Dr Sharon Bell
@sharonbell.bsky.social
she/her, Pākehā/white, Aotearoa NZ. PhD on health system development & EAOs in Myanmar. Currently working on climate resilience in Myanmar & the Blue Pacific Continent. 🍉✊🕊️
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
Through forced house registration, advance voting by detainees, door-to-door intimidation, and aid manipulation, the junta is coercing IDPs and political prisoners to vote.
This is a vote coerced by junta violence.
Reject the junta’s sham election now. 🚨
This is a vote coerced by junta violence.
Reject the junta’s sham election now. 🚨
November 17, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Through forced house registration, advance voting by detainees, door-to-door intimidation, and aid manipulation, the junta is coercing IDPs and political prisoners to vote.
This is a vote coerced by junta violence.
Reject the junta’s sham election now. 🚨
This is a vote coerced by junta violence.
Reject the junta’s sham election now. 🚨
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
If the barrel keeps having rotten apples put in, or apples are turning rotten once inside, at what point do you accept there’s a system problem?
Why are rotten apples put in? Why are they going rotten once in?
And why aren’t (more) politicians asking this about police?
Why are rotten apples put in? Why are they going rotten once in?
And why aren’t (more) politicians asking this about police?
November 11, 2025 at 7:06 PM
If the barrel keeps having rotten apples put in, or apples are turning rotten once inside, at what point do you accept there’s a system problem?
Why are rotten apples put in? Why are they going rotten once in?
And why aren’t (more) politicians asking this about police?
Why are rotten apples put in? Why are they going rotten once in?
And why aren’t (more) politicians asking this about police?
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
[Silent rage screaming]
Jevon McSkimming: Police ignored sex allegations against former top cop, prosecuted woman for ‘revenge’ emails instead
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jevon-mcs...
Jevon McSkimming: Police ignored sex allegations against former top cop, prosecuted woman for ‘revenge’ emails instead
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jevon-mcs...
Police bosses ignored sex complaints against top cop, charged woman for 'revenge' emails instead
Suppressions fall away to reveal the full story of the downfall of a deputy police boss.
www.nzherald.co.nz
November 11, 2025 at 5:02 AM
[Silent rage screaming]
Jevon McSkimming: Police ignored sex allegations against former top cop, prosecuted woman for ‘revenge’ emails instead
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jevon-mcs...
Jevon McSkimming: Police ignored sex allegations against former top cop, prosecuted woman for ‘revenge’ emails instead
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jevon-mcs...
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
Err BUT...
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
Government 'got to sort out' homeless in Auckland CBD, PM Christopher Luxon says
Government 'got to sort out' homeless in Auckland CBD, PM Christopher Luxon says
Central government and Auckland Council are considering how they can move homeless people out of the CBD ahead of summer.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 10, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Err BUT...
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
❌️Potaka made it harder to access emergency housing
❌️Upston made it harder for teens to access Jobseeker
❌️Bishop cancelled thousands of planned social housing builds AND sold off existing social housing
❌️Chhour slashed OT investment into youth employment programs
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
In fact, I think a truly mature conversation would actually assess some of our many past asset sales and consider whether re-nationalising some of those assets might be in the country's interest.
But that's definitely not the conversation he wants.
But that's definitely not the conversation he wants.
NZ needs to have a ‘mature conversation’ about selling state assets, PM says
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has indicated asset sales could be included in National’s manifesto for the 2026 election.
www.stuff.co.nz
November 10, 2025 at 2:51 AM
In fact, I think a truly mature conversation would actually assess some of our many past asset sales and consider whether re-nationalising some of those assets might be in the country's interest.
But that's definitely not the conversation he wants.
But that's definitely not the conversation he wants.
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
Exposure — the graduate showcase from the university's college of creative arts — is on at the Massey campus in Pōneke. Free entry and, as always, worth the trip. This is a detail from Ana Johnston's beautiful installation, "little bird nestless"
November 7, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Exposure — the graduate showcase from the university's college of creative arts — is on at the Massey campus in Pōneke. Free entry and, as always, worth the trip. This is a detail from Ana Johnston's beautiful installation, "little bird nestless"
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
Election season has begun in Myanmar and the whole world should know that it is total bullshit. Here's a primer for outsiders on why that's so. darimulut.substack.com/p/an-electio...
🇲🇲 An election in nothing but name begins
The view from Mandalay: 'It’s no surprise that the public doesn’t care'
darimulut.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Election season has begun in Myanmar and the whole world should know that it is total bullshit. Here's a primer for outsiders on why that's so. darimulut.substack.com/p/an-electio...
