#nzherald

[dailyindignation]

When being weak is actually strong

In late November 2023, freshly-elected New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon set up his cabinet, giving Melissa Lee the Media and Communications portfolio and appointing Penny Simmonds as Minister for Disability Issues.

Five months later, Luxon demoted the two women for being bad at those jobs. Shortly after, I tweeted this:

What a strange prediction, you might say. Surely the leader of the country appointing and then demoting two ministers with only himself to blame in such record time is a sign of that classic media canard – a "weak" and "chaotic" administration? Like, why did he appoint them in the first place? Does this very-inexperienced Prime Minister know what he's doing?

Ah, but you see, I'm not two months old, so I've seen our media do their thing. And if there's one thing that really turns the press gallery on, really gets them rock hard, it's a Strong Leader. Preferably one who's From The Business World. Because, despite being political reporters who report on politics, every single one of them down to their bones Fucking Hate Politicians. So when Business Man comes into power, you bet they'll take his every move as the next coming of Elon Musk (y'know, before they realised he was fascist).

But just in case you, a mere member of the public, might be inclined to look at the demotions and think "Hell, that looks a bit weak", the cavalry rode to the rescue:

Those are all just from the NZME stable of sycophants, too. They didn't even need to break out Mike Hosking or Heather du Plessis-Allan! No, no, the savvy pundits were there to tell you how you should feel. I think they think that's their job? Weird job. But anyway, RNZ, Newshub and The Post soon followed up with the exact same take:

These are all separate people with separate paychecks.

Okay, but that's ONE perspective. Surely the media also looked at it from the other side. What about that woke outfit The Spinoff, did they at least air the idea that the PM firing two ministers within 6 months wasn't a sign of strength and virility but actually a bit weak and messy?

Oh. Bad timing, Hayden!

But look, maybe all these political pundits and experienced journos are all singing from the same hymn book because that's the only tune? Like, if a Labour leader like Jacinda Ardern or Chris Hipkins demoted ministers during their tenure, then the media would portray those actions in the exact same way, right? That's what we want, right? Consistency? No bias? Demoting ministers = strength! If only we had some evidence that that's what they'd do--

Oh.

So how does this happen? Is it because the media is at its core a business, and business quite like strong, right-wing leaders because they'll "dismantle red tape" (i.e. remove regulations so they can get away with shit) and "cut costs" (i.e. ruin public services so private companies can step in), and those businesses, y'know, advertise in the financially-precarious media? Maybe. Sounds a bit conspiratorial, though. No one's outright telling Thomas Coughlan to frame his perspective to be business-friendly. He just naturally does. It's that age-old philosophical conundrum: are political reporters all conservative because that's how you rise to the top in that role? Or are conservatives drawn to be political reporters because they realise that's how you shape public opinion? We may never know.

Or maybe it's because the press gallery holds annual Zoom meetings to discuss what the narrative of the week is gonna be (accidentally, of course)? I mean, it would explain the hivemind that seems to occur all the time. I'm not sure why else direct competitors feel the need to get together and accidentally share their screens but I'm sure it happens in other industries-- ohwait I'm being told it doesn't.

With the media in such financial straits, there's been a lot of suggestions for how they can survive. May I propose a money-saving idea? Fire every political pundit. Let go of the entire press gallery. Replace them all with AI. They all have the same opinion anyway. Why are media orgs paying multiple people – more than anyone else on their payroll! – to say the exact same thing? It makes no financial or logical sense. Unless... is the overwhelming narrative forming the point? Could it be... that the media doesn't actually want to "analyse" the politics and explain what it all means to you? They just want to be smarter than you and tell you what it means? God, I hope not. That would be way harder to fix, and I hear the media has trust issues at the moment.

[stylestream]

Maya Rudolph | Schiaparelli Spring 2022 ensemble | Loot Season 2 Los Angeles Photocall | 2024

[frenchcurious]

Maison 1936 à Hastings, Nouvelle-Zélande. Construit pour Percy Atkins, un jockey local bien connu. Architecte inconnu. (Photos 1. NZME, nzherald ; 2. Shara sur Flickr). - source Sally Jo.

[blakbonnet]

Full article from nzherald [x]

[derlejoe]

Joshua Sasse

sources:

nzherald

tvinsider

hello!

timesofindia

[anonymoushouseplantfan]

Lol, even airlines are calling him a liar.

[everydaygremlin]

sorry i just want to say: wtf nzherald.

this kid has issues with eating. and yet. AND YET. what the start of this article focuses on? eye contact. dude.

