Open mike 21/02/2025
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6:00 am, February 21st, 2025 - 39 comments
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Prime minister Kevin Rudd released the 2009 defence white paper in May of that year. It is today remembered mostly for what it said about the strategic implications of China’s rise; its plan to double ...20 hours ago - This is not democracy
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- Climate Change: More subsidies for Tiwai
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- Wednesday 26 March
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Bargaining between the PSA and Oranga Tamariki over the collective agreement is intensifying – with more strike action likely, while the Employment Relations Authority has ordered facilitation. More than 850 laboratory staff are walking off their jobs in a week of rolling strike action. Union coverage CTU: Confidence in ...6 days ago
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Hundreds more Palestinians have died in recent days as Israel’s assault on Gaza continues and humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, is blocked. ...1 week ago
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National is looking to cut hundreds of jobs at New Zealand’s Defence Force, while at the same time it talks up plans to increase focus and spending in Defence. ...1 week ago
- Release: National standards returning by stealth
It’s been revealed that the Government is secretly trying to bring back a ‘one-size fits all’ standardised test – a decision that has shocked school principals. ...1 week ago
- Release: Kiwis still struggling as economy stumbles along
Kiwis aren’t feeling any better off despite figures showing a very slight growth in GDP in the December quarter. ...1 week ago
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The Green Party is calling for the compassionate release of Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old kaumātua on hunger strike at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility, after visiting him at the prison. ...2 weeks ago
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The ETS auction’s failure today is yet another clear sign that the Government is failing us all on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
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Christopher Luxon seems to have thrown New Zealand’s principled anti-nuclear advocacy under a bus. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must act on Israel’s slaughter of children
The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Still no certainty for disability communities
One year on from the Government’s abrupt and callous changes to disability funding, the community still has no idea what the future holds. ...2 weeks ago
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The Green Party stands in support of volunteer firefighters petitioning the Government to step up and change legislation to provide volunteers the same ACC coverage and benefits as their paid counterparts. ...2 weeks ago
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Living Strong, Aging Well There is much discussion around the health of our older New Zealanders and how we can age well. In reality, the delivery of health services accounts for only a relatively small percentage of health outcomes as we age. Significantly, dry warm housing, nutrition, exercise, social connection, ...2 weeks ago
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Health Minister Simeon Brown’s claim that the Government has put $16.68 billion into the health system over three years is wrong. ...2 weeks ago
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The Green Party is condemning the Government’s move to tighten access to visas for disabled children. ...2 weeks ago
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Labour supports Minister Chris Bishop’s call for input on the second Waitematā Harbour crossing. ...2 weeks ago
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I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak to you today about how we make overseas investment work for all New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
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Labour does not support the private ownership of core infrastructure like schools, hospitals and prisons, which will only see worse outcomes for Kiwis. ...2 weeks ago
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The newly released report on the South Dunedin Future Programme must be a wake-up call for our Government. ...2 weeks ago
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Workers will now be able to go to the Police and report their employer if they are not being paid wages they’re owed. ...2 weeks ago
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The Green Party is disappointed the Government voted down Hūhana Lyndon’s member’s Bill, which would have prevented further alienation of Māori land through the Public Works Act. ...3 weeks ago
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The Labour Party will support Chloe Swarbrick’s member’s bill which would allow sanctions against Israel for its illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories. ...3 weeks ago
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The Green Party is concerned by the impact the Government’s proposed changes to procurement processes could have on people and planet. ...3 weeks ago
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With Labour and Te Pāti Māori’s official support, Opposition parties are officially aligned to progress Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in Palestine. ...3 weeks ago
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Under Labour, the Māori economy went from strength to strength according to the latest report released by MBIE. ...3 weeks ago
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The Government’s new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will make it easier to get things done while protecting the environment, say Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court. “The RMA is broken and everyone knows it. It makes it too hard to build ...6 days ago - New Zealand & India Comprehensive FTA consultation begins
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has today launched a public consultation on New Zealand and India’s negotiations of a formal comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. “Negotiations are getting underway, and the Public’s views will better inform us in the early parts of this important negotiation,” Mr McClay says. We are ...6 days ago
