Weekend Social 14/03/14
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1:11 pm, March 14th, 2014 - 17 comments
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17 comments on “Weekend Social 14/03/14 ”
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- COVID-19: The rise and rise of Delta
From media headlines it feels like hearing the boy cry âfireâ in the theatre. Thereâs a new variant about. Or perhaps he is really a crier, calling out a new season of the show, a new plot twist with a craftier villain? The main feature in town is now the ...13 hours ago - Laurel Hubbard is a trailblazer
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Today the Speaker referred the High Court judgement in Staples v Freeman to the Privileges Committee. Its not surprising. The court in its decision finds that a speech by Winston Peters in Parliament was defamatory. That seems to violate s11 of the Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014, which prohibits the courts ...14 hours ago - The problem of police dishonestyRNZ has a major story this morning about the police killing of Shargin Stephens in Rotorua in 2016. The "Independent" Police Conduct Authority of course cleared police of any wrong-doing, and found police actions "reasonable" and the killing justified. The police are now using that finding to prevent a coronial ...17 hours ago
- Penk wants to be Prime Minister
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- Infrastructure Acceleration Fund opening for businessCriteria to access at least $1 billion of the $3.8 billion Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF), announced in March, is now available, and an invitation for expressions of interest will be released on 30 June, Housing Minister Megan Woods has announced. âThis is a key milestone in our plan to accelerate ...17 hours ago
- Bringing back the health of Hauraki GulfNew marine protection areas and restrictions on fishing are among a raft of changes being put in place to protect the Hauraki Gulf for future generations. The new strategy, Revitalising the Gulf â Government action on the Sea Change Plan, released today, draws on input from mana whenua, local communities, ...21 hours ago
- Speech to AI Forum – Autonomous Weapons SystemsAI Forum New Zealand, Auckland Good evening and thank you so much for joining me this evening. Iâd like to start with a thank you to the AI Forum Executive for getting this event off the ground and for all their work and support to date. The prospect of autonomous ...1 day ago
- New Zealand boosts support to Fiji for COVID-19 impactAotearoa New Zealand is providing additional support to Fiji to mitigate the effects of the current COVID-19 outbreak on vulnerable households, Foreign Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta announced today. âRecognising the increasingly challenging situation in Fiji, Aotearoa will provide an additional package of assistance to support the Government of Fiji and ...2 days ago
- Round 2 of successful energy education fund now open$1.65 million available in Support for Energy Education in Communities funding round two Insights from SEEC to inform future energy hardship programmes Community organisations that can deliver energy education to households in need are being invited to apply for the second funding round of the Support for Energy Education in ...2 days ago
- New Ngarimu scholarships to target vocational trainingAssociate Education Minister Kelvin Davis today announced three new scholarships for students in vocational education and training (VET) are to be added to the suite of prestigious Ngarimu scholarships. âVET learners have less access to study support than university students and this is a way to tautoko their learning dreams ...2 days ago
- Recognising the volunteers who support our health systemNominations have opened today for the 2021 Minister of Health Volunteer Awards, as part of National Volunteer Week. âWe know that New Zealanders donate at least 159 million hours of volunteer labour every year,â Minister of Health Andrew Little said in launching this yearâs awards in Wellington. âThese people play ...2 days ago
- Drug Free Sport supported to deal with new doping challengesDrug Free Sport New Zealand will receive a funding boost to respond to some of the emerging doping challenges across international sport. The additional $4.3 million over three years comes from the Sport Recovery Fund announced last year. It will help DFSNZ improve athletesâ understanding of the risks of doping, ...2 days ago
- Government support for South Auckland community hit by tornadoThe Government is contributing $100,000 to a Mayoral Relief Fund to support Auckland communities impacted by the Papatoetoe tornado, Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi says. âMy heart goes out to the family and friends who have lost a loved one, and to those who have been injured. I ...3 days ago
- Celebrating World Refugee DayWorld Refugee Day today is an opportunity to celebrate the proud record New Zealanders have supporting and protecting refugees and acknowledge the contribution these new New Zealanders make to our country, the Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi said. âWorld Refugee Day is also a chance to think about the journey ...3 days ago
- Face to face meeting delivers significant progress on NZ-UK FTANew Zealand and the UK have committed to accelerating their free trade agreement negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreement in principle this August, Trade Minister Damien OâConnor announced. âWeâve held constructive and productive discussions towards the conclusion of a high-quality and comprehensive FTA that will support sustainable and inclusive trade, and ...4 days ago
- Government taking action to protect albatrossNew population figures for the critically endangered Antipodean albatross showing a 5 percent decline per year highlights the importance of reducing all threats to these very special birds, Acting Minister of Conservation Dr Ayesha Verrall says. The latest population modelling, carried out by Dragonfly Data Science, shows the Antipodean albatross ...5 days ago
