If Russian expansionism is not defeated in Ukraine. the war there will grow until it draws in more and more countries.
Depending on the success of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China will invade Taiwan, Russia will invade Moldova.
That the new world war will end following a Russian play for Moldova or China's grab for Taiwan, is not probable.
It’s the consequence of wanting endless growth on a finite planet.
The hopeful fly in the ointment of this probable scenario of world wide military clash between the superpowers, is if the Russian Federation invading forces are driven out of Ukraine, by the Ukrainian people.
When people ask me ‘what were you doing when WWIII started?’ I can answer them with ‘I was eating my porridge’, so thank you. Now, let’s kick out that Russian dude in Wellington, yes, and sign the DoW?
Just a tad too simplistic and reeking of paranoia Jenny. For WWIII to be averted, there is a need to end another US proxy war in support of its world domination aspirations. It can only be resolved by negotiation as Zelenskiy himself has said. In fact, the Ukraine situation should have been resolved eight years ago with the signing of the Minsk accords and some respect for Russia's right to not be threatened by NATO, which is proving itself to be anything but a defensive arrangement. Once again, the US is controlling the show. To make matters worse, our Government has folded and joined the fray in advance of the main event. So much for our independent foreign policy!
Good to see your evidence is sourced from an organ of record and sometimes propagandist for the chief protagonist of NATO Populuxe1. Ironic that it nails its flag to the mast in the first sentence, ignoring the fact that the Minsk Accords were signed eight years ago. What did you expect of Russia in regard to Crimea, Transnistria, Abkhazia South Ossetia Donetsk and Luhansk, the same strategies as the US has used to create failing states? Usually it seems, Russia responds some form of invitation or majority vote, unlike the protagonist in chief this time. No doubt you will scream that open-mindedness is advocacy for Putin's actions. NO! Your blind support for prolonging a senseless war is the opposite motivation of those who express anti-war contentions.
The USA is at war with itself as well. This latest tragic school shooting just another symptom of the disease. Perhaps Sandy Hook v2 will result in some significant change, but I doubt it. I just cannot imagine the hell families of those involved in this are going through, even though New Zealand has been touched by this gun madness.
Chris Hedges recent article nails it.
No Way Out but War
Permanent war has cannibalized the country. It has created a social, political, and economic morass. Each new military debacle is another nail in the coffin of Pax Americana…..
The United States, as the near unanimous vote to provide nearly $40 billion in aid to Ukraine illustrates, is trapped in the death spiral of unchecked militarism. No high speed trains. No universal health care. No viable Covid relief program. No respite from 8.3 percent inflation. No infrastructure programs to repair decaying roads and bridges, which require $41.8 billion to fix the 43,586 structurally deficient bridges, on average 68 years old. No forgiveness of $1.7 trillion in student debt. No addressing income inequality. No program to feed the 17 million children who go to bed each night hungry. No rational gun control or curbing of the epidemic of nihilistic violence and mass shootings. No help for the 100,000 Americans who die each year of drug overdoses. No minimum wage of $15 an hour to counter 44 years of wage stagnation. No respite from gas prices that are projected to hit $6 a gallon.
aom – it worries me that as soon as anyone tries to express any kind of understanding of the Russian perspective, they are immediately vilified.
We are being fed one-sided propaganda. It will quite likely be like Vietnam and Afghanistan. All the corruption and military inefficiency that Russia is currently accused of will probably turn out to be the qualities of those whom we are supporting.
I suspect that the USA is behind all this, and recent history teaches us that the USA is not very good at learning from recent history.
Not really, I'm just curious what the attraction is that you'd willingly play apologist for an ultranationalist klepto-oligarch hellbent on the most blatant example of imperial expansion in the last 80 years.
And who exactly was threatening Russia? Go on, I'll wait. NATO can't because it's a defensive alliance. The EU was buying most of their oil and gas from Russia. The UK government was in the pocket of Russian oligarchs. And the US had moved from "pivot to Asia" to Trump being Putin's best buddy, and then back to "pivot to Asia" again.
Blah blah Washington is the Great White Shaitan blah blah blah.
Change the record, boo – Chomsky wore out that particular LP defending the moral integrity of the Khmer Rouge. I have a sophisticated brain, I can be appalled by both. But frankly I don't think the Ukrainians give tuppence for your mealy-mouthed condescension – it's their sovereignty and their lives they're fighting for, not your spotless hands.
There seems to be a notable exception on that map in that Ukraine and Russia don't show on it as being at war. Is that because Russia is conducting a "Special Military Operation'', not a war?
Also doesn't include China, and whatever is going on with the Uyghur peoples in the northwest (which probably feels pretty much like a war to those involved)
It is a somewhat annoying that Russia has usurped a mandate of the UN by unilaterally proclaiming a SMO, without getting votes from the UN.
I guess that they anticipated that they wouldn't get it passed with their current war of invasion and annexation.
Not to mention their soldiers historical habit of rapes, murders, and thieving from civilians, plus atrocities like deliberately targeting civilian structures having yet another chapter.
The Russian army are pretty damn useless at being anything apart from a pretty typical barbarian horde. No discipline, lousy logistics, incompetent officers, and no competent NCOs makes for a piss-poor military. They have just spent the last 4 months proving it.
" Pretty useless military etc Heck you let them off lightly didnt you lyn ?As well as the typical barbarian horde , with no discipline ,lousy logistics ,incompetent officers and no competent NCO's you could have added cant fly their planes ,they're running out of missiles ,they use open communications ,they cant read a map etc etc etc golly its a wonder they know how to start their vehicles or figure out which end of their guns are which ??
How do you explain this supposedly hopeless bunch defeating comprehensively the best part of the ukraine military in Mariupol then ?or the fact that they and their allies are on the cusp of taking the entire donbass ? This despite the fact that America/Nato is pouring in arms and cash like theres no tomorrow, plus providing intelligence and training ?
Call me stupid if you wish but it strikes me as illogical the thought process that makes all these claims of aggression but at the same time bemoans the speed of which the war is proceeding ?
How do you explain this supposedly hopeless bunch defeating comprehensively the best part of the ukraine military in Mariupol..
Seems pretty obvious. Surprise attack, overwhelming force from the close borders of the DNR allowed a partial encirclement within days, encirclement amphibious landings on the other side, encirclement completed with fast moving columns, complete air, naval and artillery superiority compared to the defenders of Mariupol.
That happened within a few days of the attack. Textbook fast surprise attack. Partial encirclement happened 4 days after Russia invaded in their undeclared war against Ukraine. Complete encirclement happened a few days later… wikipedia
The battle, which was part of the Russian Eastern Ukraine offensive, started on 24 February 2022 and concluded on 20 May 2022, when Russia announced the remaining Ukrainian forces in Mariupol surrendered[2] after they were ordered to cease fighting.[59]
However it then took the Russian forces 3 months to complete the task. What were they doing? Mutual arse rimming?
The only thing that they did after that as far as anyone could see was to deliberately attack civilians and the building they were sheltering in with artillery and bombing from their local air superiority. Plus apparently feeding in hapless conscripts from the DPR in for assaults as cannon fodder.
Probably while the Russian troops around the city were raping, murdering and pillaging the surrounding country side if they followed their pattern further north.
A quite small Ukrainian battalion managed to tie down a very large set of Russian forces for months.
Some western analysts called the result of the battle a "pyrrhic" or "mostly symbolic" victory and "reputational disaster" for Russia, after the complete destruction of the city, and a tactical defeat but strategic win for Ukrainian forces, which successfully tied up multiple Russian battalion tactical groups for months.[72][73][74][75][3] Others considered it a significant defeat for Ukraine.[76]
I'm with the pyrrhic victory group. That is what I call a completely hopeless military fuck up – probably because they let a military amateur (Putin) call the shots and he did a Hitler military ineptitude impersonation.
BTGs aren't something that you want wasted doing fuck all during an invasion.
It would be hard to find modern historical (ie 20th and 21st century) sieges to match it. So few holding down such a lot of prime invading troops with a complete encirclement and complete military inferiority for so long.
Incidentally I haven't found any military site who thinks it was a 'significant 'defeat – and the link for that statement in the quote shows no signs of a claim for it. Mariupol was lost as soon as it was encircled
It isn't even a strategic defeat as long as the Russian fleet in the Black Sea maintains a blockade. It isn't like the hinterland can send economic goods to go out of the port. At present Mariupol has a damaged port, bad transport links, and is pretty useless fro the Russians without a large immediate investment and peace. It is also too close to the front lines.
