Open mike 28/04/2024
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6:00 am, April 28th, 2024 - 73 comments
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- Climate change is affecting mental health literally everywhere
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Daisy Simmons Farmers who can’t sleep, worrying they’ll lose everything amid increasing drought. Youth struggling with depression over a future that feels hopeless. Indigenous people grief-stricken over devastated ecosystems. For all these people and more, climate change is taking a clear toll ...3 mins ago - The Ambassador and Luxon – eye to eye
New Zealand’s relationship with China is becoming harder to define, and with that comes a worry that a deteriorating political relationship could spill over into the economic relationship. It is about more than whether New Zealand will join Pillar Two of Aukus, though the Chinese Ambassador, more or less, suggested ...31 mins ago - Fast track to environmental degradation
Been hoping we would see something like this from Sir Geoffrey Palmer. This is excellent.The present Bill goes further than the National Development Act 1979 in stripping away procedures designed to ensure that environmental issues are properly considered. The 1979 approach was not acceptable then and this present approach is ...8 hours ago - Leading Labour Off The Big Rock Candy Mountain.
He’s Got The Moxie: Only Willie Jackson possesses the credentials to meld together a new Labour message that is, at one and the same moment, staunchly working-class, union-friendly, and which speaks to the hundreds-of-thousands of urban Māori untethered to the neo-tribal capitalist elites of the Iwi Leaders Forum.IT’S ONE OF THE ...10 hours ago - Priority is given to powerlines – govt strikes another blow for the economy while Jones fends off ...
Tree-huggers may well accuse the Government of giving them the fingers, after Energy Minister Simeon Brown announced new measures to protect powerlines from trees, rather than measures to protect trees from powerlines. It can be no coincidence, surely, that this has been announced at the same as Fisheries Minister Shane Jones ...13 hours ago - Climate Change: The question we need to be asking
One of National's first actions in government was to dismantle climate change policy, scrapping the clean car discount and overturning the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry, which had given us Aotearoa's biggest-ever emissions reduction. But there's an obvious problem: we needed those emissions reductions to meet our carbon budgets: ...15 hours ago - Bryce Edwards: Could Willie Jackson be the populist leader that Labour need?
Willie Jackson will participate in the prestigious Oxford Union debate on Thursday, following in David Lange’s footsteps. Coincidentally, Jackson has also followed Lange’s footsteps by living in his old home in South Auckland. And like Lange, Jackson might be the sort of loud-mouth scrapper who could take over the Labour ...15 hours ago - The Tikanga challenge for law schools, the rule of law – and Parliament
Barrister Gary Judd KC’s complaint to the Regulatory Review Committee has sparked a fierce debate about the place of tikanga Māori – or Māori customs, values and spiritual beliefs – in the law.Judd opposes the New Zealand Council of Legal Education’s plans to make teaching tikanga compulsory in the legal curriculum.AUT ...17 hours ago - The Huge Potential Benefits of Charter SchoolsAlwyn Poole writes – In New Zealand we have approximately 460 high schools. The gaps between the schools that produce the best results for students and those at the other end of the spectrum are enormous.In terms of the data for their leavers, the top 30 schools have ...18 hours ago
- Can Shane Jones be trusted in making Fast-track decisions?Bryce Edwards writes – New Zealand First Cabinet Minister Shane Jones has become the best advertisement against the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill. In selling the radical new resource consenting processes, in which ministers can green light any mine, dam, or other major development, Jones seems to be ...18 hours ago
- Thinking About The Property Rights In Resource Decisions As Well As Transaction Costswrites – The Fast-Track Approvals Bill enables cabinet ministers to circumvent key environmental planning and protection processes for infrastructure projects. Its difficulties have been well canvassed. This column suggests a different way of thinking about the proposal. I am ...18 hours ago
- Gordon Campbell On Israel’s Political Split, And The New Caledonia CrisisThe split opening up in Israel’s “War Cabinet” is not just between PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his long-term rival Benny Gantz. It is actually a three-way split, set in motion by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. It was Gallant’s open criticism of Netanyahu that finally flushed Gantz out into the open. ...19 hours ago
- After much debate, the Auckland Future Fund was approved. So what should it be used for?
On Thursday 17 May, the Mayoral Proposal for Auckland’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034 was passed by Auckland Council, 20 to 1. It is set to be formally adopted by the Governing Body at its June 27th meeting. The entire process took 8 hours, with the vast majority of that time ...22 hours ago - The State of the Planet with Chlöe & Marama.
Pakanga o muaTukua, ka ngaroPuritia taku ringaNgaro ana te ara ki pae rauThere's a battle aheadMany battles are lostBut you'll never see the end of the roadWhile you're travelling with meLate yesterday morning I headed to Wynyard Quarter to see Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick give their pre-budget State of ...23 hours ago - It’s up to Willis nowMaybe the Prime Minister and his Finance Minister expected the worst, so they mounted a stout defence of the Budget tax cuts to their party faithful at a party conference over the weekend. In turn, they were greeted with applause, which, though it may have been less than wildly enthusiastic, ...1 day ago
- 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #20A listing of 34 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, May 12, 2024 thru Sat, May 18, 2024. Story of the week “The legislation I signed today [will] keep windmills off our beaches, gas in our tanks, and ...1 day ago
- Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix 6 @ 6:06am on Sunday, May 19
TL;DR: Here’s six links that stood out to me in the last day in Aotearoa’s political economy to 6:06am on Sunday, May 19:Aotearoa-NZ is the seventh worst in the OECD’s homelessness rankings, just behind the United States and just ahead of Australia. BlackRock thinks rate hikes actually worsen inflation because ...2 days ago - Lords of the flies
2 days ago - Fact Brief – Does breathing contribute to CO2 buildup in the atmosphere?Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Does breathing contribute to CO2 ...2 days ago
- Is it time to take the Interislander away from Kiwirail?David Farrar writes – The Herald reports: KiwiRail’s seemingly endless requests for more money is damning. At one point, KiwiRail assured Robertson when he was the Finance Minister that the worst-case scenario would be an extra $300 million before requesting $1.2 billion a few months later. Not what most people ...3 days ago
- Behind Blue Eyes.
No one knows what it's likeTo be the bad manTo be the sad manBehind blue eyesNo one knows what it's likeTo be hatedTo be fatedTo telling only liesHave you ever wondered what life must be like for Mike Hosking? Seeing things in black and white through blue tinted specs? In ...3 days ago - Road food
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past two week’s editions.Share More Than A FeildingBike bling, London Read more ...3 days ago - Some Reader Feedback For Your Weekend
Hi,I think we all made it through another week — congratulations. I’ve been digesting the new Arab Strap record, which is astonishing. In other news, I’m going to be doing a Webworm popup in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday July 13. I’ll bring a bunch of merch, and some other ...3 days ago - Thinking About the Property Rights in Resource Decisions As Well As Transaction Costs.
The Fast-Track Approvals Bill enables cabinet ministers to circumvent key environmental planning and protection processes for infrastructure projects. Its difficulties have been well canvassed. This column suggests a different way of thinking about the proposal. I am going to explore the Bill from the perspective of its proponents with their ...3 days ago - Bryce Edwards: Can Shane Jones be trusted in making Fast-track decisions?New Zealand First Cabinet Minister Shane Jones has become the best advertisement against the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill. In selling the radical new resource consenting processes, in which ministers can green light any mine, dam, or other major development, Jones seems to be shooting the proposal in the foot. ...4 days ago
- Seymour appeals to PPTA to call off meetings on charter schools – but does he seriously believe he...Buzz from the Beehive Associate Education Minister David Seymour is urging the PostPrimary Teachers Association to put learning ahead of ideology. He wants the union leaders to call off their teachers meetings around the country where they hope to muster the strength to undo the government’s plans to establish several ...4 days ago
- Police don’t fight crimeWhat are police for? "Fighting crime" is the obvious answer. If there's a burglary, they should show up and investigate. Ditto if there's a murder or sexual assault. Speeding or drunk or dangerous driving is a crime, so obviously they should respond to that. And obviously, they should respond to ...4 days ago
- Two central banksMichael Reddell writes – I got curious yesterday about how the Australia/New Zealand real exchange rate had changed over the last decade, and so dug out the data on the changes in the two countries’ CPIs. Over the 10 years from March 2014 to March 2024, New Zealand’s ...4 days ago
- TVNZ hīkoi documentary needs a sequel
Graham Adams writes that 20 years after the land march, judges are quietly awarding a swathe of coastal rights to iwi. Early this month, an hour-long documentary was released by TVNZ to mark the 20th anniversary of the land-rights march to oppose Helen Clark’s Foreshore and Seabed Act. The account ...4 days ago - The missing Green MPDavid Farrar writes – The Herald reports: Suspended Green MP Darleen Tana has passed an unpleasant milestone: she has now been absent for as many parliamentary sitting days as she has been present for this year. Tana is on full pay while she is suspended, and will benefit from a ...4 days ago
- The contest for the future heart and soul of the Labour PartyPeter Dunne writes – It is no coincidence that two Labour should-have-been MPs are making the most noise about public sector cuts. As assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, Fleur Fitzsimons has been at the forefront of revealing where the next round of state sector job ...4 days ago
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- Portrait of a Man.
