Good news! Todd's found a job for Simon and Paula. He's sending them to Auckland airport for the next 6 months to make sure those charged with implementing the quarantine rules do the job properly.
It might seem a bit extreme but he'll see it as a good investment if it saves him from needing to be on RNZ of a morning doing his dork impression.
Yes, Todd Muller has been doing his round of media interviews this morning, and obviously he's critical of the failure that led to 2 Covid-19 cases yesterday. That's fair enough – his job is to hold gov't to account, and this was a major stuff-up. A free hit for Todd.
But amazingly he then pivots to National's "plan" to bring in thousands of international students immediately. They would be in "quarantine", he says.
He doesn't say where. But we know the answer – the same places that are used now. Hotels, motels, especially in Auckland. And we all know that young people away from home always follow the rules (every student hostel that says "No alcohol, no drugs" is like a monastery, eh?).
Armed guards on the doors? Kids walking up and down corridors for weeks when there's a city to explore outside? Or supervised walks on crowded streets, which have gone so well already? What's the genius quarantine plan, Todd?
Hundreds of students coming to party town. Some will be free of their parents for the first time in their lives. But they won't look out the window and even think about going outside. It's like National have never met a young person.
That's what Simon and Paula are for. The scheme will be the same except there'll be thousands of overseas students. S&P will make sure that no Ministry of Health person stuffs up.
I note that S&P is the initials for Standard & Poor the well-known effective financial stability and probity firm. And in an acronym-driven word a similar sounding one is S&M. That fits into the thoughts of National also. No doubt other terms will come to mind.
If my social media is any guide the biggest losers from the recent border breach is the media (they are being blamed for a constant drum beat of clickbait human tragedy stories designed to take Jacinda down a peg or two by painting her government monstrously inhuman and uncaring) and National and business (for consistantly demanding the borders open) in that order which only goes to show that when things are against you you can't win a trick. The MSM is hugely unpopular at the moment, although they live in one of those weird feedback loops where criticism is taken as evidence of success and stinging criticism is dismissed as beastley personal attacks from the wrong headed. For National, the social media feedback should be all the evidence they need that they just need to stop talking about the Covid response (and being associated with the evil virus) and talk about statues and slides or something.
I see the Hosking ZB Taliban is being primed to switch it's vote to ACT, both Hawkesby and Hosking have indulged in a remarkably coordinated (perish the thought that Kate is a bubble head doing the bidding of her husband!) endorsement of David Seymour, while Hawkesby is warming to the crusade against the Unite for Recovery campaign. Apparently people have "written to her" (how delightfully quaint, but perhaps keeping with ZB's superannuated audience of boomer Karens and Kevins) confessing to a feeling of anxiety at being told to buy local.
Mmm…personally I wouldn’t put much faith in your own social media reflecting your opinion back at you.
But certainly there are questions around the way the media and Opposition tried to cast the government as inhumane and uncaring when they rolled out the original limitations around funerals and other family gatherings.
Funnily enough, my (very active) social media reflects my hobbies and wider interests rather than my politics, which I largely keep to myself on social media platforms like Instagram, twitter, FB, WhatsApp or even Tik Tok. But I do accept that social media by it's nature is quite self-selecting.
Much of the MSM coverage has reflected the dynamics of the ailing private media sector – the bias towards simple, feeling based human interest story telling to drive clickbait and a rump of an over-aged chummy coterie of senior establishment journalists considerably to the right of the general public and biased in favour of business interests and their lobbyists.
Edit 'ZB's superannuated audience of boomer Karens and Kevins) confessing to a feeling of anxiety at being told to buy local. '
The explanation of the anxiety is that it involves change, and thinking from a community and national support angle and being asked to give thought to that rather than just have the hand out. Their feelings will be that the oldies have gone through so much and want to cling to their customary shibboleths.
After having Hosking/Hawkesby and their ilk jumping up and down about Jacinda/Ashley forgetting about kindness, and ruining the economy, by taking time to go to level 1, will they admit they have egg on their faces? Admittedly these two cases seem to have arisen from a lapse in procedure, but Bridges/Muller/Peters/universities have been piling on the pressure to open up and the media has made much of the hard luck tales of bereft family members. Unfortunate this has happened, but perhaps a timely reminder of the risks of opening up.
Based on the usual media memory cycle, we'll need a top-up of new virus cases every couple of weeks, in order to keep the virus out. The paradox of stupidity.
Yeah I think that the chances of the media casting a critical eye over their own behaviour on the matter of funeral attendances since we went into lockdown are about zero.
Reality check: without the nasty MSM the breach of quarantine by the two teenagers who went AWOL, the two women who tested positive due to incompetence, and have potentially spread c19 far and wide, the ludicrous and extremely dangerous management of the entire isolation/quarantine at Novotel would never even have seen the light of day.
The incompetence of how the borders were managed (or totally neglected prior to lockdown) starting way back in February, also were only highlighted by the same MSM.
Blaming the MSM for the obvious incompetence of the Health Minister and others is just ridiculous. If the procedures were followed, this problem would not have occurred. Nothing to do with the media.
The "media" also aren't one thing, John Campbell to Mike Hosking and many many views in between, from the sensible to the wacky and irresponsible (depending on ones own point of view). Though I expect an end to the "I can't go to a funeral" stories.
He thinks NZ is to blame for no trans-Tasman bubble, and in the same breath says that Australia still has the virus. So we should totally quarantine and not quarantine, or something.
Blaming the MSM for the obvious incompetence of the Health Minister and others is just ridiculous.
That is as big a cop-out as blaming the MSM for the breach.
The protocol was made abundantly clear time and again by the PM, the Health Minister and the DG of Health. Not only that, they all three have been stressing the need for continued vigilance since we moved to Level 1.
If every time a public servant or whoever mucked up big time – and it happens from time to time – their top man/woman had to resign we would never have a prime minister or any ministers – let alone a Public Service. Anarchy would prevail.
Put the blame fairly and squarely on the shoulders where it lies – the person or persons who did not follow correct process at the border and/or the person/persons who allowed the women to travel to Wellington even though they had not been tested.
Anne, yes I take your point, but right from the beginning in February and March, there seems to have been a continual disconnect between what was supposed to be happening at our borders (eg, temperature checks and serious attempt at screening) and what was actually happening. Same with the dangerous fiasco of a lack of an effective system at Novotel from the beginning.
When a disconnect like that persists for so long, something beyond individual people failing to follow set procedures seems to be present. At some point the Minister should have become aware of the systemic failures and shown a bit of leadership. I certainly hope he does how with, as he said this morning, enforcing accountability.
this did impose considerable extra work in managing "compassionate grounds" at a time when the public health was very busy with more important matters. good on the minister for calling time on this but i guess that also now can be challenged in court,
one good outcome (assuming we dont end up back in level4) is that people might just have been getting a bit complacent. a good wake up
Xanthe. Pardon my ignorance but the decision on the judgement that you so kindly published above has me uncertain to what the outcome was. Was/is the judgement for or against the Health Act?
