Had the pleasure of meeting Tamati at the election prior to last, geez he’s a lovely man. Switched on and sincere, he’s the real deal. Thrilled he made it in to parliament.
Epic clip thanks for posting Grey, he does it well 🙂 Cracking up laughing.
The Eminem’s case:
“In a decision released today, the Court of Appeal allowed the National Party’s appeal – and reduced the damages payment down from $600,000 to $225,000.”
But of course they probably used the “Don’t you know who we are?” line. Born to Rule they think.
Bet you can’t guess Simon’s first question today?
“1. Hon SIMON BRIDGES to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her statements and actions in relation to Karel Sroubek?”
Perseverance but really what else can the ring out of this?
Jacinda was asked again by Suzie this morning the same Sroubek questions mimicking Simon. Jacinda thought they were going to talk Climate change but instead the same tired questions with the same tired answers. Why?
Unlike the opposition well versed in verbal incontinence.
Perhaps Mark could offer some Verbal Contifit devices. A few Xmas pressies all round with personal fittings for Wodehouse, Mitchell, Bennett and Bridge-less
While most people see this as an overdone steak (or stake) it is far from that. As I have said a couple of times here, it has more legs than a centipede. That is why people like MS and myself remain interested. The issue of Hardcore’s text to Ardern is a red herring (a very small sardine actually) being used to politically discredit her, but the persistence with that aspect could well backfire. There are some much bigger issues behind the whole situation.
” The issue of Hardcore’s text to Ardern is a red herring”
You keep telling yourself that
“Newshub has made multiple requests of the Prime Minister’s Office under the OIA for details of official communications she’s had using personal email or messaging platforms. We have been stonewalled and refused every time.”
“The thing is she’s creating the rod for her own back here, if theres nothing in the text then just release them”
If, Pucky, Jacinda operates under the understanding that someone sending a text to her, and there must be scores and scores of them, can do so without fear of having that text and their identities revealed under pressure from National Party MPs, she would surely keep to that understanding/undertaking. If she betrays one member of the public, all will be affected. Do you see my point? Do you see Jacinda’s point (she’s explained it often enough).
The problem is this isn’t the first time Jacinda’s had issue with her phone so, like Sir John Key was hounded into releasing his texts, we need to see Jacindas phone records because theres a strong whiff of something quite unpleasant about this
Was pressure applied to Ian Lees Galloway to give a known drug dealer residency
‘Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway confirmed an error was made granting Karel Sroubek residency and it’s this technical aspect that the deportation liability now hinges on.’
Yes do keep telling yourself that @ vv (with ref to Nakibloke @4.2.1) because you are correct. There are some that were trying to warn I L-G he was being set up (via junior MPs) but it obviously didn’t quite get there in time if at all. There might have been a bit too much Chardonnay sipping going on.
Again, the only thing I L-G is guilty of is placing too much faith in the bureaucracy and processes (which we now know are “under review”).
And thank Christ INZ (and the Labour Inspectorate – sometimes known as the Labour Expectorant) are finally able to get off their chuffs and collect arsehole exploiters with the involvement of the Police (instead of trying to be their own little Police Force). And its a bloody shame the IAA still doesn’t seem to be up to the task.
Hipkins said, “I am not convinced that the university engaged sufficiently with the views of those stakeholders who should have their views considered.
… “The university council that sought the name change followed “well over a year of research, seeking advice from experts and discussion with staff, students, alumni and stakeholders, including a consultation period during which close to 2500 submissions were received”. “
It won’t be a matter for Hipkins regret. Right from the start, the VC gave every reason for the suspicion of duplicity. As for the reported consultation, it was a fiction as it pretty much excluded recognition of large numbers of those who opposed, including the staff.
I don’t think Hipkins will have anything to regret by this action.
From my, admittedly unscientific, observations I think allowing the Vice-Chancellor to have his way would have been far more damaging for Chippie.
I don’t know any faculty members or alumni who are in favour of the change. I know quite a lot of the academic staff and a lot of older alumni. They really do not want to see the change take place.
Perhaps the younger ones are in favour. I don’t know many of them.
Personally I would say “Good on Hipkins”. I didn’t know he had it in him.
Speaking of which, is it not about time that National Radio got yet another futile and stupid but expensive re-branding, which continues to leave it with a longer and less elegant name that its best and original one – ‘National Radio’?
(Still by far the best name, because we should not let the National Party steal and pervert the true meaning of ‘National’.)
But then he is the ex student union president at Vic, is still mates with them and they were the most vocally against the change, so maybe he just caved to pressure
Our Learned Friends from Crown Law (circa 2007) emerge smelling none too sweet.
Set the spooks onto victims and witnesses in a case involving abuse in State Care they did…(3.7)
“In the Inquiry’s view, surveillance by the government of a participant in a civil case is generally improper, or at least highly unusual and something that would require careful oversight and controls to assess and balance privacy interests.
The Solicitor General confirmed to the Inquiry that this is also her view and expectation.
This was reflected in Crown Law’s response to a journalist’s enquiry earlier this year, which stated the Crown would not instruct a private investigator to carry out surveillance of a witness. ”
@ Gabby, and their carbon emissions from their vehicles… and their pollution from their cruise ships… that are somehow exempt from the tiny tourism tax…
Also if they can build their own airport transfers, new roads and public transport needed, user pays for stadiums and stop stealing harbours for marinas like America’s cup and cruise ships that only seem to benefit the 1% (if that).
Tourism seems to be piggy backed on public spending and they are the priority for councils and government when their expansion subsidised by rates and taxes from residents for increasingly overseas owned or part owned tourism businesses.
wrong Savenz…please look at the numbers before you come out with this rubbish…tourism is major earner, employer and tax payer for Godzone, and not just GST but income and company tax.
I walk tracks near Wanaka where you never see a tourist.
You’re one of these idiots that sees a few people doing well because of something and calls it good but doesn’t look at the costs that something imposes.
That’s the trouble about tourism – look at the numbers. Because of the OTT drive to increase tourism for foreign earnings, the people actually living in this country are being denied their once high quality resources. The overseas earnings has to be gathered so that it balances the imports that we are so wedded to. Usually mport balances are higher than our foreign earnings.
We are on a treadmill and the more foreign tourists we get the more their
presence causes the country to be spoiled a little for everyone, after a survivable number has been researched and reached. And the more we are told we are well off and we borrow more personally, and our incomes remain low,then it is hard to pay off without a total change-around of lifestyle and expectation but this is the age of ‘She’ll be right’ and those who aren’t are no-hopers. Nice!
I think you will find that was in the past Bearded Git, you know when Kiwi based and born mums and dads owned restaurants, hotels and B&B’s and shops and Kiwi’s were workers in those businesses not migrant workers paying for the job in many cases.
Tourism like anything should be run sustainably, unfortunately in NZ it is not, just bums on seats, like many other areas like education, construction and so forth… NZ is unconcerned about quality, long term sustainability or compatibility to morality.
Placing more costs onto tourists (thus reducing costs for locals) should also help to slow the rate of growth. Giving us more time and funding to improve current infrastructure to meet demand going forward. Which should also help pacify growing local resentment.
With talk of peak room capacity coupled with a number of other media reports, it seems the country (well certain regions of it) is quickly reaching its capacity unless infrastructure is rapidly improved.
Another day and another revelation about Donald Trump.
