Each blade is 107m long. A380 total wingspan is 80m, 747s vary from 60 to 68m.
Stick these babies in the Manukau harbour, and from Titirangi Village you'd be looking at the hub pretty much on the level, and from the top of Mt Atkinson you'd still be looking quite a way up to the top of the blade sweep.
I'm unsure if your comment means you are onboard with this as a generation method. For me, there is a beauty in recognising what some would perceive as 'visual pollution' is the reality of the total impact it has on the environment in terms of operation.
I'm totally onboard with wind energy. I'd be totally happy with having a bunch of them in the Manukau in front of my house (won't happen until they solve the problem of the rotating blades interfering with some aircraft instruments).
I wish we were building the actual turbines here in NZ. We've got a bunch of people with most of the skill base needed to build the blades and there's enough windfarms consented that would keep a fairly decent size factory busy. Sadly there's only been one serious attempt at building them here. That was Windflow Technology. They never took off for a bunch of reasons, some engineering, some management, some market reasons.
Another little factoid of interest to some, when it's operating at capacity, one of those 12MW turbines would power around 15,000 NZ homes. It would probably get around 60% capacity factor here in NZ, so realistically as a year-round average it would cover the power needs of around 9000 NZ homes.
In the comments someone calculates that the output is calculated at 64% for that 16,000 figure, so it might be even better than the 9,000 estimate you have.
Several years ago, Genesis proposed,and was initially granted a resource consent for – an offshore wind farm here in Franklin. Was really disappointed – but not surprised – when the Awhitu wind farm project was put aside.
There were a lot of emotive and dismissive articles in the local news, and this area is particularly conservative. The discussion was hijacked almost from the beginning. This area is lacking environmental awareness or forward thinking. I'm always in admiration of those here, who continue despite pushback from local noteworthies and the authorities.
In New Zealand we use quite a lot more electricity per capita than the Netherlands does. Dunno if that's because we do a lot more residential heating because of crap building standards, or the Dutch use more gas, or we've got more electricity-intensive industry that gets rolled into the figures I see, or something else.
Yeah I remember those stories about the fears that the flickering shadows from the Awhitu proposal would frighten the horses. These days alleged illnesses from wind turbines are frequently cited as examples of the nocebo effect. That seem to magically go away as soon as there's some financial benefit to those affected.
Chances are pretty good something like the Awhitu proposal will eventually get built. Electricity demand was flat or even declining slightly when it was a big issue. But when the demand comes back, Awhitu is such a good site it's going to be worthwhile for a generator to go through the pain of dealing with the local reactionaries. That there's now a lot more history and evidence to counter the scare stories should help.
Agreed but the main reason was that the CEO of windflow was almighty and would not change the design and he took a fat salary each month. I was related to one of the engineers their and she was so frustrated as at first the design was great but that was 10 years ago and he refused to change.
Today we're discussing the history and core tenets of neoliberalism. I run through the origins of the theory, its implementation in the 1970's-80's, the role of the state, financialization, and just the overall effect neoliberalism has had on society.
The Coming Economic Crash — And How to Stop It – Elizabeth Warren
"Household debt. A generation of stagnant wages and rising costs for basics like housing, child care, and education have forced American families to take on more debt than ever before. The student debt load has “more than doubled since the financial crisis.” American credit card debt matches its 2008 peak. Auto loan debt is the highest it has ever been since we started tracking it nearly 20 years ago, and a record 7 million Americans are behind on their auto loans — many of which have similar abusive characteristics as pre-crash subprime mortgages. 71 million American adults — more than 30% of the adults in the country — already have debts in collection. Families may be able to afford these debt payments now, but an increase in interest rates or a slowdown in income could plunge families over a cliff.
Corporate debt.Corporations are also deeply in debt. Leveraged lending — lending to companies that are already seriously in debt — has jumped by40% since Trump took office, spreading “systemic risk” throughout our financial system. These high-risk loans now make up a quarter of all American business loans, and they look a lot like the pre-2008 subprime mortgages: poorly-underwritten loans with minimal protections that are then packaged and sold to investors. I’ve warned regulators about my concerns — which experts share — but their tepid response shows they haven’t learned the lessons of the last crisis.
