web analytics

Open Mike 30/06/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, June 30th, 2017 - 83 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

83 comments on “Open Mike 30/06/2017 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. james 1
    30 June 2017 at 6:18 am

    Shane Jones to NZ First – Im thinking that this can only be good for National come post election discussions.

    • Pete George 1.1
      30 June 2017 at 6:36 am

      Some of the media have been promoting Jones’ chances for months and are now going hard out giving today’s announcement maximum publicity.

      Patrick Gower has gone further than most: 12 reasons why Shane Jones can win Whangarei

      He missed reason 13 – Paddy power.

      • Pete George 1.1.1
        30 June 2017 at 6:40 am

        There are actually other candidates for Whangarei, not that most people would know from what they hear in the media.

        Other contenders are:
        Shane Reti (National) – current MP, 13,169 in 2014
        Tony Savage (Labour)
        Ash Howell (Greens)
        Chris Leitch (Democrats)

        • Skinny 1.1.1.1
          30 June 2017 at 8:03 am

          Labour & Greens have fielded very strong candidates who appeal to many, more so than the weak candidates they stood in 2014. While Savage is pragmatic about Jones standing, I think Ash won’t cut any deal and given the Greens co leader has come out staunchly opposed to Jones. There will be no change in Whangarei Reti is it.

          • JanM 1.1.1.1.1
            30 June 2017 at 4:11 pm

            Don’t forget that Whangarei is completely encircled by Winston’s electorate and we’ve still got an awful lot of one-way bridges up here – the trains still aren’t running and the trucks on the roads are getting worse

        • billmurray 1.1.1.2
          30 June 2017 at 8:55 am

          Pete George,
          All of the candidates that you have listed have been through a process of selection within their parties, particularly National and Labour who normally have vigorous process.
          Shane Jones did not go through any process.
          NZ First is a sham political party.

          • ianmac 1.1.1.2.1
            30 June 2017 at 9:24 am

            Bill M. Shane Jones was one of three candidates for the NZF position. To be settled by 1pm today.

          • AmaKiwi 1.1.1.2.2
            30 June 2017 at 5:54 pm

            @ bill murray

            I agree, “NZ First is a sham political party.”

            Contemporary voting is based more on personalities than parties. Jones might significantly increase NZF party votes. That’s a major reason for him to run.

      • Skinny 1.1.2
        30 June 2017 at 7:54 am

        MSM are fawning all over Jones even had a couple asking if I will be there. Yeah I will get along box off a deal or 2 given they both know I hold the key for any upset victory up here.

        Interesting one of the MSM shills outed this;

        “One of National’s most senior MPs has even told me he thought Jones would win and Reti would lose.”
        Apparently it was Gerry Brownlee who said this. Not good a inner circle Minister thinks this of the ‘strong local voice’. Though Jabba was bitter his mini me Jones never beat Reti for the candidacy.

    • North 1.2
      30 June 2017 at 6:42 am

      On that very score (James @ 1 above) I’m rethinking my intended repeat vote for Winston Peters in Northland electorate. Additionally, the great ‘me me me’ void which is Jones quite repels this voter. It’s a question of character.

      • bwaghorn 1.2.1
        30 June 2017 at 7:09 am

        oh hell yes ,jones is shit

      • garibaldi 1.2.2
        30 June 2017 at 7:10 am

        Quite right North. A vote for NZF is a vote for more bloody National. And that means more pricks like Thiel. Just what we need!

      • Muttonbird 1.2.3
        30 June 2017 at 7:16 am

        +1. Jones is thoroughly unlikable. A dirty Jerry Brownlee.

        • mary_a 1.2.3.1
          30 June 2017 at 9:45 am

          @ MUTTONBIRD (1.2.3) … agree.

          Jones, the political prince of pawn, is as grubby as they come. Don’t think his selection will go down well with many NZF voters somehow.

      • Andre 1.2.4
        30 June 2017 at 10:31 am

        In the Northland by-election it actually made a difference whether you voted for Peters, the Nat wotzit, or any of the others. Because before the by-election the Nats only needed one of Rimmer or the hairdo or the Maori Party for a majority. After Peters won, the Nats needed the Maori Party or both Rimmer and the hairdo. That’s a major shift in the balance of power.

        In the coming election, it’s back to just the party vote that matters, unless you’re in Epsom, Ohariu, or the Maori electorates. For the other electorates, at most the electorate result just shuffles who’s in or out in the lower part of the list.

    • Ed 1.3
      30 June 2017 at 6:55 am

      Still awaiting your opinion on the real issues that affect many people in this country.

