The fast and the really furious
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- Date published:
8:24 am, May 24th, 2023 - 30 comments
Categories: chris bishop, Christopher Luxon, copyright, national, politicans, same old national, Simon Bridges -
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National has a history of difficulty with respecting the intellectual property rights of artists.
Who can forget 2014 when National chose an Eminemesque tune for its main video advertisement. Eminem was not impressed.
Stephen Joyce thought that the arrangement was pretty legal. The courts thought that the tune was really, really, really Eminemesque, so Eminemesque that use of the tune breached Slim Shady’s copyright.
There are other instances, the use of Coldplay’s Clocks in 2008, a Dylanesque song in 2017 and a Katy Perry song in 2022. There was also that occasion when a Simon Bridges Chris Bishop car kareoke session involved potentially serial copyright breaches of songs by Elton John, Pearl Jam and Franz Ferdinand.
Fast forward to this week and National has chosen a new way to avoid pesky copyright claims and also avoid the reality that no ordinary kiwi would ever consent to being in one of their ads, they decided to use artificial intelligence generated images.
HANG ON. We’re they hoping that we didn’t zoom in to see that it’s an AI IMAGE. THEYRE NOT REAL PEOPLE. THEYRE CERTAINLY NOT THE CAST?! https://t.co/mRCqvmG13A
— Dylan Hutton (@dylanhutton4) May 22, 2023
They also came up with this image to highlight their bonding policy to attract more nurses and midwives but for some strange reason chose to use a couple of AI generated models rather than real humans.
Don’t they realise that the health system will not be helped by their AI generated ghost nurses?
Yesterday National leader Christopher Luxon was asked if National was using AI generated images in their ads.
He said that he was not sure.
I don’t know about the topic in the sense of I am not sure. You are making an accusation that we are using it, I am not sure that we are. I will need to talk to our team.”
Note twitter exploded on Monday night over the allegations and Luxon had plenty of time to be briefed on the subject. Which you would normally expect in the heat of an election campaign.
Put to one side the ethics of using fake people and dodgy attempts to avoid copyright what surprised me is that Luxon had no idea that the issue was brewing.
And he expects to become the leader of the Country?
Helen Clark used to be on top of the detail of everything.
A Government appointee could not fart in the Koru lounge without her knowing about it.
But with Christopher Luxon the standards are more loose. Which is fine, but when kiwis think about who they want to be in control of the country my personal preference is the person who is on top of the detail, not the person who is blissfully unaware of his party’s campaign strategy.
And National have blundered into an area that has huge ethical issues.
Even Jenna Lynch can see the problem. From Newshub:
I spoke to a copyright law expert who says by using AI National’s probably in the clear as they haven’t used any actually copyrighted material.
While what National has done with these pictures is relatively harmless, AI could be a slippery slope, we don’t want politics descending into the world of deep fakes, videos made to look and sound like real life people.
National says AI is an innovative way to drive its social media and would be used responsibly. Labour’s view is it won’t use AI because it wants to run “an honest and upfront campaign”.
And therein lies National’s potential political problem with this.
Labour is aware that Luxon has a trust problem as shown in our Newshub-Reid Research poll and we’ve already seen them trying to make hay with the “can’t trust National” line.
National using fake imagery doesn’t exactly conjure thoughts of honesty and trust, feeding directly into Labour’s lines.
Another day from hell for Luxon and more evidence that he cannot be trusted with the job. I suspect that right now he really wants to lose himself.
