Note the unsubtle advertising for the National Party in the Herald article by Claire Trevett, titled “Syria to grab UN focus on Key’s visit.” The article is about the PM but the photo shows Key with the National Party logo on the rostrum in the forefront.
Actually, in Andrew Little’s case at least it is just an easy way for the paper to get around the dilemma that most New Zealand people would be hard pressed to actually identify the fellow.
Using this stock photo of AL saves then having to caption a neutral photo of him, without a background of the Labour party clue, with something like the following.
“Andrew Little ( currently the head of the New Zealand Labour Party in the NZ Parliament)”.
The background in the stock photo saves them having to explain who the little-known man in the photo is.
ps. And yes I did see the smiley face when I first read your comment.
fair enough the seccond link though the heather whatshername story is laughable this poor girl who looks like she has barely completed puberty is completely clueless and would probably be better off working at mcdonalds or pac n save than attempting to comment on politics
I never actually read any of these stories.
I just remembered that The Herald tends to use a lot of stock photo’s and that they had a particularly noticeable one of Andrew Little that they seemed to use on every story about him. I simply looked for Herald stories about him and linked the first three that had the standard photo.
I do agree with Lanthanide about the black and white on a plain background though. We could extend it to using standard slogans like the ones on cigarette packets as well.
Labour “Voting Labour is dangerous to your health”
National “Voting National will shorten your life”
Green “Voting Green will cause dementia”
NZF “Voting for Winston will give you nappy rash”
and so on.
Neoliberalism – it’s a word that often comes up in discussions of political theory; blamed or praised for creating the economic system we live in today.
But what are the values and ideas behind neoliberalism? Where did it come from and how did it spread? Is it still around today? And how could we do things differently?
The Committee, which contains a broad based group of world leading economists, includes:
• Mariana Mazzucato, Professor, University of Sussex
• Joseph Stiglitz, Professor, Columbia University, recipient of the 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize in economics.
• Thomas Piketty, Professor, Paris School of Economics
• Anastasia Nesvetailova, Professor, City University London
• Danny Blanchflower, Bruce V, Rauner Professor of Economics Dartmouth and Stirling, Ex-member of the MPC
• Ann Pettiffor, Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics (PRIME), and an Honorary Research Fellow at the Political Economy Research Centre of City University
Should make for some interesting policy ideas coming out of it.
Is this the reason for the latest big distraction from Anne Tolley?
How convenient ……
————————————————————————-
Groups fighting TPP secrecy set for their day in court
|
Last updated 07:07 28/09/2015
HAMISH RUTHERFORD
Trade Minister Tim Groser has refused to give details of New Zealand’s position in TPP negotiations.ROBYN EDIE
A group of organisations wanting to cast light on Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations will tell the High Court on Monday that Trade Minister Tim Groser is acting unlawfully in refusing to outline New Zealand’s position.
Jane Kelsey, a Professor of Law and trade commentator has filed a statement of claim seeking a declaration that Groser breached the provisions of the Official Information Act.
In February Groser’s office issued a blanket refusal to release documents to Kelsey related to negotiations on the proposed 12 country trade deal, which is yet
Ann Tolley’s vicious ramblings about sterilizing the poor didn’t arise out of nothing.
Another National M.P. has denigrated “low-lifes”, “ferals” and “the handicapped” for years.
RadioLIVE, Friday 18 February 2011, 10:50 a.m.
In 1978 the late, great Larry Hagman had a choice to make. He’d been offered the lead role in two new television series: a comedy called The Waverly Wonders and a soap opera called Dallas. He eventually opted for the latter “because there’s not one redeeming nice character in the whole show.” Hagman explained that during a highly entertaining interview on National Radio in February 2011.
Later that same morning, listeners to another radio station had the dubious pleasure of hearing someone who, even in that cast of villains at Southfork, would have been an exceptionally nasty character….
MICHAEL LAWS: No. No. The government shouldn’t put another cracker in. The intellectually handicapped get enough money. I’m pretty reluctant to give them ANYTHING more. No more money should be thrown away on the intellectually handicapped. They’ve chosen the most expensive way of living. If they have to go back to large aggregations of them, so be it. Welcome to living within your means. …. I tell you what, that Indian chap that’s been given life, he should be given a BULLET. There are too many people alive in this country that should be dead. … We’ve got Margaret on the line.
CALLER MARGARET: Institutions are not good places. People deserve to have some kind of life.
MICHAEL LAWS: Yeah, but, uh, I went to a boys’ boarding school….
This is very interesting …whether you have a member of family or friend OR YOURSELF with an addiction…whether it be gaming or alcohol or drugs or anything else eg bloody blogs
‘Neuroscientist Mark Lewis – addiction is NOT a disease’
“Professor Marc Lewis is a former drug addict, who recovered and now specialises in addiction. His latest book, The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction is not a Disease, has divided the medical profession, as refutes the medical view of addiction as a brain disease, arguing that it is simply a learned habit that can be broken.”
“I absolutely agree with what Matt said about Anne Tolley.”
That corpse Mike Williams is a waste of time every Monday morning. From the Left and From the Right, Radio NZ National, Monday 28 September 2015
Kathryn Ryan, Matthew Hooton, Mike Williams
Once again, Matthew Hooton did the lion’s share of the talking. Williams chuckled appreciatively and endorsed everything Hooton said. As usual, Kathryn Ryan didn’t seem to have much of a clue about anything.
First up, Hooton delivered a lengthy encomium on the eugenics fanatic Anne Tolley. Even by the abysmal standard of a Hooton speech, this was a cynical, depraved, and partisan expression of support for someone who has been openly voicing some of the most repellent views imaginable. After Hooton’s lengthy monologue, it was time for a response from “the Left”….
