Open mike 19/10/2022

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 19th, 2022 - 116 comments
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Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

116 comments on “Open mike 19/10/2022 ”

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  1. Ad 1
    19 October 2022 at 6:33 am

    Good to see the PM step in yesterday and reconfirm full funding for the Shakespeare Festival.

    Creative NZ were morons both in decision and in publishing their reasons.

    Very very bad case of WokeBubbleItis.

      • Incognito 1.1.1
        19 October 2022 at 7:53 am

        Exactly! Where there’s (political) will, government money magically manifests for pet projects and hobby horses of and for the chosen ones. It must be coming up to an election. GST on management fees for super schemes was dropped equally fast after and as soon as an angry mob started howling. Who needs lobbyists to get this Government to pay or not pay for anything? Ardern and Mahuta will fold like cards on Three Waters after tomorrow, just wait for the Friday afternoon dump.

      • Sabine 1.1.2
        19 October 2022 at 8:17 am

        20 May 2022

        'Disappointing' kapa haka funding fails to reflect cultural importance – Te Matatini

        6:12 pm on 20 May 2022

        Liam Brown, Henare Te Ua intern

        Te Matatini are welcoming a well overdue funding increase following this weeks Budget announcements, but say it falls short of providing equitable funding for kapa haka to flourish in Aotearoa.

        The Government announced $1.2 billion for Māori in this year's budget. From this, $18 million has been made available for the celebration of te ao Māori and preservation of taonga, according to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

        Previously, the Government funding for kapa haka was $940,000 in 1998, which was increased in the early 2000’s to $1.248 million.

        Since 2016, this figure has stood at $1.948 million – the baseline boost in funding from this years budget brings that figure up to $2.948 million per year

        from here. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/467536/disappointing-kapa-haka-funding-fails-to-reflect-cultural-importance-te-matatini

        i would like to point out that in NZ people fundraise for Firetrucks, Ambulances, Rescue Helicopters, Sports events, Kindergartens, School activities, and so on and so forth. And that many of the items donated to these fundraisers come from the local community, and their businesses.

        Fact is, that without Fundraising in NZ your house would burn down, you would die in your hallway of a heart attack, you would not be rescued of that mountain if you break your legs, and that most sports would not happen.

        edit: somewhere i saw a proposal to take that 30.000 for the shakespeare festival that is enjoyed by many irrespective of their ethnicity, and maybe that fund should be given to education and be part of the curriculum.

        disclaimer: I have watched and still watch Kapa Haka since 2000.

      • Ghostwhowalksnz 1.1.3
        19 October 2022 at 9:10 am

        Shakespeare in schools wasnt 'fully funded' . It was something like 10% of the program costs that Creative NZ picked up and is now coming from education budget.

        I didnt see the Shakespeare events covering travel costs at all

    • Anker 1.2
      19 October 2022 at 9:23 am

      It is good Shakespeare will be funded, however there needs to be an inquiry into the extent of Critical Race theory in Creative New Zealand and in the (so called politically neutral) public service.

      Jacinda has bailed out Creative NZ to shut down the outcry about their funding decision (Shakespeare = Cannon of imperialism, doesn't fit with decolonizing NZ). Of course now the Kapa Haka group are saying what about (in terms of funding) us and others will do the same.

      Jacinda's solution to shut down the scandal that is decision making at Creative NZ will create more problems.

      • SPC 1.2.1
        19 October 2022 at 9:32 am

        Why not purge the entire "Frankfurt School" from all government jobs?

        • swordfish 1.2.1.1
          19 October 2022 at 4:37 pm

          .

          Well, not the Frankfurt School – that was a very early precursor to contemporary Critical Theory and it focused first & foremost on class rather than ID fantasy-politics.

          But certainly the remarkably crude, authoritarian, quasi-religious Critical Theory Cult (with its nihilistic Year Zero tendencies) … definitely purge the living hell out of those jumped-up illiberal little dogmatists so happy to force their extreme & socially-destructive ideology onto an unwilling public (by stealth if they can get away with it) … precisely as you would if L. Ron Hubbard’s Scientology Cult, for instance, had quietly made substantial inroads into the Public Service and was in the process of inflicting its bizarre dogma on the Country.

          I mean, just the sheer bare-faced arrogance, self-entitlement & anti-democratic elitism of you pompous narcissistic blowhards. The moral posturing so transparently ludicrous … the desperately-disguised self-interest so obvious.

          • Ad 1.2.1.1.1
            19 October 2022 at 5:03 pm

            Adorno would have funded Shakespeare.

            Heidegger would have funded Kapa Haka.

            But Marcuse wouldnt fund either.

          • pat 1.2.1.1.2
            19 October 2022 at 5:35 pm

            Lol..you do have a delightful turn of phrase.

            worry not Swordfish, all their efforts will prove counterproductive.

          • Drowsy M. Kram 1.2.1.1.3
            19 October 2022 at 7:00 pm

            crude
            authoritarian
            quasi-religious
            jumped-up
            extreme & socially-destructive
            bizarre dogma
            sheer bare-faced arrogance
            self-entitlement
            anti-democratic elitism
            pompous narcissistic blowhards
            moral posturing
            transparently ludicrous
            desperately-disguised self-interest

            Yep, nearly there – tax cuts anyone?

            Liz Truss’ ‘trickle-down economics’ is dead. Now the UK faces an uncertain future [18 Oct 2022]

            • Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt ripped up almost all of the tax cuts Truss had promised, cut short her flagship energy policy and made clear there would be cuts in public spending to come.

            Liz Truss’s New Economic Agenda Looks a Lot Like the Opposition’s [18 Oct 2022]
            After a blowback over her budget-busting tax cuts, Britain’s prime minister has junked her free-market plans and adopted several measures favored by Labour.

            Liz Truss Is Finished [18 Oct 2022]
            Prospects for the Tories are not much better. After 12 years in power, exhausted by Brexit, the pandemic and growing factionalism, they find themselves at the mercy of Mr. Johnson’s ambition, their own inadequacy and their members’ hunger for culling the state against the country’s wishes. Their choice of Ms. Truss was part error, part final roll of a doomsday cult. Britain, contrary to stereotype, is a kaleidoscope of opinion, not two resolutely opposed factions. The majority accepted Conservative rule for more than a decade. But Ms. Truss, bringer of market chaos and international condemnation, is where that consent ends.

