So Auckland has a water crisis again. After the 1994 water shortage, we were told that the only thing to prevent this happening again was to set up a water treatment plant to take water from the Waikato River. I can't remember, but I assume that there was an increase/surcharge on the rates to cover the cost of this. If this plant is still working why is Auckland facing water restrictions again? As far as I am aware the Waikato River hasn't run dry. If the plant is not still working, why not? Was it transferred to Watercare as part of Rodney's super shitty?
They have been taking the maximum allowable from the Waikato for several months now and the dams are still below 50 per cent.
You'd better start doing rain dances and stop taking 30 minute showers!
Or just a second pipeline from the Waikato. I understand the current pipeline takes less than 2% of the river flow. New Zealand has zero need for a hugely energy intensive process like desalination.
Probably not, this has been a quiet SW Pacific cyclone season, pretty much only one significant one so far. The reason is that all three main drivers of our, and Australias , weather, El Nino/La Nina, the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Southern Annual Mode have been in modes that are least conducive to rain in NZ.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology have very good maps and descriptions.
There have been ex tropical storms coming down from the tropics but they have passed to the East of the North Island because they have been pushed east by the predominant SouWesterly wind pattern and the highs following them.
The SWesters have also made this summer surprisingly cooler than normal, it hasn't felt like it because the sun has been shining.
Careful what you wish for, the dams are only full when it pisses with rain all summer.
I've got tickling in the back of my head that Watercare has things underway to take more water from the Waikato, particularly at high flow periods, so the dams can be used more for storage against long dry spells.
I've had a quick look online, but nothing particularly recent popped up. The article linked below appears to be from 2016, but has a good summary of the things I vaguely recall.
note that the proposed maximum take of 350 million litres per day works out 4 cubic metres per second, the mean annual discharge of the Waikato is 350 cubic metres/second. AFAIK Karapiro has an operating consent condition of a minimum discharge of 140 cubic metres/second except in extreme conditions when it may go as low as 80.
From my days in the industry I can confirm that. Auckland is very fortunate to have the Waikato River as it's ultimate long term supply.
It's not as cheap or easy as the traditional infrastructure in the Hunua's and Waitakere's but it's absolutely within reach and doable. Auckland will not run out of affordable water in any reasonable future I can think of.
The memo must have gone out to all the right wing propaganda outfits.
"Use the Communism, dog whistle"
"The only shops open are supermarkets, for which there are often Soviet-style queues".
Someone should tell them, the Soviet Union, which was a totalitarian dictatorship, anyway, not communist, has been replaced by a gangster run "free market" capitalist hellhole, decades ago.
In the 70's the then still existing Soviet Union had an odd supply system. From the other side of the iron curtain we were smug and laughing about the supply of certain product one week and another product group the next. Huge cues in front of the doors, hoarding as no one knew when they will get i.e.washing powder again.
Yes, we were smug because we had no such problems. It showed us however, that all those issues are man made and revolve around profit, status and power. (Must sound familiar to the US right now)
Whilst we in NZ are getting a wider range of goods, many times staples such as bread is completely sold out by 8am. Long cues, often 2-3 rows deep means that there is up to 1.5 hrs wait until you can get into the store. Since it is the only shop open you have no other choice.
I cannot see for the life of it why bakeries, vege shops and other food stores are not allowed to open. If social distancing is maintained, there should be no issues. But then again, issues are man made and revolve around profit, status and power.
Not just about customer numbers. Restricting food sales to only supermarkets was also about keeping supply chain workers to a minimum.
Supermarkets got a massive market advantage in exchange. Let's see how they honour that over coming weeks and months as many of those smaller retailers and suppliers shift to online sales or go bust.
I agree with you totally about bakeries etc. But those decisions are symptomatic of the way we have approached Covid. The severity of the lockdown imposed on NZ has achieved no more favorable health outcomes than Australia (who have implemented a far less proscriptive policy). Yet for that comparable similarity in results, we have done far more damage to our economy. The OECD estimate that we will experience one the largest economic contractions in the world, at 30%, whereas the Australian economy is forecast to decline by 22%.
That is also problematic in the way they use say GDP as a metric for contraction/expansion.If a substantial part of the population stays home an obeys the rules,retail says contracts as does tourism and travel.However car accidents also decrease so there are fewer fatalities, accident victims,and insurance claims.Fewer accidents also mean smaller payouts to health care providers,less work for panel beaters (and less wear and tear on vehicles) which decreases gdp,but increases for some their wellbeing and also spending.
There is also a decrease in crime of certain types,meaning less work for lawyers,police,prisons etc.medical centres have also seen decreases in patients,also suggesting a gdp metric constraint.
You would presume so.Hence the NAB results are telling with a halving of profits for the 6 months ending march 2.6 billion 2019/ 1.3 billion 2020.
Credit impairment charge (1,161b) Group.
The NZ banking (bnz) was however an increase in profit 562m2020 from 2019 532.There was also an increase in tax paid by the BNZ of 13 million and a Credit impairment charge decrease of 2 million.
I'm not sure that any of that makes GDP invalid as a measure of economic activity. Sure there are limitations, but it is is still the standard measure for economic growth and contraction.
Friends in Aussie tell me they wish they had the certainty for their businesses we have in New Zealand. They had to open, because everyone else did, customers are to frightened to come and they don't have any Government help. I think the forecasts about Aussie are optimistic. And it varies State by state, in some things they have had a tighter lockdown than us.
In virtually everything, they don't. And their Covid data is skewed by the fact that they had to deal with all the cruise ships. Less restriction, similar results. Australia has got this about right. We haven't. More and more commentators are starting to realise this.
More wishful thinking presented as fact by him who knows it all.
It will be quite a while before all this pans out and such verdicts can be made. You risk making a big Charlie of yourself at this early stage.
Paddington so they should as Australia spends 1/3 more than us per head of population on healthcare.plus Australias private health sector is much bigger than ours.
But for all of that NZ has much less cases in Intensive care or hospital.
Overall both countries have done not too badly when compared to US, Europe, etc. Considerable variation within both countries too (e.g. NSW, TAS higher than other states/territories, differences between North and South Islands).
If we have far less cases in the hospital system, then historical health spending may not be so much of a factor. The issue I'm addressing here is the merits of the comparative approaches. Australia seem to have at the worst equal health outcomes, and their econmy is forecast to contract considerably less.
Paddington show us your evidence reading Australian newspapers shows up your pathetic fearmongering.
Because Australia has a much better public and private health sector they have 7,000 contact tracers we have 200 going up to 400+.
Because Australia has 7,000 contact tracers they have been able to contain the corona virus under less restrictive lockdown. Years of health spending cuts under National has weakened our response lucky we have had a tougher lockdown so our health systems can cope.
Sweden? When was I talking about Sweden? There is a lot to admire about the way we’ve handled Covid. But I'm increasingly hearing people far more qualified than you and I doing the job the media should be doing asking the tough questions. Given the damage the government has done to the economy repsonding to Covid, I sincerely hope they've got it right.
If the Government has got the response wrong (even by degrees), then yes the government has damaged the economy. There is an increasing number of qualified voices expressing exactly the same doubts I am, including people such as Sir Ray Avery, Ian Harrison and Dr Peter Collignon.
Aus data is lab confirmed only, no probables. Amazing how many people who should know better include probable cases in their comparisons, almost like they want to make NZ look bad.
Trotting out "experts" who like to pontificate on things way outside their area, along with fudging statistics, seems to be a frequent, thing, with our right wing.
Too difficult to get someone, who actually has expertise in the particular area, to agree with them?
Ian Harrison is a (former) RB economist. In this paper http://www.tailrisk.co.nz/documents/Corona.pdf he severely criticises the modelling used by the government to support the severity of the lockdown.
These are qualified voices expressing genuine concerns that we could have gone about this with far less social and economic damage.
Paddington if the government hadn't made the tough lockdown call you would be blaming the government for the death toll much larger economic downturn and the no doubt elongated lockdown.
"Variations in the impact effect across economies reflect differences in the composition of output. Many countries in which tourism is relatively important could potentially be affected more severely by shutdowns and limitations on travel. At the other extreme, countries with relatively sizeable agricultural and mining sectors, including oil production, may experience smaller initial effects from containment measures, although output will be subsequently hit by reduced global commodity demand. "
And Australia rely on exports of minerals, for example, which will be hit hard by a global economic slowdown. While NZ farmers will most likely save our economy from more serious problems as we become even more a foodbowl for the world. And yet despite these two factors, 30% still trumps 22%.
I read it right the first time. It's why I specifically mentioned minerals and food exports. Mineral exports are more closely linked to economic activity than food. People have to eat.
“Mr Gurría stressed that the implications for annual GDP growth will ultimately depend on many factors, including the magnitude and duration of national shutdowns…”
Did you not see that bit?
…or this bit…
“The impact effect of business closures could result in reductions of 15% or more in the level of output throughout the advanced economies and major emerging-market economies. ”
The extent of business closures is tied to the nature of each lockdown.
The takeout is that the differences in the lockdowns does have a significant impact on the forecast economic fortunes of the respective countries.
