Open mike 28/10/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, October 28th, 2015 - 65 comments
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65 comments on “Open mike 28/10/2015 ”

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  1. amirite 1
    28 October 2015 at 7:17 am

    Dirty Politics players are retaliating – Nicky Hager may face criminal charges over accepting the hacked material.
    This is sure to have a chilling effect among journalists and it’s an symptomatic of how New Zealand treats its investigative journalists – as criminals.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11535914

    • Tautoko Mangō Mata 1.1
      28 October 2015 at 8:18 am

      “INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR WHISTLEBLOWER LEGISLATION”
      “The right of citizens to report wrongdoing is a natural extension of the
      right of freedom of expression, and is linked to the principles of
      transparency and integrity. All people have the inherent right to protect
      the well-being of other citizens and society at large, and in some cases
      they have the duty to report wrongdoing. The absence of effective
      protection can therefore pose a dilemma for whistleblowers: they are
      often expected to report corruption and other crimes, but doing so can
      expose them to retaliation.”
      file:///C:/Users/Di/Downloads/2013_WhistleblowerPrinciples_EN.pdf

      “A treason investigation into two journalists who reported that the German state planned to increase online surveillance has been suspended by the country’s prosecutor general following protests by leading voices across politics and media.”
      http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/31/germany-halts-treason-inquiry-journalists-surveillance-protests

      It is time for us to let the powers-that-be know that we will stand beside our principled whistleblowers. Those who attack whistleblowers are hiding either illegal or at the least shoddy, despicable, unethical and underhand actions which are in the public interest as they can influence the public’s political voting decisions.

      Has Slater been threatened with arrest?

      • Manuka AOR 1.1.1
        28 October 2015 at 9:01 am

        “It is time for us to let the powers-that-be know that we will stand beside our principled whistleblowers.”
        100%.

        • Manuka AOR 1.1.1.1
          28 October 2015 at 9:14 am

          One person in my family banks with Westpac. I am asking him to close that account.

          • ianmac 1.1.1.2.1
            28 October 2015 at 10:12 am

            Whistleblowers become criminals in the eyes of Government.
            Key often says that his Government is the most open/transparent ever. Really?
            If the contents of Nicky’s book becomes stolen property then they will be able to call for prison.
            The intent from Government/Police is at least to make Nick’s life and that of other journalists, miserable/stressful.

          • weston 1.1.1.2.2
            28 October 2015 at 8:20 pm

            unwatchable unless you an american patriot bullshit consumer

            • The Chairman 1.1.1.2.2.1
              28 October 2015 at 8:32 pm

              It’s unfortunate you perceive it that way. Most others comprehend its global relevance and importance.

              • weston …
                28 October 2015 at 8:44 pm

                theres some relevance i guess but in the light of more up to date stuff on the same topic it just seems lame and the whistleblowers featured i think would make snowden or assange or manning etc cringe with embarresment for them plus the stirring music in the background gives me the shits also

      • Anne 1.1.2
        28 October 2015 at 9:40 am

        How do we let them know as individuals? Who do we write to? My beef is the inordinate amount of time and energy the police are putting into the case and yet they have taken no cognisance of the wrong doing of the people Hager was writing about.

        Has Slater been threatened with arrest?

        We know he hasn’t. We know the police are dragging their heels on the complaints laid against him. We know they will do everything in their power to NOT have to prosecute him except for some tiddly little transgression that carries a fine of about $1000. I also suspect they are acting on behalf of the “Prime Ministers Office”.

        • Manuka AOR 1.1.2.1
          28 October 2015 at 9:52 am

          “and yet they have taken no cognisance of the conduct (both illegal and amoral) of the people Hager was writing about. “

          Exactly. And corruption, like rust, never sleeps. It needs to be cleaned out now, while this is still possible.

    • weka 1.2
      28 October 2015 at 10:05 am

      Ropata put this up in Daily Review last night. It’s a press release from Hager’s lawyer about the Westpac issue. Important reading regarding the privacy issues, the police refusing to hand over information via Privacy Act and OIA requests etc, and where Hager is at with it all.

      https://t.co/ymrbXmPDaL

      pic.twitter.com/dHVCdqAMTu

      It’s a PDF so I can’t cut and past but perhaps one of the authors might like to put it up as a Notices and Features post?