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- Iwi join discussion on geothermal potential
Progressing a holistic strategy to unlock the potential of New Zealand’s geothermal resources, possibly in applications beyond energy generation, is at the centre of discussions with mana whenua at a hui in Rotorua today, Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is in the early stages ...1 week ago
- Building consent data shows need for bold reforms
New annual data has exposed the staggering cost of delays previously hidden in the building consent system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I directed Building Consent Authorities to begin providing quarterly data last year to improve transparency, following repeated complaints from tradespeople waiting far longer than the statutory ...1 week ago
- Reining in water price increases for Aucklanders
Increases in water charges for Auckland consumers this year will be halved under the Watercare Charter which has now been passed into law, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. The charter is part of the financial arrangement for Watercare developed last year by Auckland Council ...1 week ago
- Strong interest in modernising biosecurity law
There is wide public support for the Government’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity protections, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The Ministry for Primary Industries recently completed public consultation on proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act and the submissions show that people understand the importance of having a strong biosecurity ...1 week ago
- New independent review function for civil aviation decisions
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- Enhanced urgent care service for Napier
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- Construction begins on new adult mental health building in Christchurch
Health Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey attended a sod turning today to officially mark the start of construction on a new mental health facility at Hillmorton Campus. “This represents a significant step in modernising mental health services in Canterbury,” Mr Brown says. “Improving health infrastructure is ...1 week ago
- It’s official: Kiwis can look forward to better days
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- Sealing improves safety on Forgotten World Highway
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- NZ – US relations on strong footing
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- New electronic system to support pharmacy efficiency
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- RIF delivering for regional NZ, more to come
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- New State Highway 2 roundabout to improve road safety in Eastern Bay of Plenty
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- Ocean Race returning to Auckland
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- New associate psychology role to grow the mental health workforce
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- First stage of Manukau Health Park expansion open to patients
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- Proceeds of crime to fund safety measures in central Auckland
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- Consultation on options to strengthen food waste for pigs regulations
The Government is moving to strengthen rules for feeding food waste to pigs to protect New Zealand from exotic animal diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD), says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. ‘Feeding untreated meat waste, often known as "swill", to pigs could introduce serious animal diseases like FMD and ...2 weeks ago
- PMs Luxon & Modi deepen NZ-India ties
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- New Zealand & India strengthen forestry ties
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the forestry sector. “Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand & India strengthen horticultural ties
Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) today during the Prime Minister’s Indian Trade Mission, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with India in the horticulture sector. “Our relationship with India is a key priority for New Zealand, and this agreement reflects our ...2 weeks ago
- Family Court Judges appointed
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- New High Dependency Unit will expand critical care services in Wellington
Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened Wellington Regional Hospital’s first High Dependency Unit (HDU). “This unit will boost critical care services in the lower North Island, providing extra capacity and relieving pressure on the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency department. “Wellington Regional Hospital has previously relied ...2 weeks ago
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- Speech to NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit
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- Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis announces government plans over supermarket competition
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis is to announce government plans to combat the country's supermarket duopoly. ...1 hour ago - Saving our native species trickier than we thought
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- NZ protesters honour killed Gaza journalists – ‘targeted’ say press freedom groups
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia In early 2021, after a decade of political and economic reforms, Myanmar looked like it was finally beginning to shake off the hangover of decades of military rule. Foreign investment was growing, ...15 hours ago
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- Kirsten Hellier: Curiosity called the coach
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- The Secret Diary of .. the Snow White flop
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- 1000 Days Since Landmark Pay Equity Deal Expired – Workers Losing $145 A Week
With no new pay equity settlement being agreed, care and support workers have seen their hard-won pay equity settlement eroded by inflation and the failure to maintain relativity above the minimum wage, says Melissa Woolley, an Assistant Secretary with ...1 day ago
- May I remind you to balance your despair?
