Over 400 compete at Hawera kapa haka festivalMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMore than 400 Maori cultural performers from Taranaki and Whanganui are in Hawera competing for a place to represent the Aotea region at national competitions in Rotorua next year.
Moerewa students wait in limboMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amSenior students have spent their last day at Moerewa School in Northland but are still waiting for a decision on their future.
Tainui goes to Talley family over AffcoMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amWaikato-Tainui leadership has called on Affco management and the Talley family to recognise the impact ongoing industrial action at its North Island meat plants is having on the social fabric of communities such as Ngaruawahia.
Markets drop as Europe sinks into recessionMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amNew Zealand's dollar exchange rate against the greenback is down below 76 US cents for the first time in six months as currency traders take their lead from falling Asian sharemarkets.
UK retains "higher" animal welfare standardMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amBritish politicians say they will retain stricter animal testing standards than required by a new European Union directive.
Deals to constrain online bargains face scrutMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAustralia's competition regulator has announced it will investigate clothing importers who are making deals with international online stores to inflate prices for domestic shoppers.
Police probe slaying of veteran journalist inMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice have boosted the 25 staff initially investigating the death of a former senior journalist - killed in a violent assault at his Wanganui home - to a team of 40.
'Accidental embassy' may go on the blockMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amGovernment plans to save money on its foreign service are set to include a sell-down of stylish embassy properties in Paris.
Man preying on Whangarei children - policeMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amWhangarei police are warning people to look out for a man who has been approaching children in what they say is a suspicious manner.
Brumbies defeat HurricanesMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe Brumbies have broken their Super Rugby drought in Wellington.
Sir Paul McCartney warned The Coronas' bassisMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe indie rock band - comprised of lead singer Danny O'Reilly, drummer Conor Egan, guitarist Dave McPhillips and Graham Knox on bass - opened for the former Beatles bass player in Dublin in 2010 and Danny revealed Paul was happy to joke about his own departure from the legendary group.
Man killed in Whanganui namedMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice are pouring resources into the investigation into the violent death of a distinguished elderly journalist and writer in Whanganui.
Frank Iero labels former drummer "a thieving May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMy Chemical Romance's Frank Iero has labelled the band's former drummer Michael Pedicone "a thieving piece of garbage".
The xx's new album is "like the old stuff, onMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe Mercury prize winning group are set to release their second album later this year, and while they have been secretive about its sound, friends close to them say it is a natural development of their sound.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie decided to get mMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amApparently the couple feared she may not survive a dangerous new mission with the UN helping to battle drug lords.
John Travolta's wife Kelly Preston wants to hMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe 49-year-old 'Jerry Maguire' star, who will reach the milestone age in October, said she would love to be pregnant again.
Nadya Suleman's bankruptcy case has been dismMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe parent of octuplets, known as 'Octomom' attempted to file for Chapter seven, the most serious form of bankruptcy on April 30 but her papers have been rejected.
Ryan Nelsen out for four weeksMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAll Whites captain Ryan Nelsen's been ruled out of the sides World Cup qualifiers in the Solomon Islands as well as tests against Honduras and El Salvador next week.
Whangarei parents warned of child predatorMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice in Whangarei are asking for vigilance from the public, after several incidents where a man has approached young children.
Brumbies defeat HurricanesMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe Brumbies have broken their Super Rugby drought in Wellington.
Sir Paul McCartney warned The Coronas' bassisMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe indie rock band - comprised of lead singer Danny O'Reilly, drummer Conor Egan, guitarist Dave McPhillips and Graham Knox on bass - opened for the former Beatles bass player in Dublin in 2010 and Danny revealed Paul was happy to joke about his own departure from the legendary group.
Man killed in Whanganui namedMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice are pouring resources into the investigation into the violent death of a distinguished elderly journalist and writer in Whanganui.
Frank Iero labels former drummer "a thieving May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMy Chemical Romance's Frank Iero has labelled the band's former drummer Michael Pedicone "a thieving piece of garbage".
The xx's new album is "like the old stuff, onMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe Mercury prize winning group are set to release their second album later this year, and while they have been secretive about its sound, friends close to them say it is a natural development of their sound.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie decided to get mMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amApparently the couple feared she may not survive a dangerous new mission with the UN helping to battle drug lords.
John Travolta's wife Kelly Preston wants to hMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe 49-year-old 'Jerry Maguire' star, who will reach the milestone age in October, said she would love to be pregnant again.
Nadya Suleman's bankruptcy case has been dismMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe parent of octuplets, known as 'Octomom' attempted to file for Chapter seven, the most serious form of bankruptcy on April 30 but her papers have been rejected.
Ryan Nelsen out for four weeksMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAll Whites captain Ryan Nelsen's been ruled out of the sides World Cup qualifiers in the Solomon Islands as well as tests against Honduras and El Salvador next week.
Whangarei parents warned of child predatorMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice in Whangarei are asking for vigilance from the public, after several incidents where a man has approached young children.
MoBIE due diligence a farceMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPOLITICS "The so-called due diligence for the new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is a farce designed to legitimise a purely political decision," says Labour?s Economic Development Spokesperson David Cunliffe.The State Services Commission recently released Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce?s due diligence report after long delays.
Frozen fantasies tasted for NZ Ice Cream AwarMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amFOOD - AUCKLAND CITY New Zealand Ice Cream Award 2012 judges doused their taste buds with 286 flavours of ice cream, gelato and sorbet this week.Flavours ranged from conventional vanilla and chocolate to the more unusual and exotic ? violet, japonica, and avocado and goat?s cheese.
Southern Links Project - upcoming public infoMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amTRANSPORT Three information days are being held this month to update the community and other stakeholders on the proposed Southern Links Investigation Project.This approximately $450M project is a NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) initiative in partnership with the Hamilton City Council.
Hotels cop it under Council planMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amACCOMMODATION - QUEENSTOWN Queenstown Lakes District Council?s (QLDC) proposal to recover costs associated with visitors will unfairly penalise the commercial accommodation sector, especially hotels, says Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Sector Manager ? Hotels, Rachael Shadbolt.????While TIA is not opposed to the use of targeted rates if they are re-invested into the visitor industry, the hotels will bear the brunt of this QLDC proposal,? says Ms Shadbolt.
Manawatu Gorge slip cleared down to road leveMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amTRANSPORT The NZ Transport Agency says that crews have reached a milestone at the Manawatu Gorge, with the slip now fully cleared down to ground level.NZTA state highways manager Palmerston North David McGonigal says the demolition of the bridges is complete, and the team are already cracking on with getting the bridges replaced.
Prime Minister tours Massey's aviation schoolMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAVIATION Prime Minister John Key visited Massey University?s School of Aviation today, and met with staff and students as he toured the Milson Flight Systems Centre.Mr Key took the controls of flight simulators, inspected the fleet of Diamond DA-40 and DA-42 aircraft and was briefed on the school by Chief Executive Ashok Poduval.
Green Party supports call for new water rulesMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amENVIRONMENT The Government should implement the Land and Water Forum's recommendations to set national environmental standards for freshwater, Green Party water spokesperson Eugenie Sage said today.The Land and Water Forum released its second report today which recommends how limits for water quality should be set, as well as outlining governance models.
Changes to some bus routes in the eastern CenMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amTRANSPORT - CANTERBURY Several bus services will have minor changes to their routes from Monday 21 May to make use of the reopened Madras Street.Passengers on routes 21 Mt Pleasant, 23 Woolston, and 40 Wainoni will notice that their services take a slightly different route when travelling east from Central Station.
