What Should We Be Talking About – And Aren’t?
A topic even more inflammatory than gender.
NZ Politics
Now a Tilt at the Wellington Mayoralty
There’s something to be said for seasoned politicians turning their skills and savvy to local government, especially when a city is in such a stricken plight as Wellington.
Why Is the NZ Herald Giving Paul Thistoll a Platform?
If the New Zealand Herald values its credibility, it must reconsider the platforms it provides and to whom. There is a difference between free speech and enabling harassment under the guise of opinion.
Politics at the Bottom of a Cliff
If all we consume is cynical, shallow and smutty rubbish, our politics will end up mirroring that. But if we’re immersed in heroic stories and finer ideas that ponder on what’s real, right, good and true – we’ll start to demand more from ourselves and our leaders.
Seymour Unbowed by Bill Submissions
The public debate shows the 1840 agreement to be a tangled mess.
News Briefing: 11 April 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards DEFENCE, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TRADE Gordon Campbell (Scoop): On Marketing The Military Threat Posed By China Sarita Davis (Herald): $12 billion defence spend could halve child poverty by 2028 (paywalled) Phil Pennington (RNZ): Access to space systems 'critical on the modern battlefield' Giles
Christopher Luxon’s Capitulation: National Party Betrays New Zealanders on Treaty Principles Bill
National’s betrayal isn’t just a political misstep – it’s a slap in the face to voters who backed the coalition to deliver bold, principled governance. They didn’t sign up for a leader who’d rather appease the mob than stand for something.
Face of the Day
Hipkins said National and NZ First could not claim to be on the right side of history just by voting against the bill today. “They lead nothing, they stood for nothing,” Hipkins told the government benches.
My War With the NZTA: Part Deux
If it seems from all the foregoing that I have become mildly obsessed with the NZTA and the traffic management racket, I plead guilty. I should get out more often. Oh, that’s right, I do get out often. It’s just that every time I try to go anywhere, road cones dog me every step of the way.
Which Green MP Attacked Us in a TikTok Filmed in Bed?
In her mocking TikTok video, Paul shared information that was confidential to the select committee. In doing so, she breached Standing Orders, which state clearly that such information is confidential until the committee presents its report.
The Museum Has Lost the Plot
What the Auckland Museum has done is an insult, a slap in the face to every soldier who gave their life for this country. They deserve solemn respect, not this rainbow-washed PR stunt masquerading as progress.
News Briefing: 10 April 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PARLIAMENT, THREATS TO POLITICIANS Russell Palmer (RNZ): Winston Peters declines Benjamin Doyle's invitation to speak directly Andrea Vance and Charlie Mitchell (Post): Businessman behind toxic online Benjamin Doyle campaign (paywalled) Bridie Witton and Glenn McConnell (Stuff): Green MP Benjamin Doyle dismisses social
The Good Oil Podcast – Episode 1 – Winston Peters
Winston Peters joins Cam Slater for 90 minutes of riveting banter.
Bussy of the Day
Doyle, who uses they/them pronouns, recognised they were “politically naive” in not deleting their private Instagram account ahead of entering parliament last year, something the Green Party advised them to do.
Hands off Our Charities
I've recently been talking to experts on charities and taxation. The message to government is clear – keep your greedy, controlling, fingers off them and leave charities alone.