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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- New Zealand invests in cutting edge cancer R&DScaling up the manufacture of CAR T-cell cancer therapy for clinical trials Advancing New Zealand’s biomedical manufacturing capability Supporting future international scientific collaborations Transforming cancer care with targeted, affordable solutions Research, Science and Innovation Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods has announced that the fight against COVID-19 will not stop the ...4 days ago
- Expert group appointed to lead New Zealand’s future health systemAn outstanding group of people with extensive and wide-ranging governance and health experience have been appointed to lead the Māori Health Authority and Health New Zealand, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “This Government is building a truly national health system to provide consistent, high-quality health services right across the country. This ...4 days ago
- Funding to help clean up contaminated sitesThe Government is supporting the clean-up of contaminated sites in Northland, Dunedin and Southland to reduce risk to people’s health and protect the environment. Environment Minister David Parker said the funding announced today, through the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund, will help us turn previously hazardous sites into safe, usable public ...4 days ago
- Predator Free apprenticeships open up new job opportunitiesThe expansion of a predator free apprenticeship programme is an opportunity for more people to kick-start a conservation career, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. “The Predator Free Apprenticeship Programme is focused on increasing the number of skilled predator control operators in New Zealand through a two-year training programme. “The Trust ...5 days ago
- Further NCEA support confirmed for Auckland studentsThe number of Learning Recognition Credits for senior secondary school students will be increased for Auckland students, Education Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. This recognises the extended time these students will spend in Alert Levels 3 and 4. “It means students in Auckland will have a fair opportunity to attain ...5 days ago
- Long-term pathway next step to better mental wellbeing for New ZealandersThe Government is taking a new approach to support people who experience mental distress, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “Kia Manawanui Aotearoa – Long-term pathway to mental wellbeing (Kia Manawanui) is the first 10-year plan of its kind that targets the cause of mental distress and also sets out how ...5 days ago
- Keeping our Police safe to keep our communities safeThe Government is committed to keeping our frontline police officers safe, so they in turn can keep New Zealanders safe – with one of the largest investments in frontline safety announced by Police Minister Poto Williams at the Police College today. The $45 million investment includes $15.496 million in ...5 days ago
- Clean Vehicles Bill passes first checkpointThe Land Transport (Clean Vehicles) Amendment Bill will help New Zealand drive down transport emissions by cleaning up the light vehicle fleet, Transport Minister Michael Wood says. The Bill passed its first reading today and will establish the legislative framework for key parts of the Government’s Clean Car Package, including ...6 days ago
- Funding boost supports ongoing Māori COVID-19 responseThe Government is responding to the need by whānau Māori and Māori Health providers to support their ongoing work responding to COVID-19 and to continue increasing rates of Māori vaccination, Associate Minister for Health (Māori Health), Peeni Henare and Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson announced today. This increased ...6 days ago
- Significant increase to COVID-19 penaltiesPenalties for breaches of COVID-19 orders are set to significantly increase from early November 2021 to better reflect the seriousness of any behaviour that threatens New Zealand’s response to the virus, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “Throughout this Delta outbreak we’ve seen the overwhelming majority of people doing ...6 days ago
- Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill returns to ParliamentThe Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill has returned to Parliament for its second reading in an important step towards giving enforcement agencies greater power to protect New Zealanders from terrorist activity. “The Bill addresses longstanding gaps in our counter terrorism legislation that seek to protect New Zealanders and make us safer,” Justice ...6 days ago
- Joint Statement: New Zealand and Australian Trade MinistersHon Damien O'Connor MP, New Zealand Minister for Trade and Export Growth, and Hon Dan Tehan MP, Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, met virtually on Monday 20 September to advance trans-Tasman cooperation under the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER). CER is one of the most ...7 days ago