Newsline 275 - 18 May 2012May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amNEWS - TASMAN Read the latest issue of Newsline Online.Download: Newsline 275 - 18 May 2012 (pdf, 1.
Health campus opens at Waitakere HospitalMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amHEALTH - WAITAKERE CITY Friday 18 May 2012A new and innovative joint venture between Unitec Institute of Technology and the Waitemata District Health Board will provide further opportunities for learning, innovation, research and collaboration among health practitioners, community agencies and more than 1000 Unitec health science and social practice students in Waitakere.The Awhina Waitakere Health Campus, based in the heart of Waitakere Hospital, was opened today by Hon Paula Bennett, Minister for Social Development and Youth Affairs.
Hurricanes fumble second half leadMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amLightning struck twice for the Hurricanes as they crashed to a damaging 37-25 loss to the Brumbies in Wellington.
Whanganui homicide: Man namedMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA Whanganui man killed in his own home was respected journalist and former war correspondent Derek Round who worked for the New Zealand Press Association.
Sex offender teacher jailed for four yearsMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA sex offender who lied his way into working at six schools will spend four years in jail.?Te Rito Henry Miki, 40, was sentenced today by Judge Claire Ryan at the Auckland District Court after he was caught? deliberately evading an order designed to keep him away from children, who experts said he was likely to treat as prey.
TSB slashes ratesMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amTSB Bank is the latest to join the frenzied slashing of fixed home loan rates, but the majority of mortgage holders are still being left out in the cold.
Police slash 125 support jobsMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice have announced up to 125 support staff will lose their jobs as they try to "fine tune" the number of non-sworn personnel.
Kara Hurring guilty in accidental millionaireMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amKara Hurring has been found guilty of 30 charges relating to an overdraft error which saw $10 million accidentally deposited into her partner's account by Westpac.
Mum reaches out to crash death accusedMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe mother of a girl fighting for her life in Waikato Hospital has reached out the 20-year-old driver charged with causing the crash that put her there.
How to cash in on your pregnancyMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAishwarya Rai is an Indian actress and super-star who has been called the most beautiful woman in the world.
Masseur found guiltyMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA Palmerston North masseur accused of inappropriately touching a client in March 2008 has today been found guilty of indecent assault.
Local impact of police job cuts unknownMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice will cut about 125 support staff jobs in a bid to stay within budget over the next year.
Appeal for burglary-suspect car sightingsMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amChristchurch police are appealing for information about a vehicle involved in multiple burglaries in red-zoned residential areas.
Fresh charges for rampage-accusedMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amTwo fresh charges have been laid against a man charged with an armed rampage across Christchurch.
Drink-driving mum hit bridgeMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amFriends failed to stop a high-level drink-driver leaving Waikuku with her two young children in the car - and she soon crashed into a bridge.
The Press is returning to CBDMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe Press staff will return to the central city next week after earthquake authorities reduced the red-zone cordon.
Lincoln Uni's historic hall 'quake-prone'May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amLincoln University's historic Ivey Memorial Hall has been added to a list of earthquake-prone buildings, but two others on campus have been removed.
Man rescued at Taylors MistakeMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA man was flown to hospital after being pulled from the sea at Taylors Mistake.
Teenager hit by car in Ferry RdMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA pedestrian and a cyclist are?in a serious condition in hospital after being hit by a car in?separate incidents.
Assault in AvonheadMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA 25-year-old man was taken to hospital tonight after he was allegedly assaulted in Avonhead near the intersection of Avonhead and Maidstone roads.
Man injured after car becomes airborneMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA man has been transported to hospital after his car hit a concrete culvert and became airborne on Christchurch Akaroa Rd.
Round(ing)Up Auckland's weeds? Who decides?May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA couple of recent articles in the Aucklander ?reveal that we might once again have to fight?a battle that we thought was ??won? more than a decade ago.?? The old Auckland City and North Shore City councils had a largely chemical-free regime in place to manage roadside weeds, following many years of public concern and [.
Round(ing)Up Auckland's weeds? Who decides?May 18, 2012 | 3:07 amA couple of recent articles in the Aucklander ?reveal that we might once again have to fight?a battle that we thought was ??won? more than a decade ago.?? The old Auckland City and North Shore City councils had a largely chemical-free regime in place to manage roadside weeds, following many years of public concern and [.
The Ministers respond to the Christchurch houMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amLast month, I wrote to the Ministers for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Social Development and Housing?asking what they proposed to do about the lack of affordable housing in Christchurch, and giving them a few suggestions. Here is what they had to say? ???????????- Dear Holly, Thank you for your letter dated 5 April 2012 regarding affordable [.
Beyond Today: a values story, and the Greens'May 16, 2012 | 12:00 amBeyond Today: a values story is the Green party's story. On the Greens' fortieth birthday, it says Values is a history of which the party should be very proud, and values are the new politics We need the quants, and the poets, both.
EEZ Bill makes risky deep-sea drilling E-ZMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmToday the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Economic Effects) Bill (EEZ BILL) was reported back from the Local Government and Environment Select Committee. The bill regulates activities like drilling for oil and gas in the EEZ plugging a huge legislative and regulatory gap that the Greens have called for action on for years.
Disability, fairness and care issuesMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmThe Court of Appeal have given the Crown a clear message that discriminating against family members who care for a disabled adult child at home is unacceptable. The Ministry of Health has 20 working days to decide whether to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.
Ireland to also ban frackingMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmMore good news. Ireland has announced that no hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" for gas would take place in Ireland pending further "detailed scientific analysis and advice".
Congratulations KeithMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmCongratulations Keith. It is great to see Keith recognised for his passionate hard work standing up for human rights both at home and around the world.
Round(ing)Up Auckland's weeds? Who decides?May 18, 2012 | 3:07 amA couple of recent articles in the Aucklander ?reveal that we might once again have to fight?a battle that we thought was ??won? more than a decade ago.?? The old Auckland City and North Shore City councils had a largely chemical-free regime in place to manage roadside weeds, following many years of public concern and [.
The Ministers respond to the Christchurch houMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amLast month, I wrote to the Ministers for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Social Development and Housing?asking what they proposed to do about the lack of affordable housing in Christchurch, and giving them a few suggestions. Here is what they had to say? ???????????- Dear Holly, Thank you for your letter dated 5 April 2012 regarding affordable [.
Beyond Today: a values story, and the Greens'May 16, 2012 | 12:00 amBeyond Today: a values story is the Green party's story. On the Greens' fortieth birthday, it says Values is a history of which the party should be very proud, and values are the new politics We need the quants, and the poets, both.
EEZ Bill makes risky deep-sea drilling E-ZMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmToday the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Economic Effects) Bill (EEZ BILL) was reported back from the Local Government and Environment Select Committee. The bill regulates activities like drilling for oil and gas in the EEZ plugging a huge legislative and regulatory gap that the Greens have called for action on for years.
Disability, fairness and care issuesMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmThe Court of Appeal have given the Crown a clear message that discriminating against family members who care for a disabled adult child at home is unacceptable. The Ministry of Health has 20 working days to decide whether to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court.
Ireland to also ban frackingMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmMore good news. Ireland has announced that no hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" for gas would take place in Ireland pending further "detailed scientific analysis and advice".
