Walking the talk – protests Sat 29 March
Written By:
- Date published:
2:07 pm, March 28th, 2014 - 63 comments
Categories: activism, assets, child welfare, education, poverty, Privatisation, schools, sustainability, trade, workers' rights -
Tags:
Local Bodies well-researched post showed how much our public education system has been undermined by the current government:
In 2008 New Zealand was internationally ranked in the top seven for educational achievement, and when you compared us with other countries that were also culturally diverse and were experiencing growing inequality we were extremely successful.
[…]
We were just on the cusp of something great when an election occurred…
A National led Government was elected and New Zealand’s public education system came under heavy attack:
[…]
After five years under National, New Zealand’s international ranking plummets to as low as 23rd.
As Local Bodies indicated there is a strong connection between education and the social system; between a good public education system for all being part of a waider policy to decrease the inequality gap.
Tomorrow Today the NZEI (New Zealand Education Institute) has demonstrations planned in Auckland and Wellington focusing on the importance for children of their families receiving a living wage.
The one in Wellington is at the same time as the TPP protests around the country.
Wellington
1pm at Parliament
It’s time to tackle inequality! A community event with a Pasifika band, children’s choir and kapa haka.
Every child deserves a chance in life, but more than one in four Kiwi kids live in poverty. That inequality is the biggest hurdle to education success.
The Government is putting millions into highly paid “new roles” for some principals and teachers, but ignoring child poverty. It has rejected a living wage for low paid teacher aides and support staff who directly support students with the greatest needs.
If you want a living wage for learning for kids and education workers, come and join us to show your support!
The Auckland Living Wage demonstration ends at Aotea Square at the same time as the TPP protest is beginning there.
I don’t understand why the iwi leaders object to this protest on the same day as Hekia Parata is playing a significant role on behalf of NZ at an international conference on education in Wellington. Perhaps there’s something I’ve missed?
Support the anti-TPP Day of Action
The Anti-TPP rallies and marches are mostly being at 1pm around the country – check the start time for your local protest as one or two are earlier than 1pm. Details listed here:
After four years, the corporate deal of the century – aka the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement – is still being negotiated in secret.
The TPPA puts our sovereignty at risk, violates our democratic right to decide our own future, and wastes taxpayers’ money that should be spent on social, not corporate, welfare.
It needs to stop. Now.
The National Day of Action Against the TPPA on 29 March will mark the fourth anniversary and send the government a message – Stop the TPPA!
Join the rallies, marches and events in your area: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Geraldine, Hamilton, Hokianga, Invercargill, Kaitaia, Nelson, Palmerston North, Taranaki, Tauranga, Thames, Whanganui, Wellington, Whangarei
If there’s nothing happening, start something yourself. If you do organise something people get in touch with us. through [email protected] or [email protected] in case we know of something else being planned and can put you in touch with others.
If you need some materials, check here where we have a bunch and can create others as required.
Need some reasons why you should come out this Saturday for the nationwide day of action? Check out some of our sponsors’ reasons.
Yes, social welfare and security, not corporate welfare. The TPP will make it even harder to decrease the inequality gap and work towards a more sustainable and livable society for all Kiwis.
[Update] Report on the protests:
NZEI demonstration. Auckland.
It was a pretty good sized crowd.
NZEI demo ready to go
And it made a lot of vigorous noise walking up Queen Street – non-stop chanting. Often there was a different chant coming from the front of the march (led by a guy on a megaphone) from the chant coming from the back of the march (to the sound of a tambourine). The combined sound was really impressive – sharp, assertive and somehow made the march seem united. It definitely got the attention of bystanders.
I learned that a lot of school support workers, who have been doing their essential jobs for many years, are still not getting a living wage.
end of NZEI marcharrives at Aotea Square
Green and Labour MPs attended (including Metiria Turei and David Cunliffe), along with people from Mana, like John Minto.
TPPA rally and march – Auckland
Attendance was pretty substantial. Stuff says nearly 2000. Video at the link. NZ Herald says several thousand.
Cunliffe speaks at TPP Rally before the march
Later, Kelsey was critical of Labour’s timid response to the TPPA – kind of a step forward, in wanting to see the text of the TPPA before the NZ government signs it, … but not a very strong line.
NZ Herald reports:
Labour leader David Cunliffe received a few heckles but generally polite applause when he outlined his party’s stance on the TPPA to the crowd.
“We are demanding the Government release the text and the details,” he said. “This deal needs to be in the public domain so that New Zealanders can be informed and we can have a proper public debate … I can’t say today what our final position is going to be because we are going to wait until we see the details.”
TPPA march ready to go
The march ended at the US Embassy. There was quite a large crowd there, listening to some speeches.
NZ Herald reports:
Former Green Party leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, whose speech on the ills of the TPPA received the loudest cheers of the day, said the agreement was “an extremely dangerous initiative”.
“At the heart it is a huge lie which pretends this is about trade. It’s not about trade, it’s about allowing foreign corporations to over-ride the decisions of democratically elected governments.
“The fact that it has a specific clause in it to allow investor corporations to sue our government if it takes any actions which reduces their profits … that is the most anti-democratic thing that has ever happened in my lifetime.”
Jeanette Fitzsimons speaking outside US embassy
Jane Kelsey told it like it is, while revving up the crowd outside the US Embassy, with lots of loud chants of “Shame,Shame, Shame!”
Kelsey revving up the crowd outside US embassy
Standardista, greywarbler, reports on the Nelson anti-TPPA demonstration, in the comments under this post. He begins:
Went well in Nelson. We had a Canadian speaker a woman called Fosse I think. She was excellent and one point I had to get my head around is that corporates can sue for expected profits not received, if our gummint did anything that might get in the way of that.
Macro reports on the protests at Thames and Hamilton, beginning with:
11am Gathering of 30+ people here in Thames outside local MP Scott Simpsons office, to hear Catherine Delahunty speak on the reasons why this behind closed doors deal is so pernicious.
11.30 am Off to Hamilton to attend the rally at the Garden Centre there. Crowd slowly gathered to max out at around 200+ to hear music and speakers in the sun. Speakers from Mana, Greens (Catherine D), NZ First, Maori Party, Labour, Social Democrats?
More at the link.
63 comments on “Walking the talk – protests Sat 29 March ”
- Comments are now closed
- Comments are now closed
Recent Comments
- All of Us, All of Us.
Mutual Support: Democracy in New Zealand will not be saved by pitting Pakeha against Māori, but by joining together with every other citizen who still understands the meaning of working together to build something good that will last. Call that co-governance if you like, or call it something else – ...7 hours ago - Tracking the KPIs of eight-year-olds
Imagine being a great big business success enjoying your lavish Waiheke island property with infinity pool and ballroom and riparian rights and heli-pad. Sweeeet. But imagine, also, having to take orders from some little bureaucratic oik about how often you can land a chopper on it.I can’t, really, but it ...10 hours ago - Life Church Confirms its Leader Was Paid $10,000 For Investigating Sexual Misconduct at Hillsong Chu...
Hi,New Zealand’s Life megachurch has confirmed to Webworm it was paid $10,000 by Hillsong for investigating Brian Houston’s sexual misconduct allegations.Following Webworm publishing this piece about the $10,000 payment, Life’s Corporate Communications Manager Phil Irons has confirmed what it was for:Paul [de Jong] was engaged by Hillsong to assist in ...10 hours ago - 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #12
A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Mar 19, 2023 thru Sat, Mar 25, 2023. Story of the Week Q&A: IPCC wraps up its most in-depth assessment of climate change The final part of the world’s most comprehensive assessment of ...10 hours ago - What I wanted to say before the mob stopped women speaking
by Daphna Whitmore I thought the #LetWomenSpeak meeting would be a good time to talk about free speech and why it is important for the left. Then the mob stampeded the open-air gathering and no one got to speak. Here’s what I was had prepared. Today I want to talk ...21 hours ago - Women’s rights meeting silenced
By Don Franks Today my friend Ani O’Briien went to a meeting in Auckland and wrote: “No sooner had Kellie-Jay Keen Minshull arrived at the Rotunda, a protestor (who had managed to get past the barrier) ran at her and threw a red substance all over her and a security ...22 hours ago - A serving of soup curbs Posie Parker’s appetite for speaking – and shows that might is right in ...
Jonathan Milne, managing editor for Newsroom Pro, has expressed his indignation about the outcome of a court decision yesterday in an article headed Posie Parker wins the beautiful freedom to make an ugly argument. Newsroom Pro laments: High Court Justice David Gendall has regretfully allowed an outspoken anti-trans activist to enter New ...1 day ago - It’s official: National have an education policy
imagine my surprise this week when the National Party, in their infinite wisdom, decided to release an education policy. As you can imagine, this got us so riled up here in the office that we dusted off our Windows XP laptop, waiting 17 hours for all the updates to be ...1 day ago - Prosperity through Productivity.
Come on Jess thought Mr Evans come on. He watched the large clock on the wall tick closer to 8:40am. Come on girl.In two minutes he had to submit the class attendance report and with Jess having already been late once that term it’d mean an automatic visit from the ...1 day ago - The hoon for the week that was to March 251 day ago
- The big question for Labour: Will Hipkins have any more success than Ardern did with the top priorit...
Chris Hipkins, after he became prime minister, committed to defeating the cost-of- living crisis. He proceeded to make a bonfire of policies that were at the heart of Jacinda Ardern’s administration. But, as Richard Prebble pointed out this week, “the government has not just U-turned, it has repudiated the ...2 days ago - Reality check.
