Leftist Kiwi Writes Air quality, Economy, Environment, Fresh water, New Zealand Affairs, Resource Management Law, Tourism, Waste

The case for protecting New Zealand’s environment

Twizel landfill - an example of waste infrastructure in rural N.Z. (R. Glennie) You have probably seen the adverts promoting 100% Pure New Zealand. Nice glossy adverts with somewhere like Milford Sound on a clear day with Mitre Peak reflecting nicely in the water. They look great and are certainly effective at drawing people in. … Continue reading The case for protecting New Zealand’s environment

Leftist Kiwi Writes Economy, Government, New Zealand Affairs, Politics, Science

Ending the “War on Science” in New Zealand

When I was in my last year at high school - some 25+ years ago - there was a documentary on television that Mum and Dad thought I should watch. It was about Ireland's stunning turn around from a relatively lack lustre economy to a booming info-technology driven place. It must have been well watched … Continue reading Ending the “War on Science” in New Zealand

Leftist Kiwi Writes Health, New Zealand Affairs, Senior Citizens, Social Development, Society, Taxation

To raise or to lower: The question of N.Z.’s retirement age

Should it be raised or should it be lowered? The suitability of New Zealand's retirement age has come into question as the Government continues to cut away at the welfare state that has underpinned our socio-economic wellbeing. I personally support keeping it at 65, but with a few caveats to allow flexibility in certain respects. … Continue reading To raise or to lower: The question of N.Z.’s retirement age

Leftist Kiwi Writes Economic Sectors, Infrastructure, New Zealand Affairs, Tourism, Transport

Ferry announcement a step in right direction

The announcement by Minister for Rail, Winston Peters, that the new Cook Strait ferries will both have railway capacity is a step in the right direction. As a maritime nation split between two large islands and a host of smaller ones, we cannot afford to have no railway connection between the North and South Islands. … Continue reading Ferry announcement a step in right direction

Leftist Kiwi Writes Economy, Government, New Zealand Affairs, Politics

A grim, grinchy economic Christmas for New Zealand

Nicola Willis presents the Half Yearly Economic Fiscal Update (Mark Mitchell) With one week until Christmas, and one working day of the Parliamentary year left, the season to be jolly will be feeling empty for a lot of New Zealanders. Since the National-led Coalition came to office, over 7,000 public service jobs have been lost … Continue reading A grim, grinchy economic Christmas for New Zealand