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
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 Dr Sharon Bell
on the topic of dick cheney, one thing i’ve always said is that you shouldn’t kill a million people
November 4, 2025 at 12:07 PM
on the topic of dick cheney, one thing i’ve always said is that you shouldn’t kill a million people
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
#nzpol Unemployment reached a 9 year of 5.3%. The labour market took another turn for the worse - unemployment growing, underemployment growing, fewer hours being worked, and wages are not keeping up with inflation. This data is another sign the economy is not working. A thread
November 4, 2025 at 10:11 PM
#nzpol Unemployment reached a 9 year of 5.3%. The labour market took another turn for the worse - unemployment growing, underemployment growing, fewer hours being worked, and wages are not keeping up with inflation. This data is another sign the economy is not working. A thread
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
Tomorrow is the Fifth of November – but let’s forget Guy Fawkes and his actions against an arrogant Protestant king and instead look to our own history: the unlawful attack on Parihaka and, by extension, Māori sovereignty.
🧵
#kikorangi
🧵
#kikorangi
November 4, 2025 at 5:34 AM
Tomorrow is the Fifth of November – but let’s forget Guy Fawkes and his actions against an arrogant Protestant king and instead look to our own history: the unlawful attack on Parihaka and, by extension, Māori sovereignty.
🧵
#kikorangi
🧵
#kikorangi
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
National so far this term:
Getting to your meeting 30 seconds quicker is a higher priority than protecting kids from cars on their way to school
Keeping school attendance up is a higher priority than protecting kids from measles
Saving a few bucks is a higher priority than a decent lunch
Getting to your meeting 30 seconds quicker is a higher priority than protecting kids from cars on their way to school
Keeping school attendance up is a higher priority than protecting kids from measles
Saving a few bucks is a higher priority than a decent lunch
November 1, 2025 at 6:50 AM
National so far this term:
Getting to your meeting 30 seconds quicker is a higher priority than protecting kids from cars on their way to school
Keeping school attendance up is a higher priority than protecting kids from measles
Saving a few bucks is a higher priority than a decent lunch
Getting to your meeting 30 seconds quicker is a higher priority than protecting kids from cars on their way to school
Keeping school attendance up is a higher priority than protecting kids from measles
Saving a few bucks is a higher priority than a decent lunch
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
Exciting day today. Not only is it Halloween, but my crowdfunding campaign is also live! Please support me by making a pledge and/or sharing on all your socials and with your friends, family, and colleagues. Thanks to everyone offering rewards. You rock! www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/852...
Support Dr Siouxsie After She Supported Us! | PledgeMe
Support Dr Siouxsie to recover some of the money she spent fighting her legal case to protect employees experiencing online abuse
www.pledgeme.co.nz
October 30, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Exciting day today. Not only is it Halloween, but my crowdfunding campaign is also live! Please support me by making a pledge and/or sharing on all your socials and with your friends, family, and colleagues. Thanks to everyone offering rewards. You rock! www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/852...
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
You'll never believe it but rich people aren't going to save us. Even ones cosplaying as "good guys" will cut their conscience to fit this year's fashions, or fascists, as the case may be.
Don't worry guys! Climate change will only destroy the poor.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/c...
Don't worry guys! Climate change will only destroy the poor.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/c...
October 29, 2025 at 9:08 PM
You'll never believe it but rich people aren't going to save us. Even ones cosplaying as "good guys" will cut their conscience to fit this year's fashions, or fascists, as the case may be.
Don't worry guys! Climate change will only destroy the poor.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/c...
Don't worry guys! Climate change will only destroy the poor.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/c...
Sooooooooooo much great reading in Edith’s latest thread on Myanmar. I listened to @clarammond.bsky.social’s On the Shadow Tracks on my trip to Myanmar in June (where sadly I did not take any trains). And @hedstrom.bsky.social’s Reproducing Revolution is next in my reading queue.
1. This History Thread is about recent (2023-25) books on Burma (Myanmar.) It includes books on WW2, ethnic issues & the anti-coup revolution. A pre-order announcement of my new book "Where the Mithuns Are: Essays on War, Art and Beasts" is at the end. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar 📚
October 29, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Sooooooooooo much great reading in Edith’s latest thread on Myanmar. I listened to @clarammond.bsky.social’s On the Shadow Tracks on my trip to Myanmar in June (where sadly I did not take any trains). And @hedstrom.bsky.social’s Reproducing Revolution is next in my reading queue.
Dr @terencewoodnz.bsky.social “said that New Zealand's aid approach, amid an ever-increasing scarcity, is becoming more transactional rather than being based on a larger vision for long-term outcomes”. 😬
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Pacific faces major aid shortfall as NZ and Western donors scale back - Lowy Institute report
Lowy Institute report says New Zealand is expected to reduce its overseas aid funding by about 35 percent in the next two years.
www.rnz.co.nz
October 29, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Dr @terencewoodnz.bsky.social “said that New Zealand's aid approach, amid an ever-increasing scarcity, is becoming more transactional rather than being based on a larger vision for long-term outcomes”. 😬
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
New satellite images reveal expansion of rare earth & gold mines along the Kok River in eastern #Shan State run by China Investment Mining Co., backed by China 🇨🇳
Toxic runoff is contaminating rivers that flow into Thailand & the Mekong.
