The Roles of Parliament

As an added bonus to our learning about government in social studies today; we learned about the roles of each branch in the government and what their jobs are. The three branches are the Executive Council, Legislative, and the Judiciary branch. All three branches have their own specific role which is displayed in the drawing above.

Justice in the Tasman Sea

Most recently, JM Andrew Little and Deputy PM Winston Peters conflicted with the misleading of former immigration minister (Peter Dutton) to deport New Zealanders living in Australia. Some weren’t even given the chance to have their say in court to prove whether their innocent or not.

Now that there is a new PM (Scott Morrison) in Australia, the New Zealand government is hoping to make dialogue to mend the relationship between the trans-Tasman countries (Australia & New Zealand). I agree with their idea of making dialogue with the new government, especially with the familiarity of Scott and our country. It really helps to have someone who sees both sides of the story.

Government Decision - My Opinion

I agree and disagree with the fact that foreign landowners should not be allowed to sell Nz bottled water overseas.

My reason for disagreeing with the green party’s decision is because, I think that when someone purchases something, they should have full control over it once they own the item. Whatever they want to do, they shouldn’t have others persecute their decisions.

But then again, New Zealand has every right to be upset that these customers are extracting Nz natural resources and making a profit out of it overseas.

Companies like the Chinese bottler Nongfu Spring Co Ltd. should at least include something like New Zealand Natural Stream Water to show gratitude towards the Tangata Whenua in Aotearoa for their service in allowing them to sell bottled water.

Cybersmart

What does it mean to be cyber smart and why it is important?

To be cyber smart means to be safe and sensible when online, whether it be social media or just the internet in general. E.g. keeping in mind that whatever you do online is there permanently (even if you attempt to erase that page, post etc.), the internet never forgets.

• What are two things you learned about being cyber smart and how can you apply it to your own life?

One thing that I’ve learned about being cyber smart is that you can leave footprints whilst online. These footprints can either be negative or positive footprints. If I wanted to leave a positive footprint online I would have to think about whether it’s sensible, safe or appropriate to put up on the net.

• Describe one of each:
• A personal strategy a young person can do to help themselves if they are being cyberbullied

If someone is being cyberbullied, one thing that they can do to help themselves is to talk to someone that they trust. E.g. their dean, social worker, parents or even just an elder that is trustworthy.

• An interpersonal strategy a young person can do to help their friend who is being cyberbullied

You could stick by them, let them know that they don’t have to be alone in their situation. If they don’t want you involved talk to an elder that both you and this friend who is being bullied trusts, have them talk to your friend and help sort things out.  

• A personal strategy a young person who finds themselves bullying other young people can do to help build their self-esteem and change their behavior

Let’s say you find yourself constantly wanting to annoy others, which may even cause you to bully someone. And suddenly you realize what you are doing and that it’s causing other people damage. The first thing you should do (if your willing to change) is to take back everything you’ve done and apologize to the victim. This will not only prevent suicide on the victim it’ll save you from being charged, prosecuted and the police won’t have to be involved.

• Tips to give to the year 6s about how they could become cyber smart

One thing that I think people aged 10 - 12 years old should know about being cyber smart is that one positive voice can make a big difference. To me, this phrase is an example of being cyber smart in the real world. It means if everyone is being the bystanders and just spectating a cyberbullying situation, then only one person stands up for the victim, that puts a positive impact on the survivor (person being bullied) whilst they are going through a difficult time.

So which will you pick, to be a spectator (supporting and cheering on the cruel bully) or will you be the small light in the dark room?

Ban on Plastic Bags

Today in social studies I read an article about the Government's decision to ban plastic bags. Although the use of plastic bags has a big safety impact on the environment (animals, seas, etc.) it is very useful to the public.

If they were to ban the use of plastic bags, that will be a big impact on the public especially for those who purchase bags while shopping and then reuse it in the house for trash. In exchange for not banning plastic bags in New Zealand, the public should work together to try and prevent plastic bags from being littered and causing catastrophic impacts on animals and on the land.