- Prime Minister’s Post Cabinet Press Conference/COVID-19 Update opening statement***Please check against delivery*** E te tī, e te tā, nau mai rā [To all, I bid you welcome] As you will have seen earlier, today there are 22 new community cases to report; three of which are in Whakatiwai in the Hauraki area, and the remainder in ...7 days ago
- Major milestones for Māori COVID-19 vaccine rollout as new campaign launchesWhānau Ora and Associate Health (Māori Health) Minister Peeni Henare acknowledges two major milestones in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme for Māori. “I am very pleased to announce more than 50 percent of eligible Māori have received their first dose and 25 per cent are now fully vaccinated,” ...1 week ago
- Government funding to fight infectious diseases$36 million for research into Covid-19 and other infectious diseases The investment will improve our readiness for future pandemics Research will focus on prevention, control, and management of infectious diseases The Government’s investing in a new Infectious Diseases Research Platform to boost Aotearoa New Zealand’s Covid-19 response and preparedness for ...1 week ago
- Quarantine-free travel with Australia to remain suspended for a further 8 weeksSuspension to be reviewed again mid to late November Decision brought forward to enable access from Australia to first tranche of around 3000 rooms in MIQ Air New Zealand working at pace to put on more flights from Australia from October The suspension of quarantine-free travel (QFT) with Australia has ...1 week ago
- Extra support for Ethnic Communities to share vaccination informationExtra support is being made available to Ethnic Communities to help them share COVID-19 vaccination information within their communities, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan said. “We know we need to get every eligible person in New Zealand vaccinated. A fund being launched today will allow for ...1 week ago
- School holidays remain unchanged for Auckland regionSchool holidays in Auckland will continue to be held at the same time as the rest of the country, starting from Saturday, 2 October, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today. “I’ve carefully considered advice on the implications of shifting the dates and concluded that on balance, maintaining the status quo ...1 week ago
- Government continues crackdown on gangs and organised crimeOperation Tauwhiro extended until March 2022 Since it was launched in February, Operation Tauwhiro has resulted in: 987 firearms seized $4.99 million in cash seized 865 people charged with a firearms-related offence Gangs and organised crime groups will continue to be relentlessly targeted with the extension of Police’s successful ...1 week ago
- Speech to Body Positive 'HIV Treatments Update Seminar 2021'E ngā mana E ngā reo E ngā iwi Tēnā koutou katoa Ka huri ki ngā mana whenua o te rohe nei. Tēnā koutou. He mihi hoki ki a tatou kua tau mai nei I raro I te kaupapa o te rā. Nō reira tēnā koutou katoa Acknowledgements It’s a ...1 week ago
- Power bill changes bring fairness to chargesA key recommendation of an independent panel to make electricity charges fairer across all households will be put in place, the Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods has announced. “Phasing out the regulations on ‘low-use’ electricity plans will create a fairer playing field for all New Zealanders and encourage a ...1 week ago
- NZ economy’s strong momentum will support rebound from Delta outbreak; COVID fund replenishedThe economy showed strong momentum in the period leading up to the recent Delta COVID-19 outbreak, which bodes well for a solid economic rebound, Grant Robertson said. GDP rose 2.8 percent in the June quarter, following on from a 1.4 percent increase in the previous March quarter. This was a ...2 weeks ago
- Projects create benefits into the futureMaking a well-known lake swimmable and helping to halt the decline of the endangered hoiho/yellow-eyed penguins are among a suite of new projects being supported by the Government’s Jobs for Nature programme across the southern South Island, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says. “It’s no secret that many of our most ...2 weeks ago
- Opening statement for Whāriki Indigenous Small Business RoundtableKei ngā tōpito e wha o te āo e rere ana te mihi maioha ki a koutou nō tawhiti, nō tata mai e tāpiri ana ki tēnei taumata kōrero mo te ao hokohoko arā mā ngā pākihi mo ngā iwi taketake Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa – Pai Mārire. ...2 weeks ago
- New members appointed to KāpuiaThe Government is adding four additional members to Kāpuia, the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosques. “I’m looking forward to having Pamela MacNeill, Huia Bramley, Melani Anae and Katherine Dedo join Kāpuia and contribute to this group’s ...2 weeks ago
