Opposition to deep sea oil drilling will not be tolerated

Written By: - Date published: 8:34 am, August 29th, 2013 - 55 comments
Categories: disaster, Environment - Tags:

Anadarko TO PAY FOR OIL SPILL

So not only will we not be permitted to protest at sea against deep sea oil drilling, but the Government is planning to remove our ability to object to applications for consent for deep sea exploratory drilling.

From Stuff this morning:

The Government is planning to remove the public’s right to oppose deep-sea oil and gas exploration.

A law change would see applications by oil giants go through the Environmental Protection Agency, but they would be “non-notified”, which means members of the public would not get to have a say.

Environment Minister Amy Adams released a discussion document yesterday and invited submissions.

The proposal will be introduced to the Marine Legislation Bill, currently before Parliament, by way of a Supplementary Order Paper. This means it won’t go through a parliamentary select committee.

This proposal is wrong in so many ways.  Get this, it will be introduced law by way of a SOP.  Not only will members of the public not be able to make submissions on a proposal for exploratory deep sea drilling, but they will not even be able to submit to a select committee on the proposal to take away their rights to make submissions on a proposal.

There will be a submission process, of sorts.  You have until September 25 to file written submissions.  I am sure that the submissions will be considered carefully.  There will be an in-tray on the Minister’s desk marked “Oil Industry and sympathetic submissions” and a sign on the office shredder marked “Submissions opposed”.

The discussion paper contains a classic goldilocks analysis.  Making exploratory drilling a permitted activity would be too permissive, making it prohibited would be too restrictive, so of course it should be discretionary.  That is good as far as it goes but it does not mean that the public should not have a say when applications are made.

In classic National speak the aim of the proposal “is to cut consenting costs and timeframes for applicants compared to the discretionary classification, while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight of the impacts of these activities on the environment and existing interests, which cannot always be provided for by a permitted classification.”

Some may say that it is only for exploratory drilling so we have nothing to worry about.  But this is the stage where risks are greatest.  The Deep Horizon Oil Spill was from an exploratory well.

The change process being used matches the law changes rammed through by Simon Bridges earlier this year that criminalised sea protests.  Radio New Zealand reported that this change was the result of lobbying by oil companies.  No doubt these proposed changes are also the result of lobbying.

Why is it that this Government will listen intently every time that the oil companies talk to it but it refuses to let us have our say when an Oil Company wants to drill in our ocean?

55 comments on “Opposition to deep sea oil drilling will not be tolerated ”

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  1. Colonial Viper 1
    29 August 2013 at 8:39 am

    So not only will we not be permitted to protest at sea against deep sea oil drilling, but the Government is planning to remove our ability to object to applications for consent for deep sea exploratory drilling.

    Sounds like an attack on democracy to me. What will the NZ Herald say?

    • framu 1.1
      29 August 2013 at 8:43 am

      “Look over there”

      something like that perhaps?

      • beGone Craven SpyBill leopard 1.1.1
        29 August 2013 at 1:53 pm

        +1 CV
        +1 Framu

        Or perhaps things have gotten so bad that the definition of democracy has changed to: Democracy ~ big money interests

        In this case The Herald will have a front page headline “Democracy No Longer Under Attack.”

        • framu 1.1.1.1
          29 August 2013 at 4:27 pm

          im just waiting till the swap out to “Oligarchy just fine thanks!”

          oh wait – they already did that didnt they

    • Sable 1.2
      29 August 2013 at 8:56 am

      The NZ Herald will continue to produce the usual low quality propaganda we all use to line our cats litter trays…..

      • Tigger 1.2.1
        29 August 2013 at 9:30 am

        They’ll write editorials about our untapped resources and how we should ‘drill, baby, drill’.

  2. Sable 2
    29 August 2013 at 8:54 am

    Case of one oily hand oiling the other…. National are an absolute disgrace…

  3. Bill 3
    29 August 2013 at 9:18 am

    Is it just me who’s thinking they have stupidly taken away one of the ‘pressure valves’ that helps contain objection/protest and keep it within (from ‘their’ perspective) acceptable bounds – and potentially ‘upped the anti’ in the minds of some?