(article is here btw; https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/autism-and-our-gut-microbiome-a-breakthrough-treatment-explores-the-link/TOVZYFFZ75HXLCZHOX62DH5DQU/ i have fallen down a rabbithole on the nzherald website again)

[ladyaislinn]

Qu: Presumably, your looks have been an obstacle in your career when you say people have only seen you in a certain way?

A: "I don’t think so. There are people who are far better looking than me. I am not going to give you a quote on that. Rufus Sewell, nzherald '20

[barrykoeghan]

short list of my fave adhd celebs recently talking about adhd struggles so us little neurodivergents don’t feel so alone ❤️

patrick stump (+ synesthesia)

text: kerrang 1 || kerrang 2 || yahoo || the line of best fit

video: kerrang radio

barry keoghan (+ dyslexia)

text: independent || vanity fair

podcast: mamia & me + article summarising

morfydd clark (+ dyslexia)

text: the guardian || nordot || gq || nzherald

video: adhd compilation video || bafta guru

joe gilgun (+ bipolar, dyslexia)

text: sky || hero || brothers in arms

video: comic con + tumblr post transcript || live the buzz

[sustainabilityandthecity]

Fashion Activism: Shaping a Sustainable and Equitable Future

Fashion activism is emerging as a powerful force within the fashion industry, addressing critical issues related to sustainability, ethics, and social justice. As the industry confronts the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, activists are harnessing fashion as a tool for systemic change. This blog post explores the essence of fashion activism, and its significance in reshaping industry norms, and highlights key examples from Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

Understanding Fashion Activism

Fashion activism combines advocacy for environmental sustainability and social justice with the creative power of fashion. It challenges traditional practices in the industry, which often prioritise profit over ethical considerations. Activists in this space use fashion as a platform to promote systemic change, encourage ethical consumer behaviour, and support marginalised communities.

Fashion activism encompasses various strategies, including promoting sustainable materials, advocating for fair labour practices, and fostering inclusivity and diversity. By integrating these principles into their work, fashion activists aim to create a more responsible and equitable fashion industry.

Key Figures and Movements

Innovative Materials and Practices 

Nicole Van Vuuren embodies the fusion of fashion and activism. Her designs, featured in the NZ Herald, place a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating offcuts, eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. Van Vuuren explains, “Initially, I sourced these as a cheap way to find fabrics for school — between these and offcuts from internships, I could manage to afford to design garments. Eventually, I became obsessed with the odd shapes and signs of wear and tear embedded in the scraps, and this became a focal point for my graduate collection” (NZ Herald, 2023).

Designer Nicole Van Vuuren for NZHerald. Photo: Lea Jordan Accessed from: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/viva/fashion/style-liaisons-with-viva-next-gen-designer-nicole-van-vuuren/IYJ62O2WEVBIZEAYQTJPNZPIAM/

Jumper made from off-cuts by Van Vuuren Accessed from https://www.nvv.world/

Her approach aligns with a broader trend among New Zealand designers who are dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of their collections while championing local craftsmanship. Van Vuuren's work exemplifies a new wave of fashion that merges environmental awareness with innovative design. New Zealand fashion designers such as Nicole Van Vuuren and Angela Kong are exploring innovative materials and sustainable practices. For example, the use of recycled fabrics and the development of new eco-friendly textiles help mitigate the environmental impact of garment production. This shift towards sustainable materials reflects a broader movement within Aotearoa’s fashion community to address the industry’s ecological footprint.

Me Walking for Nicole van Vuuren for Viva Next Gen at NZFW :D

Angela Kong. Photo / Copper Maesteal @coppermaesteal Accessed from: https://www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/angela-kong-fashion-designer-profile

Cailyn wearing Kong. Photo / Sian Singh

Cultural Sensitivity and Local Production

Fashion activism in Aotearoa also involves embracing local production and respecting cultural heritage. By prioritising local manufacturing and incorporating Māori and Pasifika cultural elements authentically, New Zealand designers contribute to a more culturally sensitive and environmentally responsible fashion industry.

Vivienne Westwood: The Fashionable Activist

Vivienne Westwood has long been a prominent figure in fashion activism. As noted in an article on Medium, Westwood’s career is marked by her outspoken advocacy for environmental causes and social justice. Her designs often feature political messages, and she uses her platform to challenge consumerism and advocate for climate action. Westwood’s activism illustrates how fashion can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving social change.

BIPOC Creatives in Aotearoa

Fashion activism in Aotearoa New Zealand is also driven by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) creatives. As highlighted in Ensemble Magazine, these designers are making significant contributions to fashion while addressing issues of representation and cultural appropriation. Their work emphasises the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to respect and celebrate Indigenous and local traditions, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry.