I suppose that you'd think that these Russian actions were smart, brave, and the actions of a competent military? Sounds like your intellectual ability is somewhat lacking, and probably your moral compass is a bit distorted as well.
On the subject of " Shit " i dont take any of this sort of stuff that seriously ,untill such time as a journalist i trust has verified it it just remains as shit to me you know the kind you throw around liberally when you want to smear someones character .This war has produced a tsunami of propaganda of stupendous proportions and obviously there's a lot of money and effort going into it .
Speaking of ordinary shit ,did you ' shit the bed ' this morn joe
?
"Objective of restoring the soviet union etc ,such a hackneyed phase and number one or two on the list of propaganda favorites so overused and beloved by state dept and MSm .Repeating it like a parrot wont make it any more factual unless as in America you want to believe your own lies !
Putin is on record as saying " He who doesnt miss the soviet union has no heart he who wants it back has no brain "
Whateva you think of Putin he's no fool and i doubt he suffers them either .
…..For WWIII to be averted, there is a need to end another US proxy war….
It won't remain a 'proxy' war for very long, aom if the Russian Federation continues its imperialist expansion and conquest into Moldova.
Speaking of the RAF's defence of Great Britain, Churichill, said, "Never before in the field of human conflict have so many owed so much to to so few."
I think the RAF are about to be outdone.
If the people and armed forces of Ukraine can put a stop to the Russian imperialist aggressor invading their country, and successfully drive the Russian Federation forces back to their own borders, then they will have stopped World War III.
Not tens of millions, but hundreds of millions of people the world over will owe the people of Ukraine a debt of gratitude.
There are some good reasons why China might give it a crack. But also some very compelling reasons why they wouldn't.
Firstly, the military challenges:
Taiwan is a much more advanced military than Ukraine, and has been preparing for this war for decades.
The terrain of Taiwan is largely mountainous and there are only a few suitable places to land troops which means there would be high attrition on landing troops.
Many small Taiwanese Islands have anti-ship missiles on them between China and Taiwan.
Logistics across the water is much more difficult to maintain than across land.
It has become clear to China, from observing the Ukraine conflict, that this sort of mission is no easy task, and will be much more difficult for them with Taiwan.
The strategic ambiguity of whether the US will get involved or not.
Secondly, economic challenges:
Similar sanctions applied to China as those placed on Russia would be much more devastating for the Chinese due to their high reliance on external imports.
The ease of blockading shipping going in and out of China would cause mass starvation in China.
An exodus of Western companies from China similar to Russia would be devastating for the Chinese economy.
Easy to cut off China's energy supplies. For instance, a couple of well placed missiles on the gas lines running between Russia and China along with a blockade of oil tankers would quickly have China grinding to a halt.
Taking all this together, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan doesn't really make sense. Then again, if they are going to do it, now is probably the best time. Zeihan rates a Chinese invasion of Taiwan about a 30% chance.
Some people see Biden’s “mis-speak” the other day about the US defending Taiwan as another senior moment that the US had to walk back.
However, I don’t see it that way. I understand that Biden has given the same answer on two previous occasions prior to this. So, I think it might represent American strategy. But, the state department walking the statement back adds to the strategic ambiguity of the possibility.
The takeaway for the Chinese from this is that there is a strong possibility the US would get involved which may be the strategy of the messaging.
This sad state of affairs again points to a government that has problems dealing with the ramifications of reality. Their focus for problem solving is more based on internal perceptions guided by ideology.
[lprent: You managed to drop the ‘l’ in .html. That is why the link didn’t work. Perhaps you should look to your own stupidity and lack of care before levelling accusations at the site – and wasting my time. ]
The link doesn't work so I can't read the story. But it's Newshub – so it really doesn't matter. Perhaps Mahuta has spoken to her advisors who have spoken to the ambassador? Could that be the reason for the sneaky insertion of the word "directly" in the faux sensationalist headline?
There are a couple of legitimate questions one could ask of Mahuta. Has she sought the opinion of the ambassador on:
whether NZ's increasing support of Ukraine (e.g. military training) poses any risks to NZ'ers living in Russia?
how would the expulsion of the Russian ambassador from NZ be perceived in the Kremlin and would it make his consulate duties harder to perform?
But Newshub is too lazy, stupid and partisan to ask these questions. They have no interest in reality, instead they are instead obsessed with making accusations of personal incompetence against Labour ministers to help get their favourite party elected in 2023. And the clowns who watch their tripe and regurgitate their nonsense are no better.
The link works fine…except on this site for some reason. Just copy it and paste.
''Whether NZ's increasing support of Ukraine (e.g. military training) poses any risks to NZ'ers living in Russia.''
Well, there you have it…and why Mahuta should have been demanding an update everyday. But, she seems to have been missing in action.
''And the clowns who watch their tripe and regurgitate their nonsense are no better.''
Meaning me. You may not realise it, but comments like that just confirm what voters are waking up to… Labour and it's supporters create their own reality.
Mate – if you think that Mahuta speaking "directly" to the ambassador or requiring daily updates will make any difference to anything material, you are dreaming. That's not how the world works. You have bought into the myth that a specific, narrow sort of personal competence is the supreme driver of good outcomes rather than deep institutional knowledge and collaboration. Newshub is out for a scalp, that's why they emphasise such trivial and peripheral things. However, apologies for using the 'clown' word, it was uncalled for.
Are you confusing the Russian ambassador in NZ with the NZ one in Russia?
It's the latter (i.e. a member of her Department) that Mahuta hasn't talked to.
And, I have to agree, that it's surprising.
Reading reports doesn't give you everything (assuming she has – her quote didn't cover this); actually talking to people on the ground gives a more rounded picture. And that's how you benefit from the the 'deep knowledge'.
The disingenuous finesse of your selection from that report is impressive. Who'd have known without reading it that brave Gerry Brownlie has accused the Minister of not doing her job, and there's a handy parrot quote from Winston Peters.
They have both been Minister of Foreign Affairs. In spite of the blustering they would know Minister Mahuta's response was correct. She is also vastly more measured and thoughtful than either of them.
From the linked article :
Winston Peters and National's Gerry Brownlee isare shocked.
The Foreign Affairs Minister has had no direct communication with New Zealand's Ambassador to Russia or our Embassy in Moscow since the Ukraine invasion began.
But she has said communications are normally through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
National's Gerry Brownlee asked Nanaia Mahuta in a Written Parliamentary Question what communication she has had with either the Ambassador or the Embassy since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February.
"I have not communicated directly with the New Zealand Ambassador or Embassy in Russia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine," Mahuta replied last week.
"Such communications would normally be with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade."
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is also shocked. He told Newshub the minister should be making contact with the embassy given the magnitude of the events taking place there.
In which case, there is little point in her being there…..
You can't have it both ways. Either she's effective enough to be a useful resource for Kiwis who are in Russia (the stated reason for not recalling her) – in which case she has potentially valuable insights to offer Mahuta; or she's so isolated that she's completely ineffectual (thus no insights) and we might as well recall her.
However, I was questioning why Mahuta hasn't talked to our Ambassador in Russia – not advocating for the expulsion of the Russian ambassador from NZ.
FWIW, I generally believe that keeping communication channels open is a better idea. Although it's difficult to know when the boundary has been reached, and you're giving legitimacy to a corrupt regime…
Yep, I agree. Was thinking of the Fijian High Commissioner, who IIRC, was expelled after the coup.
[Though that may have been in response to our one being kicked out first – long time ago, and memory is a bit fuzzy]
Poto is finished as the Police Minister. She will be moved on when Jacinda does a reshuffle. Or Poto may be one of a handful of Labour Ministers who exit parliament before the next election.
But it's the Police Commissioner who should be the focus of attention. I'm still not hearing from National the words: ''National has no confidence in the Police Commissioner.''
And then there's this from Luxon:
''When asked whether the gang unit would be similar to Strike Force Raptor, Luxon said that was "kind of" what he was talking about.
However, Luxon stopped short of saying the unit would be permanently armed, instead saying officers would need easy access.''
Luxon isn't getting it. We don't want woke. Arm the police. Start shooting scumbags until they get the message. The public are over crime. What doesn't he understand??
Of course, scumbags must be given a chance to surrender. But if they don't, or instigate violence towards the police – shoot them. It ain't rocket science, except maybe to you and Labour.. and dare I say, National.
