Weekend social 18/05/2012
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2:00 pm, May 18th, 2012 - 15 comments
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Weekend social is for non political chat. What’s on for the weekend, gigs, film or book reviews, sports, or whatever.
No politics, no aggro, why can’t we all just get along?
15 comments on “Weekend social 18/05/2012 ”
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Te PÄti MÄori Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer welcome todayâs ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which found that a Hobson's Pledge advertisement regarding customary marine titles was misleading and socially irresponsible. The two-page wraparound ad, published in The New Zealand Herald, suggested that nearly the entire coastline ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Benefit numbers continue to soar under National
Nationalâs all pain approach to beneficiaries has yielded no gain as benefit numbers continue to surge past projected figures. ...3 weeks ago
- Casey Costello: What Once Was…
Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...3 weeks ago
- Soaring benefit sanctions push more into poverty
Sanctions on beneficiaries have sky-rocketed since the Coalition Government came to power, pushing more families into poverty. ...3 weeks ago
- International Energy Agency issues wake-up call on climate action
Todayâs report from the International Energy Agency highlights how far this Governmentâs actions are dragging us backwards in the fight against climate change. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Lack of funding puts pressure on frontline Police
News that 173 roles are being cut at Police will only put more pressure on the frontline. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Bipartisan agreement on outdated marriage law
Changes to outdated relationships legislation has passed its third reading giving family violence survivors the power to quickly dissolve abusive marriages. ...3 weeks ago
- Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill passes first reading
Legislation to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. âThese changes will build on New Zealandâs current child protection system by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the agencies that oversee it, including greater ...1 hour ago - NZTA confirms preferred option for second Mt Vic Tunnel and SH1 upgrades
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has confirmed next steps on the SH1 Wellington Improvements Road of National Significance (RoNS), including an expanded package to reduce Wellingtonâs gridlock and support economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âOur Government is committed to delivering a second Mt Victoria Tunnel for Wellington to ...2 hours ago
- Appointments strengthen Conservation Boards
The latest Conservation Board appointments will help to strengthen environmental efforts across Aotearoa New Zealand, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. Mr Potaka today announced 64 appointments to the countryâs 14 Conservation Boards. âConservation Boards play a vital role as liaison between DOC with their regions, making their communityâs voice heard ...5 hours ago
- First steps towards National Infrastructure Plan
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the first steps from the Infrastructure Commission in developing New Zealandâs 30-year National Infrastructure Plan. The Commission today released a discussion document which outlines the Commissionâs thinking in developing the 30-year plan, including looking at whatâs needed over the next 30 years, what our ...6 hours ago
- Stats show Medsafe accelerates approval assessments
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says that Medsafeâs annual performance statistics released today show that Medsafe are accelerating their approval process. âThe data produced in Medsafeâs annual statistics show that in 2023/2024 Medsafe expedited their assessment process for almost every category of medicine,â says Mr Seymour. For innovative new medicines ...7 hours ago
- New rules mean faster payment times for small businesses
New requirements for government agencies to pay their invoices faster and adopt labour-saving technology are an important part of our plan to rebuild the economy and support small businesses, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly and Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee say. âThe Government is ambitious about lifting New ...7 hours ago
- Speech – Diwali 2024
Namaste. Namaskar. Namaskaram. Vanakkam. Sat Sri Akal. Kem chho. Greetings to you all. It is my great privilege, as Minister for Ethnic Communities, to host this yearâs Diwali Celebration at Parliament. I am truly excited to be with you all for Diwali as your Minister, and I warmly welcome each ...23 hours ago
- Accelerating maths achievement for Kiwi kids
The Government is continuing to transform maths education, by trialling a targeted maths acceleration programme to give more Kiwi kids confidence in mathematics. âAfter discovering just 22 per cent of Year 8 students are at the expected standard for maths, we launched our Make it Count Action Plan to give our ...24 hours ago
- Governmentâs creative sector strategy released
