Transition at the Limits of What People Can Cope With

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, September 7th, 2022 - 39 comments
Categories: climate change, Deep stuff, energy, Environment, Europe, International, peak oil, science, uncategorized - Tags:

Many European governments now face a perfect storm of threatened energy security, rising inflation, war-propelled refugee crisis, and climate objectives. New Zealand be warned.

As Europe and the UK prepares to go into another winter, with many low-income and elderly now reducing their heating costs to shivering in one room, we are getting to a point where there is actually a limit to what governments can do simultaneously.

The risk is that governments abandon serious climate policy and opt for further short-term compensation schemes that limit the worst of the effects of energy prices spikes. We’ve seen it in New Zealand, we’ve seen it in Germany, across many countries we’re seeing massive subsidies go into defending the poor from cold and the family from fuel-driven inflation.

But unless there is deep and long state support for heating, cooling, and food as a way for governments to protect households, governments will fall and so too will the shift to a greener economy that has a shot at staying under 1.5C degrees of warming.

OIL AND GAS

Oil prices for Europe have been steadily rising since April 2020 as a consequence of OPEC production cuts. Natural gas prices have followed suit. Last Friday Russia’s GazProm stopped the resumption of gas flows to Europe through its NordStrom 1 line. In July this year the EU called for voluntary cuts of 15% in gas use across the EU.

Europe will be banning imports of all Russian oil that arrives by sea, by the end of this year.

This will likely further hit oil prices and spread to all economic sectors. The petroleum crunch is hitting harder and harder.

The spike in consumer electricity bills has also be caused by French nuclear outages and a heatwave across Europe this summer boosting demand.

In part because the Russia-Ukraine war is likely according to NATO to continue for several years, many gas analysts expect gas prices to be elevated for the next two years or more.

Germany – the dominant economic engine of Europe – has moved to the second stage of a three-tier emergency gas plan, curtailing supply to industry. It will also introduce a gas levy to distribute the high costs of replacing Russian gas from October this year.

In fact Germany has now set in place a set of society-altering rules around energy consumption, starting this month and getting progressively tougher: gone are such things as illuminated advertising, indoor public building heating, enforced cuts to hot water, no heated pools, and further rules kicking in longer term.

STATE ASSISTANCE WITH ENERGY TRANSITION

Olaf Schulz is putting EU65 billion in price supports for consumers to help them through this.

Britain has put a price cap on energy tariffs in 2019, but this has blown out and the UK media are awash with stories of poor old people shivering and reduced to one room.

The idea that gas could be a transition fuel to get Europe through to the era beyond 2035 well, no longer possible.

Then there’s oil.

The European Union has set some of the boldest targets in the world for rapidly decreasing their reliance on petroleum particularly in new cars.

The market share of new vehicle purchases in Europe is nearly 20% and rising. For a few Nordic countries this is great, but the great majority of citizens still drive petroleum cars.

Now, the only thing standing between the 2022-23 winter and thousands of people shivering in poverty and into freezing to death is deeper and deeper massive government subsidy.

The alternative is that more European governments cannot withstand political pressure rising from cold citizens, the resistance to Russian aggression dissolves, and with it goes the best shot at the fast energy transition that the EU needed to keep its 1.5 degree climate target.

As in New Zealand, some European countries like Germany, Ireland and France have cut public transport prices to make less-petroleum-reliant travel more attractive.

VERY, VERY HARD POLICY CHOICES

The future is onrushing towards the EU faster even than its bold longer term policy plans and shorter term transitions.

It is an exceedingly tough balance between governments enabling high petroleum prices to accelerate energy transition across the EU for strong strategic reasons in the years to come, but yet generate policies to mitigate the suffering of people to not die of cold, not be able to travel to work or learn, and not decline as either families or as countries. It is New Zealand writ large, and they are several years ahead of what we will go through.

There is a brutal point in this: decarbonising economies requires high and stable fossil fuel prices.