MIKE WILLIAMS: I absolutely agree with what Matt said about Anne Tolley. There were two superb performances on television over the weekend….
Williams (as usual) did not talk for long, allowing Hooton the opportunity to make some disparaging comments about a social worker who had spoken up for the rights of poor women. Williams said nothing to contradict him.
KATHRYN RYAN: Now, captain’s calls. Are you being a bit mischievous here, Matthew?
MIKE WILLIAMS:[chortling] Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm! Of course he is! Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm!
Everyday Madness
by ANDREY PANEVIN, Slavyangrad, 26 September 2015
Perusing the daily headlines has become somewhat like reading a prologue to global conflict, penned by a madman. Every day there is some new-found elaborate Russian plan to overrun the Ukraine, take control of Syria, or conduct programmes of genocide. It seems that every Western reporter has uncovered a conspiracy of their own that firmly pins the blame for the world’s troubles on Putin or the Russian people; the only problem being that all of their sources remain ‘anonymous’ and their stories cannot be confirmed.
These constant, and often contradictory, reports fill social media streams and television screens, and have become the basis for stock phrases such as ‘Russian aggression’ and ‘Western Values’, which politicians need only utter to convince their constituents that they are indeed righteous while the enemy is not. The insanity of Western political and cultural rhetoric is no longer an undercurrent, instead, with disconcerting ease, it has lodged itself into mainstream conversations. ….
putin seems a lot more straight up than most of the other world leaders too and from a russian perspective it cant feel very nice all those nukes pointed in yr dirrection from 800 or so bases arround the world and even the oceans damn neer seething with british french and american nuclear armed subs and aircraft carriers its a wonder russias as stable as what it seems .good on them for giving snowden assylem too
Rally for Kim! Save Kim Dotcom from Amerikkkan corporate oppression! Kim Dotcom is facing extradition based on trumped up evidence and betrayal by his former comrades (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11519489). If extradited he will be taken to Amerikkka and forced to face Amerikkkan (in)justice system. Let’s get organised comrades!
I think Puckish Rogue, you will find something like 90% of people have used a file website like You-Tube so the case is about Internet freedom and illegal spying. If Hollywood notice something illegal they just ask the file Website to remove it. NO DRAMAS – this is about oppression and control from Big Business in which even Sony’s lawyers confirmed they did not think their was a case and NZ government officials hoodwinked the facts to put a ‘positive’ spin on their bizarre actions of sending in 70 armed defenders to a family with young children to arrest and contain them.
even if he was its completly and utterly irrelavent next to the fact that the key government allowed and approved an fbi style raid on a nz citizen complete with helicopters and swat teams after illeagally using state intelligence agencys to spy on him for months .whether you like the man personaly or not is irrelevant to the fact that as a nz citizen he should have exactly the same rights as you or i.By continuing the key narrative of lets all hate kim .com you are simply letting them get completely away with a gross misuse of state power.Next time you feel like uttering key mantras go back and see the vid of kim dot com pleading pastionately against the gcsb bill in parilment .He was doing all of us a favour.
Go Dotcom. Hope you win! This is not about American corporate oppression it is about corporate welfare and oppression and lobbyists now controlling inter country armed defenders to do their dirty work – without a trial – instead of what they should be doing. The armed defenders and GCSB should not be a private security enforcement agency and spies for Hollywood. Nor should we be giving tax cuts and employment law changes for Hollywood.
Still drip feed of Dotcom communications without context. how long can they keep this up? Surely there must be some sort of actual crime that he committed? Cmon Crown you signed up to liability for billions in damages on our behalf ! You must have something? anything?
Rally for Kim?
So a few people with limited knowledge wave a few banners and chant a few chants, Yep, that is going to make a huge difference to the outcome
Gordon Campbell’s post today as linked by TMM above is a MUST READ!
In essence, based on information available overseas (eg US and Canadian news reports, Inside Trade etc referenced in the post), Campbell considers that a deal has possibly already been made re NZ diary exports to the US. Hence, Key’s statement last week that a TPPA may still be signed – compared to Groser’s strange remarks a few days ago that he will not be heading to the ministerial meeting underway in Atlanta unless a better deal is possible.
“…For the past week, the government has been actively downplaying the likely deal on dairy access to overseas markets that New Zealand may achieve via the TPP . Prime Minister John Key has warned that the dairy deal outcome will not be ‘gold-plated’ ; and on Friday Trade Minister Tim Groser told RNZ that if a better deal than the one hitherto on offer wasn’t available, it would hardly be worth his time attending the upcoming ministerial talks in Atlanta this week, which are expected to conclude the TPP deal. It was a peculiar renark. Surely if the dairy deal is on the ropes, should’t Groser be rushing to help push it over the line. Surely five years of negotiations deserve no less than 110 per cent effort at the finale. What’s going on here?
The likely explanation is that the dairy deal, has in fact, been done. Over the weekend, evidence has emerged that a new deal for NZ on dairy – and a solution to the previous impassae – has been reached, and is being reported on in North America. What our government has done is to talk down the likely outcome, so that it can maximise the gains of pulling the rabbit successfully out of the hat. Secrecy breeds the opportunities for this kind of spin. …”
Campbell then goes on to discuss the likely negative reaction of the US and Canadian dairy industries to such a deal re NZ dairy import access especially in the midst of the Canadian election; and other outstanding issues in the TPPA negotiations of concern – eg investor state disputes.
