Open mike 31/05/2023
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6:00 am, May 31st, 2023 - 60 comments
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- The Tikanga challenge for law schools, the rule of law – and Parliament
Barrister Gary Judd KC’s complaint to the Regulatory Review Committee has sparked a fierce debate about the place of tikanga Māori – or Māori customs, values and spiritual beliefs – in the law.Judd opposes the New Zealand Council of Legal Education’s plans to make teaching tikanga compulsory in the legal curriculum.AUT ...2 hours ago - The Huge Potential Benefits of Charter SchoolsAlwyn Poole writes – In New Zealand we have approximately 460 high schools. The gaps between the schools that produce the best results for students and those at the other end of the spectrum are enormous.In terms of the data for their leavers, the top 30 schools have ...2 hours ago
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- Thinking About The Property Rights In Resource Decisions As Well As Transaction Costswrites – The Fast-Track Approvals Bill enables cabinet ministers to circumvent key environmental planning and protection processes for infrastructure projects. Its difficulties have been well canvassed. This column suggests a different way of thinking about the proposal. I am ...2 hours ago
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TL;DR: Here’s six links that stood out to me in the last day in Aotearoa’s political economy to 6:06am on Sunday, May 19:Aotearoa-NZ is the seventh worst in the OECD’s homelessness rankings, just behind the United States and just ahead of Australia. BlackRock thinks rate hikes actually worsen inflation because ...1 day ago - Lords of the flies
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The Fast-Track Approvals Bill enables cabinet ministers to circumvent key environmental planning and protection processes for infrastructure projects. Its difficulties have been well canvassed. This column suggests a different way of thinking about the proposal. I am going to explore the Bill from the perspective of its proponents with their ...3 days ago - Bryce Edwards: Can Shane Jones be trusted in making Fast-track decisions?
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Buzz from the Beehive Associate Education Minister David Seymour is urging the PostPrimary Teachers Association to put learning ahead of ideology. He wants the union leaders to call off their teachers meetings around the country where they hope to muster the strength to undo the government’s plans to establish several ...3 days ago - Police don’t fight crime
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- Release: Treasury advice show flaws in Fast Track Approvals Bill
Treasury officials have outlined many ways in which the Fast Track Approvals Bill is deeply flawed, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking says. ...4 hours ago - State of the Planet speeches, 2024
Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick used this year's State of the Planet to call on the Government to prioritise people and planet as the delivery of the Budget approaches. A full transcript of their speeches can be found below. ...1 day ago - State of the Planet: Government must be guided by values not moneyGreen Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick have used their State of the Planet speeches to challenge the Government to prioritise people and planet over profit as the delivery of the Budget approaches. ...1 day ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins’ speech: New Zealand in 2040 – A vision worth fighting for...2 days ago
- Release: 4,500 jobs lost – and countingMore than 4,500 jobs are set to go as the National Government continues its deep cuts to services to pay for irresponsible and ill-timed tax cuts. ...3 days ago
- No-cause evictions leave no hope for rentersThe Government’s introduction of legislation that would enable landlords to end tenancies with no reason marks a dark day for the 1.4 million people who rent their home in Aotearoa. ...4 days ago
- Release: National winding back mental health workThe Minister for Mental Health has found the Suicide Prevention Office and mental health support for 111 calls slipping through his fingers, says Labour spokesperson for Mental Health Ingrid Leary. ...5 days ago
- Government ignorant of evidence in neglect of tamarikiToday’s justification from the Minister for Children for scrapping protections for our tamariki was either a case of ignorance or deliberate deception. ...6 days ago
- Gang policy setting communities up for failureThe Green Party says the Government’s misguided policy on gangs will fail, following the announcement of the establishment of a national gang unit and district gang disruption units to target gang activities. ...6 days ago
- Statement from police spokesperson Ginny Andersen“With Police pay negotiations still unresolved after six months in Government, Mark Mitchell has today rolled the Commissioner out for a rebrand of their approach to gang crime,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said. ...6 days ago
- Charter schools not a serious solutionWe need serious investment and solutions into our education system, not a vanity project from David Seymour. ...6 days ago
- Release: Ideological charter schools won’t increase achievementThe Government bringing back 50 charter schools will not increase achievement and is a distraction from the core mission of the education system, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...6 days ago
- Release: Visas needed for Palestinians with family in New ZealandThe Government must show some compassion and create a special visa to allow Palestinians with family in New Zealand to be reunited with them here. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt’s stubbornness will harm Māori childrenGovernment has remained stubborn and is ramming its Bill into the House today, which the Waitangi Tribunal has said will hurt vulnerable children. ...7 days ago
- ‘Lucky dip’ process too casual for hearing critical submissions on Fast Track approvals billTe Pāti Māori is showing extreme concern over the Environment Select Committees adoption of a lucky dip draw to determine hearings for the Fast Track Approvals bill. Of the 27,000 submissions, 2,900 requested to present. All organisations will be heard; however, the remaining 2,350 submitters will be subject to a ...1 week ago