Manufacturing recession.Despite Trump’s promises of a manufacturing “renaissance,” the country is now in a manufacturing recession. The Federal Reserve just reported that the manufacturing sector had a second straight quarter of decline, falling below Wall Street’s expectations. And for the first time ever, the average hourly wage for manufacturing workers has dropped below the national average.
The administration may breach the debt ceiling in September, leading to economic turmoil that top economists say would be “more catastrophic” than the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. Trump’s trade war with China threatens American manufacturing and has already hurt American companies that investors think of as “industry bellwethers,” while feedingan all-time economic slowdown in China that could have dramatic ripple effects on the American economy. And Trump is goading the U.K. toward a no-deal Brexit, which even his own administration acknowledges would have “immediate and significant spillover effects” to our economy.
The financial markets agree that there is a serious risk of downturn in the near future. The U.S. Treasury yield curve — a barometer for market confidence — normally slopes upwards because investors demand higher yields for bonds with longer maturities. But this March, it inverted for the first time since 2007, signaling that investors are so worried that things are going to get worse that they’d rather lock in lower rates for the future today than risk long-term rates going even lower. The curve has invertedbefore each and every recession in the past half century — with only one false signal.
And experts agree. In a recent survey of nearly 300 business economists, three-quarters expect a recession by the end of 2021 — with more than halfthinking it’ll come by the end of 2020.
Not that I am in favour of excessive military spending – but are we in a place where we can only source weaponry from those who operate such dehumanising policies and actions, as the IDF do?
I would hate to think that we are in any way supporting a regime that has systematically broken international law and violated human rights as a normal code of conduct. By making this purchase, are we allowing a further $9 million to be spent on continuation of this behaviour?
I understand that we are dealing with a private company, but one that has developed technology that is tested and used on the Palestinian population. And supply chain transparency and accountability is a debateable issue, as regards responsibility. But surely, we are better than this.
Well then let's not downplay our own assassination programmes. The government has assassinated 20 odd woman and children in Afghanistan. Those are the ones we know of, and through 5i'z we've been painting targets for Obamas drone policy since 2009. Over 90% of all casualties are civilians, that's a lot of murder. I say that because state violence is very real, Isreal isn't the only country that does it, every country does it. So society is hugely inconsistent on what violence it deems moral or immoral. For sure there are people in New Zealand that show solidarity with Palastinians and West Papuans it's just they don't occupy any meaningful positions in the economy that could actually make a difference.
Yes, not going to do that. I have family and friends in the armed forces, and know the the changes brought by the civilisation project, and influx of UK officers has made the situation for them worse.
Our Defence Force, used to do a lot of good work in reconstruction and community aid, which doesn't seem to be as common nowadays. However, we seem to have increased exercises with our 5 eyes comrades.
It is a public responsibility to keep pressure on our politicians not to send our troops where they are not protecting human rights, of any citizen – not just NZers.
In this particular case, I would not like NZ to contribute to further harm in Palestine by providing the funds in this admittedly horizontal way.
Yeah, but that's not what the NZDF is for. To explain properly what NZDF is for would do against Facebooks community standards. We are given these pretty messages of hamnatarian relief missions because commercial interests can not support or sustain the primary mission of NZDF. Y'know what ism trying to say, I hope. In other words is there such thing as a tame tiger? No, the tiger just acts on its own instincts. NZDF isn't meant to be moral or immoral. I can't quite articulate what I'm trying to say so to be more precise, NZDF requires certain tools at certain prices and they have to be able to go outside of normal moral instincts to get them because New Zealand can not produce it ourselves.
The Green Party leaves a dusty footprint on their clean record. They made a silly mistake in public – how can smart people be caught with their trousers down like that? Is the answer – they aren't smart people!
However on reading more I find that both Labour and National have done it. So then who sets the standard at an appropriate level and can take the high ground??
A Green Party video that mocked National leader Simon Bridges' accent has been pulled after drawing heavy criticism online.
The ad was pulled just two hours after being uploaded to Twitter this afternoon. …
Both Labour and National have recently released attack ads of their own.
