NATO allies agreed on Friday to send aircraft and ships to Turkey to strengthen Ankara’s air defences on its border with Syria, the alliance’s chief said, a package that is partly designed to avoid any more shoot-downs of Russian planes.
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party leader called for “honourable resistance” against security operations in southeast Turkey on Friday (Saturday NZ Time) as state media reported 55 Kurdish militants had been killed in three days of urban fighting there.
I think the countries around Syria should declare a moratorium? and decide that a renewal of war will start again on 1 April. Everything being done is escalating the situation and the unreason in the minds of those plotting and planning against their opposition or enemies proceeds exponentially. Spray them with tranquillisers or something.
Did everyone see that summary of the combatants and power positions from Private Eye. It makes it very clear that this is a murky situation.
When the Fed raised interest rates by 1/4 of a percent, it incentivised banks to keep money in the reserves held by the Fed (risk free return as it also pays 1/4 percent to those banks).
This incentive means less money will be lent to businesses in the US, reducing the velocity of money and potentially crashing the economy.
So you are for more QE then to keep asset bubble going , I don’t think .25 of a percent will crash the economy, there is also an opportunity cost of a ROI of .25 percent, not to mention threat of inflation leading to a negative return
At the risk of exposing my education (the lack thereof), ignorance, naivety, stupidity and plain gormlessness… what exactly does [sic] mean? And when do you use it? 🙁
“sic” is a latin word meaning “thus” and it is used to indicate you are quoting something as it was written, even though you know it is spelt or used incorrectly in some way, and you want to highlight the fact that you have noticed the mistake.
Anne, I note a curious, enquiring and active mind in you….nothing else!
“Sic.” means the mistake in whatever was written was by the original author, if someone is commenting on someone else’s writing. It’s like acknowledging a mistake that someone else has made, or saying “it was written like that”.
Thank-you for the compliment Sans Cle. I was having a bit of a dig at me – you know… that notorious tendency of those “who” came from the Mother country (oops I reveal my bias) to laugh aloud at oneself.
It’s used when quoting someone’s words (written or spoken) where the person doing the quoting wants to make it clear that the mistake in the grammar or whatever is the original person’s mistake, not the quoter’s, and that the original is being quoted.
Key was quoted as saying,
“It’s quite possible that it’s legitimate. There are people that [sic] have multiple passports because they have multiple citizenship. So there are lots of people who travel on both an Australian and New Zealand passport and might theoretically do that at one time.
The person that wrote the article put [sic] there is show that it was Key that said ‘that’ instead of ‘who’. Normally I’d expect the Herald to let Key’s loose use of language stand on its own, but it was funny to see someone pointing it out.
In places like ts, [sic] gets used by pedants who feel the need to point out the error of others as part of their debate strategy (as opposed to clarifying that the quote is the original).
Someone had to ask 🙄 (I only thought about it ;-P ).
usage: 1 A continuing debate in English usage is the question of when to use who and when to use whom. According to formal grammar, who forms the subjective case and so should be used in subject position in a sentence, as in who decided this? The form whom, on the other hand, forms the objective case and so should be used in object position in a sentence, as in whom do you think we should support?; to whom do you wish to speak? Although there are some speakers who still use who and whom according to the rules of formal grammar as stated here, there are many more who rarely use whom at all; its use has retreated steadily and is now largely restricted to formal contexts. The normal practice in modern English is to use who instead of whom (and, where applicable, to put the preposition at the end of the sentence): who do you wish to speak to?; who do you think we should support? Such uses are today broadly accepted in standard English. 2 On the use of who and that in relative clauses see usage at that.
Everyone who thinks you cannot use ‘that’ for people should read Grant’s link. Sorry, but John Key’s use of ‘that’ was perfectly correct, and ‘sic’ should not have been used.
The correct ‘rule’ (i.e., accepted practice) is: Who/whom for people. Which for things.
All of these can be replaced by ‘that’ in a defining relative clause. It is optional.
When the defining relative pronoun is in the object case it can also be entirely omitted.
All these examples are correct;
‘The boy whom I saw yesterday’.
‘The boy who I saw yesterday’. (‘Whom’ is often seen as archaic in modern grammar books.)
‘The boy that I saw yesterday’.
‘The boy I saw yesterday.’ In all these sentences the relative clause is defining because it is telling you which particular boy.
‘That’ cannot be used when the clause is not a defining one, but is just supplying extra info, and separated off with commas. Two such sentences where ‘that’ cannot be used are:
‘Mrs Grey, who is very good at knitting, can speak Swedish.’
‘This car, which has an V8 engine, belongs to Mrs Grey.’ These relative clauses are not telling you which car or which Mrs Grey, and if you try to substitute ‘that’ , you will instantly sense that it is wrong.
Now have a Merry Christmas, and make sure you get all this right in your Happy New Year!
Morning….
sic 1 |sik|
adverb
used in brackets after a copied or quoted word that appears odd or erroneous to show that the word is quoted exactly as it stands in the original, as in a story must hold a child’s interest and “enrich his [ sic ] life.”
ORIGIN Latin, literally ‘so, thus.’
a Saint Teresa
miracle upon miracle
gods knows, god no!
Suitable to purpose
that reindear warrior
and santa’s going down.
My memories don’t fade
a steel steal silences as a sharpened cross,
abused idols abuse.
Detritus is a beach
as the bodies float
stare up at upwards.
A Saintly body, a teary
tree, a snowy sun and
my hand is still dirty
One of the aspects of the Hager raid was the speed with which NZ Police moved on Slater’s complaint last year – first informally to Assistant Commissioner Burgess and then a formal complaint about a week later.
With the release of the Court decision on the Judicial Review into the illegality of the police raid on Hager, similarities (and questions of political pressure) have been drawn to the speed with which the Police moved on the Teapot Tapes episode prior to the 2011 election, involving Bradley Ambrose.
In brief, Ambrose filed this claim a year ago in December 2014 seeking $1.25m in damages from Key for remarks he made about Ambrose at the time of the Teapot Tapes saga.
In March this year, the AKL High Court set down a two-week trial to commence on 16 February 2016. Several pre-trial conferences have been held during 2015, including on 2 Dec – hence my earlier post that day.