Congratulations KeithMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmCongratulations Keith. It is great to see Keith recognised for his passionate hard work standing up for human rights both at home and around the world.
Education is ACEMay 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmThe idea that education is for life is learned from early childhood. The ethos of community based learning, second chance education and community development has informed Adult and Community Education (ACE) programmes for many years.
Foodstuffs happy to roll with Whitby skaters'May 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmPeople power has pushed Foodstuffs Wellington to collaboration over the design or re-location of a new Whitby skate park.
It follows anger from skaters, who met draft plans for the supermarket redevelopment spin-off with hostility.
Foodstuffs happy to roll with Whitby skaters'May 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmPeople power has pushed Foodstuffs Wellington to collaboration over the design or re-location of a new Whitby skate park.
It follows anger from skaters, who met draft plans for the supermarket redevelopment spin-off with hostility.
It's the goddamn Roller Derby!May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThis Saturday. Brutal Pageant! Smash Malice! And a?whole?heap of screaming fans! Be there! Or be that person who says ?I?ve always wanted to go to Roller Derby, what?s it like?? Nobody likes that person.
It's the goddamn Roller Derby!May 18, 2012 | 3:07 amThis Saturday. Brutal Pageant! Smash Malice! And a?whole?heap of screaming fans! Be there! Or be that person who says ?I?ve always wanted to go to Roller Derby, what?s it like?? Nobody likes that person.
Six Barrels totally instagrammable but also dMay 17, 2012 | 4:00 amYou know how we feel about Monterey, so it should be no surprise to you that we were very very excited when we heard that Joseph was opening up a new factory in which to bottle his delicious syrups, which is also a cafe too.? Six Barrel Soda Co has found a home in the [.
fabric-a-brilliantMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmImagine if you will,? 40 tables? stacked full of vintage fabric?from the 1950s and 1960s,? and lace from the 1920s.? Add in all sorts of delightful sewing accessories like buttons and vintage patterns and you start to get an idea for what the biannual Fabric-a-brac sale? is? all about It?s being held this Saturday 19 [.
Let's help Wellington SPCA into a new homeMay 10, 2012 | 5:00 amWellington City Council would like your views on the draft Long Term Plan 2012-22.?The draft plan sets out what the Council is proposing to do over the next ten years.
Something to hum aboutMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmHummingbird has been on Courtenay Place for a long time (twelve years!), and has just undergone a complete refurbishment. The Wellingtonista was invited along to check out the revitalised space and new menu, and what we found was very very good.
Review: LucreceMay 4, 2012 | 9:00 amAn adaptation of Shakespeare?s narrative poem ?The rape of Lucrece? by Binge Culture Collective. It?s a visual+audio installation at the Toi Poneke Gallery plus a live performance on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Fashion in reflectionMay 3, 2012 | 7:30 amFashionably late is usually a term reserved for the truly glamourous, so perhaps it is apt that this belated post is a snapshot of Wellington Fashion Week. Group A - April 19 After a well-groomed schmoozing opening party, things truly kicked off - with stilettos on - with the Group A show on Thursday night.
Action! Claude Rains brings it to the Hutt.May 3, 2012 | 7:30 amIf you happened to be cruising near the Avalon Skate Park a couple of weekends ago, you may have been lucky enough to witness a most unusual scene, local band Claude Rains were filming their first music video for their upcoming, self-titled first album. Director Gwen Isaac pulled in some favours and there was a [.
Pirates at RoarApr 30, 2012 | 4:30 amShiver me timbers, prepare to enter the wicked world of pirates.? Eight artists will sail the seven seas discovering pirate treasure.
Meals to warm you up (+recipes)May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAs I walk to work each day enjoying the crisp fresh feel of the start of winter, my thoughts have turned towards planning simple warming meals that are nourishing and tasty but take little time to get .
Man's stomach pumped after swallowing bag of May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA West Coast man had his stomach pumped in hospital after swallowing a bag of methamphetamine when police swooped on his house in a drugs bust on Wednesday.
"When we came through the door a man in the .
'Runaway millionaire' guilty of theftMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 am"Runaway millionaire" Kara Hurring says she is relieved her trial is over, even though she has been found guilty of all 30 charges related to the accidental appearance of $10 million in her partner's .
Spain: A broken night's sleepMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amWe finally stayed in a six-person albergue with four French people the other night, and I quickly apologised for knocking them over in the World Cup final.
They laughed.
Police 'dismayed' by job cutsMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice are "dismayed'' that 125 jobs will be cut in what is being called a "fine-tune'' of staffing.
Commissioner Peter Marshall this afternoon announced that the job cuts, all from the ranks of non-sworn .
Miss World head to investigate Miss Fiji fiasMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe head of the Miss World beauty queen franchise says she plans to travel to Fiji "as soon as possible'' to address the problems that turned last month's pageant in the island nation into a fiasco.
"Sadly .
Turangi crash: Driver in courtMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAn American student has appeared in court over the fatal crash that killed three of his friends as they were on their way to walk the Tongariro Crossing last weekend.
Boston University student Stephen .
Sideswipe: Something for the weekendMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPicture this #1: Blow Job is a series of portraits of people coming face to face with an almighty gust (a high pressure air stream) rather than anything the title might suggest. See more here .
Paul Casserly: Smile, you're on candid cameraMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 am"There's something wrong when you can't pleasure yourself in the privacy of someone else's home" - Proverbs 12:25 .
It was a big week for hidden camera shows.
Meals to warm you up (+recipes)May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAs I walk to work each day enjoying the crisp fresh feel of the start of winter, my thoughts have turned towards planning simple warming meals that are nourishing and tasty but take little time to get .
Man's stomach pumped after swallowing bag of May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA West Coast man had his stomach pumped in hospital after swallowing a bag of methamphetamine when police swooped on his house in a drugs bust on Wednesday.
"When we came through the door a man in the .
'Runaway millionaire' guilty of theftMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 am"Runaway millionaire" Kara Hurring says she is relieved her trial is over, even though she has been found guilty of all 30 charges related to the accidental appearance of $10 million in her partner's .
Spain: A broken night's sleepMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amWe finally stayed in a six-person albergue with four French people the other night, and I quickly apologised for knocking them over in the World Cup final.
They laughed.
Police 'dismayed' by job cutsMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPolice are "dismayed'' that 125 jobs will be cut in what is being called a "fine-tune'' of staffing.
Commissioner Peter Marshall this afternoon announced that the job cuts, all from the ranks of non-sworn .
Miss World head to investigate Miss Fiji fiasMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe head of the Miss World beauty queen franchise says she plans to travel to Fiji "as soon as possible'' to address the problems that turned last month's pageant in the island nation into a fiasco.
"Sadly .
Turangi crash: Driver in courtMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAn American student has appeared in court over the fatal crash that killed three of his friends as they were on their way to walk the Tongariro Crossing last weekend.
Boston University student Stephen .
Sideswipe: Something for the weekendMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPicture this #1: Blow Job is a series of portraits of people coming face to face with an almighty gust (a high pressure air stream) rather than anything the title might suggest. See more here .
Paul Casserly: Smile, you're on candid cameraMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 am"There's something wrong when you can't pleasure yourself in the privacy of someone else's home" - Proverbs 12:25 .
It was a big week for hidden camera shows.