There are some wellness, crystal-gazing, holistic spiritual guidance types in my disaster-hit coastal community who insist that the power of positive thinking will overcome the physical and material damages incurred by the community. They object to restrictions on road travel … Continue reading ...2 days ago - High Performance Instability in the Financial Sector
Evaluating the recent crashes of Silicon Valley Bank in the US and Credit Suisse in Switzerland plus two other banks (perhaps more by the time you read this) needs to begin with a review of the inevitable instability in the financial sector. The financial sector is inherently unstable, like military ...2 days ago - The week in review
1. We see here new police minister Ginny Andersen. Which larger than life NZ political figure was her great-uncle?a. Rob Muldoonb. Bill Andersenc. Richard John Seddond. Norman Kirk2. We see here archival footage of Ginny Andersen coming out of her electorate office to ask ex-tobacco lobbyist Chris Bishop if he ...2 days ago - Nash splashes out with a $900,000 investment in the blue economy (or is it more corporate welfare?)Buzz from the Beehive Stuart Nash, speaking as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, one of his remaining portfolios after he was dropped down the Hipkins Government batting order, has drawn attention to the blue economy and its potential. Nash says the government is investing in the blue economy, or – ...2 days ago
- Ask Me Anything about the week to March 24
Photo by Josh Mills on UnsplashIt’s that time of the week for an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session for paying subscribers about the week that was for the next hour, including:The runs on Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank on the west coast of the United States that forced the ...2 days ago - Weekly Roundup 24-March-2023
Roundup is back! We skipped last week’s Friday post due to a shortage of person-power – did you notice? Lots going on out there… Our header image this week shows a green street that just happens to be Queen St, by @chamfy from Twitter. This week (and last) in ...2 days ago - Gordon Campbell on the Keen-Minshull visit
After threatening Prime Minister Chris Hipkins of consequences if he dared to bar her entry, Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull has been given her visa, regardless. This will enable her to hold rallies in Auckland and Wellington this weekend, and spread her messages of hostility against an already marginalised trans community. Neo-Nazis may, ...2 days ago - BRYCE EDWARDS’ Political Roundup: NZ needs to distance itself from Australia’s anti-China nucl...
* Bryce Edwards writes – The New Zealand Government has been silent about Australia’s decision to commit up to $400bn acquiring nuclear submarines, even though this is a significant threat to peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. The deal was struck by the Albanese Labor Government as ...2 days ago - Wayne Brown's #Auxit momentBoomers voted him in, but Brown’s Trumpish moments might spook Aucklanders worried about what a change to National nationally might mean. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has become our version of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, except without any of the insatiable appetite for media appearances. He ...2 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: NZ needs to distance itself from Australia’s anti-China nuclear submarines
The New Zealand Government has been silent about Australia’s decision to commit up to $400bn acquiring nuclear submarines, even though this is a significant threat to peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. The deal was struck by the Albanese Labor Government as part of its Aukus pact with the ...2 days ago - Posie Parker vs Transgender Rights.
Recently you might have heard of a person called Posie Parker and her visit to Aotearoa. Perhaps you’re not quite sure what it’s all about. So let’s start with who this person is, why their visit is controversial, and what on earth a TERF is.Posie Parker is the super villain ...2 days ago - Select Committee told slow down; you’re moving too fastThe chair of Parliament’s Select Committee looking at the Government’s resource management legislation wants the bills sent back for more public consultation. The proposal would effectively kill any chance of the bills making it into law before the election. Green MP, Eugenie Sage, stressing that she was speaking as ...2 days ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #12 2023Open access notables The United States experienced some historical low temperature records during the just-concluded winter. It's a reminder that climate and weather are quite noisy; with regard to our warming climate,, as with a road ascending a mountain range we may steadily change our conditions but with lots of ...3 days ago
- What becomes of the broken hearted? Nanny State will step in to comfort themBuzz from the Beehive The Nanny State has scored some wins (or claimed them) in the past day or two but it faltered when it came to protecting Kiwi citizens from being savaged by one woman armed with a sharp tongue. The wins are recorded by triumphant ministers on the ...3 days ago
- Acceptance, decency, road food.
Sometimes you see your friends making the case so well on social media you think: just copy and share.On acceptance and decency, from Michèle A’CourtA notable thing about anti-trans people is they way they talk about transgender women and men as though they are strangers “over there” when in fact ...3 days ago - Climate Change: More Labour sabotage
Not that long ago, things were looking pretty good for climate change policy in Aotearoa. We finally had an ETS, and while it was full of pork and subsidies, it was delivering high and ever-rising carbon prices, sending a clear message to polluters to clean up or shut down. And ...3 days ago - Is bundling restricting electricity competition?Comparing (and switching) electricity providers has become easier, but bundling power up with broadband and/or gas makes it more challenging. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The Kākā TL;DR: The new Consumer Advocacy Council set up as a result of the Labour Government’s Electricity Price Review in 2019 has called on either ...3 days ago
- Westland Milk puts heat on competitors as global dairy demand remains softer for longerHokitika-based Westland Milk Products has put the heat on dairy giant Fonterra with a $120m profit turnaround in 2022, driven by record sales. Westland paid its suppliers a 10c premium above the forecast Fonterra price per kilo, contributing $535m to the West Coast and Canterbury economies. The dairy ...3 days ago
- BRYCE EDWARDS’ Political Roundup: The Beehive’s revolving door and corporate mateship* Bryce Edwards writes – New Zealanders are uncomfortable with the high level of influence corporate lobbyists have in New Zealand politics, and demands are growing for greater regulation. A recent poll shows 62 per cent of the public support having a two-year cooling off period between ministers leaving public ...3 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: The Beehive’s revolving door and corporate mateshipNew Zealanders are uncomfortable with the high level of influence corporate lobbyists have in New Zealand politics, and demands are growing for greater regulation. A recent poll shows 62 per cent of the public support having a two-year cooling off period between ministers leaving public office and becoming lobbyists and ...3 days ago
- A miracle pill for our transport illsThis is a guest post by accessibility and sustainable transport advocate Tim Adriaansen It originally appeared here. A friend calls you and asks for your help. They tell you that while out and about nearby, they slipped over and landed arms-first. Now their wrist is swollen, hurting like ...3 days ago
- The Surprising Power of Floating Wind TurbinesFloating offshore wind turbines offer incredible opportunities to capture powerful winds far out at sea. By unlocking this wind energy potential, they could be a key weapon in our arsenal in the fight against climate change. But how developed are these climate fighting clean energy giants? And why do I ...3 days ago
- The next Maori challengeOver the past two or three weeks, a procession of Maori iwi and hapu in a series of little-noticed appearances before two Select Committees have been asking for more say for Maori over resource management decisions along the co-governance lines of Three Waters. Their submissions and appearances run counter ...3 days ago
- Secret “war-crime” warrants by International Criminal Court is mischief-making
The decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue war crimes arrest warrants for the Russian President and the Russia Children Ombudsman may have been welcomed by the ideologically committed but otherwise seems to have been greeted with widespread cynicism (see Situation in Ukraine: ICC judges issue arrest warrants ...4 days ago - How to answer Drunk Uncle Kevin's Climate Crisis reckons
4 days ago - National’s Luxon may be glum about his poll ratings but has he found a winner in promising to rai...National Party leader Christopher Luxon may be feeling glum about his poll ratings, but he could be tapping into a rich political vein in describing the current state of education as “alarming”. Luxon said educational achievement has been declining, with a recent NCEA pilot exposing just how far it has ...4 days ago
- Climate Change: More Labour foot-draggingYesterday the IPCC released the final part of its Sixth Assessment Report, warning us that we have very little time left in which to act to prevent catastrophic climate change, but pointing out that it is a problem that we can solve, with existing technology, and that anything we do ...4 days ago
- Te Pāti Māori Are Revolutionaries – Not Reformists.Way Beyond Reform: Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer have no more interest in remaining permanent members of “New Zealand’s” House of Representatives than did Lenin and Trotsky in remaining permanent members of Tsar Nicolas II’s “democratically-elected” Duma. Like the Bolsheviks, Te Pāti Māori is a party of revolutionaries – not reformists.THE CROWN ...4 days ago
- When does history become “ancient”, on Tinetti’s watch as Minister of Education – and what o...Buzz from the Beehive Auckland was wiped off the map, when Education Minister Jan Tinetti delivered her speech of welcome as host of the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers “here in Tāmaki Makaurau”. But – fair to say – a reference was made later in the speech to a ...4 days ago
- Climate Catastrophe, but first rugby.
