Open mike 23/12/2019
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7:00 am, December 23rd, 2019 - 85 comments
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All those tears on your cheeksJust like deja vu flow nowWhen grandmother speaksSo tell me a story (I'll tell you a story)Spell it out, I can't hear (What do you want to hear?)Why you wear black in the morning?Why there's smoke in the air? Songwriter: Greg Johnson.Mōrena all ☀️Something a ...1 week ago
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Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...3 days ago
- Release: National buries 1019 planned homes
It’s been revealed that National has cancelled 60 percent of its housing projects planned before mid-2025 amidst housing woes. ...3 days ago
- Release: Rule-Czar bill a right-wing power grab
The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...3 days ago
- Release: Why not both? Luxon shuns Waitangi celebrations
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is running away from problems of his own creation, with his decision not to go to Waitangi. ...4 days ago
- Govt’s ‘free speech’ legislation stokes fear, not freedom
The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...4 days ago - Release: Nicola Willis spirals country deeper into recession
The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...4 days ago
- Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis
Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...5 days ago
- ECE no place to cut corners
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...5 days ago
- Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...5 days ago
- Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...6 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...6 days ago
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Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...6 days ago
- Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
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The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...7 days ago
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The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...7 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
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Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
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- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
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- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
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- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
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- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
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- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
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- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
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- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
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- Appointments to the ENZ board
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- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
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- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
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- Judicial appointment announced
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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
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- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
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- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
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- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
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- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
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- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
- A busy year in the House
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- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
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- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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- Vanuatu quake: Warnings as bad weather threat looms for Port Vila
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- Israeli-American historian describes attacks on Gaza as ‘war of annihilation’
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- NZ govt plans to make ‘heavy handed’ change to free speech rules for universities
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Something to help soothe the emotional "Trump Child" in your household this Christmas 🙂
Govt pissing around on protection for endangered NZ dolphins after fishing industry lobbying: https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/12/23/958876/no-christmas-present-for-mui-dolphins
With Shane Jones at the table I would not take that as a positive sign..
Martyn Bradbury is exercised about the role Spinoff journalists – and others – played in claiming Jacinda Ardern was lying about her knowledge of the sexual assault charges against a parliamentary Labour staffer. I think he makes a good case albeit in his slightly bombastic style:
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/12/22/media-watch-can-a-spinoff-conspiracy-destroy-jacinda-ardern-in-2020-and-andrea-vances-apology-has-to-be-read-to-be-believed/
Note: it is not about the assault charges themselves so no need to re-litigate that aspect again.
Thanks Anne. And Bomber for speaking out against an injustice. Spinoff has done a bad job.
time to do something about TV1, their so called news and whoever is in charge. Letting the madman who goes round turning books around in bookshops have exposure is trivial and infantile. That show has become divorced and bereft of any social importance and dallow must go soon.
The presenters do not choose or write the stories. The faceless editors and producers behind them deserve our ire.
Correct. I recall a time in another era when I worked for AKTV2 (if you remember them you are a Boomer), the news reader of the day strolling into the control room registering strong criticism/embarrassment over some news item they were forced to present.
We get the news we ask for.
When a bloke rotating a few magazines gets more clicks than 400 people losing their homes, we get the periodical turner.
Ya what now…
Fake news 🙂
And then some.
Next you want to say the russians did it.
Naah, absolutely no one would believe the Russians had anything to do with it 😉
What your not a liberal??!?
In any country, the words 'Hi, I'm from the government and I'm here to help you' are received with suspicion.
In Russia, I'd be much more alarmed than here. Here, I'd be complaining 'So who is going to pay me while I do this self audit on your behalf?' In Russia I'd be whinging about a Police Captain that slid a kg of icing sugar into my lawn-mower catcher and wants to see my bank balance in his.
I'm keen to stick with the indigenous whinge.
Soooo…whats been happening lately?
The Judith Collins fan club disbanded.
I got a feeling its just getting started…
I think technically you'd need more than just you and Judith though.
All it takes is the right two people…
https://www.hearthymn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Jesus-Christ-asks-peter-do-yo-love-me.jpg
or two right people. A third and we got a party goin on.
As expected, she's crushed.
boom
Most of your rw mates are banned for some innocuous stuff . Tread carefully.
Good thing I'm not RW then, heck I'm even a voluntary union member 🙂
A union man a!!
Tell me given the choice of a month on the picket line on no pay or breaking ranks and sneaking in to work to keep the wages coming in what would you do ??
Last time it came up I voted to reject the governments pay offer but I was out voted…stupid democracy
I would have voted to go on strike is what I’m saying
Welcome back.
Good to be back, just a shame I'm having internet issues at home
I reckon it’s better to have internet issues than personal issues. The latter can sometimes be resolved by resetting the modem.
Or…
https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/117535102/it-v-office-workers-is-it-really-as-easy-as-turning-it-off-and-on-again
One thing the UK does better than anyone else and thats comedy, panel shows and situation comedies especially
Is that really true?
