Open mike 20/11/2021

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 20th, 2021 - 255 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:


Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

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

Step up to the mike …

255 comments on “Open mike 20/11/2021 ”

  1. KJT 1

    Defying expectations: how New South Wales kept Covid cases low after reopening | Coronavirus | The Guardian

    "The combination of an impressive and rapid vaccine uptake, together with mask mandates, contact tracing and isolation requirements as well as vaccination entry permits, has largely been credited for containing the outbreak and keeping case numbers low."

    Evidence that the "traffic light" system may work for us.

    So long as the anti-vacc, anti-mask, anti-restrictions, let her rip minority, don't fuck it up for us.

    • vto 1.1

      Yeah I am over the people who shit this all up for the rest of us.

      I wonder… would the anti-vax anti-mask anti-mandate people have been the anti-conscription conscience objectors of past decades? I think not. They would have hung drawn and quartered the conscience objector…

      I often put the mandated conscription / conscience objector point to anti people and they just look back at me with blank ignorance…

      blank ignorance

      • KJT 1.1.1

        I find the claim that the "antis" are like the "Conshies" particularly objectionable.

        Going against the tide, because of a moral objection to killing other people.

        Going against the tide, because you think your "rights to choice" are more important than the lives and livelihoods of your community.

        One is "not like the other"!

        • vto 1.1.1.1

          Sure. My point was more about the mandated nature of conscription, than a comparison of conshies and antis. Not very well expressed on my part. The antis are not like the conshies at all – different planets.

          The antis stop in their tracks when I raise the conscription point. It shows up their shallowing thinking and understanding imo

          • Anne 1.1.1.1.1

            Most of them are so thick they wouldn't know what a conscientious objector was vto, and their knowledge of history would likely be zilch.

        • RedLogix 1.1.1.2

          What they do have in common is the concept of 'duty'.

          • KJT 1.1.1.2.1

            Bullshit.

            An anti-vacc stance is the anti-thesis of the "concept of duty".

            "Duty" is what you do for your mates, society or others.

            The opposite of putting everyone at greater risk, to avoid a perceived risk to yourself.

            • RedLogix 1.1.1.2.1.1

              Fuck me you're a total moron.

              • KJT

                Just take some more Ivermectin.

                That will fix it.

                • RedLogix

                  Ivermectin was being investigated as a potential anti-viral well before C19 which is why the original Monash University team trialed it as a potential treatment in the first place and continue to work on it.

                  Since then there have been reasonably strong clinical signals that when used correctly it may have a benefit. And meta-studies that combine these results seem to confirm this signal.

                  We also now have a reasonable idea of the mechanism by which it could act against viral replication.

                  Does it really work? That's something that's yet to be definitively answered, which is why more than a few entities continue to spend some serious money getting to an irrefutable yes or no. Even if there is only a remote chance the answer is yes – a cheap, safe and effective treatment would be of immense value.

                  On the other hand – right from the get go you knew the answer for certain. It wasn't a vaccine therefore it could not work.

                  • KJT

                    In reality I've barely if at all, mentioned ivermectin. You are putting words in my mouth again.

                    Awaiting the results of definitive trials.

                    It may, or may not be of use after infection. Which is yet to be determined.

                    The mystery is why so many advocate for ivermectin, which I agree should be trialled, along with the many other treatments that may be useful, some already proven more effective than ivermectin, instead of a treatment that has been proven safe and effective over millions of doses. Not just “clinical indications”. Real life statistical population wide evidence. And helps prevent both infection and reducing severity.

                    Blinded by their opposition to vaccination.

                    • RedLogix

                      instead of a treatment that has been proven safe and effective over millions of doses.

                      I lined up for my vaccination not because I though this brand new mRNA technology was well proven, or we had all the data available, or that it was going to eliminate C19, or that I thought the people promoting it are entirely trustworthy – but because sometimes in a crisis you have to do things that aren't all that attractive.

                      A sense of duty as it were.

                    • KJT

                      The idea that the vaccine is not "well proven" After millions of doses where serious symptoms and transmission has been reduced for millions, compared with large "control groups", of the unvaccinated, that countries such as the USA have kindly provided, is frankly ludicrous. Or that a technology that has been researched since the 70's based on a medical advance from the 1700's, is "new"! You don't have to have "faith" in big Pharma to accept real world evidence, which is now so extensive as to make the initial trials almost irrevelent.

                      The real worry is those huge reserviours of unvaccinated, combined with vaccinated people in insufficient numbers, will result in vaccine resistant and/or accelerated mutations, before we have enough people vaccinated worldwide to slow the spread.

                      I linked to Sydney earlier. High levels of vaccination, masking and restrictions on the unvaccinated appear to be working, despite loosening lock down rules.

                      You got your vaccine out of "duty". You didn't join the unvaccinated. Despite your reservations.

                    • Robert Guyton

                      At risk of falling out with both parties 🙂 I'd like to congratulate RedLogix in that succinct yet comprehensive statement ("I lined up for my vaccination…") which describes my position so very well, but also shout out to KJT who's describing the frustration around Ivermectin (about which the two of you seem to have similar views) and why it has been so passionately and uncritically championed by "the antivaxx crowd" – my own face to face discussions with such folk/friends leaves me lost for words; their vehement support/opposition to either the Pfizer vax or Ivermectin defies rational discussion and therein lies the bewilderment and head-shaking irritation.

                    • RedLogix

                      The real worry is those huge reserviours of unvaccinated, combined with vaccinated people in insufficient numbers, will result in vaccine resistant and/or accelerated mutations,

                      Given that C19 cases are still very present in highly vaccinated populations – I'm not at all sure this logic holds up.

                      Equally likely is the idea that the virus will simply respond to vaccinations as just another evolutionary selection pressure and mutate to escape them. It's hard to blame the unvaxxed for that.

                    • KJT

                      As Covid cases are in the hundreds in vaccinated populations, compared to in the thousands in unvaccinated populations, the evolutionary pressure in vaccinated populations is considerably less. Making the chances of mutations less, by at least an order of magnitude, also. It is all a numbers game.

                    • Robert Guyton

                      Would Chris Trotter's latest help? I doubt it 🙂 (Great read though)

                      "A vast international crisis, the Covid-19 Pandemic, has exposed the irrational underbelly of twenty-first century society. Neuroses and delusions that the majority had reluctantly tolerated (if only because the harm they caused was almost exclusively restricted to those who suffered from them) now threaten the general welfare.

                      If the violent prejudices of the Jim Crow South, echoing through contemporary struggles, teach us anything, it is that the defence of rationality, science and progressivism must never be allowed to falter. Those pre-modern night-riders, filled with unrelenting hate, are still out there. If the troops of Reason and Justice are withdrawn; if Liberty’s bayonets are sheathed; there will be Hell to pay."

                      http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/2021/11/hell-to-pay-alarming-similarities.html

                    • Rosemary McDonald

                      WHO the fuck knows what's going on…

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGCK8Z27xd0&t=0s

                    • Shanreagh

                      I understood that Ivermectin and the vaccine are/were used at different stages. Vaccine is a preventative against developing full blown Covid. Ivermectin when it is used, and possibly is useful, is at the very start of a Covid infection. It is no use once Covid has left the body but the results of it having been there such as lung problems, kidney problems, covid pneumonia are remaining.

                      There are some people taking Ivermectin and high doses of vitamins, Hydroxychloroquine, bleach sprays etc as a preventative. Not sure they are effective at all.

                  • swordfish

                    .

                    RL

                    Since then there have been reasonably strong clinical signals that when used correctly it may have a benefit. And meta-studies that combine these results seem to confirm this signal.

                    Perfectly put … cautiously optimistic is the most rational stance given the current evidence. Unfortunately the unhinged hyper-politicisation of Covid means that an innocent drug like Ivermectin that has benefited millions of people worldwide with parasitical diseases has been personified with the face of Donald Trump, & more broadly of US Republican-voting & British Brexit-supporting "deplorables" & various assorted anti-vaxxers.

                    If Ivermectin does indeed prove to be effective … then tough shit for all those who would've survived … but then again, to be scrupulously fair, petty politically-partisan point-scoring for purely narcissistic objectives is far more important than the potential prevention of millions of deaths.

                    • RedLogix

                      Well yes.

                    • francesca

                      Just as the vaccine is said to have been vindicated by its millions of doses , so has ivermectin in its millions of doses against covid in Indian regions like Uttar Pradesh.

                      There is really such a bias and unwillingness to take note of what has been successful in countries other than European

                    • KJT

                      Well no. We haven't been ignoring it. Just that the evidence that ivermectin worked in India is being questioned, by Indian epidemiologists amoungst others.

                      Just one article.

                      No evidence suggests a causal link between ivermectin recommendation and the decline of COVID-19 cases in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh – Health Feedback

                      “The claim that Uttar Pradesh is now COVID-19 free due to the use of ivermectin is inaccurate and unsupported by scientific evidence. Uttar Pradesh isn’t entirely free of COVID-19, and comparisons with other states are challenging due to differences in testing capacity. Furthermore, many factors other than ivermectin use could have influenced the course of the second COVID-19 wave in Uttar Pradesh, including restrictions and immunity from previous infection and vaccination”.

              • Peter 1

                I have not being following the case but when I first heard of it I thought white man shoots black man he will be found nor guilty.

                same old same old

    • gsays 1.2

      Here in the 'Tu, it looks like the vaccinated that are causing the trounle.

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300457065/covid19-cases-in-midcentral-region-double-to-four

      from the article: "United’s women’s team was not affected, and Hofmann believed all club members were vaccinated."

  2. Puckish Rogue 2

    Yes!

    Sanity prevails for a change, Kyle Rittenhouse found Not Guilty on all charges.

    Now we await the rioting however I hope Kyle's lawyers go to the mattresses and sue everyone he can

    Everyone that called him a white supremacist, a terrorist, a vigilante

    Because he's going to need the money as the insane members of the left will not let this go

    • vto 2.1

      If the skin colours were reversed what would the outcome of the trial have been?

      • Puckish Rogue 2.1.1

        KJT deleted his post saying that Kyle Rittenhouse (white) shot black people which got me thinking about this post.

        See Kyle Rittenhouse (white) shot three white people.

        There were no black people shot.

        I assumed that people commenting on this case would also know this basic fact yet I guess your comment makes more since if you also thought Kyle shot black people, is that what you thought?

        Does it make you wonder what else the msm told you about this case that is not actually the case?

        Does it make you wonder what else the msm lies to you about?

        • vto 2.1.1.1

          No, it is you mixing up the white and black. I am well aware they were all white and my question stands

          Go on try again

          • Puckish Rogue 2.1.1.1.1

            I answered below (no. 3)

          • alwyn 2.1.1.1.2

            What do black people have to do with it?

            The only possible interpretation of your question about reversal is, given that they are all white, "If a white man had shot three white men would the verdict have been different". In other words you are asking what would have happened if nothing had changed. That is the "reversal" of the colour of the parties in this case. Trying to pretend that changing a colour from "white" to "black" is a reversal is ridiculous. What would you call a change from "yellow" to "brown" which of course are both loosely considered to be skin colours?

            When you claim that you "knew" they were all white I don't believe you. If you "knew" that you wouldn't have proposed such a silly question. Unless you were an idiot of course. Are you?

        • KJT 2.1.1.2

          I deleted it because I thought for a few minutes it was referring to different murderous arsehole.

          However, takes a gun to a protest looking for a fight, then shoots three people.

          And he is "innocent" and only "defending himself"?

          Pull the other leg.

          And he knew they may have been convicted criminals when he administered, “justice”?

          And. The Black reference is correct. What would have happened to a Black man who just shot three people, and wandered towards US cops holding a rifle?

          • Puckish Rogue 2.1.1.2.1

            No.

            You deleted it because you didn't know so you deleted it because you didn't want to look like a chump.

            'However, takes a gun to a protest looking for a fight, then shoots three people.'

            Please provide proof that he was 'looking for a fight'

            'And he knew they may have been convicted criminals when he administered, “justice”?'

            He didn't but I just want to make sure everybody knows the type of people they're defending, the type of people at these 'peaceful protests'

            'And. The Black reference is correct. What would have happened to a Black man who just shot three people, and wandered towards US cops holding a rifle?'

