Weekend social 06/02/2015
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2:00 pm, February 6th, 2015 - 28 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?
28 comments on “Weekend social 06/02/2015 ”
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- Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Personal integrity in politics
Yesterday the news broke that newly elected National MP Sam Uffindell was asked to leave private Auckland school King’s College at the end of his fifth form year after being part of a group that viciously beat a younger student one night. There are many elements to this latest political ...54 mins ago - Sam Uffindell must resign
You’ve got to wonder why the National Party knowingly hid information from the public about their newest MP, Sam Uffindell. Surely they must’ve realised that their secret would eventually leak into the public domain. New Zealand is far too small for cover-ups of this kind to be effective.Despite his violent ...2 hours ago - Bryce Edwards: Luxon’s “New National”Back in the 1990s, Tony Blair rebranded The British Labour Party as “New Labour”, to try and draw a line under past failures. It’s as if Christopher Luxon is attempting to follow suit, and launch “New National” at the moment – a party that’s fresh-looking, has made some big breaks ...17 hours ago
- Party of bullies
Back in June Sam Uffindell was elected to parliament in the Tauranga by-election. Turns out he's a bully who beat a kid with a bed-leg at school: The National Party’s newest MP, Sam Uffindell, was asked to leave his exclusive boarding school after viciously beating a younger student late ...20 hours ago - Submit!The Justice Committee has called for submissions on the Electoral Amendment Bill. Submissions are due by Wednesday, 31 August 2022, and can be made at the link above. The bill improves disclosure of party finances, lowering the declaration threshold to $5,000 and requiring parties to disclose their annual financial statements. ...21 hours ago
- Government-sponsored debt-slaveryStuff this morning has an appalling story about the exploitation of RSE workers in Blenheim, with workers being overcharged for substandard accommodation, denied sick-leave, and held in what is effectively debt-slavery: Migrant horticulture workers are being housed six men to a room, charged $150 a week to sleep in ...23 hours ago
- Work, Work, Work!
1 day ago - Gordon Campbell on National’s plan to privatise welfare delivery
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- Misery and Fear of Misery: Musings on Malthus and Henry George
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- Govt investment into Whakatāne regeneration reaches new milestonesToday Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash turned the sod for the new Whakatāne Commercial Boat Harbour, cut the ribbon for the revitalised Whakatāne Wharf, and inspected work underway to develop the old Whakatāne Army Hall into a visitor centre, all of which are part of the $36.8 million ...5 days ago
- Government determined to get a better deal for consumersNew Zealanders are not getting a fair deal on some key residential building supplies and while the Government has already driven improvements in the sector, a Commerce Commission review finds that changes are needed to make it more competitive. “New Zealand is facing the same global cost of living and ...5 days ago
- Government exceeds Mana in Mahi targetMana in Mahi reaches a milestone surpassing 5,000 participants 75 per cent of participants who had been on a benefit for two or more years haven’t gone back onto a benefit 89 per cent who have a training pathway are working towards a qualification at NZQA level 3 or ...5 days ago
- Government opens new research and innovation hubThe Government has invested $7.7 million in a research innovation hub which was officially opened today by Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Dr Ayesha Verrall. The new facility named Te Pā Harakeke Flexible Labs comprises 560 square metres of new laboratory space for research staff and is based at ...6 days ago
- Unemployment remains low and wages rise despite volatile global environmentUnemployment has remained near record lows thanks to the Government’s economic plan to support households and businesses through the challenging global environment, resulting in more people in work and wages rising. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in the June quarter, with 96,000 people classed out ...6 days ago
- First ever climate adaptation plan lays foundations for resilient communitiesAction to address the risks identified in the 2020 climate change risk assessment, protecting lives, livelihoods, homes, businesses and infrastructure A joined up approach that will support community-based adaptation with national policies and legislation Providing all New Zealanders with information about local climate risks via a new online data ...6 days ago
- New mental health and addiction services making a difference for MāoriMāori with mental health and addiction challenges have easier access to care thanks to twenty-nine Kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction services across Aotearoa, Associate Minister of Health Peeni Henare says. “Labour is the first government to take mental health seriously for all New Zealanders. We know that Māori ...6 days ago
- Data and Statistics Bill Passes its Third ReadingA Bill which updates New Zealand’s statistics legislation for the 21st century has passed its third and final reading today, Minister of Statistics David Clark said. The Data and Statistics Act replaces the Statistics Act, which has been in effect since 1975. “In the last few decades, national data and ...7 days ago