According to the scenarios from the latest IPCC report, limiting warming to around 1.5C requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak no later than 2025 and to be reduced by 43% by 2030. That is a fast closing window.

It would be vile and cruel to consider any upside to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is forcing harder and harder policy choices on governments, just at the same time as it is uprooting millions and millions of people and killing thousands.

But do we see emerging a positive feedback loop of change between high energy prices, industry and consumers, and state and EU support that will eventually transform European society? Signs are good but the chaos is terrifying and there is much more chaos to come.

To illustrate how much more sensitive we are to similar fuel price rises, the ANZ ‘truckometer’ index showed that it was only in Level 4 lockdown that we stopped driving much,  we try and cut down where we can, but we are other than on the margins fuel inelastic.

It is a brutal policy point to state, but fossil fuel prices need to be kept high in the transition age. Even then, the petroleum addiction is very, very hard to shift. It will drive inflation and poverty upwards together. Even worse than it already is.

It would be foolish to claim that a political appetite exists for sustained freezing in a bedroom to support the Ukrainian war or that such a political equation will last for long. Nor may one claim that there is a capable government who has done this kind of transition before that has kept economies strong, democracy alive and human rights sustained.

But what Europe and the UK is going through is right at the limits of what long term policy goal and execution can manage.

If New Zealand ever wanted to see how hard real energy transition is, observe the EU now and into 2023-4. Winter is coming.

39 comments on “Transition at the Limits of What People Can Cope With ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. AB 1
    7 September 2022 at 9:27 am

    The possibility of a just transition from high-carbon to low-carbon economies is fast disappearing. If citizens react to the chaos by electing conservative, small-state, tax-cutting governments the chance is gone for good – as the ability of the state to do anything much will be killed off.

  2. Poission 2
    7 September 2022 at 11:02 am

    Not including the bailout of energy companies margin calls (1.5 trillion) the cost of energy is expected to rise to 2 trillion in the eurozone,around 15% of GDP.

    Energy affordability in Europe is reaching a “tipping point” that could peak next year, with total spending on bills across the continent growing by 2 trillion euros ($2 trillion), a Goldman Sachs research team, led by Alberto Gandolfi and Mafalda Pombeiro, said in a note published Sunday.

    https://fortune.com/2022/09/06/europe-energy-bills-soar-two-trillion-2023-goldman/

    Reforming the band for the 70's is now real.

    • Patricia Bremner 2.1
      7 September 2022 at 4:51 pm

      Australia is facing fallout and business failure in their electric energy businesses.

      Pakistan is under water through climate change.

      Choice will be a luxury.
      Will rationing become a tool? How will that work?

      • Poission 2.1.1
        7 September 2022 at 5:16 pm

        Australia being a large FF exporter competes with global markets for electricity generation supply.The large export prices give it a large balance of payments surplus (48 billion)

        The high prices now make it financially viable ( 200 m US per shipment) to export to Europe by passing Pakistan,India etc.

        https://twitter.com/SStapczynski/status/1559552373944889346?cxt=HHwWhMDRmeGn0qQrAAAA

        This leaves coal as the primary feedstock for electrons on the sub continent,and heavy use of charcoal etc for domestic cooking and the subsequent black carbon emissions onto the Glaciers of the Himalyas (the largest cause of glacial melt)

        • Sanctuary 2.1.1.1
          8 September 2022 at 8:20 am

          Putin was explicit in his speech yesterday that he now waging a full blown energy war against the west:

          "…Putin said: “Will there be any political decisions that contradict the contracts? Yes, we just won’t fulfil them. We will not supply anything at all if it contradicts our interests,” he said, according to a Reuters translation of his remarks. “We will not supply gas, oil, coal, heating oil – we will not supply anything.”…"

          He thinks he can simply pivot to Asia to avoid the impact of Western Sanctions. Does he really expect the Chinese – or anyone else – to take his word on any deal he signs ever again? Effectively, he seems willing to exchange a partnership with the west to becoming China's energy poodle. China has been careful to not sell Putin weapons or ammunition for his war – although they are happy to trade in exchange for dirt cheap Russian oil. He’s been reduced to doing deals with North Korea and Iran. Some superpower. Some allies.

