New Zealand Listener Issue 21 2019

Drug-law liberalisation is coming, like it or not. The concern is that it may be allowed to proceed whether we are ready or not. Irrespective of the outcome of next year’s cannabis referendum, the Government’s Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill is set to introduce de facto decriminalisation for recreational use. Police, already inclined to use discretion in not prosecuting for possessing small amounts, will be legally obliged to overlook it. In a number of countries, the tide is turning, at least on cannabis, as it is acknowledged that the traditional outlaw-and-criminalise approach hasn’t halted its use. But what’s still vitally lacking is evidence that the alternative, so-called health-based approach can minimise the physical harm drugs do or even deter the criminal activity around supply. Before New Zealanders vote on legalising cannabis for those…

The Editorial (“We need those barriers”, May 11) highlights the carnage on our roads and the terrible effects on families and friends when a fatality occurs. But I would make three points. First, any statistic presented to illustrate trends needs to focus on the total number of fatal crashes. The number of people dying in fatal crashes is random, and can distort annual figures. Second, whereas road improvements are always justified as being cost-effective, the major problem is that many motorists simply choose to ignore both laws and the “rules of the road”. The prevailing Kiwi attitude seems to be that “they don’t apply to me”. Just look at the widespread flouting of the ban on using handheld cellphones while driving. Such drivers should not only be fined but also have their…

Hone Hurihuri, Wainui Beach, Gisborne FINALISTS Ivanka Trump: “This is not the Rodeo Drive I was promised!” – Karen Harnisch, North Shore, Auckland Ivanka: “I did say I’d eat my hat if Daddy colluded.” – Warren Shaw, Marton Ivanka: “I’m being arrested on some trumped up charge.” – Bill Grant, Taradale, Napier Caption: Ivanka meets the Clone Rangers. – Eliza Reed, Kuaotunu, Whitianga Caption: Big-headedness runs in the family. – Sam Kelly, Palmerston North Ivanka: “I’ve thrown my hat in the ring for the World Bank.” – Hans Zindel, Palmerston North Ivanka: “As they say, if the hat fits …” – Mike Lynch, Upper Hutt…

“I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn’t learn something from him.” – Galileo Galilei, quoted in the Week“Protesting or boycotting the Herald’s new paywall because you don’t agree with certain opinion columnists is like boycotting Subway because they offer carrot.” – writer Karl Puschmann“If you want to win friends and influence people, be prompt.” – self-help guru Dale Carnegie“William Barr’s testimony today could really hurt him. Yes, in fact, it was so bad he might even have to stay in the Trump administration.”– US comedian Conan O’Brien“Make America Moral Again is a nice sentiment, but it is an absolutely terrible hat.”– US comedian Jimmy Kimmel referring to Joe Biden“If you dig a grave for others, you may fall into it yourself.” – Irish proverb“What good is…

… older sister Vicki is now living in Hawke’s Bay where she is breeding and training young horses and equestrian riders … NZ Herald, 6/4/19 Many motorists considering switching from combustible engine cars to electric vehicles voice anxieties … AA Directions, Autumn 2019 Need your interior painted? Letterbox flyer Park plans problem Forest & Bird, Autumn 2019 Graffiti showing male genitalia is ruining young families’ trips to the Margaret Mahy Family Playground. Mother-of-three Lauren Tyrrell … said, “It’ll just be some dicks ruining it for someone else.” Star, 28/2/19 “But in Feilding, you could fire a canon down the main street during rush hour and if you hit anyone you’d be doing them a favour.” Writer Tom Scott, quoted in the Auckland programme for his play The Daylight Atheist LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND: Entries must describe New Zealand events. The first sender…

1. Which novel begins: “Where’s Papa going with that ax?” said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast. ❑ Charlotte’s Web ❑ Little Women ❑ Anne of Green Gables ❑ The Witches 2. True or false? Some birds can reproduce asexually (without male fertilisation)? ❑ True ❑ False 3. Which band was the subject of Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed documentary The Last Waltz? ❑ The Beatles ❑ The Band ❑ The Rolling Stones ❑ Talking Heads 4. Which country had a secret network called the Underground Railroad? ❑ France ❑ Germany ❑ US 5. What is US actor Michael Keaton’s real name? ❑ Michael Phelps❑ Michael Douglas❑ Michael Gambon ❑ Michael Bolton 6. What is thought to be the longest-living insect? ❑ Giant weta ❑ Cicada❑ Dung beetle ❑ Termite queen 7. Which bear enjoyed honey and condensed…