Capture: Going Walkabout in SydneyMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amLast weekend we decided to 'go crazy' and got tickets to see Prince at Allphones Arena, Olympic Park Sydney.? If things were different, if our seats weren't the furthest possible from the stage (we still loved it), if the venue didn't have a 'No cameras anywhere!? At all!? We will confiscate them!? We're not kidding!' policy, we might have got more than the few grainy photos of the reflections from other people's cell phones as they didn't video the concert.
OnPoint: To Whom it May ConcernMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amI am writing to heartily endorse Joshua Drummond for the position of Press Relations and Regulatory Affairs Manager at British American Tobacco.I have known Mr Drummond for many years through our mutual association with the Freedom Importers Association of Hamilton.
Legal Beagle: MPs' PayMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amParliament's Government Administration Committee is currently considering the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Bill. It will surprise few of you that I have made a submission.
Legal Beagle: Sanctuary!May 17, 2012 | 4:00 amWhen you sue someone, you have to serve the first set of documents on them personally - literally hand them to them, or place them down in their presence and clearly bring them to their attention. They have to provide an "address for service" for later documents (usually their lawyer), but for the first set personal service is required, unless you get express agreement (which you often do).
Hard News: Where do you get yours? (Food EditMay 17, 2012 | 4:00 amOne week they were demolishing the building behind the Grey Lynn Mitre 10 on Richmond Road -- and the next, it seemed, there was a shiny new Farro store, selling "food from people who cook". I was intrigued.
Field Theory: RulesMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amHere is a quick rundown of the new rules to be trialled by the IRB:1. Law 16.
Capture: Eating Tim Tams with Tono and The FiMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmLast Friday night we went to see Tono and The Finance Company play the final night of their 'Up Here For Dancing' release tour at the intimate? Lucha Lounge in Newmarket. The music was great, Tono's lyrics are wry, funny and perceptive, and the audience gave them a warm welcome.
Hard News: Disrupting the TelevisionMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmThis week on Media7, we're looking at the curious case of Fyx, the retail ISP launched last week by Maxnet with a new pricing model and -- this is what got everyone chattering -- a "global mode" whose purpose, although the company was wary of saying as much, was to let customers defeat region-blocking on offshore video-on-demand services.In effect, it opened up a world of film and television.
Hard News: Where do you get yours?May 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmAccording to Nielsen research that I can't be bothered digging up right now, you, dear Public Address reader, are notably confident about buying things online, relative to the general population. It's a fair bet that you're also pretty confident about where to get stuff that you're not actually buying too.
Hard News: " To prostitute yourself to media May 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmLast night's Media7 programme is online here -- and there's also a 20-minute extended interview with Bryan Gould. The programme is not entirely unsympathetic to its subject, Rupert Murdoch -- senior lecturer at Auckland University and former Herald editor Gavin Ellis noted the debt that everyone in newspapers owes Murdoch and speculated on what might befall Murdoch's papers if he was removed from command of his company.
NZ Herald on class sizesMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe Herald editorial yesterday: Even the Treasury, which suggested the move this year, believes class size does matter. But it said the quality of teaching mattered more, and in a world where Governments had to make trade-offs, this was one that would have minimal effect on pupil achievement.
Drinnan on Save TVNZ7May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amJohn Drinnan writes in the Herald: Since this column started nearly six years ago it has maintained there is demand for a non-commercial TV channel in New Zealand. I agree.
It's not your cathedral!May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amStuff reported: The Christchurch City Council has asked for an ?immediate pause? in the demolition of Christ Church Cathedral in a move hailed by campaigners. After a lengthy debate, councillors voted 10-4 to call for a halt to demolition while ?deeper and more open consideration? of restoration plans took place.
The fall and fall of GreeceMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMy Herald column is on Greece, after I asked on Twitter and Facebook what was the biggest issue of the week (as domestically nothing too major happened). An extract: Currently there is no Government in Greece, as they head off to the polls for the second time in as many months.
Daljit SInghMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amInventory2 blogs: Remember?Daljit Singh? Sometime before the 2010 local body elections, he was a Labour Party-endorsed candidate in South Auckland. He appeared in in the Manukau District Court on 5 October 2010, was remanded, and name suppression was refused.
ChequesMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amStuff reports: Slipped a cheque in the mail lately? Or left one on the back porch for the lawnmower man? The stereotype of a cheque user is elderly and a little distrustful of the digital world. But a study on how best to nurse cheques through their last few, terminal years has found that is [.
Culture change is what is neededMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amStuff reports: Binge drinking could follow smoking in losing its fashionable status, says a Wellington emergency department consultant hoping a sobriety campaign will help reduce alcohol-related harm. Hello Sunday Morning encourages those wanting to take a break from alcohol to blog on the booze-free experience.
Friday Photo: 18 MayMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amSomething very local this time, from the bush around our house.? The three tricks to getting a good photo of a kereru? are to get a vantage point that puts you at the same level, a relatively clear line of sight (always challenging) and some light falling on the breast to bring out the sheen.
The Bill Liu trialMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMichael Field at Stuff reports: A Chinese millionaire on trial in the High Court at Auckland for fraud boasted to immigration officials that he had MP friends who would ensure he got citizenship. The high-ranking officials were stunned when then Cabinet minister Shane Jones approved the application one day after getting his file.
NZ Herald on class sizesMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe Herald editorial yesterday: Even the Treasury, which suggested the move this year, believes class size does matter. But it said the quality of teaching mattered more, and in a world where Governments had to make trade-offs, this was one that would have minimal effect on pupil achievement.
Drinnan on Save TVNZ7May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amJohn Drinnan writes in the Herald: Since this column started nearly six years ago it has maintained there is demand for a non-commercial TV channel in New Zealand. I agree.
It's not your cathedral!May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amStuff reported: The Christchurch City Council has asked for an ?immediate pause? in the demolition of Christ Church Cathedral in a move hailed by campaigners. After a lengthy debate, councillors voted 10-4 to call for a halt to demolition while ?deeper and more open consideration? of restoration plans took place.
The fall and fall of GreeceMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMy Herald column is on Greece, after I asked on Twitter and Facebook what was the biggest issue of the week (as domestically nothing too major happened). An extract: Currently there is no Government in Greece, as they head off to the polls for the second time in as many months.
Daljit SInghMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amInventory2 blogs: Remember?Daljit Singh? Sometime before the 2010 local body elections, he was a Labour Party-endorsed candidate in South Auckland. He appeared in in the Manukau District Court on 5 October 2010, was remanded, and name suppression was refused.
ChequesMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amStuff reports: Slipped a cheque in the mail lately? Or left one on the back porch for the lawnmower man? The stereotype of a cheque user is elderly and a little distrustful of the digital world. But a study on how best to nurse cheques through their last few, terminal years has found that is [.
Culture change is what is neededMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amStuff reports: Binge drinking could follow smoking in losing its fashionable status, says a Wellington emergency department consultant hoping a sobriety campaign will help reduce alcohol-related harm. Hello Sunday Morning encourages those wanting to take a break from alcohol to blog on the booze-free experience.
Friday Photo: 18 MayMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amSomething very local this time, from the bush around our house.? The three tricks to getting a good photo of a kereru? are to get a vantage point that puts you at the same level, a relatively clear line of sight (always challenging) and some light falling on the breast to bring out the sheen.
The Bill Liu trialMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMichael Field at Stuff reports: A Chinese millionaire on trial in the High Court at Auckland for fraud boasted to immigration officials that he had MP friends who would ensure he got citizenship. The high-ranking officials were stunned when then Cabinet minister Shane Jones approved the application one day after getting his file.