The Governmentâs creative sector strategy is designed to increase Kiwisâ engagement with culture and creativity and to boost its economic contribution, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. âAmplify has been released for public consultation and I encourage people to read the strategy and to share their feedback. âThereâs an opportunity to ...1 day ago
- On-sold programme changes bring resolution to homeowners and taxpayers
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has asked the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) to make changes to how it delivers the On-sold support package to prevent a cost blowout while helping eligible homeowners repair their homes in a timely manner. The On-sold programme was set up by the Government in 2019 ...1 day ago
- Todd McClay to lead large trade mission to China
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will lead a large trade delegation to the 7th annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai next week, followed by a visit to Guangzhou. This year, almost 70 New Zealand companies will participate in CIIE, to interact with over 3,400 exhibitors and 410,000 visitors. âThis ...2 days ago
- New Charter to guarantee better access for hunting and fishing
Minister for Hunting and Fishing Todd McClay has today launched an Access Charter (the Charter) to ensure better access for recreational hunting and fishing on public conservation land (PCL) across New Zealand. âThis Charter establishes guiding principles for the Department of Conservation (DOC) to provide clear and transparent decisions on ...3 days ago
- Pou Whenua blessing honours Tongariro
A beautiful new Pou Whenua at the beginning of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will introduce visitors to the sacred landscape they are entering, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. Mr Potaka attended a blessing for the specially carved Pou Whenua at Mangatepopo, at the start of the track on 1 November. ...4 days ago
- New members appointed to the NZTA Board
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two new appointments to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board. Mary-Anne Macleod and Mike Rudge have both been appointed as members for three-year terms commencing 1 November 2024 and ending 31 October 2027. âTransport is a critical part of our Governmentâs plan ...4 days ago
- Welcome relief from new oestradiol gel funding
Associate Health Minister David Seymour is welcoming Pharmacâs funding of oestradiol gel, following global shortages of oestradiol patches earlier this year. âIâm well aware of the stress caused by the global shortage earlier this year. At the time I said I was confident Pharmac was working hard to find a ...4 days ago
- Deputy Prime Minister visit to Australia
Foreign Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters will visit Australia next week. âAustralia is New Zealandâs closest partner, and we are pleased to make this second official visit there for 2024 following the first ever Foreign and Defence Ministers 2+2 Meeting between our two countries in Melbourne in January,â ...4 days ago
- Applications now open for new training pathway
Applications have now opened for tertiary education organisations to seek Government funding to develop New Zealandâs first postgraduate diploma programme for associate psychologists, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced today. âInvestment in this new training pathway supports the Governmentâs target to grow our mental health and addiction workforce and ...4 days ago
- Increased medicines access continues following budget boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see further increased availability of medicines for Kiwis following the Governmentâs increased investment in Pharmac. âPharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,â says Mr Seymour. âWhen this Government assumed office, ...4 days ago
- New Zealand concludes high quality trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
New Zealand and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement that will open up significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters in the Gulf region, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay announced from Doha today. Todayâs announcement follows significant reengagement with the GCC following meetings ...5 days ago
- Government seeks views on remote court attendance
The Government is exploring how to modernise the law around people attending court remotely, to support access to justice and enhance court performance. Courts Minister Nicole McKee says the current law has not kept up with evolving court practices and public attitudes to the use of remote technology, nor been ...5 days ago
- Breast screening age extension begins in Nelson Marlborough
Free breast screening has been extended for 70 to 74-year-old women living in the Nelson Marlborough district, ahead of a national roll-out late next year, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. âBreast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand with about 3,400 women diagnosed with the disease ...5 days ago
- Te MÄori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board strengthened
He toi whakairo, he mana tangata. The reappointment of one trustee and the appointment of four new trustees to the Te MÄori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board will enable the legacy of Te MÄori to be carried forward into the future, MÄori Development Minister Tama Potaka and Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith ...5 days ago
