Live blogging from Backbenchers
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8:50 pm, June 10th, 2009 - 31 comments
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We are here at the Neighbourhood Bar in Kingsland for a Mt Albert by-election debate. I have not seen any of the candidates here yet, but it certainly seems like half the rest of the world is here. Seen DPF, Whaleoil, Guyon Espiner from TV1 and Duncan Garner from TV3.
Lots of Act supporters and Labour supporters. The Nats are a bit thin on the ground and haven’t seen any Greens yet.
The guys from the Legalise Cannabis Party were very friendly though – with their “Cannabus”.
We’re all kind of hoping that Melissa Lee says something stupid – again! Word in that she’s arrived.
I haven’t yet seen anyone from the Green Party – but there is a beer jug with the Green Party logo on it at the bar – that’s pretty cool I think!
We’re sitting next to a very well dressed guy in a suit holding a “End the Drug War” sign. I am guessing he’s a supporter of the Legalise Cannabis Party – not quite the stereotypical member though.
I am hoping that we get a good discussion going about the Super City and the Waterview Connection, and that it doesn’t get sidetracked by Richard Worth. David Shearer is miles ahead in the polls so it’s hard not to think that it’s a battle between Russel Norman and Melissa Lee for second place now. Certainly, if Greens voters were worried about having to vote Labour to keep Lee out and not split the centre-left vote they don’t really have that worry anymore. Although, perhaps similarly National leaning voters who were thinking about voting for Russel Norman just to annoy Labour might have been a bit disheartened by his 15% result and could go back to voting Lee to at least make sure she doesn’t come third.
Seen a couple of Greens people here now.
Wow, just spotted Melissa Lee. She turned up to a debate for a change!
OK we’re about to get started here I think. There are a tonne of people around waving signs and chanting. Rocky has just chatted to Roger Douglas about pig farming (as he’s Mr Pig Farmer himself) and concludes that: “he’s a dick”. Not that we didn’t know that already.
We have five candidates talking tonight: David Shearer from Labour, Melissa Lee of National, Russel Norman of the Greens, John ‘lemington’ Boscawen from Act and Judy Turner from United Future. I must admit I had not idea she was the United Future candidate.
National supporters are holding their placards upside down. LOL.
Poor David Shearer looks like he has a cold, although I imagine he will be able to handle it better than John Key in the last week and a bit.
A few good chants going around about Russel Norman: “show us your muscles Russel”, “Russ the Muss”, John “lemington” Boscawen.
Getting started here now. Introductions – huge noise for Melissa Lee (both cheers and boos). Clearly THE polarising MP here tonight.
Talking about online poll results showing Melissa Lee at 31% to Shearer’s 40%. We all know how “scientific” online polls are, so can’t really read much into that.
Boscawen giving a quick run-down on why to vote for him. Basically “he’s part of the government”. Ummmm…. yeah so why should we vote for you? Norman talking about public transport, poverty, keeping kids safe…. well at least he said something. Melissa Lee getting a lot of laughs “talking about views of Mt Albert”. Clearly not if you live in Waterview. David Shearer wants to support communities of Mt Albert, talking about his great personal history, wants to support & stand up for the people of Mt Albert. Talked well! Now I could say what Judy Turner says… but really, who cares?
Video playing about how awesome Mt Albert is. I grew up here, so I KNOW 🙂 (as did Rocky). The idea of Melissa Lee as our MP makes us both feel a bit sick (but looks like we won’t have to worry about that). Quiz going on now – people don’t seem to know the answers (though doing a bit better now). Good to quiz the candidates about their local knowledge – quite telling how bad all the candidates are doing.
OK bit of a technical problem there.
Some interesting discussion about the Waterview Connection (with predictable responses) and the Super City. John Boscawen is good at hogging the microphone talking about Rodney’s reforms for local government (someone should tell him that people don’t want councils cut back to only providing roads and rubbish though). Melissa Lee seems a bit shell-shocked by the whole atmosphere, which isn’t that surprising as things are pretty intense here.
Judy Turner actually talked some sense about local government though. She points out that over the last decade more and more functions have been decentralised onto local government from central government, so it’s actually no surprise that rates have gone up over that time.
It has been a tad difficult to hear anything here, with the crowd. Melissa Lee gets either a giant cheer or a giant boo everytime she says anything, and it would have been interesting to actually see what she has to say about the Super City (for example).