Morning mate, how you going?Well, I was watching the news last night and they announced this scientific report on Climate Change. But before they got to it they had a story about the new All Blacks coach.Sounds like important news. It’s a bit of a worry really.Yeah, they were talking ...4 days ago - What the US and European bank rescues mean for usAlways a bailout: US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the Government would fully guarantee all savers in all smaller US banks if needed. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: No wonder an entire generation of investors are used to ‘buying the dip’ and ‘holding on for dear life’. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ...4 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: Who will drain Wellington’s lobbying swamp?Wealthy vested interests have an oversized influence on political decisions in New Zealand. Partly that’s due to their use of corporate lobbyists. Fortunately, the influence lobbyists can have on decisions made by politicians is currently under scrutiny in Guyon Espiner’s in-depth series published by RNZ. Two of Espiner’s research exposés ...4 days ago
- It’s Raining CongestionYesterday afternoon it rained and traffic around the region ground to a halt, once again highlighting why it is so important that our city gets on with improving the alternatives to driving. For additional irony, this happened on the same day the IPCC synthesis report landed, putting the focus on ...4 days ago
- Checking The Left: The Dreadful Logic Of Fascism.The Beginning: Anti-Co-Governance agitator, Julian Batchelor, addresses the Dargaville stop of his travelling roadshow across New Zealand . Fascism almost always starts small. Sadly, it doesn’t always stay that way. Especially when the Left helps it to grow.THERE IS A DREADFUL LOGIC to the growth of fascism. To begin with, it ...4 days ago
- Good Friends and Terrible Food
Hi,From an incredibly rainy day in Los Angeles, I just wanted to check in. I guess this is the day Trump may or may not end up in cuffs? I’m attempting a somewhat slower, less frenzied week. I’ve had Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s new record on non-stop, and it’s been a ...4 days ago - At a glance – What evidence is there for the hockey stick?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 ...5 days ago
- Carry right on up there, Corporal Espiner
RNZ has been shining their torch into corners where lobbyists lurk and asking such questions as: Do we like the look of this?and Is this as democratic as it could be?These are most certainly questions worth asking, and every bit as valid as, say:Are we shortchanged democratically by the way ...5 days ago - This smellsRNZ has continued its look at the role of lobbyists by taking a closer look at the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Andrew Kirton. He used to work for liquor companies, opposing (among other things) a container refund scheme which would have required them to take responsibility for their own ...5 days ago
- Major issues on the table in Mahuta’s talks in Beijing with China’s new Foreign MinisterForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has left for Beijing for the first ministerial visit to China since 2019. Mahuta is to meet China’s new foreign minister Qin Gang where she might have to call on all the diplomatic skills at her command. Almost certainly she will face questions on what role ...5 days ago
- Inside TOP's Teal Card and political strategy5 days ago
- Make Your Empties Go Another Round.
When I was a kid New Zealand was actually pretty green. We didn’t really have plastic. The fruit and veges came in a cardboard box, the meat was wrapped in paper, milk came in a glass bottle, and even rubbish sacks were made of paper. Today if you sit down ...5 days ago - Gordon Campbell on how similar Vladimir Putin is to George W. BushLooking back through the names of our Police Ministers down the years, the job has either been done by once or future party Bigfoots – Syd Holland, Richard Prebble, Juduth Collins, Chris Hipkins – or by far lesser lights like Keith Allen, Frank Gill, Ben Couch, Allen McCready, Clem Simich, ...5 days ago
- CHRIS TROTTER: Te Pāti Māori’s uncompromising threat to the status quoChris Trotter writes – The Crown is a fickle friend. Any political movement deemed to be colourful but inconsequential is generally permitted to go about its business unmolested. The Crown’s media, RNZ and TVNZ, may even “celebrate” its existence (presumably as proof of Democracy’s broad-minded acceptance of diversity). ...5 days ago
- Bryce Edwards: Shining a bright light on lobbyists in politicsFour out of the five people who have held the top role of Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff since 2017 have been lobbyists. That’s a fact that should worry anyone who believes vested interests shouldn’t have a place at the centre of decision making. Chris Hipkins’ newly appointed Chief of ...5 days ago
- Auckland Council Draft Budget – an unnecessary backwards stepFeedback on Auckland Council’s draft 2023/24 budget closes on March 28th. You can read the consultation document here, and provide feedback here. Auckland Council is currently consulting on what is one of its most important ever Annual Plans – the ‘budget’ of what it will spend money on between July ...5 days ago
- Talking’ Posey Parker Bluesby Molten Moira from Motueka If you want to be a woman let me tell you what to do Get a piece of paper and a biro tooWrite down your new identification And boom! You’re now a woman of this nationSpelled W O M A Na real trans woman that isAs opposed ...6 days ago
- More Māori words make it into the OED, and polytech boss (with rules on words like “students”) ...Buzz from the Beehive New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti is hosting the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers for three days from today, welcoming Education Ministers and senior officials from 18 Pacific Island countries and territories, and from Australia. Here’s hoping they have brought translators with them – or ...6 days ago
- Social intercourse with haters and Nazis: an etiquette guide
Let’s say you’ve come all the way from His Majesty’s United Kingdom to share with the folk of Australia and New Zealand your antipathy towards certain other human beings. And let’s say you call yourself a women’s rights activist.And let’s say 99 out of 100 people who listen to you ...6 days ago - The Greens, Labour, and coalition enforcementJames Shaw gave the Green party's annual "state of the planet" address over the weekend, in which he expressed frustration with Labour for not doing enough on climate change. His solution is to elect more Green MPs, so they have more power within any government arrangement, and can hold Labour ...6 days ago
- This sounds familiar…RNZ this morning has the first story another investigative series by Guyon Espiner, this time into political lobbying. The first story focuses on lobbying by government agencies, specifically transpower, Pharmac, and assorted universities, and how they use lobbyists to manipulate public opinion and gather intelligence on the Ministers who oversee ...6 days ago
- Letter to the NZ Herald: NCEA pseudoscience – “Mauri is present in all matter”Nick Matzke writes – Dear NZ Herald, I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. I teach evolutionary biology, but I also have long experience in science education and (especially) political attempts to insert pseudoscience into science curricula in ...6 days ago
- So what would be the point of a Green vote again?
James Shaw has again said the Greens would be better ‘in the tent’ with Labour than out, despite Labour’s policy bonfire last week torching much of what the Government was doing to reduce emissions. File Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Green Party has never been more popular than in some ...6 days ago - Gas stoves pose health risks. Are gas furnaces and other appliances safe to use?This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Wesseler Poor air quality is a long-standing problem in Los Angeles, where the first major outbreak of smog during World War II was so intense that some residents thought the city had been attacked by chemical weapons. Cars were eventually discovered ...6 days ago
- Genetic Heritage and Co Governance
Yesterday I was reading an excellent newsletter from David Slack, and I started writing a comment “Sounds like some excellent genetic heritage…” and then I stopped.There was something about the phrase genetic heritage that stopped me in tracks. Is that a phrase I want to be saying? It’s kind of ...6 days ago - BRIAN EASTON: Radical UncertaintyBrian Easton writes – Two senior economists challenge some of the foundations of current economics. It is easy to criticise economic science by misrepresenting it, by selective quotations, and by ignoring that it progresses, like all sciences, by improving and abandoning old theories. The critics may go ...6 days ago
- Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s Middle East strategy, 20 years after the Iraq WarThis week marks the twentieth anniversary of the Iraq War. While it strongly opposed the US-led invasion, New Zealand’s then Labour-led government led by Prime Minister Helen Clark did deploy military engineers to try to help rebuild Iraq in mid-2003. With violence soaring, their 12-month deployment ended without being renewed ...6 days ago
- The motorways are finishedAfter seventy years, Auckland’s motorway network is finally finished. In July 1953 the first section of motorway in Auckland was opened between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Mt Wellington Highway. The final stage opens to traffic this week with the completion of the motorway part of the Northern Corridor Improvements project. Aucklanders ...6 days ago
- Kicking National’s tyresNational’s appointment of Todd McClay as Agriculture spokesperson clearly signals that the party is in trouble with the farming vote. McClay was not an obvious choice, but he does have a record as a political scrapper. The party needs that because sources say it has been shedding farming votes ...6 days ago
- As long as there is cricket, the world is somehow okay.
Rays of white light come flooding into my lounge, into my face from over the top of my neighbour’s hedge. I have to look away as the window of the conservatory is awash in light, as if you were driving towards the sun after a rain shower and suddenly blinded. ...1 week ago - So much of what was there remains
The columnists in Private Eye take pen names, so I have not the least idea who any of them are. But I greatly appreciate their expert insight, especially MD, who writes the medical column, offering informed and often damning critique of the UK health system and the politicians who keep ...1 week ago - 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Mar 12, 2023 thru Sat, Mar 18, 2023. Story of the Week Guest post: What 13,500 citations reveal about the IPCC’s climate science report IPCC WG1 AR6 SPM Report Cover - Changing ...1 week ago
- Financial capability services are being bucked up, but Stuart Nash shouldn’t have to see if they c...Buzz from the Beehive The building of financial capability was brought into our considerations when Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced she had dipped into the government’s coffers for $3 million for “providers” to help people and families access community-based Building Financial Capability services. That wording suggests some ...1 week ago
- Things that make you go Hmmmm.
Do you ever come across something that makes you go Hmmmm?You mean like the song?No, I wasn’t thinking of the song, but I am now - thanks for that. I was thinking of things you read or hear that make you stop and go Hmmmm.Yeah, I know what you mean, ...1 week ago - The hoon for the week that was to March 19By the end of the week, the dramas over Stuart Nash overshadowed Hipkins’ policy bonfire. File photo: Lynn GrieveasonTLDR: This week’s news in geopolitics and the political economy covered on The Kākā included:PM Chris Hipkins’ announcement of the rest of a policy bonfire to save a combined $1.7 billion, but ...1 week ago
- In response to Newshub and Amelia Wade’s obvious and ham-fisted attempt at a typical and predicted...
