RNZ was interviewing the Minister of Education about the housing crisis not long ago, and he said “these things take time”. I half-expected Espiner to respond with “Well, what takes more time, education or house-building?”
Anyway, Hipkins said that 4,000 houses had been contracted for. He also said 10,000 were in the planning stage. So Twyford’s program looks good on paper.
So the prospects Twyford will reach his target in six months time aren’t looking rosy. And spot that gap between contract signings and consequent building!! Media ought to focus on explaining this differential.
The head of Kiwibuild exited due to the govt shifting his goalposts, but looks like he was the wrong choice for project manager anyway: ” I heard both Phil Twyford and Barclay speak at a conference in June last year. At that stage, Barclay had been in the role about a month, and I was disappointed that his presentation mostly consisted of parroting the Labour Party’s policy platform for KiwiBuild. To me, there was little indication that he really comprehended many of the obvious flaws in the programme and potential obstacles to its success.”
A competent manager rectifies planning flaws to ensure delivery. He does not recycle govt propaganda. He explains how the goal will be achieved. Then he achieves the goal. Get someone who knows how, and can do.
Ha! You think so, huh? In real life, they don’t accept the job on the terms offered if they believe the task is impossible. Some may have sufficient mana based on reputation or expertise to renegotiate the deal in order to close it, but the chosen contender seems to have lacked that – or the nous of how to do it.
I hope there was NO golden handshake, given that the CEO resigned. If so it makes a mockery of remuneration packages. The “gods” have clauses to be paid extra in exit payments, yet the plebs/serfs have to tip hats to those in authority and paid pittances.
Especially as we have a government from the Left and they exist to serve the masses.
Yeah, likewise. I wonder if any MP is sufficiently on the ball to ask the question. Given that such clauses have been incorporated into employment contracts of CEOs by both right/left govts, it has become standard practice inducement. Any govt who broke the contract would get sued & lose in court. I disagree that govts of the left serve the masses – any historical pretence of that got invalidated by realpolitik long ago!
Not sure if you’ve tried to challenge Bryan Bruce on his ‘misguided’ views – on TDB. Comments often take a while to be posted. I’ll wait a while – sometimes “these things take time”, but just in case you haven’t made the attempt at a critique, perhaps you could tell us why they’re misguided here and now.
Bryan Bruce sits outside the liberal lefty elite. That is why you rarely see him quoted here. You are much more likely to encounter Bryan Buzzfeed in these parts.
Bruce is excellent, and he’s challenging the Government on its own terms. Doesn’t go far enough though. I would prefer it if all land was nationalised and economic rents accrued to the people rather than landlords. Income tax is inherently unjust. We ought to tax wealth – end this awful tyranny of ‘investors’ who do nothing but own shit and live off the proceeds of other people’s labour. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgism https://aeon.co/essays/is-it-time-to-upend-the-idea-that-land-is-private-property
Compared to life in 1919 NZ 2019 is a veritable paradise.
Us Kiwis live in luxury.
Owning your own home is seriously over rated
and is seriously unnecessary.
Council unit.
So yes excellent rent they do any electrical and plumbing.
Small unit but its all I need.
Modern compact kitchen spacious shower tolet laundry.
No deck no garage no swimming pool who needs them?
Nice small gardens. Lawns done for us. Community hall.
Great fencing, roadways, foot paths lighting.
safe area. Good neighbours. Fibre available
40 units in an area which would take maybe 10 quarter acre sections.
$112 p/w 🙂
Compact communal living.
What’s not to like about it?
And above all its not being build for low income families. And its not being build next to good infrastructure with schools, close by to supermarkets, swimming pools, play grounds, green spaces etc etc etc.
So count yourself lucky if you have access to one. Cause i remember that during the years of 2008 – 2016 under the no mates party Council flats were sold. And its inhabitants were told to go look on the free market.
The previous Census which I did on foot had me visiting a cluster of small council units. People seemed happy relaxed and clearly on friendly terms with neighbours. And sounds good like yours rata.
A recent discussion about Food Banks threw up the belief that a family is only allowed one visit/collection per year. If that is true that one visit would do nothing to solve the problem.
Is “one visit” true?
Newsroom:
“A stake through the heart of neoliberalism
Our exclusive, highly unequal society based on extreme wealth for the few may seem sturdy and inevitable right now, but it will collapse, warns tech billionaire Nick Hanauer”
Chilling: “The top rates of tax on the wealthiest people and corporations are lower than they have been for decades. Unprecedented levels of tax avoidance and evasion ensure that the super-rich pay even less.” USA but true in NZ?
It used to be the saying ‘Make hay while the sun shines’. The trouble is that there is too much sun now, we need a change in weather. And also a change in the present sayings and practices of the wealthy. Here is a bit of background as to wat they are and where they could go next.
Just looking up google on wealth etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilded_Age
This about the Gilded Age (about 1870-1900) and not that shortly after there was the great stockmarket crash. The Gilded Age in United States history is the late 19th century, from the 1870s to about 1900. The term for this period came into use in the 1920s and 1930s and was derived from writer Mark Twain’s and Charles Dudley Warner’s 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today, which satirized an era of serious social problems masked by a thin gold gilding.
The early half of the Gilded Age roughly coincided with the middle portion of the Victorian era in Britain and the Belle Époque in France. Its beginning in the years after the American Civil War overlaps the Reconstruction Era (which ended in 1877).[1] It was followed in the 1890s by the Progressive Era.
Plutocracy or Plutarchy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutocracy
…[people] have condemned plutocrats for ignoring their social responsibilities, using their power to serve their own purposes and thereby increasing poverty and nurturing class conflict, corrupting societies with greed and hedonism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchy
Oligarchy …is a form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people. These people may be distinguished by nobility, wealth, family ties, education or corporate, religious, political, or military control. Such states are often controlled by families who typically pass their influence from one generation to the next, but inheritance is not a necessary condition for the application of this term. …
In the early 20th century Robert Michels developed the theory that democracies, as all large organizations, have a tendency to turn into oligarchies. In his “Iron law of oligarchy” he suggests that the necessary division of labor in large organizations leads to the establishment of a ruling class mostly concerned with protecting their own power.
This was already recognized by the Athenians in the fourth century BCE: After the restoration of democracy from oligarchical coups, they used the drawing of lots for selecting government officers to counteract that tendency toward oligarchy in government.[5][page needed] They drew lots from large groups of adult volunteers to pick civil servants performing judicial, executive, and administrative functions (archai, boulē, and hēliastai).[6] They even used lots for posts, such as judges and jurors in the political courts (nomothetai), which had the power to overrule the Assembly.
