thedailyblog--2020-04-18--7pm tonight NZ’s first on-line protest – End the blockade of Gaza

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is organising New Zealand ’ s first on-line protest – complete with speakers , placards and even some chants – this Sunday at 7pm .
The protest will call on the government to speak out demanding Israeli authorities end the blockade of Gaza so Palestinians can bring in the medical supplies , equipment and personnel they need to deal with the looming human catastrophe of Covid 19 spreading in this densely populated area with run down medical services .
Prominent New Zealanders have written to the government asking for action but Foreign Affairs Minister Winston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would have organised a protest outside parliament but since this is not possible an online protest will take place .
The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters have been invited to speak .
The order of the event will be : Mihi ( welcome ) Syd Keepa – representing tangata whenua – the Maori people of Aotearoa .
Speakers from Gaza – ( note all speakers will be from 3 to 5 minutes ) • Dr Medhat Abbas : Ministry of Health Gaza , Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this video statement in the last few days .
• Basman Elashi , Executive Director of El Wafa Hospital and General Director of El Wafa Elderly Nursing Home .
• Sabreen Annajjar : Mother of Razan Al-Najjar .
Razan – pictured below – was the 21-year-old female paramedic killed by an Israeli sniper in the March of Return in 2018 – Wafa will translate Sabreen ’ s statement .
• Ruby Gouda – Palestinian school student living in Auckland , New Zealand .
She will read a poem she has written .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activist who has been imprisoned numerous time for resisting the Israeli occupation .
He is the father of Ahed Tamimi – pictured below – who as a 16-year-old was imprisoned for slapping an Israeli soldier after her family were attacked .
• Julie Webb-Pullman – a New Zealander who has worked in Gaza since 2011 investigating war crimes and is currently in NZ .
• Roger Fowler and Maia Fowler – A song to finish “ We are all Palestinians ” We hope New Zealand media will take part and report this event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our media and they desperately need countries like New Zealand to take notice at this time .
We invite the New Zealand media to report on this on-line protest just as the media would attend a protest outside parliament .
Al Jazeera in Gaza have requested an invitation to report – we hope New Zealand media will join them .

End the blockade of Gaza
The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is organising New Zealand’s first on-line protest – complete with speakers, placards and even some chants – this Sunday at 7pm.
The protest will call on the government to speak out demanding Israeli authorities end the blockade of Gaza so Palestinians can bring in the medical supplies, equipment and personnel they need to deal with the looming human catastrophe of Covid 19 spreading in this densely populated area with run down medical services.
Prominent New Zealanders have written to the government asking for action but Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is unmoved. Without the lockdown we would have organised a protest outside parliament but since this is not possible an online protest will take place.
The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters have been invited to speak.
The login details are:
Topic: Lift the Blockade of Gaza
Time: Sunday April 19, 2020 07:00 PM (NZ time)
TDB Recommends NewzEngine.com
Join Zoom Meeting at https://zoom.us/j/98046635207
Meeting ID: 980 4663 5207
The order of the event will be:
Introduction John Minto – PSNA Chair
Mihi (welcome) Syd Keepa – representing tangata whenua – the Maori people of Aotearoa.
Speakers from Gaza – (note all speakers will be from 3 to 5 minutes)
Dr Medhat Abbas: Ministry of Health Gaza, Director General of Primary Health Services who made this video statement in the last few days. Basman Elashi, Executive Director of El Wafa Hospital and General Director of El Wafa Elderly Nursing Home. Wafa Aludaini: is a Palestinian activist and journalist. Sijoud Shnaiwrah: is a Palestinian activist and university student. Sabreen Annajjar: Mother of Razan Al-Najjar. Razan – pictured below – was the 21-year-old female paramedic killed by an Israeli sniper in the March of Return in 2018 – Wafa will translate Sabreen’s statement.
Speaker from New Zealand
Ruby Gouda – Palestinian school student living in Auckland, New Zealand. She will read a poem she has written.
Speaker from the Occupied West Bank
Basem Tamimi: Basem is a Palestinian activist who has been imprisoned numerous time for resisting the Israeli occupation. He is the father of Ahed Tamimi – pictured below – who as a 16-year-old was imprisoned for slapping an Israeli soldier after her family were attacked.
Speakers from New Zealand
Julie Webb-Pullman – a New Zealander who has worked in Gaza since 2011 investigating war crimes and is currently in NZ. Roger Fowler and Maia Fowler – A song to finish “We are all Palestinians” Thanks
We hope New Zealand media will take part and report this event. Palestinian voices are rarely reported through our media and they desperately need countries like New Zealand to take notice at this time.
We invite the New Zealand media to report on this on-line protest just as the media would attend a protest outside parliament. Al Jazeera in Gaza have requested an invitation to report – we hope New Zealand media will join them.


thedailyblog--2020-04-20--It’s 420 Day! How to celebrate cannabis safety under lockdown

Today , April 20 , is known around the world as 420 Day , when cannabis consumers and supporters of sensible reform can celebrate their lifestyle together , in isolation , at 4:20pm .
This year , the entire month of April is “ 4/20 ” month too – and expectations were high , so to speak , that a month of 420 ’ s leading into J Day would provide a foundation for activism leading into the cannabis referendum .
Instead , the global coronavirus lockdown has left cannabis consumers , including Kiwi patients , without their usual access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cannabis consumers stay safe with coronavirus still circulating ?
Firstly , let ’ s dispel some myths ( or wishful thinking ) : cannabis does not product against Covid-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
CBD is not a miracle cure for this .
In fact , smoking cannabis could make it worse by agitating the lungs , so try to avoid smoked forms .
Bake an edible with that flour you ’ ve been hoarding .
Smother yourself with a herbal anointing oil .
Jesus did it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is out .
Just don ’ t do it .
This is the time you can Bogart that joint , my friend .
I certainly don ’ t want to share a joint with anyone , so these are indeed strange times .
Cannabis is an inherently social experience for most consumers .
We like to sit , talk , connect and share .
But this is a time to stop doing that .
Stay safe in your bubble , and may it be filled with pungent vapour .
Even within your bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass joints , glassware , vape pens or other devices used to consume cannabis —or even to be too close to someone who coughs after smoking or vaping .
Patients with compromised immune systems should especially limit smoking and vaping .
All consumers should also beware of unfounded claims that cannabinoids such as CBD can treat or cure coronavirus infections , as well as potential scammers promoting similar claims .
Importantly for New Zealand , cannabis from the unregulated market may potentially possess mould , pesticides , or other unwanted adulterants that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zealand still enforced prohibition , it ’ s not yet possible to obtain lab-tested , regulated products .
Should cannabis be an essential service ?
Most medical and adult-use cannabis jurisdictions in the U.S. have allowed licensed stores to remain open .
Health officials in some two-dozen states have enacted emergency rules to ensure that state-qualified patients have uninterrupted access to cannabis products .
Many have declared legal cannabis retailers “ essential ” businesses , noting the need among some patients for a consistent supply of medicine and the public health risks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In New Zealand it ’ s easy to see how this should apply for medicinal use , which is legal now , and regulated since 1 April .
Medicinal cannabis is now treated just like any other medicine , and priority should be given to ensuring a continued supply of existing products to patients .
But Covid-19 has impacted on the Ministry of Health ’ s ability to process new licence applications , shut down research , and reduced the ability of many licence holders to make progress on their plans .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a case to be made that protecting vulnerable people from exposure to the hazards of illicit markets is more important right now than getting police to enforce drug prohibitions .
This includes patients , the elderly , those with compromised health and anyone who risks community transmission .
Illicit providers often don ’ t put much effort into hygiene and safe handling practises – although I hear there are some very good people doing their best , in spite of the law .
But rather than force consumers to seek supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an immediate amnesty or moratorium on drug law enforcement , as long as people are following all rules relating to the lockdown and their bubble .
Police have much better things to do right now .
What do you think ?
Well , researchers are now collecting data worldwide to see exactly how consumers are impacted , which could form the basis for allowing cannabis as an essential service .
How has Covid-19 affected your cannabis use ?
A team of researchers affiliated with the University of Miami is collecting epidemiological data to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients in particular , are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Investigators are seeking respondents to participate in an anonymous online survey to evaluate whether consumers have experienced changes in their frequency of cannabis use , dosing , access , or preferred methods of ingestion as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown or other emergency actions .
Answers are kept strictly confidential and it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete the survey .
Dr. Denise C. Vidot , who is leading the study , said “ If COVID-19 has taught us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is vital to make informed decisions .
So , we are combining our skills to do our part to provide that data .
Our goal is to have cannabis users from every country complete this survey , so the data is more generalizable.
” The survey is online here .
Meanwhile , coronavirus concerns and lockdowns will force cannabis law reform advocates to find new ways of organising our campaigns .
I ’ ll write soon about how Covid-19 will impact our campaign for the a Yes vote in the New Zealand cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially at 4:20pm – it ’ s a great time to celebrate cannabis and how far we have come , and remember all those who have gone before us and upon whose shoulders we stand , including those in prison or who have died waiting for access and the advocates who have got us all so close to legalisation .
Due to our timezone , New Zealand has the first 420 in the world .
Here are some online events you can stream at home with like-minded people around New Zealand and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 420 – Living room Lovefest : our very own Dakta Green is kicking off a global series of 420 ’ s , around the world in 24 hours , with each time zone hosting when it ’ s their 4:20pm .
Starts at 4pm today on iHeartradio and e360tv .
• Time to Legalise – couch chat with former Greens MP and trustee of the ‘ Make It Legal ” campaign Nandor Tanczos .
He ’ ll be talking to NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann at 4:20 Canberra time , which is 6:20pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook or Zoom .
• Sacred Solidarity – a free online festival supporting COVID-19 Mutual Aid Efforts and celebrating reciprocity and our connection with Earth and each other on Bicycle Day .
Donations raise funds for psychedelic reform .
Speakers include Alex and Alison Grey , Rick Dobin ( MAPS ) , there are movies to stream , musicians and an online after party .
• Los Angeles NORML is hosting a party for their 50th Anniversary , streaming at lanorml.org and on youtube from 10:30am today New Zealand Time .
The celebration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tommy Chong , Todd McCormick , Gelato breeder Mr Sherbinski and NORML founder Keith Stroup .
• Nightmares on Wax – a 420 special IGTV live stream “ celebrating 25 years of Smokers Delight ” with Daddy G of Massive Attack .
This will be tomorrow , New Zealand Time , but you ’ re encouraged to start early !
Whatever you do for 420 today , stay safe in your bubble and may it be filled with pungent vapour .
Chris Fowlie is the CEO of Zeacann Limited , a medicinal cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Cannabis Council ; president of the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws NZ Inc ; co-founder of The Hempstore Aotearoa ; resident expert for Marijuana Media on 95bFM ; cannabis blogger for The Daily Blog , and court-recognised independent expert witness for cannabis .
The opinions expressed here are his own .