A comedian and ex-Celebrity Apprentice staffer who claims to have worked with Donald Trump for six years has made shocking new accusations against the US President.
Noel Casler allegedly worked in talent logistics on the set of Celebrity Apprentice while Trump was host, and also worked on his Miss Teen Universe pageants.
In a stand-up show this month, Casler accused Trump of recreational drug use and said he acted inappropriately towards teenage beauty pageant contestants.
(Anyone get the idea that there seems to be heaps of non residents just going around ‘helping’ people get residency and then getting residency themselves somehow…) The Ponzi continues and will continue until the government actually makes a real criteria and decent time frame so that all these little scams are too hard to keep going over time as are people’s fleeting relationships and businesses operating here being used to aid residency applications need to be verified over a 10 – 20 years not 2 – 5 years by which time things clearly seem to change for most people…)
It’s all working as designed @SaveNZ. Industrialise Immigration, shoddy Private Tertiary Education that gives NZ Inc. a good earn, Labour Hire Companies and anyone else you choose to create a ‘skill shortage list’ for……. better still, let them also become Immigration Advisors on the side (why not vertically integrate for the purposes of efficiency and effectiveness).
And the good thing is that if you’re a complete arshole charlatan, the good will be lumped in with the bad. And you can even tinker and pretend by doing things like lifting IELTS 6.5 to IELTS 7, and you can even stand up in Parliament in all good ‘FAITH’, (not unlike the pompous Wodehouse) and feign the very greatest of concern about a fucking Sroubek
Meantime, NZ ends up with the average and the dross (including the likes of a Thiel), whilst the likes of Canada, a number of European countries, and even some in the Middle East get not only the talented, but the committed.
(Maybe a bit of quality control is needed, no wonder NZ jails are filling up and we can’t be bothered/no funds for rehabilitating our own criminals when we have so much sympathy and compassion for the overseas crims).
You’re not suggesting NZ Inc has fallen victim to UK failed/very average/complete muppet civil servants are you @ SaveNZ?
That idea would be oh so 1960s and 70s, but I suppose they do know better.
And they are of more monetary value (currency exchange-wise) than others.
They can probably even house themselves in luxury and enforce the rulz we’ve become accustomed to living by even if it might take a while to come to terms with a NuZull culcha.
Let’s good rid of the furrin devils who are costing us money. It is the cultural cringe – I think the ‘uman resources try and get overseas people because they expect more money and probably the agency gets a percentage. Moral hazard anyone, if that is the case. Everyone of any colour, creed or race has the potential to be a furrin devil because of the overcrowding our gummint has encouraged, facilitated actually.
The money-mad still want to be like Switzerland or Luxembourg but they aren’t clever and careful enough, our intellect is below Japanese crows, we behave like sheep and get milked like cows. We should try to be goats, they are much more lively and individualistic.
Interesting to see our ‘kind’ PM insulting the opposition leader with childish name calling, and getting a telling off by her protector Mallard. I’m sure all the socialists are laughing in the almond lattes …
Like the end of yet another explanation that Bridges seemed unable to understand she said,
“Its Simple Simon.”
I suppose Simple Simon sees himself as a great Debater but the lost cause is Simple Simon.
So, Marshy, you just proved unwittingly the silliness of your assertion that our very capable and assertive PM needs a ‘protector’. Firstly, she dealt capably and assertively, humorously, with Bridge’s boring and repetitive attempts to slur and smear, and secondly the man who you call her protector quite rightly required her to withdraw and apologise, as she was unparliamentary.
It was a bit funnier and certainly less malicious than Paula Bennett’s “Zip it , sweetie!” made to Ardern, thus exposing her truly “nasty, pathetic side.”
It is a truly hilarious comment. Never before in history have we had a Prime Minister who is such a master of stand-up comedy. She is far, far better than anything that David Lange ever managed.
Billy Connolly and Stephen Fry will be chastened. An amateur who is so vastly better than they ever were.
She has only one thing to learn. You should come out with your jokes as if they are spontaneous. It spoils it if you are so obviously reading it off a sheet of paper.
Still, it is the most marvellous attempt at humour that the current Government has managed. So much better than the bitter reactions to questions that are exhibited by so many of the Ministers when they are, as usual, caught out.
That was a wonderful display Cindy. Long may it be celebrated as the finest achievement of this woeful coalition.
alwyn, you forgot Oscar Wilde and George Bernard-Shaw. Please, lay it on properly.
Actually, Jacinda does not do this very often at all. But when she does it, it is simple and it sticks. Remember when Mike Hosking asked her if she had read his (award-winning?) article, and she asked back, “The satire?’
His silence spoke volumes.
She does it rarely, but well. Eat it.
Simple Simon met the PM
On the way to the fair
Said simple Simon to the PM
Show me that I’m right .
Show me your proof first said the PM
But simple Simon said I have none.
I hope our min of justice is taking note, especially given his comments this week.”Justice Minister Andrew Little disagrees.
“All the laws we have in place are the laws we’ve had in place for a few years now, and judges have to be left to do their decision,” he told Newshub.”
It is not a good look this case with the offender being given in some a light sentence by the appearance of displaying remorse, her subsequent actions appear to be contrary to this and I wonder how the judge is feeling perhaps being misled. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12178882
Any astronomers out there – I’m looking to get a telescope soon – have semi decided on a refractor sky watcher 100/900 computerised for astrophotography. Any thoughts appreciated.
“A report published in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology maps the wetland loss of the region (Southland) by comparing satellite images taken in 1990 and 2012.
It examined 32,814 hectares of wetland and found it was being lost at a rate of 157 hectares per year.
Since 1990, 3452ha of wetlands were no longer present in the landscape and a further 3943ha were at risk – amounting to 23 percent either lost or in a state of decline.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said more must be done to protect wetlands.”…
… Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards committee chairman Bruce Allan said he hoped the report would prompt a painful, but necessary, change in farmer’s behaviour.
“I think it’s a wake up call. There’s been a long history of land development across the nation really, we’re probably going to see that slow down and there’s obviously moves to improve habitat,” Mr Allan said.
“There’s far greater awareness of the issues and there’s a lot more role models out there prepared to show leadership and talk about what they’re doing and pitch in with community initiatives such as catchment groups to turn this situation around and improve things.”
The thing that strikes me with this is that Yes minister we DO have to do more to protect wetlands – this is a no brainer so lets do it. And this ‘wake up call’ idea – surely the wake up has already occurred what we have now is the repeated hitting of the snooze button hoping it all goes away – it won’t go away.
Herodotus – It is unconstitutional for the Minister of Justice to be involved in this case at all so what is the point of your comment? Secondly, what is the relevance of the vague comment “…. her subsequent actions appear to be contrary to this ….”. Justice is based on evidence – not appearances. Finally, the Judge’s 8 pages of sentencing notes were uncharacteristically released to the public, so the thinking of the Judge is transparent. Yes, the petition was very well supported but if the prosecutor reviewed the case, consulted with the family of the deceased and was convinced there was a miscarriage of justice, then an appropriate application could/should have been made. If the Judge was mislead at sentencing, she was in a position to act on this when reviewing the case as was provided for went the defendant was sentenced. Agin, something that was uncharacteristic. This seems another situation where the social media justice system, backed by the mainstream media justice system is holding sway. Irrespective of the matters surrounding this case, as a society, we should really be deciding if we should have a criminal justice system. Of course, there is the alternative of relying on ‘trial by media’ to determine the guilt or innocence of alleged offenders and then sentences being imposed on the basis of what is gleaned from media sources.
