Open Mike 22/05/2018

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 22nd, 2018 - 56 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

56 comments on “Open Mike 22/05/2018 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. One Anonymous Bloke 1
    22 May 2018 at 6:32 am

    Stuff’s slavery investigation concludes that “no slave-tainted fish are ending up in New Zealand”, and also that “it’s almost certain that we have eaten fish caught by crew under conditions of forced labour.”

    Always look for the label. If it says “Fabrique en Nouvelle Zelande” there might be a problem. How much are corporate reassurances worth? More importantly, how can they be verified?

    • WILD KATIPO 1.1
      22 May 2018 at 7:11 am

      ^^^

      Just read that too,… it was appalling.

      My son has a friend who fishes for 3 months at a time at sea near the Auckland Islands , with a crew of around 55 people … he says its a hard life but the captain and crew are a close knit family and they get looked after well ,… and when you compare the two… and whats been going on in the Stuff article,… it just shows that it doesn’t have to be that way at all.

    • Ed 1.2
      22 May 2018 at 7:33 am

      Thank you for sharing.
      Awful.

      Further proof globalisation and neoliberalism is literally killing people and species as it’s ruthlessly exploits the finite resources of capitalism his planet.
      Add that to bananas from slave plantations in the Philippines and electronics from slave mines in the Congo.
      The article presents a neoliberal solution- consumers can change things.
      Much better would be government actions to rid the oceans of these death factories.
      That would be a good use for our navy.

      • WILD KATIPO 1.2.1
        22 May 2018 at 8:01 am

        – That would be a good use for our navy –

        Yes it would , the Navy has a long tradition of hunting down these sort of high sea pirates , and that’s what they are – pirates. Criminals. The trick then is to bring them before the courts on human rights abuses with so many of these govt’s shielding them. And to do that we need the assistance of the ICC- International Criminal Court, if indeed, they manage these sorts of offences.

        • WILD KATIPO 1.2.1.1
          22 May 2018 at 8:12 am

          The other problem is lack of jurisdiction in certain waters, and the sheer size of the area , which enables these criminals to indulge these behaviors,… when we consider that the ocean is a massive water filled desert,… we get an idea of its expanse.

          It would need several cases to be made an example of using an international policing force , a power of legal workers behind that , – in short , – some sort of international agreement with teeth, – and therein lies the problem; so many big business interests… which takes us back to the Stuff answer… widespread public education to bring international political solutions.

          It should be done. Murder is going on out there.

          • Cinny 1.2.1.1.1
            22 May 2018 at 5:16 pm

            Wows, OAB, cheers for the link, really pleased the fishing industry is being brought to light, again, so much goes on out there.

            WK, this bit…. “The other problem is lack of jurisdiction in certain waters, and the sheer size of the area” absolutely bang on.

            It’s important to understand that MOST officers are treated well in the fishing industry, this ensures their flexibility.

            What goes on at sea stays at sea, open your mouth and someone may shut it for you, loose lips sink ships etc. Good on Stuff for gaining some insight.

            Get the job done, stress runs high out there, fish are money.

            In many instances, officers (cook to captain) are paid a salary plus a % of the catch, as a result, the crew are worked hard if the fish are running, no sleep for you, shall we bring up the P epidemic, time is money and all that.

            Those in the factory or on deck are often graded to earn their percentage, so if any officers have it in for you, that will impact your grade.

            Factory/deck crew from other countries are treated like shite, depending on the ‘culture’ of the vessel. It’s easy as to pick up more offshore factory and deck crews, easy as.

            And if you spend 3mths at sea, there’s not much you can do or say about it and there is def nowhere to run.

      • Gosman 1.2.2
        22 May 2018 at 1:43 pm

        An electronics mine. I’d love to see that in action. Do you get working equipment of just components?

      • Exkiwiforces 1.2.3
        22 May 2018 at 2:04 pm

        The RNZN/ MOD have asked for a 3rd OPV that is design to operate in the Southern Ocean in the last DWP as the current two OPV’s are barely Fit for Purpose for Southern Ocean duties (fit for only the Summer run down Sth, but I believe it can’t take a Seasprite down Sth as it pushes the ships ice belt below the waterline). But from the sounds of it the 3rd OPV is on hold until they work out what’s going to replace the P3’s so they can line up right Combat Mission Systems etc so that OPV, Fixed and Rotary Wing assets can have and provide update SA to each other plus future proof the system when the UAV’s entry service sooner or later down the track.

