Because that is not true but you feel it is. That’s the problem with fallacies, fake facts/factoids, urban myths, et cetera, they intuitively feel right and true but they aren’t.
Jimmy’s comment is worded in a sloppy way that shows sloppy thinking, IMO. It is factually incorrect and uses meaningless adjectives that show it is a largely emotive comment. Lastly, Jimmy’s comment extrapolated from one specific event to generalize.
where does diversity sit with you – in comments that is – as in people writing in a variety of styles and ways which may, or may not, get the message that they are trying to get across, across?
no dyslexics or other wise writing challenged people need to apply. Its one of these things that happen every now and then where comments get laughed out a room on grounds of grammar and comas or the lack there of, and i guess it is easier to do that then to comment on the merit of the post itself.
never mind that if the coppers would not have chased these dumbarse youngsters but rather try to apprehend them later the guys going to work at early morning hours would still be alive and / or healthy.
Except that whatever was the message jimmy was trying to get across, the message he actually delivered was a stepping stone to the senseless-sentencing crowd.
If it's always the "innocent law abiding" who get killed, then that gets tweaked into a callous disregard for others.
If everyone including the driver are in danger, it becomes a much more complex problem to determine why these situations happen. We start to consider brain development and the effects of panic and adrenaline, and then we start to wonder if there's a better way to intercept folk for traffic offences, or even whether interception is the safest option compared to other enforcement measures.
Yep, we need to get creative with a solution. Chasing inexperienced unlicensed drivers in often stolen cars is turning out crap too often.
If someone pinches my iphone I can log onto an app that will show me exactly where my iphone is. A flashing light on a Google map. Maybe it's time we put similar tech into cars and when warranted, allow the Police to watch a winking light on an in car Google map and pursue at 50 kph.
When people sing in the shower or having one-on-one conversation with themselves, they can express themselves any way they like. When they comment on this site, they should articulate their thoughts in a way that can be reasonably followed and understood by others IMO. I would like to think that this is the point of commenting here unless they’re a troll. As long as a few basic rules are followed, we can avoid Babylonian confusion of languages [plural, although it may all seem English]. In addition, say what you mean and mean what you say, i.e. be clear, be honest, and be genuine. The less we spend here parsing sentences, the more we can focus on the exchange and contest of ideas that may even lead to tangible actionable outcomes. How To Get There is an example of an attempt to transform clear well-understood comments into practice for the greater good. Otherwise, it would be just another ‘talk fest’, which still has its function but much less potential or real/direct impact.
I hope that answered your question in a roundabout way.
But drivers old and young break the law every day and people aren't dead afterwards Jimmy. There must be some other reason for this death. It is a puzzle isn't it.
Nothing generates utube hits like a "Police chase ends with petrol tanker exploding." headline.
There is rare fame to be found in running, martyrdom. We all love Vanishing Point, he died. To be realistic, the Hollywood runners need to die. Running from the Police is a plan that always ends in a worse situation.
Much better to pull over and declare "Hi, I'm Davo, the illegitimate son of the Sultan of Brunei."
If I could get the officer engaged in my folly, me, the pseudo offspring of the Sultan, it could generate enough utube hits to pay the fine…. and rent.
Utube would kick the concept to the kerb but a Patreon channel could find traction. What would happen if a crew of petty criminal burglars put cameras on their balaclavas and before going to air pixelled out incriminating footage? They could donate all proceeds, viewer hits and TV's pawned, to charity. Electronic Robin Hoods.
I think audiences would suck it up, a ride-a-long with burglars. I think it's an international money spinning winner. Unfortunately, I've got something else on the go at the moment….something legal.
It reminds me of a chap with whom I had a work-related tussle back in the day. When he failed to turn up for sentencing, the judge issued a warrant and the police didn't bother searching for him beyond minimal effort. Being a dropkick, he got arrested on something else stupid (fraud for riding something with a forged ticket, I think) a few months later, no other resources expended.
might as well just hack the car computer and throttle it down while keeping the steering and brakes. That sort of "minority report" stuff in 20 years.
Firing GPS tags or lojacks into vehicles is more problematic. Even if the electrics survive launch and impact, there are too many variables – getting it to fix an old heavy metal car vs not going through the bodywork of a plastic or coke-can car, accuracy requirements in a vehicular pursuit, if you hit an occupant (or it ricochets and hits a pedestrian) will if kill them, that sort of thing. And if they hear the thunk and you pull back, what's stopping them from knocking it off their car?
Besides, we're probasbly not too far off high-altitude, wide area ubiquitous surveillance anyway – "pursuit" gets managed from a control room monitoring maps and the feed from the Eye in the Sky.
To help the innocent people you will be right in behind banning police pursuits then eh Jimmy..?
Queensland has about 44,000 more people than New Zealand – yet it had 3197 fewer police pursuits in 2016.
New Zealand had 3323 pursuits that year, resulting in seven deaths, while Queensland had only 126 pursuits and no deaths.
Since 2009, no deaths have been officially attributed to pursuits in Queensland, whereas 22 deaths have been attributed to pursuits in New Zealand since 2014. Why is the difference so stark?
Completely different approach….here some old car with young people attracts attention so the cops put the lights on ..teeenage brains trigger the fight or flight response and away they go.
In QLD they have to be an existing danger to the public for there to be a full chase, otherwise they dont even do it
It just has to happen here , it must . Hopefully the chance will come when the Police chief retires , even if they have to bring someone in from Qld !
I don't know what the answer is Maui. I do not like the thought of police being unable to apprehend a person who has failed to stop when signaled if they are driving recklessly and likely to cause an accident anyway. I do think this has encouraged more (particularly young people) to run from police. Perhaps harsher penalties are needed for people that fail to stop for police, eg. jail time (simply banning them from driving has no effect as a lot of them already have no licence).
So after becoming some of the MOST informed within NZ on the Euthanasia Bill, hearing many representations on the matter, our MP's cannot make the decision. Leave it to a referendum by those who were not so privy to public and professional feedback.
Do they not realise that with the likes of health/housing decisions made in parliament do result in life and death situations.
Ok to be seen in a smile and wave photo opportunity or display concern – But to do something tangible ???
Parliament may make laws but the public at large has to support them or they can get repealed. Not so much a problem here , but the future slippery slope of increasing access to euthanasia as has occurred elsewhere can be prevented by the 'public only voted for terminally ill within 6 months'
With all due respect, that’s not much of an answer. You proposed giving the “public more choices” in the referendum but when prompted for detail, zilch, nada.
The 6-month floor for terminally ill makes sense to me. FWIW, I think it is an unhelpful restriction of the bill and influenced by scaremongering about ‘slippery slope’ and coercion.
You do realise this bill/referendum is about euthanasia, not suicide, don’t you?
The rest of your comment is a cop out and a fob off. Although you pretended @ 4.1.1 to have a considered opinion on giving the “people more choices” in the referendum, you articulated no meaningful alternative choices when asked. In a proper well-designed referendum the question or option(s) should not be leading (as in an opinion) but neutral and ideally allow everyone to provide a meaningful (as in clear and decisive) answer.
It is not compulsory to oblige to other commenters but I cannot stand pretentiousness, FYI.
Are you implying the question should people have the right to choose when they want to end it is a leading question? And if so, can you explain why you see it this way?
You remind me of the opening patsies in platonic dialogues, the ones who open with some "common sense" statement that is incredibly broad and Socrates proceeds to deconstruct.
Like the guy who said we should return people's property to them, and Socrates led him down a path where he ended up giving a homicidal maniac their sword back in the midst of an episode.
1: framing it as "right to choose" is leading, because we have a positive bias towards individual choice
2: surely if someone is temporarily depressed or drunk or in pain, we shouldn't kill them if they ask for it? We can't be sure their perspective or judgement hasn't been clouded by the alcohol, depression, or pain. And yet if they really want to die in that moment, your proposed question enables that
3: how many alternatives do you want? How would you interpret the results of the referendum if there are multiple different options for the same subject?
1: framing it as "right to choose" is leading, because we have a positive bias towards individual choice
But is it not a right to choose? Furthermore, people would have a right to choose to say no. So it could be seen either way, nullifiying your suggested bias.
2: surely if someone is temporarily depressed or drunk or in pain, we shouldn't kill them if they ask for it? We can't be sure their perspective or judgement hasn't been clouded by the alcohol, depression, or pain. And yet if they really want to die in that moment, your proposed question enables that
Of course there would have to be following questions to ascertain age and state of mind.
3: how many alternatives do you want? How would you interpret the results of the referendum if there are multiple different options for the same subject?
As for alternatives. I believe we should be given more than one. At least three. And they could be drafted such as this current one, allowing voters to choose (with a yes or no answer) which they preferred. Making it easy to interpret the result. With the draft with the most support becoming law.
From one perspective it is. From another perspective it's significantly more complicated than that. Hell, you even just threw in additional questions and factors in response to some pretty elementary what-ifs.
As for your preferred voting system, that just means that with five options almost evenly spread, the one that only a quarter of the country actually support gets selected. An ill-considered system to support a naive interpretation of the issue.
An equally correct-yet-inadequate question would be "do you think healthcare professionals should be allowed to kill their patients without fear of prosecution?"
You were talking about giving people more choices and all you could do is to repeatedely repeat is your opinion, which is singular. A referendum is or should be about the opinion of the people and asked (framed) in a neutral way.
As with Brexit, complex issues should not be reduced to simple binary questions, they should be debated, at length, and viewed from many possible angles. A simple flow chart might do for one person, e.g. you, but when dealing with a diverse pluralistic society it is not the way to make decisions, particularly not on ethical issues. That said, ethically complex issues should not be set in stone, e.g. by Law, because that leads to very dark places and lowers people’s ‘vigilance’ levels IMHO.
McFlock has already done a very good job on other problems with your thinking on this issue.
#BREAKING: Israeli @PresidentRuvi gives Blue and White Party leader @gantzbe Gantz the mandate to form a new government; The 1st time in 11 years that @netanyahu is not holding the mandate to form a government
Apparently, there is a construction overhaul in the works, but will that address the flaws (see link below) in the large number of defective buildings that have already been built?
Do DukeofUrl and The Chairman travel in tandem dispensing crumbs of wisdom to the peasants? Happened twice just above. When I see their offerings I tend to leave and have some lunch; better strengthening medicine for the brain.
And do I detect on the part of DoU a target to respond and squash every comment put up? Or it might be those that DoU find cheeky enough to think they might have an idea of their own to put forward for consideration.
Oh dear …its very own 'designer socialist' sashsaying down the catwalk again… its all on trend politics…never wants to be accountable …its for show cant you see…for the masses to adore and praise every flourish as if it was of great wisdom.
Instead we get cheap and tacky version of fast fashion politics and opinion
Before you get your hand smacked for not providing a link, cleangreen (tut, tut, tut), here is the link to the Parliament website page on the RMA Amendment Bill which includes the link for making submissions:
Here is our first submission sent yesterday.
