What Paula is proud of
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- Date published:
8:36 am, December 17th, 2016 - 76 comments
Categories: housing, national, paula bennett, useless -
Tags: homeless, homeless crisis, homelessness, list, pride
I guess Bennett didn’t have a long list to choose from, but – really? On RNZ yesterday:
Bennett says she’s proud of getting homeless into homes
Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett says one of her greatest achievements this year is getting homeless people into homes…
In other news that day:
Fast-growing numbers of homeless putting pressure on freedom camping
Fast-growing rates of homelessness have been revealed in a new Government report into freedom camping.
The Department of Internal Affairs report, published without fanfare this week, found “internally displaced people” were a group contributing to pressure on freedom camping facilities.
“This appears to be a fast-growing group which is adding unplanned demand and competing for public camping spaces,” the report from the DIA and more than 25 council officers found.
“Although homelessness cannot be characterised as freedom camping, due to the lack of choice, year-round, homelessness is an issue [receiving] some benefit from the provision of campsites for non-self-contained vehicles,” the working group added. …
Quite. Here are some other recent headlines that Paula’s pride might like to contemplate…
Most homeless are working poor – Otago Uni
New Zealand housing crisis forces hundreds to live in tents and garages
One in 100 Kiwis homeless, new study shows numbers quickly rising
Calls for increase in social housing as nearly half of the homeless are children
Families with children now 53% of NZ’s homeless
Work and Income sent families to garages
A week at Te Puea (and Marae has fears of ‘smear campaign’)
Government abandons social housing target of 65,000
Housing crisis blamed for Auckland’s rheumatic fever rates
New Zealand’s most shameful secret: ‘We have normalised child poverty’
⏯ The 1st homes in a Special Housing Area in Auckland were meant to be ready this month. But not one has been built. https://t.co/YxWc5wVxPM pic.twitter.com/7lmzniUegr
— Checkpoint (@CheckpointRNZ) December 16, 2016
Asked for an interview everyday this week Paula Bennett refused to front on social and special housing areas pic.twitter.com/xD3LFZs9w4
— Elephant in the room (@LetsfixthisNZ) December 16, 2016
76 comments on “What Paula is proud of ”
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- Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and SyriaAotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...1 day ago
- Community voice to help shape immigration policyMigrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...1 day ago
- State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for TaranakiConstruction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...1 day ago
- Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of PolicePrime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...2 days ago
- Government confirms vital roading reconnectionsSix further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...2 days ago
- Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign MinisterForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...2 days ago
- Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in AotearoaEducation Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...2 days ago
- State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone GabrielleA vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...2 days ago
- Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recoveryInternal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...3 days ago
- Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability servicesThe Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...5 days ago
- Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and memberMinister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...5 days ago
- Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announcedFifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...5 days ago
- Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High CourtHigh Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...5 days ago
- NZ still well placed to meet global challengesThe economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...5 days ago
- Western Ring Route CompleteAucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...5 days ago
- Briefings to Incoming MinistersThis section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...5 days ago
- Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient FijiAotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...6 days ago
- Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recoveryThe Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...6 days ago
- Next steps developing clean energy for NZThe Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...6 days ago
- Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart NashThis morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...1 week ago
- CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to AucklandThe Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...1 week ago
- Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses$25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...1 week ago
- More than 160,000 new Kiwis to call NZ home80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...1 week ago
- Scholarships propel Kiwi students to NASAThe Government continues to invest in New Zealand’s burgeoning space industry, today announcing five scholarships for Kiwi Students to undertake internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash congratulated Michaela Dobson (University of Auckland), Leah Albrow (University of Canterbury) and Jack Naish, Celine Jane ...1 week ago
- New Zealand to attend regional security meeting in AustraliaThe Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...1 week ago
- Health and safety action plan for portsThe health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...1 week ago
- Bikes and scooters to be exempt from FBTBikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...1 week ago
- Foreign Affairs Minister to reaffirm our close relationship with FijiForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...1 week ago
- New legislation to streamline Cyclone recoveryThe Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...1 week ago
- Cost of living package: More bread and butter support for Kiwi familiesApproximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...1 week ago
