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6:00 am, July 27th, 2026 - 48 comments
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Open mike is your post.
For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.
The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).
Step up to the mike …
Here’s a talking point for a Monday morning: I’m not much given to making political predictions, but November 3rd, Midterm Elections in the USA, if they happen at all, will be epic – one way or another.
Even if the turnout is huge, Hungary/Orban proportions, Trump will still deny the result.
Between November and changeover date in January, expect the guns to come out – first from ICE, then by citizens in self-defence.
The USA is in for a brutally traumatic time in the near future!
But perhaps there might be hope: Thom Hartman podcast, with Miles Taylor. 11 mins long.
Which is also why we all need to register and vote to save our own democracy from the right wing/fascist inclinations of National, ACT and NZ First, 7th November.
There seems to be no question that mid-term elections will go ahead, as usual, in the US. These are not controlled by the president, but rather by States and local jurisdictions.
While there will be the usual gerrymandering of congressional district boundaries (something that both Dems and Repubs are both guilty of) – there is little that Trump can do to de-rail the actual elections. His legislative challenges (against mail-in votes and the Save ACT) are stalled in Congress – with little prospect of being resolved before November.
Anticipating an epidemic of gun violence, because of mid-term results, just seems unlikely.
You are like a cool cloth to a hot head Bellad. How nice to be so relaxed and well versed in the official political maneouvres, while we watch for machinations. Why? This is the pyretic-viral v machine age; did you consult AI?
No. My opinions are entirely my own – an I use AI neither to formulate my posts or to 'research' content.
Any AI content will emanate from other Standardistas.
The level this year is not normal. POTUS asked for a pile on and SCOTUS changed the Voting Rights Act to make it more perverse.
The SAVE Act has been attacked to defence spending to get it through the Senate and what EO Trump (including Emergency declaration resort) will sign are not yet a known.
In a loss for voters, the D.C. Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling upholding parts of Trump's executive order targeting mail voting, including allowing:
✔️DHS to build a citizenship registry
✔️USPS to withhold mail ballots from states that don't share voter data with the government
https://bsky.app/profile/democracydocket.com/post/3mrpobpav6p2n
"Deadly wildfires are raging just 16km from Bordeaux, where officials are considering a total evacuation of the city."
Probably just a seasonal variation…
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/361011288/bordeaux-faces-evacuation-wildfires-reach-citys-gates
"we've always had fires"
It amazes me there's anything left to burn!
We have always had fires:
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/earth-and-atmospheric-sciences/wildfires-and-wilderness-life-cycles
Frequency perhaps has increased because of climate change related fossil fuel burning and mechanical deforestation but the major impact is not the fires themselves but the human expansive activity in areas susceptible. Same goes for flooding.
We have, or there have, always been fires?
When did fires become ours?
When we lit them?
When we recognised them as something we could gainfully employ?
Fires and floods are very "biblical". You say, same as it ever was, only we've built much fire-vulnerable and flood-vulnerable stuff that it's skewing the story.
I don't believe that, despite the facts of the matter. Old warnings will not go away because we "logic" them.
Weka said, "we've always had fires" as a facetious challenge. I was quoting that challenge and showing that forest and grassland fires are an important part of natural ecosystems.
It's that human activity is spreading into to those ecosystems which is why we take more notice.
Ever the same, it's the protection of property ownership and free market capitalism which is the major trigger for teals.
It's not perhaps. We are well outside the natural fire/forest cycles, for a range of reasons, but climate is a significant driver and wildfires contribute to climate change.
According to Stewart Hamilton, CEO of Mercury Power:
".. if you look at the infrastructure sectors in New Zealand at the moment, I'd say that the power industry is probably building at a rate that's faster than any other infrastructure sector. And so we can be proving that we're doing that now, and we're seeing the benefits of that flow through."
He said Mercury wanted to ensure when data centres came online in New Zealand, additional power generation would too.
If local power resources are being developed rapidly as claimed by the Mercury CEO why do we need the LNG import terminal? And how is Mercury going to ensure the massive power demands of data centres will be met?
Chloe says:"just to take the instance of that Data Grid centre, we're talking about 6 percent of our current energy or electricity produced in this country… that is a town the size of Hamilton coming on effectively overnight, which will drive up the cost of electricity for every other New Zealander and risk actually displacing costs onto other industries and therefore potentially cost jobs."
Data Grid said in its application the data centre would create "up to 300 jobs". Well lets assume that is 200 jobs. Does it really make sense to use the amount of power equivalent to that used by the city of Hamilton to create 200 jobs?