    How long now before frustrated and angry people, either individually or in small groups, perceiving no other way to express their opposition, take to trashing oil company infrastructure such as petrol stations?

    • Winston Smith 3.1
      29 August 2013 at 10:13 am

      How long now before frustrated and angry people, either individually or in small groups, perceiving no other way to express their opposition, take to trashing oil company infrastructure such as petrol stations?

      – Well theres plenty of idiots out there who think its justifiable to abuse petrol station employees so probably won’t be that far away

      • Bill 3.1.1
        29 August 2013 at 10:28 am

        Beyond this – that your comment is so off at a tangent that it just isn’t worth any level of engagement – I’ve nothing to say. (Lied. I also want today’s chocolate fish for the comment embodying most irony award)

  4. Phaedrus 4
    29 August 2013 at 11:30 am

    How long will it be before this moves on to land, such as restriction on protests against prospecting and mining in the wonderful Pureora Forest?

  5. beGone Craven SpyBill leopard 5
    29 August 2013 at 1:43 pm

    @ Mickey Savage,
    Have NZ politicians got any power to oppose the interests of big money?

    Reading this article and the many pieces of legislation that Nats are ‘pushing through’ I am having difficulty holding my stance that democracy is still functioning.

    It would appear that antidemocratic legislation would be anathema to a functioning democracy.

    However, this [and other] legislation appears to indicate that anti-democratic legislation is no longer considered negative and is openly being followed. Why would this be o.k?

    Are there more powerful interests that are demanding the negation of democratic principles? How is this occurring and how do we stop it from occurring?

    Do we have democracy in any meaningful way anymore?

    Are politicians in a position to ignore big money interests in order to ensure NZers interests are met, or is this idea of democracy and NZ interests just a farce?

    This question may be pivotal to why many are not voting.

    So has anyone any answers here?

    • mickysavage 5.1
      29 August 2013 at 8:56 pm

      Good questions.

      It appears right now there is no ability or inclination to oppose the interests of big money. And even if you get a progressive government, of whatever hue, in power they will constantly battle with monied organisations trying to tilt things towards their masters.

      Part of the problem is that the legal system has been made that damn complex that it is hard to keep up with what is happening or to put changes into context. This Government is particularly adept and throwing a whole array of changes at the population. There are too many of them to keep tabs on and incrementally, little by little, democratic power is being undermined.

      It seems also that this Government does not care any more. They think they have the measure of the population and are relying on enough people being OK about the undermining of democratic measures, or just not caring about the loss of democratic control.

      • beGone Craven Spy Bill leopard 5.1.1
        29 August 2013 at 9:40 pm

        Thanks for the info MickySavage, it is interesting to get any information on how things work in government. Pretty hard to fathom from ‘out here’ (!).

        I really do hope we get a party into power who really is prepared to reverse the damage Nact has done to our laws and democracy.

        Its pretty important that someone gets in who starts actively acting in NZ peoples’ interests, otherwise we really won’t have a functioning system at all.

        No wonder they wanted more spying powers. This country is going to need them if this farce carries on for much longer.

        • Colonial Viper 5.1.1.1
          29 August 2013 at 9:54 pm

          Firstly, we are seeing what happens when a Government begins to represent corporate and financial interests, instead of their citizens interests.

          Secondly, the reason that the Right are so afraid of Cunliffe is that he may represent the provision of a real choice to the electorate, as opposed to the appearance of real choice.

          Thirdly, the goal of “reversing the damage” is, if you would allow me to put it bluntly, bullshit. Think of it this way. You are standing 10 steps away from the edge of sheer cliff face. Every Tory Government walks us 3 steps towards the edge. Every Labour Government walks us two steps backwards. It might take a bit longer, but the country is still going off the edge.

          Instead, Labour must fundamentally change the direction of society, and create an economy which encapsulates that change. Labour did this twice before (1935-1949 and 1984-1990).

          A lot of external pressure, and perhaps eventually, actual threats, will be used to ensure that this doesn’t happen, and that the dire destructive status quo carries on.