      How does New Zealand tackle the extreme levels of inequality
      How does New Zealand tackle child poverty
      How does New Zealand tackle extreme levels of suicide
      How does New Zealand tackle The housing crisis
      How does New Zealand tackle its alcohol problem
      How does New Zealand tackle the P epidemic
      How does New Zealand tackle Obesity

      • gsays 1.3.1
        30 June 2017 at 8:23 am

        Hi ed,
        I will offer a few answers to yr questions.
        The inequality/child poverty issue can be impacted by a UBI and a living wage.
        Nick hanaeur says it well here: https://www.ted.com/talks/nick_hanauer_beware_fellow_plutocrats_the_pitchforks_are_coming/up-next
        20 mins well spent.

        As to suicde/mental health/drugs, a Scandinavian country took a different approach. (I heard this on rnz about a month ago)
        They invested heavily in activities youth enjoy: sport music,cultural activities. The thinking was that the happy chemicals serotonin and dopamine are released in a sustainable way.
        Some of the effects were far less time on their devices, increased time with parents and a drop in the statistics that we kiwi are excelling in.
        This all takes time, which ironically, is a key by product of a UBI!

        “Show me the money”, I hear the Tories whine, a FTT, home tax, tobin tax.
        All doable we merely lack the will.

        • ianmac 1.3.1.1
          30 June 2017 at 9:29 am

          And in Iceland they developed a huge amount time/money in activity for young people. Alcohol use in teens dropped from 40% to 5%. The streets of Rechaivik (sp?) are now empty of loitering kids as they are too busy being active.

        • Gosman 1.3.1.2
          30 June 2017 at 9:39 am

          An FTT has been tried before in Sweden I believe. What was the result do you know?

          • McFlock 1.3.1.2.1
            30 June 2017 at 1:50 pm

            the tax on equity securities nuked most domestic bond speculation – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

            The ones in Switzerland and Taiwan rake in billions a year, so really it’s in how you implement it. How’s the one in Colombia doing? France? Italy? Peru? Belgium? the USA? In the 30-odd other countries that have some form of FTT?

            • gsays 1.3.1.2.1.1
              30 June 2017 at 2:43 pm

              Thanks ianmac, that will be the one I heard about.

            • Stuart Munro 1.3.1.2.1.2
              30 June 2017 at 4:43 pm

              If we are to believe Chang Ha-Joon, Switzerland’s relative prosperity relates to their having the highest consumption of locally manufactured goods – the financial sector contributes remarkably little to the great majority of the populace.

          • gsays 1.3.1.2.2
            30 June 2017 at 2:46 pm

            Potentially sounds like in the state in the US that refunded tax to the citizenry because of the huge tax take from marijuana sales.

          • gsays 1.3.1.2.3
            30 June 2017 at 2:53 pm

            Hi gosman,
            I am not familiar with the Swede example,
            If you benefit from the tax spend you would think it was good.
            If your previously untaxed habits become liable for a .01% tax, you may have a differing opinion.

            From what I have read it is one of the initiatives that appeals across the political spectrum.
            From the left it lessens inequality, from the right it allows more participants in the ‘market’.

      • Jenny Kirk 1.3.2
        30 June 2017 at 10:17 am

        Read Labour’s announced policies, Ed. Easy to find on their website. That will answer some of your queries – oh, and also read Andrew Little’s speeches – those should answer the rest of your queries.

        • adam 1.3.2.1
          30 June 2017 at 1:12 pm

          We have, and we are not amused.

          • McFlock 1.3.2.1.1
            30 June 2017 at 2:07 pm

            yeah, but when was the last time you were anything other than a glum puritan?

            • adam 1.3.2.1.1.1
              30 June 2017 at 2:57 pm

              When were you anything but a beige liberal?

              • McFlock …
                30 June 2017 at 3:15 pm

                Well, I used to be door security for heritage buildings, but decided to give it up after someone kicked me in the portico.

                I tried to qualify as a pilot, but it didn’t go well when I winged the test.

                Had a short stint as a ghostwriter, but apparently publishers expect more than “ooooooOOOOOOOooooaveeennnggeeemeeeeeee”.

                Tried being a plasterer, but got fired after sorting out the plumber’s crack.

                Went to med school to be a surgeon, but I just couldn’t cut it.

                But I’ve always been a smartarse.

                • greywarshark …
                  30 June 2017 at 5:05 pm

                  McFlock
                  Your short stint as a ghostwriter taught you a lot about levity. (That’s meant to be funny in case I am misunderstood.)

                  • In Vino …
                    30 June 2017 at 7:33 pm

                    Rather relieved that you didn’t try proctology, McFlock
                    Or is that something to do with ‘smartarse’?

                    • McFlock …
                      30 June 2017 at 7:43 pm

                      There were some bits of the job I could handle, but in a general sense there was something wrong, on the whole, that I just couldn’t put my finger on.