SEE ALSO:
Aristocracy
Dictatorship
Inverted totalitarianism
Iron law of oligarchy
Kleptocracy
Meritocracy
Military dictatorship
Nepotism
Netocracy
Oligopoly
Oligarchical Collectivism
Parasitism
Plutocracy
Political family
Power behind the throne
Stratocracy
Synarchism
Theocracy
Timocracy
‘his was already recognized by the Athenians in the fourth century BCE: After the restoration of democracy from oligarchical coups, they used the drawing of lots for selecting government officers to counteract that tendency toward oligarchy in government.[5][page needed] They drew lots from large groups of adult volunteers to pick civil servants performing judicial, executive, and administrative functions (archai, boulē, and hēliastai).[6] They even used lots for posts, such as judges and jurors in the political courts (nomothetai), which had the power to overrule the Assembly.’
That looks like a form of ‘Reset’ gws, a evergreen principle to organisational dynamism in maintaining balance
In a post or two not long back, i blogged about a example of how that could function in a modern application of direct democracy with proportional representation.
A Drug Court advocate from USA tells how by using this approach we can save money and probably lives. We have started but expanding it would be worthwhile. Maybe the approach would work for other offenders?
When the Local council ‘as the principal regulatory environemental agency’ says; quote; –
” Hawke’s Bay Regional Council regulation group manager Liz Lambert admitted Pan Pac was in breach of its consent by discharging onto the beach, but no action would be taken yet.
“We’re satisfied they’re doing all they can. We’re dissatisfied with the amount of time it’s taking and obviously the impact it’s having in the local area.”
What a baset case we have now in NZ as foriegn companies come here and destroy our ‘cleangreen country’ and leave it destroyed with no changes made against them.
So much for the benefits of globalisation and “progress”
Yes cleangreen I caught that bit you quoted. I thought that it sounded like what is called ‘regulatory capture’ by business. The regulators were always supposed to work with business but get so close and helpful, that they are working for the business, concerned about its welfare rather than the compliance of regulations put in place for a good reason.
Ae!
When local and central government politicians spend as much time and effort on concern for the people that elect them as they do being business and large corporate enablers, we all might start to have a little more respect for them. (They’ve got a fair way to go)
And when ‘impartial’ public servants recognise that they are actually servants in the employ of the public and have a primary duty to act in their interests in a legal and ethical fashion, then I’ll start to have a little more respect for them.
Unfortunately both have become part of the problem and they’ve yet to realise that the mathematics of it all don’t stack up all that well if they continue to behave in the way they do. (The natives – in growing numbers, as they’re alienated one by one, eventually get restless).
It was all an inevitability though – at least, for me anyway, I have the lugsury of retirement age looming, and I don’t owe nobody nuttin
Wouldn’t wanna be in their shoes eh?
if there is a health risk you can ask the medical officer of health to respond ( better powers and showed better leadership after the Havelock water debacle.)
“There was little point in issuing an abatement notice to fix the pipe as the company was already trying to fix it, she said.”
Even if no further action is required given “We’re satisfied they’re doing all they can. We’re dissatisfied with the amount of time it’s taking and obviously the impact it’s having in the local area.” BUT an issuing an abatement notice puts the event into being recorded, with no notice the coy can next time say that they have a “clean” record as nothing official has been recorded.
And the timeline given is for “Replacing the pipe could take between eight and 12 months, and Pan Pac should know by the end of this week if that was needed.” and that took 3 months to work it out 🤢
Scoop item on our firefighters going overseas again. This perhaps follows from the idea that business and government don’t have to do everything themselves, and can just hire contractors to do stuff they don’t regard as core.
If so then everyone better disabuse themselves of such a stupid notion with regard to firefighting. Each country will have to be proactive in having an all-locals approach to firefighting, A country needs to have vast reserves of people to handle them,
and not just under the Civil Emergency which however would be connected with the fire emergency system. We cannot afford to have our firefighters away helping others so frequently. Once a country has had to call in other countries it is aware that it needs to take further measures itself. There is too much reliance on bringing in others and even in NZ the firefighting system is under stress with being expected to attend road crashes, first responder stuff. I feel really uneasy about this, and the profit-oriented planners and leaders are not to be relied on to ensure we have the most practical and useful system adequately funded for NZ needs.
It is the 23rd time New Zealand fire personnel have been deployed overseas since 2000, the 12th time to Australia and third time to Tasmania.
Mr Rasmussen says the deployment highlights the high regard in which Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel are held internationally, following the August 2018 deployments to Canada and the United States.
Or you could look at it from another entirely different perspective to that you have expressed.
I, and many others much more experienced in firefighting etc, see this situation of our firefighters going to overseas fires as one of co-operation AND in so doing, to allow our firefighters to get real experience and training in these large scale fire fighting situations that only occur very intermittently here in NZ (as yet), and nowhere on the scale of the Australian and Californian fires, for example.
Exactly the same situation as the overseas expert rescue teams that came to NZ to help in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes.
Yes true VV but the experience once gained remains. The next step is for the host countries to increase their own experienced personnel because these disasters will be more common.
I have just put up a few things on wealth and types of government, and one thing that crops up is that governments can get to a stage where the ones at the top only worry about their own affairs, and the country’s needs are run down. This is happening world wide, so we have to ensure that the goodwill in a country’s citizens to help others, doesn’t get abused.
A big firefighting capacity is needed in NZ to prepare for the near future. Are our firefighters being pushed to near their limit? Are other countries likely to make a call on us a regular seasonal thing and undersupply for their own needs?
A lot of these guys going overseas are voluntary fire fighters. I know a few of them.
this – for what its worth is an excellent training exercise. I did ask my partner once what would happened if these volunteers die (cause they are volunteering to go overseas and again not everyone can), if there is anything in place to help the spouse etc etc etc. When he said he did not know i told him in no uncertain terms that he will never ! volunteer for such a mission.
as for the idea that government invest in our civil emergency services? LOL. LOL.LOL
Try to find out where your shelter/assembly point would be in the case of an emergency like an earth quake, fire, flooding etc. In Auckland you will find nothing on the net. YOU will advised when the emergency is underway. Why is that? Because ther is no infrastructure in place and not enough people. If you live in Papamoa and the tsunami siren goes off? Die in your vehicle on the one and only street out. Cause that is it, one road. That is emergency planning in NZ in newly build suburbs.