I am painting in oil, a portrait of a manWho has taken all the heart aches,And all the pain he can stand.I am using all the colors of blue,I have here on my stand.I am painting in oil, a portrait of a man.This has been an interesting week for me. ...4 days ago - The Hoon around the week to May 17Helen Clark joins the Hoon as a special guest talking whether Aotearoa should join Aukus II, and her views on the fast track legislation and how Luxon and the new Government are performing. File Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts ...4 days ago
- Weekly Roundup 17-May-2024We’re at the end of another week. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked if the Herald’s poor journalism will cost lives On Tuesday Matt covered Wayne Brown’s proposal for public transport in the Long ...4 days ago
- Rishi’s relaunch
With an election due in less than nine months, Britain’s embattled PM, Rishi Sunak, gave a useful speech earlier this week. He made a substantial case for his government, perhaps as compelling as is possible in the current environment. Quite an achievement. His overall theme was security, first pulling ...4 days ago - Skeptical Science New Research for Week #20 2024Open access notables Publicly expressed climate scepticism is greatest in regions with high CO2 emissions, Pearson et al., Climatic Change: We analysed a recently released corpus of climate-related tweets to examine the macro-level factors associated with public declarations of climate change scepticism. Analyses of over 2 million geo-located tweets in the U.S. showed that climate ...4 days ago
- The thrilling possibilities of charter schools
You can be all negative about these charter schools if you want, but I’m here to accentuate the positive. You can get all worked up, if you want to, by the contradiction of Luxon saying We’re going to make sure that every school in the country is teaching exactly the same ...5 days ago - This Unreasonable Government.Losing The Room: One can only speculate about what has persuaded the Coalition Government that it will pay no electoral price for unreasonably pushing ahead with policies that are so clearly against the national interest. They seem quite oblivious to the risk that by doing so they will convince an increasing ...5 days ago
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- This is what corruption looks likeWhen National first proposed its Muldoonist "fast-track" law, they were warned that it would inevitably lead to corruption. And that is exactly what has happened, with Resources Minister Shane Jones taking secret meetings with potential applicants: On Tuesday, in a Newsroom story, questions were raised about a dinner Jones ...5 days ago
- Take that, Vladimir – and be warned: we have plenty more sanctions (at least, we hope so) in our ...Buzz from the Beehive One day – hopefully – we will push that Russian rascal, Vladimir Putin, beyond breaking point. Perhaps it will happen today, when he learns that Foreign Minister Winston Peters is again tightening the thumbscrews. Peters announced further sanctions, this time on 28 individuals and 14 entities ...5 days ago
- More Harm Than Good.How Labour’s and National’s failure to move beyond neoliberalism has brought New Zealand to the brink of economic and cultural chaos.TO START LOSING, so soon after you won, requires a special kind of political incompetence. At the heart of this Coalition Government’s failure to retain, and build upon, the public ...5 days ago
- The Ombudsman fails againIn 2020, the Operation Burnham inquiry reported back, finding that NZDF had lied to Ministers and the New Zealand public about its actions in Afghanistan. The inquiry saw a large number of documents declassified and released, which raised another problem: whether they had also lied to the Ombudsman in his ...5 days ago
- No Time To Think: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.“Members of Parliament don’t work for us, they represent us, an entirely different thing. As with so much that has turned out badly, the re-organising of MPs’ responsibilities began with the Fourth Labour Government. That’s when they began to be treated like employees – public servants – whose diaries had ...5 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: Lobbying for Waikato’s Medical School causing problems for the GovtIt’s becoming a classic case study for why lobbying deals with politicians need greater scrutiny. Former National Minister Steven Joyce runs a lobbying company with a major client – the University of Waikato. The University desperately wants $300m+ of taxpayer funding to establish a third medical school in New Zealand, ...5 days ago
- Picking Sides.5 days ago
- Universities offer course in self-serving cowardiceHenry Ergas writes – When in Randall Jarrell’s Pictures from an Institution, a college president is accused of being a hypocrite, the novel’s narrator retorts that the description is grossly unfair. After all, the man is still far from the stage of moral development at which the charge ...5 days ago
- The teacher trainee challengeDavid Farrar writes – Radio NZ reports: The Education Review Office says too many new teachers feel poorly prepared for their jobs. In a report published on Monday, the review office said 60 percent of the principals it interviewed said their new teachers were not ready. ...5 days ago
- Words and (in)actionsNew Zealand’s economic performance and the PM’s vision Michael Reddell writes – When I wrote yesterday morning’s post, highlighting how poorly both New Zealand and its Anglo peer countries have been doing in respect of productivity in recent times (ie, in the case of New ...5 days ago
- What do you hope for/fear from the budget?
Hi all,Firstly - thank you! You guys are awesome. The response I’ve received to last night’s mail has been quite overwhelming. It’s a ghastly day outside, but there are no clouds in here.In case you didn’t read my email and are wondering what on earth I’m talking about you can ...5 days ago - Gordon Campbell on ACT’s charter schools experimentIf there was still any doubt as to who is actually running this government – and it isn’t the buffoon from Botany – then this week’s announcement of a huge spend up on charter schools has settled the matter. While jobs and public services continue to be cut in the ...5 days ago
- Drought fuels wildfire concerns as Canada braces for another intense summerThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Gaye Taylor As widespread drought raises expectations for a repeat of last year’s ferocious wildfire season, response teams across Canada are grappling with the rapidly changing face of fire in a warming climate. No longer quenched by winter, nor quelled by the ...5 days ago
- Bernard’s Dawn Chorus and pick ‘n’ mix for Thursday, May 16
Half of Christchurch City Holdings Ltd’s directors and its chair resigned en masse last night in protest at Christchurch City Council’s demand to front-load dividends File Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The chair of Christchurch City Council’s investment company and four of its independent directors resigned in protest last ...5 days ago - Controversial proposal could threaten coalitionThe University of Waikato has reworded an advertisement that begins the tender process for its new $300 million-plus medical school even though the Government still needs to approve it. However, even the reworded ad contains an architect’s visualisations of what the school might look like. ACT leader David Seymour told ...5 days ago
- Of Rings of Power Annatar, Dramatic Irony, and Disguises
As a follow-up to the Rings of Power trailer discussion, I thought I needed to add something. There has been some online mockery about the use of the same actor for both the Halbrand and Annatar incarnations of Sauron. The reasoning is that Halbrand with a shave and a new ...5 days ago - The future of Nick's Kōrero.
This isn’t quite as dramatic as the title might suggest. I’m not going anywhere, but there is something I wanted to talk to you about.Let’s start with a typical day.Most days I send out a newsletter in the morning. If I’ve written a lot the previous evening it might be ...5 days ago - The PM promises tax relief in the Budget – but will it be enough to satisfy the Taxpayers’ Union...Buzz from the Beehive The promise of tax relief loomed large in his considerations when the PM delivered a pre-Budget speech to the Auckland Business Chamber. The job back in Wellington is getting government spending back under control, he said, bandying figures which show that in per capita terms, the ...6 days ago
- Fucking uselessYesterday de facto Prime Minister David Seymour announced that his glove puppet government would be re-introducing charter schools, throwing $150 million at his pet quacks, donors and cronies and introducing an entire new government agency to oversee them (the existing Education Review Office, which actually knows how to review schools, ...6 days ago
- Setting things straight.