Today, April 20, is known around the world as 420 Day, when cannabis consumers and supporters of sensible reform can celebrate their lifestyle together, in isolation, at 4:20pm.
This year, the entire month of April is “4/20” month too – and expectations were high, so to speak, that a month of 420’s leading into J Day would provide a foundation for activism leading into the cannabis referendum. Instead, the global coronavirus lockdown has left cannabis consumers, including Kiwi patients, without their usual access and exposed to misinformation.
So how can cannabis consumers stay safe with coronavirus still circulating?
Firstly, let’s dispel some myths (or wishful thinking): cannabis does not product against Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. CBD is not a miracle cure for this. In fact, smoking cannabis could make it worse by agitating the lungs, so try to avoid smoked forms. Bake an edible with that flour you’ve been hoarding. Smother yourself with a herbal anointing oil. Jesus did it, after all.
Certainly, sharing joints is out. Just don’t do it. This is the time you can Bogart that joint, my friend. I certainly don’t want to share a joint with anyone, so these are indeed strange times. Cannabis is an inherently social experience for most consumers. We like to sit, talk, connect and share. But this is a time to stop doing that. Stay safe in your bubble, and may it be filled with pungent vapour.
Even within your bubble, it’s too risky to pass joints, glassware, vape pens or other devices used to consume cannabis —or even to be too close to someone who coughs after smoking or vaping. Patients with compromised immune systems should especially limit smoking and vaping.
All consumers should also beware of unfounded claims that cannabinoids such as CBD can treat or cure coronavirus infections, as well as potential scammers promoting similar claims.
Importantly for New Zealand, cannabis from the unregulated market may potentially possess mould, pesticides, or other unwanted adulterants that could hurt your immune system. Because New Zealand still enforced prohibition, it’s not yet possible to obtain lab-tested, regulated products.
TDB Recommends NewzEngine.com
Should cannabis be an essential service?
Most medical and adult-use cannabis jurisdictions in the U.S. have allowed licensed stores to remain open. Health officials in some two-dozen states have enacted emergency rules to ensure that state-qualified patients have uninterrupted access to cannabis products.
Many have declared legal cannabis retailers “essential” businesses, noting the need among some patients for a consistent supply of medicine and the public health risks of sending consumers flocking to unregulated markets.
In New Zealand it’s easy to see how this should apply for medicinal use, which is legal now, and regulated since 1 April. Medicinal cannabis is now treated just like any other medicine, and priority should be given to ensuring a continued supply of existing products to patients. But Covid-19 has impacted on the Ministry of Health’s ability to process new licence applications, shut down research, and reduced the ability of many licence holders to make progress on their plans.
The illicit market is less straightforward, but there is a case to be made that protecting vulnerable people from exposure to the hazards of illicit markets is more important right now than getting police to enforce drug prohibitions. This includes patients, the elderly, those with compromised health and anyone who risks community transmission.
Illicit providers often don’t put much effort into hygiene and safe handling practises – although I hear there are some very good people doing their best, in spite of the law. But rather than force consumers to seek supplies from illicit providers, there should be an immediate amnesty or moratorium on drug law enforcement, as long as people are following all rules relating to the lockdown and their bubble. Police have much better things to do right now.
What do you think? Well, researchers are now collecting data worldwide to see exactly how consumers are impacted, which could form the basis for allowing cannabis as an essential service.
How has Covid-19 affected your cannabis use?
A team of researchers affiliated with the University of Miami is collecting epidemiological data to better evaluate how cannabis consumers, and patients in particular, are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigators are seeking respondents to participate in an anonymous online survey to evaluate whether consumers have experienced changes in their frequency of cannabis use, dosing, access, or preferred methods of ingestion as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown or other emergency actions. Answers are kept strictly confidential and it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete the survey.
Dr. Denise C. Vidot, who is leading the study, said “If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that population-based data is vital to make informed decisions. So, we are combining our skills to do our part to provide that data. Our goal is to have cannabis users from every country complete this survey, so the data is more generalizable.”
The survey is online here.
Meanwhile, coronavirus concerns and lockdowns will force cannabis law reform advocates to find new ways of organising our campaigns. I’ll write soon about how Covid-19 will impact our campaign for the a Yes vote in the New Zealand cannabis referendum.
Celebrate 420 Day with these online events
Any time today – but especially at 4:20pm – it’s a great time to celebrate cannabis and how far we have come, and remember all those who have gone before us and upon whose shoulders we stand, including those in prison or who have died waiting for access and the advocates who have got us all so close to legalisation.
Due to our timezone, New Zealand has the first 420 in the world. Here are some online events you can stream at home with like-minded people around New Zealand and all over the world:
I Love 420 – Living room Lovefest : our very own Dakta Green is kicking off a global series of 420’s, around the world in 24 hours, with each time zone hosting when it’s their 4:20pm. Starts at 4pm today on iHeartradio and e360tv.
: our very own Dakta Green is kicking off a global series of 420’s, around the world in 24 hours, with each time zone hosting when it’s their 4:20pm. Starts at 4pm today on iHeartradio and e360tv. Time to Legalise – couch chat with former Greens MP and trustee of the ‘Make It Legal” campaign Nandor Tanczos. He’ll be talking to NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann at 4:20 Canberra time, which is 6:20pm New Zealand time. Watch live on Facebook or Zoom.
– couch chat with former Greens MP and trustee of the ‘Make It Legal” campaign Nandor Tanczos. He’ll be talking to NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann at 4:20 Canberra time, which is 6:20pm New Zealand time. Watch live on Facebook or Zoom. Sacred Solidarity – a free online festival supporting COVID-19 Mutual Aid Efforts and celebrating reciprocity and our connection with Earth and each other on Bicycle Day. Donations raise funds for psychedelic reform. Speakers include Alex and Alison Grey, Rick Dobin (MAPS), there are movies to stream, musicians and an online after party.
– a free online festival supporting COVID-19 Mutual Aid Efforts and celebrating reciprocity and our connection with Earth and each other on Bicycle Day. Donations raise funds for psychedelic reform. Speakers include Alex and Alison Grey, Rick Dobin (MAPS), there are movies to stream, musicians and an online after party. Los Angeles NORML is hosting a party for their 50th Anniversary, streaming at lanorml.org and on youtube from 10:30am today New Zealand Time. The celebration of 50 years of cannabis advocacy includes Tommy Chong, Todd McCormick, Gelato breeder Mr Sherbinski and NORML founder Keith Stroup.
is hosting a party for their 50th Anniversary, streaming at lanorml.org and on youtube from 10:30am today New Zealand Time. The celebration of 50 years of cannabis advocacy includes Tommy Chong, Todd McCormick, Gelato breeder Mr Sherbinski and NORML founder Keith Stroup. Nightmares on Wax – a 420 special IGTV live stream “celebrating 25 years of Smokers Delight” with Daddy G of Massive Attack. This will be tomorrow, New Zealand Time, but you’re encouraged to start early!
Whatever you do for 420 today, stay safe in your bubble and may it be filled with pungent vapour.
***
Chris Fowlie is the CEO of Zeacann Limited, a medicinal cannabis producer; co-founder of the New Zealand Medical Cannabis Council; president of the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws NZ Inc; co-founder of The Hempstore Aotearoa; resident expert for Marijuana Media on 95bFM; cannabis blogger for The Daily Blog, and court-recognised independent expert witness for cannabis. The opinions expressed here are his own.