- Auckland’s America’s Cup dream isn’t dead yet
When the wealthy businessman who’s attempting to fund a cup defence in Auckland – against Team NZ’s wishes – was copied into a controversial email last week, all hell broke loose. Writing for BusinessDesk, Pattrick Smellie lays out the background to the scrap, and what Grant Dalton could do ...46 mins ago - With the AUKUS alliance confronting China, New Zealand should ramp up its anti-nuclear diplomacy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato New Zealand might not be part of the recently revealed security agreement between the US, Britain and Australia (AUKUS), but it certainly can’t avoid the diplomatic and strategic fallout. Under the pact, Australia stands ...56 mins ago - Politicians Conveniently Ignore Last Sunday’s World Rivers Day
The New Zealand government and political parties have been taken to task by a New Zealand outdoor recreation advocacy for seemingly ignoring the significance of Sunday (26 September) as World Rivers Day. The Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations ...1 hour ago - NZ needs to produce its own vaccines
With vaccines the only long-term option to keep New Zealanders safe, building local infrastructure that can produce vaccines capable of backing up international efforts is crucial for our resilience, argues Dr Davide Comoletti As New Zealand emerges from another Covid-19 lockdown and the Northern Hemisphere braces for winter, scientists around the world are ...1 hour ago - Yesterday’s World Rivers’ Day Is NZ’s Rivers Shame DayWorld Rivers Day designated for Sunday 26 September, should be renamed ‘Rivers’ Shame Day' according to the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers. Federation secretary David Haynes of Nelson, said in New Zealand, politicians, regional councils, ...2 hours ago
- The case for Air NZ focusing more on its freight operations
New Zealand’s vulnerability in terms of air and shipping services has been among the ominous consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. Air NZ has parked its fleet of eight Boeing 777-200 and seven Boeing 777-300 and reckons they will never fly them again. All its international services are based on its ...3 hours ago - Lack Of Access To MIQ Endangers Vets And AnimalsThe New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is calling on the Government to take action when it comes to prioritising access to MIQ spaces. After sustained but unsuccessful lobbying to achieve a commitment from the Minister for COVID-19 Response to allocate ...3 hours ago
- Where to find heaps of online te reo Māori resourcesBecause every week is Te Wiki o Te Reo, here are some tools to keep you company on your te reo learning journey.Ka taea te whakatika te reo hapa, tē taea te whakatika te reo ngū. You can fix language that is broken but you can’t fix language that is ...3 hours ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – September 27 2021Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. You can sign up to NZ Politics Daily as well as New Zealand Political Roundup columns for free here. Today’s content Govt Covid response, modelling advice Shamubeel Eaqub ...4 hours ago
- How can we help more Māori and Pasifika businesses succeed in contracting?Last December, the government procurement rules were updated, requiring that a minimum of at least 5% of government procurement contracts (by volume) should be awarded to Māori businesses from 2021. This should be celebrated, writes Height founder Warner Cowin.When Māori and Pasifika people self-determine their economic destiny and participate meaningfully ...4 hours ago
- Gross Domestic Product: June 2021 Quarter – CorrectedWe wish to inform you that we have identified and corrected an error in Gross domestic product: June 2021 quarter . There is no impact on headline quarterly GDP (production measure of GDP), which remains at an increase of 2.8 percent for the June 2021 quarter. ...4 hours ago
- Police PropagandaRecent statements attributed to the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Coster, have repeated previous allegations from police that gangs acquire their firearms from licensed firearms owners. That is a significant distortion of the truth and by implication ...5 hours ago
- Mayor Suggests UK-style Arts-sector Insurance SchemeIt’s time New Zealand thought about an arts and events sector insurance scheme, not unlike that in the United Kingdom, says Wellington Mayor Andy Foster. Mayor Foster suggests the insurance scheme in an opinion piece titled ‘WOW... who carries the ...5 hours ago
- 'Take away some of their rights' – Sir John Key on incetivising vaccinations
Sir John Key says more young New Zealanders are likely to get vaccinated if their rights to go to nightclubs and take flights are withdrawn. ...5 hours ago - 'Take away some of their rights' – Sir John Key on incentivising vaccinationsSir John Key says more young New Zealanders are likely to get vaccinated if their rights to go to nightclubs and take flights are withdrawn. ...5 hours ago
