Open mike 22/05/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 22nd, 2023 - 51 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 …

51 comments on “Open mike 22/05/2023 ”

  1. bwaghorn 1

    Question??

    Is the funding for Glenbrook mills new electric burner being funded by carbon credits, if not why not??

    Sorry in a hurry so no links etc

  2. Incognito 2

    I just love it when a sharp mind with excellent critical skills destroys manipulative populism from David Seymour and ACT.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/132087865/why-critical-maths-adds-up

    Well done, Donna Miles!

    • ianmac 2.1

      Well spotted and thanks Donna. Maths needs contexts otherwise it is meaningless to learners. Kids should use maths in order to understand social problems but those who see maths as just 1+1= 2 are likely to turn out like Seymour. Sadly.

  3. Sanctuary 3

    Anyone else think the free prescription subsidy was also a massive lifeline to local pharmacies struggling with the competition from the Chemist Warehouse?

    The more I think about it, the more assinine Nicola Willis's kneejerk response to that bit of the budget was – locally owned small businesses feeling the pressure of an Aussie owned corporate ought to be the bread and butter of National's support base. It shows how far modern “cponservatism” has strayed toward culture war crony capitalism that she didn’t instinctively know how that comment might play in Ashburton.

    • Incognito 3.1

      Yup, levelling the playing field, somewhat.

    • Yes I thought so Sanctuary, as there are hardly any independent Chemists on Gold Coast, as they found Chemist Warehouse impossible to compete with.

      That could happen here, so a great move by the Government to favour our own by covering charges.

      CW has been offering "free" postage (over a certain buy) and free script charges on click and collect.

      Chemists do far more since the pandemic, and we need them to remain viable.

  4. tWiggle 4

    Talking of culture wars..

    For those who may be interested, this study in the journal Race and Class maps the incestuous nature of British 'anti-woke' ideologues, their think tanks, media vehicles and campaigns.

    An anatomy of the British war on woke

    Cited in a Guardian article on the UK National Conservatives, a recent political face of the movement.

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/21/tories-opposition-danger-national-conservatism-conference-rightwing

  5. tWiggle 5

    Finally, some real NZ data on reported assaults in public spaces like toilets, and in prisons by transgender women.

    ‘A recent long-form read by David Fisher in the NZ Herald (paywalled) talks in depth about “scaremongering” around bathrooms and changing rooms: “The arguments espoused most fervently come with the least evidence,” Fisher wrote.

    Fisher cites police reporting, both here and overseas: 'Police here have no reported cases of women being assaulted in toilets or changing rooms by trans women. That matches with research done in the US after exclusionary bathroom laws were passed in some states. A 2018 study from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law found no evidence supporting fears of privacy and safety violations involving trans people.'

    Similarly, there is no evidence of this risk in prisons: 'The Department of Corrections reports no sexual violence involving the 16 trans women who have served time since 2018. Violence, too, is low with two non-serious assaults recorded since July 2020 in which a trans woman was identified as the perpetrator. Over the same period, there were 324 assaults in total in women’s prisons.” ‘

    The quote comes from a Spinoff article posted today.

    What is the media’s responsibility when reporting trans disinformation?

    • Molly 5.1

      Data – and quality data are not the same thing. Data regarding harm needs to be comprehensively and determinedly collected by objectively neutral researchers before you can come to conclusions. The statistics we do have that are robust relating to sexual assault – of all kinds, indicates a significant benefit to single-sex provisions.

      As you appear to have absolutely no consideration for safeguarding, privacy dignity or consent in regards to women and girls in single-sex spaces, I make the following suggestion:

      Leave those who see value in such spaces to them and join the men whom you want to share with in the men's provision.

      The advantages of this are easily noted:

      1. No continued conflation of sex and gender identity, which just confuses people.
      2. Female facilities remain single-sex provisions, (albeit with the acknowledgement that females – such as you – who want to share with men, are doing so without everyone's consent and with no respect for male privacy and dignity)
      3. This allows women – such as yourself – to practically and visibly show their support for men with gender identities – without imposing or assuming all other women and girls feel the same.
      4. Men with gender identities – can now pee – which apparently was impossible without the presence of women – reducing the likelihood of urinary tract infections or bladder or bowel explosions.
      5. One significant benefit – ANY discussion about transgression (wink) over single-sex boundaries is redirected AWAY from the men with gender identities – whom you no doubt consider already persecuted – and towards yourself and all the other women who join you in the men's facilities. This allows you to protect them from further harm, by making you the transgressor.