RNZ News reported on this High Court hearing on Dec 2 here: https://t.co/PVvQuj5I60[deleted by request]
A further ‘case management’ conference was held yesterday in the High Court, which does not appear to have been reported on by media.
So it would appear that the defamation trial is still likely to go ahead in February 2016, unless an out of court settlement is reached beforehand.
To date, Key has maintained that he would not settle with Ambrose or resile from his statements etc that led to the defamation claims and “in the end it will go through the court process”.
IMHO, the timing of the trial, a week after Parliament resumes and as the second flag referendum starts, will not be a good look or start to the year for Key. It may also well reignite discussion on the Hager raid decision due to the similarities. So, will he do a flip flop and settle to avoid these consequences?
After writing the above comment, I read the discussion last night on Daily Review starting with Karen’s at 7 re Assistant Police Commissioner Malcolm Burgess being a common factor in both the Ambrose teapot tape case and the Hager raid. I had forgotten that commonality.
In that thread, Seeker at 7.2 questioned the role of Burgess and raised Burgess’ remarks at the time (Mar 2012) that the police decided not to prosecute Ambrose BUT that he was probably guilty.
I have replied to Seeker providing links to Burgess’ press release on this and also to a Graeme Edgeler post on this at the Public Address blog. As mentioned in the reply, I would not be surprised if Burgess’ inappropriate* remarks re Ambrose form part of the defamation claim.
* Inapproriate because it is the role of the judicial system, not that of the Police, to determine innocence or guilt.
Agreed Tracey. Thanks once again vv.
How often are assistant commissioners changed and who appoints them? What criteria is used? I noticed the commissioner changed after two or was it three years. M.Burgess seems to have been assistant comm. for quite a while.
I used to be proud of being a New Zealander for a time in the Lange era but especially in the Helen Clark years. Some time ago on a European train journey I met an Italian athlete and others from various countries who admired her, felt positive toward our nation and wanted to talk about New Zealand.and our values.
But now….dunno if I’d mention my nationality thanks to the clownish antics of the current PM as reported on CNN…cringe…
Call me old fashioned but I think/hope our next PM will have a sense of dignity and a little more integrity.
Really? And if ‘the collective’ or ‘the tribe’ is state fascism (Leninism/Stalinism etc) or corporate fascism (Mussolini, Hitler etc) – then what? You think people are ‘hard wired’ to value those things? (Some do value them). But what you’re implying is that there can be no critical evaluation that protects autonomy within a collective or societal context; that forms of fascism are inevitable.
Big topic. And sorry. Any discussion is going to have to wait. Or do I do a ‘break’ post on authoritarianism – on ‘left and right’ – on the position of ‘social democracy’ within that (apparent) dichotomy? Hmm.
edit. Why is there no ‘ism’ for Hitler or Mussolini, but there is for Lenin and Stalin and Mao et al? Just a throw-away…probably unimportant, quiet puzzling.
Rodel ,
Nicely put.
You have reminded me of a previous era and a PM called
Sidney George Holland which was much like the present and quite the opposite to the Lange /Clark era that you have mentioned.
Holland was invited to be a member of the WW11 non-partisan non political cabinet, he attended for a short period and then left and never returned. His next notorious act was of course how he handled the waterfront strike in 1951.
Must be something in the Nat PM’s DNA or they drink the wrong
stuff , dunno but it is becoming a pain again.
Bring on integrity and dignity.
I agree with David Farrar’s prediction – Phil Goff won’t be elected Auckland Mayor.
Only 36% of Auckland voters bothered back in 2013.
No disrespect Labour MP Phil Goff – but what on earth is ‘inspiring’ about your policies, or more importantly, your proven track record as a pro-corporate ‘Rogernome’ – who helped inflict the neo-liberal Rogernomic$ agenda upon unsuspecting New Zealanders in the 1984 – 87 LABOUR Government?
Why would the 64% of Auckland voters – who didn’t bother back in 2013 – be inspired to vote for you as Auckland Mayor in 2016?
What underpinning ‘Rogernomic$’ legislative pillars did you or the Helen Clark led 1999 – 2008 Labour Government ever help to dismantle?
(Nothing personal here Phil – but FACTS are FACTS and TRUTH is TRUTH.)
Also – don’t forget that the Auckland Water Pressure which led public opposition to the hated Metrowater, was founded in Avondale, and with their support in the 2000 Auckland City Council Avondale -MT ROSKILL by-election in 2000, I polled 2nd, 700 votes behind Noelene Raffills, and over 4000 votes more than the City Vision (Labour / Alliance) candidate.
That was over fifteen years ago ….
So – in Phil Goff’s ‘home base’ Mt Roskill electorate – where he is very well known – so am I.
Yes but you didn’t win the by-election Penny. And Metrowater remained. The Water Pressure group achieved nothing except to give Banks his Council majority in 2001 so he could sell the Council Housing and the Airport shares. And in Roskill you ensured that the “Sage of the Whau” had many years to spread her ignorance and christianist bigotry around Council.
Don’t insult people you don’t know. I was there in the 1980’s – working for a Union and against the Rogergnomes. As far as Phil Goff is concerned I have know him since 1981 and I have seen him all the way through. I am not what I was in 1987 and neither is he. I think he is the person in the best position to be elected to be Mayor of Auckland for the widest number of people.
I’m no fan of Goff but at least he has an idea of how local and national politics work, he supports public transport and he is opposed to further privatising of Auckland’s assets. The only policies I have seen from Penny are ones that as mayor she would not be able to achieve, as has been explained to her many times. In addition, her responses to Generation Zero at the last local elections were bizarre, and I have yet to see her resile from them.
Goff’s policies may not be inspiring (whatever that means) but they are a lot better than those being offered by the candidates on the right. I also hope Goff becomes Auckland’s mayor because I would like to see him out of the Labour caucus.
Strange I haven’t seen you at any of the public meetings regarding the quarry redevelopment ando the iffy deals done around land swaps etc.