Indeed i did…now would you like to note the difference in "magnitude and duration" of the Australian and NZ responses….they are marginal at best, to date….as is the impact.
Rubbish. I run businesses on both sides of the tasman – I know there are considerable differences. Australians have been able to visit family, schools are open, they can buy food from butchers and greengrocers, get haircuts, public transport operates at a far higher level, weddings and funerals have continued, and businesses have been able to operate (eg restaurants and cafes have been able to operate takeaways). I could go on, but the differences are considerable.
The difference is negligible…if you run businesses on both sides of the Tasman you will soon discover that fact…when a model running on the edge goes in to a declining spiral it dosnt matter whether that decline is 22 or 28%…youre buggered either way.
Why don't you just have the guts to say it outright, instead of pussyfooting around.
What you really wanted.
"We should have accepted the collateral damage. What is the deaths of a few old people compared to my bank balance. But, make sure you vote for me before you die. "
Australia has had a less severe lockdown, have much the same health results (and less deaths per capita, which again makes your comment look silly), and are likely to have far less severe economic problems.
To quote William F Buckley “put that in your pipe and smoke it”.
Less than 3 months after Aussie and NZ had their first cases of Covid-19, Paddington determinedly makes the case for Australia's response to Covid-19 likely causing "far less severe economic problems". That may be correct, but surely it's too early to tell. Tbh, I don't get the obsession with comparing NZ and Aussie – apparently the National party once campaigned on closing the income gap between the two countries.
It must be mystifying and frustrating to some that a large majority of NZers seem quite OK with the NZ government’s and public service’s responses to the Covid-19 challenge.
Cox’s analysis shows that New Zealand’s lockdown had been far more successful than Australia’s.
“Our lockdown was more effective and we certainly couldn’t have gone another week before we did that. That would have been a mess, otherwise.” https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12327959
An international comparison is not always essential for measuring government performance. Sure, it may help in some cases, but it's clear that the vast majority of voting NZers think the government's response to Covid-19 has been pretty good so far. How many of those NZers compared NZ and Australia when forming their opinions? [Hint: This is a trick question ]
Look, I get why some people might seek to characterise the NZ government’s Covid-19 response as sub-optimal, and of course it was. But that’s hardly surprising, given what they were faced with. And I think that most of the NZ public get that, and understand that their government acted in good faith and with the immediate health of all NZers as the first priority.
IMHO not everything has to be seen as a competition. Yes, the NZ government's early phase response to the Covid-19 pandemic may have been (much) better than most, and (slightly) worse than a few, depending on what metrics you chose for a comparison, but that's less important to me than knowing the response was considered and effective in keeping most NZers safe. The government's response, and that of NZers, seems to have achieved that goal. Hooray!
Of course there are many people who are preoccupied with who/what is ‘the best‘, and whether one country has ‘outplayed‘ another (an odd lens for examining a pandemic response?), but it simply doesn't interest me that much
Phrases like "we've buggered the economy unnecessarily" seem hyperbolic; out of touch with reality even. Certainly many individuals and businesses (small and large) in both NZ and Australia will be "buggered" financially/economically, and both the NZ and Australian economies will take a big hit from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The international tourism and international tertiary education 'industries' are effectively 'buggered' in both countries, and some commodity export industries will be doing it hard (don't know anything about this other than what I read), although if (and it's a big ‘if‘) trans-Tasman travel 'takes off' again then this might benefit NZ more than Aussie.
Tbh, don't really understand how any differences between the NZ and Australian government Covid-19 responses will influence the extent to which global trade activities in each country will be 'buggered', but I'm happy to be schooled on this.
IMHO it's too early to tell if any government's response to Covid-19 has "buggered the economy unnecessarily" (although you could perhaps make that case for countries that were slow to respond and/or responded 'weakly'), but with only two new Covid-19 cases in NZ today, and business activity starting to ramp up (with more to come in a week and a half), it could be worse.
One last point – I doubt it will be possible to accurately determine how many more NZers would have died from Covid-19 infection if the NZ government had adopted the Australian response measures. Maybe it would have made no difference, but nobody knows. So your comments begin to read like a beat-up, but I do admire your determination – are you missing TV sports entertainment?
And forgetting to mention the Soviet style queues of media outlets receiving their bail outs. But yeah, "police state" FFS, basically negates the whole article really. In Aus there was a story about the cops walking into a funeral to make sure everyone was keeping their distance, "we don't know how lucky we are".
Alan Jones's statement a few months ago that he was "sick of that woman" suggests that there's a cohort of aging, conservative Aussie blokes who are up for a bit of Ardern-bashing. So the story might play better there than here.
Trump and his regime of criminals are a horror show. Unfortunately, over the last three and a half years the Democratic Party and its media megaphones have squandered all their credibility by chasing a chimera.
Thorough investigatory work there, my friend! Have you thought of farming out those skills to, say, the campaign to find a skerrick of evidence in those Russiagate claims?
No, Signor Al1en, this writer, i.e., moi, has never subscribed to any crazed rantings by conspiracy theorists like Keith Olberman or the even more ludicrous Rachel Maddow. So there's no reasonable way you or Gabby or anyone else could have had me pegged as one of them.
Ooooh, I think you're more susceptible than most people to being gulled by conspiracy theorists. (Judging by your buying into Matthew Hooton's confidence trick over at Russell Brown's site when Mandela died.)
For that tweet to state that the whole thing was a "complete scam" on the basis of a transcript of a *single* meeting between the FBI and George Papadopoulos (who went to jail for lying to the FBI) is ridiculous.
Well, yes. But by god, the mozzie has made up his mind and he's going to repost here all the internet kooks and cranks he can find that fit his preconception until the end of time. Big picture view of all the evidence be damned!
The Clinton campaign's absurd and now almost abandoned conspiracy theory that Donald Trump is the tool of a vast, masterful Russian conspiracy involving "Russian bots" manipulating millions of gullible Americans—"Russiagate"—has been dismissed by, amongst others: Noam Chomsky, Daniel Ellsberg, Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill, Aaron Maté, Matt Taibbi, Jonathan Cook, John Pilger, Nicky Hager, Norman Finkelstein, Chris Hedges…
Which of those commentators would you call "kooks" and which would you call "cranks"?
Apologies. I forgot to include the category 'useful idiots'.
Just outta curiosity, what opinions has Nicky Hager expressed about russian shitfuckery in the 2016 debacle of an election in the US? If he actually said anything at all, I missed it.
"Useful idiots", are they? That Stalinist chestnut may not be quite as colourful as the epithets you dream up to ridicule Trump, but it's about as convincing.
I'm amused to see you doubling down on your "Russian shitfuckery" claims.
If you don't value the opinions of the most respected intellectuals and journalists in the United States, Israel, and Australia, I don't believe your claim that you "value" the opinions of Nicky Hager.
You're avoiding backing up your implication that Hager has expressed an opinion that there is some kind kind of conspiracy or hoax involved in the reporting of russian election interference.
I heard there was significant complaint building that all the major networks were running Trumps briefings in full. They have no need to run his briefings in full, even if they are mentioned, as c-span does it anyway.
Don't know what was going on there, but I am glad the administration pulled the plug on the briefings, as Trumps perspective on anything was impacting how people reported issues relating to treatment of the virus.
Quite right, Nic. There are some rigorous and principled journalists and news organisations. Sadly, they don't include the likes of ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, Fox, and the BBC.
If the major networks are not covering the White House briefings is it because they (the networks) have no credibility?
Is it because there is so much tosh in them their viewing numbers are way down?
Is it because the events are being covered by many outlets and with the public having access there is no need for every agency to be covering them minute by minute.
Could it be that the major networks are seeing the briefings as presidential political broadcasts and are loath to keep covering them on those grounds?
If numbers watching the sessions are way down does that mean the events are not important? (The Nunes theory.)
If the journalists attending the briefings are continually being told they are unprofessional, making stuff up and fake news, is there a reason for them to be there when all they're going to say and write is unprofessional, made stuff up and fake news?
I think there were actually a lot of people inquiring about injecting and/ or swallowing of disinfectant. If I understand this correctly already one person died. This is a debacle for the camp Trump. I suspect that the possibility of lawsuits for wrongful deaths can be an issue.
He made the mistake of lying about something most of the public can tell is wrong. Naturally some of them needed to try it for themselves. Gawd bless amurca.
Trump needs to wake up and start delivering free Covid-19 testing and affordable universal health care as this is needed. I get the impression that doctors need to be an accountant when it comes to delivering health care due to the questions of costs they are asked by health consumers during a consult.
Just what does Trump think when he says Covid-19 testing is free and there are hidden charges. I cannot think of another issue which is more serious and that it can affect anyone. Trump's management is poor, he has not grasped how important testing is, if he had there would be long lines of people in every state where testing is being carried out.
An observation on the announcement of Level Four ending and a media hack looking for any angle to turn it into a controversy.
Mondayisation is sort of strange now.
I learned last week that there are no such things as 'business days.' They always used to be a thing. They aren't any more because there are people working every day. Mike Hosking told me that. He's always good for information.