Public comment, criticism or even outcry over perceived injustice is necessary from time to time so that the justice system in any given country can periodically course-correct so that it aligns with the country’s culture.
Otherwise laws would simply be set once, and never change.
Laws have to evolve over time, and to reflect what the society generally thinks is fair, whatever ‘fair’ means, otherwise the public will revolt.
While I am less than impressed with the politicians who have tried to take advantage of this situation, I think if it had been a poor brown boy killing a rich white girl, we all know where that brown boy would be right now, and that’s definitely not at home sleeping in his own bed with his Mum cooking him dinner.
Consistency is what is needed in order to build trust in any situation, and trust in the justice system is no different.
Chess Player – yes, “criticism or even outcry over perceived injustice is necessary from time to time” but it should be informed criticism. Also, as you say, “if it had been a poor brown boy killing a rich white girl, we all know where that brown boy would be right now”. Sentencing of such cases should not be a benchmark for consistency. Which is the greater problem, society’s ingrained prejudices which are manifested by what some perceive as an institutionally racist justice system, or is it a media incited call for blood on the basis of sentiments that are driven by the likes of the Sensible Sentencing Trust who have driven our incarceration rates ever closer to the worst in the world? What is needed is for the community at large to consider the wisdom of the likes of the Commissioner for Children or those whose knowledge of criminology adds research to the discourse, as opposed to ignorant rantings on social media.
I hope the Leader of the House at the beginning of business tomorrow rises and asks for clarification.
“Mr Speaker, is the word ‘simple’ not to be used in the house? Or if it is just not to be used following the time honoured tradition of no christian names, with a christian name? Is it able to be used with a surname. For example could I say to my colleague “It’s simple Mr Peters or it’s simple Mr Bridges?”
Technicality, Pete. Mallard picked up the obvious ‘Simple Simon’ barb, and acted correctly.
Despite some idiots claiming that he ‘protects’ the PM.
It seems to be Simon who needs protection..
Eco Maori has already stated as fact that with Aotearoa farming emmisions NO ONE was talking about the BIG elephant in the ROOM nitrogin is a big problem and since the 1990 our use of this soil and water poision has gone up x 1000% at least .The reason no one was talking about nitrogin is 2 big companys control the prouduction and importation of nitrogin and they use there money to suppress the facts of there enviromental killing prouduct . I back banning it but the humane side of me says phase it out over 10 years thats enught time for our farmers to switch to organic farming.
1it destroys our soils it speed up the natural cycle 1000 % and kills off the natural organism in our soils basicly we are stilling our grandchildren future soils using nitrogen.2it kill off our water ways causing alge growth to explode in our awa and tangaroa 3 it increeses climate warming 4 we burn carbon to suck it out of the air 5 its hard on the stocks health. There are many other negtive effects that nitrogen causes hecne how Eco Maori was flabbergasted that know one was talking about this stuff WITH FACTS last year.
There’s a hidden climate (and river) killer that drives the industrialisation of agriculture.
Synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. We have to ban it.
Synthetic nitrogen is one of the key industrial agricultural inputs. Pesticides, livestock feed, antibiotics, irrigation, are some of the others. These things are what drive the high input, high damage way of growing food.
Without the inputs, industrial agriculture does not work.
Luckily, the most fundamental input of all is synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. That means, when we get it banned, it will force the de-industrialisation of farming and pave the way for regenerative farming – the only way of farming that provides a glimmer of hope against climate breakdown.
What is synthetic nitrogen fertiliser?
It’s a product that is made in factories and then dumped onto farmland in vast quantities to make grass and other crops grow fast. It’s a bit like crack cocaine for plants, a departure from reality and, ultimately destructive.
It often comes in the form of ‘urea’ but it’s sold under lots of other names too.
Links below ka kite ano. P.S my computer is playing up again sandflys One has to be care full what video is used as some start out correct and at the end flips to be pro nitrogen the big buck’s at work distorting OUR reality
Eco Maori backs income equality and equality for all .
Wahine income being unequal to men is one of the main causes of child poverty wahine and tane start a whano and for some reason they split up most times the children are in the wahines care.Then the marrage settlement most times go in favour of the man{ whom’s got the best lawyer capitlist syndrom more money } so she end up with just enough money /putea to servive to top it off she will only beable to earn in a good situation 80% of what a man makes to try and provide for her children =DEPRIVED children
Global pay gap will take 202 years to close, says World Economic Forum
Gender equality has stalled, says WEF, as women globally are paid 63% of what men get
The global pay gap between men and women will take 202 years to close, because it is so vast and the pace of change so slow, according to the World Economic Forum.
The WEF, which organises the annual meeting of business and political leaders in Davos, said the global gender pay gap has narrowed slightly over the past year, but the number of women in the professional workplace has fallen. In 2017, the WEF estimated that it would take 217 years to close the pay gap.
“The overall picture is that gender equality has stalled,” Saadia Zahidi, the WEF’s head of social and economic agendas, said. “The future of our labour market may not be as equal as the trajectory we thought we were on.”
The WEF found that on average women across the world are paid just 63% of what men earn. There is not a single country where women are paid as much as men. Laos, in south-east Asia, is the closest to achieving parity with women earning 91% of what men are paid.
Gender pay gap: when does your company stop paying women in 2018?
Read more
Yemen, Syria and Iraq have the biggest pay gaps with women being paid less than 30% the level of mens’ wages. The WEF ranked the UK 50th out of 149 countries for gender pay, with women collecting 70% of that paid to men.
Ka kite ano links below. P.S I seen another wahine leader on The late Show with Stephen Colbert one of my favrourite actress Sandra Ballock we need more movies with wahine as the lead actor for equality to flouroush
Eco Maori see the big picture and backs Great Britain staying in the European Union It will be a bad move for most people if Britxit goes down as 99.9 % of people will lose .I say this was all started by the alt right neo librale captlist whom are all about the rich
EU friends of Britain say: we want you to stay
European Guardian readers share their sadnesses and frustrations regarding Brexit a recent German opinion poll, almost 80% of the people asked were against Brexit and would be more than happy if you remained. I am writing to you as a German citizen with a daughter who has grandparents in England and Germany. Although she is too young to fully understand the unprecedented destruction by Germany that Europe suffered, she does know about Britain’s important role in reinstating civilisation and humanity. My daughter is growing up with a deep belief in peace and freedom in Europe. Equal rights, solidarity with the vulnerable and a lively democracy are important to her.
The EU is grounded on these values, which developed out of the horror of the second world war. They are not the cause of the world’s problems but the solution. We need a united Europe, and a united Europe needs Britain.
Sign up to our Brexit weekly briefing
Read more
• There is no doubt about it: the Dear friends in Britain: maybe you are not aware of what Europe will miss when you leave. We will miss your refreshing views, as living on the continent can give a blinkered viewpoint. We will miss your international experience and networks. We will miss your calmness and pragmatism in an overheated world. We will miss your standing side by side against populists and anti-democrats. We will miss your long democratic experience in developing the future EU. Together we are strong! Please stay. We are waiting for you with open arms. Merry Christmas. Ka kite ano links below P.S I say a new vote on staying in the EU is needed to prevent a CATASTROPHE IN Britain
Kia ora Newshub many thanks to our goverment for razing the min wage as for simon and co they can go jump in there toilet employers will have to become inervative and incress prouductivity we wonder why our productivity is low by OECD standards well a low wage does not make anyone look for prouductivity gains.
