Open mike 28/04/2016
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6:00 am, April 28th, 2016 - 86 comments
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Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...3 days ago
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- Release: Why not both? Luxon shuns Waitangi celebrations
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The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...4 days ago - Release: Nicola Willis spirals country deeper into recession
The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...4 days ago
- Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis
Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...5 days ago
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The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...5 days ago
- Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...5 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...5 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...6 days ago
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The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...6 days ago
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With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...6 days ago
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Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...6 days ago
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The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...6 days ago
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All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
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The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
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The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...7 days ago
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The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...7 days ago
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The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
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The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
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New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
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The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
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Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
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Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
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Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
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The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
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Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
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After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
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Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...19 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...5 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...5 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...5 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...5 days ago
- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 23 December
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('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, Monday 23 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...36 minutes ago - Govt walks away from infrastructure alliance
The Government’s social housing agency has backed out of a billion-dollar infrastructure alliance that would have built about 6000 new homes in Auckland – less than 18 months after signing a five-year extension.Labour says the decision to rip up the contract and sell off existing state houses could lead to ...36 minutes ago
- Daily crossword, Monday 23 December
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- Vanuatu quake: Warnings as bad weather threat looms for Port Vila
By , New Zealand’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) says impending bad weather for Port Vila is now the most significant post-quake hazard. A tropical low in the Coral Sea is expected to move into Vanuatu waters, bringing heavy rainfall. Authorities have issued warnings to people ...6 hours ago - Signs of the hīkoi: More than just ‘words on cardboard’
The placards seen at the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti conveyed "huge kōrero with immediacy", expert says: "People know the power of the word." ...16 hours ago - A final Ode to .. King Luxon
Cosmic CatastropheThe year draws to a close.King Luxon has grown tired of the long eveningsListening to the dreary squabbling of his Triumvirate.He strolls up to the top floor of the PalaceTo consult with his Astronomer Royal.The Royal Telescope scans the skies,And King Luxon stares up into the heavensFrom the terrestrial ...23 hours ago
- A hater and an enthusiast review The Royal Free by Carl Shuker
Spinoff editor Mad Chapman and books editor Claire Mabey debate Carl Shuker’s new novel about… an editor. Claire: Hello Mad, you just finished The Royal Free – overall impressions? Mad: Hi Claire, I literally just put the book down and I would have to say my immediate impression is ...1 day ago - Survive to 25 (December, that is)
Christmas and its buildup are often lonely, hard and full of unreasonable expectations. Here’s how to make it to Jesus’s birthday and find the little bit of joy we all deserve. Have you found this year relentless? Has the latest Apple update “fucked up your life”? Have you lost two ...1 day ago
- All I want for Christmas is modern day slavery legislation
Despite overwhelming public and corporate support, the government has stalled progress on a modern day slavery law. That puts us behind other countries – and makes Christmas a time of tragedy rather than joy, argues Shanti Mathias. Picture the scene on Christmas Day. Everyone replete with nice things to eat, ...1 day ago
- Israeli-American historian describes attacks on Gaza as ‘war of annihilation’
Asia Pacific Report “It looks like Hiroshima. It looks like Germany at the end of World War Two,” says an Israeli-American historian and professor of holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University about the horrifying reality of Gaza. Professor Omer Bartov, has described Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza as an ...1 day ago
- NZ govt plans to make ‘heavy handed’ change to free speech rules for universities
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- Caitlin Johnstone: Where does the aggression really begin?
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- OECD Report Highlights That More Is Needed
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The government has quietly cancelled plans to improve recycling and roll out a kerbside food scraps composting scheme. ...2 days ago
- MEAA welcomes News MAP funding ‘leg up’ for Australian journalism
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- Transmission Gully partnership breakdown will not hurt future public-private partnerships, Infrastru...
