About
Contact
Advertise

Facebook
Twitter

January 11, 2026 8:00am by Kokila Patel

General Debate 11 January 2026

Like this:

Like Loading…

Email
Facebook
Twitter
Comment131

Uncategorized
General Debate

Comments (131)

Login to comment or vote

Cassandra

Tilting at windmills 2026: Newly sworn in New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has promised to make Football World Cup tickets cheaper despite the fact that there aren’t any games to be played in New York.

He’s also going to tax the rich, despite taxes being a state prerogative.
Don Quixote combines with Karl Marx. Or perhaps Walter Mitty.
50 6
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 8:11am
- [email protected]
  
  In the USA there are both State and Federal income taxes although some states such as Nevada have no state income tax (entirely funded by gambling revenue).
  
  11 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 8:38am
- R
  
  He must have undertaken his pee [pre] mayoral indoctrination at Wellington Council NZ, or NZ Labour Conferences
  
  16 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 8:46am
- artemisia
  
  The Red Apple will soon be a Red Magnet. Not so much for net taxpayers though.
  
  14 5
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 8:50am
  - rouppe
    
    I thought calling New York the Red Apple was quite clever.
    
    But then I discovered it’s actually a thing!
    
    8 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:04am
  - Colville
    
    Friends sister and hubby have fled NY took a massive hit on the mansion.. The real estate market there is fu*ked with high end stuff sitting around.
    She does something weird with shares and makes plenty… Dosent need to physically be there any more. She said lots like her packing up and going somewhere nice!
    
    11 3
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:38am
  - Don Beckett
    
    For a moment there I thought you said Red Maggot. 😉
    
    9 4
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 11:07am
- Im Right
  
  Seems Cassandra, the voters just listened to his bumper sticker campaign without actually investigating what powers a Mayor actually has (Vs a governor).
  The new mayor will soon start to have to throw the governor under the bus (not the free ones promised) when his supporters start demanding he follow through with some of his policies, and all he can do is blame the governor for not allowing him to do what he campaigned on.
  This is not going to end well for both the mayor or his voters.
  
  8 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:42am
  - AitchW
    
    What? A lefty not delivering on election promises?
    That would never happen here//
    
    8 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 1:44pm
- slightlyrighty
  
  the FIFA website does list New York and New Jersey as host cities.
  
  The June 14 fixture of Brazil V Morocco is scheduled at t he NY/New Jersey stadium.
  
  In fact, there are Multiple fixtures there.
  
  9 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 12:33pm
- Ra Henare
  
  Contemplating the USA expansionism(Venezuela etc) and the left leaning Mayors and governors at the state level.
  
  I am led to the belief that the USA is following the trends of previous empires.
  
  When you look at the Mongols, Romans, Persians, and British, a pattern of “Imperial Overstretch” and diminishing returns emerges.
  Plus Internal strife and economic exhaustion.
  
  Trump the big spender is pushing US economy to the brink as interest payments on an ever-increasing debt will drown the USA economy.
  
  Keep in mind that Interest rates will start to go up again during the life of this debt and higher prices will result from the debt overburden of the Federal budget(keep in mind that California has its own debt of $1.4 Trillion)
  
  It might not happen in my lifetime, but it will happen(Collapse of the US Empire).
  
  2 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 5:40pm
Cassandra

Recap: a well organised group of criminals from the Somali immigrant population of Minnesota diverted hundreds of millions of welfare money to themselves.

Investigators have concluded that oversight by the authorities was inadequate, largely because they didn’t want to offend a well organised voting bloc.

The parallel with John Tamihere and the Waipareira Trust is striking. Although there’s no suggestion that the Waipareira setup is criminal the failure of the charities regulator to deregister or even dissolve it looks very much like the Minnesota approach. Government agencies are terrified of accusations of racism if they take any action against Maoris. Which of course is the real racism.
67 5
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 8:11am
- artemisia
  
  ‘Inadequate oversight’ is the polite way of saying dereliction of duty.
  
  40 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:21am
  - R
    
    Dereliction of duty, a polite way of saying INCOMPETENCE. Something that is so common today, that many think it is the NORM; and then re elect/reappoint the individuals
    
    11 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:57am
    - ISeeRed
      
      Inadequate oversight? Dereliction of duty? Incompetence? Nah, you’re still not getting it. Enabled. Actively encouraged. Aided and abetted. Those in power KNEW what they were doing. And we have the same kind of traitors and accomplices in the public service here facilitating grift, fraud and looting of public monies.
      
      1 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 4:53pm
- Quail
  
  Absolutely correct Cassandra,
  The Waipareira set up , and the others similar elsewhere in NZ, need to have urgent public inquiries and disclosure of the amount , purpose and use of taxpayer funding they receive.
  This is not racist. Taxpayers have every right to know where and on what their funding is being used for.
  And on the racist front many of these “Maori” corporates have far more links to other ethnicities than they have to the Indigenous culture they are using to claim taxpayers funds .
  National’s refusal to support the ACT bill was wrong,and likely to cost them the next election!
  
  15 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:29am
- RoboRob
  
  There are plenty of red flags around Tamihere and his organisations. The smallest example would be the unusual circumstance where a not for profit is paying its staff more than 500k salaries.
  