MP’s being charged $55 per invoice is not on get it sorted.
That was a good ruling by the courts upping the jail time for that unscupulous lady selling her daugther for prostitution when the girl was a minor even if she was of age is not on .
That is not on having 3 rivers in Canterbry having E.coli I say we need more laws to protect our WAI it would be cool if in 3 years one could take a swim in any water way without worring about getting sick.???????????? after all tourism is our biggest export earner you know there is a lot of money suppresing those facts.
Eco Maori backs having city centra’s l banning cars and becoming pedestrian friendly and enviromentaly friendly
The Ebola in the African country Democratic Republic of Congo shows me that the west should put more funds into finding a cure for Ebola why man should no take health threats like Ebola forgranted as it could spread we don’t control nature she controls us put the money in to fix this I wounder who pulled funds out of fighting this ?????????????.
I say the rail line from Hamilton to Auckland is awsome it will take pressure off the roads. Rail all over NZ is needed It would be good to see Huntly gain from the move. I use to catch a train from Gisborne to Napier years ago it was a good scenic journey.
Ka kite ano
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Muriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...
Alwyn Poole writes – “An SEP,’ he said, ‘is something that we can’t see, or don’t see, or our brain doesn’t let us see, because we think that it’s somebody else’s problem. That’s what SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it’s like a ...
Our trust in our political institutions is fast eroding, according to a Maxim Institute discussion paper, Shaky Foundations: Why our democracy needs trust. The paper – released today – raises concerns about declining trust in New Zealand’s political institutions and democratic processes, and the role that the overuse of Parliamentary urgency ...
This article was prepared for publication yesterday. More ministerial announcements have been posted on the government’s official website since it was written. We will report on these later today …. Buzz from the BeehiveThere we were, thinking the environment is in trouble, when along came Jones. Shane Jones. ...
New Zealand now has the fourth most depressed construction sector in the world behind China, Qatar and Hong Kong. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 8:46am on Thursday, May 2:The Lead: ...
Hi,I am just going to state something very obvious: American police are fucking crazy.That was a photo gracing the New York Times this morning, showing New York City police “entering Columbia University last night after receiving a request from the school.”Apparently in America, protesting the deaths of tens of thousands ...
Winston Peters’ much anticipated foreign policy speech last night was a work of two halves. Much of it was a standard “boilerplate” Foreign Ministry overview of the state of the world. There was some hardening up of rhetoric with talk of “benign” becoming “malign” and old truths giving way to ...
Graham Adams assesses the fallout of the Cass Review — The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass ...
This open-for-business, under-new-management cliché-pockmarked government of Christopher Luxon is not the thing of beauty he imagines it to be. It is not the powerful expression of the will of the people that he asserts it to be. It is not a soaring eagle, it is a malodorous vulture. This newest poll should make ...
The latest labour market statistics, showing a rise in unemployment. There are now 134,000 unemployed - 14,000 more than when the National government took office. Which is I guess what happens when the Reserve Bank causes a recession in an effort to Keep Wages Low. The previous government saw a ...
Three opinion polls have been released in the last two days, all showing that the new government is failing to hold their popular support. The usual honeymoon experienced during the first year of a first term government is entirely absent. The political mood is still gloomy and discontented, mainly due ...
National's Finance Minister once met a poor person.A scornful interview with National's finance guru who knows next to nothing about economics or people.There might have been something a bit familiar if that was the headline I’d gone with today. It would of course have been in tribute to the article ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”.As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
Auckland Transport have started rolling out new HOP card readers around the network and over the next three months, all of them on buses, at train stations and ferry wharves will be replaced. The change itself is not that remarkable, with the new readers looking similar to what is already ...
Completed reads for April: The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling Carnival of Saints, by George Herman The Snow Spider, by Jenny Nimmo Emlyn’s Moon, by Jenny Nimmo The Chestnut Soldier, by Jenny Nimmo Death Comes As the End, by Agatha Christie Lord of the Flies, by ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, ...
Newsroom has a story today about National's (fortunately failed) effort to disestablish the newly-created Inspector-General of Defence. The creation of this agency was the key recommendation of the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, and a vital means of restoring credibility and social licence to an agency which had been caught lying ...
Holding On To The Present:The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
Stuck In The Middle With You:As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
Buzz from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example. This shows National down ...
It Takes A Train To Cry:Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
Chris Trotter writes – New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy.Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Bryce Edwards writes – 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 is trying to achieve and its ...
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A women’s union in New Caledonia has staged a sit-in protest this week to support senior Kanak indigenous journalist Thérèse Waia, who works for public broadcaster Nouvelle-Calédonie la Première, after a smear attack by critics. The peaceful demonstration was held on ...
New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring overseas recalls of Indian packaged spice products manufactured by MDH and Everest due to concerns over a cancer-causing pesticide. ...
By Stephen Wright and Stefan Armbruster of BenarNews Fiji’s ranking in a global press freedom index has jumped into the top tier of countries with free or mostly free media after its government last year repealed a draconian law that threatened journalists with prison for doing their jobs. Fiji’s improvement ...
We might be in Invercargill but all anyone can talk about is Gore. Specifically, Salford Street. That’s where three-year-old Lachlan Jones lived, south of the centre of town, between the A&P Showgrounds and the Mataura River. Roughly 1.2 km away from the single level home he lived in with his ...
MONDAY I lined up the latest round of civil servants from city hall against the wall, and signalled for the firing squad to drop their rifles. I stepped up onto a wooden crate to look at the office workers in the eye. But that didn’t feel right, so I found ...
Keen hiker and second-year MSc student Liam Hewson wears two hats when he’s in the great outdoors. “The scientist in me appreciates nature and goes, ‘Oh, there’s that thing and there’s another thing,’ but then the tramper and the outdoorsy person in me thinks, ‘Cool bush.’” Born and bred in ...
After a long and illustrious career as a goal kicker, Dan Carter’s favourite way to unwind is… kicking goals. Why can’t he get enough of it? And what it’s like to watch him do it for an hour straight? A semicircle of people wielding cameras and phones has formed in ...
Dame Susan Devoy takes us through her life in television, including late night ER debriefs, her proudest CTI moment and the show she watches in secret. Quite aside from her four world champion squash titles, Dame Susan Devoy will likely go down in history as one of the best Celebrity ...
Hera Lindsay Bird reveals the best places in Ōtepoti to score more for your apocalypse-prep book hoard.Sometimes I get the feeling I’ve been killed in a car crash, and this second half of my life is just the brain unspooling itself, like one of those episodes of a hospital ...
ThreeNow’s new murder mystery series takes us on a dark, damp journey into the Australian wilderness.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. High Country is ThreeNow’s new Australian eight-part crime drama, set in a remote part of the Victorian highlands. It tells ...
Introducing a new way to read The Spinoff every weekend. After nearly 10 years of being an online magazine, we’re finally embracing the weekend liftout. Despite our best efforts to convince you otherwise, writers and editors at The Spinoff don’t work weekend. It is through the sheer power of technology ...