The Prime Minister was asked about Labour Party advertisements, one which showed Mr Bridges' interview on RNZ on the interim climate change report.
"Simon Bridges has talked a big game on climate change, but when push comes to shove, he won't back the action that's needed," Labour wrote on Facebook.
This should read "appears to mock" as an intent to mock his accent has not been established. Shaw said that this was not his intention and concern about this was why he pulled the ad. The thing here is that you can't really do his accent without appearing to mock it. He sounds like he is mocking himself when he talks.
Sounds a bit of a mock-up and muck-up all in together. However that is the sort of thing that a comedian might aim for, but not for the Greens to try.
I think it went out on Twitter. The Greens can't afford to be making jokes or satirising anybody; gaze into the abyss and find it looking back at you stuff. Greens have serious things to do – they should forbid any of their people to have anything to do with Twitter, either for the Party or for their personal personas. It is just too dangerous for fired up people with agendas they feel strongly about. Twitter is a loaded gun; it's too easy to shoot yourself in the foot.
To claim they were ridiculing the way Slick speaks, you'd have to agree that he sounds ridiculous greysie. If you don't think he sounds ridiculous, then the imitation wouldn't would it.
Maybe it was the Greens firing rubber bullets at Soimon but they can still damage. We who vote Green don't want them shooting themselves in the foot with anything.
A snippet on Q+A on Monday showed a "small Business owner" saying she had no confidence because of the changes to Government rules for business operations.
It occurred to me that it begs a question. "What are theses changes of rules which cause the loss of confidence?" Anyone know?
It begs another question in my mind "what is a 'small' business", it can be anyone from someone walking poodles to a one man band with a specific service that turns over a couple of hundred thousand a year to eeverything in between. Some are GST registered and some quite legally are not, some even take cash for jobs – hairdressers at home. Many smaller and varied entities claim certain "costs" but are eligilble, I am pretty sure, for a tax "top-up" as a "wokring family.
A lot of these so-called small businesses for various reasons inclding the way they structure staff and "costs" are on the receiving end from IRD and other tax payers and have nothing to complain about but they will.
Further to that where does that particular "small" business woman fit with this "big" business idea, I've always seen "business" as a means to an ends and can see exactly, having used the model of ten hours a day four days a week or it's myriad of apllications, why the four day week or work from home is fianlly getting traction.
In regard for children's welfare and simple effect of school holidays reducing traffic volumes the "future of work" must be considered and planned for now, just like this.
Sleepyhead's $1 billion dream venture – staff homes
Q & A where – tv? I don't watch it. But I ask what where why and how etc. What does the b.o. do? How small – probably fits micro, one person and not even a partnership? Define reporter please. Exactly what changes? It is so vague that it doesn't warrant reporting – I think it is just another beat-up or smear on Labour. LoS.
On TV, it would have been Monday night and while I did not see it I can imagine – the beat-ups continue often leading to a waste of time and money.
I am getting the sense that NZers in the main are over it, most have, or have a lot to do with, young NZers heading towards the "workforce". Personally I would push and push for them to look towards "trades" unless they have a particular love of something that really needs "higher training". All most people want is an occupation that sustains them and their families and some cash on the top to follow pursuits they enjoy. Times to say goodbye to the useless middlemen and timewasters.
Sleepyhead's $1 billion dream venture – staff homes
Obligatory.
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store
Yeah maybe but it may well be, particualrly for the coming times, a good idea whose time has come again – historically this was common and still is in farming sectors and similar.
Brother Ltd relocated to Tauranga and I understand brought many staff with them. Sure they sorted out their own housing but that was in a market with prices increasing at the time so in some ways they were and are – given that Tauranga doesn't have a lot of industry just building more houses – just as tied to their employment as a lot of people.
I wonder if the staff view it as negative or positive?
Which version is it "useless" or "shouty"? Shouty is how people towards the "right" (I say "towards" as I am often labelled a "lefty" for some unknown reason) have been since the election for everyday NZers I think it is wearing thin now.