      • veutoviper 1.2.2
        28 October 2015 at 11:32 am

        This is the best version – http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=83096

        Tracey and I posted various links/comments on this yesterday afternoon on the “Angry with Westpac” post – see 10 and thereabouts.

        This morning Tracey has also posted some good responses to various comments throughout the discussion under that post on the Privacy Act provisions you may wish to check out.

        If you are game to see what ‘the other side’ are saying, a certain Dunedin-based blog has several posts on this subject, and WO has now broken his silence with a couple of posts this morning – and Spanish Bride is apparently releasing a post at 1.30pm. Sorry, I will not provide links to those blogs, but I check them from time to time via Donotlink to see what is going on there.

        From Twitter this morning, TVNZ (Katie Bradford) are also doing further follow-up on the Westpac situation and there is high interest/concern by journalists on the implications for them of the bank’s action; and the Supreme Court decision last week on the status of computer records etc as property.

        • veutoviper 1.2.2.1
          28 October 2015 at 11:56 am

          And for a little bit of humour (we all need a laugh) – Westpac’s new fleet of mobile offices

          https://twitter.com/SirWB/status/657700721584939009

        • Tracey 1.2.2.2
          28 October 2015 at 12:24 pm

          taken them quite a few days to coordinate the “best” response. Perhaps Cameron is now engaged by Westpac, and once he starts his meme they will finally release something?

          • veutoviper 1.2.2.2.1
            28 October 2015 at 1:08 pm

            I assume you mean WO re “‘taken them…”. I doubt that there is any connection between WO and Westpac.

            From my quick read, the posts did not mention Westpac per se. They relate to CS’ outrage at people being concerned at Hager’s privacy being breached when HE is the REAL victim of privacy breach by Rawshark, Hager, and all those journalists (a whole list of them named) and others who have written about the Rawshark releases, Dirty Politics book etc etc ., or rather had or have his property. [Obviously linking to the SC decision last week.]

            Oh the irony considering how many peoples’ privacy WO has breached over the years.

            Damn it – here is a quote from one of the posts

            Charge him, and every other person or group who had or still has my data.

            That means the NZ Herald, David Fisher, Matt Nippert, John Campbell, Mediaworks and Fairfax….there are a few others as well that I can think of who handled my property, including some bloggers and political party operatives who have admitted that they were involved in handling my property. The NZ Herald refused to give my data back, as did other media organisations. They might like to revisit that decision, and pretty quickly. One journalist in particular has been boasting all over town how he has enough of my property to write a story a week for years…he might want to consider returning my property. The journalists who ran Whaledump might like to think about that too.

            They are all at risk, and not just from criminal prosecution, but from civil action.

            The key here is those who worked with the hacker/s or closely with the team working with the hacker/s. They are now vulnerable.

            Journalists shouldn’t break the law to get a story. Perhaps they need a chilling and salient lesson in that regard.

            The early part of the post is a reprint of most of Fisher’s Herald post today – http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11535914

            Him’ in the first sentence means Hager.

            Some interesting claims in the second para – eg “… some bloggers and political party operatives who have admitted …” and “The journalists who ran Whaledump …”.

            • Tracey 1.2.2.2.1.1
              28 October 2015 at 1:26 pm

              I meant he will work for anyone 😉

              Poor poor Slater, always the victim. I guess that’s why he is the only person to get an apology from our PM?

              • Anne …
                28 October 2015 at 4:32 pm

                I’ve got news for W.O. If Hager is prosecuted for receiving stolen property then he can expect a police complaint to be laid against him for “receiving stolen property belonging to the Labour Party.” The fact that their computers turned out not to be as fully secure as they thought is neither here nor there.

                They still stole the property!

  2. Morrissey 2
    28 October 2015 at 7:19 am

    “Oh my God! Professor Christine Fair, what HAPPENED to you?”
    [angrily sobbing] “Those BASTARDS put me up against Glenn Greenwald.” (sniff).

    The greatest intellectual and moral mismatch since that stammering pseud Norman Mailer thought he’d take a shot at Gore Vidal….

