Reproduced with permission
Property, Ownership and the Foundations of Patriotism
Over the last 50 years, surveys in the US and Australia show a rising unwillingness to fight for one’s nation, especially among youth – from 20–30 per cent in the 1980s/1990s to 50–70 per cent in the 2020s. This decline mirrors plummeting home ownership rates among young people.
Aotearoa – A Name and a Choice
In a democracy, names matter. So does how we choose them.
The Anniversary of Sir Isaac Newton’s Birth
His impact on the economy would last, along with his impact on the world of science, even as he downplayed his own genius.
Wrong: This Isn’t a Mystery
Until the vibes change and motherhood again is presented as a deeply pleasurable and meaningful experience, young women and men will continue to choose the gym and lie-ins over the deep joy of creating new life. Shame.
How This Daring Capture Will Change the World
This could stand as the most significant geopolitical event since 9/11.
Waipareira Survived Deregistration by Paperwork and Power
This is where the hypocrisy becomes impossible to ignore.
Our Incoming Stormy Weather and the Supervillains
Things were going well until control of the decision was taken over by another district commander, a Muslim Pakistani woman. She is the district commander for Waitematā while the district commander for Auckland is an Indian man. Permission for Tamaki’s march was denied.
Push for Censorship on Campus Hit Record Levels in 2025
A true commitment to academic freedom means defending expression even when it’s unpopular or offensive. That’s the price of intellectual integrity in a free society.
Will the Media Honestly Record This?
Get the popcorn and buckle in. One of the oldest bad ideas in history is about to get another run.
Setting up a Carnival of Politics
With just over a month to go, I feel like film director Mike Leigh trying to justify his improvisational technique. There’s a basic idea, a few actors, a location and the outline of a script. That’s it.
The Road to Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions
The next time our leaders unveil a grand plan to fix this or ban that ‘for our own good’, let’s not be swept away by the warm and fuzzy intentions. Let’s ask the cold, hard questions: What will this really do? What’s the track record of such ideas? And above all, what new mess might this create?
And It Is Adiós Maduro
Now Maduro is gone and there is hope for the nation. Let us also hope that Iran and Cuba, who very much have survived (barely) with supplies of cheap Venezuelan oil, are next on the chopping block.