Open mike 12/07/2023
Off-peak electricity is often greener and more affordable due to lower demand. A new Green Meter by Electric Kiwi shows consumers just how green their power is. By now, most of us know the drill. Faced with the double-whammy of chilly winter temperatures and a skyrocketing cost of living, we’re ...
Source:New Zealand Herald
July 12, 2023 05:11 UTC
More than 15,000 overseas workers arriving in NZ every month
Overseas workers continue to swell the workforce with 16,878 people arriving in Aotearoa on work visas in June, according to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The number of people arriving on work visas has been above 15,000 a month for all of this year and above 11,000 a month since September last year. That pushed the total number of people in NZ on residence visas pass 300,000 last month. After five years they are no longer counted, so the total number of people with residence visas is likely to be significantly higher than 300,000. The second graph below shows the monthly trends for the total numbers of people in NZ on either work or residence visas.
Source:New Zealand Herald
July 12, 2023 03:57 UTC
Dawn Raids and Oranga Tamariki Fight Clubs: Minister Sepeloni and Minister Davis are being poorly served by their Staff
Sepuloni ‘unaware’ dawn raids would continue after 2021 apologyActing Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni says she was “unaware” dawn raids would continue after the 2021 Government apology. TDB Recommends NewzEngine.comThe Deputy PM should have been fully briefed so that she could not make this dreadful blunder. Likewise Minister Kelvin Davis was poorly served by not knowing staff involved in the appalling Oranga Tamariki fightclubs only had 2 weeks training and numerous reports warning of this very environment. Politics is exhausting and staff can shut down and not see the minefields their Ministers are walking into. If you can’t contribute but want to help, please always feel free to share our blogs on social media
Source:New Zealand Herald
July 12, 2023 03:56 UTC
Tavatavanawai joins Highlanders for 2024 Super Rugby Pacific
Tavatavanawai joins Highlanders for 2024 Super Rugby PacificTavatavanawai joins Highlanders for 2024 Super Rugby PacificTimoci Tavatavanawai. [Image: stuff.co.nz]Fijian wrecking ball Timoci Tavatavanawai has signed a 2-year contract with the Highlanders for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific competition. Tavatavanawai, who enjoyed a stellar 2023 season with Moana Pasifika will bring his barnstorming game to Forsyth Barr Stadium in 2024. Tavatavanawai was part of the Crusaders and Highlanders wider training groups in 2021 and made his first-class debut for Tasman during the NPC later that year. Following some eye-catching performances in the NPC, Moana Pasifika Head Coach Aaron Mauger signed him for the 2022/23 seasons.
Source:Stuff
July 12, 2023 00:19 UTC
Teen motorcyclist injured in Dunedin crash
An 18-year-old motorcyclist has been taken to Dunedin Hospital with minor injuries after being hit by a car. Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said the incident occurred at about 1.30pm today. The rider was hospitalised as a precaution, he said. Sgt Bond said he was struck by a 62-year-old man who failed to give way at the Midland St and Ōtaki St intersection in Dunedin. laine.priestley@odt.co.nz
Source:New Zealand Herald
July 11, 2023 17:53 UTC
Shocking White Island footage shown as trial opens
As a mix of light and dark steam begins rising from Whakaari’s crater, a group of tourists look on in awe. Walking turns to running and running turns to sprinting as the group quickly takes refuge from volcanic missiles behind large rocks. Panicked screams fill the air and one tourist falls to their hands and knees before the ash cloud engulfs the group. The island sat at Volcanic Alert Level 2 at the time - a fact shared by a guide in another raw video played to the court today. WML has arrangements with multiple tourism businesses that operated tours to the island.
Source:Otago Daily Times
July 11, 2023 12:52 UTC
Raft of charges for man who fled police
Police have taken a man into custody following a short lived pursuit through Wakari this afternoon. Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said the 54-year-old man was seen speeding down Taieri Rd. He refused and police pursued the driver, who reached speeds over 80kph before stopping on Strathearn Ave. Bail for the man was opposed and he will appear in court tomorrow for two historic charges of shoplifting and one of burglary. He also faces charges of dangerous driving, possession of cannabis, breach of bail and a fines warrant.