  Unfortunately, the rule in NZ appears to be ‘hands off’ with any Maori run organisation*.
  
  * Interestingly the charities commission doesn’t seem to have a problem going after Brian Tamaki however.
  
  19 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:33am
Tomtoddy

There was a discussion yesterday about Trump and Venezuela. I suggested that Trump was playing out a clever strategy to rebalance USA’s oil needs – heavy crude to supplement the sweet light oil from shale rock.

Canada has heavy oil but they are at capacity and all USA’s refining capacity is in the south, along the Gulf.

The issue is much more nuanced. Not long ago almost every oil deal was done in US dollars. Now the yuan and other currencies are being deployed. Saudi broke its arrangement to only sell in greenbacks last year. This move hurts the dollar and will lead to its gradual weakening.

With Venezuela about to cut a deal with China for most of its oil and in yuan Trump is not just gaining needed oil – he is trying to slow the weakening of his currency.
25 11
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 8:13am
- Northshoredoc
  
  I think you’re seeing strategy where there isn’t a great deal beyond the initial action.
  
  6 4
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:01am
- Mike
  
  1. So, obviously, it’s not about drugs, it’s about oil.
  2. The US therefore needs to exert whatever military force necessary to secure any resources it deems desirable for its economic or security interests.
  3. Any other country competing for such resources must be opposed, by force if necessary.
  4. Peaceful competition and trade are bad, because it would be unfair to the US to have the most powerful military force and not use them when needed to win that competition.
  
  4 6
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:13am
- MCōs
  
  Trump may or may not be playing out a clever strategy, but I get the impression he’s taking a few things for granted
  He doesn’t seem to be a details sort of bloke.
  Venezuela has all this oil, but it’s still Venezuela a country largely hostile to America and those oil companies are cagey about losing their investment — again.
  
  13 12
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:22am
  - artemisia
    
    If Venezuela decides to re-nationalise oil, or otherwise cut out the big oil companies, fair enough. They know the results of those decisions.
    
    14 7
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:28am
    - R
      
      decisions……..and have to live with the consequences of their folly.
      
      2 3
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 9:59am
    - Wandering Star
      
      And people label Putin a “gangster”…
      
      If US interests will just take another countries resources if the latter aren’t compliant, this seems to be the definition of a gang of thieves.
      
      4 8
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 1:05pm
- NK
  
  he is trying to slow the weakening of his currency.
  
  Then perhaps the Fed Reserve should stop printing $50Bn a month of worthless, junk greenbacks?
  
  15 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:48am
artemisia

Former PM Helen Clark criticises Trump for pulling US out of international organisations

Well she would say that, wouldn’t she. Many of the 66 are affiliated to the UN, so might be a little bit possible Ms Clark has an agenda running.

The White House announcement stated “contrary to the interests of the United States.” So the US doesn’t consider the 66 organisations value for money and anyway it’s America First these days.

On a much smaller scale something similar has been happening here. Taxpayer funded contracts, some extensive, for provision of services have not been renewed. That’s a serious move as it indicates the contracts were not value for money, or not delivering, or too loosely drawn, or priorities have changed. The dumped service providers mostly steal quietly away rather than go public and risk having any shortcomings made public. Sensible.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/583707/former-pm-helen-clark-criticises-trump-for-pulling-us-out-of-international-organisations
49 3
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 8:16am
- fightingtemeraire
  
  Article in the last few days is that the UN is basically bankrupt,
  
  11 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 8:21am
  - Paulus
    
    And which Country is by far the highest financier of the UN ?
    
    7 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 2:56pm
  - Master Mariner
    
    Indeed it is, How ever there is plenty of low hanging fruit to raise under the Guise of Net Zero to be made.
    IMO Fuel tax is one such Low hanging fruit to make up Billions in shortfall, Unfortunately places like NZ will bare the Brunt of such policies etc.
    
    3 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 3:01pm
  - sungsamning
    
    Maybe Beijing will offer them cheaper rent. They’re welcome to it.
    
    1 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 4:54pm
  - AitchW
    
    Financially and morally.
    
    0 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 8:55pm
- In Vino Veritas
  
  For one who was and is rabid about having people pay their “fair share”, she’s not so interested when it comes to countries. Especially when she benefits, or has benefitted from lopsided largesse.
  
  9 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 8:25am
- AitchW
  
  When it comes to Trump Clark is like the Maori Party and the government or the green movement and large businesses.
  When the former says or does anything then the latter races to denounce it.
  It’s predictable, boring and depressing.
  
  13 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 8:40am
- Nikola Donatello
  
  Interesting that he has pulled out of the UN climate change convention. This is the entity that finances the “COP” meetings each December when thousands of people fly in for a 2 week meeting.
  
  The USA provides about 25 percent of the total funding in annual sub fees. Might need to tighten their belt. 🙂
  
  This is first time a nation has ever withdrawn since 1992. Also, literally, every nation is a member.
  
  The convention has a simple clause saying any nation can withdraw with one year’s notice.
  Helen Clark can cry a river.
  