      (Note: This is a tongue-in-cheek suggestion… unless it solves the issue…)

      The Spinoff article is the usual conflation of links and and confident assertions with poor quality basis for such.

      Jennifer Shields has (fore)skin in the game, and the article shows this.

      What is not apparent, is the demonstration of this wordsmith’s skills when making threats against women online. Now, I understand that without screenshots, you will be asked to make a choice on who is believable here, article writer – Jennifer Shields or Ani O'Brien – but that will depend on personal factors – so will just leave this here for you to consider:

      https://twitter.com/aniobrien/status/1660384773876101120?s=20

      https://twitter.com/jennifilm/status/1660390420818563072?s=20

      • tWiggle 5.1.1

        Ani O'Brien who works for The Platform and Sean Plunkett?

      • tWiggle 5.1.2

        And this happened in 2014-5, when Shields was 21, two years into hormonal transition, and perhaps a little vulnerable?; while O'Brien was a few years older. I wonder what O'Brien said or did that elicited Shield's insults? Just thinking of the context.

        Article confirming Shield's age

        • Molly 5.1.2.1

          " Just thinking of the context."

          When you have a chance to put your "thinking" to paper, I'd be interested in hearing what "context" expressing the hope that someone is raped with a chainsaw is acceptable.

          Also, in what "context" such an expression is labelled an insult, rather than a violent threat.

    • Visubversa 5.2

      Toko Shane (Ashley) Winter is in Paremoremo prison where he belongs. However, "Pandora Electra" is in Springhill Women's prison, but as a person with convictions for violence (including a knife attack on his former partner and others) and what is described as "complex" needs, he will be under very close supervision.

      Ireland, of course has the infamous "Barbie Kardashian" in Limerick Women's prison. https://thecountess.ie/limerick-prison-the-rights-of-female-prisoners/

      And there are gatherings of evidence on the international stage. https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/rights-and-wrongs-how-gender-self-identification-policy-places-women-at-risk-in-prison/?mc_cid=fc75df3a16&mc_eid=602ecaffca&fbclid=IwAR3A_NnfBrP0XG4C6L30NpkYG6nYaL5SskrjBmT0yGms1SXyejH8bS89GZo

      There are a lot of other reasons why men who claim special identities should not be imprisoned with women.

      https://www.thedistancemag.com/p/male-prisoners-who-claim-to-be-women?fbclid=IwAR0h2QnLv35yY_6S3_UV8r1zvf41MUS1OYFKzZoq3ddUPtkmGrcQ1JuuQLc

      "It shows that nearly 60% of trans-identified male prisoners in the UK are sex offenders, making them 3.5 times more likely to be sex offenders than men who don’t identify as women. It should surprise no one that they are also nearly 18 times more likely to be sex offenders than women in prison.

      The first time this fact was brought to wider attention was with official United Kingdom Ministry of Justice statistics obtained in 2020. The data was submitted as evidence by Professor Rosa Freedman, Professor Kathleen Stock, and Professor Alice Sullivan to the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act inquiry."

      • tWiggle 5.2.1

        And that is why entry into NZ's womens' prisons is not a right in NZ, but is evaluated for each case, according to Corrections.

        • tWiggle 5.2.1.1

          …a right for transgender women..

          • Visubversa 5.2.1.1.1

            And who asked why these men who have opened their mouths and uttered the magical incantation "I identify as" should have the "right" be imprisoned with some of the most vulnerable women in our society, many of whom (if not most of them), have suffered from male violence, and do not have the "right" to refuse to be housed with men.

            Self ID means that any man – repeat any man, – who says he is a woman mysteriously becomes one. No diagnosis, no hormones, no surgery is required. He does not even have to shave off his beard.

            • tWiggle 5.2.1.1.1.1

              This is a treadmill argument from you, Visubversa.

              As I have discussed before, Stats NZ gives around 11,000 people identifying as transgender women in NZ. Ireland (similar population to ours), introduced a self-id law similar to ours in 2015. Around 100 transgender women a year actually use the self-id option, primarily for legal reasons like wills, etc. Many other countries round the world have self-id laws, like, eg. Brazil. I found this out from a 5 min internet search.