They were banned for repeated trolling and a personal attack on a moderator.
I was banned for saying "whatever" to a moderator so I know innocuous.
It is all relative. The more innocuous the offence the shorter the ban; yours was for three days at the end of August. Anyway, one was banned for attacking an Author under his own Post and making false allegations about the Author, the other for making callous comments to another commenter about domestic violence and suicide.
Welcome back, BTW.
I actually missed you – could have done with your professional opinion in a discussion about whether someone was being horribly tortured and/or receiving the same treatment as anyone else in high levels of security. One of those discussions that periodically resurrects itself with everyone saying exactly the same thing for a decade, though 🙂
Sounds like it would have been an interesting thread
It'll resurface in february lol. You'll know it when you see it 🙂
Didn't happen to be about a Australian prisoner (sorry I mean Paihere) by any chance?
yup. still at death's door, apparently.
Yeah I'm not touching that subject at all
wiser than me lol
More like remembering the unofficial corrections motto:
CARE (Cover Arse Retain Employment)
yeah fair call
Don't know if anyone else found this funny but also food for thought:
Jonathan Pie is a lovely creation.
He makes me feel awkwardly uncomfortable, that's not such a bad thing. It's when I'm feeling like that I change my mind, I come around, I shift. I like to grow.
"Boris Johnson, the most sinister opportunist this country has seen since Howard Shipman.."
Brilliant.
There are some warnings in this missive. Especially for the 'left's' factions.
Edit; oops meant as a response to PR’s posting of some Jonathon Pie.
I wondered about that and I was just about to put up my usual request 😉
Not a bad line 🙂
* he murdered a 14 year old by stabbing him multiple times in the neck and posed with his corpse
https://twitter.com/davidgura/status/1208776159925809153
Everything is cartoon for him outside/inside his world. Not a real feeling outside for himself .
The tiles look middle eastern – even the rampant lion – symbol of courage, bravery, royalty and chivalry. Interesting the way the human trophy hunter and his lady are posed, grim faced and puzzled, before these cultural borrowings – at Mar a Lago – garrulous Donald in borrowed time against a concrete wall – Melania an audience of one – with us the virtual mob. Wonder who waters the pot plant ?
Paula Bennett stars on Celebrity Bake Off NZ on TV2 tonight (just in case anyone gives a fuck).
She's a busy little bee. TV celebrity, magazine cover girl, professional muck-raker and deputy loser of the opposition.
Sometimes it's hard to know if Paula's a politician or a middle-aged model. Obviously she can do both if she wants to. Only an ignorant asshole would pass judgement.
https://www.twitter.com/GeorgeRopr/status/1200654905821691904
She'll find out soon enough theres only Queen Bee in NZ politics…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Collins#/media/File:Judith_Collins_MP.jpg
I know this is your shtick, but Judith Collins has no chance of ever becoming the leader of National.
Currently, to be considered a leader of National you have to believe in the Great Sky Pixie because Team Jeebus have the numbers and are calling the shots.
Collins does not believe in the Great Sky Pixie, therefore, she is not even in the running and never will be,
I’d recommend voting ACT
I'm hoping thats not completely true
Why do you think they picked Bridges? and if he doesn’t; win next year his replacement will be Luxon.
A chap who’s even more religious than Bridges.
Unfortunately National have a bit of a Gloriavale whiff to them now, personally I can’t vote for National in its current iteration.
Hmm yeah
As usual, there’s a fly in your ointment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Key#Religious_views
Ha ha, isn't that just so John Key?
Key's focus on appearance over substance aside, I'm not sure it is a fly in the ointment. The Key years saw god-botherers trying to set up their own political party, with the usual result (comically hypocritical leadership leading to collapse in support). Since Key quit, god-botherers have held the leadership and they're now lining Luxon up for a future slot. I think BM has a point here.
Hmmm,
SaintSir John stepped down in Dec 2016 so what, or better, who changed the eligibility criteria for Leader of the National Party? Anonymous donors?Is Mr Goodfellow churchy?
Foul fake Christianity in Aus, under the aegis of Rupert Murdoch. The toss of their media I rely on, pray, believe Ozzies will refute , as ever, violently if it goes anywhere near their toes. They fought the freemarket better than us in the 80s.
You again, When did you get out? Got probation? I bet they'll have their eyes on you my laddie. The mere mention of a pooftah, darkie or cracker will see you facing the unknown hanging judge: Incognito Weka.
Judith will be like an old snail squashed under Christopher Luxon's patent leather boot.
I envy that snail…
On ya Sonny!
https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/sonny-bill-williams-speaks-out-on-chinese-oppression/news-story/6fcf409367d3f42ebe8a3d32b95b0df1
Rugby league and rugby union icon Sonny Bill Williams has tweeted his support of the minority Uighur ethnic group, mirroring the stance of soccer star Mesut Ozil which drew an angry response from China.