Gabi Lardies reflects on a week of bleak reading. There’s a pattern in this week’s most popular stories on The Spinoff. We’ve got Trump supporters in New Zealand, a harrowing new drama in Adolescence, the dark workings of Facebook and a billionaire’s attempted takeover of one of our biggest media ...1 day ago - Do you want your two-year-old to be hot?
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- ‘Filled my heart’: Indira Stewart on celebrating 50 years of Polyfest
Journalist Indira Stewart looks back on her life in TV, including a shocking New Zealand Idol premonition, a haunting Breakfast prank and returning to Polyfest. Indira Stewart first appeared on our screens as a 15-year-old roving reporter for Tagata Pasifika, presenting a story about Polyfest in Auckland. She returned to ...1 day ago
- The embroidery project healing the pain of March 15, stitch by stitch
Alex Casey talks to the women behind 51 Threads, a community art project helping those affected by the Christchurch mosque attacks. In the weeks before March 15, 2019, Noraini Abbas Milne had begun wearing a white telekung, or prayer garment, when she attended the Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch. “In the ...1 day ago
- ‘Cattleman, Fashion Fancier’: Central Otago Couture, reviewed
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- Short story: The square church, by Nathaniel Herz-Edinger
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- Filipino activists praise arrest of ex-president Duterte as first step to end impunity
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- Treaty Principles Bill: Thousands of submissions to be excluded from Parliamentary record, Labour sa...
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Has Donald J gone too far?
Will there be a revolt by even Republicans against the insanity of Trump’s policy towards Ukraine?
Bernie, as always, tells it like it really is! 5.30 mins long
How different the world would be if Bernie and Corbyn were in power.
As someone said "The best president (prime minister) the USA (UK) never had."
The sheeples of the world prefer a self deluded peace to a real peace so they vote for the next great pretender that promises everything.
"You ain't see nothing yet b-b-baabee, you you ain't seen nothing yet"
He'll be 88 when this term ends.
Biden should have appointed him to HUD. Perfectly qualified.
Will there be anyone as good to replace him?
https://newatlas.com/energy/france-tokamak-cea-west-fusion-reactor-record-plasma-duration/
Might actually be 10 years away from reality
They are always 10 years away….meanwhile in the here and now solar rules.
The Herald is running a Seymour friendly anti TPM agenda …witness the Sonny Tau main headline today.
Trump would be proud of them.
Yup, Nats looking to take down Tamihere. One clue: Collins's dirty politics mate Cam Slater putting up stuff about Tamihere on his site.
trump might well be proud of Sonny Tau. I dont think Sonny Tau is really the victim here….
Tim Jago…..et al, equally bad.
I realise that Psych….you are right….but is the way the Herald will treat it was my point…they will give it massive headlines for weeks…it will run and run….now if it was one of their business mates treatment would be much more sympathetic and they would close it down asap
Target?
Lots of money in war…………..
Interesting – the short-codes for the right side bar have stopped working.
Nothing obvious, they just appear to have stopped being collected and expanded by shortcodes ultimate. License is up to date. Nothing in history.
I'm short on time to debug this today, So I will disable them until I have time later in the day to debug the issue, or for the plugin author to get back to me.
Fixed – bad pickup on Skeptical Science. Looks like it picked up bad data and ever corrected it it on subsequent pickups.
Gotta find some time to finish my rss system and install it. I have already corrected for these issues.
lprent, reply comment function seems broken too. I can leave a new comment, but can’t reply.
the text box is over wide as well, and text disappears off the either side of the screen if the sentence is long enough.
Yeah. because it was failing as HTML renders on the page, the trailing javascript never triggered. Should be fixed now.
The RSS feeds are problematic because the current plugin doesn't clean the imported junk properly – it just trashes malware. So bad HTML gets pushed into the site. That has cascade effects.
working now.
I can however reply to my own comments.
but they don’t nest.
Green is Good.
I made a submission regarding. Feels good : )
Farmers like it because it's about not being locked out of their million dollar combine harvesters by John Deere.
tWig.Meh. Whatever. There is much more in the Right to Repair bill than that…..as you probably know.