            I'll spin that round, could a white man digitally rape a woman, have an open warrant for sexual assault, ignore police warnings, shake off a taser, kidnap a child, steal a car, get shot and be praised by the media, politicians of both sides of the house and have people riot on his behalf

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

            • KJT 2.1.1.2.1.1

              In your dreams, Bro!

              But congrats on your spin.

              A job with Trump’s propaganda corps awaits you.

              Or with ACT’s cut price version.

              • Puckish Rogue

                You want to defend kiddie fiddlers and domestic abusers, you do you bro

                • KJT

                  Rittenhouse knew that when he shot them.

                  Sure.

                  You want to defend someone who shot unarmed people?

                • Robert Guyton

                  Seen this, Pucky? I'm guessing you will have.

                  Larry Knight

                  3 September 2020 ·

                  From a military legal worker:

                  I'm seeing a lot of ignorance and misinformation flying around about what happened in Kenosha, and I'm going to set the record straight from a professional legal position… as well as from a former military position. I'm going to explain some things from a more technical angle derived from my many years as a paralegal and from my experience working in federal criminal justice and prosecution.

                  Legally, if you are in the process of a commission of a crime, it negates your ability to claim self defense if you kill someone. As in, it can't even be entered as your official defense in court. It is similar to getting rear-ended at a red light through zero fault of your own, but you were driving without a license or insurance. It automatically makes you at fault because you weren't even legally allowed to be driving.

                  [rest of over long cut and paste deleted]

                  • KJT

                    What I was trying to say to Pucky.

                    But he is too blinded by his projection on someone, who has fulfilled his Rambo fantasy of "running around shooting the bad guys" and getting away with it!

                  • Puckish Rogue

                    Robert why are you involving yourself in this? Seriously, why?

                    Do you think someones opinion from last year is somehow a 'silver bullet'?

                    Fine you want to do this, lets do it.

                    Heres a link to the ABC news website, not a conservative bunch of people by the way explaining Wisconsin gun laws

                    https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/explainer-judge-drop-rittenhouse-gun-charge-81285031

                    You can go through it yourself or just read this:

                    'Hours before closing arguments began on Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder granted a defense motion to toss out the weapons charge. Rittenhouse attorneys Mark Richards and Corey Chirafisi pointed to an exception in the law that they said allows minors to possess shotguns and rifles as long as they’re not short-barreled.'

                    'Assistant District Attorney James Kraus argued that the exception renders the state’s prohibition on minors possessing dangerous weapons meaningless. But when he acknowledged that Rittenhouse’s rifle’s barrel was longer than 16 inches, the minimum barrel length allowed under state law, Schroeder dismissed the charge.'

                    'This section applies only to a person under 18 years of age who possesses or is armed with a rifle or a shotgun if the person is in violation of s. 941.28 …” That section of law isn’t specific to minors, but rather forbids any person from having a short-barreled shotgun or rifle.'

                    Heres another link to the NPR, I'll assume you've heard of them, you might find it educational:

                    https://www.npr.org/2021/11/19/1057422329/why-legal-experts-were-not-surprised-by-the-rittenhouse-jurys-decision-to-acquit

                    'The state's own witnesses at times helped Rittenhouse's case'

                    'Prosecutors called more than a dozen witnesses to help make their case. But legal experts said that, at times, those witnesses seemed to bolster Rittenhouse's self-defense claim.'

                    'The state called two men who had accompanied Rittenhouse that night, also intending to help protect private property. Both witnesses, Ryan Balch and Jason Lackowski, said Rosenbaum asked to be shot and "false-stepped" armed men in an attempt to provoke a reaction. One described him as "hyperaggressive."

                    [over long cut and paste deleted]

                    • Robert Guyton

                      I'm not wishing to "involve myself" in arguing; I wanted you to see this statement, in case you hadn't.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      You wanted me to see his statement from last year.

                      Why?

                      To point out how inaccurate it is.

                      I've previously posted links, with proof and evidence that refutes most of what he says.

                      So yeah I read it and hes wrong.. Happy?

                      Fine lets go through it, again, and see why we should wait for all the evidence to come out before someone tries to make a name for themselves.

                      'I'm seeing a lot of ignorance and misinformation flying around about what happened in Kenosha, and I'm going to set the record straight from a professional legal position… as well as from a former military position.'

                      – His opinion, as proven in the trial, is mostly incorrect

                      I'm going to explain some things from a more technical angle derived from my many years as a paralegal and from my experience working in federal criminal justice and prosecution.

                      – His opinion, as proven in the trial, is mostly incorrect

                      Legally, if you are in the process of a commission of a crime, it negates your ability to claim self defense if you kill someone.

                      – His opinion, as proven in the trial, is mostly incorrect so I want him to link to Wisconsin law to verify this.

                      As in, it can't even be entered as your official defense in court. It is similar to getting rear-ended at a red light through zero fault of your own, but you were driving without a license or insurance. It automatically makes you at fault because you weren't even legally allowed to be driving.

                      – Kyle Rittenhouse was shown to be threatened, chased and attacked

                      That 17 year old in Kenosha had committed two crimes and was not even legally allowed to open carry the rifle he used to shoot three people. This means that he legally cannot claim self defense.

                      – His opinion, as proven in the trial, is mostly incorrect. As proven in the trial he was legally allowed to carry his weapon and his weapon was legal so please tell me the crimes he committed. Innocent until proven guilty remember.

                      Another key discussion is the Castle Doctrine. Some of you may be vaguely familiar with it, as it is what allows you to use deadly force when someone comes into your house unlawfully, etc. But there are some finer points most people don't realize that you generally have to do some formal legal studies to know.

                      – The defence didn't use Castle Doctrine

                      First, as soon as someone sets foot inside the threshold of your home uninvited that you believe intends to commit a crime, you can legally use deadly force and it is immediately considered self defense, even if they haven't made any violent threats or actions towards harming you.

                      – The defence didn't use Castle Doctrine

                      This is because in every instance outside your home, you are required to retreat and extricate yourself from a dangerous situation if possible. It is a legal mandate, not a suggestion. Your home is considered the final retreat point, and legally you should be safe in your "Castle." There is nowhere else to retreat to, etc. This is why you are able to immediately use deadly force.

                      – The defence still didn't use Castle Doctrine

                      However, it is NOT to protect your property, it is for protecting your LIFE. And once the burglar, for instance, has left your home… the threat to your life is considered neutralized, and deadly force is no longer authorized. So if a burglar runs out the door and down the street with your TV, you are no longer allowed to shoot after them because they are not threatening your life. You call the police, you file a claim with your insurance, and you get a new TV. If you shoot a burglar in the back down the street, you can and should be charged with murder.

                      – Once again the defence didn't use Castle Doctrine

                      While you are out in PUBLIC, this means a lot of things obviously. It means that there is far more scrutiny and boxes that must be checked in order to claim self defense. You must be in IMMINENT danger of losing life and limb. Getting into an argument and feeling scared of being punched by an unarmed person? Not likely to be a situation where deadly force is authorized. You MUST retreat.

                      – Kyle tried to retreat, was chased, his rifle was grabbed at, he was threatened, he was attacked and he had a pistol aimed at him

                      If someone shoots at you or pulls a knife on you in the street, that is deadly force and can be met with deadly force. But if the person is unarmed, you cannot shoot them because you're afraid of a little scuffle. That is why Rittenhouse illegally shot the first protester, and it is one of the many reasons it cannot be considered self defense. The man threw a plastic bag with trash in it at him AND MISSED, and Rittenhouse shot him. He chased his victim and instigated a fight by brandishing and flagging people with his rifle, because he is an untrained idiot with a gun. The protester was not a threat, and even if he was, all he had to do was retreat back to the police line. He rushed at protesters with a gun drawn to pick a fight, and people are acting as if he were just there to keep the peace.

                      – 'Little scuffle' He was hit twice with a skateboard, was kicked in the head and had a pistol aimed at him. He also tried to get back to the police, he didn't rush at the protestors and yes you can shoot someone unarmed depending on the circumstances as proven in the trial

                      He fired INTO A CROWD, and it's a miracle he didn't hit more people. More people that hadn't thrown a plastic bag. More people that were just trying to protest police brutality, which is a real issue in this country.

                      – He didn't fire INTO A CROWD. He fired in self-defence at the people attempting to harm him, as proven in the trial and on video

                      And then when he did finally run away, some more protesters attempted to subdue him after he had already murdered someone, he tripped, and shot two people trying to stop him from shooting others.

                      – He was attempting to run away previously. Also his opinion, again.

                      The fact that the police didn't arrest him and take him into custody right then and there, even if they suspected it could be self defense, is a grave issue with that police department.

                      – His opinion, again.

                      I could further dissect this situation, but for now I'm going to end with people passing around misinformation about the victims being "criminals so they deserved it."

                      – I suggest he does, especially in the light of the trials findings

                      First, there are no actual records of Jacob Blake or the people shot by Rittenhouse being in the official sex offender's registry.

                      – I have not just linked to that?

                      None of them raped a 14 year old girl years ago, that is complete fabrication being purposely spread by right wing extremist sites in order to try and justify the shootings.

                      – I've not heard anything about this but Joseph did anally rape young boys

                      – I took the paragraph of Jacob Blake out because its a separate issue

                      Rittenhouse's victims do not appear to have had any record, and even if they did, he couldn't have known that at the time.

                      – Oh yes they did, very much so

                      You cannot insist a shoot was justified AFTER the fact because "that person was a criminal."

                      – You can't and I agree however but I'm also not going to shed any tears over a child rapist that got shot while attacking another underage boy (Kyle was 17 at the time)

                      Criminals have rights too, whether you like it or not, and it is enshrined in the very documents that built our country. If you don't like the constitution and bill of rights, I don't know what to tell you.

                      – You mean like Kyle Rittenhouse being innocent until proven guilty even though you say he isn't?

                      This is also not MY OPINION, this is literally how the criminal justice system and our laws work. I hold a degree in paralegal studies and served 8 years as an Army paralegal. I've worked for the criminal division in the Chicago US Attorney's Office, and currently work in federal law enforcement. This is what I do for a living, and I am not pulling this out of my ass, and my knowlege is a culmination of working in the field and being passionate about justice for 16 years. I'd be happy to send you sources and opines and case law and statutes if you need it. I did not get this from "mainstream media," and I am not brainwashed by the left. I'm an independent progressive.

                      – Considering how wrong he is about this maybe thats why hes not a lawyer

                      May he face justice for what he did, and may we find a way to get on common ground before more fuses to this powder keg are lit.

                      – He had a trial and the video evidence, laws of the state, drone footage and witness testimony proved he was innocent of all charges so yes he faced justice.

                    • weka

                      please don't do such long cut and pastes. A snip, an explanation and link for those that want to read more is the preferred commenting style here.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      Sorry, there was just so much incorrect stuff on there I felt I had to answer it all

                    • weka

                      your own long comments are fine, it's just copying from offsite to here at length that is the problem. For people on phones, and because debate is between our ideas, and it creates problems if someone has to read a long article to understand the point being made.

                      (also, see if you can make the quotation clearer, because it's possible I deleted some of your own words by mistake. The quote button is good, or use double "" because they're more visible. You need something at the start and the end that clearly show it's a quote. Back in the day we used to do this

                      >>>

                      Quoted text

                      <<<

                  • weka

                    Hi Robert, thanks for the links, although they are broken. From any FB page, click on the time/date stamp of the post you want to link to. Then cut and paste the address from the URL field.

                    As with PR's comment below, I deleted most of the quote. A snip or two, an explanation and a link for those that want to read more is the preferred commenting style here.

                    This makes things easier for people on phones, and it encourages people to make clear arguments rather than expecting people to read long articles to parse what is being said.

                    • weka

                      I must say, it's great seeing people in these in depth debates again 👍

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      It would be more interesting if those debating me…actually could.

                      Given how much information people posted on this subject was wrong and was proven wrong and since they got it from their preferred news sources, do you think any of them will work out that maybe their preferred news source is lying to them and that you might want to expand their horizons, just a little?

                    • weka

                      I haven't been following that closely. If that's the issue (you think they are wrong in what they're using as a source), maybe just pick one or two examples and focus on those. Fisking is sometimes necessary, but makes it hard to find resolutions or move things forward.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      I'm quite enjoying it.

