Weekend social 21/12/2012
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2:00 pm, December 21st, 2012 - 47 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?
47 comments on “Weekend social 21/12/2012 ”
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- Govt signs NZâUSA agreement launching new opportunities for space sectorAn agreement signed today between the New Zealand and United States governments will provide new opportunities for our space sector and closer collaboration with NASA, Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash said. Stuart Nash signed the Framework Agreement with United States Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman. The signing ...1 day ago
- Govt strengthens emergency management cooperation between NZ and the USAn agreement signed today between New Zealandâs National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United Statesâ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will strengthen global emergency management capability, says Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty. âThe Government is committed to continually strengthening our emergency management system, and this Memorandum of Cooperation ...1 day ago
- New Zealand to stay at Orange as winter continuesNew Zealand will remain at the Orange traffic light setting, while hospitalisations remain elevated and pressure on the health system continues through winter. âThereâs still significant pressure on hospitals from winter illnesses, so our current measures have an ongoing role to play in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases and ...1 day ago
- Path paved for communities to reshape streetsStreets will soon be able to be transformed from unsafe and inaccessible corridors to vibrant places for all transport modes thanks to new legislation proposed today, announced Transport Minister Michael Wood. âWe need to make it safe, quicker and more attractive for people to walk, ride and take public transport ...1 day ago
- Boost for agricultural and horticultural science in schoolsMore young minds eyeing food and fibre careers is the aim of new Government support for agricultural and horticultural science teachers in secondary schools, Agriculture and Rural Communities Minister Damien OâConnor announced today. The Government is committing $1.6 million over five years to the initiative through the Ministry for Primary ...1 day ago
- Bumper breeding season boosts KÄkÄpĆ populationKÄkÄpĆ numbers have increased from 197 to 252 in the 2022 breeding season, and there are now more of the endangered parrots than there have been for almost 50 years, Conservation Minister Poto Williams announced today. The flightless, nocturnal parrot is a taonga of NgÄi Tahu and a species unique ...1 day ago
- Relationship with Malaysia to be elevated to Strategic PartnershipThe relationship between Aotearoa New Zealand and Malaysia is to be elevated to the status of a Strategic Partnership, to open up opportunities for greater co-operation and connections in areas like regional security and economic development. Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta met her Malaysian counterpart Datoâ Saifuddin Abdullah today during a ...2 days ago
- Call for New Zealanders to get on-board with rail safetyWith additional trains operating across the network, powered by the Governmentâs investment in rail, there is need for a renewed focus on rail safety, Transport Minister Michael Wood emphasised at the launch of Rail Safety Week 2022. âOver the last five years the Government has invested significantly to improve level ...2 days ago
- Regional approach the focus at ASEAN and East Asia Summit talksThe Foreign Minister has wrapped up a series of meetings with Indo-Pacific partners in Cambodia which reinforced the need for the region to work collectively to deal with security and economic challenges. Nanaia Mahuta travelled to Phnom Penh for a bilateral meeting between ASEAN foreign ministers and Aotearoa New Zealand, ...3 days ago
- The beat goes on as Government renews support for musiciansExtension of Aotearoa Touring Programme supporting domestic musicians The Programme has supported more than 1,700 shows and over 250 artists New Zealand Music Commission estimates that around 200,000 Kiwis have been able to attend shows as a result of the programme The Government is hitting a high note, with ...5 days ago
- Minister of Defence to attend Guadalcanal Commemorations in the Solomon IslandsMinister of Defence Peeni Henare will depart tomorrow for Solomon Islands to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. While in Solomon Islands, Minister Henare will also meet with Solomon Islands Minister of National Security, Correctional Services and Police Anthony Veke to continue cooperation on security ...5 days ago
- New programme to provide insights into regenerative dairy farming The Government is partnering with NgÄi Tahu Farming Limited and NgÄi TĆ«Ähuriri on a whole-farm scale study in North Canterbury to validate the science of regenerative farming, Agriculture Minister Damien OâConnor announced today.  The programme aims to scientifically evaluate the financial, social and environmental differences between regenerative and conventional practices. ...5 days ago
- More women on public boards than ever before52.5% of people on public boards are women Greatest ever percentage of women Improved collection of ethnicity data âWomenâs representation on public sector boards and committees is now 52.5 percent, the highest ever level. The facts prove that diverse boards bring a wider range of knowledge, expertise and skill. ...6 days ago
- Awards support Pacific womenI am honoured to support the 2022 Women in Governance Awards, celebrating governance leaders, directors, change-makers, and rising stars in the community, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio. For the second consecutive year, MPP is proudly sponsoring the Pacific Governance Leader category, recognising Pacific women in governance and presented to ...6 days ago
- Govt investment into WhakatÄne regeneration reaches new milestonesToday Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash turned the sod for the new WhakatÄne Commercial Boat Harbour, cut the ribbon for the revitalised WhakatÄne Wharf, and inspected work underway to develop the old WhakatÄne Army Hall into a visitor centre, all of which are part of the $36.8 million ...6 days ago