      • Ghostwhowalksnz 1.2.2
        19 October 2022 at 10:17 am

        Was Kapa Haka even applying for funding from Creative NZ ?

        meanwhile it seems the Schools Kapa haka is resourced by the Education budget and of course like Shakespeare in Schools they have other sources of funding open to them

    • Tony Parker 1.3
      19 October 2022 at 10:12 am

      How one online rant about Shakespeare became a near fact-free global news story. Sam Brooks at the Spinoff tells the full story. Another beat up from media who didn't delve deeper into the story.

      • Molly 1.3.1
        19 October 2022 at 11:13 am

        The article doesn't relate how the funding criteria for the "the recurrent Te Uru Kahikatea Programme which funds organisations on a three-year basis" was very recently changed, affecting cope, eligibility and likelihood of success.

        https://www2.fundsforngos.org/latest-funds-for-ngos/creative-new-zealand-rfps-for-toi-uru-kahikatea-programme-2023-2025/

        Organisations seeking Kahikatea funding will need to show how their proposed programme of work delivers to at least one of three features of Creative New Zealand’s Investment Strategy:

        • diversity and reach
        • dynamic arts
        • a resilient arts sector.

        The link directly to this funding criteria request at Creative NZ is broken – understandably.

        The pdf can be found on the Creative NZ website though.

        https://www.creativenz.govt.nz/-/media/Project/Creative-NZ/CreativeNZ/Legacy-Images/ckeditor/attachments/rfp2022_toiurukahikatea.pdf

        I think there needs to be more information gathered and assessed before concerns are summarily dismissed.

      • Anker 1.3.2
        19 October 2022 at 12:52 pm

        Thanks Tony. I don't read the Spinoff cause I don't want to give them the clicks.

        However I read many other articles about Shakespeare, including the one where three of NZ's most prominant actors decried the decision and I also listened to Stephen Wainright and the CEO of the Shakespeare group being interviewed.

        My main point is that people giving advice to Creative New Zealand appeared to apply Critical Race Theory to funding the arts. This seeks to view everything through a "its all colonisation and that's bad " lens. They said something very similar to this, about the need to de-colonise NZ and Shakespeares focus a cannon of imperialism. The CEO of creative NZ signed off the letter to the CEO of Shakespeare. So endorsed the advice.

        IMO this decision has made NZ a laughing stock internationally (and completely overlooked the fact that the Shakespeare in school encouraged kids to apply their own lens to the work of the Bard. Apparently Stephen Wainright never attended a performance.

        If the Spinoff has anything to add, feel free to quote or emphasize that there is something I am missing from this debate. Otherwise I feel I know pretty much what I need to know.

        • Incognito 1.3.2.1
          19 October 2022 at 1:14 pm

          The gist of Tony’s link is that the majority of media reports in NZ and overseas are near fact-free.

          It is your choice to remain willfully blind to new information that challenges your views; it is called confirmation bias.

          • Anker 1.3.2.1.1
            19 October 2022 at 5:02 pm

            I think you are missing what my point is. The reason Shakespeare was turned down was because the people who decided who gets funding associate him with imperialism and think he doesn't fit with decolonising NZ. It recks of Critical Race Theory. And it has made NZ look utterly ridiculous imo. There was a big outcry from a range of people. I read articles from three left wing commentators on this, I read a couple of things on Stuff which supported CNZ, I listened to interviews with the CEO of Creative NZ and the Shakespeare group. I might have even read a thing or two in the international press. I think I read pretty widely.

            Love the willfully blind comment though. I would have thought I was one of the least offenders on this site. There are numerous commentators here who absolutely refused to read a range of sources. I have gone from being tribal labour and supporting all they do (rivalling Mickey Savage in this respect) to critiquing what they are up too. And I am still able to give them credit where its due (although mostly this is around Covid).

            When I first heard the reason for not accepting Shakespeare, i.e decolonization and a cannon of imperialism, I thought how f…g stupid. Despite listening to range of views nothing has changed my mind. But I will get the Spinoff article a read.

            • Incognito 1.3.2.1.1.1
              19 October 2022 at 9:00 pm

              I get your point and I am challenging it, which is what we do here on TS, from time to time aka robust debate.

              Like so many others, you have taken a couple of piss-poor comments from a couple of external peer assessors out of context and extrapolated them as signals of something rotten in the state of Creative NZ if not NZ itself. There was a loud outcry of outrage and then a bandwagon effect aka storm in a teacup.

              It is not just what you read, but how you read it.

              I'll stick with my comment about you being wilfully blind, for now. You have already missed a pertinent piece of info from a comment of mine that you were replying to a few days ago and you have clearly stated that you didn’t want to click on Spinoff and read that article. It’s not like you’re donating a kidney, is it?

              I think you’re also misrepresenting MickySavage. He may be a tribal Labour supporter but he can also be highly critical of Labour and still support them! It’s called constructive criticism.

              You still seem to think that those poor comments from those assessors were the sole reason for not continuing the funding for another 3 years and I’m personally confident enough that you’re wrong.

              Good for you to read that article; a fresh perspective may help you gain better insight into this and who knows, it might even change your opinion somewhat …

              • Anker …
                19 October 2022 at 9:43 pm

                Well at least we agree that there were a couple of comments that were piss poor, but I would go much further than that.

                I know for a fact (from inside information) that the public service has workshops running, the focus of which is decolonising the public service.

                Two external assessors made the comments, but the CEO signed off the letter to the Shakerspeare festival. So he endorsed the comments.

                What right do you have of accusing me of being willfully blind just because I don't agree with your take on the issue of Shakespeare funding? You see it one way "storm in a tea cup", I see it another. As I said, I have read a number of articles on this issue and listened to two interviews. I also ended up reading the Spinoffs article. So what that I didn't read thoroughly enough/or retain a pertinant comment you made on this issue. I actually have a lot of stuff going on at the moment.

                I don't know whether the comments the assessors made were the sole reason not for funding Shakespeare, but it in my view a crazy ideological lens that the assessors have commented from. Actually it wasn't about the funding for me, it was about the fact that there were two people assessing arts funding who were ignorant enough to hold such views and the fact that their CEO endorsed them.

                I don't think people quite realise on this site how sick to death many NZders are of the overpaid PMC with their ideological stance, thinking they know what's best for everyone.