- Further moves to improve the lives of disabled peopleThe Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament today, marking a significant milestone to improve the lives of disabled people. “The Bill aims to address accessibility barriers that prevent disabled people, tāngata whaikaha and their whānau, and others with accessibility needs from living independently,” said ...7 days ago
- Speech to the China Business SummitKia ora koutou, da jia hao It’s great to be back at this year’s China Business Summit. I would first like to acknowledge Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister Helen Clark, His Excellency Ambassador Wang Xiaolong, and parliamentary colleagues both current and former the Right Honourable Winston Peters, the ...7 days ago
- Further changes to CCCFA Regulations will improve safe access to creditNarrowing the expenses considered by lenders Relaxing the assumptions that lenders were required to make about credit cards and buy-now pay-later schemes. Helping make debt refinancing or debt consolidation more accessible if appropriate for borrowers The Government is clarifying the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance (CCCFA) Regulations, to ensure ...7 days ago
- Government prioritises firearm prohibition orders to reduce gun harmThe Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill will be passed through all remaining stages by the end of next week, Police Minister Chris Hipkins said. The Justice Select Committee has received public feedback and finalised its report more quickly than planned. It reported back to the House on Friday. “The Bill will ...7 days ago
- National plan to protect kauri commencesThe Government has stepped up activity to protect kauri, with a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) coming into effect today, Biosecurity Minister Damien O'Connor and Associate Environment Minister James Shaw said. “We have a duty to ensure this magnificent species endures for future generations and also for the health of ...7 days ago
- Support for Samoa’s Climate Change Plan and rebuild of Savalalo MarketPrime Minister Ardern met with members of Samoa’s Cabinet in Apia, today, announcing the launch of a new climate change partnership and confirming support for the rebuild of the capital’s main market, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between Aotearoa New ...1 week ago
- Reconnecting with ASEAN and MalaysiaForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for the Indo-Pacific region today for talks on security and economic issues at meetings of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit in Cambodia, and during bilateral engagements in Malaysia. “Engaging in person with our regional partners is a key part of our reconnecting strategy as ...1 week ago
- Statement to the 2022 Review Conference for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear WeaponsUnited Nations Headquarters, New York City Thank you, Mr President. Ngā mihi ki a koutou. I extend my warm congratulations to you and assure you of the full cooperation of the New Zealand delegation. I will get right to it. In spite of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the nuclear ...1 week ago
- 10,000 more permanent public homes added under the Labour GovernmentA major milestone of 10,037 additional public homes has been achieved since Labour came into office, the Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods confirmed today. “It’s extremely satisfying and a testament to our commitment to providing a safety net for people who need public housing, that we have delivered these warm, ...1 week ago
- Sanctions on Russian armed forces and weapons manufacturersThe Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has announced further sanctions on the armed forces and military-industrial complex of the Russian Federation. “President Putin and the Russian military are responsible for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, which is a grave breach of fundamental international law,” Nanaia Mahuta ...1 week ago
- Government plan to boost health workersEasing the process for overseas nurses and provision of up to $10,000 in financial support for international nurses for NZ registration costs. Provide for the costs of reregistration for New Zealand nurses who want to return to work. Covering international doctors’ salaries during their six-week clinical induction courses and ...1 week ago
- Today marks one year since Government’s Dawn Raids apologyA new future between Pacific Aotearoa and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is the essence of a Dawn Raids Apology anniversary event in Auckland this month, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio. One year ago, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern formally apologised to Pacific communities impacted by the Dawn Raids in ...1 week ago
- PM Speech to China Business SummitTēnā koutou katoa Tuia ngā waka, Tuia ngā wawata, Tuia ngā hou-kura Let us bind our connection, let us bind our vision, let us bind our shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. This year marks a significant milestone in the New Zealand – China relationship. Fifty years ago – 1972 – ...1 week ago
- Cook Islands Language Week will close generational gapIt’s Cook Islands Language week and the Minister of Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio wants the community to focus on what it means to keep the language alive across the generations. “Our Cook Islands community in Aotearoa have decided to focus on the same theme as last years; ‘ Ātuitui’ia ...1 week ago
- Cost of Living support payment to reach over 2 million New ZealandersFrom 1 August an estimated 2.1 million New Zealanders will be eligible to receive the first targeted Cost of Living Payment as part of the Government’s plan to help soften the impact of rising global inflationary pressures affecting New Zealanders, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says. The payments will see eligible ...1 week ago