    UpFront – Do drone strikes create more terrorists than they kill?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXXPWbFyhK0

    • ianmac 2.1
      28 October 2015 at 9:40 am

      What a pity that they don’t have a microphone switch off like the Speaker has in Question Time.
      Trying to imagine how say Rangiora would react should an Australian drone be used to take out a militant but also take out 75 other men women and children? The survivors might just be a bit miffed.

    • Once was Tim 2.2
      28 October 2015 at 9:47 am

      I almost felt embarrassed for her when watching it. (Almost, then I kicked myself)

    • Draco T Bastard 2.3
      28 October 2015 at 11:06 am

      Because “NUANCE”

  3. ianmac 3
    28 October 2015 at 10:27 am

    A relative asked me yesterday why was I so against the Key Government but I couldn’t think of a succinct list of damage done by them.
    Anyone help make a list suitable to persuade someone who is puzzled about anti Key sentiment in her locality?

    • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1
      28 October 2015 at 10:38 am

      Notional Standards.
      Charter Schools.
      Human rights.
      The rule of law.
      Child poverty.
      Infant morbidity.
      Inequality.
      Privatisation.
      Two tier healthcare.
      Lies about all of the above.
      Dirty Politics.

    • Red Blooded 3.2
      28 October 2015 at 10:49 am

      Billion dollar debt.
      Assets sold.

      • ianmac 3.2.1
        28 October 2015 at 11:12 am

        Thanks One and Red. I will adapt your ideas and have them ready at hand. I had suggested that this Government is creeping legislation a bit at a time so that we don’t notice the changes as much as we did with for example the Mother of All Budgets.
        Gentle Erosion is taking place rather than an avalanche.

        • tc 3.2.1.1
          28 October 2015 at 12:02 pm

          Rejecting: healthy homes, feeding kids in schools, safer workplaces, engineering capability (Hillside closure), adequate health funding (25% under across the board now) etc

          Closing more Km’s of rail than occured under privatisation, Gisborne a good example of that ‘don’t give a F about rail’ atitude whilst RONS and holiday highways siphon money from elsewhere.

          Admitting they game the OIA etc etc

          • Gangnam Style 3.2.1.1.1
            29 October 2015 at 6:20 am

            See the guy who bought Hillside has to lay off workers because they have no work, & so it goes.

    • infused 3.3
      28 October 2015 at 11:05 am

      That just shows how much of a sheep you are.

    • Psycho Milt 3.4
      28 October 2015 at 2:15 pm

      To add to the above, my personal pet hates:

      1. Key’s government is increasing state control over universities and polytechs (by scrapping staff/student/community representatives and replacing them with government appointees).

      2. It’s butchering public-sector scientific research (via funding cuts, political appointees and restructuring).

      3. It’s undermining wage/salary-earners’ ability to maintain or improve their pay and conditions (via zero-hours contracts, trial periods and putting collective contracts at the whim of the employer).

  4. Chooky 4
    28 October 2015 at 11:40 am

    ‘We are deeply disturbed’: 343 British academics vow to boycott Israeli universities’

    https://www.rt.com/uk/319837-British-boycott-Israel-universities/

    “Over 300 scholars from UK institutions have signed a letter vowing to boycott Israeli universities, citing Tel Aviv’s “illegal occupation” of Palestinian land and “human rights violations.” The move has drawn criticism from Jewish organizations and diplomats.
    The letter, signed by 343 academics, appeared as a full-page ad in Tuesday’s Guardian newspaper.

    “As scholars associated with British universities, we are deeply disturbed by Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land, the intolerable human rights violations that it inflicts on all sections of the Palestinian people, and its apparent determination to resist any feasible settlement,” it reads…

  5. Chooky 5
    28 October 2015 at 11:49 am

    ‘EU Parliament rejects amendments protecting net neutrality’

    https://www.rt.com/news/319847-eu-parliament-net-neutrality/

    “European Parliament has voted for a package of EU internet traffic regulations, rejecting all amendments on net neutrality. The move was slammed by activists and companies alike, who say it will allow some to have faster internet access than others.

    Opponents also say the move will stifle growth, as not all network traffic will be treated equally. They believe the rules will create “fast lanes” for so-called “specialized services with quality requirements.” This would subsequently mean network owners would be able to offer zero rated services and offer net neutrality exceptions…

    …The founder of the worldwide web Sir Tim Berners-Lee was against the move. Speaking before the vote took place, he said: “If adopted as currently written, these rules will threaten innovation, free speech and privacy, and compromise Europe’s ability to lead in the digital economy.”

