Nothing assumed about it. I haven't looked at sports since the 1980s (not that I watched it much then). Soon after I stopped playing sports myself.
Plus I completely disconnected and dropped all broadcast TV around 2010 because the content was crap and the ads (including on sky) were painful, so now I don't even see it by accident.
The nearest I get to sports these days is when the games are on at Eden park and we get a flood of parking, pedestrians, and lights up where I live at the at the ends of K Rd and Ponsonby Rd.
Many years ago, after tens of phonecalls from me and a rap on the knuckles from a Judge, I contact the Children's Commissioner about the many failings of CYFS (Oranga Tamarki in a previous incarnation) regarding a baby in our care. They have a manual of what we as foster parents were obliged to do regarding children in our care… whilst CYFS themselves felt free to neglect even the most basic of their legal responsibilities.
One phonecall to an unsurprised Children's Commission and finally things got moving on behalf of this child. CYFS finally had to do their job. No wonder the Government wants them gone.
The Children's commissioner has been sidelined ever since they were appointed no government has taken proper action to improve children's lives in NZ.So moving this role to another overburdened govt department is a sign that Labour don't want to improve children's lives either ,leave another govt dept cover it up by neglect.It cost's big money to fix the problem of Child abuse and neglect. Most caused by Poverty like intinerancy homelessness drugs and alcohol intregenerational abuse.National you know will do nothing but legislate , Labour looks like it has given up and wants to sweep the problem under the carpet.
My view of CYFS was informed by my friends experience with her daughter, a permanent placement when she was around three. She had been in care since she was a few months old.
My friends lawyer when processing the placement order, said that they would not go through with a placement order for their clients without placing an additional care order through the Family Court at the same time. Their experience over the years with CYFS, had made this an essential protection for both family and child. Needless to say this proved to be the case. A stressful Family Court situation, brought about by CYFS not following their own protocol lead to the Family Court judge saying the behaviour of the social workers could only be described as abusive towards the family.
I also had the interesting experience of taking Te Reo classes with the local social workers, one evening a week for around four months. About ten CYFS frontline staff in all. Very quickly you could ascertain the competent and caring ones – they were still working when we arrived. They also could hold a reasonable conversation during the breaks. Unfortunately, they were the minority.
Reviews should not only hold individuals to account, but result in implementing changes that can improve the delivery of support to our most vulnerable, and those supporting them.
(My friend had the opportunity to challenge the actions of CYFS in court, because her mother offered her the $30,000 estimate in legal fees as a gift. Many are unable to access those kinds of funds. It took more than two years for the case to come in front of a judge, and was dismissed within the first day, as CYFS provided no evidence, and had not followed official policies. )
The Children’s Commissioner role is necessary. If it needs to be strengthened and expanded to be effective, so be it.
Very quickly you could ascertain the competent and caring ones – they were still working when we arrived. They also could hold a reasonable conversation during the breaks. Unfortunately, they were the minority.
We have a close friend here in Australia who is a very experienced in the social and health care arena. She related much of this sort of thing to us at length. The root cause of much of this dysfunctional behaviour is the system they work in. The are constantly put in positions where they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Every choice they make carries the real potential to blow up in their faces. Every day.
Most people go into this work with the vision they will be able to help people and make the world a better place – and I admire and respect their desire to do so. They finish up however just trying to survive themselves.
The core problem is they have been set an impossible task, the idea that state money and resources alone can solve all problems. When the reality is that some people are broken beyond our ability to repair and all we can do is pick up after the carnage they leave in their wake.
I will balance this by adding that it is also perversely true that the so-called caring professions so often attract some very toxic individuals indeed. I think it is because it gives them access to a pool of vulnerable victims. Institutions of all kinds have been way too slow in recognising this harsh truth. We largely have learned to screen for sexual predators, but other more extensive kinds of emotional and psychological abusers still slip through undetected.
There were some very impressive and competent individuals working as social workers. There also appeared to be some (as in all industries) clock watchers who didn't appear to be burnt out, just not invested in outcomes at all.
This was a few years ago, when children in care were being put into motels at really young ages. When I asked how they were managing to provide adult supervision for those children in that situation, one worker replied "There's a security guard at the motel, what more do they need?"
She was the same worker that instigated the case against my friend. Why? Because after years of taking her daughter to child psychologists and assessments at the behest of CYFS, and getting official diagnoses of severe conditions such as FAS and PTSD, along with mental impairment – CYFS did not want to provide the support they were required to under the care order that had been issued at the beginning.
Those who manage to work within such a system with integrity and effectiveness deserve all the accolades we can award them. But until the system itself is functioning well, I believe we need some form of oversight – such as the Children's Commissioner.
A regrettable consequence is that some who have witnessed the infliction of harm by CYFS, will be reluctant or will avoid calling for their support if they suspect a child is in danger.
So many ways to fail children when a system is not fit for purpose.
After some years of association and over 60 emergency and short term placements there was only one social worker from a stable of about fifty in our local office we felt it was safe (for the children and ourselves) for us to deal with. One. Dewy-eyed with the ink still wet on whatever qualification they had achieved through whichever centre of learning, they thought they had the necessary knowledge and experience. They didn't. We were stroppy and vocal and reasonably well educated (we had RTFM) and had an unwavering expectation that they would put the child first. Other foster parents weren't. At least one child died.
Totally dysfunctional mother (drugs, alcohol, crime), with a roster of boyfriends, among whom were the fathers of her 3 children (3 different fathers).
When OT finally decided they had to remove the children from her care – after spending 5 years and 10s if not 100s of thousands on trying to remedy her situation and improve her parenting – it was only because family brought it to their attention that her latest partner had a conviction for child sexual abuse – and that both of the girls were showing signs of being abused.
There was a family connection (cousin) – stable home, stable relationship – who was prepared to take the older 2 girls – now showing behavioural dysfunction – with OT support for counselling, etc. A different family member (on his father's side) was prepared to take the young boy.
OT wouldn't agree to the placement of the 2 girls – even though it was a blood relation, because it wasn't the 'right kind of family' (i.e. they weren't Maori). Mum had no Maori blood, and the 2 different fathers (neither of whom were on the scene) were both Maori in some degree. Placement of the boy wasn't a problem – it was a Maori family.
Consequently, the 2 girls have been in and out of foster care for the last 7 or so years – and present with severe behaviour issues and learning delays. The cousin has tried – but you can't provide stability with occasional visits. They're now early teens, and basically there is no hope for any form of normal childhood.
There is no way in hell, that OT placed the needs of those two little girls at the centre of their decision-making (as they are supposed to do).
I have only contempt for the numerous social workers involved in this case.