  And dear media please stop asking her questions. She is at an age, and likely with considerable money, that she can retire to a carbon intensive hideaway somewhere with her husband and leave us alone. 😅
  
  50 5
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:07am
  - NeverMindTheBollocks
    
    Helen Clark will continue to moan about additional events at Eden Park.
    
    An old activist needs a hobby.
    
    14 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:12am
  - Mike
    
    If it’s fair enough to want Helen Clark to shut up on the grounds of age and wealth, then there are quite a few other pundits you will want to denounce as well, such as Don Brash, Geoffrey Palmer, Michael Bassett, Winston Peters, Phil Goff, to name but a few.
    
    7 18
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:22am
    - Jethrod
      
      Can’t argue with that, except for serving MP’S
      
      4 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 10:21am
    - Ian Boag
      
      John Key, Bill English, Roger Douglas, Ruth Richardson, Jenny Shipley …. ? Personally I think anyone who has been PM or a senior minister for an extended period probably knows more than me even if I disagree with their take on things ….
      
      I might have made an exception for Muldoon if he was still with us.
      
      10 6
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 10:21am
  - mandk
    
    I agree Clark should leave us alone.
    
    Electors gave her the DCM nearly 18 years ago, so she should just do what other old ladies do and spend her time playing housie at the Cossie Club.
    
    Maybe no one has told her they do a nice lunch for pension Tuesday.
    
    11 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:27am
    - MCōs
      
      Maybe those crotchety old pre millennial relics Ruth, Rodger, Richard, Don Brash, Geoffrey Palmer will make room for her, do you think?
      
      0 2
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 3:17pm
  - AitchW
    
    “Husband”.
    
    11 3
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:36am
    - greybeard
      
      Or “Wife” ? Who knows ? Where is H2 ?
      
      0 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 8:01pm
  - pdm
    
    With her husband ND?
    
    She is not on record as spending a lot of time with her husband.
    
    Do they still live in different cities?
    
    26 4
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:40am
    - Tarquin North
      
      Pretty sure he’s not living in America.
      
      7 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 9:54am
      - Paulus
        
        Am sure he is not living nor would get visa to visit the USA !
        Lecturing at Auckland Uni still I believe.
        
        4 2
        Report
        January 11, 2026 2:58pm
    - Im Right
      
      HC’s hubby isn’t allowed in USA is he?, or was his embarrassing situation wiped from the records?
      
      13 2
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 9:55am
    - Nikola Donatello
      
      I don’t know. I recall that she is married to a social policy or public health academic.
      
      7 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 12:39pm
  - Observer of Life
    
    Nikola: “…hideaway somewhere with her husband …” I have to disagree with this part. The marriage is a facade. He’s not going anywhere with her. As far as I know he didn’t go to the UN with her… he/she has moved on.
    
    13 3
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 9:41am
    - NeverMindTheBollocks
      
      A lavender marriage is the term, I believe.
      
      Not very progressive.
      
      8 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 1:45pm
    - Nikola Donatello
      
      What evidence is there that her marriage is a charade? Doesn’t seem anyone’s business.
      
      Now that I think about it, I do dimly recall that when she went to the UN for four? years that she went alone. Married couples just do not do that.
      
      So yes something very odd I think.
      
      7 1
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 3:39pm
      - Christopher Thomson
        
        Take in to consideration that she was living a lie and a charade to appease the voters it does question her ethics and morals for someone that wants to lead this nation.
        
        That makes her marriage the business of every New Zealander.
        
        10 1
        Report
        January 11, 2026 4:29pm
  - R
    
    Campbell Island perhaps! No internet comms there.
    
    3 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 10:02am
    - Jethrod
      
      What? Not even Starlink from Musk?
      
      0 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 12, 2026 8:42am
  - Paulus
    
    Last Conference attracted we are told some 50,000 people, with more to follow next time.
    How much of taxpayers money was used to send some 30 odd people ?
    
    10 3
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 11:26am
    - Nikola Donatello
      
      When I used to go, the New Zealand delegation was 12. That was 20 years ago. Even the, the USA delegation was well over 200.
      
      Most of the 50,000 will be essentially spectators. The actual nation representatives.. Maybe 5,000.
      
      4 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 3:42pm
- JJ56
  
  As I predicted yesterday, but no sign the Clark Foundation has taken up my suggestion they could pony up with the readies to cover the shortfall.
  
  6 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:47am
- Im Right
  
  I have never understood a country supplying aid to another country that hates it!
  USA/UK routinely supply eye watering aid money to some countries that clearly would help in any destruction of the money giver.
  I may not agree with all of trump’s policies, but he is correct in cancelling the ‘shake down’ that the USA has been getting for decades, give aid to countries that have a need yes, but not ones that call for your destruction.
  Ohhh and Helen Clarke is just a relic who, like Jacinda, governed NZ by the dictate of UN/WHO/WEF and was always guaranteed a job in New York, as a thank you.
  
  28 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:51am
  - judith8409121
    
    It’s so they can setup cut out organisations. People on the ground
    
    2 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 12:53pm
  - Wandering Star
    
    “I have never understood a country supplying aid to another country that hates it!”
    