- New Zealand’s border fully open to visitors and students· New Zealand’s international border opens to all visitors, including from non-visa waiver countries, and international students from 11:59PM, 31 July 2022. · Cruise ships and recreational yachts able to arrive at New Zealand ports. This evening marks the final step in the Government’s reconnecting plan, with visitors from non-visa ...1 week ago
- Government sets out plan to eliminate HIV transmission in New ZealandNew Action Plan to eliminate HIV transmission released for consultation today $18 million Budget 2022 boost Key measures to achieve elimination include increasing prevention and testing, improving access to care and treatment and addressing stigma The Government has today released its plan to eliminate the transmission of HIV in ...1 week ago
- Government support lifts income for beneficiariesA report released today shows Government support has lifted incomes for Beneficiaries by 40 percent over and above inflation since 2018. “This is the first time this data set has been collected, and it clearly shows Government action is having an impact,” Carmel Sepuloni said. “This Government made a commitment ...1 week ago
- Māori Housing: Urban development underway in Mt WellingtonThirty new warm, safe and affordable apartments to be delivered by Tauhara North No 2 Trust in Tāmaki Makaurau Delivered through Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme, jointly delivered by Te Puni Kōkiri and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Allocation of the apartments will be prioritised to support ...2 weeks ago
- Phil Twyford to attend Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty meetingDisarmament and Arms Control Minister Phil Twyford will lead Aotearoa New Zealand’s delegation to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference at the United Nations in New York next week. “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons,” Phil Twyford said. “The NPT has ...2 weeks ago
- Construction Sector Accord – launch of Transformation Plan 2022-2025I am delighted to join you today for the launch of the Construction Sector Accord Transformation Plan 2022-2025. I would like to acknowledge my colleagues – the other Accord Ministers, the Accord governance and sector leadership, the CEOs of Government agencies, and leaders from the construction sector. The construction ...2 weeks ago
- Work underway to make Wairarapa roads saferAssociate Minister of Transport Kieran McAnulty was joined this morning by the Mayors of Carterton and Masterton, local Iwi and members of the Wairarapa community to turn the first sod on a package of crucial safety improvements for State Highway 2 in Wairarapa. “The work to improve safety on this ...2 weeks ago
- National MP Sam Uffindell speaks on high school attack: 'I was a bully at school and I'm n...
Sam Uffindell says he's not the same person he was 20 odd years ago after his involvement as a teenager in an attack on a younger student came to light. ...44 mins ago - Why the government should be working on a hydrogen strategy
Point of Order a week ago was serving up some commentary on the news that the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter will not shut down in 2024 — and could have a long-term future. The question now is whether Meridian Energy, which supplies the bulk of Tiwai Point’s electricity from ...1 hour ago - Police Taking A Year To Renew A Firearms Licence
...2 hours ago - Big Push For More Local Government Nominations – LGNZLocal Government NZ (LGNZ) is concerned that some roles won’t be filled, or key roles will go uncontested at this year's local body elections unless more candidates throw their hat in the ring before nominations close on Friday. Last election saw ...2 hours ago
- Tūpuna Maunga Authority Begins Integrated Management Plan Amendment ProcessThe Tūpuna Maunga Authority has called for public submissions on the proposed amendment to its award-winning Integrated Management Plan 2016. The new section details proposed ecological restoration projects (including the planting of native species and removal ...2 hours ago
- Ex-National MP Jami-Lee Ross' 2018 police interview played in political donations trialFormer National MP Jami-Lee Ross told the police he sounded the alarm over a donation to the party because he thought it was dodgy and potentially illegal. ...4 hours ago
- Tax office whistleblowing saga points to reforms needed in three vital areas
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By A J Brown, Professor of Public Policy & Law, Centre for Governance & Public Policy, Griffith University Last Friday’s twist in the long prosecution of Australian Taxation Office whistleblower Richard Boyle – now headed for its fifth year – brings into relief ...4 hours ago - Uranium prices are soaring, and Australia’s hoary old nuclear debate is back in the headlines. Her...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erik Eklund, Professor of History, Australian National University Uranium concentrate, known as yellowcake Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Flickr, CC BY-SA Last week, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton sought to revive the hoary old debate of nuclear power in Australia, announcing an internal review into ...4 hours ago
- With the strokes of a guitar solo, Joni Mitchell showed us how our female music elders are super pun...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janelle K Johnstone, PhD Candidate, La Trobe University Photo by Carlin Stiehl for The Boston Globe via Getty Images The iconic Joni Mitchell’s recent surprise performance at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival prompted a world-wide outpouring of love and respect. ...4 hours ago
