Nudge, nudge, wink, wink: How government psychological manipulation became the nor
Dr Gary Sidley uncovers how the UK government has normalised psychological manipulation through the ubiquitous use of behavioural science strategies, or “nudges.” These techniques, originally designed to subtly influence public behaviour through “fear inflation” have become pervasive across daily life, from health initiatives to public transport usage.
‘Disgusting’, ‘retarded’, ‘gaslighting’: Winston Peters on fire as he blasts mainstream media and government over handling of COVID response
In an interview with journalist Chris Lynch, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters raged against the previous government and the media for their handling of COVID. “When you get someone, as the Prime Minister then did, saying this is the Podium of Truth, and the media went along with it, it tells me what a compliant little bunch of (how shall I say it?) democratic retards they are,” he said.
What is the measure of a man’s mana? Rachael Evans on the challenge of integrating Māori Tikanga into New Zealand’s legal system
In citing damage to his mana, the Supreme Court’s decision to posthumously overturn Peter Ellis’ convictions set a “remarkable precedent” for integrating Māori tikanga into common law, according to University of Canterbury law lecturer Rachael Evans. Yet, there are limits. Evans says the difficulties lie in defining words like “mana” and how tikanga will be handled overall in the common law.
New Zealand’s most extensive and costly, multi-year Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care submits final report
The final report of New Zealand’s Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has been submitted, marking the end of a five-and-a-half-year investigation. Established in 2018, the inquiry examined abuse in state and faith-based care from 1950 to 1999, impacting an estimated 250,000 individuals.
“I don’t think I said that”: Tucker Carlson dismantles Australian journalists attempting to link conservative reporter to racist theories and being a Putin toady
US commentator Tucker Carlson fiercely rebutted Australian reporters’ accusations of promoting racism and Russian propaganda. “This alignment between media organisations and the government, I find disgusting, actually,” the US pundit said to cheers from the crowd.
National Party announces plan to “restore law and order” including return of the Three Strikes law
The National Party, the self styled party of law and order, has unveiled its plan to restore, well… law and order. The plan includes the addition of 500 new police officers over the next two years, with a focus on highly-visible patrols starting in Auckland from 1 July 2024.
Oxford Professor Carl Heneghan highlights damning points from Kansas AG’s lawsuit against Pfizer
Oxford Professor Carl Heneghan has distilled key points from the Kansas Attorney General’s lawsuit against Pfizer, revealing serious allegations about the company’s handling of its COVID vaccine. Pfizer allegedly destroyed the vaccine control group by offering the placebo recipients the COVID vaccine post-emergency authorisation and failed to disclose that immunocompromised individuals were excluded from trials.