        Once that is sorted out I think you would the NZDF spending a lot more time down Sth all yr round instead of usual runs down during the summer periods. With having everybody on the same sheet of music unlike it atm will allow NZDF to effectively enforce the Southern Fishies. If the ODT is right about this one and it’s something that I have been suggesting as well.Then our wishes for a permanent presence in the Southern Ocean might come true.

        https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dunedin-navy-base-rumour

        Then there will be whining from the Fishing Industry as they well able to enforce the quota, Labour and Maritime Laws etc more effectively than at the present time.

    • Stuart Munro 1.3
      22 May 2018 at 2:22 pm

      The government ought to be looking at whether NZ crews can buy a house. Because if working a couple of months away on rotating shifts won’t let you do that, only a fool would do it. And that’s how the industry falls into the hands of the charter and slave fishing companies.

    • Cinny 1.4
      22 May 2018 at 5:36 pm

      Here’s a classic example of a slave ship by an Aussie company (by that i mean it used to be Aussie based), their PR via the net would make people think otherwise lololz.

      “To satisfy the surging Asian appetite for its abalone, the company said it will base its abalone grow-out ship, the MV Destiny Queen, in Asian waters.”

      What this particular company does is grow their abalone on a factory ship outside of Aussie waters, that particular ship is a freaking disgrace, workers are treated like dirt, it’s hell on earth for them. The grown abalone is then collected by a small vessel and new spawn are dropped off along with ships stores. No reason for the factory vessels crew to go anywhere near land, keep them onboard as long as possible.

      Edit… found an article about their ‘true colours’, was a fair while back, but I doubt they’ve changed.

      “The 120-metre, 65-tonne ship has been under close scrutiny by Australian unions, who are furious that all but four of the vessel’s Australian crew were dismissed last September and replaced with much cheaper Chinese sailors and Ukrainian officers and engineers.

      Suspicions have increased because the ship’s owners have refused to publicly say how much its sailors are being paid, and it is believed that some of the Chinese crew are earning as little as US$300 a month.”

      These practices have been going on for too long, may stuff continue to inform kiwis about it.

      Because companies will always deny it, check out Polly, bold faced lies from her…

      “Polly Kwok Wing-wah, a Hong Kong-based director of the firm, said: ‘The attack has taken the form of false submissions to local media, lies, and untrue allegations to union-biased government ministers and intimidation of company employees.'” LIAR !!!

  2. cleangreen 2
    22 May 2018 at 7:36 am

    Pac N save must be using some cheaper fish supplier than other supermarkets are as we have bought three times some red cod with fish bones in them. The cost per kilo is much cheaper than other supermarkets at only $16 a kilo, where other supermarkets are charging over $23 a kilo.

    Beware as I got two large fish bones struck between my gums and teeth that caused a gum injury.

  3. cleangreen 3
    22 May 2018 at 7:51 am

    Is it ostrich day today????

    We see Jacinda ignoring the elephant in the room again today and was on the media mainly seeming to be worried about something other than mycoplama bovis as the main theme of this day!!!!!!!

    We need a moritorium on cow movements until we do this now or we risk a widespread catastrope of this disease now.

    Subject; Mycoplasma bovis can be spread on trucks among shared containment areas unless every truck is sterilised see below.

    Everyone is asking how did mycoplasma bovis spread across the North Island from the south Island?

    It can travel on trucks John, and we cannot allow moving of stock now until it is made safe otherwise we are all going to spread the disease before long now.

    This is according to this article from the website.

    The new threat of disease to our entire cattle stock is a case of point as we have now allowed the unchecked transport of cows all around NZ on trucks and the Mycoplasma_bovis dsease which may destroy our second largest export earner and biggest company.

