I don’t listen to Newstalk ZB for the same reason that I don’t walk barefoot across a lego-strewn lounge floor in the dark.
So says James Elliott on Newsroom. A scathing review of the "I reckons" of Kate, Mike, Heather and Kerre. Such a good example of the depths some parts of the media sink to.
Hosking's record is littered with such as, “This is why Gladys shines. She’s aspirational, she doesn’t panic, New South Wales doesn’t lock down at the drop of a hat or a single case.” Elliot has it as "red-carded by reality."
The red card should go to whomever or whatever created the situation where masses have someone who has repeatedly spoken such drivel and made ludicrous lightweight pronouncements and judgements as some sort of guru.
(How many hats have been dropped in NSW in thne past year?)
newsdork and granny seem to have the same bunch of crappy "I reckon"s on tap.perhaps its time to be honest and stop calling these shills, journalists, and if granny and newsdork were serious about being in the news game, give equal time to other political shills from other parties.
Some of the incoherent, contradictory comments by Mike Hosking and many of his colleagues re COVID-19, Jacinda Ardern and the Government, are occasionally broadcast on RNZ's Mediawatch. It's very interesting to listen to the objective analysis by Mediawatch presenters. See RNZ's website for Mediawatch on 02.04.20 for a typical Hosking commentary, with several programmes since then also highlighting the lack of professionalism and integrity displayed by these broadcasters. Evidently this behaviour stems from their deep-seated resentment of the Government's highly effective COVID-19 management and Jacinda Ardern's popularity. Two Newstalk ZB hosts who state fact, give opinion as opinion, and are therefore worth listening to, are Tim Roxborogh and Marcus Lush.
After an All Black allegedly slapped and punched a woman in the face in a Dunedin bar he sent threatening messages to a third party saying "f… you b…. tell your friend to hide".
The woman’s mother told the Otago Daily Times last night the family was frustrated 27-year-old Highlanders loose forward Shannon Frizell had “walked away with nothing more than a slap on the hand”.
“Her trauma has been disregarded and his full actions have been dismissed,” the mother said.
“The man put fear into my girl and that’s been the worse thing to see.”
The alleged assault left the victim with a split lip and a broken tooth.
For the document to be provided would be "singling Mr Frizell out", Stevens said, "discriminating against him because he is a high-profile member of the community as an All Black".
The application is awaiting determination by a judge.
Despite a potential lack of criminal consequences, Frizell has already been disciplined by New Zealand Rugby.
After a misconduct hearing this week he was stood down for two matches.
The first was served when he missed the Highlanders' clash against the Reds shortly after the incident.
The second enforced absence will be more significant – the All Blacks' first Bledisloe Cup test in Auckland on August 7.
Just another reason not to watch the All Blacks.
Hm, I wonder if we could get violence against women into hte Hate Crime bill? but then if that happened, whom would these boys take their issues out on? Men?
Where would the fucker be if he worked as a low paid labourer and how long would he be 'inside' if he wore a gang patch. Diversion should never be an option for perpetrators of one of the most despicable sorts of offending against the person that the country faces, despite the resourcing expended to change entrenched attitudes.
Thought people would be happy that a Tongan got diversion. Maybe he stops being Tongan because he is an All Black.
This approach is so much better than being sent to jail. We have enough people in jail.
"It is targeted at reparation for the victim and rehabilitation for you. Your rehabilitation conditions might include things like going to an alcohol and drug programme or a violence-prevention course."
the dude bashed a women in the face, breaking a tooth and causing a split in her lip. Her mother stated that 'he put fear in her daughter'.
I am so very pleased that all you care about is that he got diversion as a tongan.
No he got diversion because he is a body that plays rugby, and it is not the first time that a body that plays rugby and wear the all black jersey bashes/assaults/sexually assaults a women and and a two game suspension should teach him? right?
Seriously, the fucker should have been given a prison term. But then so as long as he just bashes a women its ok? right? Cause bashing women is as Kiwi as is the All Black jersey. It goes hand in hand.
As for his ethnicity, the fucker is a women basher. That is all he is.
Maybe they should have sentenced the All Black jersey wearing women beater to pay a few hundred hours of therapy for her.
But nah, diversion and a two weeks suspension.
Fuck the all blacks. Fuck them. All of them.
Just think, if you'd written "Fuck the Tongans. Fuck them. All of them", most people would have pounced, posting how you were crassly mass generalising to the point of wankery.
Good job all the non woman beating rugby meatheads don't know how to use the internet. 😉
I've played a lot of sports and there has been a few violent thugs in all of them. It's not exclusive to rugby and nor is diversion exclusive to rugby players. I've done things other than sports and there has been violent thugs there as well.
Violence is endemic in New Zealand – always has been. Violence is a learned behaviour and in most cases can be unlearned – although it takes a bit of effort. It is a better option than jail.
One of the unattractive things about this site (well a certain cohort of people on this site) is the rabid like behaviour that emerges whenever rugby crops up. There are plenty of people who clearly have an issue with rugby. Whether it is a result bad experiences with rugby, drinking and violence, whether it is a legacy of the Springbok tour or whether you just prefer soccer was our national sport doesn't really matter to me.
The vast majority of rugby players are not violent and are lovely people who happen to like a particular game.
"I am so very pleased that all you care about is that he got diversion as a tongan."
Don't put words in my mouth I didn't say particularly when anyone who has followed my posts over the years would know I'm both anti-war and anti-violence. I'm also anti-imprisoning lots of the population and pro-rehabilitation.
I and other family members have also had a lot of experience as victims of violence.
At age 7 or 8 I came across W H Auden's September 1 1939 poem. This has always stuck with me. Experience tells me it is true in most cases. We need to learn to not do evil.
I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.
You dog-whistle, double down with a false eqivalence and then come up with tripe like this:
"Violence is endemic in New Zealand – always has been. Violence is a learned behaviour and in most cases can be unlearned – although it takes a bit of effort. It is a better option than jail."
Your words imply that not only is violence common in NZ, its inherent and a slow and steady approach is all that's required, never mind the victims or the shameful statistics,
The case was adjourned for him to complete police diversion, meaning he will likely escape the May 9 incident without conviction.
This man punched a woman in a public place breaking a tooth, splitting her lip and then wrote threatening messages possibly once again on a public form, social media. A conviction with a sentence of anger management and reparation would be the bare minimum.
The comment by the judge indicating lenience because of his All Black position, raises ire from more than Sabine, mainly because we often hear similar justifications from the judiciary during violence or rape trials and many are tired of pointing out the inequity of this view. My partner and his rugby coaching workmate asking why is he still on the team?
The All Black's code of conduct must be as robust as a wet rag, which clearly inspired Sabine's tirade. And there is no indication from NZ Rugby or the All Blacks that even your minimum "bit of effort" is going to be made to address and change his behaviour so that he is not violent. The two game stand down alone is punitive (and pitiful) not rehabilitative.
"One of the unattractive things about this site (well a certain cohort of people on this site) is the rabid like behaviour that emerges whenever rugby crops up. There are plenty of people who clearly have an issue with rugby. "
I am often surprised by the sensitivity and vulnerability of many men when it comes to male on female violence. So far, its been – think of the Tongans, Maaori , Pacific Islanders, the over incarcerated, the lovely non violent rugby players and spectators. In fact, look anywhere but at a young woman's broken face and mental health and the underwhelming response of his employers and the pattern of leniency shown by the judiciary.
Look, another one for Poet's Corner, by Margaret Atwood:
Purely and simply, this is about undeserved privilege that undermines all the work, time and effort that is being invested in trying to reverse the largely misogynistic violence that pervades our society.
You have sunk very low asserting, "The vast majority of rugby players are not violent and are lovely people who happen to like a particular game." This particular case isn't about a docile follower of a sport, race or any of your other notions. It is about the fact that the perpetrator of the violence is not having to face the legal consequences of his actions.
Many of those who work in the domestic violence field will tell you from experience that after Diversion, the odds are that he will do it again! If, in your opinion, voluntary counselling was appropriate, why didn't he take up the option before violently assaulting the woman. Awareness was supposed to have been raised and maintained for All Blacks since way back!
Nah what's true is most people who are violent experienced violence when young. With only a few exceptions violence doesn't come out of a vacuum. You also need to be careful about when working at the hard end of domestic violence that you only see the failures of things like diversion and counselling and not the successes.
What you implying is that these things are a waste of time. There is a lot of people who move on successfully after this type of intervention. Others have moved on via religion and so on. Imprisonment is in itself a form of violence – our high rates of imprisonment do not do us any favours.
The lock em up mentality has resulted in more violence to people as the recent enquiry shows. Do you not think we can do better than locking people up?
Reducing imprisonment rates, and particularly for Maori and polynesian, is something this government wants to achieve. This was once a liberal approach. Seems the liberals here are really no different from the fascists.
And yeah he is facing the legal consequences of his actions. Diversion is one of those legal consequences – it is just not the one that you favour.
"Your words imply that not only is violence common in NZ"
Yes it is and always has been. Much of it wasn't illegal either until the 70's.
"a slow and steady approach is all that's required"
Nope never said that was all that was required. But it will take generations to resolve.
"never mind the victims"
Nope never said that.
"shameful statistics"
Make your mind up – is it endemic or not. I'm quite certain it is endemic – regular and common and quite often intergenerational.
@dos
I didn't advocate for incarceration, that's a strawman.
But there you go, cherry pick and remove context and don't answer the difficult question about how systematic patterns partly sanction the trivialisation of harm.
"Nope never said that was all that was required. But it will take generations to resolve. "
Maybe not even then given our glacial progress so far.
""never mind the victims"
Nope never said that."
Don't put quotes if you are paraphrasing, and you are right.
You didn't explicitly say that, and neither did I.
I made an inference from the fact you didn't mention her at all in your original comment, which has been reinforced by that same omission in all your comments in this thread so far.
“Make your mind up – is it endemic or not. I’m quite certain it is endemic – regular and common and quite often intergenerational.”
Of course violence is a problem. Our efforts to address it need to be more effective. Appropriate punishments and rehabilitation would be a start. Sports player or not.
Surely there are rugby players waiting for a chance where the All Blacks Code of Conduct forbade this type of conduct.
aom was the one who raised the question of incarceration. It the issue of incarceration vs diversion that I was originally responding to.
Your inference about never mind the victim is very wrong and actually most commentators haven't mentioned the victim. Nearly all the posts are focused on the offender. Does that mean they don't care about the victim either? I fully understand the harm done to victims – I live with it every day and have done for many years. The young woman involved will need lots of help and support and for many the fear never really goes away.
I've been consistent about alternatives to imprisonment for well over 30 years now.
I also hadn't commented on the rugby union stance either. I understood that is just an interim response. I'm not sure what their final decision will be. I have no problem at all if he never plays for the All Blacks again. Other people lose their jobs for being violent.
So, not commenting on the victim, nor replying to me in your reply to me, nor commenting on the rugby union…
Were you just on this thread to promote rugby, reiterate your 30 year stance against overincarceration, tell us violence is a difficult problem, and just to top it off, expose a small modicum of white fragility in your initial comment? If so, well done.
So, not commenting on the victim, nor replying to me in your reply, nor commenting on the rugby union until just now.
Were you just on this thread to promote rugby, reiterate your 30 year stance against overincarceration, tell us violence is a difficult problem, and just to top it off, expose a small modicum of white fragility in your initial comment? If so, well done.
There's certainly some loaded language in that link of yours; Anker. I wonder just how "EXPOSED" the "disgraceful voting" can be when it has indeed been more than "barely touched {by} mainstream media". For example (from a week back):
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said it was the responsibility of elected officials to ensure that publicly owned resources were used to support organisations that didn’t discriminate.
“This is not a matter of academic debate,” Ms Brown said.