                    • Incognito …
                      30 June 2017 at 9:45 pm

                      As they say, it’s a shitty workplace and there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.

                  • McFlock …
                    30 June 2017 at 7:44 pm

                    that’s the spirit!

                    • In Vino …
                      30 June 2017 at 11:02 pm

                      With such sensitive fingers, you should have been a surgeon..

                    • Incognito …
                      30 June 2017 at 11:26 pm

                      Or a masseur or a Reiki Master or a Braille proof-reader or …

                    • McFlock …
                      30 June 2017 at 11:50 pm

                      being a masseuse didn’t end happily for me, I took the Reiki just an inch too far and it got weird, and I got fired from the braille job after an incident with a sesame seed bun.

                    • marty mars …
                      30 June 2017 at 11:54 pm

                      You were in computers for a bit weren’t you?

                    • McFlock …
                      30 June 2017 at 11:56 pm

                      No, we did go out on a couple of dates but they never went anywhere.

                    • Incognito …
                      1 July 2017 at 12:09 am

                      Very good riposte.

                      Ever considered politics?

                    • McFlock …
                      1 July 2017 at 12:25 am

                      lol

                      I’d keep getting kicked out of the House for telling tories to suck my balls. I really did work venue security for years, and the patois of the street is difficult to shake. And there’s something about smiling tories that makes my fists itch.

                      But there are plenty of opportunities to slog away for the good fight while being restrained from general public contact. And the last six months or so I’ve been working with a local community culture&heritage group – you’d be amazed at how many people need a halfway decent bureaucrat. When their place is up and running I’ll be slamming together just a basic excel worksheet for people and skillsets that will flag when safety and competency certifications (first aid/fire/etc) are due to expire – you know, the sort of things that slip off the radar and then cause havoc five years later when auditors discover they’re noncompliant.

                      So still busy busy 🙂

                • BM …
                  30 June 2017 at 7:52 pm

                  My Plastering always sucked arse.

                  Paper tape, terrible, bubbles and all sorts of shite.

                  Then I discovered this product, fucking amazing

                  http://intex.co.nz/shop/Brands/Fibafuse/x_cat/00860.html

                  What a difference, I’m no pro but wow you get a good result.

      • Jan Rivers 1.3.3
        30 June 2017 at 9:11 pm

        Scoop is holding a consultation on housing using the HiveMind platform – a modern civics application that supports text analysis of different viewpoints.

        There is plenty of information on the page but essentially we have sourced ideas from across the political spectrum from – NZ initiative, Renters United, Community Housing Aotearoa, government policy, party manifestos, research articles and so on.

        If you are able I’d be delighted if you can take part. The output will be a report on the diversity of views proposed and analysis of approaches that seem to have wide endorsement. We have contacted hundreds of people interested in the area – people involved in public housing, rental campaigns, property companies, estate agents, builders and developers as well as our readership.

        The consultation is here http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1706/S00034/making-housing-affordable-lets-crack-it.htm and it got a nice write up on last week’s Media Watch http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/201848483/getting-engaged-with-the-audience and is open till next Sunday 9 July

    • bwaghorn 1.4
      30 June 2017 at 7:12 am

      i had a look at the last election results , unfortunately the chances of jones and reti splitting the vote far enough for labour to get in is unlikely, unless the greens pull their person

    • Pete George 1.5
      30 June 2017 at 7:15 am

      Felix Marwick runs against the media tide:

      But ask yourself this? How appropriate will Shane Jones be as a New Zealand First candidate given his past history? He was after all the minister that controversially approved citizenship for businessman Bill Liu, a man convicted in May of money laundering. How does that fit with New Zealand First’s immigration and law and order stances?

      http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/felix-marwick-politicians-so-often-too-cute-with-the-truth/

    • Ad 1.6
      30 June 2017 at 8:53 am

      Shane Jones is a near-perfect candidate for New Zealand First.

      While he won’t win in Whangarei, he will get a good list placing and will strengthen the NZF firepower in parliament whether they are a part of the government or not. If they do get in to government, he is already an experienced Minister.

      He is an excellent campaigner, always funny at the podium, self-funding, well versed, charming (if that kind of thing appeals), takes no prisoners, qualified Masters in Public Administration with further study at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Management, and now on top of that plenty of diplomatic and commercial experience across the Pacific.

      If a Labour and Greens binary grouping cannot work with Shane Jones, they have absolutely no chance of being in power until 2020, and it will be their fault not his.

      • Robert Guyton 1.6.1
        30 June 2017 at 9:56 am

        I reckon Jones is bought and paid for by National and will serve only them no matter what position he holds. Labour and The Greens can do nothing about that.