          No country will allow itself to be blackmailed as crudely as Putin is trying to blackmail them if they have options. And the Europeans have options, because they are rich. They can hose up all the LNG from everywhere regardless of price. They can afford to re-start coal fired power stations, re-open coal mines, spin up retired nuclear power stations, not shut down the Groningen gas field, and have a crash wind and solar program all at once and do it fast.

          Meanwhile, Poland has increased defense spending to 5% and is preparing for war with Russia in 3-5 years.

  3. roy cartland 3
    7 September 2022 at 11:06 am

    gone are such things as illuminated advertising

    cut public transport prices to make less-petroleum-reliant travel more attractive

    Love these. But it's a simple question with a harder answer: do we have short term annoyance to mitigate longer term pain? Or expensive comfort now with longer term agony? The former is easy to argue, but hard to practise.

    • weka 4.1
      7 September 2022 at 1:19 pm

      that'll last until the carbon paper factory has blackouts.

    • Belladonna 4.2
      7 September 2022 at 1:40 pm

      I find it difficult to believe that many civil servants can actually touch type on a manual typewriter. It would only be those 60+ who would ever have done so as a regular part of their working day in the typing pool. The chance of any of them being there 40 years later is pretty minimal.

      • Poission 4.2.1
        7 September 2022 at 2:01 pm

        I would suspect,that there would be substantive pockets there as investment was never a priority due to funding cuts.

        Look at the US IRS,not surprised they have a budget deficit.

        https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2022/irs-pipeline-tax-return-delays/

      • roblogic 4.2.2
        8 September 2022 at 10:10 am

        Learned to touch type in 1986 at a night class, I'm barely a day over 50. Pretty useful for my work day on computers.

        • Belladonna 4.2.2.1
          8 September 2022 at 11:51 am

          Yes. The keyboard layout is the same.

          However, the physical action required to strike the keys with sufficient force to generate the strike through the typewriter ribbon onto the paper – is very different. And, therefore so is the timing – there will be an awful lot of keylock going on.

          And, a lot of RSI (or whatever the current acronym is) – as people struggle to build up the required muscle skills. This was a major issue when people transitioned the other way.

          I, too, use touch typing daily (indeed I'm using it to compose this message) – but my accuracy and speed, let alone my duration (how long I could type without fatigue) – would be significantly less, if I were using my manual portable typewriter (tucked away under the desk in my home office – because I can't bear to throw it out)

          The assumption that people can seamlessly switch to using manual typewriter – just because they can use a keyboard – is badly flawed. Let alone the fact that there are no new typewriters being manufactured (anywhere in the world, AFAIK)

          • roblogic 4.2.2.1.1
            8 September 2022 at 3:07 pm

            Some of the more paranoid (or clear eyed?) members of our society recommend the old typewriters (and all sorts of other countermeasures) for dissidents to minimise surveillance, when writing their anti-establishment articles.

            • Belladonna 4.2.2.1.1.1
              8 September 2022 at 5:03 pm

              However, I bet they photocopy or otherwise duplicate said articles, rather than typing each copy by hand….

              But, lovely vision of masked (eyes rather than Covid) conspirators hunt-and-peck typing by candlelight in a basement, and communicating by sign-language to avoid surveillance.

  5. Drowsy M. Kram 5
    7 September 2022 at 12:51 pm

    But unless there is deep and long state support for heating, cooling, and food as a way for governments to protect households, governments will fall and so too will the shift to a greener economy that has a shot at staying under 1.5C degrees of warming.

    Thanks for a thought-provoking post.

