@drsonz.bsky.social
Reposted
Really feel for my Middlemore colleagues.
None of this is a surprise.
A focus on efficiency creates a system which is "optimised but brittle". We place the load on staff as they work harder to maintain safe care despite this.
And they do, until they can't.
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz_...
None of this is a surprise.
A focus on efficiency creates a system which is "optimised but brittle". We place the load on staff as they work harder to maintain safe care despite this.
And they do, until they can't.
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz_...
September 22, 2026 at 1:56 AM
Really feel for my Middlemore colleagues.
None of this is a surprise.
A focus on efficiency creates a system which is "optimised but brittle". We place the load on staff as they work harder to maintain safe care despite this.
And they do, until they can't.
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz_...
None of this is a surprise.
A focus on efficiency creates a system which is "optimised but brittle". We place the load on staff as they work harder to maintain safe care despite this.
And they do, until they can't.
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz_...
Reposted
This needs a serious look -- NZ First copied their health policy almost word-for-word from the website of an advocacy group stuffed with fringe practitioners and for-profit "supplement" pedlars... www.stuff.co.nz/politics/361...
NZ First’s health policy copy-pasted from advocacy group’s website
New Zealand First released a health policy on Sunday that is largely copy-and-pasted from a charitable trust called Make New Zealand Healthy.
www.stuff.co.nz
September 22, 2026 at 1:58 AM
This needs a serious look -- NZ First copied their health policy almost word-for-word from the website of an advocacy group stuffed with fringe practitioners and for-profit "supplement" pedlars... www.stuff.co.nz/politics/361...
Reposted
I've been told The Post is going to remove the paywall on this article because the issue is so important.
Please read and share with your friends. Ask your local candidates if they will fight to strengthen the #OIA and will resist efforts to weaken it
#nzpol #FOI
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/361...
Please read and share with your friends. Ask your local candidates if they will fight to strengthen the #OIA and will resist efforts to weaken it
#nzpol #FOI
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/361...
OIA crackdown: Government eyes tougher rules, fees and limits on requesters
Exclusive: Justice officials have mapped out post-election changes to the OIA, including tougher refusal grounds, new fees and restrictions on frequent requesters - backed by a disputed $750m cost cla...
www.thepost.co.nz
September 18, 2026 at 4:03 AM
I've been told The Post is going to remove the paywall on this article because the issue is so important.
Please read and share with your friends. Ask your local candidates if they will fight to strengthen the #OIA and will resist efforts to weaken it
#nzpol #FOI
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/361...
Please read and share with your friends. Ask your local candidates if they will fight to strengthen the #OIA and will resist efforts to weaken it
#nzpol #FOI
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/361...
Reposted
Nice article
As we found during the Whakaari eruption, successful crisis management is built on the relationships of different teams over time.
Adapting to crisis in the moment is shaped by a long history of interactions.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergen...
As we found during the Whakaari eruption, successful crisis management is built on the relationships of different teams over time.
Adapting to crisis in the moment is shaped by a long history of interactions.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergen...
What if the person who saves us in a crisis quits their job?
Following a series of major disasters and inquiries that questioned New Zealand's capacity to deal with them, the new Emergency Management Act 2026 is the most significant improvement in more than two...
share.google
September 17, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Nice article
As we found during the Whakaari eruption, successful crisis management is built on the relationships of different teams over time.
Adapting to crisis in the moment is shaped by a long history of interactions.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergen...
As we found during the Whakaari eruption, successful crisis management is built on the relationships of different teams over time.
Adapting to crisis in the moment is shaped by a long history of interactions.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/emergen...
Reposted
I sure I've told this story before, but many moons ago I asked @rmi.bsky.social for advice on setting up Internet access for rangatahi that would prevent digital harm and his advice was "there's no firewall that works better than creating a community that sets expectations of behaviour"
August 25, 2026 at 1:10 AM
I sure I've told this story before, but many moons ago I asked @rmi.bsky.social for advice on setting up Internet access for rangatahi that would prevent digital harm and his advice was "there's no firewall that works better than creating a community that sets expectations of behaviour"
Reposted
National is keen to ban social media for under-16s.
It's a foolish idea that isn't based on any of the available evidence - it's a simplistic, feel-good approach that fails to create a safe internet for all.
Read more from me here:
drbex.substack.com/p/a-social-m...
It's a foolish idea that isn't based on any of the available evidence - it's a simplistic, feel-good approach that fails to create a safe internet for all.