All days apparently are ordinary days, they're working days, they're all business days. It's just that they have different names. One is called Tuesday, one is called Friday … The working week is Sunday to Saturday, or Thursday to Wednesday or whatever.
A bit weird to tune in this morning to hear Hosking, (he's good for information, I learn so much from him) to find however he's not working today. Apparently in his house it's not an ordinary day, a business day. That's the sort of life experience that sees him getting the call to tell us what's what and define it for us I suppose. He'd know.
A part of that which struck a chord in our house was how his working in the weekend fits into the persistent narrative heard from his supporters over years.
A teacher lives in our house. One of those one working "9.00 'til 3.00 and has half the year off" people.
By the same logic Hosking works from 6.00 'til 9.00am. He has the same sort of 'time away' as teachers. (Not getting at him for being at home in school holidays.)
I guess when you're an expert on how the world should be you only need a short time to dispense your genius. Including telling teachers they need to get into the 'real world.'
In other news, while the rest of the world is consumed with COVID news, the CCP has been busy:
This is the reckoning we had to have. The rise of China was never going to be risk-free.
The coronavirus crisis has revealed what should have been plainly obvious: China and the West have been on a collision course.
While China has been on the march, the West has been asleep — seduced by China's wealth and deluded into thinking that the Communist Party would either collapse, or abandon everything it stands for and embrace liberal democracy.
I don't fully agree with all of Stan Grant's pre-suppositions here; personally I think there are good reasons to think the CCP faces bigger risks than he allows for. But he makes his case well and it's worth a read.
Peter, I like your irony! Mike Hosking seems to blurt out anything whether it is logic or not. Hope he doesn’t start swigging from a bottle of disinfectant. After all a highly respected and intelligent and sane leader thinks it’s worth considering.
And the take home for me is that it indicates why it was good that NZ closed borders and went to lock down when it did.
Like Lombardy, NZ did not have the capability to deal with such a pandemic because of cut backs to our public health system under neoliberalism. We did not have the capacity in hospitals, the resources, PPEs, etc., or the capability to do the amount of testing and track and tracing required to deal with the pandemic. Aussie had some better resources in place.
The lock down brought breathing space to build up these capabilities. A couple of weeks before lock down, NZ was sending swabs to Aussie for C-19 testing. Now, NZ is doing a higher proportion of testing per 1 million of population than Aussie – and we have confirmed more cases.
We had about 30% spare capacity in ICUs in normal times, should we have had 10 times as much? Especially when very good medical and governance reactions meant that ICUs have had considerably more spare capacity for the last 4 weeks. Each bed requires a lot of staff for cover even on 12 hour shifts.
And it is not just equipment needed, can the system afford huge numbers of highly trained intensive care nurses sitting around waiting for the air raid siren to go off every 100 years or so or to be fair every 20 to 50?
Remember Chch brilliantly managed over 100 unfortunate people last year at no notice.
We did not know what we were dealing with and we have learned a lot in a month. there is still much more to learn about this virus. And yes, we did need to free up that ICU space.
Going relatively early meant that this only happened for a bit over 4 weeks. In places where they put in lock downs at a relatively late time, when the C-19 horse had already bolted, the health system has become so overloaded they can't cope.
Now, going into Level 3, Bloomfield has said there will be more non-C-19 hospital appointments issued, plus the cancer teams have worked out a strategy for seeing those who need urgent attention. In the UK, they dithered, and there is still not attention given to those who require urgent non-C-19 screening or attention.
I am someone who has a non-Covid hospital appointment with a specialist tomorrow. This is for a possible growth in my throat. The GP referred me for this last Tuesday and she told me I would get an appointment in 3-4 weeks. She probably was going by the usual time period in the public health system. That is a couple of weeks shorter than the lock down.
The relatively early lockdown has bought time for the health system to build up safe procedures, systems and resources. So, for instance, I've been told not to go into the department before 5 minutes before my appointment time. This is to keep the number of people waiting there to a minimum.
I am very happy with the early lock down, and how it's been managed.
You were right, Macro. It's nothing to worry about, will go away eventually…. and I will definitely rest easier.
The hospital experience under level 3 was interesting.
Spaces marked on the floor to keep people at a distance from each other. Security at entrance checking your entrance. Got directed to a guy at a desk near the entrance, and showed him a printout of my appointment letter. he rang upstairs to check if they are expecting me, then told to go up in the lift.
In the waiting area, only one seat in a row is to be occupied. As I left the specialist's room, I used one of the hand sanitiser dispensers on the wall to clean my hands.
Interesting how well the hospitals are coping. I had to visit the medical centre here the other day to pick up a prescription – You have to ring up first and they will prepare it and you can pick it up at a given time. They drop the parcel down onto a table for you to pick up – there is a flexible screen so the pharmacists are fully protected – and off you go. All works superbly – no waiting around.
And heres a good article comparing the results from the neighbouring state of Veneto where the threat was recognised and immediate action taken. Pretty much gives the difference between she'll be right individualism and the active measures that can only be initiated by collections of individuals acting with the best interests of mutual aid.
"Justice for Julian Assange in USA? In a court in E Virginia where the jury is selected from a popn. where 85% of the popn. works for the CIA, NSA, DOD, DOS … In a court where nobody has ever been acquitted! Gonna get a fair trial?"
—NILS MELZER, Nils Melzer, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Not to mention the hearing in the UK where the judge, Baraitser is pretty determined to make Assanges remaining time in the UK a living hell. If you scroll to the bottom of this page and read up you will get a pretty good idea of what it means to be a political prisoner trying to get a fair trial.
Sorry. That page was a bit long. First day of hearing is here. Theres 4 days which you can find on the site.
“Costco Wholesale is the world's second-largest retailer after Walmart and it said last winter that it would be open here next year, selling 20-30 per cent cheaper than elsewhere.”
“Overseas Investment Office has cleared the application for Costco to buy the land from NZ Retail Property Group.”
We include probable cases in our total case counts, which makes our case numbers significantly higher than equivalent places (such as Oz) that don't include them.
Probable cases are in two categories. There are those with the symptoms, but have returned a negative test. I'll guess these are being included because of the known high percentage of false negatives from the test. There are also those with symptoms that are known close contacts of confirmed cases who haven't been tested.
Some of the probable cases end up getting moved out of the total case count. Dunno exactly what the criteria, but an example of that happened today. Today 5 new cases were announced (4 probable 1 confirmed), but 6 probables were reclassified as not a case, resulting in our total case count decreasing by one.
Note – 27 April: There are five new cases today, one confirmed and four probable cases. Six cases that were probable yesterday have been reclassified as under investigation or not a case following discussion with MOH. This results in a net decrease in total cases by one.
About the data:
Source: This is provisional information taken daily at 9am from a live database, EpiSurv (ESR) and is likely to change as more details are provided about individual cases.
Confirmed cases are people that have had a positive laboratory test. For more details please refer to Case definition of COVID-19 infection.
A probable case is one without a positive laboratory result, but which is treated like a confirmed case based on its exposure history and clinical symptoms.
Recovered cases are people who had the virus, are at least 10 days since onset and have not exhibited symptoms for 48 hours, and have been cleared by the health professional responsible for their monitoring.
Police are investigating a major break-in at a South Auckland car rental yard where almost 100 vehicles were stolen on Friday night.
Inspector Matt Srhoj, Counties Manukau West Area Commander, told the Herald it is believed around 100 vehicles, registered to Jucy Rentals, were stolen from the company's Mangere yard.
"But, do we want international tourism as it was?"
YES,… because: It was all a HOAX.
The Covid-19 HOAX can be seen in the way Covid-19 spread.
It spread to the whole world but jumped over the major Chinese cities.
You know Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, etc. On March 16, more than 3 weeks after the lockdown,
Beijing Municipality had 442 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (population 20 million),
Shanghai Municipality had 353 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (population 23 million),
Guangdong Province had 1,357 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (population 104 million),
Hong Kong Region had 141 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (population 7 million).
Get that… it didn't appreciably spread (before or after the Chinese lockdown) to any of the major Chinese cities.
But it massively spread (before the Chinese lockdown) to Iran and Italy.
How's that?
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province.
The Washington Post reported that 5 million people left Wuhan between January 10, i.e., the start of the Chinese New Year travel rush, and the lockdown.<0>
Get that… five million leave Wuhan for elsewhere, but do not appreciably spread the disease.
How's that?
And what about Africa?
As of April 16, there were only 16,500 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in all of Africa.
Get that… only 16,500 cases in all of Africa.
Africa, which has seen massive Chinese investment accompanied by over a million Chinese workers.
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Jake Has just found out about Covid-19. He/she is shocked at the blatantly naive way that the country is showing its credulous infantile and foolish beliefs in the obviously fraudulent scientific studies that are being produced to destabilise the World! Thank you Jake you are onto it now you have woken up after your coma, and your mind is clear. But I think that you have stretched your mind too far, and like a degraded rubber band pushed to the limit, it has snapped. /sarc
It's hilarious of course, but I'm worried that you are denying these people 'agency' by calling them dumb. Say – like a Bernie bro claiming that a Biden supporter had made a mistake (or had been unduly influenced) in thinking Biden was more electable. Which we are told is an atrocious denial of the 'agency' of the Biden supporter. I guess one person's agency is another's stupidity, and vice versa?