23rd October 2019.
start
Submission to the Resource Management Amendment Bill
Select committee.
Dear Madam’s/Sirs’ on the Select Committee considering the ‘Resource Management Amendment Bill’.
CEAC wish to make verbal submissions and written submissions.
This is to support the restoration of the RMA to the original higher standards we had enjoyed and found for the protection of our ‘Built and Natural’ Environment from 1991when the RMA was first produced for our community environmental protection.
Resource Management Amendment Bill must be reinforced and enshrined in the strong focus of the ‘health and wellbeing’ of all citizens.
CEAC history with use of RMA;
We have been working with PCE and Governments since 2001, on all environmental community concerns using the RMA and have seen a destruction of the environmental protection of the RMA after several corrosive repeals were made to weaken the protection given us since 1991 when the Resource Management Act 1991 was produced.
So we are very active in restoring all the strong processes in the RMA to protect our environment for the wellbeing and health of the public.
For example; Under part two of the RMA ‘The Honourable Nick Smith’ as Environment Minister removed most of section 31 Quote; “(Repeal section 31(1)(b)(ii))”
We need to restore all parts of section 31 section 31(1)(b)(ii)) and Part two of 7 – (other matters) (see below 1991.) territorial functions under the RMA.
We strongly request reinstatement of these amendments to the Act in this Parliament term.
I wish to verbally discuss this issue using a report we assisted the PCE to produce when working alongside the staff of the PCE in 2005 in HB.
The matter was regarding heavy transport road traffic noise and air pollution in our urban communities, in which the PCE used the RMA, to relay the importance of using the RMA to protect the urban community “Amenity values and well- being” using both RMA sections 7c and 31.
At that time and gradually since then in 2015 MP Nick Smith culled and gutted those two important sections of the RMA that protected the health and well-being of our communities, leaving us very badly exposed to environmental harm.
I give you the PCE website location of that PCE report we referred to below.
Please note page eight was the reference where the PCE used the RMA specifically.
Page 8 PCE report 3 The New Zealand context 3.1 Noise and urban amenity values
“Section 7c of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) states that the relevant agencies shall have particular regard to “the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values”. Section 31 states that one of the functions of territorial authorities is “the control of the emission of noise and the mitigation of the effects of noise”. Amenity values are defined as “those natural or physical qualities and characteristics of an area that contribute to people’s appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic coherence, and cultural and recreational attributes”.
Thank you for the opportunity to engage with the Select Committee on this important amendment process to the RMA.
We are happy to provide any supplemental documentation when/if required.
Land Information Minister and Green MP Eugenie Sage has given a foreign-owned forestry company a free pass to buy thousands of hectares of New Zealand land without applying to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO).
Japanese-owned Pan Pac Forest Products was given the special approval to bypass the OIO to purchase land for forestry for the next three years as the government sought foreign forestry money to help meet its tree planting targets.
The pre-approval was given to Pan Pac despite the Green Party having strongly protested land sales to foreigners and Forestry Minister Shane Jones saying he was sympathetic to rural concerns that converting productive farm land to forestry could cost jobs.
You asked why it might be considered a good idea by the Greens.
A billion trees is Green policy. You're worried that Greens will be upset at their policy being implemented… thanks for your concern.
This isn't the sale of logging rights or the export of raw logs or woodchips. This is a foreign investment to add value to the property. Where exactly is the policy problem – feel free to link to actual policies you think are applicable.
The billion trees policy was/is being implemented long before this announcement.
And while this is one way (but far from the only way) to help achieve it, it goes against their stance on foreign ownership of land. Hence, it is highly likely to disappoint a number of supporters.
As it seems you are unsure of their stance, here (below) is what it says on their site.
Ownership of land in Aotearoa/ New Zealand is a privilege that should be for citizens and permanent residents only.
The trees will be harvested at some stage. And while value may be added, as with most investments, the offshore owners will be seeking a return on their investment. Eventually, those returns (if all goes well) will most likely be far larger than the sum invested. As tends to be one of the objectives of investing.
Moreover, it is also highly likely they will receive funding from taxpayers/Government's Provincial Growth Fund.
If we want to continue to ensure we become tenant's and workers (not owners) in our own country this is the way to go in helping to achieve that.
So while you (and others) may only seem to see the trees and are comfortable with that, there is far more to it for us that see that larger picture.
It does, however, meet the sustainability criteria in the same policy.
So a number of Green supporters will see it assisting in the achievement of a key policy, conforming to part of another key policy, but sadly being against another part of that policy (albeit not an ergregious violation, like a billionaire bunker mansion fencing off public walkways).
But then "a number" of supporters of every party are constantly disappointed by everything. Any idea whay this particular number might be? Thanks for your concern.
Interesting – the massively rising values hiding a lowering of proportion was intriguing.
For me, capital value is less important than land area or propoertion of dwellings. Value is ethereal, things are what we actually eat or use.
But I’m not sure a measurable number of Green supporters are losing sleep over this particular deal.
Maybe fonterra should diversify into forestry? lol
I am afraid that I think the word tragedy is called for when there has been loss of life, not property. But I guess I have different values than John Key.
And my sympathy to I think it is three fire fighters injured fighting this blaze and my thoughts go out to them for a speedy recovery.
Yup pretty typical JK legacy: Here's a bucket of taxpayer money and some concessions to expand your gaming empire beyond it's current level of social harm.
I thought it was the "Ekshully, I think you'll find that most Nu Zillanders don't care about (insert something New Zealanders care about deeply here)…" room.
Or was it the "Look, I don't recall the exact details…" room?
Or perhaps the "I WILL get your husbands and sons out of Pike River Mine… except not really." room?
Belgian Paralympic champion Marieke Vervoort ended her life through euthanasia at the age of 40 on Tuesday, Belgian media reported.
….Vervoort suffered a degenerative muscle disease that caused constant pain, paralysis in her legs and left her barely able to sleep, and gradually her life became torture.
By then her eyesight had deteriorated and she suffered from epileptic attacks, and she said that Rio would be her last competition.
“After the Paralympic Games, when I quit, I’m going to enjoy every little moment in my life and I’m going to put more energy in my family and friends, which I couldn’t do with top sports because I had to train every day,” she said in 2016………………….
Vervoort signed the paperwork to be euthanised back in 2008.
She said in Rio that access to legal assisted dying had given her the courage to continue living for as long as she had, and insisted the practice should not be characterised as “murder”.
“It gives a feeling of rest to people,” she said then.
“If I hadn’t gotten those (euthanasia) papers I think I would already have committed suicide because it’s very hard to live with so much pain and suffering and this unsureness.
“I know when it’s enough for me, I have those papers.”
Lats night I listened to Marieke talking about her future. Deeply sad and brought a tear to my eye but oh what a woman.
Rest easy, Marieke.
Fight to the finish – Marieke Vervoort
The story of Belgium's para-athlete Marieke Vervoort who made headlines at the Rio games after revealing she had signed papers to end her life via euthanasia.
Indeed, and when a person with an obvious physical disability is stood over in A and E by a doctor with a Do Not Resuscitate form (after an admittedly alarming but upon investigation a simple episode of syncope) one is forced to realize (yet again) that while there are those in the medical professions holding such prejudices disabled people will be at extreme risk should this legislation be passed.
History says that this is a very real concern and for those in the know there are strong fears about this. I agree with them.
There are fears a six month trial of police patrol vehicles carrying armed officers will see Maori being targeted more than any other group. Police Commissioner Mike Bush announced last week armed response teams will start patrolling Counties Manukau, Waikato and Canterbury at the end of the month. But many Maori, including the whanau of a man fatally wounded by police in 2000, aren't convinced it will make their lives any safer.
Yep, the guy does some good work. Shame about his employer – it's a hard row to hoe earning a crust in NZ these days as someone genuinely committed to the principles of the 4th Estate
yeah …like some mayor decades back , who bought the council owned land in front of his clifftop property. It was done in 2 transactions, the first piece was the access way which left the 2nd piece without access making it almost worthless for the council, but made the Mayors land bigger which allowed a larger building etc
Yep @ Dook. There are endless examples dating back from the days when the Town Clerk was in fashion and Mayor Robbie had a dream.
Leave 'em to it all I reckon. Once they stumble over each other's stupidity, something might come of it.
But what I'm sure of is that the mathematics of a 90+% versus the rest doesn't really bode all that well (going forward, in the fullness of time, in this ecosystem)
Rortneys and Keys supershity at it's finest, it's rumoured a certain car dealer ex mayor has done similar in a city not too far from akl.
They say it's why their turnout was higher than expected as the locals wanted rid of him. His personal billboard campaign to not give to beggars was a lowpoint for many.
Towers and towers of highly paid chair polishers and the Auckland Council orchestrate movements like this bribe stinking fiasco. I wasn't aware there were 2 factions of equal size within the Aux council. Sounds like a recipe for most of their energy to get burnt up in friction heat.
How hard can it be to approach every proposal with a primary overview 'What's best for the people of Auckland?' Changing the Westpark Marina name, flogging it off for a lousy 2 million (land cost for the developer of $8000 per dwelling) and building towers of apartments to block the hillside home owners' views…it would've been in the waste paper bin by smoko.
“The Government has buckled to lobbying pressure from the dairy industry and big agri-business,” says Greenpeace campaigner, Gen Toop.
“Agriculture is our biggest climate polluter. An emissions trading scheme without the sector in it is a joke and won’t be able to combat the climate emergency – the greatest threat humanity has ever faced.”
“The Government is protecting the short term profits of a few in the dairy and agricultural sector at the expense of the rest of us and the future of our entire planet.”
The Labour party policy was to bring agriculture into the ETS in this electoral term. This was reiterated in their coalition agreement with New Zealand First, where they committed to only pricing 5% of agriculture’s emissions, effectively giving the sector a 95% subsidy.
Toop says, “It is unjust that this Government is allowing the dairy and agriculture industry to carry on with business as usual. The climate science is clear, this is not business as usual.”
Yes, the broad church verandahs had to be extended out to accommodate Winston's mob. A coalition of views so broad was always going to make pushing change through difficult. The surprise choice was to extend the verandahs, introduce the Winston factor in amongst the policy promises or spend another 3 years out in the cold.
hello …MMP was designed to make any political changes having a broad support rather than just a bare majority of a main party. Thats how the Rogernomics were pushed through…..
You wouldnt want to the equivalent of rogernomes but 30 yrs later with policies based on 'we must do this or else'
I've stuck my foot in my mouth up to the knee on a couple of occasions. Some of us have to learn not to ask a woman if she is pregnant the hard way. Richardson's apology appears heart felt. I think he is a cheeky rightie, not the devil….I'd rather sale a 10m yacht to Fiji with him over Bomber.