Seeing that, in order to discredit the figures and achieve moral superiority while attempting to deflect attention away from the military assault on Rafa, Israel supporters in NZ have seized on reports that casualty numbers in Gaza may be inflated … Continue reading ...6 days ago - Far too light a sentenceDavid Farrar writes – Newstalk ZB report: The man responsible for a horror hit and run in central Wellington last year was on a suspended licence and was so drunk he later asked police, “Did I kill someone?” Jason Tuitama injured two women when he ran a red ...6 days ago
- Unwinding Labour’s AgendaMuriel Newman writes – Former US President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation.” The fight for ...6 days ago
- Sequel to “Real reason Waitangi Tribunal could not summons Chhour”Why Courts should have said Waitangi Tribunal could not summons Karen Chhour Gary Judd writes – In the High Court, Justice Isacs declined to uphold the witness summons issued by the Waitangi Tribunal to compel Minister for Children, Karen Chhour, to appear before it to be ...6 days ago
- The Govt’s Fast-Track is being demolished by submissions to ParliamentBryce Edwards writes – The number of voices raising concerns about the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill is rapidly growing. This is especially apparent now that Parliament’s select committee is listening to submissions from the public to evaluate the proposed legislation. Twenty-seven thousand submissions have been made to Parliament ...6 days ago
- A generation is leaving at a rate of one A320-load per day6 days ago
- NZUP RORS back to lifeThe government has made it abundantly clear they’re addicted to the smell of new asphalt. On Tuesday they introduced a new term to the country’s roading lexicon, the Roads of Regional Significance (RoRS), a little brother for the Roads of National (Party) Significance (RoNS). Driving ahead with Roads of Regional ...6 days ago
- School Is Out.
School is outAnd I walk the empty hallwaysI walk aloneAlone as alwaysThere's so many lucky penniesLying on the floorBut where the hell are all the lucky peopleI can't see them any moreYesterday morning, I’d just sent out my newsletter on Tama Potaka, and I was struggling to make the coffee. ...6 days ago - How Are You Doing?
Hi,I wanted to check in and ask how you’re doing.This is perhaps a selfish act, of attempting to find others feeling a similar way to me — that is to say, a little hopeless at the moment.Misery loves company, that sort of deal.Some context.I wish I could say I got ...6 days ago - The Rings of Power: Season Two Teaser Trailer
I have hitherto been fairly quiet on the new season of Rings of Power, on the basis that the underwhelming first season did not exactly build excitement – and the rumours were fairly daft. The only real thing of substance to come out has been that they have re-cast Adar ...6 days ago - At a glance – What ended the Little ice Age?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 ...6 days ago
- Talking Reo with the PM
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- Australia jails another whistleblowerIn 2014 former Australian army lawyer David McBride leaked classified military documents about Australian war crimes to the ABC. Dubbed "The Afghan Files", the documents led to an explosive report on Australian war crimes, the disbanding of an entire SAS unit, and multiple ongoing prosecutions. The journalist who wrote the ...7 days ago
- Government must build more public houses, not find excuses to sell them
The Green Party says the Government must use the review of Kāinga Ora as a platform to build more homes, not an excuse to sell them off. ...13 hours ago - Government must build more public houses, not find excuses to sell themThe Green Party says the Government must use the review of Kāinga Ora as a platform to build more homes, not an excuse to sell them off. ...13 hours ago
- Release: Treasury advice show flaws in Fast Track Approvals Bill
Treasury officials have outlined many ways in which the Fast Track Approvals Bill is deeply flawed, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking says. ...20 hours ago - State of the Planet speeches, 2024Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick used this year's State of the Planet to call on the Government to prioritise people and planet as the delivery of the Budget approaches. A full transcript of their speeches can be found below. ...2 days ago
- State of the Planet: Government must be guided by values not moneyGreen Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick have used their State of the Planet speeches to challenge the Government to prioritise people and planet over profit as the delivery of the Budget approaches. ...2 days ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins’ speech: New Zealand in 2040 – A vision worth fighting for...2 days ago
- Release: 4,500 jobs lost – and countingMore than 4,500 jobs are set to go as the National Government continues its deep cuts to services to pay for irresponsible and ill-timed tax cuts. ...4 days ago
- No-cause evictions leave no hope for rentersThe Government’s introduction of legislation that would enable landlords to end tenancies with no reason marks a dark day for the 1.4 million people who rent their home in Aotearoa. ...4 days ago
- Release: National winding back mental health workThe Minister for Mental Health has found the Suicide Prevention Office and mental health support for 111 calls slipping through his fingers, says Labour spokesperson for Mental Health Ingrid Leary. ...6 days ago
- Government ignorant of evidence in neglect of tamarikiToday’s justification from the Minister for Children for scrapping protections for our tamariki was either a case of ignorance or deliberate deception. ...7 days ago
- Gang policy setting communities up for failureThe Green Party says the Government’s misguided policy on gangs will fail, following the announcement of the establishment of a national gang unit and district gang disruption units to target gang activities. ...7 days ago
- Statement from police spokesperson Ginny Andersen“With Police pay negotiations still unresolved after six months in Government, Mark Mitchell has today rolled the Commissioner out for a rebrand of their approach to gang crime,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said. ...7 days ago
- Charter schools not a serious solutionWe need serious investment and solutions into our education system, not a vanity project from David Seymour. ...7 days ago
- Release: Ideological charter schools won’t increase achievementThe Government bringing back 50 charter schools will not increase achievement and is a distraction from the core mission of the education system, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...7 days ago
- Release: Visas needed for Palestinians with family in New ZealandThe Government must show some compassion and create a special visa to allow Palestinians with family in New Zealand to be reunited with them here. ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt’s stubbornness will harm Māori childrenGovernment has remained stubborn and is ramming its Bill into the House today, which the Waitangi Tribunal has said will hurt vulnerable children. ...1 week ago
- ‘Lucky dip’ process too casual for hearing critical submissions on Fast Track approvals billTe Pāti Māori is showing extreme concern over the Environment Select Committees adoption of a lucky dip draw to determine hearings for the Fast Track Approvals bill. Of the 27,000 submissions, 2,900 requested to present. All organisations will be heard; however, the remaining 2,350 submitters will be subject to a ...1 week ago
- New Zealand First Member’s Bill to protect women’s spaces
Today New Zealand First will introduce a Member’s Bill that will protect women’s spaces. The ‘Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill’ will require, primarily in the interest and safety of women and girls, that all new non-domestic publicly accessible buildings provide separate, clearly demarcated, unisex and single sex bathrooms. This Bill ...2 weeks ago - Release: Support for climate adaptation inquiryLabour supports a Notice of Motion in the House today to move the Finance and Expenditure Committee to conduct an inquiry on climate adaptation. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens welcome cross-party approach to climate adaptationThe Green Party is welcoming Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ continuation of Hon. James Shaw’s cross-party work on climate adaptation, now in the form of a Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Sexual violence prevention among hundreds of job cuts at ACCThe National Government plans to cut 390 jobs at ACC, including roles in the areas of prevention of sexual violence, road safety and workplace safety. ...2 weeks ago
- Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdownThe Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries. ...2 weeks ago
- Minister of Finance reheats austerity politicsThis morning’s pre-Budget speech from the Minister of Finance offered no “meaningful” news on the Government’s trickle-down economics based plans. ...2 weeks ago
- A win for Wellington – Greens welcome more housingThe Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Backtrack on school lunches a win for Kiwi kidsDavid Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Hon Willie Jackson to debate at the Prestigious Oxford UnionHon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...2 weeks ago
- Members Bill will prevent Māori land confiscationsGreen Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...2 weeks ago
- TIKANGA IS NOT LAW. IT IS CULTURAL INDOCTRINATION.A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National won’t commit to full Nelson Hospital upgradeThe Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for fast track list to be releasedMinisters must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National gaslights women fighting for equal payNational has scrapped the pay equity taskforce that fights for equal pay for women and looks at ethnic pay gaps. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: More job cuts, fewer houses under NationalThe Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Children fall deeper through the cracks in Govt cutsWith Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour honours memory of Sir Robert MartinThe Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: 130,000 cattle saved from live exportLabour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...3 weeks ago
- Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fireToday’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...3 weeks ago
- New unemployment figures paint bleak pictureThe Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment risesUnemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...3 weeks ago
- Government to rollout roadside drug testing
The Coalition Government will introduce legislation this year that will enable roadside drug testing as part of our commitment to improve road safety and restore law and order, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. In ...11 hours ago - Minister responds to review of Kāinga OraThe Government has announced a series of immediate actions in response to the independent review of Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “Kāinga Ora is a large and important Crown entity, with assets of $45 billion and over $2.5 billion of expenditure each year. It ...12 hours ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelvesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour is pleased that Pseudoephedrine can now be purchased by the general public to protect them from winter illness, after the coalition government worked swiftly to change the law and oversaw a fast approval process by Medsafe. “Pharmacies are now putting the medicines back on their ...15 hours ago