And is National justifying the LNG* import terminal because of the power needs of data centres?
*burning imported LNG has a greater carbon footprint than burning coal.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/805470/data-centres-in-nz-jobs-creators-or-destroyers
The Greens new policy of pausing all data centre consents for a year while the above issues are thrashed out and stronger regulations, including ensuring public/community involvement, makes sense.
That "pause for a year" is better than nothing but I'd be very surprised if a year is long enough to genuinely explore the facts and implications of the matter. I do support the call, though it will be roundly ignored by the CoC, but many ordinary folk will be encouraged by it. The roll-on by data centre investors and associated industries, along with the pollies embroiled, seems massive.
It could be extended later Merc….not a problem.
If the election is won by the Left…
The future looked dire for overshoot civilisation on spaceship Earth – thank goodness A.I. data centres are coming to the 'rescue'. How ever did we manage without them?
"So many possible choices" – NZ's overshoot day is 10 April – "dumped-on disaster."
Overshoot is (fossil) fuelling the cost-of-living crisis. Let's do the Time Warp again!
https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/new-zealand/
It turns out that the Southland mayor, Rob Scott, no longer supports the Data Grid data centre, but is now firmly on the fence. This is after what must have been a feisty public meeting last week. Listen to him in the link.
The Greens have hit on an issue that will run until the election and will pull votes from across the spectrum. Get in behind Labour.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/middayreport/audio/2019045035/southland-mayor-discusses-new-ai-data-centre-plans
There are a huge number of Democrats (44-21 against) and Republicans (37-31 against) opposing data centres in the USA.
https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/where-republicans-and-democrats-stand-ai-data-centers
Waffle from Scott; "yes & no.."
We don't need this weakness.
If Rob Scott has recieved a non-notified consent to provide 600,000 litres of water per day [even though they dont need that much HA HA.] Then I,m not prepared to talk about any lesser amount.
It's as dodgy as f*ck!
With you on that.
Award for bestselling NZ book of the year: Jacinda Ardern (2026); Barry Soper (2027)?
A(nother) sign of our sociopolitically divided and divisive resource-ravenous times.
Ardern's book was an international bestseller, and will stand into the future as part of her legacy. Can't imagine that Soper's mean-spirited recollections as a crusty media hack have any legacy value.
Please, Winston First – isn't four times (1996, 2005, 2017, 2023) enough already?
Discussion post up on the Green Party's AGM speeches and the AI data centre policy
https://thestandard.nz/the-greens-in-their-own-words/
@ BG @ 3
The whole power sector needs a rark up.
The utterances from this clown from Mercury, aren't worth the bandwidth. To qualify his spin, the new generation should be expressed as a ratio of return to shareholders.
While I am on my high horse the electricity
lapdogwatchdog needs hauling over the coals for their inadequate response. Failing the citizenry.https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/06/sustainable-data-centre-heating/
Any date centers need to be forced to supply heating to local schools pools and council/government facilities free of charge, quid pro quo
Dr Milan Paudel, an AUT lecturer with a PhD in mechanical engineering, has conducted several studies into the design of e-scooters and how they crash.
In short, small wheels, short wheelbase, and high centre of gravity when a rider is standing are some of the factors behind these vulnerabilities.
However, instead of addressing these flaws the solution being proposed is new road rules (set to take effect at the end of the year) which will allow people on e-scooters to ride in cycle lanes.
The problem being overlooked is allowing them in cycle lanes while failing to address the stated design flaws could lead to them encountering loose pebbles on the cycle lane, ending up being thrown onto the road and then hit by a car, truck or bus.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/26/simply-you-will-slam-on-the-road-how-dangerous-are-e-scooters/
This solution needs a rethink
Big wheels, long wheel base, low centre of gravity.
Sorted.
"Big wheels, long wheel base, low centre of gravity."
That describes my Zero DSR. As much fun as you can have with yr clothes on. Nimble, agile and quick.
Fun and peppy are two of the most used words to describe them.
I haven't done 3000kms on it yet and I already would like to get into a Savic, Aussie design and build with Chinese componentry. Don't have the $30,000AUD lying round though.
"Before the crash, Hunt was travelling at 25km/h, was four times over the legal driving limit for alcohol, and was not wearing a helmet."
There might also be other factors- speed, alcohol, no helmet.