An interesting question from the floor about what Melissa Lee might actually do as the MP for Mt Albef that she’s not doing now. A pretty good question really, as she’s backbench MP either way.
Whale’s given up on his twittering and instead is interrupting non-National speakers. I must say it’s bloody hard to hear anything from where I am, but the atmosphere is certainly fun and exiciting!
Good words from Russel Norman summing up – that Mt Albert would have a front-bench MP representing them. Melissa Lee saying “she’s doing her very best for Mt Albert”. Ummm… not that good. David Shearer saying that he has a history of standing up for the rights of those who need it, and will do so for Auckland. Judy Turner saying that it’s pointless voting for Russel, Melissa or John as they’re already in parliament. People should therefore choose between either her or David.
And it all ends with a big round of applause. That was certainly interesting, though I can’t say I heard much more than 10% of what was said.
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- Government honours Taranaki Maunga dealThe Government is honouring commitments made to Taranaki iwi with the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its first reading Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the commitment the Crown made to the eight iwi of Taranaki to negotiate ...2 weeks ago
- Enhanced partnership to reduce agricultural emissionsThe Government and four further companies are together committing an additional $18 million towards AgriZeroNZ to boost New Zealand’s efforts to reduce agricultural emissions. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the strength of the New Zealand economy relies on us getting effective and affordable emission reduction solutions for New Zealand. “The ...2 weeks ago
- 110km/h limit proposed for Kāpiti ExpresswayTransport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will begin consultation this month on raising speed limits for the Kāpiti Expressway to 110km/h. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and this proposal supports that outcome ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand Biosecurity Awards – Winners announcedTwo New Zealanders who’ve used their unique skills to help fight the exotic caulerpa seaweed are this year’s Biosecurity Awards Supreme Winners, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Strong biosecurity is vital and underpins the whole New Zealand economy and our native flora and fauna. These awards celebrate all those in ...2 weeks ago
- Attendance action plan to lift student attendance ratesThe Government is taking action to address the truancy crisis and raise attendance by delivering the attendance action plan, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. Regular attendance, defined as being in school over 90 per cent of the ...2 weeks ago
- World must act to halt Gaza catastrophe – PetersForeign Minister Winston Peters has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today that an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza to halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. “Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of Israel’s military actions,” Mr Peters said in his speech to a ...2 weeks ago
- Speech to United Nations General Assembly: 66th plenary meeting, 78th sessionMr President, The situation in Gaza is an utter catastrophe. New Zealand condemns Hamas for its heinous terrorist attacks on 7 October and since, including its barbaric violations of women and children. All of us here must demand that Hamas release all remaining hostages immediately. At the ...2 weeks ago
- Government woolshed roadshow kicks offToday the Government Agriculture Ministers started their national woolshed roadshow, kicking off in the Wairarapa. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said it has been a tough time for farmers over the past few years. The sector has faced high domestic inflation rates, high interest rates, adverse weather events, and increasing farm ...2 weeks ago
- PM heads to Singapore, Thailand, and PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines this week (April 14-20), along with a senior business delegation, signalling the Government’s commitment to deepen New Zealand’s international engagement, especially our relationships in South East Asia. “South East Asia is a region that is more crucial than ever to ...2 weeks ago
- Prime Minister launches Government TargetsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced further steps to get New Zealand back on track, launching nine ambitious Government Targets to help improve the lives of New Zealanders. “Our Government has a plan that is focused on three key promises we made to New Zealanders – to rebuild the economy, ...2 weeks ago
- Natural hydrogen resource should be free of Treaty claims entanglementNatural hydrogen could be a game-changing new source of energy for New Zealand but it is essential it is treated as a critical development that benefits all New Zealanders, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones is seeking to give regulatory certainty for those keen to develop natural, or geological, ...2 weeks ago
- Government responds to unsustainable net migration...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand on stage at global Space SymposiumSpace Minister Judith Collins will speak at the Space Symposium in the United States next week, promoting New Zealand’s rapidly growing place in the sector as we work to rebuild the economy. “As one of the largest global space events, attended by more than 10,000 business and government representatives from ...2 weeks ago