- Government determined to get a better deal for consumersNew Zealanders are not getting a fair deal on some key residential building supplies and while the Government has already driven improvements in the sector, a Commerce Commission review finds that  changes are needed to make it more competitive. âNew Zealand is facing the same global cost of living and ...6 days ago
- Government exceeds Mana in Mahi targetMana in Mahi reaches a milestone surpassing 5,000 participants 75 per cent of participants who had been on a benefit for two or more years havenât gone back onto a benefit 89 per cent who have a training pathway are working towards a qualification at NZQA level 3 or ...6 days ago
- Government opens new research and innovation hubThe Government has invested $7.7 million in a research innovation hub which was officially opened today by Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Dr Ayesha Verrall. The new facility named Te PÄ Harakeke Flexible Labs comprises 560 square metres of new laboratory space for research staff and is based at ...1 week ago
- Unemployment remains low and wages rise despite volatile global environmentUnemployment has remained near record lows thanks to the Governmentâs economic plan to support households and businesses through the challenging global environment, resulting in more people in work and wages rising. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in the June quarter, with 96,000 people classed out ...1 week ago
- First ever climate adaptation plan lays foundations for resilient communitiesAction to address the risks identified in the 2020 climate change risk assessment, protecting lives, livelihoods, homes, businesses and infrastructure A joined up approach that will support community-based adaptation with national policies and legislation Providing all New Zealanders with information about local climate risks via a new online data ...1 week ago
- New mental health and addiction services making a difference for MÄoriMÄori with mental health and addiction challenges have easier access to care thanks to twenty-nine Kaupapa MÄori primary mental health and addiction services across Aotearoa, Associate Minister of Health Peeni Henare says. âLabour is the first government to take mental health seriously for all New Zealanders. We know that MÄori ...1 week ago
- Data and Statistics Bill Passes its Third ReadingA Bill which updates New Zealandâs statistics legislation for the 21st century has passed its third and final reading today, Minister of Statistics David Clark said. The Data and Statistics Act replaces the Statistics Act, which has been in effect since 1975. âIn the last few decades, national data and ...1 week ago
- Further moves to improve the lives of disabled peopleThe Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament today, marking a significant milestone to improve the lives of disabled people. âThe Bill aims to address accessibility barriers that prevent disabled people, tÄngata whaikaha and their whÄnau, and others with accessibility needs from living independently,â said ...1 week ago
- Speech to the China Business SummitKia ora koutou, da jia hao Itâs great to be back at this yearâs China Business Summit. I would first like to acknowledge Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister Helen Clark, His Excellency Ambassador Wang Xiaolong, and parliamentary colleagues both current and former the Right Honourable Winston Peters, the ...1 week ago
- Further changes to CCCFA Regulations will improve safe access to creditNarrowing the expenses considered by lenders Relaxing the assumptions that lenders were required to make about credit cards and buy-now pay-later schemes. Helping make debt refinancing or debt consolidation more accessible if appropriate for borrowers The Government is clarifying the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance (CCCFA) Regulations, to ensure ...1 week ago
- Government prioritises firearm prohibition orders to reduce gun harmThe Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill will be passed through all remaining stages by the end of next week, Police Minister Chris Hipkins said. The Justice Select Committee has received public feedback and finalised its report more quickly than planned. It reported back to the House on Friday. âThe Bill will ...1 week ago
- National plan to protect kauri commencesThe Government has stepped up activity to protect kauri, with a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) coming into effect today, Biosecurity Minister Damien O'Connor and Associate Environment Minister James Shaw said. âWe have a duty to ensure this magnificent species endures for future generations and also for the health of ...1 week ago
- Support for Samoaâs Climate Change Plan and rebuild of Savalalo Market Prime Minister Ardern met with members of Samoaâs Cabinet in Apia, today, announcing the launch of a new climate change partnership and confirming support for the rebuild of the capitalâs main market, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between Aotearoa New ...1 week ago
- Reconnecting with ASEAN and MalaysiaForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for the Indo-Pacific region today for talks on security and economic issues at meetings of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit in Cambodia, and during bilateral engagements in Malaysia. âEngaging in person with our regional partners is a key part of our reconnecting strategy as ...1 week ago
- Statement to the 2022 Review Conference for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear WeaponsUnited Nations Headquarters, New York City Thank you, Mr President. NgÄ mihi ki a koutou. I extend my warm congratulations to you and assure you of the full cooperation of the New Zealand delegation. I will get right to it. In spite of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the nuclear ...1 week ago
- 10,000 more permanent public homes added under the Labour GovernmentA major milestone of 10,037 additional public homes has been achieved since Labour came into office, the Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods confirmed today. âItâs extremely satisfying and a testament to our commitment to providing a safety net for people who need public housing, that we have delivered these warm, ...1 week ago
- Keith Rankin Essay â Public Health Watch: Where Does Michael Baker get his Facts from?
