Tuesday, 28 January 2025 11:14

Waste-watch

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Media luvvies have pigeon-holed the Taxpayers Union (TPU) as some right-wing lobby, but as far as this old mutt can tell, the TPU focuses on shaming poor behaviour and wasteful spending by those that govern us, no matter who's in power.

You'd be right in thinking that's like shooting fish in a barrel, such is the disregard of the taxpayer by the elected (and unelected) in government.

Anyway, left, right or neutral, the TPU has kicked off 2025 with some doozies: MBIE spent $500,012 coaching staff how to sit at their desks correctly; over 4 years, ACC has paid $217,674 for 255 claims by 'victims' bitten by police dogs while doing a runner and over 6 months, the Ministry of Maori Development saw 217 instances of staff accessing porn on the job (the Ministry of Women had 1).

More like this

Overbearing?

OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the job description of PR is to grease the wheels and ensure clients get good media coverage.

Foot-in-mouth

OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left them wishing they had kept their mouth firmly closed.

Be afraid

OPINION: Your old mate hears some of the recent uptick in farmer confidence has slipped since the political polls started leading a bit to the left, away from the current coalition of National, Act and NZ First.

Trust us!

OPINION: Ther'es a reason politicians rank even lower than John Campbell in the most trusted profession surveys.

Don't hold back!

OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding nothing back when ‘climate scientists’ had a crack at Kiwi farmers recently:

Featured

Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers

OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.

AI-powered fertiliser mapping a game changer for farmers

Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.

HortNZ Board Election 2025: Growers urged to vote before 10 July deadline

Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.

Biolumic’s UV light breakthrough set to transform ryegrass and reduce methane

A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.

NZ Startup Turns Sheepskin into World-Leading Collagen Supplement

A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.

ANZ offers support for farmers and businesses affected by extreme weather

With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.