Weekend social 29/06/2012
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2:00 pm, June 29th, 2012 - 16 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?
16 comments on “Weekend social 29/06/2012 ”
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The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...2 weeks ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...2 weeks ago
- Vast majority of councils support MÄori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding MÄori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of MÄori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Governmentâs bid to treat MÄori wards different to other wards. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour congratulates KuÄ«ni NgÄ Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates KuÄ«ni NgÄ Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui â head of Te Kiingitanga. ...2 weeks ago
- Tourism on the table for Pacific Ministersâ meet-up
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey will meet with Trade and Tourism Minister of Australia Don Farrell and Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica in Rotorua this weekend for a trilateral tourism discussion. âLike in New Zealand, tourism plays a significant role in Australia and Fijiâs economy, contributing massively to ...13 hours ago - Young people report on family and sexual violence
The Te Puna Aonui Expert Advisory Group for Children and Young People has presented its report today on improving family and sexual violence outcomes for young people, to the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour. The presentation at the Auckland event was an opportunity for ...14 hours ago
- $18 million being invested in the victims of crime
The Government is putting more than $18 million towards improving the experience of the criminal justice system for victims, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Minister for Children Karen Chhour say. âNo one should experience crime, but for those who through no fault of their own become victims, they need to ...14 hours ago
- Landmark phonics check in te reo MÄori
For the first time, schools can use a purpose-built tool to check how a child is progressing in reading through te reo MÄori. âAround 45 schools are trialling a New Zealand first te reo MÄori phonics check, known as Hihira Weteoro. It will help kaiako (teachers) focus on what Äkonga ...15 hours ago
- New sea walls safeguard ĆpĆtikiâs transformation
Two new breakwater walls at PÄkihikura (ĆpĆtiki) Harbour will provide boats with safe harbour access to support the continued growth of aquaculture in Bay of Plenty, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. The Ministers and leaders from TÄ TÄwharau o Te WhakatĆhea and other ...18 hours ago
- Kitmap to improve access to science infrastructure
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced an online platform to optimise the use of New Zealandâs science and technology research infrastructure and to link the public and private sector. âThis country is home to world-class science, technology, and engineering expertise. Kitmap is set to empower Kiwi innovators, ...18 hours ago
- Driving the uptake of low emission heavy vehicles
The Government has launched the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (LEHVF) to promote innovation and offset the cost of hundreds of heavy vehicles powered by clean technologies, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts say. âBoosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Governmentâs plan ...18 hours ago
- Speech on replacing the Resource Management Act
Replacing the RMA Hon Chris Bishop: Good morning, it is great to be with you. Can I first acknowledge the Resource Management Law Association for hosting us here today. Can I also acknowledge my Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Simon Court, who is on stage with me. He has assisted me in establishing the ...18 hours ago
- Replacement for the Resource Management Act takes shape
Two new laws will be developed to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA), with the enjoyment of property rights as their guiding principle, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say. âThe RMA was passed with good intentions in 1991 but has proved a failure in practice. ...20 hours ago
- Tough laws pass to make gang life uncomfortable
Legislation passed through Parliament today will provide police and the courts with additional tools to crack down on gangs that peddle misery and intimidation throughout New Zealand, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. âFrom November 21, gang insignia will be banned in all public places, courts will be able to issue non-consorting orders, and ...2 days ago
- New levy rates set to ensure continued funding of FENZ
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the rates for the redesigned levy that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) from July 2026. âEarlier this year FENZ consulted publicly on a 5.2 percent increase to the levy. I was not convinced that ...2 days ago
- Police allocate Officers to Beat and Gang Units
The Coalition Government welcomes Policeâs announcement today to deploy more police on the beat and staff to Gang Disruption Units. An additional 70 officers will be allocated to Community Beat Teams across towns and regional centres. This builds on the deployment of beat officers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch CBDs ...2 days ago
- Consultation begins on significant updates to the biosecurity system
Proposals to strengthen the countryâs vital biosecurity system, including higher fines for passengers bringing in undeclared high-risk goods, greater flexibility around importing requirements, and fairer cost sharing for biosecurity responses have been released today for public consultation. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says âThe future is about resilience and the 30-year-old ...2 days ago
- WÄnaka community to benefit from new overnight health service
