James W
@jamesw228.bsky.social
Takes about all kinds of things but predominantly politics, autistic people things and research, technnology.
Opinions my own and all terrible.
He/Him Pōneke/Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Opinions my own and all terrible.
He/Him Pōneke/Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Pinned
James W
@jamesw228.bsky.social
· Oct 9
The questions I keep coming back to are:
What if they do?
What if they automate away white collar, creative and transport workers?
Who buys the stuff from their companies?
With what money?
How does that economy function?
What if they do?
What if they automate away white collar, creative and transport workers?
Who buys the stuff from their companies?
With what money?
How does that economy function?
Reposted by James W
It's so cool how this government is doing so many Trumpian things- voter suppression, climate denial, interfering in education against expert advice, destroying healthcare, rolling back environmental protections- but we're still largely treating them as normal and being like 'But how's the economy?'
November 27, 2025 at 10:19 PM
It's so cool how this government is doing so many Trumpian things- voter suppression, climate denial, interfering in education against expert advice, destroying healthcare, rolling back environmental protections- but we're still largely treating them as normal and being like 'But how's the economy?'
Reposted by James W
"In July, Attorney-General Judith Collins found the bill to be inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act, and indicated 100,000 or more people could be directly or indirectly disenfranchised by the rules banning enrolment in the final 13 days before an election."
Legal challenge incoming.
Legal challenge incoming.
This Bill could invalidate the votes of enough people to swing the next election in favour of the current government for no reason other than that they failed to fill out the correct piece of paper by the "proper" time (as defined by the people who benefit from the rule change).
Justice Committee recommends passing Electoral Amendment Bill with some amendments
The bill would prevent same-day enrolments, ban prisoners from voting, and tighten up the rules around treating.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 28, 2025 at 4:37 AM
"In July, Attorney-General Judith Collins found the bill to be inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act, and indicated 100,000 or more people could be directly or indirectly disenfranchised by the rules banning enrolment in the final 13 days before an election."
Legal challenge incoming.
Legal challenge incoming.
Reposted by James W
This Bill could invalidate the votes of enough people to swing the next election in favour of the current government for no reason other than that they failed to fill out the correct piece of paper by the "proper" time (as defined by the people who benefit from the rule change).
Justice Committee recommends passing Electoral Amendment Bill with some amendments
The bill would prevent same-day enrolments, ban prisoners from voting, and tighten up the rules around treating.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 27, 2025 at 10:12 PM
This Bill could invalidate the votes of enough people to swing the next election in favour of the current government for no reason other than that they failed to fill out the correct piece of paper by the "proper" time (as defined by the people who benefit from the rule change).
I knew this as a random member of the public. If cabinet or the Minister don't they're incompetent and they ignored staff or they're incompetent too
All of which is a them problem #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
All of which is a them problem #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Trade Minister says UK and EU counterparts never raised concerns with him over climate policies
The Trade Minister said no one had raised concerns with him directly about New Zealand's oil and gas developments.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 27, 2025 at 7:30 AM
I knew this as a random member of the public. If cabinet or the Minister don't they're incompetent and they ignored staff or they're incompetent too
All of which is a them problem #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
All of which is a them problem #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Reposted by James W
The NZ-EU FTA:
Article 19.2:
4. A Party shall not weaken or reduce the levels of protection afforded in its environmental or labour law in order to encourage trade or investment.
Article 19.2:
4. A Party shall not weaken or reduce the levels of protection afforded in its environmental or labour law in order to encourage trade or investment.
Trade Minister says UK and EU counterparts never raised concerns with him over climate policies
Trade Minister says UK and EU counterparts never raised concerns with him over climate policies
The Trade Minister said no one had raised concerns with him directly about New Zealand's oil and gas developments.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 27, 2025 at 7:18 AM
The NZ-EU FTA:
Article 19.2:
4. A Party shall not weaken or reduce the levels of protection afforded in its environmental or labour law in order to encourage trade or investment.
Article 19.2:
4. A Party shall not weaken or reduce the levels of protection afforded in its environmental or labour law in order to encourage trade or investment.
Reposted by James W
Makes the quality of their wellington report equally good.