Tip one: let yourself be nurtured by this big old man. Tip two: don’t ask him to adopt you. So, you’ve arrived at your first session with a new therapist. He tells you to make yourself comfortable and you opt for the tweed armchair, hoping it makes you look like ...
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Oops sorry one of our magic elves slept in …
Needs another elf’s pointy green boot in the backside. And a few choice words in Elvish. Here is an old weather forecast in Elvish for a taster.
Had the pleasure of meeting Tamati at the election prior to last, geez he’s a lovely man. Switched on and sincere, he’s the real deal. Thrilled he made it in to parliament.
Epic clip thanks for posting Grey, he does it well 🙂 Cracking up laughing.
The Eminem’s case:
“In a decision released today, the Court of Appeal allowed the National Party’s appeal – and reduced the damages payment down from $600,000 to $225,000.”
But of course they probably used the “Don’t you know who we are?” line. Born to Rule they think.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12178849
Hopefully Eminem takes it to the Supreme Court and has it doubled from the original amount.
LOL – please, please.
Bet you can’t guess Simon’s first question today?
“1. Hon SIMON BRIDGES to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her statements and actions in relation to Karel Sroubek?”
Perseverance but really what else can the ring out of this?
Jacinda was asked again by Suzie this morning the same Sroubek questions mimicking Simon. Jacinda thought they were going to talk Climate change but instead the same tired questions with the same tired answers. Why?
lmao, just checked that out too.
Who cares about the planet?
Actually who even cares about the average kiwi, seeing Sroubeks locked up and not a risk to anyone….
Not simon anyways.
Wonder how many climate change questions national has asked this year compared to Sroubek questions?
“It’s that simple . . . Simon.”
For which the PM had to stand, withdraw and apologise!
But the barb struck home – lol.
We’Ll bE a NeW kINd OF goVernMent
Unlike the opposition well versed in verbal incontinence.
Perhaps Mark could offer some Verbal Contifit devices. A few Xmas pressies all round with personal fittings for Wodehouse, Mitchell, Bennett and Bridge-less
Was super funny.
While most people see this as an overdone steak (or stake) it is far from that. As I have said a couple of times here, it has more legs than a centipede. That is why people like MS and myself remain interested. The issue of Hardcore’s text to Ardern is a red herring (a very small sardine actually) being used to politically discredit her, but the persistence with that aspect could well backfire. There are some much bigger issues behind the whole situation.
” The issue of Hardcore’s text to Ardern is a red herring”
You keep telling yourself that
“Newshub has made multiple requests of the Prime Minister’s Office under the OIA for details of official communications she’s had using personal email or messaging platforms. We have been stonewalled and refused every time.”
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/12/tova-o-brien-she-may-not-be-but-jacinda-ardern-looks-dodgy.html
Tova will find herself an unperson if shes not careful 🙂
“be the most open, most transparent Government that New Zealand has ever had”
The thing is shes creating the rod for her own back here, if theres nothing in the text then just release them
Mind you shes very careful to specify these texts, makes you wonder if there are any other texts…
“The thing is she’s creating the rod for her own back here, if theres nothing in the text then just release them”
If, Pucky, Jacinda operates under the understanding that someone sending a text to her, and there must be scores and scores of them, can do so without fear of having that text and their identities revealed under pressure from National Party MPs, she would surely keep to that understanding/undertaking. If she betrays one member of the public, all will be affected. Do you see my point? Do you see Jacinda’s point (she’s explained it often enough).
The problem is this isn’t the first time Jacinda’s had issue with her phone so, like Sir John Key was hounded into releasing his texts, we need to see Jacindas phone records because theres a strong whiff of something quite unpleasant about this
Was pressure applied to Ian Lees Galloway to give a known drug dealer residency
I suspect that the ‘strong whiff’ lies only in the nostril of the woofter.
He didn’t give him residency, he suspended deportation – different criteria for each.
Really, he didn’t grant him residency
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/109010045/judicial-review-looms-as-immigration-minister-iain-leesgalloway-confirms-error-when-granting-karel-sroubek-residency
‘Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway confirmed an error was made granting Karel Sroubek residency and it’s this technical aspect that the deportation liability now hinges on.’
Yes do keep telling yourself that @ vv (with ref to Nakibloke @4.2.1) because you are correct. There are some that were trying to warn I L-G he was being set up (via junior MPs) but it obviously didn’t quite get there in time if at all. There might have been a bit too much Chardonnay sipping going on.
Again, the only thing I L-G is guilty of is placing too much faith in the bureaucracy and processes (which we now know are “under review”).
And thank Christ INZ (and the Labour Inspectorate – sometimes known as the Labour Expectorant) are finally able to get off their chuffs and collect arsehole exploiters with the involvement of the Police (instead of trying to be their own little Police Force). And its a bloody shame the IAA still doesn’t seem to be up to the task.
Soozy didn’t ask her how she reckoned Woodlouse got hold of her texts. Wonder if anyone’s looking into that.
Hipkins may regret the heavy hand.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12178871
It won’t be a matter for Hipkins regret. Right from the start, the VC gave every reason for the suspicion of duplicity. As for the reported consultation, it was a fiction as it pretty much excluded recognition of large numbers of those who opposed, including the staff.
I don’t think Hipkins will have anything to regret by this action.
From my, admittedly unscientific, observations I think allowing the Vice-Chancellor to have his way would have been far more damaging for Chippie.
I don’t know any faculty members or alumni who are in favour of the change. I know quite a lot of the academic staff and a lot of older alumni. They really do not want to see the change take place.
Perhaps the younger ones are in favour. I don’t know many of them.
Personally I would say “Good on Hipkins”. I didn’t know he had it in him.
Indeed!
First World problems eh? A re-brand and re-image.
I can’t think of anything more important (/sarc)
Speaking of which, is it not about time that National Radio got yet another futile and stupid but expensive re-branding, which continues to leave it with a longer and less elegant name that its best and original one – ‘National Radio’?
(Still by far the best name, because we should not let the National Party steal and pervert the true meaning of ‘National’.)
Why don’t you just use its standard nickname?
Just call it “Red Radio”. Everyone will understand you.
That misnomer is the reserve of only the obtusely bigoted conservatives. You may well qualify as such, alwyn.
“I don’t know any faculty members or alumni who are in favour of the change.”
I do and it isn’t allowing the VC his way, it’s the university council.
They can still change it anyway in everything but legal name only.
Other uni’s like Stanford aren’t legally called Stanford. They just promote themselves as that
It was a dumb decision
I agree
Hipkins made a dumb move.
But then he is the ex student union president at Vic, is still mates with them and they were the most vocally against the change, so maybe he just caved to pressure
SSC report about spying on behalf of govt agencies: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/109409526/security-firm-spied-on-politicians-activists-and-earthquake-victims
Bedtime reading. Have hankie to hand.
https://www.ssc.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Report%20of%20the%20inquiry%20into%20the%20use%20of%20external%20security%20consultants%20by%20government%20agencies.pdf
Hey I have a few in the pile before that one. 🙂
Our Learned Friends from Crown Law (circa 2007) emerge smelling none too sweet.
Set the spooks onto victims and witnesses in a case involving abuse in State Care they did…(3.7)
“In the Inquiry’s view, surveillance by the government of a participant in a civil case is generally improper, or at least highly unusual and something that would require careful oversight and controls to assess and balance privacy interests.