IMHO, Campbell’s article makes a lot of sense. The alarm bells have been going off in my head in the last week as to the reason for the distractions such as flags and pandas, and today Tolley’s latest beneficiary bashing. We can but hope that the overall negotiations fail …
Please note that I am not against improved export access for NZ products to other countries, particularly North America. In fact quite the opposite. I am not going to go into detail, but I actually spent a number of my teen years in that part of the world as a result of my father’s work involved in promoting and gaining access to NZ exports to those markets. BUT I am totally opposed to the loss of sovereignty issues etc that the TPPA appears to also entail, going on the little we know about it.
Snap. Having pressed submit and then left the computer to do its thing, came back to find a post had been put up on the Campbell article while I was drafting the above.
TPP COUNTRIES HEAD TO ATLANTA WITHOUT DEAL IN SIGHT ON AUTO ROO
Schewel, Matthew. Inside US Trade33.37 (Sep 25, 2015).
…
But there have been no publicly announced meetings between TPP countries on dairy or biologics since the Maui meeting. New Zealand’s trade ministry indicated in a Sept. 24 press release that negotiators were still far from laying out acceptable options on dairy market access.
It did so by implicitly threatening that Trade Minister Tim Groser would not attend the TPP ministerial scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Atlanta absent more progress on dairy market access. “Should negotiators make sufficient progress resolving outstanding issues, including dairy market access, to warrant ministerial engagement, Mr. Groser intends to travel to Atlanta to meet other trade ministers,” the ministry said.
However, the ministry said its officials would definitely attend the Sept. 26-29 chief negotiators meeting in Atlanta.
…
Both the Peruvian and New Zealand governments signaled this week in separate documents that the outstanding issues generally fall into the categories of intellectual property (IP), market access, rules of origin, textiles, and legal and institutional issues. New Zealand’s trade ministry said in a Sept. 22 letter responding to an official information request that it would send negotiators for these areas as well as state-owned enterprises to the Atlanta meetings.
Unfortunately, having studied the quality of jobs which many people in the UK are now doing, this is not entirely the case. The UK labour market is, indeed, performing well but we have a growing and potentially corrosive problem of poor quality, precarious and temporary work which threatens our productivity and competitiveness, levels of social inclusion and, ultimately, the health of the workforce.
I kwow I’ve been avoiding TS to make comments, it’s just that Idiot/Savant is above them (probably with justification – no doubt the evidence will appear soon); TDB is not that responsive due to delays in comments appearing – such that conversation is near impossible; and TS is very very tolerant of absolute imbeciles – I guess that’s democrissy).
I was just wondering if anyone new WHEN John Key is going to embarrass us all at the U.N. – going forwid?
I hope they’ve found suffishint Bunglish trenslaydis – although thinking about it it’s probably better they don’t
[lprent: We tend to the view that even imbeciles (and people with lousy spelling and grammar) can have a valid viewpoint and are entitled to express it. After all the Electoral Act generally holds to that viewpoint as well, which is a sufficient legal guideline.
What we don’t tolerate are idiotic behaviour that violates our behavioral policies. Then we act more like bouncers to discourage similar behaviour in the future. Surprisingly, most people respect that (and those who do not have to find other places to comment). ]
“I’m not sure it’s the rugby.”
Leading thinker tries to explain the huge RWC crowds in England The Panel, Radio NZ National, Monday 28 September 2015
Jim Mora, Gary McCormick, Wendyl Nissen
It is not at all controversial to point out that the standard of New Zealand rugby commentary is about as bad as commentary gets. The list of useless and/or offensive rugby commentators is a long one. Here are twenty of the worst:
1. Tim (“Someone might attack John Hart’s horse”) Bickerstaff (R.I.P)
2. Scott “Sumo” Stevenson
3. Murray (“Too many boofhead Islanders in the team”) Deaker
4. Martin “Moron” Devlin
5. Doug (“That black PIG Mugabe!”) Golightly
6. “Sir” John (“Too many Darkies”) Graham
7. Wynne “Sensible” Gray
8. Andy (“Too many Darkies”) Haden
9. Jim “Kadaverous” Kayes
10. David (“Too many dark faces for my taste”) Kirk
11. Paul “Lackwit” Lewis
12. Willy (“Gwaham Henwy can just PISS OFF!”) Lose, AKA Wiwwy Wose
13. John (“Are there too many darkies?”) Matheson (R.I.P.)
14. John (“Second Fiddle”) McBeth
15. Graham “Moods” Moody (R.I.P.)
16. Chris “Rat Shit” Rattue
17. Andrew (“Nothing to do in Cardiff”) Saveloy
18. Tony (“It wasn’t really me who hospitalized my fiancée”) Veitch, AKA “Veitchy”
19. Nigel (How many times can I say “Opportunity”?) Yalden
20. Spiro (“Rugby is ballet, it’s opera, it’s Swiss watch-making”) Zavos
This afternoon, sufferers of Jim Mora’s light chat show were inflicted with yet another member of this dismal fellowship….
JIM MORA: Mark, these crowds in England for the Rugby World Cup have been phenomenal. I see there was a record set for the Ireland-Romania match.
MARK REASON:[speaking slowly and carefully so as to convey deep thoughtfulness] I’m not sure it’s the rugby. It’s the occasion. …
Reason chuntered on in this deliberate, utterly ridiculous fashion for a long, long minute. Then he suddenly, thankfully, stopped talking.
JIM MORA: Shrewd analysis. That’s Mark Reason!
GARY McCORMICK: Really good analysis, Mark.
Aficionados of this kind of high-flown analysis should tune in tomorrow. Reason is on The Panel every day until the end of the tournament.
