Weekend social 03/04/2015
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3:59 pm, April 3rd, 2015 - 15 comments
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Weekend social is for non political chat. What’s on for the weekend, gigs, film or book reviews, sports, or whatever.
No politics, no aggro, why can’t we all just get along?
15 comments on “Weekend social 03/04/2015 ”
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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London overnight, and together took a number of steps to strengthen the already close ties between our two countries, and promote our common interests in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. âThe UK is one of Aotearoa New Zealandâs oldest and closest friends and ...9 hours ago - Joint Statement â Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Boris JohnsonBuilding a more secure, sustainable and prosperous future together: Joint Statement â Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Boris Johnson 1. New Zealand and the United Kingdom are old friends and close partners. Our relationship rests on a bedrock of history, shared values, and deep people-to-people links, extending across almost all ...9 hours ago
- PMâs Chatham HouseDirector Sir Robin Niblett, distinguished guests. What an honour it is to be back in London, and to be here at Chatham house. This visit represents much for me. The reopening of borders and resumption of travel after a difficult few years. The chance to bring life to the UK ...9 hours ago
- Otago Foreign Policy School, opening addressManawa maiea te pĆ«tanga o Matariki Manawa maiea te ariki o te rangi Manawa maiea te mÄtahi o te tau! Introduction Iâm pleased to join you for my second address at the 56th Annual Otago Foreign Policy School. The topic for this year is Space. Given that we are in ...1 day ago
- Government launches new Ministry of Disabled PeopleNew Ministry will officially be called Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People Public Service Commission have appointed Geraldine Woods as Interim Chief Executive Office for Disability Issues to be folded into the new Ministry In what is a milestone day, the Government has launched Aotearoa New Zealandâs first Whaikaha ...1 day ago
- Further Investment to support rangatahi to overcome barriers to employmentNine new He Poutama Rangatahi programmes have been approved funding. These programmes will provide work-readiness, training and employment initiatives for over 820 rangatahi NEETS (not in education, employment or training), across Aotearoa New Zealand. "He Poutama Rangatahi has proven to be a very successful initiative which supports rangatahi to overcome ...1 day ago
- Crown appointments to IhumÄtao Steering CommitteeMinister for MÄori Development Willie Jackson today announced the appointment of Crown representatives, Dr Charlotte Severne and Mr Bernie OâDonnell, to the Steering Committee that will determine the future of the IhumÄtao land. Â âIâm pleased to have made the Crown appointments. Both Dr Severne and Mr OâDonnell have extensive ...1 day ago
- Health Minister Andrew Little's address to first joint meeting of the boards of Te Whatu Ora &#...I begin by thanking each of you for accepting appointment to these boards. Youâve each been on the Ministerial committee that established Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora - the MÄori Health Authority and I express my appreciation for the enormous task you collectively ...1 day ago
- Hong Kong National Security LawAotearoa New Zealand has reiterated its concerns over the continued erosion of rights, freedom and autonomy in Hong Kong. On the second anniversary of the introduction of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta says developments in Hong Kong remain a cause for worry. âTwo years ...1 day ago
- Europol Agreement will assist New Zealand law enforcement in tackling serious crimeThe Europol Agreement signed is a significant milestone for New Zealand and the European Unionâs relationship, and reflects our shared principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said today. The Prime Minister attended a signature ceremony in Brussels, as part of ...1 day ago
- New era for better health in Aotearoa New Zealand·      New nationwide public health system ·      20 district health boards disestablished and deficits wiped ·      82,000 health employees directly employed by Health New Zealand ·      $24 billion health budget this year â up 43% since Labour took office in 2017 â in addition to separate funding for the new ...1 day ago
- New chairs appointed to the Teaching Council and Te KuraEducation Minister Chris Hipkins has announced appointments to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Board of Trustees of Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura). âRobyn Baker ONZM has been appointed as the chair of the Teaching Council. She has considerable governance experience and is a ...1 day ago
- Joint media release on the occasion of the meeting between European Commission President von der Ley...European Commission President von der Leyen and Prime Minister of New Zealand Ardern met in Brussels on 30 June 2022. The encounter provided an opportunity to reaffirm that the European Union and Aotearoa New Zealand are longstanding partners with shared democratic values and interests, aligned positions on key international and ...2 days ago