In response to Newshub and Amelia Wade’s obvious and ham-fisted attempt at a typical and predicted political hit job. As any politically aware reporter would know, any Cabinet subcommittee has a duty and obligation as a part of any government to respond to any UN declaration, in this case ...1 day ago - ‘The Real State of the Nation’Good afternoon. Thank you for the invitation to speak with you today and in your busy lives turning up to this meeting. Forty five years ago, in Howick, often described as racist, and where few Maori lived because it had been a ‘Fencible’ settlement at the time of the Anglo-Maori ...2 days ago
- National’s education policy gets an F
The Green Party has marked the National Party’s new education policy and given it a fail, especially for its failure to address the underlying drivers of school performance. ...3 days ago - Child poverty stats show need for actionThe Green Party is calling on the Government to immediately provide more support to families doing it toughest. ...3 days ago
- Greens ask Auckland MPs across party lines to speak up on Council budget proposalsAuckland Central Green MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to all Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland based Members of Parliament requesting their urgent attention to Auckland Council’s unprecedented slash-and-burn proposals. ...3 days ago
- Enough slow progress, 2023 is a fight for our futurePolitical parties that want to negotiate with the Green Party must come to the table with much faster, bolder climate action, co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson emphasised in their State of the Planet speech today. ...1 week ago
- Greens call time on slow progressPolitical parties that want to negotiate with the Green Party after the election must come to the table with much faster, bolder climate action, co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson emphasised today. ...1 week ago
- Green Party co-leader James Shaw's State of the Planet speech, 2023You will never truly understand, from the pictures you’ve seen in the newspapers or on the six o-clock news, the sheer scale of the devastation wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle. ...1 week ago
- More cost of living support for Kiwis
We’re boosting incomes and helping ease cost of living pressures on Kiwis through a range of bread and butter support measures that will see pensioners, students, families, and those on main benefits better off from the start of next month. ...1 week ago - Greens back teachers’ demandsThe Green Party backs the demands of the teachers’ strikers. ...1 week ago
- Greens will waste no time with Minister for Zero WasteThe error Labour Ministers made by stopping work on a beverage container return scheme will be reversed by the Greens at the earliest opportunity as part of the next Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens secure win for clean transportThe Green Party has made it easier for commuters to access e-bikes thanks to an amendment to tax rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens will always prioritise action on climate and inequality“Cabinet needs to do better - and today has shown exactly why we need Green Ministers in cabinet, so we can prioritise action to cut climate pollution and support people to make ends meet,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. ...2 weeks ago
- Bold action needed to help people eatBiggest increase in food prices for over three decades shows the need for an excess profit tax on corporations to help people put food on the table. ...2 weeks ago
- Another Green transport idea gets the green lightThe Government’s announcement today that it will improve Christchurch’s bus system comes after Green and NGO pressure. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens back teachers’ strikeThe Green Party stands with teachers in their request for fair pay and decision to strike. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens launch submission guide for Auckland Council budgetThe Green Party has today launched a submission guide to help Aucklanders give crucial input and prevent potentially disastrous Auckland Council budget proposals. ...3 weeks ago
- When even the Nats agree bank profits are out of control, it’s time for an excess profits taxWith calls growing for inquiries and action on bank profits, the Greens say the Government has all the information it needs to act now and put a levy on banks. ...3 weeks ago
- Climate action must remain priority in transport investmentAs large parts of Aotearoa recover from two of the worst climate disasters we have ever experienced, it would be a huge mistake for the Government to deprioritise climate action from future transport investments, the Green Party says. ...3 weeks ago
- Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua
Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...1 day ago - Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpartMinister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...1 day ago
- Government delivering world-class satellite positioning servicesWorld-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...2 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges. Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...2 days ago
- New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson TasmanA new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...3 days ago
- National’s education policy: where’s the funding?After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment. “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...3 days ago
- Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventorsPeople aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...3 days ago
- Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economyA cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...3 days ago
- Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...3 days ago
- Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business ForumDeputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...3 days ago
- Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island$2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...3 days ago
- Government future-proofs EV chargingTransport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...4 days ago
- World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZersAssociate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...4 days ago
- First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners CourtHon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...4 days ago
- Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floodsThe Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...4 days ago
- New appointment to Māori Land Court benchE te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...4 days ago
- Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...4 days ago
- Vertical farming partnership has upward momentumThe Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...5 days ago
- Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote AddressE 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 ...5 days ago
- New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patientsThe 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 ...5 days ago
- Second Poseidon aircraft on home soilDefence 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 ...5 days ago
- Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and SyriaAotearoa 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 ...5 days ago
- Community voice to help shape immigration policyMigrant 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 ...5 days ago
- State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for TaranakiConstruction 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 ...5 days ago
- Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of PolicePrime 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 ...6 days ago
- Government confirms vital roading reconnectionsSix 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 ...6 days ago
- Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign MinisterForeign 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. ...6 days ago
- Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in AotearoaEducation 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, ...6 days ago
- State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone GabrielleA 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 ...6 days ago
- Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recoveryInternal 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 ...1 week ago
- Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability servicesThe 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 ...1 week ago
- Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and memberMinister 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 ...1 week ago
- Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announcedFifteen 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, ...1 week ago
- Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High CourtHigh 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 ...1 week ago
- NZ still well placed to meet global challengesThe 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 ...1 week ago
- Western Ring Route CompleteAucklanders 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 ...1 week ago
- Briefings to Incoming MinistersThis 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. ...1 week ago
- Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient FijiAotearoa 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 ...1 week ago
- Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recoveryThe 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 ...1 week ago
- Next steps developing clean energy for NZThe 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 ...1 week ago
- Australia is now almost entirely held by Labor – but that doesn’t necessarily make life easier f...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff (right) is now the only non-Labor leader at federal or state level. Mick Tsikas/AAP When Dominic Perrottet gave a gracious concession speech after ...2 hours ago - Labor very likely to win majority in NSW electionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Dean Lewins/AAP This article was updated March 26. With 36% of enrolled voters counted in today’s New South Wales ...5 hours ago
- Recipe: Masala fish fry
Coated in two spices and ready in five minutes. Easy as. I first heard of marsala chicken when I moved to New Zealand as a 15-year-old. The dish confused me as it didn’t have any spices in it except for garlic. In my head I had confused it with the ...6 hours ago - Goodbye, Swamp RdAuthor Marty Smith writes from her home, the flood-damaged region of Hawke’s Bay, excavating the extraordinary facets of life amid a disaster. Wednesday 22 February 22, eight days after the flood. It’s easy to drive down Puketitiri Rd: diggers cleared silt and slips on the second day. Looters slide at ...6 hours ago
- The Sunday Essay: No cheat mealsMy trainer said she was happier than she’d ever been. I wanted that. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Illustrations by Note: This essay discusses and describes disordered eating. Please take care. Just 10 burpees to go. I threw myself against the carpet. ...7 hours ago
- An Ode for .. Poll loser Luxon
Bard Billot on the bumbling Baron Race for the Polls Baron Luxon speeds across the polar wastes aboard his electric blue jet sled “Titanic.” The sky is cloudless and the way is clear and the Baron is well in the lead. In his toasty warm fine mink cossack hat ...10 hours ago - The truest Warriors fans? Wāhine MāoriMāori women are the backbone of the Warriors and always have been, writes Briar Pomana. Since before I can remember, my mum has been a Warriors fan. Her and other wāhine Māori I know are some of the staunchest supporters out and, in my opinion, are the true face of ...11 hours ago
- An alternative view of the ‘angry’ protest crowdReports have described the protest held at Albert Park on Saturday as angry, chaotic and ugly. This attendee found it to be joyful, life-affirming and full of love. Climbing the stairs up to Saturday’s counter-rally where anti-trans activist Posie Parker was meant to speak, my husband and I were hit ...11 hours ago
- Labor set to win thumping majority in NSW electionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Dean Lewins/AAP With 36% of enrolled voters counted in today’s New South Wales state election, the Poll Bludger’s results currently ...16 hours ago
