Did anyone else hear yesterday's early around the 7am RNZ news when Lisa Owens was stating that a leakier has released a document linking NZ First to arranging funding for the party?
It seemed at the time to be a hot story she was sending, among the current investigation going on by the Electoral Commission and may have been a hoax?
So since then the story was not repeated again, – did anyone hear that?.
That would have been a promo for her Checkpoint show between 5 and 6pm cleangreen. They always pick a soundbite from the previous evening which is supposed to whet the cerebral appetite.
Yes maybe it was a promo as I had just awaken and turned RNZ on and she was going hard at it so I tuned out and never heard the end because it was off the wall for me at that early time.
Cheers for that, a promo from Lisa Owens is most probably was.
Document leak: Why the NZ First Foundation was set up
Key documents about a mysterious foundation loaning money to New Zealand First have been leaked to RNZ, detailing why the New Zealand First Foundation was set up, how it would operate and who knew about the idea from the outset.
"The precedent is clear. It is the National Party's National Foundation. In essence this proposal suggests a cloning of that model into the New Zealand First Foundation," the document says. "There can be little doubt that the model is legally sound and is operated in a manner that meets all legal and ethical obligations."
But Bridges is calling for a full enquiry so will that be extended to National's Foundation?
I think its Owen (singular @cleangreen, though I can't be certain given a lot of people's desire to pluralise S'John (going forward)
And if you heard it in the mouring, was more likely to be a Fergusson.
Can't be certain these days tho' eh bro? A Fergusson here and an Owen there.
What's a big of partisan populist fuckwittery 'tween and twixt frenz (even those that come with benefits).
I think the problem is with all those 'other people' – possibly all those "ONES" the gummint's official stakeholders are unwilling to consult with (in this space, going forward, AND in the fullness of time)
Could be wrong tho' eh bro'! Good things apparently take time these days eh?
So even as spatial awareness diminishes (and all that goes with that), AND as change becomes faster and faster, we're assured that the responses to it should get slower ans slower – might be better to just drop the big OD now and be done with it eh?
Yes that was the one for sure, and Lisa was banging it out like it was a 21st century miracle development but it appears to be cloned to most political parties now for reasons we are awaiting to find out.
Media are very hungry for any story now it seems..
The Ministry of Health continues to exhibit symptoms…the latest is insisting on telling cute little girls who once were overflowing with joy and confidence "fat".
But Carey said it was a bizarre measure. As a result of the test: "Short people think they are thinner than they are, and tall people think they are fatter.
"What worries me is families who may really want support don't get it because their child has been categorised as being a healthy weight and some families don't actually need the referral but they think they do," Carey said.
Wellington mum Kym Clough said her daughter Abby, now 7, was told by a Plunket nurse she was fat at the age of 4 and, three years on, the comment has stuck.
"She'll finish a two-hour tap class and say 'Mummy do you think I've lost weight?'
"As a parent it's awful knowing she is constantly thinking about her body image like that," Clough told the Herald.
The mum-of-two said she remembers coming home after the B4SC and crying thinking she was a bad mother.
"I was horrified because she eats healthy, we grow our own vegetables and are not the type of family who sit in front of the TV for ages.
"The next day I took my daughter to kindy and asked the kindy teachers if they thought she was fat, because I knew they would be honest, and they said absolutely not."
Clough said hearing the nurse tell her daughter she was fat came as a huge shock because she was always an active kid.
"Even from a young age we would go to the park and she wouldn't walk, she'd run and my brother would always say she's going to be a gymnast or a long-distance runner."
Well that was before, now after assistance from the Ministry of Health she might end up with an eating disorder instead. I hope she learns to love herself more than the opinions of healthcare professionals.
Is this going to be an intelligent investment in a world being ruined by technical developments and their consequences?
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to develop the plan which sets out goals and actions for how the city will become a world recognised aerospace hub.
The port moving and the four lane highway are two different things. We have to keep on doing things. The economy has to keep grinding on, but keeping on dropping a cog, trying for an adequate sustainable level not 8-10% return on capital, and keeping climate change in mind all the time.
Like I think a railway north would be a good idea for transporting the goods. But what about extreme heat on the rail tracks I wonder. They could buckle and derail. I will have a look on google.
Practical methods: How we prevent tracks from getting too hot: We work closely with specialist weather forecasters and local weather stations to make necessary plans and take action so rails are less likely to buckle.
Our teams check track stability each winter as part of ongoing maintenance, and strengthen any weak parts before summer.
We paint certain parts of the rail white so they absorb less heat – and expand less. Typically, a rail painted white is 5°C to 10°C cooler than one left unpainted.
As most track is made up of long pieces of rail that are stretched and welded together, there is much less chance of buckling in very high temperatures because there is reduced compression.
When a track is made up from short rails bolted together, we leave small gaps between each one so that expansion doesn’t cause a problem.
We’re always improving how we measure and calculate rail temperatures. One way we’re doing this is by installing probes that alert us when track temperatures rise to give us chance to take action and stop a problem before it happens.
you dont' really have to explain trains to me.- I grew up in Germany, lived in France and have never owned a car. Not even in NZ have i owned a car.
Seriously, i grew up with them, they are my preferred method of transport and no one is gonna build a train up to Whangarai. You are lucky if you get a 4 lane highway that will then be destroyed by trucks like any other highway in NZ that is covered in Trucks.
In this country we can't even build a commuter train to hamilton/rotorua/wellington etc. Heck we can't even build a train to AKL Airport.
But they are gonna build a train to Whangarai. Yeah, right Tui.
All those rail projects are coming, despite any amount of denial or whinging about them. A 4-lane motorway north on the other hand is just a Nat/banker fantasy.
Subject; Article below entitled; “The Hidden Trucking Industry Subsidy” This US based article shows we ‘public’ give an exorbitant unfair amount of subsidy to the trucking industry. We now want the Transport Minister to please drive around regional NZ and just see the impacts of 50 to 60 tonne “B train ‘trucks and their destruction of our “soft roads” that do not even have an adequate under base to carry the 50+ tonne laden weight trucks, as they need a ‘steel mesh reinforced concrete base’ as US/Canadian and EU roads have installed under their truck routes.
Quote; Freight trucks cause 99% of wear-and-tear on US roads, but only pay for 35% of the maintenance. This $60B subsidy causes extra congestion and pollution, and taxpayers pay the bill. SO; This is a question for NZTA “why is it fair that the NZ taxpayer gives trucking industry a subsidy and not our own publicly owned rail”? We must now request ‘public’ money for roading must also be given to restoring our public owned regional rail. Since this document came out we know that the public is massively funding road repairs for private trucking companies so now we need to level the playing field for rail as it is a public owned entity owned by us taxpayers so we now desperately need at least an equal 50% contribution of the ‘public road funding’ be given to rail to restore the regional rail services around NZ. Here are the plain facts;
hidden-trucking-industry-subsidy/ The Hidden Trucking Industry Subsidy Freight trucks cause 99% of wear-and-tear on US roads, but only pay for 35% of the maintenance. This $60B subsidy causes extra congestion and pollution, and taxpayers pay the bill….. more to come so read all.