“Efforts … to wind back the hard-fought rights of transgender women have very real impacts on lives of trans and gender diverse members of our community, who face severe mental health challenges as the result of the marginalisation and discrimination they experience on a day-to-day basis.”…
In a letter dated 24 July 2020, the City’s Manager of Social Programs and Services, Kirsten Woodward, wrote to the clinic noting the City’s ethics policy does not support “any activities or entities” that “discriminate… on the basis of race, religion or sex in employment, marketing or advertising practices or contribute to the inhibition of human rights generally”.
The clinic was in contravention of this requirement, Ms Woodward wrote, due to its affiliation with the Women’s Sex Based Rights movement, and because of “certain published materials and events” which “promote an agenda which … has the potential for generating discrimination and negative attitudes towards the transgender members of our community”.
The City asked the FLC to remove the offending materials from its website but the clinic refused…
This decision was approved at a City of Sydney Council meeting on June 21 this year.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City stood with the trans community against “all forms of exclusion”.
“Our grants and properties are in high demand and our residents and rate payers expect they be offered to people and organisations who provide community benefit and that don’t conflict with our values,” she said.
…the City’s letter of 16 June 2021 notifying you that FLC has been rated “C” in accordance with the City’s annual review process, due to a failure to satisfactorily meet the general performance criteria in the Licence over the preceding twelve month period. On Monday 28 June 2021, the recommended rating under the Accommodation Grants Program was endorsed by Council.
We now notify you that in accordance with: 1. clause 2.1(e) of the Licence,
the City is reducing FLC’s subsidy to 0% effective 19 August 2021; and 2. clause 2.1(h) of the Licence,
the City is terminating the Licence. The effective date of termination will be 19 AUGUST 2021.
From the evidence, it seems that it was really the FLC who; despite being given multiple chances since last year, chose to bet on being able to stare down the Sydney mayor (which doesn't say much for the quality of their legal advice). They could have toned down the rhetoric and still be operating. Expecting a city to fund those determined to exclude members of that city from social participation seems misguided.
Still, August 19th is the eviction date. I imagine there will be a bit of MSM coverage around then. Hope that the Sydney-side COVID infection rate has dropped if FLC are planning sit-ins or other protest action.
If you are going to post on this topic, then at least have the courtesy to link to source, and provide the original content rather than someone's curated version of it. We should insist of more intellectual integrity in this important matter.
For those who wish to be better informed on this particular topic:
Here is the website for Feminist Legal Clinic. Look around and see whether their discussion of the impact of radical transactivism on womens rights is beyond the pale, rather than an honest assessment.
Read and be informed about what this news item is really about, and ask yourself this question. If a pro-bono Feminist Legal Clinic cannot make a submission to government regarding proposed law changes that look like they will impact on those that access their services without having their funding or grant criteria impacted on, – where is the space left for this type of gender critical thinking to be expressed?
This is exactly the same as the Chinese Cultural revolution and the Salem witch trials , nuttiness through and through , punishment for "wrong think" and dissenting the new orthodoxy.An orthodoxy built on ignorance,hubristic academia,illogical magical thinking.
It's got to the point where lesbians are being trashed and called transphobic for not fancying transwomen
The pro bono legal service provides critical help to some of the city’s most disadvantaged women, many of whom are victims of abuse, poor, disabled, Indigenous, lesbian, Muslim and from other marginalised groups, who require woman-centred support.
This decision (to revoke the Sydney Feminist Legal Clinic’s grant and terminate its tenancy) is regrettable, and seems odd. Given that trans men (biological females) are on the receiving end of considerable violence, sexism and discrimination, e.g. in health, accommodation and employment, surely it would have been simple enough for the FLC to point to the trans men (females) that they have helped?
Imho it should be possible for feminist-based clinics to at least partially immunise themselves against these woke attacks by making it clear that their services are available to trans men (females). It doesn't matter if the number of trans men who avail themselves of these services is small – it's the principle that counts.
My confusion at this moment is about whether there is any overlap between "women and girls" and 'transgender people', or whether (in the minds of SUFW supporters) one simply can't be considered a woman if one is trans, i.e. trans women certainly aren't women (because they're biological men), and neither are trans men (because, despite being female, they identify as men) – i.e. it's (obviously) possible to be trans or cis and be female/male, but it's impossible to be trans and a woman/man; those terms are reserved for cisgender ('normal') people. Have I got that right?
Can transgender people even be feminists – how would that work? Too weird!
If Trans women need legal support and I am sure they do, why didn't the Sydney Council assist them to set up their own legal service?
This shutting down of the legal centre is not about asssisting transwomen get the help they need, which of course is a good idea. Its about shutting down and controlling women.
I am glad the women in this legal clinic stuck to their guns.
This is just around the corner for NZ.
Again where are all the progressive liberal men who have claimed to care about womens rights over the years. With a few exceptions on this site, the silence is deafening.
I rarely come across GCF who believe that transmen aren't women and should be excluded from women's space/services/rights. So I don't think you've got that right there.
As for placating gender rights activists by FLC saying that they provide services to trans men i.e. women, this would be considered highly transphobic (TMAM). And, the implication is that TA aren't W, so doubly transphobic. Everyone is pressured to adopt this belief system and if you don't, your funding will be cut/you will be cancelled irrespective of the good you do.
My confusion at this moment is about whether there is any overlap between "women and girls" and 'transgender people'
If you watch new reporting you will see that many times MSM uses 'transgender' when they actually mean 'transwoman'. Alot of gender vs sex sports coverage does that. I'm not sure if it's because reporters/editors just aren't used to writing about trans/gender/GCF issues yet (it is complex), or if it's that they have simply bought into the GCF vs all trans people bullshit.
OK. Women providing pro-bono services to victims of domestic violence, have to not only continue to do that, they have to virtue signal appropriately that transmen will have access to their services so that they will be listened to in regards to their views on the infringements of Radical Transactivism on their work and their clients.
I've noticed that most (if not all) of the women who are raising legitimate concerns about proposed changes to the law regarding gender identity and self-id, are very careful to express their support of transgender people. They will often preface or conclude comments with an affirmation that their concerns, in no way, are intended to harm the transgender community. They will then take time to read through, often ill written comments and then respond to the points made in them, in an effort to get a good faith discussion going.
However, responses in return, often show the the commentator has not even bothered reading the whole comment, investigated for themselves what has been posted, and been replied to with the same care and effort to have a real discussion. More tellingly, I cannot recall seeing a comment that confirmed the rights of women, before putting the boot in.
"My confusion at this moment is about whether there is any overlap between "women and girls" and 'transgender people', or whether (in the minds of SUFW supporters) one simply can't be considered a woman if one is trans, i.e. trans women certainly aren't women (because they're biological men), and neither are trans men (because, despite being female, they identify as men) – i.e. it's (obviously) possible to be trans or cis and be female/male, but it's impossible to be trans and a woman/man; those terms are reserved for cisgender ('normal') people. Have I got that right?"
Your confusion arrives from your inability to read, and think for yourself. Many commentators here have explained the situation, but you seem to be enjoying playing confused or uncomprehending. More bad faith, but seemingly par for the course in this discussion.
Your confusion arrives from your inability to read, and think for yourself.
Thanks Molly, although I did manage to read your comment – maybe someone will tell me what to think about it.
Fwiw, comments on this site are helping me to form an opinion on “the situation“; I’ve also been guided by recent experiences of some fairly close family members.
Before you go back to sleep, have a read of the submission paper and see whether you are outraged by the transphobia shown in it. I couldn't see it, but then I rely on evidence as well as rather close family members.
Imho it should be possible for transgender activists to at least partially immunise themselves against these attacks by making it clear that their support is also available to women (females) in regards to their rights. It doesn't matter if the number of women whose rights are protected is small (except it really does) – it's the principle that counts.
(Also noted: Your avoidance of any confirmation of the rights of women and children to be protected. You can't say you weren't asked, and so your position on that is clear.)
Thanks again Molly – fwiw I'm not surprised or outraged by transphobia (maybe I should be?) – just trying to understand it.
I’ve two teenage nieces (not sure that's an appropriate term) who now identify strongly as male, and although it has been difficult for me (as someone who can't think for themselves) to be supportive and remember to use adjusted names and gender pronouns, I reckon "the situation" is harder for them.
This is a lovely write by a person who was born female, transitioned to male and is very honest about the process involved. Maybe the feeling strongly male is perfectly ok within a female body. Maybe women should be allowed to feel strongly male. Maybe the dainty fairy princess is not all to that thing that up until now we felt comfortable calling a women.
Thanks for that Sabine – 'butch' might suit the oldest. Whatever their (informed, please 'God') choices, I just want them to be happy.
My worry stems from the fact that not all the people who just wanted me to be happy actually contributed to my happiness, despite their good intentions. I want my nieces (niblings?) to be happy more often than not, and I want to make a positive contribution to their happiness.
Thanks again for the "When we were butches" link; will try to tread carefully.
I think that is all we are asking for, that people thread lightely, that decisions are being made informed, and that above all we can all be what we would like to be and not just some.
Maybe give this article to your nieces for a read. It might help them understand a few issues as well.
Thanks for the advice Sabine – the oldest (nearly 16) is a voracious reader and so may have seen it. She (bugger; 'He') says it's important to understand other points of view.
I do sometimes try to gently dissuade him from adopting what seems to me to be a 'them and us' PoV, but it's at least partly informed by his own experiences so I don't want to push it.
I'm most concerned that one or both of them might 'jump the gun' on hormone treatments (or worse, surgery), and a couple of months ago I did (with the agreement of his mother) email the eldest this link:
Unfortunately it was not well received (apparently an enthusiasm for understanding other points of view of only goes so far), and so I have some bridge mending to do, and probably won't be going down the same path again anytime soon. Ah well, water under the bridge.
Thanks again Sabine, might try those questions, but will have to be careful not to come across as wanting to seed doubts in their 'trans identity' and promote my own preferences – that's already proven counter-productive with the older (well-read) nibling.
Maybe I'll have to accept that I won't get my way – not that it's mine to get in the first place. But maybe I'll gain a better understanding, so yes, will try the inquisitive (just curious/interested) approach, if I can get past their ‘this is who I want to be; you can’t change me‘ hostility!
You are communicating with a woman who in the last 35 years of her 54 year life has not bothered getting a haircut, shaved body parts that didn't need shaving, not worn makeup and been comfortable in wearing clothes that in no way could be described as feminine. I thank god for the gender critical feminists decades past who critiqued gender imposed roles based on biological sex, and fought for the right of self-expression regardless. The benefit of this kind of critique is shared with men fighting against stereotypes.
The conversation is not that transpeople should not be included in a protected rights category. It is partly that given the ability of many to self-id, how do we word legislation that addresses this in such a way that hard fought for women's rights are not imposed upon or dismantled?
When concerns are raised, they should be considered – and solutions found. But the current reaction seems to be to just shut the whole conversation down.
As well as that, there are compelling reasons that I would prefer both biological sex and gender identity to be recorded on a birth certificate. Primarily to recognise that there are instances where biological sex is important in regards to medical treatment and statistics gathering.
There have been studies that have shown that pharmaceutical doses and drugs that have passed trials for safety, have often not been tested with regard to the difference between the sexes, and most often, have harmed women patients who receive them. Transgender people who are undergoing hormonal or other treatment would also be best served with this kind of data inclusion, as their medications might interact with drugs or doses in unexpected ways.
Collection of the pattern of domestic (and other violence) would have clearer statistics for men, women and transgender if both biological sex and gender identity is recorded.
In terms of sports, there are biological and physiological reasons why we had women's sports in the first place. These reasons haven't disappeared just because we wish to support the trans community. I would support the inclusion of another category to both acknowledge those differences and allow the transcommunity to compete as they wish.
"I’ve two teenage nieces (not sure that's an appropriate term) who now identify strongly as male, and although it has been difficult for me (as someone who can't think for themselves) to be supportive and remember to use adjusted names and gender pronouns, I reckon "the situation" is harder for them."
