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Thread ID: 54610 2005-02-17 07:51:00 What Will It Take For New Zealand to Become a Knowledge Superpower? vinref (6194) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
325897 2005-02-18 22:32:00 Quote from Murrays article re: offenders with no remorse: " But those who were at higher risk of re-offending needed more intense treatment."

Perhaps some intense treatment by Abu Musab al Zarqawi would prevent re-offending :@@:
Terry Porritt (14)
325898 2005-02-19 05:51:00 The kids in that article are a bit of a worry Murray. I understood that sociopathic (psycopathic) behaviour was learned in childhood. So its the parents we need to look at. A bit late. Winston001 (3612)
325899 2005-02-20 02:53:00 A New Scientist of about a year ago had an article which said that the Australian scientific and IT communities would be big losers if the Australia got its "Free Trade" agreement with the US. They'll find out. ;) Graham L (2)
325900 2005-02-21 08:00:00 ...but expatriate New Zealanders don't go back to New Zealand to set up these wonderful tech companies? I have worked and studied with many Indians who tell me that New Zealand has a lot more freedom, is more socially, politically and economically stable, and the people and the environment are a lot nicer than in India. So what's the hold-up?

One thought: New Zealanders, being more akin to other English-speaking Westerners, integrate more easily into other English-speaking Western cultures and will tend to remain there when they find work. Indians on the other hand, do not integrate as well, and so would return home and start up businesses there.

It is like me in Australia - there is not much difference between here and New Zealand, except for me there is more opportunity and fun here, so I am not coming back unless I have a really really good reason. Any other expatriate New Zealanders living overseas reading this board?

If this is the case, New Zealand should not waste time and taxpayer money trying to make itself a knowledge superpower.
vinref (6194)
325901 2005-02-22 20:31:00 A little something that hit my mailbox this morning, from a trusted source I hasten to add. You may have seen it or something similar before and, although its commenting on the US malaise it has parallels for good old NZ.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has
been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his
birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing
when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that
life isn't always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more
than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are
in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a
classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and
a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his
condition.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent
to administer Panadol to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a
student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became
contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better
treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realise that
a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was
promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his
wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I'm A Whinger and
I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If you still remember him pass this on, if not join the majority and do
nothing.
Murray P (44)
325902 2005-02-22 21:04:00 It is like me in Australia - there is not much difference between here and New Zealand, except for me there is more opportunity and fun here, so I am not coming back unless I have a really really good reason. Any other expatriate New Zealanders living overseas reading this board?


I spent 5 years in Aussie, Found living in Sydney a soul killing experience, Concrete and smog as far as the eye could see, Hemmed in by 4 million others, Thousands of cars on rthe roads, hours spent getting home from work, and paying $350 a week for half a house.

My idea of Hell, Give me the green grass and black sand of Wanganui any day.
Metla (12)
325903 2005-02-22 22:24:00 I spent 5 years in Aussie, Found living in Sydney a soul killing experience, Concrete and smog as far as the eye could see, Hemmed in by 4 million others, Thousands of cars on rthe roads, hours spent getting home from work, and paying $350 a week for half a house.

My idea of Hell, Give me the green grass and black sand of Wanganui any day.

I have met a few foreign academics and uni staff who moved to New Zealand from other countries for the same reason. The only thing that wasn't so good about New Zealand was the pay.
vinref (6194)
325904 2005-02-23 00:37:00 The only thing that wasn't so good about New Zealand was the pay.

The pay might be less but the cost of living is also less.
CYaBro (73)
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