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The All Blacks and freedom of expression

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The All Blacks and freedom of expression

All Blacks - Tino Rangitriatanga opinion

The controversy over some All Blacks displaying the Tino Rangatiratanga flag after Sunday’s test against Italy, and TJ Perenara’s modification of the haka, has spawned a passionate national conversation.

Those players have an absolute right to express themselves, but there are certain situations where saying or acting how you want is counterproductive.

While the law should never limit freedom of speech and expression, common sense and respect for the occasion or location, and point of view of others, should. As an All Black, representing all New Zealanders, guidance on choosing the right occasion or location can be found in the wise old saying that sport and politics should never mix. There are no exceptions to this rule. Until Sunday the All Blacks had been very disciplined in keeping to this rule, at least since the advent of professional rugby.

I can enter a synagogue, and I have an absolute right under freedom of expression to unfurl a Palestinian flag therein, but it would be incredibly stupid and disrespectful of me to do so. Likewise, if I visited a mosque and started handing out recipes for sweet and sour pork.

So, while I will defend the player’s rights to express themselves freely, they should have known this was not the right place or time to do so. First, because it was a sports game, and people pay to attend and watch, and come together, precisely to get away from the divisive political and social issues of the day. Secondly, the All Blacks mana has been built by the 1,223 men who have played for the team since 1905. TJ Perenara and others had no right to appropriate the privileged platform afforded by that legacy to posture their private political views. No All Black does.

It is difficult to predict the extent of the fall out for the All Blacks and rugby – a sport already on the ropes with a marked decline in interest in New Zealand in recent years. But the fact remains, the actions present a risk (whether small or large remains to be seen) to the All Blacks brand, and did not advance the interests of the cause promoted one inch.

Majority of Americans support Trump’s mass deportation plans – poll

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Majority of Americans support Trump’s mass deportation plans – poll
US border news
Another wave of illegal migrants heading to the US – Mexico border, 22 November 2024. Image – @haitiansRdirty, X.

The incoming president has suggested that he will declare a national emergency to speed up the removal of illegal aliens.

Some 57% of Americans approve of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed deportation of every single illegal immigrant in the US, a CBS News poll has found. Democrat mayors and governors have vowed to resist the incoming president’s plans.

Published on Sunday, the poll found broad satisfaction with Trump’s defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris in this month’s presidential election, with 55% of respondents saying that they felt ‘happy’ or ‘satisfied’ with the result, and 44% feeling ‘angry’ or ‘dissatisfied’.

The poll also found that 57% of respondents approve of one of Trump’s most controversial proposals: the deportation of all immigrants in the US illegally. 43% disapprove of the policy.

Trump has promised since last year that, if elected, he would lead “the largest deportation operation in American history.” With anywhere from 11 million to 35 million illegal immigrants living in the US, Trump’s proposed border czar, Tom Homan, has said that those who commit crimes in the country or otherwise threaten national security will be prioritized for deportation.

The incoming president said before the election that he would invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to “remove all known or suspected gang members, drug dealers, or cartel members from the United States.” This law gives the president authority to bypass immigration courts, although critics argue that it only applies when the US is at war with a foreign government and cannot be used to deal with transnational gangs and their members.

Last week, Trump shared an article on his Truth Social platform suggesting that he would declare a national emergency and “use military assets to reverse the [President Joe] Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.”

According to the CBS poll, 82% of respondents want Trump to use immigration and border patrol agencies to carry out the deportations, while 40% support the use of the US military.

Harris repeatedly criticized Trump’s deportation plans on the campaign trail, arguing that it would “tear families apart.” Speaking to CBS last month, Homan dismissed this concern, declaring that “families can be deported together.”

Several Democrat mayors and governors have pledged to resist any deportation operation, with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey stating that she would “absolutely not” allow state police to assist federal immigration agents, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy telling reporters that his administration would take any “action we deem to be necessary” to stymie Trump’s plans.

”If you’re not going to help us, get the hell out of the way because we’re going to do it,” Homan told Fox News earlier this month.

Pet dog killed in violent Kaipara home invasion, three arrested

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Pet dog killed in violent Kaipara home invasion, three arrested
Kaipara crime news
Stock photo.

Three men face serious charges over a violent aggravated burglary of a home in the Kaipara District.

Police made the arrests in the Bay of Plenty on Sunday, following an investigation which spanned across the upper North Island over the weekend.

The three men are alleged to have forced their way into the property in Oruawharo on Friday morning.

Its occupants were subject to a violent assault, tragically killing the family’s pet dog, before fleeing the property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, of Waitematā CIB, says Police worked around the clock to identify and locate the alleged offenders.