      • weka 1.6.2
        30 June 2017 at 10:07 am

        Given Jones’ antipathy towards the Greens and the Greens willingness and ability to work with anyone in shared policy, I think your analysis is flawed. But another good reason for lefties to not vote NZF, jones would be just as happy with national.

        • Ad 1.6.2.1
          30 June 2017 at 10:32 am

          I know why you would say that.
          But New Zealand First doesn’t need the Greens.
          The Greens need New Zealand First.

          • weka 1.6.2.1.1
            30 June 2017 at 11:02 am

            The Greens don’t need NZF. If you want change but not power for its own sake then you don’t have to play those games in that way.

            I would say the ball is in Labour’s court on this. I’ve seen the argument that Labour should just come out and say it won’t work with NZF and then centrist/swing voters can choose if they want to change the govt or not. Of course Labour aren’t going to do that but it does sharpen the mind.

            Plus it’s up to swing, centrist and left wing voters generally. I don’t have a problem with NZF being in a coalition with Labour and the Greens, and I can certainly see why NZF appeals to many people needing a better government than we’ve had. But I do have a problem with Peters in that because despite the useful things he’s done, he has also routinely used MMP to lessen representation and consolidate power to the middle and the right. I full expect him to continue to do that including in post-election negotiations.

            There should be a line beyond which the powermongering has to be resisted for its own sake and I’d prefer the Greens to stay out of government rather than be so compromised as to see themselves as having to bow down to the anti-democratic positions of Peters and Jones if that’s what Peters insists upon. I would trust the Greens to know where that line is, but it would also be very hard given how hard they’ve worked to get into govt. Not sure what the membership would do, and a lot will depend on them.

            I don’t mind the Greens becoming more mainstream, while it lessens their progressiveness somewhat it moves NZ in a better direction. But if NZ chooses a centrist, right of Labour govt via NZF, then we need the Greens to hold the left position because there is literally no-one else to do it. They can’t do that if the kaupapa is appeasing Shane Jones in order to gain power.

      • Psycho Milt 1.6.3
        30 June 2017 at 10:33 am

        He has the kind of “charm” that does not appeal, in fact it makes me want to smack him in the face: smug, pompous false bonhomie, always with a strand of malicious bigotry underlying it.

        He may have been to a fancy university and been a hit on the local cocktail circuit, but the only things he’s famous for are ones that prompt the suspicion that he’s corrupt. He’d fit right in to a National cabinet, but I guess he prefers to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.

        Certainly Labour and the Greens would be nuts to have anything to do with him.

    • Robert Guyton 1.7
      30 June 2017 at 9:53 am

      Im thinking James is correct.

  2. Penny Bright 2
    30 June 2017 at 6:57 am

    This conveniently ‘clocking out’ at will from the NZ ‘Ministerial factory’ is just more utter BILLSHIT.

    Seen THIS?

    How is being a New Zealand Minister, including the PRIME Minister, not a 24/7 ‘job’?

    Here’s what the NZ Cabinet Manual states:

    https://dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-units/cabinet-office/supporting-work-cabinet/cabinet-manual/2-ministers-crown-6

    Conduct of Ministers

    2.55A Minister of the Crown, while holding a ministerial warrant, acts in a number of different capacities:

    in a ministerial capacity, making decisions and determining and promoting policy within particular portfolios;

    in a political capacity as a member of Parliament, representing a constituency or particular community of interest; and

    in a personal capacity.

    2.56In all these roles and at all times, Ministers are expected to act lawfully and to behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical standards.

    This includes exercising a professional approach and good judgement in their interactions with the public and officials, and in all their communications, personal and professional.

    Ultimately, Ministers are accountable to the Prime Minister for their behaviour.

    2.57Holding ministerial office is regarded as a full-time occupation and is remunerated as such. Accordingly:

    accepting additional payment for doing anything that could be regarded as a ministerial function is not permissible; and
    accepting payment for any other activities requires the prior approval of the Prime Minister.

    _____________________________

    The problem?

    “Ultimately, Ministers are accountable to the Prime Minister for their behaviour.”

    What happens when the Prime Minister arguably does NOT act lawfully and behaves in a way that does NOT uphold and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical standards?

    Is the Prime Minister going to sack himself?

    Unlikely.

    So – I guess that becomes the job of the voting public on 23 September 2017?

    Penny Bright

    2017 Independent candidate for Tamaki.

    • Ad 2.1
      30 June 2017 at 8:55 am

      So all you are saying that is if Bill English gets re-elected, all his sins are forgiven.

      • Johan 2.1.1
        30 June 2017 at 10:43 am

        …and a person like Hitler got massive German public approval, even after many misdeeds. What is your real point Ad?

        • Ad 2.1.1.1
          30 June 2017 at 11:03 am

          Go for Godwin, so quick!

