Amanda Thomas
@amandathomas.bsky.social
Feminist political geographer working in environmental studies in Aotearoa New Zealand. Co author of Stopping Oil: Climate Justice and Hope (2023) and Imagining Decolonisation (2020). Free Palestine 🇵🇸
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
Yes, absolutely there is an impartiality crisis at the BBC. But it's not the one the billionaire media insists it is. novaramedia.com/2025/06/16/b...
BBC Gives Israeli Deaths 33 Times More Coverage, New Study Reveals | Novara Media
An analysis of over 35,000 broadcast segments and articles found that the BBC referenced the 7 October attacks in at least 40% of its coverage - but only 0.5% of articles referenced Israel’s decades o...
novaramedia.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Yes, absolutely there is an impartiality crisis at the BBC. But it's not the one the billionaire media insists it is. novaramedia.com/2025/06/16/b...
"In her opening remarks to the meeting, Heather, the Free Speech Union chief executive, said next year it planned to launch a “large education initiative” focused on 16 to 25 year olds." ‼️
Lockdowns and Covid-19 vaccines loom large during one panel discussion at the Free Speech Union’s annual meeting
Tearful Tamaki rallies the free speech faithful
newsroom.co.nz
November 9, 2025 at 9:47 PM
"In her opening remarks to the meeting, Heather, the Free Speech Union chief executive, said next year it planned to launch a “large education initiative” focused on 16 to 25 year olds." ‼️
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
And the person behind Palantir is NZ resident Peter Thiel, given residence in 2011 due to his “exceptional circumstances” - after spending only a total of 12 days in the country. Here’s a recent Guardian article about Theil and Palantir and Trump and AI etc etc www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Peter Thiel’s Palantir poses a grave threat to Americans | Robert Reich
Working with the Trump administration, the data company could be used to target the president’s opponents
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:40 PM
And the person behind Palantir is NZ resident Peter Thiel, given residence in 2011 due to his “exceptional circumstances” - after spending only a total of 12 days in the country. Here’s a recent Guardian article about Theil and Palantir and Trump and AI etc etc www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Cool cool.
The outsourcing firm tells the Government it is uniquely positioned, and its services could be of great value
Prisons operator Serco eyes NZ's public health infrastructure needs
newsroom.co.nz
November 8, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Cool cool.
One of the companies the university retirement fund UniSaver has holdings in.
The diagram for what Palantir does is like if Richard Scarry got super paranoid and did an Apocalypse picture book
November 7, 2025 at 10:02 PM
One of the companies the university retirement fund UniSaver has holdings in.
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
As temperatures continue to drop in Gaza, Israel is refusing to provide Palestinians in Gaza with the tents & mobile homes it agreed to in the ceasefire.
“There must be swift action to bring in all the necessary supplies to save people’s lives.”
“There must be swift action to bring in all the necessary supplies to save people’s lives.”
'We hate winter': Palestinians face the rain without shelters as Israel blocks tents
In violation of the ceasefire, Israel continues to block tents from entering Gaza, leaving displaced families to face a harsh winter
ow.ly
November 7, 2025 at 7:45 PM
As temperatures continue to drop in Gaza, Israel is refusing to provide Palestinians in Gaza with the tents & mobile homes it agreed to in the ceasefire.
“There must be swift action to bring in all the necessary supplies to save people’s lives.”
“There must be swift action to bring in all the necessary supplies to save people’s lives.”
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
I'm sure it's totally coincidental that the AoNZ government's changes to the Marsden Fund have been followed by successful applications led by female investigators dropping from 55% to 33%, and successful applications led by Māori investigators dropping from 13% to 5%. 🫠 🧪
Information on the 2025 Marsden Fund round
Information about the number of funded proposals in the 2025 Marsden Fund round broken down by research area and institution, also including gender and ethnicity data
www.royalsociety.org.nz
November 5, 2025 at 9:16 PM
I'm sure it's totally coincidental that the AoNZ government's changes to the Marsden Fund have been followed by successful applications led by female investigators dropping from 55% to 33%, and successful applications led by Māori investigators dropping from 13% to 5%. 🫠 🧪
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
Uni Workers for Palestine have been working steadily at this divestment campaign for a while now. It's an solid collective and we're ready for the work ahead.
thespinoff.co.nz/society/06-1...
thespinoff.co.nz/society/06-1...
University pension scheme under fire for Israeli investments
Hundreds of university workers have ramped up a campaign to demand their retirement savings provider divest in companies 'profiting from genocide'.
thespinoff.co.nz
November 5, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Uni Workers for Palestine have been working steadily at this divestment campaign for a while now. It's an solid collective and we're ready for the work ahead.
thespinoff.co.nz/society/06-1...
thespinoff.co.nz/society/06-1...
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
Asked whether he’s sure technology will allow the Government to meet its climate goals, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts replies: ‘Can we be sure about anything in life?’
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/06/g...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/06/g...