- $4.9m project completed with marae reopeningA significant marae has reopened in the heart of Rotorua marking the end of renovations for the Ruatāhuna Marae Renovation Cluster, a project that provided much-needed jobs and regional economic stimulus, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones was at the official reopening of Mātaatua ki Rotorua Marae today. ...2 weeks ago
- Pure Tūroa Limited to operate Tūroa ski fieldKo Tahuarangi te waka – Tahuarangi is the ancestral vessel Ko Rangitukutuku te aho – Rangitukutuku is the fishing line Ko Pikimairawea te matau – Pikimairawea is the hook Ko Hāhā te Whenua te ika kei rō-wai – Hāhā te whenua is the fish (of Māui) whilst under the ocean ...2 weeks ago
- Methane targets to be independently reviewedRebuilding New Zealand’s economy will rely on the valuable agricultural sector working sustainably towards our climate change goals. Today, the Climate Change and Agriculture Ministers announced that an independent panel of experts will review agricultural biogenic methane science and targets for consistency with no additional warming. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay ...2 weeks ago
- NZ and Nordics: likeminded partnersForeign Minister Winston Peters has highlighted the strong ties that bind New Zealand and the Nordic countries of Northern Europe during a trip to Sweden today. “There are few countries in the world more likeminded with New Zealand than our friends in Northern Europe,” Mr Peters says. “We ...2 weeks ago
- First New Zealand C-130J Hercules takes flightThe first New Zealand C-130J Hercules to come off the production line in the United States has successfully completed its first test flights, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. “These successful flights are a significant milestone for the New Zealand Defence Force, bringing this once-in-a-generation renewal of a critical airlift ...2 weeks ago
- Government to rephase NCEA Change ProgrammeThe coalition Government is making significant changes to the NCEA Change Programme, delaying the implementation by two years, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “Ensuring New Zealand’s curriculum is world leading is a vital part of the Government’s plan to deliver better public services and ensure all students ...2 weeks ago
- New Ngāpuhi investment fund Chair appointedBen Dalton has been appointed the new board Chair of Tupu Tonu, the Ngāpuhi Investment Fund, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones. “Ben brings a wealth of experience in governance and economic development to the position. He will have a strong focus on ensuring ...2 weeks ago
- Education should be prioritised ahead of protestingStudents should be in school and learning instead of protesting during school hours, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. “If students feel strongly about sending a message, they could have marched on Tuesday when there was a nationwide teacher only day, or during the upcoming school holidays. It has become ...2 weeks ago
- Delivering on Local Water Done WellCabinet has agreed on key steps to implement Local Water Done Well, the Coalition Government’s plan for financially sustainable locally delivered water infrastructure and services, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says. "Councils and voters resoundingly rejected Labour’s expensive and bureaucratic Three Waters regime, and earlier this year the Coalition Government ...2 weeks ago
- Peters to visit New York, Washington D.C.Foreign Minister Winston Peters will engage with high-level United States Government and United Nations officials in the United States next week (6-12 April). The visit, with programmes in New York and Washington D.C., will focus on major global and regional security challenges and includes meetings with US Secretary of ...2 weeks ago
- Security cooperation in challenging worldNew Zealand is committed to working more closely with NATO partners to support collective security in a worsening strategic environment, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The Coalition Government has made clear the strong emphasis it places on cooperation with New Zealand’s traditional partners, and NATO is a big part ...2 weeks ago
- Construction starts on Queenstown roading upgradesTransport Minister Simeon Brown has kicked off construction on $250 million upgrades to State Highway 6/6A (SH6/6A) in Queenstown that will boost economic growth, reduce congestion, and create a safer and more reliable transport network. “With more than 40,000 vehicles passing through each day at peak times, the current SH6/6A Frankton ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand “open for business” for Build To RentAssociate Finance Ministers David Seymour and Chris Bishop say overseas investment in Build To Rent housing will be welcomed in New Zealand under a new directive letter they have issued to Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), the regulator for the Overseas Investment Act. Build To Rent (BTR) is a type ...2 weeks ago
- Coalition Government to require referendums on Māori wardsThe Coalition Government will restore the rights of communities to determine whether to introduce Māori wards, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government will introduce a Bill in the coming months that will restore the ability for communities to petition their councils to hold binding polls on Māori ward ...2 weeks ago
- ERO report confirms need for clearer curriculumA report by the Education Review Office (ERO) on Aotearoa New Zealand Histories confirms that teachers need better clarity on curriculum and how to deliver it, Minister of Education Erica Stanford says. “Despite the hard work of teachers, education achievement and attendance have declined significantly in the last few years. ...2 weeks ago