Those people are dumb. They're batshit stupid. Trouble is, when someone like Daniel Dale says it, it carries no authority, because he works for an organisation that is donkey-deep in the most foolish conspiracy theory of the last fifty years.
I'm worried that you are denying these people 'agency' by calling them dumb.
They are ignorant and poorly educated which in my book comes to much the same thing as stupidity. Talking such unadulterated rubbish gives them no agency at all.
Given how atrocious so-called news is, it's no surprise that people cast around armed with their tribal bias ready to latch onto more or less 'anything' that might reinforce their sense of knowing.
With these two women it's a conspiracy no less grounded in reality than the three years of Russia Hoax that many embraced.
People like Daniel Dale spend their time tweeting about how they are "just staring at" such idiocy. It's a pity that his Olympian contempt for these particular fools doesn't extend to the people who have been pushing similarly deluded nonsense about Russian masterminds controlling that puppet Trump for the last three years.
Oh, that's right: he's a CNN correspondent. I note that his Twitter feed is full of contributions by such thoughtful and responsible people as David Frum, William Kristol, and Rick Wilson. So at least a few sniffy Republican Party factionalists think he's a smart commentator.
Privacy Commissioner John Edwards said he was confident the government had followed a robust process to ensure that data collected by the app will be used appropriately.
He said he has been working with the Ministry of Health on the project and his office will be keeping an eye on how the data is collected and used.
Two weeks ago I had reason to contact the police using the non emergency system for a covid related matter – someone I didn't know needed checking up on. A few days later I got an enquiry on the matter from a market research company that has clients all across government services. The email used information I had not given them, and that could only have come from the police. Not only was what they used illegal to use, someone had really gone to some trouble to dig it out, but was too fucking dumb to realise I would notice.
The moral of the story is if you think any of this stuff is managed by responsible trained staff, or legal, you're in for a surprise.
Undoubtedly the Nats have internal problems and no doubt amplified by Bridges’ clumsy handling of the whole Covid crisis. But this is got to be one of Tova’s specialty beat-ups that she periodically likes to float out there.
Simon's problem is that accusations of weak leadership and poor judgement aren't going away. He's now a liability for the National Party, not an asset.
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 ...
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Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
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 ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
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Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’. ...
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. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
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 ...
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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 ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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Testing of drinking water in rural Canterbury over the weekend by Greenpeace revealed that several public town supplies were reaching levels of nitrate above 5 mg/L - the threshold which a growing body of scientific evidence has linked to increased ...
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So Auckland has a water crisis again. After the 1994 water shortage, we were told that the only thing to prevent this happening again was to set up a water treatment plant to take water from the Waikato River. I can't remember, but I assume that there was an increase/surcharge on the rates to cover the cost of this. If this plant is still working why is Auckland facing water restrictions again? As far as I am aware the Waikato River hasn't run dry. If the plant is not still working, why not? Was it transferred to Watercare as part of Rodney's super shitty?
They have been taking the maximum allowable from the Waikato for several months now and the dams are still below 50 per cent.
You'd better start doing rain dances and stop taking 30 minute showers!
Maybe a desalination plant could be part of Auckland's future?
Or just a second pipeline from the Waikato. I understand the current pipeline takes less than 2% of the river flow. New Zealand has zero need for a hugely energy intensive process like desalination.
True. Desalinisation is both energy intensive and expensive.
More storage and maybe a second pipeline.
Whangarei to has water shortages, after no significant rain for months.
Pleased we are no longer on tank, with 9 in the house at present.
May be a new norm with AGW?
Probably not, this has been a quiet SW Pacific cyclone season, pretty much only one significant one so far. The reason is that all three main drivers of our, and Australias , weather, El Nino/La Nina, the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Southern Annual Mode have been in modes that are least conducive to rain in NZ.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology have very good maps and descriptions.
There have been ex tropical storms coming down from the tropics but they have passed to the East of the North Island because they have been pushed east by the predominant SouWesterly wind pattern and the highs following them.
The SWesters have also made this summer surprisingly cooler than normal, it hasn't felt like it because the sun has been shining.
Careful what you wish for, the dams are only full when it pisses with rain all summer.
I always conserve water, because in Auckland, water usage costs.
It may only be the wealthy who can afford to over-use it & thus can make cut backs.
True, that slipped my mind, we are on an excellent bore here, if we had to pay for water I'd be watching our use like a hawk.
I've got tickling in the back of my head that Watercare has things underway to take more water from the Waikato, particularly at high flow periods, so the dams can be used more for storage against long dry spells.
I've had a quick look online, but nothing particularly recent popped up. The article linked below appears to be from 2016, but has a good summary of the things I vaguely recall.
https://www.waternz.org.nz/Story?Action=View&Story_id=141
note that the proposed maximum take of 350 million litres per day works out 4 cubic metres per second, the mean annual discharge of the Waikato is 350 cubic metres/second. AFAIK Karapiro has an operating consent condition of a minimum discharge of 140 cubic metres/second except in extreme conditions when it may go as low as 80.
From my days in the industry I can confirm that. Auckland is very fortunate to have the Waikato River as it's ultimate long term supply.
It's not as cheap or easy as the traditional infrastructure in the Hunua's and Waitakere's but it's absolutely within reach and doable. Auckland will not run out of affordable water in any reasonable future I can think of.
Yeah, here in Orcland we're a long long way from needing to treat and recycle our wastewater back into drinking water like they do in Windhoek.
https://www.veolia.com/en/newsroom/news/drinking-water-recycling-wastewater-windhoek-namibia
Lifes a lottery of luck….'an ounce of luck is worth a ton of judgement'!
When I see the push for Nationals new wunderkind Sir Christopher Luxon based on his business prowess I look at the present situation at Air NZ.
The new C.E.O is eminently qualified to follow on from Luxon and his 2 predecessors.
Like John Howard as aussie P.M,they also reaped the benefits of boom years fuelled by the rampant rise and rise of the FIRE economy.
Foran has the challenge of dealing with C19 and its deep impact , a monumental task.
John Key has pulled the pin on his directorship at Air NZ,what timing!
He is happy to endorse Luxon's economic credentials.
How 'lucky' can you get!
Oh won't it be fun when we are ruled by a 'christian' conservative with a reputation as a bully! I hope by that time I'm too old to care!!
When did Key pull the pin?
Was his term up?
I looked his resignation up. Like you said "what timing!"
Fifth or sixth day straight John Key has been on the front page casting a shadow over National Party leadership.
Simon should be feeling ill but I expect he is too stupid.
Interesting that, as far as I can tell, Stuff hasn’t published this piece by its own Political Editor in its NZ papers.
https://www.theage.com.au/world/oceania/saint-jacinda-ardern-s-lockdown-has-not-silenced-her-critics-20200424-p54n37.html
The memo must have gone out to all the right wing propaganda outfits.
"Use the Communism, dog whistle"
"The only shops open are supermarkets, for which there are often Soviet-style queues".
Someone should tell them, the Soviet Union, which was a totalitarian dictatorship, anyway, not communist, has been replaced by a gangster run "free market" capitalist hellhole, decades ago.
Hi KJT, I hope you keep well.
In the 70's the then still existing Soviet Union had an odd supply system. From the other side of the iron curtain we were smug and laughing about the supply of certain product one week and another product group the next. Huge cues in front of the doors, hoarding as no one knew when they will get i.e.washing powder again.
Yes, we were smug because we had no such problems. It showed us however, that all those issues are man made and revolve around profit, status and power. (Must sound familiar to the US right now)
Whilst we in NZ are getting a wider range of goods, many times staples such as bread is completely sold out by 8am. Long cues, often 2-3 rows deep means that there is up to 1.5 hrs wait until you can get into the store. Since it is the only shop open you have no other choice.
I cannot see for the life of it why bakeries, vege shops and other food stores are not allowed to open. If social distancing is maintained, there should be no issues. But then again, issues are man made and revolve around profit, status and power.
Not just about customer numbers. Restricting food sales to only supermarkets was also about keeping supply chain workers to a minimum.
Supermarkets got a massive market advantage in exchange. Let's see how they honour that over coming weeks and months as many of those smaller retailers and suppliers shift to online sales or go bust.
Hi. Same.
I understand the need to keep shopping outlets to a minimum. And delivery chains.
Supermarkets made sense.
Not good for small businesses still having to pay overheads and leases. Though.
A lot that have managed to keep going, the pent up demand may make up for it.
Our small family business, has at least two months prebooked, as soon as we get to level two.
Very pleased our local butcher was still able to deliver at level four.
Supermarkets were handed a huge advantage. Let’s hope they return it to local communities, with living wages.
I agree with you totally about bakeries etc. But those decisions are symptomatic of the way we have approached Covid. The severity of the lockdown imposed on NZ has achieved no more favorable health outcomes than Australia (who have implemented a far less proscriptive policy). Yet for that comparable similarity in results, we have done far more damage to our economy. The OECD estimate that we will experience one the largest economic contractions in the world, at 30%, whereas the Australian economy is forecast to decline by 22%.