Another direct story is from one of my relatives, who noticed one of her fifteen year old male student’s change in personality after he moved in with his uncle. Informed by his friends that he was being sexually abused, she informed CYFS. Despite multiple follow-ups and several months CYFS had not contacted her or the student.
The day before this young man committed suicide, the CYFS staff member she spoke to said the investigation was regarded as low priority and added:
"This boy is almost 16, how do you know the relationship isn't consensual?"
And there will have been no consequences. Even if they were censured by the Coroner (probably 3 years later), it will be brushed off as 'needing more support' or 'policies have changed' (even though they haven't) or 'lessons have been learned'
I'm starting to side more and more with TPM that OT is completely dysfunctional – and it needs to be abolished and a new ministry (with none of the senior people re-employed) replacing it.
I don't agree with them on the 'mandate' that new Ministry should have (the health and wellbeing of children should be the priority, not their parental or cultural connection) – but OT is utterly incapable of change.
This story could be that of so many of the children we cared for it provokes actual physical pain. That so many adults can do so much damage to so many children is beyond criminal.
There was talk yesterday on here about why some of us are so concerned about the trans thing…fighting against not only the ideology but the terribly harmful medical interventions that (some of us believe) amounts to abuse.
'There are more important issues!!!' they cried, '…stop banging on about this…' 'Climate change!!!' 'Ukraine!!!' 'Covid!!!' Etc.
To be brutally honest…the human race deserves to be obliterated from this planet.
We will never, ever, (or enough of us anyhow) change our ways long enough to make the raising of healthy, happy children our absolute priority, and the fundamental reason for our time on this planet.
If enough had come even close to this, most of those other 'more important' issues would cease to exist.
One wonders what it takes to get through to Sepuloni.
Or, if this is the case of a Minister being captured by her Ministry? A Ministry which has been regularly criticised by the Children's Commissioner – and is highly motivated to remove the independence of the role.
I have yet to find a single voice in support of this change.
When everyone – from the Children's Commissioners (past and present) to Save the Children and VOYCE – is presenting with *significant* concerns over the new structure – especially the loss of independence – surely the Minister needs to take note of the voices raised in opposition.
You don't need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. By all means provide a panel to support the Commissioner, beef up the funding and enhance the investigative aspect of the role. But you can do all that with an Independent Children's Commissioner.
Yes, indeed. And Carmel Sepuloni is the minister responsible for MSD – who have a close relationship with OT – and are also frequently criticised by the Children's Commissioner. As is the Ministry of Justice and the Police (neither of which have Sepuloni as a minister)
Is that a reason for her to refuse to listen to any of the independent (or semi-independent) voices on this issue?
Setting aside your obsession over the minutiae of the relationships between MSD and OT.
Do you actually think that dis-establishing an independent Children's Commissioner (which is strongly opposed by all other independent voices in this field), is a good move?
.dis-establishing an independent Children's Commissioner
Good thing no one's going to do that, eh.
//
Children and Young People’s Commission
The bill proposes establishing a “Children and Young People’s Commission”. The Commission would be responsible for system-level advocacy for children and young people.
I don’t necessarily agree with the Children’s Commissioner in this instance.
But, the whole point of an independent commissioner, is that s/he is free to criticise the Government of the Day, and has a platform and status/mana from which to do so.
As a fair and impartial Otago supporter I believe every single decision that went against them was due to biased and incompetent referees.
Every. Single. Decision
I mean sure since the game went professional the lure of Otago University for players has become less important and ok the population and money is less than they could get elsewhere but no its the refs
Gordon Hunter would be proud of you PR. The Crusaders rightfully won they managed to keep the pressure on for a full 80 mins both on defence and attack.If the Allblacks want another World Cup Scott Robinson will deliver.
I'm really surprised that Ian Foster was made coach.
Scott Robertson has won everything, Joseph and Brown can take underperforming and/or weak teams and make them win, Dave Rennie won with the Chiefs (something Foster couldn't) yet Foster is ABs coach
I did not expect this series to go the way it has, I certainly didn't expect NZ to lose after racking up 550 runs in the first innings but thats the way it goes when supporting the Black Caps, the rough with the smooth indeed
I think its fair to say that over the last season or so the selections have been interesting to say the least
Attempting to create a spin bowling all rounder has been an abject failure:
Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell have all been used to try to fit in a spinner who can bat and while hes only played one test a FC batting average of 33 and a FC bowling average of 47 doesn't bode well for his future
Its pretty obvious that NZ Cricket want another Dan Vettori but they seem to have forgotten that Vettori came in as a bowler first and worked on his batting to the point that he averaged 40 in the number 8 position
If only there were decent spinners in NZ that we could use for an extended run, not a one of game every now and then, in the team and maybe they could work on their batting
Hopefully Young can get over the bad luck he seems to attract, I'm not convinced that hes a better option than Conway but I'd like to be proven wrong
All Mitchell needs to do is study a bit of Ewen Chatfields old tapes and concentrate on keeping his bowling tight and building the pressure for the other bowlers to exploit and the number six or seven position would be his for as long as he wants it
Blundell is having a good year so maybe hes turned the corner and can bat at number six, if he can that creates and extra place for NZ to use…preferably for a spinner
Maybe the coach has gone as far as he can and its time for new blood and new thinking, it certainly hasn't hurt England, though the real test is the Ashes…
PR agreed NZ came close but injuries weakened our line up Wagner could have made the difference but the coach must know something that the fans don't see.I am sure he would have scored runs and taken a couple of wickets which is all that was in this game.maybe Wagner is no good on English wickets.It wasn't a bad display by NZ if Kyle had been able to bowl NZ would have won.England are relying on bowlers who are coming to the end of their careers and are one injury from retiring. Thats why they weren't taken on the West Indies Tour knowing the World champs were next.The NZ cricket team can take a lot of positives out of this without Jamieson and Williamson NZ almost won.
With NZs batting line up not quite as settled as it could be I don't think we can play four seamers with Jamieson at 8, he can certainly improve his batting (ref: Vettori) however, like Southee, I'd rather see Jamieson continue to improve his bowling
I'd also like to see a spinner play as well (not a part timer) to add variety to the attack
'About 30 to 40 of the 10,000-odd current New Zealand prisoners identify as transgender, Corrections said. Or those, six are serving time in the country's three women's prisons: Christchurch Women's Prison, Arohata Prison and Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility, she said.'
Its from three years but probably still reasonably accurate, I’m just not convinced that Corrections head office and whatever government is in will take the neccasary steps required to ensure whats happening in the UK and USA won’t happen here
Thanks for posting the link about the alleged sexual assault of women prisoners by a trans identified woman (report dates from 2019). To my knowledge there has been no follow up re the outcome of this case. What happened? Was the complaint upheld?