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

    Prevention[edit]
    There are many ways by which cattle can be prevented from catching Mycoplasma bovis and other pathogenic bacteria.[7]
    Transport of animals[edit]
    When transporting the animals from one farm to another, It would be appropriate if the transport vehicle could be cleaned with disinfectants before and after use. For better care, environmental swabbing should be taken place and samples sent to a microbiology lab if any harmful bacteria will be detected, further actions should be taken place.[8]
    Visitors[edit]
    Only authorized people should be allow to visit a farm. Visitors shall arrive with clean clothing and footwear and disinfectant on arrival and departure can be used to stop getting the introduction of bacteria’s. For example, a water mat with disinfectant can be used in the entrance of the farm, water bath, company can provide sanitized clothes for people.
    Weekly inspection and maintenance[edit]
    In the end of the week, cleaning of all the areas and equipment reduces the chances of animals getting sick. Also, it is important to clean the feedlot container and keep the feed dry. Doubling the boundary fence with a 6-inch gap prevents the animals contacting neighbouring animals.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1
      22 May 2018 at 8:16 am

      People can concern themselves with more than one thing at a time!!!!!!!!! Especially Prime Ministers!!!!!!!!

      • cleangreen 3.1.1
        22 May 2018 at 9:40 am

        Well if loosing our largest export earner and farming bussinesses along with their company to overseas (Fonterra) this should now be a full blown five alarm amergency.

        I am astounded that anything else is as important as keeping the direct focus on the major loss we are about to encounter if we sit there and ‘dilly dally’ while saying figuratively “rome burns”.

        It is all about what’s most important as last governments lost the plot so will we if we dilly dally.

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.1
          22 May 2018 at 10:48 am

          Well if loosing our largest export earner and farming bussinesses along with their company to overseas (Fonterra) this should now be a full blown five alarm amergency.

          You do know why there’s cautionary tails about sticking all your eggs one basket right?

    • Hooch 3.2
      22 May 2018 at 8:24 am

      I don’t understand the dithering about on this issue. For a country that fines people hundreds of dollars for bringing a piece fruit into an airport it’s bizarre.

      Short term pain. Ban all cattle movement for six months, slaughter any infected animals, massive cleaning operation of all associated infrastructure and name all infected farms.

      We can point fingers and blame each other later.

      • cleangreen 3.2.1
        22 May 2018 at 9:43 am

        Hooch, 100%

        Yes we agree.

        We now need an imeadiate ‘moritorium’ on this spreading of movements of diseased cattle now or we are done.

        Stop trucking cattle now.

      • Draco T Bastard 3.2.2
        22 May 2018 at 10:50 am

        and name all infected farms.

        and charge them for the clean up.

        • Stuart Munro 3.2.2.1
          22 May 2018 at 11:06 am

          Just make sure if any are driven to the wall they’re not sold offshore. Glomming the mortgaged dairy farms was a major cause of the SCF abuse of state power.

  5. dv 5
    22 May 2018 at 9:57 am

    What is Peters up to now.
    Peters is pregnant?

    A press release from the nz embassy in Japan.- Translated by Google.

    The Prime Minister of New Zealand, the prime minister of the New Zealand, instructed Vice Prime Minister to give birth to the second child in June, and the prime minister of’s will be on maternity leave on may 14th. The Vice Prime Minister published a letter showing his duties as prime minister.

  7. greywarshark 7
    22 May 2018 at 10:28 am

    I think we need to have provision set up to go at a moment’s notice with give a little ready for each time some NZr is discriminated into oblivion by the Australian government. Ours is helpless with confronting these intransigent, callous, spiteful non-friendly foreign politicians.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2018/05/advocates-for-homeless-kiwis-in-australia-pen-letter-asking-pm-jacinda-ardern-for-help.html

    https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/video/homeless-kiwis-in-australia-pen-letter-asking-pm-to-help/vp-AAxzu7j

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018645943/australian-pension-rules-leaving-nz-family-poor

    • Ad 7.1
      22 May 2018 at 11:12 am

      It may well be the case that there is no other country in the world that pays direct transfers for the social welfare of their citizens in another country, but honestly this government does need to go there.

      The alternative is that these street waifs are going to be arrested, put into Australian jails, in which they are fully criminalised, after which they will be deported back to New Zealand as criminals.

      Which would of course be even worse.