- New Zealand secures major free trade deal with European UnionExport revenue to the EU to grow by up to $1.8 billion annually on full implementation. Duty-free access on 97% of New Zealandâs current exports to the EU; with over 91% being removed the day the FTA comes into force. NZ exporters set to save approx. $110 million per annum ...2 days ago
- Biggest Year for Clean Cars on Record57,000 EVs and Hybrid registered in first year of clean car scheme, 56% increase on previous year EVs and Non Plug-in Hybrids made up 20% of new passenger car sales in March/April 2022 The Governmentâs Clean Car Discount Scheme has been a success, with more than 57,000 light-electric and ...2 days ago
- Police Wing 355 includes the highest ever proportion of WÄhine MÄoriPolice Minister Chris Hipkins congratulates the newest Police wing â wing 355 â which graduated today in Porirua. âThese 70 new constables heading for the frontline bring the total number of new officers since Labour took office to 3,303 and is the latest mark of our commitment to the Police ...2 days ago
- New RBNZ board takes up role from 1 JulyMembers with a range of governance, financial and technical skills have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Board as part of the shift to strengthen the Bankâs decision-making and accountability arrangements. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 2021 comes into force on 1 July 2022, with the establishment of ...2 days ago
- New measures to help manage COVID-19 as country stays at OrangeNew Zealand to remain at Orange as case numbers start to creep up 50 child-size masks made available to every year 4-7 student in New Zealand 20,000-30,000 masks provided a week to all other students and school staff Extra funding to schools and early childhood services to supports better ...2 days ago
- NZ to join International Court of Justice case against RussiaAotearoa New Zealand will join Ukraineâs case against Russia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which challenges Russiaâs spurious attempt to justify its invasion under international law. Ukraine filed a case at the ICJ in February arguing Russia has falsely claimed genocide had occurred in Luhansk and Donetsk regions, as ...2 days ago
- New advisory group provides enduring MÄori expertise for Te Aorerekura deliveryThe Government has taken another step forward in its work to eliminate family violence and sexual violence with the announcement today of a new Tangata Whenua Ministerial Advisory Group. A team of 11 experts in whÄnau MÄori wellbeing will provide the Government independent advice on shaping family violence and sexual ...2 days ago
- Making work better for Kiwi womenTe Mahere Whai Mahi WÄhine: Womenâs Employment Action Plan was launched today by Minister for Women Jan Tinetti â with the goal of ensuring New Zealand is a great place for women to work. âThis Government is committed to improving womenâs working lives. The current reality is that women have ...2 days ago
- Good Employer Awards celebrate food and fibre sectorThe food and fibre sector acknowledged its people and leadership at last nightâs 2022 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards, a time to celebrate their passion towards supporting employees by putting their health, welfare and wellbeing first,â Acting Minister of Agriculture Meka Whairiti said. âAward winners were selected from an extraordinary ...3 days ago
- PM's comments to NATO sessionKia ora koutou katoa. It is a rare thing to have New Zealand represented at a NATO Summit. While we have worked together in theatres such as Afghanistan, and have been partners for just on a decade, today represents an important moment for our Pacific nation.  New Zealand is ...3 days ago
- Veterans Minister announces new focus on mental health for veterans and their whÄnauTe Arataki mĆ te Hauora NgÄkau mĆ ngÄ MĆrehu a TĆ« me Ć rÄtou WhÄnau, The Veteran, Family and WhÄnau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework âWe ask a lot of those who serve in the military â and we ask a lot of the families and whÄnau who support ...3 days ago
- Minister to advocate for Small Island StatesAssociate Minister of Foreign Affairs Aupito William Sio has been appointed by the United Nations and Commonwealth as Aotearoa New Zealandâs advocacy champion for Small Island States. âAotearoa New Zealand as a Pacific country is particularly focused on the interests of Pacific Small Island Developing States in our region. âThis is a ...3 days ago
- Increased support for households to pay local council ratesAn estimated 100,000 low income households will be eligible for increased support to pay their council rates, with changes to the rates rebate scheme taking effect from 1 July. Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced increases to both the maximum value of the rates rebate, and the income threshold ...3 days ago
- He Oranga Poutama expanded into four new regionsA long-standing physical activity programme that focuses on outcomes for Maori has been expanded to four new regions with Government investment almost doubled to increase its reach. He Oranga Poutama is managed by a combination of hapƫ, iwi, hauora and regional providers.  An increase in funding from $1.8 million ...3 days ago
- Wellingtonâs rapid transit option progresses to next stageThe Government is progressing a preferred option for LGWM which will see Wellingtonâs transport links strengthened with light rail from Wellington Station to Island Bay, a new tunnel through Mt Victoria for public transport, and walking and cycling, and upgrades to improve traffic flow at the Basin Reserve. âWhere previous ...3 days ago