    The only reason I can think of is that the purported “hate” isn’t actually real and is just another false PR premise used to manipulate public opinion when required. Thought of this way, there’s no contradiction at all, except a merely apparent one.
    
    2 10
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 1:09pm
- kowtow
  
  “It is an assault on the international system of cooperation, which has been painstakingly built up over many, many decades,” she said.
  
  This notion of an international system , Patman calls it the international rules based order since 1945 , and many others besides.
  
  Again , another Elitist litany that’s a lie , continually repeated like a mantra to fool the gullible .
  
  That “order” consigned east and central Europe to Stalin’s military conquests .Something the Poles particularly today won’t forget . It was the Americans ( not NATO) who outspent the Soviets ( Reagan gets credit doesn’t he) causing that corrupt regime to collapse . But the Russians till now continued to support their minions . Cuba and Venezuela etc in S America . Iran , Syria , Houthis , Hezbollah in Lebanon and the very evil Hamas in Gaza.
  
  Where’s the int’l order when the Mullahs destabalised the ME from the Gulf to the Med , launching missiles and terror at Israel .
  
  And today the Iranians are having to fight in the streets for their own freedom . Freedom from evil old clerics who issue “fatwahs” against the likes of Salman Rushdie and who export anti semetism and terror even to this part of the world.
  
  Not to mention the decades of cold war proxy wars across the world from South America to Africa and Asia . Ten of millions dead , in their non existent rules based international system .
  Even today new forces backed by Russia and other malign influences are causing death and misery to millions in Africa .
  
  I get the impression these “influential” Clark and Patman types , and their media fellow travellers are only interested if they can take a pot shot at the Great Satan in the White House or Israel.
  
  Hundreds are dying for their freedom in Iran now and all we get is “Trump , Trump, Trump”.
  
  12 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 10:20am
rouppe

Ah, the Herald. Talking about the weather, and using hyperbole completely out of step with reality.

Roasting temperatures of 32C struck several regions today, with even hotter furnace-like temperatures spiralling to 38C set to take hold tomorrow.

It would appear that Natasha Gordon has never roasted anything. If she tried to roast a chook at 32 degrees the thing would go rotten before it is cooked.

Further she clearly has never researched furnaces. They run at many hundreds of degrees. If a furnace was running at 38, I’d be calling the repair man.

Does she also know that people routinely go into a room set at 85 degrees Celsius? Voluntarily? For pleasure?

There are countries where the daytime temperature is routinely in the high 30’s, and people work outside every day.

Kids these days…
15 1
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 8:53am
- Master Mariner
  
  On a side note, I wonder how long NIWA ( Earth Sciences) continue to wittingly promulgate false Weather information.
  The “Weather” forecasters are a dying breed and no longer relevant.
  Ever wonder why they get it so wrong now ?
  
  5 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 3:10pm
MCōs

There is a general election in Thailand on 8-February and campaigning is underway
My sister in law is registered to vote in a Bangkok electorate and her husband upcountry.
The other day he collected B3000 ($171) to vote for a certain candidate; probably disguised as petrol money.
I read in the Bangkok Post once that party officials were transporting so much money they needed a police escort.

Democracy where the bribes are handed out before the election
22 0
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 9:05am
- Mike
  
  Seems a bit primitive. In an advanced democracy, political resources are not wasted on common voters but used to fund more effective means of persuasion through media. Especially where there are no limits on such resources, funders can be sure their money has not been squandered on ordinary people and has been more effective at producing their preferred outcome.
  
  8 8
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:29am
  - Gussy Fink-Nottle
    
    More effective still, use millions of tax-payer dollars to advance a politically contentious agenda dressed up as ‘public interest’.
    
    8 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 10:50am
- NK
  
  NZ is no different. The bribes are given during the campaign: Vote for us and we’ll give you this, after taking it from him or her or that business.
  
  Literally, it’s no different.
  
  27 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 9:50am
  - GJM
    
    Ours are handed out at south Auckland market. NZ works cheap, as it can be kfc.
    
    9 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 10:15am
    - MCōs
      
      [Show some respect to other posters, or go elsewhere. Holy Mod]
      
      0 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 3:34pm
  - pdm
    
    Who is the Minister of Racing?
    I suspect he made it a bottom line in Coalition negotiations in 2023 and on the previous occasions he has held the portfolio?
    
    Why are more and more feature races being moved to Ellerslie?
    This years NZ Oaks being moved from Trentham is the latest.
    
    Why is a new public grandstand at Trentham not being fast tracked?
    
    Why have so many lower North Island tracks been closed down on the Racing Ministers whim?
    
    Why is the Greyhound Racing Industry about to be destroyed on the whim of the Racing Minister with assets and funds held apparently being distributed to thoroughbred racing?.
    
    I can give some big thoroughbred industry names who allegedly fund NZFirst campaigns but I won’t in case I get a couple wrong.
    
    12 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 10:52am
  - MCōs
    
    I’m reminded of a by election up north where the national candidate promised to upgrade some one way bridges.
    He lost to Winston, I believe and the bridges remained one way
    Contrast that with a Thai election candidate who upgraded a red dirt road to a sealed road in the vicinity of my sister in law’s rural house before the election
    The election was held & he beat the incumbent
    Next wet season the road was wrecked
    
    7 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 11:01am
  - Paulus
    
    Don’t KFC do well in elections ?
    