Has anyone seen any follow up about this?
Yesterday there was a discussion on TS about why are we posting about this stuff i.e. our concerns about how gender ideology is impacting on women and girls, when its only happening overseas………
My answer is we don't know how much of this is happening in NZ beccause the msm fails to report on these issues. The only reporting is done is a biased way.
The media need to report on this stuff. We need to know exactly how gender ideology is impacting women, girls and womens spaces and we need to act now to prevent making the mistakes that countries such as the US and the UK have made
Looks like the Poles have had enough of Russia's near-border targeting of Western Ukraine and threats to Poland for their part in resupplying Ukraine.
If Russia continues to shell Ukraine's border areas with Poland, Warsaw could take over air defenses over the western regions.
This was stated by Brigadier General, former head of the Polish National Security Bureau Stanislaw Kozei in an interview with Onet, Censor.NET reports with reference to UNIAN.
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A listing of 24 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, January 26, 2025 thru Sat, February 1, 2025. This week's roundup is again published soleley by category. We are still interested in feedback to hone the categorization, so if ...
What seems to be the common theme in the US, NZ, Argentina and places like Italy under their respective rightwing governments is what I think of as “the politics of cruelty.” Hate-mongering, callous indifference in social policy-making, corporate toadying, political bullying, intimidation and punching down on the most vulnerable with ...
If you are confused, check with the sunCarry a compass to help you alongYour feet are going to be on the groundYour head is there to move you aroundSo, stand in the place where you liveSongwriters: Bill Berry / Michael Mills / Michael Stipe / Peter Buck.Hot in the CityYesterday, ...
Shane Jones announced today he would be contracting out his thinking to a smarter younger person.Reclining on his chaise longue with a mouth full of oysters and Kina he told reporters:Clearly I have become a has-been, a palimpsest, an epigone, a bloviating fossil. I find myself saying such things as: ...
Warning: This post contains references to sexual assaultOn Saturday, I spent far too long editing a video on Tim Jago, the ACT Party President and criminal, who has given up his fight for name suppression after 2 years. He voluntarily gave up just in time for what will be a ...
Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park from the Gigafact team in collaboration with members from our team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is global warming ...
Our low-investment, low-wage, migration-led and housing-market-driven political economy has delivered poorer productivity growth than the rest of the OECD, and our performance since Covid has been particularly poor. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāLong stories short, the top six things in our political economy around housing, climate and poverty this ...
..Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.As far as major government announcements go, a Three Ministers Event is Big. It can signify a major policy development or something has gone Very Well, or an absolute Clusterf**k. When Three Ministers assemble ...
One of those blasts from the past. Peter Dunne – originally neoliberal Labour, then leader of various parties that sought to work with both big parties (generally National) – has taken to calling ...
Completed reads for January: I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson The Black Spider, by Jeremias Gotthelf The Spider and the Fly (poem), by Mary Howitt A Noiseless Patient Spider (poem), by Walt Whitman August Heat, by W.F. Harvey Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White The Shrinking Man, by Richard Matheson ...
Do its Property Right Provisions Make Sense?Last week I pointed out that it is uninformed to argue that the New Zealand’s apparently poor economic performance can be traced only to poor regulations. Even were there evidence they had some impact, there are other factors. Of course, we should seek to ...
Richard Wagstaff It was incredibly jarring to hear the hubris from the Prime Minister during his recent state of the nation address. I had just spent close to a week working though the stories and thoughts shared with us by nearly 2000 working people as part of our annual Mood ...
Odd fact about the Broadcasting Standards Authority: for the last few years, they’ve only been upholding about 5% of complaints. Why? I think there’s a range of reasons. Generally responsible broadcasters. Dumb complaints. Complaints brought under the wrong standard. Greater adherence to broadcasters’ rights to freedom of expression in the ...
And I said, "Mama, mama, mama, why am I so alone"'Cause I can't go outside, I'm scared I might not make it homeWell I'm alive, I'm alive, but I'm sinking inIf there's anyone at home at your place, darlingWhy don't you invite me in?Don't try to feed me'Cause I've been ...
New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill aimed at preventing banks from refusing their services to businesses because of the current “Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework”. “This Bill ensures fairness and prevents ESG standards from perpetuating woke ideology in the banking sector being driven by unelected, globalist, climate ...
Erica Stanford has reached peak shortsightedness if today’s announcement is anything to go by, picking apart immigration settings piece by piece to the detriment of the New Zealand economy. ...
Our originating document, theTreaty of Waitangi, was signed on February 6, 1840. An agreement between Māori and the British Crown. Initially inked by Ngā Puhi in Waitangi, further signatures were added as it travelled south. The intention was to establish a colony with the cession of sovereignty to the Crown, ...
Te Whatu Ora Chief Executive Margie Apa leaving her job four months early is another symptom of this government’s failure to deliver healthcare for New Zealanders. ...
The Green Party is calling for the Prime Minister to show leadership and be unequivocal about Aotearoa New Zealand’s opposition to a proposal by the US President to remove Palestinians from Gaza. ...
The latest unemployment figures reveal that job losses are hitting Māori and Pacific people especially hard, with Māori unemployment reaching a staggering 9.7% for the December 2024 quarter and Pasifika unemployment reaching 10.5%. ...
Waitangi 2025: Waitangi Day must be community and not politically driven - Shane Jones Our originating document, theTreaty of Waitangi, was signed on February 6, 1840. An agreement between Māori and the British Crown. Initially inked by Ngā Puhi in Waitangi, further signatures were added as it travelled south. ...
Despite being confronted every day with people in genuine need being stopped from accessing emergency housing – National still won’t commit to building more public houses. ...
The Green Party says the Government is giving up on growing the country’s public housing stock, despite overwhelming evidence that we need more affordable houses to solve the housing crisis. ...
Before any thoughts of the New Year and what lies ahead could even be contemplated, New Zealand reeled with the tragedy of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming losing her life. For over 38 years she had faithfully served as a front-line Police officer. Working alongside her was Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson will return to politics at Waitangi on Monday the 3rd of February where she will hold a stand up with fellow co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. ...
Te Pāti Māori is appalled by the government's blatant mishandling of the school lunch programme. David Seymour’s ‘cost-saving’ measures have left tamariki across Aotearoa with unidentifiable meals, causing distress and outrage among parents and communities alike. “What’s the difference between providing inedible food, and providing no food at all?” Said ...
The Government is doubling down on outdated and volatile fossil fuels, showing how shortsighted and destructive their policies are for working New Zealanders. ...
Green Party MP Steve Abel this morning joined Coromandel locals in Waihi to condemn new mining plans announced by Shane Jones in the pit of the town’s Australian-owned Gold mine. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to strengthen its just-announced 2030-2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and address its woeful lack of commitment to climate security. ...