- New Zealand-China Business SummitTēnā koutou katoa. Da jia hao. Good morning everyone. Prime Minister Luxon, your excellency, a great friend of New Zealand and my friend Ambassador Wang, Mayor of what he tells me is the best city in New Zealand, Wayne Brown, the highly respected Fran O’Sullivan, Champion of the Auckland business ...22 hours ago
- New measures to protect powerlines from treesEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced that the Government will make it easier for lines firms to take action to remove vegetation from obstructing local powerlines. The change will ensure greater security of electricity supply in local communities, particularly during severe weather events. “Trees or parts of trees falling on ...3 days ago
- Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani win top Māori dairy farming awardWairarapa Moana ki Pouakani were the top winners at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy awards recognising the best in Māori dairy farming. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the winners and congratulated runners-up, Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board, at an awards celebration also attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister ...3 days ago
- DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received"On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “I raised my concerns after being ...4 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...4 days ago
- Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...4 days ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...4 days ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...4 days ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...5 days ago
- New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...5 days ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...5 days ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...5 days ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...5 days ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...5 days ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...6 days ago
- New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaborationNew Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says. “This ...6 days ago
- Penk travels to Peru for trade meetingsMinister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...6 days ago
- Minister attends global education conferencesMinister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...6 days ago
- Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA ChairMinister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...6 days ago
- Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call FoundationNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...7 days ago
- Panel announced for review into disability servicesDistinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...7 days ago
- Minister welcomes Police gang unitToday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...7 days ago
- New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoricForeign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners. “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...7 days ago
- New Chief of Defence Force appointedAir Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...7 days ago
- Government puts children first by repealing 7AALegislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...7 days ago
- Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, ItalyDefence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...7 days ago
- Charter schools to lift educational outcomesThe upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...7 days ago
- COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received“The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...1 week ago
- The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlookForeign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...1 week ago
- NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely togetherHealth, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...1 week ago
- Driving ahead with Roads of Regional SignificanceThe coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...1 week ago
- New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands governmentA high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office. “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...1 week ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolutionNew Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...1 week ago
- Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...2 weeks ago
- $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...2 weeks ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...2 weeks ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...2 weeks ago
- The scariest driver of school non-attendance: more parents who just don’t care
Parents in a UK study knew attendance rates had gone down. The problem was, they didn't care. Could the same be true here? ...9 mins ago - How to lessen stigma and gaslighting in the health sector
Opinion: People with certain types of health conditions are more likely than others to have their symptoms dismissed, minimised or disbelieved. These conditions are diagnosed based on the patient self-report of symptoms, where there is no definitive diagnostic test that can prove the existence of disease or demonstrate structural or ...31 mins ago - Restoring fiscal discipline – and trustOpinion: Without an appropriate focus on value for public spending, trust in government is likely to erode The post Restoring fiscal discipline – and trust appeared first on Newsroom. ...31 mins ago
- Hit by a digital guillotineThe intensity of it, ironically, can feel like bullying. Social media activism is reaching something of a peak with the war in Gaza, using the hashtag Blockout2024. It started at this year’s MetGala when influencer and model Haley Kalil was caught on video muttering ‘let them eat cake’ – suddenly ...31 mins ago
- ‘I will never give birth to a child’It’s 2011 and I am 43 years old. My partner, Christine, and I got together when I was 36. We had been friends for about 10 years before that. One of the first things I asked Christine was whether she wanted to have kids. I had just come out of ...31 mins ago
- Phase out mid point: Govt commits to low-energy user charges reviewThe Consumer Advocacy Council is pleased the Government will review the phase out of fixed low-user energy plans The post Phase out mid point: Govt commits to low-energy user charges review appeared first on Newsroom. ...31 mins ago
- Problems persist even in environment ministry’s alternative fast-track billAnalysis: The Ministry for the Environment still couldn’t shake concerns about local voices, legal risks and environmental degradation The post Problems persist even in environment ministry’s alternative fast-track bill appeared first on Newsroom. ...31 mins ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 21 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 21 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...31 mins ago
- Daily crossword, Tuesday 21 MayThe post Daily crossword, Tuesday 21 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...31 mins ago
- Luxon’s ‘clear-eyed’ stance on China security issuesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon balanced promotion of ‘critical’ trade ties with ‘clear-eyed’ security talk at a China summit The post Luxon’s ‘clear-eyed’ stance on China security issues appeared first on Newsroom. ...31 mins ago
- Mega prison would cost mega bucks, so follow the moneyOpinion: As an indication of the eye-watering sums involved for the mega-prison plans announced two weeks ago by Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell, consider that $932 million has already been spent on a separate facility due to open at Waikeria next year – that’s about $1.5 million for each of the ...31 mins ago
- Any online ‘kidfluencer’ content or images of children can be sexualised, as Four Corners repor...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Jane Archer, Senior Lecturer, Communication, Edith Cowan University guruXOX/Shutterstock The latest episode of the ABC’s flagship investigative program, Four Corners, makes for grim viewing. It reveals cases of men making inappropriate and sexual comments on online images of children, ...6 hours ago - Stalking legislation review potentially next year – but could take longerThe government has a full slate of "justice commitments" already this year, the Justice Minister says. ...6 hours ago
- Kiwis trapped in Nouméa: Air NZ won’t fly from New Caledonia for daysNew Caledonia’s Tontouta International Airport remains closed, and Air New Zealand’s next scheduled flight is on Saturday — although it is not ruling out adding extra services. Air NZ’s Captain David Morgan said on Monday evening flights would only resume when they were assured of the security of the airport ...6 hours ago
- Nakba Gallery: From the river to the sea, Palestine will be freeAsia Pacific Report As Israel drives the Palestinians deeper into another Nakba in Gaza with its assault on Rafah, the Palestine Youth Aotearoa (PYA) and solidarity supporters in Aotearoa New Zealand tonight commemorated the original Nakba — “the Catastrophe” — of 1948. The 1948 Nakba . . . more than ...6 hours ago
- Kanaky New Caledonia unrest: Young people will ‘never give up’ – journalistYoung people on the streets in New Caledonia are saying they will “never give up” pushing back against France’s hold on the Pacific territory, a Kanak journalist in Nouméa says. Pro-independence Radio Djiido’s Andre Qaeze told RNZ Pacific young people had said that “Paris must respect us” and what had ...7 hours ago
- PODCAST: A View from Afar – Is a second Trump Presidency Possible?This episode of A View from Afar podcast was recorded live from 12:45pm May 20, 2024 (NZST). Political scientist Paul Buchanan and Selwyn Manning examine: The United States and how the world is engaging with it geopolitically. Specifically, Paul and Selwyn analyse what has changed in this regard in ...9 hours ago
- Fast-track laws, parliamentary urgency, Treaty tension, media retreat: warning signs for NZ's &...Analysis - Power is not being abused, but it is not being well managed either. New Zealand democracy, unique and currently brittle, should be handled with greater care, Alexander Gillespie writes. ...10 hours ago
- Forcing a government rethink on Gaza 'a cause worth dying for' – Will AlexanderA former Shortland Street actor says he doesn't want to die but changing the government's policy matters hugely to him. ...11 hours ago
- Has logging really stopped in Victoria? What the death of an endangered glider tells usSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Forest Conservation Victoria, CC BY-NC-ND Victoria’s native forest logging industry ended on January 1 this year. The news was met with jubilation from conservationists. But did logging really ...11 hours ago
- What’s the difference between fiscal and monetary policy?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Crosby, Professor, Monash University Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock This article is part two of The Conversation’s “Business Basics” series where we ask leading experts to discuss key concepts in business, economics and finance. How governments should manage their budgets, and how ...11 hours ago
- Is it time for Australia to reassess its position on France’s role in New Caledonia?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole George, Associate Professor in Peace and Conflict Studies, The University of Queensland On Sunday afternoon, Australian citizens who have been trapped in New Caledonia were called to a meeting at one of the large hotels in the capital, Noumea. The ...12 hours ago