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- Winston Peters – why mess with the magic of the monarchy?When Chris Hipkins appeared on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he described himself as a “technical republican”. At least it was clearer than when he stumbled over what a woman is. In the blue corner, the other “Chris” said, “New Zealand will become a republic, eventually.” Of course, they both supported ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must break up supermarketsThe Government needs to do much more to address supermarket profiteering, which is driving high food prices. ...2 weeks ago
- Grant Robertson: Pre-Budget speech to BNZ business breakfastThis morning, the Minister of Finance Grant Robertson delivered a pre-Budget speech in Auckland. ...2 weeks ago
- Action to support people to put food on the table more urgent than everYet another increase in food prices shows the urgent need for the Government to tax wealth and use the money to help people put food on the table. ...2 weeks ago
- Grant Robertson: Pre-Budget speech to Wellington Chamber of CommerceThis morning, the Minister of Finance Grant Robertson delivered a pre-Budget speech in Wellington. ...2 weeks ago
- Our preoccupation with Māori theatrics while sacrificing economic realismMay is significant in the New Zealand parliamentary calendar, given the Minister of Finance delivers the Budget - a whopping $128 billion last year, over a third of our GDP. This year Grant Robertson is riding a unicycle on a tightrope. The sugar rush is over but will he still ...3 weeks ago
- Labour left floundering on seabed healthLabour has once again avoided taking decisions to protect ocean health and shown exactly why we need more Green MPs. ...3 weeks ago
- Whaitiri Fiasco A Multi-Party Deception‘Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive’ It’s now revealed that Meka Whaitiri consulted with the Speaker before her resignation announcement and sought guidance on the process. So the Speaker knew before Meka sent the letter to him of her intent to defect to ...3 weeks ago
- Agreement between Indo-Pacific partners for supply chain resilience
Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor joined ministerial representatives at a meeting in Detroit, USA today to announce substantial conclusion of negotiations of a new regional supply chains agreement among 14 Indo-Pacific countries. The Supply Chains agreement is one of four pillars being negotiated within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ...5 hours ago - Celebrating Samoa Language Week 2023Our most spoken Pacific language is taking centre stage this week with Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week kicking off around the country. “Understanding and using the Samoan language across our nation is vital to its survival,” Barbara Edmonds said. “The Samoan population in New Zealand are ...5 hours ago
- Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert systemOver 90 per cent of New Zealanders are expected to receive this year’s nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system tonight between 6-7pm. “Emergency Mobile Alert is a tool that can alert people when their life, health, or property, is in danger,” Kieran McAnulty said. “The annual nationwide test ...6 hours ago
- Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of SettlementENGLISH: Whakatōhea and the Crown sign Deed of Settlement A Deed of Settlement has been signed between Whakatōhea and the Crown, 183 years to the day since Whakatōhea rangatira signed the Treaty of Waitangi, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little has announced. Whakatōhea is an iwi based in ...24 hours ago
- New Chair appointed to New Zealand National Commission for UNESCOElizabeth Longworth has been appointed as the Chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Associate Minister of Education Jo Luxton announced today. UNESCO is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting cooperative action among member states in the areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and ...2 days ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...2 days ago
- Tourism transformation starts with peopleTourism and hospitality employer accreditation scheme to recognise quality employers Better education and career opportunities in tourism Cultural competency to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces Innovation and technology acceleration to drive satisfying, skilled jobs Strengthening our tourism workers and supporting them into good career pathways, pay and working conditions ...2 days ago
- Te ao Māori health services cheaper and more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...2 days ago
- Te ao Māori health services more accessible for whānauGreater access to primary care, including 193 more front line clinical staff More hauora services and increased mental health support Boost for maternity and early years programmes Funding for cancers, HIV and longer term conditions Greater access to primary care, improved maternity care and mental health support are ...2 days ago
- Government’s work for survivors of abuse in care continuesThe Government continues progress on the survivor-led independent redress system for historic abuse in care, with the announcement of the design and advisory group members today. “The main recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Abuse in Care interim redress report was for a survivor-led independent redress system, and the ...2 days ago
- Two brand new mental health facilities opened in ChristchurchHealth Minister Ayesha Verrall has opened two new state-of-the-art mental health facilities at the Christchurch Hillmorton Hospital campus, as the Government ramps up its efforts to build a modern fit for purpose mental health system. The buildings, costing $81.8 million, are one of 16 capital projects the Government has funded ...3 days ago
- Government invests more than $24 million in regional projectsThe Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies by announcing another $24 million worth of investment into ten diverse projects, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. “Our regions are the backbone of our economy and today’s announcement continues to build on the Government’s investment to boost regional economic ...3 days ago
- Budget 23 supports the growth of Māori tourismAn $8 million boost to New Zealand Māori Tourism will help operators insulate themselves for the future. Spread over the next four years, the investment acknowledges the on-going challenges faced by the industry and the significant contribution Māori make to tourism in Aotearoa. It builds on the $15 million invested ...3 days ago
- First Bushmasters ready to rollDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the first 18 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the New Zealand Army, alongside personnel at Trentham Military Camp today. “The arrival of the Bushmaster fleet represents a significant uplift in capability and protection for defence force personnel, and a milestone in ...3 days ago