          • beGone Craven Spy Bill leopard 5.1.1.1.1
            29 August 2013 at 10:48 pm

            I very much agree with what you write here CV, and am wondering how the hell we change anything?

            i.e. it has been my view that politicians require huge pressure from people in order to do the ‘brave thing’, this being required in order to counteract the “external pressure and even actual threats” that they, as politicians may face. However, how can awareness and ensuing public pressure be raised when all main sources of information have been captured by the very interests that we must fight; and these sources are what people go to in order to be informed?

            I am busy having an ongoing argument about democracy with someone who has a huge amount more worldly experience than myself, my stance being democracy still exists and how important it is not to give up hope, however this argument is becoming harder and harder to credibly adhere to, because of the amount of anti-democratic behaviour this government and our media is showing.

            And are there riots in the streets? No

            This person is happier to give up hoping and hold the view that there is no longer any real democracy, rather than living in possibly false hope and yes it is getting really hard to assert that anything other than this is occurring.

            I shall never give up, however I really do see lots of people doing so. And isn’t this just what those who are advantaged by this system want? Suits them quite well if half the voting population don’t vote because they know it makes no difference.

            I just can’t wait to be that one person standing on the street corner, shouting out “vote! speak to your politicians! its our only chance; don’t give up!” And being carted off with the label “Terrorist” pinned to my forehead, because I daresay that is how easy it will be to be labelled as such soon.

            (My comment re reversing very much referred to really reversing; not just two steps forward for every three backwards by the way.)

  6. Environmental Gigolo 6
    29 August 2013 at 2:34 pm

    This is simply a legal test for prospective buyers of oil permits. Minimize obstacles increasing the value of paying for a permit. Your resource, not your choice if, their choice how much.

  7. Draco T Bastard 7
    29 August 2013 at 3:57 pm

    National: Removing the peoples ability to have a say in the running of their country one law at a time.

    We’ve had our democracy under attack ever since National was elected.

  8. BLiP 8
    29 August 2013 at 4:23 pm

    ‘

    Only under a National Ltd™ government can New Zealand have such a thing as an Environmental Protection Agency which does not have “environmental protection” listed as being among its stated purposes. Only under a National Ltd™ government can we have such a thing as a Minister for the Environment usurp democracy to strip away New Zealander’s civil liberties and human rights in order to protect foreign-owned oil companies. Welcome to National Ltd™’s “brighter future” everyone.

  9. srylands 9
    29 August 2013 at 4:38 pm

    “Only under a National Ltd™ government can New Zealand have such a thing as an Environmental Protection Agency which does not have “environmental protection” listed as being among its stated purposes.”

    Because that is not its objective.

    • vto 9.1
      29 August 2013 at 5:02 pm

      So it’s name is a deceit then.

      • srylands 9.1.1
        29 August 2013 at 5:09 pm

        Well I would not call ity deceit. EPA does protect the environment but it is not a unitary objective. It seems clear from the website:

        “We help safeguard people and the environment by regulating new organisms and hazardous substances to control the risks and enjoy the benefits.”

        http://www.epa.govt.nz/about-us/Pages/default.aspx

        It is about balancing risks and benefits – which is also the focus of the Ministry for the Environment:

        “Our mission is environmental stewardship for a prosperous New Zealand”

        http://www.mfe.govt.nz/about/about.html

        So MfE is seeking to promote growth against an environmental constraint.

        • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1.1
          29 August 2013 at 7:58 pm

          Except it’s not doing that at all – it’s just giving the corporations carte blanche to do whatever they like and bypassing the will of the people.

        • framu 9.1.1.2
          30 August 2013 at 7:49 am

          “Well I would not call ity deceit”

          of course your wouldnt – youve already proven yourself to be less than trustworthy (and thats being polite), so of course your going to dance on the head of a pin on this one.

          Your engaging in a deceit via semantics, just like the national party. Oh and thanks for highlighting yet more deceit – but i dont think that was your intent

          • srylands 9.1.1.2.1
            30 August 2013 at 8:36 am

            “Oh and thanks for highlighting yet more deceit – but i dont think that was your intent”

            It is not deceit. The mandates and operations of these agencies are open for everyone to see. (That is what is good about NZ – total transparency in government.)