- Keynote remarks: Tech 4 Democracy Summit, MadridTo Provost Muniz, to the Organisers at the Instituto de Empresa buenas tardes and as we would say in New Zealand, kia ora kotou katoa. To colleagues from the State Department, from Academia, and Civil Society Groups, to all our distinguished guests - kia ora tatou katoa. Itâs a pleasure ...4 days ago
- On June 28, 2022, a meeting took place in Madrid between the President of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain, Pedro SĂĄnchez PĂ©rez-CastejĂłn, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, who was visiting Spain to participate in the Summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as one ...4 days ago
- More young Kiwis able to travel and work in SpainA six-fold increase in the Aotearoa New Zealand-Spain working holiday scheme gives a huge boost to the number of young people who can live and work in each otherâs countries, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. Jacinda Ardern and Spanish President Pedro SĂĄnchez PĂ©rez-CastejĂłn made the Working Holiday/Youth Mobility Scheme announcement ...4 days ago
- Supporting local government candidatesA significant barrier has been removed for people who want to stand in local government elections, with a change to the requirement to publish personal details in election advertising. The Associate Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty has taken the Local Electoral (Advertising) Amendment Bill through its final stages in Parliament ...4 days ago
- Govt passes law to protect consumers in banking and insurance sectorNew financial conduct scheme will ensure customers are treated fairly Banks, insurers and non-bank deposit takers to be licensed by the FMA in relation to their general conduct Sales incentives based on volume or value targets like bonuses for selling a certain number of financial products banned The Government ...4 days ago
- New law paves way for greater supermarket competitionLegislation that bans major supermarkets from blocking their competitorsâ access to land to set up new stores paves the way for greater competition in the sector, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Dr David Clark said. The new law is the first in a suite of measures the Government is ...4 days ago
- Vaccine mandate for border and corrections workers to endThe Government has announced an end to the requirement for border workers and corrections staff to be fully vaccinated. This will come into place from 2 July 2022. 100 per cent of corrections staff in prisons, and as of 23 June 2022 97 per cent of active border workers were ...4 days ago
- New Zealand's Commonwealth relationships strengthened at CHOGMForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta has concluded a visit to Rwanda reaffirming Aotearoa New Zealandâs engagement in the Commonwealth and meeting with key counterparts. âI would like to thank President Kagame and the people of Rwanda for their manaakitanga and expert hosting of this important meeting,â Nanaia Mahuta said. âCHOGM ...4 days ago
- Emergency monitoring centre opened to keep New Zealand saferMinister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty officially launched the new Monitoring, Alerting and Reporting (MAR) Centre at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) today. The Government has stood up the centre in response to recommendations from the 2018 Ministerial Review following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and 2017 Port Hills fire, ...4 days ago
- Waikato Expressway speed limit to change to 110km/hTransport Minister Michael Wood has welcomed the announcement that a 110km/hr speed limit has been set for the SH1 Waikato Expressway, between Hampton Downs and Tamahere. âThe Waikato Expressway is a key transport route for the Waikato region, connecting Auckland to the agricultural and business centres of the central North ...4 days ago
- Government listening to sector on NCEAFollowing feedback from the sector, Associate Minister of Education Jan Tinetti, today confirmed that new literacy and numeracy | te reo matatini me te pÄngarau standards will be aligned with wider NCEA changes. âThe education sector has asked for more time to put the literacy and numeracy | te reo ...4 days ago
- Further Aotearoa New Zealand support for Ukraine$4.5 million to provide Ukraine with additional non-lethal equipment and supplies such as medical kit for the Ukrainian Army Deployments extended for New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) intelligence, logistics and liaison officers in the UK, Germany, and Belgium Secondment of a senior New Zealand military officer to support International ...5 days ago
- Luana Scowcroft Launches Council Bid With Appeal For Future Generations
Green Party candidate for Wellington's Motukairangi-Eastern Ward Luana Scowcroft is launching her campaign at Hataitai Centre (the former Hataitai Bowling Club) at 7pm tonight, Saturday July 2nd. Luana says that council's short-term thinking, and ...3 hours ago - EU FTA & Tiriti O Waitangi: âMore Of The SameâThe government has just announced the conclusion of a free trade agreement with the European Union. One MÄori entity operating in the trade space, NgÄ Toki Whakarururanga, is not celebrating. âWe are aware that New Zealand negotiators genuinely sought ...7 hours ago
- Jackson takes another small step towards action at IhumÄtao while Mahuta aims for the heavens with ...