- Humanitarian support for the people of SudanAotearoa New Zealand is providing NZ$3.5 million to help meet urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. The severe fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has had devastating impacts for civilians. At least 705 people have been killed and 5,287 injured. ...4 days ago
- Clean-up at Hawkes Bay facility to help region deal with cyclone wasteRepairing a Hawke’s Bay organic composting facility devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle is among the latest waste reduction projects getting Government backing, Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking announced today. “Helping communities get back on their feet after the devastating weather that hit the northern parts of the country this year is ...4 days ago
- 8% pay boosts for GP & community nursesAbout 6,100 more GP, community nurses and kaiāwhina will be eligible for pay rises of 8% on average to reduce pay disparities with nurses in hospitals, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. The top up comes from a $200 million fund established to remove pay disparities between nurses ...4 days ago
- Govt turns the sod on new Jobs and Skills Hub for Hawke’s BayNew Jobs and Skills Hub to begin construction in Hawke’s Bay The Hub will support the building of $1.1billion worth of homes in the region and support Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild and recovery. Over 2,200 people have been supported into industry specific employment, apprenticeships and training, by these Hubs across NZ ...4 days ago
- Community Housing Aotearoa Conference SpeechTēnā koutou e nga maata waka. Kia koutou te mana whenua tēnā koutou Ngā mate huhua o te waa, haere, haere, haere atu ra. Hoki mai kia tātou te kanohi ora e tau nei, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Tēnā koutou i runga i te kaupapa o te ...4 days ago
- New mental health tool launched for small business owner-operatorsThe Government has launched a new tool to help small business owner-operators manage and improve their mental wellbeing, Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen announced today. The Brave in Business e-Learning series is another tool the Government has delivered to support small businesses with their mental health and wellbeing. “A pandemic, ...5 days ago
- TAB partnership helps secure future of racing industryMinister for Racing Kieran McAnulty has announced the approval of a 25-year partnership between TAB NZ and UK betting company Entain that delivers at least $900 million in guaranteed funding for the racing industry over the next five years. Entain, a UK based group that operates multiple sports betting providers ...5 days ago
- Government project delivers more reliable and resilient water source to NorthlandThe Government has delivered the first of three significant water security projects in Northland, boosting regional business and climate resilience, with the opening of Matawii reservoir today, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced. A $68 million Government investment supported the construction of the reservoir, along with two other water storage ...5 days ago
- Trade Minister to US to attend Ministerial meetingsTrade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor will travel to Detroit tomorrow to represent New Zealand at the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting from 24 – 29 May. Whilst in Detroit, Damien O’Connor will also host a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Ministers ...5 days ago
- Murihiku Regeneration energy and innovation wānangaI want to start by thanking Ngāi Tahu and the Murihiku Regeneration Collective for hosting us here today. Back at the Science and Innovation Wananga in 2021, I said that a just transition in New Zealand must ensure Iwi are at the table. This is just as true now as ...5 days ago
- New Ambassador to Mongolia announcedForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of diplomat Dr James Waite as Aotearoa New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Mongolia. He is currently the Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing, a role he will continue to hold. “New Zealand and Mongolia share a warm and ...5 days ago
- Government commitment to Māori Education continuesBiggest-ever investment in property with more money for new sites and modernisation Roll-out of learning support coordination in kaupapa Māori and Māori Medium Schooling Boost in funding for iwi and schools to work together on Local Histories content Substantial support for Māori Education has continued in Budget 2023, including ...5 days ago
- More students to benefit from next round of Creatives in SchoolsApplications for the next round of Creatives in Schools will open on Friday 16 June 2023, Minister of Education Jan Tinetti and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today during a visit at Te Wharekura o Mauao in Tauranga. “The Creatives in Schools programme funds schools and ...5 days ago
- Speech to WasteMINZ conference, HamiltonTena koutou katoa and thank you all for being here and welcoming me to your annual conference. I want to acknowledge being here in Tainui’s rohe, and the mana of Kingi Tuheitia. I hate waste. So much so that when we built our home in Dunedin, I banned the use ...5 days ago
- Extra boost for Southland’s Just TransitionSouthland’s Just Transition is getting a further boost to help future-proof the region and build its economic resilience, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today. “This Government is committed to supporting Southland’s just transition and reducing the region’s reliance on the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter at Tiwai Point,” Megan ...5 days ago
- PM concludes successful Pacific visit, confirms intention to visit IndiaPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has concluded a series of successful international meetings with Pacific region leaders in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Hipkins secured constructive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and United States Secretary of ...5 days ago
- Agreed statement from NZEI, PPTA and the Minister of EducationOn Friday 19th May, Minister Tinetti facilitated a meeting between NZEI and PPTA with the Ministry of Education to discuss options for finding a way forward in the current stalled collective bargaining. The meeting was constructive, and the parties shared a willingness to work towards a solution. The following was ...6 days ago
- Five community energy projects kick startEighty-nine households will soon benefit from secure, renewable, and more affordable energy as five community-level energy projects are about to get underway, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today. Five solar projects – in Whangārei, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Christchurch – are the first to receive funding from the ...6 days ago
- New Zealand confirms recovery support for Cook IslandsPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed New Zealand will provide NZ$15 million in emergency budget support for Cook Islands in its ongoing recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. New Zealand’s support was confirmed during a meeting with the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown in Papua New Guinea today. “New ...6 days ago