In the late Sixties, at University, a fellow student always wore a cycle helmet when no-one but racing cyclists did. We questioned him. His reply was that his father was a brain surgeon…….
Smart guy.
Competing headlines on Stuff.
"Hundreds of thousands evacuate as France’s worst fire since World War II threatens Bordeaux city"
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/361011389/wildfires-france-drive-250000-people-their-homes-and
Last cup of Special Blend/Gregg’s instant coffee coming to a store near you
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/361011541/last-cup-special-blendgreggs-instant-coffee-coming-store-near-you
I just don't know where to direct my attention…my attention…my attention…
"BREAKING – Iconic instant coffee brands axed as factory shuts down after 100 years"
Calamity, right?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/361011541/last-cup-special-blendgreggs-instant-coffee-coming-store-near-you
An only too frequent outcome following overseas "investment" (ie ownership) by multinationals it seems. Not many of our “iconic” firms left in local ownership now.
Today's astonishing confession by Luxon … he has no memory and doesn't read.
"I'm sorry, I only came to politics in 2020 … I don't know what happened in the past …"
This is good news for the Greens and even NZF, as the National leader has apparently decided to stop saying "6 years" when he attacks Labour. We're now down to 3. That first term doesn't count. It was before 2020, the time that never was.
It's not such good news for National's heroes, John Key and Bill English. Luxon doesn't remember them at all.
What a buffoon.
Christopher Luxon rejects criticism on party's paid parental leave record | RNZ
As any fule and CEO kno, selective memory (confirmation bias) is priceless
https://www.facebook.com/nzgreenparty/posts/christopher-luxon-came-to-power-and-shredded-climate-action-meaning-were-now-off/1504477931721273/
Final words on an earlier comment. 'This solution needs a rethink.' I have been thinking of an outrage performed on a man late last century. Needs a rethink. Especially after the outpouring of sentiment from Grace Mullane's death after choosing to go out with a stranger who wasn't perfect. I feel deeply sorry for Mervyn, though that would never have helped him. I'd be like King Canute against the strength of the sea.
It is a great thing when the arts cluster together to demonstrate their sensitivities and principles. I noted this from the Spinoff article on Mervyn Thompson's persecution, where he is being advised that performances he was to present have been cancelled because of a charge of rape made against him in 1984, which he denies and are unproven.
https://thespinoff.co.nz/books/12-09-2016/the-mervyn-thompson-affair-revisiting-the-strange-case-of-a-teacher-chained-by-vigilantes-to-a-tree-in-western-springs. Steve Braunias introduces an extract from Thompson’s memoirs.
…I’d be inclined to laugh off the whole thing as one of those periodic outbreaks of madness to which New Zealand society seems peculiarly prone – if it were not for two things.
The first is the heartbreak attending my closest relationship. The second is the attack on my work.
In Auckland the target has been Coaltown Blues. Again my mind travels back. A production is set down for late March at Theatre Corporate. But in February, 10 days or so after the assault, I am called into the theatre. The directors are Roger McGill and Paul Minifie.
McGill greets me jovially and asks about my health. “I’m surviving, thank you,” I say. He clears his throat and draws himself up. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but owing to recent circumstances your season of Coaltown Blues will have to be postponed until further notice.”
My heart is pounding but I ask the question quietly: “Am I permitted to know why?” McGill tells me that my health isn’t good.
“I’ve lost a little weight,” I reply, “but you can see for yourselves that I’m quite capable of performing.” (Even as I say this I’m aware how strained my face is — and of inquisitorial eyes searching it for clues and confirmations.)
Minifie speaks for the first time. He’s of the opinion that I am not in the physical or mental shape to present a solo piece. If it’s really my health you’re concerned about, I insist, then stopping my play won’t improve it; it will only make it worse. But Minifie is adamant. He refuses point-blank to direct me. The play is to be postponed and that is that.
McGill brings the real issue out into the open. There’s also the matter of the backlash of opinion that now operates against you, he says. We don’t want our theatre to be subject to the wrong kind of publicity – or to political pressure. If it comes – and it will – it will be from the very groups that Corporate depends upon for its audience. “It’ll be better for everyone,” he says carefully, “if you wait.”…
March 1984;
The Depot, Wellington performance is cancelled. he is advised by an acquaintance.
LANG: I have to tell you that owing to recent circumstances Songs to Uncle Scrim has been cancelled.
THOMPSON, after a pause: I see. On what grounds?
LANG: There was a meeting last night – of all the interested parties. It wasn’t just radical feminists, you know Mervyn: the unemployed workers were also there to support them over this issue.