Today marks a historic moment for Taranaki iwi with the passing of the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill in Parliament. "Today, we stand together as descendants of Taranaki, and our tūpuna, Taranaki Maunga, is now formally acknowledged by the law as a living tūpuna. ...
Labour is relieved to see Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has woken up to reality and reversed her government’s terrible decisions to cut funding from frontline service providers – temporarily. ...
It is the first week of David Seymour’s school lunch programme and already social media reports are circulating of revolting meals, late deliveries, and mislabelled packaging. ...
The Green Party says that with no-cause evictions returning from today, the move to allow landlords to end tenancies without reason plunges renters, and particularly families who rent, into insecurity and stress. ...
The Government’s move to increase speed limits substantially on dozens of stretches of rural and often undivided highways will result in more serious harm. ...
In her first announcement as Economic Growth Minister, Nicola Willis chose to loosen restrictions for digital nomads from other countries, rather than focus on everyday Kiwis. ...
The Government’s commitment to get New Zealand’s roads back on track is delivering strong results, with around 98 per cent of potholes on state highways repaired within 24 hours of identification every month since targets were introduced, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is ...
The former Cadbury factory will be the site of the Inpatient Building for the new Dunedin Hospital and Health Minister Simeon Brown says actions have been taken to get the cost overruns under control. “Today I am giving the people of Dunedin certainty that we will build the new Dunedin ...
From today, Plunket in Whāngarei will be offering childhood immunisations – the first of up to 27 sites nationwide, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. The investment of $1 million into the pilot, announced in October 2024, was made possible due to the Government’s record $16.68 billion investment in health. It ...
New Zealand’s strong commitment to the rights of disabled people has continued with the response to an important United Nations report, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has announced. Of the 63 concluding observations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 47 will be progressed ...
Resources Minister Shane Jones has launched New Zealand’s national Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals List, documents that lay a strategic and enduring path for the mineral sector, with the aim of doubling exports to $3 billion by 2035. Mr Jones released the documents, which present the Coalition Government’s transformative vision ...
Firstly I want to thank OceanaGold for hosting our event today. Your operation at Waihi is impressive. I want to acknowledge local MP Scott Simpson, local government dignitaries, community stakeholders and all of you who have gathered here today. It’s a privilege to welcome you to the launch of the ...
Racing Minister, Winston Peters has announced the Government is preparing public consultation on GST policy proposals which would make the New Zealand racing industry more competitive. “The racing industry makes an important economic contribution. New Zealand thoroughbreds are in demand overseas as racehorses and for breeding. The domestic thoroughbred industry ...
Business confidence remains very high and shows the economy is on track to improve, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says. “The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey, released yesterday, shows business confidence and expected own activity are ‘still both very high’.” The survey reports business confidence fell eight points to +54 ...
Enabling works have begun this week on an expanded radiology unit at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital which will double CT scanning capacity in Hawke’s Bay to ensure more locals can benefit from access to timely, quality healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. This investment of $29.3m in the ...
The Government has today announced New Zealand’s second international climate target under the Paris Agreement, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand will reduce emissions by 51 to 55 per cent compared to 2005 levels, by 2035. “We have worked hard to set a target that is both ambitious ...
Nine years of negotiations between the Crown and iwi of Taranaki have concluded following Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its third reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the historical grievances endured by the eight iwi ...
As schools start back for 2025, there will be a relentless focus on teaching the basics brilliantly so all Kiwi kids grow up with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to grow the New Zealand of the future, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “A world-leading education system is a key ...
Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson have welcomed Kāinga Ora’s decision to re-open its tender for carpets to allow wool carpet suppliers to bid. “In 2024 Kāinga Ora issued requests for tender (RFTs) seeking bids from suppliers to carpet their properties,” Mr Bishop says. “As part ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today visited Otahuhu College where the new school lunch programme has served up healthy lunches to students in the first days of the school year. “As schools open in 2025, the programme will deliver nutritious meals to around 242,000 students, every school day. On ...
Minister for Children Karen Chhour has intervened in Oranga Tamariki’s review of social service provider contracts to ensure Barnardos can continue to deliver its 0800 What’s Up hotline. “When I found out about the potential impact to this service, I asked Oranga Tamariki for an explanation. Based on the information ...
A bill to make revenue collection on imported and exported goods fairer and more effective had its first reading in Parliament, Customs Minister Casey Costello said today. “The Customs (Levies and Other Matters) Amendment Bill modernises the way in which Customs can recover the costs of services that are needed ...
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Department of Internal Affairs [the Department] has achieved significant progress in completing applications for New Zealand citizenship. “December 2024 saw the Department complete 5,661 citizenship applications, the most for any month in 2024. This is a 54 per cent increase compared ...
Reversals to Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions begin tonight and will be in place by 1 July, says Minister of Transport Chris Bishop. “The previous government was obsessed with slowing New Zealanders down by imposing illogical and untargeted speed limit reductions on state highways and local roads. “National campaigned on ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced Budget 2025 – the Growth Budget - will be delivered on Thursday 22 May. “This year’s Budget will drive forward the Government’s plan to grow our economy to improve the incomes of New Zealanders now and in the years ahead. “Budget 2025 will build ...
For the Government, 2025 will bring a relentless focus on unleashing the growth we need to lift incomes, strengthen local businesses and create opportunity. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today laid out the Government’s growth agenda in his Statement to Parliament. “Just over a year ago this Government was elected by ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes students back to school with a call to raise attendance from last year. “The Government encourages all students to attend school every day because there is a clear connection between being present at school and setting yourself up for a bright future,” says Mr ...
The Government is relaxing visitor visa requirements to allow tourists to work remotely while visiting New Zealand, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism Minister Louise Upston say. “The change is part of the Government’s plan to unlock New Zealand’s potential by shifting the country onto ...
The opening of Kāinga Ora’s development of 134 homes in Epuni, Lower Hutt will provide much-needed social housing for Hutt families, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I’ve been a strong advocate for social housing on Kāinga Ora’s Epuni site ever since the old earthquake-prone housing was demolished in 2015. I ...
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will travel to Australia today for meetings with Australian Trade Minister, Senator Don Farrell, and the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF). Mr McClay recently hosted Minister Farrell in Rotorua for the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministers’ meeting, where ANZLF presented on ...
A new monthly podiatry clinic has been launched today in Wairoa and will bring a much-needed service closer to home for the Wairoa community, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.“Health New Zealand has been successful in securing a podiatrist until the end of June this year to meet the needs of ...