It’s so bad the local board is intending on filing with the ombudsman given the rights they were given under the supercity have been vetoed by council and the whole thing is headed to the environment court. Not to mention fletchers drafting emails for the minister to send to len brown. (Whose antics during council on this matter have to be seen to be believed…) I would have thought if you regarded yourself a serious candidate you would have been involved with this especially given the slightly wiffy odour eminating from the whole deal…
Am wondering if Peter Dundas Walbran who obtained a NZ passport but originally had held an Australian one should now, be deported back to Australia. Key is saying he obtained the NZ passport illegally, why cannot our government just remove the passport off him and send him back to presumably where he originally came from Australia?? The NZ passport is the most recent one he has obtained. Walbran is obviously a recidivist pedophile and NZ was his second choice for a passport. Why should we have to put up with his noxious habits. Australia may not like it but they are doing much the same with our criminal offenders, many who have often lived there almost all of their lives. Just a thought and will Key will have the guts to do it.
I fear you may have missed one word in what Key said Kate. He didn’t say that he had obtained it illegally, at least in the story I read.
In the Herald he is quoted as saying “”But if it’s an illegal passport, that’s a very different issue but I don’t have any advice about that.”
There is that little word “if” in the statement.
On the other hand Key may have made a later statement that I have not seen. Have you seen a further comment where he did label it as being obtained illegally?
Even if he had obtained the passport illegally it wouldn’t be sufficient reason to deport him though. He would still be, unfortunately, a New Zealand citizen wouldn’t he?
The people that Australia are deporting aren’t Australian citizens, as far as I am aware. They are people who haven’t taken out citizenship there, for whatever reason.
I confess Alwyn that I thought he said it was obtained illegally. Even if it wasn’t, because of his criminal activities if the Government revoked his NZ passport he then would have to live in an airport lounge out of danger to the public, a stateless person – he was a holder of an Australian one previously where he was probably born. It seems crazy to me that he was able to obtain a NZ one anyway. Are Australians able to apply for NZ passports ad hoc for no good reason would you not have to have legitimate criteria to be accepted for dual citizenship. He had a criminal record before he applied so it seems insane he was allowed a NZ passport in the first place. Our Internal/External Affairs needs a good shake up.
Which of private business woman Victoria Crone’s local government knowledge, experience, proven track record and stated policies, makes her ‘fit for duty’ as Auckland Mayor?
Brilliant Morrissey. You have captured the embedded National bloke so well. I know quite a few others just like him except some wear suits. No wonder some of the responses are wild – like seeing their real selves in a mirror. Ha!
“The Prime Minister has been talking about tax cuts in future but he is funding them by cutting services to people who have given years of work to our country.
“The Auckland Council has already looked at chopping free non-peak transport and today ECan is considering cuts as well. This is a short-sighted decision by the Government and will be a Scrooge-like Christmas present for our seniors,” Ruth Dyson says.
National: Kicking poor people in the goolies since forever.
Free non peak travel on local busses got nothing to do with poor people.
We are talking about the gold card holders, our good ole citizens above 65 and they all receive the Gold Card irrespective of income.
But, for many of the retired population that gold card allows them to get out and about a little bit every now and then, and with something like 10 – 15 $ one way from south akl to inner city, or from the shore to innercity it does hurt those on a fixed income.
John Key, the National Posse and their voters / enablers are starting to eat their own.
A fully 3D-printed rocket engine is almost complete: 75 percent of all the necessary parts have already been manufactured, put together and successfully tested by NASA.
As I’ve said before, 3D printing is the future of manufacturing. It is the engine that will destroy global trade as with it any country can produce anything at the same economies of scale and efficiencies as any other country.
For this reason our government should be spending billions per year developing our own 3D printing capabilities.
I’ve noticed that the PM in parliament question time and interviews, in his desperation to make a goading point usually misses (or tries to ignore) the real issue being discussed.
Also noticed that Nat or ACT supporters who contribute (sic) to debates on TS try to emulate John Key by doing the same thing usually inefficaciously.
Is it caused by Crosby Textor mantras, or a fear of engaging in real debate or just intelligence deficit?
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David Farrar writes – Newshub reports: Newshub can reveal a fresh allegation of intimidation against Green MP Julie-Anne Genter. Genter is subject to a disciplinary process for aggressively waving a book in the face of National Minister Matt Doocey in the House – but it’s not the first time ...
The Treasury has published a paper today on the global productivity slowdown and how it is playing out in New Zealand: The productivity slowdown: implications for the Treasury’s forecasts and projections. The Treasury Paper examines recent trends in productivity and the potential drivers of the slowdown. Productivity for the whole economy ...
Winston Peters’ comments about former Australian foreign minister look set to be an ongoing headache for both him and Luxon. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guests on Gaza and ...
These puppet strings don't pull themselvesYou're thinking thoughts from someone elseHow much time do you think you have?Are you prepared for what comes next?The debating chamber can be a trying place for an opposition MP. What with the person in charge, the speaker, typically being an MP from the governing ...
The land around Lyme Regis, where Meryl Streep once stood, in a hood, on the Cobb, is falling into the sea.MerylThe land around Lyme Regis, around the Cobb that made it rich, has always been falling slowly but surely into the sea. Read more ...
Photo by Jari Hytönen on UnsplashIt’s that new day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when and I co-host our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm. Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news ...
Buzz from the Beehive Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters was bound to win headlines when he set out his thinking about AUKUS in his speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. The headlines became bigger when – during an interview on RNZ’s Morning Report today – he criticised ...
The Post reports on how the government is refusing to release its advice on its corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law, instead using the "soon to be publicly available" refusal ground to hide it until after select committee submissions on the bill have closed. Fast-track Minister Chris Bishop's excuse? “It's not ...
As pressure on it grows, the livestock industry’s approach to the transition to Net Zero is increasingly being compared to that of fossil fuel interests. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above ...
The New Zealand Herald reports – Stats NZ has offered a voluntary redundancy scheme to all of its workers as a way to give staff some control over their “future” amidst widespread job losses in the public sector. In an update to staff this morning, seen by the Herald, Statistics New Zealand ...
On Werewolf/Scoop, I usually do two long form political columns a week. From now on, there will be an extra column each week about music and movies. But first, some late-breaking political events:The rise in unemployment numbers for the March quarter was bigger than expected – and especially sharp ...