                      How it normally goes is something like this, he chuckleheads come on say something, usually wrong, I tell them they're wrong with a link to why they're wrong

                      They come back later, won't acknowledge they're wrong but move onto something else really minor and I prove them wrong, gain, and so on and so on

                      Its not often I'm 100% correct, that I have the moral high ground, backed up by proof and evidence (and links) and what are these guys reduced to…

                      Sticking up for child rapists and domestic abusers

                      Its a funny ol' world angel

      • joe90 2.1.2

        If the skin colours were reversed what would the outcome of the trial have been?

        There wouldn’t have been a verdict because there wouldn’t have been a trial because a black guy wouldn’t have made it through the police lines that Rittenhouse walked past after shooting three people.

        https://twitter.com/tariqnasheed/status/1298556876804612096

        • vto 2.1.2.1

          exactly, thanks Joe, that is the point I was aiming at…

        • RedLogix 2.1.2.2

          What Twitter is serious source now?

          • KJT 2.1.2.2.1

            Watch the video.

            Walking towards police giving the correct hand signal.

            Walking towards police carrying a loaded firearm is asking for a death sentence. Even in NZ?

            • RedLogix 2.1.2.2.1.1

              So you are suggesting he was a police operative of some kind? With some sort of pre-arranged signal that all the cops would recognise in a fleeting instant?

              My reasoning is that it’s more likely everything on Twitter is deep fake.

            • weka 2.1.2.2.1.2

              that's one interpretation, it's not the only one. We don't actually know.

    • Puckish Rogue 2.2

      What are you talking about?

      Are you not even aware Kyle shot three white people?

      Are you not even aware Kyle was being chased?

      Are you not aware Kyle was assaulted before shooting?

      Are you not aware one of them actually pointed a pistol at Kyle before he shot?

    • millsy 2.3

      Good to see you supporting a white supremacist, racist, homophobic thug who likes to gun down civil rights protesters.

      And you work as a prison guard, around a population that is predominantly Maori.

      I don't think we in the West have any right to complain about human rights in China with fascists like you working in our prisons. I bet you would would to the same as Rittenhouse and Chauvin did if you had the chance.

      • Puckish Rogue 2.3.1

        Millsy

        Show me your evidence that Kyle Rittenhouse is a white supremacist, racist, homophobic thug who likes to gun down civil rights protesters.

        Because he didn't shoot any black people, he shot white people

        He did however shoot a convicted child molester (sodomised some young boys) and a multiple domestic abuser and you know what, just read about it here: https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/2021/03/12/kenosha-shooting/

        Also I'm not a prison guard

        'I bet you would would to the same as Rittenhouse and Chauvin did if you had the chance.'

        I don't even know what you're trying to say here

        • millsy 2.3.1.1

          Some time ago, you said you got a job as a prison guard.

          The fact is, that you supported Chauvin and you would have killed Floyd if you were in that position. I think you are an evil depraved man and shouldn't be working anywhere in prisons or law enforcement.

        • Robert Guyton 2.3.1.2

          "He did however shoot a convicted child molester"

          So, like, that guy was convicted, imprisoned, released and then justifiably shot?

          Pucky? Have you lost the plot entirely??

          • Puckish Rogue 2.3.1.2.1

            Millsy called the men shot: 'civil rights protesters', they may have been

            I called them a sodomiser of young boys, domestic abusers and convicted felons, which they were

            Not saying they deserved death for it but if you're going to paint them in a certain way, which you can't prove, I'll say what they really were, which I can prove.

      • I Feel Love 2.3.2

        Absolutely Millsy, that's terrifying, a prison guard in NZ has these attitudes? I'm appalled. Rittenhouse had no right to carry a gun, travelled to another state uninvited, shat himself when confronted, and murdered 2 people, and you come onto a left leaning site to congratulate the wanker? You're really something man, pitiful.

        • Molly 2.3.2.1

          "Rittenhouse had no the right to carry a gun, travelled 20 minutes to another state uninvited, shat himself when confronted, and murdered 2 people were killed in self-defence as the evidence showed and you come onto a left leaning site to congratulate the wanker? the verdict. You're really something man, pitiful."

          I've edited your comment to remove unsubstantiated claims, or emotive language and it reads differently.

          PR wilfully chose a contentious way to raise the issue, I agree. But thanks to millsy's initial jibe about Greenwald, I have looked into it, and found the video evidence that the jury considered in the self-defence, and accepted.

          The justice system (which I believe to be flawed in many ways, but that is by-the-by here) should endeavour to convict on points of law. In this case, the prosecution's case did not hold up, for reasons not reported by the majority of the media.

          The ability to carry arms is another legal right I have an issue with, but it is legal in many states in the USA.

        • Puckish Rogue 2.3.2.2

          Still not a prison guard…

          • Robert Guyton 2.3.2.2.1

            So, what is your role? Come clean, don't muck us around any longer…

            • dv 2.3.2.2.1.1

              Corrections officer?

            • Puckish Rogue 2.3.2.2.1.2

              I'm a Corrections Officer.

              • Sacha

                Do you work in the office?

                • Puckish Rogue

                  No. A bit too boring in there for me, prisoner facing is more interesting.

                  • Sacha

                    But more to it than 'guarding' these days, I am guessing.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      A while back Corrections (or the government) decided that a change of direction was needed.

                      The old days of locking prisoners up and giving them hidings was a bad thing.

                      As part of the implementation to cut down on the rate of reoffending Corrections brought out some changes, part of it was to change prison guards (which also has very negative connotations) to Corrections Officers

                      This is done because thats what management want to have happens, correct prisoners behaviour.

                      Its only a very small piece of a very big puzzle but I think its important

    • mpledger 2.4

      He purposefully went looking for trouble, he sought it out. Legally he might have got off but morally, he's going to have a lot to live with. Hopefully, he gets taken to the cleaners in a wrongful death suit.

      • Puckish Rogue 2.4.1

        'He purposefully went looking for trouble, he sought it out. Legally he might have got off but morally, he's going to have a lot to live with. Hopefully, he gets taken to the cleaners in a wrongful death suit.'

        See thats the MSM talking.

        He didn't go looking for trouble, he had a weapon for self-defence and everything he did was legal.

        Legal carry, legal weapon. Legal everything.

        You know who wasn't doing everything legal, the protestors illegally rioting, the men (multiple) who assaulted Kyle (video footage), the man who threatened Kyle (prosecutions own witness), the man who aimed his pistol at Kyle (illegal ownership of firearm)

        You're not informed, you're misinformed.

        • bwaghorn 2.4.1.1

          Do you think it's a good idea for untrained people to legally head off to a trouble hot spot carrying firearms??

          • Puckish Rogue 2.4.1.1.1

            'Do you think it's a good idea for untrained people to legally head off to a trouble hot spot carrying firearms??'

            How do you know he wasn't trained?

            In extreme circumstances he fired 8 shots (including two warning shots) and killed two and wounded one

            By anyones reckoning thats impressive, just look at any of the police shootings to see how that stacks up

            However I don't think he should have been there BUT thats me, I'm not in that city, my workplace wasn't under attack, I wasn't worried about my father

            Kyle did nothing illegal, the rioters did, the people who attacked him chose to attack him, Kyle tried to get away and only fired after he was left with no other option

            Kyle legally defended himself

            • bwaghorn 2.4.1.1.1.1

              Big difference in being trained to shoot straight and trained in de escalation and not getting isolated.

              • Puckish Rogue

                You are aware that Kyle was legally allowed to carry his rifle while one of the people he shot was illeglly carrying a pistol and Kyle only shot him once he raised the pistol and aimed at Kyle

        • mpledger 2.4.1.2

          He came from a different state. He wasn't a local out to protect the property (yes, he wanted to protect property) of people he knew, he knew noone there. All he did was heed the call of social media, a social media that had as its goal to harm Black people.

          • Puckish Rogue 2.4.1.2.1

            Have you actually followed the case at all? All you've done is read a few headlines.

            'He came from a different state.'

            Please explain to me what coming from different state have to do with anything.

            Because I'd bet money that not all the rioters come from Kenosha, that some would have had to 'cross state lines' to get there or is this something you've heard from the msm and it sounds ominous?

            'he knew noone there'

            1. He travelled approximately15 miles to get there

            2. He worked in Kenosha.

            3. He has family and friends living in Kenosha

            'All he did was heed the call of social media, a social media that had as its goal to harm Black people.'

            He only shot white people, after he was threatened and assaulted.

    • Stuart Munro 2.5

      They won't let it go because he's just another murderer.

      Equal justice wouldn't have seen him walk.

      • Puckish Rogue 2.5.1

        Once again you are wrong.

        He was found not guilty so hes not a murderer.

        Why do you think it wasn't self defence?

        • alwyn 2.5.1.1

          Stuart should remember Helen Clark's little error of this kind. It cost the taxpayer $55,000 when she called someone a murderer. He had been convicted of manslaughter but not murder. This person wasn't convicted of anything.

          https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cabinet-backing-for-pms-payout/XGLRV2YGY2EW6DBVXWKAYFNWZM/

        • Stuart Munro 2.5.1.2

          It may astonish you to know this PR, but courts are not infallible. You may or may not be aware of the work of The Innocence Project, which works to correct errors made at the other end of the scale, wrongful convictions.

          What makes someone a murderer is their act of wrongful killing, and, irrespective of the findings of what even you must admit was a highly politicized case, it looks on the face of it very much like Rittenhouse behaved like a vigilante, dispensing Hollywood justice in his own right.

          Rittenhouse seems likely, like OJ Simpson, to attract a degree of scepticism for the rest of his life – assuming the prosecution do not successfully appeal.

          • Puckish Rogue 2.5.1.2.1

            You have to stop getting your information from outlets like CNN.

            Heres some facts for you may or may not know. This is based on what other people on this site thought.

            1. Kyle did not take a rifle over state lines
            2. Kyle works in Kenosha
            3. Kyle has family in Kenosha
            4. He did not carry an assault rifle
            5. He was legally carrying a legal firearm.
            6. The crowd turned on Kyle when he put out a fire
            7. The child sodomiser and domestic abuser was armed with a chain, threatened Kyles life, chased after Kyle and tried to take his rifle away before Kyle defended himself
            8. The child sodomiser and domestic abuser also quite liberally used the N word
            9. The multiple domestic abuser attacked Kyle and hit him with the skateboard, twice, before Kyle defended himself
            10. Jump Kick mans latest charge is domestic abuse, almost like theres a pattern
            11. The last guy Kyle shot had an illegal pistol, had a felony charge of drunk in charge of a weapon and Kyle only shot him when he raised and aimed the pistol at Kyle.

            The prosecutions own witnesses back this up, official drone footage backs this up and smart phone coverage backs this up.

            Go through the video footage here:

            https://twitter.com/Pr_agmatik/status/1299088221633208321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1299089444298002432%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthestandard.org.nz%2Fopen-mike-20-11-2021%2F

            • Stuart Munro 2.5.1.2.1.1

              You have to stop getting your information from outlets like CNN.

              You mean relatively reputable sources? Ranting loons like Alex Jones don't do as much for your credibility as you might suppose.

              He was legally carrying a legal firearm.

              Oh I'm sure that makes all the difference – it's just happenstance he used it to kill three people – could've happened to anyone, right?

              The child sodomiser and domestic abuser…

              Are to meet justice through the institution of the courts, not summary justice at the hands of a teenage vigilante looking for cheap thrills.

              • Puckish Rogue

                I don't know if you're aware but they had a trial about this very thing and as it turns out I'm right and CNN was wrong, very wrong.

                Try looking at more than one source for information and you'll be surprised at what you find.

                • Stuart Munro

                  they had a trial

                  Your faith in the integrity of US courts is touching, but misplaced. Rittenhouse is in some respects a victim of US dysfunctional gun culture.

                  Try looking at more than one source for information

                  They are not needed. One shooting might be happenstance, two coincidence, but three is unequivocally enemy action. Rittenhouse set out to kill people, and that's what he did.

                  The fact that you are fanboying a murderous child that should be in jail ought to have you thinking long and hard instead of crowing your inanity from the rooftops.