We have the AOS. Obviously, shooting them would save so much money on lengthy expensive trials and on lengthy expensive prison terms and would remove any danger of them committing a crime ever again. This solution is so marvelous I’d call it a silver bullet. Should be very popular in South Auckland, me thinks.
That’s why they have the best prison system in the whole free wide world with super-high incarceration rates and capital punishment, of course, but say no to abortion, which is a crime in itself.
White-collar crime is not a real crime, of course, just a sub-optimal ROI and a huge clerical misunderstanding and/or miscommunication (aka getting caught). CEOs have so much on their minds that they have to rely on junior emotional staffers and the likes. Real crims don’t donate money to politicians – it is Robin Hood irony to steal from law-abiding citizens (aka Taxpayers) to give to politicians (aka lawmakers) who are paid by the Taxpayers.
''Strike Force Raptor was formed to conduct intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and dismantle organised criminal networks, including outlaw motorcycle gangs. It became a standalone unit within the State Crime Command in March and now has 115 staff.''
You are right, a hard line would be very popular in South Auckland. Innocent dairy owners wouldn't fear for their lives as they work hard to make meagre profits without joining the Winz line. Parents wouldn't worry that their children may end up in the wrong part of town, wearing the wrong coloured clothes. People wouldn't fear waking up at night to an intruder in their home who'll give them the bash just for good measure.
I make no apologies for being in the victims corner. And if things don't improve I will support vigilante action. That's something no one wants. But when the state has been negligent with it's most sacred duty – protection of its people from internal and external threats, then the populace must protect themselves.
Arming Police and shooting the bastards is the only viable solution, of course, how could anyone doubt that.
You do come across as a self-righteous zealot and one of those self-appointed and self-proclaimed common law sheriffs and I hope the authorities and NZ Police keep an eye on you to protect us all.
''Most Māori and Pasifika don't feel safe with police Armed Response Teams out and about – survey.'
I wonder why? Could it be they are committing the most crimes? And, if so, would that not suggest they are going to come into contact with armed police should they commit violent crimes with weapons?
''Arming Police and shooting the bastards is the only viable solution, of course, how could anyone doubt that.''
Let's just concentrate on arming the police. According to Luxon,75% of police now want to be armed. Not long ago it was over 60%. Obviously you are missing something…unless you know better than frontline staff? Why do they want to be armed? Unfortunately, you don't listen to talkback so you haven't heard their stories.
''You do come across as a self-righteous zealot and one of those self-appointed and self-proclaimed common law sheriffs and I hope the authorities and NZ Police keep an eye on you to protect us all.''
That's just crazy stuff. I'm sure you are just having a little fun.
It is quite simple, isn’t it, don’t commit a crime and you’ll be fine.
You were previously talking about kids ending up in the wrong part of town, wearing the wrong coloured clothes and intruders bashing house occupants “for good measure”, whatever that means. Are those the “violent crimes with weapons” that not only justify arming cops but make it necessary, allegedly? Just asking, for a friend in South Auckland.
Indeed, let’s ask Police what they want because they’re the only so-called stakeholders that matter. Talk-back is where you get your opinions from? You have my sympathy and I suggest to tone it down and lower your intake of brain-washing fear-mongering crap.
That's just crazy stuff. I'm sure you are just having a little fun.
Nope! Are you seeing this ‘a little fun’? Do you deny that there are people in this country who wear that title with pride convinced that they’re doing the absolute right thing in and by helping the populace to protect themselves? People who see this as their duty and calling? You stepped up to the plate, so own it.
I was hoping you would have said this paragraph (below)you wrote contained a little sarcasm and facetiousness. That you were serious tells me we are wasting each others time debating. It's best we wait until after Labour gets the boot at the next election, then pick this thread up again. That way there can be no ideological spin. The voters will have spoken. Reality will reign.
''You do come across as a self-righteous zealot and one of those self-appointed and self-proclaimed common law sheriffs and I hope the authorities and NZ Police keep an eye on you to protect us all.''
So, one of us is doing a runner after nailing his colours to the mast and not liking and being able to handle the reaction he got – try one of those other blogs.
Calling for vigilante justice is not just “ideological spin” but much more serious.
It’s best we wait until after Labour gets the boot at the next election, then pick this thread up again. That way there can be no ideological spin. The voters will have spoken. Reality will reign.
You’re again showing your agenda and dangerous dogmatic belief. My own belief is growing that I did the right thing last time I banned you for 10 days for your racist opinion masquerading as fact – the ban ended only 2 days ago! Not only the authorities but also I will have to keep a watchful eye on you.
I can, you cannot. You called (for) it. I called it as I see it and called you out and you have not given one single counter-argument and are just running away. You’ll make a good little deputy sheriff with your intimidating uniform with strong symbolism and other paraphernalia, including weapons.
Raptor is not suited for dealing with a young hooligan robbing a dairy for cigarettes. But let’s shoot the little bastard anyway with overwhelming and intelligence-based fire power. He (most likely a he/him) was an unemployed no-hoper and bottom-feeder anyway.
Two gangs at war should be right up your alley Blade. Serious violence that doesn't seem to end up with innocent bystanders or associates being killed. It seems there is more chance of deaths when armed Police are involved. /(sarc)
Auckland councillor, Alf Filipaina, is also calling for something to be done urgently. His concern is over innocent members of the public being caught in the cross-fire, or being targeted in error (as they have been)
None of that research is relevant to the rapid growth in organised gangs with lots of guns, generating multiple murders, while this government has been in power.
I don't disagree with the fence at the top of the cliff approach. Investment in a whole lot of social areas, makes a gang lifestyle a lot less attractive.
However, at the other end of the pendulum, there needs to be consequences as well.
Netherlands, for example, has true 'life means life' sentences (approx 30 people currently in jail with them). [AFAIK, it's highly unusual in Europe]
And, one of the attractive things about gangs for teens is the (untaxed) wealth and lifestyle – conspicuously displayed (check out the parade of super-high-value motorcycles at any gang event).
There are currently 41 people serving a lifelong sentence in the Netherlands. More are expected this year, e.g., from the MH17 case with 4 recommendations by the Prosecution for life sentences. The connection with Russia and Ukraine is something to note!
Many right wing types I know claim "perception is reality".
Being a seafarer, I know that "perception" doesn't mean shit, when reality hits.
The problem is politicians and their synchopathic media who cynically massage "perceptions" to retain power.
Which leads to "solutions" that their polling shows appeals to swing voters. And exaggeration of crime threats, to scare voters their way. It is obvious a majority of swing voters have bought into the "tough on crime perception, that cynical politicians perpetuate. A climate of fear usually benefits conservatives.
They know for a fact that their approaches don't work. Even Bill English let slip that "Prisons are a moral and fiscal failure". Unfortunately bullshitting voters about crime, gets them more swing voters.
The fact that almost all Right Wing policies increase crime, is rarely bought up.
“Sober and reasonable media reports”
“no use of “fear of crime” as a populist theme”.
Sian Elias.
"What might be entailed in gaining such acceptance is illustrated by the effort in
Finland discussed in About Time to reduce the number of prison inmates.12 Key
factors identified in the considerable success of the strategy were:
· Clear expert understandings of the criminology basis behind the policy
changes, both in government and in the public service
· A political accord, maintained across the 20 year period of the
reduction that it was necessary and that there would be no use of “fear
of crime” as a populist theme
· Sober and reasonable media reports of crime stories
· A strategy both of reducing sentence lengths and reducing the range
of crimes resulting in imprisonment
· The support of the public, which was attributed not only to the political
accord and the news media restraint but to regular public education
pieces about the limited crime reduction gains to be had from
imprisonment
· A range of crime control strategies beyond the core justice sector,
including education, social welfare and youth justice."
The minister of police,is limited on what strategy the police use.The minister can only make policy,and provide funding.
When the Police moved to harder lines,members of the great awokening called it biased and discriminatory against these social clubs.
The gangland murders in Sydney have seen the raptor units become high profile as they implemented mass arrests and as the NSW commissioner said they cut the head of the snakes.
In reality you can now make that "separation of powers" claim to nearly all large operational entities within the state – even when Police have a specific warrant. It's just that the separation is provided by corporate Boards.
The Police Commissioner is regularly held to account by the Minister of Police.
And we hold to account the Minister for their performance.
There is already a large funded operation on gang crime to commence in June,if it makes a difference or not is an open problem.
Communities have the right to feel safe in their homes and on the streets,and public displays of offensive behaviour during rallys,only contribute to their legend.