      • greywarshark 7.1.1
        22 May 2018 at 1:03 pm

        Yes Ad it makes sense from an objective, economic sense. And there is also the moral imperative. They are being punished by the Australian government for being New Zealanders. It has become clear from recent happenings that sanctions are applied to us that they don’t apply to any other country’s citizens. This was actually stated in the interview with the NZ woman with a convalescent husband on Radionz this morning.
        http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018645943/australian-pension-rules-leaving-nz-family-poor

        A NZ family living in Perth are struggling to make ends meet after a father broke his leg and cannot gain access to any benefits.

        Johno Walsh broke his leg playing in the park with his children at the end of April.
        Because his injury occurred outside of his work as a diesel engineer he was ineligible for sick pay or work cover. Now he and his wife Debbie, originally from Hawke’s Bay, found out their income protection insurance won’t pay out until the end of June. They have four children.

        So Ms Walsh went to the social welfare office, Centrelink, to see about getting access to their seven years of superannuation paid while living in Australia….

        New Zealanders on the Special Category Visa are not eligible for federal benefits. No one can withdraw super for hardship unless they had been on a benefit for six months.
        Centrelink staff [were] asked how it was possible permanent residents from other countries were able to qualify for benefits and New Zealanders with seven years in Australia could not…

        They and their New Zealand friends both had no idea that their income protection nor superannuation would buffer them.
        We’re trying to play it cool cos we don’t want our kids to know, because I don’t think they need to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

        “That’s the life of a New Zealand citizen in Australia.”

        They have income protection insurance but didn’t shape the policy to cover this, and in a modern society expect that they can get help in times of need and emergency. But not us in Australia. They are following the neoliberal line even more rigidly than our RW governments have done.

        I think that we have shown them up in Oz, irritated them, not followed an order etc, and they have decided that they don’t owe us respect, or anything. They have got themselves into a liege lord situation over us by owning our banks, and competing successfully for any business that still manages to run here, and have nothing to lose by acting out of character, that is, in a principled manner.

        A moral imperative is a strongly-felt principle that compels that person to act. It is a kind of categorical imperative, as defined by Immanuel Kant. Kant took the imperative to be a dictate of pure reason, in its practical aspect. Not following the moral law was seen to be self-defeating and thus contrary to reason.
        Moral imperative – Wikipedia
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_imperative

      • AsleepWhileWalking 7.1.2
        22 May 2018 at 4:32 pm

        Needs / must.

        This should be a priority.

  8. alwyn 8
    22 May 2018 at 12:27 pm

    I see that Winston has had another policy altered to favour his benefactors in the Fishing Industry. Years of work down the drain because the fishing industry has called in a debt from Tsar Winston.
    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104082934/government-dfrops-plan-to-restrict-deep-sea-trawling-protect-orange-roughy
    Have a look at the photo of Ardern and Peters in this story.
    Puppeteer Winston feeding Ardern with the lines she must utter. Then his final words.
    “Just do what I tell you Jacinda.” is his order.

    • bwaghorn 8.1
      22 May 2018 at 12:35 pm

      Since you are so concerned you’ll have to vote green next time so nzf has less sway in the next lab/green/and gov

    • greywarshark 8.2
      22 May 2018 at 1:05 pm

      You sour little creep Alwyn, always badmouthing someone trying to do good in running the country besides your losing team.

      • alwyn 8.2.1
        22 May 2018 at 2:18 pm

        I really would suggest that you stop reading my comments.
        It is obviously not good for your digestion, or for the preservation of your delusions.

    • Fireblade 8.3
      22 May 2018 at 1:34 pm

      Mr Delusional returns. A quote from Alwyn’s rant earlier today:

      “I wonder if Ms Ardern realises that she is not just allowing him the role of Acting Prime Minister as she has said. He is going to depose her”

      Don’t take anything Alwyn says as being a rational comment. He lives in fantasy land.

      • alwyn 8.3.1
        22 May 2018 at 1:58 pm

        You really should learn to read properly.
        It was wild Katipo who raised this as an apparently serious comment.
        After all Ms Ardern tells us that Winston is going to be Acting PM.
        That means she will still be PM and Winnie will only be filling in for her.