The Solicitor General confirmed to the Inquiry that this is also her view and expectation.
This was reflected in Crown Law’s response to a journalist’s enquiry earlier this year, which stated the Crown would not instruct a private investigator to carry out surveillance of a witness. ”
Unfortunately, shit sticks.
The number of tourists visiting New Zealand is expected to grow to 5 million by 2024
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/q-and-a/clips/tourism-the-price-of-popularity
Are we comfortable with current tourist visiting numbers?
Are we happy with the expected rate of growth?
Do we need to consider a cap? And if so, at what number? Double the current rate?
Could they bring their own water and take their own shit home chairy?
@ Gabby, and their carbon emissions from their vehicles… and their pollution from their cruise ships… that are somehow exempt from the tiny tourism tax…
Also if they can build their own airport transfers, new roads and public transport needed, user pays for stadiums and stop stealing harbours for marinas like America’s cup and cruise ships that only seem to benefit the 1% (if that).
Tourism seems to be piggy backed on public spending and they are the priority for councils and government when their expansion subsidised by rates and taxes from residents for increasingly overseas owned or part owned tourism businesses.
wrong Savenz…please look at the numbers before you come out with this rubbish…tourism is major earner, employer and tax payer for Godzone, and not just GST but income and company tax.
I walk tracks near Wanaka where you never see a tourist.
Actually, it isn’t.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/89010426/its-not-easy-being-beautiful-new-zealand-tourism-boom-comes-at-a-cost-kiwis-say
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11842133
You’re one of these idiots that sees a few people doing well because of something and calls it good but doesn’t look at the costs that something imposes.
That’s the trouble about tourism – look at the numbers. Because of the OTT drive to increase tourism for foreign earnings, the people actually living in this country are being denied their once high quality resources. The overseas earnings has to be gathered so that it balances the imports that we are so wedded to. Usually mport balances are higher than our foreign earnings.
We are on a treadmill and the more foreign tourists we get the more their
presence causes the country to be spoiled a little for everyone, after a survivable number has been researched and reached. And the more we are told we are well off and we borrow more personally, and our incomes remain low,then it is hard to pay off without a total change-around of lifestyle and expectation but this is the age of ‘She’ll be right’ and those who aren’t are no-hopers. Nice!
I think you will find that was in the past Bearded Git, you know when Kiwi based and born mums and dads owned restaurants, hotels and B&B’s and shops and Kiwi’s were workers in those businesses not migrant workers paying for the job in many cases.
Tourism like anything should be run sustainably, unfortunately in NZ it is not, just bums on seats, like many other areas like education, construction and so forth… NZ is unconcerned about quality, long term sustainability or compatibility to morality.
Good point, SaveNZ. A lot of the benefits from growing tourism is heading offshore due to the dominance of offshore owned hotel chains, etc.
https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Bethselamin
would it not behove us just to start finally and build more toilets gabs ???
Yes we do. Each place available to then be auctioned off with proceeds going to the government.
To be determined through research of the amount that our infrastructure can handle and how many people the country can actually support.
Placing more costs onto tourists (thus reducing costs for locals) should also help to slow the rate of growth. Giving us more time and funding to improve current infrastructure to meet demand going forward. Which should also help pacify growing local resentment.
With talk of peak room capacity coupled with a number of other media reports, it seems the country (well certain regions of it) is quickly reaching its capacity unless infrastructure is rapidly improved.
Another day and another revelation about Donald Trump.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12178629
Another day another revelation on the Sroubek and his Russian wife that he helped gain residency for, and now in relationship with Natz .
Angry, desperate phone call from Sroubek to estranged wife released
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12178785
“Sroubek said Mitchell had failed to appreciate his former wife was a partner in the business which was used to import the MDMA drug.
“He calls me a ‘gangster’ but, ironically, blindly (and conveniently) defends my business partner.”
It was the same company he said he used to assist her in gaining residency after she found she didn’t qualify in her previous job.
He called it a “double standard” saying she “now manipulates the situation to expel me from the country I supported her gaining residency in”.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12177545
(Anyone get the idea that there seems to be heaps of non residents just going around ‘helping’ people get residency and then getting residency themselves somehow…) The Ponzi continues and will continue until the government actually makes a real criteria and decent time frame so that all these little scams are too hard to keep going over time as are people’s fleeting relationships and businesses operating here being used to aid residency applications need to be verified over a 10 – 20 years not 2 – 5 years by which time things clearly seem to change for most people…)
Wonder Who released that phone call and why?
Sounded as though Sroubek was angry that she had not kept to the deal made 2 weeks ago.
It’s all working as designed @SaveNZ. Industrialise Immigration, shoddy Private Tertiary Education that gives NZ Inc. a good earn, Labour Hire Companies and anyone else you choose to create a ‘skill shortage list’ for……. better still, let them also become Immigration Advisors on the side (why not vertically integrate for the purposes of efficiency and effectiveness).
And the good thing is that if you’re a complete arshole charlatan, the good will be lumped in with the bad. And you can even tinker and pretend by doing things like lifting IELTS 6.5 to IELTS 7, and you can even stand up in Parliament in all good ‘FAITH’, (not unlike the pompous Wodehouse) and feign the very greatest of concern about a fucking Sroubek
Meantime, NZ ends up with the average and the dross (including the likes of a Thiel), whilst the likes of Canada, a number of European countries, and even some in the Middle East get not only the talented, but the committed.
Whoar, I feel like a bit of Shania TwAng (not)
On another overseas criminal who NZ is now paying for a prison stay for.
Transport Ministry fraudster Joanne Harrison to be released from jail and deported to UK
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/109410669/ministry-of-transport-fraudster-joanne-harrison-to-be-released-from-jail-and-deported-to-united-kingdom
(Maybe a bit of quality control is needed, no wonder NZ jails are filling up and we can’t be bothered/no funds for rehabilitating our own criminals when we have so much sympathy and compassion for the overseas crims).
Yep we should send them off to the colonies – oh drat we’ve already done that…
Auckland Islands have potential…
I was thinking White island would be good, depending on their crimes some could take their hand cuffs off before they swim ashore.
Naki Man – I think you may have a career teaching, or guidance counselling.
You’re not suggesting NZ Inc has fallen victim to UK failed/very average/complete muppet civil servants are you @ SaveNZ?
That idea would be oh so 1960s and 70s, but I suppose they do know better.
And they are of more monetary value (currency exchange-wise) than others.
They can probably even house themselves in luxury and enforce the rulz we’ve become accustomed to living by even if it might take a while to come to terms with a NuZull culcha.
Let’s good rid of the furrin devils who are costing us money. It is the cultural cringe – I think the ‘uman resources try and get overseas people because they expect more money and probably the agency gets a percentage. Moral hazard anyone, if that is the case. Everyone of any colour, creed or race has the potential to be a furrin devil because of the overcrowding our gummint has encouraged, facilitated actually.
The money-mad still want to be like Switzerland or Luxembourg but they aren’t clever and careful enough, our intellect is below Japanese crows, we behave like sheep and get milked like cows. We should try to be goats, they are much more lively and individualistic.
Crows:
http://www.bbc.com/earth/storyoflife/player?clipID=20160713-crows-use-cars-to-crack-nuts
Interesting to see our ‘kind’ PM insulting the opposition leader with childish name calling, and getting a telling off by her protector Mallard. I’m sure all the socialists are laughing in the almond lattes …
Like the end of yet another explanation that Bridges seemed unable to understand she said,
“Its Simple Simon.”