    12 3
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 11:27am
    - MCōs
      
      They got a big boost from DJT
      https://x.com/realdonaldtrump/status/760299757206208512?s=46&t=XZLqGbhN-xeYzprhTaktsg
      
      2 2
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 12:02pm
- rouppe
  
  Do they get to check that he actually voted for that candidate?
  
  3 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 12:50pm
- Wandering Star
  
  “Democracy where the bribes are handed out before the election”
  
  Seems much better than our democracy, where the bribes are only handed out after the election, if at all.
  
  3 4
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 1:13pm
- ISeeRed
  
  Yes. Bribery and corruption in Western economies is not so brazen. Voters are bribed with their own or other voters’ money in the form of serving the public good, social justice, “fairness” etc.
  
  1 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 6:40pm
- marleybob
  
  Philippines same same. Corruption is very bad.
  
  0 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 7:05pm
NothingLeft

A remarkable battery tech has just surfaced from a Finnish company ‘Donut Lab’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8PjlwZVLVE

It has well nigh unbelievable characteristics that suggest it may not quite be a battery, but perhaps something new/different like a breakthrough supercapcitor or some hybrid:
-400Wh/kg energy density (about double typical lithium battery packs)
-Charging or discharging in 5minutes (super high power output)
-Works at -30 to +100°C far beyond lithium batteries.
-Claimed 100,000 cycle life – totally unheard of

They have batteries out with 3rd party testers and are already in low scale production (looking to rapidly scale up) with costs they say are similar to conventional batteries and no expensive materials or lithium.

There have been a lot of claims of battery breakthroughs in last decade but this looks like it may be the real-deal. If confirmed its truly game changing for transport and a lot of other applications with batteries that will essentially last forever. 1000km range EVs become easy, and 500km range EVTOL electric aircraft too.
5 0
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 9:05am
- virtualmark
  
  Big if true.
  
  Unfortunately while there have been many promising battery technologies touted on the basis of lab-scale tests to date no ones been able to manufacture them at scale at a competitive price.
  
  4 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 3:22pm
- slijmbal
  
  @Nothing
  
  considering the current state of play for solid state batteries that constitutes huge advances across the board. In fact, they are so broad and ‘just what the doctor ordered’ in terms of need you should call me very sceptical. Would be nice to be proven wrong but I would be willing to bet $50 not true to the charity of one’s choice.
  
  3 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 4:16pm
  - Master Mariner
    
    Yep, Sounds a bit like all the millions poured into Carbon Storage technology that is an abysmal failure.
    Meanwhile , Trees / Forests anyone //
    Cant see the Forest through the Trees //
    
    1 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 5:58pm
- NeverMindTheBollocks
  
  The word “if” is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here.
  
  1 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 4:59pm
- Simon Arnold
  
  I asked Perplexity Pro what independent due diligence had to say about it, and after a generally sceptical response ended with:
  
  “Independent analysts recommend waiting for:
  
  – Verified cell and module test data from recognized third‑party labs (cycle life, C‑rate, safety/abuse, temperature sweeps).
  
  – At least one detailed technical disclosure (paper, patent family, or credible teardown) clarifying electrolyte chemistry, electrode design, and manufacturability.”
  
  Amen to that.
  
  0 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 6:33pm
Yvette

Hackers
Be wary that I may be proven wrong, but my health information has been “impacted” Manage My Health in an email tells me.

However, in the process of changing my password, and adding the recommended additional security, I note that the most private information is documented as the name of the illness, not the location I attended nor treatment given. For there to be any financial leverage (blackmail) on mass or individual level, other contextual information (like simple circumstances) is required and that is not available to the hackers.

Further investigations have identified that one module within the Manage My Health app, referred to as Health Documents, was compromised by a third party. This allowed a third party to access and download the documents within that module. The third party did not gain access to the whole app.
[ … ]
As noted above, we have contacted you now as your documents were included in the dataset that was downloaded from the Health Documents Module. – Manage My Health email

ChatGPT can tell you what information was held with the “Health Documents Module”.
But Manage My Health should have by now publicly done that.

And for victims of circumstances like partner violence, for example, Manage My Health should also indicated where information can or can’t allow the hackers, holding incomplete (non-contextualised) Health Documents Module information can do anything with it, apart from threat of mass searchable release, which would supposedly be shut down by the penalties of the injunction they have taken out.

And in relation to that injunction, is Government able to regulate an emergency condition that doubles the consequences of the release of Manage My Health Documents Module information, to thwart any hacker aspirations?

Rather than agree to pay a ransom, place a higher ransom on release of any information.

footnote – People who rob three banks in a week don’t spend evenings reading the deposit slips
5 0
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 9:27am
Swifty

“The power of Christ compels you…..”

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland/methodist-church-launches-probe-into-whistleblower-claims-of-exorcism-rituals-at-wesley-college/K6AT6PS22ZEU5NO75AZK7MAMSU/
6 0
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 9:35am
imalwaysright

McSkimming looked disinterested, even bored, during his trial.