- Freeing up more government bandwidth and money to focus on the cost of living$1 billion in savings which will be reallocated to support New Zealanders with the cost of living A range of transport programmes deferred so Waka Kotahi can focus on post Cyclone road recovery Speed limit reduction programme significantly narrowed to focus on the most dangerous one per cent of state ...1 week ago
- State of National Emergency to end for Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s BayThe remaining state of national emergency over the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions will end on Tuesday 14 March, Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. Minister McAnulty gave notice of a national transition period over these regions, which will come into effect immediately following the end of the ...1 week ago
- Government delivers on Dawn Raids commitmentThe Government is today delivering on one of its commitments as part of the New Zealand Government’s Dawn Raids apology, welcoming a cohort of emerging Pacific leaders to Aotearoa New Zealand participating in the He Manawa Tītī Scholarship Programme. This cohort will participate in a bespoke leadership training programme that ...1 week ago
- New plan to increase productivity and high wage jobs across advanced manufacturing sectorIndustry Transformation Plan to transform advanced manufacturing through increased productivity and higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs into a globally-competitive low-emissions sector. Co-created and co-owned by business, unions and workers, government, Māori, Pacific peoples and wider stakeholders. A plan to accelerate the growth and transformation of New Zealand’s advanced manufacturing sector was launched ...1 week ago
- Throwing voting-age legislation onto the ‘policy bonfire’ only delays a debate that has to happe...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Breen, Professor of Law, University of Waikato Getty Images There might have been pragmatic political reasons behind the government throwing voting-age legislation onto its recent policy bonfire, but it remains a sadly wasted opportunity. The announcement reversed former ...11 mins ago - Does public safety trump free speech? History’s case for banning anti-trans activist Posie Parker ...ANALYSIS: By Bevin Veale, Massey University The impending arrival of Kelly-Jean Keen-Minshull — aka Posie Parker — has put the spotlight on the tension between free speech and protecting vulnerable communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. In particular, it raises questions about Immigration New Zealand’s role in limiting who can visit ...11 mins ago
- Iwi Leading Urgent Housing Rebuild And Managed Retreat For Wairoa
Wairoa has ready-to-go projects that could be accelerated to quickly get people back into homes following Cyclone Gabrielle, Minister Willie Jackson was told on a visit to Wairoa today. Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa is seeking a Government commitment ...12 mins ago - New Report: City Rail Link Project Throws Good Money After BadA new report published by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union exposes the bad decision-making that led to a 61% cost blowout in Auckland’s City Rail Link and shows that the costs of the project now significantly outweigh any benefits. ‘The City Rail Link: ...15 mins ago
- Immigration NZ allows anti-trans speaker into NZ
Immigration NZ has today confirmed that the controversial anti-trans campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull will be allowed into New Zealand for her speaking events this week. You can read our report here – and the full statement from Immigration NZ’s Richard Owen to the media is below: “I can confirm that ...19 mins ago - Confirmed: Anti-trans campaigner to be allowed into New ZealandImmigration NZ says it knows some people will be unhappy, but ultimately the threshold to bar Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull from New Zealand hasn’t been reached. The British anti-transgender campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, will be allowed into New Zealand this weekend, Immigration NZ has confirmed. Keen-Minshull’s ability to ...20 mins ago
- Antarctic ice age survival story: life seeking ice-free refuges imitates art in Ice Age, the movieSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Stevens, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Adelaide Antarctica is an icy place today, but the ice extended even further during past ice ages. The question of how and where life survived on land in the icy continent, through the ages, has ...26 mins ago
- The Tongan māfana energy takes centre stage in Red, White & BrassLike a Tongan Cool Runnings, with trumpets instead of bobsleds, Red, White & Brass is a feel-good movie based on an incredible true story. First-time film producer Halaifonua Finau tells Sela Jane Hopgood how he got it made. In 2016, promising new Tongan producer Halaifonua Finau was sitting in the ...28 mins ago
- Why do animals living with humans evolve such similar features? A new theory could explain ‘domest...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Thomas Gleeson, Doctoral Candidate, Australian National University Luz Rovira / Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND In the 19th century, Charles Darwin was one of the first to notice something interesting about domesticated animals: different species often developed similar changes when compared ...1 hour ago
- Popular fertility apps are engaging in widespread misuse of data, including on sex, periods and preg...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharine Kemp, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney New research reveals serious privacy flaws in fertility apps used by Australian consumers – emphasising the need for urgent reform of the Privacy Act. Fertility apps provide a number ...1 hour ago
- USP still the ‘bedrock’ for Pacific regionalism, says university chiefThe Fiji Times “The University of the South Pacific (USP) has been and continues to be a bedrock for regionalism. A resource owned by the region; for the region and a precious institution that needs to be protected in line with the vision of our forebearers.” This was the message ...1 hour ago
- PNG family kicked out of their home after 46 years – with 24-hour noticeBy Claudia Tally in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinean family who have been renting a property from the National Housing Corporation for the past 46 years have been served with a 24-hour eviction notice by a different owner who had obtained an eviction notice from the Port Moresby District ...1 hour ago