Analysis by Keith Rankin. Keith Rankin, trained as an economic historian, is a retired lecturer in Economics and Statistics. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand. This morning, RNZ played the following story: Health stats show 87 people have died in their homes from Covid-19 since March, which references New Zealand’s ...25 mins ago - Swarbrick frustrated by Deputy PM not backing alcohol harm minimisation bill
Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick says she is frustrated that her bill to ban alcohol sponsorship in sports is not receiving the backing of the government, despite the presence of overwhelming evidence. ...40 mins ago - Marape continues his leadership in PNG with unanimous majorityBy Gorethy Kenneth of the PNG Post-Courier in Port Moresby In a historic first, the Papua New Guinea Parliament has installed Pangu Pati leader and Tari-Pori MP James Marape by a unanimous majority as the countryâs ninth Prime Minister. Immediately, in his address to the House and streamed live to ...1 hour ago
- Journalism training and development vital for better Fiji elections reportingBy Geraldine Panapasa, editor-in-chief of Wansolwara News in Suva Addressing the training development deficit in the Fiji media industry can stem journalist attrition and improve coverage of election reporting in the country, says University of the South Pacific journalism coordinator Dr Shailendra Singh. Speaking during last weekâs launch of the National ...1 hour ago
- McAnulty mentions the important role played by indigenous people in emergency response and recovery ...
Buzz from the Beehive Some ministers commemorated historical events in the latest press statements from the Beehive while others pointed to New Zealand’s role in the space age and to technological developments around the digital economy and data storage in the cloud. Three statements were related to events in the ...2 hours ago - How complex is your life? Computer scientists found a way to measure itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karlo Doroc, PhD Candidate in Decision Science, Centre for Brain, Mind and Markets, The University of Melbourne Unsplash/Susan Q Yin Nobel laureate economist Richard Thaler famously quipped: People arenât dumb, the world is hard. Indeed, we routinely ...2 hours ago
- New Workshops Helping Students Become Climate Ready From Their Classrooms
Flexible workshops designed to help students understand the impacts of climate change, and how they can make a difference Keep New Zealand Beautiful, an iconic not-for-profit organisation that this year celebrates its 55 year milestone, has today launched ...2 hours ago - Coming To The Defence Of Our Defence ForceâNumbers are dropping in the New Zealand Defence Force as personnel are faced with poor pay, poor dwellings, and poor leadership from the Minister,â says ACTâs Defence spokesperson Dr James McDowall. âNZDF is experiencing increasing attrition ...2 hours ago
- Government reveals plan to make tourism a more appealing career optionThe Tourism Minister has unveiled a vision of how to strengthen the tourism and hospitality workforces and improve conditions. ...2 hours ago
- Luxon says staffer knew of Sam Uffindell red flags but did not inform himChristopher Luxon says member of his staff was told about the red flags around candidate Sam Uffindell during the campaign for the Tauranga by-election ...3 hours ago
- Luxon says staffer knew of red flags regarding Sam Uffindell but did not inform himChristopher Luxon says a member of his staff was told about the red flags around candidate Sam Uffindell during the campaign for the Tauranga by-election. ...3 hours ago
- Southern conifers: meet this vast group of ancient trees with mysteries still unsolvedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Huon pine in Tasmania Shutterstock When you think of âconifersâ, tall, conical shaped trees often found in public parks or front yards may spring to mind. But ...3 hours ago
- Urgent Letter To Select Committee To Save 65,000 SubmissionsThe New Zealand Taxpayersâ Union has written to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on behalf of the more than 65,000 New Zealanders who took the time to submit on the Water Services Entities Bill (Three Waters) through our submission tool. âWe learnt ...3 hours ago
- National Party president admits selection process could be improvedThe National Party's new president has admitted its candidate selection process could be improved, after its Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell was suspended over bullying allegations. ...4 hours ago
- US would have conversations with New Zealand if time comes for others to join AUKUS – top dipl...A top US diplomat says New Zealand could eventually become a member of the AUKUS defence alliance, highlighting the country's strategic importance. ...5 hours ago
- Uffindell allegations taken 'seriously' – Luxon awaiting investigation resultsNational Party leader Christopher Luxon says work has already been done to reset the culture within the party and in improving its candidate selection process. ...7 hours ago
- Government Doubles Down On SNA BackdownâJames Shaw has doubled down on his Governmentâs assurance that existing land use will continue on Significant Natural Areas (SNAs),â says ACTâs Primary Industries spokesperson Mark Cameron. âResponding to written parliamentary questions from ...7 hours ago
- Workbridge Urges Disabled Community To Take Charge Of Its Own FutureTo celebrate 90 years of supporting disabled people into employment opportunities, Workbridge has launched a new book, Taking Charge: The Story of Workbridge. Workbridge has a proud history as an independent disability-owned and led organisation, delivering ...7 hours ago