“The offenders allegedly ransacked the property, with one of the victim’s requiring hospitalisation,” he says.

“Early on we had information about persons and vehicles of interest in the investigation travelling into the Rotorua area and onto further locations in the Bay of Plenty.”

Police cleared an address in Kawerau, after one vehicle was seen on Sewell Street.

“Armed Police cordoned off the property, before arresting two men nearby who had left the address in a vehicle prior to Police arrival,” Detective Senior Sergeant Williams says.

“The third suspect was located in a vehicle in the car park of a supermarket in Kawerau, and he too was arrested.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Williams says the Police investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges cannot be ruled out.

Three men aged 27, 29 and 35 will appear in the Whakatāne District court today charged with aggravated burglary, commission of a crime with a firearm, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and intentional damage.

“This was a coordinated effort between multiple Police districts to identify, locate, and arrest these men within three days of their alleged offending.

“We acknowledge the support from our colleagues in the Northland, Waitematā and Bay of Plenty districts in this investigation”.

“It’s had a profound impact on the victims, one of which has only recently been discharged from hospital after surgery.”

Image credit: Scott Rodgerson

Health NZ announces further job cuts

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Health NZ announces further job cuts

Health NZ job cuts news

Health New Zealand is preparing for more redundancies, with an internal memo acknowledging the emotional toll of such news during the holiday season.

The memo, seen by the legacy media outlet NZ Herald outlines changes to the Hauora Māori group, including the disestablishment of some roles, with individual meetings set up for affected staff. A formal consultation process will follow an all-staff hui, with letters confirming the impact on all employees. This is part of Health NZ’s cost-saving efforts led by its Te Whatu Ora Central Change Team, aiming to address financial pressures.

Dr. Nick Chamberlain, Health NZ’s national director of public health service, highlighted the strain on staff in another memo, applauding their resilience and participation in support sessions while urging patience as the agency moves forward with its “reset proposal.”

More than 650 roles have been cut this year, with over 400 voluntary redundancies approved since August.

Chief executive Margie Apa said the focus was on efficiency and frontline healthcare, as the agency aims to save $1.4 billion under commissioner Professor Lester Levy. Staff are also required to take leave from December 23 to January 12.

Critical failures in pregnancy ultrasounds lead to tragic outcomes, report finds

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Critical failures in pregnancy ultrasounds lead to tragic outcomes, report finds
Pregnancy news
Stock photo.

A report by Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rose Wall described significant failures in the handling of ultrasounds during two separate pregnancies, leading to delayed diagnoses of critical conditions.

In the first case, congenital pulmonary airway malformation was missed in a foetus across multiple scans, delaying necessary treatment until 36 weeks, which could have started at 20 weeks. Suboptimal imaging, incorrect labeling, and a failure to recommend tertiary referral were key factors. The baby required complex surgeries, including lung removal, due to the late diagnosis.

The second case involved a twin pregnancy where renal anomalies in one twin were overlooked across five scans, resulting in the twin’s death three days after birth. The radiologist failed to review all images or recommend follow-ups despite early evidence of abnormalities.

Both practitioners involved were referred to professional boards, and the radiology service has since implemented additional training and audits. Recommendations were also made to improve radiology standards and accountability to prevent future breaches of healthcare rights.

Image credit: Getty Images

Starmer condemned over ‘broken promises’ as petition for new UK election surges to 1.4 million

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Starmer condemned over ‘broken promises’ as petition for new UK election surges to 1.4 million

Keir Starmer news

Just months after Keir Starmer’s sweeping General Election win public backlash has erupted, with over 1.4 million Britons signing a petition demanding another vote.

Critics accuse Starmer of betraying key manifesto promises, citing contentious moves like cutting Winter Fuel Payments and proposing a £40 billion tax hike.

The overwhelming response has triggered a Westminster Hall debate, though there is little chance of a new election being called.

Despite Labour’s massive 411-seat super-majority, the petition highlights growing dissatisfaction and social discord, amplified by Labour’s recent nine-point drop in the polls.

Starmer’s opposition seized the moment, with remaining Tory MPs and others preparing to weaponise the debate ahead of the 2025 Local Elections.

The petition’s organiser Michael Westwood lambasted the Prime Minister for “broken promises,” echoing frustrations of voters across the spectrum.

On holding petition debates, the UK Government website says: “Petitions which reach 100,000 signatures are almost always debated. But we may decide not to put a petition forward for debate if the issue has already been debated recently or there’s a debate scheduled for the near future.”

Polls now show the Conservatives narrowly leading Labour at 28% to 25%, with Reform UK and other parties also gaining ground.