Most fire stations in NZ are staffed by Vollies, and not only the rural ones the in town ones as well. It is harder and harder to attract volunteers, as those with rentals don’t even need to apply. Why? Cause you need to live in close proximity to the Station, and if you rent, you might move in 6 month and then you are not in close proximity anymore. This is happening a lot in Auckland and other larger cities that have issues with affordable rentals or simply no rentals on the market ever (Taupo, Turangi, etc).
Same for the ambulance drivers, medical staff, etc etc etc.
To build a system up that would work within the community you have to have a community. what you have currently is a small part of the community that has a fixed address i.e. own their home, and the rest is transient. And you have government missing in action – again irrespective of their stripes. When it comes to civil emergency NZ is scary.
I am enormously respectful of firefighters. They might be, and nurses, caregivers and doctors, the last people in NZ who have real concern for the people of the community and put themselves out for others. (And their families who support them.)
Your comment was very helpful at painting the woeful picture of NZ caring services. Thanks for updating us. I sat next to a woman on a bus trip talking about this and that, and she said that her husband was leader of a highly trained firefighting response team and his basic rate of pay was in the $60,000s I think, not high for a leader.
nope they are paid averagely. One of the reason many who would love to join the forces permanently don’t do it, because they can earn more elsewhere. They volunteer and do that for as long as they can. And believe me it takes a lot of commitment from the families.
In west Auckland voluntaries were scheduled on 10 non stop on call over christmas and new years eve. I guess its a good way to not pay the fulltimers holiday pay. It does fuck up the holiday period for the volunteers tho. Had me spitting to be honest. Two weeks leave per year, and you spend it sitting at home waiting for the darned beeper to go of because some idjit is b urning rubbish, or is killing himself while lightning a bbq with gasoline.
Not to mentioned the bake sales so that they can buy more equipment. 🙂
Oh dear nothing like hearing it from the frontline! I think I have the present country governance system worked out well. Sisters and brothers doing it for themselves and ‘we’ spend the tax money on hosting the Americas Cup etc.
Although I have run afoul of both of them occasionally, I think our friends Te Reo and Micky are hardly going to lower the boom on behalf of a lowlife like that old reprobate.
It’s all very different at WhaleOil, where I was keelhauled on my very first day of posting there—-I’ve long since been banned for life—-for identifying the Dishonorable John Banks as a zombie, and at Kiwiblog, where yesterday I incurred the proprietor’s wrath for having a gentle dig at Mr. Gerry Brownlee….
tl;dr Inequality of capital and the direct and indirect income derived from capital is a much bigger problem than income inequality. If you only focus on income, then it further reinforces and entrenches the capital inequality part of the problem.
Fair enough that the tubby short-fingered vulgarian is sensitive about being being short-fingered and tubby. Snowflakes gonna snowflake. I’m just surprised they don’t do anything about the camel-toe thing he’s usually got going on with his neck.
Gotta hand it to ‘im though, he totally owns the vulgarian bit.
Republican used to mean equality or pretty much and democracy didn’t it?
Then it went through a change like we did in 1984. Someone in the USA got egged up and flipped the omelette.
Peter Fitzsimons is horrified at the crackpot rantings of David Moffett
David, get a GRIP. You are an intelligent man. Global warming is a "UN conspiracy."??Jacinda Adern is a "traitor."This is embarassing loony-tunes twaddle, and I can't believe the man I knew thinks that.Have you had a stroke?Peter https://t.co/82REianlFP— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) January 21, 2019
Tragic and scandalous. And completely avoidable, but we were deceived by Rogernomes and the Business Roundtable. Typical theft of the commons by greedy elites.
IMHO Asset sales have been the #1 political issue over the last 35 years, but we were continuously sold out by neoliberals, facilitated by one Winston Peters. We even changed our electoral system to try and stop it. But now the Overton window has shifted so far, rampant pillage is the new normal for NZ 🙁
I am on Tramadol… some strange effects. Does anyone else have experiences?
I’m wondering how long it is safe to use?
I have had the misfortune to develop a hairline fracture (minor) on the edge of my acetabulum where the cup (socket) beds in for a full hip replacement.
The first time I walked was fine ‘no pain’ the second time was different pain was up to 3 even on heavy meds.
It appears my recovery will take 9 months rather than the usual 6, as the bone needs to heal as well. Sadly if it doesn’t another operation may be needed to change the face of the socket for a new cup… an x ray in 2 to 4 weeks will clarify if a repair or replacement will happen, as bone growth and bedding should have started.
Apparently the long wait for healing is painful (my bad luck) so hence my queries about the opium based meds. Any help would be good.
In consultation with your Dr you should be decreasing your tramadol and transitioning to non narcotic pain relief when appropriate.
While most people don’t have issues on tramadol a number of people get a variety of side effects with dizziness, nausea, sweating, tiredness, headache, asthenia and constipation being the most common.
Hi Patricia, so sorry to hear about this setback when you were doing so well.
I had a few problems with Tramadol so was only on it for a day, but I had very little pain after my op so did not need heavies. Went back on to good old Naproxen which is the only anti-inflamatory that I can use.
Anyway, I would really speak to your doctor again as soon as you can. In the meantime, rather than select the various links to reliable articles to send to you, here is a Google search for “Tramadol medsafe” which has quite a few good NZ sources of information on Tramadol. By that I mean that the Medsafe links are the ones I would check out and also the bpac ones. Both highly reliable NZ sources for information on pharmaceuticals etc.
Can not take tramadol, makes me violently ill and sea sick. I find it the most horrible medication there is.
I would ask for something else, it can be quit addictive. So if you have to use it for a long time …..not sure.
in saying that i can take codeine without any side effects but must drink heeps of water.
Tramadol are highly addictive and they will get you high. They work in good synergy with weed if you want less opiates more natural in your meds. Used as directed people go off their meds and don’t become addicts but long term opiates is not great. The fact is those are some strong stuff. Good you are wary. Be careful with alcohol you’ll feel wonderful then throw up or worse get ill. I had some for a back one time, interesting.
Some chronic pain sufferers I know have gone the route of meditation, I know it certainly works for emotional pain, and for them physical too. It takes practise. You can meditate sitting up, lying down, it’s better comfortable than making like a lotus blossom to ‘do it right’.
Patricia Bremner – after knee replacement surgery I found Tramadol gave me ghastly nightmares. I tried not to sleep at night so GP gave me better meds that had no side effects. Time will be your great healer – I wish you well.