Buzz from the Beehive Down here on Earth â more particularly, in IhumÄtao â progress on doing whatever is going to be done to that disputed patch of land has been glacial. Newsroom drew attention to the dawdling in an article in April which noted that MÄori Development Minister Willie ...7 hours ago - Ardern and Johnson agree to visa changes to benefit New Zealanders under 35
Young New Zealanders will be able to spend more time living and working in the United Kingdom under changes to a popular visa. ...12 hours ago - Titanic power struggle tipped for PNGâs âgame changerâ election
PNG Post-Courier Today is officially the last day of campaigning in Papua New Guineaâs 2022 National General Election. Count tomorrow until Monday as rest days, but in politically charged PNG, anything is possible, including illegal last-minute clandestine campaigning. Polling is set to begin Tuesday, July 4, when millions will exercise ...18 hours ago - Greenpeace condemns NZ silence on Pacific deep sea mining risksAsia Pacific Report newsdesk Greenpeace Aotearoa has condemned New Zealand for âstanding byâ while âdeep wounds are inflicted on its Pacific neighboursâ by silence over deep sea mining. Greenpeaceâs seabed mining campaigner James Hita made the critical statement today after a dramatic shift at the UN Oceans conference in Lisbon ...18 hours ago
- Plenty of numbers amplify the Beehiveâs braying but farmers find fault with EU trade deal and RBNZ...Buzz from the Beehive
Numbers, quotas and ratios have been high in ministerial considerations over the past 24 hours or so. Export revenue to the EU will grow by up to $1.8 ... 1 day ago - China, Russia and climate change: why Australiaâs place at the NATO Summit was so importantSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Harris Rimmer, Professor and Director of the Policy Innovation Hub, Griffith Business School, Griffith University Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admitted at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Public Forum that some Australians may not understand why heâs at a NATO meeting ...1 day ago
- The United States was founded on allegiance to laws, not leaders. The Jan 6 rioters turned that on i...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jared Mondschein, Senior Research Fellow, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney When colonial Americans declared their independence on July 4 1776, they rejected more than British rule. They explicitly denounced the British form of government and the unlegislated norms, traditions and conventions ...1 day ago
- VIDEO: Health Minister Mark Butlerâs audit of Australiaâs COVID vaccine suppliesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and Emma Larouche, from the University of Canberraâs Media and Communications team discuss the week in politics. They canvass the crossbenchersâ stoush with the Prime Minister over ...1 day ago
- Mahuta criticises China as Hong Kong marks two years under security law"Aotearoa New Zealand remains concerned by the steady erosion of rights, freedoms, and autonomy that has occurred in Hong Kong as a result," the foreign minister said. ...1 day ago
- More Than 200,000 People Apply For Residence Through 2021 Resident VisaWith one month to go until the closure of the 2021 Resident Visa, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) encourages those who are eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa to submit their applications before the category closes at 11:59pm on 31 July 2022. INZ has ...1 day ago
- Week in Politics: Luxon moves National out of a political danger zoneAnalysis - National's Christopher Luxon moves to defuse a potentially vote-losing disaster, the Health Minister's problems keep piling up and the PM speaks at a NATO summit and unveils an historic free trade agreement with the EU. ...1 day ago
- Ardern heralds Europol Agreement as 'milestone' of co-operationThe government's signing of an Europol Agreement significant reflects shared principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. ...1 day ago
- Plastic Free July: recycling is the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. Itâs time to teach kids ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Tolbert, Associate Professor of Science and Environmental Education, University of Canterbury GettyImages Plastic Free July has rolled around again and weâll all be hearing about reducing plastic use in our daily lives. Much of the messaging is targeted toward young ...1 day ago
- Ethnic Women Enter Politics Despite BarriersCost, sexism and racism are barriers to ethnic women entering Aotearoa New Zealand politics, a University of Auckland researcher says A University of Auckland researcher shedding light on the unseen and unheard stories of ethnic women in New Zealand politics ...1 day ago