thedailyblog--2020-04-19--Dr Liz Gordon: Equity, education and economic recovery

In the 1880s , economic wealth came to New Zealand by virtue of the discovery of refrigeration .
Shipping huge numbers of ( mainly ) frozen sheep carcases to ( mainly ) the United Kingdom got us out of a long recession and set us up for an economic boom that lasted until the great depression in the late 1920s .
A country built on carcasses , not innovation .
And which emphasised certain social and cultural traits that we are glad to have left in the past , such as role sexism and resource-based racism .
The came the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy based on the building of the roads and infrastructure that still , to a large extent , define our pathways today .
The building of the original state houses , constructed from rimu and other hardwoods , is an enduring feature , as these houses stand the test of time and remain able to comfortably ( with a bit of insulation and a heat pump ) house families today .
I should know , mine was built in 1940 , but then sold off by a privatizing Labour government in the 1980s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most prosperous countries in the world .
It was far from nirvana for women , Māori and others of ‘ difference ’ .
The culture and society was socially stifling , judgemental and narrow .
Gender roles were strictly enforced for all but a few .
Māori were being forced into the cities for economic wellbeing but faced social stigma and discrimination .
The next big economic reform period was Muldoon ’ s ‘ think big ’ in the 1970s .
It was hugely costly in terms of wages and wellbeing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which are still of benefit today .
Others , and especially the Bluff aluminium smelter , offer jobs but profits are siphoned overseas .
Finally , there was neoliberalism .
Privatise what you can , reshape what you can ’ t , reduce the size and scope of the state and hope the market will improve over time .
The main worker effects have been high employment levels but low pay and little job security for most .
The cost of getting qualifications adds years of debt burden to a person ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ‘ housing for all ’ as a policy , in favour of ‘ let the market provide ’ , has driven up the cost of housing , as the market has failed to provide adequately .
90 % of New Zealanders are worse off as a result of this policy .
In building the post Covid-19 world , we should reject all of these modes , but take the best from some of them .
I think the three main themes need to be economic equity , a nation-building state and education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zealand needs to foster a diversified economy based on well-paid and well-educated staff .
We may be looking at very different ways of working in the future .
Some businesses have found , to their surprise , that there are a range of benefits in having people work from home .
There will need to be a focus on domestic production , excluding tourism .
If the predictions are correct that Covid-19 will ‘ stalk ’ the human race for much of the next decade , then the full recovery of the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future .
We may rethink tourism , too , as for a while now there have been concerns about overcrowding in popular spots .
So we are looking for intelligent industries that hire educated workers and pay good wages .
This needs to be the starting point for a government strategy .
It has a double whammy effect , too , in building up both education provision and trained workers .
Second , there is a need for a nation-building state once again , especially in the areas of housing and manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The building industry is a mainstay of New Zealand but tend to be dominated by huge companies that are significant profit-takers .
The government might also look at supporting a lot more artisan , small scale “ intelligent ” development with better profit sharing among workers .
I have been very concerned at the large number of ‘ Coronation Street ’ type of development , with little space and little land .
There must be better ways of having affordable housing than this .
The final plank is education .
There are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the universities have been reliant for the past 20 years on large number of international students paying higher fees to bolster waning coffers .
The sector is dramatically under-funded if this income is removed , which is very likely .
The work to improve school outcomes has largely been done , but ensuring most New Zealanders end up with tertiary qualifications has never been a government priority .
Since 1990 , with tertiary fees , such a goal has almost been actively discouraged .
But in a strong and growing economy , tertiary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals but add to diverse and innovative industries .
Intelligent , science-built , future focussed industry requires high levels of qualifications , which requires free tertiary education for all , better wages and higher taxes .
And , of course , we will significantly expand our tertiary education system along the way .
It will not only be bigger but better .
An intelligent higher education will use a mix of online , cross-institution collaboration and other digital , cultural and scientific strategies to deliver “ the best that has been thought and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students , in ways that have never been thought of before .
Building the sector may not involve building new facilities , but building networks .
The equation is clear and the future possible , but it relies on a government that has the courage , tenacity and vision to do this work .
Everything is going to change , but what change , and for whom , remains to be seen .
Dr Liz Gordon is a researcher and a barrister , with interests in destroying neo-liberalism in all its forms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She usually blogs on justice , social welfare and education topics .

In the 1880s, economic wealth came to New Zealand by virtue of the discovery of refrigeration. Shipping huge numbers of (mainly) frozen sheep carcases to (mainly) the United Kingdom got us out of a long recession and set us up for an economic boom that lasted until the great depression in the late 1920s. A country built on carcasses, not innovation. And which emphasised certain social and cultural traits that we are glad to have left in the past, such as role sexism and resource-based racism.
The came the 1930s, and the rebuilding of our economy based on the building of the roads and infrastructure that still, to a large extent, define our pathways today. The building of the original state houses, constructed from rimu and other hardwoods, is an enduring feature, as these houses stand the test of time and remain able to comfortably (with a bit of insulation and a heat pump) house families today. I should know, mine was built in 1940, but then sold off by a privatizing Labour government in the 1980s.
In the 1950s we were among the most prosperous countries in the world. It was far from nirvana for women, Māori and others of ‘difference’. The culture and society was socially stifling, judgemental and narrow. Gender roles were strictly enforced for all but a few. Māori were being forced into the cities for economic wellbeing but faced social stigma and discrimination.
The next big economic reform period was Muldoon’s ‘think big’ in the 1970s. It was hugely costly in terms of wages and wellbeing, but left some enduring projects, some of which are still of benefit today. Others, and especially the Bluff aluminium smelter, offer jobs but profits are siphoned overseas.
Finally, there was neoliberalism. Privatise what you can, reshape what you can’t, reduce the size and scope of the state and hope the market will improve over time. The main worker effects have been high employment levels but low pay and little job security for most. The cost of getting qualifications adds years of debt burden to a person’s bank balance, and the abandonment of ‘housing for all’ as a policy, in favour of ‘let the market provide’, has driven up the cost of housing, as the market has failed to provide adequately. 90% of New Zealanders are worse off as a result of this policy.
In building the post Covid-19 world, we should reject all of these modes, but take the best from some of them. I think the three main themes need to be economic equity, a nation-building state and education.
The first principle is that New Zealand needs to foster a diversified economy based on well-paid and well-educated staff. We may be looking at very different ways of working in the future. Some businesses have found, to their surprise, that there are a range of benefits in having people work from home.
There will need to be a focus on domestic production, excluding tourism. If the predictions are correct that Covid-19 will ‘stalk’ the human race for much of the next decade, then the full recovery of the international tourism industry is a long time in the future. We may rethink tourism, too, as for a while now there have been concerns about overcrowding in popular spots.
TDB Recommends NewzEngine.com
So we are looking for intelligent industries that hire educated workers and pay good wages. This needs to be the starting point for a government strategy. It has a double whammy effect, too, in building up both education provision and trained workers.
Second, there is a need for a nation-building state once again, especially in the areas of housing and manufacturing production, roads and local facilities. The building industry is a mainstay of New Zealand but tend to be dominated by huge companies that are significant profit-takers. The government might also look at supporting a lot more artisan, small scale “intelligent” development with better profit sharing among workers. I have been very concerned at the large number of ‘Coronation Street’ type of development, with little space and little land. There must be better ways of having affordable housing than this.
The final plank is education. There are a range of factors here. First, the universities have been reliant for the past 20 years on large number of international students paying higher fees to bolster waning coffers. The sector is dramatically under-funded if this income is removed, which is very likely.
The work to improve school outcomes has largely been done, but ensuring most New Zealanders end up with tertiary qualifications has never been a government priority. Since 1990, with tertiary fees, such a goal has almost been actively discouraged. But in a strong and growing economy, tertiary qualifications not only improve employment opportunities for individuals but add to diverse and innovative industries. Intelligent, science-built, future focussed industry requires high levels of qualifications, which requires free tertiary education for all, better wages and higher taxes.
And, of course, we will significantly expand our tertiary education system along the way. It will not only be bigger but better. An intelligent higher education will use a mix of online, cross-institution collaboration and other digital, cultural and scientific strategies to deliver “the best that has been thought and done” to a new generation of students, in ways that have never been thought of before. Building the sector may not involve building new facilities, but building networks.
The equation is clear and the future possible, but it relies on a government that has the courage, tenacity and vision to do this work. Everything is going to change, but what change, and for whom, remains to be seen.
Dr Liz Gordon is a researcher and a barrister, with interests in destroying neo-liberalism in all its forms and moving towards a socially just society. She usually blogs on justice, social welfare and education topics.