- New Zealand First Member’s Bill to protect women’s spaces
Today New Zealand First will introduce a Member’s Bill that will protect women’s spaces. The ‘Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill’ will require, primarily in the interest and safety of women and girls, that all new non-domestic publicly accessible buildings provide separate, clearly demarcated, unisex and single sex bathrooms. This Bill ...1 week ago - Release: Support for climate adaptation inquiryLabour supports a Notice of Motion in the House today to move the Finance and Expenditure Committee to conduct an inquiry on climate adaptation. ...1 week ago
- Greens welcome cross-party approach to climate adaptationThe Green Party is welcoming Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ continuation of Hon. James Shaw’s cross-party work on climate adaptation, now in the form of a Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry. ...1 week ago
- Release: Sexual violence prevention among hundreds of job cuts at ACCThe National Government plans to cut 390 jobs at ACC, including roles in the areas of prevention of sexual violence, road safety and workplace safety. ...2 weeks ago
- Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdownThe Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries. ...2 weeks ago
- Minister of Finance reheats austerity politicsThis morning’s pre-Budget speech from the Minister of Finance offered no “meaningful” news on the Government’s trickle-down economics based plans. ...2 weeks ago
- A win for Wellington – Greens welcome more housingThe Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Backtrack on school lunches a win for Kiwi kidsDavid Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Hon Willie Jackson to debate at the Prestigious Oxford UnionHon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...2 weeks ago
- Members Bill will prevent Māori land confiscationsGreen Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...2 weeks ago
- TIKANGA IS NOT LAW. IT IS CULTURAL INDOCTRINATION.A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National won’t commit to full Nelson Hospital upgradeThe Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for fast track list to be releasedMinisters must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National gaslights women fighting for equal payNational has scrapped the pay equity taskforce that fights for equal pay for women and looks at ethnic pay gaps. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: More job cuts, fewer houses under NationalThe Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Children fall deeper through the cracks in Govt cutsWith Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour honours memory of Sir Robert MartinThe Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: 130,000 cattle saved from live exportLabour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...3 weeks ago
- Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fireToday’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...3 weeks ago
- New unemployment figures paint bleak pictureThe Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment risesUnemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...3 weeks ago
- Release: National hiking transport costs for families and young New ZealandersWeekly expenses will grow for more than 1.6 million New Zealanders as the Government ends free and half price public transport fares tomorrow. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreementThe New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...3 weeks ago
- New measures to protect powerlines from trees
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced that the Government will make it easier for lines firms to take action to remove vegetation from obstructing local powerlines. The change will ensure greater security of electricity supply in local communities, particularly during severe weather events. “Trees or parts of trees falling on ...2 days ago - Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani win top Māori dairy farming awardWairarapa Moana ki Pouakani were the top winners at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy awards recognising the best in Māori dairy farming. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the winners and congratulated runners-up, Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board, at an awards celebration also attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister ...2 days ago
- DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received"On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “I raised my concerns after being ...3 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...3 days ago
- Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...3 days ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...3 days ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...3 days ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...4 days ago
- New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...4 days ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...4 days ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...4 days ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...4 days ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...4 days ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...5 days ago
- New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaborationNew Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says. “This ...5 days ago
- Penk travels to Peru for trade meetingsMinister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...5 days ago
- Minister attends global education conferencesMinister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...5 days ago
- Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA ChairMinister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...5 days ago
- Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call FoundationNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...6 days ago
- Panel announced for review into disability servicesDistinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...6 days ago
- Minister welcomes Police gang unitToday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...6 days ago