- Affordable housing project supporting home ownership
Up to 300 affordable, healthy, community-tailored homes helping to support home ownership are set to be built in eastern Porirua, supported by Government funding for Our Whare Our Fale through the Building Homes for Pacific in Porirua initiative, Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti and Associate Housing Minister Tama ...5 days ago
- Dire benefit forecasts show the need for Welfare that Works
A new report that forecasts young people on benefits will spend an average of 20 more years relying on welfare underscores the need for the Governmentâs reforms, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. MSDâs latest Benefit System Insights report, released today, which estimates how many future years different ...5 days ago
- Trade Minister travels to Doha for GCC trade discussions
Trade Minister Todd McClay will hold trade discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) trade ministers in Doha this week. Minister McClay will meet with all six GCC Trade Ministers, as well as the GCC Secretary General. âThis will be my seventh visit to the region this year including two Ministerial ...6 days ago
- Podiatry prescribers will boost patient care
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister David Seymour say itâs great news that podiatrists will soon be able to prescribe medicines, meaning patients with painful foot and leg conditions donât have to make a separate trip to the doctor. âThis simple step means a big change for people ...6 days ago
- Historic redress inequities finally resolved for Lake Alice Unit survivors
The Government is addressing historic redress inequities for some survivors abused at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. In 2001, the Crown reached a $6.5 million group settlement with 95 survivors subjected to abuse at the Lake Alice Unit. Law firm Grant Cameron & Associates (now GCA Lawyers) represented ...6 days ago
- ERO report shows Governmentâs truancy emphasis is vital
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Education Review Officeâs (ERO) timely report on chronic school absence released today is further evidence of a truancy crisis. âChronic absence has doubled since 2015. This report reinforces that action is needed to ensure this generation reaches its full potential,â says Associate ...6 days ago
- Minister welcomes business view on AML
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomes BusinessNZâs report which addresses reducing the compliance burden on small businesses. âThe challenges outlined in the report released today echo many of the concerns I have heard from businesses, which have informed my Anti Money Laundering/Countering Financing Terrorism (AML/CFT) priorities,â she says. âI have ...1 week ago
- Mangamuka Gorge opening in time for Christmas
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge will be open for Christmas, with critical work currently underway to clear the large slips and dropouts that have caused significant disruption for Northlanders trying to get where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âThe Mangamuka Gorge ...1 week ago
- Trusted building professionals able to self-certify
The Government is proposing further significant action to reform the building and construction sector to support more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. âIf we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a ...1 week ago
- New appointments to the TEC board
Dr Alan Bollard CNZM and Mr Bharat Guha have been appointed to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) board, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says. âI would like to welcome the two new members joining the TEC board,â Ms Simmonds says. âDr Alan Bollard CNZM is an experienced public ...1 week ago
- Move to fast-track overseas doctors welcomed
Fast tracking applications for registration by eligible specialist doctors wanting to practice in New Zealand is in line with the Governmentâs push to improve the health outcomes for New Zealanders, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. This fast-track pathway applies to specialists trained in anaesthesia, dermatology, emergency medicine, general practice, ...1 week ago
- Address to Western Sydney University: Constitutional and Rule of Law challenges in current global en...
TÄnÄ koutou Nau mai haere mai ki tenei hui Thank you to Vice Chancellor Williams, and the University of Western Sydney, for inviting me to speak today. I speak to you today in my capacity as Attorney-General â the New Zealand Crownâs Senior Law Officer. In this capacity, I serve ...1 week ago
- Security advice for start-ups welcomed
Minister responsible for the security and intelligence agencies Judith Collins has welcomed new guidance that aims to protect New Zealandâs start-up and emerging technology sector from the threat of economic espionage. âWe are a nation well-known for our ingenuity, and our willingness to openly collaborate in the spirit of enterprise ...1 week ago
- Funding support to strengthen frontline volunteer service organisations
The Government has approved $23.1 million for four critical frontline volunteer service organisations to replace storm-damaged assets and provide training and equipment to improve New Zealandâs response to future emergency events, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey says. $14.6 million for Surf Life Saving New ...1 week ago