                • Incognito …
                  19 October 2022 at 10:08 pm

                  sigh

                  I call it as I see it and I’ve already explained my reasoning: wilfully blind (i.e. biased) and suffering from apohenia with a bit reading incomprehension thrown in for good measure.

                  The CEO signs off on the decisions made by the Arts Council, in this case. He’s not going to litigate their decisions.

                  Exactly! You don’t know what other comments were made in the 11-page report nor do you know how the other 61 proposals fared and what comments they received. You, like so many others, have created a near fact-free narrative out of thin air and turned it into a shit storm in a teacup believing that the Titanic has just hit a CRT iceberg and is taking water.

                  I note that you are starting to sound like that clownfish: the meaningless squawking of a mindless parrot.

                  Have a good night.

                  • Anker …
                    19 October 2022 at 10:16 pm

                    Incognito you are going too far in what I consider to be personal attacks on me e.g. willfully blind, sounding like a clownfish the squaking of a meaningless parrot. Also commenting on my reading comprehension is really a low blow. I have admitted on a number of occassions on this site this can be a struggle for me.

                    I utterly reject I am being willfully blind on this issue. As I have repeated often enough, I have read many articles on this issue.

                    You obviously have very strong feelings about this issue, but I would ask you to stop personally attacking me.

          • Anker 1.3.2.1.2
            19 October 2022 at 6:51 pm

            O.k. I have just read the Spinoff article. There is nothing new here. Creative NZ chose not to fund Shakespeare. 58 out of 62 applications were successful. This I already new.

            Yes the issue was framed by some as cancelling Shakespeare. Anyone who read those articles would know that it didn't mean Shakespeare couldn't continue.

            Again I want to reiterate from my own perspective, that it was the reason given for not funding Shakespeare by Creative NZ. The canon of imperialism and it not fitting with de colonizing NZ (I thought this was rather played down in the Spinoffs article).

            This is a prime examply of the stupidity of seeing everything in this country through the lens of colonization and being intent on "decolonising". The public service has been injected with this sort of bullshit (and the Spinoff is a vechile also for this bullshit),…..

            I am pleased there was such a backlash against the reason to cancel the funding from Creative NZ of Shakespeare. It shows me that at least some people in this country can see through it.

            • Incognito 1.3.2.1.2.1
              19 October 2022 at 9:36 pm

              Good on you for reading it.

              Anyone who read those articles would know that it didn't mean Shakespeare couldn't continue.

              Really? You wrote:

              They took the advice of someone on the cancellation of the Shakespeare festival………….. [my italics]

              and

              He has made our country look like a laughing stock has lead to the PM intervening to ensure Shakespeare continues. [my italics]

              You could have fooled me that you didn’t mean what you said to sound like you did.

              This is a prime examply of the stupidity of seeing everything in this country through the lens of colonization and being intent on "decolonising". The public service has been injected with this sort of bullshit (and the Spinoff is a vechile also for this bullshit),….. [sic]

              You believe your own spin and smoke your own dope, which is called being biased.

              I am pleased there was such a backlash against the reason to cancel the funding from Creative NZ of Shakespeare.

              Shakespeare was never cancelled; one group had its tiny funding proposal not funded, which was only about 10% of their total budget anyway and for an executive assistant and succession planning. Keep repeating the same BS often enough and you might think it was a sonnet written by the Bard himself.

              • Anker …
                20 October 2022 at 9:38 am

                Thanks for your apology above Incognito. And I am not always a calm commentator here (I admire very much for example Molly and Weka who really seem to be able able to calmly argue their points)

                I understand how its easy to get heated in these debates and I was pretty hard about Creative NZs decision (calling them stupid and ignorant).

                I have been thinking a bit about the discussions on here and how perhaps letting off steam about that which we feel passionate about serves some sort of positive purpose in discharging frustrations about the world. And then there is the sharing of information which can and sometimes does help us re-think our positions.

        • Molly 1.3.2.2
          19 October 2022 at 1:53 pm

          Anker, I read it. Ironically it does what it accuses on the tin. Some relevant facts are omitted.

          Pg 9 of the pdf linked above shows changed criteria that is unlikely to apply to any Shakespeare programme.

          Pg 10 clarifies further:

          The new funding priorities are:

          ▪ Māori-led organisations

          ▪ Pasifika-led organisations

          ▪ programmes and activities that build and maintain resilience and adaptability in the arts sector

          ▪ innovative arts and business practices that develop new models of value creation

          ▪ activities that engage or benefit under-served communities.

          Creative New Zealand considers the following communities as being currently under-served by our funding programmes:

          Asian New Zealanders, young people and youth, regions outside the main centres, Deaf and disabled communities, and LGBTQIA+ and rainbow communities.

          • Incognito 1.3.2.2.1
            19 October 2022 at 2:17 pm

            What a load of bollocks!

            Right above the bullet points that you copied & pasted:

            Not all organisations need to deliver to the following funding priorities. Creative New Zealand still expects to fund a wide range of activities, provided they deliver to the Investment Feature Outcomes. However, proposals that strongly align to one or more of these priorities are likely to score highly in the ‘Priorities’ area of the assessment statements (see Section 5.4).

            Have you looked at the 58 successful applications? They make a fine example of Cultural Cringe Theory \sarc

            https://creativenz.govt.nz/News-and-blog/2022/09/06/00/30/59/Creative-New-Zealand-confirms-arts-organisations-in-Kahikatea-investment-programme-2023-2025

            • Molly 1.3.2.2.1.1
              19 October 2022 at 2:41 pm

              Thar's your interpretation, Incognito. And it may be right.

              (I've successfully applied for government community grants totalling over $250k, but I admit I could be wrong.)

              The writer of the article above dismisses concerns without detailed scrutiny. I thought it could have been done better.

              The successful applicants are listed – with amounts – but I couldn't find details on what the funding was for. Perhaps you have a link?

              • Incognito …
                19 October 2022 at 3:03 pm

                Just look at the stats and the wording:

                In April this year, 62 arts organisations were invited to submit a proposal for multi-year funding under the Kahikatea investment programme, with 58 proposals accepted. The Arts Council sought proposals that could reflect its Investment Strategy features of: diversity and reach; dynamic arts; and a resilient arts sector.