Thanks Patricia, I will ring and ask my Dr., as I feel insecure and woozy as well as the extra pain problem. Healing will take 6 to 12 weeks more depending.
Two years of the GOP controlling both houses with no movement towards the wall and suddenly, just as a the Democrats are about to take control , crisis.
The shutdown is all about tRump and McConnell suspending democracy, not a fucking wall.
I’m pretty sure that you’ll find that the GoP doesn’t like democracy and does everything in its power to circumvent it. Removing polling booths from where they’re needed most if they suspect that those people won’t vote for them, throwing millions off of voting lists for whatever, and other means of disenfranchising those that they don’t like.
the ‘compromise’ offered by the shitstain was released and it is appropriatly shitty.
Not that i expected differently, after all we are talking about the shitstain and his enablers.
Mcconnel will let this bill go to vote in the senate, after all he is good as doing as he is told to do. It might be vulgar and such, but yes, the man knows how to kiss arse, he is very very good at it and he has no issues doing it.
Never mind, that the bill will still have to go back to congress where it is dead on arrival.
but never mind, this is not racism, this is just an expression of the economically anxious white male working class, the only class that counts.
However distasteful to the open borders left, it is perfectly valid to defend your sovereign borders. Residence/citizenship for aliens is a privilege not a right.
The question of ethics and moral obligation is something for voters to decide – the Trump administration is upholding its election pledges.
And here we have Paula Bennett admitting she indulged in marijuana in her youth. A criminal act?
Yet Metiria Turei was hounded out of Parliament by media and just about every other right wing scoundrel, through her admittance of committing benefit fraud as a single parent trying to make ends meet!
Can we now expect msm to put the boot into Bennett, the same way as it did to Turei? I eagerly await the outcome of this one. However, I won’t hold my breath.
i do however stand by a point i made earlier, the no mates party will run on legalizing, decriminalizing weed in order to win an election. And it is labours and the coalitions own fault if they dont’ start articulating a solution to this dilemma. Every poll taken for as long as i have been here has always favored some sort of reform and if only to keep people out of prison for possession, growing and distributing. If they want to reform prison, if they want to help lower income communities, if they want to keep families together then the first thing would be to decriminalize simple possession and growing for own use, then take anyone out of prison who is in there for possession and growing – especially teh non violent ones. But sadly i do see no one in the Labour party that would have the guts to do so.
He writes that he is in better health and intends to get back to being a good person and a good MP for Botany.
He will not use hate and anger towards Simon and Paula.
How kind of Paula and Simon to wish Jamie “good health.”
“I don’t have hatred or animosity towards Simon or Paula anymore for the way they treated me. At the time they were doing all they knew how to do with the skill set they have.
But I still take responsibility, because it wasn’t fair on them. It wasn’t fair on Simon and Paula for them to be put in a position where they had to choose between helping someone with a health issue, or to put that person under more pressure because it was the better political move to make.” (Think on that for a moment!)
“I do want to say thank you to the people that tried to help. I have subsequently learnt that at least two of the four women in the October 18 Newsroom story first spoke to the National Party leadership because they were concerned about my health and wellbeing. They identified that I was struggling and they were doing what they thought was the right thing. I want to thank them for caring.
Should the National Party’s response have been to send them out to talk to the media? Probably not, but people don’t always do very rational things in the heat of a political crisis when they are under pressure.”
These people have really big worries. They will need resettling. Thinking of the horrible climate change graph the other day showing the unlivable hot spots around the middle of the planet.
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Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
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Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
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The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
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RNZ was interviewing the Minister of Education about the housing crisis not long ago, and he said “these things take time”. I half-expected Espiner to respond with “Well, what takes more time, education or house-building?”
Anyway, Hipkins said that 4,000 houses had been contracted for. He also said 10,000 were in the planning stage. So Twyford’s program looks good on paper.
“Stuff’s KiwiBuild tracker shows that the government has a grand total of 110 homes either built or under construction. This progress represents just 11 per cent of its target of 1000 homes by July this year.” https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/110031696/resignation-another-step-to-kiwibuild-failure
So the prospects Twyford will reach his target in six months time aren’t looking rosy. And spot that gap between contract signings and consequent building!! Media ought to focus on explaining this differential.
The head of Kiwibuild exited due to the govt shifting his goalposts, but looks like he was the wrong choice for project manager anyway: ” I heard both Phil Twyford and Barclay speak at a conference in June last year. At that stage, Barclay had been in the role about a month, and I was disappointed that his presentation mostly consisted of parroting the Labour Party’s policy platform for KiwiBuild. To me, there was little indication that he really comprehended many of the obvious flaws in the programme and potential obstacles to its success.”
A competent manager rectifies planning flaws to ensure delivery. He does not recycle govt propaganda. He explains how the goal will be achieved. Then he achieves the goal. Get someone who knows how, and can do.
Perhaps the goal was unobtainable to begin with. a good Project manager should be able to let the stakeholders know this as early as possible.
Ha! You think so, huh? In real life, they don’t accept the job on the terms offered if they believe the task is impossible. Some may have sufficient mana based on reputation or expertise to renegotiate the deal in order to close it, but the chosen contender seems to have lacked that – or the nous of how to do it.
I hope there was NO golden handshake, given that the CEO resigned. If so it makes a mockery of remuneration packages. The “gods” have clauses to be paid extra in exit payments, yet the plebs/serfs have to tip hats to those in authority and paid pittances.
Especially as we have a government from the Left and they exist to serve the masses.
Yeah, likewise. I wonder if any MP is sufficiently on the ball to ask the question. Given that such clauses have been incorporated into employment contracts of CEOs by both right/left govts, it has become standard practice inducement. Any govt who broke the contract would get sued & lose in court. I disagree that govts of the left serve the masses – any historical pretence of that got invalidated by realpolitik long ago!
This is actually quite a good piece from the Daily Blog.
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/01/22/guest-blog-bryan-bruce-our-housing-is-severely-unaffordable/
He is almost completely misguided in his views but at least he is offering a left wing critique of housing policies in NZ.
This would be good to see more of on this site which I have stated previously is getting rather stale in it’s approach to discussing politics.
Not sure if you’ve tried to challenge Bryan Bruce on his ‘misguided’ views – on TDB. Comments often take a while to be posted. I’ll wait a while – sometimes “these things take time”, but just in case you haven’t made the attempt at a critique, perhaps you could tell us why they’re misguided here and now.
‘This would be good to see more of on this site which I have stated previously is getting rather stale in it’s approach to discussing politics.’