THOMPSON, loudly: What issue? (And more loudly still as a sudden silence falls over the adjoining dressing room.) I haven’t raped anyone. I’ve been assaulted and vilified. Save your talk about issues. Know the facts!
LANG, looking down: I’m sorry, but that’s what’s been decided.
THOMPSON: Well it’s a pretty gutless decision. But thank you, Rachel, for letting me know. At least you had the guts to meet me face to face….
A few days later I learn, through the columns of the New Zealand Times, that my play has been replaced by a new work by Simon Wilson, written over the weekend and entitled Down the Hall on Saturday Night. In this play a respected “peace-movement musician” is discovered to be a maker of pornographic videos!
Mr [Simon] Wilson is decent,…and never more so than when, in the New Zealand Times, he justifies the cancellation of my play and the performance of his own. “The Depot is meeting its responsibilities to New Zealand theatre and writers in a way nowhere else in the country is attempting to do. To allow something like this to be put on and to let it go ahead with confidence, is principled.”
September:[A] senior lecturer in sociology, invited me to Massey University. The title of my talk was “Art and Politics”….The hostility, however, was palpable. My talk went down like a cup of cold sick. And suddenly I realised. Not content with labelling me “rapist” — and boycotting my play — many of the people in that room had also cast me as a pornographer. They actually thought I made pornographic movies!…
September 12, Palmerston North
It’s happening again. Vicious attacks from total strangers. The further down the island I travel the worse they become. There’s another lunatic pamphlet of course. Most of it seems to have been lifted wholesale from Jenny Rankine’s article in Broadsheet. But this time they’ve upped the factual errors from five to ten. Hatred, it appears, has an inbuilt system of inflation.
I note how cocksure everyone is with their vilification of sexual behaviour inflated by gossip and extreme prejudice. It explains how witch-burning or drowning may be justified and accepted. Human nature red in tooth and claw, by people with no ability to question personal attitudes and actions, and drawn tight into a cabal, 'us against the world'.
And artistic performance managers not able to deal with drama in real life, wooses, but of course the money is paramount or they might be shut down, with no work and sidelined in the future. must be practical. Willie Nelson with It's Hard to be Humble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdZ5wY9XxdA
Thompson doth protest too much. If you read the article, the abductors told Thompson multiple women claimed to be victims of SA by him.
One accusation might be doubtful. Several women finding out he assaulted each of them, that's another kettle of fish.
While Thompson wasn’t treated with kid gloves, this was primarily a public shaming.
It’s done more widely and perniciously these days, viz, the unjustified hounding of Benjamin Doyle purely on internet rumour, that led to threats against their family.
Far more egregious than Thompson’s case.
While New Zealanders may feel aggrieved at the US imposition of a 12.5% tariff for goods imported using slavery …
Why NZ faces 12.5% tariffs over US forced labour claims | Stuff
… who knows maybe the US isn't as wrong as we might like to think:
Thames Four Square owner forced migrant workers to pay $120,000 to secure jobs | RNZ
Hawke’s Bay director Parminder Singh jailed for more than 14 years for exploiting, raping workers | RNZ
Hawke's Bay slaver, trafficker denied parole after threatening fellow prisoner | RNZ
Samoan Chief behind bars following slavery trial | New Zealand Police
'Serious exploitation': Company charged migrant $45,000 for a job
Southland company which exploited workers fined for obstructing ERA | Employment New Zealand
Not in this country surely, right USA?
It's hypocrisy, their own Constitution enshrines forced labour of prisoners for private profit; the 13th Amendment:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penal_labor_in_the_United_States
They also imprison more people total than China despite having a population a fraction of the size.
The call is coming from inside the house.
The USA is still right. Hypocrisy doesn't make our own actions right.
You misunderstand their issue with us:
It's not about cases of forced labour in this country, it's about us buying Chinese goods instead of US goods and as I pointed out the US has more forced labour occurring on their own shores.
Pointing out the obvious here Ad: all these are prosecutions by the State to crack down on individuals illegally exploiting workers. Therefore, not slavery sanctioned by the NZ State.
I didn't claim it was.
Surely you have no problem with being given a shove to fully eradicate this.
New Zealand has 78 labour inspectors for the entire country.
Does this mean we have to impose import restrictions on US made goods.
After all they have the largest amount of goods produced by "forced" prison labour, on the planet.
Oh, ok, hard to judge context.