Fashion as a Tool for Change

Activists use fashion as a tool for broader social and environmental change. According to  Ensemble Magazine, fashion activism includes campaigns, collaborations, and public awareness efforts aimed at promoting sustainable practices and encouraging ethical consumer behaviour. These initiatives highlight the potential of fashion to influence societal values and drive positive change.

Addressing Colonialism and Capitalism

Fashion activism also confronts the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and capitalism on the industry. Colonialism has left a legacy of resource exploitation and labour injustices, while capitalism drives the fast fashion model that prioritises cheap production over ethical considerations. Activists work to address these issues by advocating for fair trade, ethical labour practices, and transparency in supply chains.

Efforts to address colonial legacies include ensuring that traditional designs and cultural practices are respected and not exploited. By advocating for fair compensation and acknowledging the contributions of Indigenous and local artisans, fashion activism seeks to create a more just and equitable industry.

Future Directions for Fashion Activism

Fashion activism is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of the industry. Key areas for continued focus include:

Strengthening Ethical Standards: Activists will continue to push for stricter ethical standards and greater transparency within the industry. This includes advocating for fair labour practices, environmental regulations, and responsible sourcing.

Supporting Emerging Designers: By supporting emerging designers who prioritise sustainability and ethics, fashion activism can foster innovation and drive broader adoption of responsible practices.

Global Collaboration: Increased collaboration across borders can enhance the impact of activist efforts and drive global change. Sharing knowledge and resources will be crucial in advancing the goals of fashion activism.

Empowering Consumers: Educating and empowering consumers to make informed choices remains vital. Fashion activists will focus on raising awareness and promoting sustainable consumption patterns to drive positive change.

Conclusion

Fashion activism represents a powerful movement within the fashion industry, advocating for sustainability, ethics, and social justice. Through examples from Aotearoa New Zealand and other regions, it is clear that fashion activism is driving meaningful change and challenging the status quo. By addressing the legacies of colonialism and capitalism and fostering a culture of responsibility and inclusivity, fashion activism has the potential to transform the industry and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Signing off for now,

Adam <3

References

NZ Herald. (2023). Style Liaisons with Viva Next Gen Designer Nicole Van Vuuren. Retrieved from https://www.nzherald.co.nz/viva/fashion/style-liaisons-with-viva-next-gen-designer-nicole-van-vuuren/IYJ62O2WEVBIZEAYQTJPNZPIAM/.

Ensemble Magazine. (2022). Fashion Activism Aotearoa. Retrieved from https://www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/fashion-activism-aotearoa.

Medium. (2023). Vivienne Westwood: The Fashionable Activist. Retrieved from https://medium.com/design-council/vivienne-westwood-the-fashionable-activist-deccd3bb49d0.

Ensemble Magazine. (2024). Aotearoa BIPOC Creatives. Retrieved from https://www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/aotearoa-bipoc-creatives.

Ensemble Magazine. (2022). How Activists Use Fashion as a Tool for Change. Retrieved from https://www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/how-activists-use-fashion-as-a-tool-for-change.

[calista-media220]

Research 1

Now that I have decided on my topic for this project I have started to do some research on the topic and see what is already out there in the media. I know that in more recent years there has been more focus on student placements and many protests from students within the medical field to have paid placements.  

During my research I found that news sources such as RNZ, 1News, NZHerald, NewsHub and many more news outlets have written about this topic.  

Specifically, ReNews wrote on this subject discussing the repercussions of these unpaid placements such as high dropout rates for nurses and this percentage even higher for student midwives. Another large factor mentioned in this article of these unpaid placements is the unpredictable hours leaving students unable to work and maintain their living cost due to these mandatory placements (Gosavi, 2024).  

From my personal experience I would go on call with a Midwife, dropping everything at a minutes notice to go to placement which resulted in me unable to maintain a job during this time and having to apply for financial assistance.  

This seems to be a common theme among medical students attending unpaid placements.  

I also did some further research to see if there are any journal articles regarding this topic and found a handful. The title of one of the very first articles summarising the issue straight away as it states "Don't spend, eat less, save more: Responses to the financial stress experienced by nursing students during unpaid clinical placements." 

Although this information does need to be looked at a little further as there are many aspects to these placements, for instance a first year student is not going to bring the equivalent work experience as a third year student might. But for my project I want to look at this topic in a broader aspect and not go in too specific (eg unpaid student placements for third years). 

References:  

Gosavi, J. (2024, January). Health students don’t get paid on placement and it sucks. Re:News. https://www.renews.co.nz/health-students-dont-get-paid-on-placement-and-it-sucks/#:~:text=These%20placements%20are%20intense%20and,New%20Zealand%20Nurses%20Organisation%20says.  

