Latest news with #selfsufficiency
RNZ News
03-08-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Cook Islands opposition rejects independence, calls for greater self-sufficiency
Cook Islands leader of the opposition Tina Browne Photo: Caleb Fotheringham The leader of the Cook Islands opposition Tina Browne wants the country to be more self-sufficient, but says there is no desire to be independent from New Zealand. The Cook Islands marks 60 years of self-governance in free association with New Zealand on 4 August. Rarotonga has been flooded with high-profile visitors, including the Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Baron Waqa and leaders from French Polynesia, Niue, Tonga, and Tuvalu. But New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are not present . The Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro is representing New Zealand at the event instead. "The politicians recognise that it's sad that New Zealand's not here, but Cook Islanders are great at celebrating events and that's exactly what we're doing," Browne said. Peters has challenged Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown to hold an independence referendum. However, opposition leader Browne said it was not needed. "We don't need a referendum to say to New Zealand that we don't want independence, not now." She said she agrees with her government's direction in trying to be more self-sufficient. "I understand [the] government's decision to go out looking for development funds, and I agree with that direction. But I certainly don't agree to [severing] our relationship with New Zealand." Browne said she was concerned about the contents of the agreements, particularly the overarching Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China . She said having China's support in maritime development, such as building ports in the Northern Group, or being involved in deep sea mining could undermine national security. "Just have a look around in the Pacific and how others are engaging with China and what the outcomes are. I certainly don't want us, the Cooks, to be in that situation." Another opposition MP Teariki Heather, who is the leader of Cook Islands United Party, said he wants Prime Minister Brown to apologise to the New Zealand government. He disagrees that New Zealand needed to consult with the Cook Islands, which Brown has suggested is a requirement under the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration. "We don't aid New Zealand, New Zealand aids the Cook Islands," Heather said, who led a protest against Brown's leadership in February. Heather said he had not read the agreements between China and the Cook Islands - which have been made public. Looking to the future, Heather wants a bigger focus on agriculture, so that eggs for example are farmed domestically, not imported from New Zealand or Samoa. Heather said he was also very concerned about depopulation. "We have nothing here at the moment to serve our people… we need our people to live and stay in our paradise." Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown declined a request for an interview. New Zealand Green MP and Cook Islander Teanau Tuiono in Rarotonga, collecting his scooter license Photo: Caleb Fotheringham Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson and fellow MP Teanau Tuiono are the only New Zealand MPs attending the celebrations. As a Cook Islander, Tuiono said it was important for him to be in Rarotonga. "But also, that relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands is something that should be celebrated. It's 60 years, so it's incredibly significant for the people here, but also for our communities back home in Aotearoa." Tuiono said it was important to remember the long-shared history of the Cook Islands, including family ties with Māori from Aotearoa and Cook Islands Māori, WWI participation, as well as the contribution Cook Islanders make in New Zealand society.
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
12 Reasons Homesteading Is Trending
More millennials and Gen-Z are returning to traditional homesteads, and you might wonder why. If you heard about a lifestyle that offers simplicity, sustainability, and a closer connection to nature, wouldn't you be curious to try it out? Homesteading is becoming more popular, and more and more people are trading the hustle and bustle of corporate city life for a taste of the good old days. Some are looking to escape the relentless notifications of modern life, while others are tired of not knowing where their food comes from. And as it turns out, there are plenty of perks to this back-to-basics approach. Here are 12 compelling reasons why homesteading is on the rise. From 1/4 acre square foot gardening to raising chickens and goats, people are finding a return to old-school skills to be liberating. 1. Desire For Self-Sufficiency One big reason folks dive into homesteading is the itch for self-sufficiency. Convenience has been at a tug-of-war with quality, and families are now eager to reclaim the driver's seat in their lives. It's empowering to know you can rely on your own skills and resources. This sense of independence boosts confidence and provides peace of mind, knowing that you have the skills to provide for your family no matter what happens in the world. 2. Less Technology With smartphones, tablets, and laptops forever vying for our attention, it's no surprise we're all yearning for a tech detox. Homesteading is the ultimate unplugged adventure, where WiFi signals are weak, but the satisfaction of milking a goat is strong. Homesteading allows people to use technology differently and less frequently. Rather than staying perpetually connected and communicating with the world, it is used to learn things that are needed to survive—from constructing a chicken coop to knitting a sweater. Technology takes on a different meaning in this environment. 