    9 May [2022]: a World Meteorological Organization update stated that there is a 50:50 chance of the annual average global temperature temporarily reaching 1.5 °C above pre-industrial level for at least 1 of the ensuing 5 years; in 2015 that probability was estimated as "close to zero".
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_in_climate_change

    We need hope to cope, but if anthropogeneic GHG emissions dropped permanently to zero today, spaceship Earth would continue to warm past 1.5 deg C. This iteration of civilisation, a beautiful 'goose' that has laid so many 'eggs' (not all golden), is cooked.

    The climate crisis is escalating fast [4 Sept 2022]
    According to the IPCC’s mitigation document, which was launched in early April, the world is currently on track for a temperature rise of more than three degrees by the end of the century. The mitigation report states the 1.5 degree limit will almost certainly be breached, but expresses the hope that this may only happen temporarily. It assumes that carbon capture and storage will be necessary to reduce the concentration of carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere. Indeed, the IPPC now points out that this largely untested and potentially risky technology is necessary.
    …
    Germany’s centre-left newspaper Tageszeitung, however, warns that, once the 1.5 limit is breached, it may be impossible to return below it. The risk is that we will reach tipping points which accelerate global heating. For example, thawing permafrost could release methane, a powerful greenhouse-gas, into the atmosphere.

    Some climate change impacts – melting ice sheets, disappearing rainforests – will happen no matter what we do [2 Sept 2022]
    Committed impacts don’t mean it’s time to give up, but they highlight the urgency to cut emissions.

    Even if the world suddenly stopped emitting greenhouse gases today, the seas would still rise tomorrow — and for centuries to come.
    …
    The idea of committed impacts is widespread in climate change. From ice sheets to rainforests, even the most optimistic of warming timelines will still involve serious harm, baked-in effects that lag behind the greenhouse gases emitted and the actual degrees of warming so far observed.
    …
    Baked-in, everywhere

    G7 corporates missing Paris Climate Agreement 1.5 deg C goal [6 Sept 2022]
    Across the G7, which consists of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, corporate emissions targets are overall on a 2.7 deg C warming trajectory, CDP and Oliver Wyman analysis showed.

    The belief that we are in control of our own destiny is appealing – I myself have drifted towards 'moderate fatalism'.

    What Is Fatalism?
    Moderate fatalism is the belief that humans have a significant amount of control over their own destiny, but that there are still some things that are predetermined. This means that people may believe that they can influence their own fate to a large extent, but that there are still some events that are out of their control.

  6. Tricledrown 6
    7 September 2022 at 2:25 pm

    Wars and pandemics haven't changed human behavour what we need is less of everything but soon as the lockdowns have finished everyone has gone back to the same old consumer lead economy.Air travel ,cars selfish consumerism.No Hope until much bigger catastrophe's then it may be to late unless you are a billionaire prepper.

  7. DB Brown 7
    7 September 2022 at 6:12 pm

    Good post.

    While the list of things we'll need to manage/attenuate continues to grow, the pool of resources to do so shrinks.

    Clearly we need to use extant energy sources to build sustainable energy sources at the same time as we slow down. Solar, wind, hydro etc. That's where the spend should be. Why Kainga Ora's and other departments are not rolling out solar is one of the government universe's many dim mysteries. Fuck shovel ready, get silicon ready. Some BS about having hydro, like that's got us covered.

    Subsidising a pensioners bills – or giving the pensioner some solar panels or portion of some equivalent? UK's in very deep shit because of privatisation of amenities, it's not all the wars fault, it's bloody Tories also making a huge mess. I can't see much in the near future of UK that says they won't be rioting.

    Sell assets, run out of cash. Go figure. Build assets, power assets, then we got power to do more.

    I don't think slowing down is nearly so hard as corporate pillocks make out it is. People are just herd instinct doing what most everyone else is while corporations and governments continue to push us to consume, continue to fret over growth (that pays interest to bankers) continue to sell us the lie that the winning formula is to make money and buy shit, continue to fumble the ball. People will take direction, but look at the direction they're getting.