- 15 years of experiments have overturned a major assumption about how thirsty plants actually areSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucas Cernusak, Associate Professor, Plant Physiology, James Cook University Hasan Almasi / Unsplash Have you ever wondered just how much water plants need to grow, or indeed why they need it? Plants lose a lot of water when they take in ...5 hours ago
- Why am I so tired and when is it time to see the doctor about it? A GP explainsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natasha Yates, Assistant Professor, General Practice, Bond University Shutterstock Everyone feels tired sometimes. But how do you know whether your tiredness is a problem worth seeing a doctor about? And with all the mental and emotional strain we have been under ...5 hours ago
- ‘It hurt my heart and my wallet’: the unnecessary test stressing teachers before they even make ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Hilton, Academic Chair Secondary Education, Murdoch University www.shutterstock.com There is no shortage of articles about how teachers are stressed, due to their complex jobs and high workloads. But what is happening before they make it to the classroom? ...5 hours ago
- Eddie Betts’ camp saga highlights a motivational industry rife with weird, harmful ideasSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Farr-Wharton, Associate Dean of Management, Edith Cowan University Former AFL star Eddie Betts’ revelations about the 2018 Adelaide Crows training camp, which left him feeling like he had been brainwashed and sapped his passion for football, raises all sorts of questions. ...5 hours ago
- National Party stands by MP Sam Uffindell after high school assault comes to lightNational is standing by Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell following revelations he was asked to leave King's College due to his involvement in the assault of a younger student. ...5 hours ago
- Luxon hits back, defending National's lambasted welfare policyThe National Party leader says Labour's approach is giving up on young people who want to work and consigning them to a life of poverty. ...16 hours ago
- Auditor-General urges accountability changes for three waters reformsIn a submission to the select committee, Auditor-General John Ryan has urged the government to require auditing of the incoming Water Services Entities. ...18 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: Luxon’s “New National”Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political Roundup: Luxon’s “New National” Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Back in the 1990s, Tony Blair rebranded The British Labour Party as “New Labour”, to try and draw a line under past failures. It’s as if Christopher Luxon is attempting to follow suit, and launch “New ...18 hours ago
- A volcano is erupting again in Iceland. Is climate change causing more eruptions?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Handley, Associate Professor of Volcanology and Geoscience Communication, University of Twente and Adjunct Associate Professor, Monash University Marco Di Marco/AP The Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland began erupting again on Wednesday after eight months of slumber – so far without ...18 hours ago
- Natonal down but still leads in 1 News / Kantar political pollNational has dropped to 37 percent but still leads Labour on 33 percent in the latest 1 News / Kantar political poll. ...19 hours ago
- National down but still leads in 1 News / Kantar political pollNational has dropped to 37 percent but still leads Labour on 33 percent in the latest 1 News / Kantar political poll. ...19 hours ago
- Amid death and destruction, the latest conflict in Gaza highlights the depths of its humanitarian cr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Maguire, Associate Professor in Human Rights and International Law, University of Newcastle Israel launched multiple air strikes on Gaza on August 5, in another eruption of open warfare between Israel and Palestinian militants. The latest attacks come just over a year ...19 hours ago
- National MP Sam Uffindell 'asked to leave' King's College after attacking younger pup...National's newest MP has admitted he was kicked out of his boarding school as a teen for beating a younger student. The party knew of the incident during the candidate selection process for the Tauranga by-election. ...19 hours ago
- AG’s Verdict Should Sink Three Waters“The Auditor-General’s comments on Labour’s divisive Three Waters should be the final nail in the coffin for the widely-rejected reforms,” says ACT’s Local Government spokesperson Simon Court. “The Auditor-General raised serious concerns ...19 hours ago
- Watch: Post-Cabinet briefing with Ardern, RobertsonPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her deputy Grant Robertson are speaking to media after the weekly Cabinet meeting. Watch live. ...20 hours ago
- Live: Post-Cabinet briefing with Ardern, RobertsonPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her deputy Grant Robertson are speaking to media after the weekly Cabinet meeting. Watch live. ...21 hours ago
- Government Have Ignored Kiwis, But Auditor General Echoes ConcernsThe Government must listen to the concerns of the Auditor General in his submission on the Water Services Entities Bill, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says. "The concerns of the Auditor General echo those made by the more than ...21 hours ago
- Focus on safety and security – Mahuta tackles the Myanmar menace while Wood warns of the danger fr...