          Penny is citing the Cabinet manual, proposing that it has no real effect, then saying the election is the real law. On both counts she is wrong, and dumb. Bill English will be re-elected by a country mile but that does not make what he did right. Nor does it make the Cabinet manual ineffective. Penny should hold her breath until the Police have completed the further examination and make a determination.

      • Psych nurse 2.1.2
        30 June 2017 at 11:31 am

        No a few Hail Mary’s for penance and all his sins are forgiven, a good Catholic will already have confessed.’Bless me father for I have sinned etc’.See no quilt.

  3. Philj 3
    30 June 2017 at 7:20 am

    The RNZ “In The House” This link is the privatisation of government services, including Universities. Also the dire state of RNZ being defended by Richard Griffen. This has recieved minimum coverage in the MSM and was difficult to find on the RNZ website. Disgraceful.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=201849371

    • Psycho Milt 3.1
      30 June 2017 at 7:33 am

      Covered by Stuff here.

      Illustrates what the staff there are dealing with. Long list of issues presented:

      “There’s a concern that RNZ hasn’t managed reasonably well on its reduced funding. There’s a downgrade in regional coverage, cuts in key programs, there’s no buffer in the staffing – so they’re down to a skeleton staff on the weekends, there’s key staff resignations, a loss of experience, thin cover in the newsroom, the closure of regional offices including Tauranga and Queenstown – no journalists now between Hamilton and Napier,”

      To which the board chair Richard Griffin apparently considers this a compelling rebuttal:

      “Our audience is bigger both online and on-air than they’ve ever been.”

      It’s an object lesson in why you shouldn’t appoint right-wingers to run public-sector organisations.

      • tc 3.1.1
        30 June 2017 at 10:01 am

        national treat every govt dept and SOE as a potential opportunity to further their interests, shore up positions and dish out sinecures.

        RNZ/TVNZ are willing participants under griffin and house of travel kev after recycling rik laid the groundwork, blew sheds of cash on tivo and gave heartland away to sky.

      • In Vino 3.1.2
        30 June 2017 at 11:08 pm

        Exactly. Commercial radio is so appallingly bad that people flee to National Radio, and a dumb-arse commercialist uses this as an excuse for deliberate underfunding of National Radio. (I refuse to agree to all the expensive name-changes that National Radio has undergone over recent years.)

  5. Kevin 5
    30 June 2017 at 10:46 am

    Does anyone know what is happening with Chris Trotter’s Bowalley Road blog?

    http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.co.nz

    No update since the end of May.

  6. AsleepWhileWalking 6
    30 June 2017 at 11:09 am

    A story of sharing a one bedroom flat between eight people + the baby is now better than anything on offer by the state (ie nothing).

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2017/06/30/update-family-of-five-including-six-month-old-baby-accommodation-crisis/

  7. Bearded Git 7
    30 June 2017 at 12:17 pm

    National are in trouble on the Peter Thiel “12 days” scandal. It is something the public can easily understand, and smacks of privilege and favouritism to mates.

    But it is worse than that. On RNZ Nine to Noon just now the comedians, Raybon Kan and Michelle O’Court couldn’t resist the issue and roasted it.

    O’Court suggested that when the Americas Cup comes to Auckland this would mean a lot of rich white men would come too, so the government should open a Citizenship Kiosk, handing out passports to the rich white men as they would be here for longer than 12 days.

    Raybon Kan, having listened to Nathan Guy’s reasons for granting citizenship, said that Guy was worshiping Thiel like he was Harry Styles, and that Guy must have a poster of Thiel up in his room.

    When the comedians are finding such fertile ground for irony in a government decision, they are in trouble.

    • James Thrace 7.1
      30 June 2017 at 1:19 pm

      A’Court. Not O’Court.

      They’re right. Citizenship for sale is something that should make those who have given up their lives to move to NZ, gone through the process, and become a citizen through proper channels, very mad.

      We still haven’t seen any compelling reasons as to why he was given citizenship. Apart from a vulture fund that benefited Thiel, and a few million pumped into Xero (and likely sold when it hit $50 a share)…

      He was supposed to promote NZ on the world stage? A quick Google shows he has never mentioned NZ in his multiple speaking engagements over the last two years… And he deals a lot with the IT sector, which he was supposed to promote NZ to.

      So, this is something that should be taken further. Judicial review a possibility?

      • Bearded Git 7.1.1
        30 June 2017 at 2:02 pm

        @James Thrace

        A’Court-thanks. Not sure if judicial review would work as outside statutory period to lodge. But you have reminded me of something else Raybon Kan alluded to, which was: Who else has had the same treatment?

        Maybe we need an OIA request asking for info on any other dubious citizenship approvals over the last few years.