- MediSecure data breach: why is health data so lucrative for hackers?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Prictor, Senior Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne REDPIXEL.PL/Shutterstock The latest large-scale ransomware attack on a health technology provider, electronic prescription company MediSecure, was revealed last week. MediSecure announced it had suffered a “cyber security incident” affecting people’s personal ...12 hours ago
- Our research shows what the rental market is really like for international studentsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Soong, Senior Lecturer and Socio-cultural researcher, UniSA Education Futures, University of South Australia International students have come under fire from both sides of federal politics in the past week. The Albanese government introduced legislation to parliament last Thursday to put ...12 hours ago
- Watch: PM, Housing Minister discuss Kāinga Ora reviewHousing Minister Chris Bishop has ruled out a mass sell-off of state houses. ...13 hours ago
- Kāinga Ora underperforming, not financially viable – Sir Bill EnglishThe agency paid limited attention to value for money and had opaque transparency around internal costs and revenue, the review found. ...13 hours ago
- Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to media following CabinetPM Christopher Luxon and Housing Minister Chris Bishop are discussing a review of Kainga Ora led by Sir Bill English. ...13 hours ago
- The ‘dead internet theory’ makes eerie claims about an AI-run web. The truth is more sinisterSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jake Renzella, Lecturer, Director of Studies (Computer Science), UNSW Sydney An example of shrimp Jesus. Shutterstock AI Generator If you search “shrimp Jesus” on Facebook, you might encounter dozens of images of artificial intelligence (AI) generated crustaceans meshed in various forms with ...14 hours ago
- Some sports leaders are trying to defy term limits – which can open the door to corruptionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua McLeod, Lecturer in Sport Management, Deakin University Being a sport administrator comes with many perks, so it’s no surprise many want to stay in their positions as long as possible. Recently, a trend has emerged whereby leaders in sport are seeking ...14 hours ago
- I can’t afford olive oil. What else can I use?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland Joyisjoyful/Shutterstock If you buy your olive oil in bulk, you’ve likely been in for a shock in recent weeks. Major supermarkets have been selling olive oil for up to ...15 hours ago
- On the pain and pleasure of cooking
A conversation with artist and home cook Prairie Hatchard-McGill, aka @cacioeprairie. This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. A few weeks ago, I spotted Prairie strolling down Ponsonby Road at sunset, a bunch of celery tucked under her arm. She was too far away for me ...16 hours ago - Three Kiwis Launch Haka Challenge To Free Assange In London
The Haka Challenge invites anyone to learn and record the Ka Mate haka as performed by the All Blacks, to show their support for "the South Pacific's greatest truth teller". ...16 hours ago - Former Shortland Street Actor Will Alexander Goes On Hunger Strike Over NZ Government’s Complicity...At the Christchurch rally in support of Palestine, he started his hunger strike and vowed to continue until the government stops supporting Israel’s genocide in Gaza. ...16 hours ago
- In stories of unrest in New Caledonia, Kanak voices should not be an afterthoughtWith Nouméa reeling as mainly young, politically active Kanak people take to the streets and protest, a spirit that has been dormant since the 1980s has awoken. Tāmaki Makaurau-based Kanak Joseph Xulué provides some context. As reports continue to emphasise the fires burning through the streets of Nouméa (the capital ...16 hours ago
- Oranga Tamariki proposal to cut critical records unit 'incredibly disrespectful' – a..."For a system that desperately needs help, any budget cuts to me are outrageous but especially in record-keeping," Lisa McLaren says. ...16 hours ago
- Passport delays cause applicants to pay an extra $1.2m for urgent serviceAn unintended consequence of the backlog could have the DIA making hundreds of thousands of dollars in expedited passport applications. ...16 hours ago
- Joining AUKUS could be seen as 'taking sides' – Chinese ambassadorWang Xiaolong told an audience New Zealand joining the military pact could look like "taking sides". ...16 hours ago
- Labor and Albanese gain in post-budget Newspoll, but other polls don’t look as rosySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national Newspoll, conducted after the May 14 budget from a sample of over 1,200 people, gave Labor a 52–48% lead over ...17 hours ago
- Kanaky New Caledonia unrest: NZ student in Nouméa taught to use fire extinguishersA New Zealander studying at the University of New Caledonia says students have been taught to use fire extinguishers as firefighters are unlikely to come help if there is an emergency. It comes as days of unrest followed a controversial proposed constitutional amendment which would allow more French residents of ...17 hours ago
- Green MP Darleen Tana investigation costs $43,000 so farDarleen Tana was suspended nine weeks ago amid allegations of migrant exploitation relating to her husband's company . ...17 hours ago
- Fast-track laws, parliamentary urgency, Treaty tension, media retreat: warning signs for NZ’s ‘b...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato Getty Images There have been so many submissions on the government’s proposed Fast-track Approvals Bill – 27,000 written, with 2,900 wanting to appear before the select committee in person – that a ballot ...18 hours ago
- LIVE RECORDING: A View from Afar – Is a second Trump Presidency Possible?The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today at 12:45pm May 20, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 8:30pm (USEST). Today, political scientist Paul Buchanan and Selwyn Manning will examine: The United States and how the world is engaging with it geopolitically. Specifically, we will ...19 hours ago
- Scams are surging – this team blocked 1.3 million in a monthAfter falling victim to a scam over the phone, Russell Brown spent the day with One NZ’s cyber defence and fraud prevention teams to see the work they do to stop millions of scam attempts every year. The only windows in the Cyber Defence Centre at One NZ’s Auckland headquarters ...19 hours ago
- Thousands sign petition to make stalking illegalThe proposal has gained steam since 2022, when Auckland woman Farzana Yaqubi was murdered by a stalker she had previously reported to police. ...19 hours ago
- Treasury Advice Show Flaws In Fast Track Approvals BillTreasury officials have outlined many ways in which the Fast Track Approvals Bill is deeply flawed, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking says. ...19 hours ago
- Chloe Swarbrick on Green MPs Darleen Tana and Julie Anne GenterDarleen Tana has been suspended amid allegations of migrant exploitation. while Julie Anne Genter is before Parliament's Privileges Committee. ...20 hours ago
- Has cutting 'corporate welfare' left a hole in government climate plans?National scrapped a fund for companies to switch from coal. Now NZ might not meet emissions targets, officials say. ...20 hours ago
- Why has an Israel-Hamas ceasefire been so elusive? A timeline of key moments in the search for peaceSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marika Sosnowski, Postdoctoral research fellow, The University of Melbourne Ever since armed conflict has existed, ceasefires have been thought of as a bridge between war and peace. Consequently, their success has been measured by their ability to stop violence between warring parties ...20 hours ago
- Oral retinoids can harm unborn babies. But many women taking them for acne may not be using contrace...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Antonia Shand, Research Fellow, Obstetrician, University of Sydney Backgroundy/Shutterstock Oral retinoids are a type of medicine used to treat severe acne. They’re sold under the brand name Roaccutane, among others. While oral retinoids are very effective, they can have harmful effects ...20 hours ago
- Australia is set to ban live sheep exports. What will this mean for the industry?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Renwick, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Lincoln University, New Zealand This month the federal government announced a plan to ban live sheep exports, set to come into effect from May 1 2028. The announcement coincided with the release of a highly ...20 hours ago
- How are the stocks of the fish on the iconic poster going? ‘Munted’, says one expertAnother technical answer: ‘no one really knows.’ It smells like hot fat and fish. You hug the warm bundle of newspaper, translucent with grease, swaddling it like a newborn babe. Behind the counter is a small child doing her homework, and the grumpiest Chinese lady in the world. Above you, ...21 hours ago
- Mahé Drysdale on mayoralty bid: 'I'm running to make Tauranga NZ's best small city&#...The two-time Olympic gold medalist will have to beat out a number of people - and his own uncle - for the top job in Tauranga. ...21 hours ago
- Fears Queenstown's homeless problem is about to snowballThe town may see an influx of hundreds of people sleeping in tents this winter, advocates warn. ...21 hours ago
- Kiwis Urged To Give Shane Jones ‘The Finger’New Zealanders are being called on to give Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones “the finger” in a cheeky new campaign that aims to dramatically boost marine protection in Aotearoa. ...21 hours ago
- Ancient DNA from an extinct native duck reveals how far birds flew to make New Zealand homeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nic Rawlence, Senior Lecturer in Ancient DNA, University of Otago Auckland Island merganser. Artistic reconstruction by J. G. Keulemans from Bullers Birds of New Zealand (1888) Bullers Birds of New Zealand, Author provided Ask a bird lover if they have heard of ...21 hours ago
- The left gears up for 2026 – and beyondLeaders from three of the biggest political parties addressed party faithful over the weekend, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A weekend ...22 hours ago
- Ministry for the Environment warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’Environment Ministry says the fast-track bill poses “significant risks”, despite being neither cheaper nor faster than other options The post Ministry for the Environment warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...23 hours ago
- Treasury warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’Treasury has said the fast-track bill poses “significant risks”, despite being neither cheaper nor faster than other options The post Treasury warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...23 hours ago
- Oranga Tamariki looks to cut unit responsible for critical records for children in state careAbuse survivors have used the records to find out life-changing information about their family - and even their true ethnicity. ...1 day ago
- Half-term report card: Tory Whanau’s wins, losses and re-election chancesKia ora, welcome to Windbag, The Spinoff’s new Wellington issues column, written by me, Joel MacManus. In this first edition, I take a closer look at the first half of Tory Whanau’s term as mayor. If you want to understand Wellington’s local political landscape, you need to start in 2013 ...1 day ago
- The murky past – and unknown future – of a huia feather set to sell to the highest bidderA taonga going under the hammer at an Auckland auction house tonight is expected to fetch thousands. But concerns have been raised about its unclear provenance – and about the law that’s meant to protect it. Eda Tang reports. When Tamatea* received the huia feather they bought from a licensed ...1 day ago
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350255156/damien-grant-pay-attention-review-gender-care-youth
Damian Grant on the idiocy (my words) of transitioning kids.