              The transgender community already use most public spaces such as womens' toilets in NZ, and have been for decades. The article I cited gave at least a link to NZ data on transgender crimes associated with these spaces. The police do not identify a problem with self-id, or they would have made a submission when the self-id legislation came up. You cannot take away others' rights without hard facts.

              • Visubversa

                Yes, the trans community did use public and private toilets that corresponded with their "gender identity" for decades, and still do. I I have been in the "Women's Rest Room" at the same time as Georgina Beyer at several Labour Party Conferences. We were both there to do the same thing, use the convenience, flush, wash our hands and depart. Trans people like Georgina are no problem to lesbians like me. Georgina and others of her generation were gay men at a time when sex between men was unlawful. They "transed away the Gay" but were still same sex attracted.

                These days it is quite different. Even the term "same sex attracted" is called an "anti Trans dogwhistle". Many of the people claiming trans status of one sort or another are heterosexual.

                And there is always this sort of problem.

                https://transcrimeuk.com/2019/02/02/katie-dolatowski/?fbclid=IwAR0EFtiQ8R6shurVxfq8kaggKJcxg3B1-5A5y5AWkTHq4P2qUTWHENxmy18

          • Molly 5.2.1.1.2

            Why assume the Department of Corrections is absolved from the responsibility of treating men with gender identities with humanity, dignity and respect while in the male prison estate? What right are you referring to?

            https://www.corrections.govt.nz/resources/policy_and_legislation/human_rights_in_new_zealand_prisons

            Prison policy was changed without public knowledge or discussion in 2018:

            https://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/42324/C124483_Information_on_transgender_and_gender_diverse_individuals_in_custody.pdf

            In March 2018, Corrections introduced a policy for the management of transgender individuals, with a focus on being more responsive to them and their circumstances. Each transgender individual has a customised support plan and is able to choose the gender of staff who conduct searches. The provision of a support plan does not depend on whether the transgender individual has legal recognition of their gender identity, or whether they have undergone medical or surgical steps.

            (Note: No mention of any assessments of the impact on the female prison estate or female prisoners.)

            I.10 Management of transgender prisoners

            https://www.corrections.govt.nz/resources/policy_and_legislation/Prison-Operations-Manual/Induction/I.10-Management-of-transgender-prisoners

            • tWiggle 5.2.1.1.2.1

              And where is the issue again?

              • Stuart Munro

                It reality comes down to throwing one's weight around.

                Relatively recently, trans in NZ began to assert 'rights' as opposed to behaving in a manner that respected others.

                As one youtuber commented:

                "If a grown man wants to pretend to be a woman he has a perfect right. But if he wants someone else to pretend he's a woman, that person has a perfect right to refuse."

                In pursuit of these non-existent rights they vilify and antagonize or assault anyone that dares to question their dodgy new orthodoxy.

                • tWiggle

                  I saw a man wearing a backpack and ordinary mens’ clothes assault a woman in video of that incident. A 20 year-old from Tauranga has been charged. Any evidence he was transgender?

                  He could have been upset for a family membe. Not an excuse, but don't forget Posie Parker has said some horrible things about trans people and their families.

                  Tasmanian senator denounces Posie Parker for her words in Hobart

                  Other people have been charged with assault in the same protest. Including an older man with neo-Nazi affiliation who repeated physically harassed a short woman marshall from the anti-PP counterprotest. The incidences of physical violence in the crowd were very few, and the police are prosecuting without bias, as they should.

                  • Stuart Munro

                    And all of this violence stems from asserting rights that impose upon others.

                    It is not enough to live quietly in new gendered identities – the demand is that they be respected. So much for not doing it in the streets and frightening the horses.

                    This is difficult, because contemporary theories of gender identity sit poorly with little things like genetics. And, there are plenty of ordinary persons (especially journalists) that almost no-one respects anyway.

                    In time the matter may calm down, and result in accommodations akin to religious and single sex schools.

                    At present however, dissent is heretical – dangerous and forbidden.

                    • tWiggle

                      Actually Stuart Munro, the violence happened because Posie Parker, a UK media personality, who has expressed violently anti-trans ideas, visited NZ to stage public events. Her funding came from CPAC, a right wing political group which with policies against LGB people, trans people and which is anti-abortion.

                      PParker has said trans women suffer from an abnormal sexual fixation that leads inevitably to pedophilia, thinks trans men should be forcibly sterilised, calls families who support their trans children 'groomers', and calls on US men with guns to use womens' toilets, in order to 'protect' womenfolk against a nonexistant threat from trans women (as validated by years of trans inclusionary toilet policies in 10 US states). All of these words of hers are documented, if not to be found on her website.