The proposed merger between M2 Group and Vocus Communications will create more competition in the market, according to its executives.
The two merged companies will be valued at more than $3 billion, creating the fourth biggest vertically aligned telco in the Australian market and third in New Zealand.
Vocus CEO and founder, James Spenceley, said the merger created more competition rather than less in the market.
So, two companies are merging to form one vertically integrated company, no new companies are being created by this move and they’re claiming that competition is increasing?
Matthew Palmer QC says TPPA opponents “not a bunch of wild-eyed radicals”;
He and his media parrots need to consider their words more carefully. Checkpoint, Radio NZ National, Monday 28 September 2015
About 6:10 p.m. ….
Talking about the government’s refusal to release information about the talks, Patrick O’Meara repeated the careless phrasing of Matthew Palmer QC that the groups seeking the judicial review were “not a bunch of wild-eyed radicals” and included such “reputable” organizations as Consumer New Zealand, Ngati Kahungunu and the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
By using such irresponsible and cavalier words, Matthew Palmer and the journalists that parrot his words are (perhaps unwittingly) demeaning and even demonizing the people and organizations that have been trying to talk seriously about this assault on democracy for several years.
By the way, am I the only person to be gravely concerned at the recent steep decline in quality of Checkpoint? With Mary Wilson being kicked upstairs and no longer able to discomfit the likes of Bill English or Gerry Brownlee, the dominant voice there now is Jim Mora, who is simply not up to the job.
i thought checkpoints been crap for ages i cant even listen to it anymore yeah be great if mary really did get into brownlee and co but trying to make a mountain out of a molehill perpetualy is just a drag to listen to .Plus the guts of the content has been more than thoroughly turned over during the day ! Cam slater and the nats call it red radio i call it radio repetition and these days i can only handle it in small doses .really enjoy though your regurgitations for our entertainment good stuff youve obviously got a solid constitution.!1
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The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8. The universe was ...
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. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
Peter Dunne writes – The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’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. ...
The 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. ...
Unemployment 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 ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Prime Minister and state and territory leaders met on Wednesday as the national cabinet to discuss a crisis gripping Australia – the horrific number of women murdered this year. The killings have shocked ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Radhika Raghav, Teaching Fellow, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Otago Netflix Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his big-budget Bollywood production, featuring grand sets, star casts, meticulously choreographed dance sequences and lavish costumes, jewellery and furnishings. ...
Sir Robert devoted his life to disability rights after living in institutions in his younger years, says Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga | Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University Violence against women is not a women’s problem to solve, it is a whole of society problem to solve; and men in particular have to take responsibility. Those were the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Allen, Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Newcastle Snapshot freddy/ShutterstockPlans to revive an old coal-fired power station using bioenergy are being considered in the Hunter region of New South Wales. Similar plans for the station ...
Responding to the long-awaited release of judges’ special allowances, including free air travel and hotels for spouses, generous sabbaticals, and access to limousines, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Alex Murphy said: “In what world does your employer ...
Analysis - The United States has unveiled plans to boost the weapons trade with Australia and the UK, on the same day that Winston Peters is expected to sketch NZ's position on AUKUS. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Carson, Professor of Political Communication, Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University Since Australia’s First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023, diverse commentaries have sought to explain why it failed. But what does an analysis of media ...
Lawyers representing two iwi as well as the Māori Women’s Welfare League on Wednesday asked the Court of Appeal to overturn last week’s High Court decision on the Waitangi Tribunal’s decision to summons Children’s Minister Karen Chhour. The Tribunal is currently investigating the Government’s decision to repeal section 7AA of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will introduce legislation to ban deepfake pornography and provide more funding for the eSafety Commission to pilot age-assurance technologies. The contribution of internet sites to gender-based violence was one major issue ...
Average ordinary time hourly earnings, as measured by the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), increased 5.2 percent in the year to the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Annual wage cost inflation, as measured by the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, FinTech Capability Lead | Senior Lecturer, Emerging Technologies and FinTech, Swinburne University of Technology Clem Onojeghuo/Unsplash In the digital era, the job market is increasingly becoming a minefield – demanding and difficult to navigate. According to the Australian Bureau ...
As of the March 2024 quarter, we can now look back on 20 years of data related to youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET), as collected by the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS), according to figures released by Stats NZ today. "The ...
Thousands of workers attended public events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch today to celebrate International Workers’ Day (May Day), but union representatives are urging caution and vigilance over the Government’s blatantly "anti-worker" ...
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in the March 2024 quarter, compared with 4.0 percent in the previous quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. ...
The PSA is warning the Government that the sensitive information of New Zealanders held by various agencies will fall into the wrong hands if the latest round of proposed cuts goes ahead. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Talitha Best, Professor of Psychology, CQUniversity Australia Victoria Rodriguez/Unsplash How do sugar rushes work? – W.H, age nine, from Canberra What a terrific question W.H! Let’s explore this, starting with some of the basics. What is sugar? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karinna Saxby, Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Increasing income support could help keep women and children safe according to new work demonstrating strong links between financial insecurity and domestic violence. ...
ANALYSIS:By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark A Gregory, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, RMIT University The telecommunications industry faces a major shakeup following the release of the post-incident report on last November’s 12-hour Optus outage. Telecommunications companies will have to share more information with customers during future ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Bookseller Confessional, in which we get to know Aotearoa’s booksellers. This week: Eden Denyer, bookseller at Unity Books Auckland.Weirdest question/request you’ve had on the shop floorA mother came in looking for anything we might have on Alaskan bison as that was her little boy’s ...
NZCTU Economist Craig Renney said new data released by Statistics New Zealand shows the need for Government to act now, with unemployment rising from 3.4% to 4.3%. ...
