web analytics

The whalers are coming

Written By: - Date published: 5:08 pm, January 25th, 2008 - 15 comments
Categories: Environment - Tags: , , ,

image009.jpg

The Dom reports today that the Japanese whaling fleet has ben “spotted steaming towards the Ross Sea” – part of our territorial waters.

They’re presumably coming here having had their activities in Australian waters declared illegal last week.

The Greens have just just called for the government to get involved.

Labour’s Steve Chadwick has said she’s “concerned about the fleet’s movements” and that she’s “strongly opposed” to Japan’s whaling here. Valuable sentiments but we agree with the Greens on this – it’s time to back up the talk with some action.

As a country we have a proud history of standing up for the things we believe in and there’s little doubt that the public would back sending a stronger message to the Japanese whalers – a visible demonstration of our opposition to their activities.

I reckon it’s time to put our money where our mouths are.

The Aussies sent an observation vessel.

The Greens want to send a “contingent of New Zealand identified multi-purpose navy ships”.

Both ok, but I was thinking something more along the lines of Captain Nemo’s Nautilus.

15 comments on “The whalers are coming ”

  1. Kimble 1

    Leftie clearly advocating violence.

    You guys shat your pants when a picture of Minto’s house was put on a blog, claiming that putting it up their was a threat of violence.

    But right here you are openly advocating the murder of human beings. Hypocritical much?

  2. all_your_base 2

    I almost feel sorry for you Kimble.

  3. Did Heather tell you to post that a_y_b?

  4. Lisa 4

    Oh my Lord, this site is not proposing too ask Mr Bush and the real nuclear-powered USS Nautilus roaming the oceans to intervene in proceedings on behalf of the whale’s ?

  5. Kimble 5

    “I was thinking something more along the lines of Captain Nemo’s Nautilus.”

    How would you read that?

    And just LOOK at that picture! What do you think that 1,000 words of a boat exploding is saying?

    Whenever a rightie does anything, you scream your little heads off that they are all about violence. But when a leftie expresses a desire to see actual violence visited upon people he doesnt like yo usay, oh he never really meant it.

  6. all_your_base 6

    Blubblerboy – I’m flattered that you think that anyone would see fit to employ me in the beehive but the answer is ‘no’ – nobody asked me to post it. Strange concept ‘independent thought’ isn’t it?

    Lisa – I think you’ll find that nuclear power is about as popular here as whaling is, just ask Dr Brash.

    Kimble (again) – I take it back. I’m sorry for those *around* you.

  7. Matthew Pilott 7

    As I understand the RNZAF already has an orion patrolling down there, there was a news story that indicated one of ours was checking the scene out.

    From NZHerald:

    The Japanese whaling fleet has moved into New Zealand’s search and rescue area, raising concern after a fatal incident last year.

    A Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion spotted the fleet travelling towards the Ross Sea, a bay of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica between Victoria Land and Marie Byrd Land.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=272&objectid=10488739

    So some of our armed forces are already keeping an eye on the situation.

    We haven’t taken delivery of the offshore patrol vehicles yet but both the frigates are in port.

    I’m guessing a call for violence would be a pisstake, but nonetheless if a navy vessel is available, I would endorse it going down – to keep official eyes on both sides to the dispute.

    This season was always going to get ugly eh!

  8. AncientGeek 8

    This is just part of the more global problem of over-fishing. Look at this article, if you want to get an idea of what the problem looks like.

    The classic example of the NE Atlantic cod fishery collapse and the NW Atlantic herring fishery collapses should warn us to be really conservative in estimating fish stocks and recovery time. Not to mention the orange roughy fishery collapse down here. All of those fisheries had fishery control plans. All of them failed to prevent the collapses.

    What does that have to do with the japanese pirate fleet?