That judgement was to overturn the refusal to allow the applicant to leave quarantine early so he could visit his dying father. I.e. the same situation as these 2 sisters who were granted permission after this decision.
What this means is that at first the MoH was being harsh and saying no visits, then the courts said that they shouldn't be harsh, then we got 2 covid cases.
I read the judgement as saying that the MOH failed to consider the request under either the compassionate or exceptional grounds (despite being led to water to those grounds by the applicant), relied on other policy criteria only e.,g. written rules, that meant they failed to exercise discretion but were formulaic in their decision making (courts have previously ruled on public servants following formulas where discretion is allowed e.g. the corrections and housing cases referred to, and that given these delays and the imminent death of the father the court should make a ruling now rather than direct MOH to properly exercise discretion by considering the case under compassionate or exceptional.
Pretty straightforward really – surprised it got so far.
The circling vultures have landed on the carcass of Bauer Media.
Mercury Capital (the name says it all) is to buy Bauer Australia and New Zealand. I understand private equity firms specialise in taking troubled companies, stripping them of any remaining value and dumping the leftovers in a ditch. Happy to be proven wrong here if it helps NZ stories be told, but I'm not optimistic.
Remember Bauer bought these assets from ACP Media for $800 million just 8 years ago.
Maybe they will asset strip, or maybe relaunch the titles in digital form only. Let's face it, like it or not, print is dead or soon will be.
What's your thoughts on the future of the titles if Mercury does try and resurrect them?
I certainly miss North and South. Some great investigative journalism there over the years (eg, Swedish backpacker case, National Womens scandel and so on).
Bauer appeared to have a go at a couple of digital platforms where they recreated stories from the print edition. It was basically an article online though, not a web experience.
The investigative side has been pressured heavily by fairfax and stuff who do semi-interactive digital long form journalism full of great visuals and graphic transitions. A designed web experience as opposed to what Bauer was up to.
There is money available from the restructured NZ on air for web based media and video documentaries which is what has prompted fairfax and stuff to move into that area.
Bauer is a family owned 150 year old publishing business out of Hamburg. That doesn't scream agility in the modern era to me.
The other problem with running print alongside digital is you are competing with yourself.
Maybe they'll keep one Listener/North&South type title and mount a digital challenge to the other players.
If it is good for a photo opportunity, then to our speaker front up when the crap hits the fan.
And for balance the Covid 19 was always going to happen and will continue that is something we will have to learn to live with on this planet for many years to come – Hopefully we will be better with incursions of the disease.
No wonder our PM and Min of Finance are under so much pressure – A team of 2 to carry the country. I would guess that there are 3 Labour list candidates that had a job in Wellington , but no more.
$180k on consultants – that is 8 months full time for a survey or junior consultant engineer, or 6 months form a senior engineer for this.
Google's algorithms are still too simplistic and literal and would only show instances of the exact word. It's not yet sophisticated enough to find illustrative examples in action.
Saw that one. There's definitely neurological decline. Probably frontotemporal dementia. Syphilis can have these sort of neurological effects in later life as well.
Half a dozen pieces I have read put his posture down to a combo of “shoe lifts” (2.5-3.5 inches!) and ailments, particularly the lifts-ever tried walking down hill in high heels?
A body language site showed comparisons of Trump next to various people of certified height over time, such as Tiger Woods, Barrack Obama and Justin Trudeau, there seemed to be some variation. Apparently the forward lean is off putting on several accounts, people are concerned he may fall, and he invades personal space. One sick Pressie in my view.
And to be clear, this is not hell rain. Just a little thunder rumbling in the distance. Thunder and lightening will hit tomorrow. https://t.co/7elqFy8pDr
Woodhouse told by the Minister if he had information such as he asked the Minister about, he should have informed the authorities then, and not brought it in at first recounting at Question Time.
What is more important? Covid-19 tracing or attempting to point score in the House?
Perhaps the helpers could say colour of car and identifying characteristics of the two women, in order to increase the credibility of the helpers. Luckily Woodhouse would not be part of a Dirty Tricks effort – would he?
This could backfire on the Nats I suppose?
dv hope you are having a good laugh, you got the 2nd word correct "up". With our Minister of Health said on ZB "that we know all the contacts of these people", yet we did not know of this it appears.
Team of 2 must shudder.
A member of an Auckland gym is believed to be the person who "kissed and hugged" the two women who tested positive for Covid-19 on their way down to Wellington.
Todd Muller gave a remarkably passionate speech -without apparent text, during the general Debate today. Nothing but criticism of the Government of course.
A different performance from all previous outing. Look out!
Todd Conehead has been a non event so far, maybe he has had the electrodes on and a spot of media training. Call me cynical, but his pre election performance really will not matter to the tory faithful who will tick “Party Vote National” as they are hardwired to do.
Tiger Mountain, in previous elections when National did poorly, some of those hard-wired National voters stayed away from the polls, some voted NZF, some to small fringe parties.
Those tory faithful have options- New Conservative, NZF, ACT, and others or to stay away.
Sorry about that… after intensely 🕵️♀️ listening and 👓 watching mullers five minute rehearsed speech, I'm not sure if we share the same view on said topic.
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Most mornings, when we’re at home, my wife and I will have coffee on our deck. I am the barista of the household and I make the coffee, the way we like it, on our espresso machine. This winter we have sat with our coffee, day after day, in glorious ...
It was another busy week out on the campaign trail, with Labour focused on jobs, training, and supporting Kiwi workers. As we continue to roll out our five-point plan for recovery, we’re investing in our people, businesses, communities and vital services, so we can keep our economy moving as we ...
Our regions are a vital part of our economic recovery plan. They’re home to innovative and creative businesses, and the backbone of our export economy - which is why Labour will continue to support our regions to grow as together, we rebuild better. ...
National’s ‘alternative budget’ that includes huge cuts to the government’s operating allowance would risk gutting critical public services, and put health, education and nature at dire risk. ...
Data released this week shows that, while New Zealand is not immune to the economic impacts of the global pandemic, our strong health response has meant we’ve been able to get our economy going faster than many other countries. ...
This year’s election is on 17 October - and it’s coming up fast! With one month to go until Election Day, we’ve come up with 17 ways you, your friends and family can get involved in our campaign and help Labour keep New Zealand moving. ...
PREFU has given a good insight into what was required to ensure New Zealanders were largely supported to continue work and remain healthy during COVID-19, but it is clear we need additional revenue raising measures ongoing, Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said today. ...
The Green Party is disappointed with the Labour Party’s decision to reverse their three free years education policy and back down on their commitment to postgraduate student allowances. ...
In the first two years of our term in Government, we gave teachers record pay rises as a way of recognising the lack of adequate adjustments over the previous decade and the significant role they play in the lives of children and young people. We also increased the number of ...
Labour has a proud history of supporting working New Zealanders, whether through the implementation of the 40hr work week or the introduction of the Working for Families package. ...
The Green Party welcome Labour’s commitment to extend the living wage to Government contractors, but will push for Fair Pay Agreements across industries in the next Government so more New Zealanders can earn a dignified income. ...