- Budget 2023 provides significant investment in kapa hakaThe Government’s continued recognition of and support for the important place Kapa Haka has in Aotearoa was evident today at a celebration at Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Willow-Jean Prime said. “Our investment of $34 million over two years ensures that this kaupapa is ...6 days ago
- NZ’s biggest ever emissions reduction project unveiledThe Government is partnering with New Zealand Steel to deliver New Zealand’s largest emissions reduction project to date, with half of the coal being used at Glenbrook steel to be replaced with electricity to recycle scrap steel. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made the announcement alongside Energy and Resources Minister Megan ...1 week ago
- Government welcome Waitangi Tribunal Wai 2750 report into homelessnessThe Government has welcomed the Stage One Waitangi Tribunal Wai 2750 – Housing and Housing Services Kaupapa Inquiry report into homelessness released today. Minister of Housing Hon Megan Woods and Associate Minister of Housing (Māori) Hon Willie Jackson as Co-Leads for the government, with Associate Minister of Housing (homelessness) Hon ...1 week ago
- PM confirms details of Papua New Guinea visitPrime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed his upcoming visit to Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister travels to Port Moresby on Sunday May 21, and will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. He has also been invited ...1 week ago
- Bill ensures ongoing reporting on tax system fairnessA Bill requiring facts about the fairness and efficiency of New Zealand’s tax system to be reported and published annually has been tabled in Parliament today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the Taxation Principles Reporting Bill would ensure that tax information is reported against a set of fundamental tax principles. ...1 week ago
- Tax bill improves fairness at home and abroadNZ joins global effort to ensure multinationals pay a minimum rate of tax Tax on ACC, MSD lump sum payments changed to reduce amounts owing for some KiwiSaver topups for child carers taking paid parental leave Implementing changes to trustee tax and tax relief for flood-hit businesses Several measures ...1 week ago
- New approach on law and order deliversSuccessful ‘circuit breaker’ pilot targeting repeat child offenders to be expanded to Hamilton, Christchurch and Auckland City Funding to maintain Police to population ratio achieved after 1800 extra Police officers added Creation of NZ’s first comprehensive digital Firearms Registry Modernising frontline police processes to free up time for officers Budget ...1 week ago
- Indo-Pacific Economic Framework finish negotiations on improving supply chain resilience
Fourteen Indo-Pacific countries have finished negotiations about improving supply chain resilience as part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. ...17 mins ago - Indo-Pacific Economic Framework finish negotiations on improving supply chain resilienceFourteen Indo-Pacific countries have finished negotiations about improving supply chain resilience as part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. ...17 mins ago
- Are these the best buns in Christchurch?
His cafe Tom’s is one of the small gems of Ōtautahi’s breakfast scene. Now owner-operator Tom Worthington has a second cafe – just a few doors down from the first. He talks to Charlotte Muru-Lanning about opening Estelle, and the overwhelming importance of a good bun. This is an excerpt ...4 hours ago - Disability access 'a work in progress' for ParliamentEfforts are underway to make Parliament more accessible for people who live with disability. ...5 hours ago
- Disability access 'a work in progress' for ParliamentEfforts are underway to make Parliament more accessible for people who live with disability. ...5 hours ago
- What’s your favourite New Zealand music collaboration? As New Zealand Music months comes to an end, we look back at some of the most memorable collaborations between (or involving) local artists. Aotearoa has a long and proud tradition of mucking in, lending a hand and sharing the bloody load. Given that the theme for NZ Music Month ...5 hours ago
- Now's not the time for budget cuts on climate
Auckland Council's proposed budget cuts might look okay on paper, but when the weeds start taking over and the council fails to meet its own emissions targets, we’ll be left with an even bigger – and costlier – mess to clean up. Carl Morgan explains why the council and volunteers need to ...8 hours ago - Between ‘Birdspeak’ and ‘The Artist’: Arihia Latham and Ruby Solly in conversationPoets Ruby Solly (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) and Arihia Latham (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) talk about their new collections of poetry, and the many resonances between them. ‘Hineahuone’ from Birdspeak by Arihia Latham My legs are swamp maire sodden weights hip sockets wide like the pae maunga on ...9 hours ago
- The Sunday Essay: The original Christchurch bus exchangeTeenage memories so often populate one place. For Sharon Lam, it was the original bus exchange on the corner of Colombo and Lichfield Street. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Original illustrations by MK Templer. Once upon a time, before earthquakes and ...9 hours ago
- OPM call for PNG’s James Marape as negotiator for NZ pilot’s safe passage
Asia Pacific Report Free Papua Organisation (OPM) leader Jeffrey Bomanak has appealed for Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape to become a “neutral intermediary” to negotiate between the Indonesian government and the West Papuan rebels holding a New Zealand pilot hostage for his release. He has called in a ...14 hours ago - Newsroom wins three national media awards
The annual awards for news journalism see Newsroom win three titles and the NZ Herald win website of the year for the fourth time in a row Newsroom has won another three national media awards at the annual Voyager dinner in Auckland – including best crime and justice reporting for ...14 hours ago - NZ’s opposition ‘need to go back to school’ over bilingual sign attackBy Rayssa Almeida, RNZ News reporter New Zealand’s Māori Party co-leader says the opposition National Party should go back to school if it thinks including te reo Māori on road signs is confusing. In a transport meeting yesterday in Bay of Plenty, National’s spokesperson Simeon Brown said introducing the language ...17 hours ago
- Author-poet condemns rebel threat to shoot NZ hostage pilot if denied talksAsia Pacific Report An Australian author-poet and advocate for West Papuan independence has condemned a reported threat against the life of a New Zealand hostage pilot, Philip Mehrtens, held by Papuan liberation fighters and appealed to them to “keep Philip safe”. Jim Aubrey, a human rights activist who has campaigned ...20 hours ago
- Nats need to 'go back to school' over bilingual sign criticism – Māori PartyThe Māori Party co-leader says the National Party should go back to school if it thinks including te reo Māori on road signs is confusing. ...22 hours ago
- No Consent From Whakatohea Hapu For Treaty Of Waitangi Settlement Deed To Be Signed By 'Iwi...