- Adoption laws under reviewNew Zealandâs 66-year-old adoption laws are being reviewed, with public engagement beginning today. Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said the Government is seeking views on options for change to our adoption laws and system. âThe Adoption Act has remained largely the same since 1955. We need our adoption laws to reflect ...5 days ago
- Wider roll-out of cameras on boats to support sustainability and protect marine lifeUp to 300 inshore commercial fishing vessels will be fitted with on-board cameras by 2024 as part of the Governmentâs commitment to protect the natural marine environment for future generations. Minister for Oceans and Fisheries David Parker today announced the funding is now in place for the wider roll out ...5 days ago
- Plan for vaccine rollout for general population announcedNew Zealanders over 60 will be offered a vaccination from July 28 and those over 55 from August 11, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. The rollout of the vaccine to the general population will be done in age groups as is the approach commonly used overseas, with those over ...6 days ago
- New Zealand introduces Belarus travel bansNew Zealand has imposed travel bans on selected individuals associated with the Lukashenko regime, following ongoing concerns about election fraud and human rights abuses after the 2020 Belarus elections, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced. The ban covers more than fifty individuals, including the President and key members of ...6 days ago
- NZ economy grows driven by households, construction and business investmentThe Governmentâs efforts to secure the recovery have been reflected in the robust rebound of GDP figures released today which show the economy remains resilient despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grant Robertson said. GDP increased 1.6 percent in the first three months of 2021. The Treasury had ...6 days ago
- Milestone 250th tower continues to improve rural connectivityThe Government has welcomed the completion of the 250th 4G mobile tower, as part of its push for better rural connectivity. Waikatoâs Wiltsdown, which is roughly 80 kilometres south of Hamilton, is home to the new tower, deployed by the Rural Connectivity Group to enable improved service to 70 homes ...6 days ago
- Quarantine Free Travel pause with Victoria to lift on TuesdayFollowing a further public health assessment of the COVID-19 outbreak in greater Melbourne, New Zealandâs Quarantine Free Travel pause with Victoria has been extended to 11.59pm on Tuesday 22 June, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says. It has been determined that the risk to public health in New Zealand continues ...6 days ago
- Prime Minister mourns passing of Dr Sir Ian HassallPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern is mourning the passing of Dr Sir Ian Hassall, New Zealandâs first Childrenâs Commissioner and lifelong champion for children and childrenâs health. As a paediatrician Sir Ian contributed to a major world-first cot death study that has been directly credited with reducing cot deaths in New ...6 days ago
- APEC structural reform meeting a successAPEC ministers have agreed working together will be crucial to ensure economies recover from the impact of COVID-19. Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs David Clark, chaired the virtual APEC Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting today which revolved around the overarching theme of promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth ...7 days ago
- Digital hub to boost investment in forestryA new website has been launched at Fieldays to support the forestry sector find the information it needs to plant, grow and manage trees, and to encourage investment across the wider industry. Forestry Minister Stuart Nash says the new Canopy website is tailored for farmers, iwi and other forestry interests, ...7 days ago
- Government continues support for rangatahi to get into employment, education and trainingOver 230 rangatahi are set to benefit from further funding through four new He Poutama Rangatahi programmes, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni announced today. âWeâre continuing to secure our economic recovery from COVID by investing in opportunities for rangatahi to get into meaningful employment, education or training ...7 days ago
- NCEA subjects up for consultationThe education sector, students, their parents, whÄnau and communities are invited to share their thoughts on a list of proposed NCEA subjects released today, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says. This is a significant part of the Governmentâs NCEA Change Programme that commenced in 2020 and will be largely implemented by ...7 days ago
- Major investment in plantain forage programme aims to improve freshwater qualityThe Government is backing a major programme investigating plantainâs potential to help farmers protect waterways and improve freshwater quality, Acting Agriculture Minister Meka Whaitiri announced at Fieldays today. The Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFFF) fund is contributing $8.98 million to the $22.23 million seven-year programme, which aims to deliver ...7 days ago
- Americaâs Cup decisionThe Minister responsible for the Americaâs Cup has confirmed the joint Crown-Auckland Council offer to host the next regatta has been declined by the Board of Team New Zealand. âThe exclusive period of negotiation between the Crown, Auckland Council, and Team New Zealand ends tomorrow, 17 June,â said Stuart Nash. ...7 days ago
- Food and fibres sector making significant strides towards New Zealandâs economic recoveryThe Government is backing the food and fibres sector to lead New Zealand's economic recovery from COVID-19 with targeted investments as part of its Fit for a Better World roadmap, Forestry Minister Stuart Nash said. âTo drive New Zealandâs recovery, we launched the Fit for a Better World â Accelerating ...7 days ago