That is also problematic in the way they use say GDP as a metric for contraction/expansion.If a substantial part of the population stays home an obeys the rules,retail says contracts as does tourism and travel.However car accidents also decrease so there are fewer fatalities, accident victims,and insurance claims.Fewer accidents also mean smaller payouts to health care providers,less work for panel beaters (and less wear and tear on vehicles) which decreases gdp,but increases for some their wellbeing and also spending.
There is also a decrease in crime of certain types,meaning less work for lawyers,police,prisons etc.medical centres have also seen decreases in patients,also suggesting a gdp metric constraint.
Those 'constraints' apply equally in both countries, no?
You would presume so.Hence the NAB results are telling with a halving of profits for the 6 months ending march 2.6 billion 2019/ 1.3 billion 2020.
Credit impairment charge (1,161b) Group.
The NZ banking (bnz) was however an increase in profit 562m2020 from 2019 532.There was also an increase in tax paid by the BNZ of 13 million and a Credit impairment charge decrease of 2 million.
https://www.nab.com.au/content/dam/nabrwd/documents/reports/corporate/2020-half-year-results-announcement.pdf
The BNZ profit may have been larger,however in march NZ decided to pay off 500 million on interest bearing credit card debt (in total)
I'm not sure that any of that makes GDP invalid as a measure of economic activity. Sure there are limitations, but it is is still the standard measure for economic growth and contraction.
Friends in Aussie tell me they wish they had the certainty for their businesses we have in New Zealand. They had to open, because everyone else did, customers are to frightened to come and they don't have any Government help. I think the forecasts about Aussie are optimistic. And it varies State by state, in some things they have had a tighter lockdown than us.
In virtually everything, they don't. And their Covid data is skewed by the fact that they had to deal with all the cruise ships. Less restriction, similar results. Australia has got this about right. We haven't. More and more commentators are starting to realise this.
More wishful thinking presented as fact by him who knows it all.
It will be quite a while before all this pans out and such verdicts can be made. You risk making a big Charlie of yourself at this early stage.
I'm using data as it stands now. Things can change, but as it currently stands, Australia has outplayed us.
Didn’t know it was a competition. Cricket or rugby, this time?
Could be the game of creative data interpretation
What data? Data source? Measures used for comparison?
"NZ also has fewer confirmed cases per head and has done more tests per head."
NZ has more deaths per M (using your source https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/total-covid-deaths-per-million?tab=chart&year=2020-04-27&country=AUS+NZL). And Aus had to contend with cruise ships at it's eastern and western seaboards. The Ruby Princess alone contributed 600 cases in Australia. That's almost 9% of Australia's total cases.
As it stands, Australia has less deaths, and they are forecast to suffer considerably less economic impact.
Paddington so they should as Australia spends 1/3 more than us per head of population on healthcare.plus Australias private health sector is much bigger than ours.
But for all of that NZ has much less cases in Intensive care or hospital.
There are no winners in this pandemic
NZ also has fewer confirmed cases per head and has done more tests per head.
Overall both countries have done not too badly when compared to US, Europe, etc. Considerable variation within both countries too (e.g. NSW, TAS higher than other states/territories, differences between North and South Islands).
If we have far less cases in the hospital system, then historical health spending may not be so much of a factor. The issue I'm addressing here is the merits of the comparative approaches. Australia seem to have at the worst equal health outcomes, and their econmy is forecast to contract considerably less.
Paddington show us your evidence reading Australian newspapers shows up your pathetic fearmongering.
Because Australia has a much better public and private health sector they have 7,000 contact tracers we have 200 going up to 400+.
Because Australia has 7,000 contact tracers they have been able to contain the corona virus under less restrictive lockdown. Years of health spending cuts under National has weakened our response lucky we have had a tougher lockdown so our health systems can cope.
What happened to Sweden, you were all talking about a few weeks ago?
Too embarrassing to remember, now?
Sweden? When was I talking about Sweden? There is a lot to admire about the way we’ve handled Covid. But I'm increasingly hearing people far more qualified than you and I doing the job the media should be doing asking the tough questions. Given the damage the government has done to the economy repsonding to Covid, I sincerely hope they've got it right.
The damage the virus has done to the economy.
Not, The Government.
Except in your fantasy world.
If the Government has got the response wrong (even by degrees), then yes the government has damaged the economy. There is an increasing number of qualified voices expressing exactly the same doubts I am, including people such as Sir Ray Avery, Ian Harrison and Dr Peter Collignon.
Qualified?
To be fair, one of those is pretty close to his lane.
But his argument in the media doesn't seem to think confidence intervals exist. Not sure the Aussies count probables, either.
@McFlock
Aus data is lab confirmed only, no probables. Amazing how many people who should know better include probable cases in their comparisons, almost like they want to make NZ look bad.
Trotting out "experts" who like to pontificate on things way outside their area, along with fudging statistics, seems to be a frequent, thing, with our right wing.
Too difficult to get someone, who actually has expertise in the particular area, to agree with them?
It's almost as though they don't like, facts!
"Trotting out "experts" who like to pontificate on things way outside their area…"
Did you even look at who these people are?
Ray Avery is a Pharmaceutical scientist. You can read his concerns here https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2004/S00122/the-statisticians-that-killed-new-zealand.htm.
Ian Harrison is a (former) RB economist. In this paper http://www.tailrisk.co.nz/documents/Corona.pdf he severely criticises the modelling used by the government to support the severity of the lockdown.
These are qualified voices expressing genuine concerns that we could have gone about this with far less social and economic damage.
Yes. I know who they are.
And recalled some of their "pronouncements, in the past.
"Yes. I know who they are. "
And yet you accused them of pontificating " on things way outside their area, along with fudging statistics…"
Care to retract now that you acrually know who they are?
Paddington if the government hadn't made the tough lockdown call you would be blaming the government for the death toll much larger economic downturn and the no doubt elongated lockdown.
@Alice interesting – when I used NZ probables vs Aus numbers, Aus squeaks under the bar.
When I used NZ confirmed vs Aus numbers, it's the other way around.
Far be it for me to accuse Paddington's experts of fudging the numbers, though. Either way both countries are largely equivalent in cases so far.
"Variations in the impact effect across economies reflect differences in the composition of output. Many countries in which tourism is relatively important could potentially be affected more severely by shutdowns and limitations on travel. At the other extreme, countries with relatively sizeable agricultural and mining sectors, including oil production, may experience smaller initial effects from containment measures, although output will be subsequently hit by reduced global commodity demand. "
https://www.oecd.org/newsroom/oecd-updates-g20-summit-on-outlook-for-global-economy.htm
Tourism 3%Australian GDP and 6% NZ GDP for starters.
And Australia rely on exports of minerals, for example, which will be hit hard by a global economic slowdown. While NZ farmers will most likely save our economy from more serious problems as we become even more a foodbowl for the world. And yet despite these two factors, 30% still trumps 22%.
read the commentary again.
I read it right the first time. It's why I specifically mentioned minerals and food exports. Mineral exports are more closely linked to economic activity than food. People have to eat.
"Variations in the impact effect across economies reflect differences in the composition of output.
Not extent of lockdown provision
"..may experience smaller initial effects from containment measures, although output will be subsequently hit by reduced global commodity demand. "
The initial impact does not reflect the longer term and in the longer term is not a result of local actions.
The takeout is what minor differences there may be between Australia and NZ responses is largely immaterial to the economic impact.
You missed this from your own source:
“Mr Gurría stressed that the implications for annual GDP growth will ultimately depend on many factors, including the magnitude and duration of national shutdowns…”
Did you not see that bit?
…or this bit…
“The impact effect of business closures could result in reductions of 15% or more in the level of output throughout the advanced economies and major emerging-market economies. ”
The extent of business closures is tied to the nature of each lockdown.
The takeout is that the differences in the lockdowns does have a significant impact on the forecast economic fortunes of the respective countries.
The markets are also affected by what the customers think,being their own decision makers they have their own ability to manage their own risks.
https://twitter.com/NumbersMuncher/status/1253304174537818114
Indeed i did…now would you like to note the difference in "magnitude and duration" of the Australian and NZ responses….they are marginal at best, to date….as is the impact.
"they are marginal at best, to date "
Rubbish. I run businesses on both sides of the tasman – I know there are considerable differences. Australians have been able to visit family, schools are open, they can buy food from butchers and greengrocers, get haircuts, public transport operates at a far higher level, weddings and funerals have continued, and businesses have been able to operate (eg restaurants and cafes have been able to operate takeaways). I could go on, but the differences are considerable.
The difference is negligible…if you run businesses on both sides of the Tasman you will soon discover that fact…when a model running on the edge goes in to a declining spiral it dosnt matter whether that decline is 22 or 28%…youre buggered either way.
Why don't you just have the guts to say it outright, instead of pussyfooting around.
What you really wanted.
"We should have accepted the collateral damage. What is the deaths of a few old people compared to my bank balance. But, make sure you vote for me before you die. "
Australia, as at end March, had more Covid cases in the 20-29 age group than the 60-65 age group, despite the cruise ships. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/australians-in-their-20s-have-more-confirmed-cases-of-coronavirus-than-any-other-age-group). That makes a nonsense of your already silly comment.
