Michael
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miguelnz.bsky.social
Michael
@miguelnz.bsky.social
34 followers 53 following 8 posts
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Reposted by Michael
publicaddress.bsky.social
This is really just Opposition MPs doing their job, reading the accounts and asking the right questions. And the Minister of Finance insulting them because she doesn't want to answer the questions.
kirstyjohnston.bsky.social Kirsty Johnston @kirstyjohnston.bsky.social · 11d
“Under questioning in the meeting, Willis also confirmed the government had no intention of buying offshore carbon credits to meet the 2030 Paris agreement as part of a "performative awards ceremony" even if that meant it would breach its commitment.”

www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
'A bit tired, a bit ratty': Heated exchange between Willis and Labour MPs at Parliament
The Finance Minister has called the opposition's behaviour "unbecoming" after accusations of name-calling and conspiracy-thinking.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 2, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Reposted by Michael
nzkatya.bsky.social
In past governments David Seymour would be forced to make a public apology and lose his portfolios for attacking a school principal in this way. It is a disgusting abuse of power and Luxon should have to explain why his deputy is allowed to behave in this way #nzpol
cyncharron.bsky.social Cyn @cyncharron.bsky.social · 11d
In March this year I emailed Peggy Burrows to voice my support for her public stance re the school lunch disgrace. I noted the courage it takes as a Principal to speak up.
Her lovely reply made me tear up. She takes her role as a strong advocate for her students and their whānau deeply seriously.
Seymour labels principal at centre of mouldy school lunches a media 'frequent flyer'
The principal has hit back saying the food is delivered daily and leftovers removed.
www.nzherald.co.nz
December 2, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Reposted by Michael
washingtonpost.com
Breaking news: Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández, sentenced last year to 45 years in prison for his role in helping drug traffickers move cocaine to the U.S., was released from prison following a pardon from President Trump.
Former president of Honduras freed from U.S. prison after Trump pardon
Juan Orlando Hernández was serving a 45-year sentence over drug trafficking. Following a pardon from President Donald Trump, he has been released.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Reposted by Michael
washingtonpost.com
Breaking news: Federal vaccine advisers selected by Health Secretary RFK Jr. are planning to vote on ending the practice of vaccinating all newborns for hepatitis B and to examine whether shots are behind the rise of allergies and autoimmune disorders.
RFK Jr.'s vaccine advisers plan biggest change yet to childhood schedule
The new chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said the panel plans to vote to end universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth and to scrutinize if childhood shots cause allergies.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Reposted by Michael
washingtonpost.com
A flesh-eating parasite called the New World screwworm has resurged in livestock while beef prices are near record highs.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has called keeping the parasite out of the country “a national security priority.”
Flesh-eating worm in Mexico is squeezing U.S. beef supply
The New World screwworm in Mexico has meant an almost year-long blockade on imported cattle, disrupted domestic feedlots and long-standing business relationships.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by Michael
washingtonpost.com
Officials in Congress and the Pentagon are increasingly concerned that the Trump administration intends to scapegoat the military officer who directed U.S. forces to kill two survivors of a targeted strike on suspected drug smugglers in Latin America.
Hegseth, with White House help, tries to distance himself from boat strike fallout
As Congress vows accountability, the Trump administration emphasized it was a top military commander — not the defense secretary — who directed the engagement.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Michael
joshtpm.bsky.social
my god this is hilarious. "Yes, thank you for taking my question. What do you think is currently the best way to show our loyalty to Maximum Leader Donald Trump?"
brendannyhan.bsky.social Brendan Nyhan @brendannyhan.bsky.social · 10d
North Korean-style. A Potemkin village of fake journalists.
December 2, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Reposted by Michael
hazmat.bsky.social
This is domestic terrorism

#nzpol
Kāinga Ora looks to remove more than 600 roles to 'renew' organisation
This round of redundancies comes on top of 540 job cuts, which were confirmed in November.
www.rnz.co.nz
April 3, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Reposted by Michael
publicaddress.bsky.social
So you know how we were talking earlier about how the Trump tariffs were so weird and dumb the whole thing felt AI-generated? Well ...
amyhoy.bsky.social Amy Hoy @amyhoy.bsky.social · Apr 3
guess where they got their weird trade deficit math from?