Given the situation that teenage girls are facing today – as partly referenced by the Christchurch High School survey, and the constant pounding of judgement that many are exposed to on social media, I think that I would have a strong likelihood to be joining them, if I was that age today. Luckily, I've been able to live a life of non-conformation while still being comfortable as a female. As someone currently undergoing a suppression of hormone treatment for medical reasons, I would hate to think of young healthy bodies undergoing such treatment, given the fact that long term studies on their use on pre-pubescent bodies have not been undertaken.
I commend you for your support of your relatives, and just ask that you consider how legislation can be best written so that they – and the trans community they are a part of – can be served without imposition on the rights of women and children.
I commend you for your support of your relatives, and just ask that you consider how legislation can be best written so that they – and the trans community they are a part of – can be served without imposition on the rights of women and children.
Regarding "…without imposition on the rights of women and children", I can understand concerns about 'the thin end of the wedge' and erosion of rights. Many men, and women, had similar concerns and reservations about women's suffrage and other emancipation movements.
I see the "trans community" as consisting of women, men and (possibly) children. I would prefer that 'trans identity' was not a barrier to being a generally accepted and respected element of the wider community, but acknowledge that some find the concept of 'trans identity' difficult to handle (I know I do), so acceptance and respect will take time. I hope we all get there eventually, especially if one or both of my niblings chooses trans.
However, you reference to 'the thin end of the wedge' makes amorphous the very specific and concrete concerns that have been raised. It would be great if you could comment on possible resolutions for those.
"I would prefer that 'trans identity' was not a barrier to being a generally accepted and respected element of the wider community, but acknowledge that some find the concept of 'trans identity' difficult to cope with"
I really don't think I have that acceptance issue, and because I don't, I expect the adults in the trans community to be capable of having a conversation so we can collectively come up with resolutions for the very real impact current proposals may have to women and girls (and in some cases the well-being of members of their own community).
I really don't think I have that acceptance issue…
I envy you and wish I could say the same. Sadly, on those rare occasions when I'm around (obviously) trans adults, I just feel ill at ease and often find myself wishing either I or they weren't there.
Of course I do my best to conceal those feelings, but do need to work on my transphobia, and I suppose the transgender leanings of two of my niblings might help me with that. But still can't shake the idea that it would be best for everyone if things went back to the way they were – i.e. normal.
The amount of debate on NZ social and other media over “the situation” suggests to me that those prompting a “No Debate stance” have perhaps been only partially successful. And thank goodness "The No debate stance" isn't inhibiting our discussion, but it's certainly evident in the older nibling at the moment – like walking on eggshells. Sad to say I was actually kinda grateful for some of the distancing imposed by last year's lockdowns.
Anyone who sees a reasonable amount of US reality based made tv will have heard the comment "thank you for your service" when someone in the armed forces is being spoken to. When it becomes known they served in the armed forces the comment "thank you for your service" is often made. There are justified times for war, times when national security must be maintained and important peace keeping work around the globe. People serving in those theatres do put their lives on the line and many suffer the effects. They probably deserve thanks for that.
This is contrasted to wars decided by some ass hole for dubious reasons which forsake human life for some dubious gain, sometimes personal ass hole gain. The types of war where politicians have to tell lies and cover the truth in an attempt to justify it. The 2 Iraq wars for example, supporting the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, supporting the Contras in Nicaragua etc. Vietnam where the assholes didn't have their sons dying but some poor working class sod who got drafted and shipped over.
I do not think however I have ever heard someone on US television talking to a Nurse or a Firefighter or a paramedic and immediately upon hearing their occupation states "thank you for your service". Thank you for being their at the scene of an accident keeping us alive, thank you for nursing me back to health and allowing me to live a good life, thank you for risking life and limb to put out that chemical fire or high rise fire". That absence speaks volumes to me. What a shame.
whats even more hypocrital in this is how badly ex-servicepeople are treated in the states. in this day of a volunteer services, the majority of american servicepeople come from poor and disadvantaged(i.e. either black city dwellers or poor white trash from the sticks) ,and after service, many of them are tipped back into the community with a raging oxyco-don habit, and very little backup…so ,basically its, "thank you for your service, take your drug habit and phuck off".
Women prefer Labour/Greens. ACT highest ever poll for them. Opportunity Party has 3%.
Expect government to poll better as Olympic results and Rugby tests boost voter feelings of wellbeing, and Covid results continue to back up the government's strategy.
Roy Morgan put the Māori party in as an opposition party as that is where they sit at the moment. I'd say you were right about where they'd prefer to be, but as a party not so much based on Left-Right politics, even though most Māori would be on the left of that spectrum, they would take the opportunity as did Winston and NZF to be in government with either.
Labour is ten points ahead of National and the Greens have limited options. I'd say ACT will fancy their chances as a party of the Right and supplant National there leaving National to foot it out with Labour, NZF, Opportunity and all for the centre. MMP certainly has changed our politics, as Bob Jones recently wrote. He's predicting/hoping for a change of government though not a National supporter himself.
But the economy is doing well, Covid is at bay, and some meaningful changes are afoot. The fat lady has not yet sung as we are in mid- second act, with the chorus in full voice behind the principals and the villains skulking in whatever shadows the curtains will afford them……….
Curious about what was in the confidential contract? Obviously not the NZ contract but this is what we can expect according to Information security expert Ehden Biber
– the contract was one sided (predictable)
– the contract states that it superceeds the laws of the country
Then this gem (quotes are from the commentary of the contract, not what was actually written), unlimited liability for the country:
“Pfizer is making sure the country will pay for everything: ‘Costs and expenses, including… fees and disbursements of counsel, incurred by the Indemnitee(s) in connection with any Indemnified Claim shall be reimbursed on a quarterly basis by Purchaser’ ”
“The Purchaser waives any right for immunity, it give up any law that might cap the obligation to pay damages to Pfizer. Comment: The court in New York has the capacity to hold international assets of a country if the country failed the contract.”
Site is Catholic based, but seems reputable. Note there is a petition asking that the vaccine not be made mandatory, this is because it uses aborted fetal cells in the development, hence a faith based issue.
I shy away a little from faith-based anything, but fortunately Lifesite isn't the only news outlet covering these contracts Pfizer has bullied developing nations into signing.
A simple google search "Dominican republic Pfizer contract" produces a Holy Grail of articles exposing Pfizer's bully boy tactics and unreasonable and unethical demands when it comes to their 'negotiations' with poorer countries.
…during vaccine negotiations with Latin American governments Pfizer had asked for indemnity that went far beyond the demands of the other vaccine manufacturers.
Most governments are offering indemnity – protection against legal liability – to the vaccine manufacturers supplying their doses. This means that a citizen who suffers an adverse effect after being vaccinated can file a claim against the manufacturer, but, if successful, the government would pay the compensation.
However, Pfizer wanted additional protections, meaning that the company would not have to pay up itself if held liable for rare adverse effects or its own acts of negligence, fraud or malice: the government would pay its costs instead.
Pfizer also asked Brazil and Argentina to put up sovereign assets, which might include embassy buildings or military bases, as collateral against the cost of future legal cases.
It is unbelievable that there are adults wandering around thinking that somehow these pharmaceutical manufacturers are producing these Warp Speed (Trump..the gift that keeps on giving ) vaccines out of the goodness of their hearts and should therefore be immune to scrutiny and perhaps criticism.
And for those who insist that we only refer to safe and reliable MSM news sites, everyone's favourite daily published this, just the other day.
Strong sales of its Covid-19 vaccine and other medicines helped Pfizer nearly double its second-quarter revenue and boost its profit an impressive 59 per cent, beating Wall Street expectations and leading the drug giant to sharply hike its 2021 sales and profit forecasts.
Amid the surging coronavirus pandemic, the Covid-19 vaccine became Pfizer's top seller, bringing in nearly half its revenue — US$7.84 billion (NZ$11.27b) from direct sales and revenue split with its partner, Germany's BioNTech.
Pfizer now anticipates revenue from the two-dose vaccine this year to reach US$33.5b for the 2.1 billion doses it's contracted to provide by year-end. That doesn't include a contract struck last week to provide an additional 200 million doses to the US.
There are now only a few days left to give feedback on the Draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport 2024-34 (see our earlier post this week on GPS submission guides). As we’ve reported, the GPS is a disaster for Local Government, so we were particularly interested to hear ...
Willis has pledged to go ahead with the debt-funded tax cuts, despite growing opposition from her own supporters worried about appearing fiscally irresponsible. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for ...
Open access notables A survey of interventions to actively conserve the frozen North, van Wijngaarden et al., Climatic Change:The frozen elements of the high North are thawing as the region warms much faster than the global mean. The dangers of sea level rise due to melting glacier ice, increased ...
Bryce Edwards writes – New Zealand’s biggest-ever political donations scandal is finally at an end. But what is the conclusion? No one can really be sure. The Court of Appeal released its judgement on Tuesday about the Serious Fraud Office case against the NZ First Foundation. On ...
In 2015, then-Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a huge ocean sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands, banning fishing and mining from 15% of Aotearoa's EEZ. It was bold, it was ambitious, and it suggested that National might actually care about the environment. Except they fucked it up: Key failed ...
1. Who has just been given the accolade New Zealander of the Year?a. The Kokakob. The Cook Strait Ferryc. Fair God. Dr Jim Salinger 2. Which of these is an affront to decent society?a. Dame Edna Everageb. Mrs Doubtfire c. Dr. Frank-N-Furterd. Brian 3. Who is Penny Simmonds?a. The aspiring actress in Big ...
New Zealand’s biggest-ever political donations scandal is finally at an end. But what is the conclusion? No one can really be sure.The Court of Appeal released its judgement on Tuesday about the Serious Fraud Office case against the NZ First Foundation. On the face of it, the court found ...
Buzz from the Beehive Waves of rain are set to lash much of the North Island during Easter Weekend as a low-pressure system forms east of New Zealand, according to a weather forecast published in the past day or so. Niwa was warning of a “moisture-laden” long weekend, with rain expected ...
Look around us…Nicola Willis’ promises of balancing the books, of cutting spending without reducing services, and of delivering game changing tax cuts are disappearing before her eyes.Everyday we see stories of violent crime ending in horrific injuries, or worse. The cost of living worsens, whereas the PM claimed renters would ...
TL;DR: My top six news of note on the morning of Thursday, March 28 include:The Government will have to borrow between $10 billion to $15 billion more than previously expected in order to make up for a slowing economy and to pay for $14.9 billion of tax cuts, according to ...
This story by Naveena Sadasivam and Kate Yoder was originally published by Grist and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. The long-awaited jobs board for the American Climate Corps, promised early in the Biden administration, will open next month, according to details shared exclusively ...
Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don’t think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of ...
Treasury’s first report on the economy since the change of government presents a damning indictment of Labour’s economic management. The problem for National is that it is so damning that logically, coupled with a rapidly slowing economy, Finance Minister Nicola Willis should respond to it by postponing or even cancelling ...
Budget tensions are becoming evident within the Coalition Government. Winston Peters made numerous political points in his speech to the NZF annual conference. But the attack on his own government’s fiscal policies raised issues of substance. ‘Today in the Sunday Star Times, journalist and former advisor to the Labour ...
Buzz from the Beehive The media – sure enough – have been binging on Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ release of the Budget Policy Statement and a statement headed Government announces Budget priorities This assures us – or rather, this parrots the Luxon team mantra – that the Budget “will deliver ...
The Ides of March brought me COVID followed by a bereavement. No wonder they tell you to be careful of them.I’m home now and have resumed the interrupted recuperation. Very much looking forward to getting back to regular things. Meanwhile, some thoughts…OneThis new Prime Minister guy just keeps getting more dire. ...
News that the Chinese ATP 40 cyber-hacking unit penetrated parliamentary internet networks in 2021 has renewed concerns about the PRC’s malign intentions in Aotearoa. But is the hack that significant given the length of time that has passed since its … Continue reading → ...