- New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoricForeign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners. “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...6 days ago
- New Chief of Defence Force appointedAir Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...6 days ago
- Government puts children first by repealing 7AALegislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...6 days ago
- Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, ItalyDefence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...6 days ago
- Charter schools to lift educational outcomesThe upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...6 days ago
- COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received“The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...7 days ago
- The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlookForeign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...7 days ago
- NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely togetherHealth, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...7 days ago
- Driving ahead with Roads of Regional SignificanceThe coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...1 week ago
- New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands governmentA high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office. “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...1 week ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolutionNew Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...1 week ago
- Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...1 week ago
- $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...1 week ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...1 week ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...2 weeks ago
- Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...2 weeks ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...2 weeks ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...2 weeks ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...2 weeks ago
- Joining AUKUS could be seen as 'taking sides' – Chinese ambassador
Wang Xiaolong told an audience New Zealand joining the military pact could look like "taking sides". ...40 mins ago - Labor and Albanese gain in post-budget Newspoll, but other polls don’t look as rosy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national Newspoll, conducted after the May 14 budget from a sample of over 1,200 people, gave Labor a 52–48% lead over ...56 mins ago - Kanaky New Caledonia unrest: NZ student in Nouméa taught to use fire extinguishersA New Zealander studying at the University of New Caledonia says students have been taught to use fire extinguishers as firefighters are unlikely to come help if there is an emergency. It comes as days of unrest followed a controversial proposed constitutional amendment which would allow more French residents of ...1 hour ago
- Green MP Darleen Tana investigation costs $43,000 so farDarleen Tana was suspended nine weeks ago amid allegations of migrant exploitation relating to her husband's company . ...2 hours ago
- Fast-track laws, parliamentary urgency, Treaty tension, media retreat: warning signs for NZ’s ‘b...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato Getty Images There have been so many submissions on the government’s proposed Fast-track Approvals Bill – 27,000 written, with 2,900 wanting to appear before the select committee in person – that a ballot ...2 hours ago
- LIVE RECORDING: A View from Afar – Is a second Trump Presidency Possible?The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today at 12:45pm May 20, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 8:30pm (USEST). Today, political scientist Paul Buchanan and Selwyn Manning will examine: The United States and how the world is engaging with it geopolitically. Specifically, we will ...3 hours ago
- Scams are surging – this team blocked 1.3 million in a month
After falling victim to a scam over the phone, Russell Brown spent the day with One NZ’s cyber defence and fraud prevention teams to see the work they do to stop millions of scam attempts every year. The only windows in the Cyber Defence Centre at One NZ’s Auckland headquarters ...3 hours ago - Thousands sign petition to make stalking illegalThe proposal has gained steam since 2022, when Auckland woman Farzana Yaqubi was murdered by a stalker she had previously reported to police. ...3 hours ago
- Treasury Advice Show Flaws In Fast Track Approvals Bill
Treasury officials have outlined many ways in which the Fast Track Approvals Bill is deeply flawed, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking says. ...4 hours ago - Chloe Swarbrick on Green MPs Darleen Tana and Julie Anne GenterDarleen Tana has been suspended amid allegations of migrant exploitation. while Julie Anne Genter is before Parliament's Privileges Committee. ...4 hours ago
- Has cutting 'corporate welfare' left a hole in government climate plans?National scrapped a fund for companies to switch from coal. Now NZ might not meet emissions targets, officials say. ...4 hours ago
- Why has an Israel-Hamas ceasefire been so elusive? A timeline of key moments in the search for peaceSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marika Sosnowski, Postdoctoral research fellow, The University of Melbourne Ever since armed conflict has existed, ceasefires have been thought of as a bridge between war and peace. Consequently, their success has been measured by their ability to stop violence between warring parties ...4 hours ago
- Oral retinoids can harm unborn babies. But many women taking them for acne may not be using contrace...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Antonia Shand, Research Fellow, Obstetrician, University of Sydney Backgroundy/Shutterstock Oral retinoids are a type of medicine used to treat severe acne. They’re sold under the brand name Roaccutane, among others. While oral retinoids are very effective, they can have harmful effects ...4 hours ago
- Australia is set to ban live sheep exports. What will this mean for the industry?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Renwick, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Lincoln University, New Zealand This month the federal government announced a plan to ban live sheep exports, set to come into effect from May 1 2028. The announcement coincided with the release of a highly ...4 hours ago