- Auckland Council contemplates quitting Local Government NZAuckland mayor Wayne Brown’s plans to cut back on spending could see the council quit Local Government NZ, the group that represents councils across the country. Stuff’s Todd Niall has reported that $400,000 would be saved by the move, with mayor Brown reportedly wanting to direct that money into other ...1 hour ago
- Does it matter what time I go to bed?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frederic Gachon, Associate Professor, Physiology of Circadian Rhythms, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Gregory Pappas/Unsplash Some of us love to be tucked up in bed by a particular time every night, ensuring a certain number of hours ...1 hour ago
- Love Better: Youthline relationship break-up support campaign launches
The government has launched campaign to help young people navigate break-ups with the long-term aim of preventing family violence, believed to be the first of its kind. ...2 hours ago - Giving trans kids a sporting chanceSports can be hugely beneficial for children but there are still many barriers for trans kids wanting to play, writes researcher Julia de Bres. There’s been a lot of talk recently about trans athletes in high performance sport, much of which derives from a broader anti-trans project rather than a ...2 hours ago
- Watch: One woman’s battle to get back on the boardA new documentary follows Amber Clyde, skateboarder and founder of Girls Skate NZ, as she works to rebuild her confidence in the sport while juggling solo motherhood. Amber Clyde remembers being bullied as the only girl at the skate park in Birkenhead – but these days all the same bullies ...2 hours ago
- One woman’s battle to get back on the board | Back on the Board | The SpinoffAfter dedicating years to helping young women find their confidence in skateboarding, Amber Clyde must teach herself how to get back on the board after the birth of her second child. But balancing the realities of being a solo Mum with running her own business means that her time is ...2 hours ago
- GCSB spy boss Andrew Hampton to lead SISGovernment Communication Security Bureau (GCSB) boss Andrew Hampton has been appointed to lead New Zealand's other spy agency - the NZSIS. ...3 hours ago
- 25-million-year-old fossils of a bizarre possum and strange wombat relative reveal Australia’s hid...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arthur Immanuel Crichton, PhD candidate, Flinders University Relative of _Chunia pledgei_ named _Ektopodon serratus_ (top left), with _Wakaleo oldfieldi_. Reconstruction of the early Miocene Kutjumarpu faunal assemblage by Peter Schouten, CC BY-SA Imagine a vast, lush forest dominated by giant flightless birds ...3 hours ago
- Ratepayers' Alliance Urging Supporters To Give Budget FeedbackThe Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is urging its 27,000 members and subscribers to have a say on Auckland Council’s proposed 2022/23 annual budget. Last week, the Ratepayers’ Alliance launched a new website to encourage public feedback. Backtobasics.co.nz ...4 hours ago
- NZ Olympian runner given eight year suspension for dopingNew Zealand distance runner Zane Robertson has been banned from all sport for eight years due to doping. Robertson, who is the holder of six national distance running records and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal, was tested at the UK’s Great Manchester Run in May last year. His sample returned ...4 hours ago
- Why didn’t I simply wear a mask? Alex Casey asks a psychologist why she was too chicken shit to wear a mask during the flight that probably gave her Covid-19. In the live action replay in my head, I can basically see, frame by frame, the moment that one of those puny little Covid-19 Koosh balls did ...4 hours ago
- PSN Appoints New Kaitohu MatuaSocial services and health & disability provider Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) has appointed Joe Waru as its new Kaitohu Matua (General Manager Māori). The appointment will provide PSN with strategic leadership and advice as it seeks to ...4 hours ago
- Does public safety trump free speech? History suggests there is a case for banning anti-trans activi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Veale, Lecturer in Media Studies, part of the Digital Cultures Laboratory in the School of Humanities, Media, and Creative Communication, Massey University Getty Images The impending arrival of Kelly-Jean Keen-Minshull – aka Posie Parker – has put the spotlight ...4 hours ago
- Appointment Of Director-General Of SecurityDeputy Public Service Commissioner Ms Heather Baggott has today announced the appointment of Mr Andrew Hampton to the position of Director-General of Security and Chief Executive, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS). The role of the NZSIS is to understand ...4 hours ago
- Money isn’t everything – but it can be a significant stressorMoney isn’t everything. But for most of us, it’s easier to deal with anything else in our lives if we know the bills are getting paid. So when household budgets come under pressure from cost of living increases – especially when that includes the mortgage that keeps a roof over ...4 hours ago
- National teases education plan and pledges to ‘rewrite’ curriculumThe National Party will announce the first part of its new education policy tomorrow in the prime minister’s own stomping ground of the Hutt. Leader Christopher Luxon said the “Teaching the Basics Brilliantly” policy will see the curriculum totally overhauled, with a direct focus on reading, writing, maths and science. ...5 hours ago
- Academics Invited To Respond To Survey For Report On Academic FreedomIn conjunction with Curia Market Research, the Free Speech Union has distributed a survey on academic freedom to academics across each of the eight universities in New Zealand. Respect for academic freedom is a statutory responsibility for universities, ...5 hours ago
- Dunne's Weekly: Time To Look Again At Coastal Shipping?Thirty years ago, after a marathon Parliamentary sitting, the Bolger National government passed the Maritime Transport Act which deregulated coastal shipping by abolishing cabotage. Cabotage was the practice which restricted the operation of sea, air, or ...5 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Big drop in number of people on benefitsNew reports out from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) this morning show that in the year to June 2022, 113,400 people came off a benefit, the highest number since electronic records began in 1996. From early 2020, at the start of the pandemic, there was a large increase in the ...5 hours ago