                  • Puckish Rogue

                    That you won't look at any other sources of information

                    That you ignore official drone footage

                    That you ignore footage from people on the ground

                    That you ignore the laws of the state

                    That you ignore what the witnesses said

                    That you defend child molesters and domestic abusers

                    All of the above says more about you than it does me

                    • Stuart Munro

                      I don't know, and you don't know, the truth of the allegations of child molestation – but Rittenhouse did not murder those men to protect children from such abuse, he did so after the fact, when judgment should have been left to the apparatus of the state.

                      Rittenhouse shouldn't have been there, he shouldn't have been armed with a military weapon, and were he innocent he would have surrendered himself to police after killing his first victim.

                      I'm not interested in the excuses nor the prodigies of self deception you have to perform to justify the judicial whitewash. Rittenhouse walked through police lines because police didn't want to stop him, and the prosecution failed because it was never intended to succeed.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      You are a lying, ignorant or arrogant.

                      Lie number 1. 'I don't know, and you don't know, the truth of the allegations of child molestation'

                      I have posted many links to the convictions of these people yet you say we don't know.

                      Yes we do know the truth, he was convicted.

                      Heres, another, link to his conviction, try looking at it for a change:

                      https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/2021/03/12/kenosha-shooting/

                      I'll give you the crib notes.

                      'Joseph Don Rosenbaum lived in Kenosha. He had an open case for misdemeanor bail jumping that was filed on July 30, 2020.'

                      The conditions of bond read: “Not to Possess or Consume Alcohol. *Not To Possess or Consume Controlled Substances w/o a Prescription. No contact including the residence, electronic or 3rd party with: Kariann S, Park Ridge Inn.”

                      Rosenbaum also had open misdemeanor cases for battery (domestic abuse) and disorderly conduct (domestic abuse).

                      Court documents obtained by Wisconsin Right Now from the Pima County (Arizona) Clerk of Courts confirm Rosenbaum was charged by a grand jury with 11 counts of child molestation and inappropriate sexual activity with children, including anal rape, masturbation, oral sex, and showing minors pornography. The victims were five boys ranging in age from nine to 11 years old. He was convicted of two amended counts as part of a plea deal. See those documents here.'

                      'Rittenhouse shouldn't have been there'

                      Maybe he should, maybe he shouldn't but he had every legal right to be there, unlike the rioters so that is a pointless statement.

                      'he shouldn't have been armed with a military weapon'

                      Another strait up lie, which I've covered previously. He had an AR-15 type rifle. Legal. Not a military weapon.

                      'and were he innocent he would have surrendered himself to police after killing his first victim.'

                      You really are a dumb, arrogant dick head. Where do you think Kyle was running when he was being chased, the police is where you was running to you fucking asshole.

                      Why are you arguing this case when you don't know the first thing about it,

                      You might have heard of this

                      group: https://www.npr.org/2021/11/19/1057422329/why-legal-experts-were-not-surprised-by-the-rittenhouse-jurys-decision-to-acquit

                      Try reading it unless you think NPR is a right wing organisation but really all you need to know is here:

                      "Mr. Rosenbaum was chasing me. I pointed my gun at him, and that did not deter him. He could have ran away instead of trying to take my gun from me, but he kept chasing me. It didn't stop him," Rittenhouse testified last week.'

                      'Afterward, Rittenhouse ran away toward a police line, he said during the trial. While he was running, several people started to chase him, including Huber and Grosskreutz. Huber struck Rittenhouse with a skateboard, evidence showed, and Grosskreutz was armed with a Glock pistol.'

                      Do you get that Stuart? He was running to the police BEFORE he was forced to shoot a child rapist

                      After he shot a child rapist he CONTINUED to run to the police.

                    • Stuart Munro

                      You are a lying, ignorant or arrogant.

                      Right back at you, vigilante fanboy. Though you deny it – the child molestation was not occurring when Rittenhouse murdered the man you claim had that background – you must find another reason to exculpate Rittenhouse – he was NOT defending children from abuse.

                      Maybe he should, maybe he shouldn't but he had every legal right to be there, unlike the rioters so that is a pointless statement.

                      I think you'll find they had every legal right to be there also – just not to riot – but let us not pretend your argument is in any way rational – you exculpate Rittenhouse, not because he is innocent, which he manifestly is not, but because he took up arms against a group protesting the abuse of police power. For some reason you believe in noble cause corruption and qualified immunity – it is this that moves you to forgive Rittenhouse. Perhaps you expect to need qualified immunity yourself at some point.

                      Another strait up lie, which I've covered previously. He had an AR-15 type rifle. Legal. Not a military weapon.

                      Bullshit. The AR15 was designed as a military weapon, and is in most respects identical to the M16, the US military's weapon of choice. ArmaLite first developed the AR-15 in the late 1950s as a military rifle, but had limited success in selling it. In 1959 the company sold the design to Colt. You ought to know that lying through your teeth like this does nothing for your argument, except to demonstrate your disrespect for the facts.

                      You really are a dumb, arrogant dick head.

                      When you are reduced to abuse, my little cabbage, it is because you have already lost.

                      "Mr. Rosenbaum was chasing me. I pointed my gun at him, and that did not deter him. He could have ran away instead of trying to take my gun from me, but he kept chasing me. It didn't stop him," Rittenhouse testified last week.'

                      No doubt Mr Rosenbaum, having watched Rittenhouse murder a fellow citizen, meant to disarm him, in the interests of public safety.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      You are a lying, ignorant or arrogant.

                      'Right back at you, vigilante fanboy. Though you deny it – the child molestation was not occurring when Rittenhouse murdered the man you claim had that background – you must find another reason to exculpate Rittenhouse – he was NOT defending children from abuse.'

                      • You were lying when you said "I don't know, and you don't know, the truth of the allegations of child molestation" because I have posted many links to Josephs criminal record.
                      • Do you deny this?
                      • My pointing out that the child anal rapist is a child anal rapist is to counter the claims that hes a peaceful, civil rights protester, also why I posted footage of him using the N-word

                      Maybe he should, maybe he shouldn't but he had every legal right to be there, unlike the rioters so that is a pointless statement.

                      'I think you'll find they had every legal right to be there also – just not to riot –'

                      • Thank you for proving my point. Protest yes but rioting no and they were rioting.

                      'but let us not pretend your argument is in any way rational – you exculpate Rittenhouse, not because he is innocent, which he manifestly is not,'

                      • Theres the arrogance, the evidence was shown, the witness heard from and the footage watched but you, Stuart Munro, have decided that the verdict is wrong, even though you didn't follow the trial.
                      • You like links from NPR, read this one:

                      https://www.npr.org/2021/11/19/1057422329/why-legal-experts-were-not-surprised-by-the-rittenhouse-jurys-decision-to-acquit

                      'but because he took up arms against a group protesting the abuse of police power.'

                      • Again as shown by footage and prosecutor testimony he didn'y

                      'For some reason you believe in noble cause corruption and qualified immunity – it is this that moves you to forgive Rittenhouse. Perhaps you expect to need qualified immunity yourself at some point.'

                      • I don't know exactly what it is you're implying here nor do I care to know

                      Another strait up lie, which I've covered previously. He had an AR-15 type rifle. Legal. Not a military weapon.

                      'Bullshit. The AR15 was designed as a military weapon, and is in most respects identical to the M16, the US military's weapon of choice. ArmaLite first developed the AR-15 in the late 1950s as a military rifle, but had limited success in selling it. In 1959 the company sold the design to Colt. You ought to know that lying through your teeth like this does nothing for your argument, except to demonstrate your disrespect for the facts.'

                      • Heres the ignorance I was talking about, he had an AR-15 type, TYPE being the key word, rifle.'

                      You think you can jump on google and find a link to prove your point. I've been dealing with people like you (ignorant and arrogant) for a very long time.

                      As you yourself stated the AR-15 was developed by Armalite as a military rifle. Fact.

                      But Kyle was not carrying a military Armalite AR-15. Fact

                      He was carrying a legal, civilian, Smith & Wesson AR-15 style rifle. Fact

                      You know virtually nothing about firearms. Fact.

                      I use links to show proof to others of what I already know. Fact.

                      You use links because you don't know. Fact.

                      Now I know what you're going to say next. Yes accuracy in trials matters and yes there is a difference, allow me to explain:

                      Heres the Trekka, looks like a Land Rover but is not the same thing as a Land Rover

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

                      You really are a dumb, arrogant dick head.

                      • Statement of fact, proven by facts previously and below

                      "Mr. Rosenbaum was chasing me. I pointed my gun at him, and that did not deter him. He could have ran away instead of trying to take my gun from me, but he kept chasing me. It didn't stop him," Rittenhouse testified last week.'

                      'No doubt Mr Rosenbaum, having watched Rittenhouse murder a fellow citizen, meant to disarm him, in the interests of public safety.'

                      • Heres the reason why I called you dumb. Had you followed the trial you would know that the first person Kyle shot was Joseph Rosenbaum so please explain to me how 'Mr Rosenbaum' watched Kyle shoot someone in self-defence when 'Mr Rosenbaum' was the first person Kyle shot.

                      Also you're assuming what the noted child rapist and domestic abuser (noted to show how violent he is and how he lacks empathy) was thinking whereas I on the other hand am going off what 'Mr Rosenbaum' said previously in the night when he said if he saw Kyle alone he would kill him

                      I have the trial outcome

                      I have the prosecutions own witness testimony

                      I have drone footage

                      I have smart phone footage

                      You have nothing, nothing at all smiley

                    • Stuart Munro

                      Gosh you're full of yourself – and it is unbecoming in a moral teenager, a prating knave who endorses vigilantism.

                      My pointing out that the child anal rapist is a child anal rapist is to counter the claims that hes a peaceful, civil rights protester

                      Ah, so defaming the victim to lessen the gravity of Rittenhouse's murder formed no part of your motivation? The mens rea is so thick you're soaking in it.

                      An AR15 is a military firearm, no matter how you may try to deny it – and therein lies much of its appeal to deranged vigilantes. The technicality you're trying to push is less than wafer thin – it simply isn't substantial enough to support the nonsense you are trying to hang from it. Had your argument broad legitimacy you would not be constantly reduced to grasping at such flimsy technicalities.

                      Thank you for proving my point. Protest yes but rioting no and they were rioting.

                      Well someone would have to, because you couldn't sustain an argument through a wet paper bag. But of course Rittenhouse's rights are likewise curtailed when he presents that firearm, threatens to kill, does in fact kill, and so on.

                      He was running to the police BEFORE he was forced to shoot a child rapist

                      He was running to the police having threatened a civilian with a weapon, and failed to deter him. The child molestation is just your post facto get out of jail free card.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      'Gosh you're full of yourself – and it is unbecoming in a moral teenager, a prating knave who endorses vigilantism.'

                      – Being that I'm the one linking to evidence, testimony, video evidence, drone evidence and factual information and at no point have I endorsed vigilantism (please find proof where I did, shouldn't be too hard to locate) I'll take what you say with a reasonably large grain of salt

                      My pointing out that the child anal rapist is a child anal rapist is to counter the claims that hes a peaceful, civil rights protester

                      'Ah, so defaming the victim to lessen the gravity of Rittenhouse's murder formed no part of your motivation?'

                      – What a stupid thing to say, as the trial proved Kyle is not a murderer.

                      The mens rea is so thick you're soaking in it.

                      – I'll point you towards the trial, its outcomes and the evidence

                      An AR15 is a military firearm, no matter how you may try to deny it – and therein lies much of its appeal to deranged vigilantes.

                      – The AR-15 (without getting too technical) is the civilian variant of the M4. It is legally sold to civilians because it can only be fired in semi-automatic mode.

                      'The technicality you're trying to push is less than wafer thin – it simply isn't substantial enough to support the nonsense you are trying to hang from it.'

                      – Facts matter, you don't like it but facts matter. He was carrying a legal, AR-15 type rifle. As you yourself said AR-15 is a military rifle made by the Armalite company.

                      – Kyle was carrying a Smith and Wesson AR-15 TYPE rifle, completely legal.

                      'Had your argument broad legitimacy you would not be constantly reduced to grasping at such flimsy technicalities.'

                      – Sorry if I think accuracy is important in a murder trial

                      Thank you for proving my point. Protest yes but rioting no and they were rioting.