I guess the irony is lost on you.When did you drop the other o from your name?
Bryan Bruce sits outside the liberal lefty elite. That is why you rarely see him quoted here. You are much more likely to encounter Bryan Buzzfeed in these parts.
Bruce is excellent, and he’s challenging the Government on its own terms. Doesn’t go far enough though. I would prefer it if all land was nationalised and economic rents accrued to the people rather than landlords. Income tax is inherently unjust. We ought to tax wealth – end this awful tyranny of ‘investors’ who do nothing but own shit and live off the proceeds of other people’s labour.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgism
https://aeon.co/essays/is-it-time-to-upend-the-idea-that-land-is-private-property
Selling Jacinda is like trying to flog off a dead horse.Stale air is hard to avoid at the core .
100 years of being in business in Wellington CBD – Freemans Bookshop is closing after many years of the family being in business.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/380421/the-freeman-family-s-100-years-of-service-in-wellington
I bought a copy of “The Hollow Men” there 🙂
Compared to life in 1919 NZ 2019 is a veritable paradise.
Us Kiwis live in luxury.
Owning your own home is seriously over rated
and is seriously unnecessary.
You live somewhere where the average rental is below the average wage I take it ratty.
How about “•Long term leasing rather than ownership” as a compromise between owning a house and renting a house?
What an interesting idea.
Another day in paradise…
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1901/S00039/water-quality-still-dropping-and-tourists-aware-scientist.htm
Council unit.
So yes excellent rent they do any electrical and plumbing.
Small unit but its all I need.
Modern compact kitchen spacious shower tolet laundry.
No deck no garage no swimming pool who needs them?
Nice small gardens. Lawns done for us. Community hall.
Great fencing, roadways, foot paths lighting.
safe area. Good neighbours. Fibre available
40 units in an area which would take maybe 10 quarter acre sections.
$112 p/w 🙂
Compact communal living.
What’s not to like about it?
Everything about this is to like,
but sadly its not being build.
And above all its not being build for low income families. And its not being build next to good infrastructure with schools, close by to supermarkets, swimming pools, play grounds, green spaces etc etc etc.
So count yourself lucky if you have access to one. Cause i remember that during the years of 2008 – 2016 under the no mates party Council flats were sold. And its inhabitants were told to go look on the free market.
The previous Census which I did on foot had me visiting a cluster of small council units. People seemed happy relaxed and clearly on friendly terms with neighbours. And sounds good like yours rata.
You’ll be hoping the council doesn’t sell it then ratty.
A recent discussion about Food Banks threw up the belief that a family is only allowed one visit/collection per year. If that is true that one visit would do nothing to solve the problem.
Is “one visit” true?
The PM expounds the virtues of free trade, excellent.
Newsroom:
“A stake through the heart of neoliberalism
Our exclusive, highly unequal society based on extreme wealth for the few may seem sturdy and inevitable right now, but it will collapse, warns tech billionaire Nick Hanauer”
Chilling: “The top rates of tax on the wealthiest people and corporations are lower than they have been for decades. Unprecedented levels of tax avoidance and evasion ensure that the super-rich pay even less.” USA but true in NZ?
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/01/21/407903/a-stake-through-the-heart-of-neoliberalism?preview=1
It used to be the saying ‘Make hay while the sun shines’. The trouble is that there is too much sun now, we need a change in weather. And also a change in the present sayings and practices of the wealthy. Here is a bit of background as to wat they are and where they could go next.
Just looking up google on wealth etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilded_Age
This about the Gilded Age (about 1870-1900) and not that shortly after there was the great stockmarket crash.
The Gilded Age in United States history is the late 19th century, from the 1870s to about 1900. The term for this period came into use in the 1920s and 1930s and was derived from writer Mark Twain’s and Charles Dudley Warner’s 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today, which satirized an era of serious social problems masked by a thin gold gilding.
The early half of the Gilded Age roughly coincided with the middle portion of the Victorian era in Britain and the Belle Époque in France. Its beginning in the years after the American Civil War overlaps the Reconstruction Era (which ended in 1877).[1] It was followed in the 1890s by the Progressive Era.
Plutocracy or Plutarchy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutocracy
…[people] have condemned plutocrats for ignoring their social responsibilities, using their power to serve their own purposes and thereby increasing poverty and nurturing class conflict, corrupting societies with greed and hedonism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchy
Oligarchy
…is a form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people. These people may be distinguished by nobility, wealth, family ties, education or corporate, religious, political, or military control. Such states are often controlled by families who typically pass their influence from one generation to the next, but inheritance is not a necessary condition for the application of this term. …
In the early 20th century Robert Michels developed the theory that democracies, as all large organizations, have a tendency to turn into oligarchies. In his “Iron law of oligarchy” he suggests that the necessary division of labor in large organizations leads to the establishment of a ruling class mostly concerned with protecting their own power.
This was already recognized by the Athenians in the fourth century BCE: After the restoration of democracy from oligarchical coups, they used the drawing of lots for selecting government officers to counteract that tendency toward oligarchy in government.[5][page needed] They drew lots from large groups of adult volunteers to pick civil servants performing judicial, executive, and administrative functions (archai, boulē, and hēliastai).[6] They even used lots for posts, such as judges and jurors in the political courts (nomothetai), which had the power to overrule the Assembly.
SEE ALSO:
Aristocracy
Dictatorship
Inverted totalitarianism
Iron law of oligarchy
Kleptocracy
Meritocracy
Military dictatorship
Nepotism
Netocracy
Oligopoly
Oligarchical Collectivism
Parasitism
Plutocracy
Political family
Power behind the throne
Stratocracy
Synarchism
Theocracy
Timocracy
‘his was already recognized by the Athenians in the fourth century BCE: After the restoration of democracy from oligarchical coups, they used the drawing of lots for selecting government officers to counteract that tendency toward oligarchy in government.[5][page needed] They drew lots from large groups of adult volunteers to pick civil servants performing judicial, executive, and administrative functions (archai, boulē, and hēliastai).[6] They even used lots for posts, such as judges and jurors in the political courts (nomothetai), which had the power to overrule the Assembly.’
That looks like a form of ‘Reset’ gws, a evergreen principle to organisational dynamism in maintaining balance
In a post or two not long back, i blogged about a example of how that could function in a modern application of direct democracy with proportional representation.
It’s pretty much true in every Western nation.
A Drug Court advocate from USA tells how by using this approach we can save money and probably lives. We have started but expanding it would be worthwhile. Maybe the approach would work for other offenders?