David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: TVNZ says it is dealing with about 50 formal complaints over its coverage of the latest 1News-Verian political poll, with some viewers – as well as the Prime Minister and a former senior Labour MP – critical of the tone of the 6pm report. ...
Muriel Newman writes – When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. After receiving a financial payment from the company, however, the Ngai Tahu ...
The Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations. ...
David Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...
Hon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...
Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...
A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...
The Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...
Ministers must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...
The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...
There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...
The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
A long-term project that will set out an alternative vision for Aotearoa that looks beyond the narrow confines of the policy straight jacket adopted by successive governments. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bree Hurst, Associate Professor, Faculty of Business and Law, QUT, Queensland University of Technology TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock A much-awaited report into Coles and Woolworths has found what many customers have long believed – Australia’s big supermarkets engage in price gouging. What started ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Ghezelbash, Associate Professor and Deputy Director, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney The Albanese government wanted to avoid an inquiry into its migration amendment bill. The report, handed down yesterday by a senate committee that ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne Lobbying is at the heart of government. Who has access to and influence over key government officials shapes the decisions governments make – and how they make them. The ability to influence ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myfany Turpin, Associate Professor, Ethnomusicology, Linguistics and Ethnobiology, University of Sydney The act representing Australia at this year’s Eurovision contest has sadly not qualified for the grand final. Yet for Zaachariaha Fielding and Michael Ross, the duo that makes up Electric Fields, ...
In announcing changes to the school lunches programme, David Seymour said kids would no longer be served ‘woke’ foods. To clear up any confusion, The Spinoff has compiled a guide to the wokeness levels of some common food items. Apple = NOT WOKE Avocado = WOKE Avocado, smashed = EVEN ...
The Minister Responsible for GCSB and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security have been notified of this review, and have been provided a finalised Terms of Reference. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Minglu Chen, Senior Lecturer, Government and International Relations, University of Sydney Robert Way/Shutterstock As the past few years have illustrated so clearly, the Australia-China relationship is complicated. As such, it is crucial for Australians to develop a more nuanced understanding of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mariana Campbell, Research Lecturer, Conservation, Charles Darwin University Marilyn Connell Australian freshwater turtles are facing an alarming trend. Almost half of these species are listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. The Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) is one of Australia’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Debbie Passey, Digital Health Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Algorithms have become integral to our lives. From social media apps to Netflix, algorithms learn your preferences and prioritise the content you are shown. Google Maps and artificial intelligence are nothing without ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Josephine Barbaro, Associate Professor, Principal Research Fellow, Psychologist, La Trobe University Unsplash We’ve come a long way in terms of understanding that everyone thinks, interacts and experiences the world differently. In the past, autistic people, people with attention deficit hyperactive disorder ...
PNG Post-Courier Papua New Guinea’s deputy opposition leader James Nomane has accused the government of “reckless economic management” that has forced devaluation to manage loan repayments in foreign currency and placate the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Prime Minister James Marape “must stop lying to the people of Papua New Guinea”, ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoa’s booksellers. This week: Jane Arthur, author of Brown Bird, and former bookseller at Good Books.The book I wish I’d writtenI have been working on not comparing myself to others. On accepting that what I can ...
The final decision on the Wellington District Plan makes it official: High-density housing is legal across most of Wellington. Housing minister Chris Bishop has announced his decision on the Wellington District Plan, approving a series of amendments to radically upzone most of Wellington, allowing tens of thousands of new townhouses ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards – Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to ...
RNZ News As Israel presses ahead with strikes in Rafah and seizing the Rafah crossing from Egypt, aid agencies are sounding the alarm of a “catastrophic humanitarian situation”. Rafah was “significant” because it was the only part in Gaza that had not been terribly damaged by the conflict, United Nations ...
With funding set to be scrapped for the Hamilton-Auckland commuter train, Te Huia enthusiast Georgie Dansey argues for it to be thrown a lifeline. It’s 5.45am and the chain of my crappy old bike falls off slugging up the one hill in Hamilton. I contemplate yeeting the bike into the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Cooke, Honorary Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland We feel ecological grief when we lose places, species or ecosystems we value and love. These losses are a growing threat to mental health and wellbeing globally. We all see ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shauna Brail, Associate Professor, Institute for Management & Innovation, University of Toronto A shift to hybrid and remote work continues to affect worker presence in Toronto’s downtown.(Shutterstock) Downtown Toronto, the core of Canada’s largest city, continues to reel from the lingering ...
Responding to an Auditor-General's report slamming failures in the administration of the 2023 General Election, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said: ...
Productivity apps now make up a big chunk of the software market. But do they work? And why do they all have AI integrations?Despite being firmly on the record as a physical planner fan, I sometimes dream of something better than my pretty diary and its scrawled, ugly, interior ...
The Taxpayers’ Union says the Beehive need to lead by example, following reports of more than $50,000 spent upgrading video conferencing equipment and furniture in the Prime Minister’s office. Taxpayers’ Union Campaign Manager, Connor Molloy, ...
An objective list of the 50 most powerful people in New Zealand, as judged by the Spinoff Editorial Board. It’s power list season, baby, and we want in on the action. Sure, there’s the rich list and the powerful “c-suite” list and the young people with power (hmmm) but here, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney ShutterstockThis article contains information on deaths in custody and the names of deceased people, and describes ongoing colonial violence towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. First Nations people in Australia ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Macquarie University Netflix Baby Reindeer’s phenomenal success has much to do with its writer and lead, Richard Gadd, who plays Donny in a tender semi-autobiographical account of sexual abuse, harassment and stalking. Gadd’s story has ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle KarolinaGrabowska/Pexels If you didn’t have food allergies as a child, is it possible to develop them as an adult? The short answer is yes. But the reasons why are much ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Moon, Professor of History, Auckland University of Technology Ans Westra, self-portrait, c. 1963. National Library ref AWM-0705-F They try but invariably fail – those writers who believe they are capable of encapsulating in prose or verse the essence of ...