thedailyblog--2020-04-19--Life in Lock Down: Day 24 & 25

Life in Lock Down: Day 24 & 25

It ’ s a Saturday afternoon and I ’ m pulling another covering shift in the weekend .
( Covering for a colleague whose presence at the facility has been deemed to be too high-risk . )
The Park N Ride has one car , evidence that those using it are ( hopefully ) solely essential workers .
… and the white motorhome is back in it ’ s parked position .
This time facing the other way ; On the motorway , commercial traffic was sparse , but comprised ( in part ) ; a “ Chemdry ” van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with yellow hazard strobe-lights flashing ; ambulance ; “ ACM ” Security van ; “ Mainfreight ” truck ; a fully-laden light gravel-truck ; some other commercial vehicles with indeterminate company signage… Traffic on SH2 was either the same or even marginally heavier than during the working-week .
At the Melling interchange , there were about a dozen cars in sight .
Hopefully this was not an indication of more people beginning to ignore the Stay Home , Stay Local edict .
By the time I drove past Aotea Quay , traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reasonably fine Autumn day and there were quite a few people out and about walking the city streets , enjoying the fine weather .
At 1pm , the usual government media conference is replaced with a press release .
New cases are still trending downward : 13 this time .
No new deaths , which is a blessing But still two people in intensive care – not so good .
At Kilbirnie , at 2.25pm , this fellow was sighted in his campervan , driving from the shopping area ; along Cobham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shelley Bay ; If community transmission of the contagion continues to spread because some folk refuse to understand the niceties of Level 4 Lock Down , it could be people like the above campervan driver we ’ ll be ‘ thanking ’ .
Especially if we have to keep businesses closed and stay home longer .
A note was duly sent of to 105.police.govt.nz .
Meanwhile , the last few days of lock-down have been increasingly rough for my flatmate .
She ’ s not an essential worker so doesn ’ t share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for being out and about .
She makes hand-made items she sells at street markets – but those have closed for The Duration .
She has no family in the Greater Wellington region – they ’ re all up north in Rotorua .
Except for me she is totally alone ( and I ’ m out of the house about twelve to fourteen hours each day ) .
She has respected the Lockdown and her mental health is not the best for it .
No doubt there are many others like her around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation has been resolved with Ministry of Health intervention . )
So when I see people flouting Lock Down for their own selfish pleasure , it ’ s annoys the bejeezus out of me .
My day off .
Had intended to have a good sleep-in… but forgot to turn off my radio-clock .
*Doh !
* Did some house work , laundry .
Re-potted an avocado plant I ’ d grown from the stone-seed .
Picked up feijoas blown off my tree by the Autumn equinox gales .
Went for a walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this morning .
I had downloaded “ Zoom ” last night and used it instead of “ Skype ” .
Whilst the image is better than Skype , Zoom is not that user-friendly and is not very clear how to invite and initiate a video call .
After a bit of faffing about we managed to make contact and had a good , long chat .
We talked about her workplace and how dropping to Level 3-plus would affect her staff .
A lot of small talk .
Some good natured ribbing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can say ‘ meow ’ to my partner .
It ’ s good to see her face , her smile , and hear her voice .
One of my Facebook contacts sends me a link to an opinion piece by right wing commentator , Damien Grant .
Mr Grant shares us his ill-informed “ reckons ” about Coronavirus : Ashley Bloomfield must step out of the Prime Minister ’ s shadow “ Dr Bloomfield needs to assert his authority .
He needs to step out of the Prime Minister ’ s shadow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his and his alone.
” Which any school student will know is arrant rubbish .
Dr Bloomfield – whilst a very talented and highly respected professional – is a civil servant .
He has responsibilities within the Ministry of Health .
But decision-making is the prerogative of Cabinet and the Prime Minister .
They are our elected representatives .
And whilst they take advice from good people like Dr Bloomfield , ultimately the decision-making rests with politicians .
( That ’ s the way our system has worked since the Year Dot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed on this subject or he is wilfully mischief-making for his National Party masters .
Take your pick which .
Later , the PM and hold their 1pm ‘ presser ’ .
The good news continues to hold : only nine new cases .
Back to single figures !
Hold my breath for the coming announcement of any new fatalities… none .
( Though a death from last week has been re-designated covid19 related , taking our toll up to twelve . )
The PM announces that a decision will be made tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level will move at Wednesday mid-night from 4 to 3-plus .
Personally , I would accept an extra week on L4 .
It means less “ grey ” areas of what people can do .
And less inadvertent transmission by rule breakers .
Like this guy from 28 March ( Day 3 ) ; — remember him ?
Dropped off two boys and then drove off .
Well , he was back again this afternoon .
Dropped off the same two boys .
Then left after five minutes .
But in a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branding ; So the rules obviously don ’ t apply to some people ?
That ’ s a problematic lesson he ’ s teaching his young lads .
If we beat covid19 , it will be in spite of people like that and the campervan driver yesterday .
No thanks to them .
Meanwhile , I received an email from my employers .
There was an attachment instructing optimal use for PPE gear ; face masks , latex gloves , smocks… Somehow , I don ’ t think I ’ ll be flavour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m going to forget about covid19 , the pandemic , lock-down , etc .
I ’ m going to go “ retro ” and watch the 1972 Arthur Jacobs movie , Conquest of the Planet of the Apes .
It ’ s about the world in the “ future ” in 1991 .
Apes have been brought into human households and ‘ domesticated ’ after all cats and dogs were wiped out by a pandemic plague… A light-hearted moment as a dozy right-wing American conspiracy theorist thoroughly demolishes his own conviction that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by wearing mask , goggles , and full hazmat coveralls .
RNZ : Nine new Covid-19 cases – Community transmission key to lockdown decision NewstalkZB : Heather du Plessis-Allan – This is a lockdown , not a holiday Democracy Now : Madrid ’ s Ice Rink Turned to Morgue as Spain Exceeds China in Coronavirus Deaths The Independent : Is Sweden having second thoughts on lockdown ?
The Out And Abouter : Reached For Comment , Coronavirus Says It ’ s Also Very In Favour Of Reopening The Economy Immediately Will New Zealand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone gets a virus Life in Lock Down : Day 22 – Is that a light at the end of a four week long tunnel ?
!
This blogpost will be re-published on “ Frankly Speaking “ .
Reader ’ s comments may be left here ( The Daily Blog ) or there ( Frankly Speaking ) .