                      'Well someone would have to, because you couldn't sustain an argument through a wet paper bag.'

                      – Interestingly enough my arguments are quite similar to the defences, yours are similar to the prosecutions

                      – Kyle found, correctly, not guilty, funny that. also from NPR since you must have missed it earlier (probably deliberately):

                      https://www.npr.org/2021/11/19/1057422329/why-legal-experts-were-not-surprised-by-the-rittenhouse-jurys-decision-to-acquit

                      'But of course Rittenhouse's rights are likewise curtailed when he presents that firearm, threatens to kill, does in fact kill, and so on.'

                      – Another lie. Kyle never threatened to kill. 'Mr Rosenbaum' had earlier in the night threatened to kill Kyle.

                      He was running to the police BEFORE he was forced to shoot a child rapist

                      'He was running to the police having threatened a civilian with a weapon, and failed to deter him.'

                      – Why are you trying to prove me right and yourself wrong?

                      – Yes he was trying to get to the police. He wanted to get to the police so he wouldn't have to shoot anyone but 'Mr Rosenbaum' chased him

                      – Yes he aimed the rifle at 'Mr Rosenbaum' because he wanted 'Mr Rosenbaum' to stop chasing him

                      – He wanted 'Mr Rosenbaum to not chase him because 'Mr Rosenbaum' threatened Kyles life

                      – Look I don't need your help proving you know nothing about this case but thank you anyway

                      'The child molestation is just your post facto get out of jail free card.'

                      – The evidence, the witnesses, the video footage, the drone footage were Kyles get out of jail card.

                      – Also 'Mr Rosenbaum' died as he lived, trying to touch an unwilling minor, unfortunately for 'Mr Rosenbaum' this minor was able to protect himself. wink

                    • Stuart Munro

                      My pointing out that the child anal rapist is a child anal rapist is to counter the claims that hes a peaceful, civil rights protester

                      'Ah, so defaming the victim to lessen the gravity of Rittenhouse's murder formed no part of your motivation?'

                      – What a stupid thing to say, as the trial proved Kyle is not a murderer. T

                      he trial proved nothing of the sort.

                      The mens rea is so thick you're soaking in it.

                      – I'll point you towards the trial,

                      Having no rational argument to support your contentions.

                      An AR15 is a military firearm, no matter how you may try to deny it – and therein lies much of its appeal to deranged vigilantes.

                      – The AR-15 (without getting too technical) is the civilian variant of the M4. It is legally sold to civilians because it can only be fired in semi-automatic mode.

                      'The technicality you're trying to push is less than wafer thin – it simply isn't substantial enough to support the nonsense you are trying to hang from it.'

                      – Facts matter, you don't like it but facts matter. He was carrying a legal, AR-15 type rifle. As you yourself said AR-15 is a military rifle made by the Armalite company.

                      – Kyle was carrying a Smith and Wesson AR-15 TYPE rifle, completely legal.

                      red herring – the legality of the weapon is not in dispute the AR15 or AR15 styled rifle remains the weapon of choice for vigilantes such as the Christchurch shooter and your latest unsavoury obsession, the murderer Rittenhouse. They are chosen because of the similarities between their design and the M16.

                      Yes, they no longer fire full automatic – but they were designed as a military assault rifle by a military supplier for a military customer. In most respects they are still that military assault rifle. These facts matter PR, and your determination to set them aside is consistent with the general dishonesty that means most of us don't believe a damned thing you say – links or no links.

                      'Had your argument broad legitimacy you would not be constantly reduced to grasping at such flimsy technicalities.'

                      Sorry if I think accuracy is important in a murder trial – gosh a rhetorical flourish! who'd have thought you had it in you! You're not in a murder trial PR, you're in a discussion, trying to salvage the shreds of your credibility for fanboying a vigilante, and by extension the dysfunctional US system that created him.

                      – Interestingly enough my arguments are quite similar to the defences, yours are similar to the prosecutions

                      'But of course Rittenhouse's rights are likewise curtailed when he presents that firearm, threatens to kill, does in fact kill, and so on.'

                      – Another lie. Kyle never threatened to kill. 'Mr Rosenbaum' had earlier in the night threatened to kill Kyle.

                      A presented firearm carries an implicit threat.

                      He was running to the police BEFORE he was forced to shoot a child rapist

                      He was running to the police BEFORE he chose to shoot a man he had threatened with a rifle. fixed it for you.

                      – Yes he was trying to get to the police. He wanted to get to the police so he wouldn't have to shoot anyone but 'Mr Rosenbaum' chased him

                      – Yes he was trying to get to the police. He wanted to get to the police so that he wouldn't beaten and killed by the men he had menaced with his rifle.

                      Look I don't need your help

                      Brother, you need all the help you can get. I imagine you 'need' an AR15 'styled' rifle too.

                      'The child molestation is just your post facto get out of jail free card.'

                      The evidence, the witnesses, the video footage, the drone footage were Kyles get out of jail card. – I imagine the gun lobby, and political parties had some influence too – but there is no mystery in Rittenhouse's release – the US plays by very different rules. It is you that need the get out of jail card, as you applaud the death by violence of a fellow human being, who, absent Rittenhouse's reckless provocation of a crowd, would probably still be alive.

                      Were that the case you would not have felt obliged to mention that the child molestation at every opportunity, as if it somehow made the victim

                      Also 'Mr Rosenbaum' died as he lived, trying to touch an unwilling minor, unfortunately for 'Mr Rosenbaum' this minor was able to protect himself.

                      By shooting Rosenberg dead, together with some other members of the public – vigilantism victory! And you're smiling – so why do you imagine you escape the label vigilante fanboy? You patently are one.

                    • Stuart Munro

                      Please explain why you know better:

                      I already have explained – at some length I might add – but you are either too obtuse, or too smug in your celebration of vigilantism to get it. Ultimately I suppose it is simply in accord with the rest of your sociopathic rightwing nonsense.

                      Gran Torino probably did it better anyway. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HisV1xUcIFI

    • McFlock 2.6

      All charges?

      Including possession of a dangerous weapon by a person aged under 18?

      So he shot three people in self defense using a weapon that wasn't actually in his possession?

      Seems legit, lolk

      • Puckish Rogue 2.6.1

        Well hey now its the noted expert on Wisconsin gun laws McFlock, throwing links out like hes Tiger Woods so lets just have a look at the link hes provided…

        Damn dude looks like you got me with a link to ABC dated 11 Nov 21, theres no way this can be refuted.

        Unless…you have a link from ABC dated 20 Nov 21, which I just happen to have:

        https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/explainer-judge-drop-rittenhouse-gun-charge-81285031

        'Hours before closing arguments began on Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder granted a defense motion to toss out the weapons charge. Rittenhouse attorneys Mark Richards and Corey Chirafisi pointed to an exception in the law that they said allows minors to possess shotguns and rifles as long as they’re not short-barreled.'

        'Assistant District Attorney James Kraus argued that the exception renders the state’s prohibition on minors possessing dangerous weapons meaningless. But when he acknowledged that Rittenhouse’s rifle’s barrel was longer than 16 inches, the minimum barrel length allowed under state law, Schroeder dismissed the charge.'

        'This section applies only to a person under 18 years of age who possesses or is armed with a rifle or a shotgun if the person is in violation of s. 941.28 …” That section of law isn’t specific to minors, but rather forbids any person from having a short-barreled shotgun or rifle.'

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5EKuIus-oE

        • McFlock 2.6.1.1

          Fair call. Unlike you, I haven't been obsessing over the case.

          They do have funny laws, judges, and juries over there.

          • Puckish Rogue 2.6.1.1.1

            I do think its an important issue so that helps

            • McFlock 2.6.1.1.1.1

              It's biggest importance was in showing, again, the sort of people US "self defense" laws are intended to protect.

              • Puckish Rogue

                'It's biggest importance was in showing, again, the sort of people US "self defense" laws are intended to protect.'

                People going about their lawful and legal business that are then attacked?

                You can't win this.

                • McFlock

                  Bit circular there, because apparently running around with firearms and pointing them at people is lawful and legal, and getting scared when they respond accordingly is enough excuse to lawfully and legally shoot them dead.

                  • Puckish Rogue

                    Oh McFlock, McFlock, McFlock, are you enjoying this spanking I'm giving you?

                    See the thing is you didn't follow the trial at all.

                    You know that I did and yet you still try to put out these proven lies.

                    Kyle wasn't 'running around with firearms and pointing them at people' in fact once the trouble started he tried to run away, run away to the police

                    The trouble started when the sodomiser of children (just so you know who you're defending) threatened Kyle saying that he'd kill him if he got him alone

                    This information came from the prosecutions own witness

                    • McFlock

                      Just what "spanking" you're doing at the moment is none of my concern.

                      Maybe there will be appeals, maybe civil trials. But Rittenhouse still took a gun to a riot and shot three people. Jury or not, I won't be inviting him to dinner any time soon.

                      As for "lies", didn't the prosecutor say that Rittenhouse pointed guns at people? Was the prosecutor "lying", too?

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      'Just what "spanking" you're doing at the moment is none of my concern.'

                      You know you like it

                      'Maybe there will be appeals, maybe civil trials'

                      Sure. Its their legal right to do so

                      'But Rittenhouse still took a gun to a riot and shot three people.'

                      But Rittenhouse still took a gun, which according to the laws of the state and decided in court that he was in the legal right to do, to a riot and shot three people.

                      Woah, woah, woah just a second there buddy, it wasn't a riot because riots are illegal.

                      I was informed by the impartial and very honest CNN that these were 'mostly peaceful' protests

                      https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2020/08/1862/1048/CNN-Headline-Fiery-2.jpg?ve=1&tl=1

                      'As for "lies", didn't the prosecutor say that Rittenhouse pointed guns at people? Was the prosecutor "lying", too?'

                      He did when he, finally, had to defend himself. You've made it sound like he was going around aiming at people for the lols

                      Also just because: https://www.aufamily.com/forums/topic/174642-mostly-clueless-kool-aid-drinkers-the-meme/

                    • McFlock

                      "When he had to".

                      Not sure that got the same level of test it would have had in NZ.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      'Not sure that got the same level of test it would have had in NZ.'

                      Yeah its almost like this happened in a different country with a different culture and laws to our own

                    • McFlock

                      Which kind of puts paid to your "He was found not guilty so hes not a murderer" thing.

                      By Wisconsin standards, he's not a murderer, or even a manslaughterer(? I guess that's the term). But that's not saying a huge amount. Even by US standards.

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      'By Wisconsin any reasonable persons standards, he's not a murderer, or even a manslaughterer?

                    • McFlock

                      Maybe some reasonable people could se it that way, if they squint really hard. But that depends on a generous interpretation of "reasonable".

                    • Puckish Rogue

                      'Maybe some reasonable people could se it that way, if they squint really hard. But that depends on a generous interpretation of "reasonable"

                      I know right, I mean even though the video footage backed up what Kyle said, even though the prosecution witnesses backed up what Kyle said, even though the laws backed up Kyle and even though 'activists' and news outlets were trying to find out the ids of the jurors…surely only an 'unreasonable' person would find Kyle not guilty

                    • McFlock

                      That's not actually what I said.

                      You switched this into a discussion about reasonableness rather than the vagaries of different legal jurisdictions and their respective burdens of proof for self defense arguments. Fair enough.

                      Reasonableness is much more subjective. Personally, I think grabbing a gun and running to a scene of civil disorder to protect property is unreasonable. But I can see how another reasonable person might disagree. But they'd have a significantly different values system.

        • Shanreagh 2.6.1.2

          I can't believe anyone would put a link up to arch nutter Alex Jones of Infowars as if it will add anything to anything. Even Wiki in its short pen portrait says he is known for the 'Promotion of multiple right-wing conspiracy theories'.

          Presumably you are putting it up just to give us all a laugh. I actually don't find him funny just demented

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

      • Shanreagh 2.6.2

        I'm waiting for someone to round up these do*ks who persist in wearing their caps back to front. Followed by the sunglasses, cap back to front and hoodies over the top of the cap crowd, preferably worn inside a car. These outrages against fashion and world wide copy catting deserve the severest of punishment./sarc.