    We've allowed corporations psychologists into every facet of our lives. We've largely forgot how to cook, build, mend, create, share, trade… but the thing is, as you start those activities, soon they are rewarding in and of themselves. The ability to create and care for ourselves has been bastardised into a nonsensical race to get fat stacks.

    The rat race is both tedious and tired in today's climate. Chill out and help chill the planet.

    • Ad 7.1
      7 September 2022 at 9:28 pm

      It's hard not to get into prepper mode. Rather than build mode.

      I'd confess to being not without options, but I now think more of pulling up the drawbridge. It's such an inhumane, unChristian and unsocialist way for me to think but there's such growing anxiety in so many that it's very hard to resist.

      Sometimes the most useful thing to do is just write it out and share it.

      • DB Brown 7.1.1
        8 September 2022 at 7:52 am

        While pulling up the drawbridge is simply ceding defeat, it's certainly attractive. I absolutely resonate with what you're saying (tis a cold day in hell today) wink

        Some positive things we can do to make life more secure is garden, plant productive trees, learn to cook, add solar, batteries, what you can afford if you can afford it. Investing in self should no longer be some 'how to be a winner' self help workshop, but actual on the ground security of food, power, shelter… anything to make your life, and your neighbourhood, more self sufficient.

        I mentioned to my neighbours I'm going to a tree sale and would they like to grow something. They looked at me like I'm strange, like their jobs in entertainment are all the security they need. When food prices double again they'll come knocking.

        I see a lot of gardens abandoned after a season or two. By gardens I mean boxes of manufactured soil bought for exorbitant prices and producing a few salads. Our garden centres are incapable of helping us grow food as they don't know how to either. Not without salts, cides, emptying your pockets for further destruction…

        That's the key skill set that'll minimise marauding mobs. Sustainable food growing. Applied everywhere they'll take the edge off. Hard to be so angry when well fed (exceptions abound, but as a general rule).

        • PsyclingLeft.Always 7.1.1.1
          8 September 2022 at 8:26 am

          There you go…talking sense again. Oh also, there was no reply button to your Worms..(Vurms?/vermicast : ) reply to me yesterday.

          So…

          Your Project sounds amazing. How long have you been at it? I dont have much land..(just the normal 1/4 acre Paradise) but I have been doing what I can. Took out front lawn…planted all natives..Hebes, Flax, Kowhai, and Hoheria. Have now a Tui..and a Bellbird visit ! The Hoheria is an awesome tree. Hardy..quick growing and an amazing bee (and other insect) attractor. literally hundreds of small flowers,and hundreds of bees.(including native Bees) And looks fantastic too.

          I hear you re dry. I have been involved with Tree planting for years. In dry areas I make a lower area around it so any water…will pool there. I also use large cardboard ( Bike Boxes etc : ) as mulch. Rocks on top of course. I find that even when dry as, the worms still survive under there.

          Also coffee grounds seem to get them going !

          Anyway..very Interesting reading. Good on you.

          • DB Brown 7.1.1.1.1
            8 September 2022 at 10:37 am

            How long have I been at it? Short answer > 40 years.

            Wagged school as it had no challenge and spent the time in the Library studying fungi. Then locked in boys home for truancy and learned to grow vegetables. Let out and expelled for further truancy, and by that time studying plants too. Went from there to market gardening, via a brief stint landscaping and beekeeping.

            Been able to garden for forty years. Been into permaculture maybe 15 years. Taught by old school gardeners and experts in my first jobs – so I've never used salts and cides (except when in government led 'initiatives').

            Much as climate change can snowball in bad directions restorative efforts can snowball in a good direction, but it's getting harder, and we need attention to detail so we're not out there planting matchwood.