Deloitte also fucked up the same way in Australia www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Makes the quality of their wellington report equally good.
Reposted by James W
#NZpol
Absolutely unacceptable given rising unemployment overall + losing plane after plane of good people offshore!
PSA's Fleur Fitzsimons:
"These figures show that delays in recruitment are a deliberate cost-saving tactic, driven by the government's failure to fund the health system properly."
Absolutely unacceptable given rising unemployment overall + losing plane after plane of good people offshore!
PSA's Fleur Fitzsimons:
"These figures show that delays in recruitment are a deliberate cost-saving tactic, driven by the government's failure to fund the health system properly."
Wellington Hospitals waiting up to six months for Health NZ approval to recruit
Data obtained under the Official Information Act shows 219 recruitment requests took more than two months to be approved, 91 waited more than 20 weeks, and 45 roles applied for in March were still vac...
www.rnz.co.nz
November 26, 2025 at 11:35 PM
#NZpol
Absolutely unacceptable given rising unemployment overall + losing plane after plane of good people offshore!
PSA's Fleur Fitzsimons:
"These figures show that delays in recruitment are a deliberate cost-saving tactic, driven by the government's failure to fund the health system properly."
Absolutely unacceptable given rising unemployment overall + losing plane after plane of good people offshore!
PSA's Fleur Fitzsimons:
"These figures show that delays in recruitment are a deliberate cost-saving tactic, driven by the government's failure to fund the health system properly."
Reposted by James W
Those experts were apparently too fucking stupid to know that the "wisdom" that people tend to become more conservative as they get older is because they USED to have accrued some wealth and investments as they get older.
Us millenials did not get that.
Us millenials did not get that.
Can't possibly imagine what's happened during our lifetime that would have caused this.....
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/5...
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/5...
Millennials are the first generation to move left as they age, rewriting the rules of Australian politics
The trend has surprised the experts behind the study.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 26, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Those experts were apparently too fucking stupid to know that the "wisdom" that people tend to become more conservative as they get older is because they USED to have accrued some wealth and investments as they get older.
Us millenials did not get that.
Us millenials did not get that.
Can't possibly imagine what's happened during our lifetime that would have caused this.....
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/5...
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/5...
Millennials are the first generation to move left as they age, rewriting the rules of Australian politics
The trend has surprised the experts behind the study.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Can't possibly imagine what's happened during our lifetime that would have caused this.....
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/5...
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/5...
Reposted by James W
IDK how people like Sam Altman live with themselves. If I had created and pushed something that killed people I wouldn't be able to live or face public scrutiny without taking accountability in whatever way I possibly could for doing unconscionable harm.
These people are sociopaths.
These people are sociopaths.
This case is so incredibly fucked up, it isolated the teenager from his family and actively tried to prevent him from confiding in anyone about his suicidal thoughts on multiple occasions.
There's a fairly decent summary on Wikipedia, but this is so utterly tragic.
There's a fairly decent summary on Wikipedia, but this is so utterly tragic.
Raine v. OpenAI - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
November 26, 2025 at 10:48 AM
IDK how people like Sam Altman live with themselves. If I had created and pushed something that killed people I wouldn't be able to live or face public scrutiny without taking accountability in whatever way I possibly could for doing unconscionable harm.
These people are sociopaths.
These people are sociopaths.
There's no data to show this is a good idea
There is data to show this is a bad idea
How about we don't do this while pretending we know it'll help #nzpol
There is data to show this is a bad idea
How about we don't do this while pretending we know it'll help #nzpol
📢 A new AI tool will be a "real game changer in providing faster and real time access to support", says the mental health minister.
👉 Report issues, make suggestions
👉 Report issues, make suggestions
Mental health data won't be misused by new AI navigation tool - minister
www.rnz.co.nz
November 26, 2025 at 7:43 AM
There's no data to show this is a good idea
There is data to show this is a bad idea
How about we don't do this while pretending we know it'll help #nzpol
There is data to show this is a bad idea
How about we don't do this while pretending we know it'll help #nzpol
Reposted by James W
The mental health revolution we have all been waiting for is here!