Buzz from the Beehive Safety and security were the common theme in the latest statements – just two – from The Beehive. The first – headed Call for New Zealanders to get on-board with rail safety – tells us this is Rail Safety Week. Transport Minister Michael Wood grabbed the ...22 hours ago - Mental distress is much worse for people with disabilities, and many health professionals don’t kn...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock It’s no secret COVID is having a drastic impact on people’s wellbeing, and has worsened an already a rising trend in mental health problems. The Australian Institute for Health and Welfare’s ...22 hours ago
- The case for degrowth: stop the endless expansion and work with what our cities already haveSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Shaw, Honorary Senior Fellow in Urban Geography and Planning, The University of Melbourne Author provided Australian cities are good at growing – for decades their states have relied on it. The need to house more people is used to justify ...22 hours ago
- Remembering Shirley Barrett: an offbeat and generous Australian director and writerSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirsten Stevens, Lecturer in Arts and Cultural Management, The University of Melbourne AP Photo/Laurent Rebours Australia, and the world, has lost a unique voice with the passing last week of acclaimed director and writer Shirley Barrett. Barrett gained international ...22 hours ago
- Auditor-General's Submission On The Water Services Entities BillWe have published our submission to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Water Services Entities Bill. Because water services are critical to everyone, our focus is on how the public and Parliament are able to influence the performance of ...23 hours ago
- Curious kids: what is inside teeth?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Santosh Tadakamadla, Associate professor and Discipline Lead for Dentistry, La Trobe University Unsplash/Mieke Campbell, CC BY What is inside teeth? – Nicholas, age 5, Australian Capital Territory Great question, Nicholas. It is important for us to know ...23 hours ago
- FPHANZ Calls For Increased Funding Of Primary And Community CareA gaping hole. That’s how the Federation of Primary Health Aotearoa New Zealand Executive Director is describing the lack of primary and community care funding in the current health reform programme. Angela Francis says the Federation board and ...23 hours ago
- National Party Youth Unemployment Policy Out Of TouchE Tipu E Rea Whānau Services are deeply concerned with recent policy announcements in regard to youth unemployment and benefits over the weekend. As an organisation that works with marginalised rangatahi every day, we are always concerned when we ...23 hours ago
- A foot and mouth outbreak in NZ would affect more than agriculture – tourism needs a plan tooSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stu Hayes, Lecturer, Tourism, University of Otago Spraying disinfectant on an Indonesian cattle farm infected with foot and mouth disease in July 22. Getty Images Recent warnings of a “doomsday” scenario if foot and mouth disease (FMD) arrived in New Zealand inevitably ...1 day ago
- Māori electorates: National Party to stand candidate in Tāmaki Makaurau at electionNational's new party president says she's encouraged by the diversity in candidates coming forward ahead of next year's election. ...1 day ago
- Be. Leadership In Governance Programme 2022Be. announce an exciting new Leadership Development Programme to foster a community of disabled and access leaders equipped with the skills for 21st century governance, and to embed accessibility at a strategic level in the board agenda. Over the past ...1 day ago
- Are Not For Profits Ready For Their Reserves To Be Made Public?Recommendations from the recent Charities Act Review could mean registered charities with operating expenses over $140,000 per year will be required to disclose information about the reserves they hold, and why they hold them, says Barry Baker, Partner and ...1 day ago
- National would target 2000 young people in first year of welfare plan – LuxonThe National Party plans on enforcing current benefit sanctions to address what it says are people getting a "free pass". ...1 day ago
- National Party's welfare plan based on 'old tropes' – PM Jacinda ArdernThe prime minister has criticised National's proposed welfare changes saying they prove the opposition party doesn't understand the incentives currently in place to help people into work. ...1 day ago
- Manaaki Rangatahi Concerned Punitive Approach To Welfare Increases Harm For Rangatahi Experiencing H...Manaaki Rangatahi are concerned that punitive approaches to welfare, such as National's latest policy announcement, and current sanction policies for young people in need of financial support from MSD, run the risk of increasing harm for young people and ...1 day ago
- Polarising, sensational media coverage of transgender athletes should end – our research shows a w...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Holly Thorpe, Professor in Sociology of Sport and Physical Culture, University of Waikato Shutterstock Given recent and often sensationalist media coverage of the issue, it’s easy to overlook the fact that transgender athletes have participated in elite sport for decades ...1 day ago
- The January 6 hearings have been spectacular TV, but will they have any consequences for Trump?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney There have now been nine televised hearings of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. The main purpose ...1 day ago
- Ivermectin, blood washing, ozone: how long COVID survivors are being sold the next round of miracle ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Lupton, SHARP Professor, leader of the Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Centre, UNSW Sydney, and leader of the UNSW Node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, UNSW Sydney ...1 day ago