He gave the impression that he was going through the motions to a predetermined conclusion.

I’m wondering if he was caught doing something worse than he was charged with and struck a deal to protect other potentially guilty parties.
10 1
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 9:52am
- KH
  
  Probably just depressed. His whole life unravelled.
  
  7 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 1:22pm
  - NeverMindTheBollocks
    
    I thought that the sensationalised reporting by the media went well beyond what was required, and amounted to the bullying behaviour that is routinely decried in other circumstances.
    
    If Jevon McSkimming had topped himself, I wouldn’t have been surprised. No doubt the media would have gleefully reported that also, with no self reflection as to their own behaviour.
    
    4 4
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 1:56pm
    - Paulus
      
      Normal Media inflamation, like Epstein and all who flew with him – cannot stop trying to get his money.
      There must be thousands of many and lovely young expensive things earning big money, involved with him over many years. Not just idiot Randy Andy !
      McSkimming is but a comparable fleebite which got himself bitten.
      
      1 4
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 3:07pm
    - Mike
      
      You don’t think the perverted and corrupt actions of a very senior police officer warranted much coverage?
      
      6 5
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 3:26pm
      - NeverMindTheBollocks
        
        Absolutely I believe that coverage by the media of Jevon McSkimming’s actions, for which he was convicted, is warranted.
        
        However, in my view the media’s gleeful coverage went too far. Recall the more muted coverage of Golly G, when her mental health was of concern; ditto the former Minister of Justice whose drunken driving smashed up her car and another’s. Remind me, what were the penalties in these cases?
        
        My point is that there’s a double standard at work in the media here.
        
        6 2
        Report
        January 11, 2026 5:04pm
- Philview
  
  He looked to me like a man who is suffering depression and is taking powerful antidepressants.
  
  6 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 1:26pm
Notsofast

Iran update with Tousi TV

https://www.youtube.com/live/efgdnuoIkGQ?si=2EyZTkDXvGEgmS3f

Minute 6 50 Pahlavi in western suit plans return.
Thanks to Elon Musk and starlink we can see how this unfolds.
Surely this is the start of the war against the cult of Islam globally.
The ok bits are common sense, the rest is pure evil.
Satan back in his box eventually.
13 3
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 9:53am
- Wandering Star
  
  How does an Islamic regime (or not) in Iran effect you or I?
  
  1 13
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 1:15pm
  - NothingLeft
    
    They have been funding the Houthis that have made shipping through middle east difficult and more expensive, they also funded Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad with all their appalling atrocities – for example the Oct 7 attack and consequent war that has imposed all sorts of problems on the wider world and ginned up the Marxist crazies throughout the west.
    
    They are monsters that should be eradicated to give Persians a chance at a decent life and greatly reduce the global spend on military, as well as likely reducing the price of oil substantially over the long term.
    
    11 2
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 2:36pm
    - Wandering Star
      
      I asked about the effect on you and I, I didn’t ask to repeat the usual propaganda about why Iranians need a pro-Israel government and why Iranians need to have a chance to wear miniskirts (presumably both sexes).
      
      1 10
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 4:38pm
  - nz_aj
    
    Supply Chain Disruptions: New Zealand is a small trading nation that relies on open sea lanes, including unimpeded access through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for about 20% of the world’s oil trade. Geopolitical tensions and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz could severely disrupt global supply chains.
    Fuel Price and Inflation Shocks: Although New Zealand does not import crude oil directly from the Middle East, a disruption in the Strait would cause a global surge in oil prices. This would push up local fuel prices (potentially over $3/litre) and drive broader inflation across the New Zealand economy by increasing transport and business costs.
    Export Market Access: Middle Eastern countries, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, collectively form a significant export market for New Zealand. A broadening regional conflict could create market access issues, lowering returns for exporters of key commodities like dairy and meat products and deterring future investment opportunities.
    
    8 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 2:59pm
    - Wandering Star
      
      To the extent these are valid effects, all of these could be brought to bear by a change of government and radical regional policy reset in Israel, as much as they could by a change of government in Iran.
      
      You’re basically saying that a less conflict-ridden Middle East is the answer, so why not address the main cause which is Israel, not Iran?
      
      2 9
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 4:40pm
      - Master Mariner
        
        so why not address the main cause which is Israel, not Iran?
        Its not Israel threatening to close the Straights of Hormuz for the Past 40 years or so, Incidently it would be very [easy] to do if they wanted.
        
        5 1
        Report
        January 11, 2026 6:03pm
  - AitchW
    
    How does an Israeli “blockade” of Gaza affect you or me?
    
    2 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 4:05pm
- NeverMindTheBollocks
  
  I doubt that the Shah-in-exile has much deep support within Iran.
  
  If he’s offering to be an honest broker and looking for a ceremonial role for himself only, that’s one thing. If he’s looking to resume the royal autocracy, that’s quite another.
  
  6 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 1:58pm
  - kowtow
    
    Lots of people on the streets there literally risking their lives by chanting for his return.
    