I suppose Simple Simon sees himself as a great Debater but the lost cause is Simple Simon.
And yet another snide socialists falls into the trap of exposing their nasty pathetic side …
So, Marshy, you just proved unwittingly the silliness of your assertion that our very capable and assertive PM needs a ‘protector’. Firstly, she dealt capably and assertively, humorously, with Bridge’s boring and repetitive attempts to slur and smear, and secondly the man who you call her protector quite rightly required her to withdraw and apologise, as she was unparliamentary.
It was a bit funnier and certainly less malicious than Paula Bennett’s “Zip it , sweetie!” made to Ardern, thus exposing her truly “nasty, pathetic side.”
yep – it shows a PM with a sense of humour and kiwis LOVE IT.
It is a truly hilarious comment. Never before in history have we had a Prime Minister who is such a master of stand-up comedy. She is far, far better than anything that David Lange ever managed.
Billy Connolly and Stephen Fry will be chastened. An amateur who is so vastly better than they ever were.
She has only one thing to learn. You should come out with your jokes as if they are spontaneous. It spoils it if you are so obviously reading it off a sheet of paper.
Still, it is the most marvellous attempt at humour that the current Government has managed. So much better than the bitter reactions to questions that are exhibited by so many of the Ministers when they are, as usual, caught out.
That was a wonderful display Cindy. Long may it be celebrated as the finest achievement of this woeful coalition.
alwyn, you forgot Oscar Wilde and George Bernard-Shaw. Please, lay it on properly.
Actually, Jacinda does not do this very often at all. But when she does it, it is simple and it sticks. Remember when Mike Hosking asked her if she had read his (award-winning?) article, and she asked back, “The satire?’
His silence spoke volumes.
She does it rarely, but well. Eat it.
You, as a righty, cannot get humour so please don’t try – it makes you look silly al.
Simple Simon met the PM
On the way to the fair
Said simple Simon to the PM
Show me that I’m right .
Show me your proof first said the PM
But simple Simon said I have none.
So true/clever bwag.
Is it up on the parliamentary website yet?
I make have to amuse myself by posting it on auto play especially for the flavourless and humourless people like Mr Marshy.
Hey – I could make it always come up in a large full screen popup and playing for him and all people coming directly here from Kiwisilo and Whalescum.
I thought what she actually said was, “It’s simple Simon.”
It was elegant. The Speaker asked her to withdraw and apologise, which she did, but it was too late…
I hope our min of justice is taking note, especially given his comments this week.”Justice Minister Andrew Little disagrees.
“All the laws we have in place are the laws we’ve had in place for a few years now, and judges have to be left to do their decision,” he told Newshub.”
It is not a good look this case with the offender being given in some a light sentence by the appearance of displaying remorse, her subsequent actions appear to be contrary to this and I wonder how the judge is feeling perhaps being misled.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12178882
Any astronomers out there – I’m looking to get a telescope soon – have semi decided on a refractor sky watcher 100/900 computerised for astrophotography. Any thoughts appreciated.
Did you see the comet last night, Marty?
No but I do know where to look I think. At work over next few days but I believe in looking up even if fleetingly.
OOooh gotta have one of these!
“All I want for Christmas is a Trumpy Bear.”
“At least until someone makes a Trumpy voodoo doll.”
“A report published in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology maps the wetland loss of the region (Southland) by comparing satellite images taken in 1990 and 2012.
It examined 32,814 hectares of wetland and found it was being lost at a rate of 157 hectares per year.
Since 1990, 3452ha of wetlands were no longer present in the landscape and a further 3943ha were at risk – amounting to 23 percent either lost or in a state of decline.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said more must be done to protect wetlands.”…
… Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards committee chairman Bruce Allan said he hoped the report would prompt a painful, but necessary, change in farmer’s behaviour.
“I think it’s a wake up call. There’s been a long history of land development across the nation really, we’re probably going to see that slow down and there’s obviously moves to improve habitat,” Mr Allan said.
“There’s far greater awareness of the issues and there’s a lot more role models out there prepared to show leadership and talk about what they’re doing and pitch in with community initiatives such as catchment groups to turn this situation around and improve things.”
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/378556/southland-wetlands-being-lost-at-rate-of-157ha-a-year
The thing that strikes me with this is that Yes minister we DO have to do more to protect wetlands – this is a no brainer so lets do it. And this ‘wake up call’ idea – surely the wake up has already occurred what we have now is the repeated hitting of the snooze button hoping it all goes away – it won’t go away.
Herodotus – It is unconstitutional for the Minister of Justice to be involved in this case at all so what is the point of your comment? Secondly, what is the relevance of the vague comment “…. her subsequent actions appear to be contrary to this ….”. Justice is based on evidence – not appearances. Finally, the Judge’s 8 pages of sentencing notes were uncharacteristically released to the public, so the thinking of the Judge is transparent. Yes, the petition was very well supported but if the prosecutor reviewed the case, consulted with the family of the deceased and was convinced there was a miscarriage of justice, then an appropriate application could/should have been made. If the Judge was mislead at sentencing, she was in a position to act on this when reviewing the case as was provided for went the defendant was sentenced. Agin, something that was uncharacteristic. This seems another situation where the social media justice system, backed by the mainstream media justice system is holding sway. Irrespective of the matters surrounding this case, as a society, we should really be deciding if we should have a criminal justice system. Of course, there is the alternative of relying on ‘trial by media’ to determine the guilt or innocence of alleged offenders and then sentences being imposed on the basis of what is gleaned from media sources.
Damn! This was supposed to be in response to Herodotus at 12 above.
Public comment, criticism or even outcry over perceived injustice is necessary from time to time so that the justice system in any given country can periodically course-correct so that it aligns with the country’s culture.
Otherwise laws would simply be set once, and never change.
Laws have to evolve over time, and to reflect what the society generally thinks is fair, whatever ‘fair’ means, otherwise the public will revolt.
While I am less than impressed with the politicians who have tried to take advantage of this situation, I think if it had been a poor brown boy killing a rich white girl, we all know where that brown boy would be right now, and that’s definitely not at home sleeping in his own bed with his Mum cooking him dinner.
Consistency is what is needed in order to build trust in any situation, and trust in the justice system is no different.
Chess Player – yes, “criticism or even outcry over perceived injustice is necessary from time to time” but it should be informed criticism. Also, as you say, “if it had been a poor brown boy killing a rich white girl, we all know where that brown boy would be right now”. Sentencing of such cases should not be a benchmark for consistency. Which is the greater problem, society’s ingrained prejudices which are manifested by what some perceive as an institutionally racist justice system, or is it a media incited call for blood on the basis of sentiments that are driven by the likes of the Sensible Sentencing Trust who have driven our incarceration rates ever closer to the worst in the world? What is needed is for the community at large to consider the wisdom of the likes of the Commissioner for Children or those whose knowledge of criminology adds research to the discourse, as opposed to ignorant rantings on social media.
I hope the Leader of the House at the beginning of business tomorrow rises and asks for clarification.
“Mr Speaker, is the word ‘simple’ not to be used in the house? Or if it is just not to be used following the time honoured tradition of no christian names, with a christian name? Is it able to be used with a surname. For example could I say to my colleague “It’s simple Mr Peters or it’s simple Mr Bridges?”