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April 18: Day 24 of living in lock-down…
It’s a Saturday afternoon and I’m pulling another covering shift in the weekend. (Covering for a colleague whose presence at the facility has been deemed to be too high-risk.) The Park N Ride has one car, evidence that those using it are (hopefully) solely essential workers.
… and the white motorhome is back in it’s parked position. This time facing the other way;
.
TDB Recommends NewzEngine.com
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On the motorway, commercial traffic was sparse, but comprised (in part); a “Chemdry” van; “Fulton Hogan” roadworks truck, with yellow hazard strobe-lights flashing; ambulance; “ACM” Security van; “Mainfreight” truck; a fully-laden light gravel-truck; some other commercial vehicles with indeterminate company signage…
Traffic on SH2 was either the same or even marginally heavier than during the working-week. At the Melling interchange, there were about a dozen cars in sight. Hopefully this was not an indication of more people beginning to ignore the Stay Home, Stay Local edict. By the time I drove past Aotea Quay, traffic was once again sparse.
It was a reasonably fine Autumn day and there were quite a few people out and about walking the city streets, enjoying the fine weather.
At 1pm, the usual government media conference is replaced with a press release. New cases are still trending downward: 13 this time. No new deaths, which is a blessing But still two people in intensive care – not so good.
At Kilbirnie, at 2.25pm, this fellow was sighted in his campervan, driving from the shopping area; along Cobham Drive; and then turning off at Shelley Bay;
.
.
If community transmission of the contagion continues to spread because some folk refuse to understand the niceties of Level 4 Lock Down, it could be people like the above campervan driver we’ll be ‘thanking’. Especially if we have to keep businesses closed and stay home longer.
A note was duly sent of to 105.police.govt.nz.
Meanwhile, the last few days of lock-down have been increasingly rough for my flatmate. She’s not an essential worker so doesn’t share my privilege of having a legitimate excuse for being out and about. She makes hand-made items she sells at street markets – but those have closed for The Duration. She has no family in the Greater Wellington region – they’re all up north in Rotorua.
Except for me she is totally alone (and I’m out of the house about twelve to fourteen hours each day).
She has respected the Lockdown and her mental health is not the best for it. No doubt there are many others like her around the country. (Since then her situation has been resolved with Ministry of Health intervention.)
So when I see people flouting Lock Down for their own selfish pleasure, it’s annoys the bejeezus out of me.
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April 18: Day 24
Current covid19 cases: 1,422
Cases in ICU: 3 (2 critical)
Number of deaths: 11
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April 19: Day 25 of living in lock-down…
My day off. Had intended to have a good sleep-in… but forgot to turn off my radio-clock. *Doh!*
Did some house work, laundry. Re-potted an avocado plant I’d grown from the stone-seed. Picked up feijoas blown off my tree by the Autumn equinox gales. Went for a walk around my block.
Skyped my partner this morning. I had downloaded “Zoom” last night and used it instead of “Skype”. Whilst the image is better than Skype, Zoom is not that user-friendly and is not very clear how to invite and initiate a video call. After a bit of faffing about we managed to make contact and had a good, long chat. We talked about her workplace and how dropping to Level 3-plus would affect her staff.
A lot of small talk. Some good natured ribbing. I hold my cat up so she can say ‘meow’ to my partner.
It’s good to see her face, her smile, and hear her voice.
One of my Facebook contacts sends me a link to an opinion piece by right wing commentator, Damien Grant. Mr Grant shares us his ill-informed “reckons” about
Coronavirus: Ashley Bloomfield must step out of the Prime Minister’s shadow
— it
“Dr Bloomfield needs to assert his authority. He needs to step out of the Prime Minister’s shadow and remind the nation that these decisions are his and his alone.”
Which any school student will know is arrant rubbish.
Dr Bloomfield – whilst a very talented and highly respected professional – is a civil servant. He has responsibilities within the Ministry of Health.
But decision-making is the prerogative of Cabinet and the Prime Minister. They are our elected representatives. And whilst they take advice from good people like Dr Bloomfield, ultimately the decision-making rests with politicians. (That’s the way our system has worked since the Year Dot.)
Either Damien Grant has been badly informed on this subject or he is wilfully mischief-making for his National Party masters. Take your pick which.
Later, the PM and hold their 1pm ‘presser’. The good news continues to hold: only nine new cases. Back to single figures! Hold my breath for the coming announcement of any new fatalities… none. (Though a death from last week has been re-designated covid19 related, taking our toll up to twelve.)
The PM announces that a decision will be made tomorrow at 4pm whether or not the Lock-down level will move at Wednesday mid-night from 4 to 3-plus. Personally, I would accept an extra week on L4. It means less “grey” areas of what people can do. And less inadvertent transmission by rule breakers.
Like this guy from 28 March (Day 3);
.
.
— remember him? Dropped off two boys and then drove off.
Well, he was back again this afternoon. Dropped off the same two boys. Then left after five minutes. But in a different vehicle this time, minus his company branding;
.
.
So the rules obviously don’t apply to some people? That’s a problematic lesson he’s teaching his young lads.
If we beat covid19, it will be in spite of people like that and the campervan driver yesterday. No thanks to them.
Meanwhile, I received an email from my employers. There was an attachment instructing optimal use for PPE gear; face masks, latex gloves, smocks…
I replied,
“We’re getting PPEs? Cool!
When?”
Somehow, I don’t think I’ll be flavour of the month.
Tonight, I’m going to forget about covid19, the pandemic, lock-down, etc.
I’m going to go “retro” and watch the 1972 Arthur Jacobs movie, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. It’s about the world in the “future” in 1991. Apes have been brought into human households and ‘domesticated’ after all cats and dogs were wiped out by a pandemic plague…
Oh.
Bugger.
.
April 19: Day 25
Current covid19 cases: 1,431
Cases in ICU: 3 (2 critical)
Number of deaths: 12
.
Postscript
A light-hearted moment as a dozy right-wing American conspiracy theorist thoroughly demolishes his own conviction that “covid19 is a lie” – by wearing mask, goggles, and full hazmat coveralls.
“B” for effort.
“F” for execution.
“A+” for LOLs.
(But still imminently suited to be next President of the United States.)
.
.
Meanwhile, back to Reality. Remember folks;
.
.
.
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References
RNZ: Covid-19 – 13 new cases reported on Saturday
RNZ: Nine new Covid-19 cases – Community transmission key to lockdown decision
Must Read
NewstalkZB: Heather du Plessis-Allan – This is a lockdown, not a holiday
Democracy Now: Madrid’s Ice Rink Turned to Morgue as Spain Exceeds China in Coronavirus Deaths
The Independent: Is Sweden having second thoughts on lockdown?
The Out And Abouter: Reached For Comment, Coronavirus Says It’s Also Very In Favour Of Reopening The Economy Immediately
Elemental: Hold the Line
Other Blogs
Will New Zealand Be Right?
Previous related blogposts
The Warehouse – where everyone gets a virus
Life in Lock Down: Day 1
Life in Lock Down: Day 2
Life in Lock Down: Day 3
Life in Lock Down: Day 4
Life in Lock Down: Day 5
Life in Lock Down: Day 6
Life in Lock Down: Day 7
Life in Lock Down: Day 7 (sanitised version)
Life in Lock Down: Day 8
Life in Lock Down: Day 8 (sanitised version)
Life in Lock Down: Day 9
Life in Lock Down: Day 10
Life in Lock Down: Day 11
Life in Lock Down: Day 12
Life in Lock Down: Day 13
Life in Lock Down: Day 14
Life in Lock Down: Day 15
Life in Lock Down: Day 16 – Bad Friday
Life in Lock Down: Day 17
Life in Lock Down: Day 18
Life in Lock Down: Day 19
Life in Lock Down: Day 20
Life in Lock Down: Day 21
Life in Lock Down: Day 22 – Is that a light at the end of a four week long tunnel?!
Life in Lock Down: Day 23
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Acknowledgement: Sharon Murdoch
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This blogpost will be re-published on “Frankly Speaking“. Reader’s comments may be left here (The Daily Blog) or there (Frankly Speaking).
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= fs =


thedailyblog--2020-04-20--MUST READ: NZ Military Getting Ready To Aid The Civil Power