- Predator Free Hero Sets His Sights On Wellington MayoraltyKelvin Hastie â best known for starting New Zealand's first predator free community â has announced that he will run for the mayor of Wellington. "What we need now is unity," says Hastie, something that he ignited in the community when ...7 hours ago
- How âfastâ politics has left the NSW government staring into the electoral abyssSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andy Marks, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Strategy, Government and Alliances, Western Sydney University The 1973 Watergate Committee hearings ran for 51 days. The televised revelations drew a huge audience. The pressure built with slow, devastating intensity, devouring then US President Richard Nixonâs agenda, eventually ...8 hours ago
- Thinking about freezing your eggs to have a baby later? Here are 3 numbers to help you decideSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karin Hammarberg, Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University Jeffery Erhunse/Unsplash Egg freezing is promoted as an empowering option for women who want to stop the biological clock and improve their ...8 hours ago
- âUnacceptable costsâ: savanna burning under Australiaâs carbon credit scheme is harming human ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Penelope Jones, Research Fellow in Environmental Health, University of Tasmania Shutterstock Savanna burning projects in northern Australia provide economic benefits to Indigenous communities and claim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But our research suggests smoke from these projects is ...8 hours ago
- How can you support kids with ADHD to learn? Parents said these 3 things helpSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Sciberras, Associate Professor, Deakin University Simeon Frank/Unsplash COVID lockdowns and home schooling seemed never-ending for a lot of families. But there were some silver linings. Our new research published in two papers looked at children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ...8 hours ago
- Never made, destroyed, in a locked safe for 100 years: with Batgirl cancelled, here are 5 other film...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sian Mitchell, Lecturer, Film, Television and Animation, Deakin University Warner Bros Batgirl has become the latest film to be added to a growing list of movies we will never get to see. The US$90 million film had been shot and ...8 hours ago
- NZ children face a âperfect stormâ of dangerous diseases as immunisation rates fallSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Howe, Research Fellow, University of Auckland Getty Images Routine childhood immunisations have dropped so dramatically globally during the COVID-19 pandemic that the World Health Organization and UNICEF are raising the alarm. Internationally, 25 million children in 2021 alone ...10 hours ago
- Sam Uffendell Should Be Sacked And A New Election Held At Nationals ExpenseSam Uffendell should resign or be sacked and a new election held at National's expense. The NZ Outdoors & Freedom Party demand the National Party sack newly elected Sam Uffendell and pay for a new election giving the people of Tauranga a fair vote ...10 hours ago
- Statement From Sam Uffindell MPWhen I was a student at Otago I enjoyed a student lifestyle, which included drinking and, at times, smoking marijuana. While in second year a number of flatmates fell out â and two of the flatmates left midway through the year. I reject any accusation ...10 hours ago
- National MP Sam Uffindell stood down from caucus while more allegations investigatedNational MP Sam Uffindell has been stood down from the party's caucus while an investigation is carried out into further allegations of bullying raised by RNZ. ...17 hours ago
- Marape has the numbers to keep PNGâs top post as prime ministerAsia Pacific Report newsdesk Papua New Guineaâs incumbent leader, James Marape, has been returned to the top job as the countryâs ninth prime minister, reports the ABCâs Port Moresby correspondent Natalie Whiting. âMarape was voted in as prime minister unopposed, with unanimous support from all MPs present in the first ...19 hours ago
- MÄori and Pacific students âbattle racism and tokenismâ at universityRNZ News New research details the extent of racism, othering and tokenism faced by MÄori and Pacific postgraduate students in Aotearoa New Zealand. The paper, published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, was based off responses of 43 MÄori and Pacific students in science, technology, engineering, ...19 hours ago
- Pacific takes impressive Games haul of 13 medals in BirminghamRNZ Pacific Pacific athletes have won a total of 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, split among six nations. Samoa won the regionâs only gold, through weightlifter Don Opolenge and the nationâs lifters also won three silver medals. They also gained a silver in boxing. Fiji won four ...19 hours ago
- Parliament passes bill giving courts power to ban criminals from using or accessing firearmsParliament has unanimously passed a bill giving courts the power to ban criminals from using or accessing fireams. ...20 hours ago
- Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill passes third reading in ParliamentParliament has unanimously passed a bill giving courts the power to ban criminals from using or accessing fireams. ...20 hours ago
- Government preparing apology, new redress system for abuse survivorsOfficials will start working on a national apology to survivors of abuse in care later this year. ...20 hours ago
- Three waters criticism part of the process, minister saysThe Auditor-General's submission on three waters legislation is a "constructive suggestion", the minister says, and a normal part of the Parliamentary process. ...21 hours ago
- The polls look promising for the Nats and ACT â but itâs too soon for them to be counting on an ...