Pointing out the broad church. Not just a greenie feel-good about fixing your toaster. Which is a point the Bill’s sponsor made on RNZ.
Did I say it was a "greenie feel-good" (strange phrasing) fix your toaster bill?
Were you somehow triggered by Green is Good? Strange.
Why the bristling? Being able to repair toasters and tractors is the crux of the legislation, as the public see it. PUBLIC PERCEPTION, mate.
Putin seems to be contracting out dirty deeds in what the experts call `hybrid warfare'.
This covert strategy seems aimed at confounding Europe, and it works on the basis of plausible deniability…
Although loitering with intent is a traditional British criminal stance, the Russians may have invented it independently. Repetitive loitering with intent could distract from action elsewhere – used as a ruse.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-3036d1db-da99-49b3-9d64-272472095d4a
An outrageously unfair budget and an obvious betrayal of a promise not to cut medicaid.
https://balleralert.com/profiles/blogs/trump-endorses-gop-budget-that-slashes-medicaid/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky
Trump makes up something, saying only 4% support Yelensky as leader.
The truth exposes the reality, someone with more support than Trump.
https://kyivindependent.com/us-objects-to-russian-aggression-language-in-g7-statement-straining-unity-on-ukraine-ft-reports/
It is also the position of POTUS Trump to not support a G7 statement citing Russia as the aggressor.
Good to see Twyford targeting Destiny Church to have their charitable status revoked, and pay tax.
Good stuff Phil.
Best make sure it's doesn't become a Supreme Court case against activism itself though.
An anyone explain to me wtf this is on about?
They need to remove level crossings to increase safety? How does that work?
The article is very generally about the CRL.
Oh so some will become road bridges. Not super clear.
Their messaging is hilarious- oh the government has to pay for this infrastructure thing. Again. It’s already slow and expensive. That’s not what government does. We’re here to facilitate tobacco companies and privatise healthcare.
It’s up to Wayne Brown to be Mista Fantastic for Auckland :
’"Once open next year, CRL will double Auckland's rail capacity and reduce congestion across the city, enabling Aucklanders to get to where they want to go faster.’
What a drag to have to modernise the road network to a accommodate that and
‘At Auckland's level crossings in the decade between 2013 and 2023, Auckland saw almost 70 crashes, plus over 250 pedestrian near-misses and 100 vehicle near misses.’
save lives and injuries. We cause more misery and physical harm in our transport policy usually! Unsafety! End this namby pamby safety nonsense.
Still I wonder how Brown, S woulda phrased it.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542604/government-puts-up-200m-to-remove-level-rail-crossings-around-auckland
Its in code : NAct1 hate Rail. So, It became necessary to destroy the
villagerail, to save the cars and trucks. Bloody Rail.National will open CRL in election year. Bridges as Minister signed the contract on site in – as I recall – Oct 2016.
We won't see the likes again of this scale of urban rail investment this century.
Shoutout to Len Brown.
With a train about every 5 minutes (going both ways) these crossings will be shut for the majority of the majority of the time.
Better to close them ASAP and let the traffic find alternative routes.
Melbourne went through a similar program as part of their new underground system.
In the mid 2000s we cleared 1 in Henderson, 2 in New Lynn, then a Newmarket one 5 years ago. Damn expensive work.
Road network in New Lynn, Avondale, Penrose and Papatoetoe would just seize up without it.
Most grade changes?
Citizens' assemblies. Good on Whanganui district council for setting one up to korero about the fate of a local swimming pool.
'40 randomly selected residents representative of Whanganui’s demographics will meet for a series of sessions facilitated by an independent expert. To ensure inclusivity, participants will be paid $500 for their time."
There will be a balancing exercise, to ensure a representative group. There’s sign-up now.
$20k to make a decision that we elect a council to make. Fuck off.
/
Or, $20,000 redistributed to citizens that will make a decision free of vested interests.
Idea of the day.