The outpouring of anger over Maiki Sherman’s hyperbolic presentation of this week’s ‘nightmare’ poll is itself an overreaction, argues Stewart Sowman-Lund. Politicians love nothing more than to pretend they don’t care about polls. This week, deputy prime minister Winston Peters said he didn’t give a “rat’s derriere” about a TVNZ ...
Asia Pacific Report Ngāti Kahungunu in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region has become the first indigenous Māori iwi (tribe) to sign a resolution calling for a “ceasefire in Palestine”, reports Te Ao Māori News. Reporter Te Aniwaniwa Paterson talked to Te Otāne Huata, who has been organising peace rallies ...
By Dale Luma in Port Moresby “We want grants and not concessional loans,” is the crisp message from Papua New Guinea businesses directly affected by the Black Wednesday looting four months ago. The businesses, which lost millions after the January 10 rioting and looting, say they need grants as part ...
Happy May Day. Join a union. Q: What’s worse than a staff break room where the only place to sit and have a cup of tea is on a teetering stack of old pornography magazines? A: Your boss replacing the magazine stacks with chairs that are “heartily encrusted with ...
By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Former opposition leader Matthew Wale has been announced as the second prime ministerial candidate ahead of the election in Solomon Islands tomorrow. He will face off against former foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele, who was announced by the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation ...
We get but one birthday a year – why not make it last as long as possible by scheduling as many meals with friends and family as you can? This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you celebrate at ...
A Koi Tū discussion paper released today proposes sweeping changes to New Zealand’s media industry. The principal’s key author, Gavin Ellis, explains how journalists have a key role to play in making others value their role in society. This is an abridged version of a piece first published on knightlyviews.com ...
The Government’s spending cuts are again targeting support for Māori with proposed reform of the agency charged with advising on Māori wellbeing and development. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Douglas, Honorary Senior Lecturer, UNSW Aviation., UNSW Sydney The history of budget jet airlines in Australia is a long road littered with broken dreams. New entrants have consistently struggled to get a foothold. Low-cost carrier Bonza has just become the industry’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosalind Dixon, Director, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, UNSW Sydney Australia is finally having a sustained conversation about violence against women and what we can do about it. It is more than time. Australian women and girls continue to experience ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne stockfour/Shutterstock Preliminary bulk billing data released this week shows a 2.1% rise in bulk billing up to March. ...
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Note the unsubtle advertising for the National Party in the Herald article by Claire Trevett, titled “Syria to grab UN focus on Key’s visit.” The article is about the PM but the photo shows Key with the National Party logo on the rostrum in the forefront.
Product placement is the inclusion of a branded product in media, usually without explicit reference to the product.
(The product being the National Party “brand”.)
How much did the Herald get for that or are they doing it free?
Yes, I agree, all photos of political leaders in newspapers should be completely and utterly devoid of their party branding, at all times.
🙄
I guess you think that The Herald is biased when it runs this story?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11520183
Or perhaps this one?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11519500
Or maybe this one?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11511627
Totes biased, you can tell by the way they have a party leader with their party branding in the same photo together.
Actually, in Andrew Little’s case at least it is just an easy way for the paper to get around the dilemma that most New Zealand people would be hard pressed to actually identify the fellow.
Using this stock photo of AL saves then having to caption a neutral photo of him, without a background of the Labour party clue, with something like the following.
“Andrew Little ( currently the head of the New Zealand Labour Party in the NZ Parliament)”.
The background in the stock photo saves them having to explain who the little-known man in the photo is.
ps. And yes I did see the smiley face when I first read your comment.
Down with party branding!
All party logos should be plain black font on a white rectangular background.
“Parties” with only single MPs in parliament must use Comic Sans for their party logo, all other parties must use Verdana.
fair enough the seccond link though the heather whatshername story is laughable this poor girl who looks like she has barely completed puberty is completely clueless and would probably be better off working at mcdonalds or pac n save than attempting to comment on politics
I never actually read any of these stories.
I just remembered that The Herald tends to use a lot of stock photo’s and that they had a particularly noticeable one of Andrew Little that they seemed to use on every story about him. I simply looked for Herald stories about him and linked the first three that had the standard photo.
I do agree with Lanthanide about the black and white on a plain background though. We could extend it to using standard slogans like the ones on cigarette packets as well.
Labour “Voting Labour is dangerous to your health”
National “Voting National will shorten your life”
Green “Voting Green will cause dementia”
NZF “Voting for Winston will give you nappy rash”
and so on.
sorry alwyn i missed the real point shouldnt have had the seccond gnt !
They do it reflexively and automatically. The Herald is, more than ever, a National Party publication.
A beginner’s guide to neoliberalism – listen now
UK Labour have put together their new Economic Advisory:
Should make for some interesting policy ideas coming out of it.
If VW made countries…
heh.
“Nothing to hide – nothing to fear?”
Is this the reason for the latest big distraction from Anne Tolley?
How convenient ……
————————————————————————-
Groups fighting TPP secrecy set for their day in court
|
Last updated 07:07 28/09/2015
HAMISH RUTHERFORD
Trade Minister Tim Groser has refused to give details of New Zealand’s position in TPP negotiations.ROBYN EDIE
A group of organisations wanting to cast light on Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations will tell the High Court on Monday that Trade Minister Tim Groser is acting unlawfully in refusing to outline New Zealand’s position.
Jane Kelsey, a Professor of Law and trade commentator has filed a statement of claim seeking a declaration that Groser breached the provisions of the Official Information Act.