- Building products shakeup to lower pricesThe coalition Government is eliminating barriers to the use of overseas building products to make it easier and more affordable to build in New Zealand, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government has a plan to rebuild the economy to help Kiwis get ahead, and part of that plan ...2 weeks ago
- NZ-NASA research partnerships announcedTwelve New Zealand research teams will conduct joint six-month feasibility studies looking at Earth observation research with NASA, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “The research teams will conduct feasibility studies in environmental monitoring, water and climate modelling, natural hazards, and biodiversity,” Ms Collins says. ...2 weeks ago
- Project applications for Fast Track open todayApplications are now open for projects to be included in the Government’s legislation establishing a one-stop shop fast-track approvals regime, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Making it easier and faster to build significant projects is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...2 weeks ago
- Grattan on Friday: Ethnic tensions will complicate the Albanese government’s multicultural policy ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment earlier this year, he stressed the rising danger posed by espionage and foreign interference. “In 2024, threats to our way of life have surpassed ...2 days ago - Group plans work to improve safety of female MPs
New research shows harassment of elected officials - especially women - is on the rise. ...2 days ago - Ukraine warns of WW3 ahead of long-stalled Congress aid voteUkraine's Prime Minister says his country desperately needs the US to approve long-stalled security assistance. ...2 days ago
- PSA astonished Education Minister expects hiring of contractors to review curriculumHiring contractors is an appalling solution when people who could do the work are losing their jobs, the PSA says. ...2 days ago
- Crown lawyers attempt to block Waitangi Tribunal summons to Minister for ChildrenThe Tribunal had called on Minister for Children Karen Chhour to provide evidence at an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...2 days ago
- Luxon refuses to guarantee public consultation on AUKUS Pillar 2Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's "far too premature" to be confirming whether the public would be consulted on joining AUKUS Pillar 2. ...2 days ago
- Visualising the 1800s or designing wedding invitations: 6 ways you can use AI beyond generating textSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University Midjourney image by T.J. Thomson As more than half of Australian office workers report using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for work, we’re starting to see this technology affect every ...2 days ago
- Falls, fractures and self-harm: 4 charts on how kids’ injury risk changes over time and differs fo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Nicole Sharwood, Injury epidemiologist | Expert Witness, UNSW Sydney Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock Injuries are the leading cause of disability and death among Australian children and adolescents. At least a quarter of all emergency department presentations during childhood are injury-related. Injuries can ...2 days ago
- Choice and control: will NDIS reforms mean people with disability don’t get to decide who they liv...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Winkler, Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University Shutterstock/Ground Picture Many Australians with disability feel on the edge of a precipice right now. Recommendations from the disability royal commission and the NDIS review were released late ...2 days ago
- Asbestos in playground mulch: how to avoid a repeat of this circular economy scandalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Salman Shooshtarian, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University Salman Shooshtarian Asbestos has been found in mulch used for playgrounds, schools, parks and gardens across Sydney and Melbourne. Local communities naturally fear for the health of their ...2 days ago
- Could Albanese’s bet on homegrown green industries be the boost our regions deserve?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University Cloudy Designs/Shutterstock Right now, there’s a global race underway. The goal: bring back manufacturing and energy jobs as the energy transition speeds up. In 2022, America launched its mammoth Inflation Reduction Act and the ...2 days ago
- Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon won't say if government will consult public on joining ...Asked multiple times if the public will be consulted on joining the defence pact, Luxon repeatedly said that was yet to be worked through. ...2 days ago
- Watch live: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks in PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters on the third leg of his Southeast Asia trip, from Manila in the Philippines. ...2 days ago
- Māori lawyers call Shane Jones' Waitangi Tribunal comments 'inappropriate'The Māori Law Society says his comments breach the principle of the separation of powers and the Cabinet Manual. ...2 days ago
- Abortions Increase 25% Since Law Change
Family First says that the latest abortion statistics make grim and upsetting reading, with a 25% increase in abortions since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020. According to an Official Information Act request received by Right to Life ...2 days ago - Over Half Of New Zealanders Feel That The Country Is In Decline And That Our Society Is BrokenIpsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study on populism reveals a pervasive sense of societal and economic decline among New Zealanders. MORE DETAILS AND FULL REPORT HERE Ipsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study ...2 days ago