- How are the stocks of the fish on the iconic poster going? ‘Munted’, says one expertAnother technical answer: ‘no one really knows.’ It smells like hot fat and fish. You hug the warm bundle of newspaper, translucent with grease, swaddling it like a newborn babe. Behind the counter is a small child doing her homework, and the grumpiest Chinese lady in the world. Above you, ...5 hours ago
- Mahé Drysdale on mayoralty bid: 'I'm running to make Tauranga NZ's best small city&#...The two-time Olympic gold medalist will have to beat out a number of people - and his own uncle - for the top job in Tauranga. ...5 hours ago
- Fears Queenstown's homeless problem is about to snowballThe town may see an influx of hundreds of people sleeping in tents this winter, advocates warn. ...5 hours ago
- Kiwis Urged To Give Shane Jones ‘The Finger’New Zealanders are being called on to give Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones “the finger” in a cheeky new campaign that aims to dramatically boost marine protection in Aotearoa. ...5 hours ago
- Ancient DNA from an extinct native duck reveals how far birds flew to make New Zealand homeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nic Rawlence, Senior Lecturer in Ancient DNA, University of Otago Auckland Island merganser. Artistic reconstruction by J. G. Keulemans from Bullers Birds of New Zealand (1888) Bullers Birds of New Zealand, Author provided Ask a bird lover if they have heard of ...6 hours ago
- The left gears up for 2026 – and beyondLeaders from three of the biggest political parties addressed party faithful over the weekend, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A weekend ...6 hours ago
- Treasury warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’
Treasury has said the fast-track bill poses “significant risks”, despite being neither cheaper nor faster than other options The post Treasury warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago - Ministry for the Environment warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’Environment Ministry says the fast-track bill poses “significant risks”, despite being neither cheaper nor faster than other options The post Ministry for the Environment warns of Fast-Track Bill’s ‘significant risks’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Oranga Tamariki looks to cut unit responsible for critical records for children in state careAbuse survivors have used the records to find out life-changing information about their family - and even their true ethnicity. ...8 hours ago
- Half-term report card: Tory Whanau’s wins, losses and re-election chancesKia ora, welcome to Windbag, The Spinoff’s new Wellington issues column, written by me, Joel MacManus. In this first edition, I take a closer look at the first half of Tory Whanau’s term as mayor. If you want to understand Wellington’s local political landscape, you need to start in 2013 ...9 hours ago
- The murky past – and unknown future – of a huia feather set to sell to the highest bidderA taonga going under the hammer at an Auckland auction house tonight is expected to fetch thousands. But concerns have been raised about its unclear provenance – and about the law that’s meant to protect it. Eda Tang reports. When Tamatea* received the huia feather they bought from a licensed ...9 hours ago
- Seabed miners: What we know and what we don’tUncertainty is an overwhelming theme for two seabed mining projects aiming to use the Government’s controversial fast-track regime The post Seabed miners: What we know and what we don’t appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- New report seeks to measure the value of a corporate crisisCompanies responsible for an environmental crisis are more likely to take a hit to their share price and take longer to recover The post New report seeks to measure the value of a corporate crisis appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- After three decades, Aleh realises Cup dreamIt’s the 38th birthday present Jo Aleh never expected to receive. Last Monday, Aleh and her sailing partner, Molly Meech, flew home to Auckland from Marseille, where they’d been training for their Paris Olympics campaign in the 49erFX. Within a couple of hours of touching down, they were out on ...9 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Monday 20 MayThe post Daily crossword, Monday 20 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Who has the monopoly on compassion? Labour, Nats and Greens can’t all be right“It might feel like the country is slogging it up the hill at the moment,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells party faithful in Palmerston North on Sunday, “But we’re gonna get to the top of the hill, and it’s downhill on the other side. And the reason it’s downhill is ...9 hours ago
- Pacific leaders concerned over seasonal worker exodusOne issue that all the leaders of the coalition Government have agreed on is the expansion of the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. Established in 2007, the scheme allows workers from participating Pacific countries to come to New Zealand to take up roles on a short-term basis. For the government, it’s ...9 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 20 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 20 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- The mocking of LuxonThe last person anyone expected to see at last week’s Ockham national book awards was Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. He was made to feel as welcome as a plague. He was mocked, and challenged. But good on him for coming. His presence gave the awards an edge, a tension, which ...9 hours ago
- A fast track to environmental degradationSir Geoffrey Palmer, author of the seminal book Unbridled Power challenging Muldoon-era decision-making,says the Fast-Track Approvals Bill is a bigger threat to constitutional government The post A fast track to environmental degradation appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- LGNZ launches city and regional deals planLGNZ hopes city and regional deals will help reset the relationship between central and local government. The post LGNZ launches city and regional deals plan appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Kanaky New Caledonia unrest: French politics rocked as leaders plead for endNC La Première television reports on the clearing of barricades after a week of protests and rioting in the capital Nouméa. Video: NC 1ère TV By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk With New Caledonia about to enter its second week of deadly riots, French authorities have mounted ...14 hours ago