    3 1
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 4:34pm
    - NeverMindTheBollocks
      
      He’s a name to coalesce around. There’s no government in exile: no one else seems to have any sort of profile (not that I read Farsi). No doubt other names will spring out of the woodwork, should the Ayatollah be overthrown. We’ll see then how deep support for the House of Pahlavi really is.
      
      0 0
      Log in to Reply
      Report
      January 11, 2026 5:09pm
- AitchW
  
  I do wonder if there may be a cascade effect once the mullahs are ousted in Iran. Who might be next?
  
  2 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 4:06pm
KH

The ICE guy should not have shot that woman. Simple. Should not have happened.
But there is a background our media don’t bring to the front.
There was a riot going on down the street.
She had spent the day obstructing ICE.
Why was she parked sideways on the street. Was that also part of the obstruction. ? Seemed so ?
The best analogy is from my young days. “Nothing good happens after 2am”
Reading the news, that’s true. S##t happens.
So: So when the cop tells you to leave. Do it. Do it politely. Immediately. Even if you know they got it wrong.
10 8
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 10:14am
- BananaLlama
  
  I don’t think she should have been shot dead either but after finding out that she had been part of protest convoy obstructing federal officers and refusing to comply with a lawful arrest. Well, play stupid games and you will win stupid prizes.
  
  5 3
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 5:45pm
- Andrew Worth
  
  Check out this view of the incident. The ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, looks utterly professional as he tracks and engages his target. Before seeing this, I thought he was trying to do 2 things at once mostly avoid being run down, but from the video, he actually leans forward to get his hand on the hood (his phone is in his hand, and the siund of his hand thumping the bonnet has been interpreted as the vehicle hitting his body by his defenders), he uses contact with the vehicle and his arm to control his position, and uses the forward motion of the vehicle to help track his target as he fires.
  
  https://youtube.com/shorts/LYm7SsakcxI?si=XwHG0rTNFLMIFJ7Q
  
  2 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 10:33pm
NeverMindTheBollocks

For those who think that bringing in people from other cultures is no different to migrants from more traditional sources, this story says otherwise.

In this case, an Indian with an Aus work visa marries an Indian back in India. She gets pregnant and is packed off to the in-laws to work as a domestic for them. He returns to Aus with the dowry. He also monitors her via web cams.

Apparently, this is not as uncommon as you would like to think.

Immigration is just not set up to cope with this type of cultural norm.

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/10/india-brides-abandoned-visa-limbo-australia-ntwnfb
7 2
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 10:54am
- kowtow
  
  The caste system is at complete odds with the western democratic value of equality .
  
  5 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 4:32pm
  - Master Mariner
    
    I honestly do not know but would of thought The UK “Class” system would of reinforced the “Caste” system whilst in control ?
    
    1 0
    Log in to Reply
    Report
    January 11, 2026 6:07pm
Rusty

One of the woman tennis players at the ASB classic looked a bit like Chloe Swarbrick.
0 3
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 10:58am
- NeverMindTheBollocks
  
  Most unfortunate for her.
  
  0 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 5:10pm
- Master Mariner
  
  What , Stoned ?
  
  0 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 6:38pm
I remember when

When looking at the belief in the special powers of water ‘why’ do the following never get a mention.
. Farmers
. Baptism
. Life
. Cleanliness
. Recreation
. Etc
10 3
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 11:45am
Albie

Wandering Star was quick to pass judgment on the intellect and ability of ICE officers recently. He may want to have a look at this NBC article. That’s right, NBC, not Fox.

https://share.google/ckPMHMU3ZjVMweP5b
7 4
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 12:40pm
- Andrew Worth
  
  His expertise is certainly on display in this video, his technique is very professional, using contact to help improve control as he engages his target.
  https://youtube.com/shorts/LYm7SsakcxI?si=XwHG0rTNFLMIFJ7Q
  
  1 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 11:27pm
rouppe

These are the people the good folk of Minnesota want to keep in their community.

Child rapists and sodomisers. 9 children’s lives ruined at the hands of 7 illegal immigrants.

Murderers. 14 people dead at the hands of 10 illegal immigrants.

Even the CEO of the rent a mob Crowds on Demand won’t go near Minneapolis.
8 2
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 1:05pm
Swifty

Awesome scene outside the Iranian embassy in London:

https://x.com/drelidavid/status/2010105095254622398?s=46
11 2
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 1:33pm
- NeverMindTheBollocks
  
  Send for the SAS!
  
  5 0
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 2:01pm
rouppe

Here we have a story all about how Tren de Aragua taking over an apartment complex in Aurora.

There is no ambiguous language. No “allegedly”. No “unsubstantiated reports”.

At the time, story after story said it was untrue, and Republican misinformation, and disinformation. (Note I had to use a VPN to get the last link)

Now it’s boarded up and empty.