- Speech to He Whenua Taurikura – New Zealandâs annual hui on countering terrorism and violent...Check against delivery Can I begin by acknowledging the 51 shuhada, their families and the Muslim community. It is because of the atrocious violent act that was done to them which has led ultimately to this, the start of a dialogue and a conversation about how we as a nation ...1 week ago
- Cost of Government Southern Response proactive package releasedThe Government has announced the proactive package for some Southern Response policyholders could cost $313 million if all those eligible apply. In December, the Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission, David Clark announced a proactive package for SRES claimants who settled their claims before October 2014. It trailed the judgment ...1 week ago
- First period products delivered to schoolsThe first period products funded as part of the Governmentâs nationwide rollout are being delivered to schools and kura this week, as part of wider efforts to combat child poverty, help increase school attendance, and make a positive impact on childrenâs wellbeing. âWe know that nearly 95,000 9-to-18 year olds ...1 week ago
- New support to reduce emissions from public building and construction projectsGovernment agencies are getting new support to reduce carbon emissions generated by construction of new buildings, with the release of practical guidance to shape decisions on public projects. The Ministers for Building and Construction and for Economic Development say a new Procurement Guide will help government agencies, private sector suppliers, ...1 week ago
- He Whenua Taurikura: New Zealandâs first Hui on Countering Terrorism and Violent ExtremismThe Prime Minister has opened New Zealandâs first hui on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, which is being held in Christchurch over the next two days. The hui delivers on one of the recommendations from the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain ...1 week ago
- Speech to inaugural Countering Terrorism HuiE aku nui, e aku rahi, Te whaka-kanohi mai o rÄtou mÄ, Ru-ruku-tia i runga i te ngÄkau whakapono, Ru-ruku-tia i runga i te ngÄkau aroha, Waitaha, NgÄti Mamoe, Ngai Tahu, nÄu rÄ te reo pohiri. Tena tÄtou katoa. Ki te kotahi te kakaho ka whati, ki te kapuia, e ...1 week ago
- Campaign shines a light on elder abuseA new campaign is shining a spotlight on elder abuse, and urging people to protect older New Zealanders. Launched on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Office for Seniorsâ campaign encourages friends, whÄnau and neighbours to look for the signs of abuse, which is often hidden in plain sight. âResearch suggests ...1 week ago
- Farewelling sports administrator and philanthropist Sir Eion EdgarSport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson today expressed his sorrow at the passing of Sir Eion Edgar â a leading sports administrator and celebrated philanthropist who has made a significant impact both within and beyond the sport sector. âSir Eionâs energy, drive and generosity has been truly immense. He leaves ...1 week ago
- Government to apologise for Dawn RaidsThe Government will make a formal apology for the wrongs committed during the Dawn Raids of the 1970âs. Between 1974 and 1976, a series of rigorous immigration enforcement policies were carried out that resulted in targeted raids on the homes of Pacific families. The raids to find, convict and deport overstayers ...1 week ago
- Humanitarian support for Bangladesh and MyanmarForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced that New Zealand is providing NZ $8.25 million in humanitarian assistance to support refugees and their host populations in Bangladesh and to support humanitarian need of internally displaced and conflict affected people in Myanmar. âNearly four years after 900,000 Rohingya crossed the border ...1 week ago
- The occupation at PĆ«tiki Bay, Waiheke â explained
A planned marina at Kennedy Point on Waiheke Island has led to an occupation by a group against the development for over 100 days. Last week, tensions were stirred as police arrested three protesters. Charlotte Muru-Lanning on what’s behind the dispute.What is going on?The picturesque Pūtiki Bay on the south ...10 mins ago - Health Ministry 'out of step' on masks evidence
Experts say the Ministry's newly-documented reluctance to back more widespread mask use didn't align with the evidence ...10 mins ago - Olympic Bonds: Erica and Micah, the Little Chargers
He's taught her the ropes of sailing a flying cat, sharpened her card skills and tried to make her love Formula One. And Erica Dawson couldn't be more grateful to her skipper Micah Wilkinson as they head to the Tokyo Olympics. Early on in their relationship â which wasnât really ...10 mins ago - Chastened Immigration NZ reviewing hundreds of wrongly curtailed visas
Ombudsman upholds international students' complaints, with wide-reaching implications ...10 mins ago - Senate knocks out regulation allowing ARENA to fund carbon capture and blue hydrogen
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Senate on Tuesday night disallowed a government regulation that would have allowed the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to invest in technologies such as carbon capture and storage and blue hydrogen using fossil fuel. ...3 hours ago - Australians fear China-US military conflict but want to stay neutral: Lowy 2021 PollSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Chinaâs aggressive stands and the sharp deterioration of the bilateral relationship are flowing through strongly to produce record negativity by Australians towards our biggest trading partner. The Lowy Instituteâs annual poll for the first time ...5 hours ago
- NZâs next Covid scare is just around the corner, and weâre acting like we donât careNot, at least, if the number of people using the Tracer app is a guide. The latest outbreaks in Australia should deliver a chilling reminder of just how vulnerable we are.Maybe you’re one of the diligent ones. But probably, like me, you’ve slacked. You now only rarely, if at all, ...5 hours ago