When Parliament passed the Intelligence and security Act in 2017, they assured us all that it was full of safeguards. Any intrusive surveillance of New Zealanders would be subject to a "triple lock", requiring the approval of the Minister and (supposedly independent) Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, as well as post-facto ...
Eric Crampton writes – Richard Harman’s Politik newsletter provides a bit of the context that ought to have been showing up in other media reports on potential reductions in public service staffing. Media has been reporting on staffing cuts on the order of about 7%. Is that ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – It’s becoming increasingly apparent that many perceive free speech to have become the preserve of the politically right wing, the religiously conservative, the libertarian fringe, the anti-trans, the anti-Māori and…. well, just fill in with whatever groups or individuals you don’t like and don’t ...
Don Brash writes – As everybody who is not blind and deaf is aware, there is a huge political preoccupation with climate change at the moment, a widespread (though by no means unanimous) belief that global temperatures are rising mainly as a result of the greenhouse gases created ...
TL;DR: My six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy on Wednesday, March 27 include:Chris Bishop laid out his vision for filling Aotearoa-NZ’s $100 billion infrastructure deficit in a speech yesterday, emphasising user pays and private funding, but failed to say how to achieve bipartisanship on population, public borrowing and ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins have been conveying how unhappy they are with the tax system. Last week in his valedictory speech, Robertson called for the introduction of a wealth or capital gains tax. And this week Hipkins ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
Buzz from the Beehive China has loomed large in Beehive considerations over the past 24 hours, largely because of that country’s mischief-making in the cyber espionage department. Two media statements emerged on that subject hard on the heels of the PM baulking at questions put to him on RNZ’s Morning ...
Chris Trotter writes – WHY IS THE NATIONAL PARTY doing so much for landlords, property developers, trucking, and construction companies, and so little for everybody who isn’t already pretty well-off? It’s as if protecting landlords’ investments and building apartments and roads now constitute the whole of National’s ...
Bryce Edwards writes – When she was campaigning to be Minister of Finance last year, Nicola Willis pledged that she would resign from the job if she failed to deliver tax cuts in her first Budget. Now, it’s that pledge, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s ...
Robert MacCulloch writes – The Reserve Bank has doubled staff numbers in five years to 510, with personnel costs rising to $80 million in 2023 from $32 million in 2018 – up by a whopping 150%. I guess when you print $50 billion and flood markets with liquidity, ...
The furore. In case you didn’t notice there was a controversy in the weekend involving dolphins in a little town off the South Island. Don’t panic, they haven’t declared independence and resumed whaling, this was simply a sailing event.The problem began when racing was cancelled on the opening day of ...
For 20 years or more, the case for a meaningful capital tax gains has been mulled over and analysed to death, including by the tax working group chaired by Sir Michael Cullen. More than once, the International Monetary Fund has said a CGT would be a good idea for New ...
TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: The Public Health Communications Centre (PHCC) call for urgent preventive action and a risk assessment survey of long covid in this briefing noteLocal scoop: NZ road deaths surpass OECD rates, so why is the govt reversing safety plans? ...
This story was originally published by Grist and is part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story. This story is part of a collaboration with Grist and WABE to demystify the Georgia Public Service Commission, the small but powerful state-elected board that makes critical decisions about everything from raising ...
This is a guest post from Robert McLachlan Global warming is accelerating; 2023 was off the charts. We need to stop burning fossil fuels. In New Zealand, transport accounts for half of all fossil fuels burnt. In the Emissions Reduction Plan, transport emissions fall 41% by 2035. As the ...
Labour productivity has been receding rapidly over the past two years, reversing a post-lockdown rise. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy as at 6:26am on Tuesday, March 26 include:Workers have been treading water in output per hour worked for 12 years, ...
TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 2 include:Today, Parliament resumes sitting at 2pm for the second week of a two-week session. Officials for SIS and GCSB report their annual reviews in public to the Intelligence and Security Select Committee from 5.10pm.Tomorrow, ...
Faced with a barrage of criticism over the promised tax cuts from usually supportive commentators, Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday reaffirmed her intention to include them in this year’s Budget. The Government is up against it over the cuts just about every way it turns. Commentators like Fran O’Sullivan, Matthew ...
Here’s my pick of today’s substack posts as of 6:26pm on Monday, March 25: writes via his substack that Market-rate housing will make your city cheaper writes via his substack about the problems talking to double-cab ute (truck) drivers about their vehicles. today about moments of radicalisation in ...
Buzz from the Beehive Just before Christmas, Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivered something that was pitched as a mini-budget and brayed about the decisive action being taken to repair the Government books and support income tax relief in Budget 2024. In a statement headed Fiscal repair job underway. she introduced ...
My sister Belinda asked Dad yesterday what one word would describe Mum best. He said: vivacious.If you only knew her from the photos on the slideshow we've made for today,you might wonder about that, because the camera tended to lie with Mum.If ever she saw a camera pointed at her, she ...
There are two major public consultations closing in the next week, Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP), and the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS). Closing dates and times: LTP closes Thursday 28 February, at 11.59pm – a minute to midnight! GPS closes Tuesday 2 April, at 12pm noon – note that’s ...
From Kiwiblog’s David Farrar – Bryce Wilkinson writes: Senior Fellow Bryce Wilkinson’s analysis reveals that since March 2009, New Zealand has spent $158 billion more overseas than it has earned, but its NIIP has only fallen by $32 billion.Statistics New Zealand shows that receipts from overseas reinsurers have ...
Is she hinting that the Coalition Government will have to back down on key promises it made in Opposition? Brian Easton writes – The Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, is telling an evolving story about her fiscal challenges. In Opposition she was confident that she could ...
Dear Nicola Willis,Right now you’ve probably got lots of competing demands coming at you. Ministers who’ve inherited quite a mess, or so you’ve told us, looking for money in the budget to improve things. I imagine that’s why they came to parliament - to make things better.You’ll have to make ...
The Local Government, Transport and Auckland Minister hasthreatened councils with intervention if they don’t merge water assets to take them off balance sheet, just as the now-repealed Three Waters plan directed. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: My six things of note this morning for Monday, March 25 include:Simeon ...
A listing of 36 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 17, 2024 thru Sat, March 23, 2024. Story of the week Thanks to John Mason having the stamina to sit down to watch "Climate - the Movie" ...
This morning the Q&A programme had Simeon Brown on to talk about National’s replacement for Three Waters. In case anyone’s forgotten the three are - drinking water, waste water, and sewerage. It’s quite important not to get them mixed up. In much the same way that you wouldn’t want to ...
Today’s newsletter comes with a mini-podcast conversation between me and my buddy Liv Tennet, talking about her time as a child actor in Lord of the Rings. It’s a conversation with a lot of giggles as she talks about falling off a horse, and becoming a meme. Read ...
The Desmog Climate Disinformation Database documents, "individuals and organisations that have helped to delay and distract the public and our elected leaders from taking needed action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and fight global warming." It's a who's who of the organised climate change denial movement, in other words. In ...
Bob Edlin writes – A High Court judge has decided miscreants who have mana – or who claim to have mana – should be treated differently from miscreants who have none. It’s a ruling that suggests indigenous law-breakers have a better chance of securing a discharge without conviction ...
Welcome to the first, and possibly last, edition of Brickbats, Bouquets and Bull’s Wool. In which I’ll take a look at the events of the last week or so, and rate them.In such ratings the numbers usually have more to do with the opinions of the reviewer, than the actual ...
Roger Partridge writes – My earlier column this month, New Zealand’s highest court could be facing a turning point, prompted a flood of feedback from business readers and lawyers alike. A common query was what Parliament can do to restrain an overreaching judiciary. This week I discuss two steps Parliament ...
TL;DR: In today’s ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.16pm on Friday, March 22: writes about New Zealand's Building Boom—And What the World Must Learn From It over at his substack. challenges the Auckland Council’s use of a 3.8 degrees of warming forecast to oppose a wave-park and data centre project ...
Is she hinting that the Coalition Government will have to back down on key promises it made in Opposition?The Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, is telling an evolving story about her fiscal challenges. In Opposition she was confident that she could deliver her promised income tax cuts. Appointed minister, she ...
Buzz from the Beehive Ministers of the Crown have drawn attention to one sector of the science sector which is unlikely to be subjected to heavy spending cuts, a state-funded broadcaster which is doing nicely, thank you, and a sporting event that had $5.4 million from the public purse puffed ...
Abbott’s Freestyle Libre sensors allow continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The sensor is applied to the back of the patient’s arm, with a thin filament under the skin measuring glucose levels constantly. But it costs around $100 per sensor and must be replaced once every 14 days. Photo by BSIP/Universal Images ...
The Inspector General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) recently released a report in which he exposes the existence of a foreign intelligence partner-controlled technological “capability” inside the headquarters of the GCSB, NZ’s 5 Eyes-affiliated signals intelligence collection and analysis agency. … Continue reading → ...
Peter Dunne writes – Nearly three decades after the introduction of MMP and multiparty governments there should be a greater level of understanding about their finer points than often appears to be the case. The reaction to the despicable outburst from the Deputy Prime Minister at the weekend highlights ...
The sweet kisses from fruit of summerHave slowly been turning dullerYou say, "those times"And "remember the daysWhen we went outside and there still was the shade?"Taking no reason into play…Autumn. Clear, blue days shortening to longer nights, growing colder. Aotearoa.That’s us. The temperature dropping, the looming car crash - so ...
Bryce Edwards writes – “It is often said that behind every great man is a great woman”. This is the pitch by the National Party Botany electorate branch to attend their “Ladies Afternoon Tea with Amanda Luxon”. For $110 including GST, you can turn up on Saturday 20 April ...
David Farrar writes – The Electoral Commission has published the expense returns for political parties for the 2023 election. I’ve put them in a table with how many votes a party got so we can see the spend per vote. National only spent $3.34 for every vote they got, almost ...
Winston Peters’ headline-making actions over the past week may have been a show of political power intended to strengthen his hand in Budget negotiations. It was no accident that his State of the Nation speech was as it was. He made it as New Zealand First Leader, not as Deputy ...
Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:Former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson bowed out of politics this week, giving a series of exit ...
Graham Adams writes — If you love the law or sausages, as the saying goes, best not to look too closely at how they are made. And after watching the orgy of self-pity when Newshub’s closure was announced on February 28, television journalism should definitely be added to the list of those ...
Venerable New Zealand political commentator, Chris Trotter (https://bowalleyroad.blogspot.com/), is a sad creature these days. Once one of the most reliable Leftist writers out there – Economic Left at that – Trotter seems to have absorbed the worldview of Auckland culture-war obsessives. It is not for me to categorise what he ...
The cruelty of short-term memory loss is that each time you ask where she is, you get the fresh shock and grief of the news. That was Dad's day yesterday.Comfortingly, it seems to be less so today. Last night he looked crumpled, today he seems more settled. There's a card ...
Photo by Alvan Nee on UnsplashIt’s that new day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when and I co-host our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm. Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news ...
Buzz from the Beehive One minister is talking tough while a colleague – whose ministry had acted tough and drawn a barrage of flak – has shown an official softening. Some ministers are doing what Labour was good at, which is distributing public funds to causes regarded as worthy or ...
A ballot for 4 Member's Bills was held today, and the following bills were drawn: Insurance Contracts Bill (Duncan Webb) Income Tax (Clean Transport FBT Exclusion) Amendment Bill (Julie Anne Genter) Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill (Greg Fleming) Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) ...
The Coalition Government’s plan to ‘get Auckland moving’ is a cuts cover-up that will ultimately cost Aucklanders more to move around the city, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Slashing the Ministry of Pacific Peoples by 40% will have a devastating impact on pacific communities and further highlights how little this government cares about anything other than cutting taxes for the wealthiest few. ...
Labour has proposed an urgent inquiry to investigate the ever-increasing profits of supermarkets, aiming to lower costs for shoppers and food producers alike, says Labour Spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs Arena Williams and Primary Production Spokesperson Cushla Tangaere-Manuel. ...