i went to the pit for y'all and brought back the screenshots with alt text
chatgpt log: What would be an easy way to calculate the tariffs that should be imposed on other countries so that the US is on even-playing fields when it comes to trade deficit? Set minimum at 10%. Reasoned about trade tariffs and deficits for 10 seconds v A straightforward (if naïve) method is to set the tariff rate for each trading partner equal to the percentage share of the trade deficit relative to that country's total imports-always no less than 10%. In formula form: Tariff Rate (%) = max(10, (Trade Deficit ÷ Total Imports) * 100) For example, if the US runs a $20 billion deficit on $100 billion worth of imports from a country, the calculated rate is (20/100)×100 = 20%. If the deficit were only 5%, you'd still impose a 10% floor. This method ignores the intricate dynamics of international trade-such as elasticities, retaliatory measures, and supply chain nuances-but it provides a blunt, proportional rule to "level the playing field." One might implement it in Python like so: [code] Gemini answer: Okay, let's break down the idea of using tariffs to achieve an "even playing field" defined as eliminating the US trade deficit. While the goal of balancing trade is understandable, devising an "easy way" to calculate tariffs to achieve this is extremely complex, and most economists would argue it's not feasible or desirable for several reasons. However, let's outline a highly simplified conceptual approach based only on the numbers, ignoring the vast real-world complexities and consequences: Simplified (and Problematic) Calculation Idea: 1. Identify the Bilateral Deficit: Determine the trade deficit the US has with a specific country (Country X). Deficit_X = Value of Imports from X - Value of • Exports to X 2. Target Reduction: The goal is to reduce imports from Country X (or increase their cost to US buyers) by the amount of the deficit, so that the value effectively balances out. 3. Calculate Required Tariff (Ignoring Economics): • If you assume, very unrealistically, that a tariff directly reduces the value of imports by a corresponding percentage (which it doesn't - it increases the price), you could try: Required Reduction % = Deficit_X / Value of • Imports from X Claude: What would be an easy way to calculate the tariffs that should be imposed on other countries so that the US is on even-playing fields when it comes to trade deficit? Set minimum at 10%. To calculate tariffs that could theoretically level the playing field for trade deficits, I'd suggest a straightforward approach based on the trade imbalance percentage: 1. Calculate the bilateral trade deficit with each trading partner: Trade Deficit - US Imports from Country - US Exports to Country 2. Express this as a percentage of total bilateral trade: Deficit Percentage - (Trade Deficit / Total Bilateral Trade) × 100 3. Apply a tariff rate that corresponds to this percentage, with your minimum 10% floor: Tariff Rate = max(Deficit Percentage, 10%) This creates a proportional response where countries with larger trade surpluses with the US would face higher tariffs. For example: • If Country A has a 25% trade surplus with the US (meaning the US has a 25% deficit), apply a 25% tariff • If Country B has a 5% trade surplus with the US, apply the minimum 10% tariff This method is relatively simple to calculate and directly ties tariff levels to trade imbalances. However, I should note that economists generally caution that trade deficits alone don't necessarily indicate unfair trade practices, and tariffs can have complex economic consequences including increased consumer prices and potential retaliation. Would you like me to elaborate on any part of this approach or discuss potential refinements to make it more sophisticated? Grok: the deficit. The deficit as a percentage of total trade is $295B/$582B = 50.69%. Using the formula Tariff% = 10% + (Deficit% × Scaling Factor), we choose a scaling factor of 50 for illustration: • Tariff = 10% + (50.69% × 50) = 10% + 25.345% = 35.345%, rounded to 35.3%. This means a 35.3% tariff on Chinese goods could be proposed to offset the imbalance, aiming to reduce imports and encourage domestic production or exports. Extending to Other Countries To provide a broader view, here's a table of top US trading partners with 2024 deficits, using data from The Motley Fool and similar calculations (assuming scaling factor of 50 for consistency): [data table headings] Country Deficit (USD Billion) Total Trade (USD Billion) Deficit % Calculate d Tariff % China -295 582 50.69% 35.3% Mexico -172 840 20.48% 20.2% Vietnam -123 (Data incomplet e, estimate) ~30% 25.0% Ireland -87 (Data incomplet e, estimate) ~25% 22.5% Germany -85 (Data incomplete estimate) ~20% 20.0%
April 3, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Reposted by Michael
alinasu33.bsky.social
Adding this to top of my thread. I agree this is so important, it is helpful and it's healing. Coming off today's beautiful Unity Hui
March 15, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Reposted by Michael
musicalchairs.bsky.social
The big macro question is whether the rise in borrowing (and therefore bank account balances) results in more spending into the economy. This will give us some job growth etc. It's all a bit flacid at the moment to be honest. Relying on low interest rates for growth is a shit strategy. [Ends]
March 6, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Reposted by Michael
craigmranapia.bsky.social
"In France, we do authoritarianism, bigotry and contempt for the vulnerable with innovative flair, coupled with a deep understanding of tradition and craft. This? Pft... ugly and amateurish."
adamjschwarz.bsky.social Adam Schwarz @adamjschwarz.bsky.social · Mar 5
French Senator Claude Malhuret:

