Weekend social 23/09/2011
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2:00 pm, September 23rd, 2011 - 46 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?
46 comments on “Weekend social 23/09/2011 ”
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The first Pacific Language Week this year  makes it clear that language is the key to the wellbeing for all Pacific people said Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio. âThis round of language weeks begin with Rotuman. As I have always  said language is one of the pillars of ...13 hours ago - Budget delivers improved cervical and breast cancer screeningBudget 2021 funds a more effective cervical screening test to help reduce cervical cancer rates A new breast screening system that can proactively identify and enrol eligible women to reach 271,000 more people who arenât currently in the programme. Budget 2021 delivers a better cervical screening test and a major ...17 hours ago
- NZ-France to co-chair Christchurch Call Leadersâ SummitNew Zealand and France will jointly convene the Christchurch Call Community for a leadersâ summit, to take stock of progress and develop a new shared priority work plan. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and President Emmanuel Macron will co-chair the leadersâ meeting on the 2nd anniversary of the Call, on 14 ...21 hours ago
- New South Wales travel pause to be lifted tomorrowCOVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says the current travel pause with New South Wales will lift tomorrow â subject to no further significant developments in NSW. âNew Zealand health officials met today to conduct a further assessment of the public health risk from the recently identified COVID-19 community cases in Sydney. It has been determined that the risk to public ...1 day ago
- March 15 Collective Impact Board appointedThe voices of those affected by the March 15 mosque attacks will be heard more effectively with the establishment of a new collective impact board, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan announced today. Seven members of the Christchurch Muslim community have been appointed to the newly established Board, ...2 days ago
- More young Kiwis supported with mental health and addiction servicesNearly quarter of a million more young New Zealanders will have access to mental health and addiction support in their communities as the Governmentâs youth mental health programme gathers pace. New contracts to expand youth-specific services across the Northland, WaitematÄ and Auckland District Health Board areas have been confirmed, providing ...3 days ago
- New hospital facilities mean fewer trips to Auckland for NorthlandersNorthlanders will no longer automatically have to go to Auckland for lifesaving heart procedures like angiograms, angioplasty and the insertion of pacemakers, thanks to new operating theatres and a cardiac catheter laboratory opened at WhangÄrei Hospital by Health Minister Andrew Little today. The two projects â along with a new ...3 days ago
- Fair Pay Agreements to improve pay and conditions for essential workersThe Government is delivering on its pre-election commitment to implement Fair Pay Agreements which will improve wages and conditions, as well as help support our economic recovery, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood announced today. Fair Pay Agreements will set minimum standards for all employees and employers in an ...3 days ago
- Establishment of the new MÄori Health Authority takes first big stepSir Mason Durie will lead a Steering Group to provide advice to the Transition Unit on governance arrangements and initial appointments to an interim board to oversee the establishment of the MÄori Health Authority. This Group will ensure that MÄori shape a vital element of our future health system, Minister ...3 days ago
- Cycle trails move up a gear in CentralWork on new and upgraded cycle trails in Queenstown, Arrowtown and Central Otago is moving up a gear as two significant projects pass further milestones today. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has announced new funding for the Queenstown Trails Project, and will also formally open the Lake Dunstan Trail at Bannockburn ...3 days ago
- Picton ferry terminal upgrade consent fast-trackedThe planned upgrade of the Waitohi Picton Ferry terminal has been approved under the fast-track consenting process. Environment Minister David Parker today welcomed the decision by the expert consenting panel to approve the Waitohi Picton Ferry Precinct Redevelopment Project.   The project will provide a significant upgrade to the ferry facilities ...3 days ago
- Quarantine Free Travel with New South Wales pausedCOVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced his intention to pause Quarantine Free Travel from New South Wales to New Zealand while the source of infection of the two cases announced in Sydney in the last two days is investigated. Whole genome sequencing has linked the case yesterday to a recent ...3 days ago
- Covid-19 immigration powers to be extendedThe passing of a bill to extend temporary COVID-19 immigration powers means continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said. âOver the past year, weâve made rapid decisions to extend visas, vary visa conditions and waive some application requirements ...4 days ago
- âSupporting a Trade-Led Economic RecoveryâTrade Policy Road Show SpeechManukau, Auckland  Kia ora koutou â nau mai, haere mai ki Manukau, ki TÄmaki.  Good morning everyone, and thank you for this opportunity to discuss with you current global challenges, opportunities and the Governmentâs strategy in support of a trade-led recovery from the economic ...4 days ago
- Building consent numbers at an all-time highA record 41,028 new homes have been consented in the year ended March 2021 March 2021 consent numbers the highest since the 1940s Record number of new homes consented in Auckland The number of new homes consented is at an all-time high, showing a strong and increasing pipeline of demand ...4 days ago