There used to be a train to the Far North – the North Auckland Line went to Whangarei. The grading for most of the tracks still remain.
The Okaihau branch which went from Opua on the North Auckland line, was intended to reach Kaitaia but was never completed. Some of the graded tracks are part of the northern cycleway.
I think there will be a train and a 4 lane highway to Whangarei, they will need them when the port moves their. It might take another ten or fifteen years.
I am posting in relation to the Julian Assange matter, which drew a lot of attention here on TS yesterday, but this is not entirely Julian Assange specific, so I post it today on Open Mike.
The treatment of both remand and convicted prisoners by prison authorities, including assessing and intervention in an attempt to ensure that both the physical and mental well being of the prisoner is adequate, can often be seen as equating to, or consistent with the general attitude and culture of the both the state, and society in any ne jurisdiction.
So for example, compare our prisons with prisons in say, Thailand or South America, and equate it to attitude, demographic and both culture and what is believed to be acceptable.
If we were to take a look at the Jeffery Epstein incarceration and death in custody, we might detect that many in New York probably privately believe that it was the best outcome and acceptable given the allegations. Of course, rightly or wrongly, New Zealand takes a lot of markers and cues from the United States of America in relation to justice, law and order principles, even though we are more closely aligned to England, Australia and even Canada.
So, in relation to what happened to Epstein, why have many throughout the United States, or at least throughout New York not expressed seriously concerns, and why are they not insisting on finding out just what occurred?
Well, perhaps they should be, not so much out of a concern as to what Epstein went through personally once incarcerated, but in relation to what they or others they care about might also undergo if they were ever to find themselves on remand, and subject to less publicly visible hostility of one sort or another.
I have no doubt that the Jeffery Epstein attitude held by many also applies to people considered to be traitors or whistle blowers leaking national security material.
The litmus test in relation to the above "traitor" assessment might relate to the general determination of motivation and the overall detrimental impact or damage caused by such disclosures. Also, the extent (if any) of any subversion attempt if subversion was believed to be an objective.
Many believe Julian Assange to be a traitor, but many also consider him simply to be a former political commentator or journalist who is being politically targeted, and perhaps quite cruelly.
Who will win out in relation to this (suspected) game of cat and mouse is anybody's guess.
Whichever way it pans out, it seems very unlikely that Julian Assange will emerge from it gaining or winning much of anything at all.
Mainstream media have utilised him and dropped him, and they have latterly had their fun with him as well. He certainly brings in advertising revenue for them by way of the various news article presented and associated with him.
Despite cries of little or no transparency and of prisoner maltreatment, most people just leave the system, or the law of the prison jungle to "do what it wilt" on many occasions. This is how society usually behaves, especially when their focus is regularly redirected (and occasionally misdirected) here, there and elsewhere. There is so much going on.
Prison managers and all staff have duty of care to the prisoners they manage and house.
Both psychiatric and psychological evaluations should be regularly made on high (personal and health) risk prisoners such as Assange, and the evaluations should be both free of any personal bias by the assessors, and free from any undue influence further up the ladder.
This of course is an idealised, would be, should be, could be deliberation by me. In reality, who really can determine how it works from one day to the next, or from one situation to another?
Locally, and more especially on Howard League, it is clear that so many support an overhaul of one kind or another. This is healthy. Never stop taking an interest in these matters, and never stop asking questions when they need to be asked.
Perhaps this would be an opportune time to continue to vocalise as a lobby group whilst also lending support to those MP's and both those local body representatives and candidates who have a track record of approaching the matter realistically and supporting change if or where it is needed.
I can think of two MP's already, (focused less on the driving licence aspect and more on the generic). Both are Labour Crown Ministers, and are well respected.
Another ran for Auckland mayoralty recently and appears to have had a lot of support in relation to attempting to realistically address many social reform issues, and where prison reform is actually one of them.
Why not seize the opportunity to push for positive change this time if you believe that change must take place in New Zealand?
The Tohu (symbol) is shaped by our natural landscape which stretches from the top of the Southern Alps to the depths of our moana. Taking the form of the letter 'C' but expressed in a way that is unique to us. It nods to our legacy while moving us forward.
…
Ultimately, it was decided that no name better represented the club's commitment to living its values – crusading for social improvement and inclusiveness, and crusading with heart for our community and for each other – than 'Crusaders' did.
Yep, it's some sort of Māori social improvement agency, not a ruddy sporting entertainment corporation rooted in posh school classics.
1. (verb) (-a,-ina,-ngia,-tia) to instruct, advise, save the life of, spare, guide, direct, instruct, appoint.
2. (verb) (-a,-ina,-ngia,-tia) to point out, show, indicate, point at, gesticulate.
3. (verb) (-a,-ina,-ngia,-tia) to preserve, conserve.
4. (verb) (-a) to perform a ritual.
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Mark Patterson, Spokesperson for Primary Industries New Zealand First spokesperson for Primary Industries, Mark Patterson, has called for awareness to be raised and more stringent biosecurity checks to be put in place for African Swine Fever (ASF), a widespread virus that is uncontrolled in most of Asia and a serious ...
Jenny Marcroft MP, Spokesperson for Human Rights A critical step has been taken to end gender based violence against women and girls in Parliament this evening. New Zealand First Spokesperson for Human Rights Jenny Marcroft MP has welcomed the passing of the first reading of the Crimes (Definition of Female ...
New Zealand First MP Shane Jones says it's time to recognise market forces haven't led to the expected reduction in Māori smoking rates and try a new approach. The Party had recently invoked the agree to disagree clause in their Coalition Agreement with the Labour Party, and will not support ...
Live from the Whanganui Opera House, on the final day of the 2019 Labour Party Conference, Jacinda Ardern announced the largest investment in school property in 25 years. ...
The Coalition Government will be banning foreign donations to political parties and candidates, ahead of next year’s general elections. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament and passed under urgency – emphasising the need for such restrictions to safeguard our democracy. The bill introduces a new requirement that party secretaries and ...
Associate Transport Minister Shane Jones opened Taipā's $19 million bridge recently, improving transport infrastructure in the Northland region. The two-lane bridge is 107m long with a 2.5m-wide shared walking and cycling path, and will reduce the congestion that the old one-lane bridge was notorious for. The project had also included ...
The Overseas Investment Office have rejected the application of Mercury Agriculture LP, which is 92 per cent controlled by Canadian interests, to purchase more than 2000 hectares of South Canterbury and Otago land. Mercury wanted to buy 2000ha at Rangitata, 1494ha near Ashburton, 816ha near Cromwell and 212ha near Temuka. ...