- Animal Justice Party Shares Views On The Therapeutic Products Bill
...17 hours ago - ‘Exceptional redevelopment potential’: Auckland’s Skyworld complex is up for saleA former entertainment mecca in the middle of Auckland is up for grabs. The problem? It’s been run into the ground. Have you got spare cash sitting around? Do you want to buy something grand, something special? How does a nine-storey complex covering 3,486 square metres in the middle of ...21 hours ago
- Posey Parker drowned out by thousands
Posey Parker appeared in Auckland today for a brief few moments, but it was clear that she was going to have a hard time being heard above thousands of people exercising their own right to free speech The streets of Auckland’s city centre were thick today with the noise of tubas, ...1 day ago - Marama Davidson hit by motorcyclist after Posie Parker protest
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson was knocked to the ground by a motorcyclist who appeared to fail to stop at a pedestrian crossing after today's counter-protest against Posie Parker. ...1 day ago - Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson struck by motorcycle at protestGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson was struck by a passing motorcycle this morning as she protested Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull’s rally event at Albert Park. Davidson was standing on Princes St holding a sign reading “trans solidarity” when a band of motorcyclists, there in support of Brian and Hannah Tamaki’s Vision NZ, ...1 day ago
- News media ‘not an enemy or nuisance’, Fiji editor tells policeBy Krishneel Nair in Suva “The most important thing from my perspective is a strategic partnership — a partnership where the media should not be seen as the enemy or a nuisance.” This was the view of the Communications Fiji Ltd news director and Fijian Media Association executive Vijay Narayan ...1 day ago
- Anti-trans speaker leaves rally amid thousands of protestersThe noise began long before Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (AKA Posie Parker) arrived. Despite an 11am scheduled start time to her planned rally to “speak for women”, the Albert Park rotunda was surrounded by 10.30. But the crowd was not there to see or hear her. A truck parked at the entrance ...1 day ago
- The best way to enjoy the new John Wick movie? With your John Wick friendChris Schulz on the nearly three-hours of joy Keanu Reeves’ latest non-stop orgy of violence brings. This is an excerpt from our pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday here. Keanu Reeves has annihilated the place. In what appears to be ...1 day ago
- Focus on Politics: National's plan to school LabourTeacher unions have criticised National's curriculum plan, but the party was targeting concerned parents and his political opponent, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. ...1 day ago
- Review: Caged shows the sacrifice and teamwork that go into making a UFC starDon’t underestimate the significance of TVNZ’s new documentary series about Kai Kara-France, a fighter acclaimed on the world stage but still criminally underrated at home, writes Don Rowe. In 2015, when I first profiled Kai Kara-France for the now-defunct Mana magazine, he told me he’d never wanted to sign with ...1 day ago
- Final NSW Newspoll gives Labor a thumping lead; federal Labor’s lead widensSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Justin Lloyd/AAP The New South Wales state election is today. Polls close at 6pm AEDT. Votes cast on election day ...1 day ago
- Renting over 65: The uncertain future facing more and more New ZealandersIf current trends continue, by 2053 half of retirement-age New Zealanders will be renters. Right now, options for over-65s who don’t own their own home are limited. This story was first published on Stuff. What’s life like when you reach retirement age, but don’t own a home of your own? Most ...1 day ago
- Marsupials and other mammals separately evolved flight many times, and we are finally learning howSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Feigin, Postdoctoral Fellow in Genomics and Evolution, The University of Melbourne Anom Harya/Shutterstock Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land on the next tree. Many groups of mammals seem to have taken this evolutionary advice to ...1 day ago
- Lobbyists in New Zealand enjoy freedoms unlike most other nations in the developed worldWhen a big corporate is alarmed about possible law changes, it asks its well-connected lobbyist to intervene. A text message exchange between a Cabinet Minister and his lobbyist "mate" follows. ...1 day ago
- Short story: The Islands of Arthur Trimble
"He imagines the rattling windows of his bach": a sad seaside saga by Majella Cullinane Màiri watches him as he walks down the hill next to her house. The man appears gradually – first his head covered in a tweed cap and earphones, then the unkempt hair and beard, ...1 day ago - Short story: The Islands of Arthur Trimble"He imagines the rattling windows of his bach": a sad seaside saga by Majella Cullinane Màiri watches him as he walks down the hill next to her house. The man appears gradually – first his head covered in a tweed cap and earphones, then the unkempt hair and beard, ...1 day ago
- The Week in Detail: Top authors, lobbying, and Muriwai
Every weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, we looked at how our top authors make a living writing books, the sky-high fares coming from independent taxi drivers, how the people of Muriwai are putting their lives back together post-Cyclone Gabrielle, why a Levin chocolate maker is ...1 day ago - The Week in Detail: Top authors, lobbying, and MuriwaiEvery weekday, The Detail makes sense of the big news stories. This week, we looked at how our top authors make a living writing books, the sky-high fares coming from independent taxi drivers, how the people of Muriwai are putting their lives back together post-Cyclone Gabrielle, why a Levin chocolate maker is ...1 day ago
- Why we enjoy the excruciating miseries of the super-rich
The popularity of stories about unhappy rich people says more about our need to view them that way than it does about how they experience their lives Opinion: Succession is returning to Aotearoa’s television screens. It joins other portrayals of the emotional traumas that come from having far, far too ...1 day ago - Why we enjoy the excruciating miseries of the super-richThe popularity of stories about unhappy rich people says more about our need to view them that way than it does about how they experience their lives Opinion: Succession is returning to Aotearoa’s television screens. It joins other portrayals of the emotional traumas that come from having far, far too ...1 day ago
- The Detail's Long Read: What's Up With ADHD?
This is The Detail's Long Read - one in-depth story read by us every weekend This week, it's What's Up With ADHD?, written by Mirjam Guesgen and published in North & South's April 2023 issue. You can find the full article, with illustrations by Rachel Salazar, in this month’s issue of North & South. Once a condition ...1 day ago - The Detail's Long Read: What's Up With ADHD?This is The Detail's Long Read - one in-depth story read by us every weekend This week, it's What's Up With ADHD?, written by Mirjam Guesgen and published in North & South's April 2023 issue. You can find the full article, with illustrations by Rachel Salazar, in this month’s issue of North & South. Once a condition ...1 day ago
- Inside the radical plan to build ‘the new state house’ and change renting foreverNot content with transforming KiwiSaver, Simplicity is now planning to out-build Kāinga Ora. Duncan Greive meets a pair of of unlikely revolutionaries trying to fix housing – a task which seems impossible, even for the state itself. In September of 2020, a builder named Shane Brealey sat down and typed ...1 day ago
- What not to miss at the Auckland Writers Festival 2023The Auckland Writers Festival has just launched its 23rd programme, the first since Covid to include its signature line-up of visiting international writers. With 160 events to choose from, here’s books editor Claire Mabey’s top 10 to help you navigate your way through the lit fest universe. Straight Up: Ruby ...1 day ago
- Family tree key to Twigg's fifth Olympic bid
Taking her her young family around the world as she rows is a key factor in Emma Twigg's decision to defend her Olympic single sculls title at next year's Paris Olympics. And, Andy Hay writes, the next Emma Twigg could be waiting in the wings at the Maadi Cup next week. ...1 day ago - Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika looking for 80min performancesThe Fijian Drua will need to start and finish well, while Moana Pasifika’s coach wants to see a full 80-minute performance this weekend as the two regional teams continue their Super Rugby Pacific campaigns. The Drua tackle the Highlanders in Dunedin today and Pasifika face the Hurricanes at Mt Smart ...2 days ago
- PNG contractors plead for government to pay up after 12-year waitBy Todagia Kelola in Port Moresby A number of small contractors in Papua New Guinea are still waiting for positive feedback for money owed to them by government agencies after 12 years. A 2015 Post-Courier front page picture showed a man, David Goli, who chained himself at the then headquarters ...2 days ago
- A new review into how teachers are educated should acknowledge they learn throughout their careers (...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Beryl Exley, Professor, Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Griffith University Shutterstock Last August, the federal government set up an expert panel to look at the continuous improvement agenda in teacher education in Australia. The panel, led by ...2 days ago
- Analysis: Teachers need a lot of things, another curriculum 'rewrite' isn't oneWe all clearly want the best learning outcomes for our nation's children, but there are deep ideological divisions, writes Cathy Buntting. ...2 days ago
- The Winston Peters greatest hits hourThe New Zealand First leader took to the altar of an East Auckland church today to set out his 2023 election agenda. It was, as Stewart Sowman-Lund found out, pretty much what you’d expect. Winston Peters rolled into Howick today with a state of the nation speech that, he claimed ...2 days ago
- Woolworths is getting into telehealth – but patients need to be treated as more than customersSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jon Wardle, Professor of Public Health, Southern Cross University Shutterstock Earlier this week, Australian retail giant Woolworths announced a move into health-care delivery via development of its subsidiary HealthyLife’s online portal. Through this portal, Australians can book a same-day ...2 days ago
- Winston Peters rails against secret 'woke agenda' in campaign speechNew Zealand First leader Winston Peters - eyeing a political comeback - has used a scene-setting speech in Auckland warning against a "conceited, conniving, cultural cabal". ...2 days ago
- At the 2023 Adelaide Festival, the best works shimmer with a brutal honesty on incarceration, exile ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Peterson, Adjunct Associate Professor, Auckland University of Technology The Sheep Song. Tim Standing/Daylight Breaks/Adelaide Festival Few Adelaideans remember a time before the Adelaide Festival. Formed in 1960 as a civic enterprise and financed against loss by prominent Adelaide businessmen, the ...2 days ago
- Week in Politics: Minor parties could hold unprecedented influence post-electionAnalysis - The Greens lay down a challenge as the minor parties approach an election in which both National and Labour are going to need coalition partners to form a government, writes Peter Wilson. ...2 days ago
- Repeal Fiji’s media law and start with ‘clean slate’, says CFL chiefBy Arieta Vakasukawaqa in Suva Communications Fiji Ltd (CFL) chair William Parkinson has called for a repeal of Fiji’s Media Industry Development Act 2010 and more discussion on the proposed Media Ownership and Registration Bill 2023. He said this during a public consultation on the review of MIDA Act 2010 ...2 days ago
- Posie Parker wins the beautiful freedom to make an ugly argument
High Court Justice David Gendall regretfully allows anti-trans activist to enter New Zealand, but warns the expression of her views may be harmful to our vulnerable rainbow community. Jonathan Milne does his best to be civil. Opinion: Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull calls herself Posie Parker. And that's what I'm going to call her. Because she is ...2 days ago - Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee is an absolute joyIt’s about time somebody made a wacky TV show about how bonkers spelling is. Enter comedian Guy Montgomery and his Guy Mont Spelling Bee. The three years since Covid-19 began have been pretty rocky, but one of the best things to come out of the chaos was Guy Montgomery’s Guy ...2 days ago