Gutting of Zero Carbon Act crashes bipartisan climate consensus
It took more than a year of painstaking cross-partisan negotiation to land the Zero Carbon Act. Now, the Govt is gutting it unilaterally, Marc Daalder reports
newsroom.co.nz
November 5, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Asked whether he’s sure technology will allow the Government to meet its climate goals, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts replies: ‘Can we be sure about anything in life?’
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/06/g...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/06/g...
Uni Workers for Palestine have been working steadily at this divestment campaign for a while now. It's an solid collective and we're ready for the work ahead.
thespinoff.co.nz/society/06-1...
thespinoff.co.nz/society/06-1...
University pension scheme under fire for Israeli investments
Hundreds of university workers have ramped up a campaign to demand their retirement savings provider divest in companies 'profiting from genocide'.
thespinoff.co.nz
November 5, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Uni Workers for Palestine have been working steadily at this divestment campaign for a while now. It's an solid collective and we're ready for the work ahead.
thespinoff.co.nz/society/06-1...
thespinoff.co.nz/society/06-1...
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
Experts universally pan National's latest act of climate denial
NZ’s climate law to change – Expert Reaction
NZ's climate law to change - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre
Among several changes announced last night, the Government says the Climate Change Commission won't be required to advise on emissions reduction plans. The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will also be...
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
November 5, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Experts universally pan National's latest act of climate denial
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
When I wrote this just two-ish months ago, the premise was that the architecture of the CCRA (zero carbon act) remained, but the policies that sustained it had been hollowed out.
With the CCRA changes today, I feel like that no longer holds
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
With the CCRA changes today, I feel like that no longer holds
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
How Jacinda Ardern’s ‘groundbreaking’ climate law has become ‘a shell’
The Zero Carbon Act promised to lock climate ambition into law. But with key policies repealed, delayed or watered down, the once 'world-leading' legislation has become a husk of its former self.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 5, 2025 at 12:08 AM
When I wrote this just two-ish months ago, the premise was that the architecture of the CCRA (zero carbon act) remained, but the policies that sustained it had been hollowed out.
With the CCRA changes today, I feel like that no longer holds
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
With the CCRA changes today, I feel like that no longer holds
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
I am so upset.
Last week Time Magazine solicited a piece from me on Zohran Mamdani & anti-Muslim hate. I pitched a framing re the dehumanization of Muslims & how Mamdani’s inclusive, socialist campaign in its content resists that. They agreed. I wrote the piece. 1/
Last week Time Magazine solicited a piece from me on Zohran Mamdani & anti-Muslim hate. I pitched a framing re the dehumanization of Muslims & how Mamdani’s inclusive, socialist campaign in its content resists that. They agreed. I wrote the piece. 1/
To be asked to write about racism only to be racially aggressed in the editing process is a new level unlocked I have to say.
November 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
I am so upset.
Last week Time Magazine solicited a piece from me on Zohran Mamdani & anti-Muslim hate. I pitched a framing re the dehumanization of Muslims & how Mamdani’s inclusive, socialist campaign in its content resists that. They agreed. I wrote the piece. 1/
Last week Time Magazine solicited a piece from me on Zohran Mamdani & anti-Muslim hate. I pitched a framing re the dehumanization of Muslims & how Mamdani’s inclusive, socialist campaign in its content resists that. They agreed. I wrote the piece. 1/
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
SOAS University becomes the first British University to Issue a Statement on Scholasticide in Gaza www.soas.ac.uk/about/news/s...
Senate statement on Gaza, Palestine
The Senate has published a ‘Senate Statement on Scholasticide in Gaza, Palestine’.
www.soas.ac.uk
October 31, 2025 at 7:51 AM
SOAS University becomes the first British University to Issue a Statement on Scholasticide in Gaza www.soas.ac.uk/about/news/s...
Just finished watching Tangata Pai on Three Now - bawled my way through the final two episodes and so, so worth a watch. Hearing the Taranaki mita was beautiful, and episode 6's depiction of mental health crisis 🤯
thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/...
thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/...
Tangata Pai is an ambitious drama that excels beyond its heavyhandedness
A groundbreaking primetime drama weaves protest, politics and 30% te reo Māori.
thespinoff.co.nz
October 28, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Just finished watching Tangata Pai on Three Now - bawled my way through the final two episodes and so, so worth a watch. Hearing the Taranaki mita was beautiful, and episode 6's depiction of mental health crisis 🤯
thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/...
thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/...
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
our govt wants to spend 327 times more on a single road ($18b) than they are currently spending yearly on all of basic science in new zealand ($55m) #nzpol
The Northern Expressway we were told would cost $10 billion is now priced at $18 billion, or six times the Cook Strait crossing we were told was unaffordable. This is fantasy stuff. www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-adv...
