Red Pill, Blue Pills and the Matrix That Is Capitalism
So many right-wingers continue to make the same, fundamental, category error. They truly believe that the people winning all the battles are communists. Even when they’re capitalists.
Politics
Everything about politics
News Briefing: 12 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PAY EQUITY, GOVERNMENT USE OF URGENCY Andrea Vance (Sunday Star Times): The girl-math budget that will cut deep, especially for women (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): An ugly week for National MPs (paywalled) Vernon Small (Sunday Star Times): National will pay a steep price for
The Waitangi Tribunal’s Day of Reckoning: Time to Clip Its Wings
The Waitangi Tribunal’s had a good run but it’s time to pull the plug. It’s not a court, it’s not elected and it’s not above the law. The review must be bold – recommend winding it down and redirecting its resources to something useful, like infrastructure or healthcare.
Why Erica Stanford’s Gmail Use Matters
It’s time to close the accountability holes, strengthen our integrity rules, and reaffirm that in New Zealand, open government is the only way government operates.
News Briefing: 9 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards LOBBYING AND INFLUENCE Guyon Espiner (RNZ): Alcohol lobbyists given input on health policies, documents reveal Danica Ludlow (Health Coalition Aotearoa): Evidence of lobbying of NZ Government officials by the alcohol industry RNZ: Labour proposes law to restrict big tobacco lobbyists influence on government John
The Political Horse Race Tightens: Taxpayers’ Union Poll Drops a Truth Bomb
Curia’s given us a clear picture: it’s a two-horse race, but the finish line is anyone’s guess. One thing’s for sure – come election day, it’s going to be a hell of a fight.
Why Does the Left Keep Winning?
The first vision that accepts humans for what they are – and allows them to be happy as they are – will win the future.
News Briefing: 8 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PAY EQUITY, EMPLOYMENT Janet Wilson (Post): National blows up its support from women with pay equity debacle (paywalled) Thomas Coughlan (Herald): Under urgency, without basic paperwork, the Govt moves to change workers’ rights (paywalled) Marc Daalder (Newsroom): National grins and bears it as Act
The Roy Morgan Poll: National’s Slide Continues, Minor Parties Surge and a Tight Race Looms
The coalition’s 49 per cent is a fragile foundation and a two to three per cent swing could hand the opposition the keys to power. Labour, despite its own challenges, is within striking distance, and a stumble by National – another policy misstep or leadership wobble – could prove fatal.
News Briefing: 7 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PAY EQUITY, EMPLOYMENT Luke Malpass (Post): Pay equity slashing a sub-plot in a much larger game (paywalled) Jo Moir (RNZ): Pay equity changes: Two sides of the coalition brought out Glenn McConnell (Stuff): Five things you need to know about the surprise pay equity
The Great Subsidy Swindle: New Zealand’s Film Industry Faces the Music
We’ve pretended we’re a global powerhouse when we’re really just a subsidised sideshow. Trump’s tariff is a reality check and a chance to rebuild on solid ground. Let’s stop crying over spilt milk and start building businesses that can stand on their own.
News Briefing: 6 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards PARLIAMENT, PUBLIC SECTOR Tom Day (1News): Erica Stanford sent pre-Budget documents to her personal email Russell Palmer (RNZ): National's Erica Stanford used personal email for work purposes Julia Gabel (Herald): Senior Minister Erica Stanford sent official briefings to personal email account Sam