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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…

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…

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…

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 -…

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…

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…

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…