- WhÄnau-centred support for parents and tamarikiUp to 60 whÄnau in Counties Manukau will be supported through the first three years of their parenthood by a new whÄnau-centred model of care, said Associate Health Minister, Hon Aupito William Sio. âProviding this support to young parents is something we have to get right. Itâs a priority both ...4 days ago
- NZ backs moves to improve global access to COVID vaccinesNew Zealand welcomes and strongly supports the announcement made by the United States Trade Representative to work for a waiver of IP protections on COVID-19 vaccines at the WTO, Trade Minister Damien OâConnor said. âNew Zealand supports equitable access to COVID vaccines for all. No one is safe from the ...4 days ago
- Tourism communities: support, recovery and re-set planTIHEI MAURI ORA Tuia te whakapono Tuia te tumanako Tuia te aroha Tuia te hunga ora Ki te hunga ora Tihei Mauri ora Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. Thank you, Hilary and thank you, Chris, and everyone at TIA for this ...4 days ago
- Support, recovery and re-set plan for tourism communitiesFive South Island tourist communities targeted for specialist support Pressure on MÄori tourism operators and Conservation facilities recognised Domestic and international-facing tourism agencies put on more secure footing Long-term plan to re-set tourism with a focus on sustainability, industry standards and regional economic diversification A plan to ensure the immediate ...4 days ago
- Speech on NZ Rail PlanCheck against delivery E ngÄ mana, e ngÄ reo, e ngÄ karanga maha o te wa, tÄnÄ koutou, tÄnÄ koutou, tÄnÄ tÄtou katoa. Ki ngÄ mana whenua o Taranaki WhÄnui anĆ nei aku mihi ki a koutou. NĆku te hĆnore kia haere mai ki te whakanuia tÄnei huihuinga whakahirahira. NĆ ...4 days ago
- Government hits massive milestone in Violence Prevention & EliminationMinister for Family and Sexual Violence Marama Davidson announced a major milestone at a hui in South Auckland today, with the launch of the national engagement process on the prevention and elimination of family and sexual violence. âThere is no room for violence in our lives â there is no ...4 days ago
- Fee waiver extended for conservation tourism businessesTourism businesses operating on public conservation land will have another six months of fees waived to help them adjust to the downturn in international visitors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Acting Minister of Conservation Dr Ayesha Verrall has announced. "We acknowledge it has been a difficult year for ...4 days ago
- âLua Waveâ to future-proof Pasifika Festivals in AotearoaPasifika festival organisers will receive additional support to adapt to the COVID-19 environment thanks to the Governmentâs newly launched âLua Waveâ component of the Pasifika Festivals Initiative, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today. âThis initiative has not only been to support festival organisers to recover from ...4 days ago
- Crown accounts show confidence in Govt economic planThe Governmentâs financial accounts continue to reflect the resilience of the economy and confidence in the Governmentâs economic recovery plan. The Crown accounts for the nine months to the end of March 2021 show both OBEGAL and the operating balance remain better than forecast in the Half Year Economic and ...4 days ago
- Energy Trusts of NZ Autumn ConferenceItâs a pleasure to be here today. Thank you Karen [Sherry] for the introduction and thanks to the Energy Trusts Executive for inviting me to speak at tonightâs event. It is an exciting time to come to speak to trustees of distribution companies. For many decades the electricity industry was ...4 days ago
- New partnership to grow MÄori success in STEMA new partnership with the PĆ«horo STEM Academy will support thousands more rangatahi MÄori to participate and succeed in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis announced today. Since 2016, PĆ«horo has worked with MÄori students to build their capability and create pathways to employment ...4 days ago
- Rail builds platform for economic recoveryTransport Minister Michael Wood and State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dr David Clark today released the Governmentâs long term vision for a sustainable rail network that supports our economic recovery. New Zealand Rail Plan lays out how the Government is building a resilient, reliable and safe network, as well as the indicative ...4 days ago
- NZ and UK agree to lift the pace of free trade talksNew Zealand and the United Kingdom have agreed to rapidly lift the tempo of talks, as the two countries enter a new phase in free trade negotiations, Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien OâConnor announced today. âUK Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss, and I spoke today about ...4 days ago
- Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill passes first readingThe Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill has passed its first reading and will now be considered by Parliamentâs Justice select committee. âThe Bill updates and improves New Zealandâs counter-terrorism legislation and ensures that the right legislative tools are available to intervene early and prevent harm,â Minister of Justice Kris Faafoi said. âThe ...4 days ago
- Statement on The Speaker and Annual Review DebateâThe serious issue of alleged sexual assault and harassment at Parliament was poorly managed and inappropriately politicised last night. The tone of the debate did not reflect well on Parliament as a whole,â Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. âAny investigation of claims of sexual assault should be in a manner ...5 days ago