                Creative New Zealand received many strong applications; it was those with the greatest alignment with its strategic priorities that were successful, and the Arts Council has made the best possible investment decisions within a tight fiscal environment.

                No, I’m afraid I don’t have descriptions handy of those 58 successful proposals.

                • Molly …
                  19 October 2022 at 3:13 pm

                  Thanks, incognito.

                  I did look at it, and the wording, but usually find that the detail behind what people receive funding for is the most informative.

                  (I know I use such information from past grants when I do applications myself.)

                  I was just wondering if you had the link – thanks for looking.

                  • Incognito …
                    19 October 2022 at 3:27 pm

                    Sorry, but I haven’t looked; I just don’t have a link or info handy.

                    The wording can be ambiguous, I agree.

                    However, piecing together a few things (i.e. speculating), I’d say that the relatively small amount of money asked for by the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand simply didn’t align well (enough) with the (assessment) criteria. In addition, the request was for funding for an executive assistant and succession planning, which seems a rather poor fit to the criteria. Perhaps (!) combined with some laziness and/or complacency, after 10 years of receiving funding from Creative NZ, the proposal was weak(er) overall compared to the other competing proposals in a tight (aka highly competitive) funding round. Regardless, hardly a reason to raise the alarm about pending cultural doom and Culture Wars, as some would have it.

                    • Molly …
                      19 October 2022 at 3:30 pm

                      I agree that could be the case. It's hard to tell without more detail.

                      My point was that the article posted, did not show how it had investigated and dismissed the claims. From my perspective, it had duplicated the approach it criticised.

                    • Incognito []
                      19 October 2022 at 3:50 pm

                      I thought it was a darn good article. In fact, I’d been thinking about writing a Post about the whole saga – Did the Fairy Godmother save Hamlet’s Life? – and that article pre-empted it and did a much better job of it than I could ever have done. More time for replying to comments instead 😉

                    • Molly …
                      19 October 2022 at 4:01 pm

                      Well, Incognito when it comes to our perspectives it seems our fate is already written in the stars: Never the twain shall meet.

                      (Kipling, not Shakespeare, wink).

              • Drowsy M. Kram …
                19 October 2022 at 4:05 pm

                Thanks for that link – pleased to see Centrepoint Theatre (my local) getting the nod. It's offered a sprinkling of Shakespearean plays over the years – Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night's Dream, Merchant of Venice, As You Like It, Taming of the Shrew (comedies do well), Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, MacBeth, King Lear, Othello and maybe moor – classic stuff.

                Despite Creative NZ's grant, the last regional theatre will continue to struggle – but it will struggle magnificently.

                • Molly …
                  19 October 2022 at 4:16 pm

                  I've got family links in PN, have a soft spot for the place and community theatre. Will remember to check it out next time I visit.

              • Belladonna …
                19 October 2022 at 5:40 pm

                Yes, the proposal criteria are of enormous importance.

                There are a couple listed which I would initially greet with a raised eyebrow (Penguin Random House New Zealand Limited, for example – why fund a commercial organization for 42K?) – but the critieria would presumably make the reason for this decision evident.

    • AB 1.4
      19 October 2022 at 2:16 pm

      Very amusing when people who most likely haven't read a Shakepeare play or seen one performed, suddenly discover his centrality to the Western Canon. They have a veritable attack of the Harold Blooms (whom they won't haven't read either). They do it because the whole silly story is grist to the culture war mill and the daft claim that western culture is being supplanted and that the English language erased by Maori.

      Now I quite like Harold Bloom and tend to agree that there IS something like an intrinsic and universal aesthetic value that transcends historical and cultural contexts. Especially as homo sapiens has existed for only about 200,000 years and we are therefore all intellectual, emotional and spiritual peers, irrespective of local cultural and racial variations.

      So it's equally amusing to find that Creative NZ have assessors who don't realise this, and so burble on about 'imperialism'. You can call these burblers 'woke' – but to do so just validates the language of that first group of culture war clowns. The 'woke' are simply purists who are so consumed by one particular historic injustice that they try to instrumentalise everything (including literature) into a weapon for redressing it. They are not wrong about the injustice, but have lost all sense of balance.

      These are the mad times we live in.

      • observer 1.4.1
        19 October 2022 at 7:34 pm

        Very amusing when people who most likely haven't read a Shakepeare play or seen one performed, suddenly discover his centrality to the Western Canon.

        Yes, this!

        There would be no funding issues at all with Shakespeare (or theatre in general) if all the people who have jumped on this story professing the importance of Shakespeare … actually bought tickets to watch Shakespeare.

  2. Robert Guyton 2
    19 October 2022 at 6:59 am

    Leadership challenge; part two.
    I've made the suggestion now, that we operate a shared-chair system, to ensure fair representation of both town and country 🙂
    This seems a very popular idea. I wonder how it will be received by the councillors?
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130203605/councillor-proposes-two-cochairs-for-regional-council

    Councillor proposes two co-chairs for regional council

    STUFF.CO.NZ

    Councillor proposes two co-chairs for regional council

    A councillor is changing tack on his bid for the chairperson’s job at Environment Southland proposing there should be two co-chairs.

  3. SPC 3
    19 October 2022 at 8:14 am

    One wonders how the Truss ordered look into moving the UK embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is progressing …

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63006670

    • Sanctuary 3.1
      19 October 2022 at 8:26 am

      Well The Aussies have cancelled their move, which has vastly upset the Israelis who have apparently called in the Australian ambassador for a telling off.

  4. Sanctuary 4
    19 October 2022 at 8:19 am

    Has the time come for the west to force a resolution of the war in the Ukraine?

    High energy bills, energy blackmail, the cost of fertilizer, the rising cost of cooking oils, not to mention the incipient humanitarian crisis to 40+ million people of a callous assault on the Ukrainian electricity network just before their brutal winter sets in or the the potential impact of food shortages on millions more means it is our in direct interest that this war be brought to a victorious conclusion with the utter defeat of Russia's wanton and barbaric invasion and the replacement of Putin with someone – anyone really – less insane. Only then can a stable order favourable to the west be quickly restored.

    This war is set to drag on for months and months, with increasing barbarity and suffering and loss of life. NATO/US intervention would end this war in three months – and save tens, possibly hundreds of thousands or even millions, of lives in the process.

    Discuss.

    • Nic the NZer 4.1
      19 October 2022 at 8:31 am

      Three months? Why wait, launch a first strike and we can see who the winner was within 24 hours.