New Saturday Breakfast host announcedMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amTVNZ has this morning announced that Tamati Coffey will be the new host of Saturday Breakfast. Tamati will join Toni Street on the couch, replacing Rawdon Christie who has moved to hosting the weekday edition of the show.
NZ On Air releases The GC proposalMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amNZ On Air supports a diverse range of programming for all New Zealanders. The GC was funded with the aim of showing positive, confident Maori in prime time on a commercial channel.
Preview: Golden - new comedy coming to TV3May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amGolden is a new comedy series from South Pacific Pictures coming soon to TV3 in New Zealand about a former gold medalist. Starring Lucy Schmidt, Jesse Griffin, Joel Tobeck & Jennifer Ludlam.
Target's Tug Doctor episode breaks recordMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThis week?s episode of Target has become the most viewed episode of anything, ever, ondemand at TV3.co.
Time Shifted TV Ratings: 10 May 2012May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amTop 20 most time shifted shows Once Upon A Time: 78900 (TV2, 8:35pm ? 9:35pm) Coronation Street: 30150 (TV ONE, 7:30pm ? 8:30pm) The Finder: 29700 (TV3, 8:35pm ? 9:30pm) Fringe: 23560 (TV2, 10:30pm ? 11:35pm) Kitchen Nightmares: 20290 (TV2, 9:35pm ? 10:30pm) Project Runway: 17080 (TV3, 9:30pm ? 10:30pm) Executive Decision: 15920 (PRIME, 8:35pm [.
AIA Marae DIY Returns for new seasonMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMaori Television?s popular makeover show ? returns to the small screen on Wednesday May 30 at 8.30pm for a new season of sprucing up marae around the country.
Shortland Street: Feature length episode promMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amAfter the recent successes of Shortland Street?s feature length episodes, the promo for the latest one, which airs Monday at the start of the 20th anniversary week, has been released.
TV Ratings: 17 May 2012May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMost watched One News: 705,550 (TV ONE, 6:00pm ? 7:00pm) Shortland Street: 625,820 (TV2, 7:00pm ? 7:30pm) Police Ten 7: 514,360 (TV2, 7:30pm ? 8:00pm) Coronation Street: 451,490 (TV ONE, 7:30pm ? 8:30pm) Close Up: 448,310 (TV ONE, 7:00pm ? 7:30pm) Most watched evening (7.30pm ? 11pm) Police Ten 7: 514,360 (TV2, 7:30pm ? 8:00pm) [.
"You've got the ratings, write a cheque"May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amVaughn Davis on KiwiFM has made some valid points regarding the man at the centre of the Target carpet cleaner sting that aired this week on TV3. Davis highlights the lack of empathy and understanding shown to the man after he was caught on hidden cameras acting inappropriately while on the job.
Morning BriefingMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amGlee regulars all returning Glee creator Ryan Murphy has confirmed that all the regular characters will be returning for the fourth season of the musical drama. Cougar Town showrunners step down Cougar Town creators Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel have stepped down from the comedy series ahead of its fourth season.
Become An Online PersonalityMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amCultivate more business by becoming the online face of your company. Tips from Shira Lazar, co-founder of WhatsTrending.
Email Doesn't Have to SuckMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThere's a better way to manage your inbox--let SaneBox do most of the work for you.Email is a pain.
Tie Compensation to Firm-Wide Returns: 6 StepMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPay bonuses based on your company's overall financial success, and get your employees pulling in the same direction.As a business owner or manager, one of the most difficult things to oversee is compensation and expectations at employee review time.
A Leadership ChecklistMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amIn 2010, the Copiap mine in Chile collapsed and trapped 33 miners. Wharton professor Michael Useem talks about leadership lessons from how Chile's Minister of Mines Laurence Golborne navigated the crisis.
Failure Is an Option--Take ItMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amWhen you're building a start-up, wrong turns are to be expected--and embraced. Here's how to make the most of them.
Accountability and Integrity: The Golden RuleMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amDeciding to do the right thing seems like a simple rule of business but often it gets lost in the day-to-day grind.Say what you do and do what you say.
Become An Online PersonalityMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amCultivate more business by becoming the online face of your company. Tips from Shira Lazar, co-founder of WhatsTrending.
Email Doesn't Have to SuckMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThere's a better way to manage your inbox--let SaneBox do most of the work for you.Email is a pain.
Tie Compensation to Firm-Wide Returns: 6 StepMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amPay bonuses based on your company's overall financial success, and get your employees pulling in the same direction.As a business owner or manager, one of the most difficult things to oversee is compensation and expectations at employee review time.
A Leadership ChecklistMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amIn 2010, the Copiap mine in Chile collapsed and trapped 33 miners. Wharton professor Michael Useem talks about leadership lessons from how Chile's Minister of Mines Laurence Golborne navigated the crisis.
Failure Is an Option--Take ItMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amWhen you're building a start-up, wrong turns are to be expected--and embraced. Here's how to make the most of them.
Accountability and Integrity: The Golden RuleMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amDeciding to do the right thing seems like a simple rule of business but often it gets lost in the day-to-day grind.Say what you do and do what you say.
Killed journalist 'served with distinction'May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA man found dead in his Whanganui home was Derek Round, a long-serving foreign correspondent who covered the Vietnam War and the historic visit of Prime Minister Rob Muldoon to China in 1976.
New Zealand 'accidental millionaire' found guMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA New Zealand woman who went on the run with some of the millions of dollars mistakenly deposited into her partner's bank account has been convicted of theft, attempted fraud and money laundering.
New Zealand 'accidental millionaire' found guMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amFacebook is about to find out just how much status updates, puppy photos and billions of "likes" are worth on Wall Street.
New Zealand 'accidental millionaire' found guMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amA New Zealand woman who went on the run with some of the millions of dollars mistakenly deposited into her partner's bank account has been convicted of theft, attempted fraud and money laundering.
Dan Hewko hopes the public can help him find May 18, 2012 | 3:30 amKaren Fox and Dan Hewko of Havelock North are appealing to a stranger who took their pet pooch to return the dog.
Cookbook review: Pipi: the cookbookMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThis book will draw you in again and again with its beautiful photos, inspiring words and absolutely fabulous recipes.
Where everyone forgets a bargainMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amMore than a third of New Zealanders who buy coupons from group buying websites forget to redeem them in time, a new survey shows.
Killed journalist 'served with distinction'May 18, 2012 | 3:07 amA man found dead in his Whanganui home was Derek Round, a long-serving foreign correspondent who covered the Vietnam War and the historic visit of Prime Minister Rob Muldoon to China in 1976.
PM encourages applications to Canterbury FundMay 17, 2012 | 4:00 amPrime Minister John Key is encouraging community organisations to
apply to the second round of grants from the Vodafone Foundation
Canterbury Fund, a $4 million joint project developed by the
Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and the Vodafone Foundation. "The
Fund gives community groups a great opportunity to revive their
activities in the suburbs they serve, as Cantabrians work to return
their lives to normal," says Mr Key.
Key Notes: Working on the BudgetMay 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmThis issue of Key Notes outlines some of our planning for Budget 2012, covers our new reforms to the welfare system, discusses spending for? both tertiary education and our programme to reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities - and touches on a few events from my diary. Continue reading "Key Notes: Working on the Budget".