- Australia’s new defence strategy is big on ideas, but lacks one key ingredient: well-trained soldi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow, Strategic Studies, Griffith University There have been a lot of defence announcements recently about buying new equipment, building up Australia’s manufacturing capabilities, creating local jobs, new legislation to support AUKUS and even a new defence chief. In ...2 days ago
- What does Steve Smith’s Stateside signing mean for cricket in the US – and Australia?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney Steve Smith, one of this generation’s finest batters, has conquered much of the cricketing world during his career, and he now has set his sights on a new frontier: the United ...2 days ago
- A love letter to Wellington: when i open the shop by romesh dissanayake, reviewed
Madeleine Ballard reviews the debut novel from romesh dissanayake. when I open the shop, the debut novel by Naarm-based Aotearoa writer romesh dissanayake (Sri Lankan, Koryo Saram), is a narrative of grief. Devendra loses his mother, opens a noodle shop on The Terrace, grieves, and emerges changed. But just as ...2 days ago - Minister Concedes Contractors Will Be Hired To Do Work Of Axed Ministry Of Education StaffThe PSA can’t believe that the Minister of Education is happy for her ministry to hire contractors at the same time it is dismissing 565 workers. ...2 days ago
- Attempt to bar diplomat from Myanmar military junta failsMyanmar community members applied to the courts to bar the diplomat from attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ...2 days ago
- LGNZ Welcomes Govt Earthquake-prone Buildings DecisionLGNZ has advocated for this decision as part of a remit led by Manawatū District Council. ...2 days ago
- AUKUS Pillar 2 a 'fragrant, methane-wrapped bull***' – Bob CarrThe former Australian Foreign Minister has continued to warn New Zealand against joining the defence pact. ...2 days ago
- Enforceable undertaking issued to abc accounting services limited after continued non-compliance.The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has accepted an enforceable undertaking agreement from ABC Accounting Services Limited (ABC) under section 81 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act). ...2 days ago
- REVEALED: RNZ’s Hypocrisy Over Fair Digital News Bargaining BillThe Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Radio New Zealand (RNZ) spent $71,842.53 on Facebook advertising over the past 12 months, despite earlier this year coming out in support of the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill , which would force the likes ...2 days ago
- Police rejected 'very good offer' – Mark MitchellPolice Minister Mark Mitchell says the pay offer rejected by police was the best the government could put forward under difficult financial circumstances. ...2 days ago
- How can we have truth-telling without the Voice? Our research shows a way forwardSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock The Uluru Statement from the Heart set out the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for “Voice, Treaty, Truth”, in ...2 days ago
- NZ education scores must improve – but another polarising ideological pivot isn’t the answerSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn E Wood, Associate Professor in Education, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images You don’t need to look hard right now to see concerns about Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system. Declining performance in international testing has been ...2 days ago
- An updated tally of the public sector job cutsThe coalition government has made it well known it expects departments to cut roles. We break down the numbers as they currently stand. Updated: 12pm, April 18 Before last year’s election, both National and Act made it clear that the public service was squarely in their crosshairs. Both parties, now ...2 days ago
- Confessions of an unlikely petrolheadCheckered Flag director Natalie Wilson on her lifelong love of motorsport, and the allure of Pukekohe Park Raceway. One childhood summer when my world revolved around winning stuff off the radio, I bagged tickets to Western Springs Speedway and then to Waikaraka Park in what was a dream season for ...2 days ago
- 'Ambitious' trade pledge headlines Luxon's Thailand stopThe Prime has announced a commitment to triple two-way trade with Thailand by 2045, but it only requires maintaining current growth. ...2 days ago
- ‘The right person’: What did Solomon Islanders vote for?By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor in Honiara After a relatively well organised and peaceful day of voting in Solomon Islands yesterday, the electoral commission is working with donor partners to safely transport ballot boxes from polling stations all over the country to centrally located counting venues. It is a ...2 days ago
- What it’s like to be made redundant by the Ministry of EducationI was one of hundreds of people who lost my government job this week. Here’s exactly how it played out. It is a Friday. I’m in the middle of an online Teams hui working out the finer details of a series of workshops we’ll be presenting next week. It’s a ...2 days ago
- What are ‘Ozempic babies’? Can the drug really increase your chance of pregnancy?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karin Hammarberg, Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University Joshua Rodriguez/Unsplash Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. But what do we actually know about ...2 days ago