Special Report: AI-Induced Psychosis: A New Frontier in Mental Health | Psychiatric News
PsychiatryOnline.org is the platform for all American Psychiatric Association Publishing journals, DSM, and bestselling textbooks, as well as APA Practice Guidelines, and continuing medical education.
psychiatryonline.org
November 26, 2025 at 7:01 AM
The mental health revolution we have all been waiting for is here!
Reposted by James W
The terms of service argument against self-harm in the ChatGPT case is so wild to me because one of the fundamental rules in contract law is that people not of sound mind are unable to legally consent to contracts like this.
ToS can't regulate someone's mental state. Self-harm would invalidate ToS
ToS can't regulate someone's mental state. Self-harm would invalidate ToS
November 26, 2025 at 7:16 AM
The terms of service argument against self-harm in the ChatGPT case is so wild to me because one of the fundamental rules in contract law is that people not of sound mind are unable to legally consent to contracts like this.
ToS can't regulate someone's mental state. Self-harm would invalidate ToS
ToS can't regulate someone's mental state. Self-harm would invalidate ToS
Let's all be surprised that they found a way to justify what they wanted to do because it's cheaper for them in the short term #nzpol
Paywall now lifted: Christopher Luxon said in 2023 he would ‘draw the line at’ using AI video ads, but after National published two AI videos in the past month, his office now says that only applied to fakes of real people.
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/25/n...
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/25/n...
National deletes AI video of police seizing gang patches
Christopher Luxon said in 2023 he would 'draw the line at' using AI video ads, but his office now says that only applied to fakes of real people.
newsroom.co.nz
November 25, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Let's all be surprised that they found a way to justify what they wanted to do because it's cheaper for them in the short term #nzpol
Reposted by James W
Thread time.
These proposed local government reforms are being reported as the end of Regional Councils but actually they're probably the end of a lot of rural and smaller district councils in New Zealand. Not sure what I mean?
These proposed local government reforms are being reported as the end of Regional Councils but actually they're probably the end of a lot of rural and smaller district councils in New Zealand. Not sure what I mean?
November 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Thread time.
These proposed local government reforms are being reported as the end of Regional Councils but actually they're probably the end of a lot of rural and smaller district councils in New Zealand. Not sure what I mean?
These proposed local government reforms are being reported as the end of Regional Councils but actually they're probably the end of a lot of rural and smaller district councils in New Zealand. Not sure what I mean?
Given his election record as party leader then PM, I probably would do the opposite of what Bill English says #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
30 with Guyon Espiner: Sir Bill English believes Christopher Luxon will lead National to election victory
Despite Christopher Luxon dropping in the polls and a "rough patch" in the economy, Sir Bill English is confident.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 25, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Given his election record as party leader then PM, I probably would do the opposite of what Bill English says #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Reposted by James W
NZ has had two major reforms of subnational government so far: 1876 and 1989
As the guy who literally wrote a book on the demise of that first system, *and* as someone who generally supports more unitary authorities, my considered opinion is that this proposal is completely insane
As the guy who literally wrote a book on the demise of that first system, *and* as someone who generally supports more unitary authorities, my considered opinion is that this proposal is completely insane
No more regional councils - major shake-up of local government announced
The government says it is not a power grab, but about "making local government fit for purpose".
www.rnz.co.nz
November 25, 2025 at 7:59 AM
NZ has had two major reforms of subnational government so far: 1876 and 1989
As the guy who literally wrote a book on the demise of that first system, *and* as someone who generally supports more unitary authorities, my considered opinion is that this proposal is completely insane
As the guy who literally wrote a book on the demise of that first system, *and* as someone who generally supports more unitary authorities, my considered opinion is that this proposal is completely insane
Reposted by James W
Some political parties will literally disestablish entire layers of local government rather than go to therapy (for their entrenched racism)
Regardless of kayfabe comms and Nat equivocation in media, ACT always says the thing to its red-faced griefer audience
November 25, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Some political parties will literally disestablish entire layers of local government rather than go to therapy (for their entrenched racism)
Centralizing so much long term decision making power for reforms which will last decades with elected officials whose incentives are all short term doesn't seem like a great idea #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
No more regional councils - major shake-up of local government announced
The government says it is not a power grab, but about "making local government fit for purpose".
www.rnz.co.nz
November 25, 2025 at 4:25 AM
Centralizing so much long term decision making power for reforms which will last decades with elected officials whose incentives are all short term doesn't seem like a great idea #nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Reposted by James W
Why are our Government, banks, media companies et al still doing business with this company?