This weekend was Labour's 103rd Party Conference! We welcomed over 500 of our Labour whānau in red to Whanganui, where we reflected on the last two years in Government, and looked ahead to 2020 and beyond. We know the long-term challenges facing New Zealand won't be tackled overnight, but we're making ...
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced that the Provincial Growth Fund will invest $9.6 million to seal the final unsealed section of State Highway 43 from Stratford to Taumarunui. The Minister said sealing the 12-kilometre gravel section of the highway – also called the “Forgotten World Highway” - through ...
Former Finance Minister and former chair of the Tax Working Group, Sir Michael Cullen, has voiced his support for New Zealand First’s decision to oppose the planned increase in tobacco excise tax. In an interview with The Weekend Collective, he said that increasing the price was no longer effective in ...
Māori are natural storytellers. On the marae we use stories to tell our history, to teach the next generation life lessons and to let people know, in our most creative of ways, who we are and where we have come from. ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, New Zealand First Leader New Zealand First has invoked the ‘Agree to Disagree’ provisions of the Coalition Agreement because it cannot support the announced 11.46 percent increase in the tobacco excise from 1 January 2020. “Studies show that the automatic tobacco excise increases are having less effect ...
Taupō-based company Geo40 has made a breakthrough in extracting near battery-grade lithium from geothermal fluid which its says could be a gamechanger. Its chief executive John Worth said the earth mineral was highly prized, with battery-grade lithium selling for US$10,000 (NZ$15,600) a tonne. Geo40 was founded in 2010 to find ...
Crown research institute AgResearch Ltd, as part of its Future Footprint plan, had intended to relocate top scientists and support staff — particularly those focused on sheep genetics and genomics — from Invermay to Lincoln. However, those plans seem to have been shelved at the request of the Coalition Government. ...
Ten engineering firms in Southland are receiving a total of $2.13 million in Provincial Growth Fund funding to lift productivity and create new jobs. Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced in Invercargill that the 10 engineering and manufacturing firms would receive funding to assist them with buying equipment that ...
The number of new residents to New Zealand is the lowest it has been in nearly two decades and it has earned the ire of the immigration industry. The industry alleges that 'Trump-style extreme vetting' is being put in place aimed at keeping a lid on immigration numbers. June Ranson, ...
The Royal New Zealand Air Force is one step closer to modernising its fleet after the United States State Department recently approved the sale of five new C-130J Hercules aircraft to New Zealand. Arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin, in Fort Worth, Texas, will provide the aircraft, but as a "foreign military ...
Forestry Minister Shane Jones wants to create a log barging facility at Hicks Bay and turn the area into a Special Economic Zone. The move would be part of protecting New Zealand's forests from being depleted by India and China, he said. It follows his announcement last week to strengthen ...
New Zealand First supports the changes recommended by the Winter Grazing Taskforce to improve animal welfare outcomes through the winter months, and the establishment of a pan-sector action group to implement them. New Zealand First Primary Industries Spokesperson Mark Patterson says the report highlights areas of concern about the animal ...
Former prime ministers Helen Clark and Sir John Key, formerly from the Labour and National parties respectively, have joined forces in support of New Zealand First’s plan to relocate Auckland's port to Whangārei. While Ms Clark and Sir John spent their political careers on opposite sides of the political divide, ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is in Japan for the Foreign Ministers' meeting of the G20 grouping of countries as one of nine "invited" countries. He has used the opportunity to cast a spotlight on the plight of Pacific countries, calling out countries which still offered subsidies or Government assistance to ...
It's been a great week of progress: we've celebrated Children's Day, we've made communities safer with 1800 new police, and we've seen almost 90% of eligible schools take up Government funding to scrap school donations - taking pressure off the families of more than 416,000 students. ...
Hon Shane Jones, Minister of Forestry The Government will further strengthen New Zealand’s wood processing sector as part of our focus on ‘value over volume’ in our forestry industry, Forestry Minister Shane Jones says. Minister Jones will today meet with forestry representatives in Northland to signal new measures to help the ...
New Zealand First are celebrating the announcement of an investment of $3.5 million into five new trapping devices. These are a range of bait and trap devices, all designed to be left unattended for long periods of time. NZ First conservation spokesperson Jenny Marcroft says that this latest development will ...
Darroch Ball, Spokesperson for Police New Zealand First is proud to have delivered on a key Coalition Agreement commitment to adding 1800 new frontline police, with the graduation of Recruit Wing 332 in Porirua today. Law and Order Spokesperson Darroch Ball says increasing police numbers and boosting their resources was one ...
Jenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Conservation New Zealand First is proud to announce the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has allocated $3.5 million to develop innovative predator control approaches which will reduce the need for repeated 1080 use. $19.5 million of PGF funding was announced for Predator Free 2050 Limited in February ...
Clayton Mitchell, Spokesperson for Consumer Affairs The ‘wheel clamping’ Bill that will cap clamper fees to $100 passed its third readinginParliament today. New Zealand First welcomes The Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Bill to combat predatory wheel clamping behaviour in what is currently a largely unregulated business. Cowboy clampers are: gouging ...
Jenny Marcroft, Spokesperson for Health New Zealand First welcomes the passage of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Bill through its first reading in Parliament. “Today’s progress takes serious action on the mental health and addiction crisis the country is facing,” says New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Jenny Marcroft. “The re-establishment ...
Mark Patterson, Spokesperson for Primary Industries Today the Government announced the delivery of the promise to protect New Zealand interests by applying a new National Interest Test to the sales of our most sensitive and high risk assets to overseas buyers. This further strengthening of the Overseas Investment Act will ...
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced further support as the Government of Samoa responds to a serious measles outbreak. “New Zealand will deploy a further 18 vaccination nurses, bringing the total to 30 working in Samoa over the next ...
The Coalition Government is delivering on its promise to protect New Zealanders’ interests by applying a new national interest test to the sales of our most sensitive and high-risk assets to overseas buyers. Under current Overseas Investment Act (OIA) rules, assets such as ports and airports, telecommunications infrastructure, electricity and ...
Rt Winston Peters, Leader of New Zealand First Allegations raised this morning by Stuff Limited / Fairfax concern a party matter but I am confident that New Zealand First has operated within electoral laws, now and for the last 27 years. Declarable donations were declared to the Electoral Commission. Our ...
The chairman of the Upper North Island Supply Chain Strategy (UNISCS) working group, Wayne Brown, has hit back at critics of his group’s recommendations to relocate the Ports of Auckland cargo operations to Whangarei’s deepwater port of Northport. The working group's recommendation to close Auckland waterfront to all but cruise ...
The Government will phase out more single-use plastics following the success of its single-use plastic bag ban earlier this year and the release today of a pivotal report for dealing with waste. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has welcomed the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealandreport, released by her Chief Science Advisor ...