- Closed Facebook groups offer respite for stressed-out women. But running them involves yet more unse...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Archer, Senior Lecturer in Strategic Communication; social media researcher, Murdoch University Would you share your most intimate thoughts with strangers? For many women, during the pandemic and associated lockdowns, closed Facebook groups have been a place to do just that. These ...6 hours ago
- ‘It is a big relief for me’: how the welfare provided by madrassas holds a key to fighting the T...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zahid Mumtaz, PHD candidate and casual sessional academic, Australian National University Muhammed Muheisen/AP/AAP The swift reemergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan after a failed 20-year war means we need to look beyond military solutions to extremism. One area policymakers should ...6 hours ago
- What is dust? And where does it all come from?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria; Honorary Professor Macquarie University, Macquarie University Shutterstock Everything in our homes gathers dust. But what exactly is it? Where does it come from, and why does it keep coming back? Is it ...6 hours ago
- Social media, activism, trucker caps: the fascinating story behind long COVIDSource: 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 Shutterstock ...6 hours ago
- ‘I want to make sure if something happens to one of my kids, they can come to me’: fathers want ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katy Thomas, PhD Candidate, University of Tasmania Shutterstock In the media, parents can be portrayed as fearful and conservative when it comes to relationships and sexuality education. Parental concern about the appropriateness of such programs at school is often cited ...6 hours ago
- From Bruce Lee to Shang-Chi: a short history of the kung fu film in cinemaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joyleen Christensen, Senior lecturer, University of Newcastle With action sequences that are being hailed as some of the best in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is shaping up to overtake Black Widow ...6 hours ago
- Jacinda Ardern says fear not part of Covid-19 vaccine rollout strategyPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern denies using fear as a motivator for people to get vaccinated. ...6 hours ago
- Live updates, September 27: Jacinda Ardern v John Key – PM denies ruling ‘hermit kingdom’ by f...Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for September 27, by Stewart Sowman-Lund. Send me thoughts and feelings to stewart@thespinoff.co.nz. Help us keep you informed on Covid-19 – click here to learn how you can join The Spinoff Members. 8.00am: Ardern denies ruling ‘hermit kingdom’ by fear Prime minister Jacinda Ardern does not believe ...7 hours ago
- Why it’s time to change our archaic and unnecessary surrogacy laws In Aotearoa, parents who conceive via a surrogate must formally adopt a baby who was always intended to be theirs. Now, a member’s bill looks set to change a time-consuming, expensive and exhausting process. It’s about time, writes Hannah Gibson.At its essence, surrogacy is about people working together with others, ...7 hours ago
- Toni Street cracks open her past to share a life marked by griefLost and Found is a profound and brave addition to the celebrity memoir canon, writes Sam Brooks.Simply put: Toni Street, who has had a national audience of one kind or another for 15 years, has gone through a lot. It shouldn’t be a surprise. She’s written a memoir, and people ...7 hours ago
- Buy now, pay forever?Calls for buy-now, pay-later providers to be regulated as millions of dollars in late fees are paid annually by New Zealand consumers. Madeleine Chapman writes for The Bulletin.Buy now, pay forever?Consumer NZ is calling for buy-now, pay-later services to be regulated under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act after ...8 hours ago
- Markets wary as Evergrande fate hangs in balance
Business & Investing: NZX's flat month continues as international markets fluctuate under the threat of collapse of the giant Chinese property company ...9 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 27 September9 hours ago
- Newsroom daily crossword, Monday 27 September9 hours ago
- Facebook’s slow-motion reckoning is about much more than one companyA major newspaper investigation into misinformation and other harms on its platforms shows how enormous the Facebook problem has become, writes Hal Crawford.“The era of social media companies presenting themselves as passive conduits for user speech is coming to an end. The question is what will replace it.” Gilad Edelman, ...10 hours ago
