which is what you get when there is no government. They’ve abdicated.
both logical observations….however….
“Consumer demand and economic growth are the motors of environmental destruction.”
…we have a minor complicating factor
No, actually, there can’t. The private sector is less efficient than the public sector and on top of that you’ve also got the dead-weight loss of profit.
Far simpler to renationalise or, in some instances, actually nationalise. Many banking services such as EFT-POS would certainly suit being a state monopoly.
Korea runs neoliberalism successfully. Companies accepting government contracts will be restructured or dissolved if they fail to achieve objectives. In fact government departments need similar performance incentives from time to time – the worst example I knew being the Chatams shipping service back in the day – ultra costly and underperforming.
Current NZ neo-liberalism is simply fraud – Serco underperforms, the minister (Collins) doesn’t punish, either for a gratuity or some other benefit. If the bimbo did her job it could work – since she won’t it can’t.
The same laxity and corruption dooms state enterprises equally – Bill the numpty destroying solid energy.
You can have a black cat or a white cat, either will catch mice – unless it’s a fat cat, which is simply useless.
QFT
In the same vein, Bernie’s speech at the Vatican:
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/15/towards-common-good-mr-sanders-goes-vatican
Notice how it’s a proper speech; not broken up into staccato little sound-bites as has become the custom from our local pollies.
And I like this bit – he certainly doesn’t pull any punches
Now imagine that coming from almost any pollie in Australia or NZ. Or the tired cynical yawn that would greet it if they did.
I know. It makes me weep.
And at the same time that Bernie was delivering that speech, Hillary was chatting to the fat cats of Wall Street. But we won’t get to see what she said – because if we did that would be the end of her bid for the presidency.
I thought “economy” was all about limited resources and, if so, it must be linked to ethics to be optimal. Similarly, politics ought to contain a strong ethical component. However, the current yardsticks appear to be GDP and legality – pretty legal will suffice.
A society that has no or does not follow clear ethical principles is doomed; ethical conduct is paramount in democracies and economies. By extension, regard for the environment and the whole planet rely on strong ethical foundations.
I’d suggest that Max studies ethics & economics rather at Harvard but Hooton studying philosophy hasn’t done him much good either as far as I can tell – that’s as far I wish to take it, even on OM.
Secular intellectual lefties worked hard to kill the value of spiritual and religious pursuit, so you reap what you sow.
WTF has religion, the cause of a hell of a lot of wars, got to do with it?
On a more serious subject –
“ The most recent issue to get the “more to Kiwi than iwi” treatment – from a disaffected group of extreme, right-wing, former politicians – is water rights. “
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11623343
Good comments in story by Lizzie Marvelly in the Herald this morning – suggesting its about time rightwing Pakeha got over their gripes with Maori having a say in what needs to happen with our fresh waterways. Totally endorse these – up here in the north, its the tangata whenua complaining about the disgusting state of fresh waterways which might finally get some action from the authorities on them.
Yes Jenny. That full page ad in our paper annoyed me. I care about water but the ad seems to say don’t back concerns about clean water and the selling of it because I would be supporting Iwi. Instead I should be supporting the Government position that “No one owns the water.”
Bullshit!
Iwi/Kiwi was a Don Brash thing that should stay in the era of Brash. It won him a lot of National supporters who must have been wondering what to do after the 2002 election pounding, but Iwi/Kiwi was ultimately what cost them the election too – by turning off the very centrist people needed to get National into office.
+1 Jenny, good article
Also in today’s Herald : this guy will do/say anything to get media attention.
Now he’s jumping on Helen’s bandwagon. Who can compete with that ! I bet we’ll hear about this non-stop when he talks to the UK PM et al, as well.
“Prime Minister John Key and Foreign Minister Murray McCully will start campaigning in force for former rival Helen Clark this week, travelling overseas to push her case for the United Nations Secretary-General role.”
A bit worrying though. The punters might think anything Key says is a joke.