Grant-Smith, D., & de Zwaan, L. (2019). Don’t spend, Eat Less, save more: Responses to the financial stress experienced by nursing students during unpaid clinical placements. Nurse Education in Practice, 35, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2018.12.005  

[teragames]

Peter Jackson compra tierras en Shelly Bay para proteger el ecosistema

El cineasta Peter Jackson compra tierras en Nueva Zelanda para impedir un plan urbanístico que amenaza la biodiversidad y la belleza de la bahía, informó el diario @nzherald.

Agencias, Ciudad de México.- El galardonado director de Hollywood Peter Jackson y su pareja compraron un terreno en la costa de Nueva Zelanda para preservar la naturaleza, informaron, una iniciativa que busca impedir un controvertido proyecto urbanístico. Estas tierras, ubicadas en la bahía de Shelly Bay, en la capital Wellington, formaron parte de una base militar y estaban en la mira de…

[tommychook]

Frank Film: Have New Zealanders lost access to our own food? | nzherald....

[bayernteen]

I agree 1000%!!!! I also want to make sure that we send this clear to NZHerald. Because of what they did to us after the Australian GP, I’m not accepting these rumors anymore.

Daniel Ricciardo deserves to stay in Racing Bulls, and that’s it. The only time we can complain is halfway through the season.

I’m not going to talk about this issue again. That’s my final warning. 😠

probably nobody cares about this but i have something to say. if you disagree that is completely fine, this matter has just been something that's kind of confusing me.

so, we all know daniel hasn't been performing well ever since his return to formula one last year. and i totally get it that people think he's past his prime and should give up his seat for someone who is more suitable. (cough liam cough)

i just don't get why suddenly everyone seems annoyed by him? people are saying "oh when is he going to get dumped" and all that... but y'all were the same people who celebrated his return last year. i get that you want to see more young talent like liam up there but to switch on daniel just like that after anticipating his return just kind of feels a bit hypocritical.

i think rather than booing daniel off the stage and pointing out his flaws, we should all concentrate on the toxic work environment in red bull. this is the second time in two years where they just drop someone (nyck and now daniel) a few races into the season. literally no other team is doing it as quickly as they do, and i get that they are one of the big teams and depend on a good performance but something about it just feels iffy and i feel like people don't talk about it much.

i don't know if i got my point across because i don't want to make that big of a deal out of it. it's just been something that i've noticed recently and has been on my mind ever since. again, if you disagree with me that's absolutely valid! everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

[ffcarlos-inrd601]

NZHerald Sitemap

To help us understand information architecture, we did an exercise of creating a sitemap for a journalism website.

[olliedesn601]

One recent new tech and design development in New Zealand

For our week 3 SDL we were required to find one recent new tech and design development in New Zealand. One of my favourite philosophical YoutTuber's (Tom Scott) travels the world finding obscure topics and has done several videos in NZ. In one of the most recent video he bought up a company attempting to reinvent public transportation through the use of pods powered by bike pedals, rigged above the street out of the way of the roads and sidewalks below.

The company is called Velocity Valley and the product I am discussing is called the "Shweeb Racer" in Rotorua.

The company describes the product as:

"Get ready to rock your ride with the Shweeb Racer – the only pedal powered monorail track in the world. Feel the exhilaration through high-speed acceleration fueled by your own adrenaline and pedal power. There’s no other sensation quite like it and there’s no other place in the world to experience the thrill of the one and only Shweeb Racer. Pedal hard to pick up your race pace and be the first across the finish line."

And while they made the first one into a theme park ride it (as mentioned) began as a potential replacement of public transport. It never came to what the company envisioned.

The innovation that went into the product is clearly there however certain key aspects of strategic design were left out.

Tom Scott says in his video on the product:

"There was the family market that were dying to do it, but they found it a bit too hard to get them going."

Imagine your up at 7am on a Monday morning in your suit on the way to work. You hop in your pod and "cycle" to your workplace, arriving hot, sweaty and tired potentially starting a bad precedence for the day ahead, I think personally this idea could be excellent but the first generation of these pods didn't include an electrical motor to assist movement (whether it be in motion or needing to come to some kind of emergency stop).

Scott also brings up some great criticism of the product:

"What if the person in front pedals slowly", "How do you overtake? You can't", "How about uphills? What if you get tired?", " Or what if you're approaching a track switch".

These drawbacks are what held the company back from potential unicorn status and if remedied could've completely redefined the public transport industry.

NZHerald states: "For $55 a rider, you can race around the 200m track – the only one of its kind – and experience the transport that was once poised to change the world."