- Jones heads to international mining conference
Resources Minister Shane Jones will speak at Australia's largest annual mining event in Sydney this week to mark New Zealandâs return to the international industry stage. Mr Jones will attend the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) where he will update the sectorâs most influential players on the work the ...1 week ago
- NZ investing in Pacific disaster preparedness & climate resilience
New Zealand will contribute $20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters have announced. âThe Pacific Islands region faces severe challenges from natural disasters and climate change impacts and New Zealand is committed to doing its part to help meet them,â ...1 week ago
- Police to increase presence on Auckland public transport
Aucklanders will see a greater Police presence on public transport services to boost safety and reassure public transport workers and passengers, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. âMinister Brown and I are working together, alongside Police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific ...1 week ago
- Government funds helicopter replacements
The Government is investing in eight new emergency helicopters to replace some of New Zealandâs ageing air ambulance fleet, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and ACC Minister Matt Doocey announced today. âOur air ambulance helicopters play a vital role in saving lives around New Zealand,â Casey Costello says. âThis is ...2 weeks ago
- What to expect on Election Day: history could be made, or weâre in for a long wait (and plenty of ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University As Americans vote in one of the most important presidential elections in generations, the country teeters on a knife edge. In the battleground states that will likely decide ...44 mins ago - Wellington council observer to be announced ‘shortly’
The decision would be made ahead of the council's meeting to hash out what should remain in its long-term plan, Simeon Brown says. ...50 mins ago - ĆpĆtiki raids: Iwi rejects minister’s denial children were left without parents
Te WhakatĆhea is standing by claims children were left to fend for themselves after their parents were arrested. ...1 hour ago
- Live: US election 2024, the final countdown
With election day but hours away, the candidates are completing their final campaign lap and pundits are desperately seeking other ways to say âon a knife edgeâ. Keep up to date with the latest here. Itâs squeaky bum time in the land of the free, with the clock ticking inexorably ...1 hour ago - Staff will use force in youth boot camps as ‘a last resort’, Prime Minister says
Cabinet has signed off on those running the boot camps using force to protect themselves or others, or stop young offenders escaping. ...1 hour ago
- Primary care involves more than GPs. A new review shows how patients can better access care
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock Australians today are more likely than previous generations to live with complex and chronic diseases, such ...2 hours ago
- IRD Data Leaking Killed By 9,000-strong Taxpayersâ Union Campaign
Commissioner Mersi needs to stop burying his head in the sand, and explain to Kiwis how his department are going to clean up the mess of the data theyâve already leaked: Taxpayersâ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross said. ...2 hours ago - I survived a night camping with my dog
Alex Casey takes her rescue dog Maggie on a dog-friendly camping adventure and lives to tell the tale. Part of my bargaining in us adopting a dog this year was that I swore not to become one of those barmy people who takes their dog with them on holiday and ...2 hours ago
- What Kamala Harrisâ Converse All-Stars tell us about how shoes shape our identity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexandra Sherlock, Lecturer, School of Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University Like most public figures, Kamala Harris adapts her footwear to different occasions. While her wardrobe includes traditional choices such as formal black heels, it was her appearance in Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars ...3 hours ago
- âI can make a band play like a singer singsâ: Quincy Jones shaped our listening for seven decade...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leigh Carriage, Senior Lecturer in Music, Southern Cross University The legendary composer, musical arranger and producer Quincy Jones has died at 91. Over his long career, Jones arranged and produced for a broad range of genres. His work blended the traditions of ...3 hours ago
- Govt Science Cuts Take NZ Even Further Backward
The Government talks about the need to tackle our poor productivity performance, and the need for a longer-term plan to arrest our decline, but their actions continue to take us in the opposite direction ...3 hours ago
- Costello’s accusation has had ‘chilling effect’ on democracy, public servants say
The complaint comes after the Associate Health Minister accused health officials of undermining her efforts. ...4 hours ago
- âI didnât get the HRC jobâ: Stephen Rainbowâs human rights commission appointment just got w...