IT WAS EASY to miss amidst the information overload of Lockdown at Level 4 .
A curiously thin news story , published by Stuff on 15 April , concerning “ a routine military exercise ” in South Auckland .
The New Zealand Defence Force ( NZDF ) was keen to reassure people living in the area that the sound of gunfire , loud explosions and helicopters flying overhead were nothing to be concerned about .
But , as is so often the case with NZDF media releases , that wasn ’ t the whole story – not by a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any government facing a crisis on the scale of the Covid-19 Pandemic will , at a pretty early stage in the proceedings , be briefed by their senior law enforcement and military advisers on how best to respond to a serious outbreak of civil disorder .
For the likes of Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson this was likely to have been a sobering – and scary – experience .
The number of sworn police officers in New Zealand currently stands at around 10,000 .
The NZDF musters roughly the same number , 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women in reserve .
In other words , in a nation of just under 5 million , the state can call upon just 22,000 trained personnel to enforce its will .
That ’ s one trained enforcer for every 227 citizens .
Obviously , the state ’ s best option , when faced with a serious outbreak of civil disorder , is to concentrate as many of its enforcers as possible at the scene .
Equally obviously , those enforcers need to be trained and equipped to quell such disorder swiftly and decisively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum of violence and injury , the first responders should ideally be police officers trained in crowd control – i.e .
a “ riot squad ” .
This was the preferred option for maintaining law and order during the Springbok Tour protests of 1981 , and it was highly successful .
Only outside Eden Park on the final day of the Tour did the Police contemplate calling upon the military to aid the civil power .
Armed naval personnel were mustered in readiness , but fortunately their services were not required .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course the overwhelming majority of anti-Apartheid protesters were law-abiding members of the New Zealand middle-class , and the main co-ordinating body of the anti-tour movement , the Halt All Racist Tours organisation ( HART ) was officially committed to non-violent civil-disobedience .
That being the case , the highly-trained “ Red ” and “ Blue ” riot squads , equipped with visored helmets , metal shields and long batons , were more than equal to the task of making sure the games went ahead .
They were bested by the protesters only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park .
Serious civil disorder arising out of the prolonged imposition of the lockdown rules is , however , unlikely to be undertaken by idealistic protesters committed to non-violent action .
One has only to take in the images now flooding out of the United States , of loud and aggressive Trump supporters openly flouting the social-distancing rules imposed by state governors and legislatures .
At present , most ( but not all ) of these protesters are unarmed .
Should that change , however , the potential for a calamitous eruption of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New Zealanders are not Americans : as a people we are about “ fairness ” much more than we are about “ liberty ” .
But , as the reaction to the Government ’ s attempts to institute a more rational system of controlling the possession and use of firearms has made clear , there is a vocal minority of New Zealanders who appear to have absorbed completely the “ gun culture ” of the United States and clearly intend to replicate it their own country .
Socio-economically , these folk tend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s small businesses and farms .
Most of them are men , and an alarming number of them seem to have enormous difficulty coming to terms with the fact that New Zealand is led by a young , progressive , mother of one .
When that same young woman is telling these guys that they have to stay at home ; that their small businesses must remain shut ; and that they are not permitted to go hunting with their precious firearms ; then there has to be a reasonable chance that at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a leaf out of the play-book of Trump ’ s supporters in Michigan and Wisconsin and demand that the economy be “ liberated ” from the Lockdown .
How big a step is it , after all , from the infamous placard declaring Jacinda to be “ a pretty communist ” and the one carried high by a Trump supporter proclaiming “ Social Distancing = Communism ” ?
All these angry white men , itching to lock and load their guns and hit the streets in protest should , however , pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in South Auckland .
Because it ’ s a pretty safe bet that what ’ s being trained there in secret is a ready-reaction force .
In the worst case scenario , when Police intervention has failed to persuade destructive , violent and armed protesters to disperse , then this is the military unit that will be called upon to aid the civil power .
Idiot armed misogynists determined to overturn the nation ’ s efforts to eliminate the Covid-19 virus will need to learn that the arrival of this force is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose is to disperse armed and violent offenders swiftly and decisively – if necessary by the use of deadly force .
Harsh ?
Certainly .
But the rest of New Zealand will cheer them on .
Why ?
Because Kiwis will not tolerate a bunch of violent , armed and self-entitled right-wing thugs putting them and their loved ones at risk .
Moreover , unlike the President of the USA , New Zealand ’ s prime minister has absolutely no interest in encouraging them do so .

IT WAS EASY to miss amidst the information overload of Lockdown at Level 4. A curiously thin news story, published by Stuff on 15 April, concerning “a routine military exercise” in South Auckland. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was keen to reassure people living in the area that the sound of gunfire, loud explosions and helicopters flying overhead were nothing to be concerned about. But, as is so often the case with NZDF media releases, that wasn’t the whole story – not by a long (and potentially deadly) shot.
Any government facing a crisis on the scale of the Covid-19 Pandemic will, at a pretty early stage in the proceedings, be briefed by their senior law enforcement and military advisers on how best to respond to a serious outbreak of civil disorder. For the likes of Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson this was likely to have been a sobering – and scary – experience.
The number of sworn police officers in New Zealand currently stands at around 10,000. The NZDF musters roughly the same number, 10,000, with a further 2,000 men and women in reserve. In other words, in a nation of just under 5 million, the state can call upon just 22,000 trained personnel to enforce its will. That’s one trained enforcer for every 227 citizens.
Obviously, the state’s best option, when faced with a serious outbreak of civil disorder, is to concentrate as many of its enforcers as possible at the scene. Equally obviously, those enforcers need to be trained and equipped to quell such disorder swiftly and decisively. To achieve this objective with a minimum of violence and injury, the first responders should ideally be police officers trained in crowd control – i.e. a “riot squad”.
This was the preferred option for maintaining law and order during the Springbok Tour protests of 1981, and it was highly successful. Only outside Eden Park on the final day of the Tour did the Police contemplate calling upon the military to aid the civil power. Armed naval personnel were mustered in readiness, but fortunately their services were not required. The “thin blue line” held.
Of course the overwhelming majority of anti-Apartheid protesters were law-abiding members of the New Zealand middle-class, and the main co-ordinating body of the anti-tour movement, the Halt All Racist Tours organisation (HART) was officially committed to non-violent civil-disobedience. That being the case, the highly-trained “Red” and “Blue” riot squads, equipped with visored helmets, metal shields and long batons, were more than equal to the task of making sure the games went ahead. They were bested by the protesters only once – at Hamilton’s Rugby Park.
Serious civil disorder arising out of the prolonged imposition of the lockdown rules is, however, unlikely to be undertaken by idealistic protesters committed to non-violent action. One has only to take in the images now flooding out of the United States, of loud and aggressive Trump supporters openly flouting the social-distancing rules imposed by state governors and legislatures. At present, most (but not all) of these protesters are unarmed. Should that change, however, the potential for a calamitous eruption of violence is all too real.
Now, New Zealanders are not Americans: as a people we are about “fairness” much more than we are about “liberty”. But, as the reaction to the Government’s attempts to institute a more rational system of controlling the possession and use of firearms has made clear, there is a vocal minority of New Zealanders who appear to have absorbed completely the “gun culture” of the United States and clearly intend to replicate it their own country. Socio-economically, these folk tend to be found running New Zealand’s small businesses and farms. Most of them are men, and an alarming number of them seem to have enormous difficulty coming to terms with the fact that New Zealand is led by a young, progressive, mother of one.
TDB Recommends NewzEngine.com
When that same young woman is telling these guys that they have to stay at home; that their small businesses must remain shut; and that they are not permitted to go hunting with their precious firearms; then there has to be a reasonable chance that at least some of them are going to take a leaf out of the play-book of Trump’s supporters in Michigan and Wisconsin and demand that the economy be “liberated” from the Lockdown. How big a step is it, after all, from the infamous placard declaring Jacinda to be “a pretty communist” and the one carried high by a Trump supporter proclaiming “Social Distancing = Communism”?
All these angry white men, itching to lock and load their guns and hit the streets in protest should, however, pause and think again about those military exercises in South Auckland. Because it’s a pretty safe bet that what’s being trained there in secret is a ready-reaction force. In the worst case scenario, when Police intervention has failed to persuade destructive, violent and armed protesters to disperse, then this is the military unit that will be called upon to aid the civil power.
Idiot armed misogynists determined to overturn the nation’s efforts to eliminate the Covid-19 virus will need to learn that the arrival of this force is a very bad sign indeed. Its only purpose is to disperse armed and violent offenders swiftly and decisively – if necessary by the use of deadly force. Harsh? Certainly. But the rest of New Zealand will cheer them on. Why? Because Kiwis will not tolerate a bunch of violent, armed and self-entitled right-wing thugs putting them and their loved ones at risk. Moreover, unlike the President of the USA, New Zealand’s prime minister has absolutely no interest in encouraging them do so.