- Psychologists Condemn Anti-trans Hate Speech And Urge The Government To Put Hate Speech Laws Back On...Te Rōpū Mātai Hinengaro o Aotearoa, The New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS) stands beside LGBTQIA+ and Takatāpui communities rallying against anti-trans rhetoric in light of the impending visit of Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (Posie Parker). We are ...2 days ago
- Shocking and controversial: MAFS Australia has outrated 1NewsEarlier this month, everybody’s favourite Monster of the Week series Married at First Sight Australia toppled 1News to become the highest rating television show for New Zealand viewers aged 25-54. The controversial reality series garnered an average audience of 137,000, or 6.7% audience share from March 5 until March 11. ...2 days ago
- Ingredient of the week: FeijoasIt’s the most wonderful time of the year for feijoa lovers – here’s how to make the most of it. Fragrant and sweet, with a delicate jelly centre surrounded by gritty, tangy flesh, all encased in a green sour skin. My parents’ feijoa tree has just dropped its first fruit, ...2 days ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Bang a Drum’ by Maggie Rainey-SmithA new poem by poet and novelist Maggie Rainey-Smith. Bang a Drum We’ve hit Gentle Annie passed the pub at Okaramio and on the left, at Wakapuaka there’s Sunnybank where parents left their children An oddly named orphanage manned (ha) by Nuns childless women in black habits, scapula, cowls and ...2 days ago
- Teachers need a lot of things right now, but another curriculum ‘rewrite’ isn’t one of themSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cathy Buntting, Director, Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, University of Waikato Getty Images Less than a fortnight after teachers staged a national strike, education was back in the headlines with the National Party’s release of its curriculum policy – ...2 days ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending March 24The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton (Te Herenga Waka University Press, $38) Number one in both ...2 days ago
- High Court Decision The Only Right Result For Nation That Values Free SpeechThe Free Speech Union welcomes the decision of the High Court to reject the application to overrule the decision of the Minister of Immigration to allow Kellie-Jay entry into New Zealand. This was the only right result for a nation that ...2 days ago
- AI chatbots with Chinese characteristics: why Baidu’s ChatGPT rival may never measure upSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fan Yang, Research Associate at RMIT and Alfred Deakin Institute, Deakin University Baidu’s ERNIE Bot was launched to considerable disappointment. Ng Han Guan / AP On March 16, Baidu unveiled China’s latest rival to OpenAI’s ChatGPT – ERNIE Bot (short for “Enhanced ...2 days ago
- Ask Fiji military about ‘guns on plane’ claims, says Sayed-KhaiyumBy Meri Radinibaravi in Suva Former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has told The Fiji Times to ask the Republic of Fiji Military Forces about claims that his bodyguards were allowed to take guns on to Fiji Link flights without proper authorisation. “I understand that there’s some enquiries going on regarding that ...2 days ago
- Melbourne Now: a vast, sprawling and inspiring exhibition that seems to burst out of its architectur...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University Installation view of Troy Emery’s work Mountain climber 2022 on display as part of the Melbourne Now exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Melbourne from 24 March – 20 August ...2 days ago
- KPIs are for businesses and boardrooms, not children and schoolsNational’s education policy reinforces an old-fashioned and hierarchical curriculum that does lasting harm to many students, writes educational specialist Dr Sarah Aiono. Announcing the National Party’s new education policy this week, leader Christopher Luxon cited a recent NCEA pilot in which two-thirds of students were unable to meet the minimum ...2 days ago
- Last ditch attempt to stop anti-trans speaker from entering NZ failsAttempts by rainbow groups to stop an anti-trans campaigner entering the country have failed. The High Court has dismissed a judicial review application from Gender Minorities Aotearoa, InsideOUT Kōara and Auckland Pride, aimed at the immigration minister for allowing Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull into New Zealand. As part of the application, the ...2 days ago
- Urgent hearing under way to determine if anti-trans speaker can enter NZThe High Court is this morning considering an interim order that would prevent an anti-trans campaigner from making it into New Zealand. Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull is expected to arrive on our shores today ahead of two planned rallies in Auckland and Wellington over the weekend. After immigration officials deemed her safe ...2 days ago
- Statement From Mayor Paula Southgate: Hamilton’s LGNZ MembershipI was disappointed to see yesterday afternoon’s announcement that Auckland has chosen to leave Local Government NZ (LGNZ). Hamilton’s membership of LGNZ is one of collaboration and sharing. Being a member gives us important views from other ...2 days ago
- Review: The Unruly Tourists is fun, but facileIt’s the most talked about local opera production in years – but does it live up to the chatter? The lowdown You’ve probably heard of the “unruly tourists”, the British family who created a media firestorm as they toured around the country leaving trash and turmoil in their wake. You’ve ...2 days ago
- Ministry of Health removed trans advice after pressure from activistsAs reported by Newsroom’s Marc Daalder this morning, correspondence released under the Official Information Act shows advice about puberty blockers was removed from the Ministry of Health website “in the hopes it creates fewer queries” from anti-trans campaigners. The line that was removed from the site said puberty blockers “are ...2 days ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: NZ needs to distance itself from Australia’s anti-China nucle...Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political Roundup: NZ needs to distance itself from Australia’s anti-China nuclear submarines The New Zealand Government has been silent about Australia’s decision to commit up to $400bn acquiring nuclear submarines, even though this is a significant threat to peace and stability in the Asia Pacific. The ...2 days ago
- Secondary teachers confirm next strikeSecondary teachers will strike again next week after an agreement on improved pay and working conditions was not reached. The strike will take place on Wednesday, less than two weeks after thousands of educators took to the streets across the country. “PPTA Te Wehengarua members have shown they are serious ...2 days ago
- Share Your Views On Human Rights Progress In Aotearoa New ZealandTe Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission is encouraging organisations and individuals to share their views on human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand for the government’s upcoming report to the United Nations. The report informs a process ...2 days ago
- Secondary And Area School Teachers Plan More Industrial ActionSecondary and area school teachers around the country have voted overwhelmingly in favour of more industrial action, including a one day national strike next Wednesday, in support of their collective agreement negotiations. “PPTA Te Wehengarua members ...2 days ago
- Aaron Hawkins: Auckland Council has turned its back on the rest of the countryAt a time when our need for collective action is stronger than ever, Auckland Council has opted out to save each of its residents just 25c a year, writes former Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins. I grew up in rural Southland, in the shadows of the Cut The Cable movement. In ...2 days ago
- Fishing for data: commercial fishers help monitor rising temperatures in coastal seasSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Jakoboski, Oceanographic Data Scientist, Moana Project’s Te Tiro Moana Team Lead, MetService — Te Ratonga Tirorangi Moana project, CC BY-ND The world’s oceans are buffering us from the worst climate impacts by taking up more than 90% of the ...2 days ago
- Political editors panel: Schools, lobbying, and trans rightsMorning Report - RNZ and Newsroom's political editors consider National's education pitch, and the political responses to lobbying revelations and Posie Parker. ...2 days ago
- Free Speech Union Granted Intervening Status In Posie Parker Judicial ReviewThe Free Speech Union will be an intervener this morning as the High Court considers whether Immigration New Zealand's decision to allow Posie Parker (Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull) entry into New Zealand was legal, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free ...2 days ago
- Why is this Auckland club clinging to a ‘discriminatory’ dress-code rule?For over a decade, Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club has come under fire for denying entry to people wearing religious headwear. Despite the Human Rights Commission getting involved, it seems the rule remains unchanged. One of the definitions given by the Oxford dictionary for the word cosmopolitan is: “including people from many ...2 days ago
- Listen: How Labour just hurt the Emissions Trading SchemeChris Hipkins’ dump of Ardern-era policy has potentially jeopardised a major part of the government’s climate change response. In this week’s episode of When the Facts Change, Bernard Hickey talks to climate policy expert Christina Hood from Climate Compass to find out why this month’s Emissions Trading Scheme auction failed and ...2 days ago
- LGNZ head confused by Wayne Brown’s claim about drunken conferenceThe head of Local Government NZ, the group representing councils across the country, has hit back at claims made by Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. It was his casting vote that saw Auckland Council leave the representative group yesterday evening, with councillors divided on whether or not it was the right ...2 days ago
- A new study on Australian volcanoes has changed what we know about explosive ‘hotspot’ volcanismSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Al-Tamini Tapu, Geoscientist, The University of Queensland Warrumbungle national park. colinslack/Shutterstock Our new study published in Nature Geoscience on an ancient chain of Australian volcanoes is helping to change our understanding of “hotspot” volcanism. You may be surprised to learn eastern ...2 days ago
- Time to grow up: Australia’s national security dilemma demands a mature debateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Sussex, Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University There’s been a lot of recent shouting about Australia’s national security policy. It began with the Nine newspapers’ “Red Alert” extravaganza, spread over multiple articles. Featuring a graphic of warplanes ...2 days ago
Not that I can see. Basically it seems like they’re saying that they don’t like Hekia Parata being embarrassed. Personally I think that she is the biggest embarrassment in the National cabinet and the current person in National most involved in trying to screw up the education system.
Perhaps they should read LocalBodies post and look at the current state of the education system? Or maybe they should talk to some teachers?
As far as I can see from the press release their views appear to come from some kind of slavish veneration of authority rather than using their intelligence.
I’m trying to check the links in the post to the Its Our Future site with info about the TPPA demo. But the site seems to be down at the moment, as far as I can tell.
Yep is for me as well.
Left a note on facebook and on my facebook timeline.
Thanks, most of the links are working now,except the Invercargill one – and the link to that isn’t working on the Its Our Future page with an overview of the day of action.
Looks like the site is back up again. They had debugging on so I’d guess there was a code problem.
Annette Sykes comment on facebook 🙂
🙂 Thanks.
So Karol and lprent. See you there?