The latest political polling  shows the centre-right parties pulling ahead of the centre-left—but it may be too soon for the leaders of the National and ACT parties to be thinking they will be forming the next government. The mood of the country has seldom been as dark, chastened  as it ...21 hours ago - Former National Party secretary says he asked Jami-Lee Ross for donor info multiple timesA former secretary of the National Party says he repeatedly asked then MP Jami-Lee Ross to provide information about the individual donors behind one large donation to the party but the information was not forthcoming. ...21 hours ago
- Three lessons Olivia Newton-John taught me about music â and lifeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Encarnacao, Musician, lecturer, Western Sydney University Photo by Roger Allston/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images My default mental image of Olivia Newton-John is from the mid-1970s: long, flowing floral dresses; long, centre-parted light brown hair; big inquisitive eyes; and, when called ...21 hours ago
- As the FBI raids Mar-A-Lago, Donald Trump reaches for unconvincing historical parallelsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rodney Tiffen, Emeritus Professor, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney Police direct traffic outside an entrance to Donald Trumpâs Mar-a-Lago estate after the former president said the FBI was conducting a search. Terry Renna/AP âThese are dark times ...22 hours ago
- A new Australian supercomputer has already delivered a stunning supernova remnant picSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wasim Raja, Research scientist, CSIRO CSIRO ASKAP Science Data Processing/Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre, Author provided Within 24 hours of accessing the first stage of Australiaâs newest supercomputing system, researchers have processed a series of radio telescope observations, including a highly ...22 hours ago
- Watch: Party People talk Uffindell, pollsParty People is joined by former National MP Paul Quinn to discuss the Sam Uffindell controversy, the National Party conference, and the latest 1 News / Kantar political poll. ...22 hours ago
- Tauranga unfazed by Uffindell's bullying revelationsSam Uffindell's constituents in Tauranga appear largely ready to forgive and forget after the revelations of their MP's past as a self-confessed high school bully. ...23 hours ago
- Parliament repeals three strikes lawThe government has passed its bill repealing the three strikes law, which automatically hands maximum sentences to criminals who commit three serious crimes. Justice Minister Kiri Allan says serious and repeat offenders will still be held to account. ...23 hours ago
- iRobotâs Roomba will soon be owned by Amazon, which raises privacy questionsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Haskell-Dowland, Professor of Cyber Security Practice, Edith Cowan University stocker193/Shutterstock Less than two weeks after the announcement of its acquisition of US healthcare company One Medical, Amazon is continuing its expansion with a US$1.7 billion offer for iRobot, the ...23 hours ago
- Todayâs Google outage was brief but disconcertingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Haskell-Dowland, Professor of Cyber Security Practice, Edith Cowan University Earlier today, reports began emerging Google was down.While it has since returned, it once again highlights our dependence on technology service providers and shows how reliant many people ...1 day ago
- Monkeypox can be transmitted to babies during and after pregnancy. We should be watchful but not ala...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angela Brown, Midwifery Program Director , University of South Australia Shutterstock So far, there have been 57 confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox reported by Australian authorities. In July, the Australian government issued a health alert for monkeypox as ...1 day ago- Once the fish factories and âkidneysâ of colder seas, Australiaâs decimated shellfish reefs ar...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic McAfee, Postdoctoral researcher, marine ecology, University of Adelaide Author provided Australia once had vast oyster and mussel reefs, which anchored marine ecosystems and provided a key food source for coastal First Nations people. But after colonisation, Europeans harvested them for ...1 day ago- Australia has been crying out for a national housing plan, and new council is a big step towards hav...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Baker, Professor of Housing Research, University of Adelaide The federal governmentâs confirmation on Monday that it will set up a National Housing Supply and Affordability Council has not received much media or public attention. But, dollar for dollar, it might be ...1 day ago- Winston Peters: Challenge To Willie Jackson To Debate His Co-governance Diatribe
Yesterday Maori Development Minister Willie Jackson decided to write an opinion piece in the NZHerald that tries to justify the Labour Partyâs push for apartheid in our country via co-governance. The fact that Willie loudly announced that New ...1 day ago- Pop icon Olivia Newton-John was the rare performer whose career flourished through different phases
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate professor, Music Industry, RMIT University Olivia Newton-John was a versatile artist with an appeal that spanned generations, and who played an important role in claiming a space for Australian popular culture on the world stage. She was the ...1 day ago- Luxon backs Uffindell, but says attack should have been made public
National Party leader Christopher Luxon is standing by his MP for Tauranga, but says the assault of a smaller boy at boarding school should have been made public. ...1 day ago- Indigenous people with disabilities face racism and ableism. Whatâs needed is action not another r...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Gilroy, ARC Research Fellow in Indigenous Health, Disability and Community Development, University of Sydney Shutterstock The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability continues. Its terms of reference acknowledge âthe particular situation of Aboriginal ...1 day ago- Marshall Islands loses âcovid-freeâ status with 6 cases confirmed