The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work. ...2 days ago
- Funding cuts to charity particularly felt over Christmas period
The number of people seeking help from Lifeline is expected to increase by 10 to 20 percent over Christmas. ...2 days ago
- Nelson Hospital conditions ‘unbearable’ – staff
One worker says the building is decrepit and falling down around them. ...2 days ago
- The Secret Diary of .. Luxon at Xmas
MONDAY“Merry Xmas, and praise the Lord,” said Sheriff Luxon, and smiled for the camera. There was a flash of smoke when the shutter pressed down on the magnesium powder. The sheriff had arranged for a photographer from the Dodge Gazette to attend a ceremony where he handed out food parcels to ...2 days ago
- Stand by for cricket’s Smash Palace
It’s a little under two months since the White Ferns shocked the cricketing world, deservedly taking home the T20 World Cup. Since then the trophy has had a tour around the country, five of the squad have played in the WBBL in Australia while most others have returned to domestic ...2 days ago
- Early-onset dementia under the microscope
Comment: If we say the word ‘dementia’, many will picture an older person struggling to remember the names of their loved ones, maybe a grandparent living out their final years in an aged care facility. Dementia can also occur in people younger than 65, but it can take time before ...2 days ago
- Keeping the pirates at bay: Should the Australian ‘Blocking Order’ case prompt a discussion in N...
Piracy is a reality of modern life – but copyright law has struggled to play catch-up for as long as the entertainment industry has existed. As far back as 1988, the House of Lords criticised copyright law’s conflict with the reality of human behaviour in the context of burning cassette ...2 days ago
- ‘We were as famous as Tom Cruise’: Craig Parker on 90s Shortland St fandom
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- ‘I prioritise the mission, not my health’: Adam McGrath’s perfect weekend playlist
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- The rescue dog bringing joy to Christchurch retirement homes
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- Fiji pro-Palestine nativity scene exposes Gaza as ‘hell on earth’ at Christmas
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- Vanuatu quake: ‘Our shop was flattened like a deck of cards’
By 1News Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver and 1News reporters A number of Kiwis have been successfully evacuated from Vanuatu after a devastating earthquake shook the Pacific island nation earlier this week. The death toll was still unclear, though at least 14 people were killed according to an earlier statement from ...2 days ago
- How diplomats have broken the law in NZ – and what happened next
A handful of foreign diplomats have misbehaved during their time here - and not all of them have been brought to justice. ...2 days ago
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Being able to swim is often considered a life skill, but tough economic times are forcing many families to pull their children out of lessons. ...2 days ago
- ‘There will be deaths because of this’ – Warning over Health NZ IT cuts
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- Polytech sales possible but unlikely when Te Pūkenga disestablished – minister
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- Parliament’s final sitting day an insight into party factions
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- Parliament fits an extra morning into final sitting day
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flora Hui, Research Fellow, Centre for Eye Research Australia and Honorary Fellow, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne Versta/Shutterstock Australians are exposed to some of the highest levels of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. While we ...3 days ago
- How does franchising work?
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This clear, unambiguous messaging from Bernie Sanders appeals to the young because it clearly makes sense to them.
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/27/fourteen-go-sanders-set-transforming-nation
TPP- the current status of the TPP ratification in US according to Sr Jeff Sessions
Echoes of the Key effort to flush it through with an omnibus Bill before Christmas. It was clever to have a treaty so fullsome and so legalised that we ordinary folk are effectively locked out.
TPP- upcoming livestream
Rules, Rights and Resistance: The battle over TPP and TTIP
April 29 2016, 9am-6pm (New York Time)
Joseph Stiglitz, Lori Wallach, Celso, Amorim, Bill McKibben + others
-a daylong exploration of what is at play in the struggle over “trade agreements”:
what they portend, the resistances they have generated and the horizons for rewriting and implementing alternative rules.
http://livestream.com/TheNewSchool/rules-rights-resistance
Cats acting out the centre left after 30 years of neoliberalism dilemma,
https://mobile.twitter.com/MeetAnimals/status/725409445212200960
Who’s the squirrel then? CV?
Roflnui!! I hadn’t even thought of us lot, but could be
Roflnui!! I hadn’t even thought of us lot, but could be
Yeah you can say that again! Doesn’t he just nip out like that and bite us in the bum, stirs us up and it’s all on for young and old as they say.