- Pacific civil society groups condemn ‘heavy-handed’ French crackdown over Kanaky unrestAsia Pacific Report Pacific civil society and solidarity groups today stepped up their pressure on the French government, accusing it of a “heavy-handed” crackdown on indigenous Kanak protest in New Caledonia, comparing it to Indonesian security forces crushing West Papuan dissent. A state of emergency was declared last week, at ...15 hours ago
- Police and justice system need to re-earn 'lost faith' – dairy ownersThe new government's promised law and order changes need to happen faster, a spokesman says. ...17 hours ago
- Taiwanese Community in Christchurch Rallies for Taiwan's WHO ParticipationOn May 18, the Taiwanese community in Christchurch came together for the "Health for All, Taiwan Can Help" march, urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to grant Taiwan participation. ...21 hours ago
- Govt policies tailored for the wealthy, not the people – GreensThe Greens are taking aim at the coalition government 's policies, saying they lack genuine care. ...22 hours ago
- What Is Behind The Turmoil In The New Zealand Green Party?The instability comes as the party tries to refresh its brand after six years of being part of a right-wing, pro-imperialist government with both the Labour Party and, from 2017-2020, the far-right NZ First Party. ...1 day ago
- Wake Up Call: Government Debt Hits $90,000 Per Household Today – “$90k Debt Day”Based on the latest Treasury forecasts, New Zealand Government debt will tick above $90,000 per household for the first time ever at 10pm today, Sunday 19 May 2024. The Taxpayers’ Union is calling it “$90k Debt Day”. Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ ...1 day ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon speaks at National Party conferencePrime Minister Christopher Luxon will be talking at the Palmerston North Function Centre on Sunday morning. ...1 day ago
- Iwi Leaders Group united against Oranga Tamariki scrapping Treaty obligationsIf the government really wants Oranga Tamariki to continue working with Māori groups, it should leave the law as it is, leader says. ...1 day ago
- Government IT Systems Need A $800 Million OverhaulThe government is facing a bill of more than $800 million to overhaul back-office IT systems, and attempts to lessen its impact have hit delays. ...1 day ago
- Bolstering support for Asian personnel in the NZ Defence ForceThe founder of a Pan-Asian network in the New Zealand Defence Force hopes to support Asian personnel in their defence careers. ...1 day ago
- 'Increasingly Activist' Waitangi Tribunal Faces Its Future Under Renewed Attack From Senio...David Seymour has renewed attacks on what he says is an 'increasingly activist' Tribunal as it faces questions about its future. ...1 day ago
- An Ode to .. Shane JonesArawata Shane Arawata Shane had wandered long In the wild tangled hills of the West Coast. He came to a stop on the mighty range And looked down at the wide river flats. He breathed in the clean air, And he took in the shadows playing across The face of ...1 day ago
- Fiji’s Jo Nata reflects on the 2000 coup: ‘We let the racism genie out of the bottle’SPECIAL REPORT: Islands Business in Suva Today is the 24th anniversary of renegade and failed businessman George Speight’s coup in 2000 Fiji. The elected coalition government headed by Mahendra Chaudhry, the first and only Indo-Fijian prime minister of Fiji, was held hostage at gunpoint for 56 days in the country’s ...2 days ago
- Rule change to protect powerlines from being hit by treesEnergy Minister Simeon Brown wants a 'clear to the sky' zone to prevent vegetation hanging over lines. ...2 days ago
- New Caledonia riots: Tear gas, stun grenades used as protesters swarm airport runwayBy Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist and Kelvin Anthony, RNZ Pacific digital journalist Police have used tear gas and stun grenades on rioters at an airport near Nouméa as the chaos in New Caledonia stretched into its sixth day. Five people, including two police officers, have died and hundreds of ...2 days ago
- Government faces further legal action over Māori Health Authority axingIt is the second High Court action into the government's policies affecting Māori. ...2 days ago
- Kanaky New Caledonia: Amnesty calls on France to ‘uphold rights’ of indigenous peopleAsia Pacific ReportThe global human rights watchdog Amnesty International has called on France to not “misuse” a crackdown in the ongoing unrest in the non-self-governing French Pacific territory of Kanaky New Caledonia in the wake of a controversial vote by the French Parliament to adopt a bill changing the territory’s ...2 days ago
- Revamped school lunches may be less healthy – principalA major provider of school lunches fears the government's new $3 limit for most students will see them eating more pre-packaged and processed food. ...2 days ago
- ‘Stop laughing, I’m trying to kill someone’: Cohen Holloway on playing a serial murdererThe star of Dark City: The Cleaner takes us through his life in TV, including the VHS revolution and the John Campbell impression that started it all. Best known for his comedic roles, Cohen Holloway says he struggled at times to maintain the stone cold facade of serial killer on ...2 days ago
- A life storyDavid Hill remembers an old friend, who you’ve probably never heard of. My friend Doug never travelled; he had little interest in the world beyond his own tiny rural town. I’ve rarely known anyone who radiated such contentment. Doug (I’ll call him that) died in March. You won’t know him. ...2 days ago
- Do you recognise anybody in these 150-year-old photographs?Some of the earliest photos of life in Aotearoa are on display at Auckland Museum right now – but the identities of some of the people in them are a mystery. What was it like to be one of the first people in New Zealand to have their photo taken? ...2 days ago
- The indie books fest bringing big ideas to small town WairarapaSince its founding almost a decade ago, Featherston Booktown has grown into one of the country’s most interesting and idiosyncratic literary events. Erin Banks reports from the audience. “Come in, have you had lunch? I’m about to make a cheese toastie.” Mary Biggs, operations manager of Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival, ...2 days ago