The Green Party is urging the Government to act on its commitment to te reo Māori, by making it a core subject up to year 10, and including te reo courses in the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships scheme. ...
We're officially back to the campaign for the 2020 General Election. The campaign may look a little different this year, but our candidates are still getting out and about in their communities and spreading the word about how another term of Labour will keep New Zealand moving in the right ...
You might have heard a bit of discussion about Government debt lately, as experts weigh in on the COVID-19 economic recovery. If you’re wondering why it’s such a contested topic, or even if you’re unsure of what Government debt actually is, then read on - we’ve got you covered! ...
The Green Party has released its Farming for the Future Plan, including a $297m fund to support farmers and growers to transition to climate-friendly practices. ...
We believe every New Zealander deserves the chance to make an informed decision on Election Day. We’ve answered some of the most common questions on our 2020 tax policy, including how much money will be raised from our new top tax rate, and how this will be used to control ...
The Green Party says Labour’s energy policy is a step in the right direction, but the Greens would go further and faster to meaningfully tackle the climate crisis. ...
All this tax talk leaving you a bit dazed and confused? Read below to find out more about our progressive tax system and what Labour's policy means for you. ...
We’re committed to managing the Government’s books responsibly and keeping debt under control while supporting our people and our economy through the 1-in-100 year shock caused by COVID-19. ...
The Labour Party has moved towards more progressive income tax, but is not addressing the growing wealth gap and inequality in Aotearoa. Labour’s new revenue policy also doesn’t help pay for the necessary response to the COVID-19 crisis, Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said today. ...
As New Zealanders we are proud of who we are, what we stand for, and the way we weave together different worlds and cultures to create our unique national identity. ...
It is appalling and negligent that landlords are being encouraged to keep their properties cold and damp until after the election, as advised by the NZ Property Investors Federation, Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said today. ...
The Government will provide up to $1.69 million through the One Billion Trees programme to Māori landowners to make their whenua more productive through the planting of forests, both native and exotic, and improve economic and environmental outcomes, Forestry Minister Shane Jones has announced. “Around 1.5 million ha of land ...
People planning to head outdoors now have a resource that lets them know how accessible an area is for people with varying levels of mobility, Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced today. The Halberg Foundation, Sensibel, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have launched Accessibel, a new tool which helps ...
One of the most significant battle sites of the 1860s Land Wars will receive $2.96 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to improve the site and help tell the New Zealand story to visitors, Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones have announced. Nanaia Mahuta ...
The journey towards recognising Māori as an official language and taonga has been captured as a web series and launched today during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, announced Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni. “Te reo Māori is a living language, and understanding its significance, and pathways to ...
Today’s better-than-forecast GDP figures show the expected impact of the decision to act quickly to protect New Zealanders from the global COVID-19 pandemic. GDP fell 12.2% in the June quarter from March, reflecting decisions to close New Zealand’s borders and enter Alert Level 4. “This result was better than the ...
The Government is investing $39.7 Million over four years to support the educational needs of Pacific learners and families in the regions hardest hit by COVID-19, with Auckland getting an immediate boost, Associate Minister of Education Jenny Salesa says. “Like all New Zealanders Pacific families want learners to do well ...
New Zealand’s goal of 100,000 kiwi by 2030 is being helped by an extra $19.7 million in funding to accelerate iwi and community efforts to protect kiwi, Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced. “$19.7 million of Jobs for Nature funding is being invested in kiwi conservation activities including increased predator ...
Ensuring New Zealanders can get the best deal on their electricity takes a step in the right direction today with the South Island launch of the EnergyMate pilot run by the Electricity Retailers’ Association, says Minister of Energy and Resources, Dr Megan Woods. EnergyMate is an industry-led programme providing coaching ...
Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter announced today that the Government has reached its target of 50 percent on women on state sector board and committees – setting a new record level of women on state sector boards. “This Government is committed to having more women in leadership roles - ...
Transport Minister Phil Twyford released today the final Government Policy Statement on land transport (GPS) 2021 which outlines the planned $48 billion investment in services and infrastructure over the next decade. “The final GPS supports our Government’s five-point plan for economic recovery by confirming our record investments in transport infrastructure ...
Three ambitious and cutting-edge research programmes that will lift New Zealand’s advanced energy technology research capability over seven years, have been supported by Government today, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. The projects will each receive a share of $40.7 million investment from the Strategic Science Investment Fund. ...
The critical area for forensic examination known as Pit Bottom in Stone has been reached in what is a major milestone for the Pike River re-entry project, Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry Andrew Little announced. “The infrastructure located in Pit Bottom in Stone is of very significant interest in ...
The Government is working on how New Zealand’s retirement income policies and settings can best support Kiwis in light of the COVID-19 economic recovery, with the help of the Retirement Commissioner’s latest review, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi said. “The Retirement Commissioner’s three-yearly review into New Zealand’s retirement ...
A new digital hub and development centre in Murupara will be instrumental in growing the region’s productivity, said Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau at the official opening of two community initiatives today. “I’m pleased to be here celebrating a significant milestone for two projects set to make a ...
PREFU shows economy doing better than forecast Unemployment to peak at 7.8%, down from 9.8% forecast in the Budget Year-to-June accounts show tax revenue, debt and OBEGAL better than forecast Global forecast downgraded as COVID-19 second waves and uncertainty grows Balanced plan to support critical public services, manage debt and ...
The Kāpiti Coast town of Ōtaki will receive $1.4 million in Government funding for two projects providing scores of jobs for locals while improving community facilities, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced. The Māoriland Charitable Trust will receive a $900,000 Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) grant to upgrade the ...
The Provincial Growth Fund will provide $11.88 million to fund fencing and waterway projects nationwide that will improve the environment and create jobs in their communities, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced. “These projects will create more than 100 jobs nationwide with work starting within the next couple ...
As part of the COVID-19 recovery, the Government has strengthened its procurement rules to ensure its annual $42 billion spend creates more jobs, uses more sustainable construction practices and results in better outcomes for Māori and Pasifika, Government Ministers announced today. Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford says the $42 ...
The Government is supporting a major upgrade of Timaru’s iconic Theatre Royal and the construction of a new connected Heritage Facility museum and exhibition space with $11.6 million from the Government’s Infrastructure Fund, Jacinda Ardern announced today. “We heard the call from the community and the council. The Theatre Royal ...
Chrissy Montague (formerly Armstrong), barrister of Auckland has been appointed as a District Court Judge with Family Court jurisdiction to be based in Wellington, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. Ms Montague commenced practice in Auckland in 1987 and went into general practice dealing with Wills, Estates, Trusts, Conveyancing, Relationship Property ...
A Proposal to provide for the development and operation of commercial film and video production facilities in areas of Christchurch has been given the go ahead. Hon Poto Williams, Associate Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, has approved the Proposal, which was prepared and submitted by Regenerate Christchurch. Minister Williams ...