Read more from me here:
drbex.substack.com/p/a-social-m...
A Social Media Ban Doesn’t Make Young People Safer
The evidence points in a different direction entirely
drbex.substack.com
August 24, 2026 at 8:21 AM
National is keen to ban social media for under-16s.
It's a foolish idea that isn't based on any of the available evidence - it's a simplistic, feel-good approach that fails to create a safe internet for all.
Read more from me here:
drbex.substack.com/p/a-social-m...
It's a foolish idea that isn't based on any of the available evidence - it's a simplistic, feel-good approach that fails to create a safe internet for all.
Read more from me here:
drbex.substack.com/p/a-social-m...
Reposted
Tax the shit out of social media companies and use that money to fund mental health care for kids and families. You’re welcome.
August 24, 2026 at 5:32 AM
Tax the shit out of social media companies and use that money to fund mental health care for kids and families. You’re welcome.
Reposted
there was a raft of ways to invest in cancer care, that should be prioritised over a large cancer hospital.
New Zealand needed a structure that enabled people to receive cancer treatment close to home.
"Centralising care in one or two places for all cancers, is ... a crazy idea, really."
#nzpol
New Zealand needed a structure that enabled people to receive cancer treatment close to home.
"Centralising care in one or two places for all cancers, is ... a crazy idea, really."
#nzpol
Otago oncology professor calls ACT's cancer centre policy 'magical thinking'
ACT's proposal to build a national cancer centre is being labelled a fantasy by an oncology professor.
www.rnz.co.nz
August 23, 2026 at 3:40 AM
there was a raft of ways to invest in cancer care, that should be prioritised over a large cancer hospital.
New Zealand needed a structure that enabled people to receive cancer treatment close to home.
"Centralising care in one or two places for all cancers, is ... a crazy idea, really."
#nzpol
New Zealand needed a structure that enabled people to receive cancer treatment close to home.
"Centralising care in one or two places for all cancers, is ... a crazy idea, really."
#nzpol
Reposted
I have not hired
the nurses
that were in
the tertiary institutions
and which
you were probably
thinking
would be hired immediately
Forgive me
they were disposable
so numerous
and so essential to reduce costs
#nzpol
the nurses
that were in
the tertiary institutions
and which
you were probably
thinking
would be hired immediately
Forgive me
they were disposable
so numerous
and so essential to reduce costs
#nzpol
August 22, 2026 at 7:12 PM
I have not hired
the nurses
that were in
the tertiary institutions
and which
you were probably
thinking
would be hired immediately
Forgive me
they were disposable
so numerous
and so essential to reduce costs
#nzpol
the nurses
that were in
the tertiary institutions
and which
you were probably
thinking
would be hired immediately
Forgive me
they were disposable
so numerous
and so essential to reduce costs
#nzpol
Reposted
The words "climate change", "fossil fuels" and "greenhouse gases" don't appear anywhere in the new science and social science curriculums, my colleague Hanna McCallum reports.
newsroom.co.nz/2026/08/14/c...
newsroom.co.nz/2026/08/14/c...
Climate change omitted from new science and social science curriculums
The Ministry of Education drops all mentions of climate change and fossil fuels from new school curriculums, sparking alarm from an academic and educator
newsroom.co.nz
August 17, 2026 at 3:00 AM
The words "climate change", "fossil fuels" and "greenhouse gases" don't appear anywhere in the new science and social science curriculums, my colleague Hanna McCallum reports.
newsroom.co.nz/2026/08/14/c...
newsroom.co.nz/2026/08/14/c...
Reposted
Btw everyone, taking this moment of NZ political theatre (sorry rest of the world) to remind you in all seriousness to get enrolled, and make sure all folks you know are enrolled too.
August 11, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Btw everyone, taking this moment of NZ political theatre (sorry rest of the world) to remind you in all seriousness to get enrolled, and make sure all folks you know are enrolled too.
Reposted
"ACT isn't innovating, they are recklessly setting up a shadow system instead of supporting the existing one to do its job."
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/960773/gps-oppose-act-s-proposal-to-extend-pharmacists-power
#nzpol
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/960773/gps-oppose-act-s-proposal-to-extend-pharmacists-power
#nzpol
GPs oppose ACT's proposal to extend pharmacists' power
General Practitioners Aotearoa says ACT's proposal to expand pharmacists power is a red flag for a failing health system.
www.rnz.co.nz
August 11, 2026 at 8:21 AM
"ACT isn't innovating, they are recklessly setting up a shadow system instead of supporting the existing one to do its job."
