The simple truth is that our social narrative – almost all of it – was based on an incorrect set of assumptions. Base-line truths, vs beliefThe truth is that our social construct consumes energy and resources; putting out low-grade heat and degraded resources. The truth is that we have used the best half of a one-off global bonanza of fossil energy. We used it to indulge ourselves as if there were no tomorrow (ironically, the closest we’ve come to telling ourselves the truth). Both assume bitumen and travel; how long will a global system operating on ever-reducing fossil energy supplies, supply those?

New Zealand’s unemployment rate rose from 3.9% to 4% in the last three months of 2023, according to data released by Statistics New Zealand on Wednesday morning. It appears the labour market has held stronger than expected by economists, many of whom were expecting an unemployment rate closer to 4.3%. The total employment rate was 69%. “The employment rate decreased over the past six months as the working-age population grew faster than employment, meaning the proportion of people who were employed declined,” Collett said. Public sector wages rose faster than in the private sector.

Stats NZ will release the December quarter figures for unemployment, as well as employment and wage growth. The consensus of economists is that unemployment rose from 3.9 per cent to 4.3 per cent. “If the sheer quantum of labour market data released doesn’t bewilder a few, some of the outcomes might at first glance,” says BNZ economist Doug Steel. That was still a low level compared with history, said Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon. “On an annual basis, wage inflation has just passed its peak, and we expect it to slow further from 4.2 per cent to 3.9 per cent,” Gordon said.

Creative and strategic content agency, Daring Digital has strengthened its team with creative marketing specialist Rosie Meikle joining as Head of Agency. Meikle, who joined in December, is a proven leader who shows dedication to client relationships and creative growth. She comes with a wealth of experience within the agency sphere, working for the global advertising network, BBDO in New Zealand and Australia. The newly created Head of Agency role bolsters a solid team of digital experts. “I’m thrilled to be joining an already successful and inspiring team whom I can support and help grow the business.

Creative and production studio Breakout Room has hired Kat Day as their new General Manager, it was announced today by parent company, MBM. Hailing from the UK, with 20 years of experience in the industry, Kat is adept at devising and producing content-led creative campaigns that drive awareness, increase engagement and win awards. Prior to Special, Kat was Group Business Director at Mango (DDB Group), where she led three account teams, delivering campaigns for clients including Nestlé, Lion and Booking.com. “I am so excited to be joining Breakout Room” says Kat. Kat has started at Breakout Room with immediate effect.

Of some concern is that delinquency rates rose for all debt types - except for student loans. The UST 10yr yield starts today at 4.09% and up +5 bps from Monday. The Kiwi dollar starts today at just on 60.7 USc and holding its lower Monday level. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just on 70 and up +10 bps from Monday. The bitcoin price starts today higher at US$43,183 and up +0.7% from this time yesterday.

He noted the quarterly inflation rate had fallen below 1 percent in December and the "inflation surge" appeared to be over. That should lead to a significant fall in interest rates this year. "For longer-term interest rates, there's likely to be a continued downward drift as we creep closer to anticipated OCR cuts." ANZ economists forecast that one-year fixed rates will be about 6.1 percent by the end of the year. "If we were to see global interest rates fall that could mean that some of those lower rates we are talking about for later in the year or next year might arrive sooner."

Covid-19 Inquiry updateWe are happy to announce that the terms of reference on the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response have been expanded. This includes what we committed to in our coalition agreement, to:Ensure, as a matter of urgency in establishment and completion, a full scale,

A whale that died at a New Zealand beach has been buried by a public walkway where locals say they can smell the carcass and see oozing pink liquid. The burial site of the whale seen from above. "We realised the reason behind the smell and the liquid was that the council had buried the dead whale there." The area had also been left in an "appalling state" following the burial, McKenna said. READ MORE: New problem found on Boeing 737 Max planes The area where the whale was buried was described as 'foul smelling'.

Leo Molloy named as businessman accused of assaulting policeAn Auckland hospitality magnate facing charges of assaulting a police officer and intentionally obstructing another officer after an incident at a bar can now be named. Leo Molloy appeared briefly at the Auckland District Court this morning where his lawyer, Quentin Duff, said his client’s application for name suppression would not be pursued. Molloy has been charged with assaulting a police officer and intentionally obstructing another officer after an incident at a bar on July 15. But does it honestly ring true that Leo, all five foot four nothing of him would actually assault a Police Officer and obstruct another? This reeks of abuse of power and I’ve seen enough trumped up charges by cops to not trust them as far as I can throw them.

Black Ferns loose forward Kennedy Simon MNZM has been retained as Chiefs Manawa captain ahead of the 2024 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki season. It will be Simon’s second season leading the Chiefs Manawa after the retirement of Les Elder. She’s a weapon on the field and a fabulous role model off it,” Chiefs Manawa head coach Crystal Kaua said. We’ve come in off a heavy break but I think everyone has been able to train over the Christmas period. The 27-year-old made her Black Ferns debut in 2019 after touring Japan with the Black Ferns Sevens Development team earlier that year and has since become the national co-captain.

Photo: SuppliedEli Paewai - who has played drums for Six60 since the hugely successful Kiwi band was formed in 2008 - has announced that he will be retiring from the role after two final shows this month. In a statement on social media, Paewai said being a founding member of the band had been "one of the most fulfilling things in my life". "While my personal journey with music is coming to an end, I will always be a member of Six60. I will be staying on as a member of the Six60 foundation to continue my passion of mentoring and coaching future generations." Paewai will play two final gigs with the band in Melbourne on 10 February and at Christchurch's Electric Avenue on 24 February.

Treasury’s briefing to new Finance Minister Nicola Willis suggested she stick with the Government’s fiscal rules set in 2022, although left room for her to refine them. Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson set the current fiscal rules after the pandemic, based on Treasury advice. In the November briefing, the Treasury told Willis that fiscal sustainability was a key policy issue and that fiscal rules were an effective way to communicate the Government’s commitment. To achieve the surplus, Treasury said the Coalition Government could consider decreasing expenditure, limiting new spending, increasing taxes, or use debt more efficiently. Improved productivity was the key to better living standards in the future, it said.

A historical sexual abuse case that took nearly five years to resolve left a Dunedin survivor heartbroken and drained of her drive for justice. “This time, they nearly destroyed my mental health.”The process began back in November 2018, when Sarah first lodged a historical abuse claim with the MSD. In April of 2023, to her complete surprise, she received a second offer — a higher “rapid payment offer”. She said MSD had tried to make the claim process as smooth as possible and apologised for Sarah’s experience. The claims process was designed to give them choice, and payments were only one aspect.

South Canterbury hoopers Emily Cooney, left, and Briar Craig will head to Las Vegas later this year for a basketball tournament. Emily Cooney (15) and Briar Craig (13) have been selected for the under-16 and under-13 New Zealand Storm basketball teams, respectively. The pair will travel to Las Vegas for a tournament in July. New Zealand Storm is a nationwide club that selects players from all over the country. The Las Vegas Live tournament hosts boys and girls age group sides from across the US.