Technicality, Pete. Mallard picked up the obvious ‘Simple Simon’ barb, and acted correctly.
Despite some idiots claiming that he ‘protects’ the PM.
It seems to be Simon who needs protection..
First name verboten. Combination likely to cause disorder.
PM knew exactly what she was doing, as did every other MP – and the Speaker, hence the immediate response. They will waste no further energy on it.
Eco Maori has already stated as fact that with Aotearoa farming emmisions NO ONE was talking about the BIG elephant in the ROOM nitrogin is a big problem and since the 1990 our use of this soil and water poision has gone up x 1000% at least .The reason no one was talking about nitrogin is 2 big companys control the prouduction and importation of nitrogin and they use there money to suppress the facts of there enviromental killing prouduct . I back banning it but the humane side of me says phase it out over 10 years thats enught time for our farmers to switch to organic farming.
1it destroys our soils it speed up the natural cycle 1000 % and kills off the natural organism in our soils basicly we are stilling our grandchildren future soils using nitrogen.2it kill off our water ways causing alge growth to explode in our awa and tangaroa 3 it increeses climate warming 4 we burn carbon to suck it out of the air 5 its hard on the stocks health. There are many other negtive effects that nitrogen causes hecne how Eco Maori was flabbergasted that know one was talking about this stuff WITH FACTS last year.
There’s a hidden climate (and river) killer that drives the industrialisation of agriculture.
Synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. We have to ban it.
Synthetic nitrogen is one of the key industrial agricultural inputs. Pesticides, livestock feed, antibiotics, irrigation, are some of the others. These things are what drive the high input, high damage way of growing food.
Without the inputs, industrial agriculture does not work.
Luckily, the most fundamental input of all is synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. That means, when we get it banned, it will force the de-industrialisation of farming and pave the way for regenerative farming – the only way of farming that provides a glimmer of hope against climate breakdown.
What is synthetic nitrogen fertiliser?
It’s a product that is made in factories and then dumped onto farmland in vast quantities to make grass and other crops grow fast. It’s a bit like crack cocaine for plants, a departure from reality and, ultimately destructive.
It often comes in the form of ‘urea’ but it’s sold under lots of other names too.
Links below ka kite ano. P.S my computer is playing up again sandflys One has to be care full what video is used as some start out correct and at the end flips to be pro nitrogen the big buck’s at work distorting OUR reality
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/opinion/109207699/banning-new-zealands-hidden-climate-killer–synthetic-nitrogen-fertiliser
A video for my above post
Eco Maori Video .
Eco Maori backs income equality and equality for all .
Wahine income being unequal to men is one of the main causes of child poverty wahine and tane start a whano and for some reason they split up most times the children are in the wahines care.Then the marrage settlement most times go in favour of the man{ whom’s got the best lawyer capitlist syndrom more money } so she end up with just enough money /putea to servive to top it off she will only beable to earn in a good situation 80% of what a man makes to try and provide for her children =DEPRIVED children
Global pay gap will take 202 years to close, says World Economic Forum
Gender equality has stalled, says WEF, as women globally are paid 63% of what men get
The global pay gap between men and women will take 202 years to close, because it is so vast and the pace of change so slow, according to the World Economic Forum.
The WEF, which organises the annual meeting of business and political leaders in Davos, said the global gender pay gap has narrowed slightly over the past year, but the number of women in the professional workplace has fallen. In 2017, the WEF estimated that it would take 217 years to close the pay gap.
“The overall picture is that gender equality has stalled,” Saadia Zahidi, the WEF’s head of social and economic agendas, said. “The future of our labour market may not be as equal as the trajectory we thought we were on.”
The WEF found that on average women across the world are paid just 63% of what men earn. There is not a single country where women are paid as much as men. Laos, in south-east Asia, is the closest to achieving parity with women earning 91% of what men are paid.
Gender pay gap: when does your company stop paying women in 2018?
Read more
Yemen, Syria and Iraq have the biggest pay gaps with women being paid less than 30% the level of mens’ wages. The WEF ranked the UK 50th out of 149 countries for gender pay, with women collecting 70% of that paid to men.
Ka kite ano links below. P.S I seen another wahine leader on The late Show with Stephen Colbert one of my favrourite actress Sandra Ballock we need more movies with wahine as the lead actor for equality to flouroush
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/18/global-gender-pay-gap-will-take-202-years-to-close-says-world-economic-forum
Eco Maori see the big picture and backs Great Britain staying in the European Union It will be a bad move for most people if Britxit goes down as 99.9 % of people will lose .I say this was all started by the alt right neo librale captlist whom are all about the rich
EU friends of Britain say: we want you to stay
European Guardian readers share their sadnesses and frustrations regarding Brexit a recent German opinion poll, almost 80% of the people asked were against Brexit and would be more than happy if you remained. I am writing to you as a German citizen with a daughter who has grandparents in England and Germany. Although she is too young to fully understand the unprecedented destruction by Germany that Europe suffered, she does know about Britain’s important role in reinstating civilisation and humanity. My daughter is growing up with a deep belief in peace and freedom in Europe. Equal rights, solidarity with the vulnerable and a lively democracy are important to her.
The EU is grounded on these values, which developed out of the horror of the second world war. They are not the cause of the world’s problems but the solution. We need a united Europe, and a united Europe needs Britain.
Sign up to our Brexit weekly briefing
Read more
• There is no doubt about it: the Dear friends in Britain: maybe you are not aware of what Europe will miss when you leave. We will miss your refreshing views, as living on the continent can give a blinkered viewpoint. We will miss your international experience and networks. We will miss your calmness and pragmatism in an overheated world. We will miss your standing side by side against populists and anti-democrats. We will miss your long democratic experience in developing the future EU. Together we are strong! Please stay. We are waiting for you with open arms. Merry Christmas. Ka kite ano links below P.S I say a new vote on staying in the EU is needed to prevent a CATASTROPHE IN Britain
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/18/eu-friends-of-britain-say-we-want-you-to-stay
Kia ora Newshub many thanks to our goverment for razing the min wage as for simon and co they can go jump in there toilet employers will have to become inervative and incress prouductivity we wonder why our productivity is low by OECD standards well a low wage does not make anyone look for prouductivity gains.
MP’s being charged $55 per invoice is not on get it sorted.
That was a good ruling by the courts upping the jail time for that unscupulous lady selling her daugther for prostitution when the girl was a minor even if she was of age is not on .
That is not on having 3 rivers in Canterbry having E.coli I say we need more laws to protect our WAI it would be cool if in 3 years one could take a swim in any water way without worring about getting sick.???????????? after all tourism is our biggest export earner you know there is a lot of money suppresing those facts.
Eco Maori backs having city centra’s l banning cars and becoming pedestrian friendly and enviromentaly friendly
The Ebola in the African country Democratic Republic of Congo shows me that the west should put more funds into finding a cure for Ebola why man should no take health threats like Ebola forgranted as it could spread we don’t control nature she controls us put the money in to fix this I wounder who pulled funds out of fighting this ?????????????.
I say the rail line from Hamilton to Auckland is awsome it will take pressure off the roads. Rail all over NZ is needed It would be good to see Huntly gain from the move. I use to catch a train from Gisborne to Napier years ago it was a good scenic journey.
Ka kite ano
Some Eco Maori Music for the minute