On that note, a new Curia poll suggests the NZ public are more sensible than most of our politicians:
http://familyfirst.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Child-Gender-Dysphoria-Poll-Results-April-2024.pdf
Green Party supporters are the only significant demographic that leans towards supporting so-called "gender-affirming care" of minors.
What a silly survey for Family First. Are Primary School kids taught" that they can "choose their gender" . I would say they aren't and shouldn't be.
However if the question was, "Should a Primary School child who has anxieties about gender, be offered support?" Yes most would say.
How about when a child is a diabetic; "Should Primary School children be taught that they can choose to be a diabetic or not?"
You might want to have a look at the RSE Curriculum for years 1 to 8 and see what they are being taught. Start with the "Glossary" if you want to save time.
Thanks Visubversa. I have just looked at the RSE quickly and will return to it tomorrow. Will look to see if there is a connect between the survey questions and what is actually taught in lessons. I hope that the glossary is just a reference to be informed when questions arise rather tha lesson plans.
"What a silly survey for Family First. Are Primary School kids taught" that they can "choose their gender" . . "
A bit confusing as it is not clear if by 'gender' they mean sex or gender (as in outer appearance feminine/masculine). Assuming they mean sex then:
Yet one in four persons, who voted Greens or Labour last time, don't think it a silly question and answered -yes- to the question.
22 April 2024
"The German Parliament, or Bundestag, passed one of the world’s most far-reaching sex self-determination policies on April 12, despite protests from women’s rights campaigners. The Self-Determination Act (SBGG) establishes ‘gender identity’ as a protected characteristic and allows parents to change the sex marker on their children’s documents from birth."
"If parents choose to do so, they may alter the identifying information of their children from birth. The SBGG stipulates that the consent of a child is necessary from the age of five, and, “from the age of 14, minors can do it themselves, but require the consent of their guardians.”
https://reduxx.info/germany-passes-gender-self-identification-law-allowing-infants-to-transition-imposes-massive-fine-for-deadnaming/
So much for the right of the child…
Read that again: asking for the consent of a 5 year old!!
I commented below about definitions. I don't think we can assume the poll means sex. In the RSE guide, gender is defined differently from sex.
The problem with the Curia poll isn't asking that question, it's that gender isn't defined in the question. Many people still use 'sex' and 'gender' interchangeably.
As Visub points out, we can look to the curriculum as to what is being taught in schools,
https://hpe.tki.org.nz/assets/healthpe/pdfs/RSE+Guide+y1-8.pdf
That guide does have a definition of gender,
They don't define masculinities and femininities. Given this is year 1 – 8, does this mean that if a boy likes playing with girls/girls toys/girls games, he has a gender that isn't boy?
Other definitions,
There's a big arrow there pointing to boys are blue and girls are pink. You can imagine how feminists feel about this after decades of work to dismantle gender roles and stereotypes.
Just what are the mannerisms that are feminine or masculine?
Note also that trans is identifying as a sex not a gender role/stereotype. Or female is a gender not a sex. Female and male aren't defined but the implication from the sex definition is they mean biological sex. So which is it? That someone identities as a biological sex they aren't? Or the societally imposed gender roles? Nice mess there.
So what is being taught? Indirectly, there is this, under the heading of Human Rights,
my first question is what is being done to support gender non-conforming children outside of a transition framework? Because of a boy wants to do girl stuff, is there support for that that doesn't involve transition? How about the tomboys? The word tomboy doesn't appear in the document.
If you want to see what is being suggested by the guide, keyword search 'gender'.
Note the suggestion that boys can use girls' toilets. That's dangerous.
The minute they use the term "sex assigned at birth" we know that they are captured and lying. Sex is determined at conception, and in mammals is bi-modal and immutable. If they lie about that – they will lie about anything because they have abandoned biological reality in favour of a homophobic and misogynistic ideology.
My security software assesses that .pdf as a "security risk" and won't download it.
you can google the title and see if it works that way.
Thread.
Caroline Orr Bueno, Ph.D
@RVAwonk
Look, I obviously know the circumstances are different, but there is a ton of overlap between what is going on now and the various iterations of the so-called campus free speech wars that we’ve seen for years. We know how this will unfold. Here’s a sneak preview.
https://twitter.com/RVAwonk/status/1783609217204527494
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1783609217204527494.html
Balaclavas and roof-top snipers. Whatever could go wrong.
/
@PatrickQuinnTV
WATCH: Among those arrested today were Noelle McAfee, Chair of the Philosophy Department at Emory University. I’ve asked for a comment from Emory on this arrest, no word yet. This video provided to us by an #Emory PHD student. You can hear him in this video.
@ATLNewsFirst
https://twitter.com/PatrickQuinnTV/status/1783532600637681964
https://www.thelantern.com/2024/04/university-says-officers-had-readied-firearms-directed-toward-protesters-from-ohio-unions-roof-once-arrests-began/
did that get fact checked? I followed a few threads on twitter yesterday where people were arguing if the police were using a scope to observe individuals rather than it being a sniper.
Identify your target with a monocular scope. Otherwise, it's binoculars.
In the United States, mass arrests took place on Thursday at the Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio and Indiana University, in Bloomington, Indiana. Prior to the arrests, students photographed and videotaped armed police snipers on the rooftops of campus buildings with their weapons trained on students.
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/04/25/fwco-a25.html
sure, but I was hoping someone had fact checked it by now.
One of the primary rules of firearm safety is to never point a firearm at something/someone that you don't intend to shoot. Police were observed and documented doing just that.
What's to fact check?
someone knowledgeable about firearms who can confirm their rifles were being used for sniping rather than scoping. The threads I was watching were saying things like the rifles weren't usable as a firearm.
Even if they were just scoping, it's still an issue. I just prefer to know what was going on.
Witnesses and local legislators knew what was going on. Police used binoculars to scope protesting students and then they sent the message.
State Rep. Matt Pierce D-Bloomington, who is also a senior lecturer in the Media School, released a statement Friday condemning IU’s role in the arrest of protesters in Dunn Meadow on Thursday.
"It's ironic that University leaders who continually use the excuse of potential violence to suppress speech it opposes invited onto campus state police with military-style weapons that included what appeared to be snipers stationed on rooftops to force a physical confrontation with protesters,” his statement read. “This reckless decision is indefensible. Does President Whitten not remember Kent State?”
[…]
The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus released a statement Sunday in response to “heavy police presence during peaceful demonstrations” at IU.
“What we are seeing on the news and hearing from firsthand accounts gives us great concern that First Amendment Rights and even personal safety could be at risk on the Indiana University Campus,” the statement read. “While we understand this is a fluid situation we still worry about the sheer amount of police in riot gear, including snipers, called in to manage what has been reported as a peaceful protest.”
https://www.idsnews.com/article/2024/04/politicians-respond-dunn-meadow-encampment-clearing-arrests-protest
The Standard is rather quiet of late. Have people shrugged their shoulders and accepted we are stuck with Luxon and Co and are just getting on with their lives as best they can?
Or are we all shell-shocked from the barrage of decisions being made by the government which are making life pretty tough for many?
I was reading in the Herald yesterday about a couple who have a very disabled 23 year old son they care for at home. The difficulties they face daily are extreme and how they manage to do this I cannot imagine. They previously were entitled to have a paid weekend stay at a hotel (can't recall how often) so they can relax and have a good night's sleep. This has now been stopped.
The lack of empathy and humanity by that sacked minister to the plight of people like this couple I find very disturbing.
To be a Tory politician, one must have, at the very least, sociopathic traits. Be hardwired to feel incapable of empathy or compassion, in order to harm so many citizens and still sleep at night.
There is something particularly dangerous about the Tory women put in charge of welfare portfolios over the years (Shipley, Bennet et al) The amount of damage they have overseen to so many people- makes one wonder how they've been selected for their positions.