With 14% of jobs on the line at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, the responsible Minister Melissa Lee is failing to stand up for the very communities she’s meant to be representing. ...
COURT OF APPEAL: TRIFECTA OF VICTORY FOR NZ FIRST, TRIFECTA OF FAILURE FOR OPPONENTS For the third time since April 2020, New Zealand First has defeated the Serious Fraud Office and all those complicit in a malicious attack against a political party going about its lawful business in a lawful ...
The Green Party stands with people who live in public housing, people in dire housing need, experts and advocates in demanding better than the Government’s archaic approach to housing those who need our support the most. ...
New Zealand has recently lost the hosting rights of some major international sporting events including the America’s Cup, the Rugby Championship, Netball World Cup, and the Wellington Sevens. We are now at a huge risk of losing SailGP as well. And it won’t stop there. The recent issues with SailGP ...
A Member’s Bill drawn this week would modernise insurance law and make things fairer and more transparent for consumers, Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb said. ...
The Minister for Disability Issues has confirmed she was aware of funding issues in mid-December and did nothing to stop it. On 14 March, she signed off on changes that were announced and implemented on 18 March without any consultation with disability communities. ...
Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter says her members' bill is an opportunity for the coalition government to plug the gap in electric vehicle incentives. ...
The National Government continues to talk about irresponsible tax cuts that will only drive up inflation, despite the country entering a technical recession. ...
The Minister for Disability Issues must act urgently to reinstate flexibility around the funding for disability support and apologise to disabled carers. ...
This story has been initiated by a leftie shill reporter who proactively sought to call a member of a former band, which disbanded twelve years ago, give their biased appraisal of what was said in my speech, and concocted a ham-fisted attempt at a story that does nothing but show ...
The Government has accepted Labour’s change to the Road User Charge (RUC) discount for hybrid vehicles, meaning there will still be some incentive for people to buy greener vehicles. ...
Many in the mainstream media have taken what was said in New Zealand First’s State of the Nation Speech in Palmerston North on Sunday and deliberately, deceitfully, and ignorantly misrepresented what I said and why I said it. The headlines and commentary on the news stated that I compared ‘co-governance ...
Kicking the most vulnerable people out of state housing and pushing them towards homelessness will result in a proliferation of poverty and trauma across our most vulnerable communities. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi has penned a letter asking MPs to support his members bill to remove GST from all food. The bill is expected to go through its first reading in parliament this Wednesday. “I’m calling on all political parties to support my ...
Good afternoon. Thank you for, in your very busy lives, turning up to this meeting today. On October 14th last year New Zealanders overwhelmingly voted for change. That is exactly what this new government is bringing. New Zealand First campaigned to ‘take back our country’ and stop the disastrous economic ...
This year is about getting real with Kiwis and discussing the tough issues, as the National Government exacerbates inequality and divides New Zealand, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said ...
The Government adding Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) to its already roaring environmental policy bonfire is an assault on the future of wildlife that makes Aotearoa unique. ...
After 12 years of fighting to protect our moana we are finding ourselves back at square one and back at court. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is sitting in Hawera to reconsider an application from Trans-Tasman Resources to dig up 50 million tonnes of the seabed in South Taranaki. This ...
Minister Shane Jones’ decision to step away from a seabed mining project is evidence of the murky waters surrounding the Government’s fast-track legislation. ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the publicservice on Treaty matters. When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there ...
The Coalition Government’s miscalculation saga continues as it has forgotten an eyewatering $90 million gap in its interest deductibility cost figures, say Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds and Revenue Spokesperson Deborah Russell. ...
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission has today released advice that says if the Government doesn’t act now New Zealand is at risk of not meeting its climate goals. ...
The Coalition Government has today confirmed it is abandoning first home buyers who are struggling to get ahead, says Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds. ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April. “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates. Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend. “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says. Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track. “Dam safety regulations ...
The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009. ...
The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function. The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union. “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says. “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
Good morning, it’s great to be here. First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning. I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed. “Northland has faced a number ...
New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
Jesus had dinner with his 12 disciples right before he died. Noted historian Madeleine Chapman finds out who really deserved to be there.First published in 2018 but let’s be honest, the subject is timeless. As you sit on your couch this Easter Sunday, eating a chocolate egg you know ...
The newly-promoted Northern League club is on a mission to return to the National League for the first time in two decades. Plenty about domestic football in New Zealand has changed in that time – but the sense that this amateur competition is not an entirely level playing field remains. ...
NONFICTION 1 BBQ Economics by Liam Dann (Penguin Random House, $40) “It’s official,” wrote Dann nine days ago in the Herald, where he works as business editor at large, “we’re in recession.” Yeah, great. He delivered the bad stats: “GDP fell 0.1 percent in the December 2023 quarter, compared with ...
Comment: Every year on February 2, a dozen men in tuxedos and top hats approach the burrow of a groundhog in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania and entice the beaver-like rodent to emerge and predict the weather. If the groundhog, named Punxsutawney Phil, sees its own shadow when it is summoned, legend ...
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Auckland Council has put a deadline on new weather-impacted property owners applying for categorisation as government funding looks set to run out. Councillors have voted to support a deadline of September 30 for property owners who haven’t accessed support to come forward and engage with the council’s recovery office. It ...
By Anneke Smith, RNZ News political reporter A petition urging the New Zealand government to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people has been tabled in the House. More than 200 people gathered on Parliament’s forecourt today and they were met by MPs from Labour, the Greens and Te ...
Pacific Media Watch The Paris-based global media freedom watchdog RSF (Reporters Without Borders) has appealed for information about the “disappearance” of Palestinian journalist Bayan Abusultan. She was reportedly last seen on March 19 among people “sequestered” in this week’s raid and siege of Al Shifa hospital by Israeli troops in ...
EDITORIAL:The Jakarta Post It happens again and again; indigenous Papuans fall victim to Indonesian soldiers. This time, we have photographic evidence for the brutality, with videos on social media showing a Papuan man being tortured by a group of plainclothes men alleged to be the Indonesian Military (TNI) members. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn J. Whitaker, Director of the Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy & Associate Professor, New Testament, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity A strange and eclectic range of activities takes place across these few weeks of the year. Some ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Panizza Allmark, Professor Visual & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University It’s Easter weekend, which means many of us will be kicking back with the greatest hits on repeat. But whether you’re a boomer, or an ‘80s or ’90s kid, you might be ...
RNZ Pacific Fiji’s Acting Public Prosecutor has filed an appeal against the sentences of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended police chief Sitiveni Qiliho in their corruption case. Bainimarama was granted an absolute discharge for attempting to pervert the course of justice while Qiliho received a conditional discharge with ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arosha Weerakoon, Senior Lecturer and General Dentist, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland Casezy idea/Shutterstock How does toothpaste work? What did people use before toothpaste was invented? – Amelia, age 7, Meanjin (Brisbane) Thanks for your ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Hallam, Associate professor, UNSW Sydney IM Imagery/Shutterstock Solar SunShot is well named. The Australian government announced today it would plough A$1 billion into bringing back solar manufacturing to Australia, boosting energy security, swapping coal and gas jobs for those ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Dix, Research Fellow in Nutrition & Dietetics, The University of Queensland Easter is the time for chocolate. The shops are full of fantastically packaged and shiny chocolates in all shapes and sizes, making trips to the supermarket with children more challenging ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Felton, Adjunct Senior Researcher, University of South Australia Even in a stubborn cost-of-living crisis, it seems there’s one luxury most Australians won’t sacrifice – their daily cup of coffee. Coffee sales have largely remained stable, even as financial pressures have ...
Mining company Trans-Tasman Resources has unexpectedly withdrawn its application for a consent to suck the valuable metals vanadium and titanium from the Taranaki seafloor, as it apparently wagers on the Government’s new fast-track process. It had spent two-and-a-half days putting its case to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision-making committee, at ...
Contrary to the Associate Minister of Education’s claims, analysis of Healthy School Lunches Programme - Ka Ora, Ka Ako assessments has revealed it provides excellent value for the taxpayer dollar, as a groundswell of public opposition to Government ...
Greenpeace says wannabe Taranaki seabed miner Trans-Tasman Resources is likely banking on Christopher Luxon’s fast-track process to side-step proper scrutiny of its Taranaki seabed mining proposal by bailing out of the Environmental Protection Agency hearing ...
Kiwis Against Seabed mining today slammed Australian owned would-be seabed miner Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) for abandoning its application to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to mine the seabed of the South Taranaki Bight. The company ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Attwell, Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia Ground Picture/Shutterstock Months after COVID vaccines were introduced in 2021, governments and private organisations mandated them for various groups. Health and aged care workers were among the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dzurak, Scientia Professor Andrew Dzurak, CEO and Founder of Diraq, UNSW Sydney Diraq For decades, the pursuit of quantum computing has struggled with the need for extremely low temperatures, mere fractions of a degree above absolute zero (0 Kelvin or ...
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 Essential poll, conducted March 20–24 from a sample of 1,150, gave the Coalition a 50–44 lead including undecided, a reversal ...
The Taxpayers’ Union has today made a formal request under the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Open Government Information () for information held about how New Zealand Members of Parliament are spending taxpayer ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Nelson, Honorary Principal Fellow, The University of Melbourne A Byzantine depiction of the Eucharist in Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv.Jacek555/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA A nasty quarrel arose in the 11th century over what kind of bread should be used in holy ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Hesp, Professor, Flinders University Patrick Hesp In some parts of Australia, coastal dunes are retreating from the ocean at an alarming rate, as waves carve up the beach and wind blows the sand inland. But coastal communities are largely ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Heemsbergen, Senior Lecturer, Digital, Political, Media, Deakin University With an impressive 60% of the US smartphone market, Apple is undeniably big, but not a clear monopoly. Yet, years of innovation by Apple have effectively given the company its own exclusive ...
Whether you’re facing layoffs or are just an emotional junior staffer, it’s always a good idea to scout out a good crying place before you need it. It’s an incredibly hard time for Wellington. Across the city, thousands of public servants are hearing tough news about redundancies and layoffs. Government ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Miller-Jones, Professor, Curtin University Nuclear explosions on a neutron star feed its jets. Danielle Futselaar and Nathalie Degenaar, Anton Pannekoek Institute, University of Amsterdam, CC BY-SA How fast can a neutron star drive powerful jets into space? The answer, it ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryl Adair, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Technology Sydney Earlier this week, independent MP Andrew Wilkie accused the AFL of conducting “off the books” illicit drug testing to identify players using substances of abuse, then inappropriately withdrawing them from matches ...
The Government’s announcement that it will scrap plans for a vast marine sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands is ‘shameful’ and will make it impossible for Aotearoa New Zealand to meet its international commitments, says the World Wide Fund for Nature ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland Shutterstock The federal government has bowed to pressure from the car industry, announcing it will relax proposed emissions rules for utes and vans and delay enforcement of the new standards ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suzanne Rutland, Professor Emerita, University of Sydney In his latest book, Jewish Life in Medieval Spain, Jonathan Ray focuses on the tumult of the 14th century in Spain – a time of the plague, civil strife and war between the two largest ...
While creating a slate of world-class shows, Whakaata Māori also developed a generation of world-class creatives. Television is an odd word. It mixes the Ancient Greek and Latin languages, and its most literal meaning is “far-off sight”. In the contemporary and living language of te reo Māori, “whakaata” as a ...
Yesterday the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza. This significant step and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza prompted an urgent debate in the New Zealand Parliament. Leader ...
The Government’s decision to reduce access to continuous glucose monitors (CGM) not only threatens the lives of children with type 1 diabetes and increases the potential for ‘Dead in Bed’ syndrome, but also threatens the health of their parents an ...
Apples are available year-round, but the wide variety on offer involves intensive scientific research – and large-scale commercialisation. What’s beautiful, red, sweet and crunchy? Tony Martin’s favourite kind of apple: Sassy. The CEO of apple and pear breeding organisation Prevar, Martin’s fondness for Sassy represents professional success as well as ...