3. Environmental Awareness As climate change heats up, more people are trying to shrink their carbon footprint. Homesteading aligns seamlessly with this goal by promoting practices like composting and using renewable energy. This helps the planet and also instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship. There's joy in knowing you're contributing to a healthier world for future generations. 4. Control Over What You Eat Processed foods and questionable ingredients are the norm, and having control over what you eat is a powerful motivator for homesteading. If you want to be more mindful of your food and how it's grown and prepared, homesteading provides great insight into these processes. Growing your own fruits and vegetables, raising chickens for eggs, and even producing honey ensures that you know exactly what's on your plate. 5. It's a Cheaper Lifestyle Contrary to popular belief, homesteading can be a cost-effective way of living. While initial setup costs can be high, the long-term savings are substantial. Generating your energy and making household products can drastically reduce monthly expenses. Homesteading promotes resourcefulness and frugality. It's all about repurposing materials, bartering with neighbors, and coming up with creative solutions to everyday challenges. 6. Simplicity and Minimalism The minimalist movement has gained popularity in recent years, and homesteading embodies this principle. Living with less and focusing on what truly matters can lead to a more fulfilling and contented life. Homesteaders often find joy in the simple pleasures of daily tasks and the beauty of nature. Without the clutter and distractions of modern life, homesteaders can create spaces that are peaceful and functional. 7. Preparedness We're not hoping for the apocalypse anytime soon, but homesteading equips individuals with the skills and resources needed to weather unforeseen circumstances. This extends from natural disasters to economic downturns. Homesteading involves stockpiling food, learning essential survival skills, and becoming self-reliant. It also helps promote intrinsic psychological resilience, which is vital to the lifestyle. 8. Sense of Community and Connection Do you know who your neighbor is? Homesteading breeds a sense of community and connection that is often lacking in city communities. Most homesteaders will participate in local farmers' markets and attend homesteading workshops. These interactions build strong, supportive networks, which is great for mental well-being and bringing up kids. 9. Educational Opportunities Homesteading is like nature's classroom with endless lessons for all ages. From mastering the art of horse whispering to becoming a DIY guru in carpentry or soap-making, it's your ticket to a PhD in self-sufficiency. Homesteading provides a unique educational environment, especially for children who benefit greatly from the hands-on and traditional experiences, which can be more engaging and memorable than traditional classroom learning. 10. Returning to Roots Many folks are embracing homesteading as a means to channel their inner ancestors and revive ancient skills. It's like a time-travel journey, offering a nostalgic nod to tradition while keeping us connected to our roots in style. Engaging in activities that have been passed down through generations promotes a connection to one's past and a sense of identity. 11. Creative Outlet Homesteading offers a myriad of creative outlets, from designing a garden layout to crafting homemade goods. These activities provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that can be hard to find in other aspects of modern life. From baking bread and sewing clothes to building furniture, homesteaders have endless opportunities to express their creativity. 12. Desire For Authentic Experiences These days, real-life experiences are rare, while virtual ones are everywhere. That's why the craving for authenticity makes homesteading so appealing. There's nothing like getting your hands dirty with tasks that offer genuine, meaningful experiences. Watching plants grow, harvesting fruits and vegetables, and caring for animals create a sense of wonder and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
16-07-2025
- The Sun
We moved to a cheap as chips European country with 3 kids – houses are less than UK train tickets & our food shop is £43
A FAMILY-OF-FIVE have left the UK and moved to a cheap as chips European country. Now, not only are the houses cheaper than UK train tickets, but their weekly food shop has been majorly slashed too. 2 And that's not all, as luckily for these parents, who have three children, their petrol costs are also now a third of the price. Posting on social media, a couple who are known as 'Fresh Start Sticks', have shared an insight into their new life in Bulgaria. The family made the decision to move abroad in search of a 'homesteading life,' which is a lifestyle focused on self-sufficiency and often involves practices such as small-scale farming, food preservation, and crafting. Standing in front of their three-bedroom house which they bought without viewing it in the flesh, the mother said: 'We bought a house in Bulgaria for less than a UK season train ticket, but the price is secondary to the reasons why we made the decision.' While the mother didn't confirm how much they paid for their home, the cost of a yearly train ticket in the UK varies significantly based on the specific route and class of travel. The most expensive annual train ticket in the UK is typically for journeys into London, with routes like Harlow Town to London Liverpool Street costing £3,496. However, some long-distance routes, such as those from Canterbury and Southampton into London, are set to rise more than £300 to £7,100 and £7,477 respectively. The savvy mum explained that buying the home was a 'massive risk' and while it 'isn't perfect' it's worth it for them. She then acknowledged their reasons for leaving the UK, as the content creator highlighted: 'We were running out of steam in the UK, things were not getting any better, in fact, it was getting worse - a lot of people's attitudes had changed, things were different, people were different. 