Today the United States is on a day of consequence. Will the Donald Trump led Republicans get rocked by an amazing electoral outcome? Or will the M.A.G.A. machine be vindicated by an outcome few in the world want? What will this map look like when it is all over? I am cynical about the outcome. … Continue reading The U.S. is on a day of consequence
Natural hazards underfunding forces closure of Geonet monitoring centres
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 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 1
There is no doubt that much has been said, written, filmed, photographed or otherwise recorded about Africa. It is a continent of mystery, of sorrow, of immense potential and no small amount of misunderstanding. Especially misunderstanding. It’s billion or so people are amongst the poorest on the face of the planet. Its resources are amongst … Continue reading Our lack of an African understanding: Part 1
Reforming Ministry of Social Development
Ministry of Social Development is in bad need of a complete overhaul (Christel Yardley/Waikato Times) Ministry of Social Development (or as I sometimes call it, Ministry of Social Destruction) is responsible for the implementation of social services and advising the Government on social policy. As it has evolved so have the attitudes of those relying … Continue reading Reforming Ministry of Social Development