A print screen of the live Geonet website (Geonet). Natural hazards are a part of life in this country. Faults, volcanoes and tsunamis exist throughout. Government funding has always been available. In recent years that has changed. Funding tax cuts for those who do not need it, has been a bigger priority. To the point … Continue reading Natural hazards underfunding forces closure of Geonet monitoring centres
The awful legacy of 11 September 2001
Front page of The Press newspaper, New Zealand, 12 September 2001 We all know where we were when the news broke. For me it came early in the morning (N.Z. time) of 12 September 2001. Initially, I did not think too much of it until Mum came into my bedroom while I was getting ready … Continue reading The awful legacy of 11 September 2001
Immigrants: Too many? Too few? Just right?
Our immigration system needs an overhaul. (Immagine) How many of you readers have friends or family whose birth place was not New Zealand, but who came here to have a better life? What were their reasons for leaving? I have Colombian, Iranian, Peruvian friends - among others - who hold New Zealand citizenship. They left … Continue reading Immigrants: Too many? Too few? Just right?
The need for Louise Upston to resign
Louise Upston. The Minister is under pressure to explain her actions A revelation that Ministry of Social Development prematurely suspended thousands of winter energy payments, places more pressure on its struggling Minister. Louise Upston is a member of the conservative wing of the National Party. I am not sure that she specifically adheres to the … Continue reading The need for Louise Upston to resign
Our lack of an African understanding: Part 2
See Part 1 here.New Zealand, like the rest of the world has much it can contribute to the development of Africa as a continent. Like the world there is also much we can learn from it. And in doing so, we help ourselves and the world New Zealand politicians say that they want to see. … Continue reading Our lack of an African understanding: Part 2