"Washington has become Nero’s court, with an incendiary emperor, submissive courtiers and a jester high on ketamine... We were at war with a dictator, we are now at war with a dictator backed by a traitor."
March 5, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Reposted by Michael
karlomila.bsky.social
Ahh this. Was waiting for this and I’d like to see more of it.
February 21, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Reposted by Michael
tzemingdynasty.bsky.social
look they said EVERYONE must go
chriskeall.bsky.social Chris Keall @chriskeall.bsky.social · Feb 18
"What’s worse than losing record numbers of 25-year-olds? Losing record numbers of 35-year-olds"

On Monday Stats NZ released numbers that showed a 72,000 loss of citizens – the largest ever for a calendar year

www.nzherald.co.nz/business/eco...
Inside Economics: Brain drain stats reveal alarming exodus of older workers
It is the trend for record departures of those in their 30s and 40s that should worry us.
www.nzherald.co.nz
February 19, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Reposted by Michael
iamprettyawesome.bsky.social
I give you today's school lunch.

The household statistician gave it a 0/10. Ate two bites then chucked it.

He said there are lots of leftovers today.

#nzpol
February 18, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Reposted by Michael
foxylustygrover.bsky.social
Absolutely fuck "Netsafe" #NZPol

New Zealand Politics8 minutes ago
Tech agencies lawyer up after claim they failed to protect Jacinda Ardern from ‘violence, misogyny’
8 minutes ago

Guyon Espiner Guyon Espiner, Investigative reporter, In Depth
@GuyonEspiner guyon.espiner@rnz.co.nz
Tech agencies lawyer up after claim they failed to protect Jacinda Ardern from ‘violence, misogyny’
Hundreds of people called the former prime minister vile and dehumanising things online. Internet safety agencies did nothing - then called in the lawyers.
www.rnz.co.nz
February 16, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Reposted by Michael
gtiso.bsky.social
An important piece by Jude MacArthur on charter schools. An important piece by Jude MacArthur on charter schools. theconversation.com/as-new-chart...
As new charter schools open, we still know too little about how they worked last time
Charter schools enjoy smaller classes and better teacher-pupil ratios. But big questions remain about their success rates – and why the public system isn’t better resourced.
theconversation.com
February 14, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Reposted by Michael
nzpom.com
Just so absolutely gutwrenching on so many levels, the main one being that our KIDS are being used as political pawns
#nzpol
The school lunches revamp is a disaster, says principal who’s considering pulling out
“Stinking” food left in classrooms - principal says school will have to pay to facilitate “free” school lunches programme.
www.stuff.co.nz
February 13, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Reposted by Michael
awaterevalley.bsky.social
‘Most inhumane policy I’ve seen’: Clinicians speak of harm since disability funding freeze
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3605...
‘Most inhumane policy I’ve seen’: Clinicians speak of harm since disability funding freeze
Funding changes are leaving Kiwis with intellectual disabilities stuck in psychiatric units or put on medication, while residential care homes are forced to close, researchers say.
www.thepress.co.nz
February 13, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Reposted by Michael
mattnippert.bsky.social
Guess who's going to do a war crimes reporting masterclass at Nerd Disneyland in NYC? Thanks, BGI!
February 14, 2025 at 12:56 AM
miguelnz.bsky.social
g.co/kgs/BSKwT4h
Google Search
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February 14, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by Michael
dreddieclark.bsky.social
Had an OIA on the Marsden decisions land. This appears to be the ground zero and the level of thinking Collins put into gutting humanities funding. I have found no actual *advice* or analysis on the removal of humanities panels and literally zero engagement with Royal Society or Universities.
February 14, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Reposted by Michael
foxylustygrover.bsky.social
Chris Bishop just said on RNZ that half of the people on the social housing waitlist are in private rentals so don't need social housing. Well now we see how you are going to rort the numbers dickhead and yeah that's not what you were saying in opposition #NZPol
February 4, 2025 at 3:56 AM
Reposted by Michael
karaswisher.bsky.social
The DEI caused the plane crash narrative is a distraction. The tariffs are a distraction. Whatever insane nonsense Trump spews that the media will chase like cats chasing a laser light is a distraction. The only story that counts right now is the wholesale hijacking of control of the US government.
February 3, 2025 at 6:17 AM