- Why the kookaburra’s iconic laugh is at risk of being silencedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diana Kuchinke, Lecturer in Ecology, Federation University Australia Linda Robertus/Shutterstock Once, while teaching a class of environmental science students in China’s Hebei University of Science and Technology, I asked who knew what a laughing kookaburra was. There were many blank faces. ...2 days ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Breen, Professor of Law, University of Waikato smolaw11/Getty Images School truancy has been a concern across the political spectrum for years. But proposed solutions have largely failed to address the core reasons for unexplained school absences. Despite the apparent ...2 days ago
- ‘Listening is the most important part’: 10 things students with disability and their families wa...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melissa Cain, Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education and Arts Education, Australian Catholic University Agence Olloweb/Unsplash, CC BY About 90% of Australian students with disability attend mainstream schools. Equitable access and participation in education is a fundamental human right. But as last ...2 days ago
- Will global oil supply be at risk if Iran and Israel pull the Middle East into war?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flavio Macau, Associate Dean – School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following Iran’s weekend missile and drone attacks on Israel, heightening concerns of a wider conflict. As with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ...2 days ago
- No, getting your boyfriend to peel an orange won’t prove his loyalty. Why TikTok relationship ‘t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edith Jennifer Hill, Associate Lecturer, Learning & Teaching Innovation, Flinders University Shutterstock Have you ever wondered if your partner really loves you? Well apparently so have thousands of TikTok users, who are testing their theories for the world to see. In ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s Annual Emissions Fell In 2022, For Third Successive YearThis is the third successive decrease year-on-year. New Zealand’s gross emissions for 2022 were 78.4 Mt CO2-e. ...2 days ago
- Oranga Tamariki job cuts: 'We can't establish what their endgame is'Oranga Tamariki has failed to explain how hundreds of job cuts will achieve a better outcome for children, a children's advocate says. ...2 days ago
- Help Me Hera: My parents won’t help out with my kidsThey pressured me to have children, and I had two. Now they won’t lift a finger. Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Hi Hera, I suspect it’s a familiar pattern. Back in the day, as a single gal, I was plagued with questions from my parents about when I would find ...2 days ago
- Care Workers Call For Fairness On Pay Equity Anniversary“The Government has an opportunity here to really correct the course for the care and support workforce, and the people they look after. This cannot be just another area left in the cold, we need real leadership to ensure the proper quality of care ...2 days ago
- First evidence of ancient human occupation found in giant lava tube cave in Saudi ArabiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mathew Stewart, Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Griffith University The western passage of the Umm Jirsan lava tube. Green Arabia Project If you look from above, you can see thousands of stone structures dotting the landscape of the Arabian ...2 days ago
- Teachers worry about curriculum, NCEA changes amid staff cutsMore than 500 jobs are likely to be cut at the Education Ministry with concerns about how the curriculum and NCEA changes will now be managed. ...2 days ago
- Government IT systems need a $800m overhaulThe government is facing a bill of more than $800 million to overhaul back-office IT systems, and attempts to lessen its impact have hit delays. ...2 days ago
- Over 3,000 public service jobs now proposed to goThe Ministry of Education confirmed a proposal to reduce headcount by 565, while Oranga Tamariki’s proposal would result in a loss of 447 jobs, 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. Ministry of ...2 days ago
- Kāinga Ora delays building projects ahead of reviewKāinga Ora is unable to say how many new KiwiBuild developments have been delayed as it waits for the outcome of the government's independent review of the state housing agency. ...2 days ago
- Owners of earthquake prone buildings given four extra years to complete strengtheningA review into the regulations was also being brought forward. ...2 days ago
- Corrections Accepts Recommendations Following Auckland Prison InspectionThe Inspectorate made three overarching recommendations following the inspection, all of which have been accepted in full by Corrections. ...2 days ago
- Auckland’s dumped Commonwealth Games bid has lessons for Christchurch
The crippling cost and complexity of Christchurch’s Commonwealth Games ambitions have become clearer The post Auckland’s dumped Commonwealth Games bid has lessons for Christchurch appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago - Oranga Tamariki services for at-risk children will get better after job cuts, minister says"We need to make sure that every dollar we're spending is actually for the benefit of our young people," says Children's Minister Karen Chhour. ...2 days ago
- How the coalition plans to replace the quickly scrapped Māori Health AuthorityThe coalition government got rid of the Māori Health Authority in a hurry. What is it doing now instead? ...2 days ago
- How to tell if your child is well enough to go to school or is in fact sickDavid Seymour announced new guidelines this week for sending your kids to school with symptoms. Emily Writes sums them up. Parents knee deep in snotty tissues and buckets of vomit were granted a much-welcome reprieve by associate education minister David Seymour on Wednesday with the announcement that he will advise ...2 days ago