- Govt motoring towards zero-carbon buses and protecting driversâ conditionsTransport Minister Michael Wood is seeking feedback on options for the next phase of the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) review to better protect bus driversâ pay conditions, and also achieving the Governmentâs target of fully decarbonising the public transport bus fleet by 2035. Michael Wood said investing in our ...5 days ago
- Drop in unemployment shows Govt economic plan is workingThe Governmentâs economic recovery plan continues to be reflected in the labour market, with more people in work and unemployment falling. Stats NZ figures show employment rose by 15,000 in the March quarter, with 14,000 more women in work. The unemployment rate fell from 4.9 percent to 4.7 percent. This ...5 days ago
- Government sets pay and workforce expectations for the Public SectorThe Governmentâs Workforce Policy Statement issued today sets out its expectations for pay and employment relations in the Public Sector, the Minister of Finance and Minister for the Public Service say. âNew Zealand has had an exceptionally successful health and economic response to COVID-19. This has been supported by the ...5 days ago
- Author Ben Brown is New Zealandâs first Te Awhi Rito Reading AmbassadorLyttleton writer Ben Brown (NgÄti Mahuta, NgÄti Koroki, NgÄti Paoa) will be New Zealandâs first Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador, promoting the value of reading for children and young people, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti announced today. A poet and award-winning author, Ben Brown writes books, non-fiction and short stories ...5 days ago
- Celebrating New Zealandâs firefighters this International Firefightersâ dayWith two fire stations already complete, and building underway on 16 fire stations around the country, today we celebrate International Firefightersâ Day for the important role firefighters have in keeping communities across the country safe, says Minister of Internal Affairs, Jan Tinetti. The work is progressing due to Government funding ...6 days ago
- Ron Brierley knighthood to goRon Brierley has written to the Clerk of the Executive Council to tender his resignation as a Knight Bachelor. The Queen has been informed. The forfeiture follows the Prime Minister initiating the process to remove his Knighthood. The Clerk of the Executive Council wrote to him on 6 April 2021 ...6 days ago
- Employment boost for rural communitiesThe Government is continuing to create opportunities for at-risk rangatahi overcome barriers to employment, education or training with the next tranche of He Poutama Rangatahi programmes, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni announced today. âWeâre focused on supporting rangatahi to get what they need to progress in the ...6 days ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Wellington Chamber of CommerceThank you for the invitation to speak today, it is great to be here. I mean that both sincerely and literally. For this equivalent speech last year I took part virtually, beaming in from the Beehive Theatrette with only a socially distanced press gallery bearing silent witness. You are a ...6 days ago
- Budget 2021 reprioritises nearly $1 billionThe Governmentâs strong pandemic response and the better than expected economic recovery means not all the money allocated in the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund has been spent, Grant Robertson said in his annual pre-Budget speech to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce this morning. âAs part of Budget preparation I ...6 days ago
- Speech on Digital Identity Trust FrameworkI'd like to start by thanking Graeme, David and Ben from NZTech and Digital Identity New Zealand for inviting me to speak to you. Iâm so sorry I canât be there in person, but I want to acknowledge those of you who are, including some of this countryâs top tech ...6 days ago
- View from The Hill: a budget for a pandemic, with next yearâs election in mind
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Treasurer Josh Frydenberg calls this a âpandemic budgetâ â one to sustain the economy in times that are still uncertain â but it also has a substantial element of an election budget. Thatâs not to ...5 hours ago - Bryce Edwards: The public sector worker backlash against Labour
Opinion - Many in the labour movement and the political left are feeling betrayed by the government's announcement this week of a pay freeze for public sector workers, Bryce Edwards writes. ...9 hours ago - Hereâs a letter to the editor you might have missed on science and how it should be shaped by the ...
Scimex drew our attention around two weeks ago to news that MÄori researchers were calling for a Tiriti-led science-policy approach. A multi-disciplinary group of MÄori researchers â most of them from the humanities – had published a report which recommended the appointments of MÄori Chief Science Advisors and the development ...13 hours ago - He Puapua report bogged down in 'swamp of politics'Power Play - The He Puapua report on how to better uphold indigenous rights was supposed to chart a new way forward but has become bogged down in the swamp of politics, Meriana Johnsen writes. ...15 hours ago
- WhakatĆhea High Court Decision
âWe applaud the WhakatĆhea High Court case that has now set a precedent for MÄori rights and interest in their foreshore and seabed. Itâs an outstanding decision because the Court recognises all reclaimed lands with significant and boating trafficâ ...15 hours ago - Alarm bells start clanging in the White House as Biden struggles with his legislative programme
President Joe Biden has passed his first 100 days in office, generally popular, but facing increasing challenges. He commands a bare majority in the Congress â six seats in the lower house and 50-50 in the senate. On the international stage he has restored much of Americaâs prestige and reputation, ...17 hours ago - Long-awaited cervical cancer screening test to be funded by govtA long-awaited cervical screening test that women can do themselves and will reduce the need for smear test will be funded by the government. ...18 hours ago