Family violence specialist service Shine is calling on employers to stop asking for proof of domestic violence in order for employees to access domestic violence leave. The call comes five years after the introduction of the Domestic Violence ...
The Deputy Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for public submissions on the Budget Policy Statement 2024. The Budget Policy Statement 2024 (BPS) sets out the Government's priorities for the 2024 Budget. It explains the approach ...
Brutal government spending cuts that will see the size of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples slashed by 40% will hit Pasifika communities hard, the PSA says. The Ministry has told staff that it is seeking voluntary redundancies, and to redeploy and reassign ...
I live with five people I mostly love, but our different ideas about generosity are starting to really irk me.Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,This is a bit of a random one but here goes. I’m 22 and work an OK job (OK meaning I get paid ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maria Nicholas, Senior Lecturer in Language and Literacy Education, Deakin University Earlier this month, the New South Wales government announced it would roll out programs for gifted students in every public school in the state. This comes amid concerns gifted school ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Rudge, Law lecturer, University of Sydney Massachusetts General Hospital In a world first, we heard last week that US surgeons had transplanted a kidney from a gene-edited pig into a living human. News reports said the procedure was a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Tombs, Howard Paterson Chair of Theology and Public Issues, University of Otago The 5th-century Maskell panel showing Jesus in a loincloth.British Museum, CC BY-NC-SA When Jesus is shown on the cross, he is almost always depicted wearing a loincloth around ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Panizza Allmark, Professor Visual & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University Shutterstock When you think about a red object, you might picture a red carpet, or the massive ruby in the Queen’s crown. Indeed, Western monarchies and marketing from brands such ...
COMMENTARY:Jewish Voice for Peace The UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Monday — and for the first time since the beginning of the Israeli military’s genocide of Palestinians, the United States abstained rather than vetoing it. Security Council resolutions are legally binding, ...
Asia Pacific Report A New Zealand investigative journalist and author says the US spy system hosted by the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) appears to be a controversial intelligence system used in global capture-kill operations. Writing a commentary for RNZ News today, Nicky Hager, author of Secret Power, a 1996 ...
While Nicola Willis wouldn’t give any details on its size, she said a package of tax cuts is definitely still coming in this year’s budget, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming the investigation into the Department of Internal Affairs after it was revealed that the Department’s Chief Executive personally reached out to expedite a DJs passport application. Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns ...
Finance minister Nicola Willis delivers her first budget statement, and unwittingly helps Joel MacManus save his relationship. Nicola Willis strode into the Beehive Theatrette. Around me, on the green foldout seats, were the country’s top business and political journalists. They were all here to see her announce the Budget Policy ...
Twenty years ago today, Māori Television launched after much controversy. Jamie Tahana looks back on its survival and impact across two decades. Chad Chambers stepped onto the stage, the brim of his cap casting a shadow across his face. His smile beamed as bright as his white freezing works gumboots, ...
Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellsford, Onehunga, Westhaven marina – Gavin Strawhan walks the meanish streets of New Zealand in his entertaining debut novel The Call, almost sure to roar into the number 1 position on the Nielsen bestseller chart, its front cover bearing a rave from somebody: “A really good and genuinely ...
On a Thursday in February, at Wellington’s Conservation House, the Conservation Authority, a statutory body advising the eponymous department and minister, Tama Potaka, opened its 195th meeting. Under consideration that afternoon was an agenda item written by Tim Bamford, chief advisor in the Department of Conservation’s biodiversity, heritage and visitors ...
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A lengthy response to the recently released draft Government policy statement on transport will soon be delivered from Auckland Council to Minister of Transport Simeon Brown. A submission raising concerns about funding distribution and the plan’s treatment of Auckland passed through the council’s transport committee on Wednesday, despite some councillors ...
The unidentified foreign intelligence operation discussed in a scathing report by New Zealand’s Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) last week appears to be a controversial United States intelligence system. The IGIS report said the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) decision to host a foreign system from 2012-2020 was “improper” ...
So says James Elliott on Newsroom. A scathing review of the "I reckons" of Kate, Mike, Heather and Kerre. Such a good example of the depths some parts of the media sink to.
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/yesterdaze-a-gold-in-synchronised-snarking?utm_source=Friends+of+the+Newsroom&utm_campaign=75a505d85a-Week+In+Review+24.7.21_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71de5c4b35-75a505d85a-95522477
Hosking's record is littered with such as, “This is why Gladys shines. She’s aspirational, she doesn’t panic, New South Wales doesn’t lock down at the drop of a hat or a single case.” Elliot has it as "red-carded by reality."
The red card should go to whomever or whatever created the situation where masses have someone who has repeatedly spoken such drivel and made ludicrous lightweight pronouncements and judgements as some sort of guru.
(How many hats have been dropped in NSW in thne past year?)
The Hosk doesn't particularly like Cindy.
newsdork and granny seem to have the same bunch of crappy "I reckon"s on tap.perhaps its time to be honest and stop calling these shills, journalists, and if granny and newsdork were serious about being in the news game, give equal time to other political shills from other parties.
Some of the incoherent, contradictory comments by Mike Hosking and many of his colleagues re COVID-19, Jacinda Ardern and the Government, are occasionally broadcast on RNZ's Mediawatch. It's very interesting to listen to the objective analysis by Mediawatch presenters. See RNZ's website for Mediawatch on 02.04.20 for a typical Hosking commentary, with several programmes since then also highlighting the lack of professionalism and integrity displayed by these broadcasters. Evidently this behaviour stems from their deep-seated resentment of the Government's highly effective COVID-19 management and Jacinda Ardern's popularity. Two Newstalk ZB hosts who state fact, give opinion as opinion, and are therefore worth listening to, are Tim Roxborogh and Marcus Lush.
seriously anything is allowed right? boys will be boys? right? Oh and he is an All Black, so that is par for the course, right?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/tell-your-friend-to-hide-all-black-shannon-frizells-message-after-alleged-assault/BBZGR4Y5Z6QUJBUF67T63GUIKQ/
Just another reason not to watch the All Blacks.
Hm, I wonder if we could get violence against women into hte Hate Crime bill? but then if that happened, whom would these boys take their issues out on? Men?
Thanks for highlighting this Sabine.
Where would the fucker be if he worked as a low paid labourer and how long would he be 'inside' if he wore a gang patch. Diversion should never be an option for perpetrators of one of the most despicable sorts of offending against the person that the country faces, despite the resourcing expended to change entrenched attitudes.
Thought people would be happy that a Tongan got diversion. Maybe he stops being Tongan because he is an All Black.
This approach is so much better than being sent to jail. We have enough people in jail.
"It is targeted at reparation for the victim and rehabilitation for you. Your rehabilitation conditions might include things like going to an alcohol and drug programme or a violence-prevention course."
"Thought people would be happy that a Tongan got diversion "
Did you? Why?
Because usually the complaining is about Maori and PI being imprisoned while Europeans are let off more lightly but you knew that.
the dude bashed a women in the face, breaking a tooth and causing a split in her lip. Her mother stated that 'he put fear in her daughter'.
I am so very pleased that all you care about is that he got diversion as a tongan.
No he got diversion because he is a body that plays rugby, and it is not the first time that a body that plays rugby and wear the all black jersey bashes/assaults/sexually assaults a women and and a two game suspension should teach him? right?
Seriously, the fucker should have been given a prison term. But then so as long as he just bashes a women its ok? right? Cause bashing women is as Kiwi as is the All Black jersey. It goes hand in hand.
As for his ethnicity, the fucker is a women basher. That is all he is.
Maybe they should have sentenced the All Black jersey wearing women beater to pay a few hundred hours of therapy for her.
But nah, diversion and a two weeks suspension.
Fuck the all blacks. Fuck them. All of them.
Just think, if you'd written "Fuck the Tongans. Fuck them. All of them", most people would have pounced, posting how you were crassly mass generalising to the point of wankery.
Good job all the non woman beating rugby meatheads don't know how to use the internet. 😉
I've played a lot of sports and there has been a few violent thugs in all of them. It's not exclusive to rugby and nor is diversion exclusive to rugby players. I've done things other than sports and there has been violent thugs there as well.
Violence is endemic in New Zealand – always has been. Violence is a learned behaviour and in most cases can be unlearned – although it takes a bit of effort. It is a better option than jail.
One of the unattractive things about this site (well a certain cohort of people on this site) is the rabid like behaviour that emerges whenever rugby crops up. There are plenty of people who clearly have an issue with rugby. Whether it is a result bad experiences with rugby, drinking and violence, whether it is a legacy of the Springbok tour or whether you just prefer soccer was our national sport doesn't really matter to me.
The vast majority of rugby players are not violent and are lovely people who happen to like a particular game.
"I am so very pleased that all you care about is that he got diversion as a tongan."
Don't put words in my mouth I didn't say particularly when anyone who has followed my posts over the years would know I'm both anti-war and anti-violence. I'm also anti-imprisoning lots of the population and pro-rehabilitation.
I and other family members have also had a lot of experience as victims of violence.
At age 7 or 8 I came across W H Auden's September 1 1939 poem. This has always stuck with me. Experience tells me it is true in most cases. We need to learn to not do evil.
I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.
You dog-whistle, double down with a false eqivalence and then come up with tripe like this:
"Violence is endemic in New Zealand – always has been. Violence is a learned behaviour and in most cases can be unlearned – although it takes a bit of effort. It is a better option than jail."
Your words imply that not only is violence common in NZ, its inherent and a slow and steady approach is all that's required, never mind the victims or the shameful statistics,
This man punched a woman in a public place breaking a tooth, splitting her lip and then wrote threatening messages possibly once again on a public form, social media. A conviction with a sentence of anger management and reparation would be the bare minimum.
The comment by the judge indicating lenience because of his All Black position, raises ire from more than Sabine, mainly because we often hear similar justifications from the judiciary during violence or rape trials and many are tired of pointing out the inequity of this view. My partner and his rugby coaching workmate asking why is he still on the team?
The All Black's code of conduct must be as robust as a wet rag, which clearly inspired Sabine's tirade. And there is no indication from NZ Rugby or the All Blacks that even your minimum "bit of effort" is going to be made to address and change his behaviour so that he is not violent. The two game stand down alone is punitive (and pitiful) not rehabilitative.
"One of the unattractive things about this site (well a certain cohort of people on this site) is the rabid like behaviour that emerges whenever rugby crops up. There are plenty of people who clearly have an issue with rugby. "
I am often surprised by the sensitivity and vulnerability of many men when it comes to male on female violence. So far, its been – think of the Tongans, Maaori , Pacific Islanders, the over incarcerated, the lovely non violent rugby players and spectators. In fact, look anywhere but at a young woman's broken face and mental health and the underwhelming response of his employers and the pattern of leniency shown by the judiciary.
Look, another one for Poet's Corner, by Margaret Atwood:
What a load of fuckwittery DoS.
Purely and simply, this is about undeserved privilege that undermines all the work, time and effort that is being invested in trying to reverse the largely misogynistic violence that pervades our society.
You have sunk very low asserting, "The vast majority of rugby players are not violent and are lovely people who happen to like a particular game." This particular case isn't about a docile follower of a sport, race or any of your other notions. It is about the fact that the perpetrator of the violence is not having to face the legal consequences of his actions.
Many of those who work in the domestic violence field will tell you from experience that after Diversion, the odds are that he will do it again! If, in your opinion, voluntary counselling was appropriate, why didn't he take up the option before violently assaulting the woman. Awareness was supposed to have been raised and maintained for All Blacks since way back!
I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.
Experience tells me it is true in most cases.
You're wrong. And Auden was wrong. Most survivors of childhood abuse do not go on to commit the same evils.
Most members of groups subjected to violence (such as women) do not commit similar on others.
Some do. But by no means are they in the majority.
Face it. Some folks are just violent arseholes with an overweening sense of their own importance.