        Truly sad is to see guys whose age should tell them better (say over 12years) continuing to do this. Perhaps Rittenhouse will be encouraged to lift himself above the do*k level crowds and throw his cap away.

      • left for dead 2.6.3

        Sorry McFlock ,,, theirs no reply button ….@ PR

        they are known as MSSA the M says it all,I hope you have handed yours in as supposed to. .

  3. Puckish Rogue 3

    A black guy shooting three other black guys in self defence?

    The same verdict because the actual evidence (not the media evidence) was overwhelming in favour of the defence

  4. Molly 4

    This Athena Swan charter sounds disturbingly similar to Stonewall's Equality index, and has been adopted by The Higher Education Authority (HEA) of Ireland.

    Engagement with this charter is required of all higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country and the HEA has stated that research funding could be lost by institutions if they do not achieve accreditation under this charter within a set timeframe.

    Critics of free speech on this site will be pleased that these threats are unnecessary as Dublin University already has the matter in hand.

    ‘This is going to sound extraordinary, unbelievable even, but I went to buy a newspaper in the Londis the other day on the DCU Glasnevin campus only to learn that there is a campus-wide “boycott” of the Irish Times over their alleged “transphobic editorial policy”. The commercial companies on campus obviously kowtowed to a student union motion.

    ‘The country’s de facto paper of record is de facto banned in one of the main higher learning centres, itself home to the leading journalism school. I imagine in a ‘history of journalism’ lecture there they would teach about freedom of the important of press under authoritarian regimes. Well they have a contemporaneous example in their midst. How embarrassing.’

  5. millsy 5

    So how do you guys feel about your hero, Glenn Greenwald in the knowledge that he defends white supremacists who gun down civil rights protesters?

    • Puckish Rogue 5.1

      Go back to sleep, then when you wake up have a look at the video footage from the trail (specifically where Kyle is kicked, assaulted and has an illegal pistol aimed at him), read some coverage that isn't CNN and then come back and post again

      • millsy 5.1.1

        Why dont you just admit that you want the USA to return to the good old days of lynching, segregation and Jim Crow. Which is the ultamite goal of the likes of Rittenhouse and Greenwald.

        I suppose you think George Floyd deserved to die as well.

        [RL: You are tolerated as the unhinged nutter that brings a little colour to every site – but your personal attacks here are over the line. Last warning.]

    • Molly 5.2

      millsy, like many in long-term relationships, I don't agree with my partner of 35 years on everything.

      I don't even agree with myself from five years ago on some things.

      If you abandon your expectation to find conformity and agreement in all things, then you'll understand how I can still appreciate Greenwalds work on Snowden and Assange while comprehending how law works, and the application of it matters even when we don't like the outcome. The inequality in representation demands scrutiny here too.

      The fact that this teen deliberately armed himself and crossed counties to attend this protest deserves analysis regardless.

      • Molly 5.2.1

        Given millsy's reference, here's Greenwald himself discussing the trial.

        Might pay to have a look.

        • swordfish 5.2.1.2

          .

          Greenwald's views are grounded in solid left-wing principles that take precedence over petty partisan politics … he has the integrity / honesty / courage to recognise & acutely critique the now very obvious Upper-Middle capture of the Left & how this is fundamentally subverting genuine traditional Social Democratic principles for its own narcissistic self-interest. Little more than a Vanity Project that viciously scapegoats whole swathes of the lower income, while further consolidating their own power, status & financial privilege. The Right & the political elites of the "Left" are increasingly just two warring sides of the same self-interested Establishment.

          • Molly 5.2.1.2.1

            @swordfish, I take it you watched the video too, or, unlike me, have been following this case closely and critically.

            I had to pause and do a few searches for the video footage etc, while watching to check, but I couldn't find any evidence that what Greenwald says in that video was inaccurate or biased.

            Life is not black and white. People we love and admire can do the wrong thing, and conversely, people we don't like are not always guilty.

      • Puckish Rogue 5.2.2

        Hi Molly

        The weapon was in Kenosha, Kyle works in Kenosha and his father lives and works in Kenosha.

        The travel time is approximately 20 minutes

        This hogwash about crossing state lines was an attempt to make it sound more 'sinister' then it really was

        Should Kyle have been there.

        I'd say no but he had the right to be there, nor was his weapon illegal nor was it illegal for him to carry the weapon.

        It was illegal for the sodomiser of children to threaten to kill Kyle, it was illegal for the multiple domestic abuser to assault Kyle and it was illegal for the convicted felon to aim an illegal pistol at Kyle

        But it was legal for Kyle to defend himself which he did with extremely good weapon control.

        • Molly 5.2.2.1

          Just listening to Greenwald now.

          Probably will find myself disagreeing with myself of an hour ago, frown

          Thanks to millsy for making me look for the links.

        • millsy 5.2.2.2

          I know as a devout homophobic wife beating creationist Christian, you think that people should be eternally punished for their crimes in both this life and the next, but in the secular world, these guys had served their time and paid their debt to society. The fact of the matter is that they were marching for civil rights and liberties, something that right wing Trump supporters like you cannot get your head round. Rittenhouse is a KKK sympathizing racist who thinks that minorities have too much rights and wants to return to the days of lynching and segregation. Like you

          • Puckish Rogue 5.2.2.2.1

            That actually made my daysmiley

            • alwyn 5.2.2.2.1.1

              Yes, you have persuaded Millsy to examine his prejudices and repent for his sins.

              Now that he has admitted where his opinions come from he may find the way to redemption. After all Millsy admits his faults when he says "I know as a devout homophobic wife beating creationist Christian".

              • Puckish Rogue

                Its a lie because I highly doubt he has a wife, in fact I'd bet he couldn't even get laid on nzdating wink

              • aj

                Read that again. The full sentence makes that clear.

                ….as a devout homophobic wife beating creationist christian, you think that people should be eternally punished for…

                • Puckish Rogue

                  'devout homophobic wife beating creationist christian'

                  Do I need to point out here that I'm not:

                  1. devout

                  2. homophobic

                  3. a domestic abuser (interestingly enough three of the four guys Kyle shot at have been charged with domestic assault)

                  4. a creationist

                  5. christian

                  I am married so he got that right smiley

                • alwyn

                  Why don't you quote the full sentence which starts with "I know"?

                  However I still am quoting him fairly. He probably didn't mean to make such a confession but he did say it.

                  If I wrote a sentence that said “I know, as a totally degenerate alcoholic, that you can’t drink in moderation” the you wouldn’t be about other people it would be about the person who had written the “I”.

                  As a true wowser of course I never drink to excess. I also never lie. I follow in the path of St Jacinda.

            • Anker 5.2.2.2.1.2

              Perfect response PR from that pile of words from Millsy (even if it was sarc)

        • Robert Guyton 5.2.2.3

          Why are you going into bat for that guy, Pucky?

          • bwaghorn 5.2.2.3.1

            To fill in a boring Saturday morning fishing for bites,is my guess.

            • Puckish Rogue 5.2.2.3.1.1

              Actually I'm on a nice drive but it could also be its something I think is quite important

          • Puckish Rogue 5.2.2.3.2

            Kyle was innocent.

            Isn't that enough?

            The MSM were after him

            The Democrat party were after him

            Our tech overlords were after him

            Hollywood was after him.

            The presumption of innocence was on his side or should have been

            The evidence showed what happened yet, as shown by some on this site, people still think he's guilty

            Doesn't that bother you at all?

            • millsy 5.2.2.3.2.1

              “…….The MSM were after him

              The Democrat party were after him

              Our tech overlords were after him

              Hollywood was after him……….”

              These people that you hate are the last people that are willing to stand up and defend civil rights in the USA.

              Its clearly obvious that Kyle's supporters, including yourself, want to return to the days of lynching, segreation and Jim Crow, where blacks were lynched for whistling at a white women, or forbidden from access services in 'White' areas.

              Your mate Donald John Trump, his cabinet and his supporters were all set to impose a theocracy which white supramacist characteristics,

    • weka 5.3

      A link always helps to know what you are talking about, especially if you are making claims about a controversial public figure

      • millsy 5.3.1

        It's all over his Twitter feed. Guy has moved to the right. He supports Trump and wants cops to go round killing whoever they want

        [in which case you could easily have posted a link. Please post links to your support your assertions now. I’m aware of GG’s positions, but this isn’t FB, we want informed debate here which means having access to what you are basing your opinions on – weka]

        • Molly 5.3.1.1

          Watch the video by Greenwald himself for context.

          https://rumble.com/embed/vmvhkl/?pub=4

          The prosecution failed to prove murder as the evidence was not supportive of conviction.

          • millsy 5.3.1.1.1

            Greenwald needs to realise that the people who he insists on defending are those that will gladly beat and murder him for being gay.

            The guy stopped caring about civil rights long ago and now wants Trump back in.

            [“and now wants Trump back in” definitely needs a direct citation. Popping you in premod until that happens – weka]

            [Millsy quote from the sin bin: “Ok, I retract my statements about Greenwald.”]

            • weka 5.3.1.1.1.1

              mod note #2

            • Puckish Rogue 5.3.1.1.1.2

              Don't stop Millsy you've got them on the ropes

              Keep it coming angel

            • Macro 5.3.1.1.1.3

              Weka – perhaps you might read this piece on the Daily Beast Published in June this year.

              https://www.thedailybeast.com/is-glenn-greenwald-the-new-master-of-right-wing-media

              This past month has occasioned spectacular success, of a sort, for the pugnacious contrarian pundit, an erstwhile leftist journalist-turned-Donald Trump defender who once again is proving his mastery of the right-wing media ecosystem.

              Indeed, in a self-perpetuating feedback loop that runs from Twitter to Fox News and back again, Greenwald has managed, like Trump before him, to orchestrate his very own news cycles.

              Last year, following his exit from The Intercept, Greenwald admitted to The Daily Beast that Fox News airs its share of “horrific, toxic, damaging, destructive, and bigoted” content. However, he defended his frequent Fox hits, saying, “I have no doubt that some people at the Intercept were upset that I was going on Fox, but I would no sooner allow anyone to dictate to me which shows I can go on than I would allow anyone to censor my opinions.”

              And now he is effectively operating as something of a Fox News assignment editor, as indicated by The Daily Beast’s spot check of the frequency with which Greenwald’s online musings on social media and elsewhere, especially his Substack page, have served as the basis for dozens of articles on Fox News’ website.

              It seems it's all about money (around $2 mill US a year)

              • weka

                thanks. I'm aware of the controversy around Greenwald's views. I'm asking Millsy to up his game and present evidence that Greenwald wants Trump back in. This is about TS debate culture. Millsy knows better.

            • weka 5.3.1.1.1.4

              are you going to respond to moderation?

          • Molly 5.3.1.1.2

            … in addition, evidence supported self-defence.

            Whether I believe in the right to carry arms, as PR pointed out it is legal.

            Do I think there is a problem with this teen's choices – yes – but he can't be convicted for murder on that.

            Watch the video to get the full picture of why Greenwald has his position.

            Greenwald needs to realise that the people who he insists on defending are those that will gladly beat and murder him for being gay.

            The guy stopped caring about civil rights long ago and now wants Trump back in
            Both those statements are irrelevant to the discussion, BTW.

        • weka 5.3.1.2

          mod note.

        • swordfish 5.3.1.3

          .

          millsy

          At the risk of incurring a mod note … can I just say that like so many Woke dogmatists … you're bordering on the unhinged … divorced from cold hard social reality … big on using social media for grandstanding & ostentatious prestige enhancement to impress your fellow dogmatists … hence the usual crude, sociopathic, intellectually lazy bullshit: entire demographics apparently eternally innocent & virtuous / other demographics entirely evil … Zero nuance & zero rationality going on your hippocampus.

          • Cricklewood 5.3.1.3.1

            Nothing unusual Millsy as always been prone to hyperbolic positions that are some distance from reality.

            At least he's given up on the piano wire

  6. arkie 6

    "There is no part of Aotearoa, no business, no community, no farm, no family, whose future will not be shaped in some way by the decisions we all take about what goes in the plan.

    "This is why it is so important to get them right, and why the final plan needs to reflect the government's ambition, as well as your own."

    "Communities, businesses, unions, iwi, young people, faith groups, organisations and people from all walks of live have made it clear to me that they want to be involved in making the plan for how we reach a net zero carbon Aotearoa."