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018679210/judge-peggy-hora-effectiveness-of-drug-treatment-courts
Clean green NZ is it??
I dont think so!!!!!
When the Local council ‘as the principal regulatory environemental agency’ says; quote; –
” Hawke’s Bay Regional Council regulation group manager Liz Lambert admitted Pan Pac was in breach of its consent by discharging onto the beach, but no action would be taken yet.
“We’re satisfied they’re doing all they can. We’re dissatisfied with the amount of time it’s taking and obviously the impact it’s having in the local area.”
What a baset case we have now in NZ as foriegn companies come here and destroy our ‘cleangreen country’ and leave it destroyed with no changes made against them.
So much for the benefits of globalisation and “progress”
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/brown-foamy-wastewater-leaking-onto-hawkes-bay-beach-angers-residents?variant=tb_v_1
Yes cleangreen I caught that bit you quoted. I thought that it sounded like what is called ‘regulatory capture’ by business. The regulators were always supposed to work with business but get so close and helpful, that they are working for the business, concerned about its welfare rather than the compliance of regulations put in place for a good reason.
Ae!
When local and central government politicians spend as much time and effort on concern for the people that elect them as they do being business and large corporate enablers, we all might start to have a little more respect for them. (They’ve got a fair way to go)
And when ‘impartial’ public servants recognise that they are actually servants in the employ of the public and have a primary duty to act in their interests in a legal and ethical fashion, then I’ll start to have a little more respect for them.
Unfortunately both have become part of the problem and they’ve yet to realise that the mathematics of it all don’t stack up all that well if they continue to behave in the way they do. (The natives – in growing numbers, as they’re alienated one by one, eventually get restless).
It was all an inevitability though – at least, for me anyway, I have the lugsury of retirement age looming, and I don’t owe nobody nuttin
Wouldn’t wanna be in their shoes eh?
it seems the 2.4km pipe is a new addition.The new resource consent and construction undertaken in 2017/2018/
page 37 section 4
https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/assets/Document-Library/Consents/Notified-Consents/CD170262W-and-CL170267O-Pan-Pac-Application-AEE-FINAL-29-June-2017.pdf
if there is a health risk you can ask the medical officer of health to respond ( better powers and showed better leadership after the Havelock water debacle.)
“There was little point in issuing an abatement notice to fix the pipe as the company was already trying to fix it, she said.”
Even if no further action is required given “We’re satisfied they’re doing all they can. We’re dissatisfied with the amount of time it’s taking and obviously the impact it’s having in the local area.” BUT an issuing an abatement notice puts the event into being recorded, with no notice the coy can next time say that they have a “clean” record as nothing official has been recorded.
And the timeline given is for “Replacing the pipe could take between eight and 12 months, and Pan Pac should know by the end of this week if that was needed.” and that took 3 months to work it out 🤢
Scoop item on our firefighters going overseas again. This perhaps follows from the idea that business and government don’t have to do everything themselves, and can just hire contractors to do stuff they don’t regard as core.
If so then everyone better disabuse themselves of such a stupid notion with regard to firefighting. Each country will have to be proactive in having an all-locals approach to firefighting, A country needs to have vast reserves of people to handle them,
and not just under the Civil Emergency which however would be connected with the fire emergency system. We cannot afford to have our firefighters away helping others so frequently. Once a country has had to call in other countries it is aware that it needs to take further measures itself. There is too much reliance on bringing in others and even in NZ the firefighting system is under stress with being expected to attend road crashes, first responder stuff. I feel really uneasy about this, and the profit-oriented planners and leaders are not to be relied on to ensure we have the most practical and useful system adequately funded for NZ needs.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1901/S00096/fire-and-emergency-nz-deploys-to-tasmania.htm
Fire and Emergency NZ deploys to Tasmania
The frontline fighters will be from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (five), the Department of Conservation (five) and forestry companies (11).
It is the 23rd time New Zealand fire personnel have been deployed overseas since 2000, the 12th time to Australia and third time to Tasmania.
Mr Rasmussen says the deployment highlights the high regard in which Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel are held internationally, following the August 2018 deployments to Canada and the United States.
Or you could look at it from another entirely different perspective to that you have expressed.
I, and many others much more experienced in firefighting etc, see this situation of our firefighters going to overseas fires as one of co-operation AND in so doing, to allow our firefighters to get real experience and training in these large scale fire fighting situations that only occur very intermittently here in NZ (as yet), and nowhere on the scale of the Australian and Californian fires, for example.
Exactly the same situation as the overseas expert rescue teams that came to NZ to help in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes.
Yes true VV but the experience once gained remains. The next step is for the host countries to increase their own experienced personnel because these disasters will be more common.
I have just put up a few things on wealth and types of government, and one thing that crops up is that governments can get to a stage where the ones at the top only worry about their own affairs, and the country’s needs are run down. This is happening world wide, so we have to ensure that the goodwill in a country’s citizens to help others, doesn’t get abused.
A big firefighting capacity is needed in NZ to prepare for the near future. Are our firefighters being pushed to near their limit? Are other countries likely to make a call on us a regular seasonal thing and undersupply for their own needs?
A lot of these guys going overseas are voluntary fire fighters. I know a few of them.
this – for what its worth is an excellent training exercise. I did ask my partner once what would happened if these volunteers die (cause they are volunteering to go overseas and again not everyone can), if there is anything in place to help the spouse etc etc etc. When he said he did not know i told him in no uncertain terms that he will never ! volunteer for such a mission.
as for the idea that government invest in our civil emergency services? LOL. LOL.LOL
Try to find out where your shelter/assembly point would be in the case of an emergency like an earth quake, fire, flooding etc. In Auckland you will find nothing on the net. YOU will advised when the emergency is underway. Why is that? Because ther is no infrastructure in place and not enough people. If you live in Papamoa and the tsunami siren goes off? Die in your vehicle on the one and only street out. Cause that is it, one road. That is emergency planning in NZ in newly build suburbs.
Most fire stations in NZ are staffed by Vollies, and not only the rural ones the in town ones as well. It is harder and harder to attract volunteers, as those with rentals don’t even need to apply. Why? Cause you need to live in close proximity to the Station, and if you rent, you might move in 6 month and then you are not in close proximity anymore. This is happening a lot in Auckland and other larger cities that have issues with affordable rentals or simply no rentals on the market ever (Taupo, Turangi, etc).
Same for the ambulance drivers, medical staff, etc etc etc.