            Minor earthworks are hugely significant structures.

            https://awallofhope.com/2020/01/23/justdiggit-using-land-regeneration-to-re-green-our-planet-and-reverse-climate-change/

            On those coffee grounds – Trichoderma love them. Very beneficial fungi for trees.

            • PsyclingLeft.Always 7.1.1.1.1.1
              8 September 2022 at 7:04 pm

              Well that is very Cool ! Good for you deciding take that Path…..

              And having the right Teachers (not the school ones : )

              I decided to try my best to make our Planet Greener years back when my Sons were little. About then I was doing scrub cutter/track clearer work…and a neighbouring guy said he was gonna drill and poison a beautiful big tree that was in HIS view. "Youre not a man of the trees are ya" he laughed. Well…I thought about it for a couple minutes..and said "yes I fukn am, and if that tree dies I'll say who did it" Well he shut right up….

              Anyway…that link is so amazing. I found this one…

              Admittedly, these are small features, but if you squint, you will see rows in the fields: these are rows of rectangular pits, about 1 meter deep, where water collects during rains, and slowly infiltrates into the water table. Photo: Alessandra Giannini

              https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2019/09/18/great-green-wall-sahara-desertification/

              Sahara

              It was as if, every time humans and their goats and cattle hopscotched across the grasslands, they had turned everything to scrub and desert in their wake.

              https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-really-turned-sahara-desert-green-oasis-wasteland-180962668/

              Well all makes sense I suppose . We have to fix our screwup.

  8. Tom Hunter 8
    7 September 2022 at 9:13 pm

    Well ADVANTAGE, you seem to be the one blogger here who might allow this through so I’ll give it a crack, especially since this guy, Professor Simon Michaux, doesn’t take issue with global warming, but in an online conference looks at the extra capacity for minerals needed to completely convert from FF to wind and solar power. (1 hour 12 minutes).

    Here’s just one screenshot

    https://i.imgflip.com/6sifpc.jpg

    Note, for example, that known lithium reserves amount to less than 3% of what would be needed to replace fossil fuels with wind, solar and batteries, for the first 20 years. Known cobalt reserves amount to less than 4% of what would be needed for the first generation, and so on. Keep in mind, too, that mining projects typically take something like 20 years to come on line.

    There's another that shows the principal metals needed for a wind and solar energy system, and compares those requirements with actual production of those commodities as of 2019, the last “normal” pre-covid year – 189 years worth of copper production, 400 years of nickel production, 9,921 years of lithium production, 1,733 years of cobalt production, 29,113 years of germanium production, and so on, – and that's only for the first 20 years of wind and solar installations. You better hope that the recycling is superb.

    The bottom line is that it's just not going to happen via that pathway. It has to be nuclear.

    • Ad 8.1
      7 September 2022 at 9:24 pm

      Yeah I am going to do another one on electricity and control of the national grid.

      Countries with fairly stable geology should be thinking nuclear – it's just that the large plants take too damn long to build and build stable waste facilities. I'm not sure many countries have that kind of time left.

      Even our new proposed RMA framework would kill nuclear energy plans.

      Good on you for commenting with actual facts and a brain.

      • Poission 8.1.1
        7 September 2022 at 10:11 pm

        The national grid is the key (in nz ) to becoming less dependent on FF whilst retaining low cost electricity.

        Here the government should be investing (as a debt free stakeholder) without the need for high rates of return ( renewal and accelerated depreciation only)When the transmission lines get replaced they should be replaced with better conductive systems ( core linings) which reduce transmission loss.( present around 1369 gwh)

        Australia's grid renewal 22 b+ is to allow better go round power and connect stranded renewables.Here with better go round capability,we need to understand what we want.Replacing of manufacturing with data centres etc that are energy intensive mean significant labour losses for the benefit of overseas business etc.