International education continues to thrive as the Government focuses on quality over quantity, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said. The tuition revenue from international education increased to $1.16 billion last year with the average tuition fee per student increasing by $960. The total number of international students enrolled in New Zealand ...
Health Minister Dr David Clark says new appointments to DHBs represent a significant changing of the guard, with 13 new chairs including four Māori chairs. Today 76 appointments have been announced to complement elected board members, as well as eight elected members appointed as either chair or deputy chair. Four ...
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Fletcher Tabuteau, is travelling to Germany, Poland, Austria, and Spain next week to bolster New Zealand’s political and trade relationships in Europe. While in Spain, Mr Tabuteau will represent New Zealand at the 14th Asia-Europe (ASEM) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Madrid. “New Zealand strongly supports ...
“I’ve spoken to Minister Faafoi, who has apologised for his poor handling of this issue,” Jacinda Ardern said. “I have confidence in Kris as a hardworking and effective Minister, but this should have been dealt with in a much clearer manner, and I’ve made my views on that very clear ...
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters met with Tongan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa in Wellington today. The pair signed a Statement of Partnership setting out joint priorities for cooperation out to 2023. “We welcomed Prime Minister Tu'i'onetoa on his first visit to New Zealand as Prime Minister. Tonga ...
The Minister of Police Stuart Nash says his sympathies are with the family of a man who died after being shot by Police in Kurow. “Initial reports are that Police were called by a family member to help the man who was threatening to harm himself,” Mr Nash says. “However ...
Healthier waterways, better productivity and farmer wellbeing are front and centre in a new project involving more than 1000 Southland farmers and growers. Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor today announced that the Thriving Southland Change and Innovation Project is the first region-wide extension programme supported by the $229 million Sustainable ...
Work to look after nature and restore freshwater quality in Te Hoiere/Pelorus River catchment is getting a significant boost, thanks to new Government funding support Minister for Conservation Eugenie Sage announced in Canvastown today. “Every New Zealander should be able to swim in their local river without getting sick, and ...
Eight Queen’s Counsel have been appointed under a process that includes the new criterion of a commitment to improving access to justice, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. “The new criterion was included this year. It emphasises that excellence and leadership in the profession can be seen through a wider, community ...
Onslow College in Wellington will get 20 new classrooms for more than 400 students, Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The much-needed investment will relieve growth pressure the school has been experiencing for some time. Seven existing classrooms which have deteriorated over time will also be replaced, bringing the total ...
More than 250 young New Zealanders will add international experience to their education, thanks to the latest Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) and Latin America (PMSLA), Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. This round of scholarships supports 252 recent graduates or current students to undertake study, research or internships ...
Consumers will benefit from a more competitive, transparent retail fuel market as a result of changes the Government will be making in response to the findings of the Commerce Commission’s study of the fuel sector. “We accept the Commission’s findings and, as the Prime Minister has said, we’re ready to ...
Five new cancer medicines have now been funded this year, meaning thousands of people have more treatment options PHARMAC has today announced that it has approved two new medicines for funding – fulvestrant for breast cancer and olaparib for ovarian cancer. This follows earlier decisions on advanced lung cancer treatment alectinib, ...
The Minister of Local Government, Hon Nanaia Mahuta says the Government will consider making changes to local electoral legislation before the 2022 elections to fix the problems that have arisen where elections are settled by a coin toss. The Minister says the recount process in the Murupara- Galatea ward at ...
New Zealand will sign up to new international maritime regulations to reduce ship emissions and lift air quality around ports and harbours, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter announced today. Subject to completion of the Parliamentary treaty examination process, New Zealand will sign up to Annex VI of MARPOL, an ...
New legislation to transform our urban areas and create sustainable, inclusive and thriving communities will tomorrow be introduced to Parliament, Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said. “The Urban Development Bill gives Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities the tools it needs to partner with councils, communities, mana whenua and private developers to ...
Today’s launch of He taonga te Tamaiti: Every child a taonga: The Early Learning Action Plan 2019-2029 provides the foundation for long-lasting changes to early learning, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says. “Early learning will be one of the Government’s top education priorities going into 2020,” Chris Hipkins said. ...
Major decisions made by the Government will now be considered under a climate change lens, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw announced today. “Cabinet routinely considers the effects of its decisions on human rights, the Treaty of Waitangi, rural communities, the disability community, and gender – now climate change will ...
Education Minister Chris Hipkins today announced the appointment of Māori education specialist Dr Wayne Ngata and Business NZ head Kirk Hope to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Dr Alastair MacCormick has been reappointed for another term. “Wayne Ngata, Kirk Hope and Alastair MacCormick bring a great deal ...
The next phase of the Pike River Re-entry project is underway, Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry Andrew Little says. “Fresh air will be pumped into the Pike River Mine drift this week, following acceptance of the plan for re-entry beyond the 170m barrier by New Zealand’s independent health and ...
New Zealand consumers will have greater certainty about their insurance cover when they need to make claims as a result of proposed government changes. “Insurance is vitally important in supporting consumers and businesses to be financially resilient when unexpected events happen,” Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Kris Faafoi said. ...
The Crown is providing an opportunity for the hapu of Ngāpuhi to rebuild its framework from the ground up for collective negotiations to deal with its historical Treaty claims, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little and Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The Crown is also ...
A Bill enabling referendums to be held with the 2020 General Election has passed its third reading. Justice Minister Andrew Little says the Act is important for upholding the integrity of New Zealand’s electoral process. “The Government has committed to holding a referendum on legalising recreational cannabis at the next ...
The first release of public information on the two referendums to be held at next year’s General Election was made today with an informative new Government website going live. Additionally, the draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill has been released, showing the strict controls on cannabis that will apply if ...
The Government is taking action to protect New Zealand from foreign interference in our elections by banning foreign donations to political parties and candidates, Justice Minister Andrew Little announced today. Legislation will be introduced to Parliament this afternoon and passed under urgency. “There’s no need for anyone other than New ...
Governments and tech companies are holding a two-day workshop, hosted by YouTube/Google in Wellington, to test the Christchurch Call Shared Crisis Response Protocol. The workshop aims to refine and strengthen the response in the event of a terrorist attack with online implications. Companies, governments, civil society experts and NGOs will ...
The new independent Cancer Control Agency has formally opened today, delivering on the Government’s plan to improve cancer care in New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Health David Clark marked the occasion by announcing the membership of the Advisory Council that will be supporting ...
Small businesses who deal with government departments are set to be paid faster and have improved cash flow as a result, under a new strategy released today. The Government is backing recommendations from the Small Business Council (SBC) and has agreed to implement three initiatives immediately to support business and ...
The Education and Training Bill 2019, introduced in Parliament today, proposes the biggest education changes in decades and is an important step towards improving success for all our learners, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said. “The Bill’s rewrite of education legislation is long overdue. Indeed one Education Act, parts of which ...