- Long-awaited cervical screening test to be funded by govtA long-awaited cervical screening test that women can do themselves and will reduce the need for smear test will be funded by the government. ...18 hours ago
- Ardern and Macron to co-chair Christchurch Call leaders' summitPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French president Emmanuel Macron will co-chair a Christchurch Call leaders' summit next week. ...19 hours ago
- Bryce Edwardsâ Political Roundup: The Public sector worker backlash against Labour20 hours ago
- An ode for .. Trevor Mallard
New Zealand's demi-official poet laureate Victor Billot composes an ode for Speaker of the House, Trevor Mallard Unchained Mallardy Boomph! MC Trevski drops the mike. Waves his chair. Fights the fight. Heâs supposed to be the referee. But now heâs down in the melee. ...23 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Sunday 9 May
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...23 hours ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Sunday 9 May
...23 hours ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Sunday 9 May
...23 hours ago - Govt Urged To Speak Out Against Israelâs Ethnic Cleansing Polices & Unbridled Brutality Toward...The Palestine Solidarity Movement Aotearoa has written to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta tonight urging the government to speak out against the imminent ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from the Occupied East Jerusalem area of Sheikh ...23 hours ago
- Sunday Essay: The vaccination
Author and intensive care specialist Alex Kazemi stares out at the world amid and beyond the plague.The Sunday Essay is possible thanks to the support of Creative New ZealandOriginal illustrations by Sarah Wilkins.I didn’t see the needle go in. I just winced slightly. But I wasn’t expecting to feel anything ...1 day ago - West Coast spirit: How a little distillery is revitalising ReeftonThe historic gold-mining town of Reefton is returning to its former prosperity, thanks to the efforts of some passionate residents, entrepreneurs and a boutique gin distillery. I like to think the people of the West Coast worship the rain gods. After all, is there anything that defines and dictates life more ...1 day ago
- Deprogramme yourself: Author Marilynne Robinson on seeing beauty in everythingAhead of her appearance at the Auckland Writers Festival, the much-loved Gilead author talks to Sam Brooks. I came to Marilynne Robinson after the world seemed to, like walking into mass after the homily. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author had a critically acclaimed hit in the 80s with Housekeeping, but it ...1 day ago
- Recipe: Pickled Jerusalem artichokesThese knobbly tubers appear only in autumn, but here’s a way you can enjoy them year round – preferably with cheese.I ventured out to the back of our garden last weekend and the Jerusalem artichokes have spread noticeably since last year. They stand erect, a dense army of tall slender ...1 day ago
- Drag Race Down Under power rankings: The worst Snatch Game in herstoryThe queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under race to the bottom, and it’s only episode two.Someone does Lindy Chamberlain as their character in Snatch Game. Yes, the Lindy Chamberlain whose baby was tragically taken by a dingo, and who was wrongly convicted of murder, vilified in the press, and ...1 day ago
- A leaked transcript from the JB Hi-Fi Motherâs Day catalogue planning meetingOnce again Emily Writes has been leaked the minutes to a Mother’s Day gift guide focus group, this time for the electronics store JB Hi-Fi. Here she shares the unedited transcript.This post was first published on Emily Writes Weekly.We thought the Farmers catalogue couldn’t be topped. But The Spinoff has again ...1 day ago
- Get used to FPAs, if you are employing staff â and brace yourself to losing control over shaping w...We are tempted on occasion to cry: come back, Winston, all is forgiven. Big chunks of our society would benefit from a tempering influence of the sort exercised by New Zealand First – through its coalition agreement – on Labour-Green policy development and implementation from 2017-20. Yes, they got in ...2 days ago
- Myanmar: If independent media dies, democracy diesANALYSIS: By Phil Thornton As chaos flows in Burma, journalists are being forced to hide in plain sight by the Burmese military, writes senior journalist and Myanmar expert Phil Thornton. Journalists in Myanmar are being hunted and arrested by the countryâs military for trying to do their job. Independent ...2 days ago
- PM Spokesperson Comment On US Joining The Christchurch CallâThe Prime Minister has welcomed the United States decision to join the Christchurch Call. Their support signals the importance the United States places on this work. The United States has been a constructive, engaged partner on many Call-related issues ...2 days ago
- Ban Live Export AucklandMany organisations and individuals have come together for a Nationwide protest urging the government to ban live export now, not in two years. The Auckland demonstration will meet at the town hall at 12 noon and March down Queen Street to Te Komititanga ...2 days ago
- Murdoch, Maxwell and changing history
Critic's Chair: They were once rivals, but while one is long forgotten the other remains an indelible presence. Guy Somerset reviews two examinations of the lives and legacies of Robert Maxwell and Rupert Murdoch. One of the more unnerving afternoons of my life was spent in the genteel sitting room ...2 days ago - Rabbits: A million holes in one