            • framu 9.1.1.2.1.1
              30 August 2013 at 10:16 am

              Yes yes we all get that if you look under the name and read the mission statement it says what your claiming

              but even you can admit that the name is misleading. thats the deceit. We dont allow that sort of deception in advertising, but here you are splitting hairs to stick up for it in government

              can you for once stop playing idiot bingo and show you comprehend what others are saying

      • Draco T Bastard 9.1.2
        29 August 2013 at 7:56 pm

        Yes. Typical of National really – everything they say to the public is a deceit.

    • BLiP 9.2
      29 August 2013 at 5:56 pm

      ‘

      If “environmental protection” is not its objective, then why would the John Key led National Ltd™ government call it the Environmental Protection Authority? If the intent was not to deceive then the organisation would be called the Environmental Rapists Protection Authority.

      • srylands 9.2.1
        29 August 2013 at 6:42 pm

        It is not deceit. It is about balance. Clearly the EPA does have some interest in protecting the environment. But it is also desigend to facilitate economic growth.

        Just like if you look at the Department of Conservation’s stated role – it is not just about conservation:

        “Conservation for prosperity”

        “Conservation work underpins our environment’s ability to create wealth”

        http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/role/vision-role-overview-and-statutory-mandate/conservation-for-prosperity/

        • vto 9.2.1.1
          29 August 2013 at 6:45 pm

          “It is about balance”

          Whenever you hear someone say this you need to be very very wary.

          • beGone Craven Spy Bill leopard 9.2.1.1.1
            29 August 2013 at 6:52 pm

            @ VTO
            Yes because they are aiming at “creating a balance” between the truth and untruth.

            Can’t be done without turning the truth into a lie, now, really can it?

          • Draco T Bastard 9.2.1.1.2
            29 August 2013 at 8:04 pm

            Whenever I hear someone say that in regards to the environment I fully expect to hear them proposing the continued destruction of the environment in favour of economic growth. I haven’t been surprised yet.

          • Colonial Viper 9.2.1.1.3
            30 August 2013 at 8:55 am

            Can’t we have a balance between looking after our environment and massive and total destruction of it?

            Perhaps just partial and moderate destruction of our environment will be OK?

        • QoT 9.2.1.2
          29 August 2013 at 8:35 pm

          I’m sorry, your argument is literally:

          “The X Agency is set up to do X, but it has to consider Y, therefore we cannot say its goals include X.”

          Doubleplusgood!

        • mickysavage 9.2.1.3
          29 August 2013 at 9:48 pm

          Everyone should look at the Conservation document that srylands has linked to.

          Read it and weep. The protection of our environment has been handed over to a bunch of barbarians who think that our lifestyles and the economy are more important than the intrinsic value of the environment.

          • Draco T Bastard 9.2.1.3.1
            30 August 2013 at 1:08 am

            And without the environment we don’t have a lifestyle. They really just don’t seem to get that bit.

            • Greywarbler 9.2.1.3.1.1
              30 August 2013 at 10:45 am

              srylands
              More weasel words. From an economic point of view it is like killing off the goose that is laying the golden egg. That is the current practice in NZ and srylands is of the same mind as the destructive idiots who recommend it.

              All done for short term gain and with no responsibility for outcomes, just based on risk assessment – as if doing something that reduces risk of damage or destruction absolves them of any further responsibility. If they knew that their bank balances would be emptied and their assets seized to pay some recompense for the harm they caused during their lifetime and up to a century later, they might be more thoughtful before looking at and pronouncing development policies good.

              .

  10. One Anonymous Knucklehead 10
    29 August 2013 at 4:46 pm

    Oil politics are as realpolitik as it gets. Electric car, sure. Electric tank or fighter bomber? Not so much.

    Still, I don’t think the National Party has really thought through the effective declaration of martial law in peacetime.

    Let’s give them a bloody nose and make sure they never ever forget this lesson.