New messages released under the OIA show Rainbow acknowledged he âdidnât get the HRC jobâ â then suddenly he did. Madeleine Chapman reports. âI didnât get the HRC role but still very keen to help out,â wrote Stephen Rainbow to Act Party chief of staff Andrew Ketels in a text ...4 hours ago
- West Papuan outcry over Prabowoâs plan to revive transmigration
By Victor Mambor in Jayapura Just one day after President Prabowo Subiantoâs inauguration, a minister announced plans to resume the transmigration programme in eastern Indonesia, particularly in Papua, saying it was needed for enhancing unity and providing locals with welfare. Transmigration is the process of moving people from densely populated ...5 hours ago
- Police minister denies claims children left on their own following police raids in ĆpĆtiki
Police Minister Mark Mitchell says those claiming children were left on their own following police raids on homes in ĆpĆtiki are "wrong". ...5 hours ago
- Home Education: On the road with the Rasmussens
Home Education follows the everyday lives of six families in Aotearoa educating their children at home. Today, education in a house bus with the Rasmussens. The new docuseries Home Education is filmed across Aotearoa, in and around the homes of six families who have taken schooling outside the ...5 hours ago
- Nobody panic, but weâre in the midst of a global chocolate crisis
Price hikes, disappearing products and sourcing struggles â could this be the new normal for the chocolate industry? Last week, Whittakerâs announced its chocolate was changing. Its cacao will no longer be sourced exclusively from Ghana, with the global cocoa shortage forcing the company to get the key ingredient from âseveralâ ...5 hours ago
- On the road with the Rasmussens | Home Education | The Spinoff
âWe thrive on proving people wrong.â | Watch the full series: http://thespinoff.co.nz/videos/home-education đ The Rasmussens have travelled the country in a house bus for over a decade. Bridie is the âroad-schoolingâ mum to seven kids, all at different stages. She says the family runs into judgement all the time, but ...5 hours ago
- NZ hopes for Harris, prepares for Trump
Comment: The American presidential election on Wednesday (NZ time) looks like it is going down to the wire. Polls put Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump within the margin of error, both nationally and in key battleground states. As the votes are counted, governments across Asia and ...6 hours ago - Appalling Attack On Public Service Official By Minister Crosses The Line
"Publicly attacking a public servant for giving advice that you disagree with is unacceptable within our democratic system," said Kerry Davies, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te PĆ«kenga Here Tikanga Mahi. ...6 hours ago
- Every travel disaster I can think of â and how travel insurance would help
While you might be reluctant to buy travel insurance, youâll be glad to have it when things go wrong. As a natural catastrophiser, I spend a lot of time thinking about things that could go wrong â even on holiday. Perhaps Iâll be caught up in a life-threatening multi-car pileup ...7 hours ago
- My Greatest Trip: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos
A white womanâs account of backpacking through southeast Asia? Groundbreaking. In a post-social media world, I find it impossible to regale you with my trip through Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos without first doing some throat-clearing. âDoingâ southeast Asia âon a shoestringâ has become such a travellerâs cliche â so ...7 hours ago
- Zero-risk policy part of ‘widespread erosion’ of access to recreational areas
Twelve associations are calling for recreational activities to be formally excluded from the Health and Safety Act 2015. ...8 hours ago
- The cost of being: A uni tutor who spends on vapes, samosas and the odd night out
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 21-year-old flatting in Wellington explains how she gets by. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Wahine. Age: 21. Ethnicity: MÄori. Role: Tutor at Victoria University. Salary/income/assets: ...8 hours ago
- Yes, burning gas is bad for the climate. But keeping it in Australiaâs energy mix is sensible
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roger Dargaville, Director Monash Energy Institute, Monash University Shutterstock Both major parties in Australia see a significant role for gas as the world shifts to clean energy in a bid to avert dangerous climate change. The Albanese government says new sources ...8 hours ago
- Live: Luxon ‘frustrated’ with officials but ‘confident’ in Cabinet conflict ...
The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he's confident about Cabinet's own conflict of interest processes ...9 hours ago
- Bird flu has been detected in a pig in the US. Why does that matter?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC L3 Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney David MG/Shutterstock The United States Department of Agriculture last week reported that a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon was infected with ...9 hours ago
- What happens if you have a HELP debt and kids? The missed opportunity in Laborâs plan to fix stude...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Warburton, Honorary Senior Fellow, Centre for the Study of Higher Education, The University of Melbourne Rogut/Pexels , CC BY The Albanese government has announced several significant changes to student loans to start in mid-2025. These include wiping 20% off debts, ...9 hours ago
- Memes, photojournalism and television debates: 3 images that defined the 2024 US election
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Message, Professor of Public Humanities and Director of the ANU Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University Visual images often last in historical and popular memory. This is especially the case in presidential campaigns in the United States, which offer a vast ...9 hours ago
- Todd McClay, trade, and the spectre of Trump
The PM says heâll work with whoever wins the White House, but the trade minister has previously expressed concern over higher tariffs, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund for The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...10 hours ago
- America heads to the polls, and into a great unknown
Opinion: Wednesday November 6, NZ time, sees the majority of voting in the 2024 US presidential election. While it is unlikely we will have a confirmed result until later (Thursday is best case, but the result could take weeks, depending on how close it is), the next week promises to ...10 hours ago
- Live: Minister accuses health officials of undermining smoking reforms
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will talk to Morning Report live. ...10 hours ago
- The longest commute, day two: Joel says a sad goodbye to Invercargill
Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: Invercargill to Dunedin and beyond. The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, Iâll travel by train. In ...10 hours ago
- Scientists concerned about delays to critical report
Scientists are becoming increasingly worried about delays to a critical report that could see an overhaul of the country's science infrastructure and funding. ...11 hours ago
- Blood cancer patients call on National to honour commitment
Patients want National to take note of a report on blood cancer medicines and remember its pre-election promise that they would not be forgotten. ...11 hours ago
- When will we know the US presidential election results in New Zealand?