The Judicial Conduct Commissioner has recommended a Judicial Conduct Panel be established to inquire into and report on the alleged conduct of acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken in an incident last November, Attorney-General Judith Collins said today. “I referred the matter of Judge Aitken’s alleged conduct during an incident ...
Students who need extra help with maths are set to benefit from a targeted acceleration programme that will give them more confidence in the classroom, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Last year, significant numbers of students did not meet the foundational literacy and numeracy level required to gain NCEA. To ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced three new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ...
Ki te kahore he whakakitenga, ka ngaro te Iwi – without a vision, the people will perish. The Government has achieved its target to reduce the number of households in emergency housing motels by 75 per cent five years early, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The number of households ...
The opening of Palmerston North’s biggest social housing development will have a significant impact for whānau in need of safe, warm, dry housing, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The minister visited the development today at North Street where a total of 50 two, three, and four-bedroom homes plus a ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the new membership of the Public Advisory Committee on Disarmament and Arms Control (PACDAC), who will serve for a three-year term. “The Committee brings together wide-ranging expertise relevant to disarmament. We have made six new appointments to the Committee and reappointed two existing members ...
Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora, good morning, talofa, malo e lelei, bula vinaka, da jia hao, namaste, sat sri akal, assalamu alaikum. It’s so great to be here and I’m ready and pumped for 2025. Can I start by acknowledging: Simon Bridges – CEO of the Auckland ...
The Government has unveiled a bold new initiative to position New Zealand as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) that will create higher paying jobs and grow the economy. “Invest New Zealand will streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors, to increase capital investment ...
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced the largest reset of the New Zealand science system in more than 30 years with reforms which will boost the economy and benefit the sector. “The reforms will maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into ...
Turbocharging New Zealand’s economic growth is the key to brighter days ahead for all Kiwis, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. In the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation Speech in Auckland today, Christopher Luxon laid out the path to the prosperity that will affect all aspects of New Zealanders’ lives. ...
The latest set of accounts show the Government has successfully checked the runaway growth of public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “In the previous government’s final five months in office, public spending was almost 10 per cent higher than for the same period the previous year. “That is completely ...
The Government’s welfare reforms are delivering results with the number of people moving off benefits into work increasing year-on-year for six straight months. “There are positive signs that our welfare reset and the return consequences for job seekers who don't fulfil their obligations to prepare for or find a job ...
Jon Kroll and Aimee McCammon have been appointed to the New Zealand Film Commission Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am delighted to appoint these two new board members who will bring a wealth of industry, governance, and commercial experience to the Film Commission. “Jon Kroll has been an ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has hailed a drop in the domestic component of inflation, saying it increases the prospect of mortgage rate reductions and a lower cost of living for Kiwi households. Stats NZ reported today that inflation was 2.2 per cent in the year to December, the second consecutive ...
Two new appointed members and one reappointed member of the Employment Relations Authority have been announced by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today. “I’m pleased to announce the new appointed members Helen van Druten and Matthew Piper to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) and welcome them to ...
Nearing the end of his career, the world’s greatest unicycle racer chases the sport’s most elusive record. There’s something different about world-class athletes. Even if you know nothing about their sport, you can see it. It’s the way they move – precise, powerful. It’s how they carry themselves – focused, ...
Migrants with money are the focus of new visa settings that the government hopes will boost the economy. Alice Neville explains.What’s all this then? On Sunday, as part of the government’s big plan to kickstart economic growth, changes were announced to the Active Investor Plus visa category, with the ...
Comment: Saturday February 1 was the grim fourth anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar. The date seems to have gone unnoticed back here in New Zealand. Even before war in Ukraine and then Gaza, Myanmar got little attention. Yet it is the most destructive conflict in our region. The ...
We’re on the brink of a ‘tidal wave’ of misinformation.No one knows the size of it, but there’s a warning that leaving it to the government to sort out won’t work.In the year of local government elections, expect computer-generated content where the sources and authenticity are murky; more complaints about ...
Comment: The next four years are going to bring a terrible information environment, with absurd claims bubbling up from fever swamps overseas The post Paranoia and politics appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Swirly World Sails South, by Andrew Fagan (2012)I feel Andrew is totally under-rated as an author. Alongside his latest book, Swirly World: Lost at Sea, his earlier sailing book is among my favourites. It tells of his trip around New Zealand – via the Auckland Islands. When he set out, ...
A lineup of prominent figures have joined the call to halt the deportation of a mother convicted of inflicting injuries on her baby, as fears grow she could be another victim of a ...
Yasser Abdulaal, who has lived in Ōtautahi Christchurch for five years, said his two sisters had lost their homes in the 15-month-long war. “Toxic wasteland” . . . Palestinians take shelter in tents set up amid heavily damaged buildings in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. Image: Al Jazeera screenshot ...
RNZ PacificMarshall Islands Journal editor Giff Johnson says US President Donald Trump’s decision on aid “is an opening for anybody else who wants to fill the gap” in the Pacific. Trump froze all USAID for 90 days on his first day in office and is now looking to significantly ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Mazza, Director, SPHERE NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in Primary Care and Professor and Head of the Department of General Practice, Monash University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Ahead of the government’s response this week ...
COMMENTARY:By Eugene Doyle It generally ends badly. An old tyrant embarks on an ill-considered project that involves redrawing maps. They are heedless to wise counsel and indifferent to indigenous interests or experience. Before they fail, are killed, deposed or otherwise disposed of, these vicious old men can cause immense ...
The Cook Islands PM is in Beijing to sign an agreement with China - but the government says he failed to consult with NZ on the matter, as is required. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katinka van de Ven, Alcohol and other drug specialist, UNSW Sydney Fewer young Australians are drinking. And when they do drink, they are drinking less and less often than previous generations at the same age. It’s a trend happening all around the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flavio Macau, Associate Dean – School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University Hitra/Shutterstock Coles is reducing its product range by at least 10%, a move that has sparked public backlash and renewed discussions about the role of supermarkets in the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacinta Humphrey, Research Fellow in Urban Ecology, RMIT University Golf courses are sometimes seen as harmful to the environment. According to the popular notion, the grass soaks up too much water, is cut too short and sprayed with dangerous chemicals. But in ...
New Zealand has long championed a fair, stable, and resilient global order. As a nation with deep ties to the Pacific and beyond, we cannot afford to be passive in the face of these shifts. ...
Things are going to look a little different this year. Here’s what to expect.Good news, Shortland Street fans: after a well-earned summer holiday, New Zealand’s longest running drama returns to TVNZ2 and TVNZ+ tonight. Ahead of us is a fresh year of living, loving and laughing in the nation’s ...