    The cod and herring fisheries lasted a *long* time. For instance the Newfoundland cod fishery has been operating since the 16th century, and the herring fishery in the north sea operated since the 13th century. The collapse of both the fisheries coincided with the development of trawlers and factory ships that could operate well outside nationally controlled limits. Effectively these areas were providing the spawning and feeding grounds that were sustaining the fisheries.

    Currently we have one agreement controlling a ‘fishery’ in international waters – the one on whaling. The japanese in particular have been violating it with a callous disregard for the agreement using an obviously spurious ‘scientific research’ argument. This sets an extremely bad example for future agreements to protect fishing stocks in international waters.

    Personally, I think that we should start treating the japanese whaling fleet as potential pirates. There is international law on how to deal with piracy and the right to inspect ships for suspicion of piracy. Lets start using them. Let that be the example to guide future agreements.

  9. AncientGeek 9

    I forgot to put in a link on the international piracy law. Just needs a reinterpretation to cover indirect economic damage in much the same way that the Japanese reinterpret scientific research.

  10. Santi 10

    The real pirates are the deranged Greenpeace people who boarded the Japanese ship.

    I forgot they are greenies and also in cahoots with socialist Labour. Kind of minor pets, since they roll over when Clark orders it and vote accordingly.

  11. AncientGeek 11

    Santi: was there a point in that rant?

    If there was, then I cannot see it. I can’t actually see a correct statement of fact in your comment.

    As I remember it, it was two people from the Sea Shepard’s who boarded the Japanese whaling ship – yep see here. They may face charges from the Australian courts for boarding the ship. However bearing in mind that there is a ruling from an Australian court that whaling is illegal in Australian waters, I’m sure they will argue that they were doing what any concerned citizen was doing; attempting to prevent a crime happening.

    I don’t think that the Green party (who I think you were talking about as ‘greenies’) are “minor pets”. From memory they have a confidence and supply agreement with the parliamentary Labour party. That leaves them able to vote whatever way that they want on most bills, and from my green friends who argue with me at every turn, I understand that they vote a lot against government bills when they disagree with them. This allows them to exercise pressure to change bills.

    So I’d have to conclude Danti, that you are rather delusional or ill informed, or simply repeating something you don’t understand. Would you care to enlighten us which it is?

  12. We shouldn’t rule out delusional and ill-informed. My bet’s on that one.

  13. AncientGeek 13

    I couldn’t possibly comment.

    For some reason my comments get moderated a lot. Probably because I use simple robust language to describe what I see and believe. I definitely have to avoid the Idio… word and others. I’m still puzzled by the moderation on the over-fishing one above. Possibly Pirat…

  14. AncientGeek 14

    One thing that the web is really good for is to hyperlink. I misspelled Santi’s handle as Danti. That god me thinking about Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy in particular, the circles of Hell in the Inferno. I’m always surprised whenever I reread this about how the nature of sin has changed in society over the years. Also the sheer brutality of some of the punishments that Dante envisaged.

    It is pretty clear what area that the people who over-fish and hunt whales are in – the 4th circle – “They include the avaricious or miserly, who hoarded possessions, and the prodigal, who squandered them.”. I can’t think of anything more wasteful than destroying ecosystems for nothing more than a short-term gain. This is what Niven and Pournelle in their updated version of Inferno calls Wasters.

    Be interesting to figure out what ring and borgia that troller’s and moronic commenter’s belong in.

    Umm if anyone needs a laugh some time – get hold of Niven’s short story
    Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex. ‘Larry Niven details the problems that Superman would face in having sexual intercourse and reproducing with “a human woman designated LL for convenience”, using arguments based on humorous (yet logical) reconciliation between physics, biology and the abilities of Kryptonians as presented in Superman comic books.’

    I’m not surprised that “In 1986, the essay was reposted onto Usenet; this led to what is thought to be the very first online report of copyright violation.”.

    Looks like the story is on-line here – enjoy.

  15. AncientGeek 15

    Jumping back to an older post. I was browsing around to see what had happened to the whaling fleet.