                      Violent words are not violent deeds, it is true, but they csn incite others to act. I don't think anyone in government was aware of the extent of Posie Parker's hate speech at the time she was allowed entry. As for the counter-protest, it was organised to be noisy but non-violent.

                      If some had heightened emotions in response to PParker at her event, well that's easy to understand given her anti-trans rhetoric. PParker was also seriously let down by the Mickey Mouse security firm she chose to hire at the last minute. Even more let down by that firm, and also let down by Posie, who appeared to abandon them, were the women who were to speak at her event.

                      PP's hate speech goes a long way beyond complaining, as you and others here do, that inclusionary language, increased social visibility and acceptance for the small group of trans NZers (around 24,000) somehow excludes or invalidates the other 5 million of us and our identities. Seems a disproportionate response to me.

                      I oppose PP's hate speech, and dislike the mush of disinformation around trans issues, which is why I post on this topic. Also, in examining the pros and cons of the trans debate recently, I have found that I value being part of an incusionary, not an exclusionary society.

                      Having week-on week-off custody of my child with their father from early on, I believe that parenting, not mothering or carrying a foetus, defines our relationship with our children in families. Not highly identifying with girlie-girl culture, I don't mind stretching the term 'woman' to include a few others. I know who I am, and am happy with my identity.

                      I don't perceive trans people as being more threatening than anyone else about their usual business on the street or in a public toilet. Neither do I believe that trans people should be saints – merely as human as the rest of us, with the usual numbers of bad apples and criminal offenders.

                      I also recognise that Posie Parker and anti-trans messaging comes from a well-funded international right-wing political movement, which is cunning in its use of social media.

                  • Anker

                    Stop making excusing for the violence against women meeted out by the trans rights activists at Albert Park. This is frankly a disgusting thing to do.

                    I might have some little bit of respect if the tras and the likes of Marama Davidson who when asked failed to condemn the violence against women (when she is Minister of Violence Prevention) had outright condemned the violence metted out by the angry, threatening menacing mob.

                    We have fought for years to stop this bloody blame the victim of violence agaubst women. Shame on you.

                    The older man whoever he was should be investigated by the police and charged if found he has a crime to answer for.

                    The only older man I saw at Albert Park was an old geezer who was pushed and shoved. Not by the Let women Speak mob.

                  • Belladonna

                    Other people have been charged with assault in the same protest. Including an older man with neo-Nazi affiliation who repeated physically harassed a short woman marshall from the anti-PP counterprotest.

                    Was this at the Auckland event? Or the Tasmanian one (I can't tell from the structure of your comment).
                    If it was the Auckland one, can you link – I've not seen this reported.

                  • Belladonna

                    There is very little information over whether or not the 20-year old (apparently from Gisborne, not Tauranga) is or is not a man; or whether they self-ID as a woman, or as a man, or are an ally, or anything at all about their motivation.
                    The police statements, as far as I can see, appear to be gender neutral – and have shut down all further comment while the case is before the courts

                    Earlier, police said in a statement a 20-year-old had been charged over an "assault on an elderly female at the Albert Park protest" on March 25.

                    It's the press who have reported that this person is a man.

                    https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/04/20/man-appears-in-court-accused-of-punching-woman-at-parker-rally/

                    There is, however, no doubt about the trans-woman who poured tomato juice over Parker. Her transition history is given in the linked article.

                    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/300848339/protester-pleads-not-guilty-to-assault-after-throwing-juice-on-posie-parker

                  • Stuart Munro

                    By their works shall ye know them.

                    And the trans activists' work is an elderly woman with a fractured skull.

                    If you think you can justify that, you'd better think again.

                  • Belladonna

                    Actually Stuart Munro, the violence happened because Posie Parker, a UK media personality, who has expressed violently anti-trans ideas, visited NZ to stage public events.

                    Actually, the violence happened because a violent person chose to engage in violent actions against someone else.
                    For which, they have been arrested and charged in court.

                    There is no excuse.

                    It doesn't matter what PP might have said earlier (there was no chance that anyone heard what she might have said that day – so she can hardly have inflamed the crowd)

                    Anyone can choose to participate in a protest. Can chant slogans, and wave signs, and make their voice and perspective heard *without* feeling the need to haul off and hit someone.