Yep. I’m planning to join the NZEI for a walk up Queen Street from Britomart – then walk back with the TPP demo.
Annettes Sykes’ Faceboook was heartening. She called them National Party sycophants. Which they are, demonstrably. Amazing what a few knighthooods thrown around will do. Amazing how your shit doesn’t stink when you’re “up there”. When your head is so high up in the clouds you’re just that little bit more “white”. And real. And movin’ and shakin’.
When you find yourself in and out of Te Koru Club several times a week, preparatory to your gravy train funded flight to Wellington to see “Te Minita”, or to massive your “mana” at some talkfest. While kids in Kaikohe actually starve and their little minds rot.
And on your way to Gate 14 some snivelling bastard Tory list MP greases up alongside and acknowledges you. And your personal “maaaa- na”. Oh what a fine man/woman property developer real estate agent piss-arse lawyer wealthy farmer entrepreneur accountant petty boeurgoisie sole trader this subliminally racist Tory list MP is. Who doesn’t give a fuck about Maori kids in Kaikohe and their little minds rotting.
Disgraceful. Scabs.
To (Dame – soon to be) Naida Glavish – one of them – “Kia Ora Caller”.
i hope teachers get out there… even if they wear masks.
police union has been very quiet… must be due to speak up on imagined law and order concerns.
Here’s basic details :
Auckland Location: Meet at Aotea Square, then march down Queen St to the US Consulate
Christchurch Location: Cashel Mall Restart, 114 Cashel Street, 1pmWe will march through REstart mall with our pickets and banners, being as loud as possible (while still respecting mall goers) and then assemble in the Cathedral Square for speeches.
Dunedin Location: Rally at The Octagon, Dunedin, 1 pm
Hamilton Location: Garden Place, Victoria Street, Hamilton, 1pm
Hokianga Location: Kohukohu Ferry, 1 pm
Nelson Location: Meet at 12:30pm at the Millers Acre I-siteMarch up Trafalgar St to arrive for a Rally at about 1:00pm.
Taranaki Location: Puke Ariki Landing, rally at 11am (note the time!)Hikoi around the streets and market.
Tauranga Location: Red Square, Tauranga, 1pm Thames Location: Rally outside National MP office, 614 Pollen St, at 11am.
Wellington Location: The Bucket Fountain, Cuba St, Wellington 12.30-1.00pm Brass Razoo (Brass Solidarity band) 1.00pm Cuba Street, Bucket Fountain March to Parliament:At Parliament ETA 2.30pm
Whanganui Location: Meet at the Silver Ball Sculpture on the Riverfront 1pm to walk up to Majestic Square.
Whangarei Location: Meet outside Claphams Clock Museum Town Basin, 1pm
Don’t have a location for Palmerston North, but they’re organising a rally as well
Thanks, Jenny. The Palmerston North Link on the Its Our Future page is now working – the Invercargill one isn’t, and there’s one there for Geraldine as well.
So roughly 100 -200 will turn up or is that being generous?
Even with 50 the stench will be hideous.
Fuckwitted troll. Out of respect for the good people on this blog, I won’t say what I really think.
I tell you what, lets make a small side penalty. How confident are you?
Something like a weeks ban for every hundred over 200 for the TPPA protest in Auckland. We’ll even use the lower of the understated measures from the NZ Herald and the Police.
How about it? Agreed?
Problem is that this dickhead is used to the right wing protests – the ones measured in tens.
“Several thousand protesters have converged on downtown Auckland to protest the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement.
It is one of 15 such events around the country today to protest the free trade agreement which is currently being negotiated behind closed doors.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11228782
Curiously, puckwit didn’t answer…
Min 28 week ban then. Although more did join as we walked down quen street. Or Iprent how about you add all the other areas numbers as well. Sheesh think were looking at 3 year possably even four year ban.
heka paratai speaks out of both sides of her mouth at once.
I hear her on the radio saying that NZ has a first class education system but when nobody else is looking she is advocating for the dismantling of the system in favour of giving the money to charter schools.
It doesnt look like that she knows how to tell the truth about anything.
Yes Hekia Parata want’s the nation to get behind our education system like we do our sports teams. But I’m struggling to get behind coach Parata considering the head high tackles, knock-ons and other infringements she inflicts on her own team. I’ve never seen a coach treat their own players so poorly, nor have I seen one field players from another code without them having an understanding of the rules first.
Xox
Torries Privatising Public Assets. Again! I’ve had enough and now I’m off to the March in Nelson. Beautiful sunrise.
Thanks, karol. I will be biking to the protest and hope many people around the country will be making a strong stand.
Btw, I have just seen this:
“[Labour calls] on the National Government to release the full text of the TPPA, at least two weeks before they intend to sign it.”
https://www.labour.org.nz/tppa
Is there a typo in there? Or do Labour MPs have a different sense of time, with a week being a long time in politics and all that?
Does anyone know is Labour are doing anything in an organised way for either of these protests today. Cannot find anything from official sources. Want to get involved but would like it to be Labour Inc not individual.
Note that Greens seem to be on the ball where is Labour
Labour was more in force at the Auckland NZEI demo. Cunliffe dropped by the TPPA rally afterwards and made a speech.
I think there were some Labour MPs on the schedule to attend and give speeches at the TPPA demos in other parts of the coutnry.
No. Labour must support it, given the absence of serious noise about it. They were interested in reading it prior to signing as stated above, but it seems a half hearted objection, a Shearer like stance almost. I don’t think this indicates any opposition to it, given Labours history with free trade deals. We will wait and see I guess.
‘They were interested in reading it prior to signing as stated above, but it seems a half hearted objection, a Shearer like stance almost.’
This ‘condition’ was an attempt to appear principled about a deal Labour probably supports, but cannot do so openly without upsetting the Americans.
A nonsense equivocation that only a party run by technocrats could be pleased with.
What’s at stake in the TPPA is too fundamental for mere process quibbles.
Standard author Micky Savage was pleased with Cunliffe’s handling of it; the quote is from his December 23 post, David Cunliffe’s first hundred days:
‘The day after the election result I was astounded to read David pronouncing a very deft line about the TPPA. Labour would not support the treaty if the text was not released. Both radicals and moderates would be attracted to the notion either that we do not sign up to the agreement at all, or that we only do if the public knows what it is letting itself in for. Finally a Labour leader had learned about triangulation of issues.’
CORRECTION to my comment above: ‘This ‘condition’ was an attempt to appear principled about a deal Labour probably supports, but cannot do so openly without upsetting its members.
Support what? Negotiating with other countries over trade terms?
Went well in Nelson. We had a Canadian speaker a woman called Fosse I think. She was excellent and one point I had to get my head around is that corporates can sue for expected profits not received, if our gummint did anything that might get in the way of that.
So you are screwed with that hanging over you. To do anything would be likely to end in costs that would destabilise the government, which would be bound to happen anyway when people realised how weakened they are.
It is frightening when you start thinking of all the ways that this faustian pact could crush the lives we have had that our ancestors fought to establish. A new Dark Ages. It doesn’t bear thinking about but we must think about it and face up to it.
faustian pact – wikipedia
I think you’ll find that one of the negotiating parties supports that position, and it isn’t the NZ government.
Thanks, grey. And that thing of corporates being able to sue for loss of profits is totally undemocratic.
grey, hope you don’t mind, I added a link to your Nelson report at the bottom of my post.
Hey grey and karol,
The speaker’s name is Nicole Foss (just google to find out more).
Although there doesn’t seem to be anything specific on that point from her on the web, others have discussed the issue of corporates suing for loss of profits … for eg something like the following:
“… we know that the TPP gives corporations the power to sue governments for loss of profits resulting from the countries’ laws which protect the public health and welfare.
“For example, under established trade agreements, Phillip Morris is suing the Government of Uruguay for lost profits in an amount that exceeds the Gross National Product of Uruguay. The dispute is over putting health warnings on cigarette packs. Under the TPP, all countries become liable for similar profit-driven suits, including the United States. Such suits, if won by the corporation, will undermine our economic and national security, our healthcare laws, as well as our environmental and food laws and regulations. …”
http://www.inmotionmagazine.com/global/wosd/wosd_tpp.html
NAFTA agreements have provided the following examples:
Metalcald vs Mexico: Awarded $15.6 US million for not providing consents for a toxic dump leaching into drinking water,
Ethyl Corp vs Canada: Corporation sued for $250 million because of legislation banning MMT
I’m sure there are more. And the US as a whole doesn’t benefit. Just the corporations.
Similarly written agreements will provide access to our taxes/government revenues and assets to non-elected, non-resident/citizen, non-human entities, under the guise of free trade but with greater effect on writing and enacting legislation than any lobbyist.
karol anything you like will be good. I was a bit tired, energised by the meeting speakers and turnout, but depressed by the enormity of it all and sad that it is happening and so many go blithely on in determined ignorance, with no concern for protecting themselves and their own future, much less that of their country and fellow citizens.
I must say that there was a good turnout from Motueka and they have done something that they say is acting as a template for the country. Got in touch with local councillors and local councils. Apparently they have sent out about a thousand. Hard work and dedication. And they brought a guitarist and singer who sang a few suitable songs – so we had great speakers and great songs. They travelled for up to an hour to get to Nelson and made the meeting hum. That business of contacting the pollies. I am reluctant to get my personal email smothered with political crap, but I guess I can have one just for the purpose. Do others think that emailing the pollies in parliament, all parties being equal but some more equal than others, would be a good use of my democratic-concern-time?