The bit I loved was how the cat looked at the squirrel and then attacked the other cat instead 😈
Can we call CV Colonial Squirrel now?
weka
I love it. Go for it. He deserves some joshing for being a stirrer.
ha ha, no you first 😉
Sadly the answer to Rachel Smalley’s question is ‘Yes’.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11629968
Wherein the oppressed have become the oppressor. And wherein it is scandalous to weep the biennial murder of hundreds and hundreds of children in the postage stamp area of land Titirangi to Glendowie down to Manukau; Gaza.
Gaza with a population close to two million – fish in a barrel the prey of the IDF, annually militarily funded to the tune of $US3,000,000,000 by the US.
“Ssssshh. Don’t say anything. Anti-semitic”.
Israeli bastards.
Build a wall.
Imprison an entire population.
Apartheid policies.
Killers.
The UK MP was definitely onto it in suggesting that Israel relocate to the US, which has the exact same features.
nasty nasty people
Even Corbyn agrees that the comments were far from appropriate – thats why she has been suspended.
The UK press have some articles about the concerns about the level of anti-Semitic comments from the left. Seems from your comment that this is alone and well down under as well.
And yet apparently quite OK for a whole swathe of Israeli society, leading Israeli politicians and an even greater number of Israeli apologists throughout the West to not only (1) support the violent ethnic cleansing of Palestinains from their own land but also (2) demand that they “re-locate” to Jordan.
Israel’s Sephardic chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef reckons Jewish law directs the State to expel all non-Jews from Israel.
https://www.facebook.com/BDSBarkan/videos/1729092640664929/
Here’s another Rabbi in favour of the right to return – to Saudi Arabia.
Rabbi Lior: help the Bedouin to return to Saudi Arabia
Rabbi Dov Lior, the rabbi of Kiryat Arba-Hebron, has encouraged the Bedouin to return to their home countries, Libya and Saudi Arabia, also through financial incentives.
https://translate.google.co.nz/translate?hl=en&sl=iw&u=http://www.inn.co.il/News/News.aspx/218793&prev=search
So James you’d be another of those Khandallah bastards sitting back on your lounge sofa watching kids getting murdered by US funded air to ground missiles, going “Tut tut tut……they will keep firing those antique Skuds that kill no one……and throwing fucking stones……that kill no one !” ?
Well fuck you you Nazinetanyahoo dog ! May you meet an appropriate karma.
to North at 4: ” the oppressed becomes he oppressor” was the exact contention of Frere’s pleas so many years ago. Granddaughter has my political library but think he flourished end of ’60’s or early ’70’s. His message was that the oppressed when having overcome, must show the maturity NOT to fall into the behaviour patterns of their erstwhile oppressors ( comparable to the immature eye- for- eye tooth- for- tooth developmental stage in which such a huge proportion of humankind is stuck).
I can only suggest the solution of education,education,education in the widest sense.
Yes. And there is no education in ‘sand nigger’. Which is the very essence of Zionist racism and its apartheid expression.
Do do do shut up however. You know, Anti-Semitism.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11629753
Great story in today’s Herald about the Tampa refugees 15 years on.
I see D.Cunliffe has been allowed a role…..and made a good fist of it.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/201798663/labour-identifies-panamanian-linked-company-that-bought-nz-farm
About time too – Joyce etc are terrified of Cunliffe when he asks them questions in the House!
one of Labour’s many mistakes methinks….hindsight is a wonderful thing
Pat @ 6.1.1 – re Cunliffe. His crucifixion a terrible mistake I believe. For me there is now no “Labour” in Labour. That’s bad. My first vote 1969. Fourteen triennial votes since then, all Labour. I don’t blame Little. I blame the careerists. The political cargo cultists and power lusters. As scummy and shallow as any of the dicks you’ll find on the other side. My political renaissance – Northland 2017 – Winston, candidate and party. I’ve been left no choice.
“terrified” 🙂
Sorry, but I really did laugh out loud
“Joyce etc are terrified of Cunliffe”
What a crack up, Thats hilarious.
well they did launch a hit job on him via the herald based on complete lies
Naki man knows that.
He’s just shilling for his masters.
He was the leader of the opposition so of course he had to be taken out, I mean d’uh and the fact that he was so easy to take out (hat tip to Grant Robertson…possibly) means fearing him is a joke
another go at spreading discord, pr?