Might watch the replay later, totally forgot they were "back in the house" as far as I'm concerned nagative (oh look my 'typo' is a new word – nagative I like it) people deserve to squirm, particularly if they were part of or lead to a problem and have no inventive, practical options that they will hold themselves to.
I think a lot of the online "nagativity" has had its day and it on the way out except for a few hardliners.
Flights cancelled due to fog again. International ones have not been. This happened yesterday as well.
The fog appears to be coming a regular problem. And we need to have use of our airlines around NZ while they are still running. We have needs to meet and further there are international visitors who have to reach their exit terminal.
I hope Local Government is sharing anecdotes and expertise about this. Perhaps there can be extra equipment and protocols that will allow aircraft to fly safely through the fog.
Gloriavale situations will likely occur more as times get really tough. This is just one variety – father being asked to leave and women stay with children is a new one on me. If women go they may have 10 children, and be very uncertain of what to do 'outside'.
We need some instruction on philosophy in schools, thinking about what our culture is built on etc. Religion should not be taught, but be talked about – why do we have it etc.
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
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Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
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You can’t have missed the Gallipoli story as the movies, documentaries, essays and books capture what it was like for New Zealand troops in their eight-month campaign on the Peninsula. But this Anzac Day the Auckland War Memorial Museum has published a book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
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What big wind energy really looks like, for scale:
https://cleantechnica.com/2019/07/23/ge-renewable-energy-unveils-12-megawatt-haliade-x-offshore-wind-nacelle/
Each blade is 107m long. A380 total wingspan is 80m, 747s vary from 60 to 68m.
Stick these babies in the Manukau harbour, and from Titirangi Village you'd be looking at the hub pretty much on the level, and from the top of Mt Atkinson you'd still be looking quite a way up to the top of the blade sweep.
Good article and comments.
I'm unsure if your comment means you are onboard with this as a generation method. For me, there is a beauty in recognising what some would perceive as 'visual pollution' is the reality of the total impact it has on the environment in terms of operation.
I'm totally onboard with wind energy. I'd be totally happy with having a bunch of them in the Manukau in front of my house (won't happen until they solve the problem of the rotating blades interfering with some aircraft instruments).
I wish we were building the actual turbines here in NZ. We've got a bunch of people with most of the skill base needed to build the blades and there's enough windfarms consented that would keep a fairly decent size factory busy. Sadly there's only been one serious attempt at building them here. That was Windflow Technology. They never took off for a bunch of reasons, some engineering, some management, some market reasons.
Another little factoid of interest to some, when it's operating at capacity, one of those 12MW turbines would power around 15,000 NZ homes. It would probably get around 60% capacity factor here in NZ, so realistically as a year-round average it would cover the power needs of around 9000 NZ homes.
In the comments someone calculates that the output is calculated at 64% for that 16,000 figure, so it might be even better than the 9,000 estimate you have.
Several years ago, Genesis proposed,and was initially granted a resource consent for – an offshore wind farm here in Franklin. Was really disappointed – but not surprised – when the Awhitu wind farm project was put aside.
There were a lot of emotive and dismissive articles in the local news, and this area is particularly conservative. The discussion was hijacked almost from the beginning. This area is lacking environmental awareness or forward thinking. I'm always in admiration of those here, who continue despite pushback from local noteworthies and the authorities.
In New Zealand we use quite a lot more electricity per capita than the Netherlands does. Dunno if that's because we do a lot more residential heating because of crap building standards, or the Dutch use more gas, or we've got more electricity-intensive industry that gets rolled into the figures I see, or something else.
Yeah I remember those stories about the fears that the flickering shadows from the Awhitu proposal would frighten the horses. These days alleged illnesses from wind turbines are frequently cited as examples of the nocebo effect. That seem to magically go away as soon as there's some financial benefit to those affected.
Chances are pretty good something like the Awhitu proposal will eventually get built. Electricity demand was flat or even declining slightly when it was a big issue. But when the demand comes back, Awhitu is such a good site it's going to be worthwhile for a generator to go through the pain of dealing with the local reactionaries. That there's now a lot more history and evidence to counter the scare stories should help.
Similar NIMBYism killed plans for three turbines on the outskirts of Dunedin a few years ago.