09 May - Video Journal No.5May 9, 2012 | 1:30 pm09 May. In this edition of his regular video journal, John talks about the tourism industry, Budget 2012, our campaign to eradicate rheumatic fever, welfare reforms and more.
Post-Cabinet AnnouncementMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pm07 May. Prime Minister John Key and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announce $287.
Post-Cabinet Press ConferenceMay 4, 2012 | 9:00 amThe Prime Minister's post-Cabinet press conference with full media Q&A.
.
Budget 2012 - sticking to a plan that's workiMay 1, 2012 | 3:00 pmPrime Minister John Key says this month's Budget will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan.
In
a pre-Budget speech in Wellington, Mr Key reiterated that the
National-led Government's responsible management of the books means an
operating surplus is set to be posted in 2014/15.
Speech to National Party Mainland Regional CoApr 28, 2012 | 9:30 pmLadies and Gentlemen, fellow National Party members, welcome to the Mainland Region conference for 2012.
It's a pleasure to be here in Dunedin at this great new stadium.
PM saddened at death of All Black great Sir FApr 28, 2012 | 4:30 amPrime Minister John Key says he is saddened to hear of the death of All Black legend Sir Fred Allen, who was knighted in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Sir Fred was born in Oamaru, educated in Christchurch, and served overseas with the 2nd NZEF during World War 2.
Progress towards our plan for a Brighter FutuApr 28, 2012 | 4:30 amIn this edition of Key Notes, I talk about my recent visits to Indonesia and Singapore, the larger effort to promote NZ 'Inc' overseas, the upcoming budget as a reflection of our priorities, Anzac Day - and a few things from my diary.
Continue reading "Progress towards our plan for a Brighter Future".
PM encourages applications to Canterbury FundMay 17, 2012 | 4:00 amPrime Minister John Key is encouraging community organisations to
apply to the second round of grants from the Vodafone Foundation
Canterbury Fund, a $4 million joint project developed by the
Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and the Vodafone Foundation. "The
Fund gives community groups a great opportunity to revive their
activities in the suburbs they serve, as Cantabrians work to return
their lives to normal," says Mr Key.
Key Notes: Working on the BudgetMay 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmThis issue of Key Notes outlines some of our planning for Budget 2012, covers our new reforms to the welfare system, discusses spending for? both tertiary education and our programme to reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities - and touches on a few events from my diary. Continue reading "Key Notes: Working on the Budget".
09 May - Video Journal No.5May 9, 2012 | 1:30 pm09 May. In this edition of his regular video journal, John talks about the tourism industry, Budget 2012, our campaign to eradicate rheumatic fever, welfare reforms and more.
Post-Cabinet AnnouncementMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pm07 May. Prime Minister John Key and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announce $287.
Post-Cabinet Press ConferenceMay 4, 2012 | 9:00 amThe Prime Minister's post-Cabinet press conference with full media Q&A.
.
Budget 2012 - sticking to a plan that's workiMay 1, 2012 | 3:00 pmPrime Minister John Key says this month's Budget will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan.
In
a pre-Budget speech in Wellington, Mr Key reiterated that the
National-led Government's responsible management of the books means an
operating surplus is set to be posted in 2014/15.
Speech to National Party Mainland Regional CoApr 28, 2012 | 9:30 pmLadies and Gentlemen, fellow National Party members, welcome to the Mainland Region conference for 2012.
It's a pleasure to be here in Dunedin at this great new stadium.
PM saddened at death of All Black great Sir FApr 28, 2012 | 4:30 amPrime Minister John Key says he is saddened to hear of the death of All Black legend Sir Fred Allen, who was knighted in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Sir Fred was born in Oamaru, educated in Christchurch, and served overseas with the 2nd NZEF during World War 2.
Progress towards our plan for a Brighter FutuApr 28, 2012 | 4:30 amIn this edition of Key Notes, I talk about my recent visits to Indonesia and Singapore, the larger effort to promote NZ 'Inc' overseas, the upcoming budget as a reflection of our priorities, Anzac Day - and a few things from my diary.
Continue reading "Progress towards our plan for a Brighter Future".
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOMay 18, 2012 | 3:07 amThe International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) is celebrated every May 17th because on that day in 1990 the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of "diseases." Of course it seems odd that such a step took so long, and in and of itself the delisting?has done little or nothing to improve [.
ner.SECRETARY CLINTON HOSTS STRATEGIC DIALOGUMay 17, 2012 | 4:00 amToday Secretary Clinton today hosted a global town hall in Washington?to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by non-governmental organizations around the world. The gathering was part of the State Department?s Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society 2012 Summit, which drew civil society representatives from more than 40 countries, joined online by a large number of [.
KIWIS ON MARSMay 10, 2012 | 5:00 amIf you follow me on Twitter or Pinterest, you probably know that I have a passion for astronomy, science fiction, and science fact, among other interests. In particular, I like things Martian.
CELEBRATING HULA IN AOTEAROAMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmAs you know from a few of my prior posts, Hawai?i is one of my favorite places in the United States. In addition to the?natural glories of a tropical paradise, Hawai?i?has a rich history as well as vibrant indigenous cultural traditions.
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2012May 4, 2012 | 9:00 amLast year at this time, I wrote about both the promise of and the peril to a free press. Throughout the Middle East and North Africa journalists, bloggers, filmmakers, and pundits were?chronicling the protests sweeping across the region, while?citizens armed with nothing but cell phones risked their lives to upload the truth by text, tweet, [.
ANZAC DAY MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY CLINTONApr 26, 2012 | 3:00 pmSecretary Clinton today issued the following statement on the occasion of ANZAC Day, as Americans in New Zealand, Australia, Washington, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and elsewhere join with our Kiwi and Aussie friends to commemorate their long history of service and sacrifice. I will march and speak in Carterton, and my Embassy colleagues will participate in?events [.
PRESIDENT APPOINTS GENERAL PATRICK JAY HURLEYApr 24, 2012 | 5:30 pmI've thoroughly enjoyed my time as the 21st American Ambassador to New Zealand. It?s been a great honor to serve the American People and President Obama in beautiful Aotearoa, and I've been constantly reminded of the importance of the work that diplomats do and have done.
SECONDARY SCHOOL VIDEO COMPETITION: BRINGING Apr 23, 2012 | 2:00 pmIn collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force, Archives New Zealand, Auckland War Memorial Museum, and educational resource platform eTV, the Embassy is launching a video history competition for secondary school students to commemorate events in 1942 that changed the world.
U.
HAPPY EARTH DAY, OR HOW CITIZEN SCIENTISTS CAApr 22, 2012 | 7:00 amToday is Earth Day. While researching a couple of ideas for a suitable blog post, I came across an interesting article by Lily Whiteman on the National Science Foundation website about how everyday folks can function as citizen scientists in ways that significantly advance the cause of environmental protection.
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOMay 18, 2012 | 3:30 amThe International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) is celebrated every May 17th because on that day in 1990 the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of "diseases." Of course it seems odd that such a step took so long, and in and of itself the delisting?has done little or nothing to improve [.
ner.SECRETARY CLINTON HOSTS STRATEGIC DIALOGUMay 17, 2012 | 4:00 amToday Secretary Clinton today hosted a global town hall in Washington?to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by non-governmental organizations around the world. The gathering was part of the State Department?s Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society 2012 Summit, which drew civil society representatives from more than 40 countries, joined online by a large number of [.