        Wild Katipo tells us that he is going to actually be Prime Minister. You can only have one at a time so he will have to replace Ardern, won’t he?
        Why don’t you ask Wild Katipo where he gets his information from?

        And then calm down.

    • Rosemary McDonald 8.4
      22 May 2018 at 1:50 pm

      alwyn…playing Machiavelli are you?

      You know how folks will react to you posting that link, wrapped up in your usual invective…and success! Because they’re all piling onto you rather than reading the actual article…which demands our attention.

      So…now you’ve all taken alwyn’s bait…go and read the article…

      There’s something not right about this.

      • alwyn 8.4.1
        22 May 2018 at 2:14 pm

        I’m afraid they don’t want to read the story Rosemary. If they did they would have to accept the fact that this Government is simply made up of politicians whose main interest is just like every other politician.
        They want the power and the perks of office. They aren’t paragons of virtue.

        My real complaint about them is not that they are in power. It is that they simply aren’t competent and didn’t spend their time in Opposition preparing to be a Government with a set of well thought out policies.
        I mean look at Twyford and Kiwibuild. Have you ever seen anyone in quite such a muddle?

        National were tired and really needed replacing. No Government should last more than three terms, at least in my opinion. Unfortunately we have had a group who are incompetent taking over. The only one who actually knows what he is doing is Tsar Winston and he is running things for his mates, like those who run the Fishing Industry and people like Sir Patrick Hogan and the horseracing fraternity.

  9. Rosemary McDonald 9
    22 May 2018 at 1:40 pm

    So, we have a discussion going on about David ‘Footloose’ Seymour trying to raise a rabble in Remmers against a potential invasion of mentally ill folk…and I contributed this link to an article about Seymour’s reaction to the professional opinions of a panel of palliative care experts to the euthanasia select committee.

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/356086/euthanasia-bill-dangerous-palliative-care-workers

    “Act leader David Seymour, who introduced the bill to Parliament in June last year has hit back, accusing the experts of fearmongering.

    He insisted the vulnerable would be protected.

    “Our own Attorney-General has written that my bill has sufficient safeguards and is consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights. So these guys, frankly, need to go jump in a lake, start debating on the evidence and stop speculating to create fear, uncertainty and doubt.””

    Seymour continues his less than respectful response to those expressing concern about his pet project with an attack on the Disabilities Commissioner…https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/357924/euthanasia-bill-a-clayton-s-choice-for-disabled-people

    “ACT leader David Seymour said he was deeply disappointed that Ms Tesoriero was “spreading misinformation” as intellectually disabled people did not qualify under the bill.

    “It’s very ironic that the Disabilities Commissioner of all people would be saying that a person who’s perfectly capable of making a decision … should have fewer rights and choices than other people.””

    Tesoreiro had quite rightly pointed out that in NZ people with disabilities “could not freely exercise their choice in New Zealand.

    “We live in a world where people focus on fixing us, not on removing the barriers that make us disabled.

    “In the absence of adequate services, we run the risk that choice under this bill becomes a Clayton’s choice for disabled people.””

    Seymour was supported by none other than Greg ‘give all the cops guns all the time’ O’Connor, who because he has a son with an intellectual disability claims to have looked at the Bill and has not seen any problems.

    “A “Clayton’s choice” is a choice that exists in name only and isn’t genuine.

    But Mr O’Connor said many disabled people were perfectly able to give well-informed consent.

    “You have to be careful – because it’s almost like you’re saying, ‘Leave disabled people over here, because they’re not capable of the same … mental capability””

    I know M O’ Connor still uses MP training wheels, but he really needs to be more nuance aware.

    What the Disabilities Commissioner is saying Greg, is that while far too many disabled New Zealanders struggle to get the supports they need and have to battle all the way to the United Nations to have they basic rights as humans recognised, it is really inafuckingppropriate to be defending the rights of disabled people to choose euthanasia while dismissing the concerns of a disabled person who represents the rights of all disabled New Zealanders.

    Not without making a clear and unequivocal statement on behalf on the government that the rights of all disabled New Zealanders will be respected.

    • Gosman 9.1
      22 May 2018 at 1:48 pm

      Eh????

      The current bill won’t be able to be used by disabled people unless they are of sound mind, can convince a GP.