In February Groser’s office issued a blanket refusal to release documents to Kelsey related to negotiations on the proposed 12 country trade deal, which is yet
Go Jane Kelsey.
Go freedom of Speech and accountability for government officials.
Ann Tolley’s vicious ramblings about sterilizing the poor didn’t arise out of nothing.
Another National M.P. has denigrated “low-lifes”, “ferals” and “the handicapped” for years.
RadioLIVE, Friday 18 February 2011, 10:50 a.m.
In 1978 the late, great Larry Hagman had a choice to make. He’d been offered the lead role in two new television series: a comedy called The Waverly Wonders and a soap opera called Dallas. He eventually opted for the latter “because there’s not one redeeming nice character in the whole show.” Hagman explained that during a highly entertaining interview on National Radio in February 2011.
Later that same morning, listeners to another radio station had the dubious pleasure of hearing someone who, even in that cast of villains at Southfork, would have been an exceptionally nasty character….
MICHAEL LAWS: No. No. The government shouldn’t put another cracker in. The intellectually handicapped get enough money. I’m pretty reluctant to give them ANYTHING more. No more money should be thrown away on the intellectually handicapped. They’ve chosen the most expensive way of living. If they have to go back to large aggregations of them, so be it. Welcome to living within your means. …. I tell you what, that Indian chap that’s been given life, he should be given a BULLET. There are too many people alive in this country that should be dead. … We’ve got Margaret on the line.
CALLER MARGARET: Institutions are not good places. People deserve to have some kind of life.
MICHAEL LAWS: Yeah, but, uh, I went to a boys’ boarding school….
More wit and wisdom from Michael Laws here….
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-22022012/#comment-439366
This is very interesting …whether you have a member of family or friend OR YOURSELF with an addiction…whether it be gaming or alcohol or drugs or anything else eg bloody blogs
‘Neuroscientist Mark Lewis – addiction is NOT a disease’
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201772363/neuroscientist-mark-lewis-addiction-is-not-a-disease
“Professor Marc Lewis is a former drug addict, who recovered and now specialises in addiction. His latest book, The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction is not a Disease, has divided the medical profession, as refutes the medical view of addiction as a brain disease, arguing that it is simply a learned habit that can be broken.”
“I absolutely agree with what Matt said about Anne Tolley.”
That corpse Mike Williams is a waste of time every Monday morning.
From the Left and From the Right, Radio NZ National, Monday 28 September 2015
Kathryn Ryan, Matthew Hooton, Mike Williams
Once again, Matthew Hooton did the lion’s share of the talking. Williams chuckled appreciatively and endorsed everything Hooton said. As usual, Kathryn Ryan didn’t seem to have much of a clue about anything.
First up, Hooton delivered a lengthy encomium on the eugenics fanatic Anne Tolley. Even by the abysmal standard of a Hooton speech, this was a cynical, depraved, and partisan expression of support for someone who has been openly voicing some of the most repellent views imaginable. After Hooton’s lengthy monologue, it was time for a response from “the Left”….
MIKE WILLIAMS: I absolutely agree with what Matt said about Anne Tolley. There were two superb performances on television over the weekend….
Williams (as usual) did not talk for long, allowing Hooton the opportunity to make some disparaging comments about a social worker who had spoken up for the rights of poor women. Williams said nothing to contradict him.
KATHRYN RYAN: Now, captain’s calls. Are you being a bit mischievous here, Matthew?
MIKE WILLIAMS: [chortling] Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm! Of course he is! Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm!
…..ad nauseam….
http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-14092015/#comment-1070364
Everyday Madness
by ANDREY PANEVIN, Slavyangrad, 26 September 2015
Perusing the daily headlines has become somewhat like reading a prologue to global conflict, penned by a madman. Every day there is some new-found elaborate Russian plan to overrun the Ukraine, take control of Syria, or conduct programmes of genocide. It seems that every Western reporter has uncovered a conspiracy of their own that firmly pins the blame for the world’s troubles on Putin or the Russian people; the only problem being that all of their sources remain ‘anonymous’ and their stories cannot be confirmed.
These constant, and often contradictory, reports fill social media streams and television screens, and have become the basis for stock phrases such as ‘Russian aggression’ and ‘Western Values’, which politicians need only utter to convince their constituents that they are indeed righteous while the enemy is not. The insanity of Western political and cultural rhetoric is no longer an undercurrent, instead, with disconcerting ease, it has lodged itself into mainstream conversations. ….
Read more….
http://slavyangrad.org/2015/09/26/imperial-madness-2/
putin seems a lot more straight up than most of the other world leaders too and from a russian perspective it cant feel very nice all those nukes pointed in yr dirrection from 800 or so bases arround the world and even the oceans damn neer seething with british french and american nuclear armed subs and aircraft carriers its a wonder russias as stable as what it seems .good on them for giving snowden assylem too
#savekim
Rally for Kim! Save Kim Dotcom from Amerikkkan corporate oppression! Kim Dotcom is facing extradition based on trumped up evidence and betrayal by his former comrades (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11519489). If extradited he will be taken to Amerikkka and forced to face Amerikkkan (in)justice system. Let’s get organised comrades!
Save the 1%! Yes!
I think Puckish Rogue, you will find something like 90% of people have used a file website like You-Tube so the case is about Internet freedom and illegal spying. If Hollywood notice something illegal they just ask the file Website to remove it. NO DRAMAS – this is about oppression and control from Big Business in which even Sony’s lawyers confirmed they did not think their was a case and NZ government officials hoodwinked the facts to put a ‘positive’ spin on their bizarre actions of sending in 70 armed defenders to a family with young children to arrest and contain them.