        • pat 8.1.1.1
          7 September 2022 at 10:41 pm

          And the tech companies are apparently knocking on our Governments door seeking access to our electricity…..we may find ourselves in a similar position to the Australians with gas….our Goverments performance to date certainly dosnt inspire confidence that wise decisions will be made.

      • pat 8.1.2
        7 September 2022 at 10:37 pm

        May pay to read (or listen ) to what Michaux has to say before promoting nuclear.

        • Tom Hunter 8.1.2.1
          8 September 2022 at 10:38 am

          Well about a decade ago I ran some calculations for a comment on Kiwiblog <a href="https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2014/12/a_nuclear_power_debate_in_australia.html">A nuclear power debate in Australia</a>:

          <i>So to replace coal with nuclear on a global basis would require humanity to build about 3500 “average” US nuclear plants. Even if we double the size of each plant – which is entirely doable – that would still leave us needing to build 1750 nuclear plants. If a “crash” program was enabled that would mean 14.5 plants per month – for ten years. And that would only be to replace coal-fired electricity as of 2010, not gas-fired plants, and not including another ten years of economic growth.

          I’m a big fan of nuclear power, but not so optimistic that I see such a global nuclear program happening. Still, it’s all about incremental growth rates and the power of compound growth so maybe it can happen – by 2050?</i>

          No sign of a global "crash program" in the years since I wrote that.

        • Tom Hunter 8.1.2.2
          8 September 2022 at 11:11 am

          Ick. Just shows me to check my numbers. Can't find my original number for coal generation in 2010 but the one I used was wrong.

          However, the good/bad news is that it only changes the monthly reactor build rate to just under seven per month globally for a decade to replace coal, although that is now using only the average US reactor size – and it's not happening anyway.

          BTW, in that original KB post I saw I referenced an interesting study done by Google, based on internal project to get the company switching to renewable power only and published in, of all places, IEEE Spectrum, and it’s still linkable: What would it really take to reverse climate change

          The two guys who led it were true believers in renewable power and… they weren't very happy about what they discovered. It was so bad in fact that Google shut the project down.

      • DB Brown 8.1.3
        8 September 2022 at 7:56 am

        Love to hear more about the salt bed reactors, progress, etc.

  9. Mike the Lefty 9
    8 September 2022 at 6:39 am

    Europe is nicely set up for the rise of right or centre-right populists who can win elections on promises to protect the people from economic purgatory but will only abandon moves towards greener economies and enrich their own political circles.

  10. roblogic 10
    8 September 2022 at 10:18 am

    Our civilisation is dependent upon cheap abundant energy for pretty much everything.

    Governments will fall, but that won't solve the intractable problem, and we will be forced to transition to a lower energy future sooner or later.

    Even the Americans. with their habit of coincidentally invading or otherwise subverting oil producing countries, are not able to change the laws of physics.

  11. RP Mcmurphy 11
    8 September 2022 at 3:43 pm

    it will be a time of learning to do without things.

  12. Hanswurst 12
    9 September 2022 at 6:34 am

    Olaf Schulz is putting EU65 billion in price supports for consumers to help them through this.

    Olaf Scholz.

  13. Hunter Thompson II 13
    18 September 2022 at 9:45 am

    The future may be rushing towards the EU, but in the western USA (California especially) it has arrived.

    Just check the water level in Lake Mead and the current state of drought leading to out-of-control forest fires.

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    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    8 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    10 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    11 hours ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    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
    13 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
    20 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    22 hours 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
    23 hours 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
    24 hours 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
    24 hours 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
    24 hours 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
    24 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    5 days ago

  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days 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
    2 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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 ...
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    4 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
    7 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 ...
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    18 hours 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 ...
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    24 hours 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 ...
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    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 - ...
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    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 ...
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    1 day 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 ...
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    1 day 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 ...
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    1 day ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
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    2 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
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    3 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
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    3 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
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    4 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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    4 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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    4 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
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    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
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    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    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 Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
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    4 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
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    7 days ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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