The poll, conducted between 02 and 04 February, shows National up 2.3 points to 31.9 percent, while Labour has risen 0.4 points from last month to 31.3 percent. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katrina McFerran, Professor and Head of Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit; Director of Researcher Development Unit, The University of Melbourne New York Public Library Many of us take pleasure in listening to music. Music accompanies important life events and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katrina McFerran, Professor and Head of Creative Arts and Music Therapy Research Unit; Director of Researcher Development Unit, The University of Melbourne New York Public Library Many of us take pleasure in listening to music. Music accompanies important life events and ...
The Cook Islands finds itself in a precarious dance — one between the promises of foreign investments and the integrity of our own sovereignty. As the country sways between partners China and Aotearoa New Zealand, the Cook Islands News asks: “Do we continue to haka with the Taniwha, our constitutional ...
A diplomatic scuffle with the Cook Islands. Plus: What went down at Waitangi. The Cook Islands prime minister, Mark Brown, has provoked the wrath of the New Zealand foreign minister with his decision to head to China to sign a new strategic deal. By failing to consult on the ...
The deputy chairperson of the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Michael Connelly, said simply setting targets without "resourcing" them was a pointless exercise, as the number of patients - and their acuity - continuing to grow. ...
Ha!
21 – 7!
Take that from the Mainland!
Some kind of sport, I presume?
Lol! Love the (assumed?) air of detachment, lprent.
Nothing assumed about it. I haven't looked at sports since the 1980s (not that I watched it much then). Soon after I stopped playing sports myself.
Plus I completely disconnected and dropped all broadcast TV around 2010 because the content was crap and the ads (including on sky) were painful, so now I don't even see it by accident.
The nearest I get to sports these days is when the games are on at Eden park and we get a flood of parking, pedestrians, and lights up where I live at the at the ends of K Rd and Ponsonby Rd.
I thought he was talking about cheese. 😮
mmMMmmm, cheeessssse.
I thought the answer was -5019 and I was attempting to figure what this might mean.
Is the Children's Commissioner surplus to requirements?
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2206/S00113/role-of-childrens-commissioner-under-threat.htm
Read the fucking report and find out.
https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-NZ/SCR_124180/484aa4cebb91b3f1dc10704b80561d79c4109b39
Read the fucking report…
And then listen to the the unwanted Children's Commissioner.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018845916/children-s-commissioner-aghast-over-moves-to-scrap-role
Many years ago, after tens of phonecalls from me and a rap on the knuckles from a Judge, I contact the Children's Commissioner about the many failings of CYFS (Oranga Tamarki in a previous incarnation) regarding a baby in our care. They have a manual of what we as foster parents were obliged to do regarding children in our care… whilst CYFS themselves felt free to neglect even the most basic of their legal responsibilities.
One phonecall to an unsurprised Children's Commission and finally things got moving on behalf of this child. CYFS finally had to do their job. No wonder the Government wants them gone.
The Children's commissioner has been sidelined ever since they were appointed no government has taken proper action to improve children's lives in NZ.So moving this role to another overburdened govt department is a sign that Labour don't want to improve children's lives either ,leave another govt dept cover it up by neglect.It cost's big money to fix the problem of Child abuse and neglect. Most caused by Poverty like intinerancy homelessness drugs and alcohol intregenerational abuse.National you know will do nothing but legislate , Labour looks like it has given up and wants to sweep the problem under the carpet.
My view of CYFS was informed by my friends experience with her daughter, a permanent placement when she was around three. She had been in care since she was a few months old.
My friends lawyer when processing the placement order, said that they would not go through with a placement order for their clients without placing an additional care order through the Family Court at the same time. Their experience over the years with CYFS, had made this an essential protection for both family and child. Needless to say this proved to be the case. A stressful Family Court situation, brought about by CYFS not following their own protocol lead to the Family Court judge saying the behaviour of the social workers could only be described as abusive towards the family.
I also had the interesting experience of taking Te Reo classes with the local social workers, one evening a week for around four months. About ten CYFS frontline staff in all. Very quickly you could ascertain the competent and caring ones – they were still working when we arrived. They also could hold a reasonable conversation during the breaks. Unfortunately, they were the minority.
Reviews should not only hold individuals to account, but result in implementing changes that can improve the delivery of support to our most vulnerable, and those supporting them.
(My friend had the opportunity to challenge the actions of CYFS in court, because her mother offered her the $30,000 estimate in legal fees as a gift. Many are unable to access those kinds of funds. It took more than two years for the case to come in front of a judge, and was dismissed within the first day, as CYFS provided no evidence, and had not followed official policies. )
The Children’s Commissioner role is necessary. If it needs to be strengthened and expanded to be effective, so be it.
Very quickly you could ascertain the competent and caring ones – they were still working when we arrived. They also could hold a reasonable conversation during the breaks. Unfortunately, they were the minority.
We have a close friend here in Australia who is a very experienced in the social and health care arena. She related much of this sort of thing to us at length. The root cause of much of this dysfunctional behaviour is the system they work in. The are constantly put in positions where they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Every choice they make carries the real potential to blow up in their faces. Every day.
Most people go into this work with the vision they will be able to help people and make the world a better place – and I admire and respect their desire to do so. They finish up however just trying to survive themselves.
The core problem is they have been set an impossible task, the idea that state money and resources alone can solve all problems. When the reality is that some people are broken beyond our ability to repair and all we can do is pick up after the carnage they leave in their wake.
I will balance this by adding that it is also perversely true that the so-called caring professions so often attract some very toxic individuals indeed. I think it is because it gives them access to a pool of vulnerable victims. Institutions of all kinds have been way too slow in recognising this harsh truth. We largely have learned to screen for sexual predators, but other more extensive kinds of emotional and psychological abusers still slip through undetected.
There were some very impressive and competent individuals working as social workers. There also appeared to be some (as in all industries) clock watchers who didn't appear to be burnt out, just not invested in outcomes at all.
This was a few years ago, when children in care were being put into motels at really young ages. When I asked how they were managing to provide adult supervision for those children in that situation, one worker replied "There's a security guard at the motel, what more do they need?"
She was the same worker that instigated the case against my friend. Why? Because after years of taking her daughter to child psychologists and assessments at the behest of CYFS, and getting official diagnoses of severe conditions such as FAS and PTSD, along with mental impairment – CYFS did not want to provide the support they were required to under the care order that had been issued at the beginning.
Those who manage to work within such a system with integrity and effectiveness deserve all the accolades we can award them. But until the system itself is functioning well, I believe we need some form of oversight – such as the Children's Commissioner.
Fair points. It seems I can only be grateful I have never had first hand experience with the system.
A regrettable consequence is that some who have witnessed the infliction of harm by CYFS, will be reluctant or will avoid calling for their support if they suspect a child is in danger.
So many ways to fail children when a system is not fit for purpose.