As part of the Government’s focus on building closer partnerships with Māori and enhancing the quality of, and access to, Māori medium education, a payment of $8 million will be made to Te Wānanga o Raukawa in partial recognition of its Waitangi Tribunal claim (WAI 2698), Associate Education Minister Kelvin ...
The Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage has announced a $19 million investment over four years in an important forest restoration project involving a partnership between the Department of Conservation, iwi/hapū, the Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regional Councils, community conservation groups and organisations such as Forest and Bird across the ...
New Zealand will be the first country in the world to require the financial sector to report on climate risks, the Minister for Climate Change James Shaw announced today. The changes build on the huge progress this Government has made to tackle the climate crisis. “Today is another step on ...
Economic activity across the Auckland region and the country bounced back to levels experienced under Alert Level 1 following Auckland’s move out of Alert Level 3, analysis in the Treasury’s latest Weekly Economic Update shows. The analysis of economic data since Auckland’s move out of Level 3 shows: Auckland card ...
Takiri mai te ata, ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea, tihei mauriora! Tātou katoa ngā iwi o Aotearoa, tēnā koutou! Tēnā tātou e whakanuia ana i te wiki nei, te wiki o te reo Māori Greeting to you all from Otepoti, Dunedin. This week is the Māori Language week and ...
More mental health and addiction services are available for young New Zealanders in Rotorua and Taupō, Wairarapa, South Canterbury, Dunedin and Southland from next month, Health Minister Chris Hipkins and Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter say. “The Government is serious about making sure New Zealanders struggling with mental health ...
The Manuherekia catchment in Central Otago is the third exemplar catchment to be targeted as part of the Government’s plan to clean up waterways by supporting community-led programmes. Environment Minister David Parker said the Manuherekia catchment is vitally important to the people of Central Otago. “The Manuherekia rises in the ...
The Government has agreed on a preferred design for the new Dunedin Hospital featuring two separate buildings, and has provided funding for the next stages of work. Minister of Health Chris Hipkins says Cabinet has approved in principle the detailed business case for the new hospital, giving people in ...
New Zealanders across the country are set to mark history as part of the Māori Language Week commemorations led by Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori this year. Māori Development Minister, Nanaia Mahuta says the initiative will mark history for all the right reasons including making te reo Māori ...
More than 1000 teachers, support staff and school leaders have graduated from a programme designed to grow their capability to use te reo Māori in their teaching practice, as part of the Government’s plan to integrate te reo Māori into education, Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis announced today. Being trialled ...
The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio, says the Toloa Tertiary Scholarships which aims to encourage more Pacific student numbers participating and pursuing STEM-related studies in 2021, are now open. “These tertiary scholarships are administrated by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP), and are part of MPP’s overall Toloa ...
Four Bay of Plenty timber businesses will receive investments totalling nearly $22 million through the Provincial Growth Fund to boost the local economy and create jobs, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced. Rotorua-based sawmill Red Stag Wood Solutions will receive a $15 million loan to develop an engineered ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced that New Zealand is exploring the viability of working with partners to conduct a search for the black box on the Gulf Livestock 1. “We know how much it would mean to the families of those on the ship to understand more about ...
Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones has today announced the Government is supporting the creation of new marine infrastructure in northern Te Tairāwhiti on the North Island’s East Coast. The Government has approved in principle an allocation of up to $45 million to support the construction of a marine transport facility at ...
E Epineha. Ka tangi te iwi, ki a koe e ngaro nei i te kitenga kanohi. Kua mokemoke to whānau, to iwi, te motu whanui. Haere ki o matua, tipuna. Haere ki te okiokinga tuturu mo te tangata. Haere i runga i te aroha o ngā reanga kei muri i ...
Catch limits will be increased for 26 fisheries and reduced for three fisheries as part of a regular round of reviews designed to ensure ongoing sustainability of fisheries resources. Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash has announced decisions following a review of catch limits and management controls for 29 fish stocks. The ...
The Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson says while it is disappointing the Rugby Championship will not be held in New Zealand, the country will host two Bledisloe Cup games in October and has the capacity in managed isolation facilities to host other international sporting events. “We offered flexible quarantine ...
Up to 350 more people in regional New Zealand will gain a pathway to trades training through a $14 million government investment in apprenticeships, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced today. The apprenticeships are part of the $40 million Regional Apprenticeship Initiative (RAI) announced in June. The funding comes ...
A Government brokered solution to the parking woes at Christchurch Hospital will deliver more than 1000 new car parks near the Hospital for staff and visitors while also ensuring the completion of the Metro Sports Facility, say Minister for Christchurch Regeneration, Dr Megan Woods. The new parking package is made ...
“Labour’s ‘Let’s Get Wellington Moving’ project has so far been a failure. Nothing has been delivered, the funding for the programme is still unclear, and Wellington is drifting while congestion continues to choke the region,” National Spokesperson ...
Winston Peters must have been confused this morning when he made the bizarre claim that tax cuts are a ‘bribe’ and, ironically, criticised another party for promising to scrap his provincial vote fund in the next breath. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman ...
Eamonn Marra has been trying to get help for his mental health problems for two years. It shouldn’t take hitting absolute rock bottom for him to receive it.Content warning: This story contains discussion of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. Every time mental health is back in the news it comes ...
By RNZ News New Zealand today reported one new community case of covid-19 – the first in five days. There was no media conference today. In a statement, the Health Ministry said the source of the community case was still being investigated. Auckland Regional Public Health Service has identified all ...
Analysis by Dr Paul G Buchanan – 36th Parallel Assessments. News that Zhenhua Data, an arm of China Zhenhua Electronics Group, a subsidiary of the military-connected China Electronic Information Industry Group (CETC), maintains a list of 800 New Zealanders on a “Overseas Key Information Database” that contains personal information on ...
The Green Party’s plan to support community gardens and composting would help promote a stronger understanding of sustainable ecosystems and food production in places like Nelson. “One of our priorities in the next Government is to support ...
Greenpeace is calling the National Party’s newly announced energy policy blatant climate denial and an affront to all the people and communities already suffering the impacts of climate change. It has been reported that the National Party will ...
The Public Service Association says industrial relations policies announced by Labour today will, if implemented by a Labour-led government, make New Zealand a fairer and better place to live. "Under the Labour-led government of the past three ...
NZEI Te Riu Roa is welcoming Labour's announcement today that it would double minimum sick leave entitlements to 10 days per year if returned to Government. President Liam Rutherford says inadequate sick leave is an issue across the education sector, ...
NZEI Te Riu Roa says Kōhanga Reo kaiako can’t afford to be left out in the cold when pay and funding gaps in ECE are addressed. This week Labour joined the Green Party in including pay parity for early childhood teachers in their election pledges. ...
17 registered political parties and 677 candidates will be contesting the 2020 General Election Nominations have now closed and the Electoral Commission has released the electorate and party list candidates for 2020 online at vote.nz . Advance voting ...
Recently I was invited by a friend to watch a three hour YouTube discussion between Joe Rogan of the Joe Rogan Experience and Johann Hari on the topic of drug law reform. I thought it would be very relevant on our referendum issue coming up. After watching ...