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio will travel to Bali to represent New Zealand at the 12th Bali Democracy Forum that will be held on the 5-6 December. “The Forum is a valuable opportunity for Asia-Pacific countries to share experiences and best practice in building home-grown democracy and fostering ...
A package of new and expanded technology and other tools will encourage responsible camping and help communities and local councils better manage freedom camping this summer, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced today. “Our Government has been investing to improve the freedom camping experience for everyone because we want to support ...
The government is laying the groundwork to understanding our genes – work that can help us tackle some of our biggest health challenges, like heart disease and diabetes, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods. $4.7 million has been invested in the Genomics Aotearoa Rakeiora programme. The programme will ...
Nearly every state schools will receive a capital injection next year valued at $693 per student to bring forward urgent school property improvements, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The one-off cash injection is the first project to be announced from the Government’s infrastructure package ...
The Government has decided to bring forward major investments in New Zealand’s infrastructure to future proof the economy. “Cabinet has agreed to a significant boost to infrastructure investment. I have directed the Treasury to help bring together a package of projects that can be brought into the Government’s short and ...
It is a great pleasure to be with you today in Whanganui. Like the Prime Minister I grew up with the TV clip of Selwyn Toogood booming “What do you say Whanganui, the money or the bag?” to an unsuspecting ‘It’s in the Bag’ audience. For those under the age ...
New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, was officially opened in Blackball today by the Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage alongside the family members of the Pike 29 and Ngāti Waewae. Local mayors and MP for the West Coast Hon Damien O’Connor were also in attendance. “Paparoa National Park ...
Minister of Defence Ron Mark turned the first sod of earth on the infrastructure works for the new P-8A Poseidon fleet at RNZAF Base Ohakea today. “The Coalition Government’s investment in Ohakea will ensure the Royal New Zealand Air Force can manage, maintain and task the new fleet efficiently ahead ...
Civil Defence Minister Hon Peeni Henare today announced the establishment of the new National Emergency Management Agency from 1 December 2019. The National Emergency Management Agency will replace the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management. It will be an autonomous departmental agency, hosted by the Department of the Prime ...
New Zealand tertiary students with top grades and a passion for space will once again be offered the opportunity to work with the world’s best and brightest at NASA, Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford announced today. Recipients of the New Zealand Space Scholarship are nominated by the Ministry of Business, ...
Our Seas Our Future welcomes Prime Minister Jacinda Arden’s announcement that the Government is aiming to phase out another round of single-use hard plastics, made of PVC and Polystyrene. ...
The Fraudster exposes the life and crimes of a million dollar conwoman Award-winning investigative team Stuff Circuit’s latest documentary exposes the cautionary tale of a woman who ripped off New Zealand businesses and government agencies, and a justice ...
Press Release 8 December 2019 Auckland, 8 December 2019 : The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Juliet Gerrard, presented the 262-page report on ‘Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand’ to the Prime Minister on Sunday ...
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her Cabinet should make a policy decision tomorrow that Auckland’s car and container port must close by 31 December 2029, Waterfront 2029 Spokesperson Michael Goldwater said today. ...
In light of increasing public concern over the harmful effects of plastic pollution, the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Juliet Gerrard, is presenting the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand report to the Prime Minister on Sunday ...
The government will start phasing out polystyrene packaging and beverage containers in response to a major new report calling for a nationwide rethink on plastics in New Zealand, PM Jacinda Ardern announced today. Here’s what you need to know about the announcement, and the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa report.For much ...
The Absolute Book is one of our picks of the year and you should buy it for someone you love for Christmas. A story that sticks like a biddi-bid, Elizabeth Knox said on Twitter the other day. Here, she writes about the books that stuck in her own psyche – ...
The government would argue it’s on track to reduce child poverty significantly by the next reporting round, and culture change is well underway at Work and Income. But change at WINZ is a slow-moving process. Pip Colgan is an advocate at Auckland Action Against Poverty (AAAP), which means she spends a ...
Frozen 2 is out, but more importantly the soundtrack is available for your kids to play on repeat. Sam Brooks ranks the songs by how likely it is that they’ll sing them into your face for the foreseeable future.Parents and caregivers, get your loins girded because Frozen 2 is here. The film ...
Five New Zealanders from across culturalspaces explain what it is they love about basketball.Historically, basketball has always held a relatively small but special in Aotearoa’s sporting landscape. The NBL was established in 1981, giving provinces the chance to duke it out for national supremacy. In 2002 the Tall Blacks ...
After 40 years at the frontline, the University of Otago's Professor Marie Crowe discusses her research on treatments beyond medicine to alleviate symptoms of mood disorders like bipolar and depression. ...
Everything you need to know about the suspension of buses in Auckland and the industrial action standoff that it springs from.What’s going on?Yesterday saw the cancellation of thousands of bus trips and a lot of people standing around at Auckland bus stops looking puzzled after services operated by NZ Bus ...
ASMS message to DHB Chairs and appointees The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) welcomes the District Health Board Chairs and board appointees announced by Health Minister David Clark. ...
Eight Queen’s Counsel have been appointed under a process that includes the new criterion of a commitment to improving access to justice, Attorney-General David Parker announced this week. The new criterion, he explained, ” … emphasises that excellence and leadership in the profession can be seen through a wider, community ...
“CEAC – University of Auckland asks ‘Can democracy survive’? Subject; Can democracy survive? https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2019/12/03/can-democracy-survive-.html Citizens Environmental Advocacy Centre Incorporated (CEAC) Press release 8th December ...
The Minister of Health’s announcement to appoint a new chair to the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board has come as a surprise and with some disappointment, especially given he had personally asked me to stand again with his confidence to continue in ...
Hell’s bells it’s Gone By Lunchtime, with Annabelle Lee, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire shooting the breeze on Kris Faafoi, Jason Kerrison, Winston Peters, NZ First donations, a cannabis referendum, and the year to come.Just when you thought politics was tucking under the duvet for Christmas, along comes the guy ...
Tis the season for hangovers, so we convinced some of New Zealand’s most experienced consumers of food and/or drink (OK, Spinoff staff and a bunch of chefs/hospo people) to share their tried-and-true culinary remedies.A hangover is a very individual thing. For some, it manifests as a splitting headache and extreme ...
Before Britain’s Got Talent: Champions hits our screens tonight, let’s take a fond look back at some of the show’s weirdest and most wonderful acts.Place your hands on your Golden Buzzer, because Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions kicks off this weekend. Champions is BGT bigger and better than it’s been before, ...
Following the raging success of the 2018 non-goat ethical Christmas gift guide, here for you today – responsibly wrapped in reusable gift wrap – is the 2019 list of ethical, sustainable, socially conscious, or charitable gift ideas to satisfy all kinds of family members and budgets.Budget Category: ‘Can we pay ...