- Enduring the voyage of the tatauAfter 33 years abroad, Loveni Enari recently returned to Aotearoa and Samoa in what a friend joked was an “existential crisis”. He learnt and re-learnt so much about his family, friends and both countries. Almost as an afterthought, he got a Samoan tatau. This is his story. (Accompanying it are ...2 days ago
- Bearing witness to a confession of murderNearly 30 years ago, two people told me they’d killed a woman they knew. I thought the truth would come out, that others would tell it. In the end, I had to. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Fact: in 1995, Angela Blackmoore ...2 days ago
- The Weekend: A landmark case for trans rights in AotearoaEditor Madeleine Chapman looks back at the week and shines a light on some increasingly rare longform journalism. Mōrena and welcome to The Weekend where there will sadly be no aurora to see. After a busy week last week of short, sharp pieces, this week we swung the other way, ...2 days ago
- Tourists trapped by New Caledonia unrest feel ‘abandoned’ by NZBy Lauren Crimp , RNZ News reporter New Zealanders stuck among riots and civil unrest in New Caledonia’s capital say they feel abandoned by their own country, having received little help from the government. Nouméa descended into chaos on Monday, with clashes between indigenous Kanak pro-independence protesters and French security ...2 days ago
- Kanaky in flames: Five takeaways from the New Caledonia independence riotsANALYSIS: By David Robie, editor of Asia Pacific Report Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a revered Kanak visionary, was inspirational to indigenous Pacific political activists across Oceania, just like Tongan anthropologist and writer Epeli Hao’ofa was to cultural advocates. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1989 by an opponent within the independence movement during ...3 days ago
- When body positivity becomes problematicForget thin is in, apparently now bigger is better … or is it? After over a decade of body positivity, girls, teens and women are even more confused about what body positivity actually is. The movement began with women confronting unrealistic expectations of how their bodies should look. But sub-strands ...3 days ago
- Short story: Ruin, by Ockham winner Emma HislopGrace always sat at the bar at the back of The Cambridge, where she could watch who came in. A huge mirror ran the length of the pub, so you could sometimes watch people without them knowing. The mirror made the place seem a lot bigger than it really was. ...3 days ago
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"Moral outsourcing, she says, applies the logic of sentience and choice to AI, allowing technologists to effectively reallocate responsibility for the products they build onto the products themselves – technical advancement becomes predestined growth, and bias becomes intractable."
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/29/rumman-chowdhury-interview-artificial-intelligence-accountability
Thanks tWiggle, that is thought provoking stuff of the horror kind.
For every discovery of a breakthrough by AI, there will be equal conundrums. imo.
Bringing humanity to situations is going to become fraught.
mercenary "no reason" Mitchell ! :
And a wee bit earlier…Nat mercenary and MIA Mitchell on crime.
(2017…. and acknowledgement to Mac1 ! )
Mark Mitchell is a blithering idiot. Or maybe he is a victim in that the intelligent stuff he said was edited out of the RNZ piece.
Most crime is the result of social and economic circumstances. Mitchell’s big answer? Boot camp. Jesus wept, drongos rule.
Chester Borrows, one of few Nats who i did respect (sad he passed away) and Sir Peter Gluckman….
Does that cover it? Nact….ever willing to repeat mistakes. fkwits
OK it's insider baseball, but I can't wait for the radical wing of the Republicans to try and roll Speaker McCarthy over the Debt Ceiling agreement.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/30/dan-bishop-mccarthy-debt-limit-00099262
All the Democrats will do is vote with the slight-moderate Republicans to save McCarthy and just shank the radical wing.
What could go wrong.
The debt ceiling is a cynical Republican party bargaining tool he will just quietly not go ahead with that. Worst that happens is he gets a quiet word from a colleague that any publicity and concessions over the debt ceiling is considered profit by the Republican party.
A. Ocasio-Coretz gives a useful backgrounder to the debt ceiling debate, then calls for grassroots action in marginal Republican electorates to help push the deal. It's not moderate Republicans, but those in marginally-held voting districts who are the lever. She a marvel to behold in action.
https://twitter.com/IndivisibleTeam/status/1661724891689754625
That is a reasonable way to explain the politics of these negotiations. It would look better however if her party took the effort to remove the debt ceiling from US politics when they next have that opportunity. At present the Republicans get two plays at the budget, first the budget itself and then funding that budget.
Republicans?…you mean Congress I believe.
When the Democrats start renegotiating budgets at debt ceiling time, then its bipartisan.
yet you admonish 'republicans'….while they may be abusing their remit the fact remains that after a history of such abuse the American public continue to provide that ability
How will the (once) proud Republican party cope with criticism of their cynical behaviour.
Lol..as long as the great American public provide that capacity the criticism will amount to nought
An amazing, amusing and well written long piece vignette of American capitalism in the 21st century.
The degenerate entitlement, the grift, the corruption – it's all there on in the car dealerships of America.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/05/rich-republicans-party-car-dealers-2024-desantis.html
That story is a reflection of so much else in the USA. Yes, a good read.
Haven't seen a piece like that since Bill Bryson did Fat Girls in Des Moines.
Cheers.
countdown….to the end of the NZ supermarket duopoly ? When could this actually happen? The sooner the better !