- Duterte threatens to jail Filipinos who refuse getting vaccinatedBy Pia Ranada in Manila What is Philippine President Rodrigo Duterteâs solution to vaccine hesitancy among Filipinos? Threaten them with jail time. Duterte, in a meeting with pandemic task force officials yesterday said he would order the arrest of people who refused to get vaccinated. âKung ayaw mo magpabakuna, ipaaresto ...8 hours ago
- New Caledonia tension simmers over early independence vote dateBy Walter Zweifel, RNZ Pacific reporter Political tension is rising in New Caledonia as a third referendum on independence from France is planned in December. The decolonisation process under the 1998 Noumea Accord is nearing its conclusion and scenarios are being drawn up for how to deal with the result. ...8 hours ago
- âPacific studiesâ proposed to be taught in NZ schools in NCEA shakeupBy Mariner Fagaiava-Muller, RNZ Pacific journalist âPacific Studiesâ has been included in a raft of new proposed NCEA achievement standard subjects in New Zealand, now up for public consultation. It is proposed with Vagahau Niue and Gagana Tokelau as part of the governmentâs NCEA upcoming reforms â the biggest shakeup ...8 hours ago
- 126 new Fiji covid infections with another death as cases still highBy Koroi Tadulala, FBC News journalist Fiji recorded 126 new cases of covid-19 in the 24-hour period ending at 8am yesterday with another death as the pandemic continues to take hold. The Ministry of Health said the 42-year-old man died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH). He was admitted ...8 hours ago
- Remembering broadcaster and journalist Shiu SinghBy Ian Johnstone, former manager of RNZ International All across the South Pacific, tribute is being paid to broadcaster and journalist Shiu Singh who has died in his home in Suva, Fiji. The sad news will be carried throughout Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia via media networks such as PACNEWS, which ...8 hours ago
- Whatâs Australiaâs first local Pfizer-style COVID vaccine? And when might it be in our arms? An ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Archa Fox, Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow, The University of Western Australia Penny Stephens/AAP Australia has struggled to get enough Pfizer doses to meet Australiansâ growing demand for COVID-19 vaccinations. Australia has been producing doses of AstraZeneca since March, ...9 hours ago
- NgÄti Hine kaumÄtua: 'We will change our tikanga but not for Judith's sake'
Changes to tikanga allowing wÄhine to speak at Waitangi will not be for the sake of National Party leader Judith Collins, NgÄti Hine kaumÄtua have said. ...9 hours ago - Podcast with Michelle Grattan: Australiaâs new Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, climate policy...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra As well as Michelle Grattanâs usual interviews with experts and politicians about the news of the day, Politics with Michelle Grattan now includes âWord from The Hillâ, where all things political will be ...10 hours ago
- Groups Launch Petition To Ban All New Fossil Fuel Expansion By 2022
Over twenty groups so far, representing communities across Aotearoa directly affected by mining and drilling alongside iwi representatives, students, environment and health organisations such as Coal Action Aotearoa Network, Climate Justice Taranaki, Taranaki ...11 hours ago - Myths and stigma about ADHD contribute to poorer mental health for those affectedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Coghill, Financial Markets Foundation Chair of Developmental Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Around one in 30 Australians (or 3.4% of the population) have attention-defecit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Yet it remains a poorly understood and highly stigmatised disorder. ...11 hours ago
- The Senate has voted to reject critical race theory from the national curriculum. What is it, and wh...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leticia Anderson, Lecturer in Humanities, Southern Cross University The Australian Senate yesterday voted in support of a motion calling on the federal government to reject critical race theory from the national curriculum. The motion was moved by Senator Pauline Hanson. Critical race ...11 hours ago
- ACC's Climate Fund A Distraction From $210 Million Investments In The Fossil Fuel IndustryClimate justice organisation 350 Aotearoa is pleased to see that the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is preparing to launch a $50 million climate fund, but is concerned this is a distraction from ACCâs investments in the fossil fuel industry. As of ...11 hours ago
- No Barnaby, 2050 isnât far away. Next weekâs intergenerational report deals with 2061Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University andrey_l/Shutterstock Barnaby Joyce has an answer to those who say Australia should commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. He says 2050 is too far away to be ...12 hours ago
- Barnaby Joyceâs return, and John Andersonâs loss, is symbolic of a political culture gone awrySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Melleuish, Professor, School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong Two former National Party leaders attempted to reignite their political careers in the past few days. John Anderson, leader from 1999 to 2005, was unsuccessful in his attempt to secure ...13 hours ago
- Revealed: Porirua City Councilâs âLiving Wageâ Hike Trickles Up To Higher Paid StaffThe New Zealand Taxpayersâ Union can reveal that Porirua City Councilâs introduction of a âLiving Wageâ policy resulted in 52 percent of Council staff receiving wage hikes. In July 2020, while 39 staff were moved up to the living wage rate, a further ...13 hours ago