Stewart Sowman-Lund looks at the growing concern around the world in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. What’s all this? When Covid-19 arrived on our shores in early 2020, some argued we were too slow, or crucially, ill-prepared for a pandemic. So ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Franco Montalto, Professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering and Director, Sustainable Water Resource Engineering Laboratory, Drexel University Water runs into a storm drain in a Los Angeles alley on Aug. 19, 2023, during Tropical Storm Hilary.Citizen of the Planet/Universal Images ...
The inquest into the death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones has turned up a new witness who says he saw two teenagers and a small child in a high vis vest in the area where the boy’s body was found the day he died. Lachie’s body was discovered face up ...
Stories from the tenancy trenches, featuring spider infestations, cupboard rats and same-sex discrimination. Lucy’s brother was living in a damp 1930s building in Mt Eden where “he had to tie the cupboard doors closed so the rats didn’t get in”. Although he shared custody of his six-year-old son, his property ...
Simeon Brown, Chris Luxon, and Wayne Brown climbed into a hole and announced a plan to solve Auckland’s water woes. This is how it’ll work. New Zealand’s pipes are munted. They’re cracked and leaking, and struggling to handle all the extra poos excreted by our rising population. It’s a big, ...
I knew Taika Waititi quite well when he was a kid. His mother lived in a tall narrow house in Aro St, and my youngest sister had a similar house two doors along. They were both single mums, they each had a son aged seven. Taika and my nephew Stepan ...
Opinion: “As time passes, knowledge of the circumstances of the August 2016 outbreak will fade and its immediate impact will be lost.” This statement is from the 2017 report of the Official Inquiry into the Havelock North campylobacteriosis outbreak. The then National-led government established the inquiry after the outbreak left ...
Opinion: Nicholas Khoo looks at two key points in the high-stakes foreign policy pact debate – and asks if NZ can engage with as little drama as possible. The post Where to next for the Aukus ruckus? appeared first on Newsroom. ...
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Opinion: ‘Reference-class forecasting’ is at the heart of improving pricing a project and identifying the expected timeframe but it doesn’t appear to be in use here The post ‘Think fast and act slowly’ is failing big projects appeared first on Newsroom. ...
What do a sombrero in Argentina and cognitive driving tests have in common? Don’t worry, we’re not setting up a bad joke. Hinengaro Clinic dementia clinician Gregory Winkelman has the answer on today’s episode of The Detail. “We ask a patient’s spouse or son or daughter: If you went to ...
Wellington long jumper Phoebe Edwards is back and she’s having fun again. Until this year, Edwards, a top athlete in her teens, had never competed as a senior athlete in New Zealand. In March, the 26-year-old won a national long jump title in a lifetime best of 6.28m after ...
After replacing a fifth of their caucus in just four months, the Greens’ opportunity to reset, reshuffle and refocus on the Government is quickly slipping away The post Persistent Green Party scandals delay caucus reset appeared first on Newsroom. ...
ANALYSIS:By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
By Robin Martin, RNZ News reporter A New Zealand local authority, Whanganui District Council, has passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemnation of all acts of violence and terror against civilians on both sides of the conflict and the immediate return of hostages. It comes as ...
Asia Pacific Report The Aotearoa chapter of the Women’s International league for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) has appealed to the New Zealand government to call out Israel over the “cruel and barbaric use of force” in Gaza and demand a permanent ceasefire. The league’s open letter was sent to Prime ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will invest $566 million over a decade on data, maps and other tools to promote exploration and development in Australia’s resources industry. The project will fund “the first comprehensive map of what’s ...
Asia Pacific Report Following an open letter by Auckland University academics speaking out in support of their students’ right to protest against the genocidal Israeli war on Gaza, a group of academics at Otago University have today also called on New Zealand academic institutions to “repair colonial violence” and end ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda J. Graham, Professor and Director of the Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Ryan Tauss/ Unsplash, CC BY Two male students have been expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in a list ranking female students. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The Reserve Bank is now assuming Australians will see no interest rate cuts this year – and quite possibly none before the next federal election, due next May. That’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University The Victorian budget offered more of the same on Tuesday, with the only change being how the budget papers were packaged. The usual shrink wrap was gone, hinting at savings in the pages ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition is demanding extensive amendments to the government’s legislation targeting non-citizens who refuse to co-operate with their removal. In a dissenting report to the senate inquiry into the legislation, the Coalition says it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanita Yadav, Senior Research Fellow, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Brett Boardman/Belvoir The complex and grappling issue of violence against women takes centre stage in the soul-stirring solo dance drama Nayika: A Dancing Girl. During a dinner conversation ...
Disruption to patient care from a nationwide junior doctors strike is bordering on unsafe, a senior doctor claims, despite what health officials say. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Ground Picture/Shutterstock The anti-cancer drug abemaciclib (also known as Vernezio) has this month been added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat certain ...
Meanwhile in Turkey…
Meanwhile in
TurkeyKurdistan…Dangerously close to civil war.
I think the countries around Syria should declare a moratorium? and decide that a renewal of war will start again on 1 April. Everything being done is escalating the situation and the unreason in the minds of those plotting and planning against their opposition or enemies proceeds exponentially. Spray them with tranquillisers or something.
Did everyone see that summary of the combatants and power positions from Private Eye. It makes it very clear that this is a murky situation.
Private Eye has some useful points. (Approx date 7 Dec 2015)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CV8KC-QWIAAE5MJ.jpg
When the Fed raised interest rates by 1/4 of a percent, it incentivised banks to keep money in the reserves held by the Fed (risk free return as it also pays 1/4 percent to those banks).
This incentive means less money will be lent to businesses in the US, reducing the velocity of money and potentially crashing the economy.
So you are for more QE then to keep asset bubble going , I don’t think .25 of a percent will crash the economy, there is also an opportunity cost of a ROI of .25 percent, not to mention threat of inflation leading to a negative return
Last night Spanish PM punched in the face. Hard.
And your point, are you condeming or promoting
Latest ACT candidate announced
At least this guy is a step up from the likes of Garrett, Whyte and Hide.
That’s in fairly poor taste Morrissey: almost Prime Ministerial, akshully.
Sorry. I withdraw and apologise.
Good call – your apology 🙂
It was the decent thing to do.