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says an Overnight Acute Care Service opening in October will provide people in WÄnaka and the surrounding area with the assurance of quality overnight care closer to home. âWhen I was in WÄnaka earlier this year, I announced funding for an overnight health service â ...2 days ago
- Preventing potholes with data-driven technology
The Government is rolling out data collection vans across the country to better understand the condition of our road network to prevent potholes from forming in the first place, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âIncreasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key priority for the Government and increasing ...2 days ago
- GDP data shows effect of high interest rates
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for the quarter to June 2024 reinforces how an extended period of high interest rates has meant tough times for families, businesses, and communities, but recent indications show the economy is starting to bounce back, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ data released today ...2 days ago
- NZ to host first Fiji, Australia trilateral trade Ministersâ meeting in Rotorua
Trade Minister Todd McClay will host Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for trilateral trade talks in Rotorua this weekend. âFiji is one of the largest economies in the Pacific and is a respected partner for Australia and New Zealand,â Mr McClay says. Australia and New Zealand ...2 days ago
- NZ hosts Annual CER Trade Ministersâ meeting in Rotorua
Trade Minister Todd McClay will meet with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell for the annual Closer Economic Relations (CER) Trade Ministersâ meeting in Rotorua this weekend. âCER is our most comprehensive agreement covering trade, labour mobility, harmonisation of standards and political cooperation. It underpins an important trading relationship worth $32 ...2 days ago
- Government proposing changes to jury trials
The Government is seeking the publicâs feedback on two major changes to jury trials in order to improve court timeliness, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. âThe first proposal would increase the offence threshold at which a defendant can decide to have their case heard by a jury. âThe second is ...2 days ago
- Business key to regional economic dialogue
Local businesses and industries need to be front and centre in conversations about how regions plan to grow their economies, Regional Development Shane Jones says. The nationwide series of summits aims to facilitate conversations about regional economic growth and opportunities to drive productivity, prosperity and resilience through the Coalition Governmentâs Regional ...2 days ago
- More funding for Growing Up in New Zealand study
The Government is investing $16.8 million over the next four years to extend the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) Longitudinal Study. GUiNZ is New Zealandâs largest longitudinal study of child health and wellbeing and has followed the lives of more than 6000 children born in 2009 and 2010, and ...2 days ago
- Tough targets for charter schools will raise achievement
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that Charter Schools will face a combination of minimum performance thresholds and stretch targets for achievement, attendance and financial sustainability. âCharter schools will be given greater freedom to respond to diverse student needs in innovative ways, but they will be held to a much ...2 days ago
- NZ votes for Middle East resolution at UN
New Zealand has voted for a United Nations resolution on Israelâs presence in occupied Palestinian Territory with some caveats, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. âNew Zealandâs yes vote is fundamentally a signal of our strong support for international law and the need for a two-state solution,â Mr Peters says. âThe Israel-Palestine ...2 days ago
- Honouring the legacy of New Zealandâs suffragists
Suffrage Day is an opportunity to reaffirm New Zealandâs commitment to ensuring we continue to be a world leader in gender equality, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says. âOn 19 September, 131 years ago, New Zealand became the first nation in the world where women gained the right to vote. ...2 days ago
- Foreign Minister to travel to New York, French Polynesia
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling to New York next week to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, followed by a visit to French Polynesia. âIn the context of the myriad regional and global crises, our engagements in New York will demonstrate NewâŻZealandâs strong support for ...3 days ago
- Thanking social workers on their national day
âToday, on Aotearoa New Zealand Social Workersâ Day, I would like to recognise the tremendous effort social workers make not just today, but every day,â Childrenâs Minister and Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says. âI thank all those working on the front line for ...3 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Laos for ASEAN meetings
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg will travel to Laos this week to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministersâ Meetings in Vientiane. âThe Government is committed to strengthening our relationship with ASEAN,â Ms Grigg says. âWith next year marking 50 years since New Zealand became ...3 days ago
- Members appointed to retail crime MAG
The Government has appointed four members to the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say. âI am delighted to appoint Michael Hillâs national retail manager Michael Bell to the group, as well as Waikato community advocate and business ...3 days ago
- Speech to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation AGM and Conference 2024
Itâs my pleasure to be here to join the opening of the NZNO AGM and Conference for 2024. First, Iâd like to thank NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku, NZNO President, Anne Daniels, and Chief Execuitve Paul Gaulter for inviting me to speak today. Thank you also to all the NZNO members ...3 days ago