- The Noises Islands Project Welcomes The Governmentâs Action Plan For The Hauraki Gulf As A Bold St...The Noises Marine Restoration Project congratulates Ministers Parker and Verrall on the release of âRevitalising the Gulf: Government Action on the Sea Change Planâ. <img src="https://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/2106/d73fcfbaa33cca1989b5.jpeg" ...13 hours ago
- Police v Newsroom: 'We're journalists, not criminals'
Newsroom's Melanie Reid criticises âheavy-handedâ Crown Law for laying a criminal charge over an Oranga Tamariki uplift video. David Williams reports. Newsroom has pleaded not guilty to a criminal charge relating to a documentary about a controversial 'reverse uplift'. The video story at the centre of the charge, by Newsroom ...14 hours ago - Our climate future is happening nowThe Spinoff spoke to a range of Kiwis about how the climate crisis affects them, and how they are changing the way they live and the way they do business to mitigate its effects. Art by Ezra Whittaker and interviews by Josie Adams. ...14 hours ago
- EDS Delighted To Finally See Government Action On Sea ChangeThe Ministers of Fisheries and Conservation today jointly released the Governmentâs Strategy in response to the Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan. The Strategy includes a range of measures including providing greater marine ...14 hours ago
- New Protections And Restrictions In The Hauraki Gulf â Expert ReactionThe government has announced 18 new protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, along with limiting trawl fishing to carefully selected corridors, in a bid to restore the health of the area. The strategy is in response to the call ...15 hours ago
- Aboriginal housing policies must be based on community needs â not what non-Indigenous people thin...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Loosemore, Professor of Construction Management, University of Technology Sydney Aboriginal housing policies should be developed and implemented in close consultation with individual Aboriginal communities. Getty Images The recently announced $250 million NSW budget boost for Aboriginal housing is much welcomed and ...16 hours ago
- Fishing folk will be fuming after govt restricts activities in Hauraki Gulf â but greenies will be...
One of the governmentâs myriad of troughs has been replenished, new scholarships are being provided (for those who meet a race eligibility test), and Phil Twyford has delivered another speech about arms control. Invitations to slurp at the trough are being issued to community organisations that can deliver energy education ...16 hours ago - New Zealand approves Pfizer vaccine for young people from 12 to 15, but theyâll have to wait their...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Plank, Professor in Applied Mathematics, University of Canterbury Krzysztof Zatycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images New Zealandâs medicines regulator Medsafe has granted provisional approval of the Pfizer vaccine for youth aged 12 to 15, and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expects cabinet ...17 hours ago
- A Step Towards Restoring Hauraki GulfThe Government needs to be more ambitious with its plans to restore the Hauraki Gulf back to the thriving ocean ecosystem it was only a few generations ago. âThe Minister of Oceans and Fisheries David Parker and the Minister of Conservation Ayesha ...17 hours ago
- What A Love Yarn gets right and wrong about New ZealandAnother year, another sweet romantic ditty filmed in the land of the long white cloud. But how accurate is the NZ depicted in A Love Yarn? Sam Brooks investigates.“A small-town wool shop owner finds herself at a crossroads, when her business is threatened by a handsome American auditor.”Pump this treacle ...17 hours ago
- Migrants March 11 – Dawn Raids ApologyClose to one thousand people marched through centre of Auckland on 5 June 2021, in the first March of Migrants organised by The Federation of Migrants - FAM. The migrants and their supporters are ready to march again, and it happens to coincide ...17 hours ago
- The Waiheke Marine Project Welcomes Government Announcement On Sea Change â Hauraki Gulf Marine S......18 hours ago
- Our Mothers Deserve Better!...18 hours ago
- Hauraki Gulf Bottom Trawling Restrictions A Win, Now Letâs Go FurtherGreenpeace is welcoming the Governmentâs Sea Change plan, announced this morning, which details how the depleted Hauraki Gulf will be brought back from the brink. Jessica Desmond, ocean campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa, says sheâs pleased to ...18 hours ago
- Bringing out the real flavours of South Auckland, one food enterprise at a timeAn innovative business accelerator programme is not only helping people get a foothold in the hospitality industry but, as Justin Latif reports, it’s also changing the way South Aucklanders think about their local cuisine. When it comes to food in South Auckland, greasy corner-store takeaways or brazen fast-food franchises might spring ...18 hours ago
- A Positive Change For TÄ«kapa Moana, The Hauraki GulfWWF-New Zealand is thrilled to finally see the Government take action to revitalize the Gulf â based on Tai Timu Tai Pari/Sea Change - the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan. We appreciate the hard work put in to get this across the line because there ...19 hours ago
- Medics arrive in Fiji to help with covid â $10m support from NZRNZ Pacific The New Zealand government is ramping up its support to Fiji, which is in the grips of a covid-19 pandemic crisis. Another 126 new cases of the virus were reported in the Pacific nation today. The New Zealand government is now allocating up to $10 million towards Fijiâs ...19 hours ago
- West Papua unhappy over never-ending MSG membership tragediesANALYSIS: By Yamin Kogoya in Brisbane When I ring home to West Papua, my village people often ask me about the rumours that they have heard, of an upcoming Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) meeting. They ask, âWhen is the MSG meeting?â and if West Papua will be accepted as a ...19 hours ago