                    Being at a protest is, by definition, an environment of heightened emotion. People don't go and protest because they feel mild disagreement with someone or something – they care passionately.

                    However, choosing to cross the line into violence is not something that most of our society finds an easily forgivably transgression.

                    If the counter-protest was designed to be non-violent, then the protest organizers failed miserably in their organization. And have continued the failure by choosing not to condemn the violence which occurred.

                    Personally, I disagree with much of what I've read from PP. I find some of her rhetoric distasteful, and …. unkind … to say the least.

                    However, I do *not* support the violent suppression of free speech.

                    If you disagree with something, by all means express your disagreement. Present your arguments. But do not try to silence your opposition.

                    The cancel culture has gone more than far enough.

                    Regardless of what you believe in this particular situation – it's a profoundly dangerous principle to be espousing.

    • Anker 5.3

      There is plenty of evidence of the danger of trans women in women's spaces in both the UK and US. You must remember that a male bodied person being allowed into women's change rooms automatically makes two sexual offences legal: voyerism and exhibitionism.

      But that is only part of the arguement. You people don't understand that most people don't support gender self ID (vote compass poll before the last election, link previously posted on her and I will re link if required).

      You people miss a good part of the gender critical arguement. It is not only about a direct threat to women (i.e. our objection to male bodied people in our change room). We just don't want to have a male bodied person in our change room while we are in a state of undress (and we are certainly not wanting a male bodied person in a state of undress in our change room) End of story. And I certainly object to a male bodied person being in women's change room with girls and teen girls.

      Any decent male bodied person would get this point of view and not try and insert themselves in women's spaces. It speaks volumes about the male bodied people (transwomen) who don't respect this.

      How about those women who support transwomen (male bodied people) in women's change room start using the mens change room in support of trans women, thus turning the men's into unisex???? How would that work for you?

    • Anker 5.4

      David Fisher is a man and can present all the data he likes. He has no business arguing for transwomen in women's spaces. He is a man

  6. roy cartland 6

    Gotta love those free trade rules! Sure, sure it's technically correct, but is UK and Oz honey what you think of when you think of Manuka? This is how France must feel seeing us produce brie and camembert.

    But the Australian Manuka Honey Association has been appealing the effort in multiple markets – saying honey produced there can also be called mānuka.

    and

    In 2021 the UK rejected a bid by the Mānuka Honey Appellation Society to trademark the term 'manuka honey' in the UK.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/490383/new-zealand-manuka-honey-producers-lose-trademark-bid

    • alwyn 6.1

      Sorry Roy but when I think of Manuka honey I think of the bees having obtained their nectar from Manuka flowers and that is what happens in both Australia and New Zealand.

      Provided you blood pressure is well under control I suggest you read this article. A warning though. It is not for the faint hearted. As it says

      "The truth is, there are far more manuka trees in Australia than New Zealand. Australian manuka trees produce quality Australian Manuka Honey that is every bit as pure, natural, and beneficial to health."

      https://simplyhoney.com.au/what-is-australian-manuka-honey/#:~:text=The%20truth%20is%2C%20there%20are,natural%2C%20and%20beneficial%20to%20health.

      You can’t equate it to Brie and Camembert as both are geographical locations in France. We might have had a case if we had named it “New Zealand Leptospermum Scoparium” honey or suchlike.

      • AB 6.1.1

        Yes – so called 'branding' is an exercise in fetishism.

      • Mike the Lefty 6.1.2

        It's all in a name isn't it?

        The alternative name to Manuka is Tea-tree, sometimes spelled Ti-tree.

        Tea-tree oil is commonly used in soaps and cosmetics overseas and is one of the most effective natural remedies for head lice. Same here except we call it Manuka.

    • tWiggle 6.2

      Splitting hairs here. But theoretically NZ producers can trademark the mācroned name, as, while there is a history of teetrees there being called manuka, the macron is local to Te Reo Māori and NZ.

      • A map of NZ with our NZ product label would differentiate our honey.devil

        • tWiggle 6.2.1.1

          Apparently, the NZ manuka honey producers association has successfully trademarked Unique Mānuka Factor UMF TM. Australian honey producers are free to market their own validated bioactive trademark. It just can't be UMF.

          The reason why Aussie honey producers want in is because NZ honey exports increased from $97k to $480k from 2010 to 2021. Most of this increased value is due to NZ investment in bioactive quality validation and to brand marketing into the wellness food space.