- Australia opens a fascinating new front in the fight for ethical investingA recent court action by Australia’s financial regulator suggests ‘greenwashing’ claims can expect far greater scrutiny – a situation likely to happen here soon enough, writes Steven Moe. Coal mining can seem like yesterday’s fuel – a relic of the last century, in the coming age of wind farms and ...5 hours ago
- National Party plans to rewrite school curriculum if electedThe National Party plans to rewrite the curriculum for primary and intermediate schools if it wins at the next election. ...6 hours ago
- Lizzo heading to NZ for one show in JulyGrammy-winning pop star Lizzo will return to New Zealand in July for her first solo show on our shores. The singer, rapper and flautist (yes) will play Spark Arena on July 26 as part of her Special Tour. The last time she was in New Zealand, Lizzo was a festival ...6 hours ago
- New asteroid sample study offers further hints of space origin for the building blocks of life on Ea...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trevor Ireland, Professor, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland MASCOT / DLR / JAXA How did life come about? The answer to this question goes to the very heart of our existence on planet Earth. ...6 hours ago
- Why is Australia buying hundreds of missiles?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Associate Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania Flying under the radar of last week’s AUKUS submarine announcement was the revelation that the United States had agreed to sell Australia up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles. This follows Australia’s ...6 hours ago
- Doctors may soon get official ‘endorsements’ to practise cosmetic surgery – but will that prot...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Rudge, Law lecturer, University of Sydney Unsplash/Olga Guryanova, CC BY Disturbing reports about botched cosmetic surgeries and injuries in Australia – from breast augmentations causing chronic pain to liposuction leaving patients with lifelong injuries – have sparked concerns in ...6 hours ago
- New research reveals how forests reduce their own bushfire risk, if they’re left aloneSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip Zylstra, Adjunct Associate Professor at Curtin University, Research Associate at University of New South Wales, Curtin University Shutterstock Fire management in Australia is approaching crisis point. Seasons such as the Black Summer three years ago showed how our best ...6 hours ago
- Species don’t live in isolation: what changing threats to 4 marsupials tell us about the futureSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Geary, PhD Student, Deakin University Once abundant, woylies – or brush-tailed bettongs – are now critically endangered. John Gould, CC BY-SA Conserving native wildlife is a challenging task and Australia’s unenviable extinction record shows us we urgently need more sophisticated ...6 hours ago
- The National Skills Agreement needs time in the policy spotlight and it must include these 3 thingsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pi-Shen Seet, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Edith Cowan University ThisIsEngineering/Pexels , CC BY-NC Australia continues to grapple with acute skills shortages. Businesses are struggling to find workers with the skills they need. Meanwhile, workers struggle to get jobs because ...6 hours ago
- Trans people aren’t new, and neither is their oppression: a history of gender crossing in 19th-cen...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robin Eames, History PhD candidate, University of Sydney Portrait of De Lacy Evans and his wife (1870) State Library Victoria This article contains references to anti-trans, colonial and institutional violence, and includes information about an Aboriginal person who died in the early ...6 hours ago
- New police minister wants to target ‘early end’ of crime, defends prison statsThe new police minister has defended the government’s approach to dealing with crime, as new figures show just 32% of charges laid against young people last year actually resulted in a sentence. Ginny Andersen was promoted into the police portfolio on Monday after Stuart Nash was sent falling to the ...6 hours ago
- The climate report to rule them allThe final IPCC report was unequivocal in its call to reduce emissions immediately but the government has no further news on how agricultural emissions charging will work, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...7 hours ago
- Government insists abuse survivor redress a 'top priority' after officials suggested delayPublic Service Minister Andrew Little has rejected the option mentioned in a briefing document, saying the work is high priority. ...7 hours ago
- A ‘climate change election’ in 2023? Here’s what the polling tells usThe Greens say climate change will be integral to the big decision this year. Toby Manhire explores the data. Devastating, global-warming-exacerbated storms. A new IPCC report laying out the calamitous fireball hurtling our way. And a prime minister jettisoning a host of climate-aligned policies. There is plenty of material for James ...9 hours ago
- Viral weight loss drug Ozempic has been approved for use in New ZealandMedsafe has approved applications for Ozempic to be used in New Zealand. How does this new drug work and why is everyone talking about it? What just happened? Last Thursday, New Zealand’s medical regulatory body Medsafe gave consent for Ozempic to be prescribed in New Zealand. The approval is for ...9 hours ago
- Sympathy cards and the lessons of birds
An author on the death of a baby and "a calm respectful grace" The normal world was out there. The clocks and the jobs and the traffic and the mortgages and the death. Especially the death. Death in suburbia means funerals with piped fake Celtic music despite the fact ...9 hours ago - The long road to Paris' rebound
One of New Zealand’s brightest young netball talents, Paris Lokotui has returned to the court 10 months after a knee reconstruction. Now she hopes her tough journey back paves a better way for other Māori and Pasifika players. Paris Lokotui remembers the moment time stood still. The 21-year-old was playing ...9 hours ago - Cyclone Gabrielle: Why many in Muriwai can't move on