    A number of tech companies signed a letter against the proposals, including Kickstater, Vimeo, BirTorrent and Netflix.

    “These problems jeopardize the future of the startup innovation and economic growth in the EU. They also create barriers for US startups and businesses seeking to enter the EU market,” the letter read. “We believe that the future of the open Internet in Europe is at stake and urgent action is warranted.”

    • Kiwiri 5.1
      28 October 2015 at 1:42 pm

      ‘Tis becoming increasingly obvious now, all over the world, that the so-called elected representatives no longer govern and legislate for the people, but against the people.

  6. Draco T Bastard 6
    28 October 2015 at 12:22 pm

    Dita DeBoni: Privacy right is not a right when not ‘right’

    Again, you may think Nicky Hager deserved the treatment he’s had. You may not agree with him in general.

    But remember that whatever treatment’s been handed out to him can be handed out to anyone with the ‘wrong’ connections, the ‘wrong’ information, and the ‘wrong’ intentions.

    Privacy increasingly seems to be only your right if you are on the ‘right’ side.

    What we’re seeing in the Hager case is what we’d expect to see in a police state when the government acts to hide its actions.

    • ianmac 6.1
      28 October 2015 at 2:12 pm

      In that video posted by The Chairman above, they point out that if “information” is leaked by politicians, and it is, then they regard that as OK.
      If the same sort of “information” is leaked by a whistleblower, then it is all bad and the full weight of the Government will set out to destroy you and your credibility. For example in NZ, Jon Stephenson and Nicky Hager.

      • alwyn 6.1.1
        28 October 2015 at 6:52 pm

        It is hardly a new thing, is it, that politicians regard themselves as exempt from the rules that apply to mere mortals.
        After all, it was spelt out most succinctly by a former New Zealand Prime Minister who smeared a Police Commissioner.
        “By definition I cannot leak” she averred.
        http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/blogs/on-the-house/3470774/The-Governments-own-leaky-home-saga
        Every Government follows the same set of rules. To try and pretend that our current Government is somehow uniquely at fault is to fool yourself. Repeat 100 times. “They all do it, and it is never right just because you approve of the particular lot concerned”

  7. Tracey 7
    28 October 2015 at 12:26 pm

    “Fifteen of the biggest players in the $14 trillion market for credit insurance are also the referees.

    Firms such as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs wrote the rules, are the dominant buyers and sellers and, ultimately, help decide winners and losers.

    Has a country such as Argentina paid what it owes? Has a company like Caesars Entertainment Corp. kept up with its bills? When the question comes up, the 15 firms meet on a conference call to decide whether a default has triggered a payout of the bond insurance, called a credit-default swap. Investors use CDS to protect themselves from missed debt payments or profit from them.

    Once the 15 firms decide that a default has taken place, they effectively determine how much money will change hands.

    And now, seven years after the financial crisis first brought CDS to widespread attention, pressure is growing inside and outside what’s called the determinations committee to tackle conflicts of interest, according to interviews with three dozen people with direct knowledge of the panel’s functioning who asked that their names not be used.

    Scandals that exposed how bank traders rigged key interest rates and fixed currency values have given ammunition to those who say CDS may also be susceptible to collusion or, worse, outright manipulation.”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11536192

  8. Tautoko Mangō Mata 8
    28 October 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Joseph Stiglitz: “Under TPP, Polluters Could Sue U.S. for Setting Carbon Emissions Limits”
    “We know we’re going to need regulations to restrict the emissions of carbon,” Stiglitz said. “But under these provisions, corporations can sue the government, including the American government, by the way, so it’s all the governments in the TPP can be sued for the loss of profits as a result of the regulations that restrict their ability to emit carbon emissions that lead to global warming.”

    http://www.democracynow.org/2015/10/27/joseph_stiglitz_under_tpp_polluters_could

    • Manuka AOR 8.1
      28 October 2015 at 2:31 pm

      Transcript excerpt: “In other words, the view is, they have the right to kill people, and if you want to take away that right, you have to pay them not to kill.” Joseph Stiglitz – Nobel Prize-winning economist and Columbia University professor.

