Posts by Paul Williams
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Hard News: And so it begins, in reply to Richard Aston,
That looks like a better way to provide a wider range of info on a school that could put the league ( Results) tables in context
It genuinely is mostly because it enables people to compare like with like. It was not well regarded by teaching unions, however it avoids many of the entirely avoidable risks that appear to have been embraced by Parata and Key. Bizarre.
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Hard News: And so it begins, in reply to barnaclebarnes,
The perception of the public will be of self interest by teachers.
Though I get your point, would you ignore a lawyer on the law or a medical professional on a health matter? Teachers are expert, some more than others, and their perspective is a vital one. This predictable development may harm NZ's schooling and, by comparison with Australia's myschool site, is an indication that the Minister is unwilling to listen to officials about what meaningful data may be provided to the public.
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Now I know this is an eclectic thread and also that I've said (most) of this before, but for all the times I miss and feel estranged from my homeland, this week I feel simultaneously blessed to be a Kiwi in Sydney and alienated too. First, the happy dislocation. Little brother winning and most the Aussie press being good humoured about it. Cool. But then the awkwardness. Two young men killed in some far off place in a battle of unknowable merit. How desperately sad.
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Capture: Two Tales of a City, in reply to Jos,
Jos, that's a fantastically beautiful set of photos. Thank you!
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Field Theory: Time will tell, in reply to Bart Janssen,
Kiwi women's hockey team were/are brilliant
I can't watch Eventing without jumping in my seat - I expect the High Jump will have the same effect.Yeah, the time difference in Sydney makes for slightly less late nights. I was loving the hockey last night... oddly no one wants to talk about it in the office? Neither do they want to talk Super Rugby... (you did say random).
The Olympics are not living up to expectations this side of the Tasman, the expected bag of medals is not filling up so quickly.
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Legal Beagle: Johndotbanks - the law is…, in reply to Steve Barnes,
I am so sick of this continuing smear against one of the best politicians this country has had.
The signing of that painting was no worse than signing a bat, a ball or even a shirt if you were a sports star. No-one ever claims that some rugby player made the underwear he puts his name to.Steve, I mentioned it only because I happened to have been working in Parliament around the time (and for Labour/Clark). Clark's reputation is strong enough to withstand her being mentioned, in passing, in this thread. I also think your comparison is odd. I'd venture to say most people would interpret a signature on a painting as a statement as to who painted it, but no one thinks my cricket ball signed by Hadlee was also made by him.
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The headline for this item is spot on. The decision to not file charges is not surprising but I do fear that too often, NZ Police have not pressed charges when political figures are involved (and yes, I am thinking all the way back to Paintergate). Perhaps every decision has been entirely fair, but the pattern that's developing in my mind is worrying (though perhaps I've been in NSW too long?).
In the other thread on this, is a suggestion that an agency other than the Police should determine whether charges are laid. That has an appeal. I may be wrong, but it appears that is the case in NSW where the Director of Public Prosecurtions is the Agency that decides whether or not a prosecution will be undertaken (perhaps though I'm confusing prosecution and charges?) Either way, this case somewhat illustrates my point
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But her magic was something deeper and more profound. It was about respect.
Craig, this is exactly my sense also (and it's so very evident in your tribute too).
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Muse: OPEN HOUSE: Margaret Mahy, The…, in reply to Carol Stewart,
Other favourites - The Summery Saturday Morning. which is so quintessentially Lyttelton harbour. And Kaitangata Twitch, which my 13 year old lad has been obsessed with, and which was turned into a wonderful TV series as well.
My youngest daughters were/are particularly fond of Summery Saturday Morning - I once contemplated redecorating their room by painting some of the scenes on the walls but I lack the ability. My seven year old is now watching Kaitangata Twitch (which is a little scarey for her) on ABC in Sydney. I too will be buying up some of Mahy's books for older kids and teens.
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Field Theory: JK is back, in reply to Ian Dalziel,
ROFLnui