- Fiji family mourns death of mechanic killed in NZ tornadoRNZ Pacific A Fiji family is mourning the loss of their son after he was killed in the devastating tornado that hit South Auckland on Saturday. Mechanic Janesh Prasad was working at a freight hub when the tornado swept him up and he struck a container. Prasad was carrying out ...19 hours ago
- 166 more covid cases in Fiji as community spread âbroadensâBy Lice Movono, RNZ Pacific correspondent in Suva Fijiâs covid-19 cases continue to escalate as medical authorities have recorded another record breaking 166 new people now infected with covid-19 and a death at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in the capital Suva. The Fiji government has stopped providing information ...19 hours ago
- https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2106/S00166/.htm...19 hours ago
- West Papua closes national mourning for Pastor Nafuki â prays for MSGBy Benny Mawel in Jayapura The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has held national mourning ceremonies at the weekend for the death of Vanuatu independence campaigner Father Allen Nafuki and prayed for the Papuan people to be accepted as full members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). The ...20 hours ago
- Journalists are not going to stop tweeting. But should media outlets exert more control over their p...By Rodney Tiffen, University of Sydney âNot a great week for journalism at the ABCâ, News Corpâs Sharri Markson tweeted earlier this month, when the week was barely a day old. It is hard to remember the last time a News Corp columnist declared it was a great week for ...20 hours ago
- Bryce Edwardsâ Political Roundup:Â The case for and against the âThey Are Usâ film20 hours ago
- Volunteers: Red Crossâ Most Important And Unique AssetThis National Volunteer Week, 20 to 26 June, New Zealand Red Cross joins the whole of Aotearoa in celebrating the contribution of volunteers to make the country a better place for everyone. As an organisation that is driven by a network of more than 11,000 ...20 hours ago
- Kidz Need Dadz Working To Support New FathersIt's an exciting time in life becoming a new dad. But it can also be a daunting one, with the family dynamic changing forever. But what is well known is that from early pregnancy through to the first parenting months, an involved father can support ...20 hours ago
- New Poll Shows 63% Of Kiwis Oppose Aucklandâs Cycle BridgeExclusive polling commissioned by the New Zealand Taxpayersâ Union shows that nearly two-thirds of Kiwis âopposeâ or âstrongly opposeâ the Governmentâs planned $685 million cycle and pedestrian bridge for Aucklandâs WaitematÄ Harbour. ...20 hours ago
- Greenpeace Congratulates New All Blacks Team, Renews Call To Dump INEOS Oil Industry SponsorGreenpeace is congratulating the new All Blacks team named last night, and renewing its call on NZ Rugby to âkeep oil off the All Blacksâ. Last week Greenpeace called on NZ Rugby to dump its pending sponsorship deal with the notorious UK petrochemical ...20 hours ago
- Emily Writes: I tried to review a book about sleepAfter five weeks she’s still on the third page.This post was first published on Emily Writes Weekly.The book is called Sleep Easy. Its cover is a night sky with a moon that says “The Six-Week Sleep Programme Backed By Science”.I love science.Bernice Tuffery the author says she took charge of her ...21 hours ago
- Dust from exploding stars is raining down on Earth. I hunt it to learn how the elements were madeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominik Koll, Dual PhD Candidate, Australian National University Dominik Koll, Author provided It is all around us. Every day in our lives we are in contact with it. In fact, we are made from it: ancient stardust. All the ...21 hours ago
- Our research shows COVID has made Australians more conservative and care less about othersSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Anne Lee, Professor in Marketing, Founding Director of the Centre for Human and Cultural Values, and Director of Research at the UWA Business School, The University of Western Australia James Gourley/AAP The COVID-19 pandemic has already changed so many ...21 hours ago
- Media reports about vaccine hesitancy could contribute to the problemSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Green, Senior Lecturer, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University Alongside logistical and supply issues, vaccine hesitancy has been a notable hurdle in Australiaâs troubled vaccine rollout. The news the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) now recommends Pfizer over AstraZeneca ...21 hours ago
- A controversial US book is feeding climate denial in Australia. Its central claim is true, yet irrel...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Science, Griffith University Ben Rushton/AAP My heart sank last week to see conservative Australian commentator Alan Jones championing a contentious book about climate science which has gained traction in the United States. BenBella ...21 hours ago
- The government linked the cost of university teaching to funding and student fees, but the numbers d...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keith A Houghton, Emeritus Professor, Australian National University Shutterstock Our newly published research on the costs of university study fails to support estimates used by the Australian government to justify its Job-Ready Graduates Package. The legislated policy directly linked funding ...21 hours ago
- Wallets on wheels: city visitors who use e-scooters more spend moreSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Abraham Leung, Transport Academic Partnership (TAP) and Transport Innovation and Research Hub (TIRH), Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University Shared e-scooters are becoming common across Australia and in major cities around the world. Initial safety concerns about e-scooters left some ...21 hours ago