Penny Bright
I thought the use of [sic] was a nice touch in quoting Key. A journo or subeditor who’s had enough.
At the risk of exposing my education (the lack thereof), ignorance, naivety, stupidity and plain gormlessness… what exactly does [sic] mean? And when do you use it? 🙁
“sic” is a latin word meaning “thus” and it is used to indicate you are quoting something as it was written, even though you know it is spelt or used incorrectly in some way, and you want to highlight the fact that you have noticed the mistake.
Anne, I note a curious, enquiring and active mind in you….nothing else!
“Sic.” means the mistake in whatever was written was by the original author, if someone is commenting on someone else’s writing. It’s like acknowledging a mistake that someone else has made, or saying “it was written like that”.
Thank-you for the compliment Sans Cle. I was having a bit of a dig at me – you know… that notorious tendency of those “who” came from the Mother country (oops I reveal my bias) to laugh aloud at oneself.
It has to be used alot when quoting Key
sic used to point to an exact copy as it was written. “He said he was their (sic)”
It’s used when quoting someone’s words (written or spoken) where the person doing the quoting wants to make it clear that the mistake in the grammar or whatever is the original person’s mistake, not the quoter’s, and that the original is being quoted.
Key was quoted as saying,
“It’s quite possible that it’s legitimate. There are people that [sic] have multiple passports because they have multiple citizenship. So there are lots of people who travel on both an Australian and New Zealand passport and might theoretically do that at one time.
The person that wrote the article put [sic] there is show that it was Key that said ‘that’ instead of ‘who’. Normally I’d expect the Herald to let Key’s loose use of language stand on its own, but it was funny to see someone pointing it out.
In places like ts, [sic] gets used by pedants who feel the need to point out the error of others as part of their debate strategy (as opposed to clarifying that the quote is the original).
“The person that [sic] wrote the article put [sic] there is [sic] show that it was Key that [sic]…”
From today’s pedant-in-residence 🙂
Means they’re reporting exactly what was said and they know it looks like a typo. It’s like “not my bad”.
Now I’m wondering what the [sic] refers to. Is it the use of “that” instead of ‘who’? Or should that be ‘whom’?
Grammar lessons 🙂
Someone had to ask 🙄 (I only thought about it ;-P ).
usage: 1 A continuing debate in English usage is the question of when to use who and when to use whom. According to formal grammar, who forms the subjective case and so should be used in subject position in a sentence, as in who decided this? The form whom, on the other hand, forms the objective case and so should be used in object position in a sentence, as in whom do you think we should support?; to whom do you wish to speak? Although there are some speakers who still use who and whom according to the rules of formal grammar as stated here, there are many more who rarely use whom at all; its use has retreated steadily and is now largely restricted to formal contexts. The normal practice in modern English is to use who instead of whom (and, where applicable, to put the preposition at the end of the sentence): who do you wish to speak to?; who do you think we should support? Such uses are today broadly accepted in standard English. 2 On the use of who and that in relative clauses see usage at that.
So I’d say ‘who’ in both formal and modern usage.
I remember being taught at school that if the ‘answer’ was ‘him’ or ‘her’ then use ‘whom’ – if it was ‘he’ or ‘she’ use ‘who’.
E.g., ‘To whom did you address the email?’ Ans.: – ‘To her’.
E.g., ‘Who received the email?’ Ans.: – ‘She did’.
OooooooOooooooo
So the [sic] is for using “that” not ‘who’, I guess. Who knows with journalists 😈
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/pronouns-for-people-and-animals-who-or-that
Thank you, Grant.
Everyone who thinks you cannot use ‘that’ for people should read Grant’s link. Sorry, but John Key’s use of ‘that’ was perfectly correct, and ‘sic’ should not have been used.
The correct ‘rule’ (i.e., accepted practice) is: Who/whom for people. Which for things.
All of these can be replaced by ‘that’ in a defining relative clause. It is optional.
When the defining relative pronoun is in the object case it can also be entirely omitted.
All these examples are correct;
‘The boy whom I saw yesterday’.
‘The boy who I saw yesterday’. (‘Whom’ is often seen as archaic in modern grammar books.)
‘The boy that I saw yesterday’.
‘The boy I saw yesterday.’ In all these sentences the relative clause is defining because it is telling you which particular boy.
‘That’ cannot be used when the clause is not a defining one, but is just supplying extra info, and separated off with commas. Two such sentences where ‘that’ cannot be used are:
‘Mrs Grey, who is very good at knitting, can speak Swedish.’
‘This car, which has an V8 engine, belongs to Mrs Grey.’ These relative clauses are not telling you which car or which Mrs Grey, and if you try to substitute ‘that’ , you will instantly sense that it is wrong.
Now have a Merry Christmas, and make sure you get all this right in your Happy New Year!
Morning….
sic 1 |sik|
adverb
used in brackets after a copied or quoted word that appears odd or erroneous to show that the word is quoted exactly as it stands in the original, as in a story must hold a child’s interest and “enrich his [ sic ] life.”
ORIGIN Latin, literally ‘so, thus.’
In, ‘other words he/she said it ..not my words.’
Thank-ye kindly all and one. I think I know what it means now.
a Saint Teresa
miracle upon miracle
gods knows, god no!
Suitable to purpose
that reindear warrior
and santa’s going down.
My memories don’t fade
a steel steal silences as a sharpened cross,
abused idols abuse.
Detritus is a beach
as the bodies float
stare up at upwards.
A Saintly body, a teary
tree, a snowy sun and
my hand is still dirty
You should wash your hand. Wash the other one too, just to be safe.
yet the stain remains the same…
One of the aspects of the Hager raid was the speed with which NZ Police moved on Slater’s complaint last year – first informally to Assistant Commissioner Burgess and then a formal complaint about a week later.
With the release of the Court decision on the Judicial Review into the illegality of the police raid on Hager, similarities (and questions of political pressure) have been drawn to the speed with which the Police moved on the Teapot Tapes episode prior to the 2011 election, involving Bradley Ambrose.
Back on 2 December I posted an update (including links) on Bradley Ambrose’s defamation claim against John Key on Open Mike.