Agreed but the main reason was that the CEO of windflow was almighty and would not change the design and he took a fat salary each month. I was related to one of the engineers their and she was so frustrated as at first the design was great but that was 10 years ago and he refused to change.
Crash Course in NEOLIBERALISM
Today we're discussing the history and core tenets of neoliberalism. I run through the origins of the theory, its implementation in the 1970's-80's, the role of the state, financialization, and just the overall effect neoliberalism has had on society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_nLu0ajwso
Catherine Delahunty,
“Prime Minister, this event at Ihumātao is your moment to step up to all your rhetoric at Waitangi”
https://twitter.com/greencatherine/status/1153525809707008000
But, but, Boris is waay more interesting to the good folks here at TS.
Funny that.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/395070/another-arrest-as-ihumatao-protesters-remain-at-site-entrance-after-evictions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=47&v=lc9jvuhcGIE
The Coming Economic Crash — And How to Stop It – Elizabeth Warren
"Household debt. A generation of stagnant wages and rising costs for basics like housing, child care, and education have forced American families to take on more debt than ever before. The student debt load has “more than doubled since the financial crisis.” American credit card debt matches its 2008 peak. Auto loan debt is the highest it has ever been since we started tracking it nearly 20 years ago, and a record 7 million Americans are behind on their auto loans — many of which have similar abusive characteristics as pre-crash subprime mortgages. 71 million American adults — more than 30% of the adults in the country — already have debts in collection. Families may be able to afford these debt payments now, but an increase in interest rates or a slowdown in income could plunge families over a cliff.
Corporate debt. Corporations are also deeply in debt. Leveraged lending — lending to companies that are already seriously in debt — has jumped by40% since Trump took office, spreading “systemic risk” throughout our financial system. These high-risk loans now make up a quarter of all American business loans, and they look a lot like the pre-2008 subprime mortgages: poorly-underwritten loans with minimal protections that are then packaged and sold to investors. I’ve warned regulators about my concerns — which experts share — but their tepid response shows they haven’t learned the lessons of the last crisis.
Manufacturing recession. Despite Trump’s promises of a manufacturing “renaissance,” the country is now in a manufacturing recession. The Federal Reserve just reported that the manufacturing sector had a second straight quarter of decline, falling below Wall Street’s expectations. And for the first time ever, the average hourly wage for manufacturing workers has dropped below the national average.
The administration may breach the debt ceiling in September, leading to economic turmoil that top economists say would be “more catastrophic” than the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. Trump’s trade war with China threatens American manufacturing and has already hurt American companies that investors think of as “industry bellwethers,” while feedingan all-time economic slowdown in China that could have dramatic ripple effects on the American economy. And Trump is goading the U.K. toward a no-deal Brexit, which even his own administration acknowledges would have “immediate and significant spillover effects” to our economy.
The financial markets agree that there is a serious risk of downturn in the near future. The U.S. Treasury yield curve — a barometer for market confidence — normally slopes upwards because investors demand higher yields for bonds with longer maturities. But this March, it inverted for the first time since 2007, signaling that investors are so worried that things are going to get worse that they’d rather lock in lower rates for the future today than risk long-term rates going even lower. The curve has inverted before each and every recession in the past half century — with only one false signal.
And experts agree. In a recent survey of nearly 300 business economists, three-quarters expect a recession by the end of 2021 — with more than halfthinking it’ll come by the end of 2020.
https://medium.com/@teamwarren/the-coming-economic-crash-and-how-to-stop-it-355703da148b
I haven't noticed this being discussed on TS before, but if this is the case – that we are buying $9 million worth of weapons from companies servicing the IDF – should we?
Not that I am in favour of excessive military spending – but are we in a place where we can only source weaponry from those who operate such dehumanising policies and actions, as the IDF do?
I would hate to think that we are in any way supporting a regime that has systematically broken international law and violated human rights as a normal code of conduct. By making this purchase, are we allowing a further $9 million to be spent on continuation of this behaviour?
I understand that we are dealing with a private company, but one that has developed technology that is tested and used on the Palestinian population. And supply chain transparency and accountability is a debateable issue, as regards responsibility. But surely, we are better than this.