Trouble is, anyone with a brain knows your tricks, and anyone inclined to believe you probably already thinks it anyway. Preaching to the chior is the low-hanging fruit for propagandists. You’re experienced enough as a bullshitter to do better than that. Have the recent polls hurt your confidence?
You mean the poll that had National drop 3.5% and Labour drop 2% with most of it going to Winston?
Does this mean Roy Morgan polls are now taken as gospel or is it only when National drops? 🙂
lol
so if it’s not the polls, is it blowback from an unfair performance review?
You used to really be able to get folks riled up – it was quite impressive.
I know right…guess I’m just too comfortable, lost that fire in my belly
*sigh*
“he was so easy to take out ”
well the herald did oblige – so in that regard it was easy
but that only means it was easy to fool the public (and the labour caucus) by – drum roll – being dishonest and corrupt
what a shame they had to resort to that to take out cunliffe aye
Lets be honest here I don’t think you really believe that the Labour caucus were fooled by National into helping take The Cunliffe out
Although to be fair its looking like Littles going to do an even worse job as opposition leader then The Cunliffe so maybe National do fear The Cunliffe coming back
Or not 🙂
@ Hami Shearlie (6.1) … yes, and the main reason he was crucified by a corrupt partisan msm prior to the last election! FJK, Joyce and a few other nasty NatzKEYS felt threatened by Cunliffe’s intelligence and directness and they still do.
God I wish Cunliffe would come back as leader. He wouldn’t hesitate to cull the neo libs and ABCs in Labour. They contributed to his demise as leader as well.
Cunliffe is the only MP there in the party, who is able and competent enough to get Labour back on track to serve it’s constituents as it should, by returning to its core values and principles!
Cunliffe is doing a very good job at present keeping NZ’s involvement in the Panama Papers out there. Be interesting to see how long msm will keep publishing his findings, because what he’s exposing now, could stir up a hornet’s nest, stinging FJK hard! Good.
Something about rose-tinted glasses springs to mind 🙂
100+ Mary.
Right on MARY_A ! I can’t ‘believe’ in now.
I’ve always admired Cunliffe’s intellect. DC had to fight on two fronts: National/Key and the MSM. At the same time he had to watch his back for flying daggers.
His marriage ended and I think that it is a mark of the man that he’s still on the team and playing a good hard game.
That said, AL is a non-polarising leader who has brought relative stability back to NZLP.
Wow, Cunliffe comes out swinging. Step back everyone, this man means business
“Macho, macho man… I gotta be a macho man”
Yeah MagisteriUmBum……you’re so fucking clever. What flight of fancy gave you your nom de plume ?
your mum suggested it
“EQC this morning signed a joint statement with the EQC Action Group, and Canterbury Claimants says it is clear that EQC will have some explaining and extra work to do.
“Despite years of EQC instructing their staff and contractors that their ‘job is to repair a claimant’s home to return it to the way it was before the earthquakes, as quickly and efficiently as possible’2 today EQC have admitted they were wrong,” says Canterbury Claimants spokesperson Cameron Preston.
EQC’s obligation is, and always has been, to reinstate to a “when new” condition, not to “Pre-earthquake Condition”, says Mr Preston.
He says that despite EQC attempting to avoid the cost of consequential reinstatement works such as rewiring houses, today they have now confirmed such works are covered at their cost.
And despite EQC and Private Insurance companies relying for years on a Government issued and mandated “guidance” on floor levels which we believe was to avoid capturing earthquake damage to foundations, today EQC have admitted they were wrong to rely on this.”
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/125997072/Canterbury_Claimants_Congratulate_EQC_Action_Group.pdf
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/the-rebuild/79385349/eqc-must-repair-to-when-new-standard
Have I missed something or has the Herald completely ignored the latest Roy Morgan poll? Audrey? Claire?
The msm often ignore news unfavourable to their masters.
Witness the Sun and the Times recent failure to publish the Hillsborough judgement.
Extraordinary that The Times was shamed into putting a picture of the grieving families on the front page of the second edition of the paper (and apologising for the omission) by its own journalists.
Extraordinary is not the adjective I would use. Actually it’s quite ordinary for people like Murdoch to treat people disgracefully.
My selection of adjective would be ‘repulsive’.