KIWIS ON MARSMay 10, 2012 | 5:00 amIf you follow me on Twitter or Pinterest, you probably know that I have a passion for astronomy, science fiction, and science fact, among other interests. In particular, I like things Martian.
CELEBRATING HULA IN AOTEAROAMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmAs you know from a few of my prior posts, Hawai?i is one of my favorite places in the United States. In addition to the?natural glories of a tropical paradise, Hawai?i?has a rich history as well as vibrant indigenous cultural traditions.
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2012May 4, 2012 | 9:00 amLast year at this time, I wrote about both the promise of and the peril to a free press. Throughout the Middle East and North Africa journalists, bloggers, filmmakers, and pundits were?chronicling the protests sweeping across the region, while?citizens armed with nothing but cell phones risked their lives to upload the truth by text, tweet, [.
ANZAC DAY MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY CLINTONApr 26, 2012 | 3:00 pmSecretary Clinton today issued the following statement on the occasion of ANZAC Day, as Americans in New Zealand, Australia, Washington, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and elsewhere join with our Kiwi and Aussie friends to commemorate their long history of service and sacrifice. I will march and speak in Carterton, and my Embassy colleagues will participate in?events [.
PRESIDENT APPOINTS GENERAL PATRICK JAY HURLEYApr 24, 2012 | 5:30 pmI've thoroughly enjoyed my time as the 21st American Ambassador to New Zealand. It?s been a great honor to serve the American People and President Obama in beautiful Aotearoa, and I've been constantly reminded of the importance of the work that diplomats do and have done.
SECONDARY SCHOOL VIDEO COMPETITION: BRINGING Apr 23, 2012 | 2:00 pmIn collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force, Archives New Zealand, Auckland War Memorial Museum, and educational resource platform eTV, the Embassy is launching a video history competition for secondary school students to commemorate events in 1942 that changed the world.
U.
HAPPY EARTH DAY, OR HOW CITIZEN SCIENTISTS CAApr 22, 2012 | 7:00 amToday is Earth Day. While researching a couple of ideas for a suitable blog post, I came across an interesting article by Lily Whiteman on the National Science Foundation website about how everyday folks can function as citizen scientists in ways that significantly advance the cause of environmental protection.
2012 Music Managers Awards AnnouncedMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmMMF and PPNZ announced the winners of the 2012 Music Managers Awards.Teresa Patterson of CRS Management scored the prestigious ?Manager of the Year' award for her management skills reflecting in her artists?Six60,?I Am Giant?and?Iva Lamkum?s rapid success in 2011.
Slash to Perform Two New Zealand ShowsMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmOne of the best guitarists of all time, Slash was named Time magazine?s runner-up in "The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players" in 2009, while Rolling Stone placed him at No. 65 on their list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" last year.
Andrew Tosh Tribute to Peter ToshMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amAndrew Tosh ? is coming to New Zealand, and will be performing at the Mangawhai Tavern on Sunday 3rd June (Queen's Birthday Weekend).Andrew Tosh, son of reggae pioneer Peter Tosh, will perform a tribute to his late father, along with his own compositions.
Coldplay New Zealand ShowMay 12, 2012 | 10:00 pmUndeniably the world?s biggest band,?Coldplay, announced in March that they will be headed to Australia this November and Chugg Entertainment are now happy to announce the details of four very special stadium shows on the Mylo Xyloto tour in Australia and?New Zealand.?This will mark the first time the 7-time Grammy Award winners have toured Australasia since the over-whelming success of their 2009 Viva La Vida tour and their quick visit to Australian shores headlining 2011?s Splendour in the Grass.
Auckland Writers & Readers Festival 2012May 10, 2012 | 5:00 amThe Auckland Writers & Readers Festival, New Zealand?s biggest festival of literature and ideas, will feature a line?up of more than 100 leading international and New Zealand writers and thinkers in a diverse programme of fiction, science, religion, poetry, journalism, history and the arts. From literary offerings to popular fare, the Festival runs from May 9 - 13.
The Smashing PumpkinsMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmFollowing last Friday's record sell-out of this year's Splendour in the Grass festival, Secret Sounds are excited to announce that festival headliner The Smashing Pumpkins will be playing very special sideshows in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and then heading to New Zealand for one?Auckland show. For these headline performances, The Smashing Pumpkins will be debuting a unique stage design in Australasia created to reflect the visual themes to go along with the full presentation of their new album, "Oceania" - which is set for release on June 22, 2012, through Create/Control - as well as playing plenty of classic Pumpkins catalogue.
Blacklistt - From The Blind Spot TourMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmPulling on a fresh black t-shirt with a different name, Blacklistt hit the road for a nationwide tour under a new moniker - showcasing their new tunes 'From the Blind Spot' and 'Worth Fighting For' plus the greatest hits from the Blindspott catalogue.Be sure to catch Blacklistt in either?Dunedin,?Invercargill,?Christchurch,?Mt Maunganui,?Browns Bay,?New Plymouth,?Wellington,?Hamilton?or?Auckland.
Elizabeth Marvelly's Heartland TourMay 3, 2012 | 7:30 amKiwi songstress Elizabeth Marvelly will sing time?s most beautiful songs on her very special tour of Heartland New Zealand.?She will be accompanied by some of New Zealand?s best musicians including maestro Carl Doy and violinist Ben Morrison.
Kenny Rogers & Glen Campbell New Zealand TourMay 1, 2012 | 3:00 pmGrammy Legends and Country Superstars Kenny Rogers and Glen Campbell return to New Zealand in August to share the stage in Christchurch and Auckland with their own bands.These enduring and highly successful music icons have accolades in abundance including twelve Grammy Awards, over fifty Top Ten hits between them and individual catalogues packed with indelible classic songs: The Gambler, Coward of the County, Reuben James, Lucille, Ruby Don?t Bring Your Love to Town, Lady, She Believes in Me, Islands in the Stream, We?ve Got Tonite, You Decorated My Life, Buy Me A Rose and Wichita Lineman, Gentle On My Mind, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Rhinestone Cowboy, Galveston, Southern Nights, Country Boy (You've Got Your Feet In L.
How Effective is Article MarketingMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmArticle Marketing ? once a print media tool has now become a great option for online and email marketing. Your Email Marketing NZ strategy should include article marketing where you can link to articles and your website from email campaigns.
Auckland Property Investment - Looking RosyMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amThe April sales figures for residential property in Auckland are again impressive. Sales volume in the Auckland region were up 16.
Article Marketing - It WorksMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amThe success of any marketing strategy starts with a well thought out plan of action. In your article marketing plan we recommend creating a list of tasks and then commit to following through on your plan, consistency and volume of article marketing placement will help you achieve your marketing goals.
It Takes Years To Become An Overnight SuccessMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmBuilding a New Zealand based Property Investment business is not for the faint hearted especially in the current economic climate. Like most success in life it takes years to become an overnight legend.
How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes in BusinessMay 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmAnnual financial statements or accounts prepared once a year many months after your Balance Date are only really useful for working out your tax bills, yet for the majority of business owners this is the only financial information they see.
Building great working relationshipsMay 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmWe usually think of 'relationships' as being with people we know socially or work with closely. Socially we choose to mix with people that are similar to ourselves and are generally like minded and who we enjoy.
Newsletter Tips For Your Email Marketing CampMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmFor effective Email Marketing NZ you need to quickly engage your reader, make your email interesting and ?stand out?, so that it does not go from inbox to deleted box. The best outcome for your email newsletters is to get the recipient to click through to your website or social media site.