  5. Sabine 5
    19 October 2022 at 8:31 am

    Look at the dears.

    I wonder how they got there?

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476945/protesters-block-southbound-traffic-on-wellington-s-transmission-gully

    But yeah, i am sure it will compel many people to not use their car, vote for the Greens, go vegan, and cycle how many kilometers they must to earn a crust and raise that tax revenue that could be spend on public transport.

    Again, how will they get away from that spot? cycling? walking, or is momma gonna come with the big tesla/ev to pick the darlings up just in time for tea?

    • arkie 5.1
      19 October 2022 at 9:15 am

      Another fine example of patronising denigration of activists because of supposed lack of ideological purity. Due to inaction by our elected representatives, people are taking the risk to demonstrate and use their democratic right to protest through civil disobedience. The planet does not have better advocates currently.

      • Ghostwhowalksnz 5.1.1
        19 October 2022 at 10:11 am

        Right to protest isnt what you think it is in these circumstances.

        Thats why they are being arrested and charged

        • arkie 5.1.1.1
          19 October 2022 at 10:57 am

          Right to protest isn’t a right to freedom from consequences of that disobedience and I never claimed it was.

      • Sabine 5.1.2
        19 October 2022 at 2:46 pm

        i am actually quite serious here.

        I do believe that the protest needs to be held in front of parliament every day of the year until we have something aking to functioning public transport. I myself don't own a car, and never have in NZ. I once very shortly owned one in Germany for about 6 month if that at all. I am a train enthousiast. I have used buses for long distance travel, and otherwise always got to where i wanted by foot or by bike.

        The few times one really needs a car one can rent, share a ride.

        I would like to see 'community cars' become a regular thing. A fleet of cars that is maintained by the council that the public can rent for use, the rental money being used to maintain these vehicles. ride shares are also a good option. I personally complained about the government giving up to 8 grand to generally middle and upper class (that pesky word again) people rather then provide full and free access to public transport. I have been told many times here on the standard why we can't provide full and free public transport (someone has to pay for it, yes my dear, we do that – us the tax payer, by paying taxes, same as with the rebate for e – vehicles).

        But this is not going to work. It will alienate people from something that is sorely needed.

        In the meantime in AKL the public will lose access to three trainlines coming from the south, and the line that was stopped about a week ago out west due to 'unforseen circumstances' are probably still non functioning – at least i could not find anything that would indicate that that line is back open again.

        So, if these guys want to have a successful protest, they need to protest the people that are not doing the heavy lifting. That would be our current Labour Government. Before that it was National under Key. Before that is was Labour under Helen Clark. Next time it may be Luxon. And ditto for all those that came before Helen Clark.

        Non of the workers stuck on that road will be able to do much. they might however will not vote Green, Labour next time around, simply because they can't stand these fucking grandstanders anymore.

        there you go. all problems fixed. Not.

        And i still would like to know how they got there, who drove them there, and who is gonna give them a ride home to eat Mummies dinner.

        this is the current future of train travel in NZ.

        https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/10/03/rolling-closures-to-hit-auckland-train-users-again-until-2025/

        • Molly 5.1.2.1
          19 October 2022 at 4:04 pm

          "I do believe that the protest needs to be held in front of parliament every day of the year until we have something aking to functioning public transport. "

          That's a target and action I'd wholeheartedly support.

    • Anker 5.2
      19 October 2022 at 9:29 am

      Lol Sabine. Time to offer them a job driving a bus in the capital.

      I did listen to an interview with a guy yesterday about the protests and they want rail networks re-established across NZ (inter city). I am unclear how many would use such services and a lot of people will likely still use their car to travel city to city.

      But people do want to ride on buses in Wellington and we don't have enough drivers.

      • Molly 5.2.1
        19 October 2022 at 10:28 am

        Investment in fast, electric intercity rail – where feasible – and with great service – MAY reduce domestic flights.

        The specific website for the group – Restore Passenger Rail – is very light on details. I could only find just various similarly detail free articles – HOWEVER – I did come across this Parliamentary Select Committee:

        Inquiry into the future of inter-regional passenger rail in New Zealand

        The committee welcomes your comments and ideas on the topic and is looking forward to learning what the future of passenger rail could look like for New Zealand.

        Terms of reference:

        • Investigating possibilities and viability of passenger rail in underserved communities, those with prior rail links that have been disestablished, and those currently advocating for improved rail links;
        • Gaining insights into viability of passenger rail sitting alongside KiwiRail’s freight network;
        • Evaluating existing inter-regional passenger rail, such as the Capital Connection, and how these services work between local and regional councils and central government;
        • Gaining insights into the integration of regional rail into existing local public transport networks;
        • Investigating the climate and emissions reductions possibilities of passenger rail, and how this links to VKT (vehicle kilometres travelled) reduction targets in the Emissions Reduction Plan, and including electrification between regions; and
        • Investigating potential rail expansions and investments in specific areas, such as Tauranga (following a recent report on the re-introduction of passenger rail) and the Lower North Island (following a business case funded at Budget 2021).

        The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm, Friday, 21 October 2022

        This may be of interest to a few on here.

        Pity this submission option was not mentioned in the article.

        • Molly 5.2.1.1
          19 October 2022 at 10:49 am

          Another link I found via one of the articles may also be of interest,

          …Mark, who is 90, is still fighting the good fight as a member of Wise Response. But he is a political pragmatist, acknowledging that however green a mayor may be, they can only do what their council lets them.

          “A mixed bag of councillors keeps a Green mayor from showing his true colours,” he says.

          As an urgent response to climate change, Mark advocates Ōtepoti move to reduce carbon emissions.

          “One way of doing that might be free public transport.”

          http://wiseresponse.org.nz/about-wise-response/

        • alwyn 5.2.1.2
          19 October 2022 at 11:48 am

          "Investment in fast, electric intercity rail".

          Sigh. That is what the HS1 network in Britain is (was?) intended to supply.

          There is a little problem in that the last estimate I saw for the cost was up to a nice juicy $800 million NZ dollars per mile. Even Robbo might find that just a little over the top.

          https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/105261/why-build-hs2-for-403m-per-mile-when-a-road-costs-10m-per-mile#:~:text=High%20Speed%202%20is%20a,train%20track%20on%20the%20planet.