I think that we can be proud that we live in a time when the vast majority of us will judge Ryan purely on his ability to host a breakfast TV show and I think he is making a fine job of it…Take another week Dunc.
Shame Mediaworks is looking so wobbly, the short-term big picture ain't grand for any of them.
Agreed Kevin, Mark Richardson is a proper plonker alright.
He thinks he is a ‘gift to humanity’ when he goes on the other hand to rubbish everyone he wants without a care.
He is a shallow man for sure.
Ryan Bridge is a kind caring good ‘anchor’ for channel three’s ‘AM show’ and Mark Richardson is a conceited idiot, and I hope and pray that he is not the son of a good ZB radio NZ man we had with the same Richardson sirname?.
I used to know ‘Keith Richardson’ when he was on 2Zb in Napier.
aww come on it's just 'banter' isn't it and whatever gets clicks/chats etc is good for Brand Richo and his sports jock/priviledged white male shtick routine.
While I don't disagree with your assessment of Mark Richardson, but seeing that clip I think it was an easy mistake and his apology seemed genuine. My question is for Ryan Bridge, in this day and age, while (in your own words) all your friends and family know, why make it an issue on air, why not just carry on and laugh about the ex-boyfriends and move on. Surely no media personality needs a "Yep I'm Gay" outing these days. I suspect his closet must be deeper than he says or he's trying to make himself relevant on an irrelevant program and channel.
Auckland turning both brass into muck, and the emergent environmental disaster.
Millions of litres of water used to extinguish the fire has resulted in several basement layers being flooded to the point where cars are completely covered in the lowest level.
Twomey wasn’t sure how many cars were affected but they would be “write offs” he assumed.Fire appliances on site do not have the pumps required to pump the water, so Fletchers is organising to get some from the Ports of Auckland.Auckland Council will decide where will be a safe place to dump the water, Twomey said.
Fire fighting has environmental consequences.
It has been stated that “Every fire represents some threat to the environment” (CFPA,1990). International studies suggest that chemical contamination of the environment from fire-fighting activities presents a serious hazard to aquatic ecosystems in certain situations. Locally, this is also of concern to the New Zealand Fire Service as well as Regional and District Councils, who have a responsibility to protect the environment from adverse effects. However, uncertainty lies in that little is known about the nature or magnitude of ecological risks from fires and fire-water runoff generally, apart from a number of case reports from internationally occurring ecological catastrophes.
Paralympian Marieke Vervoort fulfills wish to take own life
..Vervoort, who was 40, won gold and silver medals in wheelchair racing at the 2012 London Paralympics, and two more medals three years ago in Rio de Janeiro….
"It's too hard for my body," Vervoort said in the 2016 interview. "Each training I'm suffering because of pain. Every race I train hard. Training and riding and doing competition are medicine for me. I push so hard — to push literally all my fear and everything away."
Vervoort spent her last evening with close friends and family, even sharing a glass of sparkling wine, which she referred to as a painkiller….
Many would genuinely hope that her pain and suffering had not been further exasperated by any external psychological torment associated with fire and brimstone or hell damnation words that so many have had to suffer. Such words so often associated with an individual's assertion that the decision to end their mortal life is made on reasoned, rational grounds, but where, due to the stated beliefs of others, they are accused of serious sinning, or worse that they are under the influence of some unholy being.
Axiomatic that many (perhaps most) who make such a decision are not making it on the basis of being unappreciative of life opportunity itself, nor ungrateful to others who may have provided them care or support throughout their lives.
These are core pain management (physical and psychological), self value and life purpose deliberations, and many would assert that they are not meant to relate to various religious edicts.
Our bodies are under the control of the religions which in turn say that they are speaking for God, which is idolatrous of them. And if a person desires to be with God, then the appropriate thing would be to talk it over seriously with them, posing possible improvements in their life and asking if they were done, would they then wish to remain and enjoy their life.
There would be some time to consider, a day or week depending on the painfulness of the illness or the lack of bodily control, and if the person still wishes to continue then a religious person can take the position that they wish to be with their Creator, their God, or in a state of peace, and accept and dignify the process as wished by both parties.
As I suggest above there is no reason for officious religious persons to come between a living body's will.
And those counsellors attached to religions working in any palliative role talking it through this way with the dying should be commended.
But it is the mind control freaks from religious organisations expressing and insisting on the eternal damnation dogma angle that cause so much anguish and emotional distress for those in such a seriously compromised and already weakened condition that people need to identify, and avoid if they can.
Karol121 I have noticed people against euthanasia quoting how seriously ill people have expressed to them that they would like to die, but they always change their minds after being talked with for a while. Of course they do. It's too hard to go against the determined antis especially if they may have their feelings hurt or become angry, and then perhaps make the care they give a little less comforting. To some carers or family, it would be like a slap in the face. They have a plan for looking after you and you are ungrateful or irreligious, ie it is all about them, or they know what God wants and expects.
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"Come The Revolution!" The key objective of Bernard Hickey’s revolutionary solution to the housing crisis is a 50 percent reduction in the price of the average family home. This will be achieved by the introduction of Capital Gains, Land, and Wealth taxes, and by the opening up of currently RMA-protected ...
by Daphna Whitmore Twitter and Facebook shutting down Trump’s accounts after his supporters stormed Capitol Hill is old news now but the debates continue over whether the actions against Trump are a good thing or not. Those in favour of banning Trump say Twitter and Facebook are private companies and ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Democrats now control the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives for the first time in a decade, albeit with razor thin Congressional majorities. The last time, in the 111th Congress (2009-2011), House Democrats passed a carbon cap and trade bill, but it died ...
Session thirty-three was highly abbreviated, via having to move house in a short space of time. Oh well. The party decided to ignore the tree-monster and continue the attack on the Giant Troll. Tarsin – flying on a giant summoned bat – dumped some high-grade oil over the ...
Last night I stayed up till 3am just to see then-President Donald Trump leave the White House, get on a plane, and fly off to Florida, hopefully never to return. And when I woke up this morning, America was different. Not perfect, because it never was. Probably not even good, ...
Watching today’s inauguration of Joe Biden as the United States’ 46th president, there’s not a lot in common with the inauguration of Donald Trump just four destructive years ago. Where Trump warned of carnage, Biden dared to hope for unity and decency. But the one place they converge is that ...
Dan FalkBritons who switched on their TVs to “Good Morning Britain” on the morning of Sept. 15, 2020, were greeted by news not from our own troubled world, but from neighboring Venus. Piers Morgan, one of the hosts, was talking about a major science story that had surfaced the ...
Sara LutermanGrowing up autistic in a non-autistic world can be very isolating. We are often strange and out of sync with peers, despite our best efforts. Autistic adults have, until very recently, been largely absent from media and the public sphere. Finding role models is difficult. Finding useful advice ...
Doug JohnsonThe alien-like blooms and putrid stench of Amorphophallus titanum, better known as the corpse flower, draw big crowds and media coverage to botanical gardens each year. In 2015, for instance, around 75,000 people visited the Chicago Botanic Garden to see one of their corpse flowers bloom. More than ...
Getting to Browser Tab Zero so I can reboot the computer is awfully hard when the one open tab is a Table of Contents for the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, and every issue has more stuff I want to read. A few highlights: Gugler et al demonstrating ...
Timothy Ford, University of Massachusetts Lowell and Charles M. Schweik, University of Massachusetts AmherstTo mitigate health inequities and promote social justice, coronavirus vaccines need to get to underserved populations and hard-to-reach communities. There are few places in the U.S. that are unreachable by road, but other factors – many ...
Israel chose to pay a bit over the odds for the Pfizer vaccine to get earlier access. Here’s The Times of Israel from 16 November. American government will be charged $39 for each two-shot dose, and the European bloc even less, but Jerusalem said to agree to pay $56. Israel ...
Orla is a gender critical Marxist in Ireland. She gave a presentation on 15 January 2021 on the connection between postmodern/transgender identity politics and the current attacks on democratic and free speech rights. Orla has been active previously in the Irish Socialist Workers Party and the People Before Profit electoral ...
. . America: The Empire Strikes Back (at itself) Further to my comments in the first part of 2020: The History That Was, the following should be considered regarding the current state of the US. They most likely will be by future historians pondering the critical decades of ...
Nathaniel ScharpingIn March, as the Covid-19 pandemic began to shut down major cities in the U.S., researchers were thinking about blood. In particular, they were worried about the U.S. blood supply — the millions of donations every year that help keep hospital patients alive when they need a transfusion. ...
Sarah L Caddy, University of CambridgeVaccines are a marvel of medicine. Few interventions can claim to have saved as many lives. But it may surprise you to know that not all vaccines provide the same level of protection. Some vaccines stop you getting symptomatic disease, but others stop you ...
Back in 2016, the Portuguese government announced plans to stop burning coal by 2030. But progress has come much quicker, and they're now scheduled to close their last coal plant by the end of this year: The Sines coal plant in Portugal went offline at midnight yesterday evening (14 ...
The Sincerest Form Of Flattery: As anybody with the intestinal fortitude to brave the commentary threads of local news-sites, large and small, will attest, the number of Trump-supporting New Zealanders is really quite astounding. IT’S SO DIFFICULT to resist the temptation to be smug. From the distant perspective of New Zealand, ...
RNZ reports on continued arbitrariness on decisions at the border. British comedian Russell Howard is about to tour New Zealand and other acts allowed in through managed isolation this summer include drag queen RuPaul and musicians at Northern Bass in Mangawhai and the Bay Dreams festival. The vice-president of the ...
As families around the world mourn more than two million people dead from Covid-19, the Plan B academics and their PR industry collaborator continue to argue that the New Zealand government should stop focusing on our managed isolation and quarantine system and instead protect the elderly so that they can ...
A chronological listing of news articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Jan 10, 2021 through Sat, Jan 16, 2021Editor's ChoiceNASA says 2020 tied for hottest year on record — here’s what you can do to helpPhoto by Michael Held on Unsplash ...
Health authorities in Norway are reporting some concerns about deaths in frail elderly after receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. Is this causally related to the vaccine? Probably not but here are the things to consider. According to the news there have been 23 deaths in Norway shortly after vaccine administration and ...
Happy New Year! No, experts are not concerned that “…one of New Zealand’s COIVD-1( vaccines will fail to protect the country” Here is why. But first I wish to issue an expletive about this journalism (First in Australia and then in NZ). It exhibits utter failure to actually truly consult ...
All nations have shadows; some acknowledge them. For others they shape their image in uncomfortable ways.The staunch Labour supporter was in despair at what her Rogernomics Government was doing. But she finished ‘at least, we got rid of Muldoon’, a response which tells us that then, and today, one’s views ...