- When we talk about the teacher shortage, donât forget those who teach English as an additional lan...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roderick Neilsen, Associate Professor TESOL/Languages Education, Deakin University Burned-out teachers in Australian primary and secondary schools are quitting in droves, while the majority of surveyed teachers are thinking about it. There are similar fears about Australiaâs early childhood educators. However, there ...1 day ago
- Unions Lodge Pay Equity Claim For Care And Support WorkersUnions representing care and support workers are lodging a pay equity claim today to raise pay rates for a majority female workforce that has always been undervalued. The pay equity claim is a crucial step in stemming the crisis the care and support ...1 day ago
- Hip flexors get weak when we sit too much â but simple stretches and strengthening exercises can l...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Lavender, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia Shutterstock I am sure youâve been told you should stand up and move away from your work stations or use a standing desk where possible. One of the ...1 day ago
- NZCTU Welcomes Labour Protection Advances Through The NZ/EU FTAThe New Zealand Council of Trade Unions has today welcomed the Free Trade Agreement established between New Zealand and the European Union says President Richard Wagstaff. "The Agreement includes a number of welcome steps to make trade more ...1 day ago
- IHC: Flawed System Funding Community Programmes For Disabled Adults Must GoNew Zealand is once again calling on the Government to overhaul an outdated system that determines what community programmes disabled adults have access to based on flawed assessments they were given as children. A case note published this week from ...1 day ago
- Meat and dairy industries very disappointed with New Zealand European Union trade dealThe meat and dairy industries are very disappointed with the outcome of the free trade deal struck between New Zealand and the European Union saying it falls far below their expectations. ...1 day ago
- National gives EU free trade agreement a six out of 10The Prime Minister will need to explain to farmers why there were not more gains in meat and dairy in the trade agreement with the EU, the opposition says. ...1 day ago
- New Zealandâs Silence On Deep Sea Mining Risks Deep Wounds To Pacific RelationsIn a dramatic shift at the United Nations oceans conference in Lisbon this week, a series of Pacific Governments have formed an alliance to oppose deep sea mining in international waters but Greenpeace says the continued silence from the New Zealand ...1 day ago
- Need To Do More To Reduce Plastic Pollution In WaterNew Zealanders are amongst the highest generators of plastic waste in the world and on top of this there is now concern about the level of microplastics in our water. As Plastic-free July gets underway, Water New Zealand chief executive Gillian Blythe ...1 day ago
- Government: Cut The Spin And Give A Truthful Assessment Of The EU DealâWhen will governments and trade negotiators realise they have more credibility if they tell the truth about free trade agreements (FTA) like the new deal with the European Union (EU), instead of their fancifully positive spin?â, asks Jane Kelsey, ...1 day ago
- Leading Expert Makes Urgent Call For Change Following Malachi Subecz Child Abuse SentencingNational child abuse advocacy group - Child Matters - says yesterdayâs revelation that authorities were never alerted to the extent of Malachi Subeczâs horrific injuries is a stark reminder that government legislation must change â and now. ...1 day ago
- Ministry for Disabled People, Whaikaha, launchesThe new Ministry for Disabled People, Whaikaha, will be led by a non-disabled person - for now - after complications with recruitment. ...1 day ago
- Ministry of Disabled People, Whaikaha, launchesThe new Ministry of Disabled People, Whaikaha, will be led by a non-disabled person - for now - after complications with recruitment. ...1 day ago
- Is Australia in the firing line of a new Chinese campaign against the US?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh White, Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University Testing Washington: Chinese President Xi Jinping. Li Gang/Xinhua via AP How can Australia navigate the tough and dangerous strategic environment in Asia today with ...2 days ago
