New Zealand Listener Issue 21, 2022

The government’s overhaul of public sector science, Te Ara Paerangi – Future Pathways, is about to enter a new phase after submissions on its Green Paper closed in March. The multi-year programme is focused on the future of our research system. As the Listener has duly noted, New Zealand spends much less on research and development per capita than many of our peers, although the balance of funding between the private sector (60%) and universities and research institutes through government funding (40%) roughly matches the OECD average. Of the latter, some 17% is available for contestable bidding among crown research and other institutes, providing a highly competitive environment in which success is often dependent on being able to provide matching industry funding and a tangible benefit to New Zealand. My introduction…

WINNING CAPTION Mike Hamblyn, Dunedin FINALISTS President Macron: “In my right hand, the white dove of peace, in my left, the blue bird of happiness!” Ann Neale, Nelson Macron: “Exit stage left, Madame Le Pen. Let’s see a nice big smile from you.” Margaret Cannon, Palmerston North Macron: “If I divide my arm here, can I be called Boneapart?” Chris Bossley, Lower Hutt Macron: “Oh come on, Marine. Just come up on stage and give me a great big cuddle!” Bob Richardson, Christchurch Macron: “So you see, Le Pen is not mightier!” Steve Godsiff, Timaru Macron: “Watch this space!” Mike Hamblyn, Dunedin Caption Competition {listenercaption@aremedia.co.nz} TO ENTER Send your captions for the photo at right to listenercaption@aremedia.co.nz, with “Caption Competition No 461” in the subject line. Alternatively, entries can be posted to “Caption Competition No 461”, NZ Listener, PO Box 52122,…

Your article on income insurance (“Weathering the storm”, May 14) exposes the fundamental flaws in the unemployment figures that tend to be bandied around by politicians and pundits. I was made redundant, aged 59, by a New Zealand university which dismissed my whole section in order to replace it with a private Australian company. Employees of this company are paid, on average, a third less than those employed by the university, clearly showing the “wage scarring” effect. I was informed that I was not eligible for the unemployment benefit as my wife earns too much. Now 60, I have been unable to find a job that matches my qualifications and experience. Some of the academics and commentators in your article unfortunately appear to be ideologically locked. They fail to acknowledge that the middle…

“It’s not about me, it’s about standing up for and protecting those at risk of hurtful actions like this, no matter how casual or flippant they are.”– Nadia Lim on being referred to as “a bit of Eurasian fluff” by DGL boss Simon Henry“It’s that time of the month. I know the ladies watching are probably like, ‘Yeah, I got you.’”– Lydia Ko in response to being asked whether her back pain will be an ongoing problem.“Due to foreseen circumstances well within my control I will be late.”– Seen on Twitter“We support the intent of warm, dry healthy homes but we’re worried it’s coming in too fast.”– Master Builders’ CEO David Kelly on new standards for warmer housing in NZ.“For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear,…

1. Oenology is the science and study of what? ❑ Cheese and cheesemaking❑ Beer and brewing❑ Wines and winemaking❑ Bread and breadmaking 2. What is the name for the coalition that opposed the Allied Powers during World War I? ❑ Central Powers❑ Grand Powers❑ Axis Powers❑ Warsaw Pact 3. Who wrote the novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, both winners of the Man Booker Prize? ❑ Margaret Atwood❑ Julian Barnes❑ Hilary Mantel❑ John Banville 4. What English word retains the same pronunciation even after four of its five letters are removed? 5. Which film’s first line is: “He was the most extraordinary man I ever knew”? ❑ A Beautiful Mind❑ Amadeus❑ Braveheart❑ Lawrence of Arabia 6. Which of these best defines the ecological zone called chaparral? ❑ Alpine forest❑ Dense shrublands❑ Tropical savanna❑ Barren desert 7. Which TV cooking…

Anyone who’s ever had a child, dog, or recalcitrant Roomba knows that without the ability to dole out consequences, domestic tranquillity is as elusive as a balanced diet in Willy Wonkaland. Imagine for a moment a home with kids, pets and other wilful creatures where there are no consequences, no matter how obnoxious the behaviour, then quickly dash the image from your mind, as it will haunt you, I promise. Sadly, that’s pretty much where US politics lives right now. The latest and most egregious example involves Kevin McCarthy, minority leader of the House of Representatives and one of Donald Trump’s most treasured sycophants. The New York Times recently reported that McCarthy, shortly after the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, told fellow Republicans he’d “had it with this guy”,…