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/960773/gps-oppose-act-s-proposal-to-extend-pharmacists-power
#nzpol
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/960773/gps-oppose-act-s-proposal-to-extend-pharmacists-power
#nzpol
Reposted
Can’t stop thinking about the total lack of consideration that women and girls will be unable to consent to being filmed in this decision by Kmart - and it is women and girls who will be targeted by men, because if it was men whose privacy was being impacted these glasses would not be sold.
#nzpol
#nzpol
Kmart smart glasses in sharp focus over privacy concerns
The glasses have in-built cameras that can take pictures and videos, with a Kmart version of the product recently selling out in stores.
www.1news.co.nz
August 9, 2026 at 4:19 AM
Can’t stop thinking about the total lack of consideration that women and girls will be unable to consent to being filmed in this decision by Kmart - and it is women and girls who will be targeted by men, because if it was men whose privacy was being impacted these glasses would not be sold.
#nzpol
#nzpol
Reposted
For the love of dogs, can someone explain the term "margin of error" to headline writers?
August 7, 2026 at 1:44 AM
For the love of dogs, can someone explain the term "margin of error" to headline writers?
Reposted
I have called
for a referendum
that we have
already had twice
and which
you were probably
thinking
we shouldn’t have again
Forgive me
it was pleasant
to think
and fantasise
that Peters
would not be Foreign Minister
#nzpol
for a referendum
that we have
already had twice
and which
you were probably
thinking
we shouldn’t have again
Forgive me
it was pleasant
to think
and fantasise
that Peters
would not be Foreign Minister
#nzpol
August 6, 2026 at 3:23 AM
I have called
for a referendum
that we have
already had twice
and which
you were probably
thinking
we shouldn’t have again
Forgive me
it was pleasant
to think
and fantasise
that Peters
would not be Foreign Minister
#nzpol
for a referendum
that we have
already had twice
and which
you were probably
thinking
we shouldn’t have again
Forgive me
it was pleasant
to think
and fantasise
that Peters
would not be Foreign Minister
#nzpol
Reposted
This is great article. One of the great myths about assessment is putting people under pressure is a good thing. It's not. Pressure whilst managing a medical emergency is different and distinct to the pressure on feels in an exam. Pretending the two are the same really is absurd.
Un-patient centred doctors? Maybe it's how we assess #MedEd.
'when we design assessments prioritising speed, we may reproduce... constant urgency, rapid task switching and unilateral decision making [and]... unintentionally equate speed with competence.'
'when we design assessments prioritising speed, we may reproduce... constant urgency, rapid task switching and unilateral decision making [and]... unintentionally equate speed with competence.'
Validity for whom? Unpacking assessment validity from an inclusion perspective
Click on the article title to read more.
asmepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
August 4, 2026 at 6:24 PM
This is great article. One of the great myths about assessment is putting people under pressure is a good thing. It's not. Pressure whilst managing a medical emergency is different and distinct to the pressure on feels in an exam. Pretending the two are the same really is absurd.
Reposted
A vote for National or NZ First means returning ACT to power again.
ACT are gunning for workers, disabled people, and children. They will actively and intentionally make all our lives worse, except ofc for their wealthy donor class.
ACT are gunning for workers, disabled people, and children. They will actively and intentionally make all our lives worse, except ofc for their wealthy donor class.
August 5, 2026 at 5:31 AM
A vote for National or NZ First means returning ACT to power again.
ACT are gunning for workers, disabled people, and children. They will actively and intentionally make all our lives worse, except ofc for their wealthy donor class.
ACT are gunning for workers, disabled people, and children. They will actively and intentionally make all our lives worse, except ofc for their wealthy donor class.
Reposted
'Children only get one chance at childhood.
A baby hospitalised this winter cannot wait for a stronger economy.
A child growing up in poverty cannot pause their development until political consensus emerges.'
- Claire Achmad. #NzPol
A baby hospitalised this winter cannot wait for a stronger economy.
A child growing up in poverty cannot pause their development until political consensus emerges.'
- Claire Achmad. #NzPol
The plight of our children can't wait for politics
Children can't vote but inherit the consequences of government and societal failures for the longest time, writes outgoing Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad in a final plea
newsroom.co.nz
August 2, 2026 at 5:49 AM
'Children only get one chance at childhood.
A baby hospitalised this winter cannot wait for a stronger economy.
A child growing up in poverty cannot pause their development until political consensus emerges.'