The charity running the Māngere Markets makes close to half a million a year from a business centred on a publicly owned carpark, but distributes less than a third of its income in grants. That’s left some locals wondering whether the trust could be doing more to support the community, ...
A new poll shows Green MP Chloe Swarbrick is coming third in the contest for the Auckland Central seat, which could be crucial in ensuring her party stays in Parliament. ...
The Government has made another pitch for the Maori vote (presumably with borrowed money) by dipping into the One Billion Trees trough. It has proclaimed it is backing Maori landowners with this contribution to their wellbeing (and the environment’s) and it is fair to suppose it would appreciate the landowners ...
Apple has finally announced its long-anticipated content bundle Apple One. So what do you get, and for how much?What is Apple One? Apple One is a new content “bundle” that gives you access to the company’s music, TV, games and storage offerings via a single subscription. It was announced this week ...
It’s one of the most high-profile, and marginal, electorates in the country, and is jam-packed with hospitality and retail businesses. So which Auckland Central haunts do the three front-runners like to frequent?This story was originally published by EnsembleWhat do your favourite things say about you? Where you buy your regular ...
Published on the behalf of the Labour Party Union Affiliates The Labour Party Union Affiliates are celebrating today’s release of the party’s 2020 workplace relations policy, which reflects the hard work of the wider labour movement. Highlights of ...
The Labour Party’s Workplace Relations and Safety policy release today will see workers across the country being much better off. Policies announced include doubling minimum sick leave entitlements, continued minimum wage increases, implementing Fair ...
The Council of Trade Unions is applauding today's launch of the Labour Party’s industrial relations 2020 election policy by spokesperson Andrew Little. "Working people in unions have been campaigning for better treatment at work. Labour’s industrial ...
By Zedaiah Kanau in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinean businessman who caused the death of his girlfriend by punching her, forcing her to jump out of the car he was driving, has been jailed for 15 years. Richard Namaliu, 28, of Vunapope village in Kokopo, East New Britain was ...
By France 24 Since coming to power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched an unprecedented crusade against press freedom. Facing censorship, threats from police and sometimes jail, the last few independent reporters – those who do not work for state media serving Communist Party propaganda – are no ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC Principal Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Production of the reality TV show The Masked Singer was shut down last month after several crew members were infected with COVID-19. It’s one of ...
In the latest in our series chronicling the ins and outs of dating in 2020, Alie Benge explains her reliance on the ‘friend committee’ to judge the suitability of every love interest.Abby came to my desk in a panic. She was meeting Sia that weekend. For the first time, she’d ...
Welcome to The Spinoff’s Election Live for September 19, bringing you the latest on election 2020 and other NZ news. The essential campaign dates are here. For all you need to know about the cannabis referendum click here. For the assisted dying referendum click here. Explore the parties’ pledges at Policy. I’m ...
On this week's Extra Time, White Ferns cricketer Suzie Bates reckons the trials and tribulations of quarantine in Brisbane ahead of matches against Australia are all worth it. It may take them an hour a day to get the team up and down the service lift in their hotel, they're only ...
"Coffee plus office equals coffice": a short story set in a deranged New Zealand of stern baristas and rebel forces, by Auckland writer Sharni Wilson “This is not an office.” The barista’s voice was hard and cold with aggression, with a frighteningly wide smile: the kind of smile that you ...
In the second of a weekly election diary, Labour MP Deborah Russell eases back into campaign mode after a Covid-enforced break. Tomorrow is National's Chris Bishop. This week the on-again, off-again election campaign is on again. Well, sort of. Politicians are out and about all over the country, suitably bemasked ...
National's surprise tax cut announcement has given the party a burst of relevance, even though it's far from clear how the policy will sit with voters, Sam Sachdeva writes For much of the Covid-interrupted election campaign to date, the National Party has been sleepwalking towards defeat. The party’s plethora of ...
Labour says this will be the Covid election. National says it’s about the economy. There’s something big being missed in the middle, writes Justin Giovannetti.It was the week the economy took centre stage. The scene was set in the pre-election fiscal update, which on Wednesday offered a sobering snapshot of ...
What do a mosque shooting victim in Christchurch and a Hollywood supermodel have in common? Anke Richter looks at the mental health fallout of cult-like conspiracy movements.Three weeks ago, I sat in the High Court in Christchurch for the sentencing of the mosque terrorist and listened to 91 victim impact ...
By RNZ News New Zealand reported no new cases of covid-19 today – for the first time since early August. There was no media conference today. In a statement, the Health Ministry said the number of active cases had dropped to 70, with seven more people now recovered from the ...
By RNZ Pacific Pro-independence advocates in New Caledonia say a vote for full sovereignty next month would allow the country to step up onto the international stage. The next referendum on independence from France will be held on October 4 and determine whether New Caledonia will obtain the powers still ...
With the Māori Party and the Advance Party both vying to push out Labour's Kelvin Davis from the northern-most Māori seat, RNZ asked Te Tai Tokerau voters who they would vote for. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marcus Carter, Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures, SOAR Fellow., University of Sydney Facebook has announced the latest version of its successful standalone virtual reality (VR) headset, the Oculus Quest 2. The new device packs more computing power and a sharper screen than ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Hayen, Professor of Biostatistics, University of Technology Sydney A preliminary study, posted online this week by researchers at the Australian National University and elsewhere, estimates 71,000 Australians had COVID-19 by mid-July — 60,000 more than official number of cases diagnosed by ...
Analysis by Keith Rankin. Israel, Czechia, and French Polynesia. Chart by Keith Rankin. In mid-September, new cases of Covid19 are higher than they have ever been. (See here for previous weekly charts, which included the ‘little’ countries.) While this still-rising incidence is partly due to more testing, ...
News about the Provincial Growth Fund, which often features in our daily Latest from the Beehive reports, typically involve announcements of the latest grants or loans. Today Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced a battle site of the 1860s Land Wars will receive ...
Labour’s attack on National’s prudent plan to grow the economy, pay down debt faster, and put more money in Kiwis’ pockets shows how clueless they are when it comes to plotting a roadmap out of this economic crisis, National’s Finance spokesperson ...
Netflix drama Ratched aims to rehabilitate the villain from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, but would do better in the electric chair.Nurse Ratched is, quite rightly, one of the most famous movie villains of all time. The source of all of McMurphy’s despair and angst in One Flew Over ...
Board chair Simon Gutschlag in a statement said they would contribute "vast, real-world experience to steering New Zealand out of the trouble it's in". ...
Learning Māori is first and foremost about having fun, according to Precious Clark, director of Maurea Consulting LTD, in a Newshub report on learning te reo Maori and embracing tikanga. “It’s about giving people the tools so they can pronounce our words correctly and it’s about giving them the confidence ...
The Fold host Duncan Greive speaks to NZ On Air’s new chief executive Cameron Harland about his first six months in the job and the findings of the recent Where Are the Audiences? report.Cameron Harland started his new job as the chief executive of NZ On Air in March, the ...