I’m sure Kim will thank you from his mansion where hes underpaying and threatening the staff working for him
even if he was its completly and utterly irrelavent next to the fact that the key government allowed and approved an fbi style raid on a nz citizen complete with helicopters and swat teams after illeagally using state intelligence agencys to spy on him for months .whether you like the man personaly or not is irrelevant to the fact that as a nz citizen he should have exactly the same rights as you or i.By continuing the key narrative of lets all hate kim .com you are simply letting them get completely away with a gross misuse of state power.Next time you feel like uttering key mantras go back and see the vid of kim dot com pleading pastionately against the gcsb bill in parilment .He was doing all of us a favour.
Puckish Rogue, you’re out of your depth. You’ve made some foolish comments on this forum, but that must be about the stupidest of all.
Go Dotcom. Hope you win! This is not about American corporate oppression it is about corporate welfare and oppression and lobbyists now controlling inter country armed defenders to do their dirty work – without a trial – instead of what they should be doing. The armed defenders and GCSB should not be a private security enforcement agency and spies for Hollywood. Nor should we be giving tax cuts and employment law changes for Hollywood.
+100 saveNZ
Still drip feed of Dotcom communications without context. how long can they keep this up? Surely there must be some sort of actual crime that he committed? Cmon Crown you signed up to liability for billions in damages on our behalf ! You must have something? anything?
More lies against Dotcom:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11520205
Ha! If mega was paying people $50,000 to upload movies mega would have gone bankrupt! How stupid do they think we are?
#savekim
Rally for Kim?
So a few people with limited knowledge wave a few banners and chant a few chants, Yep, that is going to make a huge difference to the outcome
Maybe you would prefer a society where corporations have even more power of you.
+1 Maui
Have to wonder if the Pope’s protection crew is more of a threat to the Pope than any other threat.
https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/files/2015/09/489847586-800×533.jpg&w=1484
Very interesting and scary.
“Gordon Campbell on New Zealand’s TPP done deal on dairy, and on investor-state disputes”
http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2015/09/28/gordon-campbell-on-tpp-dairy-and-investor-state-disputes/
Gordon Campbell’s post today as linked by TMM above is a MUST READ!
In essence, based on information available overseas (eg US and Canadian news reports, Inside Trade etc referenced in the post), Campbell considers that a deal has possibly already been made re NZ diary exports to the US. Hence, Key’s statement last week that a TPPA may still be signed – compared to Groser’s strange remarks a few days ago that he will not be heading to the ministerial meeting underway in Atlanta unless a better deal is possible.
“…For the past week, the government has been actively downplaying the likely deal on dairy access to overseas markets that New Zealand may achieve via the TPP . Prime Minister John Key has warned that the dairy deal outcome will not be ‘gold-plated’ ; and on Friday Trade Minister Tim Groser told RNZ that if a better deal than the one hitherto on offer wasn’t available, it would hardly be worth his time attending the upcoming ministerial talks in Atlanta this week, which are expected to conclude the TPP deal. It was a peculiar renark. Surely if the dairy deal is on the ropes, should’t Groser be rushing to help push it over the line. Surely five years of negotiations deserve no less than 110 per cent effort at the finale. What’s going on here?
The likely explanation is that the dairy deal, has in fact, been done. Over the weekend, evidence has emerged that a new deal for NZ on dairy – and a solution to the previous impassae – has been reached, and is being reported on in North America. What our government has done is to talk down the likely outcome, so that it can maximise the gains of pulling the rabbit successfully out of the hat. Secrecy breeds the opportunities for this kind of spin. …”
Campbell then goes on to discuss the likely negative reaction of the US and Canadian dairy industries to such a deal re NZ dairy import access especially in the midst of the Canadian election; and other outstanding issues in the TPPA negotiations of concern – eg investor state disputes.
IMHO, Campbell’s article makes a lot of sense. The alarm bells have been going off in my head in the last week as to the reason for the distractions such as flags and pandas, and today Tolley’s latest beneficiary bashing. We can but hope that the overall negotiations fail …
Please note that I am not against improved export access for NZ products to other countries, particularly North America. In fact quite the opposite. I am not going to go into detail, but I actually spent a number of my teen years in that part of the world as a result of my father’s work involved in promoting and gaining access to NZ exports to those markets. BUT I am totally opposed to the loss of sovereignty issues etc that the TPPA appears to also entail, going on the little we know about it.
Snap. Having pressed submit and then left the computer to do its thing, came back to find a post had been put up on the Campbell article while I was drafting the above.
Happens. I was going to push a post on it myself, but then saw someone else had done so.
It is a very interesting read. I’ll have to have a peek at the links later in the evening.
TPP COUNTRIES HEAD TO ATLANTA WITHOUT DEAL IN SIGHT ON AUTO ROO
Schewel, Matthew. Inside US Trade33.37 (Sep 25, 2015).
…
But there have been no publicly announced meetings between TPP countries on dairy or biologics since the Maui meeting. New Zealand’s trade ministry indicated in a Sept. 24 press release that negotiators were still far from laying out acceptable options on dairy market access.
It did so by implicitly threatening that Trade Minister Tim Groser would not attend the TPP ministerial scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Atlanta absent more progress on dairy market access. “Should negotiators make sufficient progress resolving outstanding issues, including dairy market access, to warrant ministerial engagement, Mr. Groser intends to travel to Atlanta to meet other trade ministers,” the ministry said.
However, the ministry said its officials would definitely attend the Sept. 26-29 chief negotiators meeting in Atlanta.