The police need to micro manage the gangs,with penalties for minor infringements,impounding of vehicles for unlicensed drivers,probation checks,and general intimidation of the gangs.
You should read the better evidence on toe tags at the morgue. In 2021 west Auckland where I live had 8 deaths from shootings, much of it gang related, across 6 months.
The growth of criminal gangs under Labour's government is well attested in Select Committee.
It does of course have a lot to do with the Australian 501 Deportation policy which Ardern has advocated for. But that hasn't worked in a decade – so it's well time that the Minister of Police was held to account.
There are more and more neighbourhoods in Auckland where people simply refuse to go. This is not the city country we should have.
Escalation is either a fact or not depending on the time period over which you measure it. Gang violence clearly escalated since yesterday, no doubt. And it's possible that there is a trend that is durable enough to call a real escalation rather than a calculated law and order scare. When that's demonstrable Williams should say so, and at least have some plausible ideas about cause, mitigation and prevention. But someone who thinks that any of those three things is simple, and the solution is permanently armed police shooting people, needs to be kept well away from power.
I think it would be very difficult to argue that violent crime has not escalated – regardless of what timeline you use.
Williams seems to have zero idea of just how ineffective she is appearing.
Regardless of the reasons for the escalation (and, I agree, some of them are outside her control) – she and the police commissioner have to deal with the reality now.
And the reality is that the world is full of reactive idiots. If Chris Bishop's mates were as successful as he thinks Williams should be, there wouldn't be a gang problem. Hell they'd have a Minister of Finance who'd introduce a marvellous budget to change the basic things, which establish social conditions, like:
"The budget cut spending on many of the welfare state institutions established in the 1930s by the First Labour Government. The unemployment benefit was cut by $14.00 a week, sickness benefit by $27.04, families benefit by $25.00 to $27.00 and universal payments for family benefits were completely abolished. Richardson also introduced many user pays requirements in hospitals and schools, services previously free to the populace and paid for by the government. Public services such as state housing were devolved essentially into companies under government contract in all but name."
Hell, social conditions would be so much better if we'd had a Budget like that 31 years (a generation) ago. Things would be so much better if whenever Labour people got forthright about Australia exporting its criminals we told them to STFU, stop interfering with Australia's politics.
How would a replacement appear any more effective? Replacement ministers will be affected by the same legal restrictions on the commissioner, so what is their legal avenue to appearance of effectiveness?
Since the Commissioner is statutorily independent of ministers with respect to operational policing decisions, as in is required not to take any notice of them on these matters (as opposed to taking direction or advice from ministers), how would any change of Police Minister make any impact on those things?
The Commissioner could equally tell the new minister or even the Prime Minister where the door is, and there would be no come back or ability to do anything about it for the government at all. Absolutely 0.
Almost all major government operational entities are separated by Boards now (That even applies in the nationalised health, which is in reality a set of contracts).
So Ministerial influence is through a set of performance metrics, Letters of Expectation, SOIs, budget lines, and appointments, for pretty much everything. Including Police.
Here's a really simple illustration of what a change in Minister makes: Twyford to Woods.
I certainly keep an eye on users using different aliases (aka sockpoppets or astroturfers), especially when a commenter has been banned recently, and I usually stomp on it straightaway. TC did have a run-in with me 10 days ago and has not been seen since most likely because I put him in Pre-Moderation and he couldn’t be bothered responding. However, TC has not been banned and his MO and idiosyncrasies are quite different.
"With economies stumbling, the cost of living rising at rates not seen in forty years, and world markets gripped by nervousness, there are two ways in which we can try to make sense of current economic turbulence.
We can, if we wish, see all of this as temporary – caused by the lasting effects of the pandemic, latterly compounded by the war in Ukraine – and assure ourselves that the ‘normality’ of continuous economic “growth” will return once these crises are behind us.
The budget, coastal shipping announcement and news items on the PM's USA visit and the new Albanese government have lifted my heart – even feeling embarrassed and sorry for Luxon – wtf does he even mean with "lost formation" why not just say "the Ardern government lacks financial discipline" then maybe I'd pay more attention. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/467814/ocr-luxon-accuses-govt-of-lost-formation-on-financial-discipline
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Until this month, Auckland swimmer Hazel Ouwehand had never met a qualifying time in an Olympic event for a New Zealand team, even as a junior. Now she’s very likely off to the Paris Olympics after swimming well under the qualifying standard in the 100m butterfly twice – both in ...
While Anzac Day has experienced a resurgence in recent years, our other day of remembrance has slowly faded from view.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by Hope McConnell.First published in 2022.The high school’s head girl and ...
Australian and New Zealand volunteers fought together in the Waikato War, yet still its place in the Anzac tradition is unacknowledged by our defence forces or Returned Services Association.First published in 2018.When I was a boy cub I attended Anzac Day services in the South Auckland suburb of ...
A poem by Wellington writer Tayi Tibble.Hoki Mai She kisses him goodbye with her eyes still wet and alight from their last swim in the Awatere river. At the train station celebration, she leads the Kapa Haka but her voice keeps breaking under and over itself like waves. ...
A poem from Bill Manhire’s 2017 book of verse Some Things to Place in a Coffin.My World War I Poem Inside each trench, the sound of prayer. Inside each prayer, the sound of digging. Image courtesy of Auckland War Memorial Museum. ...
There are three books I have wolfed down in one sitting over the last two years. Colleen Maria Lenihan’s gorgeous and sad debut Kōhine, Noelle McCarthy’s memoir Grand about becoming her mother and then unbecoming her, and now Hine Toa, a staunch yet gentle self-portrait by living legend Ngāhuia te ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question?Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 25 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
Asia Pacific Report Students and activist staff at Australia’s University of Sydney (USyd) have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment in support of Palestinians and similar student-led protests in the United States. The camp was pitched as mass graves, crippled hospitals, thousands of civilian deaths and the near-total destruction of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James B. Dorey, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong Australian teddy bear bees are cute and fluffy, but get a look at that massive (unbarbed) stinger! James Dorey Photography Most of us have been stung by a bee and we ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jen Roberts, Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Aussie~mobs/FlickrVictor Farr, a private in the 1st Infantry Battalion, was among the first to land at Anzac Cove just before dawn on April 25 1915. Victor Farr ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Gregory Moore I had the good fortune to care for the sugar gum at The University of Melbourne’s Burnley Gardens in Victoria where I worked for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Just when we think the price of rentals could not get any worse, this week’s Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare has revealed low-income Australians are facing a housing crisis like ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University laurello/Shutterstock Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage’s Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia’s forests were kept open through frequent burning by ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Wilmot, Senior Lecturer, Film, Deakin University Among the many Australian who served during the second world war, there is a small group of people whose stories remain largely untold. These are the Muslim men and women who, while small in number, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Knight, Researcher, Queensland University of Technology Have you ever felt sick at work? Perhaps you had food poisoning or the flu. Your belly hurt, or you felt tired, making it hard to concentrate and be productive. How likely would you be ...
Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Whiting, Lecturer – Creative Industries, University of South Australia Shutterstock Everyone has a favourite band, or a favourite composer, or a favourite song. There is some music which speaks to you, deeply; and other music which might be the current ...
A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
A leaked document shows the Canterbury/Waitaha arm of health agency Te Whatu Ora is scurrying to save $13.3 million by July. The “financial sustainability target”, which was “allocated” to Waitaha, is consistent with what’s happening in other districts, says Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists. ...
Most people haven't realised it yet, but world war three has begun.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Russian-and-Chinese-jets-patrol-East-Asia-skies-as-Biden-visits
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-25/japan-scrambles-jets-response-to-china-russia/101096656
If Russian expansionism is not defeated in Ukraine. the war there will grow until it draws in more and more countries.
Depending on the success of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China will invade Taiwan, Russia will invade Moldova.
That the new world war will end following a Russian play for Moldova or China's grab for Taiwan, is not probable.
It’s the consequence of wanting endless growth on a finite planet.
The hopeful fly in the ointment of this probable scenario of world wide military clash between the superpowers, is if the Russian Federation invading forces are driven out of Ukraine, by the Ukrainian people.
When people ask me ‘what were you doing when WWIII started?’ I can answer them with ‘I was eating my porridge’, so thank you. Now, let’s kick out that Russian dude in Wellington, yes, and sign the DoW?
Can I hold you to that?
Only if it is really important to you, sparks lots of joy, and makes you truly happy.
That's a 'no' then.