New Conservative is incredibly proud to announce its 24-strong party list for the 2020 General Election, and to confirm that the party is standing a candidate in every electorate. This includes candidates in every Maori electorate, at the request of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Assistant Professor Caroline Fisher discuss the week in politics. This week the pair discuss the numerous energy announcements made by the government, including a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Speck, Professor, Art History, University of Adelaide Review: If the future is to be worth anything, curated by Patrice Sharkey and Rayleen Forester, ACE Open “If the future is to be worth anything” rings true as a question for many in ...
The Forest Owners Association says taxpayers are likely to have to pay billions of dollars for imported carbon credits, if planting production forests is to be restricted with the idea of protecting farming. The Environment Minister, David Parker has said ...
The Electoral Commission has said 2564 voting places will be available for the 17 October general election, though more are being finalised in hopes to get that number above 2800. ...
Analysis: The recession draws strong criticism from opposition parties, Labour dumps its fees-free policy, Jami-Lee Ross decides to try to slip into Parliament as a list MP and National delivers its health policy. ...
Tara Ward chats to Farmer Harry, one of the Australian bachelors looking for love on reality series The Farmer Wants a Wife. All Farmer Harry wants is a woman as reliable as his John Deere tractor, and Farmer Wants a Wife might be the answer to his farmy prayers. A chaotic ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Larisa Labzin, Research Fellow, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland People infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread the virus when they speak, sing, cough, sneeze or even just breathe. Scientists think face masks help limit virus ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexandra Louise Uitdenbogerd, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, RMIT University You might have seen a recent article from The Guardian written by “a robot”. Here’s a sample: I know that my brain is not a “feeling brain”. But it is capable ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is calling out RNZ for not having a single right wing voice amidst its chorus of left wing political commentators announced for its election night coverage . The panellists include: Tau Henare (Independent Maori Statutory ...
Some party leaders are adjusting better than others on a campaign trail troubled by Covid-19 restrictions. RNZ political reporters give a perspective from the campaign trail. ...
Covid-19 and its economic impacts have wreaked havoc on New Zealanders’ mental health – especially in the workplace. But amid all the chaos and noise, there are small ways to keep yourself present and calm.It’s been nearly a year since Covid-19 first emerged into our lives, and the devastating mental ...
By RNZ Pacific Bougainville’s retiring president says some candidates are bullying or offering inducements to buy their way into the new parliament. John Momis first raised his concerns while speaking during Papua New Guinea’s 45th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday. Momis praised the success of PNG’s constitution, and contrasted this with ...
In the first of a weekly column on the campaign trail, James Elliott looks at the art of the slogan during a Covid election, and warns not to count political chickens before they've hatched There’s an election campaign on. Apparently. It’s an election campaign unlike any other. Shopping malls are not ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer Management, Western Sydney University The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has long tried to insulate itself from politics in society, but wider issues have always been a part of sport – including the Olympics. Sometimes political statements have been ...
More than 2,800 voting places locations have been reconfirmed for the 2020 General Election and referendums. Voting Services National Manager Graeme Astle says reconfirmation of election plans has gone well since the election date was changed and preparations ...
The Ministry of Health’s notification that disability support providers will receive a paltry 1% contract price increase after 3 years of nil increases shows the need for political parties to step up with increased disability funding this election. ...
The former wetland of Cranford Basin was all set to create 400 new properties as part of an exciting, and much needed, regeneration plan in Christchurch. Three years on, the land remains empty. What went wrong?Picture this: it’s the year 2020. In the north of Christchurch, the first of over ...
Temporary tax breaks will put more money back into the economy if people can afford to spend and use the opportunity to invest in their own futures, says Auckland Business Chamber CEO, Michael Barnett, commenting on National’s alternative budget plans. ...
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.AUCKLAND 1 Hope in Hell: A Decade to Confront the Climate Emergency by Jonathon Porritt (Simon & Schuster, ...
Responding to the tax cuts in the National Party’s alternative budget , New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams says: “These income tax cuts are big and bold. It’s a welcome and appropriate response to what is likely to be the worst ...
Rural road users are in for a continued bumpy ride with no extra money for local road improvements in the final Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2021. "The final GPS released this week has investment in local road improvements ...
It defeated US Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama but this week Donald Trump did the almost-impossible: bringing two Arab states together with Israel. Since taking office in January 2017, Trump’s foreign policy achievements had counted for zero. Not since the Camp David accords of 1978 and 2000 or the ...
Dr Efraim Zuroff has joined the Holocaust and Antisemitism Foundation, Aotearoa New Zealand, as a member of its International Council. Zuroff’s recent comments on the “local hero” status of Mt Hutt’s former Waffen-SS soldier Willi Huber ...
Open mike 17/06/2020 
With the National Party this week announcing a new policy of tax cuts to spice up the election campagin. MyThinks went along to the launch and afterwards we spoke to the party’s finance spokesperson Paul “Golden Touch” Goldsmith. MT: Thanks for speaking to us Mr Goldsmith. PG: No. Thank you. ...15 hours ago
Always to islanders danger Is what comes over the seas ‘Landfall in Unknown Seas’ (Allen Curnow)Six economic issues external to New Zealand, which will greatly impact upon us. 1. The Diminishing Global Dominance of the US. Since 1941 America has dominated the world economically and politically. Probably it could ...1 day ago
By Geoffrey Miller New Zealand should continue to champion human rights in Belarus amidst an ongoing crackdown on protests by the country’s regime, former Prime Minister Helen Clark says. Protests in the country often referred to as ‘Europe’s last dictatorship’ erupted after the country’s disputed presidential elections on August 9 ...1 day ago
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Good news! Todd's found a job for Simon and Paula. He's sending them to Auckland airport for the next 6 months to make sure those charged with implementing the quarantine rules do the job properly.
It might seem a bit extreme but he'll see it as a good investment if it saves him from needing to be on RNZ of a morning doing his dork impression.
Yes, Todd Muller has been doing his round of media interviews this morning, and obviously he's critical of the failure that led to 2 Covid-19 cases yesterday. That's fair enough – his job is to hold gov't to account, and this was a major stuff-up. A free hit for Todd.
But amazingly he then pivots to National's "plan" to bring in thousands of international students immediately. They would be in "quarantine", he says.
He doesn't say where. But we know the answer – the same places that are used now. Hotels, motels, especially in Auckland. And we all know that young people away from home always follow the rules (every student hostel that says "No alcohol, no drugs" is like a monastery, eh?).
Armed guards on the doors? Kids walking up and down corridors for weeks when there's a city to explore outside? Or supervised walks on crowded streets, which have gone so well already? What's the genius quarantine plan, Todd?
Well it looks like National are looking at student quarantine in Queenstown
Penny Simmons is the Nat candidate for Invercargill. Can see it working well in Queenstown, not.
Hundreds of students coming to party town. Some will be free of their parents for the first time in their lives. But they won't look out the window and even think about going outside. It's like National have never met a young person.
And of course quarantine in Queenstown will feature prominently in SIT’s marketing.
But think of those poor starving rental owners who might have to start working for a living .