Grigori GuitchountsIn November, Springer Nature, one of the world’s largest publishers of scientific journals, made an attention-grabbing announcement: More than 30 of its most prestigious journals, including the flagship Nature, will now allow authors to pay a fee of US$11,390 to make their papers freely available for anyone to read ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Gary Yohe, Henry Jacoby, Richard Richels, and Benjamin Santer Imagine a major climate change law passing the U.S. Congress unanimously? Don’t bother. It turns out that you don’t need to imagine it. Get this: The Global Change Research Act of 1990 was passed ...
“They’re here already! You’re next! You’re next! You’re next!”WHO CAN FORGET the penultimate scene of the 1956 movie classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers? The wild-eyed doctor, stumbling down the highway, trying desperately to warn his fellow citizens: “They’re here already! You’re next! You’re next! You’re next!”Ostensibly science-fiction, the movie ...
TheOneRing.Net has got its paws on the official synopsis of the upcoming Amazon Tolkien TV series. It’s a development that brings to mind the line about Sauron deliberately releasing Gollum from the dungeons of Barad-dûr. Amazon knew exactly what they were doing here, in terms of drumming up publicity: ...
Since Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953, US presidents have joined an informal club intended to provide support - and occasionally rivalry - between those few who have been ‘leaders of the free world’. Donald Trump, elected on a promise to ‘drain the swamp’ and a constant mocker of his predecessors, ...
For over a decade commentators have noted the rise of a new brand of explicitly ideological politics throughout the world. By this they usually refer to the re-emergence of national populism and avowedly illiberal approaches to governance throughout the “advanced” democratic community, but they also extend the thought to the ...
The US House of Representatives has just impeached Donald Trump, giving him the dubious honour of being the only US President to be impeached twice. Ten Republicans voted for impeachement, making it the most bipartisan impeachment ever. The question now is whether the Senate will rise to the occasion, and ...
Kieren Mitchell; Alice Mouton, Université de Liège; Angela Perri, Durham University, and Laurent Frantz, Ludwig Maximilian University of MunichThanks to the hit television series Game of Thrones, the dire wolf has gained a near-mythical status. But it was a real animal that roamed the Americas for at least 250,000 ...
Tide of tidal data rises Having cast our own fate to include rising sea level, there's a degree of urgency in learning the history of mean sea level in any given spot, beyond idle curiosity. Sea level rise (SLR) isn't equal from one place to another and even at a particular ...
Well, some of those chickens sure came home bigly, didn’t they… and proceeded to shit all over the nice carpet in the Capitol. What we were seeing here are societal forces that have long had difficulty trying to reconcile people to the “idea” of America and the reality of ...
In the wake of Donald Trump's incitement of an assault on the US capitol, Twitter finally enforced its terms of service and suspended his account. They've since followed that up with action against prominent QAnon accounts and Trumpers, including in New Zealand. I'm not unhappy with this: Trump regularly violated ...
Peter S. Ross, University of British ColumbiaThe Arctic has long proven to be a barometer of the health of our planet. This remote part of the world faces unprecedented environmental assaults, as climate change and industrial chemicals threaten a way of life for Inuit and other Indigenous and northern ...
Susan St John makes the case for taxing a deemed rate of return on excessive real estate holdings (after a family home exemption), to redirect scarce housing resources to where they are needed most. Read the full article here ...
I’m less than convinced by arguments that platforms like Twitter should be subject to common carrier regulation preventing them from being able to decide who to keep on as clients of their free services, and who they would not like to serve. It’s much easier to create competition for the ...
The hypocritical actions of political leaders throughout the global Covid pandemic have damaged public faith in institutions and governance. Liam Hehir chronicles the way in which contemporary politicians have let down the public, and explains how real leadership means walking the talk. During the Blitz, when German bombs were ...
Over the years, we've published many rebuttals, blog posts and graphics which came about due to direct interactions with the scientists actually carrying out the underlying research or being knowledgable about a topic in general. We'll highlight some of these interactions in this blog post. We'll start with two memorable ...
Yesterday we had the unseemly sight of a landleech threatening to keep his houses empty in response to better tenancy laws. Meanwhile in Catalonia they have a solution for that: nationalisation: Barcelona is deploying a new weapon in its quest to increase the city’s available rental housing: the power ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters, PhD The 2020 global wildfire season brought extreme fire activity to the western U.S., Australia, the Arctic, and Brazil, making it the fifth most expensive year for wildfire losses on record. The year began with an unprecedented fire event ...
NOTE: This is an excerpt from a digital story – read the full story here.Tess TuxfordKo te Kauri Ko Au, Ko te Au ko Kauri I am the kauri, the kauri is me Te Roroa proverb In Waipoua Forest, at the top of the North Island, New ...
Story of the Week... Toon of the Week... Coming Soon on SkS... Poster of the Week... SkS Week in Review... Story of the Week... Coming attraction: IPCC's upcoming major climate assessmentLook for more emphasis on 'solutions,' efforts by cities, climate equity ... and outlook for emissions cuts in ...
Ringing A Clear Historical Bell: The extraordinary images captured in and around the US Capitol Building on 6 January 2021 mirror some of the worst images of America's past.THERE IS A SCENE in the 1982 movie Missing which has remained with me for nearly 40 years. Directed by the Greek-French ...
To impact or not to impeach? I understand why some of those who are justifiably aghast at Trump’s behaviour over recent days might still counsel against impeaching him for a second time. To impeach him, they argue, would run the risk of making him a martyr in the eyes of ...
The Capitol Building, Washington DC, Wednesday, 6 January 2021. Oh come, my little one, come.The day is almost done.Be at my side, behold the sightOf evening on the land.The life, my love, is hardAnd heavy is my heart.How should I live if you should leaveAnd we should be apart?Come, let me ...
A chronological listing of news articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Jan 3, 2021 through Sat, Jan 9, 2021Editor's ChoiceAfter the Insurrection: Accountability, Reform, and the Science of Democracy The poisonous lies and enablers of sedition--including Senator Hawley, pictured ...
This article, guest authored by Prof. Angela Gallego-Sala & Dr. Julie Loisel, was originally published on the Carbon Brief website on Dec 21, 2020. It is reposted below in its entirety. Click here to access the original article and comments. Peatlands Peatlands are ecosystems unlike any other. Perpetually saturated, their ...
The assault on the US Capitol and constitutional crisis that it has caused was telegraphed, predictable and yet unexpected and confusing. There are several subplots involved: whether the occupation of the Michigan State House in May was a trial run for the attacks on Congress; whether people involved in the ...
On Christmas Eve, child number 1 spotted a crack in a window. It’s a double-glazed window, and inspection showed that the small, horizontal crack was in the outermost pane. It was perpendicular to the frame, about three-quarters of the way up one side. The origins are a mystery. It MIGHT ...
Anne-Marie Broudehoux, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)Will the COVID-19 pandemic prompt a shift to healthier cities that focus on wellness rather than functional and economic concerns? This is a hypothesis that seems to be supported by several researchers around the world. In many ways, containment and physical distancing ...
Does the US need to strike a grand bargain with like-minded countries to pool their efforts? What does this tell us about today’s global politics? Perhaps the most remarkable editorial of last year was the cover leader of the London Economist on 19 November 2020. Shortly after Joe Biden was ...
A growing public housing waiting list and continued increase of house prices must be urgently addressed by Government, Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said today. ...
[Opening comments, welcome and thank you to Auckland University etc] It is a great pleasure to be here this afternoon to celebrate such an historic occasion - the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This is a moment many feared would never come, but ...
The Government is providing $3 million in one-off seed funding to help disabled people around New Zealand stay connected and access support in their communities, Minister for Disability Issues, Carmel Sepuloni announced today. The funding will allow disability service providers to develop digital and community-based solutions over the next two ...
Border workers in quarantine facilities will be offered voluntary daily COVID-19 saliva tests in addition to their regular weekly testing, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. This additional option will be rolled out at the Jet Park Quarantine facility in Auckland starting on Monday 25 January, and then to ...
The next steps in the Government’s ambitious firearms reform programme to include a three-month buy-back have been announced by Police Minister Poto Williams today. “The last buy-back and amnesty was unprecedented for New Zealand and was successful in collecting 60,297 firearms, modifying a further 5,630 firearms, and collecting 299,837 prohibited ...
The Government has released its Public Housing Plan 2021-2024 which outlines the intention of where 8,000 additional public and transitional housing places announced in Budget 2020, will go. “The Government is committed to continuing its public house build programme at pace and scale. The extra 8,000 homes – 6000 public ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has congratulated President Joe Biden on his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States of America. “I look forward to building a close relationship with President Biden and working with him on issues that matter to both our countries,” Jacinda Ardern said. “New Zealand ...
A major investment to tackle wilding pines in Mt Richmond will create jobs and help protect the area’s unique ecosystems, Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor says. The Mt Richmond Forest Park has unique ecosystems developed on mineral-rich geology, including taonga plant species found nowhere else in the country. “These special plant ...
To further protect New Zealand from COVID-19, the Government is extending pre-departure testing to all passengers to New Zealand except from Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific Islands, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “The change will come into force for all flights arriving in New Zealand after 11:59pm (NZT) on Monday ...
Bay Conservation Cadets launched with first intake Supported with $3.5 million grant Part of $1.245b Jobs for Nature programme to accelerate recover from Covid Cadets will learn skills to protect and enhance environment Environment Minister David Parker today welcomed the first intake of cadets at the launch of the Bay ...
The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown have announced passengers from the Cook Islands can resume quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from 21 January, enabling access to essential services such as health. “Following confirmation of the Cook Islands’ COVID ...
Jobs for Nature funding is being made available to conservation groups and landowners to employ staff and contractors in a move aimed at boosting local biodiversity-focused projects, Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan has announced. It is estimated some 400-plus jobs will be created with employment opportunities in ecology, restoration, trapping, ...
The Government has approved an exception class for 1000 international tertiary students, degree level and above, who began their study in New Zealand but were caught offshore when border restrictions began. The exception will allow students to return to New Zealand in stages from April 2021. “Our top priority continues ...
Today’s deal between Meridian and Rio Tinto for the Tiwai smelter to remain open another four years provides time for a managed transition for Southland. “The deal provides welcome certainty to the Southland community by protecting jobs and incomes as the region plans for the future. The Government is committed ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has appointed Anna Curzon to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). The leader of each APEC economy appoints three private sector representatives to ABAC. ABAC provides advice to leaders annually on business priorities. “ABAC helps ensure that APEC’s work programme is informed by business community perspectives ...
The Government’s prudent fiscal management and strong policy programme in the face of the COVID-19 global pandemic have been acknowledged by the credit rating agency Fitch. Fitch has today affirmed New Zealand’s local currency rating at AA+ with a stable outlook and foreign currency rating at AA with a positive ...
The Government is putting in place a suite of additional actions to protect New Zealand from COVID-19, including new emerging variants, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “Given the high rates of infection in many countries and evidence of the global spread of more transmissible variants, it’s clear that ...
$36 million of Government funding alongside councils and others for 19 projects Investment will clean up and protect waterways and create local jobs Boots on the ground expected in Q2 of 2021 Funding part of the Jobs for Nature policy package A package of 19 projects will help clean up ...
The commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Ruapekapeka represents an opportunity for all New Zealanders to reflect on the role these conflicts have had in creating our modern nation, says Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Kiri Allan. “The Battle at Te Ruapekapeka Pā, which took ...
Babies born with tongue-tie will be assessed and treated consistently under new guidelines released by the Ministry of Health, Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Around 5% to 10% of babies are born with a tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, in New Zealand each year. At least half can ...
The prisoner disorder event at Waikeria Prison is over, with all remaining prisoners now safely and securely detained, Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says. The majority of those involved in the event are members of the Mongols and Comancheros. Five of the men are deportees from Australia, with three subject to ...
Duncan Greive and Leonie Hayden were young hip hop heads and music journalists during the era captured in a new documentary about the rise and fall of South Auckland hip hop label Dawn Raid. Here they discuss the film and their memories (what’s left of them) of that time. Warning: contains ...
Houses might be the most popular and inflated purchases in New Zealand, but there are plenty of other products that are seeing soaring demand and prices over the past few months. Here’s a list of what New Zealanders are spending their money on with international travel out of the picture.Used ...
"The young boy leaps, the muscles in his thighs tensing and twisting as he lifts from the handrail": the noble art of bombing, by Pātea writer Airana Ngarewa A beautifully muscled boy is posted on the side of a pool, his feet fixed to the top of a pair of ...
How Waiwera Hot Pools went from New Zealand’s most visited water park to dereliction and decay. Many who grew up in Auckland likely have fond memories of Waiwera Hot Pools. Like me, they remember summer days spent racing down the slides and playing in the naturally hot pools. But how did ...
A government contract for a P rehab programme was canned after half a million dollars of taxpayer money was given out. Aaron Smale investigates. The Ministry of Health spent over half a million dollars on a P Rehab contract before pulling the pin because there were no results or progress reports. ...
Kia Koropp and her husband John Daubeny have been cruising the Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean over the past decade with their two children onboard their 50ft yacht, Atea. Starting in 2011 from Auckland, New Zealand, they have sailed more than 64,000 kilometres and just completed their longest ...
We are drowning out the natural world with synthetic sounds, and it’s getting worse, writes Michelle Langstone.It used to be quiet once. Remember that? Remember the hush that settled over the cities like the silence that comes down in a snowstorm? It’s less than a year since Aotearoa first locked ...
Summer reissue: Join Michèle A’Court, Alex Casey and Leonie Hayden in the latest episode of On the Rag as they examine the topic of boobs from every possible angle. First published November 16, 2020.Independent journalism depends on you. Help us stay curious in 2021. The Spinoff’s journalism is funded by its ...
Seventy-five years after the US detonated the first nuclear tests in the Pacific, New Zealand pledges its support to Joe Biden's first tentative step towards disarmament. Today, the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons comes into effect, making it illegal for New Zealand and the 50 other ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Terry, Professor of Psychology, University of Southern Queensland The challenge of bringing the world’s best tennis players and support staff, about 1,200 people in all, from COVID-ravaged parts of the world to our almost pandemic-free shores was always going to be ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoffrey Browne, Research Fellow in International Urban Development, University of Melbourne The Victorian government has committed to removing 75 road/rail level crossings across Melbourne by 2025. That’s the fastest rate of removal in the city’s history. The scale of the investment — ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW In an age of hyperpartisan politics, the Biden presidency offers a welcome centrism that might help bridge the divides. But it is also Biden’s economic centrism that offers a chance to cut through what has become ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Stevens, Lecturer in History, University of Waikato In a year of surprises, one of the more pleasant was the recent runaway viral popularity of 19th century sea shanties on TikTok. A collaborative global response to pandemic isolation, it saw singers and ...
The sudden departure of Graine Moss from her Chief Executive role at Oranga Tamariki is a vital first step in a sequence of changes that must take place at the Ministry according to a group of wahine Māori leaders. Dame Naida Glavish, Dame Tariana Turia, ...
A new poem from Dunedin poet Jenny Powell.Her uncle’s eyeShe introduced us to her uncle’s eye floating in a jar.Lost in an accident, he hadn’t wanted to lose it again. He left it to her in his will.We must have looked shocked. ‘Don’t worry,’ she said. ‘I turn him to ...
The chief executive of Oranga Tamariki is quitting, leaving behind an agency she’s admitted suffers from structural racism. Justin Giovannetti looks at the future of Oranga Tamariki.Grainne Moss’s tenure as head of Oranga Tamariki has been untenable since November when the government’s senior Māori minister wouldn’t express any confidence in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Sainsbury, Senior Lecturer Composition, Australian National University Despite having different cultural backgrounds and experiences — Indigenous composers with an Indigenous mentor, and a pianist descended from Anglo-colonial history — it is nevertheless possible to create a project that can serve as ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Plank, Professor in Applied Mathematics, University of Canterbury With new, more infectious variants of COVID-19 detected around the world, and at New Zealand’s border, the risk of further level 3 or 4 lockdowns is increased if those viruses get into the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Hogg, Lecturer in Psychology, Charles Sturt University Horse racing is an ethical hotbed in Australia. The Melbourne Cup alone has seen seven horses die after racing since 2013, and animal cruelty protesters have become a common feature at carnivals. The latest ...
Right now, our most fiery national debate is over whether New Zealanders were nice to the singer Amanda Palmer in a café. Desperate to restore peace in our nation, Hayden Donnell went in search of the truth.Joe Biden had barely finished calling for unity when Amanda Palmer posted a tweet ...
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 When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut (Pushkin Press, $37)Maths, cyanide, suicide, gardening; ye ...
Wellington artist Estère isn’t just breaking boundaries, she’s dissecting them. Maddi Rowe spoke to her about her new album, Archetypes.“That’s the story of pelicans, they’ll stab themselves in the heart to feed their young.”Despite the somewhat dark subject matter, Estère Dalton’s eyes sparkle with fascination. We’ve met to discuss Archetypes, ...
Cycling advocates are welcoming new advice from the Transport Agency on safe cycling. "Cyclists hate it when drivers pass too close. That's scary and dangerous," said Patrick Morgan from Cycling Action Network. "So it's encouraging to see ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tilman Ruff, Honorary Principal Fellow, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne Today, many around the world will celebrate the first multilateral nuclear disarmament treaty to enter into force in 50 years. The UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear ...
The Public Service Association welcomes the creation of a Chief Executive role to lead the public service’s pay equity work, and the appointment of Grainne Moss to this position. "Unions and public service employers are currently working ...
The Council of Trade Unions is warning that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures out today illustrate that the cost of living is increasing disproportionately for those on lower incomes; resulting in the poor getting poorer. CTU Economist Craig ...
Why are there so many offensive comments on the New Zealand Police Facebook page and are they breaking the law? Janaye Henry investigates. New Zealand Police Facebook pages – there are a number of them, for different regional police districts around the country – are an interesting place to spend ...
Our guide to stopping procrastinating and actually (finally) getting on top of investing. Because there’s a good chance that if you’re reading this, you don’t know a single thing about it.In part one, we covered some of the basic things you need to know about investing – why do it? ...
Children’s Commissioner Andrew Becroft acknowledges the huge effort and commitment of departing Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive Grainne Moss and says her decision to resign today was principled. “The issues facing Oranga Tamariki are beyond individual ...
Analysis by Keith Rankin. Two Large Waves versus One Tsunami. Chart by Keith Rankin. Two Large Waves versus One Tsunami. Chart by Keith Rankin. With Covid19, Italy shows the classic European pattern, with its early outbreak, substantial recovery thanks to lockdowns and other public health measures, and resurgence thanks to complacency ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gabrielle Appleby, Professor, UNSW Law School, UNSW This year has already seen significant progress in the government’s commitment to establish a body – a “Voice” – that would allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say when the government ...
Northland farmer Derek Robinson was sentenced earlier today by the District Court in Whangarei for two offences of ill-treating animals at rodeo events. Mr Robinson was found guilty in November last year, following a defended hearing. The charges ...
Under fire Oranga Tamariki chief executive Grainne Moss has announced she will resign, effective February 28, Marc Daalder reports After four and a half years at the helm of child protection agency Oranga Tamariki, chief executive Grainne Moss has announced she will be leaving the position at the end of ...
The Department of Internal Affairs and New Zealand Police acknowledge the sentencing of 36-year-old Aaron Joseph Hutton on charges relating to the possession of child sexual exploitation material, and entering into a dealing involving the sexual exploitation ...
Ngā Tāngata Microfinance (NTM) is calling for tougher penalties for those caught promoting pyramid schemes. Such business models are illegal under the Fair Trading Act 1986. This call comes after the Commerce Commission issued a ‘stop now’ notice ...
British High Commissioner to New Zealand Laura Clarke is calling on young women aged 17 to 25 to apply for the annual ‘Be British High Commissioner for the Day’ competition. The winner will have the opportunity to become an ‘honorary High Commissioner’, ...
The Māori Party is welcoming the resignation of Oranga Tamariki chief executive Grainne Moss after sustained pressure from leading figures within the Māori Party. This resignation is the result of the continued strong pressure of the Māori Party ...
In a historic corner of Dunedin, startup culture is thriving. Catherine McGregor visited the city’s Warehouse Precinct to meet the people driving the movement. When Jason and Kate Lindsey bought the four storey building now known as Petridish, it was an absolute wreck. Once home to a thriving hat and textiles ...
Summer reissue: The Fold’s very first guest is back to tell Duncan Greive how she pulled off the media deal of the year.The chaotic couple of weeks which finally saw the end of the Stuff-NZME saga were riveting and strange, replete with stock exchange announcements, legal challenges and finally the ...
Chris Liddell has dropped his candidacy to become director-general of the Paris-based OECD. Without support from the Ardern government and vilified in the media as somehow being involved in the encouragement by Donald Trump of the Washington riots, he plainly saw he had little chance of crowning his stellar career ...
Tara Ward hands out her first impression roses as she dives deep into the sea of single men vying to win The Bachelorette NZ’s heart. While the world burns in a searing fireball of unpredictability, we can take comfort in the fact that some things never change. The heart still yearns, ...
People from all around New Zealand will be converging on the super-secret Waihopai satellite interception spybase, in Marlborough, on Saturday January 30th. ...
In its Thursday editorial the NZ Herald speaks an important truth: “Investment important to stay on track”. This won’t have startled its more literate readers but in its text it notes the strong result in the latest Global Dairy Trade auction, which prompted Westpac to raise its forecast for dairy ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Craig Mark, Professor, Faculty of International Studies, Kyoritsu Women’s University With the spread of COVID-19 steadily worsening in Japan since the onset of winter — daily records for infections and deaths continue to be broken — the fate of the Tokyo Summer ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Taylor, Early Career Research Leader, Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University All eyes are on COVID-19 vaccines, with Australia’s first expected to be approved for use shortly. But their development in record time, without compromising ...