- We’re asking the wrong questions about treaty settlementsWhen the Crown is the self-appointed ultimate authority over a process to deal with Crown misconduct, we run into big issues, writes Tina Ngata. “What’s it going to take for Ngā Puhi to settle” was the headliner statement on Q&A last weekend, as Ngā Puhi chair Mana Tahere was interviewed ...2 days ago
- Labour all at sea against Govt’s legislative blitzkriegOpinion: The embittered negativity of Labour’s prominent spokespeople is preventing political exploitation of rapid Government change The post Labour all at sea against Govt’s legislative blitzkrieg appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- Staff shortages key to Auckland Prison’s failure to uphold inmates’ rightsOpinion: At a time when government departments are shedding workers to fund budgetary cuts, the news that staff shortages have caused prisoners to be in solitary confinement for periods longer than eight months is frightening. This revelation is one of several in the Prison Inspectorate’s most recent report, published ...2 days ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 18 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 18 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- Police briefings show finances at ‘tipping point’There is a forecast deficit of $120m only brought down to $56m through cost-cutting measures The post Police briefings show finances at ‘tipping point’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- Pharmac and the keys to the drug cupboardClose to 3,500,000 prescriptions for paracetamol are written in New Zealand every year. It’s just one of the treatments funded by Pharmac, the drug agency that barters with pharmaceutical companies to get medicines for us at the lowest cost possible. Currently its yearly budget is about $1.5 billion, but apparently ...2 days ago
- Book of the Week: Mothering in late-stage capitalismI think a capitalist patriarchy that relies on monogamous heterosexuality and gender essentialism is the worst system to ensure the survival of our species. Just watch an episode of MAFS Australia. I don’t think there’s anything natural or normal about this system, instead I think it’s a construct kept in ...2 days ago
- Luxon spreads his wings in ThailandLuxon touched down in Thailand late on Tuesday night, before launching into a packed day of business breakfasts and bilateral meetings in the kingdom’s capital. The visit to Thailand comes after Luxon’s Singapore swing – somewhat of a love-in for the Kiwi Prime Minister, where he shmoozed high-net worth individuals, ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s crisis of confidenceThree in five New Zealanders say our country is in decline and our society is broken, exclusive new polling reveals The post New Zealand’s crisis of confidence appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- Daily crossword, Thursday 18 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Thursday 18 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand broken and in decline, Kiwis sayA global wave of disillusionment and disenfranchisement has not spared New Zealand, with a majority of respondents to a survey here agreeing that New Zealand society is broken and the country is in decline. Ipsos New Zealand asked 1001 Kiwis about their hopes for the future and their views of ...2 days ago
- A montage of West Papuan everyday life from hip-hop to protest songsI came to this evening of short films not sure what to expect. I have a history with West Papua (here referring to the Indonesian part of the island of New Guinea, which comprises five provinces, one named “West Papua”) from my days fronting the legendary West Papuan band Black ...3 days ago
- Ministry of Education plans to cut 565 rolesIt makes the proposal the biggest single slash to a public service agency so far. ...3 days ago
- Oranga Tamariki proposes to cut more than 400 jobsAbout 1900 roles would be affected overall - either changed or disestablished - in the "scope of restructuring work". ...3 days ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Independent MP Dai Le on the church attack in her electorateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra After the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel in an Assyrian Orthodox Church in Wakeley on Monday, and the killings in Bondi Junction shopping centre just two days earlier, many people in Sydney and in ...3 days ago
- Government issues guidelines for when sick children should be kept home from schoolCovid-19? Symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or head lice? Your children should be at home, new government guidelines say. ...3 days ago
- Australia’s long-sought stronger environmental laws just got indefinitely deferred. It’s back to...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University We’ve long known Australia’s main environmental protection laws aren’t doing their job, and we know Australians want better laws. Labor was elected promising to fix them. ...3 days ago
- AI is making smart devices – watches, speakers, doorbells – easier to hack. Here’s how to stay...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chao Chen, Deputy Director, Enterprise AI and Data Analytics Hub, RMIT Univeristy, RMIT University Ivan Bandura/Unsplash From asking our smart speakers for the weather to receiving personalised advice from smartwatches, devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly streamlining our routines ...3 days ago
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“The Nats are a bit thin on the ground” – they’ve all got ‘prior engagements’!!