Just a tad too simplistic and reeking of paranoia Jenny. For WWIII to be averted, there is a need to end another US proxy war in support of its world domination aspirations. It can only be resolved by negotiation as Zelenskiy himself has said. In fact, the Ukraine situation should have been resolved eight years ago with the signing of the Minsk accords and some respect for Russia's right to not be threatened by NATO, which is proving itself to be anything but a defensive arrangement. Once again, the US is controlling the show. To make matters worse, our Government has folded and joined the fray in advance of the main event. So much for our independent foreign policy!
Some actual proof that this is anything other than a delusional feverdream please. What, if anything, has NATO ever done to Russia? I'll wait.
Being there?
Breathing too loudly
How about supplying some proof that Russia's aims are "expansionist" first.
Crimea? Transnistria? Abkhazia? South Ossetia? Donetsk? Luhansk?
Why does Putin say that Ukraine is part of Russia? – The Washington Post
Good to see your evidence is sourced from an organ of record and sometimes propagandist for the chief protagonist of NATO Populuxe1. Ironic that it nails its flag to the mast in the first sentence, ignoring the fact that the Minsk Accords were signed eight years ago. What did you expect of Russia in regard to Crimea, Transnistria, Abkhazia South Ossetia Donetsk and Luhansk, the same strategies as the US has used to create failing states? Usually it seems, Russia responds some form of invitation or majority vote, unlike the protagonist in chief this time. No doubt you will scream that open-mindedness is advocacy for Putin's actions. NO! Your blind support for prolonging a senseless war is the opposite motivation of those who express anti-war contentions.
The USA is at war with itself as well. This latest tragic school shooting just another symptom of the disease. Perhaps Sandy Hook v2 will result in some significant change, but I doubt it. I just cannot imagine the hell families of those involved in this are going through, even though New Zealand has been touched by this gun madness.
Chris Hedges recent article nails it.
No Way Out but War
https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/no-way-out-but-war?s=r
https://twitter.com/theLasagna/status/1529211766495920128
Yeah good on Chris Hedges. No one argues with Pentagon funding.
aom – it worries me that as soon as anyone tries to express any kind of understanding of the Russian perspective, they are immediately vilified.
We are being fed one-sided propaganda. It will quite likely be like Vietnam and Afghanistan. All the corruption and military inefficiency that Russia is currently accused of will probably turn out to be the qualities of those whom we are supporting.
I suspect that the USA is behind all this, and recent history teaches us that the USA is not very good at learning from recent history.
Not really, I'm just curious what the attraction is that you'd willingly play apologist for an ultranationalist klepto-oligarch hellbent on the most blatant example of imperial expansion in the last 80 years.
I guess he's just doing his job: defending Russia.
And who exactly was threatening Russia? Go on, I'll wait. NATO can't because it's a defensive alliance. The EU was buying most of their oil and gas from Russia. The UK government was in the pocket of Russian oligarchs. And the US had moved from "pivot to Asia" to Trump being Putin's best buddy, and then back to "pivot to Asia" again.
Blah blah Washington is the Great White Shaitan blah blah blah.
Change the record, boo – Chomsky wore out that particular LP defending the moral integrity of the Khmer Rouge. I have a sophisticated brain, I can be appalled by both. But frankly I don't think the Ukrainians give tuppence for your mealy-mouthed condescension – it's their sovereignty and their lives they're fighting for, not your spotless hands.
There is only one country invading another country at the moment. And only one with the objective of restoring the previous Soviet Union.
So, who again is the aggressor and who is defending?
Countries Currently At War 2022 (worldpopulationreview.com)
There seems to be a notable exception on that map in that Ukraine and Russia don't show on it as being at war. Is that because Russia is conducting a "Special Military Operation'', not a war?
Possibly.
Though the article attached is mostly about Ukraine.
Most of these are down as "internal conflicts" and "insurrection".
The exercise of how many are actually proxy wars, invasions caused by external countries, is illuminating.
Also doesn't include China, and whatever is going on with the Uyghur peoples in the northwest (which probably feels pretty much like a war to those involved)
It is a somewhat annoying that Russia has usurped a mandate of the UN by unilaterally proclaiming a SMO, without getting votes from the UN.
I guess that they anticipated that they wouldn't get it passed with their current war of invasion and annexation.
Not to mention their soldiers historical habit of rapes, murders, and thieving from civilians, plus atrocities like deliberately targeting civilian structures having yet another chapter.
The Russian army are pretty damn useless at being anything apart from a pretty typical barbarian horde. No discipline, lousy logistics, incompetent officers, and no competent NCOs makes for a piss-poor military. They have just spent the last 4 months proving it.
" Pretty useless military etc Heck you let them off lightly didnt you lyn ?As well as the typical barbarian horde , with no discipline ,lousy logistics ,incompetent officers and no competent NCO's you could have added cant fly their planes ,they're running out of missiles ,they use open communications ,they cant read a map etc etc etc golly its a wonder they know how to start their vehicles or figure out which end of their guns are which ??
How do you explain this supposedly hopeless bunch defeating comprehensively the best part of the ukraine military in Mariupol then ?or the fact that they and their allies are on the cusp of taking the entire donbass ? This despite the fact that America/Nato is pouring in arms and cash like theres no tomorrow, plus providing intelligence and training ?
Call me stupid if you wish but it strikes me as illogical the thought process that makes all these claims of aggression but at the same time bemoans the speed of which the war is proceeding ?
Seems pretty obvious. Surprise attack, overwhelming force from the close borders of the DNR allowed a partial encirclement within days, encirclement amphibious landings on the other side, encirclement completed with fast moving columns, complete air, naval and artillery superiority compared to the defenders of Mariupol.
That happened within a few days of the attack. Textbook fast surprise attack. Partial encirclement happened 4 days after Russia invaded in their undeclared war against Ukraine. Complete encirclement happened a few days later… wikipedia
However it then took the Russian forces 3 months to complete the task. What were they doing? Mutual arse rimming?
The only thing that they did after that as far as anyone could see was to deliberately attack civilians and the building they were sheltering in with artillery and bombing from their local air superiority. Plus apparently feeding in hapless conscripts from the DPR in for assaults as cannon fodder.
Probably while the Russian troops around the city were raping, murdering and pillaging the surrounding country side if they followed their pattern further north.
A quite small Ukrainian battalion managed to tie down a very large set of Russian forces for months.
I'm with the pyrrhic victory group. That is what I call a completely hopeless military fuck up – probably because they let a military amateur (Putin) call the shots and he did a Hitler military ineptitude impersonation.
BTGs aren't something that you want wasted doing fuck all during an invasion.
It would be hard to find modern historical (ie 20th and 21st century) sieges to match it. So few holding down such a lot of prime invading troops with a complete encirclement and complete military inferiority for so long.
Incidentally I haven't found any military site who thinks it was a 'significant 'defeat – and the link for that statement in the quote shows no signs of a claim for it. Mariupol was lost as soon as it was encircled
It isn't even a strategic defeat as long as the Russian fleet in the Black Sea maintains a blockade. It isn't like the hinterland can send economic goods to go out of the port. At present Mariupol has a damaged port, bad transport links, and is pretty useless fro the Russians without a large immediate investment and peace. It is also too close to the front lines.
I suppose that you'd think that these Russian actions were smart, brave, and the actions of a competent military? Sounds like your intellectual ability is somewhat lacking, and probably your moral compass is a bit distorted as well.
And shitting. The Russian army is pretty damn good at shitting.
https://twitter.com/OTregub/status/1522545914711355393
https://twitter.com/timgrecco/status/1522684632118013953
On the subject of " Shit " i dont take any of this sort of stuff that seriously ,untill such time as a journalist i trust has verified it it just remains as shit to me you know the kind you throw around liberally when you want to smear someones character .This war has produced a tsunami of propaganda of stupendous proportions and obviously there's a lot of money and effort going into it .
Speaking of ordinary shit ,did you ' shit the bed ' this morn joe
?
"Objective of restoring the soviet union etc ,such a hackneyed phase and number one or two on the list of propaganda favorites so overused and beloved by state dept and MSm .Repeating it like a parrot wont make it any more factual unless as in America you want to believe your own lies !
Putin is on record as saying " He who doesnt miss the soviet union has no heart he who wants it back has no brain "
Whateva you think of Putin he's no fool and i doubt he suffers them either .
Lord, even his platitudes are plagiarised.
The USA is the aggressor, Russia is the defender. The Ukraine would not be doing what they are doing without Uncle Sam's support and encouragement.