By Giff Johnson, editor of the Marshall Islands Journal in Majuro The Marshall Islands lost its covid-free status yesterday when tests confirmed six positive cases in the capital, the first known community transmission since the pandemic started in early 2020. It was not immediately clear the source of the covid-19 ...1 day ago- Philippine police arrest ex-VP social justice candidate Bello for cyber libel
By Jairo Bolledo of Rappler in Manila Former Philippines vice-presidential candidate and Laban ng Masa chairperson Walden Bello has been arrested for two counts of alleged cyber libel by the police. Bello, 76, is a globally renowned environmental and social justice activist and academic. Belloâs arrest yesterday was confirmed by ...1 day ago- Hope for women in PNG elections â Peter becomes lone female governor
By Gorethy Kenneth of the PNG Post-Courier in Port Moresby If there is a glimmer of hope in Papua New Guineaâs violence marred national general elections, then it has to be the elevation of a lone woman to the National Parliament. It took the Peopleâs National Congress (PNC) Governor-elect of ...1 day ago- Noumea protesters demand action on domestic violence after woman is killed
RNZ Pacific About 100 people have marched in the New Caledonian capital of Noumea to protest against what they see as government inaction to curb violence against women. The rally was called by the group Women in Anger just days after the latest killing of a woman at the hands ...1 day ago- Japanese sailor stabbed during Guadalcanal remembrance event
RNZ Pacific A Japanese sailor has been stabbed at Bloody Ridge in Solomon Islands during a World War II remembrance ceremony in Honiara. Witnesses say the man, who was part of the Japanese Navy media team, was stabbed in the neck with a pair of scissors. Bloody Ridge community chief ...1 day ago- Scrap or reform Fijiâs media law, says new elections report
By Rusiate Baleilevuka of Fijivillage in Suva âWe need to scrap or reform the Media Industry Development Act.â This is one of the key recommendations in the National Media Reporting of the 2018 Fijian General Elections Report. Co-author and University of the South Pacific (USP) journalism coordinator, Associate Professor Shailendra ...1 day ago- Explainer: how neoliberalism became an insult in Australian politics
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Maher, Lecturer in Politics, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney Dan Himbrechts/AAP The much-debated term âneoliberalismâ again entered the political debate last week, with Greens leader Adam Bandt using a National Press Club speech to decry neoliberalism ...1 day ago- Petition Asking To Expel Ambassador Of Russian Federation To Be Presented To NZ Parliament
Petition requesting that Parliament urge the Government to expel the ambassador of the Russian Federation and sever diplomatic relations with Russia will be submitted 11 August, 1.30pm for presenting by Dr Gaurav Sharma MP to NZ House of Representatives. ...1 day ago- When it comes to âgood newsâ, Damien OâConnor is a dab hand at milking the Sustainable Food an...
Buzz from the Beehive Our Foreign Affairs Minister has announced the relationship between New Zealand and Malaysia is to be elevated to the status of a Strategic Partnership, the Minister of Conservation is clucking about the growth in kÄkÄpĆ numbers in the 2022 breeding season, Â the Covid Response Minister has ...1 day ago- Racism, exclusion and tokenism: how MÄori and Pacific science graduates are still marginalised at u...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara McAllister, Research Fellow, Te Herenga Waka â Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Given most New Zealand universities have goals for increasing MÄori and Pacific student and staff numbers, we need to ask why their numbers still remain stubbornly ...1 day ago- Backyard hensâ eggs contain 40 times more lead on average than shop eggs, research finds
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria; Honorary Professor, Macquarie University Shutterstock Thereâs nothing like the fresh eggs from your own hens, the more than 400,000 Australians who keep backyard chooks will tell you. Unfortunately, itâs often not just ...1 day ago- Bryce Edwardsâ Political Roundup:Â The Uffindell scandal raises big questions about integrity in N...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. National Party MP for Tauranga, Sam Uffindell. Political Roundup:Â The Uffindell scandal raises big questions about integrity in National National is dripping “blue blood” again. The revelations over Sam Uffindell’s violent assault indicate that the National Party under Christopher Luxon hasn’t quite shed the toxicity and ...1 day ago- Climate Emergency Or Climate Hypocrisy? ANZ Government Continues To Issue Exploration Permits Despit...
Last week, a groundbreaking hearing between Students for Climate Solutions and the Minister of Energy and Resources began. The Victoria University group is suing Minister Megan Woods for her decision to grant permits for onshore oil and gas exploration ...1 day ago- National MP Sam Uffindell speaks on high school attack: 'I was a bully at school and I'm n...
Sam Uffindell says he's not the same person he was 20 odd years ago after his involvement as a teenager in an attack on a younger student came to light. ...1 day ago- Why the government should be working on a hydrogen strategy
Point of Order   a week ago was serving up some commentary on   the news  that the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter will not shut down in 2024 â and could have a long-term  future. The question now is whether Meridian Energy, which supplies the bulk of Tiwai Pointâs  electricity from ...1 day ago- Police Taking A Year To Renew A Firearms Licence
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Getting ready for Easter
Can’t wait for Labour day.