- Australia spends $5 billion a year on teaching assistants in schools but we don’t know what they d...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Sonnemann, Principal Advisor Education, Grattan Institute www.shutterestock.com This Friday, state and federal education ministers will meet for the first time since the federal election. The stakes are high. Ministers meet as teacher shortages and workload pressures are dominating ...1 day ago
- Crown Sydney casino opens – another beacon for criminals looking to launder dirty moneySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Macquarie University Crown Resorts’ striking new A$2 billion casino on Sydney’s Barangaroo Point opens its doors to gamblers for the first time this week. But only if they are “VIPs”. Its licence to operate remains conditional, ...1 day ago
- National's 'regressive' benefit plan won't work – Support servicesSupport services say National's new welfare policy is outdated, and will worsen the situation for beneficiaries. ...1 day ago
- Euthanasia Or Palliative Care?One of New Conservative’s core principles is a commitment to the sanctity of life. We believe human life is sacred, from conception to natural death. These principles are not held by the ruling Labour/Greens coalition; neither are they held by National ...1 day ago
- Power Play: Christopher Luxon tries to win over his own partyThe magenta wash shot through the true blue National branding is one way Christopher Luxon is making his mark as party leader, and he'll be hoping this past weekend's party conference will be another, writes Jane Patterson. ...1 day ago
- Commemorations Remember Guadalcanal 80 Years OnNew Zealand Defence Force personnel have remembered all those who served in Solomon Islands during World War II, as they attended commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal today. A group of personnel from the Royal New Zealand ...1 day ago
- National's welfare plan over-simplified and out of touch, opposition parties sayMinister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni says there's no evidence National's welfare plan will work, while the Greens say it shows a "depressingly familiar side of the National Party". ...2 days ago
- National's welfare plan over-simplified and out of touch, opposing parties sayMinister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni says there's no evidence National's welfare plan will work, while the Greens say it shows a "depressingly familiar side of the National Party". ...2 days ago
- Welfare Is About Support, Not SanctionsThe Greens are the only party with a comprehensive plan to support people on low incomes so everyone in and out of work has enough to make ends meet and provide for their families. “It is clearer today than ever before that thousands of families ...2 days ago
- Sylvia Wood Elected President Of The National PartySylvia Wood has been elected President of the National Party by the Party’s board of directors at its annual conference in Christchurch. Ms Wood has been on the board since 2021 and will serve as National’s 18th President after the retirement of ...2 days ago
- Professor Elizabeth Rata – In defence of democracy
PROFESSOR ELIZABETH RATA gave this address – ‘In Defence of Democracy’ – to the New Zealand ACT Party Annual Conference, in Wellington and Auckland, last month. Although the address was given at a political party event, she says she was a guest speaker and the ideas she presents are her ...2 days ago - National lays out plan for those on welfare longer than a yearNational has taken aim at those on welfare for longer than a year, in particular young people, saying it's unacceptable in a time of extreme labour shortages. ...2 days ago
- Vale Judith Durham, the cuddly Aussie ‘girl-next-door’ whose soaring voice found international f...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Giuffre, Senior Lecturer in Communication, University of Technology Sydney Judith Durham, one of Australia’s most recognisable voices, has passed away at 79. An icon of the Australian music industry as lead singer for The Seekers and a solo artist, hers ...2 days ago
- Garrick Tremain’s view…
... 2 days ago - National Party elects Sylvia Wood as new presidentThe National Party has elected a new president at its annual conference in Christchurch. ...2 days ago
- Public health ‘patriot’ protesters march onto central Auckland streetsRNZ News Protesters blocked roads in central Auckland this afternoon for the second time in two weeks, marching past the main entrance to the city’s hospital. The Auckland motorway onramp used by protesters two weeks ago was closed ahead of another rally at the Auckland Domain today. Aucklanders were warned ...3 days ago
- 'I've seen it all': Peter Goodfellow looks back at 50 years as National memberNational Party outgoing president Peter Goodfellow has acknowledged mistakes in his final speech, but says he does not regret trying to move the party into the 21st century. ...3 days ago
- More money for musicians (but Sepuloni isn’t saying how much) because they say the last lot was su...Buzz from the Beehive Ministers were dishing out money to musicians and Māori farmers over the past day or so while also announcing awards for women and – in the case of our Minister of Defence – travel plans for a a trip to the Solomon Islands. The announcement of ...3 days ago
- Backlash after Solomons government reins in public broadcasterRNZ Pacific The Solomon Islands government has prompted anger by ordering the censorship of the national broadcaster. The government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has forbidden it from publishing material critical of the government, which will vet all stories before broadcast. The Guardian reports that on Monday the government announced ...3 days ago