          You can't import Australian honey to NZ, so UMF is all you'll get. For disease reasons, imports of honey can only come into NZ from a few Pacific Islands.

      • alwyn 6.2.2

        That sounds like a very good idea. I'm not a lawyer though.

        I guess the problem would be that no-one living outside New Zealand would realise there was a difference between the word with and without the macron. They would probably assume a bad printing job for the label.

    • Belladonna 6.3

      I'd have thought that going down the route that the EU uses in AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) might well pay dividends on the trade side.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appellation_d%27origine_contr%C3%B4l%C3%A9e

  7. Tony Veitch 7

    The latest Horizon poll – Labour and the Greens on 61 seats and able to form a government.

    National on 23% support – which must be close to their historic low! Thanks, Christopher!

    https://www.horizonpoll.co.nz/page/668/labour-and-

    • Alan 7.1

      oh no!

      and Horizon is so accurate!

      • Phillip ure 7.1.1

        What is your case for [email protected]…?

        At first glance the regional info is impressive…and the clear explanation of the various coalition formulae is useful..

        And national are a political party in decline..

        They have no idea of what to do to fix what we face..

        Just the same old same old key era styling promises for big tax cuts for the richest..and chewing gum tax givebacks for the rest of us…

        The words coming from them only demonstrate that bankruptcy of ideas..

        Words/promises/imperatives from a byegone era…and it shows..!

        And voters eyes then flick to the raving loons they would be in coalition with..

        And aside from that small tranche of true believers who vote for them..the rest of us just shift uneasily in our seats at the very thought of it…

        One valuable role that act plays is that they make the greens seem…to middle new zealanders…with an ill-defined but growing environmental awareness..like a safe pair of hands..

        Whereas act froth at the mouth at the idea of cutting benefits..and the like..

        Total bastards..basically..

        (And if I could shoehorn in a prediction… should nact get over the line..the country will explode into direct action on matters environmental..and the like..)

        But back to my original question..what is yr problem with horizon..?

        • Tony Veitch 7.1.1.1

          And national are a political party in decline.

          Absolutely! And the poll shows the right-wingers are turning to Act and NZ First (both in despair, I suspect!)

        • Belladonna 7.1.1.2

          I don't have a problem with Horizon – however, looking at the combined results of polls over the last 5 months – they have National weighted way lower than any of the rest. Every other poll since the last one they did in January (where they had National at 27%) – has had National between 32-35%. We then go back to their previous poll in October (National 26%) – but every other poll between October and January had National between 32-40%

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_2023_New_Zealand_general_election

          Now that may be accurate – they may have a hotline to the 'truth' (who knows until we get to October) – but when there is an outlier result like that, I'm more inclined to view it with several grains of salt.

          The only explanation in their methodology I can see is that they only poll people who are 100% likely to vote. So are likely to get higher representation from those who are party loyalists who have already made up their minds. The relatively high ACT total (in comparison to other polls) would support this interpretation.

          FWIW – I think that the right and left are too close to call ATM – as they have been for the last year or so.

      • Tony Veitch 7.1.2

        As accurate as any other poll at this stage of the game!

  8. SPC 8

    The average home in the UK is now – 300,000 pounds.

    Our's now $900,000 – at 50p, 450,000 pounds.

    Our homes were value c$700,000 at the end of 2019, 350,000 pounds.