Start hiding your eggs now.
Who can afford eggs anymore?
Me. Back on a protien diet again… Gained 23kgs since hospital last year that I need to start getting off.
Ah those distant beloved potatoes. đ
Surely just a couple of new potatoes on xmas day?
With butter, rosemary and thyme. Mmmmm.
Oh yeah. We’re off the diet over xmas – bloody pointless when you just know that the food is all going to violate the guidelines.
Lyn was (almost) drooling contemplating chocolate and white wine (ie bad grape juice) last night. Baked spuds…. Ummm
Pretty tough timing to start a diet however I’m sure there’ll be lots of meat to select from!
Ah, glorious potatoes! So many ways to prepare this most noble, yet humble vegetable. Unfortunately they are high ranking in their glycemic index and partner perfectly with fats such as oil for frying, butter for smothering, or cheese for decadance. Sigh. A distant memory for me too.
However, there is a way around it for a treat. At this time in our calendar we have our lovely waxy new season’s potatoes whose GI is much lower than the starchy agria etc varieties that we tend to bake, mash or chip. A good treat recipe I use in summer is this one:
Par boil some small waxy new season’s potatoes such as the perla. Drain and leave aside to cool. Make a dressing from olive oil, tarragon vinegar and a massive handful of fresh mint that has been blanched in boiling water for no more than 10 seconds, Blitz in a blender. Take your tatties, oil them slightly and grill them on the BBQ until you get some nice grill lines. Put them in bowl and when cooled a bit put the dressing over. Add sugar snap peas, fresh basil and cherry toms and there you have it.
Haven’t figured out a way around the dairy cravings and the wine that goes so nicely with it……….
I just pulled some baby agria out of the garden. They, too, are quite waxy and great for salads when they are small.
Your potato salad sounds delicious. My mother makes up her special potato salad recipe on Christmas day. Divine. Must get that recipe too.
I’m surprised at those of you who will be adhering to a diet over Christmas – even on the day. Feast – diet, the two just don’t got together in my book.
Warm wishes to those of you who won’t be celebrating over the holidays, whatever the reason. Arohanui.
Love spud comments: I have been served recently (by Mrs Ennui) smashed potatoes (not quite mashed) into which she has drizzled lemon juice and olive oil with a little mint. Wonderful.
We are yet to crop the Jersey Bs we grew in tyres for the first time, they have flowered and are probably ready. Three tyres high, they push ever higher, hoping for a bumper harvest courtesy
Well tonight I think I will cook my Partner Dinner You have inspired me.
Steak Mushroom and Carrot Casserole, with a rich brown gravy, Steamed Red and Green Cabbage With Mashed Potatoes. Mine are minimally dairy. I use Margarine and Mayonnaise.( The cheap Buget salad dressing at about 4 bucks for a 700gram jar)
” So many ways to prepare this most noble, yet humble vegetable. ”
Thinking of potatoes as a vegetable just doesn’t seem right. Technically maybe it is..but..but..its a fucking potato damn it. Not a vegetable!
Grumble, Grumble, get the fuck off my lawn.
calm down fulla, its only martinborough mr
and mr s
I’ll never calm down. I’m the last angry man and I wanna rattle a few cages. Bah!
Yeah I’m with you there. Plants are only vegetables when you eat the leafy bits.
And don’t get me started on the whole “tomato is a fruit” shit….and what is the fucking deal with peanuts being a legume?
Fucking Mayans.
Nice talking with you man. Charming as usual I see.
Merry Christmas.
Hoping the humidity levels and heat stay down, but not looking too promising.
Hi David. If I recall correctly, you’re up Horowhenua way? Yes the humidity and heat has been a bit over the top this week. Tuesday reminded me of living in Akld. Forecast looks like much of the same over the next few days. We have a fog going on here all this morning but thankfully the wind turned south. No wind as such but just the slightest breeze.
Yes I am in the Horowhenua and I am cooking and going thru Inhalers too at 5 bucks a pop is not cheap.
Well done on your dinner making plans:-) Lucky partner.
I guess from your comment that you have asthma and the humidity is getting to you. Sorry to hear that. My husband is asthmatic and different things trigger him – this year it was stress. He got a new prescription a while ago and it wasn’t the same one as usual. Doc said rules changed and there is new supplier. The doc doesn’t sound like a fan of pharmac and made the remark that the inhaler cost 4 cents to make in India and its made by children. Don’t know what the previous history is around their manufacturing but the Doc wasn’t happy about the new ones.
Hope you find some respite in this weather and that your health improves.
You are making me feel guilty. My wife is a superb cook ,However way back when she was in hospital I cooked for our kids, All turned out pretty well .Just one day I burned the potatoes .