"To be a Tory politician, one must have, at the very least, sociopathic traits. Be hardwired to feel incapable of empathy or compassion, in order to harm so many citizens and still sleep at night."
Is that you, Angela Rayner? This kind of smug self-righteousness does no credit to the contemporary left.
The only NZ MP's who opposed the inclusion of gender identity in the Conversion Practices legislation were eight "Tories": https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/02/15/conversion-practices-ban-passes-in-parliament/
Those eight conservatives (most of the Nats are liberals) were the only MP's who stood up for vulnerable young people at risk of irreversible damage by transgender ideology. Not a single "progressive" MP stood up to support them.
Is it not possible at all to have any sort of discussion on the site without someone incorporating that topic, even when it was never mentioned in the first place??? Jeez, no wonder people are leaving this site in droves. Looks like I'm about to join them.
Egavangenitalism, Kay, the new obsession.
"Egavangenitalism,"
It sure is, and watching NZ going from a secular society to one to adhere to an ideology, esp in state institutions, is a interesting development.
It's why UK will call for an inquiry how that happened. It might happen in NZ too, but not for a few more years.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/04/20/james-esses-public-inquiry-gender-ideology-tavistock/
Is that a word, Joe?
If it isn't it should be. It's a wonderful addition to the English language.
"To be a Tory politician, one must have, at the very least, sociopathic traits. Be hardwired to feel incapable of empathy or compassion, in order to harm so many citizens and still sleep at night."
We only need one person like Victoria Atkins (UK Health secretary and tory mp) in our government, with this amount of empathy or compassion, I know my observation, but still. Others might follow. Watched by well over 33,000 people
Although I was not surprised the decision the electorate at large made last election, it is still sad and disturbing living with the reality that so many Kiwis in their political naivety can be so easily manipulated that they vote for such a hopeless bunch as Luxon and Co.
The only sane thing left is just get on with life and do the best we can.
I have a more important job now which limits my time to respond, and in addition, my employers firewall detects commenting on sites like this as spam and blocks them, that counts out the comments I usaed to make during my lunch hour.
The other thing I would say is the Standard spends far to much of it's time hijacked by a moderator who is a single issue fanatic. The fact is Weka's obsession with trans issues, her ridiculous womens rights party, and that she comes across as a remarkably uniformed and rather dull person has killed the interest of a lot of people in the site.
My suggestions for the Standard are the following:
Update the sites mission statement – Novara Media provides an excellent example:
"…Novara Media is an independent media organisation addressing the issues that are set to define the 21st century, from a crisis of capitalism to racism and climate change. Within that context our goal is a simple one: to tell stories and provide analysis shaped by the political uncertainties of the age, elevating critical perspectives you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. Driven to build a new media for a different politics, our journalism is always politically committed; rather than seeking to moderate between two sides of a debate, our output actively intends to feed back into political action…"
Novara specifically aviod entangling themselves in idiotic identity conflicts because they think it distracts them from their mission statement.
Look, this site has some brand recognition and it uses the masthead of a storied publication. It could be built into a fine and trusted alternative media source, surely that it can get some seed funding from somewhere.
1 – refresh your team.
2 – Get off whatever is hosting the site and create a "proper" media platform capable of (eventually) supporting an end game including Youtube, podcasts, long form studio interviews etc.
3 – Create a Patreon page.
4 – Create regularly updated premium content for Patreon users – like using the contributors/moderators you do have as contributing editors to contribute articles on the areas they are subject matter experts in.
5 – Look at syndicating a Sunday reading omnibus by cross-posting from the likes of David Slack, Nick Rockel, Gerard Otto, Greater Auckland, David Farrier, Russell Brown, The Kaka – some as Patreon only (if the content owner needs to be paid per view) and some free.
6 – Get more outreach for your posts, especially from the contributing editors, by publishing across multiple platforms – Slack, Substack, Reddit, Discord, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, LinkedIin etc .
7 – Look to generate enough patreon and donation revenue or find enough grants to hire at least part time a social media manager & a researcher initially.
8 – The end game would be a finding a good interviewer and doing a regular monthly 60 minute long form interview about left wing ideas and a professional, bright, enthusiastic, optimistic, must view, weekly 60 minute Youtube show presented by a couple of likeable, smart, passionate, unabashedly left media trained people under 40 in a proper studio – Pat Brittenden has the idea bless him but to be blunt his production and content is amateur and he is in Dunedin, which is a hopeless backwater these days.
Anyway, perhaps something for me to do when I can afford to give up the rat race of paid employment.
Agree with your suggestions…apart from the paywall…
This would be a good time to do what you suggest….
And I can't find any reasons not to involve/empower the readers more..
One way this could be done is by making available an uptick option for readers to endorse what others have said..
I would use that..and I am sure many others would also..
@Sanctuary
"her ridiculous womens rights party", and
"our journalism is always politically committed; "
Sounds like a contradiction in terms, maybe you’re not interested in what might be interesting or important to other people in today's political landscape, esp if there are women?
"Novara specifically aviod entangling themselves in idiotic identity conflicts because they think it distracts them from their mission statement"
and than this: visiting Novara for the 1st time:
"The Cass Review was hyped as the nail in the coffin for a lawless cult of child mutilators. After all that, what we got was a 400-page GCSE sociology essay that ignored decades of research in favour of pure vibes. How embarrassing."
"Gemma Stone is a transgender writer and co-founder of Trans Writes."
https://novaramedia.com/2024/04/15/spare-a-thought-for-hilary-cass/
What did you say about "aviod entangling themselves in idiotic identity conflicts"
after reading that anti-scientific hogwash, seen enough. Give me WEKA anytime, at least you won't read anti-scientific ramblings like that.
Unfortunately a lot of the progressive commentary on this has promoted strawman narratives as opposition to the review. The main point opponents don't deal with is the description of youth-trans being peer pressure induced in many cases. We have seen many peer induced conditions with similar demographics (e.g teenage anorexia, bulemia even suicide attempts) and the appropriate treatment there seems to be good counciling.
Unfortunately I didn't see a lot of engagement with the potential for some children to be starting on a medical path by peer pressure, but I did see a lot of implication this was not a thing.
The Cass Review talks about it, and I think this will shift the debate over time. Lots of barriers have been broken in the past few weeks.
Seems to be one of the most difficult points for this commentary to deal with. Since the point of political commentary on the report ought to be to summarise what it says you don't get any approval from me with claiming an understandable analogy to peer pressure induced conditions, is actually claiming trans people are just cos playing and don't exist. If thats the only way a commentator understands psychology they are clearly not qualified to discuss a review of psychological practice.
I tend to agree. I find that whole line tedious tbh. I would also say that that level of commenting is politics not discussion of psychology and the impact and role of social media, peer-induced conditions (a better framing than contagion).
One of the dynamics is the contemporary liberal idea that children know what they need. I'm of the generation where my peers as parents let their children decide what to eat (in the sense of overall diet) 🙄 I think later parents also handed over a level of responsibility for social media to young people and children, that has been a huge mistake.
I also have an appreciation for why so many people have gone down the 'there's no such thing as a trans child' route. Lisa Littman tried to do research on rapid onset gender dysphoria and basically got cancelled. Now we have lots of parents who have kids who are medically transitioning and those parents are very very angry about the safeguarding failures.
The moderation pendulum swung to far to the heavy handed side sadly. It certainly pushed a bunch of people away and so many interesting veiw points are gone. Redlogix springs to mind as an example.
Sadly, Sanctuary, I agree with your sentiments regarding commentary on The Standard lately. I say this as an aging feminist who despairs at what I read some days. I said several months ago that this site used to be my go to read for enlightened left wing commentary on matters political, but that seems to be no longer the case on the majority of days. I get far more thoughtful input from my Twitter mates.
the main people writing posts currently are micky and Ad. Is that who you are referring to?
If you want different content, maybe say what you would like to see?
Mickey and Ad could both contribute well informed content as contributing editors on their expert subjects. Robert Guyton is an achiever with a deep love of the environmnet and hands on experience of governance. Not sure about Ianmac, but I imagine he would have a contribution based on experience in his area of excellence. Why not geWhat is your skillset? I'd love to find someone who could do a review of the weeks ethnic newspapers in Chinese and Indian languages – what on earth are those communities talking about? Its a skinny horse to start but let's fatten up Boxer over time.