Where’s the accountability from all those who said it wasn’t true?
7 2
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 1:34pm
Swifty

Looks like Aotea Square:

https://x.com/strange_g/status/2010118115741577630?s=46

I do wish them well.
9 2
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 1:39pm
- Hollyfield
  
  The Iran Prosperity Project details how the country will transition to a liberated society after the fall of the Islamic Regime. Change the flag at the top of page to US (for English text) and scroll down for the booklet itself. Page 9 covers a referendum on the system of government and the process to dissolve the transitional government. Page 24 lists laws to be repealed, incl restrictive dress for women, women needing a man’s permission to work or attend education, censorship of the press, internet filtering, discrimination against ethnic or religious minorities, death penalty, stoning, amputation and flogging. https://fund.nufdiran.org/projects/ipp/research/emergency-phase-booklet/
  
  5 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 2:58pm
- AitchW
  
  Swifty, where is their local MP? She loves a good flag waving. It’s even almost the right colours for her.
  I wonder if she’ll wear her keffiyeh?
  
  4 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 4:00pm
- pb
  
  Globalists have been kneecapped in Ukraine, Venezuela, and desperately need some new conquered territory to refinance their dodgy loans. Iran affair a media joke.
  
  1 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 4:36pm
surfing

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15452323/Donald-Trump-orders-army-chiefs-plan-invade-Greenland-President.html

I sense World war 3 is closer than ever, and Trump is the reason.
3 7
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 2:08pm
AitchW

I’m apprehensive about what happens to Iran once the mullahs are gone and the world attention has gone? There must be large numbers of militant Islamists who will loathe the new order. Will they rally and plot yet another revolution?
I fear there will be widespread bloodshed.
6 3
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 3:25pm
- rouppe
  
  What’s likely to happen is the replacement will have to do a security crack down to suppress those militants.
  
  And it’ll be right back to where it was with the Shah…
  
  0 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 5:57pm
- Master Mariner
  
  Much like Africa , To relinquish power results in retribution.
  Arabs to the West wont have them.
  
  1 2
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 11, 2026 6:13pm
MCōs

My wife is Thai and avidly keeps up with the news from Thailand which has recently been dominated by the fracas on the border with Cambodia.
The news she reads/listens to is 100% Thai language and I expect the Cambodian people down the road from us get their news in their language and l listen to the BBC because I know the correspondent has been reporting on SE Asia for a long time
Funnily enough his reports don’t quite square with those my wife relies on and probably not the Cambodia reports either.
So when I read stuff from Ukraine or Gaza or Lebanon or Sydney or America or anywhere I keep that in mind. As if we didn’t realize already – it’s just that it could be a lot more biased than you’d want to believe
5 0
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 4:10pm
Swifty

RIP Bobby Weir.

What a long strange trip it’s been.
1 1
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 4:35pm
Martin

On Stuff today: “Elsewhere around the motu, temperatures in Kaikōura, Gisborne, Kerikeri and Christchurch all topped 30C.“
Has Cook Strait evaporated? Or does one reporter cum virtue-signaller need a geography lesson?
5 3
Log in to Reply
Report
January 11, 2026 6:04pm
- Paulus
  
  Where the f…k is this place Motu – I cannot find it on my maps ?
  
  0 1
  Log in to Reply
  Report
  January 12, 2026 1:59pm

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Login to comment or vote

« Ben Kepes on the Bondi Beach attack

Freshwater favourability »

Donations

You can now donate to Kiwiblog

Exclusive content from DPF on Patreon

Become a Patron!

Never miss a post

Email Address

Join 13K other subscribers

Highlights

Target achieved II
Good progress on attendance
Health Target 5 – elective treatments
Health Target 4 – Specialist appointments

Links

Parliament fails to defend transparency
No Right Turn
"The principal view of human laws is, or ought always to be, to explain, protect, and enforce such rights as are absolute, which in themselves are few and simple."
Not PC
Word of the day
Hompaddock
The response to Budget 2026 has been unusually muted
Point of Order
You know what “does not pass the sniff test”? Labour’s incremental response to blatant corruption – this is why they plunged 7.5%
The Daily Blog
When is a Free Speech Union not a Free Speech Union?
The Standard
We Are a Country That Decided Housing Was The Economy
No Minister
My Opening Statement for the UATX Caplan-Jones Immigration Rematch
Utopia
Playing with numbers.
Kiwipolitico
Another non-tariff barrier
Offsetting Behaviour
Rugby Premiership Predictions for Round 18
Stats Chat
Budget 2026
NZCPR
UK Conversion Therapy Ban, Digital ID, Rallies, Elections
Bob McCoskrie's McBlog
A central banker’s fiction
Croaking Cassandra
THE WORKING FROM HOME RACKET BY PUBLIC SERVANTS
No Punches Pulled (Bob Jones)
Tory Whanau may have to sell Wellington mayoralty to make ends meet
The Civilian
The Accidental Engagement
Imperator Fish
Legal Beagle: Election '23: The Special Votes
Public Address
Get Vaccinated Tomorrow Or Shut Your Pie Hole
Cactus Kate
Making this movie might have been a mistake
Liam Hehir
Why I am retiring from political blogging
Kiwi FireWalker

[email protected]

PO Box 12270, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

Facebook
Twitter
FourSquare
Instagram
LinkedIn
Google+

Archives
Disclosure Statement
Editorial Policy
Privacy Policy
Complaints Policy
Comments Policy

Design by cre8d

%d

Share this:

Like this: