Open mike 20/09/2022
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6:00 am, September 20th, 2022 - 80 comments
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- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #47 2024
Open access notables Projected increase in the frequency of extremely active Atlantic hurricane seasons, Lopez et al., Science Advances: Future changes to the year-to-year swings between active and inactive North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) seasons have received little attention, yet may have great societal implications in areas prone to hurricane ...5 hours ago - Chicken Kiev
Chatting in the supermarket this morning, I found I needed to lunge for the chicken drumsticks.Coping mechanisms: who hasn’t felt a greater need for them lately?When it all gets too much, I turn to demonstrating handy butchery hacks.It wasn’t that she’d said anything wrong, our friend, not at all. We ...9 hours ago - The year is 2024 and it’s 1984
This is written in response to the highly significant open letter from a group of economists that was today addressed to Christopher Luxon. The year is 2024, and it’s 1984. The country is reeling from a record Olympic medal gold haul, while the globe grapples with the choice of the ...10 hours ago - The IPCA has failed
Back in 2022, RNZ took an in-depth look at the "Independent" Police Conduct Authority and its handling of killings by police. These are the most serious test of oversight, and you would expect the police's use of lethal force to receive the most severe scrutiny. But despite the police regularly ...14 hours ago - Thursday 21 November 2024
The Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti arrived at Parliament on Tuesday – the size is being debated but estimates range from 42,000 to 100,000. The Prime Minister is defending not attending due to some of the organisers being affiliated with Te Pāti Māori. The national gang patch ban came into force ...14 hours ago - ‘These budget cuts are counter-productive and make no sense’
I spoke to former Productivity Chair Nana this morning about the letter he and a group of other economists sent to PM Christopher Luxon to urge the Government to urgently suspend cuts to spending and investment for the sake of the economy, struggling businesses and the wellbeing of vulnerable ...15 hours ago - ACT’s Astroturfing & A Co-ordinated Attack on Te Pati Māori
Unity on the Streets / Unity at the TableAfter the Hīkoi, all three right wing Coalition leaders came together to push the idea that the 42,000 - 50,000 + strong Hikoi was somehow less potent and brave, and more illegitimate than the energy and crowd displayed.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon 20-November: ...16 hours ago - Durability of carbon dioxide removal is critical for stabilizing temperatures
This is a re-post from the Climate Brink The world is emitting over 40 gigatons of CO2 per year, contributing to an accelerating warming of the planet. The world needs to cut emissions rapidly to be remotely on track to meet our Paris Agreement goals of limiting warming to well-below 2C, and we ...16 hours ago
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With Auckland Transport’s future up in the air under Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposed CCO reform, we’ve dug way back into the archives, to unearth this post originally published in March 2010. As you’ll see, many of the debates that were being had when AT was first proposed continue to ...18 hours ago - Economists call on PM to suspend budget cuts for the sake of the economy
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- 27% of kids going hungry, up from 21% in a year
One in four Kiwi children live in households where food runs out often or sometimes. Photo: Getty ImagesKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, November 20: The lead: The official annual Health Survey found sharp ...2 days ago - Transport modelling is an illusion
This guest post by Tim Adriaansen, an advocate for accessibility and sustainable transport, originally published on LinkedIn and cross posted here with permission. People prefer cars, right? Probably not. Here’s why. Granted, most people in English-speaking countries use a car to get around. This simple reality underpins our transport ...2 days ago
- Young Maori take over
Neither Wellington nor Parliament has ever seen anything like it before. The Police said there were more than 40,000 but however many there were, yesterday’s Hikoi to Parliament was a monumental event. It was almost three times the Foreshore and Seabed martch of 2004 and many,many times bigger than ...2 days ago - Gordon Campbell On The Hikoi Aftermath
The euphoria from yesterday’s hikoi may be transitory, but is no less valuable for that. It is pretty rare for the left to feel itself to be in the overwhelming majority, and speaking as the voice of the people. Lest that momentum be lost, the organisers will no doubt be ...2 days ago - Sabin 33 #3 – Solar panels generate too much waste and will overwhelm landfills
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The Justice Committee has called for submissions on National's racist and constitutionally radical Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill. Submissions can be made at the link above or by post, and are due by Tuesday, 7 January 2025. But I'd get in quick, in case National grows a spine ...2 days ago
- We need to talk about Kevin
All happy families are alike; each unhappy family has a Drunk Uncle Kevin in there somewhere. If your Kevin is anything like the ones I know, he was getting along happily enough without having to think too much about the Treaty Principles Bill apart from bloody good job, onya guys ...2 days ago - The hikoi
Like everyone else (everyone who wasn't there, anyway), I've spent the morning watching the hikoi march on Parliament. The pictures are astounding: parliament grounds and the surrounding streets are full, and there are still people backed up along Lambton Quay. The police are estimating 35,000 people, and that's a floor ...2 days ago
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3 days ago - How should we talk about change?
A better world isn’t just possible, it’s desirable. And that’s how we should frame a lot of our conversations around making a greater Auckland. As an example take urban climate action. A climate friendly Auckland: Is free from congestion Enables people to travel how they choose Is filled with ...3 days ago
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Hi,So there’s a bunch of new stuff on the Webworm store (www.webworm.store) — just in time for the Holidays. Read more ...3 days ago - Trying to defuse the tension
There were urgent moves yesterday at Parliament to try and defuse the tension building up over ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill. The Bill’s author, ACT leader David Seymour, told reporters that he understood the Justice Select Committee met yesterday to discuss how long it should take to consider submissions on the ...3 days ago
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3 days ago - Gordon Campbell On The Hikoi Arrival, And Tyler Childers
Politicians like to bang on all about the need to heal society’s racial/economic divisions, but in their actions they’re more keen on stoking those divisions, with the Treaty Principles Bill being the classic example. The Bill seeks to dilute the Crown’s responsibilities to Māori at the same time as it ...3 days ago
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6 days ago - More lawlessness from National
On Tuesday, sick of government stonewalling, the Waitangi Tribunal issued a rare court order, ordering the Minister of Health to release unredacted documents within 48 hours showing its reasoning for disestablishing Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority. The government's response to the lawful order of a court? Yeah, ...6 days ago
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One of the major problems the Government has in implementing its ‘going for housing growth’ strategy is that it isn’t giving much funding help to councils. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and ...7 days ago - Friday 15 November 2024
The Treaty Principles Bill continues to dominate political news, with it passing its first reading in the House. Parliament was briefly suspended and Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke suspended for 24 hours after leading a haka that was joined by opposition MPs and the public in the gallery. Willie ...7 days ago
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And screamingAre we we are, are we we are the waitingAnd screamingAre we we are, are we we are the waitingForget me nots, second thoughts live in isolationHeads or tails and fairy tales in my mindAre we we are, are we we are the waiting unknownThe rage and love, the ...7 days ago - The Hoon around the week to November 15
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Day One of the Treaty Principles Bill…and everyone got what they wanted, and did what they liked. Heated words were exchanged. Culturally appropriate acts of outrage were performed. David Seymour got to play the victim card. Willie Jackson got kicked out of class. A comically red-faced Mr Speaker bellowed “Order, ...1 week ago
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The government's Treaty Principles Bill is up for its first reading today - bought forward in a rush in a desperate effort to avoid the hikoi which is currently marching on Wellington. But the Prime Minister won’t be there for it – he’s literally running away to Peru! But he ...1 week ago
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Good morning, and I’m sorry I’ve been away for a couple of days.I’ve been focusing on the Hikoi, and also testing out sentiment on the Treaty Principles Bill. It’s complicated, and the Treaty Principles Bill will be debated in the House today. The Government’s own lawyers have told them the ...1 week ago - Government must vote down ACT Members Bill that would undermine workers’ rights
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As the weight of the world Hangs on your shoulders The weight of the world Starts to take over again And over again All that you once loved, now you hate So slowly relearn how to meditate To have and to hold And never let go Can you feel it ...1 week ago - Thursday 14 November 2024
The Treaty Principles Bill is set to have its First Reading in the House today, as the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti continues. More than 40 KCs have written to the Prime Minister and Attorney-General outlining their “grave concerns” about the substance of the Treaty Principles Bill, while an academic and ...1 week ago
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As the Hikoi against it swells into the tens of thousands, KCs call on National to kill off ACT’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. Photo: Getty ImagesKia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday, November 14: The ...1 week ago - Dealing to the big Aussie banks
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- Instead of axing the HRC, ACT corruptly installed a racist, transphobic “Gay Human Rights Commissi...
On November 5th, the Spinoff published a very interesting article on Stephen Rainbow, the Human Rights Commission’s latest recruitment, and how he came to get the controversial appointment. Naturally because of the excitement of the US election, it’s flown a little below the radar. https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-11-2024/i-didnt-get-the-hrc-job-stephen-rainbows-human-rights-commission-appointment-just-got-weirderThe article details evidence of the ...1 week ago - Injustice for torture
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- Voices echo
1 week ago - Hīkoi over the Harbour
Kia mau ra, kia mau raKi te mana motuhakeMe te arohaHold fast, hold fastTo your sovereigntyAnd to love and compassionLyrics: Hīrini Melbourne. “Ngā Iwi E passionately calls for unity among the peoples of the Pacific, a cause deeply cherished by Melbourne himself.”I sat at my desk this morning and thought ...1 week ago
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The Government has passed legislation to remove agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while Aotearoa’s reputation on climate action plummets. ...8 hours ago - Failed boot camp experiment must end
As legislation to set up boot camps passed its first reading, the Green Party urged the Government to abandon this failed policy experiment for the good of our rangatahi. ...9 hours ago
- Gender-affirming care must centre evidence and health needs, not political posturing
The Ministry of Health has today released an evidence brief regarding the use of puberty blockers in gender-affirming healthcare, amid moves by the government to limit access. ...9 hours ago
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- Release: Youth mental wellbeing no longer a priority for Child Poverty Minister
Louise Upston has revealed her diminished vision for vulnerable youth against a backdrop of snubbed advice, scrapped priorities, shifted goal posts and thousands more children projected to fall into poverty. ...12 hours ago
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National Government’s backward-looking climate policy has seen New Zealand fall seven places on the Climate Change Performance Index to 41 out of 63 countries measured. ...12 hours ago
- Release: Simple reason for drop in emergency housing
When the Government says it has reduced the number of people in emergency housing, what it means is it is stopping people from accessing it in the first place. ...15 hours ago
- Govt’s child wellbeing strategy ‘shallow and shameful’
The Government is turning its back on children by not only weakening child poverty reduction targets, but also removing child mental wellbeing as a priority focus in their Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy. ...16 hours ago
- Release: A historic win for Samoan communities
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- Government plan to reinstate live animal exports a “national disgrace”
The Government has taken a giant step backwards by reinstating live animal exports. ...1 day ago
- Pasifika justice as Member’s Bill passes final reading
Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill, the Citizenship (Western Samoa Restoration) Amendment Bill, has passed its third reading and will become law. ...1 day ago
- Release: Minister of Education thinks New Zealand ends at the Bombay Hills
The Minister of Education has shown complete disregard for rural communities and their school bus routes in Question Time today. ...1 day ago
- Economists sound alarm on Government’s slash-and-burn approach
A group of prominent economists has released an open letter to the Government, raising grave concerns about the far-reaching consequences of its fiscal policy. ...1 day ago
- Release: Smoking numbers up under Costello’s watch
National’s repeal of Labour’s smokefree legislation has taken New Zealand further away from achieving a Smokefree 2025 and a smokefree generation. ...2 days ago
- Release: Call for Palestine recognition by NZ, Australian and Canadian MPs
Parliamentarians from Australia, Canada and New Zealand have written an open letter to their respective Prime Ministers calling on them to recognise Palestine. ...2 days ago
- Justice Select Committee opens floor for Treaty Principles submissions
Today, the Justice Select Committee has decided to officially open submissions for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Power of the people on full display as hīkoi approaches Parliament
Today, Hīkoi mō te Tiriti arrived in Wellington, with thousands gathering to march in unity against the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...3 days ago
- Hypocrisy as Te Whatu Ora contractor bill balloons
Te Whatu Ora’s bill for contracting and consulting staff has ballooned by nearly 20 percent under the National Government, breaking a promise they made during the election campaign to cut contractors. ...4 days ago
- Release: Growing pressure to scrap Section 7AA Repeal Bill
The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...4 days ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...1 week ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...9 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...9 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...10 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...10 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...11 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...12 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...13 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...13 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...14 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...15 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...18 hours ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...1 day ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...2 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...2 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...2 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...2 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...3 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...3 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...4 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...6 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...7 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...2 hours ago - NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...4 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...4 hours ago - The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...5 hours ago
- The House: Samoan citizenship restoration – ‘It means we belong to this land’
When the bill to restore NZ citizenship to some Samoans passed this week, Parliament's galleries were full to the brim with members of the community. ...6 hours ago
- More Delays In Action On Use Of Puberty Blockers With Children
Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...7 hours ago
- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...7 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...8 hours ago
- New ‘best practice’ principles for superannuation products are coming. We asked a panel of exper...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Studio Romantic/Shutterstock We all know how important it is to save enough money for retirement – but what about spending it wisely when we get there? Even for those who have built up a suitable ...8 hours ago
- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
The government has always vowed to reinstate live exports by sea, which was banned by the previous Labour government. ...8 hours ago
- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner. When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all ...8 hours ago
- Phenergan for under 6s is now banned due to hallucination fears. Here’s what to use instead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Australia’s drug regulator has issued a safety warning over the medicine Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine drug promethazine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the over-the-counter products should not be given to children ...8 hours ago
- A new stage adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs is a delightful homage to theatrical storytelli...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Campbell, Lecturer, Performing Arts, UniSA Creative, University of South Australia Matt Byrne/STCSA Jack Maggs is a delight and a homage to theatrical storytelling in Australia. Based on Peter Carey’s bestselling novel, Jack Maggs follows the ex-convict as he lands ...8 hours ago
- The government has introduced laws for its social media ban. But key details are still missing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Angus, Professor of Digital Communication, Director of QUT Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology Ron Lach/Pexels The federal government today introduced into parliament legislation for its social media ban for people under 16 years. Communications Minister Michelle ...9 hours ago
- Archives NZ, National Library to cut 27 roles
The Department of Internal Affairs wants to bring the two organisations under the joint leadership of the Chief Archivist and National Librarian. ...9 hours ago
- Gang patch ban: Members warn of potential for violence to ‘erupt’ as new laws enforced
"I can't see this lasting unless they have a budget to lock fullas up in jail which I think is absolutely stupid, really it's ludicrous," Ngavii Pekapo, who set up a Mongrel Mob chapter 54 years ago, says. ...9 hours ago
- ACT leader David Seymour raises doubts about Waikato medical school
Government documents show ACT leader David Seymour told the government he was "dissatisfied" with a cost-benefit analysis. ...9 hours ago
- National’s Erica Stanford allegedly calls Labour’s Jan Tinetti a ‘stupid bitchR...
The Education Minister has apologised in Parliament for her remark. ...9 hours ago
- Labour backs new Police Commissioner – but warns against routine arming
The alternative to policing by consent would be a police state, which New Zealanders don't want, the party says. ...10 hours ago
- Youth on boot camp pilot re-offended five weeks after release
Children's Minister Karen Chhour said while it was disappointing, it would naïve to think none of the participants would lapse. ...11 hours ago
- In photos: People of the hīkoi, and why they marched
Hikoi mō Te Tiriti has come to an end, going down in history as the largest march to Parliament in Aotearoa. ...11 hours ago
- ‘Everything is becoming a culture war’: Jon Ronson on conspiracies and cycleways
Ahead of his appearance in Aotearoa, the acclaimed British journalist, podcaster and documentarian talks to Stewart Sowman-Lund about why people are still fascinated by the fringes. The last place I would expect to find Jon Ronson is relaxing in the countryside. The iconic British journalist and writer is best known ...12 hours ago - Kia kaha Lebanon: NZ media only tell half your story of struggle
The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution — for the fourth time — in Israel’s war on Gaza, while Hezbollah demands a complete ceasefire and “protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty” in any deal with Israel. Amid the death and devastation, Joe Hendren reflects on his time in ...12 hours ago
- ‘Deserves a Bafta’: After the Party premieres in the UK to five-star reviews
The acclaimed New Zealand drama has just premiered on TV in the United Kingdom, and the five-star reviews are already flowing in. Six months after it was called a “blistering” “tour de force” by Australian critics, and nearly a year since The Spinoff declared it the best drama New Zealand ...12 hours ago
- Drugs are getting cheaper and easier to find in Aotearoa
New Zealanders are drinking and smoking less, but most other recreational drugs are becoming cheaper, more popular and more available, two new reports show. Two significant new surveys about drugs in Aotearoa were released this week, offering a rare insight into New Zealanders’ choice of substances, which ones are becoming ...12 hours ago
- COP29: ‘climate finance’ for the Pacific is mostly loans, saddling small island nations with mor...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Ratuva, Director, Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Canterbury Lenora Qereqeretabua, the deputy speaker of Fiji’s Parliament, at the COP29 climate summit. IISD/ENB/Mike Muzurakis, CC BY-SA As this year’s UN climate summit reaches its final stage of negotiations, Pacific ...13 hours ago
- Review: The magic of Wicked and the curse of corporate greed
The new movie musical is undoubtedly a fun watch, but it’s also proof that bigger isn’t always better, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund. Contains minor spoilers for Wicked. There’s no doubt that Wicked is going to be huge. No other pop culture event this year, save from maybe Charli XCX’s Brat, has ...14 hours ago
- Dame Jacinda Ardern to be given United Nations leadership award
She will get the champion for global change award from the United Nations Foundation at a ceremony in New York tomorrow. ...15 hours ago
- NZ will resume live animal exports – to low demand
Analysis: NZ is lifting what was supposed to be a permanent ban on live animal exports. But it’s not the lucrative industry it once was. The post NZ will resume live animal exports – to low demand appeared first on Newsroom. ...15 hours ago - Financial forms of family violence affect one in seven of us – but the law is lagging
There are calls for New Zealand’s Family Violence Act to name economic harm as a standalone type of violence, rather than a subcategory of psychological abuse, to bring it in line with the United Kingdom and Australia. Economic harm – restricting access to, sabotaging or exploiting another person’s financial resources, ...15 hours ago
- Downside Risks To Treasury’s Economic And Fiscal Forecasts
New Zealand is currently running a structural fiscal deficit, with expenditure exceeding revenue. Economic growth falling short of expectations has been making it harder for the Government to bring the books back into balance. ...16 hours ago
- Science continues to exclude Indigenous communities. Fixing this benefits everyone
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jordan Peter Anthony Pitt, Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Services (Faculty of Science), University of Sydney An enduring challenge facing science around the world is how to best include and engage Indigenous communities. In Australia, for example, 0.5% of Indigenous ...17 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania Cricket originated in England, but has been spread worldwide by British soldiers and settlers in the past few hundred years. It is now the second most popular sport in ...17 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Renee Barnes, Associate professor of Journalism, University of the Sunshine Coast Mladen Zivkovic/Shutterstock As America takes stock after Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, it’s worth highlighting the AI-generated fake photos, videos and audio shared during the campaign. A slew ...17 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland IndustryAndTravel/Shutterstock Prime Minister Anthony Albanese didn’t see this coming. At the global COP29 climate talks in Baku, the Australian government was indirectly criticised by two allies, the United States and the ...17 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Hart, Associate Professor, Film Screen & Animation, Queensland University of Technology Julia Firak Stan’s new Christmas film Nugget is Dead is a colourful production that follows the rules of the seasonal genre film to a tee – with an Aussie ...17 hours ago
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Amid Tributes to Queen Elizabeth, Deadly Legacy of British Colonialism Cannot Be Ignored….