Itâs no secret the rabbit population is taking off - again - in Central Otago and Southland, with some landowners struggling to keep their numbers down. But are government departments the worst offenders? Itâs a catchcry all over the rabbit-infested regions of Otago and Southland - that public spaces are ...2 days ago - Short story: One hundred love sonnets, by Himali McInnes
"None of us really believed this virus shit was worth downing tools for": a lockdown story by Sri Lankan-New Zealand writer Dr Himali McInnes Pablo was different to the other builders I worked with. I liked the way he smelled. It made me want to sniff him. That scent of ...2 days ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Saturday 8 May
...2 days ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Saturday 8 May
...2 days ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Saturday 8 May
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...2 days ago - No one should die for lack of oxygen
It's hard to take when someone dies unnecessarily - as is the case as thousands run out of oxygen around the world. Dr Stephen Howie takes a look at the oxygen problem, arguing NZ needs to play its role outside its own borders. Most of us have seen the horrific scenes in India, as ...2 days ago - James and Isey is an intimate celebration of life, aroha and kaumÄtuaA new documentary from the director of Kaikohe Demolition is a visually stunning lesson in patience, writes Charlotte Muru-Lanning, who talks to Florian Habicht about how an almost 100-year-old Northland woman and her son drew him back into a genre he’d given up on.“If you could take one thing from ...2 days ago
- The governmentâs fair pay agreements plan is a big dealIt’s an economy-shaking move that has been welcomed by unions and rallied against by business groups, but what does the new policy actually entail? Justin Giovannetti explains.The Labour government has unveiled a far-reaching shift in New Zealand’s employment law that could raise wages across the country, empower trade unions and ...2 days ago
- Once a biodiversity basket case, Wellington today is the wind beneath our birdsâ wingsWe can stand back as the predators we brought with us wipe out our found-nowhere-else-on-earth island evolution, or do something about it, writes Paul Ward, co-founder of Polhill Protectors.When Covid marooned us in our homes, the traffic stopped. In the silence we noticed the birds. Every morning a tūī provided ...2 days ago
- Frydenberg promises housing breaks in âpandemic budgetâSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Josh Frydenberg says he will bring down a âpandemic budgetâ on Tuesday, warning that despite Australiaâs strong recovery, there is âstill a great deal of uncertainty out thereâ. The Treasurer points to new strains of ...2 days ago
- Frydenberg says this will be a âpandemic budgetâ to secure the recoveryâSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Josh Frydenberg says he will bring down a âpandemic budgetâ on Tuesday, warning that despite Australiaâs strong recovery, there is âstill a great deal of uncertainty out thereâ. The Treasurer points to new strains of ...2 days ago
- PNG police release EMTV employee detained over buai market videoPacific Media Watch newsdeskPapua New Guinean police have released a detained EMTV staff man, Richard Magei, after he reportedly filmed officers destroying buai markets at 5 Mile in the capital of Port Moresby. An appeal by the television channel for more information was posted on the networkâs Facebook page, saying ...2 days ago
- Fiji reports 7 new local covid cases as memory lapses âcost us dearlyâBy Timoci Vula in Suva Fiji has today reported seven new cases of covid-19 and all are locally transmitted cases. These were confirmed after 1349 tests. They are in Lautoka and Nadi in the west of the main island, Viti Levu, and the settlement of Makoi, near the capital Suva. ...2 days ago
- Terrorist tag in West Papua could worsen racism, says rights groupRNZ Pacific Human Rights Watch is urging the Indonesian government to rethink its classification of rebels in West Papua as terrorists. Indonesia has formally designated Papuan independence fighters as âterroristsâ, in a move expected to expand the militaryâs role in civilian policing in Papua. But the NGO has warned that ...2 days ago
- Week in Politics: Don't interfere, China tells New ZealandAnalysis - An obscure report comes under the spotlight as Judith Collins continues to claim the government is on a path to racial segregation, China tells New Zealand to mind its own business, a public service wage freeze doesn't go down well an ...2 days ago
- Vital Signs. The RBA wants to cut unemployment, and nothing â not even soaring home prices â wil...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW Ahead of the definitive official read of the economy from the treasury in the budget on Tuesday, the Reserve Bank has given us two special insights into its own thinking in the space of 14 hours. ...2 days ago
- Iwi leaders tire of political bickering over MÄori Health AuthorityIwi leaders say they're "hĆhÄ" (fed up) with the MÄori Health Authority being used as "a political football". ...2 days ago
- Keith Rankin Chart Analysis â Covid-19: India in contextAnalysis by Keith Rankin. Similar story to last week. Chart by Keith Rankin. India’s Covid19 outbreak is still predominantly in the more prosperous cities, mainly in the west and far north of that country. And it is in the domestic coastal and mountain tourist destinations. The data continue to show ...2 days ago
- Australiaâs settler and First Nations histories meet in the wild of the bush in DoggedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liza-Mare Syron, Indigenous Scientia Senior Lecturer, UNSW Review: Dogged, directed by Declan Greene. Griffin Theatre Company in association with Force Majeure. Dingo (Sandy Greenwood, a Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti and Bundjalung actor) stands facing the audience, dressed in a muddied tracksuit with a dingo-like ...2 days ago