thedailyblog--2020-04-20--Life in Lock Down: Day 26

Life in Lock Down: Day 26

Another day of to work .
As usual .
I ’ m observant of lock-down life around me .
The sparse traffic ; people ’ s movements ; how close they are to each other .
It ’ s a mix of curious interest and heightened caution… The Park N Rise still has three cars parked .
I wouldn ’ t be surprised if they ’ re the same three cars that have been there the last twentysix days .
The white motorhome still parked where it was left two days ago .
Traffic on the highway in to Wellington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ; light in the Hutt Valley and sparser closer in to the city .
One unusual sight that caught my attention ; a cargo ship had arrived in Wellington harbour ; It was unusual because I had not seen any seagoing vessels entering or leaving the harbour since lock-down – so this new arrival was immediately an object of curiosity .
The ship was stationary ( anchor dropped ? )
and not heading for a berth .
Could it be that it was an unwelcome visitor with a crew that might or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a long time in Western history that a ship has been denied permission to berth because it could harbour disease .
If the crew are expected to quarantine aboard their vessel for two solid weeks , it will not be a comfortable experience for them .
No walking around their neighbourhood to exercise for them !
At 11PM on RNZ , the Nine to Noon Political Panel featured Neale Jones and Trish Sherson .
Former ACT press secretary , Ms Sherson , made the readily-obvious observation ; “ …This election is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … ] I describe it as emotional that we have had for so many decades .
Because for decades we ’ ve had government moving out of New Zealander ’ s lives .
Now we ’ ve had a rapid rush back in and so it ’ s going to be very intreresting to see how that plays out.
” If anything has shown the true bankrupt nature of the free market/minimalist government ideology – it is when an outside threat to the human race demands a collective response .
The Chicago School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the progressive Left – but by something we can not even see .
It has taken a virus – a microscopic thing barely alive – to remind us of our true human nature that to survive , we must work together for the common good .
Neo-liberalism just caught a virus – and it may not survive .
This afternoon , we had the regular announcement from the Beehive : nine new cases .
Same as yesterday .
No new ‘ clusters ’ of infection .
And mercifully , no new deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned the tide against our viral enemy ?
The 4pm announcement from the Beehive delivered a ‘ verdict ’ from the Prime Minister ; Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the level 4 lockdown will be extended by a further five days to 11.59pm on Monday 27 April .
“ We have done what very few countries have been able to do , we have stopped the wave of devastation .
Our transmission rate is now 0.48 , overseas the average is 2.5 people , ” Ardern said .
Changing alert levels region by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , but for now , the country will need to stick together .
The education , construction , manufacturing and forestry sectors will be able to return to work next week when alert level 3 kicks in .
The basic principle of alert level 3 will again be to restrict contact with others , requiring people to remain at home in their bubble as much as possible .
In truth , she could not have made any other decision .
We still need time to contain the virus so it is under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of our land .
The extra five days not only gives us much-needed time – but it effectively includes the ANZAC Weekend in the Level 4 lock-down .
By keeping ANZAC Weekend under Level 4 instead of Level 3 , there can be no ambiguity ; no “ grey areas ” ; no loop holes that will allow a small minority the chance to give the rest of us the One Fingered Salute .
I have no doubt the police will be out in force this weekend .
There will likely be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can not be reasoned with to do the right thing for the greater good .
The extra time will also send a clear signal to businesses to start planning on re-opening – albeit for non-contact trading .
No one in the business sector can claim they don ’ t know what ’ s going on .
The PM has given the clearest possible message : start planning .
Personally , the prospect of not being able to see my partner ( in person , not through the technological miracle of the Internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with joy .
But it has to be done .
If we can ’ t submerge our own interests for the greater good , then the virus will be victorious .
The rest of my work day is subdued .
My clients understand what our Prime Minister has delivered to us .
The lock-down of the facility will be lifted any time soon .
Movement in and out will continue to be restricted .
Their lives may depend on it .
At 8PM , I ’ m on the motorway on my way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few cars around me .
One or two trucks .
A police car whizzing past .
Out in the harbour , the lights of the ship that arrived earlier today can be seen ; it looks like a floating Wellington office-block , lit up with bright lights .
It may be there for a while yet .
Further along the motorway , I pass an ambulance , also heading north .
At Lower Hutt ’ s Melling Interchange , there are four more ambulances – heading south this time – and an ambulance/patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
New Zealand is so damned lucky and we are totally oblivious to our good fortune .
Had it not been for this government ’ s quick action in closing our borders on 19 March , those ambulances could have been hearses .
A Twitter poll initiated two days ago has yielded some interesting results .
Agreed that such polls are not very accurate as they reflect more the beliefs of my “ echo chamber ” , but still nearly 79 % want the lock-down extended ( as at 10.50PM , 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 9 % – believe we should go with recommendations from scientists and medical professionals ; RNZ : NZ to close its borders to anyone not a citizen or permanent resident , PM confirms RNZ : Covid-19 – What happened in New Zealand on 20 April Democracy Now : Madrid ’ s Ice Rink Turned to Morgue as Spain Exceeds China in Coronavirus Deaths The Independent : Is Sweden having second thoughts on lockdown ?
The Out And Abouter : Reached For Comment , Coronavirus Says It ’ s Also Very In Favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zealand Be Right ?
The Warehouse – where everyone gets a virus Life in Lock Down : Day 22 – Is that a light at the end of a four week long tunnel ?
!
This blogpost will be re-published on “ Frankly Speaking “ .
Reader ’ s comments may be left here ( The Daily Blog ) or there ( Frankly Speaking ) .

.
.
April 20: Day 26 of living in lock-down…
Another day of to work. As usual. I’m observant of lock-down life around me. The sparse traffic; people’s movements; how close they are to each other. It’s a mix of curious interest and heightened caution…
The Park N Rise still has three cars parked. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re the same three cars that have been there the last twentysix days. The white motorhome still parked where it was left two days ago.
Traffic on the highway in to Wellington was not much different than past few weeks; light in the Hutt Valley and sparser closer in to the city.
One unusual sight that caught my attention; a cargo ship had arrived in Wellington harbour;
TDB Recommends NewzEngine.com
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It was unusual because I had not seen any seagoing vessels entering or leaving the harbour since lock-down – so this new arrival was immediately an object of curiosity. The ship was stationary (anchor dropped?) and not heading for a berth.
Could it be that it was an unwelcome visitor with a crew that might or might not be carrying contagion?
It is a long time in Western history that a ship has been denied permission to berth because it could harbour disease. If the crew are expected to quarantine aboard their vessel for two solid weeks, it will not be a comfortable experience for them. No walking around their neighbourhood to exercise for them!
At 11PM on RNZ, the Nine to Noon Political Panel featured Neale Jones and Trish Sherson. Former ACT press secretary, Ms Sherson, made the readily-obvious observation;
“…This election is going to be one of the most […] I describe it as emotional that we have had for so many decades.
Because for decades we’ve had government moving out of New Zealander’s lives. Now we’ve had a rapid rush back in and so it’s going to be very intreresting to see how that plays out.”
If anything has shown the true bankrupt nature of the free market/minimalist government ideology – it is when an outside threat to the human race demands a collective response. The Chicago School of Economics has been humbled not by the progressive Left – but by something we cannot even see. It has taken a virus – a microscopic thing barely alive – to remind us of our true human nature that to survive, we must work together for the common good.
Neo-liberalism just caught a virus – and it may not survive.
This afternoon, we had the regular announcement from the Beehive: nine new cases. Same as yesterday. No new ‘clusters’ of infection. And mercifully, no new deaths.
Dare we hope that we may have turned the tide against our viral enemy?
The 4pm announcement from the Beehive delivered a ‘verdict’ from the Prime Minister;
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the level 4 lockdown will be extended by a further five days to 11.59pm on Monday 27 April.
“We have done what very few countries have been able to do, we have stopped the wave of devastation. Our transmission rate is now 0.48, overseas the average is 2.5 people,” Ardern said.
Changing alert levels region by region in future has not been ruled out, but for now, the country will need to stick together.
The education, construction, manufacturing and forestry sectors will be able to return to work next week when alert level 3 kicks in.
The basic principle of alert level 3 will again be to restrict contact with others, requiring people to remain at home in their bubble as much as possible.
In truth, she could not have made any other decision. We still need time to contain the virus so it is under control. Perhaps even eliminated from every part of our land. The extra five days not only gives us much-needed time – but it effectively includes the ANZAC Weekend in the Level 4 lock-down.
By keeping ANZAC Weekend under Level 4 instead of Level 3, there can be no ambiguity; no “grey areas”; no loop holes that will allow a small minority the chance to give the rest of us the One Fingered Salute.
I have no doubt the police will be out in force this weekend. There will likely be arrests and prosecutions of those selfish idiots who cannot be reasoned with to do the right thing for the greater good.
The extra time will also send a clear signal to businesses to start planning on re-opening – albeit for non-contact trading. No one in the business sector can claim they don’t know what’s going on. The PM has given the clearest possible message: start planning.
Personally, the prospect of not being able to see my partner (in person, not through the technological miracle of the Internet) is not something that fills me with joy.
But it has to be done. If we can’t submerge our own interests for the greater good, then the virus will be victorious.
The rest of my work day is subdued. My clients understand what our Prime Minister has delivered to us. The lock-down of the facility will be lifted any time soon. Movement in and out will continue to be restricted. Their lives may depend on it.
At 8PM, I’m on the motorway on my way home. As usual, there are few cars around me. One or two trucks. A police car whizzing past. Out in the harbour, the lights of the ship that arrived earlier today can be seen; it looks like a floating Wellington office-block, lit up with bright lights.
It may be there for a while yet.
Further along the motorway, I pass an ambulance, also heading north.
At Lower Hutt’s Melling Interchange, there are four more ambulances – heading south this time – and an ambulance/patient transfer SUV.
Six ambulances in one night.
New Zealand is so damned lucky and we are totally oblivious to our good fortune.
Had it not been for this government’s quick action in closing our borders on 19 March, those ambulances could have been hearses.
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Postscript
A Twitter poll initiated two days ago has yielded some interesting results. Agreed that such polls are not very accurate as they reflect more the beliefs of my “echo chamber”, but still nearly 79% want the lock-down extended (as at 10.50PM, 20 April) and a further number – around 9% – believe we should go with recommendations from scientists and medical professionals;
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Current covid19 cases: 1,440
Cases in ICU: 3 (2 critical)
Number of deaths: 12
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References
RNZ: Nine to Noon Political Panel commentators Jones & Sherson – 20.4.20
RNZ: NZ to close its borders to anyone not a citizen or permanent resident, PM confirms
Twitter: @fmacskasy – L4 lockdown poll – 20.4.20
RNZ: Covid-19 – What happened in New Zealand on 20 April
Must Read
Democracy Now: Madrid’s Ice Rink Turned to Morgue as Spain Exceeds China in Coronavirus Deaths
The Independent: Is Sweden having second thoughts on lockdown?
The Out And Abouter: Reached For Comment, Coronavirus Says It’s Also Very In Favour Of Reopening The Economy Immediately
Elemental: Hold the Line
Other Blogs
Will New Zealand Be Right?
Previous related blogposts
The Warehouse – where everyone gets a virus
Life in Lock Down: Day 1
Life in Lock Down: Day 2
Life in Lock Down: Day 3
Life in Lock Down: Day 4
Life in Lock Down: Day 5
Life in Lock Down: Day 6
Life in Lock Down: Day 7
Life in Lock Down: Day 7 (sanitised version)
Life in Lock Down: Day 8
Life in Lock Down: Day 8 (sanitised version)
Life in Lock Down: Day 9
Life in Lock Down: Day 10
Life in Lock Down: Day 11
Life in Lock Down: Day 12
Life in Lock Down: Day 13
Life in Lock Down: Day 14
Life in Lock Down: Day 15
Life in Lock Down: Day 16 – Bad Friday
Life in Lock Down: Day 17
Life in Lock Down: Day 18
Life in Lock Down: Day 19
Life in Lock Down: Day 20
Life in Lock Down: Day 21
Life in Lock Down: Day 22 – Is that a light at the end of a four week long tunnel?!
Life in Lock Down: Day 23
Life in Lock Down: Day 24 & 25
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Acknowledgement: Jim Hubbard
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This blogpost will be re-published on “Frankly Speaking“. Reader’s comments may be left here (The Daily Blog) or there (Frankly Speaking).
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= fs =


