What we’re about
This group is for people who enjoy discussing interesting topics such as culture, history, philosophy, science, and religion. It is for those who are willing to question their own ideas and open to new and differing ideas.
As host, I will occasionally use Socratic irony; posing provocative questions to challenge your thinking and take you out of your comfort zone. If you are easily offended or overly sensitive, this might not be the forum for you.
Some meetings will be face-to-face on the North Shore of Auckland, while others will be online.
The in-person meetings are likely to be monthly on the North Shore of Auckland (probably near Smales Farm), at times to suit potential attendees (possibly Monday evening or weekend lunchtime).
The online meetings will use Microsoft Teams, which will work in a browser but will works better using the app, which you can download from:
Download Microsoft Teams Desktop and Mobile Apps | Microsoft Teams
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Operation Good Oil & Channel Infrastructure NZ Annual Shareholders MeetingPonsonby Community Centre, Auckland
Rock The Vote NZ are pleased to host the team of Operation Good Oil, C.A.F.E.S - Collective Action For Energy Stability, and Karl Barkley of the Buy Back Controlling Shares of Marsden Point campaign for their Pre Channel Infrastructure NZ Annual Shareholders meeting.
The general public and shareholders are invited to attend, either in person or on Zoom. The link to join online is here: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../register/DfR4jzDwQ2-7H_yrwsNDwA
or book your seat by emailing admin@cafes.org.nz (limited seating)
The general public shareholding now sits at 67.3 percent according to simplywall.street. This gives us an undeniable chance to vote in favour of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery reinstatement / refurbishment and/or rebuild via shareholder voting.
We will speak on the closure, dividends, state of the bitumen, reports from Worley and MBIE and other relevant information that combines corporate and government decision-making processes leading to the events of today within the CHI structure.
Operation Good Oil is an information and awareness campaign made up of a dedicated team of concerned Kiwis who seek to bring the truth of New Zealand’s current looming energy crisis into the light of day.
The C.A.F.E.S. Collective Action For Energy Stability group is dedicated to advocating for energy stability in New Zealand, with a primary focus on fuel resources. Our objectives include:
* Reopening of Marsden Point Refinery:
- Actively campaign for the reopening of New Zealand's only refinery, Marsden Point, recognising its pivotal role in national energy security and economic stability.
- Engage with stakeholders and policymakers to promote the strategic importance of Marsden Point in the national energy infrastructure.
* Educational Outreach:
- Develop and disseminate educational material and resources to raise public awareness about the significance of reliable fuel resources in New Zealand.
- Organise workshops, seminars, and discussions to educate the community on the complexities and challenges surrounding fuel resources and energy stability.
* Exploration of Alternative Fuel Resources:
- Research and advocate for the exploration and development of alternative fuel resources to diversify and secure New Zealand's energy future.
- Collaborate with experts and industry leaders to stay abreast of advancements and innovations in alternative fuel technologies.
* Community Engagement and Events:
- Host community events to engage the public in meaningful dialogue about energy stability and the importance of fuel resources.
- Foster a collaborative environment for sharing ideas, strategies, and best practices related to energy sustainability and security.
* Policy Advocacy:
- Work towards influencing energy policies that prioritise the sustainability and stability of fuel resources in New Zealand.
- Advocate for regulations and initiatives that support the responsible and efficient use of fuel resources while minimizing environmental impact.
* Networking and Collaboration:
- Establish a network of individuals, organisations, and communities passionate about ensuring energy stability through sustainable fuel resource management.
- Promote collaboration and partnerships to leverage collective expertise and resources in achieving our goals.
The Buy Back Controlling Shares of Marsden Point group's goal is to form an aligned group of shareholders which helps when it comes to voting outcomes.
** Note: the groups represented at this event are not affiliated with and their participation is not an indication that they endorse or represent Rock The Vote NZ ** - Deep Thinkers in Person: Gun Rights are Women's RightsThe Backyard Bar, Auckland
Gun Control vs The Right to Bear Arms
The right to keep and bear arms is a legal right for people to possess weapons (arms) for the preservation of life, liberty, and property. The purpose of gun rights is for self-defense, including security against tyranny, as well as hunting and sporting activities. Countries that guarantee the right to keep and bear arms include the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Ukraine, Mexico, the Philippines, the United States, Yemen, and Switzerland.
Right to keep and bear arms - WikipediaFollowing the tragic loss of life by a terrorist in Christchurch Mosque shootings, the New Zealand Government rushed though, under urgency, an amendment to the Arms Act 1983 preventing the sale and possession of military style semi-automatic firearms along with a range of other measure.
A group of licenced firearms holders formed the Kiwi Party Inc to challenge the legality of that action. However, a High Court Judge strike-out their claims in relation to the legislation. They appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court, unanimously, rejected all of their arguments.
The Kiwi Party claimed that New Zealanders had a ‘constitutional right to bear arms’ which allowed them to have access to semi-automatic weapons. The Court of Appeal dismissed this entirely. The Court said that there is no constitutional right to bear arms in New Zealand and there never has been.However, it has been argued that "Gun Rights are Women's Rights". In doing so, they acknowledge that the right to self-defense is not just a matter of personal security, but a fundamental civil right — one that intersects with women’s empowerment, safety and responsible gun ownership.
See Also:
Women’s Rights, Firearm Ownership and Self-Defense – Women for Gun Rights
Are gun rights women’s rights? Antonia Okafor Cover offers a feminist argument for gun ownership
Gun Rights Are Women's Rights | 5 Minute Video
The feminist case for gun rights | Practical EthicsCUSTOMS:
You must register and be on the “Attendees - Going” list to attend.
Bring $2 to cover Meetup costs.RSVP POLICY:
RSVPs and cancellations will be accepted up until 6 hours before the start of the meetup so that people who feel unwell on the day have time to change their RSVP and allow someone else to attend.
Please only click 'attend' if you are going to come, and remember to change your RSVP if you need to change plans.No-shows will be removed from the group; i.e. being registered to attend and not attending OR cancelling your attendance after 2:00pm on the day will be considered a 'No Show'.
This RSVP policy has become necessary due to the high number of last-minute withdrawals and non-attendance. This unfairly causes people on the Waiting List to miss out. Thanks for your cooperation. - Deep Thinkers Online - "Who's Afraid of Tariffs?"Link visible for attendees
The weaponization of tariffs by US President Donald Trump has clearly generated fear and loathing across the world. These threats are not only purely performative; nor are they just transactional in nature.
The logic of these tariff threats in most cases is questionable at best, and the declared aims are varied: from demanding “parity” of tariffs with trading partners no matter what their level of development, to seeing any bilateral trade deficits with other countries as inherently problematic, to viewing threats of tariffs as a measure to force other policy changes on the part of the trading partner.However, the panic about the possible tariffs and their impact that is being spread especially by popular media in many lower income countries, is overplayed. It is important to keep in perspective the significance of the US economy as a major importer, even for lower income countries. The truth is that the US is much less important in driving world trade than it was in the decade leading up to the Global Financial Crisis, and it is certainly less significant for Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) which effectively encompass the set of lower and middle income countries around the world.
See also:
Why Trump's tariff chaos actually makes sense (big picture)
Is Labour Wrecking the Economy | Catherine McBride x Peter McCormack ShowThe online meetings will use Microsoft Teams, which will work in a browser but will works better using the app, which you can download from:
Download Microsoft Teams Desktop and Mobile Apps | Microsoft Teams
For a guide see:
Get started with Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support