    • The Chairman 8.2
      28 October 2015 at 5:22 pm

      I recommend watching the rest of the interview.

      Stiglitz talks about his new book: Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy: An Agenda for Growth and Shared Prosperity.

      In doing so, he explains the neo-liberal change of the eighty’s, its flaws (hence the need to rewrite the rules) and how that flawed structure is being locked in by the TPP.

  9. Kiwiri 9
    28 October 2015 at 1:32 pm

    Ex-PM Abbott, the suppository of knowledge, continues his anus horribilis by giving the second anal Margaret Thatcher Lecture:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/73441527/Tony-Abbott-urges-Europe-to-adopt-boat-turnbacks-in-response-to-refugee-crisis

    to edit typos.

  10. esoteric pineapples 10
    28 October 2015 at 4:11 pm

    Good interview for anyone interested in what is happening in Guatemala – http://www.democracynow.org/2015/10/27/with_military_backing_tv_comedian_wins

  11. Penny Bright 11
    28 October 2015 at 8:03 pm

    FYI – I’ve been granted speaking rights at the Auckland Council Governing Body meeting to be held tomorrow, Thursday 29 October 2015, at the Auckland Town Hall, 9.30am.

    Seems that some members of the Local Government and Environment Select Committee, agree that it would be helpful to have a cost-benefit analysis of the Auckland ‘Supercity’ amalgamation?

    “Your request for public input at the 29 October 2015 Governing Body meeting has been approved.

    You have been allocated five minutes in the public input section of the meeting, commencing at 9.30am, in the Reception Lounge, Auckland Town Hall, to speak regarding the need for a ‘cost-benefit’ analysis of the Auckland Council amalgamation, and the Local Government and Environment Select Committee Report on Petition 2014/0009 of Penelope Mary Bright and 43 Others.
    …..”
    ____________________________________________________

    The above-mentioned Local Government and Environment Select Committee Report on Petition 2014/0009 of Penelope Mary Bright and 43 Others :

    http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/sc/documents/reports/51DBSCH_SCR66460_1/petition-20140009-of-penelope-mary-bright-and-43-others

    “Recommendation

    The Local Government and Environment Committee has considered Petition 2014/9 of Penelope Mary Bright and 43 others and recommends that the House take note of its report.

    The petition requests

    That the House conduct an urgent inquiry into the alleged failure of the current Local Government Commissioners, to carry out the necessary ‘due diligence’ in order to comply with their statutory duties under the Local Government Act 2002, before formulating the ‘Draft Wellington Reorganisation Proposal’.

    …..

    Petitioner’s concerns

    In 2009 one regional and seven territorial authorities were amalgamated to create the Auckland “super city”.

    The petitioner told us she was opposed to the Auckland amalgamation from its inception, and questioned its reasoning.

    Because of her interest in local government reorganisation, the petitioner decided to become involved in the draft Wellington reorganisation proposal when it was released.

    The petitioner is critical that the commission released its draft Wellington proposal before it

     provided statistical data on Wellington’s nine local councils’ costs of services and regulatory functions, on which future costs could be measured

     acquired statistics illustrating the predicted efficiencies resulting from Auckland’s amalgamation.
    …….”

    Penny Bright

    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate

    • Chooky 11.1
      28 October 2015 at 9:04 pm

      +100 Penny…Auckland amalgamation of councils is a mess and open to corruption…not a model to be emulated in Wellington or anywhere else imo

  12. Chooky 12
    28 October 2015 at 9:00 pm

    Round table discussion/debate on Syrian situation today:

    ‘Syrian turning point?’

    https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/319922-syria-civil-war-regime/

    “How has Russia’s stepped-up role in Syria changed the politics of the country’s civil war and the regime? Washington acknowledges Russia’s bombing campaign at the request of Damascus, but still does not accept it. Is this because Washington does not practice diplomacy anymore?

    CrossTalking with James Jatras, Sukant Chandan, and Mary Dejevsky.”

  13. Logie97 13
    28 October 2015 at 10:50 pm

    Just an observation from afar.
    Has anyone else noticed the casual photo-ops that the PM likes to have.

    An heir apparent.
    Morning commercial radio hosts.
    Rugby player dressing rooms.

    Can he or does he identify/socialise with people his own age?

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    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    23 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    5 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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