Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

In November 2021, when introducing the vaccine pass legislation, then COVID Minister Chris Hipkins said: “I stand behind the Government’s record on this. We have seen one of the lowest rates of hospitalisations, one of the lowest rates of mortality, one of the best economic recoveries… The results speak for themselves.” As Public Service Minister, Hipkins pledged he was committed to “improving openness and accountability.” Back in March 2020,…

*Caption - A schematic illustration of the oxygen-breathing in the new crystal, SrFe0.5Co0.5O2.5. The scientists have developed a special type of crystal with oxygen-breathing abilities, which could be used in clean energy technologies and next-generation electronics. Credit: Prof. Hyoungjeen Jeen from Pusan National University, Korea* Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) can help extend the range of electric cars using a range of fuels, and run…

If you’re not a fan of CrossFit classes and the aching knees wouldn’t cope with a run, your health is not doomed. In fact, there’s another way to add years to your life without ever wearing trainers or setting foot in a gym. Daily movement, from digging the garden to vacuuming the house, is akin to a “longevity jab”, says research published in BMJ. So by increasing physical activity, we can add up to 11 years to our lifespan. It’s not the…

The purpose of human conversation is not limited to pragmatic ends, as if we only spoke in order to learn new recipes and get salient tips on what stocks to invest in. A good conversation is always a discovery of the person who reveals himself in speech. So much fighting concerning AI is really no more than that preliminary chest-thumping, prior to blows, in which combatants square off and say “you wanna go?” and (a little confusedly) “you…

Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has refused to front the Royal Commission’s public hearings into the COVID response. While Ardern has submitted evidence in private, she declined to appear in public alongside former ministers Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall, who also all declined, prompting the inquiry to cancel the planned week-long public session altogether. Judith Collins called the refusal “gutless and…

The ANZUS Treaty is America’s instrument of political, diplomatic, and military coercion. And it is a clear and present danger to the strategic security of Russia and friends of the Russian people. Introduction Since the end of the Second World War and the then Soviet Union’s unprecedented victory over Nazi Germany, the international political landscape has been continuously changing. The Soviet Red Army was attacked by Nazi Germany in June…

Lemons are abundant at this time of the year, and you can usually find at least one neighbour's tree, if you don't have one of your own, that is bursting with ripe, juicy lemons ready for the taking. (just make sure to ask first!) If you love the bright, tangy burst of lemons, then Italian Lemon Jam is a must-have in your kitchen. Unlike store-bought spreads filled with preservatives, this homemade citrus delight is rich in authentic lemon…

A Treasury briefing has laid bare the scale of Labour’s overspending during the COVID pandemic, revealing a $66 billion cost over six years. This is equivalent to 20 percent of New Zealand’s GDP. The report warns that the previous government’s uncontrolled spending spree has left the country saddled with soaring debt and weakened its ability to respond to future crises like natural disasters and biosecurity threats. Despite early advice…

In the United States, federal government agencies have been told to remove all records related to employees’ COVID vaccination status, exemption requests, or any previous noncompliance with vaccine mandates. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructed agencies that vaccination status must no longer be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, discipline, or termination. OPM director Scott Kupor said, “Things got out…

Traybakes are an effortless way to prepare a whole meal in just one pan.  This simple dish is made with classic Mediterranean vegetables roasted with garlic, lemon, herbs and salmon. Ingredients - 2 red peppers, deseeded and thickly sliced - 300g baby courgettes, halved lengthways - 1 garlic bulb, broken into cloves but left unpeeled - 1 lemon, cut into wedges - 2 rosemary sprigs - 2 tbsp olive oil - 2 salmon fillets, skinned - 500g cherry…

It's been an enduring mystery for centuries: How did the ancient Polynesian inhabitants of Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, put those enormous red stone hats on top of the island’s famous giant statues? In one study, published in 2018, anthropologists photographed the cylindrical hats, known as pukao, and used the photos to make 3-D models they could analyze in depth. Their conclusion? The hats were likely rolled atop the statues using large ramps,…

The idea of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a global health enforcer set to override national sovereignty by imposing mandatory vaccines, lockdowns, or travel restrictions is not supported by the amended International Health Regulations (IHR). The WHO remains an advisory body without legal power to force any country, including New Zealand, to take specific health measures. The key legal text in Article 22 makes it clear that the WHO…

This is such a nice way to serve tomatoes whether they’re the best of the haul from the veg patch or a slightly poor supermarket imitation. You’ll roast them whole, slowly, on a low heat with olive oil, thyme, fennel seeds and salt. Then when they are on the verge of losing their shape, you’ll pour cream in the base of the tin and scatter over plenty of grated Parmesan. The result is a very fragrant, absurdly delicious thing which you can have…

Every once in a while, you run into a new piece of information that really opens your eyes to a whole new world. Today, I am taking a break from the regular news cycle to bring you something that really rocked my world. Now, before you close this page, thinking this Substack will be a waste of time, give me just two short minutes to prove why you are wrong. It turns out the “Mozart effect” truly exists, and you don’t have to be a musician…

Nominations for October’s local body elections revealed several electorates with only one candidate, raising fears of uncontested seats and diminishing voter choice. A last-minute surge ensured every council will hold elections for at least some seats, but political commentator Dr Grant Duncan warns of a vicious cycle: declining local media coverage and public interest contribute to fewer candidates and lower voter turnout. “What is the…

The first aceclidine-based eye drop to improve near vision in adults with presbyopia, which affects more than 100 million adults in the US alone, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will be available within three months. Known as VIZZ, from pharmaceutical company LENZ, the drops are an aceclidine ophthalmic solution that effectively treats presbyopia in adults. The once-daily drops offer relief from blurry near.…

By the summer of 1945, after peace was declared in Europe, Japan was the only power of the military coalition with Germany and Italy still at war. In Japan’s blockaded Home Islands, dwindling food supplies were prioritized for soldiers. Meanwhile, emperor Hirohito encouraged the country’s slowly starving civilians to gird for imminent invasion by Allied forces and to be prepared to give up their lives in the upcoming decisive battle that would…

South-east Asian and Turkish-Cypriot flavours meet in this bright dish that’s brimming with goodness. Use whichever noodles you fancy in this speedy supper that packs a great taste.  Combining south-east Asian and Turkish-Cypriot flavours, this is a foolproof way of getting some essential, and flavoursome, omega-3 goodness on the dinner table.  Ingredients - 2 tbsp runny honey - 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses - 3 tbsp dark soy sauce - 1…

The Government has proposed abolishing NCEA and replacing it with two new secondary school qualifications: the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) for Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) for Year 13. A new Foundational Skills Award focused on literacy and numeracy will be introduced at Year 11. English and mathematics will be compulsory subjects at this level. The proposal would require students in…