Nah what's true is most people who are violent experienced violence when young. With only a few exceptions violence doesn't come out of a vacuum. You also need to be careful about when working at the hard end of domestic violence that you only see the failures of things like diversion and counselling and not the successes.
What you implying is that these things are a waste of time. There is a lot of people who move on successfully after this type of intervention. Others have moved on via religion and so on. Imprisonment is in itself a form of violence – our high rates of imprisonment do not do us any favours.
The lock em up mentality has resulted in more violence to people as the recent enquiry shows. Do you not think we can do better than locking people up?
Reducing imprisonment rates, and particularly for Maori and polynesian, is something this government wants to achieve. This was once a liberal approach. Seems the liberals here are really no different from the fascists.
And yeah he is facing the legal consequences of his actions. Diversion is one of those legal consequences – it is just not the one that you favour.
"Your words imply that not only is violence common in NZ"
Yes it is and always has been. Much of it wasn't illegal either until the 70's.
"a slow and steady approach is all that's required"
Nope never said that was all that was required. But it will take generations to resolve.
"never mind the victims"
Nope never said that.
"shameful statistics"
Make your mind up – is it endemic or not. I'm quite certain it is endemic – regular and common and quite often intergenerational.
@dos
I didn't advocate for incarceration, that's a strawman.
But there you go, cherry pick and remove context and don't answer the difficult question about how systematic patterns partly sanction the trivialisation of harm.
"Nope never said that was all that was required. But it will take generations to resolve. "
Maybe not even then given our glacial progress so far.
""never mind the victims"
Nope never said that."
Don't put quotes if you are paraphrasing, and you are right.
You didn't explicitly say that, and neither did I.
I made an inference from the fact you didn't mention her at all in your original comment, which has been reinforced by that same omission in all your comments in this thread so far.
“Make your mind up – is it endemic or not. I’m quite certain it is endemic – regular and common and quite often intergenerational.”
Of course violence is a problem. Our efforts to address it need to be more effective. Appropriate punishments and rehabilitation would be a start. Sports player or not.
Surely there are rugby players waiting for a chance where the All Blacks Code of Conduct forbade this type of conduct.
Are you saying the pool is that small?
You hadn't even commented when I first commented.
aom was the one who raised the question of incarceration. It the issue of incarceration vs diversion that I was originally responding to.
Your inference about never mind the victim is very wrong and actually most commentators haven't mentioned the victim. Nearly all the posts are focused on the offender. Does that mean they don't care about the victim either? I fully understand the harm done to victims – I live with it every day and have done for many years. The young woman involved will need lots of help and support and for many the fear never really goes away.
I've been consistent about alternatives to imprisonment for well over 30 years now.
I also hadn't commented on the rugby union stance either. I understood that is just an interim response. I'm not sure what their final decision will be. I have no problem at all if he never plays for the All Blacks again. Other people lose their jobs for being violent.
So, not commenting on the victim, nor replying to me in your reply to me, nor commenting on the rugby union…
Were you just on this thread to promote rugby, reiterate your 30 year stance against overincarceration, tell us violence is a difficult problem, and just to top it off, expose a small modicum of white fragility in your initial comment? If so, well done.
So, not commenting on the victim, nor replying to me in your reply, nor commenting on the rugby union until just now.
Were you just on this thread to promote rugby, reiterate your 30 year stance against overincarceration, tell us violence is a difficult problem, and just to top it off, expose a small modicum of white fragility in your initial comment? If so, well done.
https://spectator.com.au/2021/07/city-of-sydney-evicts-legal-service-for-vulnerable-women-and-girls/
a must read for people on this site who think the Trans ideology will have no impact on women and their rights to assert that biology matters.
shame on the Sydney Council
There's certainly some loaded language in that link of yours; Anker. I wonder just how "EXPOSED" the "disgraceful voting" can be when it has indeed been more than "barely touched {by} mainstream media". For example (from a week back):
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/feminist-legal-clinic-evicted-for-posting-anti-trans-website-links-20210723-p58cfu.html
https://feministlegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Letter-to-Feminist-Legal-Clinic-re-30.6-Notice-of-Discontinuation-of-Subsidy-and-Termination-6-July-2021.pdf
From the evidence, it seems that it was really the FLC who; despite being given multiple chances since last year, chose to bet on being able to stare down the Sydney mayor (which doesn't say much for the quality of their legal advice). They could have toned down the rhetoric and still be operating. Expecting a city to fund those determined to exclude members of that city from social participation seems misguided.
Still, August 19th is the eviction date. I imagine there will be a bit of MSM coverage around then. Hope that the Sydney-side COVID infection rate has dropped if FLC are planning sit-ins or other protest action.
If you are going to post on this topic, then at least have the courtesy to link to source, and provide the original content rather than someone's curated version of it. We should insist of more intellectual integrity in this important matter.
For those who wish to be better informed on this particular topic:
Here is the website for Feminist Legal Clinic. Look around and see whether their discussion of the impact of radical transactivism on womens rights is beyond the pale, rather than an honest assessment.
Here is their response letter to the Sydney Council, (rather than a pointless link to the eviction letter as evidence of process, rather than validation of eviction.)
And here the link to the original 'offending' paper which was a submission made to government on proposed law changes: Impacts of Transactivism on the Human Rights of Women and Girls
Read and be informed about what this news item is really about, and ask yourself this question. If a pro-bono Feminist Legal Clinic cannot make a submission to government regarding proposed law changes that look like they will impact on those that access their services without having their funding or grant criteria impacted on, – where is the space left for this type of gender critical thinking to be expressed?
Apologies. You have posted to the Feminist Legal Clinic, My error.
I think the original paper is important to the issue, though.
Really Anker, this is horrifying .
This is exactly the same as the Chinese Cultural revolution and the Salem witch trials , nuttiness through and through , punishment for "wrong think" and dissenting the new orthodoxy.An orthodoxy built on ignorance,hubristic academia,illogical magical thinking.
It's got to the point where lesbians are being trashed and called transphobic for not fancying transwomen
https://news.trust.org/item/20190412100802-6md1q/
I can't help feeling some of these transwomen activists still have a goodly portion of male thinking going on in their supposedly woman brains
This decision (to revoke the Sydney Feminist Legal Clinic’s grant and terminate its tenancy) is regrettable, and seems odd. Given that trans men (biological females) are on the receiving end of considerable violence, sexism and discrimination, e.g. in health, accommodation and employment, surely it would have been simple enough for the FLC to point to the trans men (females) that they have helped?
Imho it should be possible for feminist-based clinics to at least partially immunise themselves against these woke attacks by making it clear that their services are available to trans men (females). It doesn't matter if the number of trans men who avail themselves of these services is small – it's the principle that counts.
My confusion at this moment is about whether there is any overlap between "women and girls" and 'transgender people', or whether (in the minds of SUFW supporters) one simply can't be considered a woman if one is trans, i.e. trans women certainly aren't women (because they're biological men), and neither are trans men (because, despite being female, they identify as men) – i.e. it's (obviously) possible to be trans or cis and be female/male, but it's impossible to be trans and a woman/man; those terms are reserved for cisgender ('normal') people. Have I got that right?
Can transgender people even be feminists – how would that work? Too weird!
this is not about Transmen.
This is about Transwomen wanting access to spaces that are female body centric.
And this is lawful, i might add.
Essentially men just shut down a clinic for women under the pretense of 'transwomens rights'.
100% Sabine.
If Trans women need legal support and I am sure they do, why didn't the Sydney Council assist them to set up their own legal service?
This shutting down of the legal centre is not about asssisting transwomen get the help they need, which of course is a good idea. Its about shutting down and controlling women.
I am glad the women in this legal clinic stuck to their guns.
This is just around the corner for NZ.
Again where are all the progressive liberal men who have claimed to care about womens rights over the years. With a few exceptions on this site, the silence is deafening.
I rarely come across GCF who believe that transmen aren't women and should be excluded from women's space/services/rights. So I don't think you've got that right there.
As for placating gender rights activists by FLC saying that they provide services to trans men i.e. women, this would be considered highly transphobic (TMAM). And, the implication is that TA aren't W, so doubly transphobic. Everyone is pressured to adopt this belief system and if you don't, your funding will be cut/you will be cancelled irrespective of the good you do.
If you watch new reporting you will see that many times MSM uses 'transgender' when they actually mean 'transwoman'. Alot of gender vs sex sports coverage does that. I'm not sure if it's because reporters/editors just aren't used to writing about trans/gender/GCF issues yet (it is complex), or if it's that they have simply bought into the GCF vs all trans people bullshit.
OK. Women providing pro-bono services to victims of domestic violence, have to not only continue to do that, they have to virtue signal appropriately that transmen will have access to their services so that they will be listened to in regards to their views on the infringements of Radical Transactivism on their work and their clients.
I've noticed that most (if not all) of the women who are raising legitimate concerns about proposed changes to the law regarding gender identity and self-id, are very careful to express their support of transgender people. They will often preface or conclude comments with an affirmation that their concerns, in no way, are intended to harm the transgender community. They will then take time to read through, often ill written comments and then respond to the points made in them, in an effort to get a good faith discussion going.
However, responses in return, often show the the commentator has not even bothered reading the whole comment, investigated for themselves what has been posted, and been replied to with the same care and effort to have a real discussion. More tellingly, I cannot recall seeing a comment that confirmed the rights of women, before putting the boot in.
"My confusion at this moment is about whether there is any overlap between "women and girls" and 'transgender people', or whether (in the minds of SUFW supporters) one simply can't be considered a woman if one is trans, i.e. trans women certainly aren't women (because they're biological men), and neither are trans men (because, despite being female, they identify as men) – i.e. it's (obviously) possible to be trans or cis and be female/male, but it's impossible to be trans and a woman/man; those terms are reserved for cisgender ('normal') people. Have I got that right?"
Your confusion arrives from your inability to read, and think for yourself. Many commentators here have explained the situation, but you seem to be enjoying playing confused or uncomprehending. More bad faith, but seemingly par for the course in this discussion.
Thanks Molly, although I did manage to read your comment – maybe someone will tell me what to think about it.
Fwiw, comments on this site are helping me to form an opinion on “the situation“; I’ve also been guided by recent experiences of some fairly close family members.
Before you go back to sleep, have a read of the submission paper and see whether you are outraged by the transphobia shown in it. I couldn't see it, but then I rely on evidence as well as rather close family members.
Imho it should be possible for transgender activists to at least partially immunise themselves against these attacks by making it clear that their support is also available to women (females) in regards to their rights. It doesn't matter if the number of women whose rights are protected is small (except it really does) – it's the principle that counts.
(Also noted: Your avoidance of any confirmation of the rights of women and children to be protected. You can't say you weren't asked, and so your position on that is clear.)
Thanks again Molly – fwiw I'm not surprised or outraged by transphobia (maybe I should be?) – just trying to understand it.
I’ve two teenage nieces (not sure that's an appropriate term) who now identify strongly as male, and although it has been difficult for me (as someone who can't think for themselves) to be supportive and remember to use adjusted names and gender pronouns, I reckon "the situation" is harder for them.
This is a lovely write by a person who was born female, transitioned to male and is very honest about the process involved. Maybe the feeling strongly male is perfectly ok within a female body. Maybe women should be allowed to feel strongly male. Maybe the dainty fairy princess is not all to that thing that up until now we felt comfortable calling a women.
https://www.gdalliancecanada.com/post/when-we-were-butch
Not everything is 'transphobia', but a lot of the 'transphobia' yellers are positively anti 'female body centred spaces'.
Thanks for that Sabine – 'butch' might suit the oldest. Whatever their (informed, please 'God') choices, I just want them to be happy.
My worry stems from the fact that not all the people who just wanted me to be happy actually contributed to my happiness, despite their good intentions. I want my nieces (niblings?) to be happy more often than not, and I want to make a positive contribution to their happiness.
Thanks again for the "When we were butches" link; will try to tread carefully.