- Sanctions against Myanmarâs junta have been tried before. Can they work this time?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Htwe Htwe Thein, Associate professor, Curtin University STRINGER/EPA Myanmarâs democracy movement wants the international community to get tough on the military junta. But if history is any indicator, thatâs not going to happen. Western nations have responded with suspending arms ...21 hours ago
- Unearthing Falerii Noviâs secrets in the hot Italian summer: an archaeologist reports from the digSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emlyn Dodd, Assistant Director of Archaeology, British School at Rome; Honorary Postdoctoral Fellow, Macquarie University; Research Affiliate, Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens, Macquarie University Shutterstock Located about 50 kilometres north of Rome, the ancient city of Falerii Novi lies buried ...21 hours ago
- Live updates, June 22: Melbourne travel restrictions lift, but travellers warned to stay alertWelcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for June 22, bringing you the latest news updated throughout the day. Get in touch at stewart@thespinoff.co.nz7.50am: Melbourne travel restrictions lift, but warning for travellers still in placeQuarantine-free travel with the Australian state of Victoria will resume from 11.59pm tonight, almost a month after ...21 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Despite more money, mental health facilities still in crisisGood morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Mental health facilities still in crisis, government expert warns of years of Covid restrictions, and ACC biased against women and ethnic minorities.Often when discussing mental health services, a very broad brush can be taken. So to start discussing the crisis in ...22 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 22 June
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...24 hours ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Tuesday 22 June
...24 hours ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Tuesday 22 June
...24 hours ago - DoCâs Mackenzie project dubbed a âdisasterâ
A $2.6 million Mackenzie Basin project abandoned its business case, lacked oversight, and achieved little. David Williams reports A drive for greater protection in the fragile South Island high country turned into a âcomplete disasterâ, according to a review ordered by Department of Conservation senior managers. The external review report, ...24 hours ago - Sorry, grim reaper. New Zealand First is alive and kickingWinston Peters is up for the fight. A new president is ready to go. If NZ First can avoid the mire of the culture war and deliver a positive message, there’s life in the party yet, writes Josh Van Veen, a NZ First supporter and former parliamentary researcher to Winston ...1 day ago
- Wellington city councillors need to ask themselves: who are you really serving?The consultation process for Wellington’s spatial plan has been captured by nimbys, argues Neale Jones of the campaign group A City for People. Will the council this week have the courage to put people’s lives ahead of the look of their houses?This week Wellington city councillors will vote on the ...1 day ago
- Turn on, tune in NZ: Opportunity to run clinical trials into psychedelic drugs
NZ has a chance to attract venture capital running clinical trials into psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness ...1 day ago - Open government is 'fundamental to democracy' â so pressure to get it right
Civil society groups tell government to slow down, do it once, do it right â or risk 'feeding cynicism' about open government strategy ...1 day ago - Govt seeks no condition on TV3 local news in Discovery buy-out
The Government is spending $55 million to help New Zealand media provide more public interest journalism, but when it had the chance to make sure TV3âs new owner, Discovery Inc, stays committed to local news, it demurred. Discoveryâs New Zealand boss, Glen Kyne, recently revealed the global giantâs strategy to ...1 day ago - Ories rugby trio hone in on a home World Cup
Black Ferns trio Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Amanda Rasch and Joanah Ngan Woo have at least three things in common. They all star for the Wellington Pride womenâs team, play their club rugby for Oriental Rongotai and are hoping to be part of the 2021 Rugby World Cup on home soil. But all ...1 day ago - A modular solution to the housing crisis
There's a factory in Christchurch that could help solve the housing crisis by churning out modular homes - but a reluctance to adopt this building method means its future is unclear. Ever since The Detail ran a podcast about the high cost of construction we've been inundated with messages from ...1 day ago - Curious case of the upside-down over-supply labour list
The Ministry of Social Development's excess labour list contrasts starkly with the day-to-day reality hospitality employers say they face. Hospitality employers have been voicing the plight with labour shortages for more than 18 months. Desperate bosses have launched a petition calling for the Government to consult the industry on its proposed immigration reset ...1 day ago - Business coach's firm fined for paying six staff less than minimum wage
Entrepreneur Logan Elliottâs events firm has been fined $20,000 by the Employment Relations Authority ...1 day ago - The secret to expanding EVs – wireless charging
Wireless charging stations set in the pavement for vehicles to park over are closer than you think, for both cars and heavy transport vehicles. Professors Grant Covic and Nick Long and Dr Doug Wilson explain. Urgent action is needed to increase the ease of owning and operating electric vehicles (EVs), ...1 day ago
There are still tickets left for tomorrow nights final show of “Once We Built A Tower” by Dean Parker, on at Bat’s Theatre. A play about the birth of the welfare state, modelled on the worker’s health scheme at the Waitaki dam
http://bats.co.nz/shows/once-we-built-a-tower/
Onya, Bacchanals!