  8. Carolyn_nth 8
    30 June 2017 at 2:33 pm

    I got an email from the Labour Party thanking me for attending the launch of their community action network. Eh? Not me.

    I used the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email.

  9. greywarshark 9
    30 June 2017 at 3:31 pm

    Jane Goodall, now 83, has been travelling the world 300 days a year and her message is to be kind to each other and other animals.

    • Poission 9.1
      30 June 2017 at 4:34 pm

      chimpanzees are altruistic, even at personal cost, if it involves reciprocity.

      http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2017/06/13/1700351114.abstract

      • greywarshark 9.1.1
        30 June 2017 at 4:44 pm

        Chimpanzees have their limitations too. Mothers may group together and raid another group and catch and eat their babies. Also when one chimpanzee became ill and its fur changed colour or something, he was rejected from his group who wouldn’t groom him. Jane had to help him as a fellow group member to gather the materials for his nest each night as no-one else would.

        The old primitive things that come up in our minds need to be dealt to with our superior intellect, but usually aren’t and often we use that intellect to impose harm to a psychotic degree.

        • Alwyn 9.1.1.1
          1 July 2017 at 4:44 am

          “Jane had to help him”
          You mean that that miserable bugger Tarzan, the supposed “Tarzan of the apes” didn’t do it first?
          Or do you have some other Jane in mind?

          • greywarshark 9.1.1.1.1
            1 July 2017 at 9:21 am

            Alwyn
            I just presumed that any informed person on TS would know about Jane Goodall and her groundbreaking research and study on chimpanzees.
            A woman whose work is all good. Easy to remember her name.
            The official title for her work is Primatologist also ethologist, anthropologist.
            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Goodall

            There you are. An information capsule – just slip it in the nearest gap in your head.

            • greywarshark 9.1.1.1.1.1
              1 July 2017 at 10:10 am

              Sorry Alwyn you were making a funny which I consider good medicine but you just touched a nerve there. I tend to revere people like Jane Goodall who stick to their task of finding out things we need to know that make us better and more informed even though they get flak along the way.

              • Alwyn …
                1 July 2017 at 7:38 pm

                Yes, it was only mean’t as a simple joke.
                I should have realised who you were talking abot as you had given the full name a couple of comments earliar. I just didn’t connect the two.
                Blame it on jet lag.

  10. greywarshark 10
    30 June 2017 at 3:33 pm

    Carolyn-nth
    Perhaps that’s Labour’s random act of beauty and kindness for the day encouraging people to do what they are praised for. That would be clever thinking.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

Older posts

  • New Zealand’s support for Fiji’s COVID-19 response continues with vaccine delivery, operational ...
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced further support for Fiji, including funding support for nursing staff and 100,000 doses of vaccines due to arrive in country today. “Our thoughts remain with Fiji during this incredibly challenging period,” Nanaia Mahuta said. “New Zealand has funded 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    27 mins ago

  • Poroporoaki: Dr Hōhepa (Joe) Mason
    Ko koe tēnā e te hurumanu e Hōhepa, te tōwenetanga a te iti, te māpihi herenga mahara o te tini, ka tauawhi tonuhia koe e to iwi ki te uma pupuri ai. Me pēhea he kupu kia koutou kua puta i nga ākinga a nga tau kua hori, kua waia ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