    There was a good clear description on a greenpeace blog post . The part that intrigued me was about the japanese public:-

    Most of the people who read this blog are well aware of the issue of whaling. Most of the people in Japan are not. Greenpeace activities in the Southern Ocean rarely get reported in Japan, unless they are done so in a negative way. But we are starting to see changes in the last year and more attention is being given to the issue in Japan.

    I had a look around some of the press statements done here and in aussie by the japanese. I think that Sara is correct – they just don’t understand what it is that the fuss is about.

    Wierd

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote Address
    E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Community voice to help shape immigration policy
    Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today.  “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government confirms vital roading reconnections
    Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in Aotearoa
    Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone Gabrielle
    A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
    Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability services
    The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and member
    Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announced
    Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today.  The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High Court
    High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ still well placed to meet global challenges
    The economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Western Ring Route Complete
    Aucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Briefings to Incoming Ministers
    This section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient Fiji
    Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recovery
    The Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Next steps developing clean energy for NZ
    The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart Nash
    This morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to Auckland
    The Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses
    $25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • More than 160,000 new Kiwis to call NZ home
    80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Scholarships propel Kiwi students to NASA
    The Government continues to invest in New Zealand’s burgeoning space industry, today announcing five scholarships for Kiwi Students to undertake internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash congratulated Michaela Dobson (University of Auckland), Leah Albrow (University of Canterbury) and Jack Naish, Celine Jane ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand to attend regional security meeting in Australia
    The Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Health and safety action plan for ports
    The health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Bikes and scooters to be exempt from FBT
    Bikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Foreign Affairs Minister to reaffirm our close relationship with Fiji
    Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New legislation to streamline Cyclone recovery
    The Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Cost of living package: More bread and butter support for Kiwi families
    Approximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Freeing up more government bandwidth and money to focus on the cost of living
    $1 billion in savings which will be reallocated to support New Zealanders with the cost of living A range of transport programmes deferred so Waka Kotahi can focus on post Cyclone road recovery Speed limit reduction programme significantly narrowed to focus on the most dangerous one per cent of state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • State of National Emergency to end for Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay
    The remaining state of national emergency over the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions will end on Tuesday 14 March, Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. Minister McAnulty gave notice of a national transition period over these regions, which will come into effect immediately following the end of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government delivers on Dawn Raids commitment
    The Government is today delivering on one of its commitments as part of the New Zealand Government’s Dawn Raids apology, welcoming a cohort of emerging Pacific leaders to Aotearoa New Zealand participating in the He Manawa Tītī Scholarship Programme. This cohort will participate in a bespoke leadership training programme that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New plan to increase productivity and high wage jobs across advanced manufacturing sector
    Industry Transformation Plan to transform advanced manufacturing through increased productivity and higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs into a globally-competitive low-emissions sector. Co-created and co-owned by business, unions and workers, government, Māori, Pacific peoples and wider stakeholders. A plan to accelerate the growth and transformation of New Zealand’s advanced manufacturing sector was launched ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Aotearoa New Zealand supports Pacific countries to combat animal disease 
    New Zealand will provide support for Pacific countries to prevent the spread of harmful animal diseases, Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri said. The Associate Minister is attending a meeting of Pacific Ministers during the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in Nadi, Fiji. “Highly contagious diseases such as African ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government delivers better public transport for Christchurch
    The Public Transport Futures project will deliver approximately: 100 more buses providing a greater number of seats to a greater number of locations at a higher frequency Over 470 more bus shelters to support a more enjoyable travel experience Almost 200 real time display units providing accurate information on bus ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister praises education heroes in cyclone damaged regions
    All but six schools and kura have reopened for onsite learning All students in the six closed schools or kura are being educated in other schools, online, or in alternative locations Over 4,300 education hardpacks distributed to support students Almost 38,000 community meals provided by suppliers of the Ka Ora ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-21T05:07:10+00:00