And everything else you need to know about timings, where and what to watch in our userâs guide to the Trump v Harris big day(s). One ancient candidate ejected after a catastrophic debate performance, another shot in the head in a horrific, failed assassination attempt. Racism, misogyny, plausible claims of ...12 hours ago
- Is it possible to travel without damaging the climate? Yes
Trains, bikes and sailboats already exist, and choosing to travel more slowly can be a pleasure, too. âIâve seen more on my bike that I would have seen in my whole lifetime, if Iâd been flying,â says Robbie Webb. Heâs calling me from Ghent, where heâs staying with friends, nearly ...12 hours ago
- Unions seek international inquiry into charter schools policy
A formal complaint to the global workers’ rights watchdog follows official advice to ministers that the policy likely breaches international labour law The post Unions seek international inquiry into charter schools policy appeared first on Newsroom. ...12 hours ago
- Taxing people unfairly just isnât cricket
Opinion: Importance of combining a flat GST with a progressive income tax The post Taxing people unfairly just isnât cricket appeared first on Newsroom. ...12 hours ago
- Concerns over new, streamlined building consent process
The building consent regime is about to be streamlined by the government, with self-certifications replacing some council inspections.It means councils will be partly removed from the building consent process, allowing qualified tradespeople – including plumbers and builders – to forego inspections for low-risk builds.Self-certifications will be open to those with ...12 hours ago
The server will be getting hardware changes this evening starting at 10pm NZDT.
The site will be off line for some hours.
Have just finished making a rather tasty lounge-friendly wooden blocks box for my 2 yr old nephew,
and will spend the weekend sanding edges of the 200 bloody blocks that go in it :]
It is the 48 hour film festival this weekend, starts today (Friday) at 7PM. I have never competed before so it should be interesting!
Good on ya! I had a mate who did it last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Heh – I’m staring as a security guard in one. I get shot in the back apparently. Bummer.
Continuing a holiday in Wellington. Keeping a low profile in case QoT hits me in the nuts đ
The world has gone weird, the ardent Crusader fan will gladly watch the Horrorcanes. Since the big toss out of the up themselves boys they have gone from strength to strength, still have the sharpest backline in the Super15. Team trumps individuals. Thats tonight fixed.
Its planting time out around the traps in places where things are not supposed to be grown, see what strikes.
Admirable as it is, Georgecom’s comment 5 really shouldn’t be in the weekend social thread. Could one of the mods hiff it into open mic?
[Done – ta. r0b]
First Cyclocross training session on Sunday morning preparing for the Nationals in July.
Can’t wait đ
Football tomorrow, followed by a day painting on Sunday.
During my painting I will listen to Tom Robinson on BBC radio 6 followed by The Bob Harris show on BBC radio 2, finishing with the soul show on bFM. Bliss.
Grand kids for the weekend. Miss 5 and Miss 6, could be busy time.
Bit of a market fest this weekend: Mangere on Saturday morning, Pakuranga that night and the first of the wild west markets at the stadium on Sunday.
More Diablo 3. Clvl 35 Wizard halfway through Act 1 Nightmare.
Stolen from Brian Edwards Media site:
Fun and laughter on a cold Sunday morning.
http://brianedwardsmedia.co.nz/2012/05/a-promotion-like-this-might-even-save-tvnz7/
Brilliant, Anne! ROTFL.
Thanks for the link. Have added it to my favorites, as a stress reliever. Also enjoyed the comments, particularly the one as a suggestion for Budget Day………
Haha very well done.
Off to cut out some gorse. I may be some time…