Lime brought e-scooters to Auckland and changed the way we travel in less than a year. Now, the council is replacing it and Wave with three new contenders. Josie Adams goes to the Lime warehouse to say goodbye to the original scooters.In a warehouse in Eden Terrace, almost a thousand ...
Analysis - The government's first crack at cannabis legislation runs into trouble, a foreign donations bill is rammed through Parliament and a select committee refuses to listen to former NZ First officeholders. ...
Dr Ben Jansen is Oceania's leading prescriber of cannabis medicines, and a co-founder of the Hemp Foundation.org.nz “I’d like to thank the Labour Party and Chris Woodney. Thanks to his policy remit at Labours national conference, and Labours full support, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Soong, Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education Practice, School of Education, University of South Australia Australian 15 year olds were around three and a half years behind their counterparts in China in maths, according to the OECD’s latest results for education systems ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitri Perrin, Senior Lecturer, Queensland University of Technology More than a year ago, the world was shocked by Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui’s attempt to use CRISPR technology to modify human embryos and make them resistant to HIV, which led to the birth ...
Cabinet minister Kris Faafoi has apologised to the Prime Minister for his messages to Jason Kerrison regarding an immigration case, but will not lose his job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julian Meyrick, Professor of Creative Arts, Flinders University The decision to merge the Department of Communications and the Arts with Transport, Infrastructure and Regional development (dropping the “Arts” entirely) ends a year in which Australian politics has been deeply confused over its ...
A historic referendum on independence has been completed in Bougainville. Johnny Blades of RNZ was there. People in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville have voted in an historic independence referendum. The long-anticipated referendum is the ultimate provision of 2001’s Bougainville Peace Agreement, which followed a brutal, protracted ...
Dairy farmers had some Xmas cheer this week, as dairy giant Fonterra told them the forecast payout would be the fourth-highest-ever, at the mid-point of its farmgate milk price range. The $7.30kg/ms means the cash payout for the season will reach $11.2bn, a rise of about $400m from the earlier forecast. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caitlin Syme, PhD in Vertebrate Palaeontology, The University of Queensland When you find dinosaur skeletons, how can you tell how old the dinosaur was? Like, if the skeleton is from a child dinosaur or an adult dinosaur? – Henry, aged 8. ...
The Council of Licenced Firearms Owners (COLFO) has had to clarify the law with Police and receive their reassurance that while the amnesty for ammunition was not extended to 20 December, Police will act as if it has been. ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 We Are Here: An Atlas of Aotearoa by Chris McDowall & Tim Denee (Massey University Press, $70)Superlative ...
This week a petition with more than 15,000 signatures was presented at parliament to Nicola Willis, MP and opposition spokesperson for Early Childhood Education. Also attending were Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick and Hon Nikki Kaye. ...
It’s that time of year again when, for the third year running, a new A Christmas Prince movie is released. Sam Brooks was in front of a TV screen for the latest instalment’s debut on Netflix last night, and here catalogues the many stupid, wild, and wildly stupid things he ...
One of the most highly rated members of Jacinda Ardern’s Cabinet is under pressure over assurances given in relation to an immigration case. How bad could it get, asks Toby Manhire.There has never been a New Zealand prime minister more engaged with contemporary homegrown music than Jacinda Ardern. She’s forever ...
Kris Faafoi, Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media; Minister ofCommerce and Consumer Affairs;Minister of Government Digital Services; Associate Minister forHousing; MP for Mana.The latest allegations of a corruption scandal involving a Cabinet minister suggests this government is far too loose when it comes to providing access to power ...
The National Party cannot credibly critique the Government’s hikes to fuel tax while it refuses to commit to reversing these hikes, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union. Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke says, “Simon Bridges has lambasted ...
Newspaper staff were among those to express dismay and fury during the frenzy of denunciations that followed publication of an ill-considered cartoon about Samoa and the measles epidemic. The Spinoffrecorded their reactions under the heading ODT cartoonist infuriates his colleagues with Sāmoa measles epidemic ‘joke’. It also reproduced the ...
New Zealand Police Association condemns comments made by People Against Prisons Aotearoa following the fatal police shooting of an armed man who had made threats of suicide. ...
A new poem by Harry Ricketts. The Writing Life You want to write.You want to be published.You want to be read. You want to be a cult figure.You want to be reviewed.You want to write. You want to win prizes.You want to be anthologised.You want to be read. You want to be taught in schools ...
As Christmas is near, it’s time to set the record straight on some of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of employment law that apply to the festive season. ...
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage.New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.Kris Faafoi immigration case Fiona Connor and Tova O’Brien (Newshub): ‘I’m on it bro’: Messages show Kris Faafoi offering help to ...
The Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta has announced changes to prevent Māori wards being voted down by referendums are off the table, saying she believes such a change is not possible within the coalition. ...
It’s officially the festive season, and what does that mean? An office Secret Santa with a budget of $20 and you’ve picked your boss. Instead of settling for a bottle of average wine and a ribbon, follow our essential guide on what to get those unique workmates.At last year’s Secret ...
The shooting of a suicidal man in Southland shows that police armament is dangerous, says criminal justice group People Against Prisons Aotearoa. The shooting comes just over a month into the controversial trial of heavily armed police teams in 3 regions ...
The Prime Minister should deal urgently with reports Cabinet Minister Kris Faafoi offered to help a friend over an immigration case, National Party leader Simon Bridges says. ...
The families of top former All Blacks are likely to donate their loved ones’ brains to research so the effect of head impacts in sport can be studied. ...
A woman who went on a Tinder date with the man who murdered Grace Millane tells her story, and issues a warning to other women to trust their instincts when something doesn’t feel right.First published on Newshub.co.nzI went on a date with Grace Millane’s killer while her body lay in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gottfried Lechner, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute for Telecommunications Research, University of South Australia, University of South Australia Satellites are becoming increasingly important in our lives, as they help us meet a demand for more data, exchanged at higher speeds. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology, Bond University According to the latest figures, homicides in Australia are at historic lows and compare well against international trends. So what do the trends tell us and why is the homicide rate in Australia declining? ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy O’Rourke, Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, The University of Queensland Welcome to the next article in our Designing Hospitals series, where we explore how architecture and design shape our hospitals and medical centres. Today, we look at what Indigenous people tell ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results are bad news for Australian students, parents, employers and policymakers. Pretty much everyone. Australian 15-year-olds are now below the OECD average in mathematics, and our results in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Clode, Senior Research Fellow in Creative Writing, Flinders University It is only mid-November but we have to walk early to avoid the heat. A northerly wind picks up clouds of dust and pollen, sending dirty billows across the paddocks. The long ...
Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Changes coming to fuel market, anti-vaxxer arrested in Samoa, and banks told to hold more capital.New recommendations to increase competition in the fuel market have been made by the Commerce Commission, reports the NZ Herald. Their conclusion is that it isn’t competitive ...
This week's biggest-selling New Zealand books, as recorded by the Nielsen BookScan New Zealand bestseller list and described by ReadingRoom literary editor Steve Braunias. ...
An alliance of top researchers is trying to keep New Zealand ahead of complex health challenges from overuse of antibiotics, threats to freshwater quality and emerging infectious diseases. ...
The birthplace of the Labour Party is once again at the forefront of a new movement, this time harnessing the power of the collective to step away from coal towards a low carbon future.Blackball is a small place with a huge history. This week the town, 29 kilometres from Greymouth, ...
Life expectancy is increasing all the time, and now actuaries and retirement experts say young people need far more information on what they’ll need to do with their money if they live to 100. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The message from the Retirement Income Interest Group of the New ...
Open mike 29/11/2019 
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Michael Schulson When Shane Burcaw flies on an airplane, he brings along a customized gel cushion, a car seat, and about 10 pieces of memory foam. The whole arsenal costs around $1,000, but for Burcaw it’s a necessity. The 27-year-old author and speaker — who, alongside his fiancée, Hannah ...1 day ago
We are very pleased to publish this submission is from Lucinda Stoan. She is a social justice activist, mother, and educator, based in Washington State in the US. This detailed and comprehensive source-linked overview of trans issues and what is at stake will be useful for many people, especially in ...2 days ago
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Did anyone else hear yesterday's early around the 7am RNZ news when Lisa Owens was stating that a leakier has released a document linking NZ First to arranging funding for the party?
It seemed at the time to be a hot story she was sending, among the current investigation going on by the Electoral Commission and may have been a hoax?
So since then the story was not repeated again, – did anyone hear that?.
If Lisa made an error will she be fired?
Lisa Owens is not usually on at 7am Clean. Could not find any record of such a leak on Thursday's program
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/20191128
That would have been a promo for her Checkpoint show between 5 and 6pm cleangreen. They always pick a soundbite from the previous evening which is supposed to whet the cerebral appetite.
Thanks Anne & Ianmac,
Yes maybe it was a promo as I had just awaken and turned RNZ on and she was going hard at it so I tuned out and never heard the end because it was off the wall for me at that early time.
Cheers for that, a promo from Lisa Owens is most probably was.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/404385/document-leak-why-the-nz-first-foundation-was-set-up
This is the article you are referring to? It appears to be an Espiner joint, nor does it seem to be a hoax.
Very interesting arkie and cleangreen.
This bit stood out:
But Bridges is calling for a full enquiry so will that be extended to National's Foundation?
hahahahahahah
I think its Owen (singular @cleangreen, though I can't be certain given a lot of people's desire to pluralise S'John (going forward)
And if you heard it in the mouring, was more likely to be a Fergusson.
Can't be certain these days tho' eh bro? A Fergusson here and an Owen there.
What's a big of partisan populist fuckwittery 'tween and twixt frenz (even those that come with benefits).
I think the problem is with all those 'other people' – possibly all those "ONES" the gummint's official stakeholders are unwilling to consult with (in this space, going forward, AND in the fullness of time)
Could be wrong tho' eh bro'! Good things apparently take time these days eh?
So even as spatial awareness diminishes (and all that goes with that), AND as change becomes faster and faster, we're assured that the responses to it should get slower ans slower – might be better to just drop the big OD now and be done with it eh?
OncewasTim
Yes that was the one for sure, and Lisa was banging it out like it was a 21st century miracle development but it appears to be cloned to most political parties now for reasons we are awaiting to find out.
Media are very hungry for any story now it seems..
The Ministry of Health continues to exhibit symptoms…the latest is insisting on telling cute little girls who once were overflowing with joy and confidence "fat".
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=12289228
But Carey said it was a bizarre measure. As a result of the test: "Short people think they are thinner than they are, and tall people think they are fatter.
Well that was before, now after assistance from the Ministry of Health she might end up with an eating disorder instead. I hope she learns to love herself more than the opinions of healthcare professionals.
Is this going to be an intelligent investment in a world being ruined by technical developments and their consequences?
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to develop the plan which sets out goals and actions for how the city will become a world recognised aerospace hub.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1911/S00585/christchurch-plan-to-be-nzs-aerospace-testbed-by-2025.htm
no worse then moving the port to whangarai and then building a 4 lane road to truck the goods back to AKL and beyond.
But then i am not an economist.
The port moving and the four lane highway are two different things. We have to keep on doing things. The economy has to keep grinding on, but keeping on dropping a cog, trying for an adequate sustainable level not 8-10% return on capital, and keeping climate change in mind all the time.
Like I think a railway north would be a good idea for transporting the goods. But what about extreme heat on the rail tracks I wonder. They could buckle and derail. I will have a look on google.
Google – People in a speed train affected. https://mashable.com/article/train-tracks-climate-change-warping/ Germany
France http://www.rfi.fr/en/environment/20190726-french-railroad-tracks-can-t-keep-extreme-heat
USA https://www.climatecentral.org/news/climate-change-warp-railroad-tracks-sun-kinks-17470
India has let its vital railway system run down. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28156439
Smart tech fixes all!! https://www.smartrailworld.com/5-fascinating-future-rail-trends-and-when-we-can-expect-to-see-them
Practical methods: How we prevent tracks from getting too hot: We work closely with specialist weather forecasters and local weather stations to make necessary plans and take action so rails are less likely to buckle.
you dont' really have to explain trains to me.- I grew up in Germany, lived in France and have never owned a car. Not even in NZ have i owned a car.
Seriously, i grew up with them, they are my preferred method of transport and no one is gonna build a train up to Whangarai. You are lucky if you get a 4 lane highway that will then be destroyed by trucks like any other highway in NZ that is covered in Trucks.
In this country we can't even build a commuter train to hamilton/rotorua/wellington etc. Heck we can't even build a train to AKL Airport.
But they are gonna build a train to Whangarai. Yeah, right Tui.
You will come in handy if there is a fire by you. You have the biggest supply of wet blankets in NZ.
All those rail projects are coming, despite any amount of denial or whinging about them. A 4-lane motorway north on the other hand is just a Nat/banker fantasy.
A 4-lane motorway north on the other hand is just a Nat/banker fantasy.
Yep. Here's hoping.