Facebook for New Zealand Businesses - Things May 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmOne strategy we apply to our clients social media assets is to get their "Fans" details into a database they own such as an email marketing database. That way when Facebook and other social media sites become too demanding in their rules for business that you have the details of prospects in a datastore you own.
How to be a Property Market ExpertMay 2, 2012 | 4:30 pmBeing able to recognize a good deal when you see one and being able to act quickly once you have identified it are crucial. So how do you learn to spot the deals and become a market expert.
Additional Features for your Facebook PageApr 26, 2012 | 3:00 pmThe new Facebook Page design for business is fully up and running and you need to make sure your business has their page looking great, social media marketing NZ has never looked so sharp. There are many new features and new rules too.
How Effective is Article MarketingMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmArticle Marketing ? once a print media tool has now become a great option for online and email marketing. Your Email Marketing NZ strategy should include article marketing where you can link to articles and your website from email campaigns.
Auckland Property Investment - Looking RosyMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amThe April sales figures for residential property in Auckland are again impressive. Sales volume in the Auckland region were up 16.
Article Marketing - It WorksMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amThe success of any marketing strategy starts with a well thought out plan of action. In your article marketing plan we recommend creating a list of tasks and then commit to following through on your plan, consistency and volume of article marketing placement will help you achieve your marketing goals.
It Takes Years To Become An Overnight SuccessMay 15, 2012 | 12:30 pmBuilding a New Zealand based Property Investment business is not for the faint hearted especially in the current economic climate. Like most success in life it takes years to become an overnight legend.
How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes in BusinessMay 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmAnnual financial statements or accounts prepared once a year many months after your Balance Date are only really useful for working out your tax bills, yet for the majority of business owners this is the only financial information they see.
Building great working relationshipsMay 11, 2012 | 12:30 pmWe usually think of 'relationships' as being with people we know socially or work with closely. Socially we choose to mix with people that are similar to ourselves and are generally like minded and who we enjoy.
Newsletter Tips For Your Email Marketing CampMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmFor effective Email Marketing NZ you need to quickly engage your reader, make your email interesting and ?stand out?, so that it does not go from inbox to deleted box. The best outcome for your email newsletters is to get the recipient to click through to your website or social media site.
Facebook for New Zealand Businesses - Things May 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmOne strategy we apply to our clients social media assets is to get their "Fans" details into a database they own such as an email marketing database. That way when Facebook and other social media sites become too demanding in their rules for business that you have the details of prospects in a datastore you own.
How to be a Property Market ExpertMay 2, 2012 | 4:30 pmBeing able to recognize a good deal when you see one and being able to act quickly once you have identified it are crucial. So how do you learn to spot the deals and become a market expert.
Additional Features for your Facebook PageApr 26, 2012 | 3:00 pmThe new Facebook Page design for business is fully up and running and you need to make sure your business has their page looking great, social media marketing NZ has never looked so sharp. There are many new features and new rules too.
Share your home screen with onmyhomescreen.coMay 16, 2012 | 12:00 amYour smartphone or tablet home screen says a lot about you. Imagine if you found another person with the same home screen set up as you? Well FLITTER thinks this is very interesting so we set up a Tumblr where people all over the world can submit and share their home screen screenshot.
New image, New website and a New propositionMay 12, 2012 | 10:00 pmFLITTER has a new website! BUT you can?t check it out till you?ve read the story. In January Jen and I got Married.
Social TV: Engagement opportunities and the cMay 12, 2012 | 10:00 pmWe?ve all heard about the power of the second screen. Jordan Bitterman?from?Digitas thinks that?s the 2012 growth area.
Facebook and Twitter - triggers the same sensMay 12, 2012 | 10:00 pmGet someone talking about themselves and you?ll have a friend forever. I?ve heard this so many times but now Harvard University Professors have released a study explaining way.
Win a ticket to the Customer Analytics and MaMay 12, 2012 | 10:00 pm3rd Annual Customer Analytics and Marketing?Optimisation?Conference Promising two full days of presentations that will enable you to take data use to another level, this is an event not to be missed. Hear a mix of [.
56% said their social media resulted in new lMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmPagemodo??have released some insights into the impact social media has on business. This 2011 data from small businesses highlights some of the weaknesses in usage and application but also the benefits many using social media [.
Are you building a Social Brand or Social BusMay 9, 2012 | 1:30 pmToday many businesses are developing strategies for the social web. Building brand pages on social networks and fostering online communities connecting and engaging customers and fans is great but is this approach future proofing your [.
Want more followers? Think RootBlast!Apr 14, 2012 | 1:00 pm? When people start talking about wanting more followers my answer is simply; Be more interesting to more people ? Think about plant root structures for a moment. The featured image shows two plants, one has been given RootBlast and one hasn?t.
5 types of social dataApr 12, 2012 | 3:30 amOver the last couple of years companies have approached us to help enable them to become more competitive in a socially engaged marketplace. That can include everything from policy development to technical systems, internal knowledge sharing, content creation, channel development, engagement, training and monitoring and analytics.
Evaluating the @NZHerald's Top NZ Tweeters LiApr 12, 2012 | 3:30 amOver the last few days the New Zealand Herald has published their NZ Twitter top 50 list Part one Part two People choice We all love lists and scores so whether it?s Klout, PeerIndex or the Herald?s own you?re sure to find 100?s of eyeballs scanning?over who?s on it and who?s not. What I?m interested read more ?.
John's Key hits right word, wrong executionMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmIn a recent Wall Street Journal interview John Key picked the right word to focus on right now: productivity. So why does a return to 1930s make-work schemes (a la cycleway) lift investment in intellectual capital, sustainability and innovation?.
Jobs Summit Part OneMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmThe Jobs Summit was a missed opportunity?with an empahsis on short term 'jobbism'rather than strategic thinking. Vincent Heeringa wonders what happened to the innovation roadmap.
Year of Hard YakkaMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmVincent Heeringa's prediction for 2009 is that the harder you work the less of a failure you will be. Gloomy? Yes, but here are two books that can provide encouragement.
Doing more with lessMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmWhat does a big-spending infrastructure-obsessed government mean for innovation, science, R&D and the arts? Vincent Heeringa ponders the rise of North Shore and the demise of Grey Lynn in our politics. Listen to the audio or subscribe to the Idealog podcast.
Obama v Key v global warmingMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmOur new government will be reducing environmental progress while Obama is stepping the US up. So what does the National and Act coalition mean for the environment and the Emmisions Trading Scheme? Is the real loser in this year's election the environment? Vincent Heeringa explains.
What killed the electric car?May 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmVincent wonders what happened to the electric car: including the Tesla, BMW 7, Mitsubishi MiEV, hybrids, hydrogen fuel-and why catching the bus is the best way to reduce emissions. Listen to the audio or subscribe to the Idealog podcast.
Eco credit crunch?May 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmThe latest WWF report says that New Zealand punches above its weight when it comes to leaving a dirty smudge on the planet. This is not good news because the cash used to fight dirty technology is drying up.
Doing Good: Go MadMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmVincent announces the Intrepid Volunteers Challenge and social networking site, GoMad.co.
Hot, Flat and CrowdedMay 16, 2012 | 3:31 pmVincent reviews and discusses Thomas L. Friedman's new book Hot, Flat and Crowded.