Unfortunately, they were the minority.
After some years of association and over 60 emergency and short term placements there was only one social worker from a stable of about fifty in our local office we felt it was safe (for the children and ourselves) for us to deal with. One. Dewy-eyed with the ink still wet on whatever qualification they had achieved through whichever centre of learning, they thought they had the necessary knowledge and experience. They didn't. We were stroppy and vocal and reasonably well educated (we had RTFM) and had an unwavering expectation that they would put the child first. Other foster parents weren't. At least one child died.
Sound horrific, Rosemary.
Dismayed but not surprised.
We also have a family-connection story.
Totally dysfunctional mother (drugs, alcohol, crime), with a roster of boyfriends, among whom were the fathers of her 3 children (3 different fathers).
When OT finally decided they had to remove the children from her care – after spending 5 years and 10s if not 100s of thousands on trying to remedy her situation and improve her parenting – it was only because family brought it to their attention that her latest partner had a conviction for child sexual abuse – and that both of the girls were showing signs of being abused.
There was a family connection (cousin) – stable home, stable relationship – who was prepared to take the older 2 girls – now showing behavioural dysfunction – with OT support for counselling, etc. A different family member (on his father's side) was prepared to take the young boy.
OT wouldn't agree to the placement of the 2 girls – even though it was a blood relation, because it wasn't the 'right kind of family' (i.e. they weren't Maori). Mum had no Maori blood, and the 2 different fathers (neither of whom were on the scene) were both Maori in some degree. Placement of the boy wasn't a problem – it was a Maori family.
Consequently, the 2 girls have been in and out of foster care for the last 7 or so years – and present with severe behaviour issues and learning delays. The cousin has tried – but you can't provide stability with occasional visits. They're now early teens, and basically there is no hope for any form of normal childhood.
There is no way in hell, that OT placed the needs of those two little girls at the centre of their decision-making (as they are supposed to do).
I have only contempt for the numerous social workers involved in this case.
Another direct story is from one of my relatives, who noticed one of her fifteen year old male student’s change in personality after he moved in with his uncle. Informed by his friends that he was being sexually abused, she informed CYFS. Despite multiple follow-ups and several months CYFS had not contacted her or the student.
The day before this young man committed suicide, the CYFS staff member she spoke to said the investigation was regarded as low priority and added:
"This boy is almost 16, how do you know the relationship isn't consensual?"
Utterly despicable.
And there will have been no consequences. Even if they were censured by the Coroner (probably 3 years later), it will be brushed off as 'needing more support' or 'policies have changed' (even though they haven't) or 'lessons have been learned'
I'm starting to side more and more with TPM that OT is completely dysfunctional – and it needs to be abolished and a new ministry (with none of the senior people re-employed) replacing it.
I don't agree with them on the 'mandate' that new Ministry should have (the health and wellbeing of children should be the priority, not their parental or cultural connection) – but OT is utterly incapable of change.
As well.
'lessons have been learned' – they haven't
This story could be that of so many of the children we cared for it provokes actual physical pain. That so many adults can do so much damage to so many children is beyond criminal.
There was talk yesterday on here about why some of us are so concerned about the trans thing…fighting against not only the ideology but the terribly harmful medical interventions that (some of us believe) amounts to abuse.
'There are more important issues!!!' they cried, '…stop banging on about this…' 'Climate change!!!' 'Ukraine!!!' 'Covid!!!' Etc.
To be brutally honest…the human race deserves to be obliterated from this planet.
We will never, ever, (or enough of us anyhow) change our ways long enough to make the raising of healthy, happy children our absolute priority, and the fundamental reason for our time on this planet.
If enough had come even close to this, most of those other 'more important' issues would cease to exist.
One wonders what it takes to get through to Sepuloni.
Or, if this is the case of a Minister being captured by her Ministry? A Ministry which has been regularly criticised by the Children's Commissioner – and is highly motivated to remove the independence of the role.
I have yet to find a single voice in support of this change.
When everyone – from the Children's Commissioners (past and present) to Save the Children and VOYCE – is presenting with *significant* concerns over the new structure – especially the loss of independence – surely the Minister needs to take note of the voices raised in opposition.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2206/S00307/lobby-group-supports-childrens-commissioners-position-of-democratic-independency.htm
You don't need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. By all means provide a panel to support the Commissioner, beef up the funding and enhance the investigative aspect of the role. But you can do all that with an Independent Children's Commissioner.
Kelvin Davis is the Minister responsible for OT.
Yes, indeed. And Carmel Sepuloni is the minister responsible for MSD – who have a close relationship with OT – and are also frequently criticised by the Children's Commissioner. As is the Ministry of Justice and the Police (neither of which have Sepuloni as a minister)
Is that a reason for her to refuse to listen to any of the independent (or semi-independent) voices on this issue?
Do tell?
How about you do your own research……
Researching the veracity or otherwise of your assertion is up to me?
Setting aside your obsession over the minutiae of the relationships between MSD and OT.
Do you actually think that dis-establishing an independent Children's Commissioner (which is strongly opposed by all other independent voices in this field), is a good move?
And, if so, Why?
Good thing no one's going to do that, eh.
//
Children and Young People’s Commission
The bill proposes establishing a “Children and Young People’s Commission”. The Commission would be responsible for system-level advocacy for children and young people.
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2021/0094/latest/whole.html
I think you've missed the (critically important) word Independent.
And still waiting to hear why you think that all of the independent voices disagreeing with the Government on this issue should be disregarded.
Do you just uncritically believe that Sepuloni is right, and everyone else is wrong?
Here you go. Evidence of the Children's Commissioner being highly critical of MSD (and the Labour Government as a whole).
https://www.1news.co.nz/2019/12/02/jacinda-ardern-rejects-criticism-from-childrens-commissioner-over-govts-response-to-benefit-recommendations/
I don’t necessarily agree with the Children’s Commissioner in this instance.
But, the whole point of an independent commissioner, is that s/he is free to criticise the Government of the Day, and has a platform and status/mana from which to do so.
Blues fan? Or no milk for your cornies? I forgot it was a done deal
They was robbed. The pig islanders had their line-out calls.
It was a sham final anyway, no Highlanders = no true final
The Highlanders put up a brave fight but in reality money talks and The highlanders don't have the money to attract enough of the better players.
As a fair and impartial Otago supporter I believe every single decision that went against them was due to biased and incompetent referees.
Every. Single. Decision
I mean sure since the game went professional the lure of Otago University for players has become less important and ok the population and money is less than they could get elsewhere but no its the refs
Gordon Hunter would be proud of you PR. The Crusaders rightfully won they managed to keep the pressure on for a full 80 mins both on defence and attack.If the Allblacks want another World Cup Scott Robinson will deliver.