This morning on Radionz – gold. Informative, incisive, humorous analyst of Middle East politics. Someone to follow and listen to if we want a clearer picture of what drives that side of the world.
He made a point about Hussein and about Libya that added insight to me. I was getting going with my morning cuppa but something stuck and that was that one of the leaders, I think Hussein, was in power for decades and aimed to stamp out every free thinker, every intellectual, every NGo, every social assistance group, and when he went there was nothing to replace him. The people had been oppressed so long that they had been forced into silence and suppression of ideas. And I think he said that is the space that tyrants can move into.
We are said to have been reasonably well treated by this right wing government. They have not been as harsh as they could have been! But they are moving to shut down dissent, socially and environmentally concerned groups. The Method is under way.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201797316
This is the summary of the talk.
8:12 Iyad el-Baghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi is a writer, human rights activist, and entrepreneur who became prominent for tweeting and commenting on the Arab spring. A stateless Palestinian born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, from which he was expelled in 2014, he became well-known for The Arab Tyrant’s Manual, a collection of satirical tweets that has been translated into 13 languages, and is working on a two-volume book, The Arab Spring Manifesto, which is due to be completed this year.
Meantime, till audio is up here is something that looks and sounds good called Field work in Tibet. A number of great Lincoln scientists are over there doing something with grasslands research, and there is a great photo of the team there. Sounds a positive good project by NZs to slot into the brain over the other crap that tends to swamp us.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/201797231/fieldwork-in-tibet
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201797231
This morning on Radionz – gold. Informative, incisive, humorous analyst of Middle East politics. Someone to follow and listen to if we want a clearer picture of what drives that side of the world.
He made a point about Hussein and about Libya that added insight to me. I was getting going with my morning cuppa but something stuck and that was that one of the leaders, I think Hussein, was in power for decades and aimed to stamp out every free thinker, every intellectual, every NGo, every social assistance group, and when he went there was nothing to replace him. The people had been oppressed so long that they had been forced into silence and suppression of ideas. And I think he said that is the space that tyrants can move into.
We are said to have been reasonably well treated by this right wing government. They have not been as harsh as they could have been! But they are moving to shut down dissent, socially and environmentally concerned groups. The Method is under way.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201797316
This is the summary of the talk.
8:12 Iyad el-Baghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi is a writer, human rights activist, and entrepreneur who became prominent for tweeting and commenting on the Arab spring. A stateless Palestinian born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, from which he was expelled in 2014, he became well-known for The Arab Tyrant’s Manual, a collection of satirical tweets that has been translated into 13 languages, and is working on a two-volume book, The Arab Spring Manifesto, which is due to be completed this year.
Meantime, till audio is up here is something that looks and sounds good called Field work in Tibet. A number of great Lincoln scientists are over there doing something with grasslands research, and there is a great photo of the team there. Sounds a positive good project by NZs to slot into the brain over the other crap that tends to swamp us.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/201797231/fieldwork-in-tibet
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201797231
(This is the second time I have put this up. I don’t know what I did. If it turns up in a few minutes again, my apologies.)
Third time try to get comment up. What is going on with levers, bells and whistles in the background?
This is first part of longer comment. Maybe I can get it up in two pieces. Maybe there were too many links in first one.
This morning on Radionz – gold. Informative, incisive, humorous analyst of Middle East politics. Someone to follow and listen to if we want a clearer picture of what drives that side of the world.
He made a point about Hussein and about Libya that added insight to me. I was getting going with my morning cuppa but something stuck and that was that one of the leaders, I think Hussein, was in power for decades and aimed to stamp out every free thinker, every intellectual, every NGo, every social assistance group, and when he went there was nothing to replace him. The people had been oppressed so long that they had been forced into silence and suppression of ideas. And I think he said that is the space that tyrants can move into.