It won't remain a 'proxy' war for very long, aom if the Russian Federation continues its imperialist expansion and conquest into Moldova.
Speaking of the RAF's defence of Great Britain, Churichill, said, "Never before in the field of human conflict have so many owed so much to to so few."
I think the RAF are about to be outdone.
If the people and armed forces of Ukraine can put a stop to the Russian imperialist aggressor invading their country, and successfully drive the Russian Federation forces back to their own borders, then they will have stopped World War III.
Not tens of millions, but hundreds of millions of people the world over will owe the people of Ukraine a debt of gratitude.
JHtGT + .Stop CATASTROPHIZING ..
Peter Zeihan discussed the prospect of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
There are some good reasons why China might give it a crack. But also some very compelling reasons why they wouldn't.
Firstly, the military challenges:
Secondly, economic challenges:
Taking all this together, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan doesn't really make sense. Then again, if they are going to do it, now is probably the best time. Zeihan rates a Chinese invasion of Taiwan about a 30% chance.
Some people see Biden’s “mis-speak” the other day about the US defending Taiwan as another senior moment that the US had to walk back.
However, I don’t see it that way. I understand that Biden has given the same answer on two previous occasions prior to this. So, I think it might represent American strategy. But, the state department walking the statement back adds to the strategic ambiguity of the possibility.
The takeaway for the Chinese from this is that there is a strong possibility the US would get involved which may be the strategy of the messaging.
When Michael Laws was a talkback host he used to say disparaging things about some politicians based on his experiences as a member of Parliament.
One recipient of his considered opinion was Nanaia Mahuta.
At least Mahuta was upfront and didn't try to spin this latest government crisis.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/05/foreign-affairs-minister-nanaia-mahuta-hasn-t-directly-spoken-with-nz-s-ambassador-to-russia-since-ukraine-invasion-began.html
This sad state of affairs again points to a government that has problems dealing with the ramifications of reality. Their focus for problem solving is more based on internal perceptions guided by ideology.
[lprent: You managed to drop the ‘l’ in .html. That is why the link didn’t work. Perhaps you should look to your own stupidity and lack of care before levelling accusations at the site – and wasting my time. ]
Someone who takes Micheal Laws seriously! Seriously?
Tells me all I need to know about your perceptions of reality.
The link doesn't work so I can't read the story. But it's Newshub – so it really doesn't matter. Perhaps Mahuta has spoken to her advisors who have spoken to the ambassador? Could that be the reason for the sneaky insertion of the word "directly" in the faux sensationalist headline?
There are a couple of legitimate questions one could ask of Mahuta. Has she sought the opinion of the ambassador on:
But Newshub is too lazy, stupid and partisan to ask these questions. They have no interest in reality, instead they are instead obsessed with making accusations of personal incompetence against Labour ministers to help get their favourite party elected in 2023. And the clowns who watch their tripe and regurgitate their nonsense are no better.
The link works fine…except on this site for some reason. Just copy it and paste.
''Whether NZ's increasing support of Ukraine (e.g. military training) poses any risks to NZ'ers living in Russia.''
Well, there you have it…and why Mahuta should have been demanding an update everyday. But, she seems to have been missing in action.
''And the clowns who watch their tripe and regurgitate their nonsense are no better.''
Meaning me. You may not realise it, but comments like that just confirm what voters are waking up to… Labour and it's supporters create their own reality.
Think you might be missing the final 'l' off your link.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/05/foreign-affairs-minister-nanaia-mahuta-hasn-t-directly-spoken-with-nz-s-ambassador-to-russia-since-ukraine-invasion-began.html
Mate – if you think that Mahuta speaking "directly" to the ambassador or requiring daily updates will make any difference to anything material, you are dreaming. That's not how the world works. You have bought into the myth that a specific, narrow sort of personal competence is the supreme driver of good outcomes rather than deep institutional knowledge and collaboration. Newshub is out for a scalp, that's why they emphasise such trivial and peripheral things. However, apologies for using the 'clown' word, it was uncalled for.
Are you confusing the Russian ambassador in NZ with the NZ one in Russia?
It's the latter (i.e. a member of her Department) that Mahuta hasn't talked to.
And, I have to agree, that it's surprising.
Reading reports doesn't give you everything (assuming she has – her quote didn't cover this); actually talking to people on the ground gives a more rounded picture. And that's how you benefit from the the 'deep knowledge'.
See my note above. Try blaming your incompetence rather than the sites’ code.
Occam's razor…
The disingenuous finesse of your selection from that report is impressive. Who'd have known without reading it that brave Gerry Brownlie has accused the Minister of not doing her job, and there's a handy parrot quote from Winston Peters.
They have both been Minister of Foreign Affairs. In spite of the blustering they would know Minister Mahuta's response was correct. She is also vastly more measured and thoughtful than either of them.
From the linked article :
So why is Mahuta's response (i.e. that she hasn't spoken to the NZ ambassador in Russia) correct?
Yes normally it would be through the department. But, hey, there’s an international crisis going on, involving that country.
It seems utterly out-of-touch to me!
Because our poor little ambassador in Russia is probably isolated because of NZ's stance, and has nothing to say.
If that ambassador had any information important for NZ, you should be sure that the said ambassador would have communicated in some way.
Maybe you are the one who is out-of-touch.
In which case, there is little point in her being there…..
You can't have it both ways. Either she's effective enough to be a useful resource for Kiwis who are in Russia (the stated reason for not recalling her) – in which case she has potentially valuable insights to offer Mahuta; or she's so isolated that she's completely ineffectual (thus no insights) and we might as well recall her.
This may be an informative article for you: https://www.newsroom.co.nz/podcast-the-detail/crossing-the-diplomatic-line-when-do-ambassadors-get-expelled.
Thank you, yes.
However, I was questioning why Mahuta hasn't talked to our Ambassador in Russia – not advocating for the expulsion of the Russian ambassador from NZ.
FWIW, I generally believe that keeping communication channels open is a better idea. Although it's difficult to know when the boundary has been reached, and you're giving legitimacy to a corrupt regime…
I understood that.
I cannot answer your question; it doesn’t mean there has been no contact between MFAT and the NZ Embassy in Russia.
BTW, I find it quite laughable that both Brownlee and Peters are trying to tell Mahuta how to do her job – are they mentoring her through the media?
A corrupt regime still is a regime in power.
Yep, I agree. Was thinking of the Fijian High Commissioner, who IIRC, was expelled after the coup.
[Though that may have been in response to our one being kicked out first – long time ago, and memory is a bit fuzzy]
Does Poto Williams still reject the premise of the question that gang violence has escalated?
Auckland shootings: 'Indiscriminate and reckless' use of guns in public says police after seven incidents overnight – NZ Herald
Poto is finished as the Police Minister. She will be moved on when Jacinda does a reshuffle. Or Poto may be one of a handful of Labour Ministers who exit parliament before the next election.
But it's the Police Commissioner who should be the focus of attention. I'm still not hearing from National the words: ''National has no confidence in the Police Commissioner.''
And then there's this from Luxon:
''When asked whether the gang unit would be similar to Strike Force Raptor, Luxon said that was "kind of" what he was talking about.
However, Luxon stopped short of saying the unit would be permanently armed, instead saying officers would need easy access.''
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/05/christopher-luxon-calls-for-strike-force-raptor-style-gang-unit-to-address-rise-in-violent-crime.html
Luxon isn't getting it. We don't want woke. Arm the police. Start shooting scumbags until they get the message. The public are over crime. What doesn't he understand??
There, there Duterte.
Of course, scumbags must be given a chance to surrender. But if they don't, or instigate violence towards the police – shoot them. It ain't rocket science, except maybe to you and Labour.. and dare I say, National.
We have the AOS. Obviously, shooting them would save so much money on lengthy expensive trials and on lengthy expensive prison terms and would remove any danger of them committing a crime ever again. This solution is so marvelous I’d call it a silver bullet. Should be very popular in South Auckland, me thinks.
Hard On Crime has worked so well in the USA
That’s why they have the best prison system in the whole
freewide world with super-high incarceration rates and capital punishment, of course, but say no to abortion, which is a crime in itself.They often do amnesty though to fugitives.
https://twitter.com/JavierBlas/status/1529221948198162432?cxt=HHwWgMCo0c_Q8bgqAAAA
White-collar crime is not a real crime, of course, just a sub-optimal ROI and a huge clerical misunderstanding and/or miscommunication (aka getting caught). CEOs have so much on their minds that they have to rely on junior emotional staffers and the likes. Real crims don’t donate money to politicians – it is Robin Hood irony to steal from law-abiding citizens (aka Taxpayers) to give to politicians (aka lawmakers) who are paid by the Taxpayers.
