Debate
Saturday 3 June, 2017
Dear Sir/ Madam,
If there is to be a debate about matters of science, let it be held in public. Absence of evidence (here, of harm) is not evidence of absence. Let it not be thought that we have a deal of science about this particular toxin, brodifacoum. We don’t. There are many reasons not to use it in the manner proposed for the Brook headwaters.
A hearing, not publically notified, imposed conditions to the poison consent that have now been ‘surrendered’ almost in entirety. By legislation effective this year, Councils now play no part, nor the public, when a decision is being made to aerially drop brodifacoum within a ‘predator-proof fence’. Some may be comfortable with that state of affairs. Many will not, and for many reasons.
There will be questions asked. “How do you prove a fence is predator-proof? What objective criteria can be applied?” And: “Does this fence meet those criteria? How are we to know, if they are not obliged to say? On whom should rest the burden of proof?” The fence perimeters will be patrolled by lawyers, not a desirable state of affairs.
This issue is befogged by the enchantment of a romantic vision in which Bambi’s mother does not die. We shan’t see the dying moreporks in what we are told will not be anyone’s favourite time. We are first to blind ourselves with the glory of a painted future, as we save our babies now. This propaganda remains a projection on the wall. Maybe we can take pests out by genetic selection for the infertility of offspring. Maybe we don’t need poisons.
How about just trapping, while we think about it?
Yours truly,
Christopher St Johanser, M.Phil.(English), M.A.(Applied).
Chair
Brook Valley Community Group (Inc.)
Labour Party Hypocrisy
Well, here we go again. More Labour Party hypocrisy.
Just as Labour MP Rachel Boyack has cried crocodile tears over National not building the promised new Nelson hospital when Labour had promised (showing both how little a Labour promise is worth and the hypocrisy of their tears) to get the hospital started before their term ended we now have Deputy Prime Minister Seymour calling for the Air New Zealand shares owned by the government to be sold.
Now that is to be expected given Seymour’s party policies but what is astounding is Labour’s finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds comments in response.
She tells us Air New Zealand is critical national infrastructure and the Government should not be selling its shares.
Very good, but wait. Labour has clearly (and conveniently) ‘forgotten’ which party privatised Air New Zealand.
In 1989, the Labour Government sold Air New Zealand into private ownership. The sale transferred the airline from being a fully state owned national carrier to a privately owned company. The sale was part of a broader wave of Labour privatisations, also including:
• Telecom (1990)
• New Zealand Steel (1987)
• PostBank (1988)
Labour may well have built state houses for working people (not just beneficiaries like Ardern’s government) in the 1930’s but what have they done since? Very, very little other than to ride on that one good thing ever since and, as we are seeing again and again approaching this election, spent most of their time practicing their hypocrisy. Remember the Kiwibuild promise?
If you want truth in politics beware Labour.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Loading…