A YouTube clip I can relate to Adrian. Many of us have not said much while the Monarchial circus has done its ceremonial thing. Some out of basic decency for the deceased, and others sensing that many people, even the politicised, had some regard for whatever reason for QEII.
Indigenous people around the world have already weighed in on the reality of their post colonial fallout thanks to British Imperialist actions under the “Butchers Apron” flag. As the sentiment fades political reality will kick back in. UK strikes will be back on, and a number of countries will have a Republican debate.
The aristocracy do have their uses.
Several Judges on the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal published dissenting opinions on the Tribunal' military police prosecutors refusal to bring charges of war crimes against the Japanese emperor Hirohito.
General MacArthur and his military and political advisers considered Hirohito useful to their occupation of Japan.
The Japanese imperialists thought the same of the Chinese Emperor Puyi keeping him on as their puppet ruler of China.
The German Nazis would probably have made the same use of King Edward.
King Edward spent the entire period of the war living a life of luxury in nazi occupied France. There can be little doubt that if Germany had conquered England, Edward VIII would have been reinstalled as Monarch at the head of a puppet nazi government.
King Edward the Nazi:
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"…..Windsor stressed if one bombed England effectively this could bring peace."
Sounds a lot like something a modern Putin troll doll would argue in reference to Ukraine
Nice to see the usual suspects livers and gall bladders are working well.
I watched 3 minutes of video clip highlights of the funeral this morning…that was more than enough.
Well the NZHerald and TV1 didn't seem to cover it, but the big conference on NZ business and climate change had pretty useful papers and leaders at it.
Climate Change Commission chair Dr Rod Carr calls for reform of emissions trading scheme | RNZ News
Dr Rod Carr calls for reform of emissions trading scheme | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)
Sometimes the timing just doesn't work. But the content was very good.
Shared these earlier with my councillors etc.
Very powerful stuff from Carr, Orr et al.
I'm going to throw up a quick post, but would be great if you can do one with a more in depth perspective.
post up now.
https://thestandard.org.nz/climate-commision-chair-its-time-to-reform-the-plant-and-pollute-emissions-trading-scheme/
The problem is not one of not understanding the negative aspects of the British legacy. The problem is that nothing sensible yet has convinced me that changing to a republic will make things better than they are now.
It doesn't help that a majority of the vocal supporters of moving to a republic seem to be just anti-treaty wallies. The American disaster of vested interested and money talks doesn't endear me to the notion of a republic either.
Fundamentally I can see no good reason why we would want to hand an individual more power than our hereditary monarch currently has and if the purpose to to give a president more power than the monarch currently has, which is sweet FA, then what is the point and what are the powers that we would like a president to have?
The fact is is that our parliament makes all the decisions in reality and they handed themselves – Labour and National together – the right to do this some years back.
Nor do I think joyfully about having to elect a president and all the nonsense that goes with that. The only point seems to be to stick someone up on a pedestal and hail Caesar.
Seriously what would be the point of becoming a republic apart from making a pious but ultimately quixotic statement to say we are no longer part of the commonwealth?
Post going up shortly
https://thestandard.org.nz/we-need-a-proper-constitution/
I have not heard anybody say that we should leave the Commonwealth when we become a republic. When people say this i just take it that they haven't actually looked into the issue and are just being ignorant.
I once heard someone say that it is not the power the monarch has, it is the power that is denied to others. Our armed forces, MPs, police, even boy scouts and girl guides swear allegiance to the crown, that won't happen with a politically appointed president. Do they have have to then swear to a bit of rag (flag) that would have to be changed? What about the loyal toast at formal functions, etc?
Those entities swear allegiance to the New Zealand Crown of which the Queen is the head.In effect they are swearing allegiance to the Governor General as it is this person who actually does the job of Head of State. Can't see it would work any differently without the King.