          What is wrong with buses for intercity travel?

          • Molly 5.2.1.2.1
            19 October 2022 at 12:09 pm

            "What is wrong with buses for intercity travel?"

            Nothing. I'm all for that – especially if it is successful in terms of transition. I was just following on the thread from the protest action and their call for intercity rail.

            However, the cost for bus travel at present is prohibitive, and can sometimes be more expensive than flights. That needs to be addressed.

            It is also perhaps not comparable as a commute – given the time required.

            I've found a couple of studies etc, from my searches this morning, but I haven't had a chance to read and ponder.

            Unfortunately, the submission on this issue finishes in a couple of days.

            If you do submit, it'd be great if you could post some of your thoughts on here. They'll be good to consider beforehand. I understand there is a personal bias towards rail for most people that assumes that it's the best option, but as you say, it may not be – in terms of both budget and outcomes.

            (The HS rail proposal does seem to be a disaster in the making. I have been looking for costings for Japan’s high speed rail, but been unsuccessful so far. I thought the terrain and location on the ring of fire volcanic area might be comparable.)

            • Sabine 5.2.1.2.1.1
              19 October 2022 at 2:55 pm

              I say it again, check out Nice in the South of France.

              No public transport other then a few late buses, one road by the bord de mer, one payable motorway on the other side and la route national in the middle. that was it.

              Now? A fucking awesome tram network, greened over to absorb heavy rains, busses, and train network, tram to the airport all integrated at 1.50 Euro per ride.

              Why? Because ONE politician saw it fit to push it through – a conservative one to boot, not a greeny by any means. Mr. Estrosi.

              Guts, our polititan don't have guts, thus they will never know glory, no matter the color no matter the party. They are all fucking useless when it comes to public transport. And that is why everyone, their kid and their dogs owns a car in NZ. Without one you get nowhere. Unless of course you have Mummy drive you around, in her gas guzzling car. That oil is good.

              Public transport in NZ is a fucking shame, always has been and still is.

              But hey, up to 8 grand for some rich people to buy an EV car that ordinary working stiff can't even dream to afford once they paid their bills and insisted in eating at least one meal per day.

              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nice_tramway

              • Molly …
                19 October 2022 at 3:04 pm

                Thanks, Sabine.

                There seems to be an industry of consultants and experts in this country that utilise funding to pontificate or tout for business, but a dearth of well-thought out policies and projects.

                I'll have to do some serious looking if I want to make a submission. Given out existing rail network, there are probably some commuter services that would require very little funding, but some political heft.

                • Sabine …
                  19 October 2022 at 3:18 pm

                  The guys protesting have a point.

                  We need to get away from single car transport.

                  1. we need to stop concreting/paving every strip of nature for cars.
                  2. half of the carparks in AKL could be used for Apartment blocks. So much space is wasted just for cars to park. Have a look att he Lincoln road Pak n Save, across from Countdown. Just wasted paved misery.
                  3. long distance travel – most could be done by bus or train.
                  4. as a few here state every now and then we have to start somehow.

                  but frankly the current lot of empty suits will do nothing, nothing at all, unless it gets too bad, then they offer a wee bit lipservice and maybe a trickle and a tinkle here and there as it is now with the reduction in public transport pricing.

                  NZ Public Transport system is an absolute laugh. And every suit working for the public as a public servant from PM down to lowliest pencil pusher have done the greatest disservice to this country since ages ago.

                  This mess is bipartisan and decades old.

                  • Molly …
                    19 October 2022 at 3:39 pm

                    Our southern motorway has been undergoing roadworks since 2015. Still unlikely to be finished for a few years.

                    During that time, we have added huge number of extra residents in the form of new developments, and commuter towns and villages growth ie. Waiuku, Paerata, Pokeno, Te Kauwhata etc.

                    When the Southern Motorway is finished – over budget both in time and money – unfortunately it won't have a dedicated bus lane or service allowing south Auckland's far-flung residents to choose a public transport method that connects them to their place of work or study with efficiency. But there is a cycleway for mostly recreational use.

                    It's hard to believe that anyone really cares to think long-term, and for all.

                    • Sabine …
                      19 October 2022 at 4:19 pm

                      yes, every now and then when having my medical done – i get past that area and it just sends shivers down my spine. The most wasteful use of land – good agricultural land at that, no public transport, no amenities, all with dark outsides and roofs, no space to plant anything and everything is covered in concrete. No trees. No shade. If you don't have Air Con you fry in summer. Winter should be ok.

                      Ditto near Hamilton. They all for the most part have dark roofs. Why?

                      How that was ever signed of by council without anything 'green' 'energy saving' 'public transport to minimize car use' included? I doubt there a bicycle lanes anywhere in these settlements, no town centers, not sure about schools – you would hope for that at least, is a mystery to me. We finally saw a Countdown appear. Yei!!!

                      These are the most braindead and climate change denying developments anywhere. But hey. 'Affordable' housing.

          • AB 5.2.1.2.2
            19 October 2022 at 4:33 pm

            It (inter-city train) might eventually work in densely populated areas like the Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga triangle. Might also relieve intensification pressures in these cities and improve quality of life by stringing populations out along train lines into livable-sized towns and villages. If people are not in cars, those places will become real towns and villages, not soulless dormitory suburbs.

    • Molly 5.3
      19 October 2022 at 10:11 am

      "Spokesperson Rosemary Penwarden said some drivers had shouted abuse, but there had been no physical violence."

      Well, those who find themselves struggling in any way after the multiple stressors of the last few years will be denounced as churlish, irresponsible, ignorant and "abusive" if they protest against the protestors. They may well be working towards transition in individual ways – who would know?

      (The woman quoted above – Rosemary Penwarden – is very active in multiple community initiatives – it's a pity those are not mentioned in the article. It would provide readers examples to consider or emulate, with the proviso that you have the time and resources to do so.

      I do wonder if they have any awareness that amongst those they disrupt, there will be some who are barely managing as it is. Or are they acceptable collateral damage?)

  6. Jimmy 6
    19 October 2022 at 8:35 am

    Jacinda annoyed that Sharma is going to cost tax payers for a by-election in Hamilton West, but having endorsed Paul Eagle for mayor, surely that would have forced a by-election too had he been successful, and she had no issues with that?