Monthly long form? It would be about ideas. Not the same parade of pundits discussing the horse race or activists – actual ideas. Why not talk about religion from the left? Talk to Peter Lineham, the Catholic Archbishop, the heads of the Anglican Communion. goodness, try and get a genuine evangelical pastor in for a hour long chat and counterpoint it talking to the pastor at Ponsonby Baptist a week later. Talk to the Maori King, Sarah Page of the kindness Collective, the dean of philosophy from Auckland University, Brian Easton and Craig Rennie, Bernard Hickey – once you've got a bit of credibility syndicate Novara media's downstream content with a kiwi panel to adjudge it relevance to NZ, then the likes of Ted Goia, Grace Blakeley and Marxist philosopher Richard Seymour, find a leftist expert on China’s economy and someone to give a leftist critique of the EU – gosh there is so many, that is over a year just there of the top off my head! Filling an ideas gap bigger the grand Canyon in NZ could make you the compulsory watch/listen on a Monday night!
That 'idea'/information gap is why I started doing (proto-aggregation) site whoar,..all those years ago…
I felt strongly that we were very poorly served as a nation…(The Herald and 6pm news were about it then.)
And yet the good stuff was out there…even back then…intelligent writing was my main criteria..
And I used to find about thirty stories a day I would deem worthy of inclusion…
That a generalist take on the events on any given day…and included politics/entertainment in all its forms..etc..etc..
Bugger all sport..I must confess..
And I think it is so much easier now..to find that good stuff…(It is more an editing exercise…having a 'good eye'..)
I say this in support of sanctuary's ideas for the standard…
It could become what he is envisioning…
Tbh I find the most interesting snippets came from the comments, the posts themselves are more a starting point. Thats why it's sad so many interesting particpants have been lost. Didnt always agree with them but the point of veiw often lead to further reading and a better understanding of the subject at the very least.
It does worry me that we seem to be becoming ore fragile as a nation in terms of opposing views. The latest postponment of the panel @ Vic being a case in point.
speaking as a long time commenter and author, the best way to get a more vibrant commentariat here is to support the posts. Read the post, comment under them, make an effort to create the kind of debate you want to see. For quite some time now there have been more comments in OM than under the posts. That's not sustainable.
Commenters come and go, I have people I miss too. But without the authors and support for them, the site doesn't exist.
I'm also concerned about the lowering ability to handle opposing views.
Personally speaking, I almost ignore Mickey's posts as they're almost always about the Nats or coalition and what theyre doing wrong. I'd rather hear his ideas about what a left govt should do… Id also suggest to you Weka that you be more open to opposing views on your posts even if they derail them a little. You have to screen a lot of worthless rock to find gold.
I'd also add that I was ambivious to the gender stuff, although my partner had a read one day and went wtf and is now positivly engaged so while some dont like the posts keep it up.
Refreshing ideas Sanctuary.
I've been through the emotional wringer and had to go through some things which were not pleasent and included very dark thoughts
Which was completely my own fault because I'm an open person and that was used against me
So I'm not posting as much to keep myself safe and my career safe
I will say that Weka does a good job moderating
cheers PR.
Your cautiousness seems sensible and I doubt you are the only one posting less for this reason.
Someone figured out your psuedo? Pretty shit if so…
Again it was my own fault or rather my own naivety
Nah it's not, its some fragile individual whos so opposed to your world view that they'd seek you out and essentially attempted have you silenced. Your real life experience as you see it was valuable espexially here amd kinda matched my more limited experience as a contractor moving through Rimutaka. In a nutshell its the part of the left thats completely lost the plot.
I suspect old school left and conservatives have more in common with each other than with their new modern iterations
Agreed
Good on the Aussies. Getting their gun laws lined up.
Whilst we have a bunch of wankers hell bent on enabling the next massacre.
It's like our politicians are corrupted by greed and stupidity.
Personally I don't mind uptick as long as it doesn't include down vote, which is a form of groupthink bullying IMHO.
While Pharmac definitely needs some tweaking done (read: major funding boost), I can't help but be extremely afraid about the future of medication access in New Zealand
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515385/former-deputy-pm-paula-bennett-appointed-pharmac-board-chair
@Kay
"the future of medication access in New Zealand"
Doesn't it depends on what the boards members tasks and expectations are?
More what the expectations of the relevant Ministers are. We may be pleasantly surprised, and something positive and beneficial for all might happen, but look at the players. The benefit to greater society is never on their agenda.
"The benefit to greater society is never on their agenda."
You know the dollar can be spent only once, right?
It is so easy to stand on the sideline and criticise.
What if you are faced with a budged and have to make chooses.
a) helping 1000 people with a costly medication that extend their lives by average 6 months or
b) helping 1000 people with medication to make them enjoy live more, over a longer period?
With even more information the chooses become more difficult…
Tbf, the last mob's former cabinet minister, Maharey, is being replaced by one of the new mob's former cabinet ministers.
Bennet's crony appointment to pharmc makes about as much sense as Seymour being associate minister of health. Couple of know nothings.
Best idea in a long time sanctuary. Congratulations.
Goebbels lives.
The Dystopians
The Tech Baron Seeking to “Ethnically Cleanse” San Francisco
If Balaji Srinivasan is any guide, then the Silicon Valley plutocrats are definitely not okay.
[…]
“What I’m really calling for is something like tech Zionism,” he said, after comparing his movement to those started by the biblical Abraham, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith (founder of Mormonism), Theodor Herzl (“spiritual father” of the state of Israel), and Lee Kuan Yew (former authoritarian ruler of Singapore). Balaji then revealed his shocking ideas for a tech-governed city where citizens loyal to tech companies would form a new political tribe clad in gray t-shirts. “And if you see another Gray on the street … you do the nod,” he said, during a four-hour talk on the Moment of Zen podcast. “You’re a fellow Gray.”
The Grays’ shirts would feature “Bitcoin or Elon or other kinds of logos … Y Combinator is a good one for the city of San Francisco in particular.” Grays would also receive special ID cards providing access to exclusive, Gray-controlled sectors of the city. In addition, the Grays would make an alliance with the police department, funding weekly “policeman’s banquets” to win them over.
“Grays should embrace the police, okay? All-in on the police,” said Srinivasan. “What does that mean? That’s, as I said, banquets. That means every policeman’s son, daughter, wife, cousin, you know, sibling, whatever, should get a job at a tech company in security.”
In exchange for extra food and jobs, cops would pledge loyalty to the Grays. Srinivasan recommends asking officers a series of questions to ascertain their political leanings. For example: “Did you want to take the sign off of Elon’s building?”
https://newrepublic.com/article/180487/balaji-srinivasan-network-state-plutocrat
Reading such chilling nonsense immediately called to mind this short story from long ago (published a few years after Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four):
Ripe for the plucking.
.
@RpsAgainstTrump
Trump supporter: “This country needs a dictator. I hate to say it, but this is the truth.” Never Trump.
https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1784230836356677939
Pew asked another question that gets at the democracy issue more obliquely. How important is it, they asked respondents, for losing candidates to concede an election? Both Democrats and Republicans (and leaning independents in both cases) largely said that it was “very” or “somewhat” important. But while 77 percent of Democrats/leaners said it was very important (as did 60 percent of all respondents), fewer than half of Republicans agreed.
https://archive.li/Ux7hW#selection-823.0-823.443 (wapo)
https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/342032-paula-bennett-appointed-as-pharmac-chair.html
bennet in charge pharmac that sounds bad
She chose a career as “unelected bureaucrat”, how nice for her. I guess trying to win a mayoral election was in the too hard basket.
I'd say that was a play to get a choice roll which is now landed.
Therw power brokers are quite happy with Wayne Brown tbh I prob vote for him if he stands again.
Good point. Had a similar thought after pressing “Submit”.
talking about unelected people pulling the strings of government. Is Bill English, the minder of the useless finance minister, paid by the tax payer, the National Party or by the financial supporters of the party?
Thank goodness we have Mark Mitchell to clear up crime in NZ.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/emergency-services-responding-to-aggravated-robbery-at-west-auckland-mall/L534V5VCPZACRMVXW4AM4AYIXU/
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/armed-police-guard-scene-of-partridge-jewellers-newmarket-after-second-ram-raid-in-nine-days/RRLQBE7RENCSXD5AQKIXJQH6VE/
Note the outrage from Media!
Funny how it's not the governments fault any more!!
Same with the petrol price… it’s nearly funny how there’s no mention of high oil / petrol prices compared to pre-election.
The media, especially in NZ, is such a joke.
Apartheid Clyde's free speech absolutism….
/
X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, suspended an account owned by the grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela on Friday.
It is currently unclear why the social media platform, owned by Elon Musk, banned Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa. The company has issued no statement regarding its decision to restrict the South African politician’s speech, but the timing is questionable.
https://news.yahoo.com/why-did-elon-musk-just-211706089.html