- Man arrested over threats made to MP Simeon BrownA 25-year-old man has been charged over death threats made to National Party MP Simeon Brown. ...2 days ago
- US support for waiving COVID vaccine intellectual property is a huge step. Australia must followSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Gleeson, Associate Professor in Public Health, La Trobe University Yesterday, the US Biden administration declared its support for waiving intellectual property rights, including patents, for COVID-19 vaccines. This decision represents a huge breakthrough in discussions at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ...3 days ago
- VIDEO: Michelle Grattan on the Port of Darwin, Indiaâs second wave, and next weekâs budgetSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Michelle Grattan discusses the week in politics with University of Canberra Associate Professor Caroline Fisher. This week the pair discuss Indiaâs second coronavirus wave – and the Australian citizens stranded there. Also discussed is the ...3 days ago
- A NZ startup just got named the worldâs best creative agencyGlobal advertising is a highly competitive industry dominated by giant well-resourced conglomerates. But a small independent New Zealand agency is taking them on – and the world is taking notice, reports Michael Andrew. Apart from a significant fee, advertising can often be a thankless task. Despite the ostentatiousness and vibrancy ...3 days ago
- Police Commitments To Strengthening Alternative Resolutions Process...3 days ago
- Government Fair Pay Agreement Proposal Will Harm Workers And ConsumersThe Governmentâs proposal announced today to impose compulsory industry-wide collective bargaining on employees and employers without their agreement or even their participation will harm everyone but unions,â said Roger Partridge, chair of The New Zealand ...3 days ago
- Fair Pay Agreements = Wage ControlThe New Zealand Taxpayersâ Union is warning against the Governmentâs plan for Fair Pay Agreements , calling the policy a form of wage control. Union spokesman Jordan Williams says, âThis is an incredibly backward policy that lets Wellington ...3 days ago
- From baby blue-tongues to elephant doulas: motherhood across the animal kingdomSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Oliver Griffith, Lecturer, Macquarie University With Motherâs Day around the corner, itâs a good opportunity to ask what being a mother looks like across the animal kingdom. Most of us have a solid concept of human motherhood, but in nature maternal care ...3 days ago
- Fair Pay Agreements Good News For Employees – Contractors Need Protection TooCabinet has approved a framework for drafting Fair Pay Agreement legislation, and the Public Service Association says this means low-paid workers can look forward to improved and more consistent working lives. Michael Wood, the Minister for Workplace ...3 days ago
- Let them eat pizza bread: What South Aucklanders think of free school lunchesWith the government set to announce an extension of its free lunches programme to 2023, Justin Latif spoke to parents, teachers and the businesses delivering the service to see if the scheme is hitting the spot. The majority of South Auckland schools have been getting free government-funded lunches for one term ...3 days ago
- Mallard looks like a sitting duck but the Nats may prefer to wait to bag the PM as well
Back in  March  the NZ Herald  carried a report headlined âMallard mess needs sortingâ. It was written  by Audrey Young, then the political editor. The Labour Party didnât heed the warning and now this failure is leaving a bigger mess: on Tuesday night Speaker Trevor Mallard accused a former parliamentary ...3 days ago - Yesterdaze: Rabbits aren't our only pests
Rabbits aren't the only designated pests we can't quite eradicate in this country. James Elliott looks at why we can't shed Colin Craig from the news cycle, and why we can't seem to get Trevor Mallard under control. Itâs been a huge news week. Tuesday (May the fourth âŠ) was ...3 days ago - The Friday Poem: Race Riot, by Tusiata AviaA poem from Tusiata Avia’s Ockham-shortlisted collection The Savage Coloniser Book.Race RiotThis is any one of them Redfern or Ferguson or Eden Park or the Pak’nSave carpark. We are gathering anywherein a monastery or a high school or a real-estate agent’s we are planning everywhere and I am still afraid.Everyone ...3 days ago
- Support The People Of Colombia Against State Violence This Sunday 3.30pm, Aotea SquareUnite Union and Global Peace and Justice Aotearoa are calling on Aucklanders to join people from Colombia this Sunday At 3.30pm in Aotea Square, to strongly condemn the brutal repression of the Colombian people exercising their right to freedom of ...3 days ago
- UN Report On Methane Is Not Relevant To New Zealandâs SituationâA UN report calling for big cuts to methane emissions does not mean that the Governmentâs policy of taxing New Zealand farmers for their livestock methane emissions is warranted.â Robin Grieve of FARM said today. The report highlights concerns ...3 days ago
- E tĆ« Welcomes Next Steps For Fair Pay AgreementsE tĆ« members are pleased to learn today about the next steps in the Governmentâs plan to implement Fair Pay Agreement legislation in this term of Government. The Government has announced more details about what Fair Pay Agreements will look like, ...3 days ago
- Bus Drivers And Supermarket Workers Will Welcome Fair Pay AgreementsTodayâs long-awaited announcement that Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) are on the way for historically underpaid workforces like bus drivers, supermarket staff, healthcare workers and cleaners is a welcome landmark and could be the beginning of reclaiming ...3 days ago
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Recording my old 45’s onto my computer.