    • observer 6.1
      19 October 2022 at 8:45 am

      Was Eagle planning to stand in that by-election, so he could become an MP after being an MP who stopped being an MP?

      • Nic the NZer 6.1.1
        19 October 2022 at 9:15 am

        Dr Sharmas very serious argument needs to be taken very seriously. Right now the people of Hamilton West are not being represented in parliament in that their elected MP has been thrown out of his party. Once he is elected however representation is restored, atleast until he decides to throw himself out of his own party (Can he do that? What does the party constitution say?).

        Side note, Jimmy planning to move to Hamilton West just so he can vote him in.

        Side note to side note, Dr Sharma is using the by election as an eff you while bowing out. If you vote for him he will consider it bullying.

      • Visubversa 6.1.2
        19 October 2022 at 9:32 am

        The good citizens of Wellington told Paul Eagles what they thought of his by-election.

        • observer 6.1.2.1
          19 October 2022 at 9:37 am

          But he wasn't going to stand in it. That's why Jimmy's comparison is meaningless (he knows that, of course).

      • Jimmy 6.1.3
        19 October 2022 at 10:57 am

        Sharma may as well not bother standing as he is very unlikely to win. Irrelevant as to whether he stands or not. It still puts the taxpayer through the cost of a by-election one of which Jacinda was happy with, and one which she is not.

  7. Joe90 7
    19 October 2022 at 8:36 am

    The translation's a little rumpty but you get the drift; Balts don't trust Russia or Russians.

    Just recently, Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine Kaimo Kuusk stood at the edge of the mass graves and visited the former torture chambers in Izum. He was told that the Russian torturers weren’t yokels, but spoke in elegant urban St. Petersburg or Moscow accents. Russia’s total defeat in Ukraine is the sole opportunity for change.

    https://ekspress.delfi.ee/artikkel/120083694/human-life-has-no-value-there-baltic-counterintelligence-officers-speak-candidly-about-russian-cruelty

  8. Reality 8
    19 October 2022 at 9:37 am

    Wonder how the protesters get to the various Wellington places they are disrupting – hop on their bikes surely as they would not be so hypocritical as to drive there. Presume they taken annual leave from their jobs so they can frustrate people trying to get to work, hospital appointments, the airport, visit a sick relative. They really are nutters if they think they can get people on their side.

  9. observer 9
    19 October 2022 at 9:54 am

    Remember that weird survey of expats that got plenty of media coverage a few weeks back? New Zealand was terrible, but the United Arab Emirates (where homosexuality is punishable by death) was at the top of the survey, so obviously a much better country.

    Here's another weird survey:

    NZ is the best, hooray …

    The point is not that NZ is awesome or awful, but that these surveys are worthless. So can we please stop pretending they are news (No we can't, coz clickbait – Ed).

    • Sabine 11.1
      19 October 2022 at 2:58 pm

      She needs to aquaint herself with the idea of masturbation. Unless of course she is trying to advertise her services to the cause.

      I mean, whose children would she like to prostitute and pimp out so that some dears can get laid?

  12. X Socialist 12
    19 October 2022 at 11:15 am

    Racism alive and well in Aotearoa.

    Link is paywalled. The following text was available:

    ''Northland artist Lester Hall is calling it quits, saying he has been cancelled by people who say that as a Pākehā artist he shouldn't use Māori symbolism in his work.''

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/northland-artist-lester-hall-calls-it-quits-after-sustained-and-nasty-attacks/GO6S63ZY7VZLV2PVJ5TCL5WCYI/

    • alwyn 12.1
      19 October 2022 at 11:56 am

      As someone with Spanish heritage I must say I would like to see Rawiri Waititi stop his cultural appropriation of that wonderful treasure of Spain, the guitar.

      It is disgraceful that he parodies this Spanish art form by playing it so badly.

    • Molly 12.2
      19 October 2022 at 12:35 pm

      The reality of equality – in all aspects – is that your cultural influences and symbolism will become part of the mainstream and accessible to all. That is true of the dominant cultures – and while I can understand a small level of protectionism for vulnerable cultures, at some point of strength, those provisions have to be let go.

      Māori culture then will truly be holding it's own.

      The discussion at present is whether now is the time when Māori culture is strong enough to withstand use outside of strict control.

      • Molly 12.2.1
        19 October 2022 at 12:59 pm

        Should have added. I believe it is.

        I think art that challenges and includes cultural knowledge both informs and contributes to that culture, whether it is positive or negative. I believe the access people have to Māori culture lends itself to reinterpretation and inclusion in works of art without needing to assume appropriation.

  13. Molly 13
    19 October 2022 at 12:27 pm

    File this under:

    This Never Happens,

    But since it has happened, It Hardly Ever Happens,

    And if it could have been Foreseen to Happen – it probably Would Have Happened Anyway,

    And Transphobic!

    Sex Offender Identified as Woman to Access Women’s Shelter, Allegedly Raped a Female Resident

    Toronto Sun article for those reluctant to visit Reduxx:

    HUNTER EXCLUSIVE: Sex offender who IDs as woman busted for shelter attack

    "Police sources told The Toronto Sun, Green was allowed to stay, but allegedly made sexually inappropriate comments to staff and clients.

    Two days later, Green allegedly sexually assaulted one of the women, a client, at the shelter. None of the charges have been tested in court.

    “Green really seems to know how the shelter system works and because it’s 2022 and in the current climate, workers at the shelters feel they have to let Green stay,” one law enforcement source said on the condition of anonymity.

    No doubt, the women working at the shelter are cognizant that in these hyper-sensitive times, they could potentially lose their jobs and have their reputations shattered for turning away Green.

    “So you have these extremely vulnerable women in distress, and they have to deal with Green because of political expediency,” the source added."

    Shall we let that sink in for a minute?

    Support workers for women and children in a domestic violence refuge feel compelled to introduce to those vulnerable women and children, a known child molestor (read article for details), because of an inclusion policy demanded by Canada's legislation.