Australia has had a less severe lockdown, have much the same health results (and less deaths per capita, which again makes your comment look silly), and are likely to have far less severe economic problems.
To quote William F Buckley “put that in your pipe and smoke it”.
And as someone said. "Counting your chickens".
We’ve already shown you are bullshitting.
I've already shown you can't read statistics. And it was you who raised the spectre of 'deaths', when Aus have less deaths per capita than we do.
You’ve shown nothing, except you are prepared to quibble about the size of the parachute, before we even reach the ground.
Less than 3 months after Aussie and NZ had their first cases of Covid-19, Paddington determinedly makes the case for Australia's response to Covid-19 likely causing "far less severe economic problems". That may be correct, but surely it's too early to tell. Tbh, I don't get the obsession with comparing NZ and Aussie – apparently the National party once campaigned on closing the income gap between the two countries.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1007/S00446/wage-gap-with-australia-blows-out-over-50.htm
It must be mystifying and frustrating to some that a large majority of NZers seem quite OK with the NZ government’s and public service’s responses to the Covid-19 challenge.
""We knew Scotty from marketing was going to stuff it up…"
Well you won't be listening to them again eh?
"Tbh, I don't get the obsession with comparing NZ and Aussie…"
If we are to measure the governments performance (and let's face it the media aren't), we need a viable comparison. Australia is the best we have.
An international comparison is not always essential for measuring government performance. Sure, it may help in some cases, but it's clear that the vast majority of voting NZers think the government's response to Covid-19 has been pretty good so far. How many of those NZers compared NZ and Australia when forming their opinions? [Hint: This is a trick question ]
Look, I get why some people might seek to characterise the NZ government’s Covid-19 response as sub-optimal, and of course it was. But that’s hardly surprising, given what they were faced with. And I think that most of the NZ public get that, and understand that their government acted in good faith and with the immediate health of all NZers as the first priority.
Comment from someone I know in WA.
"We knew Scotty from marketing was going to stuff it up, so we started social distancing, and keeping away from pubs and restaurants, ourselves".
"And I think that most of the NZ public get that, and understand that their government acted in good faith…"
I have no doubt they did. I like our PM. But based on what we know today, we have been outplayed by Aus.
"An international comparison is not always essential for measuring government performance."
Yes but it is one of a very few measures we have. How else do we judge whether or not the measures taken were correct?
IMHO not everything has to be seen as a competition. Yes, the NZ government's early phase response to the Covid-19 pandemic may have been (much) better than most, and (slightly) worse than a few, depending on what metrics you chose for a comparison, but that's less important to me than knowing the response was considered and effective in keeping most NZers safe. The government's response, and that of NZers, seems to have achieved that goal. Hooray!
Of course there are many people who are preoccupied with who/what is ‘the best‘, and whether one country has ‘outplayed‘ another (an odd lens for examining a pandemic response?), but it simply doesn't interest me that much
"but it simply doesn't interest me that much"
It interest me for two reasons.
1. If we've got it right, we have buggered the economy for good reason.
2. If we've got it wrong, we've buggered the economy unnecessarily.
We live in depend upon a global economy. That isn't going to chnage. We simply have to compete internationally. It's a fact of life.
Phrases like "we've buggered the economy unnecessarily" seem hyperbolic; out of touch with reality even. Certainly many individuals and businesses (small and large) in both NZ and Australia will be "buggered" financially/economically, and both the NZ and Australian economies will take a big hit from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The international tourism and international tertiary education 'industries' are effectively 'buggered' in both countries, and some commodity export industries will be doing it hard (don't know anything about this other than what I read), although if (and it's a big ‘if‘) trans-Tasman travel 'takes off' again then this might benefit NZ more than Aussie.
Tbh, don't really understand how any differences between the NZ and Australian government Covid-19 responses will influence the extent to which global trade activities in each country will be 'buggered', but I'm happy to be schooled on this.
IMHO it's too early to tell if any government's response to Covid-19 has "buggered the economy unnecessarily" (although you could perhaps make that case for countries that were slow to respond and/or responded 'weakly'), but with only two new Covid-19 cases in NZ today, and business activity starting to ramp up (with more to come in a week and a half), it could be worse.
https://covid19.govt.nz/businesses-and-employees/businesses-and-services/doing-business-at-alert-level-3/
I'm doing my bit – Indian takeaways tonight
One last point – I doubt it will be possible to accurately determine how many more NZers would have died from Covid-19 infection if the NZ government had adopted the Australian response measures. Maybe it would have made no difference, but nobody knows. So your comments begin to read like a beat-up, but I do admire your determination – are you missing TV sports entertainment?
"… but I do admire your determination – are you missing TV sports entertainment? "
That and missing getting out the boat I only bought a few weeks before the lockdown! Maybe I'm just getting grumpy. Hope you enjoyed your indian!
Yes thanks, and two more to go – they're worth supporting so win-win.
Hope you'll be able to take your boat out on the water once NZ goes to level 2.
Probably not a good idea now tbey've got the begging bowl out!
'Police state'? I guess the fkwt smuggled his article out of the gulag secreted in his reckon hole.
And forgetting to mention the Soviet style queues of media outlets receiving their bail outs. But yeah, "police state" FFS, basically negates the whole article really. In Aus there was a story about the cops walking into a funeral to make sure everyone was keeping their distance, "we don't know how lucky we are".
"reckon hole" lol
Luke Malpass is a wrong-un, and Thomas Coughlan took over from the National Party embedded Stacey Kirk.
I find Thomas Coughlan more balanced, at present.
Whenever is a checkpoint a roadblock?
When it suits your narrative.
Alan Jones's statement a few months ago that he was "sick of that woman" suggests that there's a cohort of aging, conservative Aussie blokes who are up for a bit of Ardern-bashing. So the story might play better there than here.
They may have regained some froth by getting rid of Raelene Castle, the limp old codgers.
I've also noticed the absence of the RW lines "she's a weak leader". Actually I've noticed the lack of RWs.
Forget her gender Castle was hopeless.
She made a complete mess of the Folau incident.
yeah, imagine taking the word of a christian, who promises not to be a bad boy(again)
Agent orange is not holding a whitehouse briefing for the second day in a row.
But dang… he's raging on the twitter.
Trump and his regime of criminals are a horror show. Unfortunately, over the last three and a half years the Democratic Party and its media megaphones have squandered all their credibility by chasing a chimera.
https://twitter.com/aaronjmate/status/1254125897021562881
No coordination = Pooty said 'leave it all to me.'
????
You're not serious, surely.
There's no evidence that I'm not.
I always had you pegged as an intelligent person. But that bizarre "Pooty" claim puts you in the same boat as this poor fellow….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ukuXXXeJf0
I never had you pegged as such.
Thanks, I'm not. But the likes of poor old Rachel Madcow most definitely are…
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/matt-taibbi-and-aaron-mate-on-how-russiagate-helped-trump/
Maddow has been brilliant throughout the Usian covid disaster. Definitely on my watch list.
She was anything BUT brilliant for the last three years during the slow train wreck of the Russiagate travesty.
She has no credibility.
I don't want to put words in Gabby's mouth, but I'm fairly confident the thing Gabby never had you pegged as is "intelligent person".
Thorough investigatory work there, my friend! Have you thought of farming out those skills to, say, the campaign to find a skerrick of evidence in those Russiagate claims?
Look my mate Barry at the RSA says I'm a raging intellectual but not really sure if he knows what it means either. Another handle?
I always thought it a distinct possibility
No, Signor Al1en, this writer, i.e., moi, has never subscribed to any crazed rantings by conspiracy theorists like Keith Olberman or the even more ludicrous Rachel Maddow. So there's no reasonable way you or Gabby or anyone else could have had me pegged as one of them.
I don't know. You've always struck me as the dictionary definition of a self inflicted peggee. lol
The Al1en: You've always struck me as the dictionary definition of a self inflicted peggee. lol
AUDIENCE: Ha ha ha ha ha! Good one, Al1en!
BREEN: Ouch!
That's the first bit of believable stenography I've ever seen from you.
Quite agile, he is. #pegged
Heh. "Thanks, I'm not."
Ooooh, I think you're more susceptible than most people to being gulled by conspiracy theorists. (Judging by your buying into Matthew Hooton's confidence trick over at Russell Brown's site when Mandela died.)
Cracked record there, bud. Get some better lines.
I couldn't have dreamed up better lines than those supplied by Richard Aston and Russell Brown himself.
Yet less than a week ago we had this from the US Senate: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/21/senate-intel-report-confirms-russia-aimed-to-help-trump-in-2016-198171
For that tweet to state that the whole thing was a "complete scam" on the basis of a transcript of a *single* meeting between the FBI and George Papadopoulos (who went to jail for lying to the FBI) is ridiculous.
Well, yes. But by god, the mozzie has made up his mind and he's going to repost here all the internet kooks and cranks he can find that fit his preconception until the end of time. Big picture view of all the evidence be damned!
all the internet kooks and cranks….