Shit, Melissa Lee finally managed to clear her calendar for a debate… three days before voting.
For those without freeview – live stream on TVNZ Backbenches website.
http://tvnz.co.nz/back-benches/election-special-live-stream-tonight-2769048
Roger was a pig farmer until it all went horribly wrong. I believe there are still a few unanswered questions about the financing of that venture. And about the redseal sale.
IB said: Roger was a pig farmer until it all went horribly wrong.
I blogged about at least some of Roger’s record as a pig farmer a few days ago IB.
Disgraceful that he is again in public office.
Toad, yes and then there was the financial mess.
Wallace does his weekly triva question to the audience. Lee answers the question to the audience and wins the prize. Class.
Please tell IB.
Actually, I could too, but you get a far wider audience here than I do on g.blog.
Worth (oops, pun not intended) a thread of is own.
I’m listening on line and M Lee is saying about the Supercity: ‘What was the Royal Commission for, there is a select committee process- so people do get a say and David Shearer is scaremongering.” Yawn.
If Boscawen is part of the Govt, then so are Turner (if elected) and Lee. Consensus on this blog is that they’re not, however.
M Lee just said she has more muscle then Russell.
And Farrar’s liveblogging was a complete copout.
Just like his regular blogging then?
More muscle? Sadly, Lee’s is in her head.
It sounded like Melissa Lee answered the who am I question with the answer Dick Seddon – but it was hard to hear. Seddon is not right. What was the correct answer – MP born in Reading and came to NZ in 1894 and first MP for Mt Albert?
Arthur Richards – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Albert_(NZ_electorate)
Arthur Richards – Is that what Melissa Lee said and got the prize for? Here we all thought she said Seddon which is obviously wrong.
Interesting TV3 poll tonight – Shearer 60%, Lee 21%, Norman 13%
I think that it is funny that M Lee said that she would be the only candidate that would be in Government if elected. Clearly she doesn’t know the difference between caucusing with National and being in Cabinet (now being in Cabinet means you are actually in Government). But then if you use her line of ‘being in Government’ and lets say that she means she is in a party that forms Government, then so too is john Boscawen, as it is a N-ACT govt.
Once again lies from the M Lee Campaign….. gosh… when will she learn to shut up?!
“gosh when will she learn to shut up?!”
Saturday.
Well that was fun, if a little tricky to hear anything.
Anyone have a link to the show so I can actually hear what was said?
Not sure when it gets posted but when it does it’ll be here.
Nice work btw.
Thanks. I’m glad people watching on TV heard a heck of a lot more than what I could hear sitting at the bar.
Boscawen is a positively foul person. Easily the most repulsive MP, makes Garrett look charming.
Sounds like a bloody farce – why would you go if you don’t want to hear people speak!?
For the atmosphere!
When one goes to a rugby or cricket game they probably don’t follow it quite as well as would be possible on the TV at home. After all, no commentary to help them along and (if there’s no easily viewable giant screen) no endless replays to see what happened.
Yet people still go, and in many ways it is better live than on TV.
It’s like “why go to a rock concert when you get better sound quality on a CD”?
I read that as “The Backbencher” and assumed he was blogging from a pub.
Is the pub in Wellington called “The Backbencher” and the programme called “The Backbenches”?
And I was blogging from a pub 😀
You don’t need to hear anything at a cricket game though do you. Whatever butters your toast jarbury, but politics is diminished when people go to create/experience an atmosphere IMHO – doesn’t seem conducive to ‘debating issues’ or ‘informing the voters’ an’ all that.
Can Melissa Lee put her foot any deeper in her mouth:
From here