A month on from Cyclone Gabrielle, many residents in Muriwai are still living in limbo, unable to return to their homes "I can't look back because it's too sad. I can't look forward because it is too daunting." Kat Corbett's Muriwai home remains out-of-bounds more than a month after ...9 hours ago - TOP and the not terribly Teal Deal
TOP leader Raf Manji talks to Nikki Mandow about going teal, and the opportunity for a party that’s pro-business and pro-environment ...9 hours ago - Govt should explain why it rejected our advice – Climate Commission
The Climate Change Commission's chair says the Government's decisions to ignore its advice could weaken the country's most important climate policy. ...9 hours ago - Central Otago subdivision buyers lose the plot
A wave of council rule rewrites drives section buyers to give up and look elsewhere ...9 hours ago - Credit Suisse rescue package shows why our banks shouldn't pay big dividends
This is why our bank shareholders shouldn't expect such big returns – their risk is lower. ...9 hours ago - Beware of coconut oil salesmen
Coconut plantations are far from being ‘natural’ environments, coconut oil is high in saturated fats, and, despite the advertising, most of the global supply of coconut oil doesn’t come from the Pacific Islands either Opinion: Coconut oil has gained a halo as a natural health product, with claims it can ...9 hours ago - New Orleans’ lesson on fallible flood defences: Let's not ‘build back better’
Post-cyclone, where we rebuild and where we don't is the first challenge ...9 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 22 March
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...10 hours ago - Some Pacific nations ‘won’t survive’ if NZ and world drop the climate ballBy Hamish Cardwell, RNZ News senior journalist There is “is much to win by trying” to take action on climate change — that is a key finding in a major new international climate report the UN chief is calling a “survival guide for humanity”. It is something of a mic ...16 hours ago
- Hipkins and Luxon hit the road: A taste of campaign 2023A pōwhiri, a pie, and a grilling from primary school kids: Today was the day the boy from the Hutt who grew up to be prime minister went home for a visit. ...19 hours ago
- How can Australia pay $368 billion for new submarines? Some of the money will be created from thin a...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Australia’s decision to buy three nuclear-powered submarines and build another eight is so expensive that, for the A$268 billion to $368 billion price tag, we could give a million dollars ...20 hours ago
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I wonder if Bennett is proud of having learned spin, misdirection and double-speak from a master?
Isn’t she a piece of work? What have we come to in this country when someone like this is even in parliament, let alone in her position – personally I don’t think she’s fit to be in charge of the hotel cat!
I picked up on this piece of truism:
Which sums up Madam Bennett nicely. She has to brag about her ‘achievements’ because in reality there are none. Indeed she has achieved the opposite… helped to make life worse for those experiencing hardship (often through no fault of their own) and the generally dispossessed.
And she’s done so specifically to make rich people richer.
What is Paula proud of?
Paula.
Yes exactly right Robert…….
Especially proud of her ” Buttons and bows”
This seems to be one of those times when you take what the Minister said as the exact opposite of what she meant. After all, she’s assisted in making homelessness worse by kicking people out of the homes that they had on trumped up drugs charges.
Just after being made deputy pm Paula Bennett said to the media that she will not stuff up on this(being deputy pm).
Which means she has acknowledged she has made a complete stuff up on her previous MSD portfolio and her more recent HNZ portfolio when she became minister of each government dept.
I am now wondering if the recent budget that English proclaimed had a wonderful surplus in was the beginning of the Bill and Benn love-affair.Within days of the budget Bennett told all and sundry that she was offering $5000 per homeless person to ‘get out of Auckand’. News items indicated she had not discussed this with English but in my opinion I now get the feeling she did.
And it was probably about the same time Key was deciding to resign as PM and let Bill and Benn know his decision as well. Hence another reason why Bennett was grinning like a cheshire cat at the outcome of the recent Roskill by-election.
Some people have delusions of grandeur. They think they are more important than what they truly are. One person in particular is Paula Bennett. She may promise one thing but will deliver on zilch. But in her delusional state she thinks everything is happening and she make a big fanfare about it because it’s ALL ABOUT PAULA BENNETT and Paula thinks she is a wonderful person.
All I see on this site are nasty posts about the current Government.
Where is the hope? Where are the alternative ideas and discourse?
The Left seem to be bereft of answers so just happily chip away at the status quo. Top tip for 2017 – that approach won’t get Labour into Government.
Housing and the lack thereof better get this current lot out, they don’t get to play nice, nice after 8 years of ruination
Typical RWNJ – complain about the truth being pointed out about their heroes.
RWNJ. Such a default setting.
Tired of all those whining lefties?
Sick of the critics embarrassing your political heroes ?
Bereft of any real plans for the future yet still desire to defend the indefensible ?
……………………………………………………………………………..
THEN try sAm C ‘s answer for the National party !!!!
* Sleeps up to 5 !
* No rent to pay – taking all those hard earned dollars from your wallet !
* Erected within hours !
* Open plan outdoor / indoor living !
* Breezy and cool in summer / ‘aerated ‘ for those long winter nights – prevents steam build up that causes mold !
* Council approved ( special conditions apply )
Hope is living in a car freedom camping, cause that sure beats living in a house with indoor plumbing.
thanks National Party, you are doing a stellar job.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/87649873/fastgrowing-numbers-of-homeless-putting-pressure-on-freedom-camping
and the Situational Analysis …..https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/Files/Freedom-Camping/$file/Freedom-Camping-Situational-Analysis.pdf
“4. Internal displacement (homelessness) – this appears to be a fast growing group
which is adding unplanned demand and competing for public camping spaces.
