It’s Not Really a Big Deal, Bro
What do they want? To put a face to my hot takes on cultural events? To make it easier for the folks who’ve threatened me to pop by for a cuppa? At the end of the day, I’m just a bloke sharing his opinions.
NZ Politics
Phil Mauger Intervenes After Backlash
The reversal follows criticism from Christchurch residents, who accused the council of erasing history and ignoring public support for an official celebration. It emerged that council staff did not consult elected representatives before their decision was publicly released.
Farmer Confidence Best in a Decade
Farmers’ highest priorities for government action include strengthening the economy, improving the business environment and reducing regulatory burdens. Langford said the government had made a strong start in cutting red tape for farmers but still had work to do.
Of Māori, Welfare and Tikanga
Should the foolish members of the Social Security Appeal Authority be put out to grass by the minister? That, it seems to me, is well overdue.
News Briefing: 20 February 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards MANUREWA MARAE INQUIRY Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): Manurewa Marae and the Integrity crisis at the heart of NZ democracy Anna Whyte (Post): ‘All options on the table’ over Electoral Commission probe (paywalled) Kelly Dennett (Post): Manurewa Marae inquiry: Former chief statistician says copying
Integrity Briefing: Manurewa Marae and the Integrity crisis at the heart of NZ democracy
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards We are often told that there is no corruption in New Zealand, and that our public service and electoral system are robust and free from manipulation and conflicts of interest. But the two official reports released yesterday about the allegations of misuse of resources
Council Won’t Fund the Anniversary
The concern centres around ‘colonisation’. When asked whether the council would support anniversary events without Ngāi Tahu’s involvement and approval, the answer was a firm “No.”
Destiny Church: From Pews to Patches
We’re in the age of outrage, where every group we don’t like suddenly becomes the enemy. And while we’re busy pointing fingers and slapping labels, the real issues – poverty, addiction, broken whānau – get lost in the noise.
News Briefing: 19 February 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards MANUREWA MARAE INQUIRY Jamie Ensor (Herald): Manurewa Marae inquiry findings: Christopher Luxon ‘shocked’, Chris Hipkins says ‘alarm bell’ for NZ reputation 1News: Manurewa Marae inquiry: Stats NZ boss to leave Andrea Vance (Post): Manurewa Marae inquiry: Whistleblowers vindicated (paywalled) Andrea Vance (Post): Marae whistleblowers
There Is a Word for This and It Starts with C
The report into the shenanigans at Manurewa Marae is as damning a report as I’ve ever seen. The one word missing from the report is corruption but it is there if you read between the lines.
NZ Launches Citizen Referendum on WHO Membership
WHO KNOWS is a citizen-driven initiative committed to empowering New Zealanders to make informed decisions about their nation’s health policies.
Schooling Through a te Ao Māori Lens
No subject is safe. The teacher involved is excellent. But this is what she must do. The fault lies with the Ministry of Education prescribing such rubbish and with Hon Erica Stanford and Prime Minister Chris Luxon for overseeing it.