Read SHRF’s full update + visuals 👇🏽
Toxic runoff is contaminating rivers that flow into Thailand & the Mekong.
Read SHRF’s full update + visuals 👇🏽
Chinese state-backed company behind expanded rare earth and gold mines along Kok River in eastern Shan State - Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF)
October 28, 2025 Update: Chinese state-backed company behind expanded rare earth and gold mines along Kok River in eastern Shan State Download PDF >>> Shan | Burmese | English | Thai New satellite…
buff.ly
October 29, 2025 at 4:41 AM
New satellite images reveal expansion of rare earth & gold mines along the Kok River in eastern #Shan State run by China Investment Mining Co., backed by China 🇨🇳
Toxic runoff is contaminating rivers that flow into Thailand & the Mekong.
Read SHRF’s full update + visuals 👇🏽
Toxic runoff is contaminating rivers that flow into Thailand & the Mekong.
Read SHRF’s full update + visuals 👇🏽
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
This is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in nz pol yes even funnier than the dildo
October 29, 2025 at 1:24 AM
This is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in nz pol yes even funnier than the dildo
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
#nzpol The CTU is releasing the latest policy on its programme for the next election - a New Deal for Workers. Fair Pay Agreements. Preventing workers from being forced to be contractors, when they are really employees. Simplifying access to
Unions.
More at: union.org.nz/wp-content/u...
Unions.
More at: union.org.nz/wp-content/u...
union.org.nz
October 28, 2025 at 9:33 PM
#nzpol The CTU is releasing the latest policy on its programme for the next election - a New Deal for Workers. Fair Pay Agreements. Preventing workers from being forced to be contractors, when they are really employees. Simplifying access to
Unions.
More at: union.org.nz/wp-content/u...
Unions.
More at: union.org.nz/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
Myanmar has been skipped for 2026, making the Philippines the next chair
Malaysia symbolically hands over Asean baton to the Philippines - https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/28/malaysia-symbolically-hands-over-asean-baton-to-the-philippines
Malaysia symbolically hands over Asean baton to the Philippines
KUALA LUMPUR: As the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summit draws to a close, the Philippines has symbolically received the Asean chairmanship from Malaysia.
www.thestar.com.my
October 28, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Myanmar has been skipped for 2026, making the Philippines the next chair
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
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 Dr Sharon Bell
You found $$$ for roads, tobacco industry, landlords, cancelling ferries, piddly tax cuts.
You cut a bunch of so-called 'back room' jobs that supported doctors, nurses, & teachers to do their work.
You froze hiring & refused to employ nurses
You outsourced curriculum development to AI and Aus.
You cut a bunch of so-called 'back room' jobs that supported doctors, nurses, & teachers to do their work.
You froze hiring & refused to employ nurses
You outsourced curriculum development to AI and Aus.
A new joint release is available from Hon Simeon Brown, Hon Erica Stanford and Hon Judith Collins KC.
Strike unfair, unproductive and unnecessary
Tomorrow’s proposed strike is unfair, unproductive and unnecessary and should be called off, Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.
www.beehive.govt.nz
October 22, 2025 at 1:32 AM
You found $$$ for roads, tobacco industry, landlords, cancelling ferries, piddly tax cuts.
You cut a bunch of so-called 'back room' jobs that supported doctors, nurses, & teachers to do their work.
You froze hiring & refused to employ nurses
You outsourced curriculum development to AI and Aus.
You cut a bunch of so-called 'back room' jobs that supported doctors, nurses, & teachers to do their work.
You froze hiring & refused to employ nurses
You outsourced curriculum development to AI and Aus.
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
As Winston Peters fought to get the foreign ministry more funding, the finance minister suggested he was asking for historic levels of investment – a claim that went down poorly
Peters' Budget battle with Willis over 'grossly misleading' claims
newsroom.co.nz
October 21, 2025 at 6:22 PM
As Winston Peters fought to get the foreign ministry more funding, the finance minister suggested he was asking for historic levels of investment – a claim that went down poorly
Reposted by Dr Sharon Bell
It’s kind of funny trying to position unions as lobbyists because even if you see them that way they are lobbying for the people. At the end of the day people have families, connections, community. Corporations exist on paper only, they don’t speak for the workers - THE PEOPLE.
October 18, 2025 at 10:55 PM
It’s kind of funny trying to position unions as lobbyists because even if you see them that way they are lobbying for the people. At the end of the day people have families, connections, community. Corporations exist on paper only, they don’t speak for the workers - THE PEOPLE.