Hapu of Te Whakatohea opposed to the New Zealand government's Treaty of Waitangi settlement deal for their Raupatu - invasion and land confiscation - claims and the cutting off of their historic Treaty of Waitangi claims in the Waitangi Tribunal ...23 hours ago - Labour goes negative on National-ACT 'cuts'
Labour kept up its attacks on the Opposition's proposed tax cuts but fumbled its own number-crunching at a party congress, Marc Daalder reports Analysis: Going on the attack is a new strategy for a Labour Party with fresh leadership. Jacinda Ardern promised "relentless positivity" after her election victory in 2020 and ...23 hours ago - Labour Congress 2023 Speech: Grant RobertsonWelcome to sunny and calm Wellington, which I know those of you who are visiting would of course expect to be the case. It’s been a busy week since we put forward the 2023 Budget. Labour MPs have been out across the motu giving the good oil on ...24 hours ago
- SPEECH: Labour Congress 2023 Speech: Carmel SepuloniIntroduction Kia orana, Talofa lava, Mālo e lelei, Taloha ni, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Noa’ia e mauri, Ni sa bula vinaka, Kia ora, Tena Koutou Katoa. Labour Party President Jill Day, Prime Minister Hipkins, Party faithful, delegates and comrades, whānau ...24 hours ago
- SPEECH: Labour Congress 2023 Speech: Kelvin DavisOne of my kaumātua up North stood before the Waitangi Tribunal and said: ‘He aha kē ahau, te tangata kore hara i mua i te Atua, e tu nei kia whakawaatia e koe, te tangata tāhae, te tangata hara, te tangata kore tikanga? Ko koe kē te tika, ...24 hours ago
- Labour promises not to change superannuation age if re-electedDeputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni says a re-elected Labour government led by Chris Hipkins would not raise the pension age from 65. ...1 day ago
- Focus on Politics: Hipkins juggles competing ideologies over PNG-US dealPrime Minister Chris Hipkins' visit to Papua New Guinea sends a clear message: superpowers may come and go, but New Zealand is here to stay. ...1 day ago
- Cheesecakes, brownies and cookies – she did it all for the mochiCathy Fan started baking to heal herself. Now, her designer cheesecakes and cookies are in demand all over Auckland – and beyond. On a recent Wednesday, Cathy Fan caused a bit of a scene. The part-time baker was setting up her stall at Britomart’s regular food truck lunch event when ...1 day ago
- Cheesecakes, brownies and cookies – she did it all for the mochiCathy Fan started baking to heal herself. Now, her designer cheesecakes and cookies are in demand all over Auckland – and beyond. On a recent Wednesday, Cathy Fan caused a bit of a scene. The part-time baker was setting up her stall at Britomart’s regular food truck lunch event when ...1 day ago
- Crunchy, spicy and delicious: Seven Indian snacks you need to tryBeyond that bland bag of supermarket bhuja, an exciting new snacking world awaits. In 2002 when we moved to Auckland, my mum’s favourite shop was the lonely old Moshim’s Indian store near Pakuranga Plaza out east. It was the only place that sold the spices and ingredients she needed to ...1 day ago
- Labour faithful gather for election-year conference – what might they have in store?The Labour Party faithful are gathering in Wellington this weekend for the party's annual congress. ...1 day ago
- Depth of focus
Today we start the Pinnacle Series. A weekly showcase of future leaders and inspirational young New Zealanders from the Hyundai Pinnacle Programme who are forging ahead in their chosen fields. First up, Kirsten Fisher-Marsters has her sights set on championing the next generation of promising young athletes. July 23, 2021, is ...1 day ago - Black Ferns' fitness weapon – the 'bomb squad'
He helped get them fit enough to be world champions, now Craig Twentyman is relishing the next phase for rugby's Black Ferns The Black Ferns World Cup win last year was as much a rugby miracle as it was a fitness miracle. Meet Craig Twentyman - the Kiwi strength and ...1 day ago - A short history of the kitchen
The kitchen has become associated with routine and ritual, of domestic practices and gendered activities, but it is also the site of a gradual shift toward the ‘democratisation’ of domesticity Opinion: Looking back over the past few years, the pandemic called into question many things about the way we live. ...1 day ago - The Week in Detail: India, mānuka and 'greedflation'
Every weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, we looked at why we've never nailed down a free trade agreement with India, the looming threat of another "twindemic" of winter illness, what "greedflation" is and whether it can be blamed for the soaring cost of living, the ...1 day ago - Wayne to Busan: lessons for Auckland from Korea’s second city