  • Finance Minister and RBNZ Governor agree to update MOU on macro-prudential policy
    Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr have updated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on macro-prudential policy to further protect the financial system and support the Government’s housing objectives. “This change will ensure that the Reserve Bank has the flexibility to respond to emerging financial stability risks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Government commits further assistance for drought and flood-affected rural communities
    Farmers and growers affected by this year’s drought or floods in Marlborough, Tasman, West Coat, Canterbury, Otago and the Chatham Islands will have access to Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) from today, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni has announced. “The Government is committed to easing the financial pressures on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Cook Islands youth lead Language Week
    The Cook Islands Language Week theme for 2021 highlights the vital role language plays in maintaining young people’s links to their Pacific home, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.  “The Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week – theme is ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Government offers formal apology for Dawn Raids
    A formal and unreserved apology for the Dawn Raids The Government will offer education scholarships as part of the apology Manaaki New Zealand Short Term Scholarship Training courses Support Pacific artists and historians to develop a comprehensive written and oral account of the Dawn Raids Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to Dawn Raids Apology
    Tēnā koutou katoa, Kia orana kotou katoatoa, Fakaalofa lahi atu ki mutolu oti, Tālofa nī, Mālō nī koutou, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Noa'ia 'e mauri, Kam na mauri, Malo e lelei, Sioto'ofa, Mālō lava le lagi e mamā ma le soifua maua, Oue tulou, tulou atu, tulouna lava ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Bridging the gap – last piece of Northcote Safe Cycle Route now complete
    The opening of two bridges over Auckland’s Northern Motorway is the last link of a cycling and walking route which provides a safe, active alternative for students and commuters, Transport Minister Michael Wood said today. Michael Wood cut the ribbon for the completion of the Northcote Safe Cycle Route, at ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Progress in establishment of Aged Care Commissioner
    Recruitment for an Aged Care Commissioner will start next month, to ensure greater oversight of New Zealand’s aged care sector. “This sector is responsible for supporting a large and often vulnerable population. While most people are able to access quality care, there have been cases where that care has fallen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • New record number of homes consented
    In the year ended June 2021, the actual number of new dwellings consented was 44,299, up 18 percent from the June 2020 year. In June 2021, the seasonally adjusted number of new dwellings consented rose 3.8 percent. In June 2021, 4,310 new dwellings were consented, an increase of 3.8 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Communities backed to tackle wilding pines
    Twelve community projects across New Zealand will receive a share of $2 million to carry out wilding pine control, Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor announced as part of Biosecurity Week. “Wilding pines are a serious problem that threaten many of the unique landscapes that New Zealanders value. Community groups and trusts ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Health Minister Andrew Little responding to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation's rejection of ...
    I was advised last night that the result of the ballot of Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation members have rejected the latest proposal to settle their collective agreement. Let me be clear: the proposal was one they put to the Government. The Nurses Organisation rejected their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation introduced to Parliament
    Legislation has been introduced to Parliament to protect against practices intended to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Introducing the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill, Minister of Justice, Kris Faafoi, said the measures proposed were aimed at ending conversion practices which don’t work, are widely ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services to support people in central North Island
    New mental health and addiction services rolling out across the central North Island will improve outcomes and equity for Māori, Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health) Peeni Henare says. Today the Minister met with providers of the new kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction service, Poutama Ora, which will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New school site for booming West Auckland
    The Government will build on a new school site in West Auckland to cope with rapid population growth in the area, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says. The Ministry is working with existing local schools to determine how the 1.5-hectare site at 279 Hobsonville Point Road will be used to support ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Trans-Tasman travel window to close at midnight tomorrow
    A further 500 MIQ rooms released for managed returnees from NSW Further Government actions announced today are balanced to provide more certainty for Kiwis wanting to return from Australia, while continuing to protect New Zealand from COVID-19, acting Minister for COVID-19 Response Ayesha Verrall says. The actions were foreshadowed last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Govt investing millions in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti schools
    Napier Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools are among those set to benefit from a $16.5 million investment in the Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti region, Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash announced today. The Government has set aside money in Budget 2021 to accelerate five projects in Napier, Hastings, Havelock North ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Game changing Jobs for Nature investment for Northland
    Conservation Minister Kiri Allan has announced Jobs for Nature funding for a portfolio of projects that will create ‘game changing’ gains for nature and communities across Northland/Te Tai Tokerau as part of the Government’s acceleration of the economic recovery from COVID. “This portfolio of 12 projects will see over $20 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Third COVID-19 vaccine receives provisional approval
    New Zealand’s regulatory authority Medsafe has granted provisional approval of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 18 years of age and older, Acting Minister for COVID-19 Response Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. New Zealand secured 7.6 million doses (enough for 3.8 million people) of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine through an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Bowel-cancer screening programme is saving lives
    More than 1000 New Zealanders have had bowel cancer – New Zealand’s second-most-common cause of death from cancer - detected under the Government’s National Bowel Screening Programme, Health Minister Andrew Little said today. More than 1200 New Zealanders died from bowel cancer in 2017. The screening programme aims to save ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Govt welcomes draft report on the retail grocery sector
    The Commerce Commission’s draft report into the retail grocery sector is being welcomed by Government as a major milestone. “I asked the Commerce Commission to look at whether this sector is as competitive as it could be and today it has released its draft report for consultation,” Commerce and Consumer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Christchurch’s Youth Hub ‘set to go’ thanks to further Government funding