Yesterday’s government announcement on new state housing is a pathetic response to the biggest housing crisis in New Zealand since the 1940s. At a time when the country needs an industrial-scale state house building programme, the government ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Obadiah Mulder, PhD Candidate in Computational Biology, University of Southern California Australia is in the midst of tropical cyclone season. As we write, a cyclone is forming off Western Australia’s Pilbara coast, and earlier in the week Queenslanders were bracing for a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lynette Vernon, School of Education – VC Research Fellow, Edith Cowan University When the holidays end, barring a fresh outbreak of COVID-19, teenagers across Australia will head back to school. Some will bounce out of bed well before the alarm goes off, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW In an age of hyperpartisan politics, the Biden presidency offers a welcome centrism that might help bridge the divides. But it is also Biden’s economic centrism that offers a chance to cut through what has become ...
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Why is it always the innocent law abiding people that get killed.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/116825060/passenger-in-fatal-pursuit-crash-speaks-from-hospital-we-all-nearly-died
Because that is not true but you feel it is. That’s the problem with fallacies, fake facts/factoids, urban myths, et cetera, they intuitively feel right and true but they aren’t.
In this case the innocent person driving to work was killed by another car speeding through a red light who was chased ( unnecessarily) by the Police.
Not a factoid at all.
Jimmy’s comment is worded in a sloppy way that shows sloppy thinking, IMO. It is factually incorrect and uses meaningless adjectives that show it is a largely emotive comment. Lastly, Jimmy’s comment extrapolated from one specific event to generalize.
where does diversity sit with you – in comments that is – as in people writing in a variety of styles and ways which may, or may not, get the message that they are trying to get across, across?
no dyslexics or other wise writing challenged people need to apply. Its one of these things that happen every now and then where comments get laughed out a room on grounds of grammar and comas or the lack there of, and i guess it is easier to do that then to comment on the merit of the post itself.
never mind that if the coppers would not have chased these dumbarse youngsters but rather try to apprehend them later the guys going to work at early morning hours would still be alive and / or healthy.
you forgot to do lots of emphasis with words in italics or bold or an eyesore mishmash of both i much prefer lots of dots … …
i always like reading Phillip Ure comments as i can hear him speaking … …
i can't read his stuff.
literally it hurts to read his stuff.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellipsis
https://www.yourdictionary.com/craptastic
Philip's a smart guy with an interesting take on things but his gratuitous abuse of the ellipsis gives me a nosebleed.
Except that whatever was the message jimmy was trying to get across, the message he actually delivered was a stepping stone to the senseless-sentencing crowd.
If it's always the "innocent law abiding" who get killed, then that gets tweaked into a callous disregard for others.
If everyone including the driver are in danger, it becomes a much more complex problem to determine why these situations happen. We start to consider brain development and the effects of panic and adrenaline, and then we start to wonder if there's a better way to intercept folk for traffic offences, or even whether interception is the safest option compared to other enforcement measures.
to me it seemed more of a plaintive cliched sigh from jimmy – no question mark and not really a big call to debate
Your points are valid.
Yep, we need to get creative with a solution. Chasing inexperienced unlicensed drivers in often stolen cars is turning out crap too often.
If someone pinches my iphone I can log onto an app that will show me exactly where my iphone is. A flashing light on a Google map. Maybe it's time we put similar tech into cars and when warranted, allow the Police to watch a winking light on an in car Google map and pursue at 50 kph.
When people sing in the shower or having one-on-one conversation with themselves, they can express themselves any way they like. When they comment on this site, they should articulate their thoughts in a way that can be reasonably followed and understood by others IMO. I would like to think that this is the point of commenting here unless they’re a troll. As long as a few basic rules are followed, we can avoid Babylonian confusion of languages [plural, although it may all seem English]. In addition, say what you mean and mean what you say, i.e. be clear, be honest, and be genuine. The less we spend here parsing sentences, the more we can focus on the exchange and contest of ideas that may even lead to tangible actionable outcomes. How To Get There is an example of an attempt to transform clear well-understood comments into practice for the greater good. Otherwise, it would be just another ‘talk fest’, which still has its function but much less potential or real/direct impact.
I hope that answered your question in a roundabout way.
yep it is as I figured ta – hopefully some lurkers can learn something from your explanation
To be more factual then, an innocent person on their way to work is now dead due to actions from a young driver who decided to break the law.
Yes, I think we can all agree with that and the sad fact that sometimes innocent bystanders are hurt or killed even.
But drivers old and young break the law every day and people aren't dead afterwards Jimmy. There must be some other reason for this death. It is a puzzle isn't it.
Breaking the law by parking on yellow lines – bad.
Breaking the law by speeding away from police and going through a red light – very bad.
Got to love these Police Chases ?
Yep we soak them up, guilt-free rubbernecking.
Nothing generates utube hits like a "Police chase ends with petrol tanker exploding." headline.
There is rare fame to be found in running, martyrdom. We all love Vanishing Point, he died. To be realistic, the Hollywood runners need to die. Running from the Police is a plan that always ends in a worse situation.
Much better to pull over and declare "Hi, I'm Davo, the illegitimate son of the Sultan of Brunei."
If I could get the officer engaged in my folly, me, the pseudo offspring of the Sultan, it could generate enough utube hits to pay the fine…. and rent.
Utube would kick the concept to the kerb but a Patreon channel could find traction. What would happen if a crew of petty criminal burglars put cameras on their balaclavas and before going to air pixelled out incriminating footage? They could donate all proceeds, viewer hits and TV's pawned, to charity. Electronic Robin Hoods.
I think audiences would suck it up, a ride-a-long with burglars. I think it's an international money spinning winner. Unfortunately, I've got something else on the go at the moment….something legal.
Best plan is get to the US consulate and they extend diplomatic immunity for your hit and run.
I see the Children's Commissioner is calling for police chases to be stopped if youths are identified in the car. If they're wanted for something more serious, ok, but the initial choice should be to leave it for further enquiries.
It reminds me of a chap with whom I had a work-related tussle back in the day. When he failed to turn up for sentencing, the judge issued a warrant and the police didn't bother searching for him beyond minimal effort. Being a dropkick, he got arrested on something else stupid (fraud for riding something with a forged ticket, I think) a few months later, no other resources expended.
Hounding a kid until they crash is up there with Gladiator thrills. Some aspects of civilisation are proving very slow to evolve.
Re chases.
Could the fleeing car get tagged with a GPS chip. (May be like a taser device)
Tracked and get cops in front to stop the car?
I think our authorities should be able to put an authorised access VIN into a computer and get a flashing light on a map.
might as well just hack the car computer and throttle it down while keeping the steering and brakes. That sort of "minority report" stuff in 20 years.
Firing GPS tags or lojacks into vehicles is more problematic. Even if the electrics survive launch and impact, there are too many variables – getting it to fix an old heavy metal car vs not going through the bodywork of a plastic or coke-can car, accuracy requirements in a vehicular pursuit, if you hit an occupant (or it ricochets and hits a pedestrian) will if kill them, that sort of thing. And if they hear the thunk and you pull back, what's stopping them from knocking it off their car?
Besides, we're probasbly not too far off high-altitude, wide area ubiquitous surveillance anyway – "pursuit" gets managed from a control room monitoring maps and the feed from the Eye in the Sky.
To help the innocent people you will be right in behind banning police pursuits then eh Jimmy..?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/102180147/police-pursuits-how-new-zealand-compares-with-australia
Poorly trained Police perhaps ?
Completely different approach….here some old car with young people attracts attention so the cops put the lights on ..teeenage brains trigger the fight or flight response and away they go.
In QLD they have to be an existing danger to the public for there to be a full chase, otherwise they dont even do it
It just has to happen here , it must . Hopefully the chance will come when the Police chief retires , even if they have to bring someone in from Qld !
I don't know what the answer is Maui. I do not like the thought of police being unable to apprehend a person who has failed to stop when signaled if they are driving recklessly and likely to cause an accident anyway. I do think this has encouraged more (particularly young people) to run from police. Perhaps harsher penalties are needed for people that fail to stop for police, eg. jail time (simply banning them from driving has no effect as a lot of them already have no licence).
[deleted]
[lprent: Don’t astroturf our site. You already said that with the same link and slightly different words. ]
system crashed when I was posting comment then said I had already said that
Ok – fair enough. I get instinctively twitchy when I see duplicate links. It always brings back bad memories of the worst days of trolling here.
Jill Stein responds to another bat shit crazy conspiracy theory from the neo-libs in the democrats.
22 min long – worth playing in background whilst you do some house work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-OkJLcC4YA
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12279106
So after becoming some of the MOST informed within NZ on the Euthanasia Bill, hearing many representations on the matter, our MP's cannot make the decision. Leave it to a referendum by those who were not so privy to public and professional feedback.
Do they not realise that with the likes of health/housing decisions made in parliament do result in life and death situations.
Ok to be seen in a smile and wave photo opportunity or display concern – But to do something tangible ???
Parliament may make laws but the public at large has to support them or they can get repealed. Not so much a problem here , but the future slippery slope of increasing access to euthanasia as has occurred elsewhere can be prevented by the 'public only voted for terminally ill within 6 months'
The terminally ill within 6 months falls far short IMO.
If it's going to go to referendum, lets give the public more choices than that.
Such as and why?
Such as, should people have the right to choose when they want to end it?
And why, because I believe it's an individual's choice, not the States.
Didnt Sylvia Plath make that very choice and NZ has a very high rate of people choosing to end their lives at the time of their own choosing.
They don't have the legal right to access the humane means to do so. Furthermore, there is no legal right (for those that require it) to be assisted.
With all due respect, that’s not much of an answer. You proposed giving the “public more choices” in the referendum but when prompted for detail, zilch, nada.
The 6-month floor for terminally ill makes sense to me. FWIW, I think it is an unhelpful restriction of the bill and influenced by scaremongering about ‘slippery slope’ and coercion.
You do realise this bill/referendum is about euthanasia, not suicide, don’t you?
That is merely your opinion. Nevertheless, it was an answer, thus it wasn't "zilch, nada".
You do realise zilch, nada means nothing, zero, none?
People don't have to be terminally ill within 6 months of death to be in pain and want to end it.
Your last sentence I fully agree with.
The rest of your comment is a cop out and a fob off. Although you pretended @ 4.1.1 to have a considered opinion on giving the “people more choices” in the referendum, you articulated no meaningful alternative choices when asked. In a proper well-designed referendum the question or option(s) should not be leading (as in an opinion) but neutral and ideally allow everyone to provide a meaningful (as in clear and decisive) answer.
It is not compulsory to oblige to other commenters but I cannot stand pretentiousness, FYI.
Are you implying the question should people have the right to choose when they want to end it is a leading question? And if so, can you explain why you see it this way?