Cross-code star Williams may further provoke Chinese officialdom with his social media post, which denounces the treatment of Uighurs — a Muslim minority group native to Xinjiang, the supposedly autonomous region in China’s northwest.
Grand man. Why we should decrease our trade with China. To avoid that dilemma. Everyone around China hate them. If they kept to Deng's avoidance of foreign affairs. The nut there at the moment, self-deified himself, unites China's neighbours. I think it's a blip in that great country's course. Much goodwill, despite their treatment of Tibetans and Uighurs.
Eco maori – Merry Christmas to you and the people in your heart. I enjoy your Yesterday Today contributions. Most of us write with a censor onboard, I like your freestyling, peace and goodwill to you and yours.
These 2 Rabbis walk into a garden bar and started playing Pink Floyd…
Fascinating! Must be ‘going around’ on YT because I happened to watch the same clip last night (or was it the night before?)!
https://youtu.be/qQfetkoGrpU
Kia Ora Newshub.
Yes Christmas is all about kindness.
That's the way recycling everything is what is need to do to save our mokopuna environment.
looks like a happy Christmas in Britain.
That's is cool donations to a Church Marae and 95 % of the building deconstruction being recycled.
Ka kite Ano.
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
That's sad 100.000 Australian Tangata Whenua pepi being torn from their whanau.
Yes it best to be respect full a educate all Australians about the wrongs that have been served up you .
99 years of proving Kai to the people in Taramaki Makaru Awsome.
Ka kite Ano
Moko tube looks like a awesome ap to teach tamariki Te reo Maori
Teno pai to Maori TVs Waiata
Kia Ora Newshub.
The Orca study Wahine is doing great mahi hope you can free the Orca from the rope around its tail.
Raindeer being indangered by climate change one degree is the difference between life and death.
That's the way stop cars from driving on the beach to protect the local Kaikoura beach wildlife. and Environment.
Ka kite Ano.
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
The American tangata whenua have been treated badly by the American settlor. Ka kaha to you all. Looks like a awesome horse ride teaching your tamariki there history at the same time.
Rahui are good they are to protect the environment and the people.
Yes aroha is the Maori way and koha.
The more Marae the better it is for the people.
Ka kite Ano
We only have one environment the good phenomenon is no one can denie the true fact of climate change global warming to all the Tangata. We must keep up the pressure against the deniers.
Climate change could turn this glacier from ski destination to puddle in one lifetime
One experiment successfully stopped the melting, now another is struggling to make the world pay attention.
Peru's Pastoruri Glacier has been rapidly receding thanks to increasing global temperatures
Massive glaciers around the world have been slowly melting and retreating for millennia, sculpting our planet's most iconic mountains, valleys and even the Great Lakes in the process. But here, in the Peruvian Andes, it's been happening more rapidly in recent years
An area where Peruvian families once skied just a few decades ago is now an empty drainage of rocks and sand left behind by the retreat of the ice cap in what's now Huascaran National Park. In fact, the shrunken ice cap has separated into two small glaciers bisected by a large rock outcropping.
It's a prediction that doesn't sound that outlandish. Already, the site's sidewalk needs to be extended to reach the ever-withdrawing edge of the ice field.
So while the maps and signs may no longer all be legible, the ramifications of climate change here are easy enough to read and interpret. They're written all over the landscape.
Ka kite Ano link below.
https://www.cnet.com/news/climate-change-could-turn-this-peruvian-glacier-from-ski-destination-to-puddle-in-a-lifetime/
Kia Ora Newshub.
That was awesome the Orca study group managed to free the Orca from the rope around its tail.
I think the 2 legged sharks are worse than the ones in Tangaroa.
Another Typhoon creating carnage in the Pacific.
The tiki from one of the Beatles being brought by Te Papa is cool. Te Tiki is a important part of Maori culture.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
The Kuia tennis player story sounds good Apaina Ngta presenting her with a prize cool.
Some people don't know how to show respect for Te Urupar.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Newshub.
Global warming is giving Hurricanes more Mana.
That's sad a 3rd of Koala Bears in New South Wales have died because of bushfires.
That's a awesome new invention a coloured x-ray scanner invented by a father and son Canterbury doctors.
Ka kite Ano.
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
Tennis is a great sport to get tangata whenua Rangatahi into.
The Kohanga reo Kura started just I time to lift Te reo Maori.
I have seen they have quite a few followers The Maori Heavy Metal Ropu Ka pai. It's awesome that there is a huge interest in Maori Culture around the world.
Ka kite Ano
It's great to see Te Australia Tangata Whenua Nations Kana kana and seeing their culture getting Mana Ka pai.
https://youtu.be/qQfetkoGrpU
What up with the YouTube up loads on the site it keeps saying that it already has loaded I loaded 1 with a different email and name and it in morderation. A