Leave a Comment

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Agreement between Indo-Pacific partners for supply chain resilience
    Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor joined ministerial representatives at a meeting in Detroit, USA today to announce substantial conclusion of negotiations of a new regional supply chains agreement among 14 Indo-Pacific countries. The Supply Chains agreement is one of four pillars being negotiated within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Celebrating Samoa Language Week 2023
    Our most spoken Pacific language is taking centre stage this week with Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week kicking off around the country. “Understanding and using the Samoan language across our nation is vital to its survival,” Barbara Edmonds said. “The Samoan population in New Zealand are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert system
    Over 90 per cent of New Zealanders are expected to receive this year’s nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system tonight between 6-7pm. “Emergency Mobile Alert is a tool that can alert people when their life, health, or property, is in danger,” Kieran McAnulty said. “The annual nationwide test ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement
    ENGLISH: Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Whakatōhea and the Crown, 183 years to the day since Whakatōhea rangatira signed the Treaty of Waitangi, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little has announced. Whakatōhea is an iwi based in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • New Chair appointed to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
    Elizabeth Longworth has been appointed as the Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Associate Minister of Education Jo Luxton announced today. UNESCO is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting cooperative action among member states in the areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Tourism transformation starts with people
    Tourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Tourism transformation starts with people
    Tourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Te ao Māori health services cheaper and more accessible for whānau
      Greater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions    Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support  are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Te ao Māori health services more accessible for whānau
      Greater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions    Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support  are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government’s work for survivors of abuse in care continues
    The Government continues progress on the survivor-led independent redress system for historic abuse in care, with the announcement of the design and advisory group members today. “The main recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Abuse in Care interim redress report was for a survivor-led independent redress system, and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Two brand new mental health facilities opened in Christchurch
    Health Minister Ayesha Verrall has opened two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities at the Christchurch Hillmorton Hospital campus, as the Government ramps up its efforts to build a modern fit for purpose mental health system. The buildings, costing $81.8 million, are one of 16 capital projects the Government has funded ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government invests more than $24 million in regional projects
    The Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies by announcing another $24 million worth of investment into ten diverse projects, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “Our regions are the backbone of our economy and today’s announcement continues to build on the Government’s investment to boost regional economic ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Budget 23 supports the growth of Māori tourism
    An $8 million boost to New Zealand Māori Tourism will help operators insulate themselves for the future. Spread over the next four years, the investment acknowledges the on-going challenges faced by the industry and the significant contribution Māori make to tourism in Aotearoa. It builds on the $15 million invested ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • First Bushmasters ready to roll
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the first 18 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the New Zealand Army, alongside personnel at Trentham Military Camp today. “The arrival of the Bushmaster fleet represents a significant uplift in capability and protection for defence force personnel, and a milestone in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Humanitarian support for the people of Sudan
    Aotearoa New Zealand is providing NZ$3.5 million to help meet urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The severe fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has had devastating impacts for civilians. At least 705 people have been killed and 5,287 injured. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Clean-up at Hawkes Bay facility to help region deal with cyclone waste
    Repairing a Hawke’s Bay organic composting facility devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle is among the latest waste reduction projects getting Government backing, Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking announced today. “Helping communities get back on their feet after the devastating weather that hit the northern parts of the country this year is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • 8% pay boosts for GP & community nurses
    About 6,100 more GP, community nurses and kaiāwhina will be eligible for pay rises of 8% on average to reduce pay disparities with nurses in hospitals, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. The top up comes from a $200 million fund established to remove pay disparities between nurses ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Govt turns the sod on new Jobs and Skills Hub for Hawke’s Bay
    New Jobs and Skills Hub to begin construction in Hawke’s Bay The Hub will support the building of $1.1billion worth of homes in the region and support Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild and recovery. Over 2,200 people have been supported into industry specific employment, apprenticeships and training, by these Hubs across NZ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Community Housing Aotearoa Conference Speech
    Tēnā koutou e nga maata waka. Kia koutou te mana whenua tēnā koutou Ngā mate huhua o te waa, haere, haere, haere atu ra. Hoki mai kia tātou te kanohi ora e tau nei, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Tēnā koutou i runga i te kaupapa o te ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New mental health tool launched for small business owner-operators
    The Government has launched a new tool to help small business owner-operators manage and improve their mental wellbeing, Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. The Brave in Business e-Learning series is another tool the Government has delivered to support small businesses with their mental health and wellbeing. “A pandemic, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • TAB partnership helps secure future of racing industry
    Minister for Racing Kieran McAnulty has announced the approval of a 25-year partnership between TAB NZ and UK betting company Entain that delivers at least $900 million in guaranteed funding for the racing industry over the next five years. Entain, a UK based group that operates multiple sports betting providers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government project delivers more reliable and resilient water source to Northland