You remind me of the opening patsies in platonic dialogues, the ones who open with some "common sense" statement that is incredibly broad and Socrates proceeds to deconstruct.
Like the guy who said we should return people's property to them, and Socrates led him down a path where he ended up giving a homicidal maniac their sword back in the midst of an episode.
1: framing it as "right to choose" is leading, because we have a positive bias towards individual choice
2: surely if someone is temporarily depressed or drunk or in pain, we shouldn't kill them if they ask for it? We can't be sure their perspective or judgement hasn't been clouded by the alcohol, depression, or pain. And yet if they really want to die in that moment, your proposed question enables that
3: how many alternatives do you want? How would you interpret the results of the referendum if there are multiple different options for the same subject?
But is it not a right to choose? Furthermore, people would have a right to choose to say no. So it could be seen either way, nullifiying your suggested bias.
Of course there would have to be following questions to ascertain age and state of mind.
As for alternatives. I believe we should be given more than one. At least three. And they could be drafted such as this current one, allowing voters to choose (with a yes or no answer) which they preferred. Making it easy to interpret the result. With the draft with the most support becoming law.
From one perspective it is. From another perspective it's significantly more complicated than that. Hell, you even just threw in additional questions and factors in response to some pretty elementary what-ifs.
As for your preferred voting system, that just means that with five options almost evenly spread, the one that only a quarter of the country actually support gets selected. An ill-considered system to support a naive interpretation of the issue.
An equally correct-yet-inadequate question would be "do you think healthcare professionals should be allowed to kill their patients without fear of prosecution?"
Sigh.
You were talking about giving people more choices and all you could do is to repeatedely repeat is your opinion, which is singular. A referendum is or should be about the opinion of the people and asked (framed) in a neutral way.
As with Brexit, complex issues should not be reduced to simple binary questions, they should be debated, at length, and viewed from many possible angles. A simple flow chart might do for one person, e.g. you, but when dealing with a diverse pluralistic society it is not the way to make decisions, particularly not on ethical issues. That said, ethically complex issues should not be set in stone, e.g. by Law, because that leads to very dark places and lowers people’s ‘vigilance’ levels IMHO.
McFlock has already done a very good job on other problems with your thinking on this issue.
Gantz isn't Netanyahu, so there's that.
Dont think there is any good choices there , but locking that corrupt prick Netanyahu up would be a good start.
Gantz may have to get support from the Arab list . The last time a PM needed that was some time back with Peres in 95-96
CTV Families Group Open Letter to the Government
http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1910/CTV_Families_Group_Open_Letter_to_the_Government__22_Oct_2019.pdf
Apparently, there is a construction overhaul in the works, but will that address the flaws (see link below) in the large number of defective buildings that have already been built?
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/400919/widespread-defective-or-missing-concrete-or-reinforcing-steel-revealed?fbclid=IwAR2tlUcjNl5VV9nGvaND6mfZfzRzeRxnVPLhUvuqfob7_rs1gwGq9RaKRKA
Do DukeofUrl and The Chairman travel in tandem dispensing crumbs of wisdom to the peasants? Happened twice just above. When I see their offerings I tend to leave and have some lunch; better strengthening medicine for the brain.
And do I detect on the part of DoU a target to respond and squash every comment put up? Or it might be those that DoU find cheeky enough to think they might have an idea of their own to put forward for consideration.
Nothing to say on the open letter, the large number of defective buildings nationwide and the potential threat to life they pose, greywarshark?
Oh dear …its very own 'designer socialist' sashsaying down the catwalk again… its all on trend politics…never wants to be accountable …its for show cant you see…for the masses to adore and praise every flourish as if it was of great wisdom.
Instead we get cheap and tacky version of fast
fashionpolitics and opinionTest
If anyone is interested in making changes – submissions to the RMA; – you have only until 7th November to do so.
Good luck to those who want to make RMA protect our ‘built and natural’ environment.
Before you get your hand smacked for not providing a link, cleangreen (tut, tut, tut), here is the link to the Parliament website page on the RMA Amendment Bill which includes the link for making submissions:
https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_91358/resource-management-amendment-bill
Here is our first submission sent yesterday.
23rd October 2019.
start
Submission to the Resource Management Amendment Bill
Select committee.
Dear Madam’s/Sirs’ on the Select Committee considering the ‘Resource Management Amendment Bill’.
CEAC wish to make verbal submissions and written submissions.
This is to support the restoration of the RMA to the original higher standards we had enjoyed and found for the protection of our ‘Built and Natural’ Environment from 1991when the RMA was first produced for our community environmental protection.
Resource Management Amendment Bill must be reinforced and enshrined in the strong focus of the ‘health and wellbeing’ of all citizens.
CEAC history with use of RMA;
We have been working with PCE and Governments since 2001, on all environmental community concerns using the RMA and have seen a destruction of the environmental protection of the RMA after several corrosive repeals were made to weaken the protection given us since 1991 when the Resource Management Act 1991 was produced.
So we are very active in restoring all the strong processes in the RMA to protect our environment for the wellbeing and health of the public.
For example; Under part two of the RMA ‘The Honourable Nick Smith’ as Environment Minister removed most of section 31 Quote; “(Repeal section 31(1)(b)(ii))”
We need to restore all parts of section 31 section 31(1)(b)(ii)) and Part two of 7 – (other matters) (see below 1991.) territorial functions under the RMA.
We strongly request reinstatement of these amendments to the Act in this Parliament term.
I wish to verbally discuss this issue using a report we assisted the PCE to produce when working alongside the staff of the PCE in 2005 in HB.
The matter was regarding heavy transport road traffic noise and air pollution in our urban communities, in which the PCE used the RMA, to relay the importance of using the RMA to protect the urban community “Amenity values and well- being” using both RMA sections 7c and 31.
At that time and gradually since then in 2015 MP Nick Smith culled and gutted those two important sections of the RMA that protected the health and well-being of our communities, leaving us very badly exposed to environmental harm.
I give you the PCE website location of that PCE report we referred to below.
Please note page eight was the reference where the PCE used the RMA specifically.
https://www.pce.parliament.nz/media/pdfs/Hawkes-Bay-Expressway-Noise-and-air-quality-issues-June-2005.pdf
Page 8 PCE report 3 The New Zealand context 3.1 Noise and urban amenity values
“Section 7c of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) states that the relevant agencies shall have particular regard to “the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values”. Section 31 states that one of the functions of territorial authorities is “the control of the emission of noise and the mitigation of the effects of noise”. Amenity values are defined as “those natural or physical qualities and characteristics of an area that contribute to people’s appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic coherence, and cultural and recreational attributes”.
Thank you for the opportunity to engage with the Select Committee on this important amendment process to the RMA.
We are happy to provide any supplemental documentation when/if required.
End.
another big win for the greens…
Sadly it looks bad for our future.
Now they are still selling our forestry to foreign investors.
Chinese were handed our largest public forest back in 2011.
Their consent is to buy farmland so they can plant new Forests
How so? Or were you being sarcastic?
billion trees ring a bell?
We don't need to sell to offshore investors to achieve that.
Maybe we do.
If the Government wanted to, they could make it so. And in doing so, would give them far more control on adding value, wages and safety.
The Government giveth, and the Government taketh away.
Blessed be the name of the Government.
🙄
Now let us pray
You probably think that the government could make that cool again, if it only wanted to.
It comes down to the Government's preferred choice. Clearly, this Government prefers offshore investors over hands on Government.
How will Green Party supporters view this choice? Another nail in the coffin or will their supporters be blinded by the trees? As you were above.
In this matter, they have opted to drop their stance on offshore ownership rather than push for the Government to be more hands on.
You asked why it might be considered a good idea by the Greens.
A billion trees is Green policy. You're worried that Greens will be upset at their policy being implemented… thanks for your concern.
This isn't the sale of logging rights or the export of raw logs or woodchips. This is a foreign investment to add value to the property. Where exactly is the policy problem – feel free to link to actual policies you think are applicable.
The billion trees policy was/is being implemented long before this announcement.
And while this is one way (but far from the only way) to help achieve it, it goes against their stance on foreign ownership of land. Hence, it is highly likely to disappoint a number of supporters.
As it seems you are unsure of their stance, here (below) is what it says on their site.
https://www.greens.org.nz/page/trade-and-foreign-investment-policy
The trees will be harvested at some stage. And while value may be added, as with most investments, the offshore owners will be seeking a return on their investment. Eventually, those returns (if all goes well) will most likely be far larger than the sum invested. As tends to be one of the objectives of investing.
Moreover, it is also highly likely they will receive funding from taxpayers/Government's Provincial Growth Fund.
If we want to continue to ensure we become tenant's and workers (not owners) in our own country this is the way to go in helping to achieve that.
So while you (and others) may only seem to see the trees and are comfortable with that, there is far more to it for us that see that larger picture.
It does, however, meet the sustainability criteria in the same policy.
So a number of Green supporters will see it assisting in the achievement of a key policy, conforming to part of another key policy, but sadly being against another part of that policy (albeit not an ergregious violation, like a billionaire bunker mansion fencing off public walkways).
But then "a number" of supporters of every party are constantly disappointed by everything. Any idea whay this particular number might be? Thanks for your concern.
An opinion (with comments) on foreign ownership in NZ. 48% seems frighteningly high – the trends are small, but interesting nevertheless.
https://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/101772/we-look-data-how-much-new-zealand-owned-foreigners-even-though-foreign-ownership
Also:
https://tcdata360.worldbank.org/countries/NZL?indicator=1541&countries=BRA&viz=line_chart&years=1970,2018&country=NZL
Interesting – the massively rising values hiding a lowering of proportion was intriguing.
For me, capital value is less important than land area or propoertion of dwellings. Value is ethereal, things are what we actually eat or use.
But I’m not sure a measurable number of Green supporters are losing sleep over this particular deal.
Maybe fonterra should diversify into forestry? lol
What a bloody mess
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/116806085/aucklands-light-rail-an-economic-tragedy-decades-in-the-making
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12279056
I am afraid that I think the word tragedy is called for when there has been loss of life, not property. But I guess I have different values than John Key.
And my sympathy to I think it is three fire fighters injured fighting this blaze and my thoughts go out to them for a speedy recovery.
Another JK vanity project that unlike the flag he slammed through, he probably has a room being named after him. The 'almost a meeting room'.
I tend to think of the Sky convention Centre as one of the few things John Key achieved. His legacy if you like
Yup pretty typical JK legacy: Here's a bucket of taxpayer money and some concessions to expand your gaming empire beyond it's current level of social harm.
I thought it was the "Ekshully, I think you'll find that most Nu Zillanders don't care about (insert something New Zealanders care about deeply here)…" room.
Or was it the "Look, I don't recall the exact details…" room?
Or perhaps the "I WILL get your husbands and sons out of Pike River Mine… except not really." room?