- Improvements for New Zealand authors
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says changes to the Public Lending Right [PLR] scheme will help benefit both the National Library and authors who have books available in New Zealand libraries. âI am amending the regulations so that eligible authors will no longer have to reapply every year ...4 days ago
- Minister commends Police for gang operation
Police Minister Mark Mitchell congratulates Police for the outstanding result of their most recent operation, targeting the Comancheros. âThat Police have been able to round up the majority of the Comancheros leadership, and many of their patched members and prospects, shows not only the capability of Police, but also shows ...4 days ago
- New appointments to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has announced a major refresh of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board with four new appointments and one reappointment. The new board members are Barry OâNeil, Jennifer Scoular, Alison Stewart and Nancy Tuaine, who have been appointed for a three-year term ending in August 2027. âI would ...4 days ago
- Enabling rural recovery works in Hawkeâs Bay
Cabinet has approved an Order in Council to enable severe weather recovery works to continue in the Hawkeâs Bay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell say. âCyclone Gabrielle and the other severe weather events in early 2023 caused significant loss and damage to ...4 days ago
- FamilyBoost childcare payment registrations open
From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. The scheme was introduced as part of the Governmentâs tax relief plan to help Kiwis who are doing it tough. âFamilyBoost is one of the ways we ...4 days ago
- Prioritising victims with tougher sentences
The Government has today agreed to introduce sentencing reforms to Parliament this week that will ensure criminals face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. "In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences ...5 days ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. âOur Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...5 days ago
- Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...5 days ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealandâs largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. âThis Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,â Ms Collins says. âIt involves funding of more ...5 days ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...5 days ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and MÄori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. âThis grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...5 days ago
- Gentrification isnât inevitable â it can hinge on how residents view their neighborhood
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Korver-Glenn, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Families on bikes at a July Fourth parade in Houston’s Northside neighborhood. Jimmy Castillo, CC BY-ND Gentrification has become a familiar story in cities across the United States. The ...5 hours ago - Discrimination faced by indigenous Papuans âisnât something newâ, says disturbing new rights r...
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Racism, torture and arbitrary arrests are some examples of discrimination indigenous Papuans have dealt with over the last 60 years from Indonesia, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. The report, If Itâs Not Racism, What Is It? Discrimination and other abuses ...7 hours ago
- WÄ PÄtai: MÄori language week at Parliament
The House - Parliament was buzzing with te reo this week - but how common is this, really? ...8 hours ago - Otago land and water plan to continue, despite government’s ‘strong preference’ it...
Regional councillors have voted to continue work on the plan, despite ministers suggesting they hold off until the government confirms its policy direction. ...9 hours ago
- Many people in the Pacific lack access to adequate toilets â and climate change makes things worse
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benny Zuse Rousso, Research Fellow, International Water Centre, Griffith University Pvince73/Shutterstock The Pacific Islands may evoke images of sprawling coastlines and picturesque scenery. But while this part of the world might look like paradise, many local residents are grappling with a ...10 hours ago
- New Law To Ban Gang Patches A Dangerous Move For New Zealand
Censorship can be a natural impulse to things we donât like, but itâs better to know when hateful or offensive ideas exist. Otherwise, theyâre buried underground to fester and can crop up unexpectedly. We see this legislation no differently. ...11 hours ago - Government urged to intervene in Cook Strait ferry woes
There are fears lives could be lost if the government doesn't step in to bring the country's ailing Cook Strait ferry services up to scratch. ...11 hours ago
- Is life getting better for Chinaâs tech billionaires?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wenting He, PhD candidate of International Relations, Australian National University The skyline in Shenzhen, the city that is home to many of China’s largest tech companies. asharkyu/Shutterstock According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Pony Ma, co-founder of Tencent Holdings, is once ...12 hours ago
- Fiji 2000 coup leader George Speight granted presidential pardon
RNZ Pacific The man behind the 2000 coup in Fiji, George Speight, and the head of the mutineers, former soldier Shane Stevens, have been granted presidential pardons. In a statement yesterday, the Fiji Correction Service said the pair were among seven prisoners who has been granted pardons by the President, ...12 hours ago
- Supreme Court orders government to pay in advance for MÄori coastline appeal
In a rare decision, the country's top court has told the Crown it must give advance financial support to a group of hapƫ challenging it. ...12 hours ago
- Darleen Tana fails High Court bid against Green Party investigation