Well then let's not downplay our own assassination programmes. The government has assassinated 20 odd woman and children in Afghanistan. Those are the ones we know of, and through 5i'z we've been painting targets for Obamas drone policy since 2009. Over 90% of all casualties are civilians, that's a lot of murder. I say that because state violence is very real, Isreal isn't the only country that does it, every country does it. So society is hugely inconsistent on what violence it deems moral or immoral. For sure there are people in New Zealand that show solidarity with Palastinians and West Papuans it's just they don't occupy any meaningful positions in the economy that could actually make a difference.
Yes, not going to do that. I have family and friends in the armed forces, and know the the changes brought by the civilisation project, and influx of UK officers has made the situation for them worse.
Our Defence Force, used to do a lot of good work in reconstruction and community aid, which doesn't seem to be as common nowadays. However, we seem to have increased exercises with our 5 eyes comrades.
It is a public responsibility to keep pressure on our politicians not to send our troops where they are not protecting human rights, of any citizen – not just NZers.
In this particular case, I would not like NZ to contribute to further harm in Palestine by providing the funds in this admittedly horizontal way.
Yeah, but that's not what the NZDF is for. To explain properly what NZDF is for would do against Facebooks community standards. We are given these pretty messages of hamnatarian relief missions because commercial interests can not support or sustain the primary mission of NZDF. Y'know what ism trying to say, I hope. In other words is there such thing as a tame tiger? No, the tiger just acts on its own instincts. NZDF isn't meant to be moral or immoral. I can't quite articulate what I'm trying to say so to be more precise, NZDF requires certain tools at certain prices and they have to be able to go outside of normal moral instincts to get them because New Zealand can not produce it ourselves.
Kia kaha to all holding the line at Ihu Mātao!
The Green Party leaves a dusty footprint on their clean record. They made a silly mistake in public – how can smart people be caught with their trousers down like that? Is the answer – they aren't smart people!
However on reading more I find that both Labour and National have done it. So then who sets the standard at an appropriate level and can take the high ground??
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/green-party-pull-ad-mocking-simon-bridges-accent-after-heavy-criticism-online-lowered-tone-debate
A Green Party video that mocked National leader Simon Bridges' accent has been pulled after drawing heavy criticism online.
The ad was pulled just two hours after being uploaded to Twitter this afternoon. …
Both Labour and National have recently released attack ads of their own.
The Prime Minister was asked about Labour Party advertisements, one which showed Mr Bridges' interview on RNZ on the interim climate change report.
"Simon Bridges has talked a big game on climate change, but when push comes to shove, he won't back the action that's needed," Labour wrote on Facebook.
It later released a statement titled, "You can't trust National on the environment".
mocked National leader Simon Bridges' accent
This should read "appears to mock" as an intent to mock his accent has not been established. Shaw said that this was not his intention and concern about this was why he pulled the ad. The thing here is that you can't really do his accent without appearing to mock it. He sounds like he is mocking himself when he talks.
shaw's not the person to be doing mocking of others
Sounds a bit of a mock-up and muck-up all in together. However that is the sort of thing that a comedian might aim for, but not for the Greens to try.
I think it went out on Twitter. The Greens can't afford to be making jokes or satirising anybody; gaze into the abyss and find it looking back at you stuff. Greens have serious things to do – they should forbid any of their people to have anything to do with Twitter, either for the Party or for their personal personas. It is just too dangerous for fired up people with agendas they feel strongly about. Twitter is a loaded gun; it's too easy to shoot yourself in the foot.
To claim they were ridiculing the way Slick speaks, you'd have to agree that he sounds ridiculous greysie. If you don't think he sounds ridiculous, then the imitation wouldn't would it.
I've pondered that myself – if a fairly good imitation of his voice can be called "mocking" him, what does that say about the way he speaks?
Maybe it was the Greens firing rubber bullets at Soimon but they can still damage. We who vote Green don't want them shooting themselves in the foot with anything.
Glad people holding politicians to account
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0_ntQodnpE&ab_channel=DemocracyNow%21
A snippet on Q+A on Monday showed a "small Business owner" saying she had no confidence because of the changes to Government rules for business operations.
