Stephen Berry
Stephen Berry is compiling this guide on the Auckland Local Body elections as an independent commentator. His recommendations are based on his own research and are not on behalf of any organisation. P
The Greatest Trump Troll
Not only is a government advisory body headed by Elon Musk likely to result in record volumes of leftist tears, it may well prove to be the most radical reform by any president since Ronald Reagan.
Trump Wins!
Will Trump make the best use of winning the opportunity of the century to fix the government books? Only the next four years will tell.
Gang Patch Ban Could Spread Further
What we know for sure is that, eventually, it will be defined and enforced by the last people you’d ever want to.
The Unions Are Really Anti-Worker
This government is anti-union because it is good for workers; the unions will throw as many of their members as necessary under a steamroller to hide that truth and maintain their power.
Harris Leads, Can Trump Catch Up?
Based on that analysis of polling trends in the toss-up states, I think Trump will have the momentum to whittle down Harris’ shrinking margins in Nevada, Wisconsin and Michigan.
If Argentina Can, NZ Should Too
While NZ’s National Government uses the cost-of-living crisis as justification to continue spending more than it takes in tax revenue, Argentina has a much more serious cost-of-living crisis that is fuelling President Milei’s determination to slash state spending to surplus levels within one year.
The Australian Govt Blames Profit for Inflation
Profitable businesses are frequently targeted by politicians in an obscene exercise of vote gathering. However, unlike politicians, profitable businesses are absolutely essential to economic prosperity for everyone.
NZ’s Regulation Risks Destroying Vape Benefits
The Australian experience is a master class on how to deal with vaping badly. The New Zealand Government would do well to avoid heavy-handed regulation of vaping products, but, alas, I have little faith that they will do so.
Freedom Under Attack From Albanese Government
It is stupid window dressing for laws that are already in effect and already ineffective.
Holidays for Everyone Else
If national holidays are going to exist, and I’m not convinced they should, then the last thing they should do is celebrate everything that New Zealand isn’t.
Immigration NZ Is Not a Censor
A range of controversial speakers have included New Zealand in their international speaking tours. None of them should have to wade through a murky process to determine whether Immigration NZ believes allowing them to speak in NZ serves the subjective and arbitrary ‘public interest’.
Tough Talk on Council Overspending Due
The National-led Government is taking positive steps to reduce the cost of governance on New Zealanders at multiple levels.
Trade Union Tantrum Over Gun Review
Nicole McKee has exercised sensible judgement in deciding which organisations may have value to offer through consultation on the review of the arms registry.
Gradual Escalation of the War on Booze
While it is a relief that the current Government is adopting a less draconian approach to tobacco, so far they are silent on the creeping community totalitarianism that attacks the liquor industry and their customers.
Higher Health Funding Won’t Fix Health
Until a government has the guts to make reforms that radically alter the incentives for the provision of health, I doubt it will improve significantly or long term.