I'm really surprised that Ian Foster was made coach.
Scott Robertson has won everything, Joseph and Brown can take underperforming and/or weak teams and make them win, Dave Rennie won with the Chiefs (something Foster couldn't) yet Foster is ABs coach
Go figure
It's not often I find myself agreeing with you, Pucky, but you're spot on with this!
Razor should be the ABs coach!
I'll have you voting Act soon
Cricket…sigh…
I did not expect this series to go the way it has, I certainly didn't expect NZ to lose after racking up 550 runs in the first innings but thats the way it goes when supporting the Black Caps, the rough with the smooth indeed
I think its fair to say that over the last season or so the selections have been interesting to say the least
Attempting to create a spin bowling all rounder has been an abject failure:
Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell have all been used to try to fit in a spinner who can bat and while hes only played one test a FC batting average of 33 and a FC bowling average of 47 doesn't bode well for his future
Its pretty obvious that NZ Cricket want another Dan Vettori but they seem to have forgotten that Vettori came in as a bowler first and worked on his batting to the point that he averaged 40 in the number 8 position
If only there were decent spinners in NZ that we could use for an extended run, not a one of game every now and then, in the team and maybe they could work on their batting
https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/ish-sodhi-559066
https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/ajaz-patel-595783
If only
Mind you this guy should hopefully be getting his passport in order:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/nathan-smith-959771
Now to the bowling selections…what is the story with Neil Wagner and his non selection
https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?class=1;id=5;type=team
Hes fifth on the all time wicket takers list with a better average and strike rate than both Boult and Southee yet hes passed over for Henry?
I believe we missed Wagners bowling, his attitude (the guy bowls with broken toes and fingers) and just all round never give up mind set
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/i-was-screaming-new-zealands-neil-wagner-opens-up-on-bowling-with-broken-toes/articleshow/80068343.cms
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/77220601/thumbs-up-from-black-caps-quick-neil-wagner-despite-finger-injury
Hopefully Young can get over the bad luck he seems to attract, I'm not convinced that hes a better option than Conway but I'd like to be proven wrong
All Mitchell needs to do is study a bit of Ewen Chatfields old tapes and concentrate on keeping his bowling tight and building the pressure for the other bowlers to exploit and the number six or seven position would be his for as long as he wants it
Blundell is having a good year so maybe hes turned the corner and can bat at number six, if he can that creates and extra place for NZ to use…preferably for a spinner
Maybe the coach has gone as far as he can and its time for new blood and new thinking, it certainly hasn't hurt England, though the real test is the Ashes…
PR agreed NZ came close but injuries weakened our line up Wagner could have made the difference but the coach must know something that the fans don't see.I am sure he would have scored runs and taken a couple of wickets which is all that was in this game.maybe Wagner is no good on English wickets.It wasn't a bad display by NZ if Kyle had been able to bowl NZ would have won.England are relying on bowlers who are coming to the end of their careers and are one injury from retiring. Thats why they weren't taken on the West Indies Tour knowing the World champs were next.The NZ cricket team can take a lot of positives out of this without Jamieson and Williamson NZ almost won.
Hes not bad against England, interestingly hes really good against Australia:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/neil-wagner-233713/bowling-batting-stats
The thing is though England also had a number of bowlers out injured:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-archer-wood-woakes-curran-27007618
With NZs batting line up not quite as settled as it could be I don't think we can play four seamers with Jamieson at 8, he can certainly improve his batting (ref: Vettori) however, like Southee, I'd rather see Jamieson continue to improve his bowling
I'd also like to see a spinner play as well (not a part timer) to add variety to the attack
Can this be stopped before it gets this bad in NZ?
I think it can, it just needs more spotlight on how its managed. The numbers in NZ are small:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/112432880/transgender-prisoner-investigated-for-sexual-assault-behind-bars
'About 30 to 40 of the 10,000-odd current New Zealand prisoners identify as transgender, Corrections said. Or those, six are serving time in the country's three women's prisons: Christchurch Women's Prison, Arohata Prison and Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility, she said.'
Its from three years but probably still reasonably accurate, I’m just not convinced that Corrections head office and whatever government is in will take the neccasary steps required to ensure whats happening in the UK and USA won’t happen here
Thanks for posting the link about the alleged sexual assault of women prisoners by a trans identified woman (report dates from 2019). To my knowledge there has been no follow up re the outcome of this case. What happened? Was the complaint upheld?
Has anyone seen any follow up about this?
Yesterday there was a discussion on TS about why are we posting about this stuff i.e. our concerns about how gender ideology is impacting on women and girls, when its only happening overseas………
My answer is we don't know how much of this is happening in NZ beccause the msm fails to report on these issues. The only reporting is done is a biased way.
The media need to report on this stuff. We need to know exactly how gender ideology is impacting women, girls and womens spaces and we need to act now to prevent making the mistakes that countries such as the US and the UK have made
Its like Orwells 1984, you don't need to have any laws because the population is self-governing
https://iqfy.com/women-smell-trans-inclusivity/
Smell your poop, bigots!
(Is this serious?)
Despite the outrageous expectations demanded with all seriousness, for the sake of retaining sanity I assumed it was parody.
I'm remain hopeful that is the case.
The morning after a good night out you can't avoid smelling my poop
More information than we need to know PR
Knowing is half the battle
PR @ 6 I am afraid to say that very often its almost impossible to tell if this stuff is parody or not
It probably is but then theres activists out there that say you're transphobe if you don't want to date a trans so whose to say…
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300615067/is-the-health-system-an-electoral-sword-of-damocles-for-labour
I completely agree with Ian Powells take on the Health workforce crisis and how the govt re structure will do very little to resolve these issues
She's not my electorate, she's not my party, but Holy Mackerel Chloe Swarbrick is a good MP politician.
Chlöe Swarbrick wants aerial cannabis raids scrapped (1news.co.nz)
She generates more headlines every week than James Shaw and Marama Davidson do in a year.
And she eats the MSM lackwits that interview her for breakfast – but nicely.
Looks like the Poles have had enough of Russia's near-border targeting of Western Ukraine and threats to Poland for their part in resupplying Ukraine.
If Russia continues to shell Ukraine's border areas with Poland, Warsaw could take over air defenses over the western regions.
This was stated by Brigadier General, former head of the Polish National Security Bureau Stanislaw Kozei in an interview with Onet, Censor.NET reports with reference to UNIAN.
https://archive.ph/Gp2IN
https://censor.net/en/news/3348722/poland_can_take_over_air_defense_of_western_ukraine_exhead_of_national_security_bureau_kozei
New-ish Cassetteboy mix (well, a few weeks late), this guy is a cultural treasure