      • Rosemary McDonald 9.1.1
        22 May 2018 at 1:54 pm

        Go have a lie down Gosman. I used far too many words, and there are subtleties that may be difficult to sense for those outside of the disability community.

    • greywarshark 9.2
      22 May 2018 at 4:45 pm

      I just suggest Rosemary that some disabled persons might wish to have the right to choose euthanasia in the present or at some future specified time.

      I note that the antis regard their opinions as sacred, and the final authority. This assumes that other people have no agency in their own lives; that they don’t have the intellect, that they must do what society and those around them decide for them. It is strange that others want to own others body and soul.

      • Rosemary McDonald 9.2.1
        22 May 2018 at 5:09 pm

        “….that some disabled persons might wish to have the right to choose euthanasia in the present or at some future specified time. ”

        And no one is saying otherwise.

        BUT…and this is a very big BUT…there must be no question at all that the disabled person who chooses euthanasia is doing so because the lack of proper support is making their life unbearable.

        And at the present point in time this cannot be guaranteed.

        Most of the people living with disability in New Zealand have no entitlement to funded supports from the Ministry of Health whatsoever.

        And seeking supports from the Ministry of Health has actually made people wish that they were dead.

        “I note that the antis regard their opinions as sacred, and the final authority.”

        Funny that, I’ve noted the exact same tone from the pros…did you actually read Seymour’s responses to the Commissioner and the palliative care professionals that I referenced in my comment?

        Telling the palliative care professionals that they “need to go jump in a lake,”…..

  10. Exkiwiforces 10
    22 May 2018 at 3:04 pm

    An interesting article to read for those interested? With a 11pg document in English from Sweden on what to do if Sweden is attack from a hostile country.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-22/sweden-issues-leaflet-on-how-to-prepare-for-war/9785934

    • Ad 10.1
      22 May 2018 at 3:52 pm

      Saw that.

      A great read in translation.

      Sweden has their own strong reasons to fear Russia, and it is driving them into NATO membership.

      • McFlock 10.1.1
        22 May 2018 at 4:22 pm

        Also some concerns about coastal submarines, if I recall correctly.

        • Exkiwiforces 10.1.1.1
          22 May 2018 at 5:24 pm

          I was reading a Janes Defence report a mths ago saying Russia Submarine activity in the Baltic Sea is almost back to Cold War levels and a huge increase around the Northern Approaches to Norway, Iceland and UK gap, but not to the same levels as during Cold War although there has been the odd surge or a increase rate of effort too Cold War levels during Russian Navy Summer Manoeuvres or NATO Ex’s.

          Everyone is now having to relearn the art of ASW and tracking Subs etc as everything was either cut, mothballed or quietly drop as a peace dividend or the same to find cost savings to fund the “War on Terror” in the Gan and forgetting the need to have the “The Utility of Force” because the silly pollie’s didn’t want rise taxes to fund the “War on Terror” as British Armed Forces have found out thanks to that muppet Blair.

          • McFlock 10.1.1.1.1
            22 May 2018 at 5:32 pm

            Oh, I knew I’d read something else a while back:

            the Swedish nuclear sub design of old.

            Deary me.

            • Exkiwiforces 10.1.1.1.1.1
              22 May 2018 at 7:36 pm

              Yes I had seen that article as well, an interesting design and common sense prevail that it was unlikely to work. But they design this wee beauty of Submarine for use in and around the Baltic Sea until the Aussies got hold of it and completely bugged it up.

              https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A4sterg%C3%B6tland-class_submarine

              The design was so good that yanks got hold of a Swedish one on lease complete with it crew to train it scope dopes on how to find a diesel electric sub. When the aussies finally got their subs work properly and gave the yanks a right royal thrashing on RIMPAC Ex’s. As they got inside a Carrier Battle Group Anti Submarine Screen, then tailing the Carrier for couple days taking pictures of it before surfacing beside the Carrier after proclaiming to every Tom, Dick and Harry that no one can penetrate it a Anti Sub screen.

              • McFlock …
                22 May 2018 at 9:48 pm

                Lol those would be the ones being replaced by the ones pauline hansen thought could only stay under water for a few hours?