And look at the Covid rates which still exist in the countries they're coming from. Insanity.
That's what Simon and Paula are for. The scheme will be the same except there'll be thousands of overseas students. S&P will make sure that no Ministry of Health person stuffs up.
I note that S&P is the initials for Standard & Poor the well-known effective financial stability and probity firm. And in an acronym-driven word a similar sounding one is S&M. That fits into the thoughts of National also. No doubt other terms will come to mind.
If my social media is any guide the biggest losers from the recent border breach is the media (they are being blamed for a constant drum beat of clickbait human tragedy stories designed to take Jacinda down a peg or two by painting her government monstrously inhuman and uncaring) and National and business (for consistantly demanding the borders open) in that order which only goes to show that when things are against you you can't win a trick. The MSM is hugely unpopular at the moment, although they live in one of those weird feedback loops where criticism is taken as evidence of success and stinging criticism is dismissed as beastley personal attacks from the wrong headed. For National, the social media feedback should be all the evidence they need that they just need to stop talking about the Covid response (and being associated with the evil virus) and talk about statues and slides or something.
I see the Hosking ZB Taliban is being primed to switch it's vote to ACT, both Hawkesby and Hosking have indulged in a remarkably coordinated (perish the thought that Kate is a bubble head doing the bidding of her husband!) endorsement of David Seymour, while Hawkesby is warming to the crusade against the Unite for Recovery campaign. Apparently people have "written to her" (how delightfully quaint, but perhaps keeping with ZB's superannuated audience of boomer Karens and Kevins) confessing to a feeling of anxiety at being told to buy local.
Mmm…personally I wouldn’t put much faith in your own social media reflecting your opinion back at you.
But certainly there are questions around the way the media and Opposition tried to cast the government as inhumane and uncaring when they rolled out the original limitations around funerals and other family gatherings.
Funnily enough, my (very active) social media reflects my hobbies and wider interests rather than my politics, which I largely keep to myself on social media platforms like Instagram, twitter, FB, WhatsApp or even Tik Tok. But I do accept that social media by it's nature is quite self-selecting.
Agree and IMO they're irresponsible and owned behaviour could drive the creation of independent public broadcasting isolated from political meddling.
Oz have the legislative template, between rnz and tvnz the resources exist with a commercial channel carving away as ad revenue subsidy.
Proper legacy stuff if they've the courage to put up with the bs and spin the private operators will scream constantly with.
That $50m was whined for by interests not serving nz's common benefit so a call is there to be made.
Much of the MSM coverage has reflected the dynamics of the ailing private media sector – the bias towards simple, feeling based human interest story telling to drive clickbait and a rump of an over-aged chummy coterie of senior establishment journalists considerably to the right of the general public and biased in favour of business interests and their lobbyists.
Edit
'ZB's superannuated audience of boomer Karens and Kevins) confessing to a feeling of anxiety at being told to buy local. '
The explanation of the anxiety is that it involves change, and thinking from a community and national support angle and being asked to give thought to that rather than just have the hand out. Their feelings will be that the oldies have gone through so much and want to cling to their customary shibboleths.
After having Hosking/Hawkesby and their ilk jumping up and down about Jacinda/Ashley forgetting about kindness, and ruining the economy, by taking time to go to level 1, will they admit they have egg on their faces? Admittedly these two cases seem to have arisen from a lapse in procedure, but Bridges/Muller/Peters/universities have been piling on the pressure to open up and the media has made much of the hard luck tales of bereft family members. Unfortunate this has happened, but perhaps a timely reminder of the risks of opening up.
Based on the usual media memory cycle, we'll need a top-up of new virus cases every couple of weeks, in order to keep the virus out. The paradox of stupidity.
Yeah I think that the chances of the media casting a critical eye over their own behaviour on the matter of funeral attendances since we went into lockdown are about zero.
Reality check: without the nasty MSM the breach of quarantine by the two teenagers who went AWOL, the two women who tested positive due to incompetence, and have potentially spread c19 far and wide, the ludicrous and extremely dangerous management of the entire isolation/quarantine at Novotel would never even have seen the light of day.
The incompetence of how the borders were managed (or totally neglected prior to lockdown) starting way back in February, also were only highlighted by the same MSM.
Blaming the MSM for the obvious incompetence of the Health Minister and others is just ridiculous. If the procedures were followed, this problem would not have occurred. Nothing to do with the media.
The "media" also aren't one thing, John Campbell to Mike Hosking and many many views in between, from the sensible to the wacky and irresponsible (depending on ones own point of view). Though I expect an end to the "I can't go to a funeral" stories.
Clear distinction between the reporting (essential) and the reckons (too often uninformed and useless).
Latest example: Brook Sabin on Stuff
He thinks NZ is to blame for no trans-Tasman bubble, and in the same breath says that Australia still has the virus. So we should totally quarantine and not quarantine, or something.
That is as big a cop-out as blaming the MSM for the breach.
The protocol was made abundantly clear time and again by the PM, the Health Minister and the DG of Health. Not only that, they all three have been stressing the need for continued vigilance since we moved to Level 1.
If every time a public servant or whoever mucked up big time – and it happens from time to time – their top man/woman had to resign we would never have a prime minister or any ministers – let alone a Public Service. Anarchy would prevail.
Put the blame fairly and squarely on the shoulders where it lies – the person or persons who did not follow correct process at the border and/or the person/persons who allowed the women to travel to Wellington even though they had not been tested.
Anne, yes I take your point, but right from the beginning in February and March, there seems to have been a continual disconnect between what was supposed to be happening at our borders (eg, temperature checks and serious attempt at screening) and what was actually happening. Same with the dangerous fiasco of a lack of an effective system at Novotel from the beginning.
When a disconnect like that persists for so long, something beyond individual people failing to follow set procedures seems to be present. At some point the Minister should have become aware of the systemic failures and shown a bit of leadership. I certainly hope he does how with, as he said this morning, enforcing accountability.
will they admit they have egg on their faces?
https://silencedmajority.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834520b4b69e2011168a2b8de970c-400wi
It was maby a bad idea for the high court to allow itself to be brought in to the process
https://courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases/Christiansen-v-The-Director-General-of-Health-Reasons-NZHC-887.pdf
this did impose considerable extra work in managing "compassionate grounds" at a time when the public health was very busy with more important matters. good on the minister for calling time on this but i guess that also now can be challenged in court,
one good outcome (assuming we dont end up back in level4) is that people might just have been getting a bit complacent. a good wake up
Xanthe. Pardon my ignorance but the decision on the judgement that you so kindly published above has me uncertain to what the outcome was. Was/is the judgement for or against the Health Act?
That judgement was to overturn the refusal to allow the applicant to leave quarantine early so he could visit his dying father. I.e. the same situation as these 2 sisters who were granted permission after this decision.
What this means is that at first the MoH was being harsh and saying no visits, then the courts said that they shouldn't be harsh, then we got 2 covid cases.