Sasha try reading this logic
Subject; Article below entitled; “The Hidden Trucking Industry Subsidy” This US based article shows we ‘public’ give an exorbitant unfair amount of subsidy to the trucking industry. We now want the Transport Minister to please drive around regional NZ and just see the impacts of 50 to 60 tonne “B train ‘trucks and their destruction of our “soft roads” that do not even have an adequate under base to carry the 50+ tonne laden weight trucks, as they need a ‘steel mesh reinforced concrete base’ as US/Canadian and EU roads have installed under their truck routes.
https://truecostblog.com/2009/06/02/the-hidden-trucking-industry-subsidy/
Quote; Freight trucks cause 99% of wear-and-tear on US roads, but only pay for 35% of the maintenance. This $60B subsidy causes extra congestion and pollution, and taxpayers pay the bill. SO; This is a question for NZTA “why is it fair that the NZ taxpayer gives trucking industry a subsidy and not our own publicly owned rail”? We must now request ‘public’ money for roading must also be given to restoring our public owned regional rail. Since this document came out we know that the public is massively funding road repairs for private trucking companies so now we need to level the playing field for rail as it is a public owned entity owned by us taxpayers so we now desperately need at least an equal 50% contribution of the ‘public road funding’ be given to rail to restore the regional rail services around NZ. Here are the plain facts;
https://truecostblog.com/2009/06/02/the-
hidden-trucking-industry-subsidy/ The Hidden Trucking Industry Subsidy Freight trucks cause 99% of wear-and-tear on US roads, but only pay for 35% of the maintenance. This $60B subsidy causes extra congestion and pollution, and taxpayers pay the bill….. more to come so read all.
Well aware, thank you. The more rail replacing freight the better.
There used to be a train to the Far North – the North Auckland Line went to Whangarei. The grading for most of the tracks still remain.
The Okaihau branch which went from Opua on the North Auckland line, was intended to reach Kaitaia but was never completed. Some of the graded tracks are part of the northern cycleway.
I think there will be a train and a 4 lane highway to Whangarei, they will need them when the port moves their. It might take another ten or fifteen years.
I am posting in relation to the Julian Assange matter, which drew a lot of attention here on TS yesterday, but this is not entirely Julian Assange specific, so I post it today on Open Mike.
The treatment of both remand and convicted prisoners by prison authorities, including assessing and intervention in an attempt to ensure that both the physical and mental well being of the prisoner is adequate, can often be seen as equating to, or consistent with the general attitude and culture of the both the state, and society in any ne jurisdiction.
So for example, compare our prisons with prisons in say, Thailand or South America, and equate it to attitude, demographic and both culture and what is believed to be acceptable.
If we were to take a look at the Jeffery Epstein incarceration and death in custody, we might detect that many in New York probably privately believe that it was the best outcome and acceptable given the allegations. Of course, rightly or wrongly, New Zealand takes a lot of markers and cues from the United States of America in relation to justice, law and order principles, even though we are more closely aligned to England, Australia and even Canada.
So, in relation to what happened to Epstein, why have many throughout the United States, or at least throughout New York not expressed seriously concerns, and why are they not insisting on finding out just what occurred?
Well, perhaps they should be, not so much out of a concern as to what Epstein went through personally once incarcerated, but in relation to what they or others they care about might also undergo if they were ever to find themselves on remand, and subject to less publicly visible hostility of one sort or another.
I have no doubt that the Jeffery Epstein attitude held by many also applies to people considered to be traitors or whistle blowers leaking national security material.
The litmus test in relation to the above "traitor" assessment might relate to the general determination of motivation and the overall detrimental impact or damage caused by such disclosures. Also, the extent (if any) of any subversion attempt if subversion was believed to be an objective.
Many believe Julian Assange to be a traitor, but many also consider him simply to be a former political commentator or journalist who is being politically targeted, and perhaps quite cruelly.
Who will win out in relation to this (suspected) game of cat and mouse is anybody's guess.
Whichever way it pans out, it seems very unlikely that Julian Assange will emerge from it gaining or winning much of anything at all.
Mainstream media have utilised him and dropped him, and they have latterly had their fun with him as well. He certainly brings in advertising revenue for them by way of the various news article presented and associated with him.
Despite cries of little or no transparency and of prisoner maltreatment, most people just leave the system, or the law of the prison jungle to "do what it wilt" on many occasions. This is how society usually behaves, especially when their focus is regularly redirected (and occasionally misdirected) here, there and elsewhere. There is so much going on.
Prison managers and all staff have duty of care to the prisoners they manage and house.
Both psychiatric and psychological evaluations should be regularly made on high (personal and health) risk prisoners such as Assange, and the evaluations should be both free of any personal bias by the assessors, and free from any undue influence further up the ladder.
This of course is an idealised, would be, should be, could be deliberation by me. In reality, who really can determine how it works from one day to the next, or from one situation to another?
Locally, and more especially on Howard League, it is clear that so many support an overhaul of one kind or another. This is healthy. Never stop taking an interest in these matters, and never stop asking questions when they need to be asked.
Perhaps this would be an opportune time to continue to vocalise as a lobby group whilst also lending support to those MP's and both those local body representatives and candidates who have a track record of approaching the matter realistically and supporting change if or where it is needed.
I can think of two MP's already, (focused less on the driving licence aspect and more on the generic). Both are Labour Crown Ministers, and are well respected.
Another ran for Auckland mayoralty recently and appears to have had a lot of support in relation to attempting to realistically address many social reform issues, and where prison reform is actually one of them.
Why not seize the opportunity to push for positive change this time if you believe that change must take place in New Zealand?
The marketers have been all over this one. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12289584
Yep, it's some sort of Māori social improvement agency, not a ruddy sporting entertainment corporation rooted in posh school classics.
I think they scraped all that up after one of their horsies trotted by with a chap in a suit of armour on its back.
1. (verb) (-a,-ina,-ngia,-tia) to instruct, advise, save the life of, spare, guide, direct, instruct, appoint.
2. (verb) (-a,-ina,-ngia,-tia) to point out, show, indicate, point at, gesticulate.
3. (verb) (-a,-ina,-ngia,-tia) to preserve, conserve.
4. (verb) (-a) to perform a ritual.
https://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?&keywords=tohu
They looked for a Maori word/expression/symbol to connect to the Crusaders brand and localise/modernise it. And no connotation of violence …
Kia Ora 1 News.
Condolences to the family of the people who we losted on London Bridge.
That's the great phenomenon about Aotearoa there is only one predator to worry about humans?????.
Its good to see Tuhoe history told in art Ka pai.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
Ka pai to Monga Taranaki getting its real name back.
I remember that lol.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora 1 News.
Its great to see a Wahine get given Mana.
I see that working with mother natures creatures is a great way for humanity to live a learn.
Ka kite Ano
Kia Ora 1 News.
We need to become carbon neutral.
Ka kite Ano.
Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.
I agree with Ngai Te
Rangi in Tauranga Aotearoa it should be tangata whenua welcoming visitors in Maori not other cultured people.
That's the way Opotiki tangata our mokopuna coming into this World are very important so champion for your maternity unit to stay open in Opotiki.
That's awesome Maori and Pacific tangata mahi together to get better health treatment and other things to help our mokopuna.
Ka kite Ano