To build a system up that would work within the community you have to have a community. what you have currently is a small part of the community that has a fixed address i.e. own their home, and the rest is transient. And you have government missing in action – again irrespective of their stripes. When it comes to civil emergency NZ is scary.
I am enormously respectful of firefighters. They might be, and nurses, caregivers and doctors, the last people in NZ who have real concern for the people of the community and put themselves out for others. (And their families who support them.)
Your comment was very helpful at painting the woeful picture of NZ caring services. Thanks for updating us. I sat next to a woman on a bus trip talking about this and that, and she said that her husband was leader of a highly trained firefighting response team and his basic rate of pay was in the $60,000s I think, not high for a leader.
nope they are paid averagely. One of the reason many who would love to join the forces permanently don’t do it, because they can earn more elsewhere. They volunteer and do that for as long as they can. And believe me it takes a lot of commitment from the families.
In west Auckland voluntaries were scheduled on 10 non stop on call over christmas and new years eve. I guess its a good way to not pay the fulltimers holiday pay. It does fuck up the holiday period for the volunteers tho. Had me spitting to be honest. Two weeks leave per year, and you spend it sitting at home waiting for the darned beeper to go of because some idjit is b urning rubbish, or is killing himself while lightning a bbq with gasoline.
Not to mentioned the bake sales so that they can buy more equipment. 🙂
Oh dear nothing like hearing it from the frontline! I think I have the present country governance system worked out well. Sisters and brothers doing it for themselves and ‘we’ spend the tax money on hosting the Americas Cup etc.
Turn this into post Sabine.
I know nothing in this field and could do with being educated.
There seems to be a problem viewing some posts on mobile for me lprent.
Some of the Brexit posts, today’s post on the MAGA kids as examples where I can open the page, but nothing loads.
Using Samsung, viewing either on Chrome or duckduckgo has the same result. Blank page. At least there’s always open Mike 🙂
Load up the full site, not the mobile version and you will see the posts…
Sir Robert again?
https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/passengers-forced-to-restrain-man-after-delayed-flight-ends-in-chaos/news-story/a1e083a3f33328e507cebaee3bb45ff5
Be careful Morrissey. TRP or mickysavage might like to take this off. It is not politic to wave comments like that around.
Although I have run afoul of both of them occasionally, I think our friends Te Reo and Micky are hardly going to lower the boom on behalf of a lowlife like that old reprobate.
It’s all very different at WhaleOil, where I was keelhauled on my very first day of posting there—-I’ve long since been banned for life—-for identifying the Dishonorable John Banks as a zombie, and at Kiwiblog, where yesterday I incurred the proprietor’s wrath for having a gentle dig at Mr. Gerry Brownlee….
http://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2019/01/dpf-calls-out-breen-that-is-strike-1.html
TOR is quite l i t i g i t i o u s. So lprent and co don’t want returns of the past as per Slater.
Thanks for the heads up, Shark.
https://media.proprofs.com/images/QM/user_images/1902336/1455384380.jpg
A critique of AOC’s 70% tax rate proposal worth reading.
https://www.salon.com/2019/01/21/aocs-symbolic-attack-on-the-legitimacy-of-wealth-accumulation-has-no-practical-effect/
tl;dr Inequality of capital and the direct and indirect income derived from capital is a much bigger problem than income inequality. If you only focus on income, then it further reinforces and entrenches the capital inequality part of the problem.
Today’s WTF – tRrump’s social media accounts photoshop his pics to slim him down and lengthen his fingers.
https://gizmodo.com/president-trump-posts-altered-photos-to-facebook-and-in-1831909849?IR=T
Fair enough that the tubby short-fingered vulgarian is sensitive about being being short-fingered and tubby. Snowflakes gonna snowflake. I’m just surprised they don’t do anything about the camel-toe thing he’s usually got going on with his neck.
Gotta hand it to ‘im though, he totally owns the vulgarian bit.
I’m sure he just loves his wattle.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5k48OGWQAATU07.jpg
The funny thing is that they also make him slightly less orange – he puts the shit on his face, and his publicists take it off 🙂
And by a nose, today’s runner up is – black people and white people were lynched in nearly equal numbers for being Republican ……
https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/on-mlk-day-weld-county-legislator-says-blacks-whites-lynched-in-nearly-equal-numbers-for-being-republican/
Not many whites were lynched for being black though.
Republican used to mean equality or pretty much and democracy didn’t it?
Then it went through a change like we did in 1984. Someone in the USA got egged up and flipped the omelette.
Peter Fitzsimons is horrified at the crackpot rantings of David Moffett
Bryan Bruce documentary
https://youtu.be/HzSAmOQuyjU
Tragic and scandalous. And completely avoidable, but we were deceived by Rogernomes and the Business Roundtable. Typical theft of the commons by greedy elites.
IMHO Asset sales have been the #1 political issue over the last 35 years, but we were continuously sold out by neoliberals, facilitated by one Winston Peters. We even changed our electoral system to try and stop it. But now the Overton window has shifted so far, rampant pillage is the new normal for NZ 🙁
I am on Tramadol… some strange effects. Does anyone else have experiences?
I’m wondering how long it is safe to use?
I have had the misfortune to develop a hairline fracture (minor) on the edge of my acetabulum where the cup (socket) beds in for a full hip replacement.
The first time I walked was fine ‘no pain’ the second time was different pain was up to 3 even on heavy meds.
It appears my recovery will take 9 months rather than the usual 6, as the bone needs to heal as well. Sadly if it doesn’t another operation may be needed to change the face of the socket for a new cup… an x ray in 2 to 4 weeks will clarify if a repair or replacement will happen, as bone growth and bedding should have started.
Apparently the long wait for healing is painful (my bad luck) so hence my queries about the opium based meds. Any help would be good.
Damn, sorry to hear that.
Sadly I know nothing about opioids from a user perspective.
Yes bugger!!
Hi Patricia
In consultation with your Dr you should be decreasing your tramadol and transitioning to non narcotic pain relief when appropriate.
While most people don’t have issues on tramadol a number of people get a variety of side effects with dizziness, nausea, sweating, tiredness, headache, asthenia and constipation being the most common.
Stunned Mullet I believe that also. It makes me feel drunk and wobbly, seeing my Dr tomorrow.
Hi Patricia, so sorry to hear about this setback when you were doing so well.
I had a few problems with Tramadol so was only on it for a day, but I had very little pain after my op so did not need heavies. Went back on to good old Naproxen which is the only anti-inflamatory that I can use.
