Breaking Views Update: Week of 28.4.24

Thursday May 2, 2024 

News
University unveils new $1.3m branding
A fresh chapter begins for the University of Otago, as it has unveiled its new $1.3 million branding.

The name University of Otago remains, but the reo name has changed to Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka - a metaphor meaning A Place of Many Firsts.

Kerre Woodham: When is the right time to give MPs a pay rise?

Happy International Workers Day to all the labourers and workers out there. All right, brother. All right, sister. Dedicated to recognizing the contributions and achievements of workers worldwide and taking the opportunity to promote workers rights and opportunities so. Go us, all of us paid grunts.

Patrick Usmar: Will New Zealand’s school phone ban work?

Will New Zealand’s school phone ban work? Let’s see what it does for students’ curiosity

With the coalition government’s ban of student mobile phones in New Zealand schools coming into effect this week, reaction has ranged from the sceptical (kids will just get sneakier) to the optimistic (most kids seem okay with it).

In a world where nearly everyone has a smartphone, it’s to be expected nearly everyone will have an opinion. The trick is to sort the valid from the kneejerk, and not rush to judgement.

Erica Stanford: Education Priorities Focused on Lifting Achievement

Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success.

“I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they can achieve to the best of their ability and gain skills and qualifications that will support them into further study and employment,” Ms Stanford says.

Wednesday May 1, 2024 

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Mike's Minute: Today we say goodbye to James Shaw MP

So, bye bye James Shaw; Valedictory Day today.

He is in the interesting position of having left behind something potentially quite substantive.

The Net Zero laws, we will be neutral by 2050. But then that’s the problem isn't it? My bet is we wont.

David Farrar: The upcoming MPs pay rise

The Remuneration Authority will soon decide what pay rise MPs get. This used to be an annual exercise. I lobbied for years that they should avoid the pressure of annual pay rises, and just have their pay set for each term of Parliament.

They have partly moved towards that. There is only one determination for the term, but it occurs after the election, not before – which I prefer. My preferred model would be the salaries are deterred three months prior to an election, so anyone elected knows in advance what the salary will be, and it won’t increase during the term.

Cam Slater: Ain’t That the Truth

Audrey Young provides a dose of reality for Winston Peters and NZ First in the wake of the strange poll from 1 News on Monday night. The broadcast showed Maiki Sherman wetting her knickers at the prospect of a left-leaning government, but the reality of the situation is that the election is more than two years away. But, that doesn’t mean Audrey Young is wrong:

Bruce Moon: The Treaty Debate - again!

With some recent correspondents raising again an article in the Guardian by Morgan Godfery, dated 23rd April 2022, it becomes necessary to look once again at that article and identify again the manner in which it is so blatantly wrong.

There Godfery claims that “the Māori language version reaffirming Māori sovereignty” which is profoundly the most utter nonsense.  The entire point of the activities of early February 1840 was to ascertain whether the assembled Maori chiefs assented to the transfer of such sovereignty as each possessed to the Queen in return for the undoubted benefits to the Maori people of becoming British subjects.

Perce Harpham: New Zealand is Whucked!

Wanganui was once the name of what is now written as Whanganui and the “wh” is pronounced as an “f”. This change took about 3 years of public discussion before it occurred so there was some semblance of due legal process. 

I do try to accept such changes even though in 2024 I have lived half of the time since the Treaty was signed and the Queen’s writ became the law. And that law was set down as applying to all the “PEOPLE OF NEW ZEALAND”. I have respected that law all of my life. But I do have difficulty with the changes in our administration which have occurred without any public discussion or semblance of due legal process.

Graham Adams: NZ’s trans lobby is fighting a rearguard action

The Cass Review is a turning point in the war on reality.

The press release last Thursday from the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls didn’t make the mainstream news in New Zealand but it really should have. The startling title of Reem Alsalem’s statement — “Implementation of ‘Cass report’ key to protecting girls from serious harm” — should have made news editors around the country sit up instantly and take notice.

Kerre Woodham: It's just a poll

Well, the 1News Verian poll released last night shows that support for the coalition government, after seeing an operation for a few months, has dropped since election night. Hardly surprising. Well, to my mind. Anyway, clearly there were others who were simply gob smacked and amazed, but on to them in a moment.

David Farrar: Or the banks could find it, instead of taxpayers

The Herald reports:

Banks want government support for a national anti-scam centre – and say other industries and search engines should help out too.

The banking sector has been under fire for deficiencies in its payment system which overseas criminals have exploited to steal an estimated $200 million from Kiwi victims last year.

Professor Robert MacCulloch: Beware Political Propaganda

Beware Political Propaganda: the unfolding economics & health statistics are pointing to Grant Robertson never protecting "Lives and Livelihoods"

Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over & over that he saved "lives and livelihoods". As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently.

Tuesday April 30, 2024 

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Clive Bibby: Time for the kaumatuas to speak up and be heard

I can’t remember a time when the wise counsel of those who have the mana needed to be heard in the corridors of power where decisions are being made that will affect us all.

The reason for this appeal is based on my concerns that government policy is being influenced by those with the loudest voice but not necessarily the wisdom required in order that we respond with vision rather than react to the shrill voices of those who claim to know it all.

NZCPR Newsletter: Mana or Money

When Meridian Energy was seeking resource consents for a West Coast hydro dam proposal in 2010, local Maori “strenuously” objected, claiming their mana was inextricably linked to ‘their’ river and could be damaged. 

After receiving a financial payment from the company however, the Ngai Tahu sub-tribe changed its mind and publicly supported the scheme.

Mike's Minute: More money for Pharmac or better self-health management?

I read an article yesterday about how we need to play in dirt more.

It's good for your health, that’s why you should “ground” yourself. Get your feet in the earth every day, it's good for your health.

That’s why we love growing our own veggies. 1. They’re fresh and good for your health, 2. your hands are in the dirt.

Simon O'Connor: Interactions

Kids out fishing on the river, no adults to be seen, shows that one author's ideas of how to address anxiety in youth is on the right track.

Rachel and I have just returned from Noosa, Australia and a couple of things struck us - and not just the cheaper house prices! For those who have had the good fortune to visit Noosa, you will know it is a beautiful coastal area with an accompanying inland river, a verdant national park, and welcome warm weather.

Sir Bob Jones: The news media imagery

In recent weeks the traditional news media themselves have become a major news story. With fast fading audiences in the face of alternative options, they’ve become a sunset industry and of necessity are undergoing constant staff layoffs, just as occurs in other once seemingly safe activities confronted by new technology making them redundant.