Green co-leader Chloe Swarbrick says the party welcomes the ruling and will now consider its next steps. ...13 hours ago
- Resource Management Act to be replaced by two new laws
They'll ditch rules that "invite every Tom, Dick, and Harry to vexatiously object to peaceful use and development", the government says. ...13 hours ago
- Are sports stars who are caught using illegal drugs unfairly vilified?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Wilson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney JFontan/Shutterstock With the Paris Olympics and Paralympics wrapped up, and leading Australian sports codes coming to an end of their 2024 ...14 hours ago
- Flood gates could reopen for MÄori claimants after landmark ruling
The Courts have ruled the Crown must cover the costs of customary marine title claims, but where will the money come from? A landmark Supreme Court ruling could once again ensure MÄori have adequate resourcing to pursue customary marine title claims, despite the governmentâs recent drastic raising of the threshold ...14 hours ago - RNZâs online surge could start to worry private media
Public broadcaster RNZ might be struggling to stem its falls in radio listenership, but the audience for its website rnz.co.nz is soaring.In the latest Nielsen online audience figures for August, RNZ hit 1.56 million unique readers for the month, up from under a million a year ago and less than ...14 hours ago - Referendum on four-year political terms may come by next election – Luxon
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he may bring four-year political terms to a national vote at the next election. ...14 hours ago
- Afghan women have been robbed of health care, education and now their voices. But they wonât remai...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Hutchinson, PhD Candidate, International Relations, Australian National University Last month, the Taliban passed a new âvice and virtueâ law, making it illegal for women to speak in public. Under the law, women can also be punished if they are heard singing ...15 hours ago
- What is âdynamic pricingâ for concert tickets? It can cost you hundreds of dollars while you que...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Green, Research Fellow, Centre for Social and Cultural Research, Griffith University When tickets for Green Dayâs 2025 Australian tour went on sale, fans joined a queue â a ritual that has been practised for decades on footpaths, on phones, and now ...15 hours ago
- Week in Politics: ‘Crime wave’ puts government’s target in doubt
Analysis - Crime throws the government's reduction target into doubt and Labour's Chris Hipkins has to deal with a bad poll. ...15 hours ago
- India is in the midst of an electric vehicle revolution â and Australia should tap in
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David T. Hill, Emeritus Professor of Southeast Asian Studies, Indo-Pacific Research Centre, Murdoch University David T. Hill You donât have to be in India long to appreciate just how dramatic its electric vehicle revolution is. Whether itâs electric two-wheelers or trucks, ...15 hours ago
- Supreme Court orders Govt to pay in advance for MÄori coastline appeal
In a rare decision, heavy with judicial and political implications, the countryâs top court has told the Crown it must give advance financial support to a group of hapĆ« challenging it over the Marine and Coastal Areas Act.The Supreme Courtâs intervention, ahead of seven appeals scheduled before it in November ...15 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: â???â by Freya Daly Sadgrove
A new poem by Freya Daly Sadgrove. ??? where you wake is black     and very far back behind your eyes back      past your whipping branches     and backer      far backer than bone and blood  ...16 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending September 20
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Booksâ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Greene Lyon by Alan Goodwin (Quentin Wilson Publishing, $38) An intriguing new local release. Hereâs ...16 hours ago
- Why is pain so exhausting?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Henry, Physiotherapist and PhD candidate, Body in Mind Research Group, University of South Australia simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock One of the most common feelings associated with persisting pain is fatigue and this fatigue can become overwhelming. People with chronic pain can ...16 hours ago
- OpenAIâs data hunger raises privacy concerns
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Uri Gal, Professor in Business Information Systems, University of Sydney Last month, OpenAI came out against a yet-to-be enacted Californian law that aims to set basic safety standards for developers of large artificial intelligence (AI) models. This was a change of posture ...17 hours ago
- Ads from Hell: how a pizza brandâs marketing reveals NZâs shifting religious attitudes
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Fastnedge, Lecturer in Advertising and Brand Creativity, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Controversial advertising holds a mirror up to society. It can unite us in laughter or outrage, spark debates that shape our beliefs â and sometimes expose our ...17 hours ago
- Breaking update: More NZX CEOs are called Mark than are bogans
There are more Marks than women leading NZX companies, RNZ reported this morning. The Spinoff can now reveal that there are way more Marks than bogans. Itâs not exactly breaking news that women are underrepresented in business leadership, but RNZ found a funny and inventive way of demonstrating that this ...17 hours ago
- From cauldrons to cardigans â the lurking prejudices behind the name âGrannyâ
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Burridge, Professor of Linguistics, Monash University Shutterstock âHonestly, I canât wait to have grandkids and spoil them â but I donât want to be called âGrannyââ (overheard on the No. 96 tram in Melbourne) âI love it. Itâs not ...17 hours ago
- Where do Wellingtonâs top chefs eat on their day off?