- Who *can’t* get the Covid-19 vaccine?As vaccination rates continue to climb, the advice is clear that almost everyone 12 or over can safely roll up their arm for the Pfizer. But who can’t? Mirjam Guesgen sorts the rumour from the fact.Quick note to start: we’re not doctors. Consult your GP or Healthline for any specific ...10 hours ago
- Paediatrician: Covid is not a choice for the sick children I treat, Sir John
A paediatrician feels dismay at John Key's blithe talk of Covid patients 'choices and consequences' ...10 hours ago - For your mental health, pay attention
As Aotearoa slowly emerges from Covid-19 restrictions and we head into Mental Health Awareness Week, Margaret Stanley reflect on the things that got us through this difficult time I was drawn to a career as an ecologist through curiosity and a love for all creatures great and small. My mother was instrumental ...10 hours ago - Brian Tamaki video catches eye of Facebook
A Brian Tamaki video was pulled down by Facebook and investigated by police. ...10 hours ago - Putting the brakes on belching cows
Genetic manipulation, toilet training for cows, seaweed feed, vaccines ... millions is being spent on research to reduce the methane emissions from New Zealand's agricultural industry. Millions of dollars is being spent on getting cows and sheep to produce less gas. The projects in train range from genetics experiments, ...10 hours ago - Anne Salmond: The case for nature-based forests
The use of 'permanent' plantations of pine trees solely to build up carbon offsets is solving one harm with another, writes Dame Anne Salmond. There is an alternative. As Argentinian ecologist Sandra Diaz said during the 2021 Nobel Prize Winners Summit: "We have incontestable evidence that the living fabric of ...10 hours ago - Integrity checks causing wage subsidy payment delays, MSD says
NZ businesses have claimed close to $17b from the wage subsidy so far. But increased integrity checks are causing significant delays in processing tens of thousands of subsidy applications. ...10 hours ago - Councils face tough calls on water reforms in pivotal week
More than 30 councils will this week hold meetings that are expected to pour cold water on the Government's reform plans ...10 hours ago - Chickens in NZ writing – an investigation
Ten stories about chickens 1. NADIA LIM AND HER CHICKEN Nadia Lim, chef of the nation, wrote her first children's book last year. Marvellous Marvin (illustrated by Fifi Colston, published by Scholastic) is based on a chick that hatched in a muslin-lined cake tin balanced on a pile of books under ...10 hours ago - Takeaways served for Silver and White Ferns
While both the White Ferns and Silver Ferns lost to England in the past week, they should have gained an insight into what's needed for their World Cup and the Commonwealth Games campaigns, now on the horizon. Netball writer Suzanne McFadden and Canterbury Magicians cricketer Kristy Havill look at what both teams can take from ...10 hours ago - The clock is ticking on net-zero, and Australia’s farmers must not get a free passSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Ha, Associate, Grattan Institute Dan Peled/AAP Political momentum is growing in Australia to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. On Friday, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was the latest member of the federal government to throw his weight behind ...15 hours ago
- Agitated Nationals grapple with climate debate, as former minister Chester takes ‘a break’ from ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A tough debate is expected when a highly volatile Nationals parliamentary party meets on Monday, ahead of climate change negotiations between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce to endorse a target of ...15 hours ago
- Lemming-like Mental Health Hiring Practices Won’t Solve Mental Health Staffing Issues“A recent Government-commissioned report to assess the progress made on their 2019 $1.9 billion mental health initiative is being hampered by lemming-like beliefs and assumptions that risk tipping the entire $1.9 billion over an ideological cliff,” ...18 hours ago
- With vision of a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’, Quad leaders send a clear signal to ChinaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lavina Lee, Senior lecturer, Macquarie University Evan Vucci/AP The Quad has come a long way since it was resurrected in 2017 as a loose coalition comprising the US, Australia, India and Japan. The face-to-face, leaders summit at the end of ...23 hours ago
- Govt wants to plug gaps in safety rules for adventure tourismWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood says he wants to plug gaps in the adventure activities, with tougher rules to mitigate the risks posed by natural hazards. ...23 hours ago
- Ranked: All of today’s op-ed columns by Sir John KeyPrime minister for three terms, John Key has only made rare media appearances since leaving office. But today he’s published a number of commentaries across the media. We rank them.4. Sir John Key on Newshub, September 26A big get for Newshub. A long opinion essay by former prime minister Sir ...1 day ago