@ Tautoko Mangō Mata (8) yes, I noticed the same. NZH completely doing it’s three wise monekeys act on the RM poll … “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” … and I will add one more … will not publish such evil either, for fear of informing the masses!
I’m not sure why you’d want to draw attention to Labour support falling to 26%.
I’m not sure why you’d expect anybody here to want major mainstream polls to go unreported.
The Herald never reports on Roy Morgan polls.
To be fair, they sometimes do.
But perhaps we’re getting too close to election positioning now.
Oddly, this one was in the ‘Business’ section of the website, rather than ‘National’ section.
Whats happening with Niue? i thought the corruption would be apparent 4 days after the smear was launched? it was pretty much settled by the commentors at the standard that it had happened. yet there has been not a peep since the weekend? DP fail
We have to have the whitewash “investigation” first. I believe it has been referred to the Auditor General by leader of the opposition?
Thanks for keeping tabs on this issue, though – the appearance of government corruption needs to be avoided in order to maintain the integrity and legitimacy of the system. It’s the duty of every government to be squeaky clean!
“DP fail”
no – thats you trying to claim that a public political attack that is no different to what parties have done for eons is the same as running a secret smear machine out of the PMs office.
either you know that they arent the same or you dont – deceit or ignorance
or you can explain exactly how that case is dirty politics – while comparing it back to JKs secret smear machine at the same time. That should be fun
And there was that Panama thing, what happened with that?
David Cunliffe was on the radio about Panama a short while ago.
I’ve found a link between Panama and John Key!
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1002/S00011.htm
Weren’t the Hagamans going to sue? What happened to that ‘threat’?
Probably realised that all it’ll do is give Labour some free publicity
Still eroding National’s credibility every day, like today for example:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/302501/panama-firm-bought-nz-land-labour
Not a word in the press, but isn’t it true that Key has crawled back into New Zealand without any pandas? He must have lost his touch.
Can’t get a cycleway built, can’t buy a panda, can’t maintain the surplus that is his marquee policy, can’t build affordable homes in Auckland, can’t rebuild Christchurch, can’t formulate credible land-tax policy, can’t remember 1981, can’t speak English, can’t wield a hammer or resist a ponytail… honestly, is there anything the man actually can do?
Well he can win three consecutive general elections AND gain more votes each time in an MMP environment so that’s not bad going if you’re a politician 🙂
Labour, if you’re interested, has gone downhill
That wasn’t Key, that was Lynton Crosby. He’s even got a knighthood to prove it.
British police castigated over Hillsborough deaths are anxious to indicate to the public that they are turning the other way and making people live longer, whether they want to or not. They broke down the house door of a sick old woman who had bought drugs to assist her in dying to confiscate them and save her life. These commonly used for ending life have been made illegal, so giving the state the opportunity to play Bad Nanny, a strange choice for Britain RW pollies who usually don’t seem to care about citizens’ at all.
This is from the International Business Times; either it’s regarded as bad for business, or a bad business!
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pro-euthanasia-group-leader-warns-members-police-crackdown-after-avril-henry-found-dead-1556289
and
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/apr/21/academic-kills-herself-after-importing-euthanasia-kit-illegally
Aged 81 this university professor had decided that her multiple conditions were leading to a miserable period of incapacity with no enjoyment of life, and had chosen euthanasia. But no, like the Spanish Inquisition of Monty Python they burst in without jokes or irony, bringing a psychiatrist. Who is mad in this case?
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WJXHY2OXGE
Imagine the Brit cops in red but not as much panache, just the ache left.
edited
During a time of austerity (obviously only for some though), these self serving MPs spend up large on our money! Absolutely no justification for such outrageous expenses!
Have a read of this one folks. Revolution anyone?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/79395660/how-much-have-mps-been-spending-this-year
+100…thanks MARY_A
…it is easy to see how New Zealand politicians become corrupted and remote from their New Zealand constituency
“During a time of austerity (obviously only for some though), these self serving MPs spend up large on our money! Absolutely no justification for such outrageous expenses!”
“Have a read of this one folks. Revolution anyone?”
Who are you refering to, all MP’s or National MP’s?
Naki Man. Try reading the article before you try to score a point.