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is rubbing shoulders this weekend with mayors from cities like New Orleans, Santiago and Mombasa at the World Climate Industry Expo in Busan Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has touched down in Busan, South Korea on an independently-funded trip to participate in the World Climate Industry Expo. ...1 day ago - The Grammy-partying, Spotify-crushing NZ rappers you’ve probably never heard ofSXMPRA and Lilbubblegum aren’t household names yet – but their streaming numbers prove they’re already in the big leagues. Kalem Tarrant is feeling a little dusty. He’s sitting outside a Symonds Street burger joint at a Monday lunchtime with Luke Winther, whose dark sunglasses indicate he’s feeling the same way. ...1 day ago
- Ranked: the grotesque images and bleak prompts behind National’s AI adsThe first AI-generated political attack ads arrived this week. Duncan Greive assesses the disturbing contents. The first political scandal of the generative AI era in New Zealand politics could not have fit our country’s bumpkin brand better. 1News’ Justin Hu had the terrific scoop earlier this week, heading to the ...1 day ago
- Long Read: Talofa and Ni Hao
This is The Detail's Long Read - one in-depth story read by us every weekend. This week, it's Talofa and Ni Hao by Ollie Neas, published in North & South's February issue. You can read the full article, with accompanying photos, here. In Samoa, there are mixed feelings about Chinese influence and the nation’s ...1 day ago - Short story: Perhaps it was like this, by Michael Morrissey
A scorched Earth, and an Ivan Rogers photo essay The sand, the colour of a sun tan, caused a cancer called thirst. Curable by water – if you could lay hands and mouths on the wet stuff over which the human race was to enter a ferocious war in ...1 day ago - Cost Of Living Budget Delivers For MangereCheaper Childcare: 20 hours free ECE expanded to include two-year-olds Helping with Health Costs : $5 prescription co-payment scrapped Targeting Transport: Free public transport for under-13s, half priced for under-25s Reducing Power Bills: 100,000 ...2 days ago
- 'They should be in English': National to ditch te reo Māori traffic signsNational does not support bilingual traffic signs in te reo and English, transport spokesperson Simeon Brown says. ...2 days ago
- Picture this: green hydrogen plants next to green steelworks to boost efficiency and kickstart both ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Changlong Wang, Research fellow, Monash University Shutterstock The race to net zero is accelerating. Just last week, United States President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a climate pact to boost cooperation. The move signifies Australia is ...2 days ago
- Surry Hills was once the centre of New South Wales’ ‘rag trade’: a short history of fashion ma...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McNeil, Distinguished Professor of Design History, UTS, University of Technology Sydney Top Dog factory for men’s hats, Surry Hills, 1941 State Library of New South Wales Sydney has awoken to the smouldering ruins of its largest city fire in 55 years. ...2 days ago
- The highly secretive Five Eyes alliance has disrupted a China-backed hacker group – in an unusuall...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis B. Desmond, Lecturer, Cyberintelligence and Cybercrime Investigations, University of the Sunshine Coast Dennis Desmond, Author provided This week the Five Eyes alliance – an intelligence alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and the United States – ...2 days ago
- ‘WA’s Christmas tree’: what mungee, the world’s largest mistletoe, can teach us about treadi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Lullfitz, Research Associate, The University of Western Australia Alison Lullfitz, Author provided Noongar Country of southwestern Australia is home to the world’s largest parasitic plant, a mighty mistletoe that blooms every December. That’s why it’s commonly known as WA’s ...2 days ago
- The Week in Politics: Reserve Bank raises OCR, Budget reaction continuesAnalysis - The Reserve Bank's surprisingly benign response to the Budget robs National of a strong attack line and the NZ Steel deal is hailed as a win for the climate, but opposition parties say its "corporate welfare". ...2 days ago
- It’s Friday so… have some Barbie in your lifeI’m gradually becoming more and more convinced this year’s Barbie film from Greta Gerwig is going to be the best movie of 2023. Or the worst, but in a way that it is still great. For now, you should absolutely watch this new trailer which also serves as a promo ...2 days ago
- Democracy In New Zealand – Could It Be Better?As the general election approaches, secondary school students are being challenged to the ‘run the ruler’ over New Zealand’s democracy. An essay competition launched today calls on secondary school students to identify the important elements of a ...2 days ago