- Former PNG military chief calls for gun ban to curb election violencePNG Pacific A former Papua New Guinea military commander who drew up a plan 17 years ago to try to end gun violence says the first thing he would do is ban the public from owning guns. Major-General Jerry Singirok compiled a gun control report in 2005. It included 244 ...3 days ago
- Women leaders condemn PNG men’s ‘violence, bribery, vote rigging’ to keep them outBy Peter Korugl of the PNG Post-Courier “Shame on yous!” … these are the three powerful words Julie Soso, former governor and candidate for the Eastern Highlands regional seat, had to say for the newly elected members to Papua New Guinea’s Parliament — all men so far. Soso, Carol Mayo ...3 days ago
- Taxing New Zealanders: National promises cuts, warns of Labour hikesNational's deputy Nicola Willis has sought to extinguish any doubt over her tax plan, telling members the party will deliver as much relief as it "responsibly can". ...3 days ago
- Nationwide Rallies To Protest Israel's Ethnic Cleaning In Masafer YattaPSNA is holding nationwide rallies on Saturday August 6th in solidarity with Palestinians resisting ethnic cleansing in Masafer Yatta, an area of the South Hebron hills which is home to over 1200 Palestinians living in 20 villages. “Many of these people ...3 days ago
- Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – Covid19: Is there a Significant Covid19 Toll of Younger People?Analysis by Keith Rankin. A couple of weeks ago I received a number of articles mainly about Covid19 deaths in the United States. (See below.) As I have noted in the past, it is important to address the reported facts, rather than to ignore them. As they stand, these articles ...4 days ago
- Labour's Andrew Little tells court he was distanced from donations in 'sham donors' t...Former Labour Party leader Andrew Little and the Prime Minister's chief press secretary have appeared as witnesses in a trial about anonymous donations to the country's two biggest political parties. ...4 days ago
- Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta meets with Chinese counterpart as tensions loom over TaiwanForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta has met with her Chinese counterpart face-to-face for the first time at the East Asia and ASEAN summits in Cambodia. ...4 days ago
- ‘I left with the kids and ended up homeless with them’: the nightmare of housing wait lists for ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Morris, Professor, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock People who flee domestic violence desperately need safe, affordable and secure housing. Our study of people on housing waiting lists in New South Wales, Tasmania and ...4 days ago
- Could ‘virtual nurses’ be the answer to aged care staffing woes? Dream onSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Micah DJ Peters, Senior Research Fellow / Director – Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) National Policy Research Unit (Federal Office), University of South Australia Shutterstock Former Health Department Chief Martin Bowles has reportedly proposed “virtual nurses” could help address ...4 days ago
- World’s first ‘synthetic embryo’: why this research is more important than you thinkSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Munsie, Professor Emerging Technologies (Stem Cells), The University of Melbourne Mouse emobryo model in the lab from day 1 to 8. The Wizemann Institute of Science In what’s reported as a world-first achievement, biologists have grown mouse embryo models in the ...4 days ago
- VIDEO: Government’s climate win, Plibersek says no to coal mine, Albanese moves forward on referen...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan and University of Canberra Associate Professor Caroline Fisher discuss the week in politics. Michelle and Caroline discuss the first fortnight sitting of the new parliament, with the government’s ...4 days ago
- The length of Earth’s days has been mysteriously increasing, and scientists don’t know whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt King, Director of the ARC Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania Shutterstock Atomic clocks, combined with precise astronomical measurements, have revealed that the length of a day is suddenly getting longer, and scientists don’t know ...4 days ago
Seen as some want to try & treat water as a commodity & even though I’m on town supply for water (which is not very nice which tastes & smells strongly of chorine). I decided to put a water tank in today to collect rain water as a back up, which I’ve just completed doing today, now I’m praying for lots of rain to fill it.
Water should never be treated as a commodity, which its being done already in parts of NZ via water meters.
Folk might be interested in this low cost and easy to put together system
great for watering the garden, feeding soak hoses or just to collect water from downpipes situated away from the main tank
here is a even easier single tank system
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/67/c9/f6/67c9f61efedd0bd21bee73f9d4bd578d.jpg
That’s pretty much how I’ve got mine set up except in a larger scale, mine will be used mostly for watering the vegetable garden.
Everyone should set up something like this & it doesn’t need to cost much to do either. My tank holds 1000 litres which I got for free & the tank stand only cost $30 in timber, all the pipe work was done with off cuts of pipe & fittings I had laying around in the shed, plus a couple of hours labour to construct.
I’m in Dunedin freezing my gonads off, just like a brass monkey. As is common, the free motel internet doesn’t work. Found a dozen bluff oysters, still good even if frozen.
@ Murry
Good for what? How do you down them?
You let them thaw out first.
Ever done the brass monkey rally across Central Otago?