- New ad urges us to âtake on winterâ by getting COVID and flu vaccines. But it misses some key th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Kaufman, Research Fellow, Vaccine Uptake Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Engin Akyurt/Unsplash The federal government has released a new A$11 million ad campaign urging Australians to âtake on winterâ by getting COVID boosters and influenza vaccines, as well as ...2 days ago
- We blew the whistle on Australiaâs central climate policy. Hereâs what a new federal government ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Macintosh, Professor and Director of Research, ANU Law School, Australian National University Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is today expected to announce a much anticipated review of Australiaâs carbon credit scheme, known as the Emissions Reduction Fund. In March, we exposed ...2 days ago
- Could more online learning help fix Australiaâs teacher shortage?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ken Purnell, Professor of Education, CQUniversity Australia On Thursday, thousands of teachers went on strike in New South Wales, over pay and âunsustainableâ workloads. This comes amid increasing concerns about teacher shortages around Australia. The federal government has suggested enticing ...2 days ago
- Pornography, the devil and baboons in fancy dress: what went on at the infamous historical Hellfire ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By EsmĂ© Louise James, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Melbourne Netflix After a month of waiting, the season finale of Stranger Things season 4 has almost arrived on Netflix. This season, along with the nightmarish arch-villain Vecna, we have been ...2 days ago
- New Zealand and European Union secure historic free trade dealMore than 91 percent of tariffs will be removed the day the deal comes into effect, while the value of NZ exports to the EU are estimated to increase by $1.8b a year by 2035. ...2 days ago
- NZ designates American Proud Boys and The Base terrorist groupsRNZ News New Zealand has designated US groups the Proud Boys and The Base as terrorist entities. Set down in the governmentâs official journal of record â the Gazette â last Monday, 20 June, it was published publicly a week later but with no wider dissemination. The move â authorised ...2 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Election delivered bonanza of crossbenchers but what impact will they make?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra David Pocock, the progressive independent who broke the Liberalsâ stranglehold on one of the two ACT Senate seats, wouldnât have expected to find himself allied with Pauline Hanson before even being sworn in. But, ...2 days ago
- Civil group appeals to Jokowi to cancel Papuan expansion plan to âhalt conflictâTabloid Jubi The Civil Organisations Solidarity for Papua Land has condemned Indonesiaâs Papua expansion plan of forming three new provinces risks causing new social conflicts. And the group has urged President Joko âJokowiâ Widodo to cancel the plan, according to a statement reports Jubi. The group â comprising the Papua ...2 days ago
- Fiji, Palau and Samoa call for deep-sea mining moratorium at UN conferenceRNZ Pacific Palau, Fiji, and Samoa have announced their opposition to deep-sea mining, calling for a moratorium on the emerging industry amid growing fears it will destroy the seafloor and damage biodiversity. The alliance was announced just as a United Nations Oceans Conference began in Portugal this week. The moratorium ...2 days ago
- Parliament adopts commissioner role to act as independent watchdogParliament will soon have an independent watchdog to investigate politicians' behaviour and improve the workplace culture. ...2 days ago
- Ardern speaks to Zelensky, reiterates support and continued sanctionsPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern has just spoken to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone, expressing solidarity and support for his country. ...2 days ago
- After Roe v Wade, hereâs how women could adopt âspycraftâ to avoid tracking and prosecutionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis B Desmond, Lecturer, Cyberintelligence and Cybercrime Investigations, University of the Sunshine Coast Sashenka Gutierrez/EPA The art of concealing or misrepresenting oneâs identity in the physical world has long been practised by spies engaged in espionage. In response, intelligence agencies ...2 days ago
- Sky-high mortgages, 7.1% inflation, and a 20% chance of recession. How the Conversationâs panel se...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Homeowners will face mortgage rates near 5.5% in a little over a year, according to a survey of 22 leading Australian economists. The ...2 days ago
- Abortion regulation â in New Zealand and the USA â belongs in their democratically elected legis...