- ‘Living museum’ will help bring Fiji’s Girmit experience by storytellingBy Rachael Nath, RNZ Pacific journalist In a significant step toward preserving and commemorating Fiji’s rich history, efforts are underway to establish the country’s first living museum. This unique institution will focus on capturing the era of the British colonial government’s indentured system in Fiji, shedding light on the arrival ...2 days ago
- Everyone we saw at the NZ International Comedy Festival 2023, part twoGuy Montgomery, Maria Williams, Guy Williams and more shows from the second half of the festival, reviewed. Abby Howells: La Soupco Oh the joy of seeing someone as weird as you just be happily weird in public. Off the top: I loved La Soupco. Having known little about Howells beyond ...2 days ago
- Everyone we saw at the NZ International Comedy Festival 2023, part twoGuy Montgomery, Maria Williams, Guy Williams and more shows from the second half of the festival, reviewed. Abby Howells: La Soupco Oh the joy of seeing someone as weird as you just be happily weird in public. Off the top: I loved La Soupco. Having known little about Howells beyond ...2 days ago
- The country’s ‘highest bar’ is about to openAuckland’s Sky Tower will soon have a new bar – situated on the 50th floor. That’s just below the observation deck and the Orbit restaurant. A press release revealed the new Skybar, which will be the country’s “highest bar”, will be launching on June 23, in partnership with champagne producers Moët ...2 days ago
- The country’s ‘highest bar’ is about to openAuckland’s Sky Tower will soon have a new bar – situated on the 50th floor. That’s just below the observation deck and the Orbit restaurant. A press release revealed the new Skybar will be launching on June 23, in partnership with champagne producers Moët and Chandon. “We’ve been looking for the ...2 days ago
- A Gore-y assignment for Linda Clark
The troubled Gore council looks to call in a legal-political-media troubleshooter to restore order, Vaneesa Bellew reports Lawyer and former political journalist Linda Clark is expected to head an independent review tasked with restoring confidence in Gore District Council. Councillors at an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday will consider several recommendations ...2 days ago - PNG’s Governor-General signs off on dismissal of Bryan Kramer as MPBy Todagia Kelola in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General, Sir Bob Dadae, has formally dismissed former cabinet minister Brian Kramer as a Member of Parliament representing the people of Madang. On Wednesday, the Governor-General, who was out on duty travel when the Leadership Tribunal made its recommendation of dismissal ...2 days ago
- Ingredient of the week: MisoThere’s remarkable variety and depth to be found in a spoonful of fermented bean paste. Oh, miso paste! Salty, sweet, mellow, earthy, fruity, deeply umami and wonderfully aromatic. A tub of miso paste is a flavour essential, always stashed in my fridge, ready to be dug into with a spoon ...2 days ago
- Ingredient of the week: MisoThere’s remarkable variety and depth to be found in a spoonful of fermented bean paste. Oh, miso paste! Salty, sweet, mellow, earthy, fruity, deeply umami and wonderfully aromatic. A tub of miso paste is a flavour essential, always stashed in my fridge, ready to be dug into with a spoon ...2 days ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Schoolboy Reunion’ by Danny BultitudeA new poem by Wellington poet Danny Bultitude. Schoolboy Reunion Saw him at Wellington Train Station after I Saw him on the Police Ten-7 Facebook page Last summer, obsidian, he worked in this gym Underpaid, mistreated, he set the place aflame Never realised that was how you spelt his name ...2 days ago
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Just quietly I think deep down Willis wouldn't mind losing by just a little bit, having a fatter liberal wing in caucus to roll the God botherers and with her at helm, set their sights on 2026…
that would be the smart move.
Luxon continues to stumble around in media interviews. Isn't showing any improvement at all.
Please, please Natzos–do retain the services of Baldrick Mark Luxon as your beloved leader–so many will thank you on Saturday October 14.
Baldrick is a bit clueless at present, a gift that keeps on giving.
I think that AI is a great way to promote stereotypes to the people wrapped in nice narratives.
People don’t want honesty, they want confirmation, of themselves and of their views. That is their ‘honesty’.
Well are the Labour Party going to give us true honesty?
When they use a stock image in their advertising will the get a statutory declaration from the person whose image they have used that the person wholeheartedly approves of whatever the ad is advocating?