The duopoly profiteers..
And…I found this…interesting. Brad Olsen of Infometrics. A kind of "go-to" for Economic news and supermarket soundbites.
Connection with Foodstuffs.
Neutral? IMO ..no.
The supermarket duopolists have major skin in the game..so desperately want to retain their duopoly. To any and all extent
Labour has set the bar so incredibly low but even their most competent MP can’t get over it.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/kiri-allan-gives-wrong-speech-on-freedom-camping-bill/6OMK7SXSSZGXRNDPS6QA3TA6RY/
Whatever happened to Eddie? He had great fun when Coleman did the same thing in 2010. I'm sure he would be able to come up with some views on how useless Allan is to not even realise what she was doing.
lprent may want to reuse the thumbnail he put up then for Kiri.
https://thestandard.org.nz/informed-debate-from-jonathan-coleman/
And of course it was until recently one of the main headlines on Granny Herald's website – slightly demoted now but still there. I can't see any mention of it on other news outlets LOL. I see you mentioned that Jonathan Coleman did it too back in the day – of those two MPs I much prefer Kiri Allan – she is definitely not useless in my book, whereas I certainly can't say the same for Jonathan Coleman when he was Minister of Health. Some of us have relatively long memories.
What about the legislation they are passing.
Soon to be unlawful to have a camp toilet which you use, but if you have a 'fixed' toilet and crap on the roadside that is perfectly ok?
Over anything else the Government refuses to yield to calls to change the defense criteria in Section 32 of the Summary Offenses Act. So at the very least public defecation remains easily legally defendable 🙁 https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1981/0113/latest/whole.html
Anyone have a link to Kathleen Stocks speech at the Oxford Union, i.e. her actually speaking?
I saw an extremist non binary sex denialist glued her hand to the floor as the debate was taking place.
I believe the address was successfully disrupted.
This seems to be an interview from earlier the same day.
Fortunately they were glued not riveted by the speech.
Doc Stock's speech here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgcI4DBHUA4
Thanks Visubversa, but that is the Cambridge speech. It is possible they didn't record Oxford
Taxpayers Union road show exposes their role in 3 Waters
And have further plans along anti-Māori themes in regional resource management…
Clips posted from 'The Taxpayers' Union "Hands off our homes" roadshow at their first stop in Otautahi. The TPU speaker [in the first clip] is Callum Purvis.'
Scroll down through the tweets, with conspiracy dogwhistles, galore World Economic Form, UN, with tacit agreement from National MP.
Talking about global conspiracies, the NZ TPU is part of the global Atlas alliance (guessing it refers to Atlas Shrugged). A sister organisation in Australia is funding and organising anti-Voice propaganda.
Who's behind anti-Voice messaging?
Any response to my comment poointing out to you that its possible you have accused Stephen Schwartz from Atomic Analyst to be a paedophile went he may not be?
As I mentioned in a comment on that thread I did some research on Stephen Schwartz child sex offences and found there were two people of that name who have been charged over child porn, One was a teacher and one was a surgeon.
It is possible that the Stephen Schwartz from Atomic Analyst (seems he is anti nuclear weapons) is also a paedophile. But given that it is a serious accusation, I think you need to provide evidence that this is the case. Unless you posted the wrong reference to the wrong Stephen Schwartz?
Which comment and what thread? It always helps to link to what you’re talking about instead of people having to guess and/or do a search.
Secondly, you’re barking up the wrong tree, as you have the wrong commenter in your crosshairs.
You’ll never receive the answers this way …
Hey Incognito ergo summa laude, how does one link to a previous TS post? It would save me a lot of typing.
There’s a difference between Posts and comments. I assume you mean comments here.
Each comment has a time & date stamp, which doubles as the URL to that specific comment. You’ll see the address appear (somewhere on your device’s screen) when you hover over it with your cursor.
Copy & paste that as required. However, with TS comments there’s something peculiar. If you paste them on their own, the revere to the Post URL rather than to the specific comment. You can avoid this by putting a character straight in front or behind the comment URL or by using the Link function of the Text Editor in which you write your comment.
https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-29-05-2023/#comment-1951915
.https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-29-05-2023/#comment-1951915
https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-29-05-2023/#comment-1951915.
https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-29-05-2023/#comment-1951915
HTH
Edit: the TS ‘oddity’ seems to have been fixed, in which case you can ignore that part of my reply. Apologies for the confusion.
And thanks too. Perhaps this could go on the TS faq page? Or, embarrassingly, is it already there and I’m too lazy?
I will leave it up to you Incognito as to whether you want to follow up or take down a comment that is potentially libelous i.e. it is possible someone on this site has accused someone of being a sex offender, when in my very casual look I could only find evidence that the two people who shared his name were convicted of sex offences. Up to you.