Some good points there. Politicians may see capital in voicing support for a republic, but I can't see any gains from a system that allows people like Nixon and Trump to access the White House and abuse the office.
Too much scope for pork barrel politics and a handshake behind the barn.
I have not heard anyone suggest that we should go with the USarian model when we become a republic. I have heard many people argue anything but.
I think we need to slow up there. I’ve not heard anyone say we WILL become a republic without debate … other than a throw away line in a BBC interview from someone who in 12 months will be an ex PM.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/11380/nz-republic-inevitable,-says-key
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"There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come"
Victor Hugo
Vote Efeso Collins for free trains
A vote for Socialism has a cost
Nothing is free. Someone has to pay.
Single payer is provenly the most efficient and cost effective way of delivering public services. Public Health Care, Public Education, Public Policing and our country’s Defence Force are all funded by Single Payer.
Why should public transport be any different?
Especially when traffic congestion, air pollution, resource use and climate change emissions will all be better addressed with greater use of public transport.
Addressing these issues is what is called a public good. We will all pay way more in health and environmental costs if these public goods are not addressed.
The definition of a rich country, is not a country where everyone owns a car, A rich country, is a country where both rich and poor both ride the sub-way.
both rich and poor both ride the sub-way
That would be Korea, which not only has the best subway system in the world (it's profitable and cheap too), but also high speed rail which is so cheap and convenient everybody uses it.
There's also the argument that free public transport is of less cost than expanding the capacity of the roading network.
We've got $2.00 bus fares in Queenstown because of that dynamic. Increasing the capacity of Frankton Road, the main road into town, was going to be prohibitively expensive and may not even be possible, so NZTA, ORC and QLDC stumped up for effectively free fares
Some things are – the air you and I breathe for one – but neolibs are working on it.
Don't tell me we'll soon be bereft of articles about "Sad Corgies Attend Funeral" or "Eight Legged Surprise Mourner" only to replace such utter journalistic gems with:
"I blew 2000 sailors and brought a house, so what's stopping you"
and
"We put our inheritances in managed funds and a house popped out!"
Followed by Luxon's sound bite on the latest sound bite.
I just can't even with our media anymore. Garbage is a bit flattering, I can recycle most of that and put it to some use.
I'm not going to link the latest swill, none of it deserves linking to.
Well the first story is one of 'sex work is work' and sex work is empowering and blowing 200 sailors got a mortgage and in a house that would be totally fine in todays world.
As would be putting an inheritance in a managed fund and thus have enough money to buy a house.
I can't wait for 'blow jobs' being a job advertised by unemployment offices the world over. Oh you don't want to blow 200 dudes in uniform or civvies for money? Here have a 12 week stand down. That'll teach you not only to blow but to suck. 🙂
The news reflect our times. Some get to suck dicks and others are dicks to be sucked.
I read with frustation some of the reports on prostitution that try to avoid any mention of exploitation, objectification, coercion, degradation or desperation.
If acknowledged, it is with an air of surprise – ..so, this unintended consequence happened…
These aspects are part of the DNA of prostitution.
Uni students taking up sex work is more common than you'd think
Study reveals the sad secret world of child prostitution
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/sex-work-online-shows-pay-uni-bills
It's also a key facet of human trafficking. The supposedly free prostitution of Amsterdam is supported by a dark web of trafficking.
It would be surprised if that was not true in any country.
Watching videos of German clients recently, honestly talking to interviewers was sobering.
Germany is a shit show when it comes to empowering prostitution. Absolutely inhuman and degrading and these are kind words as all other would probably a bannable offense.
Your first and second links are the same.
Here you go.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/uni-students-taking-up-sex-work-is-more-common-than-youd-think/OR7GEZKGHCKJFCP567IYQTG4AU/
A family member in Australia told me that she sold a unit recently, for $2mil plus to a young female buyer who said she made literally 100,000's on a site called…Only Fans.
I had a conversation with a friend involved in sex clubs in Auckland who used the assertion of one of the other members who worked in the industry that prostitution was "empowering and profitable".
It's an individualistic perspective that deliberately ignores the wider harms. Gambling is similar.
These days alot of people think marriage is…another.
56 Marriage Statistics: 2020/2021 Global Data, Analysis & Trends | CompareCamp.com
There would be more harm in nations like the USA than here and Oz or the UK.
We had recently returned from overseas when the decriminalisation bill was discussed and passed.
My partner was on shift work, and went through a mix of commercial, residential, industrial areas to get to work. His late night commute – after the bill passed – became increasingly hard to do. He recollects the apparent ages of those standing on the streets becoming younger, and the queue of cars with men his age – cruising the streets getting longer.