    The Government has delivered the first of three significant water security projects in Northland, boosting regional business and climate resilience, with the opening of Matawii reservoir today, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced. A $68 million Government investment supported the construction of the reservoir, along with two other water storage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Trade Minister to US to attend Ministerial meetings
    Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor will travel to Detroit tomorrow to represent New Zealand at the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting from 24 – 29 May. Whilst in Detroit, Damien O’Connor will also host a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Ministers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Murihiku Regeneration energy and innovation wānanga
    I want to start by thanking Ngāi Tahu and the Murihiku Regeneration Collective for hosting us here today. Back at the  Science and Innovation Wananga in 2021, I said that a just transition in New Zealand must ensure Iwi are at the table. This is just as true now as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Ambassador to Mongolia announced
    Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of diplomat Dr James Waite as Aotearoa New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Mongolia. He is currently the Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing, a role he will continue to hold. “New Zealand and Mongolia share a warm and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government commitment to Māori Education continues
    Biggest-ever investment in property with more money for new sites and modernisation Roll-out of learning support coordination in kaupapa Māori and Māori Medium Schooling Boost in funding for iwi and schools to work together on Local Histories content Substantial support for Māori Education has continued in Budget 2023, including ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • More students to benefit from next round of Creatives in Schools
    Applications for the next round of Creatives in Schools will open on Friday 16 June 2023, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today during a visit at Te Wharekura o Mauao in Tauranga. “The Creatives in Schools programme funds schools and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech to WasteMINZ conference, Hamilton
    Tena koutou katoa and thank you all for being here and welcoming me to your annual conference. I want to acknowledge being here in Tainui’s rohe, and the mana of Kingi Tuheitia. I hate waste. So much so that when we built our home in Dunedin, I banned the use ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Extra boost for Southland’s Just Transition
    Southland’s Just Transition is getting a further boost to help future-proof the region and build its economic resilience, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today.  “This Government is committed to supporting Southland’s just transition and reducing the region’s reliance on the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter at Tiwai Point,” Megan ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • PM concludes successful Pacific visit, confirms intention to visit India
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has concluded a series of successful international meetings with Pacific region leaders in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Hipkins secured constructive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and United States Secretary of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Agreed statement from NZEI, PPTA and the Minister of Education
    On Friday 19th May, Minister Tinetti facilitated a meeting between NZEI and PPTA with the Ministry of Education to discuss options for finding a way forward in the current stalled collective bargaining. The meeting was constructive, and the parties shared a willingness to work towards a solution. The following was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Five community energy projects kick start
    Eighty-nine households will soon benefit from secure, renewable, and more affordable energy as five community-level energy projects are about to get underway, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today.    Five solar projects – in Whangārei, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Christchurch – are the first to receive funding from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand confirms recovery support for Cook Islands
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed New Zealand will provide NZ$15 million in emergency budget support for Cook Islands in its ongoing recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. New Zealand’s support was confirmed during a meeting with the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown in Papua New Guinea today. “New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Budget 2023 provides significant investment in kapa haka
    The Government’s continued recognition of and support for the important place Kapa Haka has in Aotearoa was evident today at a celebration at Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Willow-Jean Prime said. “Our investment of $34 million over two years ensures that this kaupapa is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZ’s biggest ever emissions reduction project unveiled
    The Government is partnering with New Zealand Steel to deliver New Zealand’s largest emissions reduction project to date, with half of the coal being used at Glenbrook steel to be replaced with electricity to recycle scrap steel.  Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made the announcement alongside Energy and Resources Minister Megan ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government welcome Waitangi Tribunal Wai 2750 report into homelessness
    The Government has welcomed the Stage One Waitangi Tribunal Wai 2750 – Housing and Housing Services Kaupapa Inquiry report into homelessness released today. Minister of Housing Hon Megan Woods and Associate Minister of Housing (Māori) Hon Willie Jackson as Co-Leads for the government, with Associate Minister of Housing (homelessness) Hon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM confirms details of Papua New Guinea visit
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed his upcoming visit to Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister travels to Port Moresby on Sunday May 21, and will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. He has also been invited ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Bill ensures ongoing reporting on tax system fairness
    A Bill requiring facts about the fairness and efficiency of New Zealand’s tax system to be reported and published annually has been tabled in Parliament today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the Taxation Principles Reporting Bill would ensure that tax information is reported against a set of fundamental tax principles. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Tax bill improves fairness at home and abroad
      NZ joins global effort to ensure multinationals pay a minimum rate of tax Tax on ACC, MSD lump sum payments changed to reduce amounts owing for some KiwiSaver topups for child carers taking paid parental leave Implementing changes to trustee tax and tax relief for flood-hit businesses Several measures ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New approach on law and order delivers
    Successful ‘circuit breaker’ pilot targeting repeat child offenders to be expanded to Hamilton, Christchurch and Auckland City Funding to maintain Police to population ratio achieved after 1800 extra Police officers added Creation of NZ’s first comprehensive digital Firearms Registry Modernising frontline police processes to free up time for officers Budget ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-05-28T02:27:07+00:00