    Construction of New Zealand’s first, purpose-built centre for youth well-being is ready to get underway thanks to an extra $2.5 million of COVID-19 response funding, Housing Minister and Associate Minister of Finance, Megan Woods announced today.  “The Christchurch Youth Hub is about bringing together all the things young people need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Next step to protect Milford Sound Piopiotahi
    Expert group lays out plan to better protect iconic UNESCO World Heritage site Milford Sound Piopiotahi and its surrounds Funding confirmed for dedicated unit and Establishment Board to assess the recommendations and provide oversight of the process from here Milford Opportunities Project a test case for transformational change in tourism ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Funding for projects to reduce waste from construction and demolition
    The Government has announced funding for projects in Auckland and the lower North Island to help reduce construction and demolition waste. “Construction is the main source of waste sent to landfill, and much of this could be reduced, reused and recovered,” Environment Minister David Parker said. “The Government is funding ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Speech at the launch of the National Hepatitis C Action Plan
    Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you Anglesea Pharmacy and Te Manawa Taki for hosting this event. As a doctor, I saw first hand the impact of hepatitis C. I met Moana in 2019; she came to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic at Wellington Hospital having tested positive for hepatitis C. Like ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Plan to eliminate hepatitis C as a major health threat by 2030
    A plan to eliminate hepatitis C in New Zealand, reducing liver cancer and the need for liver transplants, has been released today by Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall. “Around 45,000 New Zealanders have hepatitis C, but only around half know they have it,” said Ayesha Verrall. “Symptoms often ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • School upgrades and new classrooms for West Coast, Tasman and Canterbury
    A funding injection from Budget 2021 to complete four shovel ready projects and new classrooms at six schools and kura will provide a real boost to local communities, Minister Dr Megan Woods announced today. “This Government has committed to providing quality fit for purpose learning environments and 100,000 new student ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Warmer Kiwi Homes smashes annual target
    The Government's highly successful insulation and heating programme, Warmer Kiwi Homes, is celebrating a key milestone with the completion of more than 38,000 insulation and efficient heater installs in the year to the end of June, smashing its target of 25,000 installs for the year. “The Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Exemption granted for Wallabies to enter NZ
    Bledisloe Cup rugby will be played in New Zealand after the Australian rugby team received an economic exemption to enter New Zealand. Travel between Australia and New Zealand was suspended on Friday for at least eight weeks following the worsening of the COVID outbreak across the Tasman. New Zealanders have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Minister of Foreign Affairs makes three diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced three New Zealand Head of Mission appointments. They are: Mike Walsh as Ambassador to Iran Michael Upton as Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union Kevin Burnett as Ambassador to Indonesia Iran “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long-standing and constructive relationship with Iran, despite a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Enhanced Task Force Green Approved for West Coast and Marlborough
    The Government has activated Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to the West Coast and Marlborough floods, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “To assist with the clean-up, up to $500,000 will be made available to support the recovery in Buller and Marlborough which has experienced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Govt support for upgrade of Eden Park players facilities
    Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Grant Robertson has announced funding to upgrade the players facilities at Eden Park ahead of upcoming Women’s World Cup events. Eden Park is a confirmed venue for the Rugby World Cup 2021, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, and a proposed venue for matches of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • More jobs and quicker public transport motoring towards West Auckland
    Work to improve public transport for West Aucklanders and support the region’s economic recovery by creating hundreds of jobs has officially kicked off, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today. Michael Wood and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff this morning marked the start of construction on the Northwestern Bus Improvements project. It ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government backs critical health research
    Research into some of New Zealanders’ biggest health concerns including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease is getting crucial support in the latest round of health research funding, Health Minister Andrew Little announced today. The funding, awarded through the Health Research Council of New Zealand, covers 31 General Project grants ($36.64 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Bay of Islands hospital facilities to bring services closer to home
    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister Andrew Little have joined a ceremony to bless the site and workers for Phase Two of the redevelopment of the Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa today. The new building will house outpatients and primary care facilities, as well as expanded renal care ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Raukokore re-imagined with ‘smart’ relocatable rent to own housing
    Iwi, Crown Partnership Relocatable, fully insulated housing, connected to a new solar plant Provides a pathway to home ownership New housing in the remote eastern Bay of Plenty community of Raukokore shows how iwi and Crown agencies can work together effectively to provide warm, dry, energy efficient homes in a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Cabinet accepts Turkish authorities’ request for the managed return of three NZ citizens
    Cabinet has agreed to the managed return of a New Zealand citizen and her two young children from Turkey, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. The three have been in immigration detention in Turkey since crossing the border from Syria earlier this year. Turkey has requested that New Zealand repatriate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Govt delivers more classrooms so children can focus on learning
    Extra Government investment in classrooms and school building projects will enable students and teachers to focus on education rather than overcrowding as school rolls grow across the country, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis say. The pair visited Ruakākā School in Whangārei today to announce $100 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New station a platform for AirportLink to take off
    Every Aucklander with access to the rail network will now have a quick and convenient trip to the airport, Transport Minister Michael Wood and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said during the official opening of the new Puhinui Interchange today. The new interchange links the rail platform with a new bus ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • 10 days sick leave for employees delivered
    Legislation doubling employees’ minimum sick leave entitlement to 10 days comes into effect today, bringing benefits to both businesses and employees, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Our Government is delivering on a key manifesto commitment to help Kiwis and workplaces stay healthy,” Michael Wood said. “COVID-19 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Older posts

Older posts