….meanwhile there is some glimmer of hope for the USA and peace?…I would prefer Trump over warmongering Clinton any day
Trump on foreign policy:
‘America First’: Trump lays out foreign policy vision in Washington speech’
https://www.rt.com/usa/341156-trump-foreign-policy-speech/
…”Trump also reached back to early US history, echoing the famous line delivered in 1821 by Secretary of State and future president John Quincy Adams.
“We do not go abroad in search of enemies,” he said, “We’re happy to see our old enemies become friends, and friends become allies.” “
Torture, indiscriminate bombardment and civilian reprisal, nice.
/
Thus far Trump is talk but he wants peace…Clinton has a REAL real history
http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2016/01/06/new-hillary-emails-reveal-true-motive-for-libya-intervention/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-kovalik/clinton-emails-on-libya-e_b_9054182.html
https://wikileaks.org/hillary-war/
The National Party in secret talks with the US government made a promise leaked to the public, that New Zealand’s anti-nuclear stance would be “Gone by lunchtime”.
It has taken a wee bit longer than that, but John Key is still intent on honouring his party’s secret pledge to tie New Zealand back into the US global war machine.
In November 2016, a US warship will be returning to Auckland Harbour for the first time in 32 years.
In the same month the international merchants of death will celebrate New Zealand’s return to the nuclear fold with a weapons conference of 500 delegates at the Aotea Centre.
Will the Watersiders refuse to tie up or provide any services to the US warships as they did in the ’80s.
Is it time for the ageing members of the Peace Squadron to come out of retirement?
Will they be joined by members of the new generation of Kiwi boaties in numbers sufficient enough to blockade our harbours against the return of the worlds biggest nuclear armed navy into our territory?
Will New Zealanders protest outside the weapons conference in the numbers that once pushed Anti Nuclear and Peace issues onto the parliamentary agenda?
An initial public meeting is being called in an attempt to answer these questions;
If you are opposed to war and and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and you support the ideal of a free and peaceful independent New Zealand respected and admired around the world, put the following details in your diary and come along.
Make sure to bring your flags to shame the traitors selling out this country’s hard fought for ideals.
Date: May 12, 2016
Time: 7pm
Address: Unite Union offices, Western Springs Road
On a completely different subject:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Know_They_Got_a_Hell_of_a_Band
Stephen King could almost do a sequel
Is the The Daily Blog under attack again, almost a year to the day the same thing happened in 2015? Bit suspicious!
Been unable to get into TDB site. Message comes up the site is unavailable and has timed out!
Anyone know what’s going on with TDB this afternoon? I do not have a social network, so not able to see any messages posted there.
Superbly written stinging stuff from Raybon Kan !
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/home-truths/news/article.cfm?c_id=1500914&objectid=11629740
Turns out Fake Man Key was always but a puff of candy floss. Spun up by harpy Boag, the Business Roundtable, and Flossby Textor.
Calling John “Resign!” Armstrong formerly of The Herald.
Where are you when we need you John ?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11630367
What?????????? Fucking What??????????
The Prime Minister deputises his personal lawyer and friend to tell a minister of the Crown to put the heavies on the government department for which the minister’s responsible ?
And the entitlement. Like you’d just do it in a discoverable format ??????????
Is Ken Whitney The New Imelda ? I well remember the guy from Auckland days…….always struck me as somewhat gauche……..(strange, not)……..he’d be brill’ in stilettos that guy !
Private investors (whatever their nationality or origin) under the cover of government policy and council inaction, have descended on the modest working class suburbs of Auckland into free firing zones for rent gouging and speculation.
State Housing, once kept a competitive lid on high rents in the working class suburbs of Auckland. With the government’s privatisation of the State Housing asset this safety valve has been removed, with predictable results.
http://www.converge.org.nz/watchdog/39/07.html
In countries that never had State Housing, one method used to control rocketing rents and enable low income families to be housed are rent controls imposed by local municipalities.
In the US, the home of the ‘Free Market’, rent control is the favoured method used to prevent low income families being priced out of accomodation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rent_control_in_the_United_States
The issue of rent controls needs to be on the agenda for the Auckland Mayoral and local body elections.