It occurred to me that it begs a question. "What are theses changes of rules which cause the loss of confidence?" Anyone know?
It begs another question in my mind "what is a 'small' business", it can be anyone from someone walking poodles to a one man band with a specific service that turns over a couple of hundred thousand a year to eeverything in between. Some are GST registered and some quite legally are not, some even take cash for jobs – hairdressers at home. Many smaller and varied entities claim certain "costs" but are eligilble, I am pretty sure, for a tax "top-up" as a "wokring family.
A lot of these so-called small businesses for various reasons inclding the way they structure staff and "costs" are on the receiving end from IRD and other tax payers and have nothing to complain about but they will.
Further to that where does that particular "small" business woman fit with this "big" business idea, I've always seen "business" as a means to an ends and can see exactly, having used the model of ten hours a day four days a week or it's myriad of apllications, why the four day week or work from home is fianlly getting traction.
In regard for children's welfare and simple effect of school holidays reducing traffic volumes the "future of work" must be considered and planned for now, just like this.
Sleepyhead's $1 billion dream venture – staff homes
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12252196
Q & A where – tv? I don't watch it. But I ask what where why and how etc. What does the b.o. do? How small – probably fits micro, one person and not even a partnership? Define reporter please. Exactly what changes? It is so vague that it doesn't warrant reporting – I think it is just another beat-up or smear on Labour. LoS.
On TV, it would have been Monday night and while I did not see it I can imagine – the beat-ups continue often leading to a waste of time and money.
I am getting the sense that NZers in the main are over it, most have, or have a lot to do with, young NZers heading towards the "workforce". Personally I would push and push for them to look towards "trades" unless they have a particular love of something that really needs "higher training". All most people want is an occupation that sustains them and their families and some cash on the top to follow pursuits they enjoy. Times to say goodbye to the useless middlemen and timewasters.
Obligatory.
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store
Yeah maybe but it may well be, particualrly for the coming times, a good idea whose time has come again – historically this was common and still is in farming sectors and similar.
Brother Ltd relocated to Tauranga and I understand brought many staff with them. Sure they sorted out their own housing but that was in a market with prices increasing at the time so in some ways they were and are – given that Tauranga doesn't have a lot of industry just building more houses – just as tied to their employment as a lot of people.
I wonder if the staff view it as negative or positive?
Solving Aucklands housing and space constraints, relocation.
https://www.odt.co.nz/business/sleepyheads-1b-dream-mega-sites-staff-home-plan
Have more poll results come out this morning? Simon Bridges in the House today is performing as if that is the case.
Which version is it "useless" or "shouty"? Shouty is how people towards the "right" (I say "towards" as I am often labelled a "lefty" for some unknown reason) have been since the election for everyday NZers I think it is wearing thin now.
Browneye made a bit of an arse of himself. He may have hearing impairment of course, in which case you'd think he'd be a bit less trenchant.
Might watch the replay later, totally forgot they were "back in the house" as far as I'm concerned nagative (oh look my 'typo' is a new word – nagative I like it) people deserve to squirm, particularly if they were part of or lead to a problem and have no inventive, practical options that they will hold themselves to.
I think a lot of the online "nagativity" has had its day and it on the way out except for a few hardliners.
Flights cancelled due to fog again. International ones have not been. This happened yesterday as well.
The fog appears to be coming a regular problem. And we need to have use of our airlines around NZ while they are still running. We have needs to meet and further there are international visitors who have to reach their exit terminal.
I hope Local Government is sharing anecdotes and expertise about this. Perhaps there can be extra equipment and protocols that will allow aircraft to fly safely through the fog.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/395095/flights-cancelled-delayed-due-to-fog-in-auckland
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/395134/fundraising-drive-launched-for-gloriavale-leavers
Gloriavale situations will likely occur more as times get really tough. This is just one variety – father being asked to leave and women stay with children is a new one on me. If women go they may have 10 children, and be very uncertain of what to do 'outside'.
We need some instruction on philosophy in schools, thinking about what our culture is built on etc. Religion should not be taught, but be talked about – why do we have it etc.