 Guest column by Nicholas Kerr Prime Minister Jacinda Ardernâs comments about the US Supreme Courtâs recent ruling on abortion inadvertently help explain why the court was right to overturn Roe v. Wade and return the issue to the states. She noted that New Zealand ...2 days ago - JobSeeker eligibility changes: what you must do under the new âpoints-based activationâ systemSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mona Nikidehaghani, Lecturer in Accounting, University of Wollongong From Monday July 4 2022, Australian job seekers face a new social security system to police eligibility for support payments. It replaces the âJobactiveâ system that required the âmutual obligationâ of applying for ...2 days ago
- Ban the bottle: 100,000 people sign petitionEnvironmental activists have presented a petition to ban single-use plastic bottles to Parliament today, with the backing of 100,000 signatures. ...2 days ago
- âDraconian and undemocraticâ: why criminalising climate protesters in Australia doesnât actual...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Gulliver, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The University of Queensland A man who drove through a climate protest blocking the Harbour Tunnel this week has copped a A$469 fine, while multiple members of the activist group were arrested. The protest was among a ...2 days ago
- Corrections Union Warned Chief Exec/minister Of More AssaultsâLess than a month ago Floyd Du Plessis, the President of the Corrections Association (CANZ), wrote a letter to the Chief Executive warning of more assaults against prison officers if things didnât change,â says Darroch Ball Leader of Sensible Sentencing ...2 days ago
- Itâs 2022. Why do we still not have waterproof phones?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ritesh Chugh, Associate Professor – Information and Communications Technology, CQUniversity Australia Shutterstock While manufacturers have successfully increased the water-repelling nature of smartphones, they are still far from âwaterproofâ. A water-resistant product can usually resist water penetration to some extent, but ...2 days ago
- Luxonâs dilemma: when politics and morals donât match in response to the overturning of Roe v Wa...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suze Wilson, Senior Lecturer, School of Management, Massey University Phil Walter/Getty Images The US Supreme Courtâs recent ruling to throw out Roe v Wade is an issue of relevance to political leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand. The decision was ...2 days ago
- New Zealand to back Ukraine at International Court of JusticeNew Zealand will present its legal view on Russia's invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations' international court, contesting the Kremlin's claim of genocide. ...2 days ago
- Ministry For Disabled People Establishment Governance Group Pleased With Preferred Permanent Chief E...âThe Public Service Commission have run a robust recruitment process for the permanent role of Chief Executive, Ministry for Disabled People. ...2 days ago
- Bold ambitions â Govt aspires to rid us of bashers and the Security Council veto while building a...
 Buzz from the Beehive The Government has declared or reiterated three bold ambitions, one of them (the elimination of family violence) probably unachievable. Whether progress is being made towards the ... 2 days ago - Why are parents told to put their baby to bed âdrowsy but awakeâ? Does it work?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Price, Team Leader / Senior Research Officer, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Shutterstock Most new parents and caregivers will know the phrase âput your baby down when drowsy but awakeâ. But some parents may find this just doesnât work for ...2 days ago
- Struggling to learn a language? 6 tips on how pop songs can helpSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Stavrou, English Language Instructor, University of Cyprus, and PhD Graduate, Charles Sturt University Traditional approaches to adult language teaching often use resources such as textbooks and generic learning materials that are less than inspiring for learners. New research shows ...2 days ago
- One Hundred Thousand People Call For A Ban On Single-use Plastic BottlesAccompanied by a giant albatross sculpture made of reclaimed plastic bottles, Greenpeace has delivered a 100,000-strong petition to parliament calling on the Government to ban single-use plastic bottles and incentivise reusable and refillable alternatives. ...2 days ago
- Covid-19: NZ to stay in orange traffic light settingCovid-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall says the country needs to remain at the orange traffic light setting as case numbers are starting to "creep up". ...2 days ago
- Auditor-General's Annual Plan 2022/23Our Annual plan 2022/23 was presented to the House of Representatives today. This annual plan is a key accountability document for our Office. It describes the discretionary work we consider will help us to achieve our ultimate outcome â that Parliament ...2 days ago
- Acting Chief Executive Ministry For Disabled People Appointed...2 days ago
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Happy Easter Holidays!