The Clinton campaign's absurd and now almost abandoned conspiracy theory that Donald Trump is the tool of a vast, masterful Russian conspiracy involving "Russian bots" manipulating millions of gullible Americans—"Russiagate"—has been dismissed by, amongst others: Noam Chomsky, Daniel Ellsberg, Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill, Aaron Maté, Matt Taibbi, Jonathan Cook, John Pilger, Nicky Hager, Norman Finkelstein, Chris Hedges…
Which of those commentators would you call "kooks" and which would you call "cranks"?
https://fair.org/home/tips-for-a-post-mueller-media-from-nine-russiagate-skeptics/
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/matt-taibbi-and-aaron-mate-on-how-russiagate-helped-trump/
Apologies. I forgot to include the category 'useful idiots'.
Just outta curiosity, what opinions has Nicky Hager expressed about russian shitfuckery in the 2016 debacle of an election in the US? If he actually said anything at all, I missed it.
"Useful idiots", are they? That Stalinist chestnut may not be quite as colourful as the epithets you dream up to ridicule Trump, but it's about as convincing.
I'm amused to see you doubling down on your "Russian shitfuckery" claims.
Go on, tell us what Nicky Hager had to say. He's the only one of your list whose opinions I still value.
If you don't value the opinions of the most respected intellectuals and journalists in the United States, Israel, and Australia, I don't believe your claim that you "value" the opinions of Nicky Hager.
You're avoiding backing up your implication that Hager has expressed an opinion that there is some kind kind of conspiracy or hoax involved in the reporting of russian election interference.
You didn't miss anything. Expect a blustery breeze from Northcote to continue.
I heard there was significant complaint building that all the major networks were running Trumps briefings in full. They have no need to run his briefings in full, even if they are mentioned, as c-span does it anyway.
Don't know what was going on there, but I am glad the administration pulled the plug on the briefings, as Trumps perspective on anything was impacting how people reported issues relating to treatment of the virus.
The major networks have little credibility.
That doesn't mean we should have low expectations – of course.
Quite right, Nic. There are some rigorous and principled journalists and news organisations. Sadly, they don't include the likes of ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, Fox, and the BBC.
https://foreignpolicyfollies.blogspot.com/2019/03/russiagate-skeptics.html
If the major networks are not covering the White House briefings is it because they (the networks) have no credibility?
Is it because there is so much tosh in them their viewing numbers are way down?
Is it because the events are being covered by many outlets and with the public having access there is no need for every agency to be covering them minute by minute.
Could it be that the major networks are seeing the briefings as presidential political broadcasts and are loath to keep covering them on those grounds?
If numbers watching the sessions are way down does that mean the events are not important? (The Nunes theory.)
If the journalists attending the briefings are continually being told they are unprofessional, making stuff up and fake news, is there a reason for them to be there when all they're going to say and write is unprofessional, made stuff up and fake news?
No doubt you saw the analysis of the sessions.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/13-hours-of-trump-the-president-fills-briefings-with-attacks-and-boasts-but-little-empathy/2020/04/25/7eec5ab0-8590-11ea-a3eb-e9fc93160703_story.html
I think there were actually a lot of people inquiring about injecting and/ or swallowing of disinfectant. If I understand this correctly already one person died. This is a debacle for the camp Trump. I suspect that the possibility of lawsuits for wrongful deaths can be an issue.
He made the mistake of lying about something most of the public can tell is wrong. Naturally some of them needed to try it for themselves. Gawd bless amurca.
Trump needs to wake up and start delivering free Covid-19 testing and affordable universal health care as this is needed. I get the impression that doctors need to be an accountant when it comes to delivering health care due to the questions of costs they are asked by health consumers during a consult.
Just what does Trump think when he says Covid-19 testing is free and there are hidden charges. I cannot think of another issue which is more serious and that it can affect anyone. Trump's management is poor, he has not grasped how important testing is, if he had there would be long lines of people in every state where testing is being carried out.
Boy is he ever raging on the twitter..
https://twitter.com/toby_etc/status/1254496538509709312
Naturally, twitr hosted a swift response..
https://twitter.com/thenobleprizes/status/1254492255898996736
Grumpy Gump can't even spell.Pity they don't have a Noble prize for Stupidity.
Oh NO-O-O-O-O-O-O-O! That zombie Larry Summers is back.
https://twitter.com/zei_squirrel/status/1254248937130786818
An observation on the announcement of Level Four ending and a media hack looking for any angle to turn it into a controversy.
Mondayisation is sort of strange now.
I learned last week that there are no such things as 'business days.' They always used to be a thing. They aren't any more because there are people working every day. Mike Hosking told me that. He's always good for information.
All days apparently are ordinary days, they're working days, they're all business days. It's just that they have different names. One is called Tuesday, one is called Friday … The working week is Sunday to Saturday, or Thursday to Wednesday or whatever.
A bit weird to tune in this morning to hear Hosking, (he's good for information, I learn so much from him) to find however he's not working today. Apparently in his house it's not an ordinary day, a business day. That's the sort of life experience that sees him getting the call to tell us what's what and define it for us I suppose. He'd know.
he did seem confused the other week, where he works on weekends but doesn't work on weekends.
A part of that which struck a chord in our house was how his working in the weekend fits into the persistent narrative heard from his supporters over years.
A teacher lives in our house. One of those one working "9.00 'til 3.00 and has half the year off" people.
By the same logic Hosking works from 6.00 'til 9.00am. He has the same sort of 'time away' as teachers. (Not getting at him for being at home in school holidays.)
I guess when you're an expert on how the world should be you only need a short time to dispense your genius. Including telling teachers they need to get into the 'real world.'
Hi Peter
Thank you for a good laugh today 🙂
In other news, while the rest of the world is consumed with COVID news, the CCP has been busy:
I don't fully agree with all of Stan Grant's pre-suppositions here; personally I think there are good reasons to think the CCP faces bigger risks than he allows for. But he makes his case well and it's worth a read.
Peter, I like your irony! Mike Hosking seems to blurt out anything whether it is logic or not. Hope he doesn’t start swigging from a bottle of disinfectant. After all a highly respected and intelligent and sane leader thinks it’s worth considering.
More endorsement too.
https://twitter.com/realGollumTrump/status/1253819737605275648
Article here describes the dangers of placing the economy over people's health and safety.
RW government in Lombardy refused to lockdown industry. Result? 14,000 dead.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12327725
Same AP article on Stuff.
And the take home for me is that it indicates why it was good that NZ closed borders and went to lock down when it did.
Like Lombardy, NZ did not have the capability to deal with such a pandemic because of cut backs to our public health system under neoliberalism. We did not have the capacity in hospitals, the resources, PPEs, etc., or the capability to do the amount of testing and track and tracing required to deal with the pandemic. Aussie had some better resources in place.
The lock down brought breathing space to build up these capabilities. A couple of weeks before lock down, NZ was sending swabs to Aussie for C-19 testing. Now, NZ is doing a higher proportion of testing per 1 million of population than Aussie – and we have confirmed more cases.
We had about 30% spare capacity in ICUs in normal times, should we have had 10 times as much? Especially when very good medical and governance reactions meant that ICUs have had considerably more spare capacity for the last 4 weeks. Each bed requires a lot of staff for cover even on 12 hour shifts.
And it is not just equipment needed, can the system afford huge numbers of highly trained intensive care nurses sitting around waiting for the air raid siren to go off every 100 years or so or to be fair every 20 to 50?
Remember Chch brilliantly managed over 100 unfortunate people last year at no notice.
We did not know what we were dealing with and we have learned a lot in a month. there is still much more to learn about this virus. And yes, we did need to free up that ICU space.
Going relatively early meant that this only happened for a bit over 4 weeks. In places where they put in lock downs at a relatively late time, when the C-19 horse had already bolted, the health system has become so overloaded they can't cope.
Now, going into Level 3, Bloomfield has said there will be more non-C-19 hospital appointments issued, plus the cancer teams have worked out a strategy for seeing those who need urgent attention. In the UK, they dithered, and there is still not attention given to those who require urgent non-C-19 screening or attention.
I am someone who has a non-Covid hospital appointment with a specialist tomorrow. This is for a possible growth in my throat. The GP referred me for this last Tuesday and she told me I would get an appointment in 3-4 weeks. She probably was going by the usual time period in the public health system. That is a couple of weeks shorter than the lock down.
The relatively early lockdown has bought time for the health system to build up safe procedures, systems and resources. So, for instance, I've been told not to go into the department before 5 minutes before my appointment time. This is to keep the number of people waiting there to a minimum.
I am very happy with the early lock down, and how it's been managed.
Wishing you all the best for a positive outcome tomorrow Carolyn.
Thanks, Macro. It's concerning that they are treating my case with urgency.
However, it'll be better in the long run if it is a growth.
Yes indeed. And if it is not, you will be able to rest easier as well. 🙏
You were right, Macro. It's nothing to worry about, will go away eventually…. and I will definitely rest easier.
The hospital experience under level 3 was interesting.
Spaces marked on the floor to keep people at a distance from each other. Security at entrance checking your entrance. Got directed to a guy at a desk near the entrance, and showed him a printout of my appointment letter. he rang upstairs to check if they are expecting me, then told to go up in the lift.