Source:Otago Daily Times
July 11, 2023 12:16 UTC
Whakaari eruption: Risk assessment allegedly 'did not happen', court hears
In This Story: White IslandThe volcanic island Whakaari / White Island in New Zealand’s northeastern Bay of Plenty region explosively erupted on 9 December 2019 at 14:11 NZDT (01:11 UTC). Twenty-two people were killed, including two who are missing and declared dead, and a further 25 people suffered injuries, many of whom suffered severe burns. In April 2020 legal action was commenced in Australia on behalf of relatives and Ovation passengers against the cruise-ship operator Royal Caribbean International. The first court date is scheduled for 15 December at the Auckland District Court. 3 Recent Items: White Island
Source:New Zealand Herald
July 11, 2023 10:44 UTC
The Daily Blog Open Mic – 11th July 2023
Announce protest actions, general chit chat or give your opinion on issues we haven’t covered for the day. Announce protest actions, general chit chat or give your opinion on issues we haven’t covered for the day. The Editor doesn’t moderate this blog, 3 volunteers do, they are very lenient to provide you a free speech space but if it’s just deranged abuse or putting words in bloggers mouths to have a pointless argument, we don’t bother publishing. EDITORS NOTE: – By the way, here’s a list of shit that will get your comment dumped. Sexist language, homophobic language, racist language, anti-muslim hate, transphobic language, Chemtrails, 9/11 truthers, Qanon lunacy, climate deniers, anti-fluoride fanatics, anti-vaxxer lunatics, 5G conspiracy theories, the virus is a bioweapon, some weird bullshit about the UN taking over the world and ANYONE that links to fucking infowar.
Source:New Zealand Herald
July 11, 2023 05:24 UTC
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Labour and Chris Hipkins crash in latest poll, gap with National widest since 2017
National is pulling away from Labour in the latest poll. Photo / NZMENational is pulling away from Labour in the latest poll. Commentary released with the poll said it is the first time National has been ahead of Labour by five points or more. The bad news did not stop there for Labour, with leader Chris Hipkins tumbling six points to 32 per cent in the Preferred Prime Minister poll. A fall that large is bad news for Labour, but National leader Christopher Luxon was unable to capitalise on Hipkins’ malaise.
Source:New Zealand Herald
July 11, 2023 04:47 UTC
Mum rages against unmasked Mongrel Mob members in hospital ICU
A Southland mother is yet to receive an explanation or apology after Mongrel Mob gang members put her son’s life at risk while he was in an intensive care unit, she says. Anne-Maree Thomas has now made a complaint to the Ombudsman in her bid to receive an explanation from the hospital. The following day, several patched Mongrel Mob members arrived to visit the same patient, all without masks. “When [gang members are] patched up walking around ... who wouldn’t be scared? “I want an explanation why my son’s life wasn’t worth fighting for.
Source:Otago Daily Times
July 11, 2023 02:12 UTC
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Alleged car thief ‘sleepwalks’ into arms of Dunedin police
Police say a man seen loitering around a driveway claimed to be 'sleepwalking'. Photo / 123RFPolice say a man seen loitering around a driveway claimed to be 'sleepwalking'. Photo / 123RFA man caught allegedly attempting to break into a car on a Dunedin driveway explained he was sleepwalking. The owner of the car called police after seeing the man in his driveway attempting to break into his car on Morris St late last night. When confronted by the homeowner, the 45-year-old man said he was sleepwalking before leaving the property.
Source:Otago Daily Times
July 10, 2023 23:55 UTC
Is New Zealand joining the club?
Nato’s military commander — US General Christopher Cavoli — has reportedly drafted a 4000-page strategy for Nato’s operations throughout Europe. It could also strengthen his case with voters when making the case to lift New Zealand’s military spending. New Zealand spent just under 1.4% of its GDP on the military in 2021, according to World Bank figures. Mahuta told Reuters that neither New Zealand nor Nato considered the ITPPs to be a new grouping. In China, Hipkins told New Zealand media that his forthcoming participation at the Nato summit was not discussed during his face-to-face meeting with Xi.
Source:Otago Daily Times
July 10, 2023 23:01 UTC
'Nothing to see here': RBNZ may pause rate hikes
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Source:New Zealand Herald
July 10, 2023 17:14 UTC
Holland and Spain mock the Haka ahead of Women’s World Cup in New Zealand
The Telegraph published this video item, entitled “Holland and Spain mock the Haka ahead of Women’s World Cup in New Zealand” – below is their description. Spain and Holland appeared to mock the Haka ahead of the Women’s World Cup co-hosted in New Zealand. The clip of the Dutch players was published on the team’s official Instagram account. The Spanish players, like the Dutch, are coming under fire for appearing to make fun of Māori culture. The competition kicks off on July 20 and is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Source:New Zealand Herald
July 10, 2023 09:46 UTC