      • Exkiwiforces 10.1.2
        22 May 2018 at 5:04 pm

        Both Sweden and Finland both cut back it Defence expenditure after the end of the Cold War to a point where they mothballed bases, equipment and move to suspend the National Service requirements of National’s Defence Force including the Civil Defence Forces. The Nordic countries have their own battle group with NATO for UN operations or for NATO’s Out of Area Operations aka The Gan. Which according to a couple of Swedish girl’s who work the bar at near bush block said they and many others are not impressed the close tries that Sweden has developed with NATO since the end of the Cold War. But on the other hand they could under stand the UN operations like Bosnia but not Gan as it comprises its Neutrality and if we run down our Defence Forces then we only have ourselves to blame. They also said Russia is a major concern to them as they see Russia wanting to rebuild its former Tsar Empire across the Baltic Nations and a threat to Nordic Values, Lifestyle and Freedoms.

        It’s was only about 5 or so yrs ago (maybe longer not sure) that the last Swedish Troops left Gotland Defences and turn the lights off. Here they now standing its up Defences on Gotland and as my friends were saying it’s little bit concerning that is is happening.

    • One Two 10.2
      22 May 2018 at 11:31 pm

      11 pages…

      There is number 11, once again
      ..

  11. greywarshark 11
    22 May 2018 at 4:49 pm

    This sounds like an interesting read.
    https://people.unisa.edu.au/Ben.Stubbs

    My first book Ticket to Paradise: A Journey to Find the Australian Colony in Paraguay Among Nazis, Mennonites and Japanese Beekeepers
    about my search for the remnants of the Australian utopian colony in Paraguay was published by ABC Books in 2012.

    I am a writing and journalism academic. My background is as a travel and features journalist for publications in Australia and overseas. I have written for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Toronto Star, The Sydney Morning Herald and Rough Guides among many others. My current academic research focuses on exploring the plurality of the travel writing form.

    I am fluent in Spanish and my latest book After Dark: A Nocturnal Exploration of… Read more

  12. greywarshark 12
    22 May 2018 at 7:25 pm

    Heart warming and hopeful for the future of our environment.
    Together we can make the vital difference and achieve amity and mutuality.

    • greywarshark 12.1
      22 May 2018 at 9:05 pm

      China is happy that it is turning sand dunes into productive growing areas.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJplsA61Ops

      We could be going ahead with something special for NZ since we are such a beautiful country and we love it. I’m sure we could be forging ahead with organics. I think that the Falklands has done this. Robert G would have good ideas. Let’s do it !

  14. eco maori 14
    24 May 2018 at 6:11 am

    the auckland sandflys are just like the ones in vags the get shitty because I can smell them and cheat and block all my devices from getting this site ———- ka kite ano

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour is pleased that Pseudoephedrine can now be purchased by the general public to protect them from winter illness, after the coalition government worked swiftly to change the law and oversaw a fast approval process by Medsafe. “Pharmacies are now putting the medicines back on their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • New measures to protect powerlines from trees
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced that the Government will make it easier for lines firms to take action to remove vegetation from obstructing local powerlines. The change will ensure greater security of electricity supply in local communities, particularly during severe weather events.  “Trees or parts of trees falling on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani win top Māori dairy farming award
    Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani were the top winners at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy awards recognising the best in Māori dairy farming. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the winners and congratulated runners-up, Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board, at an awards celebration also attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received
    "On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.  “I raised my concerns after being ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Unions should put learning ahead of ideology
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools.     “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMA
    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguard
    Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationship
    New Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says.  “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019.  “It is my pleasure ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New Caledonia
    New Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.  “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.  “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of State
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card funding
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Further sanctions against Russia
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • One year on from Loafers Lodge
    A year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaboration
    New Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says.    “This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Penk travels to Peru for trade meetings
    Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Minister attends global education conferences
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA Chair
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call Foundation
    New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.   This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Panel announced for review into disability services
    Distinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Minister welcomes Police gang unit
    Today’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners.  “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New Chief of Defence Force appointed
    Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government puts children first by repealing 7AA
    Legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, Italy
    Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Charter schools to lift educational outcomes
    The upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
    “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
    Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
    Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
    The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
    A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
    New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-20T04:36:29+00:00