In the waiting area, only one seat in a row is to be occupied. As I left the specialist's room, I used one of the hand sanitiser dispensers on the wall to clean my hands.
I'm pleased to hear that Carolyn.
Interesting how well the hospitals are coping. I had to visit the medical centre here the other day to pick up a prescription – You have to ring up first and they will prepare it and you can pick it up at a given time. They drop the parcel down onto a table for you to pick up – there is a flexible screen so the pharmacists are fully protected – and off you go. All works superbly – no waiting around.
Nothing unusual from a historical perspective.
https://twitter.com/StearnsLab/status/1254170977103044608
RW government in Lombardy refused to lockdown industry. Result? 14,000 dead.
That's your only takeout from that article ?
What's yours?
Kebabs.
last takeaway meal I had before lockdown.
And heres a good article comparing the results from the neighbouring state of Veneto where the threat was recognised and immediate action taken. Pretty much gives the difference between she'll be right individualism and the active measures that can only be initiated by collections of individuals acting with the best interests of mutual aid.
https://consortiumnews.com/2020/04/24/covid-19-lessons-from-lombardy/
Whistleblowers for Assange
"Justice for Julian Assange in USA? In a court in E Virginia where the jury is selected from a popn. where 85% of the popn. works for the CIA, NSA, DOD, DOS … In a court where nobody has ever been acquitted! Gonna get a fair trial?"
—NILS MELZER, Nils Melzer, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzNWd2Y6JNg&feature=emb_err_watch_on_yt
Not to mention the hearing in the UK where the judge, Baraitser is pretty determined to make Assanges remaining time in the UK a living hell. If you scroll to the bottom of this page and read up you will get a pretty good idea of what it means to be a political prisoner trying to get a fair trial.
Sorry. That page was a bit long. First day of hearing is here. Theres 4 days which you can find on the site.
https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/02/your-man-in-the-public-gallery-assange-hearing-day-1/
Baraitser belongs in the same company as Roland Freisler and Andrey Vyshinsky.
https://twitter.com/johnpilger/status/1186427745624117249?lang=en
A premium article in The Herald
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12323535
“Costco Wholesale is the world's second-largest retailer after Walmart and it said last winter that it would be open here next year, selling 20-30 per cent cheaper than elsewhere.”
“Overseas Investment Office has cleared the application for Costco to buy the land from NZ Retail Property Group.”
Does NZ really need this ?
20-30 % Cheaper . Why ? Not NZ made for sure.
Low-wage economies attract discount retailers.
FYI there is a major NZ supplier of manuka honey selling product to CostCo in Australia. If the NZ product is competitive, CostCo will carry it.
Hate to be a bit picky but how come using today’s MoH figures we appear to have MORE people recovered than have been confirmed with the disease?
How can one recover from a disease when it was never confirmed they had it?
We include probable cases in our total case counts, which makes our case numbers significantly higher than equivalent places (such as Oz) that don't include them.
Probable cases are in two categories. There are those with the symptoms, but have returned a negative test. I'll guess these are being included because of the known high percentage of false negatives from the test. There are also those with symptoms that are known close contacts of confirmed cases who haven't been tested.
Some of the probable cases end up getting moved out of the total case count. Dunno exactly what the criteria, but an example of that happened today. Today 5 new cases were announced (4 probable 1 confirmed), but 6 probables were reclassified as not a case, resulting in our total case count decreasing by one.
WTF
Now you don't just pull that sort of thing stumbling home after a few quiets. Someone thought about that for a while.
Insurance job????
Repo????
Or. An awful lot of drunken apprentices, Otago students, stuck home in Auckland, going stir crazy?
yes, to steal 100 vehicles takes some planning, as does hiding them.
Allegedly 35 have already been recovered.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/121290258/coronavirus-60-jucy-rental-vehicles-stolen-during-covid19-lockdown-in-auckland
"But, do we want international tourism as it was?"
YES,… because: It was all a HOAX.
The Covid-19 HOAX can be seen in the way Covid-19 spread.
It spread to the whole world but jumped over the major Chinese cities.
You know Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, etc. On March 16, more than 3 weeks after the lockdown,
Beijing Municipality had 442 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (population 20 million),
Shanghai Municipality had 353 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (population 23 million),
Guangdong Province had 1,357 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (population 104 million),
Hong Kong Region had 141 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (population 7 million).
Get that… it didn't appreciably spread (before or after the Chinese lockdown) to any of the major Chinese cities.
But it massively spread (before the Chinese lockdown) to Iran and Italy.
How's that?
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province.
The Washington Post reported that 5 million people left Wuhan between January 10, i.e., the start of the Chinese New Year travel rush, and the lockdown.<0>
Get that… five million leave Wuhan for elsewhere, but do not appreciably spread the disease.
How's that?
And what about Africa?
As of April 16, there were only 16,500 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in all of Africa.
Get that… only 16,500 cases in all of Africa.
Africa, which has seen massive Chinese investment accompanied by over a million Chinese workers.
How's that?
http://www.preearth.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1184
[TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]
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mod note for you above. Please lay off the excessive use of bold to please, it looks shouty and makes it harder to moderate.
Jake Has just found out about Covid-19. He/she is shocked at the blatantly naive way that the country is showing its credulous infantile and foolish beliefs in the obviously fraudulent scientific studies that are being produced to destabilise the World! Thank you Jake you are onto it now you have woken up after your coma, and your mind is clear. But I think that you have stretched your mind too far, and like a degraded rubber band pushed to the limit, it has snapped. /sarc
The dumbest people on the planet.
https://twitter.com/ddale8/status/1254554497998901248
https://www.facebook.com/devilsadvocatesradio/videos/255685345617737/
It's hilarious of course, but I'm worried that you are denying these people 'agency' by calling them dumb. Say – like a Bernie bro claiming that a Biden supporter had made a mistake (or had been unduly influenced) in thinking Biden was more electable. Which we are told is an atrocious denial of the 'agency' of the Biden supporter. I guess one person's agency is another's stupidity, and vice versa?
Those people are dumb. They're batshit stupid. Trouble is, when someone like Daniel Dale says it, it carries no authority, because he works for an organisation that is donkey-deep in the most foolish conspiracy theory of the last fifty years.
They are ignorant and poorly educated which in my book comes to much the same thing as stupidity. Talking such unadulterated rubbish gives them no agency at all.
They've got dumb agency though, that's the best agency.
The dumbest people on the planet.
Given how atrocious so-called news is, it's no surprise that people cast around armed with their tribal bias ready to latch onto more or less 'anything' that might reinforce their sense of knowing.
With these two women it's a conspiracy no less grounded in reality than the three years of Russia Hoax that many embraced.
It's all fucking fcked.
People like Daniel Dale spend their time tweeting about how they are "just staring at" such idiocy. It's a pity that his Olympian contempt for these particular fools doesn't extend to the people who have been pushing similarly deluded nonsense about Russian masterminds controlling that puppet Trump for the last three years.
Oh, that's right: he's a CNN correspondent. I note that his Twitter feed is full of contributions by such thoughtful and responsible people as David Frum, William Kristol, and Rick Wilson. So at least a few sniffy Republican Party factionalists think he's a smart commentator.
https://twitter.com/ddale8/status/1250544882181177345
Covid tracing app for NZ in 2 weeks, privacy watchdog reassured about it https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/415214/covid-19-new-zealand-contact-tracing-app-due-within-two-weeks
Two weeks ago I had reason to contact the police using the non emergency system for a covid related matter – someone I didn't know needed checking up on. A few days later I got an enquiry on the matter from a market research company that has clients all across government services. The email used information I had not given them, and that could only have come from the police. Not only was what they used illegal to use, someone had really gone to some trouble to dig it out, but was too fucking dumb to realise I would notice.
The moral of the story is if you think any of this stuff is managed by responsible trained staff, or legal, you're in for a surprise.
I would not trust the police with it – not enough ethics in their training or culture.
Salman Rushdie published a novel in 2019 called "Quichotte."
I like the line where his character declared that the country (USA) was in a state of "Errorism". How apt.
Well howabout that, modelling from a month ago predicted 20 deaths, and here we are at 19… of course I'm not suggesting there won't be more I just found these https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/new-zealand-coronavirus-deaths-during-lockdown-could-be-just-20-modelling-suggests curiously accurate…
The US only beat them by to it 15 years.
https://twitter.com/AJENews/status/1254483205450878983
Senior National MP Nick Smith lashes Simon Bridges' decision-making in a caucus-wide letter.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/04/exclusive-senior-national-mp-nick-smith-lashes-simon-bridges-decision-making-in-a-caucus-wide-letter.html
I sense a bit of pot and kettle there.
Undoubtedly the Nats have internal problems and no doubt amplified by Bridges’ clumsy handling of the whole Covid crisis. But this is got to be one of Tova’s specialty beat-ups that she periodically likes to float out there.
Simon's problem is that accusations of weak leadership and poor judgement aren't going away. He's now a liability for the National Party, not an asset.
Maybe Dr. custard is a little bit worried about his seat with the election coming up…
https://twitter.com/gretaleejackson/status/1253507484305637376
Love it!!!
Lmfao !!!