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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Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated. While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Māori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...
The Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...
Changes to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
Kia Ora Gaza A passionate haka reverberated through Auckland International Airport as a medical team of three New Zealand doctors received an emotional farewell from a big crowd of supporters before flying to Turkey to join the international Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. The doctors, who left Auckland yesterday, hope to ...
With submissions closing today, Macassey-Pickard says groups around the country have been supporting a huge range of people to make their submissions. ...
Our response to the new legislation is informed by targeted conversations with practitioners working in the system and through an implementation lens. ...
The new ‘Fast-track Approvals Bill’ would give just three Ministers the power to approve or deny development projects. They would avoid the usual checks and balances that are in place to protect rivers, land, the ocean, and communities. ...
COMMENTARY:By Eugene Doyle Helen Clark, how I miss you. The former New Zealand Prime Minister — the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory — gave a masterclass on the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy when she spoke at an AUKUS symposium held ...
The government's released the list of organisations provided with information on how to apply - just hours before public submissions on the bill close. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Before climate change really got going, eastern Australia’s flash floods tended to concentrate on our coastal regions, east of the Great Dividing Range. But that’s changing. Now ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Finkel, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University Sia Duff / South Australian Museum In February, the South Australian Museum “re-imagined” itself. In the face of rising costs and inadequate government funds, CEO David Gaimster, who took the reins last June, declared ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, School of Allied Heath, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, La Trobe University This week, Collingwood AFL player Nathan Murphy announced his retirement, brought on by his concussion history and ongoing issues. The 24-year-old’s seemingly sudden retirement, ...
The Mental Health Foundation provides support and resources for those facing the loss of their job, so it’s wrong in the very week the Government adds another 1000 jobs to its tally of cuts, that this is happening. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...
A new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)Hot off the press, this debut ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...
Chief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...
The Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...
Barcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...
Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...
Yes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...
“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...
The Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...
The government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...
Raglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...
Residents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously.The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...
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Opinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Hineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...
New Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...
The thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...
Opinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment earlier this year, he stressed the rising danger posed by espionage and foreign interference. “In 2024, threats to our way of life have surpassed ...
The Tribunal had called on Minister for Children Karen Chhour to provide evidence at an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University Midjourney image by T.J. Thomson As more than half of Australian office workers report using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for work, we’re starting to see this technology affect every ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Nicole Sharwood, Injury epidemiologist | Expert Witness, UNSW Sydney Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock Injuries are the leading cause of disability and death among Australian children and adolescents. At least a quarter of all emergency department presentations during childhood are injury-related. Injuries can ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Winkler, Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University Shutterstock/Ground PictureMany Australians with disability feel on the edge of a precipice right now. Recommendations from the disability royal commission and the NDIS review were released late ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Salman Shooshtarian, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University Salman Shooshtarian Asbestos has been found in mulch used for playgrounds, schools, parks and gardens across Sydney and Melbourne. Local communities naturally fear for the health of their ...
Family First says that the latest abortion statistics make grim and upsetting reading, with a 25% increase in abortions since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020. According to an Official Information Act request received by Right to Life ...
Ipsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study on populism reveals a pervasive sense of societal and economic decline among New Zealanders. MORE DETAILS AND FULL REPORT HERE Ipsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study ...
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?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6PEmajzrc0
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT_k9JG0IN4