I read the judgement as saying that the MOH failed to consider the request under either the compassionate or exceptional grounds (despite being led to water to those grounds by the applicant), relied on other policy criteria only e.,g. written rules, that meant they failed to exercise discretion but were formulaic in their decision making (courts have previously ruled on public servants following formulas where discretion is allowed e.g. the corrections and housing cases referred to, and that given these delays and the imminent death of the father the court should make a ruling now rather than direct MOH to properly exercise discretion by considering the case under compassionate or exceptional.
Pretty straightforward really – surprised it got so far.
The circling vultures have landed on the carcass of Bauer Media.
Mercury Capital (the name says it all) is to buy Bauer Australia and New Zealand. I understand private equity firms specialise in taking troubled companies, stripping them of any remaining value and dumping the leftovers in a ditch. Happy to be proven wrong here if it helps NZ stories be told, but I'm not optimistic.
Remember Bauer bought these assets from ACP Media for $800 million just 8 years ago.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2020/06/bauer-media-s-kiwi-business-reportedly-purchased-by-australia-s-mercury-capital.html
Maybe they will asset strip, or maybe relaunch the titles in digital form only. Let's face it, like it or not, print is dead or soon will be.
What's your thoughts on the future of the titles if Mercury does try and resurrect them?
I certainly miss North and South. Some great investigative journalism there over the years (eg, Swedish backpacker case, National Womens scandel and so on).
Bauer appeared to have a go at a couple of digital platforms where they recreated stories from the print edition. It was basically an article online though, not a web experience.
The investigative side has been pressured heavily by fairfax and stuff who do semi-interactive digital long form journalism full of great visuals and graphic transitions. A designed web experience as opposed to what Bauer was up to.
There is money available from the restructured NZ on air for web based media and video documentaries which is what has prompted fairfax and stuff to move into that area.
Bauer is a family owned 150 year old publishing business out of Hamburg. That doesn't scream agility in the modern era to me.
The other problem with running print alongside digital is you are competing with yourself.
Maybe they'll keep one Listener/North&South type title and mount a digital challenge to the other players.
Well what i wnt to know is will I get my listener subscription back, handed over the monies the night before bauer torched it… damn
If it is good for a photo opportunity, then to our speaker front up when the crap hits the fan.
And for balance the Covid 19 was always going to happen and will continue that is something we will have to learn to live with on this planet for many years to come – Hopefully we will be better with incursions of the disease.
No wonder our PM and Min of Finance are under so much pressure – A team of 2 to carry the country. I would guess that there are 3 Labour list candidates that had a job in Wellington , but no more.
$180k on consultants – that is 8 months full time for a survey or junior consultant engineer, or 6 months form a senior engineer for this.
https://www.parliament.nz/en/get-involved/features/parliament-opens-playground-on-international-children-s-day/
The Search function on this site is not working.
Why the hell not?
Hmm wow I think you should demand a refund!!
Or use google search instead: e.g. "site:thestandard.org.nz peotillomania"
Google's algorithms are still too simplistic and literal and would only show instances of the exact word. It's not yet sophisticated enough to find illustrative examples in action.
Good one, rob!
It's so unfair to be picking on him. Obviously it's just his bone spurs playing up again.
Saw that one. There's definitely neurological decline. Probably frontotemporal dementia. Syphilis can have these sort of neurological effects in later life as well.
You're linking William Kristol as if he’s a reputable source. Are you aware of just how toxic and dishonest he is?
But even a stopped clock can be right twice a say
Or even three times a day?
Only wanted to show the graphic by @sherrifali, don't care about Bill Kristol. I don't know how to embed an image in a comment 🙁
The russians did it…
Gave him syphilis?
Prescient.
I guess it explains the tangerine turdgoblin's panic grab at Theresa May – yes they appeared to be navigating a short gentle ramp at the time.
Also, Trump's eyes often show huge dilation of the pupils. Creepy, and probably drug related (Cocaine, MDMA, Amphetamines, or several others)
Half a dozen pieces I have read put his posture down to a combo of “shoe lifts” (2.5-3.5 inches!) and ailments, particularly the lifts-ever tried walking down hill in high heels?
A body language site showed comparisons of Trump next to various people of certified height over time, such as Tiger Woods, Barrack Obama and Justin Trudeau, there seemed to be some variation. Apparently the forward lean is off putting on several accounts, people are concerned he may fall, and he invades personal space. One sick Pressie in my view.
Lotsa fun to be had.
"lightening will hit tomorrow"
Well that solves the race issue.
In Parliament National's Woodhouse alleges that the 2 women "kissed" somebody who helped them on their journey. Gets all excited about his big reveal.
How low can National get? Does he want the women to resign? From what?
AND they still drove to want with o stopping!!
I assume Woodhouse has advised those got kissed to get tested.
Yesterday Bloomfield said that the two women were able to discretely pee on the side of the road.
Woodhouse told by the Minister if he had information such as he asked the Minister about, he should have informed the authorities then, and not brought it in at first recounting at Question Time.
What is more important? Covid-19 tracing or attempting to point score in the House?
In the paper Woodhouse said he knew who the helpers were who told the story but would not reveal who they were. Mrs Woodhouse perhaps trying to help?
Perhaps the helpers could say colour of car and identifying characteristics of the two women, in order to increase the credibility of the helpers. Luckily Woodhouse would not be part of a Dirty Tricks effort – would he?
This could backfire on the Nats I suppose?
Be sort of funny if it was a set up!!!
How did the helpers know who the two travelling women were?
Have those helpers put themselves forward for testing?
Close acquaintances – the interview starts with that.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/video.cfm?c_id=280&gal_cid=280&gallery_id=221127
dv hope you are having a good laugh, you got the 2nd word correct "up". With our Minister of Health said on ZB "that we know all the contacts of these people", yet we did not know of this it appears.
Team of 2 must shudder.
A member of an Auckland gym is believed to be the person who "kissed and hugged" the two women who tested positive for Covid-19 on their way down to Wellington.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12340830
Todd Muller gave a remarkably passionate speech -without apparent text, during the general Debate today. Nothing but criticism of the Government of course.
A different performance from all previous outing. Look out!
https://ondemand.parliament.nz/parliament-tv-on-demand/?itemId=213063
Todd Conehead has been a non event so far, maybe he has had the electrodes on and a spot of media training. Call me cynical, but his pre election performance really will not matter to the tory faithful who will tick “Party Vote National” as they are hardwired to do.
Tiger Mountain, in previous elections when National did poorly, some of those hard-wired National voters stayed away from the polls, some voted NZF, some to small fringe parties.
Those tory faithful have options- New Conservative, NZF, ACT, and others or to stay away.
🤔 😂Bahahahaha hahahaha 😂 LMAO !!! 🤣 ROFL !!! 😉 *composes herself*
Sorry about that… after intensely 🕵️♀️ listening and 👓 watching mullers five minute rehearsed speech, I'm not sure if we share the same view on said topic.
For those who like a quick and generous summary of Prime Minister Ardern:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5LRxEma1JE
I thought perhaps since she is single, I might ask her to marry me. Perhaps not. But a really nice video.