I think that is all we are asking for, that people thread lightely, that decisions are being made informed, and that above all we can all be what we would like to be and not just some.
Maybe give this article to your nieces for a read. It might help them understand a few issues as well.
Thanks for the advice Sabine – the oldest (nearly 16) is a voracious reader and so may have seen it. She (bugger; 'He') says it's important to understand other points of view.
I do sometimes try to gently dissuade him from adopting what seems to me to be a 'them and us' PoV, but it's at least partly informed by his own experiences so I don't want to push it.
I'm most concerned that one or both of them might 'jump the gun' on hormone treatments (or worse, surgery), and a couple of months ago I did (with the agreement of his mother) email the eldest this link:
Ellie and Nele: From she to he – and back to she again
Unfortunately it was not well received (apparently an enthusiasm for understanding other points of view of only goes so far), and so I have some bridge mending to do, and probably won't be going down the same path again anytime soon. Ah well, water under the bridge.
Ask them why they feel that they can't feel 'manly' as a women or in a female body?
Ask them what they believe will be different? Not in a judgy tone or such, but rather with interest.
Also read this womens twitter account. Better even watch her pinned tweet. She is funny, well spoken etc.
https://twitter.com/imwatson91?lang=en
Thanks again Sabine, might try those questions, but will have to be careful not to come across as wanting to seed doubts in their 'trans identity' and promote my own preferences – that's already proven counter-productive with the older (well-read) nibling.
Maybe I'll have to accept that I won't get my way – not that it's mine to get in the first place. But maybe I'll gain a better understanding, so yes, will try the inquisitive (just curious/interested) approach, if I can get past their ‘this is who I want to be; you can’t change me‘ hostility!
You are communicating with a woman who in the last 35 years of her 54 year life has not bothered getting a haircut, shaved body parts that didn't need shaving, not worn makeup and been comfortable in wearing clothes that in no way could be described as feminine. I thank god for the gender critical feminists decades past who critiqued gender imposed roles based on biological sex, and fought for the right of self-expression regardless. The benefit of this kind of critique is shared with men fighting against stereotypes.
The conversation is not that transpeople should not be included in a protected rights category. It is partly that given the ability of many to self-id, how do we word legislation that addresses this in such a way that hard fought for women's rights are not imposed upon or dismantled?
When concerns are raised, they should be considered – and solutions found. But the current reaction seems to be to just shut the whole conversation down.
As well as that, there are compelling reasons that I would prefer both biological sex and gender identity to be recorded on a birth certificate. Primarily to recognise that there are instances where biological sex is important in regards to medical treatment and statistics gathering.
There have been studies that have shown that pharmaceutical doses and drugs that have passed trials for safety, have often not been tested with regard to the difference between the sexes, and most often, have harmed women patients who receive them. Transgender people who are undergoing hormonal or other treatment would also be best served with this kind of data inclusion, as their medications might interact with drugs or doses in unexpected ways.
Collection of the pattern of domestic (and other violence) would have clearer statistics for men, women and transgender if both biological sex and gender identity is recorded.
In terms of sports, there are biological and physiological reasons why we had women's sports in the first place. These reasons haven't disappeared just because we wish to support the trans community. I would support the inclusion of another category to both acknowledge those differences and allow the transcommunity to compete as they wish.
"I’ve two teenage nieces (not sure that's an appropriate term) who now identify strongly as male, and although it has been difficult for me (as someone who can't think for themselves) to be supportive and remember to use adjusted names and gender pronouns, I reckon "the situation" is harder for them."
Given the situation that teenage girls are facing today – as partly referenced by the Christchurch High School survey, and the constant pounding of judgement that many are exposed to on social media, I think that I would have a strong likelihood to be joining them, if I was that age today. Luckily, I've been able to live a life of non-conformation while still being comfortable as a female. As someone currently undergoing a suppression of hormone treatment for medical reasons, I would hate to think of young healthy bodies undergoing such treatment, given the fact that long term studies on their use on pre-pubescent bodies have not been undertaken.
I commend you for your support of your relatives, and just ask that you consider how legislation can be best written so that they – and the trans community they are a part of – can be served without imposition on the rights of women and children.
Regarding "…without imposition on the rights of women and children", I can understand concerns about 'the thin end of the wedge' and erosion of rights. Many men, and women, had similar concerns and reservations about women's suffrage and other emancipation movements.
I see the "trans community" as consisting of women, men and (possibly) children. I would prefer that 'trans identity' was not a barrier to being a generally accepted and respected element of the wider community, but acknowledge that some find the concept of 'trans identity' difficult to handle (I know I do), so acceptance and respect will take time. I hope we all get there eventually, especially if one or both of my niblings chooses trans.
Thanks, Drowsy for your response,
However, you reference to 'the thin end of the wedge' makes amorphous the very specific and concrete concerns that have been raised. It would be great if you could comment on possible resolutions for those.
"I would prefer that 'trans identity' was not a barrier to being a generally accepted and respected element of the wider community, but acknowledge that some find the concept of 'trans identity' difficult to cope with"
I really don't think I have that acceptance issue, and because I don't, I expect the adults in the trans community to be capable of having a conversation so we can collectively come up with resolutions for the very real impact current proposals may have to women and girls (and in some cases the well-being of members of their own community).
The No Debate stance makes this very difficult.
I envy you and wish I could say the same. Sadly, on those rare occasions when I'm around (obviously) trans adults, I just feel ill at ease and often find myself wishing either I or they weren't there.
Of course I do my best to conceal those feelings, but do need to work on my transphobia, and I suppose the transgender leanings of two of my niblings might help me with that. But still can't shake the idea that it would be best for everyone if things went back to the way they were – i.e. normal.
The amount of debate on NZ social and other media over “the situation” suggests to me that those prompting a “No Debate stance” have perhaps been only partially successful. And thank goodness "The No debate stance" isn't inhibiting our discussion, but it's certainly evident in the older nibling at the moment – like walking on eggshells. Sad to say I was actually kinda grateful for some of the distancing imposed by last year's lockdowns.
@ Drowsy. Just finished watching the link Sabine posted (45 min).
When you have time, you may find it of value. All the best, apologies for the slipping into snark earlier.
How much of the Japan covid spike is a result of the Olympics?
Anyone who sees a reasonable amount of US reality based made tv will have heard the comment "thank you for your service" when someone in the armed forces is being spoken to. When it becomes known they served in the armed forces the comment "thank you for your service" is often made. There are justified times for war, times when national security must be maintained and important peace keeping work around the globe. People serving in those theatres do put their lives on the line and many suffer the effects. They probably deserve thanks for that.
This is contrasted to wars decided by some ass hole for dubious reasons which forsake human life for some dubious gain, sometimes personal ass hole gain. The types of war where politicians have to tell lies and cover the truth in an attempt to justify it. The 2 Iraq wars for example, supporting the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, supporting the Contras in Nicaragua etc. Vietnam where the assholes didn't have their sons dying but some poor working class sod who got drafted and shipped over.
I do not think however I have ever heard someone on US television talking to a Nurse or a Firefighter or a paramedic and immediately upon hearing their occupation states "thank you for your service". Thank you for being their at the scene of an accident keeping us alive, thank you for nursing me back to health and allowing me to live a good life, thank you for risking life and limb to put out that chemical fire or high rise fire". That absence speaks volumes to me. What a shame.
whats even more hypocrital in this is how badly ex-servicepeople are treated in the states. in this day of a volunteer services, the majority of american servicepeople come from poor and disadvantaged(i.e. either black city dwellers or poor white trash from the sticks) ,and after service, many of them are tipped back into the community with a raging oxyco-don habit, and very little backup…so ,basically its, "thank you for your service, take your drug habit and phuck off".
Roy Morgan?
Read it. Your comments are?
National 29% ACT 13% Māori 2%
Labour 39% Greens 10%
49% plays 44%.
Women prefer Labour/Greens. ACT highest ever poll for them. Opportunity Party has 3%.
Expect government to poll better as Olympic results and Rugby tests boost voter feelings of wellbeing, and Covid results continue to back up the government's strategy.
That's a fucking scary poll , imagine if act drag a collins lead national party over the line, !!!
They'll privatise ev6they can and finish off what douglas and ruthless ruth started
Maori will never again go with the colonist-loving Right (you heard it first here 🙂
Roy Morgan put the Māori party in as an opposition party as that is where they sit at the moment. I'd say you were right about where they'd prefer to be, but as a party not so much based on Left-Right politics, even though most Māori would be on the left of that spectrum, they would take the opportunity as did Winston and NZF to be in government with either.
Labour is ten points ahead of National and the Greens have limited options. I'd say ACT will fancy their chances as a party of the Right and supplant National there leaving National to foot it out with Labour, NZF, Opportunity and all for the centre. MMP certainly has changed our politics, as Bob Jones recently wrote. He's predicting/hoping for a change of government though not a National supporter himself.
But the economy is doing well, Covid is at bay, and some meaningful changes are afoot. The fat lady has not yet sung as we are in mid- second act, with the chorus in full voice behind the principals and the villains skulking in whatever shadows the curtains will afford them……….
Curious about what was in the confidential contract? Obviously not the NZ contract but this is what we can expect according to Information security expert Ehden Biber
– the contract was one sided (predictable)
– the contract states that it superceeds the laws of the country
Then this gem (quotes are from the commentary of the contract, not what was actually written), unlimited liability for the country:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/information-security-expert-reveals-pfizer-covid-jab-contracts-theres-good-reason-pfizer-fought-to-hide-the-details
Site is Catholic based, but seems reputable. Note there is a petition asking that the vaccine not be made mandatory, this is because it uses aborted fetal cells in the development, hence a faith based issue.
You have come up with supposed "reputable" sites before which were easily debunked. I suspect this is another one.
Oh look… first thing I see at top of link:
You really are a gullible sort KsaysHi.
I shy away a little from faith-based anything, but fortunately Lifesite isn't the only news outlet covering these contracts Pfizer has bullied developing nations into signing.
A simple google search "Dominican republic Pfizer contract" produces a Holy Grail of articles exposing Pfizer's bully boy tactics and unreasonable and unethical demands when it comes to their 'negotiations' with poorer countries.
Plucking one of many, a Business Insurance site, you follow the links to the TBIJ article "Vaccine contract forces a government to pay…"
…during vaccine negotiations with Latin American governments Pfizer had asked for indemnity that went far beyond the demands of the other vaccine manufacturers.
Most governments are offering indemnity – protection against legal liability – to the vaccine manufacturers supplying their doses. This means that a citizen who suffers an adverse effect after being vaccinated can file a claim against the manufacturer, but, if successful, the government would pay the compensation.
However, Pfizer wanted additional protections, meaning that the company would not have to pay up itself if held liable for rare adverse effects or its own acts of negligence, fraud or malice: the government would pay its costs instead.
Pfizer also asked Brazil and Argentina to put up sovereign assets, which might include embassy buildings or military bases, as collateral against the cost of future legal cases.
It is unbelievable that there are adults wandering around thinking that somehow these pharmaceutical manufacturers are producing these Warp Speed (Trump..the gift that keeps on giving ) vaccines out of the goodness of their hearts and should therefore be immune to scrutiny and perhaps criticism.
And for those who insist that we only refer to safe and reliable MSM news sites, everyone's favourite daily published this, just the other day.
Strong sales of its Covid-19 vaccine and other medicines helped Pfizer nearly double its second-quarter revenue and boost its profit an impressive 59 per cent, beating Wall Street expectations and leading the drug giant to sharply hike its 2021 sales and profit forecasts.
Amid the surging coronavirus pandemic, the Covid-19 vaccine became Pfizer's top seller, bringing in nearly half its revenue — US$7.84 billion (NZ$11.27b) from direct sales and revenue split with its partner, Germany's BioNTech.
Pfizer now anticipates revenue from the two-dose vaccine this year to reach US$33.5b for the 2.1 billion doses it's contracted to provide by year-end. That doesn't include a contract struck last week to provide an additional 200 million doses to the US.