The AOS squad is not a dedicated unit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Offenders_Squad
Raptor Squad is.
Google:
''Strike Force Raptor was formed to conduct intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and dismantle organised criminal networks, including outlaw motorcycle gangs. It became a standalone unit within the State Crime Command in March and now has 115 staff.''
You are right, a hard line would be very popular in South Auckland. Innocent dairy owners wouldn't fear for their lives as they work hard to make meagre profits without joining the Winz line. Parents wouldn't worry that their children may end up in the wrong part of town, wearing the wrong coloured clothes. People wouldn't fear waking up at night to an intruder in their home who'll give them the bash just for good measure.
I make no apologies for being in the victims corner. And if things don't improve I will support vigilante action. That's something no one wants. But when the state has been negligent with it's most sacred duty – protection of its people from internal and external threats, then the populace must protect themselves.
Wow! The fear factor is strong with you.
Anyway, not everyone in those communities is enamoured with armed cops, e.g. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/04/most-m-ori-and-pasifika-don-t-feel-safe-with-police-armed-response-teams-out-and-about-survey.html
Arming Police and shooting the bastards is the only viable solution, of course, how could anyone doubt that.
You do come across as a self-righteous zealot and one of those self-appointed and self-proclaimed common law sheriffs and I hope the authorities and NZ Police keep an eye on you to protect us all.
Seems your bubble of perception dims by the day.
''Most Māori and Pasifika don't feel safe with police Armed Response Teams out and about – survey.'
I wonder why? Could it be they are committing the most crimes? And, if so, would that not suggest they are going to come into contact with armed police should they commit violent crimes with weapons?
''Arming Police and shooting the bastards is the only viable solution, of course, how could anyone doubt that.''
Let's just concentrate on arming the police. According to Luxon,75% of police now want to be armed. Not long ago it was over 60%. Obviously you are missing something…unless you know better than frontline staff? Why do they want to be armed? Unfortunately, you don't listen to talkback so you haven't heard their stories.
''You do come across as a self-righteous zealot and one of those self-appointed and self-proclaimed common law sheriffs and I hope the authorities and NZ Police keep an eye on you to protect us all.''
That's just crazy stuff. I'm sure you are just having a little fun.
It is quite simple, isn’t it, don’t commit a crime and you’ll be fine.
You were previously talking about kids ending up in the wrong part of town, wearing the wrong coloured clothes and intruders bashing house occupants “for good measure”, whatever that means. Are those the “violent crimes with weapons” that not only justify arming cops but make it necessary, allegedly? Just asking, for a friend in South Auckland.
Indeed, let’s ask Police what they want because they’re the only so-called stakeholders that matter. Talk-back is where you get your opinions from? You have my sympathy and I suggest to tone it down and lower your intake of brain-washing fear-mongering crap.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018806015/media-ramp-up-angst-over-arming-police
Nope! Are you seeing this ‘a little fun’? Do you deny that there are people in this country who wear that title with pride convinced that they’re doing the absolute right thing in and by helping the populace to protect themselves? People who see this as their duty and calling? You stepped up to the plate, so own it.
Nope! Are you seeing this ‘a little fun’?
I was hoping you would have said this paragraph (below)you wrote contained a little sarcasm and facetiousness. That you were serious tells me we are wasting each others time debating. It's best we wait until after Labour gets the boot at the next election, then pick this thread up again. That way there can be no ideological spin. The voters will have spoken. Reality will reign.
''You do come across as a self-righteous zealot and one of those self-appointed and self-proclaimed common law sheriffs and I hope the authorities and NZ Police keep an eye on you to protect us all.''
So, one of us is doing a runner after nailing his colours to the mast and not liking and being able to handle the reaction he got – try one of those other blogs.
Calling for vigilante justice is not just “ideological spin” but much more serious.
You’re again showing your agenda and dangerous dogmatic belief. My own belief is growing that I did the right thing last time I banned you for 10 days for your racist opinion masquerading as fact – the ban ended only 2 days ago! Not only the authorities but also I will have to keep a watchful eye on you.
''Calling for vigilante justice is not just “ideological spin” but much more serious.''
That's why we can't debate.
I can, you cannot. You called (for) it. I called it as I see it and called you out and you have not given one single counter-argument and are just running away. You’ll make a good little deputy sheriff with your intimidating uniform with strong symbolism and other paraphernalia, including weapons.
Raptor is not suited for dealing with a young hooligan robbing a dairy for cigarettes. But let’s shoot the little bastard anyway with overwhelming and intelligence-based fire power. He (most likely a he/him) was an unemployed no-hoper and bottom-feeder anyway.
Two gangs at war should be right up your alley Blade. Serious violence that doesn't seem to end up with innocent bystanders or associates being killed. It seems there is more chance of deaths when armed Police are involved. /(sarc)
Auckland councillor, Alf Filipaina, is also calling for something to be done urgently. His concern is over innocent members of the public being caught in the cross-fire, or being targeted in error (as they have been)
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/05/auckland-councillor-alf-filipaina-calls-for-action-as-communities-live-in-fear-amid-shootings-over-gang-turf.html
I think you may be underestimating just how angry and scared people in Auckland are.
TBH, I can see vigilantee 'justice' on the horizon if there isn't effective action from the police (heavily supported by the Government).
Belladonna – you are starting to rend me of a previous concern troll.
Now who could that be?
Really I have no idea.
If you're insinuating that I've had a previous identity on TS. Then come out and say so, and I'll call you a liar, and you can apologize.
See below.
See below what?
At post no.
3.2.1.1.1.2 Incognito tells me I am wrong in my suspicion, and I withdraw my insinuation. Apologies.
Concern troll? What are you on about?
Blade – are you feigning innocence in any way? I was not writing about you, but if the cap fits…
You, and National, seem determined to continue what hasn't worked anywhere in the past.
Seems there is a consistent pattern of ignoring evidence here.
I'm more concerned about what is demonstrably not working in the present.
Perfectly open to suggestions other than arming the police – lay them on.
However, I don't think ostrich-head-in-the-sand saying there isn't a problem, is really going to fly, as a strategy.
What works?
KJT. Random musings on all sorts of things.: On Reducing Crime. (kjt-kt.blogspot.com)
And.
What works – publications | New Zealand Ministry of Justice
And.
Growing boys into good men – New Zealand News – NZ Herald
And.
List of youth justice articles | Youth Court of New Zealand
Overseas.
Why are there so few prisoners in the Netherlands? | World news | The Guardian
Plenty more where they came from.
You will note that more arms for police, tougher sentences or more police powers, are absent from evidence based approaches to reducing crime.
If you don't want youngsters joining gangs. Give them better options.
If you don't want crims from Oz causing mayhem. Help them join society.
None of that research is relevant to the rapid growth in organised gangs with lots of guns, generating multiple murders, while this government has been in power.
You think
Look at the UK,
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/apr/25/no-london-shooting-deaths-in-six-months-as-police-stifle-gun-trade
Look at the starting price for gun crimes introduced 2021.
https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/crown-court/item/firearms-possession-of-prohibited-weapon/
I prefer to look at countries that have successfully dropped crime to very low rates.
Not failures like the USA, UK.
I don't disagree with the fence at the top of the cliff approach. Investment in a whole lot of social areas, makes a gang lifestyle a lot less attractive.
However, at the other end of the pendulum, there needs to be consequences as well.
Netherlands, for example, has true 'life means life' sentences (approx 30 people currently in jail with them). [AFAIK, it's highly unusual in Europe]
And, one of the attractive things about gangs for teens is the (untaxed) wealth and lifestyle – conspicuously displayed (check out the parade of super-high-value motorcycles at any gang event).
There are currently 41 people serving a lifelong sentence in the Netherlands. More are expected this year, e.g., from the MH17 case with 4 recommendations by the Prosecution for life sentences. The connection with Russia and Ukraine is something to note!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_Airlines_Flight_17#Criminal_prosecution
You have the cart before the donkey. Trying to solve the drivers and causes of crime should be the least of our worries at the moment.
Controlling crime is the present imperative. Once crime is under control then by all means start with tackling the causes of crime.
Only a twit thinks we can control crime, without "tackling the causes of crime".