I used to buy 45’s of New Zealand artists back in the day
Screaming Mee Mees Pop Mechanix (best NZ band for ever) Chills The Clean The Able Tasmans plus alot more.
They been stored in boxes since I left home decades ago as well and I had forgotten til I was cleaning out the garage and there they were- mint condition……. đ
I am going to enjoy this trip down memory lane. Esp Pop Mechanix-Jumping Out A Window cos the only copy on ncd is on 1 of those Natures Best comps which rocked but needed a mastered version.It was crap cos they had a really bad recording as masters had disappeared or some excuse….. So I know I’ll be able to make a crisp recording đ
I hope hahahahah hahahah
My daughter was going to a glam rock party…I pulled out early Bowie LPs for the occasion…they play like scritch scratch scritch scratch scritch scratch…EEK!!!! The Zappa albums were in better order, lets face it God is treated with greater respect..
Talking of treating God with greater respect:
Would Jesus make the ABs?
Would that be something to do with turning the other cheek?
I assume that takes gadgetry to do, Kris… If I knew someone near here who has the appropriate kit, I would like to do likewise with the records I have…
I use musicmatch jukebox to record onto
You do need a stereo with a left and right OUTput plugs and a soundcard on your pc for other end of the plug
The plug you need is a 3.5mm Jack to 2 x RCA Phono Stereo Audio Cable-trademe is best place to look-diff prices for different lengths
Youll need to get into options on musicmatch and select recording and then select the line in
Then make sure your volume on your computer for line in is not too loud
i have done cassettes in the past- so its just a change of recording source which this time is a turntable
I have found to make sure if you have surround sound etc etc and dbfb and surround sound to turn these off when ya do it
this monstrosity i have has all these and it took me along time to get sound right đ
Theres a programme called mp3 gain which u can use to change the recording level after you have ripped the mp3-which I have also used to decrease or increase the volume
good luck
\
let me know if you have probs đ
Thanks, I have made a note of all that, and look forward to trying it… Awesome!
I use Audacity myself. But yes, a pre-amp is important, or else you will get very, very faint volume.
I think you can buy record players which have built in pre-amps plug straight into your comp, but they are expensive. Before the needle on my turn table defecated itsself (and I wasant about to spend a small fortune to fix it), I used a pre-amp that I bought from a charity shop for $9. I then went to the annual 24 hour book sale and bought a whole pile of LP’s to convert to MP3. They are still sitting at my parents place. I have managed to convince them not to chuck them out.
Gotta love the range of music on LP’s. And the art work is something else. (While I generally like all forms of music except rap, death metal and anything by Gaga, my first preference is easy listening elevator music type stuff from the 50’s and 60’s)
Awesome! Wish I had time to do that. Have a big stack of records that are gathering dust. Be great if you could share your efforts somehow… maybe loaded as a torrent? Wouldn’t mind hearing that Pop Mechanix album… Eddie Raynor is a legend.
Been doing a little thinking re the fishing season opening: it appears that according to the Fish and Game people there is more privatisation by stealth going on for high country waters in particular…you have to be a wealthy helicopter borne Yank to fish waters stocked and managed at the expense of the other license holders. Bad news. Add that to cow effluent in the lower country streams and we trout chasers are left with less and less good water.
Ordered a new fly line with a clear tip..stealth fishing…sounds good but the proof is in the results.
Day light saving coming up, rabbits in the evening. Got the garden in order so I can get out there, rugby nearly done with…yeah summer.
Shit…….. that sounds good! And here I am stuck in front of a screen getting excited about planting a few veg.
Fly fishing suggestions around Auckland anyone?
Used to live there…you have to travel BUT there are a few gems short of Taupo. Up past Helensville on the road to Kaipara south heads is Ototoa, lovely rainbow stocked lake, good on an evening.
For streams there is really good fishing in the south Waikato / King Country, all within 2 hours of Auckland. The best of it is definitely the top end of the Awakino, a true gem. Also the spring fed streams around Tirau can be good, lots of fish, lots undersized but very easy to take.
brilliant, thanks!
Dont forget your license to let you catch fish. I prefer sea fishing, as the fish taste way better than Trout.
There is also the fun times to be had in dropping a small whitebait net into one of those hundreds of sunlit creeks and streams going off all of Auckland’s harbours and waters on a rising tide snoozing on the bank. They go up the tiniest of waters …
Those Waitemata whitebait run at very odd times, long after the west coast season ends. We were given a container of them on Christmas morning a few years back. Dont know if they are the same?
Did not 1000’s of trout recently get released in lake Pupuke? also with a wee boat I am told you can fly fish for kawhai.
I hope bored you have some success and get a day like today – anything you do outside in a day like this must be great !!!