Anyway, I would really speak to your doctor again as soon as you can. In the meantime, rather than select the various links to reliable articles to send to you, here is a Google search for “Tramadol medsafe” which has quite a few good NZ sources of information on Tramadol. By that I mean that the Medsafe links are the ones I would check out and also the bpac ones. Both highly reliable NZ sources for information on pharmaceuticals etc.
https://www.google.com/search?q=tramadol+medsafe&rlz=1C1LDJZ_enNZ499&oq=tramadol&aqs=chrome.5.69i57j0l5.8953j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Thanks so much, I was a little down today, seeing my Dr tomorrow.
Can not take tramadol, makes me violently ill and sea sick. I find it the most horrible medication there is.
I would ask for something else, it can be quit addictive. So if you have to use it for a long time …..not sure.
in saying that i can take codeine without any side effects but must drink heeps of water.
Yes, I found I slept better with codeine, Thanks Sabine.
Tramadol are highly addictive and they will get you high. They work in good synergy with weed if you want less opiates more natural in your meds. Used as directed people go off their meds and don’t become addicts but long term opiates is not great. The fact is those are some strong stuff. Good you are wary. Be careful with alcohol you’ll feel wonderful then throw up or worse get ill. I had some for a back one time, interesting.
Some chronic pain sufferers I know have gone the route of meditation, I know it certainly works for emotional pain, and for them physical too. It takes practise. You can meditate sitting up, lying down, it’s better comfortable than making like a lotus blossom to ‘do it right’.
Thanks I see him around the 30th, but could go earlier. Yes this is a bit sad the crack in the acetabulum is painful.
Patricia Bremner – after knee replacement surgery I found Tramadol gave me ghastly nightmares. I tried not to sleep at night so GP gave me better meds that had no side effects. Time will be your great healer – I wish you well.
Thanks Patricia, I will ring and ask my Dr., as I feel insecure and woozy as well as the extra pain problem. Healing will take 6 to 12 weeks more depending.
Two years of the GOP controlling both houses with no movement towards the wall and suddenly, just as a the Democrats are about to take control , crisis.
The shutdown is all about tRump and McConnell suspending democracy, not a fucking wall.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1087374469222547461
I’m pretty sure that you’ll find that the GoP doesn’t like democracy and does everything in its power to circumvent it. Removing polling booths from where they’re needed most if they suspect that those people won’t vote for them, throwing millions off of voting lists for whatever, and other means of disenfranchising those that they don’t like.
the ‘compromise’ offered by the shitstain was released and it is appropriatly shitty.
Not that i expected differently, after all we are talking about the shitstain and his enablers.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.appropriations.senate.gov%2Fimo%2Fmedia%2Fdoc%2FEnd%2520the%2520Shutdown%2520and%2520Secure%2520the%2520Border%2520Act.pdf
this guy has made a list for your viewing pleasure – cause who wants to read hundreds of pages of shittyness?
https://twitter.com/ReichlinMelnick/status/1087541175744188417
https://twitter.com/pwolgin/status/1087540774202425346
Mcconnel will let this bill go to vote in the senate, after all he is good as doing as he is told to do. It might be vulgar and such, but yes, the man knows how to kiss arse, he is very very good at it and he has no issues doing it.
Never mind, that the bill will still have to go back to congress where it is dead on arrival.
but never mind, this is not racism, this is just an expression of the economically anxious white male working class, the only class that counts.
However distasteful to the open borders left, it is perfectly valid to defend your sovereign borders. Residence/citizenship for aliens is a privilege not a right.
The question of ethics and moral obligation is something for voters to decide – the Trump administration is upholding its election pledges.
And here we have Paula Bennett admitting she indulged in marijuana in her youth. A criminal act?
Yet Metiria Turei was hounded out of Parliament by media and just about every other right wing scoundrel, through her admittance of committing benefit fraud as a single parent trying to make ends meet!
Can we now expect msm to put the boot into Bennett, the same way as it did to Turei? I eagerly await the outcome of this one. However, I won’t hold my breath.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/110079623/paula-bennett-appointed-nationals-drug-reform-spokesperson
its ok if you are from the no mates party.
i do however stand by a point i made earlier, the no mates party will run on legalizing, decriminalizing weed in order to win an election. And it is labours and the coalitions own fault if they dont’ start articulating a solution to this dilemma. Every poll taken for as long as i have been here has always favored some sort of reform and if only to keep people out of prison for possession, growing and distributing. If they want to reform prison, if they want to help lower income communities, if they want to keep families together then the first thing would be to decriminalize simple possession and growing for own use, then take anyone out of prison who is in there for possession and growing – especially teh non violent ones. But sadly i do see no one in the Labour party that would have the guts to do so.
Seems Jami-Lee Ross is about to enter the starting gates for a return to Parliament next month, as an Independent MP.
Simon Bridges’ worst nightmare is about to come back to both taunt and haunt him. Oh dear, what a shame, never mind.
Could be an interesting year in politics.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/110093611/jamilee-ross-to-return-to-parliament-as-police-probe-text
The full text of Jamie Lee’s letter is here:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12194471
He writes that he is in better health and intends to get back to being a good person and a good MP for Botany.
He will not use hate and anger towards Simon and Paula.
How kind of Paula and Simon to wish Jamie “good health.”
“I don’t have hatred or animosity towards Simon or Paula anymore for the way they treated me. At the time they were doing all they knew how to do with the skill set they have.
But I still take responsibility, because it wasn’t fair on them. It wasn’t fair on Simon and Paula for them to be put in a position where they had to choose between helping someone with a health issue, or to put that person under more pressure because it was the better political move to make.” (Think on that for a moment!)
“I do want to say thank you to the people that tried to help. I have subsequently learnt that at least two of the four women in the October 18 Newsroom story first spoke to the National Party leadership because they were concerned about my health and wellbeing. They identified that I was struggling and they were doing what they thought was the right thing. I want to thank them for caring.
Should the National Party’s response have been to send them out to talk to the media? Probably not, but people don’t always do very rational things in the heat of a political crisis when they are under pressure.”
Loon Alert.
No wonder this creep got on so well with Murray Deaker.
https://twitter.com/DavidMoffett47
Peter Fitzsimons (of rugby fame) grappled with David Moffett on his twitter feed today, very entertaining
https://twitter.com/Peter_Fitz
The battle on the frontline of climate change in Mali
https://www.bbc.com/news/the-reporters-46921487
These people have really big worries. They will need resettling. Thinking of the horrible climate change graph the other day showing the unlivable hot spots around the middle of the planet.