You don't make sense. Like most of the "tough on crime" Zealots'.
Your comprehension skills are low. Please read what I wrote. That way you will save yourself time having to write some glib nasty reply.
I make complete sense. But you don't.
My tolerance for reading repeated stupidity, has just about vanished.
Many right wing types I know claim "perception is reality".
Being a seafarer, I know that "perception" doesn't mean shit, when reality hits.
The problem is politicians and their synchopathic media who cynically massage "perceptions" to retain power.
Which leads to "solutions" that their polling shows appeals to swing voters. And exaggeration of crime threats, to scare voters their way. It is obvious a majority of swing voters have bought into the "tough on crime perception, that cynical politicians perpetuate. A climate of fear usually benefits conservatives.
They know for a fact that their approaches don't work. Even Bill English let slip that "Prisons are a moral and fiscal failure". Unfortunately bullshitting voters about crime, gets them more swing voters.
The fact that almost all Right Wing policies increase crime, is rarely bought up.
“Sober and reasonable media reports”
“no use of “fear of crime” as a populist theme”.
Sian Elias.
"What might be entailed in gaining such acceptance is illustrated by the effort in
Finland discussed in About Time to reduce the number of prison inmates.12 Key
factors identified in the considerable success of the strategy were:
· Clear expert understandings of the criminology basis behind the policy
changes, both in government and in the public service
· A political accord, maintained across the 20 year period of the
reduction that it was necessary and that there would be no use of “fear
of crime” as a populist theme
· Sober and reasonable media reports of crime stories
· A strategy both of reducing sentence lengths and reducing the range
of crimes resulting in imprisonment
· The support of the public, which was attributed not only to the political
accord and the news media restraint but to regular public education
pieces about the limited crime reduction gains to be had from
imprisonment
· A range of crime control strategies beyond the core justice sector,
including education, social welfare and youth justice."
Agreed Poto Williams is fucking useless.
We get regularly smashed on social media and in talkback radio on crime.
OMG we are so overdue a Cabinet reshuffle.
The minister of police,is limited on what strategy the police use.The minister can only make policy,and provide funding.
When the Police moved to harder lines,members of the great awokening called it biased and discriminatory against these social clubs.
The gangland murders in Sydney have seen the raptor units become high profile as they implemented mass arrests and as the NSW commissioner said they cut the head of the snakes.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-25/sydney-crime-network-dismantled-after-raids-across-city/13897822
In reality you can now make that "separation of powers" claim to nearly all large operational entities within the state – even when Police have a specific warrant. It's just that the separation is provided by corporate Boards.
The Police Commissioner is regularly held to account by the Minister of Police.
And we hold to account the Minister for their performance.
There is already a large funded operation on gang crime to commence in June,if it makes a difference or not is an open problem.
Communities have the right to feel safe in their homes and on the streets,and public displays of offensive behaviour during rallys,only contribute to their legend.
The police need to micro manage the gangs,with penalties for minor infringements,impounding of vehicles for unlicensed drivers,probation checks,and general intimidation of the gangs.
Because harassment makes people less likely to get pissed off, and commit crimes?
With no license and no vehicle,they are less likely to commit crimes on the number 11 bus.
Remove mobility is a constraint.
Just given a whole lot of references. You know, evidence, that "tough on crime" doesn't work.
And that impoverishing people doesn't work.
You may try reading them?
They are not impoverished people,they are modern day slavers impoverishing and enslaving communities with addictive drugs,violence and intimidation.
When you find IED's and semi automatic weapons that they are using they are on the boundary of organized crime and organized terrorism.
You should read the better evidence on toe tags at the morgue. In 2021 west Auckland where I live had 8 deaths from shootings, much of it gang related, across 6 months.
The growth of criminal gangs under Labour's government is well attested in Select Committee.
It does of course have a lot to do with the Australian 501 Deportation policy which Ardern has advocated for. But that hasn't worked in a decade – so it's well time that the Minister of Police was held to account.
There are more and more neighbourhoods in Auckland where people simply refuse to go. This is not the city country we should have.
Where do you think gangs get their recruits from? The upper middle class?
Yes I think in the next cabinet re-shuffle, there is not much chance of Poto staying as police minister.
Blade,I just hope you don't have your hand on it while you say such things.
Escalation is either a fact or not depending on the time period over which you measure it. Gang violence clearly escalated since yesterday, no doubt. And it's possible that there is a trend that is durable enough to call a real escalation rather than a calculated law and order scare. When that's demonstrable Williams should say so, and at least have some plausible ideas about cause, mitigation and prevention. But someone who thinks that any of those three things is simple, and the solution is permanently armed police shooting people, needs to be kept well away from power.
I think it would be very difficult to argue that violent crime has not escalated – regardless of what timeline you use.
Williams seems to have zero idea of just how ineffective she is appearing.
Regardless of the reasons for the escalation (and, I agree, some of them are outside her control) – she and the police commissioner have to deal with the reality now.
And the reality is that the world is full of reactive idiots. If Chris Bishop's mates were as successful as he thinks Williams should be, there wouldn't be a gang problem. Hell they'd have a Minister of Finance who'd introduce a marvellous budget to change the basic things, which establish social conditions, like:
Hell, social conditions would be so much better if we'd had a Budget like that 31 years (a generation) ago. Things would be so much better if whenever Labour people got forthright about Australia exporting its criminals we told them to STFU, stop interfering with Australia's politics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_of_all_Budgets
Do you think Williams is coming across as an effective police minister?
Perception is reality in politics…..
Whaddaboutism, is just as ineffective when the Left do it.
How would a replacement appear any more effective? Replacement ministers will be affected by the same legal restrictions on the commissioner, so what is their legal avenue to appearance of effectiveness?
A replacement would appear more effective if they delivered better results against violent gangs with measurably decreased gun crime in New Zealand.
The current Minister of Police needs to be fired.
Since the Commissioner is statutorily independent of ministers with respect to operational policing decisions, as in is required not to take any notice of them on these matters (as opposed to taking direction or advice from ministers), how would any change of Police Minister make any impact on those things?
The Commissioner could equally tell the new minister or even the Prime Minister where the door is, and there would be no come back or ability to do anything about it for the government at all. Absolutely 0.
That is such a misreading of the modern NZ state.
Almost all major government operational entities are separated by Boards now (That even applies in the nationalised health, which is in reality a set of contracts).
So Ministerial influence is through a set of performance metrics, Letters of Expectation, SOIs, budget lines, and appointments, for pretty much everything. Including Police.
Here's a really simple illustration of what a change in Minister makes: Twyford to Woods.
Is that you, Chairman?
No, it is not
OK, I withdraw.
I certainly keep an eye on users using different aliases (aka sockpoppets or astroturfers), especially when a commenter has been banned recently, and I usually stomp on it straightaway. TC did have a run-in with me 10 days ago and has not been seen since most likely because I put him in Pre-Moderation and he couldn’t be bothered responding. However, TC has not been banned and his MO and idiosyncrasies are quite different.
"With economies stumbling, the cost of living rising at rates not seen in forty years, and world markets gripped by nervousness, there are two ways in which we can try to make sense of current economic turbulence.
We can, if we wish, see all of this as temporary – caused by the lasting effects of the pandemic, latterly compounded by the war in Ukraine – and assure ourselves that the ‘normality’ of continuous economic “growth” will return once these crises are behind us.
The alternative is to face facts."
https://surplusenergyeconomics.wordpress.com/2022/05/21/229-in-the-eye-of-the-perfect-storm-2/
RBNZ confirms signalling,and raises ocr to 2%.In a number of hard statements it raised the forecast levels to 3.4% by year end,and 3.9% june 2023.
7% mortgages coming,and over 8% next year unless inflation expectations wane significantly.
Fast moving year for the Acronyms
FOMO (fear of missing out) replaced by FOPTM (Fear of paying too much) replaced by FOFC (fear of foreclosure)
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/128749166/reserve-bank-hikes-official-cash-rate-to-2
https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1529244558239973376
Does anyone have a read on Green Caucus support for Gharaman's electoral reform Private Members Bill?
The vox pop against it on RNZ has been hilarously huge.
The budget, coastal shipping announcement and news items on the PM's USA visit and the new Albanese government have lifted my heart – even feeling embarrassed and sorry for Luxon – wtf does he even mean with "lost formation" why not just say "the Ardern government lacks financial discipline" then maybe I'd pay more attention. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/467814/ocr-luxon-accuses-govt-of-lost-formation-on-financial-discipline