This weekend – Western Quilters annual show at Kelston Community Centre.
raise your glass to the stay at home voter
his empty eyes gaze at strange beauty shows
a parade of gray suited grafters
lung cancer or polio
‘salt of the earth’
jagger/richards
Where is the storm I was promised? I stored up the water, charged the batteries, made sure I had my emergency kit ready – all prepared and so far nothing but a bit of breeze and some drizzle.
However, the NZ Herald reports there’s been big gusts and power outages in parts of Auckland, while other areas are calm – so far, all’s calm on the western front. Hope it stays that way.
Hope the people without power get it back soon, and the cyclone ends with a whimper.
We’ve been without power most of the day up here in the north – Tutukaka, Hukerunui, Whananaki,
Whakapara. Very boring – stormy, windy, wet and NO power. Fortunately my preparations included gathering in all the green tomatoes left on the vines, and the figs – so with a gas hob this has been jam and relish making day – and with nothing to take my eye off the hob (TV, The Standard, etc) I”ve managed to make a few jars of each WITHOUT burning anything ! First time ever. Power finally back on, just in time before TV News …..
Looks like you were well prepared, JK.
Hope others up your way are coping OK.
Sounds like a fizzer! At least you were prepared đ
Well, I think it is the north shore and east coast of NZ that have been hit. West Auckland is just a bit dismal, but unremarkable.
I imagine when I do get caught in an emergency, I’ll be less prepared. Sods law.
Yes,saw the news earlier and saw how Northland was hit, guess there will be a clean up tomorrow…………..( Good on JK for being able to use the day in an advantageous way in a culinary sense).
Just hoping that Canterbury won’t be hit in the same way, as they are still recovering from last week’s floods. They need the “fizzer” aspect most of all.
NZ got off lightly compared to Vanuatu. R.I P to their losses.
Moment of weirdness has just struck in the northern burbs of Wellington. Whilst sitting in the garden a car pulled up and the passenger took a photo of the front of our house. From the angle they were at they would have got the letterbox, garage door and entrance including the steps to the front door and part of the verandah. Then they drove off……………
What was that all about?
Sometimes I want to take a photo of the houses I have lived in.
Or maybe it’s the SIS…?
Lol! Only ever been one other owner of the house, (which is just 3 years old) who I have met, who was a completely different ethnicity to the person taking the photo………Curious.
Maybe they saw me earlier, down the road, removing the latest “HEY PETER!” placard I had up on a fence at the local park, they followed me and are sending photo’s to Peter Dunne of where I live…………just kidding……..
I gather the passenger didn’t get out of the car to take the photos. Is there anything unusual or different about the front of your house Rosie? Could you be seen in the garden?
I had a similar experience (plus others) in the 1990s but in my case, the passenger was writing down the reg no. of my car. I was on a DPB benefit looking after my elderly mother. Pretty certain I was a victim of a malicious dobbing in during the “Dob a beneficiary a day” scandal and I know the identity of the person who would have been responsible. After a polite but very strong letter to the local WINZ boss the surveillance stopped. The boss never responded to my letter of complaint, but the sudden disappearance of the car days after the letter was sent left me in no doubt it was WINZ.
Anne, your experience sounds highly suspicious and it really does sound like you were a victim of WINZ. How awful. Some things don’t change perhaps – beneficiaries continue to be treated with suspicion.
And no, there is nothing out of the ordinary about the house, and the photographer didn’t see me looking at them through the slats of the fence near to where I was sitting.
Furtive goings on in suburbia. Hopefully and most likely it was just a randomly odd thing. Either way, I’m glad my phone number isn’t in the book. It got left out by accident this year.
Do you have an “odd” out-of-the-way letterbox ? At one time, the community newspaper I worked for took pics and ran a story about all the quirky letterboxes around the place.
Completely bog standard letterbox JK. It’s painted red though. Maybe they think a commie lives inside………..
Doubt it was random Rosie but don’t be too concerned. There’s some seriously stupid people out there and you just never know. That Red Letterbox…. very suspicious. đ