We are said to have been reasonably well treated by this right wing government. They have not been as harsh as they could have been! But they are moving to shut down dissent, socially and environmentally concerned groups. The Method is under way.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201797316
This is the summary of the talk.
8:12 Iyad el-Baghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi is a writer, human rights activist, and entrepreneur who became prominent for tweeting and commenting on the Arab spring. A stateless Palestinian born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, from which he was expelled in 2014, he became well-known for The Arab Tyrant’s Manual, a collection of satirical tweets that has been translated into 13 languages, and is working on a two-volume book, The Arab Spring Manifesto, which is due to be completed this year.
In 2011 Iyad el-Baghdadi called the Syrian shit fight.
Iyad El-Baghdadi
@iyad_elbaghdadi
A warning I direct to the world: If you don’t do something soon to help #Syria’s people, it will become a jihadist magnet. Big time.
2:01 PM – 20 Dec 2011
https://twitter.com/iyad_elbaghdadi/status/149248118859370496
https://twitter.com/iyad_elbaghdadi
http://www.el-baghdadi.com/
“He made a point about Hussein and about Libya that added insight to me. I was getting going with my morning cuppa but something stuck and that was that one of the leaders, I think Hussein, was in power for decades and aimed to stamp out every free thinker, every intellectual, every NGo, every social assistance group, and when he went there was nothing to replace him. The people had been oppressed so long that they had been forced into silence and suppression of ideas. And I think he said that is the space that tyrants can move into.”
This is utterly fucking bullshit western imperialism interpretation.
Those countries became destroyed states because that is what the USA wanted, and what the USA implemented.
lprent
I am having trouble getting comments up. I have had a medium length comment not go up twice. Tried refreshing F5 and also Home, and restarted but no result.
I hope this short one will get through. There was a link to cloud in last attempt. There was something about earth in one before. I have to go and do some real work now so can’t wait around to pass on some good links on Radionz. Bye for the weekend.
I saw that. Just released the last one. Do you want the other two? They looked identical at a cursory scan.
There was a new security system added in yesterday. But it is currently in ‘learning mode’. I will have a look at that
lprent
Thanks. In last one I tried shortening by putting half only – to see if system was rejecting multiple links.
So there should be a top and bottom bit – the last comment put up was on Arab writer only, I think. The other two had that, plus short piece on Tibet with link to that on Radionz.
If you have time you could check and remove the one just up and replace it with earlier complete one. But don’t worry if you don’t have time there are no earthshaking revelations dredged from deep in my intellect on there!
Also nice heading. I have yet to read all about its formation but looks good, and no doubt is an indication of how the blog will go strongly into future, with small improvements that enhance its reputation. (End of PR announcement!)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11623505
It’s not fun. I’m over it, seriously. I feel poor,” confessed French teacher Cecile Bourgeois, 39, about her attempts to find a $500,000 home on her $74,000-a-year salary.
“It’s just the increase in the prices in Auckland … I can’t save enough if it keeps increasing.”
How is Auckland going to have enough teachers, nurses to supply the needs, let alone minimum wage workers.
I guess we can go back to the state providing homes at a reasonable rent for it’s workers close to the work location.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5W45Va0cPE
Expect Nats to run the following lines for NZ GE2017?? Are Labour and Greens prepared for these lines?
“Our economy is transitioning. It is well synchronised with what is happening” to our main trading partners and around the world.
“You can trust the government to manage the transition”
“You cannot trust Labour and Greens with the transition”
Ahem … Crosby Textor?
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/comment/malcolm-turnbulls-election-pitch-stamped-made-in-china-20160415-go7jt3.html
Yeah, let’s do something,….nah…
/
At Prime Minister’s Questions today Jeremy Corbyn accused Conservative MEPs in the European Parliament of voting against measures to stop tax avoidance.
The vote in question was the European Parliament’s annual tax report which included plans to make companies report where they make their profits and pay taxes.
It took place on 25 March this year; across Europe it was backed by 444 MEPs to just 110 who voted against.