I have a friend:
Leo & band are running a Kickstarter to produce their latest album. Anyone feels like helping out a really excellent band…
Cool band r0b.
Yes they are.
I’m spending a lot of it chilling out with Seth Lakeman.
I’m spending part of Easter listening to all his albums and watching his magnificent ‘Live at the Minack’ DVD.
https://rdln.wordpress.com/2014/12/30/seth-lakemans-workers-lives-review-of-tales-from-the-barrelhouse-and-word-of-mouth/
Phil
Stunning place the Minack Theatre! We saw a performance of du Mauriers ‘Jamaica Inn’ there with the backdrop of a dramatic lightning storm out at sea.
Wish there was something like that in NZ.
Stunning place the Minack Theatre! We saw a performance of du Mauriers ‘Jamaica Inn’ there with the backdrop of a dramatic lightning storm out at sea.
Wish there was something like that in NZ.
Yes, it is stunning. Bits of Seth’s live gig there are on youtube. It really fits his music and it’s interesting watching the way the background changes from day to night – it was a long gig.
He said somewhere that you’ll notice the music speeds up towards the end and it’s because it was such a nice day he just wore jeans and t-shirt but it got colder as night came on so he started playing faster to keep warm.
Here’s the opening number, The Storm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwLK0rJ3keA
And here’s one when it is dark, Blood Upon Copper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WauBCZjOANc
And here’s one from inbetween light and darkness, How Much: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhdWsHEuSw0
Yes, it’s a great pity there’s nothing like the Minack here. I think Tunnel Beach in Dunedin would make a great site for something like the Minack; I’ve even thought of writing to the Council to suggest it.
A witty, intelligent piece by veteran comedian Alexei Sayle in the Guardian on why the new Top Gear presenter should be a Marxist, namely him:
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/apr/03/alexei-sayle-its-time-for-a-marxist-top-gear-jeremy-clarkson?CMP=twt_gu
very good. Funny. I like his writing style too.
I think it’s interesting that Clarkson is such a bitter old grudge-bearer as well.
Clarkson likes to be all anti-PC, but actually he’s got his own right-wing PC thing going on.
(Personally I don’t have much time for any versions of PC, but Clarkson is such a hypocrite.)
I loved how Sayle’s article is actually quite didactic and then he concludes by saying he’s not one of the didactic Marxists, he’s one of the fun ones. That made me laugh out loud.
Yep, really good writing style he has.
Clever bloke and very witty, I still fondly recall him from his guest spots in The Young Ones, one of the greatest of all comedy shows. (My favourite character on that was the punk nihilist played by Ade Edmondson.)
I’m liking Australian singer songwriter Courtney Barnett. And she’s a lefty playing a Fender.
[audio src="http://media.kexp.org/podcasts/songoftheday/media/2015-02-05_2351_courtney_barnett_-_pedestrian_at_best.mp3" /]
Full concert.
It’s taken me a while to admit this, but I agreed with something Sean Plunkett said the other day đ
On the matter of the Americas Cup, he said why don’t we just forget the whole thing, be innovative little hobbits, and start a new race series of our own with clear rules and definitions to keep the lawyers out of it as much as possible, and invite the world to come and play.
I don’t know much about yachting but it seems like something worth thinking about.
Any thoughts from more informed Standardistas?
p.s. I put this in Social as I figured this was mostly sports related, but if mods think it’s more of an Open Mike thing…
tricky. Good idea vs it came from Plunkett. Would the govt have to front up with some $?
disclosure, I’m not an informed Standardista.
Arsenal beating Liverpool almost means Champions League footy next season for the Gunners and a sorry year for the team from Scouseland. That is on TV1 is great (streaming is not really working for me). I reckon it will be 2-0
While coding today I have been watching some Youtube on autoplay….
Love a series called “Guitar Moves” – watching St Vincent at present..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE7R4nKBK8Y&list=RDNE7R4nKBK8Y#t=9