A Look at Trump’s Multi-Pronged Tariff Plan
It’s Trumpian, bold, and out of the box. Let’s hope it ends up as beautiful as he promised the American people last year.
Business
The NZ Lobbying and Influence Register
The fight for integrity in politics is on, and it won’t be won overnight. Both the gentle persuaders and the noisy muckrakers have a part to play. This is the beginning of a new era of scrutiny.
Some Thoughts on the Tariffs
In which a non-economist tries to figure out what The Donald is trying to do.
Why Is Productivity Low in NZ?
The HMNZS Manawanui’s inquiry explains. Poor leaders. Its lousy CEOs, bosses, inbred boards, ministers, admirals. Our non-human systems work just fine.
My War With the NZTA: Part One
It turns out that the NZTA has not historically separated out traffic management costs from its overall expenditure. This in itself suggests slack budgetary management and a remarkable lack of concern about how public funds are spent.
Conflicts and NZ’s Culture of Complacency
Integrity must be proven, not assumed. Andrew Hoggard’s case is a wake-up call: it’s time to shift from box-ticking to true accountability, ensuring that our ministers serve the public interest first and foremost – and are seen to do so at all times.
Willis and the Supermarket Showdown
It would be naïve to think that the supermarket giants will roll over. The lobbying machine is already moving. This is where Willis’ resolve will be tested.
The Day Big Wind Came to Town
A paradise sacrificed to greed masquerading as virtue. Big Wind’s gospel of growth has delivered division and decline. The village, once a bastion of mateship, now simmers with anger and grief. Volunteer groups have faltered, trust has been eroded, and a creeping despair has settled in.
Willis Quietly Trashes NZ Banking
RBNZ independence ended on 31 March, 2025, the day she did the bidding for Big Monopoly Banks.
Taxpayers’ Union Under Threat
The union has now received a threatening letter to sue for damages on behalf of a Ms Mark-Shadbolt, who has demanded they remove in its entirety the comments on this taxpayers’ rip-off.
Elon Musk Sells X – What Now?
Musk’s “digital town square” is likely to become even more powerful.
NZ’s Trust Crisis a Revolt
Part of restoring trust is candidly admitting mistakes and failures. As the saying goes, trust arrives on foot but leaves on horseback – it will take time and consistent effort to win back the confidence that has been lost.
Foreign Aid, Reparations and Economic Growth
Developing countries in Africa and the Caribbean must pivot away from the reparations narrative and instead focus on strategic economic policies that drive industrialization and technological adoption.
No, This Is Self-Induced Poverty
You never hand money to an addict. Surely. Unless you are MSD. It is a crazy state of affairs. The state is using massive resources to stamp out the supply of P while simultaneously funding a large part of the demand.