New Zealand Listener Issue 15 2018

NZ First has often shown a predilection for machismo and swagger, liking to be seen to cock a snook at privilege. One of the privileges of being in government is being able to spend taxpayers’ money on enterprises that private businesses may not attempt or continue. The terms of New Zealand First’s coalition deal with Labour include an annual $1 billion Provincial Growth Fund to pay for things that, in many cases, would not stack up in a traditional business case. One of the fund’s projects is a $5 million deal with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and KiwiRail to reopen the Napier-Wairoa line, which was difficult and expensive to maintain, carried little freight and was uneconomic. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is now being applied to the line, thanks to the new fund. However, unless…

The answer to the Nissan Leaf battery question (“Battery charges”, March 31) may require knowledge of what technology they use. One problem with lithiumion batteries is the cathode, the best material for which is a cobalt oxide, but the world supply of cobalt is about 100,000 tonnes a year, and batteries consume about half of that. The price of cobalt has gone from US$32,000 ($43,000) a tonne to US$81,000 in about a year; the price of materials makes up about 70% of battery cost. If there is an expansion of the electric-vehicle fleet, there will not be the cobalt to go around. Nissan has been plugging a manganese-oxide cathode. The advantage of cobalt oxide is that it does not degrade as the lithium ions go in and out. Maybe that is not…

The Aussies said the prize included a meat pack. Caption competition THIS WEEK’S PICTURE FINALISTS Tiger Woods: “Elin gave it to me for the shortest drive into a tree.” – Mike Lynch, Upper Hutt Kangaroo: “But Tigger, what have you done with Roo?” – Paul Kelly, Palmerston North Woods: “I’ve tied me kangaroo down, sport.” – Roger Reeves, Palmerston North Woods: “Yep, potted him right between the ears on the 15th. Got a koala on the 8th but gave it to my caddy.” – M Turnbull, Hornby, Christchurch Woods: “Yikes! I thought I was on for a birdie.” – Kath Jones, Waikanae Woods: “I never roo the day I took up golf.” – Sorrel Bovett, Kerikeri Woods: “Not quite the winner’s jumper I was expecting.” – Linda Zander, Mangonui…

“I never would’ve guessed that the two biggest talking points of the #AUSvSA series would be de Kock and balls.” – New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham “When a player cannot feed cornflakes to the lucky hamster he keeps in his jockstrap, what is cricket coming to?” – British comedian Andy Zaltzman If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu.” – US Senator Elizabeth Warren, quoted in New York magazine “All we are saying is give peace a chance.” – Paul McCartney at the March for Our Lives rally in New York “This country has a mental health problem disguised as a gun problem and a tyranny problem disguised as a security problem.” – Joe Rogan, US comedian “It’s not the votes that count but who counts the votes.” – Joseph Stalin, quoted in the Guardian…

Would you like to be poked in the gentiles or eye with a stick? Country-Wide, 1/3/2018 I’m all for a bit of harmless fun, but given the extraordinary number of lost dogs, injured horses and frightened pet owners on social media, it doesn’t appear all that harmless. Waitaki Herald, 8/11/17 Recreation is something farmers recognise as a legitimate activity and we participate ourselves. National Farming Review, October These deaths are what Wafer Safety NZ classes as “preventable drownings”. Manawatu Standard, 6/1/2018 Caution. This is a square hat area. When stress levels are high enter at own risk. Sign at Te Kopuru Dunedin cannabis museum moves to new central city joint stuff.co.nz, 8/2/2018 LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND: Entries must describe New Zealand events. The first sender of those accepted will receive a $5 Booksellers voucher. Enclose name, address and source/date; TV and radio…

1. What breed of dog is Cujo in the eponymous Stephen King novel? □ Pit bull □ Rottweiler □ Great dane □ St Bernard 2. Which of these words means “to smarten up oneself”? □ Titillate □ Titivate 3. True or false? Cockroaches can withstand extreme radiation. □ True □ False 4. Which of these aviators was part of the first aircrew to cross the Tasman? □ Amelia Earhart □ Charles Kingsford Smith □ Jean Batten □ Richard Pearse 5. In which sitcom did a young John Travolta play the character Vinnie Barbarino? □ All in the Family □ Taxi □ Happy Days □ Welcome Back, Kotter 6. Which of these musicians was not a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys? □ Roy Orbison □ Paul McCartney □ Bob Dylan □ Tom Petty 7. Which novel features the quote “Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change”? □ The Big Sleep □…