- Claire Achmad. #NzPol
A baby hospitalised this winter cannot wait for a stronger economy.
A child growing up in poverty cannot pause their development until political consensus emerges.'
- Claire Achmad. #NzPol
Reposted
"As I conclude my term as Children’s Commissioner, one message I want to strongly emphasise is this: these negative childhood health outcomes are preventable.
The hardships experienced by children reflect the priorities the Government sets and the policies it chooses to invest in."
#votethemout
The hardships experienced by children reflect the priorities the Government sets and the policies it chooses to invest in."
#votethemout
The plight of our children can't wait for politics
Children can't vote but inherit the consequences of government and societal failures for the longest time, writes outgoing Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad in a final plea
newsroom.co.nz
July 30, 2026 at 7:54 PM
"As I conclude my term as Children’s Commissioner, one message I want to strongly emphasise is this: these negative childhood health outcomes are preventable.
The hardships experienced by children reflect the priorities the Government sets and the policies it chooses to invest in."
#votethemout
The hardships experienced by children reflect the priorities the Government sets and the policies it chooses to invest in."
#votethemout
Reposted
Some excellent discussion about alternatives to a social media ban for teens that's more likely to hold big tech accountable for harm #nzpol
theconversation.com/the-jurys-ou...
theconversation.com/the-jurys-ou...
The jury’s out on social media bans. Here’s a better idea NZ can borrow from Australia
A version of Australia’s eSafety Commissioner could be a better way to tackle the online harm experienced by under-16s – and New Zealanders of all ages.
theconversation.com
July 29, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Some excellent discussion about alternatives to a social media ban for teens that's more likely to hold big tech accountable for harm #nzpol
theconversation.com/the-jurys-ou...
theconversation.com/the-jurys-ou...
Reposted
Great to see that National support 30 weeks Paid Parental Leave.
Especially after they voted against the introduction of PPL.
Blocked the extension to 26 weeks for several years.
Canceled 33 pay equity claims.
And just this year, cut Best Start payments for the majority of new parents.
Especially after they voted against the introduction of PPL.
Blocked the extension to 26 weeks for several years.
Canceled 33 pay equity claims.
And just this year, cut Best Start payments for the majority of new parents.
July 26, 2026 at 2:31 AM
Great to see that National support 30 weeks Paid Parental Leave.
Especially after they voted against the introduction of PPL.
Blocked the extension to 26 weeks for several years.
Canceled 33 pay equity claims.
And just this year, cut Best Start payments for the majority of new parents.
Especially after they voted against the introduction of PPL.
Blocked the extension to 26 weeks for several years.
Canceled 33 pay equity claims.
And just this year, cut Best Start payments for the majority of new parents.
Reposted
Reposted
senior male academics giving a conference paper, after being shown the "one more minute" sign
July 19, 2026 at 9:33 PM
senior male academics giving a conference paper, after being shown the "one more minute" sign
Reposted
.
Untitled
This book about extinct birds is heavier than any bird:
heavier than the dark bird eating my heart,
page after page of abandoned wings.
I lift it up and sit it on my lap
and listen to it purring.
.
Untitled
This book about extinct birds is heavier than any bird:
heavier than the dark bird eating my heart,
page after page of abandoned wings.
I lift it up and sit it on my lap
and listen to it purring.
.
July 18, 2026 at 4:05 AM
.
Untitled
This book about extinct birds is heavier than any bird:
heavier than the dark bird eating my heart,
page after page of abandoned wings.
I lift it up and sit it on my lap
and listen to it purring.
.
Untitled
This book about extinct birds is heavier than any bird:
heavier than the dark bird eating my heart,
page after page of abandoned wings.
I lift it up and sit it on my lap
and listen to it purring.
.
Reposted
Our NZ Medical Journal editorial highlights Health Minister Simeon Brown‘s political interference in the Medical Council. His decision not to reappoint its chair and deputy chair reflects a broader ideological rejection of evidence by this government that threatens patient safety.
Doctors accuse Minister and Government of silencing scientists and threatening patient safety
Four senior physicians have criticised Simeon Brown’s handling of Medical Council appointments, while the Health Minister says the Government is putting patients ahead of ideology.
www.stuff.co.nz
July 16, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Our NZ Medical Journal editorial highlights Health Minister Simeon Brown‘s political interference in the Medical Council. His decision not to reappoint its chair and deputy chair reflects a broader ideological rejection of evidence by this government that threatens patient safety.