One of his work colleagues – who had been raised in the area – and lived with his own family in his childhood home – eventually moved, after repeated calls to police about public sex acts, and increasing amounts of condom litter were not able to be dealt with by any authorities.
There is a good book by Julie Bindel where she interviews NZ prostitutes.
Given our inability to protect workers of any type, I don't expect prostitutes imported from overseas with limited language are adequately protected or supported.
That was near 20 years ago. And there is no provision for importing sex workers from overseas, for they are not allowed to work in the industry.
Only citizens and residents can do sex work and no one gets residency as a sex worker.
https://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/chapter-20-starting-and-leaving-a-job/sex-workers-your-rights/who-can-do-sex-work/
I sometimes wish I could return to the days when I believed that having processes, in and of themselves, indicated that those processes were well designed and effective.
Unfortunately, am not longer there. Also, no longer living in the area where this was occurring, so can't pop out and check.
Don't really have to though. Exploitation of young girls by old men, allowed by legislation is a tale as old as time. Even older than 20 years.
It is not allowed by legislation, men are not able to pay money to those under 18 for sex.
https://www.nzpc.org.nz/The-New-Zealand-Model#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20against%20the,Zealand%20on%20a%20temporary%20visa.
Yes. The legislation says that.
The bullshit talked about sex work is extraordinary.
It isn't empowering to have sex with people that you really don't want to (otherwise you would be doing it without the money).
The white washing of the sex industry is sickening. It is one of the most dangerous occupations for women.
There was an article recently on Stuff I think and the "sex worker" was saying it was such a great job, but sometimes when men wanted things she didn't want to do it triggered her PTSD. Enough said
Only Fans sits on a spectrum, not that far distant from the dark web that sells child porn and rape porn. Only Fans enables the dark web, it doesn't replace it (and it has its own set of issues).
Twitter sells child porn and rape porn. They all do. That is what sells.
can you please give me some examples?
https://nypost.com/2022/09/15/twitter-could-face-billions-in-fines-over-not-protecting-minors-from-porn-ex-ftc-officials/
https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/31/twitter-scrapped-porn-subscription-over-inadequate-child-safety-tools-17273636/
https://inc42.com/buzz/twitter-bans-over-34k-accounts-for-content-related-to-child-abuse-terrorism/essentially they can not
Twitter has a problem that a. their safety can't / won't detect child abuse, b. when reported they often do not much, and when it is too late.
But if you know what to look for you can have any type of porn on Twitter. And once twitter finds a way to 'safeguard' it will then monetize porn directly.
This account might be of interest to you. https://twitter.com/elizableu/status/1566255230374842369?cxt=HHwWgsC4oa21urwrAAAA
edit: Twitter profits of porn on its site. It just can’t outright monetize it as of now as their safety features can not distinguish between a consenting adult and a non consenting tiny human, and obviously non consenting trafficked humans.
That's a very long bow to draw.
how so?
Any your point is Blazer? The young woman can buy a $2,000,000 apartment. Is this a recomendation for the sex industry?
His point might be that the marriage statistics show those of Oz/Enzed having the oldest age for a first marriage – and the reason seems to be housing affordability.
It's just an anecdote.
Far be it for me to judge what is known as 'the world's oldest…profession'!
Oldest "profession". Hur hur hur…
Tell me another profession where someone with no experience is of more value to the industry, than someone with decades of experience.
(NB. If you are unable to judge, I have no such problem judging your position.)
A newly contracted professional sports athlete.
Your jokes about the sex industry Blazer, leave me cold.
If you had a daughter, grand daughter, wife, partener would you be all good about them working in the sex industry? If the answer is yes, then the problem is much worse than I thought.
I do judge prostitution. There I have said it. The sex industry sanitizes what is an exploitative, mysogynistic arrangement. I judge the men who pay to have sex with (usually) young women who may be drug addicts or have a history of sexual abuse. The objectification needed by men of these women requires a complete lack of empathy that this is another human being who doen'st really want to be having sex with you.
What I also can't comprehend is why men don't find it deeply humiliating to have to pay for sex. I know I would
Haven't made any jokes…yet.
What I also can't comprehend is why women don't find it deeply humiliating to have to sell sex. I know I would
I restrict myself mostly to RNZ and the ODT, with some forays into Stuff and NZH as needed.
Maga's not big on irony it seems.
https://twitter.com/RonFilipkowski/status/1571567482049298432
Another expression of solidarity from the "allies". Gap in posting examples not due to lack of current incidents (can't keep up), but for those who can handle it:
https://twitter.com/TwisterFilm/status/1571854465312890882?s=20&t=RSnifNSs0bnBbjOKEfejYA
A leading Gay – as in homosexual, as in sexually attracted to only men, as in no transmen need to apply for sex- icon/elder. 70+ years old. Oh the kindness, the inclusion and the acceptance of diversity.