The capitalâs best chefs and restaurateurs share their favourite local eateries and hidden gems. I have always been fascinated by chefs and restaurateurs. Perhaps it is because of how altruistic they are, existing in a space that seeks to provide pleasure to others regardless of how it impacts on their ...18 hours ago
- Council ‘got it wrong’ with Links Ave closure, meeting told
It's the most controversial road in Mt Maunganui and a newly elected councillor is asking why it was allowed to happen. ...18 hours ago
- Murdoch to Musk: how global media power has shifted from the moguls to the big tech bros
ANALYSIS: By Matthew Ricketson, Deakin University and Andrew Dodd, The University of Melbourne Until recently, Elon Musk was just a wildly successful electric car tycoon and space pioneer. Sure, he was erratic and outspoken, but his global influence was contained and seemingly under control. But add the ownership of just ...18 hours ago
- Defence Force offered zero pay increase start industrial action
Civilian staff employed NZDF have started industrial action, unhappy not to be offered any increase in pay. ...19 hours ago
- âThere isnât any acting hereâ: What it was like recording The Bone People audiobook
Ruby Solly on reading Keri Hulmeâs Booker Prize-winning novel The Bone People for the audiobook, released this week. Initially, there is only one way to describe this work; an honour and a privilege. I say this every time I get to spend time with the words of our kaumÄtua, but ...19 hours ago
- Pacific profiles: Mr Tiria, the English teacher showcasing Pacific literature in Naenae
The Pacific profiles series shines a light on Pacific people in Aotearoa doing interesting and important work in their communities, as nominated by members of the public. Today, Tiria Tiria. All photos by Geoffery Matautia. On a Saturday afternoon at Lower Huttâs Naenae College, I sat with Mr Tiria as ...19 hours ago
- More than half of people who use party drugs take ADHD medicines without a prescription, new researc...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Sutherland, Research Fellow, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney Alex Green/Pexels Each year, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW Sydney surveys hundreds of people who regularly use drugs in Australia to understand trends in substance ...20 hours ago
- Scientists reviewed 7,000 studies on microplastics. Their alarming conclusion puts humanity on notic...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Raubenheimer, Senior Lecturer, University of Wollongong Shutterstock Itâs been 20 years since a paper in the journal Science showed the environmental accumulation of tiny plastic fragments and fibres. It named the particles âmicroplasticsâ. The paper opened an entire research field. ...20 hours ago
- Endure â or peter out? Hereâs what Northern Rivers organisers and Stop Adani can teach us about...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Tattersall, Associate Professor in Urban Geography and Host of ChangeMakers Podcast, University of Sydney mantisdesign/Shutterstock Over the last decade, several groups in Australia have successfully mobilised against fossil fuel interests. But which ones have gone the distance? The urgent ...20 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill Politically Clumsy And Unproductive
The Treaty Principles Bill is unproductive for New Zealand, says Te RĆ«nanga o NgÄi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa. âDavid Seymour and ACT are misconstruing history. You canât have a reasonable debate with a person or party who distorts the truth,â ...20 hours ago
- âI donât believe I would have gotten into universityâ: how early entry schemes help Year 12 st...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sally Patfield, Lecturer, Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, School of Education, University of Newcastle Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock During September, many Australian universities start making early offers to Year 12 students for a place next year. This is ahead of the main rounds ...21 hours ago
- The most miserable and fucked-up childrenâs authors, rated
You donât have to live a haunting life of unparalleled grief and sorrow to be a great childrenâs author, but it helps. Content warning: This article mentions suicide and abuse. Itâs always been a cliche of childrenâs literature, that many of the greatest writers for children dislike children. Even those ...21 hours ago
Off to Spain to take up flamenco…. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/22/us-spain-banks-protests-idUSBRE85L0WO20120622?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews&rpc=69 well perhaps not if you saw me dancing.
stone carving. Quartz-ey minerals, not Oamaru stone monoliths.
Get drunk, eat lots, stay up late.
Shouldn’t a Contrarian teetotal, fast, and get to bed early?
No.
Well said, and be bad!!!!!
In my first new home now and just got the bond back back for the very last time, after 20 plus years of landlords and draughty damp cold houses. Have the last of the unpacking to do all weekend, but it’s a long haul. All the books and records are out of storage and now they need to be organised. Bookcases this weekend, music room next weekend.
Enjoy your leisure pursuits folks!
welcome home ! enjoy.
Congratulations Rosie! Enjoy creating your own home.
Enjoy! Big glass of vino and lay back and observe..empress of all you see.
Hope it goes well and you have music while you work đ
Thanks Yeshe, r0b, Bored and Rosy. Unfortunately I have indulged in one too many glasses of vino whilst surveying my new empire and admiring my new log burner among the many other wonders of a new house and have had a bit of a late and fuzzy start. Its the gentle concert programme this morning rather than some hard out electronica or heavy weight dub as my soundtrack today.
How’s TheContrarian feeling this morning?
Finish writing a chapter. The problem… how to avoid procrastination with sunshine, warm weather lots of events, internet, skype…… the list goes on
oh!!!
lost in space
Running around the (muddy) lawn and climbing trees in the sunshine with little kids this morning…