Or the "Mmmm… ponytails." room?
So many options.
Brighter future room?
euthanasia – the right to a humane death at the time of ones choosing free of interference by others.
https://www.rawstory.com/2019/10/paralympic-champion-marieke-vervoort-ends-life-by-euthanasia/
Lats night I listened to Marieke talking about her future. Deeply sad and brought a tear to my eye but oh what a woman.
Rest easy, Marieke.
Fight to the finish – Marieke Vervoort
The story of Belgium's para-athlete Marieke Vervoort who made headlines at the Rio games after revealing she had signed papers to end her life via euthanasia.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04ll7r9
The ones that make me oppose it are the ones we won't hear about.
"….the ones we won't hear about."
Indeed, and when a person with an obvious physical disability is stood over in A and E by a doctor with a Do Not Resuscitate form (after an admittedly alarming but upon investigation a simple episode of syncope) one is forced to realize (yet again) that while there are those in the medical professions holding such prejudices disabled people will be at extreme risk should this legislation be passed.
History says that this is a very real concern and for those in the know there are strong fears about this. I agree with them.
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2019/10/22/i-dont-want-to-sound-racist-about-these-roaming-armed-police-officer-teams-b-u-u-u-u-u-u-t/
Let off without even a slap on the wrist?
The Union is furious.
Firm wouldn't let its drivers take breaks. Drivers were working up to 12 hours without one.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018719120/union-furious-nzta-won-t-prosecute-truck-logbook-breaches
Guess who owns Higgins……Fletchers in another rubber stamped consolidation of the civil construction players.
Thanks, tc. I wasn't aware of that.
Some great investigative reporting here…corruption…never!
read:https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/116638559/why-is-auckland-council-so-eager-to-sell-prime-waterfront-real-estate-to-a-millionaire-developer
Yep, the guy does some good work. Shame about his employer – it's a hard row to hoe earning a crust in NZ these days as someone genuinely committed to the principles of the 4th Estate
yeah …like some mayor decades back , who bought the council owned land in front of his clifftop property. It was done in 2 transactions, the first piece was the access way which left the 2nd piece without access making it almost worthless for the council, but made the Mayors land bigger which allowed a larger building etc
Yep @ Dook. There are endless examples dating back from the days when the Town Clerk was in fashion and Mayor Robbie had a dream.
Leave 'em to it all I reckon. Once they stumble over each other's stupidity, something might come of it.
But what I'm sure of is that the mathematics of a 90+% versus the rest doesn't really bode all that well (going forward, in the fullness of time, in this ecosystem)
Rortneys and Keys supershity at it's finest, it's rumoured a certain car dealer ex mayor has done similar in a city not too far from akl.
They say it's why their turnout was higher than expected as the locals wanted rid of him. His personal billboard campaign to not give to beggars was a lowpoint for many.
Towers and towers of highly paid chair polishers and the Auckland Council orchestrate movements like this bribe stinking fiasco. I wasn't aware there were 2 factions of equal size within the Aux council. Sounds like a recipe for most of their energy to get burnt up in friction heat.
How hard can it be to approach every proposal with a primary overview 'What's best for the people of Auckland?' Changing the Westpark Marina name, flogging it off for a lousy 2 million (land cost for the developer of $8000 per dwelling) and building towers of apartments to block the hillside home owners' views…it would've been in the waste paper bin by smoko.
Its the Council CCO which has its own board and executives doing this , not the elected side.
I agree – shocker.
Yes, the broad church verandahs had to be extended out to accommodate Winston's mob. A coalition of views so broad was always going to make pushing change through difficult. The surprise choice was to extend the verandahs, introduce the Winston factor in amongst the policy promises or spend another 3 years out in the cold.
hello …MMP was designed to make any political changes having a broad support rather than just a bare majority of a main party. Thats how the Rogernomics were pushed through…..
You wouldnt want to the equivalent of rogernomes but 30 yrs later with policies based on 'we must do this or else'
As if you need any further evidence that Mark Richardson is a complete and utter fuckstick and should not be allowed out in public, then here it is…
https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/116861095/this-is-as-bad-as-ive-ever-felt-mark-richardson-accidentally-outs-ryan-bridge-on-air
I've stuck my foot in my mouth up to the knee on a couple of occasions. Some of us have to learn not to ask a woman if she is pregnant the hard way. Richardson's apology appears heart felt. I think he is a cheeky rightie, not the devil….I'd rather sale a 10m yacht to Fiji with him over Bomber.
I think that we can be proud that we live in a time when the vast majority of us will judge Ryan purely on his ability to host a breakfast TV show and I think he is making a fine job of it…Take another week Dunc.
Shame Mediaworks is looking so wobbly, the short-term big picture ain't grand for any of them.
Agreed Kevin, Mark Richardson is a proper plonker alright.
He thinks he is a ‘gift to humanity’ when he goes on the other hand to rubbish everyone he wants without a care.
He is a shallow man for sure.
Ryan Bridge is a kind caring good ‘anchor’ for channel three’s ‘AM show’ and Mark Richardson is a conceited idiot, and I hope and pray that he is not the son of a good ZB radio NZ man we had with the same Richardson sirname?.
I used to know ‘Keith Richardson’ when he was on 2Zb in Napier.
aww come on it's just 'banter' isn't it and whatever gets clicks/chats etc is good for Brand Richo and his sports jock/priviledged white male shtick routine.
While I don't disagree with your assessment of Mark Richardson, but seeing that clip I think it was an easy mistake and his apology seemed genuine. My question is for Ryan Bridge, in this day and age, while (in your own words) all your friends and family know, why make it an issue on air, why not just carry on and laugh about the ex-boyfriends and move on. Surely no media personality needs a "Yep I'm Gay" outing these days. I suspect his closet must be deeper than he says or he's trying to make himself relevant on an irrelevant program and channel.
It was an honest mistake, those two poke a lot of shit at each other and there was no bad feelings. The link says it all.
Auckland turning both brass into muck, and the emergent environmental disaster.
Millions of litres of water used to extinguish the fire has resulted in several basement layers being flooded to the point where cars are completely covered in the lowest level.
Twomey wasn’t sure how many cars were affected but they would be “write offs” he assumed.Fire appliances on site do not have the pumps required to pump the water, so Fletchers is organising to get some from the Ports of Auckland.Auckland Council will decide where will be a safe place to dump the water, Twomey said.
Fire fighting has environmental consequences.
It has been stated that “Every fire represents some threat to the environment” (CFPA,1990). International studies suggest that chemical contamination of the environment from fire-fighting activities presents a serious hazard to aquatic ecosystems in certain situations. Locally, this is also of concern to the New Zealand Fire Service as well as Regional and District Councils, who have a responsibility to protect the environment from adverse effects. However, uncertainty lies in that little is known about the nature or magnitude of ecological risks from fires and fire-water runoff generally, apart from a number of case reports from internationally occurring ecological catastrophes.
https://fireandemergency.nz/assets/Documents/Research-and-reports/Report-17-The-Ecotoxicity-of-Fire-Water-Runoff-Part-I-Review-of-the-Literature.PDF
John Key = firebrand policies.
Sadly; while JK was our PM he refused to recognise the hazards of fire.
I am not suggesting JK starts fires but he begun the MBIE and firefighting agency overseeing.
So where was “Worksafe” policy at during this fire?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1009663/
His legacy will be a poisonous unsustainable future using his policies..
Putting the shonky one aside Firefighters have an incredibly dangerous job that they must be super fit for.
I know a few ex coppers who went over, then went back as the Police was a safer gig.
recall the days when there was no hazchem labelling on industrial sites. I take my hat off to all of them, volunteer rural folk are unsung heroes.
yeah. Know a retired firefighter who has all sorts of shite going on due to breathing in so much varied muck over the years.
Accidents never happen – in a perfect world.
Not sure whether JK was mindful of sawdust in the top areas and Grenfell type clad, or perhaps clad sequins.
But Hey. Nothing's really built to last forever in any case.
At least this may necessitate an overall review of the complex in relation to fire, fire egress and earthquake standards.
And with the right oversight (overseeing that is), some reassurance may come out of the mishap.
"Kind Sky City Casino & Hotel operator, and Fletcher's Construction donate overwhelming amount of food and drink to firefighters"
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12279227&ref=clavis
Paralympian Marieke Vervoort fulfills wish to take own life
..Vervoort, who was 40, won gold and silver medals in wheelchair racing at the 2012 London Paralympics, and two more medals three years ago in Rio de Janeiro….
"It's too hard for my body," Vervoort said in the 2016 interview. "Each training I'm suffering because of pain. Every race I train hard. Training and riding and doing competition are medicine for me. I push so hard — to push literally all my fear and everything away."
Vervoort spent her last evening with close friends and family, even sharing a glass of sparkling wine, which she referred to as a painkiller….
Many would genuinely hope that her pain and suffering had not been further exasperated by any external psychological torment associated with fire and brimstone or hell damnation words that so many have had to suffer. Such words so often associated with an individual's assertion that the decision to end their mortal life is made on reasoned, rational grounds, but where, due to the stated beliefs of others, they are accused of serious sinning, or worse that they are under the influence of some unholy being.
Axiomatic that many (perhaps most) who make such a decision are not making it on the basis of being unappreciative of life opportunity itself, nor ungrateful to others who may have provided them care or support throughout their lives.
These are core pain management (physical and psychological), self value and life purpose deliberations, and many would assert that they are not meant to relate to various religious edicts.
Our bodies are under the control of the religions which in turn say that they are speaking for God, which is idolatrous of them. And if a person desires to be with God, then the appropriate thing would be to talk it over seriously with them, posing possible improvements in their life and asking if they were done, would they then wish to remain and enjoy their life.
There would be some time to consider, a day or week depending on the painfulness of the illness or the lack of bodily control, and if the person still wishes to continue then a religious person can take the position that they wish to be with their Creator, their God, or in a state of peace, and accept and dignify the process as wished by both parties.
As I suggest above there is no reason for officious religious persons to come between a living body's will.
Amen to that, Greywarshark.
And those counsellors attached to religions working in any palliative role talking it through this way with the dying should be commended.
But it is the mind control freaks from religious organisations expressing and insisting on the eternal damnation dogma angle that cause so much anguish and emotional distress for those in such a seriously compromised and already weakened condition that people need to identify, and avoid if they can.
Karol121 I have noticed people against euthanasia quoting how seriously ill people have expressed to them that they would like to die, but they always change their minds after being talked with for a while. Of course they do. It's too hard to go against the determined antis especially if they may have their feelings hurt or become angry, and then perhaps make the care they give a little less comforting. To some carers or family, it would be like a slap in the face. They have a plan for looking after you and you are ungrateful or irreligious, ie it is all about them, or they know what God wants and expects.
Thanks.
I understand the context greywarshark. Complicated and ambiguous for many to follow, I guess.
But in any case, this subject is very much a touchy subject.