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-02122015/#comment-1103686
In brief, Ambrose filed this claim a year ago in December 2014 seeking $1.25m in damages from Key for remarks he made about Ambrose at the time of the Teapot Tapes saga.
In March this year, the AKL High Court set down a two-week trial to commence on 16 February 2016. Several pre-trial conferences have been held during 2015, including on 2 Dec – hence my earlier post that day.
RNZ News reported on this High Court hearing on Dec 2 here:
https://t.co/PVvQuj5I60 [deleted by request]
A further ‘case management’ conference was held yesterday in the High Court, which does not appear to have been reported on by media.
So it would appear that the defamation trial is still likely to go ahead in February 2016, unless an out of court settlement is reached beforehand.
To date, Key has maintained that he would not settle with Ambrose or resile from his statements etc that led to the defamation claims and “in the end it will go through the court process”.
IMHO, the timing of the trial, a week after Parliament resumes and as the second flag referendum starts, will not be a good look or start to the year for Key. It may also well reignite discussion on the Hager raid decision due to the similarities. So, will he do a flip flop and settle to avoid these consequences?
After writing the above comment, I read the discussion last night on Daily Review starting with Karen’s at 7 re Assistant Police Commissioner Malcolm Burgess being a common factor in both the Ambrose teapot tape case and the Hager raid. I had forgotten that commonality.
http://thestandard.org.nz/what-was-nationals-role-in-the-police-raid-on-nicky-hager/#comment-1110497
In that thread, Seeker at 7.2 questioned the role of Burgess and raised Burgess’ remarks at the time (Mar 2012) that the police decided not to prosecute Ambrose BUT that he was probably guilty.
I have replied to Seeker providing links to Burgess’ press release on this and also to a Graeme Edgeler post on this at the Public Address blog. As mentioned in the reply, I would not be surprised if Burgess’ inappropriate* remarks re Ambrose form part of the defamation claim.
* Inapproriate because it is the role of the judicial system, not that of the Police, to determine innocence or guilt.
Always great to read your stuff.
Agreed Tracey. Thanks once again vv.
How often are assistant commissioners changed and who appoints them? What criteria is used? I noticed the commissioner changed after two or was it three years. M.Burgess seems to have been assistant comm. for quite a while.
I used to be proud of being a New Zealander for a time in the Lange era but especially in the Helen Clark years. Some time ago on a European train journey I met an Italian athlete and others from various countries who admired her, felt positive toward our nation and wanted to talk about New Zealand.and our values.
But now….dunno if I’d mention my nationality thanks to the clownish antics of the current PM as reported on CNN…cringe…
Call me old fashioned but I think/hope our next PM will have a sense of dignity and a little more integrity.
Yes, and I’m sure that there are people who vote National that cringe as well.
Why would anyone handover their sense of self worth to a political system or any 3rd party..
Pride is a nation state is a flawed concept
We are tribal beings, evolved to value the collective.
Really? And if ‘the collective’ or ‘the tribe’ is state fascism (Leninism/Stalinism etc) or corporate fascism (Mussolini, Hitler etc) – then what? You think people are ‘hard wired’ to value those things? (Some do value them). But what you’re implying is that there can be no critical evaluation that protects autonomy within a collective or societal context; that forms of fascism are inevitable.
Big topic. And sorry. Any discussion is going to have to wait. Or do I do a ‘break’ post on authoritarianism – on ‘left and right’ – on the position of ‘social democracy’ within that (apparent) dichotomy? Hmm.
edit. Why is there no ‘ism’ for Hitler or Mussolini, but there is for Lenin and Stalin and Mao et al? Just a throw-away…probably unimportant, quiet puzzling.
“Call me old fashioned but I think/hope our next PM will have a sense of dignity and a little more integrity”
I am sure you will be proud of PM Paula Bennett
Rodel ,
Nicely put.
You have reminded me of a previous era and a PM called
Sidney George Holland which was much like the present and quite the opposite to the Lange /Clark era that you have mentioned.
Holland was invited to be a member of the WW11 non-partisan non political cabinet, he attended for a short period and then left and never returned. His next notorious act was of course how he handled the waterfront strike in 1951.
Must be something in the Nat PM’s DNA or they drink the wrong
stuff , dunno but it is becoming a pain again.
Bring on integrity and dignity.
Solution, don’t let politicians define you. otherwise every few years you will be disappointed, unfortunately for the left more years than not.
I agree with David Farrar’s prediction – Phil Goff won’t be elected Auckland Mayor.
Only 36% of Auckland voters bothered back in 2013.
No disrespect Labour MP Phil Goff – but what on earth is ‘inspiring’ about your policies, or more importantly, your proven track record as a pro-corporate ‘Rogernome’ – who helped inflict the neo-liberal Rogernomic$ agenda upon unsuspecting New Zealanders in the 1984 – 87 LABOUR Government?
Why would the 64% of Auckland voters – who didn’t bother back in 2013 – be inspired to vote for you as Auckland Mayor in 2016?
What underpinning ‘Rogernomic$’ legislative pillars did you or the Helen Clark led 1999 – 2008 Labour Government ever help to dismantle?
(Nothing personal here Phil – but FACTS are FACTS and TRUTH is TRUTH.)
Also – don’t forget that the Auckland Water Pressure which led public opposition to the hated Metrowater, was founded in Avondale, and with their support in the 2000 Auckland City Council Avondale -MT ROSKILL by-election in 2000, I polled 2nd, 700 votes behind Noelene Raffills, and over 4000 votes more than the City Vision (Labour / Alliance) candidate.
That was over fifteen years ago ….
So – in Phil Goff’s ‘home base’ Mt Roskill electorate – where he is very well known – so am I.
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
Yes but you didn’t win the by-election Penny. And Metrowater remained. The Water Pressure group achieved nothing except to give Banks his Council majority in 2001 so he could sell the Council Housing and the Airport shares. And in Roskill you ensured that the “Sage of the Whau” had many years to spread her ignorance and christianist bigotry around Council.
+1 Visubversa
Neither of you seem to have expressed a problem with Penny’s major points:
That Goff has no inspiring policies, and is deeply tied to the ongoing Labour era of Rogernomics-style thinking.
Rogernomics? yawn – 25 years ago. Move on brother.