- An ode for .. Mark Richardson
New Zealand's unsanctioned poet laureate composes an ode for Sir Mark of Richardson A Man Of Our Age Arise Sir Mark! You leave the field with 9,994 hot takes on the Box. Hypnotized were we at your rapier wit, and lofty pronouncements on Matters Of State. You reflected ...1 day ago - Live updates, September 26: Latest case numbers coming and a word from Sir John KeyWelcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for Sunday September 26, by Madeleine Chapman. Get in touch on info@thespinoff.co.nzThanks for your company today. All our coverage of the Covid response is made possible thanks to Members’ contributions. Help keep the show on the road by joining today.The day ahead There is ...1 day ago
- Our writers are being hung out to dryThe president of the New Zealand Society of Authors wants very much to talk about money. It’s six years since I last bought new knickers. I know this because it’s six years since I earned enough to replace the old ones I’d nursed along for the previous decade. This is the ...1 day ago
- Recipe: Orange, hazelnut and chocolate chunk biscuitsIt’s hard to improve on the simple perfection of a chocolate chip biscuit, but orange zest and hazelnuts’ll do it.It’s a rainy day here in Taranaki and these biscuits served with a hot cup of tea are just the ticket. Though do beware as they are rather moreish, and resisting ...1 day ago
- The Milford Opportunities Project: the myth of a tourism reset
The motivation of a masterplan for tourism in Milford Sound Piopiotahi is unfounded, lacks scientific evidence and is not the solution to New Zealand’s problem of concentrated tourism flows, argues Professor Juergen Gnoth The Milford Sound Opportunities Project (MOP) has emerged as one of the Government’s centrepieces of initiatives to ...1 day ago - I wasn’t fully vaccinated, then I got measles and it changed my lifeIt’s not just the virus, it’s what comes after.I never used to be sick.I assumed my good health was because I’d done all the right things. I exercised, I ate well, I didn’t smoke or drink to excess. If I got sick (rarely), I’d get over it quickly. I’d made ...1 day ago
- The Sunday Essay: The things we keepTwo black pearl necklaces, three generations, 15,000 miles. Christchurch writer Chessie Henry on the objects that bind us. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New ZealandOriginal illustrations by Ahsin AhsinIn April this year I drove in my brother’s car from Auckland to Christchurch. I had just ...1 day ago
- We are all connected, Ardern tells UN General AssemblyPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern has urged world leaders to address rising inequality and make international trade "more open and inclusive" in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. ...2 days ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: Is the Wage Subsidy still transferring massive wealth to the ric...Analysis by Bryce Edwards. Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Over $15 billion dollars has been transferred to businesses by the Government via the Wage Subsidy Scheme since Covid hit in 2020. The scheme has turned out to be effective at both keeping businesses afloat and enriching the already wealthy. Now ...2 days ago
- Scotty Stevenson: Love, rugby, and the story of my familyAhead of tonight’s hundredth Test between the New Zealand All Blacks and South Africa’s Springboks, Scotty Stevenson reaches deep into his own family history, within which the two nations and their personalities are deeply entwined. This essay was first published in Dylan Cleaver’s newsletter The Bounce. Subscribe here.There will be ...2 days ago
- China’s problems in property are a difficulty for everyone
As China’s most indebted property developer Evergrande hovers on the brink, the question is where the government will draw the line on support for the firm – and for the financial system. Markets are nervous but the consensus seems to be that while an example may be made of ...2 days ago - Live updates, September 25: Is Auckland’s delta outbreak coming under control?Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for Saturday September 25, by Toby Manhire. Get in touch on info@thespinoff.co.nzThanks for your company today. All our coverage of the Covid response is made possible thanks to Members’ contributions. Help keep the show on the road by joining today.The day (and night) aheadThere ...2 days ago
- How build-to-rent can help ease New Zealand’s housing woesA glimpse into a brighter future for New Zealand’s lifelong renters.While New Zealand’s build-to-rent market remains in its infancy, a leader in property development believes a significant opportunity exists with the emerging asset class to provide better quality rentals on terms friendly to both tenants and landlords.New Ground Capital managing ...2 days ago
- Just how far can kindness travel?