    • Don't worry. Be happy. 10.1
      30 August 2013 at 7:50 am

      A bloody nose and a swift kick in the pants…out the door into the political wilderness for ever! Landslide the next election, when ever it is sprung on us, towards equality, ‘a fair go’ for people not foreign oil/film/aluminium/insurance/banking/gambling companies…Oh and how about that Robin Hood Tax eh? Tax all financial transactions and make the 1% pay back what they owe our society, what they’ve ripped off from this country and stolen from our children! And if they want to leave for countries that like that sort of thing…hold the door wide open and a kick in the pants for them too!

      • srylands 10.1.1
        30 August 2013 at 8:44 am

        ” And if they want to leave for countries that like that sort of thing…hold the door wide open and a kick in the pants for them too!”

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_Asians_from_Uganda

        Yes. Just as an example – expelling the rich pricks made Uganda wealthy.Pity about the homophobia – are they related?

        In fact I imagine the world is full of examples where expelling the people who actually do pay taxes is conducive to national prosperity.

        You remove the top 6% of taxpayers and your tax take is about 35% down.

        http://www.treasury.govt.nz/budget/2013/taxpayers/02.htm

        But good luck with it. It will be a great experiment. I’ll get out the popcorn.

        • Colonial Viper 10.1.1.1
          30 August 2013 at 8:50 am

          You remove the top 6% of taxpayers and your tax take is about 35% down.

          But about 50% more income stays with ordinary workers instead of being sucked up by the already wealthy.

          A good trade off.

          PS the top 1% dodge most of their tax anyway.

          But good luck with it. It will be a great experiment. I’ll get out the popcorn.,

          Don’t pretend that you’re just a spectator, you’re an active shill for the 0.1%. You’re part of the cadre of serfs which allows them to stay in control.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 10.1.1.2
          30 August 2013 at 1:59 pm

          Srylands, no-one is going to leave the country to avoid, say, a 0.5% Tobin tax, but I think the obvious response to any RWNJ who threatens to go Galt is to encourage them, because no-one beyond their immediate peer group will notice or even care, and sane citizens won’t have to listen to puerile gibberish any more 🙂

          • Murray Olsen 10.1.1.2.1
            30 August 2013 at 2:45 pm

            All the sane people could even allow the Randian Onanists a piece of land somewhere, on the condition that they never return to normal society. It wouldn’t even have to be good land because they’re so heroically competent they can make deserts bloom. I too am sick of seeing the self-centred whinging of pimply 15 year old socially inept morons presented as political economy.

            • srylands 10.1.1.2.1.1
              30 August 2013 at 3:04 pm

              “All the sane people could even allow the Randian Onanists a piece of land somewhere, on the condition that they never return to normal society.”

              All the sane people could even allow the ferals a piece of land somewhere, on the condition that they never return to normal society.

  11. marty mars 11
    29 August 2013 at 6:16 pm

    + 1 Very true OAK – this is just getting ridiculous – they have crossed so many lines – it’s beyond a joke now. How many spits in the face will we tolerate before we get the message.

    • weka 11.1
      29 August 2013 at 6:41 pm

      I just read Bill’s post on Syria et al, and thought you could write another whole one on the level of deception being applied to countries that don’t have to be invaded. Why use bombs when you have John Key in charge of a country? (or whoever is on charge of NZ now, that Key is fronting for).

  12. Rhinocrates 12
    29 August 2013 at 8:34 pm

    Dictatorship’s method is to chip away at freedoms where they think that the complacent “core” support will either support them or at least won’t care until freedoms have been chipped away at the very foundation… and by then it’s too late.

    “It’s their freedoms that are being eroded, and rightly so to preserve mine… oops, how did that happen?”

    Or worse: “At last!”, but that’s only for the 1% and the poor fools who imagine that if they pulled hard enough on the rope trailing from the lifeboat, they surely deserve to be hauled aboard.

  13. Alex 13
    30 August 2013 at 9:54 am

    Haven’t we learned our lesson with the Gulf, this self destruction mentality that we have is quite incredible. The worst part is that we have no excuse anymore, the average person now knows the dangers of not taking care of our planet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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