I just did the Central Otago Rail Trail, the Oturehua pub does an amazing Stewart Island salt-run salmon.
Feeling for the drought-stricken animals and farmers down there.
Never. We had the Cold Kiwi up north. Never did that either, although I came close to exposure on a wet night riding through from Turangi to Waiouru. One of the guys who’d started the Mongrel Mob took us back to his place where he had a roaring fire. That convinced me that bike clothing should be waterproof.
I think that might have been the shortest summer ever. Definitely autumnal now.
Don’t know how useful this is but could be:
Book – Empathy by Roman Krznaric
http://www.romankrznaric.com/
My new book Empathy: A Handbook for Revolution (US title Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It) is published by Penguin Random House.
Alongside the book, I’ve launched two projects – an online Empathy Library and the world’s first Empathy Museum. Please visit them!.
About the book
98% of people have the ability to empathise and step into the shoes of others. But few of us use our full empathic potential.
Roman Krznaric’s new book shows how we can boost our empathy and use it to improve our relationships, enhance our creativity, rethink our priorities in life, and tackle social problems from everyday prejudice to violent conflicts. Empathy, Krznaric argues, has the power to transform relationships, from the personal to the political, and create fundamental social change.
Through encounters with actors, activists, groundbreaking designers, undercover journalists, nurses, bankers and neuroscientists, Krznaric defines a new breed of adventurer. He sets out the six life-enhancing habits of highly empathic people, whose skills enable them to connect with others in extraordinary ways.
Drawing on over 10 years of research, you will discover how babies can teach empathy, what happens at a ‘human library’, how our empathic brains work and encounter the world’s first Empathy Museum. Krznaric also tackles the big questions: Can we empathise too much? How is empathy different from sympathy or compassion? And can empathy be used to manipulate people?
Krznaric argues our brains are wired for social connection: empathy is at the heart of who we are. It’s an essential, transforming quality we must develop for the 21st Century.
Great songs about the lives of ordinary people, sung without being over-worthy or pious:
https://rdln.wordpress.com/2014/12/30/seth-lakemans-workers-lives-review-of-tales-from-the-barrelhouse-and-word-of-mouth/
Phil
Listening to Elvis masters.
[audio src="http://johnlightning.com/public/Elvis%20Presley%20%20Elvis%20Is%20Back%20%20%28The%20Alternate%20Album%29/09%20Are%20You%20Lonesome%20Tonight%20%28Workpart%20Take%201%29.mp3" /]
[audio src="http://johnlightning.com/public/Elvis%20Presley%20%20Elvis%20Is%20Back%20%20%28The%20Alternate%20Album%29/17%20Are%20You%20Lonesome%20Tonight%20%28Master%20Spliced%20Take%205%20&%20Wp%20Take%202%29.mp3" /]
This deserves a repost for being very funny (thanks rhinocrates).
“These are the indisputable facts about Mother Nature’s cruellest predator, the Hedgehog.”
🙂 so good and the other ones too
“clams are stupid, i’m sorry, I said it, but they are dumb as hell” 🙂
– True Facts About The Octopus
yeah the octopus one was cool!
here’s an octopus stealing someone’s video camera (from 2010)
This bike looks so cool. I want one.
Be so cool if these took off here in NZ
An excellent option, but how to get Auckland moms to give up their 5 ton urban assault vehicles?
Take away their cheap oil?
Bugger the Cool (which they are) it’s the ease of use, good size, parking brake, And what looks like an Electric motor. Would prob cost about 2k if it ever got here.
Very cool, and looks like lots of good design.
There’s one on TM, new for $2,250.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=842461037
Ohhhh Ahhhh.
Now imagine replacing the front wheels with these.
http://www.loopwheels.com/
that’s cool. Have you tried them?
Am thinking now about how much r and d we could be doing with bikes instead of cars.
No, God knows I want to. My condition is aggravated by vibration, but, as I get much pain relief from riding – this would be a win, win.
Wouldn’t more r & d be great. We have the good grade of coal in NZ to make these and other carbon fibre goodies.
An interesting weekend read, Jonathan Eig’s new book on the birth of the pill and four key figures associated with it.
See review of the book here: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/02/07/in-review-the-birth-of-the-pill/
Phil
Sorry mate, but that looks like link pestering to me. This is weekend social, how about you tell us what you think about it?
Just found a cd whilst cleaning up – Kate Nash
love this song, so funny. And no it’s not the one they put in an add.
This Sunday the Labour Party Stall at the Lions Market Cambridge. Come and chat with the branch members who fly the flag in the most Tory Blue Town in Aotearoa . Perhaps buy a raffle ticket !