No other way to put it other than an absolute clusterfuck | Court Filings Allege Meta Downplayed Risks to Children and Misled the Public time.com/7336204/meta...
7 Allegations Against Meta in Newly Unsealed Filings
Court filings allege Meta tolerated sex trafficking, hid harms to teens, and prioritized growth over user safety for years.
time.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Why are our Government, banks, media companies et al still doing business with this company?
Reposted by James W
No clear benefit? For a tug that has performed recent rescues? And with an ageing Interislander fleet clinging to grim life until replacements come along in a few years? On a notoriously turbulent body of water? Oh, well then. What could go wrong!
Transport Minister Chris Bishop blames “a significant escalation in costs and little clear benefit” for calling it quits on a replacement.
Cook Strait rescue tug going with no replacement
Transport Minister Chris Bishop blames “a significant escalation in costs and little clear benefit” for calling it quits on a replacement.
dlvr.it
November 25, 2025 at 12:40 AM
No clear benefit? For a tug that has performed recent rescues? And with an ageing Interislander fleet clinging to grim life until replacements come along in a few years? On a notoriously turbulent body of water? Oh, well then. What could go wrong!
Reposted by James W
I guess labour was reading this: www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
November 25, 2025 at 12:47 AM
I guess labour was reading this: www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Reposted by James W
On the one hand, this is depressing as an indicator of what we're getting for at least 3 years
On the other, it's nice to have such quick confirmation of my assessment of Little politically and personally
#nzpol
On the other, it's nice to have such quick confirmation of my assessment of Little politically and personally
#nzpol
In his first council meeting as Wellington mayor, Andrew Little gave a big promotion to controversial rival Ray Chung and opened a political rift between Labour and the Greens.
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-...
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-...
Andrew Little buddies up to the right
In his first council meeting as Wellington mayor, Andrew Little opened a political rift between Labour and the Greens.
thespinoff.co.nz
November 24, 2025 at 7:14 PM
On the one hand, this is depressing as an indicator of what we're getting for at least 3 years
On the other, it's nice to have such quick confirmation of my assessment of Little politically and personally
#nzpol
On the other, it's nice to have such quick confirmation of my assessment of Little politically and personally
#nzpol
On the one hand, this is depressing as an indicator of what we're getting for at least 3 years
On the other, it's nice to have such quick confirmation of my assessment of Little politically and personally
#nzpol
On the other, it's nice to have such quick confirmation of my assessment of Little politically and personally
#nzpol
In his first council meeting as Wellington mayor, Andrew Little gave a big promotion to controversial rival Ray Chung and opened a political rift between Labour and the Greens.
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-...
thespinoff.co.nz/politics/25-...
Andrew Little buddies up to the right
In his first council meeting as Wellington mayor, Andrew Little opened a political rift between Labour and the Greens.
thespinoff.co.nz
November 24, 2025 at 7:14 PM
On the one hand, this is depressing as an indicator of what we're getting for at least 3 years
On the other, it's nice to have such quick confirmation of my assessment of Little politically and personally
#nzpol
On the other, it's nice to have such quick confirmation of my assessment of Little politically and personally
#nzpol
Reposted by James W
"aggressive accounting" is a fun euphemism
This feels like one of those stories you're going to look at a year from now and say to yourself, "Why didn't I move more of my portfolio into cash?" **
** (This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or any other advice.)
🎁
www.wsj.com/tech/meta-ai...
** (This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or any other advice.)
🎁
www.wsj.com/tech/meta-ai...
AI Meets Aggressive Accounting at Meta’s Gigantic New Data Center
Favorable treatment off the balance sheet hinges on some convenient assumptions.
www.wsj.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:52 PM
"aggressive accounting" is a fun euphemism