After all, without that how can we possibly know that the earnest looking person is really what they are purported to be, A true believer in whatever the ad claims.
See this is what happens when you ridicule funding for the arts, then get some idiot to copy "what's popular". Advertising may not be art per se, but it uses skills and experience directly related to.
NAT will never learn. They're fundamentally opposed to it.
(Incidentally, my favourite election ad fail ever, was when that guy Jamie White was leader of ACT. It was so hokey, it was like a grotesque parody of 'the individual doing it for themselves'. I was never able to find it again, if anyone knows a secret archive.)
Luxon says:
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/national-leader-christopher-luxon-defends-party-using-artificial-intelligence-to-create-fake-photos-for-attack-ads.html
There is a significant difference that I don't see being mentioned; buying a photo from a stock photo agency helps the actors/models and photographers make a living for their art, using AI not only avoids 'copyright' (which isn't an issue if you purchase stock images) but also means that real people don't get paid. Very 'efficient', very National.
Damn those spinning jennies eh Arkie
These AI image generators use artwork (without payment) created by real people to manufacture its images; they are plagiarism machines.
The 'utopian' future under capitalism: Real people doing menial work; the robots making art.
Terminator 2 came out in 1991. If you still think computer generated images are a new thing, time to get your head out of the sand and see how the world has passed you by in the last 30 years.
The computer generated images in Terminator 2 were created by visual effects artists. That you don't understand the difference between that and AI generated images shows your lack of understanding of both the creative processes of film making and the new technology of deep-learning image algorithms:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence_art
So you think CGI works in the same way as a Disney cartoon from the 1930s, each image frame by frame created by hand? Keep up mate. The world keeps moving.
Irrelevant and not at all my claim, the 3D models, textures, rigging and animation in Terminator 2 was created by skilled artists. AI generative art uses artwork taken without payment to train the algorithm to create images without human intervention. It's clear both you and National don't value the time, effort and training of creative people nor do you understand my criticism of this use of AI.
Well, we can agree on one thing. No, I don’t understand your criticism of AI.
It sounds a bit like those that criticised mechanised production at the start of the Industrial Revolution, Henry Ford when he rolled out the Model T or those that though the new fangled thing called a TV would corrupt society forever.
Here’s a scary thought for you. They are teaching AI in our schools. Right here in NZ. Right now. At year 8. I know, shocking!
I can't help those who refuse to understand. You don't understand what is unique about AI and you are deliberately ignoring my explanations of the difference. Stay ignorant then, much like Luxon and National in general.
arkie did not contend that at all–you are diverting from the point made that hands on CGI is different from AI.
Or they could find real health workers who believed in National policy and were prepared to put their name to it.
Hear Hear. Can't stand actors who are paid to bullshit and tell lies for money. ( from any political party and in ordinary adverts and infomercials)
If the AI images above are the ones National used, in my opinion they do not look "real". There is a blankness in the faces which is rather creepy. National stooping to using so called "people" is not a good move.
Copyright law probably needs to move on to regarding AI-generated simulations of copyrighted content as a new form of breach that has to be caught.
And as everyone has noted, the use of AI in political advertising has potential to be a danger to the democratic process. If Ardern was still PM, what are the odds that the deep pockets of her far-right enemies would have seen fake videos circulating of her saying outrageous things she never actually said?
Luxon may understand all this – he can't be as shallow as he appears.
Nicola Willis did suggest AI could write the tax receipts.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/05/election-2023-how-chatgpt-reacted-to-nicola-willis-idea-that-ai-could-write-kiwis-tax-receipts.html
Chat GPT, an AI programme, was asked. "Can you write a speech for Christopher Luxon?"
"It would be impossible for me to write a speech for him/her/it," it replied. "I am after all an Intelligence."
Asked whether it could write a speech for Nicola Willis, GPT replied. "I also do not do humour."
so, with AI luxo can really phone it in from hawaii. the hollow man has come of age!
Hear hear. I can;t stand actors who bullshit and tell lies for money. From any political party and even ordinary infomercials and TV advertisements. If someone explains their product and its good points in an honest nonflambouyant way..OK.
Pesky things like details are below Luzon’s pay grade. He didn’t bother with the minor detail like how much was being paid out to pensioners before going on RNZ to publicly state it was unaffordable and the age needed to be pushed out.
[Please stick to one approved username here, thanks – Incognito]
Mod note
Read the Herald this morning, an unblocked article has unhinged Luxon supporting farmers but also changing his mind and now switching to more greenfields housing along highways instead of increased city density, therefore obviously using the most productive land, which is after all why the roads and highways are where they have been for over 160 years, so as to get access to the best farmable land. C'mon tell me he isn't a secret Labour Party plant!.