Unfortunately, his first person account of the Stonewall riots, negates the familiar gender ideology revisionist history of the event, so he must be condemned:
https://youtu.be/AMr3fCrF32s?t=366
However, age is no barrier. Here's a UK Labour policy advisor getting in early with Fascist babies:
https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1571654220532645888?s=20&t=RSnifNSs0bnBbjOKEfejYA
And yes, the very nice and kind and inclusive non male person shouting at the fascist tiny human is a non male person who works for some Labour MP in the UK. Ahhhh, the kindness of the 'left'. So kind, so gracious, so loving. They did shut down their account and changed their bio. Cause…..i guess people might take offend at persons who work for MPs to be seen and filmed shouting abuse at Ejaculators (we can’t really call that person a birthing body, after all they did only ejaculate) and the result of that ejaculation.
edit: a better word for non birthing body parent is needed. Ejaculator sounds so biological and biology is so phobic really.
"Oh, your raising a little fascist as well"
Unfortunately, Starmers Labour is so unthreatening that this gem is unlikely to make the evening news.
Apparently, other Twitter users recognised, and other examples of her abuse and attempts to have people de-platformed have been posted.
Given her policy advisor position, it was worth posting. This is not an individual without influence.
Really, because that sounds like just the kind of thing which would go down as a real zinger on Twitter. Has she considered quiting her day job and posting such tweets full time instead?
The stunning and brave activist, proudly boasting of his actions on Twitter. (Likely posted while Fred Sargeant was getting his brain scan)
https://twitter.com/ilovepreserves/status/1572134242737324033?s=20&t=RSnifNSs0bnBbjOKEfejYA
incel does as incels do.
That's true. (But don't forget they are "allies for women's rights, and homosexuals and lesbians", so we should be grateful).
I feel inspired.
Rare vaccination casualty confirmed.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475109/man-s-death-ruled-a-result-of-rare-reaction-to-covid-19-vaccine
Uffindell & Luxon; Dodging and Weaving.
"National is also still refusing to release the “terms of reference” that the party gave to Dew when it employed her to investigate Uffindell. This is very suspicious – because the public is not seriously able to interpret anything about the report’s supposed findings without knowing what she was told to investigate and what she wasn’t allowed to investigate.
The details of how the investigation was carried out, and it’s parameters are important. We don’t even know who was interviewed. Moir explains this well: “It would be a big call for Dew to conclude Uffindell didn’t do anything wrong at university if the only people she spoke to were friendly allies who support the MP’s version of events. It’s also unknown whether any other allegations surfaced about his time at King’s College or St Paul’s Collegiate, Hamilton, the school he moved to after being asked to leave King’s College.”"
https://democracyproject.nz/2022/09/20/bryce-edwards-nationals-unsatisfactory-exoneration-of-sam-uffindell/
The terms of reference are important. Investigations directly address those and those only. Which often mean in the wash-up that other pertinent things are parked in the back of the shed out the back.
Like the Michael Heron QC investigation into the Covid-19 patient privacy breach.
He chased what he had to chase. That led to Michelle Boag and National MP Hamish Walker both being found responsible for the unauthorised disclosure of the personal information. The findings stated that the motivation for each disclosure was political. Game over.
His glib treatment of Michael Woodhouse? Did Woodhouse dodge a bullet though a lack of intent and rigour? On the surface the job was done to identify the heart of the issue so the subsidiary became ho-hum?
Whatever, Woodhouse shut up, disappeared into the background and tried to be inconspicuous. Two weeks after the story broke someone else with an involvement resigned, any participation in the incident removed from reference, wiped off the blackboard. Nikki Kaye.
https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/assets/SSC-Site-Assets/Investigation-Report-into-COVID-19-active-cases-privacy-breach.pdf
So, dodging and weaving with Luxon and Uffindell? What's new?
Asked on Tuesday at Parliament if she was a bully, Lorck replied: "I'm working hard to be the best MP I can possibly be". – that doesn't really answer the question.
"I have a professional leadership coach and together we're working on how I can work to be a better MP," she said. – So obviously her management style needs to change.
Robertson says Labour MP's management style may come across 'poorly', Lorck responds to bullying claims (msn.com)
Reporters should ask the same question to Uffindell.
Perhaps National should now put Ufindell with a professional leadership coach.
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps – Muller flirted with Hooton; could Uffindell do worse?
Luxon's got one already – Key.
for those inclined and interested to make a submission
https://twitter.com/SpeakUp4WomenNZ/status/1572091704085446656
https://www.corrections.govt.nz/news/2022/corrections_is_consulting_on_options_to_improve_rehabilitation,_reintegration,_and_safety_outcomes?fbclid=IwAR0HutFYcaYRRRkJy4LMGwtxUQEfqQM14_4i7SerBkFt452zce60WUE57RQ
1-4 …
2. range of factors …
make a submission, pro or con.