When you make accusations of this kind and want Mods to take action, then please include a link and a clear explanation of what the issue is.
fair enough
904
This is from Joe 90. I googled Stephen Schwartz sex offending and got two different SS from the Atomic Analyst. One was a teacher, the other a surgeon and they had different middle initials. I googled the Atomic Analyst and could not find any references to sex offending (I am certainly not saying that it isn't the case). In the first instance my suggestion would be to ask Joe 90 for evidence, but of course that is up to you
Your welcome
29 May 2023 at 5:23 pm
Gold.
Stephen Schwartz
@AtomicAnalyst
This is not an interview. It's a colonoscopy
https://twitter.com/AtomicAnalyst/status/1662969806507655169
Evidence of what?
Gold was a reference to the description of Levin's servile interview of tRump as a colonoscopy.
I still have no idea what you see as the problem here.
Maybe it's time to reconsider the case for a 'University of Aotearoa New Zealand', or perhaps a lesser merger. But would our competitive university business sector wear it?
'[Otago] university has known for years that it was heading for borrowing, due to its planned capital expenditure on buildings. In late 2018, the university lodged an application to the Tertiary Education Commission to more than double its "borrowing consent" to $405million — from a prior limit of $170million.'
Apparently OU has not borrowed (lived beyond its means to upgrade or expand) in the previous 30 years. Oops, planning on low interest rates and upswing in enrolment; then covid, loss of the postgrad-to-citizen pipeline and interest rate rises derailed management plans.
As it runs out of operating budget in Sept this year, Otago appear to be targetting staffing numbers, rather than shutting down works programmes, after the planned 5% increase in student numbers didn't eventuate this year. OU management also hid the extent of the problems in previous years from staff unions and others; 'the university produces long-range financial forecasts, but has not been able to direct the ODT to a financial plan managing its risks.' Bad, bad OU bigwigs.
ODT in depth debt coverage
Good heavens, Chippy just totally destroyed Luxon in QT in the House today!
Bring on the election debates!
And Grant just did the same to Nicola!
I thought there was a law against massacres!
That was self inflicted wounds from Willis and Luxon. If they're truly that thick no wonder they're scared of reading Bilingual Road Signs.
And ACT and National questioners insist on asking a question that is part of a larger quote and therefore misleading. Ginny Anderson pointed that out today during QT in the House, naming some half dozen different recent dates on which the same question was the lead off to be answered by the same response quoting the full statement.
Waste of opposition's time and effort really, unless they are attempting to propagate misinformation by repetition which is one of the ploys of propaganda and misinformation.
I wonder if we will see any of it on TVNZ1 news this evening ? I won't holding my breath.
ACT swipes former NAT
A little Chaos in Pakuranga?
No wonder why National are having to expend so much energy and adopt more extreme right wing positions to defend their right flank.
Are their recent retractions of policy part of this strategy?
Nicola Willis has obviously planted a mole in Luxon's office.
"Hey Christopher, go out and get another headline, with the dumbest thing you can say to millions of voters … "
And he has.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/election-2023-national-to-make-women-pay-fee-for-contraception-prescription-if-elected.html
Oh dear, that's not going to go down well with half the population. 😮
Luxon's values right here:
Go forth and multiply!
Big Hairy News discuss Simon Wilson's article on Nats losing political ground to Act
Simon posits race as as the crux point.
They have not changed!! What is worrying is the pull to the right. Brash once said "My wife is Asian you know" (Soon was Ex-wife!!)
The dog whistles about race, road signs being bi-lingual, contraceptive charges for women, guns, and now housing accord flip flop is National trying to stop Act nibbling it's right flank!!
Comments on Interest.co.nz are hardly flattering for
the right.
For my sins I duly confess to subscribing to the Herald on line – it manages to give me a reason to laugh out loud or become a screaming wreck all in a very short time, reading the comments from the Nact/Act faithful who obviously flock to their shrine each day. Today's offering from one Richard Prebble is grist for their mill – with the headline 'Hipkins v Luxon – the voters' choice is clear'. I won't post the link (unless I'm advised to by the Mods) as it is paywalled – 'PREMIUM'! Of course Chris Luxon is considered almost the second coming (and I say that, being a one time parishioner of St Paul's in Symonds Street, when Richard's father – Archdeacon Kenneth Prebble was vicar) and his son was the Labour MP for Auckland Central), whereas Chris Hipkins is the anti-christ! His op ed was a sickening read as usual, but the commentors flocked to hear what he had to say and were salivating over his every word and madly belittling any dissenters.
Have a listen to "The Detail" on RNZ tonight.
It is about how National are going to use Artificial Intelligence to lie to electors and the scariest thing is that the tech experts seem to think that there is nothing wrong with that.
I think we will see dirty politics from National the likes we have never seen before.
Thats a job for Hosk and Hoots.