Police conducted a trial of controversial facial recognition software without consulting their own bosses or the Privacy Commissioner By Mackenzie Smith of rnz.co.nz The American firm Clearview AI’s system, which is used by hundreds of police departments in the United States and several other countries, is effectively a search engine for […]
NZ
Who remembers Happy Days? Not pre-quarantine life. The TV show. by Martin Harris All the buzz-talk here in NZ about social “bubbles” reminded me of a great episode of this TV show (Season#1 Ep.#8) in which impressionable teenagers Richie Cunningham and Potsie hear from their buddy Ralph about a burlesque […]
Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister – New Zealand Dear Jacinda, I write this letter as a patriotic Kiwi with best intentions for my country and for the future health and welfare of my fellow Kiwis. You have a very difficult job at this moment in time. There can be no doubt […]
I feel like I am on the frontline. Not the one with the doctors and nurses and the protective PPE gear and the swabbing and injecting. But a public health, evidence-based, equity focused, Treaty frontline. It’s scary here. Every day, I have to stop my tears from overwhelming me. I […]
Superbly composed. Hats off to RNZ for publishing this letter and to the author Catriona MacLennan Catriona MacLennan Radio New Zealand Opinion – Dear New Zealand Police, Aotearoa has not given you a blank cheque for your response to Covid-19. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller These are unprecedented times and […]
The Government Is Proceeding with Non-essential Legislation at Breakneck Speed No doubt you saw Andrew Little’s comments about forging ahead with hate speech legislation to get it passed before this year’s general election. He told Stuff.co.nz that “The review of our hate speech laws are in the final stages. I expect there will […]
As always in times of crisis, keep your heads screwed on and stay calm. Use common sense. Yes, some of us saw this coming. Look after your families, friends and neighbours first and foremost guys, and keep your ears to the ground and your eyes to the skies. Be kind […]
Anakin Skywalker’s transformation to Darth Vader has nothing on Ardern A dramatic transformation in NZ’s Prime Minister. From the vibrant, smiling Lady In White of 2017’s campaign (who was actually compared to Princess Leia of Star Wars, see above!), to the Dark Lady we have now. No further words necessary. […]
Snuck through under the radar: Horrific NZ Abortion Amendment Act. Thanks to JoBloggz for sharing this blog While the rest of the world’s governments are dealing with Covid-19, the NZ government pushed through the Abortion Amendment Act a priority. It’s an extreme abortion bill that there’s no public mandate for […]
“Achtung! No kisses, hugs or handshakes. Social Distancing is enforced!” Not quite yet, but it’s on the brink. It seems that this pandemic is almost the sole topic of conversation now. (Police helicopter hovering overhead as I type this). Fortunately there are a good number of awake folk around who […]