Thanks H, there is nothing quite like being knee deep in the cold stream on a hot day, its lucky place to be with or without trout to disturb you. Kahawai on a fly, now theres a challenge, they are high speed brutes.
Big Kingi’s on light line is a lot of fun as well. I use 9kg line (20lb) and chase 60lb+ Kingi’s My best is 85lb on 20 line was a fun hour or so. I use Kahawai for bait under a balloon. But for the real Kingi’s you need to go north, way north I used to go to Spirit’s Bay at easter was not too hot but still good to swim in.
Fishing is one of my favourite past-times, and once while fishing off Waiheke Island, I caught a kingi on a sprat line.
I had never seen a kingi in the wild before, so I was watching this fish swim about thinkiing “gosh, what a pretty fish / baby shark / taniwha.”
I still had my sprat line in the water and suddenly it ‘took off.’ Unfortunately, for me, the sprat line was wrapped around a finger and I thought I was going to lose the finger ( I didn’t of course otherwise I would be typing like th s).
The morality of thise woeful tale of fisherperson inadequacy is “fish fingers require a much greater contribution from the fish and much less from the fisher-person.”
Tell me how is the season up their when and if you are successful. Its been slow down here in Dunedin . Watching the poms playing the vampires tomorrow night thanks to my whangi girl winning tickets to the game for outstanding performance across a wide range of sports..
Watch out for the equinoxal energy out there including the latest solar flares, new moon and other electromagnetic and gravitational influences.
And falling bus size satellites.
Headed for Italy, it would seem – if anyone can read this here’s an article for what it’s worth…
http://www.tgcom.mediaset.it/mondo/articoli/1022166/satellite-nasa-verso-la-terra-forse-frammenti-pioveranno-anche-sulle-regioni-del-nord-italia.shtml
“NASA satellite to the earth, perhaps fragments
raining on the North Italy
It will enter the atsmosphere on Friday and impact with our planet is predicted in the evening”
yes that bring the bait and shake
Our weekly film visit this week was “The Help’ very good and worth seeing . Weekend in the garden. Sowing main crop of potatos . Will be eating early crop next week.Im hoping to have some better succcess with cauliflowers ,any one out there have any tips .
Keep on top of the watering and plenty of Mulch
Enjoy – maybe get a few planted myself before I watch the Scots stroll to an easy victory over the Pumas.
At last a good use for by wife’s blow hairdryer. Defrost and clean the freezer quick time and back in order sooner.
Tomorrow is my cricket club’s first get together before the start of the season the first Saturday in October. However, finding enough playable grounds here in Christchurch is going to be a bit tricky. Most of the grounds in East Christchurch as well as Heathcote and Sumner are pretty well munted. Linwood Park is full of temporary huts. The senior teams in the Suburban Association and the big boys in the CCA appear to have first dibs on the grounds that are in playable shape, whilst us social cricketeers in the lower grades may well be out of luck.
Best of luck happynz. Â There is nothing better than a social game of cricket and a few beers after. Â It is a sign of true civilization …
been thinking of neutrinos today – this faster than light ‘discovery’ is interesting and should be verifiable with a bit of effort. I’ve written a haiku for the occasion
we align, a slant
unaffected, youâre through me
Oh heart of no-mass.
perhaps not strictly accurate re no-mass, maybe low-mass? but hopefully gets the point across
Oh very good, marty! It’s fascinating news…
Â
We don’t serve faster than light neutrinos in here said the barman. A Neutrino walks into a bar.
Oh yeah nerd jokes.
We donât serve neutrinos in here said the barman. It’s okay i’m just passing through.
the only thing better than nerd jokes is really bad nerd jokes đ
or good ones
faster-than-light? Thatâs just tachy.
Oh very good! đ
thanks deb – anything to lighten the load
yes very nice rice with splice
http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2011/09/this_extraordinary_claim_requi.php
It’s not that much faster than c however đ
After reading your link my brain is hurting. đ
Warriors beat the Storm, Arsenal win at home to Bolton, Man Utd lose at Stoke. That will do me! Oh and Phoenix pay the bills!)
Ha one out of four would be great. Â Go Warriors!
A good pithy quip.
Politicians are interested in people. Not that this is always a virtue. Fleas are interested in dogs. â PJ OâRourke
and
Outside of a dog a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. Groucho Marx
Come on Warriors
The Grand Final! How cool is that!
Just back from a weekend in Christchurch. Â To borrow a phrase from vto – “unexpected earthquake observation no. 38” – the morning chorus doesn’t miss a beat for a 4.0 these days. Â Even the birds are over it.
Went to the Lido Hamiton for the repeat of the Met Opera 2011 season .Watched Tosca .No opera lover should miss this production. Tok a while to come out of the clouds . Do see! Now I did say that ‘The Help” had merit but after some thought and discussion wit my wife I perhaps was wrong . Worth watching, but a bit sugary ,and not really what the American South was really like .It was worse much worse than the film indicated.