Are Kiwis capable of caring about people in low-income countries when we have pressing social problems in our own backyard? The University of Auckland's Dr Nikki Turner speaks to UNICEF Aotearoa about the impacts of the pandemic, and why vaccination coverage is critical wherever you live. Doctor Nikki Turner is a fast ...2 days ago - Short story: The Big Game, by AP Gaskell
Ahead of tonight's All Blacks vs Springboks match, we reprint the greatest rugby short story of all times, from 1947 The football match at Carisbrook was over. Dusk was already falling, and during the last part of the game the flight of the ball and even the movements of ...2 days ago - Dodgy tickets, huge mark-ups – what is Viagogo really up to?Offshore touts are trying to flog off expensive tickets to concerts all over New Zealand. And sometimes those tickets may not even exist. What can be done to stop it?Adam Webb is hovering over his keyboard, frantically searching for information. He has multiple internet tabs open and fake credit cards ...2 days ago
- Learning to teach teens in a pandemicFrom refereeing shots at the rubbish bin to instructing from his mum’s lounge, a new teacher looks back on his first year.Between the wild passions and imbalances of puberty, the so often uninspired curriculum, the leaky (if not mouldy) buildings and toxic political discourse that pollutes education, learning to teach ...2 days ago
- New Tall Fern Taia has Dad close at hand
A huge few weeks for basketballer Ashley Taia will be capped off by wearing the Tall Ferns singlet for the first time in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup. Ashley Taia knows her “biggest fan” – her late dad – will be watching over her when she makes her debut for the Tall ...2 days ago - View from The Hill: Barnaby Joyce falls (sort of) into step for the ‘net zero’ marchSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Lukas Coch/AAP The Coalition brigade is assembling, readying for the final march to a place it once regarded as enemy territory and poisoned ground, too dangerous to approach. Josh Frydenberg waved the flag ...3 days ago
- Travellers grounded after surprise Covid rule change
Air New Zealand and people hoping to fly back into Auckland this morning were blindsided - and stranded - by a new rule that came in at midnight last night After six weeks down in Queenstown waiting out Auckland’s lockdown, it was finally time for John Gosney to come ...3 days ago - Mayor Meets With Ministers Over Three Waters Reform ProposalThis week Mayor Rehette Stoltz met with Ministers, including the Minister for Local Government Nanaia Mahuta to discuss the Three Waters reform proposal. Government is proposing to move the management of the three waters away from individual Councils ...3 days ago
- New Zealand Red Meat Sector Welcomes Chinese Taipei’s CPTPP Membership ApplicationThe Meat Industry Association (MIA) and Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) welcome Chinese Taipei’s formal application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Sam McIvor, chief executive of Beef + Lamb NZ said the ...3 days ago
- NZ kiwifruit reportedly tests positive for Covid in China
A Covid scare with Kiwi produce imported into China could have repercussions for New Zealand exporters Chinese officials say a batch of New Zealand kiwifruit imported into the country has tested positive for Covid-19, in news which could concern Kiwi exporters wary of any clampdown. The CCP-owned Global Times reported ...3 days ago - Week in Politics: Auckland moves down, doubt cast on elimination strategyAnalysis - Critics accuse the government of giving up on its elimination strategy and Speaker Trevor Mallard's move to stop unvaccinated people entering Parliament's precinct raises debate. ...3 days ago
- The Friday Poem: Young Adult Success Stories, by Erik KennedyA new poem from Christchurch poet Erik Kennedy.Young Adult Success StoriesThis fantastic article outlines how, at the tender age of twenty-two, Brad got seed money for his underwear delivery start-up and bought a Bugatti. What an amazing tale of industry and sticktoitiveness. How did he do it? Ah, yes, it’s ...3 days ago
- Most 2019 Budget mental health intiatives on track – reviewDeputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said a stocktake of the $1.9 billion mental health package found strong progress had been made since its announcement. ...3 days ago
- Wenda blames nurse’s death on Indonesian military crackdown for Papuan mining, palm oilAsia Pacific Report newsdesk The United Liberation Movement of West Papua has blamed the Indonesian military over the attack at a hospital in Kiwirok, near the Papua New Guinean border, in which a nurse was killed. Interim president Benny Wenda of the ULMWP has issued a statement in response to ...3 days ago
- Taliban ‘journalism rules’ open way to censorship, persecution, warns RSFAsia Pacific Report newsdesk Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says it is very disturbed by the “11 journalism rules” that the Taliban announced at a meeting with news media on September 19. The rules that Afghan journalists will now have to implement are vaguely worded, dangerous and liable to be used ...3 days ago
- Covid deaths soar in New Caledonian crisis – 16 in one dayRNZ Pacific New Caledonia recorded 16 covid-19 deaths yesterday — the highest single day total since the delta strain of the virus arrived in the territory less than three weeks ago. A spokesperson for the territorial government, Gilbert Tyuienon, said the archipelago “is going through a crisis never seen in ...3 days 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 🙂
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. 🙂