Tongariro National Park - a major income earner in the central North Island (R. Glennie) The Opportunity Party, led by Qiulae Wong, has reached 6% in the most recent Roy Morgan poll. And at a time when voter frustration is reaching levels unheard of, this is notable. This is historic for several reasons: No other … Continue reading Opportunity rise on back of N.Z. voter frustration
Defence spending increases; no change in nuclear free Aotearoa
H.M.N.Z.S Te Mana during Operation Crucible, 2022 (Source: N.Z.D.F.) The fiscal budget last week announced a significant - and long expected - increase in defence spending. It is one that I for a change, approve of as I have long viewed New Zealand as under-investing in the New Zealand Defence Force. What came as a … Continue reading Defence spending increases; no change in nuclear free Aotearoa
A (largely) unpromising Fiscal Budget 2026
Minister of Finance Nicola Willis said prior to delivering the Fiscal Budget 2026 that she was not going to pull any rabbits out of the fiscal hat. For the very most part, she was as good as her word. With a few notable exceptions, the last budget before the 2026 General Election is held, was … Continue reading A (largely) unpromising Fiscal Budget 2026
The need to reform the school system in New Zealand
The authors old school in Christchurch (1994-1999; Source: R.N.Z.) In the 1980's New Zealand education was regarded as among the best in the world. Literacy rates were nearly 100% for children over 5 years. Performance indicators for maths, literacy and comprehension were among the best in the O.E.C.D. So, what happened? Starting in 1989, when … Continue reading The need to reform the school system in New Zealand
Nicola Willis emulating Ruth Richardson neoliberalism
Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis. A second Ruth Richardson? (Libby Kirkby-Mcleod R.N.Z.) A grim future awaits the New Zealand public service if the right wing government of National leader Christopher Luxon is returned to power. Next weeks Fiscal Budget is expected to see announcements about hefty job losses, on the grounds that this is how … Continue reading Nicola Willis emulating Ruth Richardson neoliberalism