Names of Danish and American victims of Laos methanol poisoning released

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Names of Danish and American victims of Laos methanol poisoning released

Three tourists, including Danish women Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and American James Louis Hutson, 57, died in Vang Vieng, Laos, from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol.

The victims were staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel, now under investigation. The Danish women fell ill after visiting a bar and died in hospital, while Hutson was found dead in his room with empty drink glasses nearby. The governor of Vang Vieng has vowed to prosecute those responsible and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Methanol, a cheap but lethal additive in bootleg alcohol, is suspected in the deaths.

German trans cop accused of drugging and assaulting colleagues with genital pump

Daily Telegraph NZ
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German trans cop accused of drugging and assaulting colleagues with genital pump
German news
KitKatClub logo – social media.

A German transgender police officer, “Judy S.”, is under investigation for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting two male colleagues, according to reports by Bild.

The 27-year-old suspect, who had previously sought a position as deputy women’s representative within the Berlin police force, allegedly met the victims at Berlin’s KitKatClub, known for its sex parties.

Bild reported that Judy S. invited the men to her apartment, where they claimed they abstained from drugs but became unexpectedly intoxicated and incapacitated. #

The suspect then reportedly used a penis pump and other items to assault the men, causing serious injuries, including to their genitals.

A police search of her apartment reportedly uncovered cocaine. Authorities confirmed the raid and described it as “successful” but withheld further details pending the ongoing investigation.

Scots end Autumn Series with commanding win over Wallabies

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Scots end Autumn Series with commanding win over Wallabies

Scotland capped their Autumn Nations Series with a dominant 27-13 victory over Australia at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, scoring three second-half tries.

After trailing early to a Noah Lolesio penalty, Scotland led 7-3 at halftime through Sione Tuipulotu’s try and Finn Russell’s penalty.

The second half saw standout performances, including a spectacular try by Duhan van der Merwe, reclaiming his spot as Scotland’s all-time try scorer. Substitute Josh Bayliss and orchestrator Russell added further tries before Harry Potter’s late response for the Wallabies.

The win marks a strong series for Scotland, with three victories from four matches, having also beaten Fiji and Portugal while losing to South Africa.

India slams ‘optical illusion’ UN climate finance deal

Daily Telegraph NZ
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India slams ‘optical illusion’ UN climate finance deal

India - COP28 news

New Delhi says the $300 billion spending goal for battling climate change is a “paltry sum” that in no way reflects the needs of the Global South.

India has rejected the climate spending goal adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku on Sunday. Chandni Raina, an advisor at India’s Finance Ministry and COP29 negotiator for India, slammed the deal as an “optical illusion” that does not reflect the needs of the countries of the Global South.

After three years of talks, the COP29 member countries have agreed to provide $300 billion in annual spending on climate action, with an overall target to reach “at least $1.3 trillion” in climate financing by 2035.” The target, otherwise known as the new collective quantified goal (NCQG), will replace the existing $100 billion goal that is due to expire next year.

Under the deal, developed countries are obligated to “take the lead” in providing financing, while developing countries can contribute as well, albeit voluntarily. Developed countries welcomed the agreement as marking a breakthrough, but India and a host of developing countries saw it as woefully inadequate to address the global climate crisis.

“The proposed goal will not solve our issues. The amount suggested for mobilization is woefully insufficient; it’s a meager sum that won’t enable effective climate action,” Raina stated, emphasizing that the agreement does not adequately address the significant challenges facing developing countries.

“I regret to say that this document is nothing more than an optical illusion. We oppose its adoption,” she added. Raina also said it was “unacceptable” that the deal envisions developing countries contributing to financing climate action, calling it “a deflection of the responsibility.” The delegate also lambasted the summit organizers for not allowing India take a stand and voice its objections prior to announcing the adoption of the deal, which she said was deliberate.

A host of developing nations joined India in criticizing the COP29 deal. The Nigerian representative called the $300 billion goal “a joke,” while Bolivia slammed it as an “insult and a flagrant violation of justice and climate equity.” Ali Mohamed, speaking on behalf of more than 50 African nations, called the deal “too little, too late for a continent facing climate devastation while contributing least to emissions.” He noted that an estimated $5.1–6.8 trillion is needed for climate action by 2030. The Association of Small Island States (AOSIS), a group of 43 island nations quit the summit saying that the COP29 discussions “were not offering a progressive way forward.”

On Saturday, climate activists staged a protest at COP29, demanding that developed countries meet their climate spending commitments. Protesters chanted slogans and waved banners that read “Global North, pay up trillions not billions” and “Rich countries, pay your climate debt.”

Image credit: Getty Images

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