Recently, there has been a lot of doubts about the whole system of Justice here.
Firstly, members of the police force have been prosecuted through a series of high profile cases. It would seem that from the early 1980's some parts of the police force seemed to think they were above the law. This has now extended to the Police Commissioner according to reports in the newspapers over the last 3/4 days.
Secondly, the prison service (or some prisons) seems to be controlled by the inmates rather than the prison officers.
Thirdly, and most recently the case of David Bain, has provided evidence of weakness in the courts system here. He was released after 13 years in jail, by the Privy Council in London. It appears that the police may not have provided all the evidence they had at his original trial. David Bain is becoming a celebrity here and has been followed by a media circus since his release 2 days ago. (Google 'David Bain' to find out more)
I think they will have to relaunch the Police Service here, a bit like they have done in Northern Ireland. Time will tell.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
New Zealander in (London)Derry
The local afternoon paper, Hawkes Bay Today has been publishing a series of articles by a former Hawkes Bay lady now living in Stroke City.
She has reported on the recent history from about 1969 to the present day. My impression is that she has gained a good understanding of the history and been Northern Irelandised. She ended up by saying that she was hopeful about the future but did not really comment on the new Assembly.
It is interesting to note that Northern Ireland is not unique in history being relevant to everyday events. New Zealand politics and social concerns are dominated by history. No New Zealander needs to go to Northern Ireland to lecture anyone on history!
The Waitangi Treaty dominates huge aspects of life here, even influencing purchases of property. It was signed in 1860 between the Maori and the Crown. A bit like the Good Friday Agreement, it means different things to different factions. Will northern irelanders still be debating the GFA in 150 years?
I was wondering, if the Belfast Telegraph would offer a similar space for the views of a northern irelander living in Hawkes Bay!!!!
She has reported on the recent history from about 1969 to the present day. My impression is that she has gained a good understanding of the history and been Northern Irelandised. She ended up by saying that she was hopeful about the future but did not really comment on the new Assembly.
It is interesting to note that Northern Ireland is not unique in history being relevant to everyday events. New Zealand politics and social concerns are dominated by history. No New Zealander needs to go to Northern Ireland to lecture anyone on history!
The Waitangi Treaty dominates huge aspects of life here, even influencing purchases of property. It was signed in 1860 between the Maori and the Crown. A bit like the Good Friday Agreement, it means different things to different factions. Will northern irelanders still be debating the GFA in 150 years?
I was wondering, if the Belfast Telegraph would offer a similar space for the views of a northern irelander living in Hawkes Bay!!!!
No more smacking
The NZ Parliament yesterday outlawed smacking. This has been a source of political debate for over 2 years. The Green Party proposed the bill to ban smacking as there is evidence of domestic violence in some communities and the existing laws were ineffectual in prosecuting the offenders. The debate involved the Christian community with churches arguing against each other publicly.
I am cynical about the whole exercise. Young people are allowed to drive here at age 15 and parents seem to be very lax about managing their children from about 14. There is a high level of death among young drivers. I think the driving age should be increased to 17 or 18 if the politicians really cared for children.
I am cynical about the whole exercise. Young people are allowed to drive here at age 15 and parents seem to be very lax about managing their children from about 14. There is a high level of death among young drivers. I think the driving age should be increased to 17 or 18 if the politicians really cared for children.
Drought in Hawkes Bay
They have really started worrying about the lack of rain here. It is seriously affecting the farming community. It has probably rained less than 10 days this year. Normally the first 2 weeks of May are rainy in Hawkes Bay and that sets the grass growing for the winter here. But it has not rained for weeks. So the farmers are in dire straits.
They do not have enough fodder to carry them through this drought. Cattle are always outdoors grazing all winter. The grass is not growing and they are unable to source fodder from elsewhere in NZ and thus having to sell off much of their stock at low prices.
Also, Hawkes Bay is used by farmers outside the area as a location for wintering their stock. As there is no fodder, farmers locally are losing incomes 0f $30k - $60k. This will probably have a longer term impact on the whole region.
This is apparently the driest year for 30 years. In some ways we are fortunate to have happened on the good weather, but it is not great for others!
They do not have enough fodder to carry them through this drought. Cattle are always outdoors grazing all winter. The grass is not growing and they are unable to source fodder from elsewhere in NZ and thus having to sell off much of their stock at low prices.
Also, Hawkes Bay is used by farmers outside the area as a location for wintering their stock. As there is no fodder, farmers locally are losing incomes 0f $30k - $60k. This will probably have a longer term impact on the whole region.
This is apparently the driest year for 30 years. In some ways we are fortunate to have happened on the good weather, but it is not great for others!
Friday, May 11, 2007
AWESOME
The picture of Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness standing and sitting together in Stormont are amazing. It is hard to believe the change particularly with Ian Paisley. The pictures of Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams a few weeks ago were interesting. They were both sitting in a corner rather than side by side. Tony Blair's great achievement was to finally push them both into the same corner.
When the history of the last 10 weeks is written, we will find out the reasons for what has happened;
When the history of the last 10 weeks is written, we will find out the reasons for what has happened;
- why has Ian Paisley changed? Is he really thinking about his legacy?
- what leverage did Tony Blair have over Paisley and Adams?
- what financial bribe did Gordon Brown provide to sweeten the deal?
People in New Zealand are commenting that the pictures of Ian Paisley actually sitting down to work in government are incredible.... they are much more so for northern irelander exlies!
Anyway, it will be fascinating to see if the 'love-in' at Stormont continues!
The TVNZ TV One 'Breakfast' show on Wednesday morning showed the pictures of everyone coming down the steps of Stormont together. Unfortunately a junior presentor, Paul Henry chose to ridicule those taking part in the musical performance that was part of the celebration. At least one northern irelander in New Zealand complained to TVNZ and Henry was forced to make a grovelling apology live on Thursday morning.
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