    Shaw said we have to go faster and further to reach the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C.

    "Inaction today will cost our children dearly, and certainly more than it will cost us to put it right now.

    "In the three decades since the science of climate change was made abundantly clear roughly as much climate pollution has been emitted as from the start of the start of the industrial revolution up to that point."

    He said politicians all over the world knew what was unfolding and had a chance to stop it but didn't – and this was last moment before the window of oppportunity closed "perhaps for ever".

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/453438/government-releases-consultation-document-ahead-of-emissions-reduction-plan

    The ERP will be one of the most important, most comprehensive plans this Government creates. It will set out exactly how each Minister across Government plans to reduce climate pollution to meet our emissions targets and address the climate crisis. If done right, it will set us firmly on the path to a low emissions future.

    We know our kids and our grandkids need this plan to be as ambitious as possible. Help us show Government Ministers that there is overwhelming public pressure for ambitious climate action by making a submission.

    https://action.greens.org.nz/strengthen_the_erp

    Please engage with the climate change processes already ongoing, make a submission to the emissions reduction plan. Closes 24 Nov 2021. The Greens provide a simplified form and a more comprehensive form above, or if you prefer the Ministry of the Environment form:

    https://consult.environment.govt.nz/climate/emissions-reduction-plan/consultation/

    • bwaghorn 6.1

      I wont be doing a submission, but if I was it would be around lowering the deer ,goat population significantly, huge amounts of native forest is effectively "dead bush standing " with any young growth not getting a start, I'd prefer its done as meat recovery.

      • arkie 6.1.1

        That’s a perfect submission, I encourage you to do it. Is there any particular reason why you feel your views aren’t worth contributing?

        This is one of the few opportunities we have to communicate our desires for Govt action on climate change, it only need take 10-15mins and it’s imperative the plan is as ambitious and as democratic as possible. This Govt has shown it needs to be pushed, and we can do it through this process, rather than complain about their inaction after the fact.

        As far as the things we can do to prevent the worst of climate change go, this one is the low-hanging fruit and I strongly urge everyone to make a submission.

        • bwaghorn 6.1.1.1

          I figured one would need to turn my 1 paragraph into a wordy 2 page document to be taken seriously,

          • arkie 6.1.1.1.1

            Not at all, check out the simplified form at https://action.greens.org.nz/strengthen_the_erp just add and delete as appropriate. There's no requirement for length!

            I think that if we all made a submission, the shear scale of the engagement would be taken seriously.

            • bwaghorn 6.1.1.1.1.1

              I hate the whole concept of the ets, its achieved nothing to date, is this sub mission up for removing nz from the ets and having any carbon tax spent in nz on real science and actions to reduce our footprint??

              It comes across as leading me down a path to get the answers they want.

          • Sacha 6.1.1.1.2

            Select committees love short, focused submissions. Go for it.

      • Graeme 6.1.2

        Na, extend yourself and put in a submission, there's plenty of evidence that pests are costing the country a lot in ghg emissions.

        You've got a unique and valid view point and can think logically and succinctly. Despite what the grammar nazis think you get your point across in your voice / style.

        • bwaghorn 6.1.2.1

          Yip I reckon it'd be far better to spend some of the carbon tax supporting farmers to fence and control pests out of remnant native areas than send that money of to Bolsanaro in brazil.

          But the nz left is so anti rural they'd rather see is hearded of to the cities in the last great clearance and the lad become a waste land of untended pines, !!

        • bwaghorn 6.1.2.2

          I see q 112 covers the very topic of pests

  7. Gezza 7

    This is Pickles, a baby pukeko about 8 weeks old. He’d only just learned to swim properly and was getting independent. He spent the night on the far stream bank (parenga), & it rained that night, and was still raining in this scene.

    His family of two adult male & one female pukekos were over on my side, getting a handout of wheat grains from me. They can easily fly over a flooded stream.

    Pickles had only ever swum in the stream before when the wai was flowing slow and gentle. He has no idea swimming across this rushing torrent was a totally different matter, & gets swept away downstream

    The others all stopped eating immediately & ran off along the parenga downstream to rescue him. They came back about 5 minutes later with Pickles following along behind, none the worse for wear, and a little wiser. 🙂

    https://vimeo.com/261948718

  8. Robert Guyton 8

    "A Belemnite is an opalised, fossilized Squid that has been discovered mainly in Coober Pedy, South Australia. Formed over about 100 million years, these fossilized opals are very rare. They are an extinct order of Squid that existed from the late Triassic to late Cretaceous period on Earth."

    Wow! That, I did not know! They are gorgeous!

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2948300868833620&set=gm.1310078859452226

  9. Molly 9

    Manchester Pride now requires its attendees to take this Humanity Pledge before attending events:

    Humanity Pledge

    Before attending our Human Rights Forum events, we ask everyone to take our Humanity Pledge;

    I believe that every individual is entitled to dignity, value and respect, without prejudice towards gender, sex, sexuality, disability, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, creed, language, age, class, wealth, pregnancy, marital status or any other marginalised and protected characteristic, including intersectional identities.

    I will treat all people with dignity, empathy and respect and uphold their rights even when I disagree with their opinions.

    I will, through both my words and actions, show respect and empathy for others at all times during the Manchester Pride Human Rights Forum 2021.

    I will endeavour to not make assumptions about the identities, beliefs or experiences of any other participants at the Manchester Pride Human Rights Forum 2021.

    In the persuit of queer liberation, I have come to the Manchester Pride Human Rights Forum 2021 to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and support those affected by them. I have not come to share derogatory, hateful or oppressive opinions or views.

    I understand that if I, at any point, fail to comply with these pledges, I will be asked to leave the Manchester Pride Human Rights Forum.

    Brings to mind that classic song:

    https://youtu.be/mRCe5L1imxg?t=19

  10. Anker 10
    • Godness me it will be interesting to see how this pans out.
  11. Molly 11

    Very sad but important story in the Herald today:

    A mother and her baby died in Auckland Hospital. This is what went wrong.

    Last year, four mothers and three of their babies died during or shortly after giving birth at Auckland City Hospital, in a highly unusual cluster of tragedy that sparked multiple investigations. The family of one mother and baby have broken their silence to tell investigations reporter Nicholas Jones why change is urgently needed.

    Having received treatment in both the ADHB and Counties DHB over the last year, both while in lockdown and out of it, my personal experience has been of a disjointed below par delivery.

    In addition to ICU capacity, these failings will make the medical response to Covid start on the back foot.

    • Brigid 11.1

      Absolutely tragic and so terribly sad. I don't understand why they ignored her pain. It's not a symptom of morning sickness.

      • Molly 11.1.1

        Over two decades ago, was in the maternity ward with three other mothers. I opted to keep my bassinet by my bed. Two of the others alternated with that and the nursery. It was only just before leaving I heard the nurse speak to the remaining patient and discovered her child was stillborn.

        The cruelty of it floored me.

  12. dv 12

    See Tamaki is breaking bail condtions

    Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki has addressed protesters in Auckland Domain during “National Compassion Day”, an event railing against vaccine mandates.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300458896/antivaccine-mandate-protesters-gather-for-national-compassion-day

    Tamaki’s bail conditions include not attending or organising any protest and not accessing the internet for the purpose of organising or inciting non-compliance with Covid-19 level requirements.

    • bwaghorn 12.1

      As much as I'd like the police to drag his sorry arse off to jail ,itll just rouse his muppet followers, hit him where it hurts in his wallet!!!

    • observer 12.2

      From that Stuff story, a perfect explanation of why the mandates are necessary – to save lives:

      "Among the speakers was Papakura High School deputy principal Kelly Te Ariki, who said she is losing her job due to the mandate. She said she last attended school on November 15 before she and several other staff were no longer allowed on site, presumably due to their vaccine stance.

      She did not explicitly mention Covid-19 vaccines but congratulated others who have chosen not to receive the shot. (italics added)

      “We’re showing that we’re practising what we preach,” she said."

    • Sacha 12.3

      Who could have forseen that after he ignored them the first time. Some judges must be on crack.

      • weka 12.3.1

        there's a process to go through? Now they can revoke his bail? Weird that Stuff aren't saying what the consequences of bail breach would be.

  13. Puckish Rogue 13

    To vto

    You asked me: 'If the skin colours were reversed what would the outcome of the trial have been?

    IMHO

    If it was a black man shooting other black men then chances are we probably wouldn't hear about it

    If it was a white man shooting black men then Kenosha would probably be burning right now

    If it was a black man shooting white men then probably something like this:

    https://kstp.com/news/saint-paul-man-who-shot-at-minneapolis-police-in-self-defense-acquitted-of-all-charges-by-jury/6224974/

  14. mpledger 14

    There is an opinion piece on Stuff saying that overseas NZ citizens should have a greater right to MIQ then NZ-based NZ citizens.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/127011028/people-in-nz-should-not-have-same-right-to-miq

    So, yea, screw that. If overseas citizens are paying NZ tax, paying off their students loans and paying off all their other obligations then they can have the same rights to MIQ as NZ-based NZ citizens. Screw that judgemental attitude about why NZ-based NZ citizens are going and returning to NZ.

    • weka 14.1

      MiQ is rationed. Who should get priority? We got delta from people coming through the border, and we are now gearing up for covid deaths and hospital overrun. I think there needs to be a bloody good reason to be leaving and coming back in again. Funerals and sick relatives, not holidays and unnecessary business trips. It's too soon, we don't actually know how effective the vaccine, other tools and traffic light system is going to be.

  15. Molly 15

    I had read about Stella O'Malley's 2018 documentary : Trans Kids. It's time to talk, but have only just watched it.

    Bit dated, but its here for those interested,

    • Anker 15.1

      Thanks Molly, by coincidence I watched her submission to the Conversion Practices Bill.

      She was stunning and her points very difficult to overlook. I think even the very biased Labour Women couldn't help but listen. God knows their treatment of other people presenting who didn't support the bill was appalling.

  16. Jenny How to get there 16

    The USA the only country in the world where it is legal for civilians to hunt and kill human beings.
    Arming himself with a military style assault rifle Kyle Rittenhouse drives 20 miles between his home in Antioch to nearby Kenosha and shoots three people, killing two.. And walked away without even a conviction.

    If Kyle Rittenhouse had driven 20 miles to hunt and shoot three deer he would have been fined possibly even jailed.

    • Puckish Rogue 16.1

      Another liar telling more lies, are the drugs kicking in early today?

      Watch this and then see if you still hold the same views:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEL-AnkSCgE

      • observer 16.1.1

        Ben Shapiro? Seriously?

        Plot, lost.

        • Puckish Rogue 16.1.1.1

          How about, and this is just a suggestion, you try listening to what he has to say before you decide hes wrong

          Or not, your choice

          • observer 16.1.1.1.1

            I could ignore all previous evidence of Mr Shapiro, going back years – sure.

            I could also replace my Weetbix with dog turds, to find out if it is a delicious alternative.

            On the one hand … "you don't know until you've tried".

            On the other hand … logic, reason, knowledge and experience. The brain is a useful tool for making good decisions. That's why I stick with Weetbix.

            • Puckish Rogue 16.1.1.1.1.1

              Yeah wouldn't want to hear anything that might change your mind would you.

              #bluepill

              • observer

                I will hear anything in good faith.

                I have heard Ben Shapiro more than enough, to know what he is and does. (The retractions happen later). See Einstein's famous definition of insanity.

                This correspondence is closed.

            • McFlock 16.1.1.1.1.2

              I could also replace my Weetbix with dog turds, to find out if it is a delicious alternative.

              wonderfully expressed – got a chuckle here

    • Jenny How to get there 16.2

      The first person Rittenhouse shot and killed was a homeless man who had just left hospital who threw a plastic bag of his hospital belongings at Rittenhouse after Rittenhouse pointed his assault rifle at him.

      Rittenhouse second killing was of a skate boarder who tried to strike Rittenhouse with his skate board to try to disarm him after Rittenhouse had killed his first victim.

      Rittenhouse third victim drew a handgun and was wounded by Rittenhouse and survived the shooting.

      In his defence Kyle Rittenhouse said he felt endangered by the three people he shot.

      Kyle Rittenhouse would have no cause to feel endangered if he had not driven from his home in the company of other heavily armed men to confront his victims with his assault rifle.

      Kyle Rittenhouse actions leading up his killings were premeditated.

      Just as if he had driven from his home in the company of other hunters to shoot deer.

      Only in a truly perverted legal system could a heavily armed killer like Rittenhouse have walked completely free without any legal sanction at all.

      Kenosha Rittenhouse trial victims: These are the 3 men he shot – CNN

      • Puckish Rogue 16.2.1

        Fine we'll do this (again)

        An assault rifle is a specific thing, you can't just label something an assault rifle because it looks like an assault rifle.

        Kyle had a (legal) AR-15 type rifle. The AR-15 can only be produced as a semi-automatic.

        To be designated an assault rifle the rifle, amongst other things, has to be able to be fired in both semi AND full automatic mode.

        Kyle did not have an assault rifle.

        Are we clear or do I need to explain it further?

        Right lets move on shall we:

        'The first person Rittenhouse shot and killed was a homeless man who had just left hospital who threw a plastic bag of his hospital belongings at Rittenhouse after Rittenhouse pointed his assault rifle at him.'

        The first person Kyle shot was a convicted child molester and domestic abuser (amongst other charges) and had threatened to kill Kyle earlier in the night.

        Thats not hearsay, thats from the prosecutions own witness.

        Kyle attempted to run from Joseph however it was only when Joseph was close enough to make a grab for the rifle that Kyle shot him.

        Kyle shot Joseph him because Kyle was in fear for his life because of the threats Joseph made towards him and that he was trying to grab Kyles rifle.

        'Rittenhouse second killing was of a skate boarder who tried to strike Rittenhouse with his skate board to try to disarm him after Rittenhouse had killed his first victim'

        Anthony Huber had multiple convictions of domestic abuse (amongst other charges) and didn't try to hit Kyle with the skateboard, he actually assaulted Kyle so Kyle defended himself.

        'Rittenhouse third victim drew a handgun and was wounded by Rittenhouse and survived the shooting.'

        The third person had a previous conviction for being drunk with a firearm and was illegally carrying his pistol, Kyle only shot when Grosskreutz aimed the pistol at Kyle.

        'Kyle Rittenhouse would have no cause to feel endangered if he had not driven from his home in the company of other heavily armed men to confront his victims with his assault rifle.'

        He wasn't in the company of other heavily armed men, he wasn't heavily armed and, as stated previously it wasn't an assault rifle.

        However nothing about his actions were illegal, he was allowed to do what he doing.

        His legal right.

        'Kyle Rittenhouse actions leading up his killings were premeditated.'

        Incorrect. Kyle shot three people who directly threatened him. How could he pre determine that, had he just randomly fired at anyone you might have a point.

        He didn't, he shot three people directly threatening him.

        He was running away, they followed him.

        https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/2021/03/12/kenosha-shooting/

        • Blazer 16.2.1.1

          '

          'The first person Rittenhouse shot and killed was a homeless man who had just left hospital who threw a plastic bag of his hospital belongings at Rittenhouse after Rittenhouse pointed his assault rifle at him.'

          The first person Kyle shot was a convicted child molester and domestic abuser (amongst other charges) and had threatened to kill Kyle earlier in the night.'

          Wow…such accuracy!…so coincidentally he had to shoot everyone he came across..for whatever ..'reasons'!angry

          • Puckish Rogue 16.2.1.1.1

            Kinda missed a couple of paragraphs ie '

            'Kyle attempted to run from Joseph however it was only when Joseph was close enough to make a grab for the rifle that Kyle shot him.'

            Joseph threatened Kyle, Joseph chased Kyle and tried to grab Kyles rifle, at any point Joseph could have stopped but he chose not

            'Kyle shot Joseph him because Kyle was in fear for his life because of the threats Joseph made towards him and that he was trying to grab Kyles rifle.'

            Is that not clear enough for you?

            • Blazer 16.2.1.1.1.1

              No it's not…'the first person'=whoever for whatever lame excuse…i.e throwing a plastic bag'!..I'm in the mood for..murder.

              • Puckish Rogue

                Well if it helps they actually had a trial about this very thing and as it turns out that no matter what you think I'm right and you're wrong laugh

                • Blazer

                  Absolutement…just like O.J….'all done in the best..possible..taste.!

                  • Puckish Rogue

                    Might have to remind me about that case, pretty sure it was about a black man accused of killing a white man and white woman and not in self defence

            • Jenny How to get there 16.2.1.1.1.2

              Spin it how you like.

              After gunning down an unarmed man Rittenhouse was running away.

              The killer was chased by a witness to stop him getting away. Who then tried to disarm the killer.

              You can spin the attempted disarming of an active shooter by a witness armed only with a skateboard as an act of aggression.

              You can spin the killing of two people with a high powered military styled semi automatic weapon, as an act of self defence.

              The facts are Kyle Rittenhouse in the company of other heavily armed men, killed two people, one of them completely unarmed, who presented no threat to him or his companions, and walked away free.

              Kyle Rittenhouse was congratulated for his killings by the billionaire despot in waiting.

              donald trump congratulates kyle rittenhouse – Bing News

              The USA is on an arc to Third World despotism and collapse, where human life has no worth

              • Puckish Rogue

                Hi Jenny

                You don't really understand the words you're using and thats ok, we don't know what we don't know.

                But since you read what I wrote previously and have changed accordingly (the whole AR-15 v assault rifle) you seem like someone that will change their mind when given new information

                'Spin it how you like'

                See I'm not trying to 'spin it', I'm laying out the facts as presented by proof, evidence and witnesses, an example of spinning it would be:

                'After gunning down an unarmed man Rittenhouse was running away'

                So theres a couple of things you need to know here.

                https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/2020/09/08/kyle-rittenhouse-fire-extinguisher/

                So what you'll see here, in a video clip (thanks smart phones) is several people including the paedophile (hes the short, bald guy in the burgundy t shirt) pushing a flaming dumpster towards the gas station (in fairness they might also pushing towards the police cars)

                Next theres this

                https://apnews.com/article/kyle-rittenhouse-trial-key-points-bc51f3b9dd0fe0c1289fe2161d7c3ab3

                'Rittenhouse testified that Rosenbaum threatened his life twice.'

                'He said he had been putting out fires and asking people if they needed medical help when he saw Rosenbaum carrying a steel chain and wearing a mask. Rosenbaum began screaming at him, he said.'

                “He was just mad about something. He’s screaming, ‘If I catch any of you (expletives) alone I’m going to (expletive) kill you.’”

                When he encountered Rosenbaum again later, Rosenbaum shouted, “I’m going to cut your (expletive) hearts out and kill you,” Rittenhouse said.'

              • Puckish Rogue

                By the way aside from being a domestic abuser and sodomiser of little boys he also wasn't afraid of using the n word, in his own words

                https://twitter.com/pr_agmatik/status/1299089444298002432

                • Jenny how to get there

                  I think I can see where you are going with this.

                  American citizens have the right execute pedophiles. (Even if they don't find out they are pedophiles until after they have killed them).

                  Sounds like a recipe for social cohesion. Not!

                  • Puckish Rogue

                    'I think I can see where you are going with this.'

                    – Well if you were thinking you would have come up with a different conclusion

                    'American citizens have the right execute pedophiles. (Even if they don't find out they are pedophiles until after they have killed them).'

                    – American citizens have the right to self-defence

                    'Sounds like a recipe for social cohesion. Not!'

                    – How about not threatening to kill someone as the respectable 'Mr Rosenbaum' did

                    – How about not chasing the person he threatened to kill

                    – How about backing off when the person you threaten to kill presents a firearm

                    – How about not attempting to grab the rifle of the person you threatened to kill especially after they present a firearm

                    – 'Mr Rosenbaum' died as he lived, attempting to assault an unwilling, underage boy, only this time the boy was able to defend himself

                    • Jenny how to get there

                      Puckish Rogue

                      22 November 2021 at 3:08 pm

                      'I think I can see where you are going with this.'

                      – Well if you were thinking you would have come up with a different conclusion

                      'American citizens have the right execute pedophiles. (Even if they don't find out they are pedophiles until after they have killed them).'

                      – American citizens have the right to self-defence…

                      I think I can see where you are going with this

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkXeMoBPSDk&t=1s

  17. joe90 17

    Despite the not guilty verdict the families of OJs' victims sued the fuck out of him and ruined him. Odds are the years Rittenhouse spends fighting off his lawyers and the families of the people he killed will ruin him, too.

    https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/watch-now-bond-money-could-be-next-legal-battle-for-kyle-rittenhouse/article_67a4f727-2237-55e7-abca-6f258a37a5a8.html

    • McFlock 17.1

      MAGA gofundme will cover it.

      • joe90 17.1.1

        And then he'll be forgotten.

        It is no exaggeration to say that everyone but George Zimmerman is to blame for his descent into the bowels of notorious obscurity, according to him. Near the end of his 36-page suit, the whining and caterwauling reaches peek self-pity in the following points:

        “Because of the arrest, charges, prosecution and federal investigation, Zimmerman lives in constant fear of physical harm due to regular death deaths, which often are expressed in rap music as well as online social media commentary. In 2015, a man named Matthew Apperson attempted to murder Zimmerman by shooting a bullet at him that missed his head by inches. Apperson was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

        “Plaintiff Zimmerman was kicked out of college and had to abandon career plans to become a lawyer.

        “Plaintiff Zimmerman has suffered nearly a complete loss of income as he cannot find work because of his “infamy” and legitimate fears by employers of violence and boycotts on their company. Because of the arrest, charges, prosecution and federal investigation, Zimmerman is unable to live a normal life. Zimmerman cannot circulate as a normal person in public. Zimmerman is unable to date; he was kicked off of several dating websites.

        “Plaintiff Zimmerman has suffered severe loss of reputation, goodwill, and past, present, and future loss of income, earning, and other financial damage.”

        https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/tony-norman/2019/12/06/George-Zimmerman-lawsuit-Trayvon-Martin-family-lawyer/stories/201912060054

      • Puckish Rogue 17.1.2

        I don't think he'll be needing any of that…

        https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/the-covington-kids-revenge-one-year-later/

        'Sandmann beat CNN (the other suits are pending), which settled and paid rather than risk a trial. Assuming credibility and self-respect are worth about zero, we now know that the price tag for the agenda journalism CNN practices is reportedly $25 million.'

        https://www.foxnews.com/media/nick-sandmann-kyle-rittenhouse-defamation

        "The parallels between me and Kyle Rittenhouse are impossible not to draw," Sandmann wrote in a column for the Daily Mail in which he directly reached out to lend support. "The way the media has treated you is terrible, and you don't have to face it alone."

  18. James 2 18

    It's pretty clear from the evidence that the verdict was correct. The Prosecution failed to establish the case, as its own witnesses showed.

    Of course that doesn't mean Kyle Rittenhouse is a hero or that it was a good decision to be there armed – it wasn't. But neither is he thereby automatically a white supremacist devil. He appears like a slightly lost young man looking for a cause, much like many of the protestors there.

    It's a definite lesson in the politicalisation and ideological projecting of justice. George Floydd was another. The verdict was legally correct, but none of surrounding valorisation and narrative of George Floydd was right.

    What's most interesting is the media narrative here again. It's yet another example of a Liberal media delivering narrative and ideologically driven news. Like the Steele Dossier. Of course Fox can be just as bad, but they are only one channel.

    Here, it is even worse. The mainstream media is a dull, homogenous, highly ideological, moralistic, AND solidly Left-wing bias, especially on social issues. I have given up on Covid media coverage in NZ. It's a one-sided lecture and Government advertisement, not news.

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  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    5 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Two bar blues
    The thing about life’s little victories is that they can be followed by a defeat.Reader Darryl told me on Monday night:Test again Dave. My “head cold” last week became COVID within 24 hours, and is still with me. I hear the new variants take a bit longer to show up ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 13
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Angus Deaton on rethinking his economics IMFLocal scoop: The people behind Tamarind, the firm that left a $500m cleanup bill for taxpayers at Taranaki’s Tui oil well, are back operating in Taranaki under a different company name. Jonathan ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Progress continues apace on water storage
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