cloventt

What we’re seeing is an increase in the number of ways that people can influence electoral outcomes, and the formation of public opinion, free from public scrutiny. [...] The label I would put on all this stuff is privatisation of democracy.

Dirty politics 2.0

Kia ora!

I’ve added māori to the list of languages I’m gonna try and learn in the next year. Sadly it seems like Duolingo has shelved their māori project (though I actually now think this might be a good thing).

Thought I’d check out my local library and found a great book available to borrow digitally: Te Reo Māori: The Basics Explained by David Kārena-Holmes.

I feel like te reo education in NZ for most people consists of learning a few key words, but it doesn’t really go into the grammar of the language. This book provides a really great clear explanation of the grammar and sentence construction of the language.

I think the next thing I need is flash cards for practicing the meanings of particles and prepositions in example sentences because this looks like the most complex thing to learn.

What resources have you found really useful when you’re studying māori (or any other language for that matter)?

This is why we need 3-waters reform. The ones who oppose this (National/Act voters included here) are the ones directly responsible for the vertical climb in local and regional rates we can expect over the coming years.

nobody tell them

Hilarious.

They also want to “invest in carbon capture”. That’s cool but we also need to immediately stop burning fossil fuels. I’m pretty skeptical of carbon capture as a solution to our burning planet.

He also wants to shelve the Lake Onslow pumped-hydro scheme, but wants to end iwi involvement in decision-making because they’re blocking hydro projects. Maybe take a look in the mirror Seymour, you’ll find a hydro-blocker looking back at you.

How did we get from “steals from the rich to give to the poor”, to “steals from the poor to give to the rich”, to “steals from the disabled to give to the rich”?

We’re officially at a road death rate of one a day so far this year. Stay safe, don’t speed, be sober, belt up, and throw your phone in the boot.

No mention of what they’re protesting but hopefully this isn’t some sort of attempt to repeat the literal shit-show from last year.

Edit: apparently it’s people gluing themselves to roads to promote trains. https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/traffic-disruption-warning-by-police-ahead-of-restore-passenger-rail-protest/