Although homelessness cannot be characterised as freedom camping, due to the lack
of choice, year round, homelessness is an issue that is receiving some benefit from the
provision of camp sites for non-self-contained vehicles and is included in this analysis
for completeness. This is discussed further below.
Homelessness and permanent freedom camping living
There appears to be an increasing group of local people who are living temporarily and
permanently in motor vehicles. This activity can cause primary and secondary harms,
especially when vehicles are grouped together. People living in these vehicles are also
at increased risk of harm from harassment and theft [see Christchurch example]. There
are also a number of temporary and seasonal workers who may use motor vehicles for
the duration of their employment as the availability of affordable accommodation
options are not present.
Existing bylaws and public services do not manage this group well. With few places to
park, limits on nights spent at any one place, limited litter bin capacity, and few public
toilets open at night. ‘Homeless’ campers may be caught by enforcement action under
the Act, which just moves them to a different location and adds to their existing
financial burdens. This does not address the campers’ needs or the effects on public
areas generally. Central Otago District Council has issues regarding seasonal workers.”
.
Hi Sam C
. Are you suggesting that the Left has no policy of building Houses?
. While Billy English and Paula are in fact selling Sate Houses off . As fast as they can go.
You could try perhaps to encourage your Party to build houses – for the homeless. You old stirrer.
No, I’m saying they have no CREDIBLE policy on building houses.
Saying you’ll build 10,000 houses a year is like me saying I’ll single-handedly stop climate change. Idiotic.
Sam you are hugely exaggerating. Back to the issues, there are plenty of ideas on this blog, maybe you have been looking on the wrong pages? Or maybe you are simply looking for a bite?
It’s interesting that you run down others policy but do not supply any ideas of your own.
It’s obvious that the outgoing governments housing plan has not been working for many many years now, after all if it was working there would be no housing crisis. Don’t you think?
Re building 10k of houses in a year, how would one know if it would work or not if you don’t try. Technology has changed everything, everything.
That’s one way of 3D printing houses. I’m more in favour of this one:
And I’m pretty sure that the government could easily develop such devices here in NZ using local capability and resources which will provide jobs and develop the economy.
that was a primo link Draco, so many merits to using this kind of technology. Nice floor plan too.
Aussie robot prototype builds a house in 2 days. The next design should be even faster. Making waves on the ASX
Sam, if anyone out there would really be serious – there are models the NZ government can copy – admittingly in Europe but mind you if successful and I think they are and will be, its worth a look. MILLIONS of refugees and immigrants have entered the mainland Europe in the last 2-3 years. To absorb that many people, feed, house and support them has to be one of the toughest jobs and they are pretty good in what they do. It takes brain, courage and sincerity, qualities that MR Bennett with her pursed lips giving condescending advise wont be able to emulate. Unfortunately, this is all NZ has got at the moment and the only saying that comes to mind is: There is a sucker born every minute.
No, really, it isn’t. It just requires doing what you RWNJs are incapable of – planning the necessary resources.
Actually we have the capacity to not only build 10,000 house per year already – we also have the resources necessary to develop the infrastrucure within which to site them. All it needs is the dedication and commitment to do it. Houses do not need to be built on site. This is a slow and inefficient building process. Creating housing modules off site in a factory set up and then transporting to prepared sites for assembly is a far more efficient and better method. Currently every house built on-site is a bespoke creation and has to be individually inspected and certified at regular intervals – it’s like having every shirt or piece of clothing you buy made as a one off. This is nice for those who can afford it – but now-a-days we are happy to buy our clothes off the peg. We still treat our house in this manner.
I have a 2 bedroom cottage of 72 sq m that was built off site and transported and assembled onsite, connected up to services, and ready to be lived in, in a day. It came complete with its fridge/freezer, dishwasher, full stove and oven, carpets, decks… everything one needed. The cost 8 years ago was less than $90,000. It is steel framed with wooden cladding, and highly presentable. I understand that Alan Duff has exactly the same building – so if it ok for him..
We just need to commitment to ramp up the process.
I actually really hope Labour get in next year. Seeing such simple plans implemented will be so rewarding.
Because the current government hasn’t thought of or investigated these options already. They’re just being bloody minded, right?
One just has to look at the building suppliers, the monopoly etc to understand why the outgoing government likes to do things their way. Capitalism and it’s a real shame
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201818170/new-zealand's-sky-high-building-costs
The current govt knows very well theres options but wont do anything because :
* It would show up their free market neo liberalism for the fraudulent ideology it is.
* It would erode the base who voted National that has been seduced into the false notion of being paper millionaires.
* It would mean donations to the National party would therefore drop.
* It would lessen the neo liberal agenda to weaken national sovereignty by increasing the number of land and home owners and thereby politically empowering them.
* It would weaken the case for justifying having an unrealistic , unsustainable and irresponsible immigration policy.