    • Sabine 13.1
      19 October 2022 at 3:01 pm

      OF course it happens, but surely this person was not trans, and is only using the trans persona to humiliate and malign transpeople. But self id is a must, lest some poor misunderstood trans person who has yet to crack their egg get refused access to a place full of vulnerable women as an entire male with male attire, male face, male genitals, male mind and attitude. And besides, him being in that places surely means that all the women consented to him being there, and if they did not they could just stay at home in their kitchen? Right? sarcasm/ fuckingdisgust/ pissedoff/

  14. SPC 14
    19 October 2022 at 1:19 pm

    Economists invent austerity and so pave the way to fascism.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofFR1mD2UOM

  15. Incognito 15
    19 October 2022 at 2:32 pm

    There is broad agreement in the water industry that reform in the sector has been a long time coming.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476956/three-waters-industry-representatives-agree-reforms-are-long-overdue

    They would say that, wouldn’t they?

  16. SPC 16
    19 October 2022 at 2:35 pm

    US inflation adjustments

    The earned-income tax credit for low-income workers goes up from $6935 to $7,430 (qualifying taxpayers with three or more children).

    Exemption from estate taxes for the first $12,920,000 they inherit (up nearly $1 million).

    The Security Administration is increasing benefits by 8.7 percent, the largest rise since 1981.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/18/business/irs-tax-rates-inflation-2023.html?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20221018&instance_id=0&nl=breaking-news&ref=cta&regi_id=105215441&segment_id=110382&user_id=9142031648891a79204ee9b70e83177e

  17. observer 17
    19 October 2022 at 2:37 pm

    Remarkable gaffe by Luxon in Question Time. Ardern asks what National would cut.

    "So much", says Luxon, mic on.

    • newsense 17.1
      19 October 2022 at 4:01 pm

      But none of this matters.

      Water slide to the election, despite a bit of fighting between the right- who is the most heartless? ACT, Winston or the Nats?

      Today Victorian charity will end poverty and need for the deserving poor.

  18. Molly 18
    19 October 2022 at 2:55 pm

    A good thread – with short videos – on the cost of living crisis in the UK.

    https://twitter.com/DanielHewittITV/status/1582393431590342661?s=20&t=2tt_GlgEC7YN083K4qPulg

    • Sabine 18.1
      19 October 2022 at 3:04 pm

      They should have voted for the brown Lady. Kemi Badenoch. She was the only one out of that lot with brains. But oh well….Maybe they bring back Boris.

      In saying that i doubt that Labour at the moment could do much either. It is going to be a very cold and hard winter for europe and the uk. And most of it is self inflicted. Even if you gave every person in the UK 300 Pounds a month for electricity the cost would simply go up to eat that away. A bit like here with our benefit increases that resulted in nothing much due to rents/utilities/food costs going up immediately after that benefit increase.

      Unless you have a government that has the guts to actually regulate the market there will be no change.

      • Molly 18.1.1
        19 October 2022 at 3:10 pm

        (I'm wondering how many people in similar situations are caught out by the Extinction Rebellion activists – and how that affects them. I'm thinking they are not going to be enthusiastic embracers of such actions myself.)

        • Sabine 18.1.1.1
          19 October 2022 at 3:37 pm

          i saw a tweet where some of these dudes shut down a bridge for two days in england somewhere. People started shooting of fireworks. They were removed the next day.

          One day, someone is just gonna drive over one of them. But then the Police stands by does nothing, not even free one lane. Once the Police has lost the good will of the people the people will take policing into their own hands. A lot of people with power will have to ask how much longer doing nothing to not upset the dears of the middle to upper class (everyone else is to busy making a crust to keep a cold roof over their heads) whom they depend to get voted back in again.

          The trouble is that the worker has no longer a party that would represent them in any meaningful way. The frenchies have a story to tell – well those whose ancestors survived the revolution – about what happens when the comfortable run out of cake to serve to the poor.

      • Poission 18.1.2
        19 October 2022 at 3:59 pm

        The uk energy costs are capped (although not excessive use set by ave use) from now until april.The increase on current pricing forward of inputs is around 100 pound a month from April,(the full cost of the programme was to be 40b which the UK does not have)

        This allows both conservation (demand destruction) and removes pricing from inflation as it is paid direct on the bills.From April the energy caps will be directed (means tested) to remove distortions and costs.

        Germany has a similar scheme (around 200b ) that sees substantive rises still (and demand destruction by bankrupting lots of industry) some of the forward costs of electricity have been limited by Scholl overuling the Greens and allowing the 3 reactors to be fully operational to April (rather then reserve) and has brought prices down 6.3% over winter contracts.

        Habeck misled on the technical aspects of the Nuclear fleet.

  19. Muttonbird 19
    19 October 2022 at 4:03 pm

    A bit about the Tufton Street network, a group of free market fundamentalists who led Britain to disaster.

    https://twitter.com/ByDonkeys/status/1582303415576715265?cxt=HHwWgoCzxdakvPUrAAAA

    We have identical organisations/individuals here; the Taxpayers Union, Farrar, the NZ Initiative, NZCPR, the Democracy Project, etc.

    • Sabine 19.1
      19 October 2022 at 7:22 pm

      These guys have political power? And here i thought that the country was run into a gutter by the selected officials from the Labour and the National Party depending on which party wins the selection process every few years. Surely the Tax Payers Union and all the others will be pleased to know about the power they have.

      • Muttonbird 19.1.1
        19 October 2022 at 8:45 pm

        It's naive to believe RW think tanks, with private and obscure funding don't have an influence on democracy.

        Perhaps you should read up more on this instead of obsessing about trans cock?

  20. Ad 20
    19 October 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Who'da thunk that Rodney Hide's public corporations would be the only thing protecting Auckland from Wayne Brown and the hard right.

    • Muttonbird 20.1
      19 October 2022 at 6:19 pm

      Own goal there by the libertarian right.

      Create CCOs so elected officials can't mess with the infrastructure and operations of local government.

      Then find the walking skeleton you wanted as Mayor can't mess with the infrastructure and operations of local government.

  21. newsense 21
    19 October 2022 at 5:02 pm

    Geezus this is a despressing read.

    PM should announce that she has listened and massively increase funding for the arts across the board.

    Including compulsory Shakespeare soliloquies before all rugby…

    For that matter time for the Waikato to turn its Auckland tap off for a while. Auckland’s one of those self reliant, self made places that doesn’t need anyone else.

  22. X Socialist 22
    19 October 2022 at 5:40 pm

    He's a doctor of mountain biking. He also has a degree in looking contrite.

    [TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]

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  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    16 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    17 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    18 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    20 hours ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    21 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 day ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    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 ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    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 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    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 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    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 ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    5 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    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 ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    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 ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    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. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
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