From Britain, Conservative, Ukip, and DUP MEPs voted against the report, though many did not show up or not vote.
David Cameron says the UK backed the plans at the Council level despite the way his MEPs voted on the tax report.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/these-are-the-british-meps-who-voted-against-plans-to-crack-down-on-corporate-tax-evasion-a6982271.html
Britain – party should have the acronym DUPE MPs.
oh joy
So February was 1.04°C above the 20th C average for the month of February and…March has come in at 1.07°C above the 20th C average for the month of March.
Wider context?
2014 was the hottest year on record (data from 1850 to present)… until 2015 came along. And now it looks as though this year will be even hotter again.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/15/march-temperature-smashes-100-year-global-record
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IOuDX7YsYHM
De Niro interview about Tribeca
I think these are two different earthquakes rather than aftershocks (big ones in Souther Japan yesterday), but it is time to give up the idea that the big one always happens first? I don’t mean from a science perspective, I mean from the perspective of people living in a quake zone.
This is good, I hear someone in NZ had developped an app for here as well (people get a warning txt/noise that the quake is on its way), but it requires lots of people to sign up for it to work. Haven’t heard how that’s going,
It is through bitter experience that Japan has learnt the strategies to mitigate damage, injury and death. Not only does it implement some the best building construction practices but it has also established an early warning network.
This system relies on the lightning analysis of the developing quake, establishing its location and strength. Alerts are then broadcast that can give people more distant from the epicentre vital seconds’ notice.
Just 10 seconds is more than sufficient to drop and get under a sturdy table or open the doors of a fire station.
edit, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36045140
Young Iraqis Overwhelmingly Consider U.S. Their Enemy, Poll Says
So glad to see William and Kate swanning around Bhutan and doubtless mingling with royalty there. Wonder if Will and Kate are aware that several thousands of Southern Bhutanese have been imprisoned, and more than 2000 tortured, according to Amnesty International. Very few of them were formally charged. Thousands fled to India and Nepal and after many many years some made it to New Zealand…..Great opportunities for the fawning media but I doubt they can think past the photo ops. I wonder what the Bhutan refugees in NZ think about it… just saying…
“Colombia: there’s no place for clean water under ’free trade’”
http://isds.bilaterals.org/?colombia-there-s-no-place-for
This is so wrong! Where does the accountability for these tribunals lie?
Its ok TMM it won’t happen here. Tim and John have said so!
That is the whole crappy thing about these isds tribunals – there is no appeal.
John and Tim and the rest of the Nats and Act and the dunny and Goff are intent on signing away what little sovereignty we have left.
as Bernie said at the Vatican
“Over a century ago, Pope Leo XIII highlighted economic issues and challenges in Rerum Novarum that continue to haunt us today, such as what he called “the enormous wealth of a few as opposed to the poverty of the many.”
And let us be clear. That situation is worse today. In the year 2016, the top one percent of the people on this planet own more wealth than the bottom 99 percent, while the wealthiest 60 people – 60 people – own more than the bottom half – 3 1/2 billion people. At a time when so few have so much, and so many have so little, we must reject the foundations of this contemporary economy as immoral and unsustainable.”
There isn’t any which is what the corporations wanted and got.
Mum fuming after disability allowance turned down
Yeah, all those paper documents that WINZ supplicants have to fill in are, apparently, just so easy to lose.
/sarc
I’ve just been informed that I’ve been over paid $8.58 on my Accommodation Supplement and so they’ll be taking that back. When I enquired as to why I was informed that they had made an error at their end. They also told me that they don’t claim back amounts for less than $10 when it’s their error.
They’re still going to be taking the money off of me.
And WINZ have the F**king audacity to classify over payments as fraud for statistical purposes – even when its their fault!
‘Thousands to descend on London to demand David Cameron’s resignation’
https://www.rt.com/uk/339755-cameron-resignation-protest-london/