Game-changer: New $18b expressway endorsed to boost jobs and road safety
The Northland Expressway from Te Hana to Whangārei is expected to boost Northland.
www.nzherald.co.nz
October 26, 2025 at 7:55 PM
our govt wants to spend 327 times more on a single road ($18b) than they are currently spending yearly on all of basic science in new zealand ($55m) #nzpol
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
#NZ abstains on key #shipping #pollution vote despite Pacific pleas 😡
Island nations championed efforts to reduce #maritime climate #emissions, but received no help from NZ during a key vote on delaying the work #nzpol
#ClimateCrisis
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/22/n...
Island nations championed efforts to reduce #maritime climate #emissions, but received no help from NZ during a key vote on delaying the work #nzpol
#ClimateCrisis
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/22/n...
NZ abstains on key shipping pollution vote despite Pacific pleas
Island nations championed efforts to reduce maritime climate emissions, but received no help from NZ during a key vote on delaying the work. Marc Daalder reports.
newsroom.co.nz
October 27, 2025 at 3:35 AM
#NZ abstains on key #shipping #pollution vote despite Pacific pleas 😡
Island nations championed efforts to reduce #maritime climate #emissions, but received no help from NZ during a key vote on delaying the work #nzpol
#ClimateCrisis
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/22/n...
Island nations championed efforts to reduce #maritime climate #emissions, but received no help from NZ during a key vote on delaying the work #nzpol
#ClimateCrisis
newsroom.co.nz/2025/10/22/n...
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
The Government's 17 Roads of National Significance will cost it at least $44 billion – enough to rebuild Dunedin Hospital 23 times over. Marc Daalder reports.
$5b-plus blowout for eight Roads of National Significance
newsroom.co.nz
October 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The Government's 17 Roads of National Significance will cost it at least $44 billion – enough to rebuild Dunedin Hospital 23 times over. Marc Daalder reports.
Important thread
First things first: come and get your flowers @newsroom.co.nz ... Always giving us the news that matters. Wee thread below.
'Coordinated, largely online campaigns' make it harder for politicians to consider good-faith submissions on laws
October 23, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Important thread
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
We can participate in democracy and be flawed while also having non-negotiable. No nazis. No racists. We aren’t abandoning trans people. Triple the minimum wage. Universal healthcare. Reproductive freedom. Etc etc etc. Stand for something! Appeasement accomplishes very little.
October 21, 2025 at 11:47 PM
We can participate in democracy and be flawed while also having non-negotiable. No nazis. No racists. We aren’t abandoning trans people. Triple the minimum wage. Universal healthcare. Reproductive freedom. Etc etc etc. Stand for something! Appeasement accomplishes very little.
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
This is not a time to look away: justiceforpalestine.nz/2025/10/13/j...
Justice for Palestine statement on Gaza ceasefire
Justice for Palestine welcomes the Gaza ceasefire agreement. After two years of unrelenting violence, the people of Gaza desperately need this relief. The resumption of humanitarian aid and the hal…
justiceforpalestine.nz
October 15, 2025 at 6:47 AM
This is not a time to look away: justiceforpalestine.nz/2025/10/13/j...
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
Constitutional transformation is already happening, just not in Question Time. I get that pundits have to focus on six MPs, but it's because they can't and won't look at the thousands of daily acts of self-determination that don't require Parliament's permission.
October 14, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Constitutional transformation is already happening, just not in Question Time. I get that pundits have to focus on six MPs, but it's because they can't and won't look at the thousands of daily acts of self-determination that don't require Parliament's permission.
Today!
Your right to protest is under threat.
Join us for the launch of PROTECT PROTEST a coalition established to defend protest as a tool of democracy and liberation. Wednesday 15 October at 4:30pm at Government Building Lecture Theatre 1 (GBLT1), Pipitea Campus, Te Herenga Waka VUW.
Join us for the launch of PROTECT PROTEST a coalition established to defend protest as a tool of democracy and liberation. Wednesday 15 October at 4:30pm at Government Building Lecture Theatre 1 (GBLT1), Pipitea Campus, Te Herenga Waka VUW.
October 14, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Today!
God almighty. Shameful
October 14, 2025 at 6:27 AM
God almighty. Shameful
Reposted by Amanda Thomas
Like most of the science system reforms this year, there's some good ideas here but the overarching direction this government dictates for research ('value for the private sector') is not one that will actually lead to good research
The @marsdenfund.bsky.social has been essential for funding blue skies research in New Zealand for 30 years. Such a pity to see news it will be swallowed by the new Research Funding New Zealand. I hope the best aspects of the Marsden Fund will be retained.
www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-...
www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-...
A new strategy for the science system | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
The Government is changing how science, innovation and technology are funded and supported in New Zealand. The goal is a simpler and more strategic system that helps researchers turn ideas into solutions that benefit New Zealand.
www.mbie.govt.nz
October 14, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Like most of the science system reforms this year, there's some good ideas here but the overarching direction this government dictates for research ('value for the private sector') is not one that will actually lead to good research