Visubversa you need to get handle of economics and what the fundamental changes to our economics has been since the mid 80’s.
At present you sound like a fool.
Don’t insult people you don’t know. I was there in the 1980’s – working for a Union and against the Rogergnomes. As far as Phil Goff is concerned I have know him since 1981 and I have seen him all the way through. I am not what I was in 1987 and neither is he. I think he is the person in the best position to be elected to be Mayor of Auckland for the widest number of people.
I’m no fan of Goff but at least he has an idea of how local and national politics work, he supports public transport and he is opposed to further privatising of Auckland’s assets. The only policies I have seen from Penny are ones that as mayor she would not be able to achieve, as has been explained to her many times. In addition, her responses to Generation Zero at the last local elections were bizarre, and I have yet to see her resile from them.
Goff’s policies may not be inspiring (whatever that means) but they are a lot better than those being offered by the candidates on the right. I also hope Goff becomes Auckland’s mayor because I would like to see him out of the Labour caucus.
VICTORIA CRONE:- New Mayor for Auckland.
Strange I haven’t seen you at any of the public meetings regarding the quarry redevelopment ando the iffy deals done around land swaps etc.
It’s so bad the local board is intending on filing with the ombudsman given the rights they were given under the supercity have been vetoed by council and the whole thing is headed to the environment court. Not to mention fletchers drafting emails for the minister to send to len brown. (Whose antics during council on this matter have to be seen to be believed…) I would have thought if you regarded yourself a serious candidate you would have been involved with this especially given the slightly wiffy odour eminating from the whole deal…
The Most Heart-warming Photo of the Year
“Hope is the thing with feathers….”
—Emily Dickinson
http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/aresize/835×529/img/photos/2015/12/10/fa/a7/trump_eagle_2.PNG
You’re a dag Morrissey.
lol…good pic
and more on unlikely friends
https://www.rt.com/op-edge/326438-trump-putin-media-comment/
https://www.rt.com/news/326378-trump-putin-comment-honor/
Am wondering if Peter Dundas Walbran who obtained a NZ passport but originally had held an Australian one should now, be deported back to Australia. Key is saying he obtained the NZ passport illegally, why cannot our government just remove the passport off him and send him back to presumably where he originally came from Australia?? The NZ passport is the most recent one he has obtained. Walbran is obviously a recidivist pedophile and NZ was his second choice for a passport. Why should we have to put up with his noxious habits. Australia may not like it but they are doing much the same with our criminal offenders, many who have often lived there almost all of their lives. Just a thought and will Key will have the guts to do it.
I fear you may have missed one word in what Key said Kate. He didn’t say that he had obtained it illegally, at least in the story I read.
In the Herald he is quoted as saying “”But if it’s an illegal passport, that’s a very different issue but I don’t have any advice about that.”
There is that little word “if” in the statement.
On the other hand Key may have made a later statement that I have not seen. Have you seen a further comment where he did label it as being obtained illegally?
Even if he had obtained the passport illegally it wouldn’t be sufficient reason to deport him though. He would still be, unfortunately, a New Zealand citizen wouldn’t he?
The people that Australia are deporting aren’t Australian citizens, as far as I am aware. They are people who haven’t taken out citizenship there, for whatever reason.
I confess Alwyn that I thought he said it was obtained illegally. Even if it wasn’t, because of his criminal activities if the Government revoked his NZ passport he then would have to live in an airport lounge out of danger to the public, a stateless person – he was a holder of an Australian one previously where he was probably born. It seems crazy to me that he was able to obtain a NZ one anyway. Are Australians able to apply for NZ passports ad hoc for no good reason would you not have to have legitimate criteria to be accepted for dual citizenship. He had a criminal record before he applied so it seems insane he was allowed a NZ passport in the first place. Our Internal/External Affairs needs a good shake up.
Which of private business woman Victoria Crone’s local government knowledge, experience, proven track record and stated policies, makes her ‘fit for duty’ as Auckland Mayor?
Any information or views on this one?
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
Nineteen down votes in two hours!
That earns me the honour of having my item highlighted in red.
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2015/12/general_debate_19_december_2015.html/comment-page-1#comment-1638068
That’s pink ;-p
Brilliant Morrissey. You have captured the embedded National bloke so well. I know quite a few others just like him except some wear suits. No wonder some of the responses are wild – like seeing their real selves in a mirror. Ha!
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/18/republicans-are-so-bullish-on-war-that-30-percent-would-bomb-a-fictional-country
wonder what the result of that poll would be here?
LOL
The problem is that they’d probably vote to use fictional bombs as well – and pay more for them.
Well at least they might find their fictional bombs with their fictional bomb detector (okay, not fictional, bogus, but hey)
Nasty Christmas present for seniors
National: Kicking poor people in the goolies since forever.
Free non peak travel on local busses got nothing to do with poor people.
We are talking about the gold card holders, our good ole citizens above 65 and they all receive the Gold Card irrespective of income.
But, for many of the retired population that gold card allows them to get out and about a little bit every now and then, and with something like 10 – 15 $ one way from south akl to inner city, or from the shore to innercity it does hurt those on a fixed income.
John Key, the National Posse and their voters / enablers are starting to eat their own.
Micky Hager, https://overland.org.au/previous-issues/issue-219/feature-nicky-hager/ talks about keeping sources safe & why he loves doing investigative journalism. The last sentence is a zinger!
‘Enough power for Mars lander’: NASA tests first 3D-printed space engine (VIDEO)
As I’ve said before, 3D printing is the future of manufacturing. It is the engine that will destroy global trade as with it any country can produce anything at the same economies of scale and efficiencies as any other country.
For this reason our government should be spending billions per year developing our own 3D printing capabilities.
Bugger this government – printed rocket engines could get us a better one.
I’ve noticed that the PM in parliament question time and interviews, in his desperation to make a goading point usually misses (or tries to ignore) the real issue being discussed.
Also noticed that Nat or ACT supporters who contribute (sic) to debates on TS try to emulate John Key by doing the same thing usually inefficaciously.
Is it caused by Crosby Textor mantras, or a fear of engaging in real debate or just intelligence deficit?
All three.