My youngest son could not get into the ward quickly enough to announce to one and “Dad burnt the potatoes.” Incidentally he has turned out to be an excellent cook bring up 3 boys on his own with a full time job but served great meals every day. Poor old me there is no justice.
I wish all our our readers and commentators the very best for the holiday .Lets all forget those bloody Tories for a few days,
Yeah they’re trying to palm off the so called new Inhaler’s but I won’t have a barof them. It costs me 5 bucks a pop, but I still get the Ventolin, and not that generic garbage they tried to replace Ventolin with.
I have friends who have tried this with some moderate, though imperfect, success.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buteyko_method
If you fancy yourself a wee jaunt around the slopes of Mount Everest…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/interactive/2012/dec/20/mount-everest-zoom-2bn-pixel-image
I continue to work over the holiday period, but am considering some time off during the better weather in Feb/March…. or April.
Yup. I get to work right through as well.
Personally I rather like it because it’s a few weeks of the year when I can get stuff done without anyone asking questions.
I normally would work on Christmas eve ’cause the boss would always come around and tell everyone to go home around 2-3pm. No point wasting a full day of leave on that đ
Going down to Oamaru for my bf’s family this year so had to take it off though.
Since I seldom take holidays unless forced to (which is why I have about two months of leave available at present), I always have the opposite problem. If there is a awkward spare day around then I always take it as a holiday. Then I’ll have some serious time to work on non-income generating things at a low ‘cost’.
Three games of golf on three consecutive days and looking forward to Boxing day …
Getting ready for Xmas.
Finished work almost..one more day.
Been a very long and tiring year. The squeeze is on from bosses in these hard economic times.
Family and friends gathering and a few randoms
Time to be thankful, to remember and think of those in the world in need.
Parish priest from India at Xmas dinner will say grace and remind us all of the poverty that fill the world.
BBQ on boxing day and more fishing.
Time to be thankful, to remember and think of those in the world in need.
Like these people….
Spent the day hunting down suitable Xmas cards for a few people who sent me one but I hadn’t sent them one. Bloody nuisance when that happens. Got to Takapuna Beach eventually. Beautiful rollers coming in ahead of former Cyclone Evan. One more swim tomorrow before the weather turns to custard.
For EiR. Ended up with 4 budgie chicks. Full of mischief, but I think the oldies secretly enjoy it. Are your girls getting a Xmas present?
Snowed last week in saltzburg. What a beautiful place. So clean. So polite. So helpful. Cold but windless. Magical.
Enjoy! No white Christmas for us. It’s a good time to visit the salt mines at nearby Hallein too. Not swamped with tourists at this time of year.
Also great restaurants in Salzburg – Hangar 7, if they’re not overbooked, for breakfast and Carpe Diem if you have a fat wallet (otherwise just stop in for a drink ;-)).
Gidday Rosy Viper, best of both worlds since the beauty of snow cover, maybe a bit icy but not the vision blocking, smothering of footpaths. We have done the salt mines and the sleigh ride though the sleigh had wheels for the road rather than snow sliding. Fantastic trip through the valley heavy with snow. House fires wood burning but only steam – no smoke. Dairy farm of 10 cows a good size for a farm? EU subsidies? 100per cent Clean Green?
I must say I am enjoying this very first day of a new era.
Maybe they were right.
Peaceful, ain’t it?
Not in my neighbourhood it ain’t
Happy 14th Baktun everyone!
I get to travel on the bus to see family and get golden oldie rates. Whee great That’s a useful present. I need that after just putting down my unwell cat – the process was costly but done with much sensitivity. But I keep expecting him to come round the corner.
Sorry to hear about the cat, Noseviper. I remember that when I had to do the same, I did more than wipe my nose. It was done with sensitivity and some emotion, too, by my vet. The mercy was that it had to happen, it was quick and painless, and expensive. And yes, memories for others will be our legacies for our lifetimes, too. Golden oldie wisdom…..
I am acting as a Santa in a local store, finishing tomorrow. I keep reminding myself that the memory of how the children, and adults, perceive the Santa they meet will live on much longer than I might realise, and colour their next encounter. I hope you can get another cat and another good set of memories.
Thanks mac1. About cats – they are harder to know than dogs, yet they’ll be a warm, literally, constant companion. A gap before another one. Maybe a small dog, they are appealing. Saw an interesting cross at the vet, small dachsund and chihuahua. Small, long and with a soft fluffy look.
About Santa good on you for keeping Santa alive. Sure there is a commercial aspect to him and his elves and hangers on! But creating fun and mysterious surprises which Santa represents and the turn of attention towards children and family that goes with it all makes it all worthwhile. I remember that Santa always used to drink the cup of tea I left out for him and eat the Christmas cake as evidenced by the crumbs left. I must remember to thank my Dad for that memory.
It was a glass of beer and fruit for Santa in my day. And there was always a large orange in the
toe of the stocking that would be tossed aside without so much as a glance. If my mother was attempting to instil good habits she failed…