* Along with that immigration , – the ability of unscrupulous employers to undermine unions , wages and conditions in NZ.
No the present government is unable to think outside the square Sam – that is why they are such a completely hopeless and shoddy administration. Furthermore they are hamstrung by the ideology that says “small government is good government”. This is nonsense when firm action is required on an issue. To leave these things to the private sector (their modus operandi), is in effect to do nothing, and because they chose to do nothing – business will continue as usual. Of course that is what National wants. BAU. But that is not what is now required. So essentially they have to go, before anything constructive for the population can occur.
All indications are that they’re incapable of thinking inside the square as well. They’re just robots with outdated programming that’s incapable of recognising that things have changed and so they keep doing the things that have failed.
True. Here we have Businesses with the technology that could well be expanded – but hey – let’s just sit on our hands and do nothing.
Sam C they aren’t being blooded minded they don’t give a f
Exactly.
But unfortunately, it sometimes seems to me that there those in charge must harbor a almost pathological hatred of those who are not able to afford even a modest house. I truly belief that this pathology is the reason nothing has been done and a lot of sitting on hand is on display.
If we would talk about a casino it would go up in a flash.
The present people in charge don’t want poor people to be able to afford their own home because then they and their donors wouldn’t be able to become rentiers and live well on the hard work of others.
My grandparents lived their entire adult lives without owning their own home. They seemed to live a happy and fruitful existence.
What’s with this obsession that everyone has to own their own homes?
For me it’s so my family can live where they want to live for as long as they like. Was lucky enough to find my paradise before the crisis, no way on earth we could afford buying a house in the present climate.
If you have ever lived in a “tied house” you would know .We lived in ties houses foe 30 odd years ,The last fifty years in our own house have been serious worry free, Thanks to Labour’s State loans. Lets bring a similar system back for the present young people.
Caves don’t count as a definition for a ‘ home’ ,… sAm C… and some people aspire to have more security than a tent.
I’m also surprised that far right wing neo liberal sycophants such as yourself cant see that a society that can no longer afford housing means the financial sector suffers in the long term ( just whose side are you really on ??? )… yet you still defend your beloved party’s idiot incompetence.
Are you a landlord sAm C ?… do you have vested interests in there being lack of adequate housing? Is this why you support a sub standard and deregulated rental accommodation industry ?
They don’t have to be for ownership Sam – they can be built for state housing.
The added advantage of these homes is this: – if for whatever reason they need to be resited – that can be achieved just as easily as they were installed in the first place – because they are built to be transported. I know – I did it with my own.
Although a reasonable question why is it that renting should provide others with more wealth?
Try raising a family with insecure tenancy, shifting schools, going from rental to rental right through the year, that is the reality of families renting in New Zealand. We used to have state houses to stop that constant churn.
That makes perfect sense, offsite building, especially when it comes to getting things ‘ticked off’ by inspectors, as well as so many other benefits. Awesome, what a cool buzz that would have been the day the house was delivered, amazing.
Here are some examples of pre-built transportable homes available now.
http://www.ezylinehomes.co.nz/plans/standard-series/
https://www.advancebuild.co.nz/floor-plans/
http://go-homes.co.nz
ours is a Go Home.
“nasty posts”
Ho hum – some of us get a tad miffed at people who harm others while enriching themselves and their friends, and then lie about what they’re doing.
Strange that.
And there are plenty of alternatives – our own history is full of them. 1984 is not year zero. Go read a book or something.
Sam C do you want us to do these bastards work when they are getting paid for it and some
People in temporary shelter, old motels, boarding houses, marae, anything without any secure tenure are NOT in homes. The word HOME means permanency, it means a place of belonging, it means stability and security.
I think it is time we stop using the word home for where people live unless it fits those criteria. Other than that it is just shelter, that’s all, just shelter and state and social houses have become that as well, just shelter.
If we start regarding the word home for what it really is, and then start thinking what is really required for people to have them, THEN we might start getting somewhere.
Mr Landlord-out-there, you do NOT provide homes.
+1
Well said.
I asked a man about life in the Soviet Union and he told me he had grown up there in the Brezhnev years. He had a happy childhood with permanent right to an apartment. an education, healthcare and stable, secure jobs for his parents. After tertiary education in the USSR and the regime change, he started a successful career in the US. He said the problem with being an adult in the USSR was not being allowed to work, live and travel where you wanted to and the narrow wage difference between professional and non-professional workers.
What this tells me is that when a modern state attempts to provide citizens with “a place of belonging, stability and security” some citizens, perhaps mainly the tertiary educated, will not be happy and most other states, enabled by their voters, will not be supportive,
I think the big problem is that he thinks that some workers aren’t professionals.
He said why shouldn’t someone with a higher education, specialized and sought after skills and making life and death decisions (his father was a doctor) be paid more ? He might have mentioned prestige as well, I can’t recall.
I asked him why he hadn’t gone back to Russia and he said that if he started a business there, he would have to pay off the mafia.