…
Both the Peruvian and New Zealand governments signaled this week in separate documents that the outstanding issues generally fall into the categories of intellectual property (IP), market access, rules of origin, textiles, and legal and institutional issues. New Zealand’s trade ministry said in a Sept. 22 letter responding to an official information request that it would send negotiators for these areas as well as state-owned enterprises to the Atlanta meetings.
And what’s National been doing about this? Oh, that’s right – making sure that there’s more precariousness in work, that beneficiaries are getting forced off benefits that they’re entitled to and generally making things worse.
Dammit, forgot the main link: A bad job is harder on your mental health than unemployment
I kwow I’ve been avoiding TS to make comments, it’s just that Idiot/Savant is above them (probably with justification – no doubt the evidence will appear soon); TDB is not that responsive due to delays in comments appearing – such that conversation is near impossible; and TS is very very tolerant of absolute imbeciles – I guess that’s democrissy).
I was just wondering if anyone new WHEN John Key is going to embarrass us all at the U.N. – going forwid?
I hope they’ve found suffishint Bunglish trenslaydis – although thinking about it it’s probably better they don’t
[lprent: We tend to the view that even imbeciles (and people with lousy spelling and grammar) can have a valid viewpoint and are entitled to express it. After all the Electoral Act generally holds to that viewpoint as well, which is a sufficient legal guideline.
What we don’t tolerate are idiotic behaviour that violates our behavioral policies. Then we act more like bouncers to discourage similar behaviour in the future. Surprisingly, most people respect that (and those who do not have to find other places to comment). ]
“I’m not sure it’s the rugby.”
Leading thinker tries to explain the huge RWC crowds in England
The Panel, Radio NZ National, Monday 28 September 2015
Jim Mora, Gary McCormick, Wendyl Nissen
It is not at all controversial to point out that the standard of New Zealand rugby commentary is about as bad as commentary gets. The list of useless and/or offensive rugby commentators is a long one. Here are twenty of the worst:
1. Tim (“Someone might attack John Hart’s horse”) Bickerstaff (R.I.P)
2. Scott “Sumo” Stevenson
3. Murray (“Too many boofhead Islanders in the team”) Deaker
4. Martin “Moron” Devlin
5. Doug (“That black PIG Mugabe!”) Golightly
6. “Sir” John (“Too many Darkies”) Graham
7. Wynne “Sensible” Gray
8. Andy (“Too many Darkies”) Haden
9. Jim “Kadaverous” Kayes
10. David (“Too many dark faces for my taste”) Kirk
11. Paul “Lackwit” Lewis
12. Willy (“Gwaham Henwy can just PISS OFF!”) Lose, AKA Wiwwy Wose
13. John (“Are there too many darkies?”) Matheson (R.I.P.)
14. John (“Second Fiddle”) McBeth
15. Graham “Moods” Moody (R.I.P.)
16. Chris “Rat Shit” Rattue
17. Andrew (“Nothing to do in Cardiff”) Saveloy
18. Tony (“It wasn’t really me who hospitalized my fiancée”) Veitch, AKA “Veitchy”
19. Nigel (How many times can I say “Opportunity”?) Yalden
20. Spiro (“Rugby is ballet, it’s opera, it’s Swiss watch-making”) Zavos
This afternoon, sufferers of Jim Mora’s light chat show were inflicted with yet another member of this dismal fellowship….
JIM MORA: Mark, these crowds in England for the Rugby World Cup have been phenomenal. I see there was a record set for the Ireland-Romania match.
MARK REASON: [speaking slowly and carefully so as to convey deep thoughtfulness] I’m not sure it’s the rugby. It’s the occasion. …
Reason chuntered on in this deliberate, utterly ridiculous fashion for a long, long minute. Then he suddenly, thankfully, stopped talking.
JIM MORA: Shrewd analysis. That’s Mark Reason!
GARY McCORMICK: Really good analysis, Mark.
Aficionados of this kind of high-flown analysis should tune in tomorrow. Reason is on The Panel every day until the end of the tournament.
Planet Key is expanding:
So, two companies are merging to form one vertically integrated company, no new companies are being created by this move and they’re claiming that competition is increasing?
Yeah, pull the other one, it’s got bells on.
Matthew Palmer QC says TPPA opponents “not a bunch of wild-eyed radicals”;
He and his media parrots need to consider their words more carefully.
Checkpoint, Radio NZ National, Monday 28 September 2015
About 6:10 p.m. ….
Talking about the government’s refusal to release information about the talks, Patrick O’Meara repeated the careless phrasing of Matthew Palmer QC that the groups seeking the judicial review were “not a bunch of wild-eyed radicals” and included such “reputable” organizations as Consumer New Zealand, Ngati Kahungunu and the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
By using such irresponsible and cavalier words, Matthew Palmer and the journalists that parrot his words are (perhaps unwittingly) demeaning and even demonizing the people and organizations that have been trying to talk seriously about this assault on democracy for several years.
By the way, am I the only person to be gravely concerned at the recent steep decline in quality of Checkpoint? With Mary Wilson being kicked upstairs and no longer able to discomfit the likes of Bill English or Gerry Brownlee, the dominant voice there now is Jim Mora, who is simply not up to the job.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/285448/anti-tpp-campaigners-argue-text-ban-is-unlawful
i thought checkpoints been crap for ages i cant even listen to it anymore yeah be great if mary really did get into brownlee and co but trying to make a mountain out of a molehill perpetualy is just a drag to listen to .Plus the guts of the content has been more than thoroughly turned over during the day ! Cam slater and the nats call it red radio i call it radio repetition and these days i can only handle it in small doses .really enjoy though your regurgitations for our entertainment good stuff youve obviously got a solid constitution.!1