Wayne Brittenden was on again on Radionz this morning and talking about TPPA. We are having that heavy foot that Terry Gilliam designed for Monty Python sequences, come right down on us with our version of TPPA demands. The European Union is insisting on revelation of documents, transparency apparently, not secrecy. There was a small segment on TPPA this morning besides Wayne.
There was also mention of a case that Philip Morris is bringing against the Australian government in a TPPA type law suit, under an agreement they have signed with Hong Kong. Don’t know much about it but it stems from ordering plain packaging to reduce smoking. Oz is being sued for loss of brand, intellectual stuff and probably as well, loss of sales. It will be tried by a tribunal of someone outside Oz, and from what I have heard it’s the corporates who organise the judging panel. Anyway you can bet that Oz hasn’t a leg to stand on and it will cost millions for the trial and I think the company is asking for (don’t hit me if I’m wrong) about $90 billion.
It sounds crazy so I must have heard wrong. But hey crazy is believable these days. I see that Jim Nald referring to Uruguay. We are going to end up like some of those dingy imaginings on film, Blade Runner for instance. I don’t think we should think about national flags at this important moment, nor should we think of changing our national anthem – we need to ask God to help us defend New Zealand. I referred to the faustian exchange earlier. It seems a true and accurate description for us.
And Jim Nald – about Labour. I think that it was Open Mike yesterday that had a good link to Ken Loach comment in The Guardian put up by some good body who I forget but I commented on it so you could find it by searching greyw. It posed some searching questions that are going through your head as I noticed in your lower comment.
Hi I am undefined now. For a short period till someone tells me who I am.
Labour in Nelson wanted the TPPA text released. They wanted to make sure it is all good for NZs. There was general talk. The pharm side was mentioned I think. (My brain is getting tired.)
But they didn’t say they were against TPPA. And nothing was said about the effect on our small business that is about 90% of the enterprise in NZ. And what we really need so we have a thriving happy country. I still want to see that happen!!!!!!!! So not much from Labour – Andy Haden called Mary Wilson a pinko after she tried to interview the warped old bull the other day. And that term could really apply to Labour.
You won’t be the only one feeling that way, greywarbler.
How about climb up the fence and join ‘Labour’, given the latest news piece:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9883535/Labour-on-the-fence-about-trade-deal?
In political black-or-white debates over the issues, Labour’s wait-and-see dissolves into greyness. Even those who voted in the previous election may now be a little bewildered and might perhaps toy with the idea of joining the so-called missing million who didn’t vote in the last election?
Labour MPs can provide more effective opposition and stronger leadership by saying ‘no TPPA until the people of NZ see and discuss the text’.
If the question is posed by jonolists about ‘final position’ on the TPPA, throw the question back with a quick retort –
what final position?
first, show us the text!
+1 Labour’s hiding behind a technocratic fig leaf on the TPPA, and thinks no-one will notice.
It is rather pathetic.
11am Gathering of 30+ people here in Thames outside local MP Scott Simpsons office, to hear Catherine Delahunty speak on the reasons why this behind closed doors deal is so pernicious.
11.30 am Off to Hamilton to attend the rally at the Garden Centre there. Crowd slowly gathered to max out at around 200+ to hear music and speakers in the sun. Speakers from Mana, Greens (Catherine D), NZ First, Maori Party, Labour, Social Democrats? and a statement read out from National – the “fundamentals of Pharmac will be preserved” what ever that means. Oh! and business gets a say.. now isn’t that nice.
Labour spokeswoman seemed to think that people did not understand that they were opposed to the deal. Just they want to read it first! Which they don’t seem to understand – isn’t all that reassuring! Not exactly No way! TPPA!
I wrote to David Cunliffe a few weeks ago asking if / when Labour gets into power it would release the full text of the TPPA (assuming it will be signed by then). I got no response. Russel Norman replied though.
What did Norman say?
Russel said the Party would want to release the tppa text.
See http://stevehart.co/steve-hart-radio-show-5/
Hope you guys had a good day out with the Rent a Crowd.
May I ask why you guys weren’t out protesting when Labour was negotiating the FTA with China?
1) What makes you think people here didn’t protest the China FTA?
2) Do you understand that much of the opposition to the TPPA is not actually opposition to the “free trade” aspects of the agreement at all?
3) I don’t believe anyone was paid to attend. The only person I know of who rent crowds for political protests is Colin Craig.
Were you TRM out protesting then? What are you on about you tool? You wouldn’t know fhit from clay. Go and do some real work if you can’t make any points of value. This isn’t a game. But perhaps somebody pays you in kind or money to do this or perhaps no-one will pay you anything at all because you are so useless at anything you put your hand to.
cos chinas tobacconists didnt want to sue us for removing their branding from their death sticks
cos china didnt ask for its corporations to have precedence over our sovereignty.
may i ask how it can be that you dont understand the difference between an fta and the tpp and how many contracts you enter into without reading them or even your lawyer reading them?
Joce Jesson has confirmed on Metiria’s twitter what I thought may well be the case – the ‘iwi leaders’ kicking up the fuss have been bought off by the National Party with the promise of charter schools – ugh!
Thanks for the tip. Found this on Turei’s Facebook: [which I can view without logging in.
Turei was to me the most prominent (only?) (co)leader on the NZEI march in Auckland yesterday.
Saw here there before on and after the march.
A group of Labour MPs were at the rally in Aotea Square after the march – mind you, it was a failry big march so maybe they did the walk.
Minto was there (on both marches) for Mana.
Bomber made some crack about Harawira having to stay in Wellington – “something to do with Dotcom” – Bomber said. Don’t know if that was meant as a joke or for real.
There was a reasonable coverage of the TPPA issues on TV1’s coverage of the march and as a result I think a lot more people will at least have some idea about the TPPA.
However, since most young people don’t watch TV or read the “news”papers, the internet party is going to be a very useful conduit for information on issues like this to a section of the potential youth vote.
Good point TV Kim DC will have an important place in this election, whether it will be a lasting value who knows, but in today/s market place for ideas he is offering something we need.
Grey Power is also protesting about TPPA’s and its effect especially on Pharmac.
Grey Power is also highlighting the plight of superannuitants who have no other income but that of Superannuation and who do not own their own homes.
According to Treasury, who got the figures wrong originally, revised Treasury figures of after tax income show that 50% (73,500) of superannuitants who do not own their own home now live in poverty.
Seen this?
Penny Bright
To GreyWarbler, Jim Nald and other posters – Labour’s position is clear – its on their website – under issues/policies – here’s the link – https://www.labour.org.nz/tppa – and the following are some of the statements in it.
” New Zealand must not sacrifice cheaper medicines through Pharmac, or give up our sovereign right to regulate and legislate for our health, protection of our environment, in ICT and online security and privacy, or in areas including gambling, tobacco and alcohol. We must preserve our democratic rights to regulate overseas corporations that operate here ……………
” It is clear we can’t decide whether the TPPA will hinder or help our economic wellbeing until we know what is in the final agreement.
” Therefore we have called on the National Government to release the full text of the TPPA, at least two weeks before they intend to sign it.
” New Zealanders should be allowed to have an informed and mature public debate about what is in our people’s interests. …………………”
How is it possible for scrutiny to occur within the (at least) two week time frame? Many stakeholder groups, such as the medical profession, have busy jobs, and it takes time to formulate a submission/response, gain consensus, and clarify any unclear or ambiguous parts of the text.
And surely any ‘informed and mature public debate’ can only occur AFTER interested parties/critics have had their say, as the average person will not be able to interpret the text or see the fish hooks.
+100
Thanks very much for pointing that out, Jenny.I have just seen your comment @ 20.
I now see where the reference to ‘two weeks’ has come from. Quite frankly, that is not enough time and can be cynically seen as a whitewash or mockery especially with such a momentous proposal.
What is not coming through more clearly is that it is not just simply like any free trade agreement. Can someone on TS or any readers/bloggers put up or encourage a post here or elsewhere to get a deeper discussion going?
First, the TPPA is no longer the same kind of grouping that started off circa 2005 among the ‘small’ trading nations of Chile, Singapore, NZ and Brunei. That grouping has been hijacked and metastised into the current beast.
Second, for those of us who were involved or familiar with old battles, the TPPA is regarded as the MAI that is now being resurrected. It is good to see some online reference to this and more needs to be done to generate greater awareness, public outrage and collective rejection of the TPPA in its present cancerous form:
“That sounds like the MAI that we defeated in the 1990s!
“It is the Multilateral Agreement on Investment on steroids. The TPP is effectively a bill of rights for big corporations that is designed in secret and shackles future governments and our democratic right to decide future policy and laws.”
http://www.theawarenessparty.com/links-and-resources/articles/political-2/beware-the-trans-pacific-partnership-agreement/
That website has many points that are just spot on.
edit
metastatised
There was a good turnout in Napier, about 100 people, particularly good turnout from the Mana Movement. Really good energy, so much so that, after a few speeches, we made an unplanned return march down the main street! And all with generally good responses from the general public, even a few people joining in.
I get really annoyed by the continual misinformation on the TPPA.
“Mr Groser said New Zealanders would hear the facts when the deal was put before Parliament.” http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240196/call-for-public-to-have-say-on-trade-deal
Parliament does not vote on whether to sign the TPPA or not.
The TPPA is signed off by the 20 National Cabinet Ministers.
The only vote that Parliament will get is whether to modify any laws that need to be altered pertaining to the TPPA.