thedailyblog--2020-04-21--Dr Liz Gordon: A letter to old blighty

Dr Liz Gordon: A letter to old blighty

My sister Christine came out to New Zealand from London for the summer , as she usually does .
She arrived on Christmas Day for an eight-week stay .
Now it is mid-April , and she is still here .
Thank goodness .
Chris flew over on China Southern , which travels via Guangzhou .
The early cancellation of her flight home , scheduled for 17 February , was made by the airline on commercial rather than health grounds .
There were few cases in that region ; it is just that no-one much wanted to travel to China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ early March via Los Angeles but then made the decision to see out the virus here , with the idea of returning home in May , after seeing the spread of cases in the UK and USA , and facing lockdown alone in London .
Everything we now know confirms what a good decision that was .
I feel very sorry for all the UK residents who are stranded in New Zealand and other countries , with no support and fast running out of money .
It must be incredibly stressful .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comfy home , no money worries , a large garden to sit in and breathe fresh air , companionship , a fat ginger cat that adores her and – me !
We have been in lockdown now for over three weeks .
We watch the international and local news every day and peer obsessively at the statistics .
Can I say that things have not been looking good in the UK ?
First was the spectacle of the ‘ invincible ’ Boris shaking hands with everyone and getting sick .
What an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s official new term for those who act stupidly during the lockdown .
We have several idiots here ( including our Minister of Health ) , but none like Boris .
We are hoping that his time trying to survive in intensive care , with Jenny from Invercargill to help , might have changed him a lot .
We are expecting great things from him .
Then we have seen your numbers rising and rising .
It took a while for your lockdown to take effect and maybe the peak is still to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ‘ lock up the olds ’ until you realised what that would actually mean in terms of thousands of old people dying alone .
Your fatality rate , now at 13 % and rising , is shockingly high .
How is it so high ( and some say a lot higher ) ?
Your National Health Service is supposed to be the model of public health for the world .
But your fatality rate is now equal to Italy ’ s as the highest in the world .
You are killing off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could the possibly happen ?
Some of Chris ’ s older friends are afraid to go out to the supermarket yet are having immense problems organising home deliveries of food .
They are depressed and upset and feel neglected .
The streets of central London , where Chris lives , are empty .
The shops are shut and there is nowhere to go for a meal or entertainment .
Lovely London is , currently , not a good place to be , even though spring is there .
The sun shines onto empty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be lonely places .
New Zealand grows most of its own food , and it is autumn , where vegetables abound .
There are worries about food security in the UK and whether shortages will occur .
While some romanticise the blitz spirit of the second world war , the reality of rationing of basic foods would hit quite hard , I think .
Chris has a six-month visa , but New Zealand immigration has already written to her and extended it until September .
She hopes to get home before that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not her .
She is pleased to hear that you are sending planes to rescue those from the UK in this country who are not in such comfortable circumstances , but don ’ t expect her to be at the front of the queue .
New Zealand is fortunate in its geographical isolation , its small population , plenty of space and bounteous resources .
We have a political leader who is clear and compassionate , and the government ’ s advice is accepted by most ( but see ‘ idiots ’ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the short term to eliminate the virus from these shores .
What this means for the longer term , I do not know .
So thanks to the UK for the gift of a sister in these difficult times .
It has been great to have her here .
Best of luck in your endeavours to overcome the virus and get back to normal life .
Dr Liz Gordon is a researcher and a barrister , with interests in destroying neo-liberalism in all its forms and moving towards a socially just society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social welfare and education topics .

My sister Christine came out to New Zealand from London for the summer, as she usually does. She arrived on Christmas Day for an eight-week stay. Now it is mid-April, and she is still here. Thank goodness.
Chris flew over on China Southern, which travels via Guangzhou. The early cancellation of her flight home, scheduled for 17 February, was made by the airline on commercial rather than health grounds. There were few cases in that region; it is just that no-one much wanted to travel to China.
She did book an alternative flight in early March via Los Angeles but then made the decision to see out the virus here, with the idea of returning home in May, after seeing the spread of cases in the UK and USA, and facing lockdown alone in London.
Everything we now know confirms what a good decision that was. I feel very sorry for all the UK residents who are stranded in New Zealand and other countries, with no support and fast running out of money. It must be incredibly stressful.
But for my sister, New Zealand means a comfy home, no money worries, a large garden to sit in and breathe fresh air, companionship, a fat ginger cat that adores her and – me!
We have been in lockdown now for over three weeks. We watch the international and local news every day and peer obsessively at the statistics. Can I say that things have not been looking good in the UK?
First was the spectacle of the ‘invincible’ Boris shaking hands with everyone and getting sick. What an idiot! This is New Zealand’s official new term for those who act stupidly during the lockdown. We have several idiots here (including our Minister of Health), but none like Boris. We are hoping that his time trying to survive in intensive care, with Jenny from Invercargill to help, might have changed him a lot. We are expecting great things from him.
Then we have seen your numbers rising and rising. It took a while for your lockdown to take effect and maybe the peak is still to come. You flirted with herd immunity and ‘lock up the olds’ until you realised what that would actually mean in terms of thousands of old people dying alone.
TDB Recommends NewzEngine.com
Your fatality rate, now at 13% and rising, is shockingly high. How is it so high (and some say a lot higher)? Your National Health Service is supposed to be the model of public health for the world. But your fatality rate is now equal to Italy’s as the highest in the world. You are killing off health workers in huge numbers. How could the possibly happen?
Some of Chris’s older friends are afraid to go out to the supermarket yet are having immense problems organising home deliveries of food. They are depressed and upset and feel neglected.
The streets of central London, where Chris lives, are empty. The shops are shut and there is nowhere to go for a meal or entertainment. Lovely London is, currently, not a good place to be, even though spring is there. The sun shines onto empty streets, largely. Big cities can be lonely places.
New Zealand grows most of its own food, and it is autumn, where vegetables abound. There are worries about food security in the UK and whether shortages will occur. While some romanticise the blitz spirit of the second world war, the reality of rationing of basic foods would hit quite hard, I think.
Chris has a six-month visa, but New Zealand immigration has already written to her and extended it until September. She hopes to get home before that, but this is up to you, not her. She is pleased to hear that you are sending planes to rescue those from the UK in this country who are not in such comfortable circumstances, but don’t expect her to be at the front of the queue.
New Zealand is fortunate in its geographical isolation, its small population, plenty of space and bounteous resources. We have a political leader who is clear and compassionate, and the government’s advice is accepted by most (but see ‘idiots’, above). We have a chance in the short term to eliminate the virus from these shores. What this means for the longer term, I do not know.
So thanks to the UK for the gift of a sister in these difficult times. It has been great to have her here. Best of luck in your endeavours to overcome the virus and get back to normal life.
Dr Liz Gordon is a researcher and a barrister, with interests in destroying neo-liberalism in all its forms and moving towards a socially just society. She usually blogs on justice, social welfare and education topics.