'We did a lot of research before turning up in Bulgaria - for us, Bulgaria ticked all the boxes, it was warm in the summer, the only thing that we were a little unsure of was the winter, which gets down to -20.' We lived in one of the UK's most expensive seaside towns but house prices were mental - so we saved £293k by packing up and moving abroad The mum-of-three explained that the Visa process was a bit of a faff, but this wasn't the only issue they came across. She continued: 'When we came to Bulgaria, there were so many pitfalls that we unfortunately fell into and that was the first thing that really irritated us.' As well as the lengthy Visa process, she shared: 'The estate agents were showing us properties that were derelict and we were not interested in anything that was beyond what we could live in, and also the fees to get your visa were astronomical.' Huge savings In another clip, the mother got candid about the cost of living in Bulgaria. Opening up about her costs, she confirmed that the family spend around £43 a week on food shopping. They also spend around £26.60 on fuel and £15 a week on fresh fruit. When it comes to their miscellaneous spending, this normally costs just £6.65 a week, bringing their total weekly spend to around £91.25. The parents confirmed that this is much cheaper than what they were previously spending, as they explained that whilst in the UK, they would normally fork out between £60 to £80 a week on petrol. How easy is it to move abroad? Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving: Notify HMRC about your upcoming move. Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address. Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving. If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad - contact the International Pension Centre. You can sign up to the Royal Mail's redirection service. If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre. If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools. Meanwhile, their supermarket food would typically cost them £180 a week and fruits would set them back between £70 and £80 a week. With a total cost of around £320 a week in the UK, this savvy saver beamed at the 'big difference.' And not only are they saving a huge amount, but they are also on a mission to reduce their spending even further, as the couple have plans to reduce their shopping costs and grow their own food on their land. Big divide The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ freshstartsticks, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 521,400 views. But social media users were left totally divided by the family's decision to move to Bulgaria - whilst some thought they would 'love' it, others expressed their concerns. One person said: 'Enjoy your life in Bulgaria.' Another added: 'Very cool! Welcome to such a beautiful journey.' A third commented: 'You'll love it in Bulgaria.' Meanwhile, one troll slammed: 'I couldn't even be paid to move there.' A second chimed in: 'There is a reason why it's so cheap!!!' Someone else asked: 'I'm stunned 😳, why have you done this? I have no words.' Whilst another claimed: 'This is just reckless 😖 I pray for your children and the hell they'll have to go through.'
Reuters
12-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Japan PM Ishiba urges less US dependence as Tokyo faces new tariffs
TOKYO, July 10 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Thursday his country needed to wean itself from U.S. dependence in such key areas as security, food and energy, as Tokyo faces the prospect of new U.S. tariffs in three weeks. "If they think Japan ought to follow what America says as we depend heavily on them, then we need to work to become more self-sufficient in security, energy and food, and less dependent on America," Ishiba told a TV news programme. He made the comment when asked about his remark, made during his stump speech on Wednesday, that tariff negotiations with the United States were a "battle in which national interest is at stake. We won't be taken lightly". Trump notified Ishiba on Monday that Washington would impose tariffs of 25% on Japanese imports from August 1, but hinted at opportunities for additional negotiations.
Bloomberg
09-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Nvidia Reaches a Milestone $4 Trillion Valuation
Good morning. Nvidia passes a major milestone. India strives for self-sufficiency. And beer drinkers are still looking for that buzz. Listen to the day's top stories. Nvidia made history on Wednesday as the first company ever to exceed $4 trillion in market valuation. The brief achievement marks a stunning rebound for the chipmaker after a rough start to the year when spending fears sparked by DeepSeek and Donald Trump's trade war weighed on risk sentiment and pulled the stock market down. The company's shares have risen more than 21% in 2025, and are up a staggering 1,015% since the beginning of 2023.