I agree with Rae, but as Sam C at 9 says “where are the alternative ideas and discourse”.
How to achieve Rae’s ideal without people feeling they are enslaved by the state ?
Why should they? They’re not actually working any harder and, for many of them, they’re actually less in demand.
As for prestige: We actually used to value people who simply did work in this country. Now we disparage those who do critical work such as clean our parks and public toilets while holding those who crash the economy for their own benefit.
Yeah, I think we’ve got our values really badly wrong and your friend from Russia is a glaring example of that wrongness.
http://neweconomics.org/a-bit-rich/?lost=true&_sf_s=+publications+++a+bit+rich
This is hilarious. Life under Brezhnev was all beer and skittles, is that what you’re implying?
That sort of view is so deluded, I don’t really know where to begin.
Ah, I see that, as a typical RWNJ, you don’t have an argument and thus revert to ad hominem attacks.
As opposed you, who when faced with a view contrary to your own, simply dismisses it as the ravings of a “RWNJ”.
Who was the idiot who gave $5000 to leave Auckland then another $2000 to come back again and do it all again ?
Ahhhh… that’s right ! Paula lard – brain Bennett.
Shes quite the funny lady , really ,… didn’t even tell her daddy when he was planning the national budget … great show of teamwork there, one must admit.
But never mind,… both of them reunited and back together in the bonds of holy sanctimony once again.
They’ll make a good team, – If they ever let the other one know what the other ones up to.
You didn’t provide a contrary view – just an ad hominem.
It simple for Draco he simply parrots the ramblings of a deluded 18th century German dude that wiped out a forest on some book called Das Kapital while bludging off a champaign socialist called Engels
Whereas you parrot Ayn Rand. Is it her amphetamine use or love of psychopaths that appeals to you?
No, I don’t do that either. So, that would be another RWNJ making up lies about me.
Charming?
Wasn’t meant to be.
At all.
Any chance you could go away?
These far right wing neo liberal extremists are great sport though, they are so extreme , – so blindly loyal they just cannot even see when their own party has just shit all over them.
Or even refuse to admit it. They cannot cope with being wrong so they simply argue blindly and without direction to save their egos.
Therefore, I welcome them. As I said,… they make great sport , and , here’s the important role they play ,… in spite of their ridiculousness, – or at least because of it ,- it gives a marvelous opportunity for so many brilliant ideas and solutions to be brought forth into the public arena.
As well as provide a background for other issues such as this govts corruption and collusion over the murder of 29 workers at Pike River.
You are becoming obsessive over pike river, not healthy WK
You’re fond of pretending to diagnose people, just like your role-model – Josef Stalin.
What is not healthy, where Pike River goes, is a society that allows for a total denial of even an attempt at justice for 29 dead people.
red.
One could say the same about you – the same obsessive preoccupation with cheerleading a dying ideology and a dying govt.
NEWSFLASH !!! – KEYS GONE!
Last one to leave turn out the lights.
And that’s little old you , Red… all alone in the corner with a few die hard sycophants with a penchant for blogging jaded political ideas.
You best try that trolling finger a whole lot harder from here on in because the cheap salesman is no longer around to keep Farrar in clover.
Obsessive?… I guess your the type of sycophant that agreed with trying to cover up things such as the Holocaust , Watergate in the early stages. Or any number of otherwise obvious cases of govt and officialdom acting in collusion.
That’s the thing with you far right wing neo liberal sycophants…. always finding yourselves at odds with history and the law in pursuit of your short term goals.
Maybe it demonstrates who you really are rather than anyone being obsessive here.
Let the games commence.
Now be nice Paul, many could ask the same of you but are to polite
Unfortunately for you mate , I however am more of a blunt bastard – so fuck the hell off , moron .
There.
Hope you enjoyed the clarity of expression of having outstayed your welcome.
Next time if your going to open your ridiculous trap , feel free to contribute something of use instead of just being an advertisement of how useless you far right wing neo liberal idiots really are.
Charming.
From the report you referenced.
“This report is not about targeting any individuals in the highly paid jobs it scrutinises. Neither is it simply suggesting that people in low paid jobs should be paid more. The point we are making is a more complex one – that there should be a relationship between what we are paid and the value our work generates for society.”
I think the point my friend was making, and I agree with him, is that workers who generate more for society deserve more than a medal. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero_of_Socialist_Labour
From each according to their ability to each according to their need. (1)
I have no objection to someone making a buck so long as they cover the costs of doing so, provided (1) has already occurred.
Those who benefit the most from society – the wealthy – have every reason to see society succeed.
But that’s just it – our present system doesn’t actually do that and what your friend said, as reported by you, is the exact opposite of that. Where he demands more just because he’s a professional and dismisses the fact that the cleaner is a professional as well.
Guess what, no-one is suggesting the state provide everyone with a home, far from it, but we are demanding the state turn the knobs and adjust the levers so that people are able, from the work they do, provide them for themselves. At the end of that there will be some, for whom that will never be possible for one reason or another, that is when we all pitch in and make sure they can. That, my poor misinformed friend, is what “left”actually is.