Leftist Kiwi Writes Government, Min. Social Development, N.Z. Labour Party, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, Parliament, Politics

Legislation passed under urgency is not N.Z law done well

The New Zealand Parliament, and Beehive (R. Glennie) For years I have watched as successive Governments have passed legislation under urgency in the New Zealand Parliament. In almost all instances, the use of Parliamentary Urgency has not been justified, and this article looks at examples of such behaviour. The most recent example of this is … Continue reading Legislation passed under urgency is not N.Z law done well

Leftist Kiwi Writes A.C.T., Government, Green Party, N.Z. Labour Party, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, New Zealand First, Political Parties, Te Pati Maori, The Opportunity Party

Neoliberal austerity, Labour timidity or something else in N.Z.’s 2026 election?

There are basically 6 months left in the 54th Parliament of New Zealand. In about mid-September, it will dissolve for the campaign period. The retiring M.P.'s will give their valedictory statements to Parliament. When that happens and Parliament dissolves, the writ will be done for the election and the campaign phase will begin in earnest. … Continue reading Neoliberal austerity, Labour timidity or something else in N.Z.’s 2026 election?

Leftist Kiwi Writes A.C.T., Australia, Foreign Affairs, Government, Green Party, N.Z. Labour Party, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, Politics

Why New Zealand will not be Australia’s 7th State

Australia and N.Z. A N.Z. commentator thinks we should be their 7th State (Google Maps) An opinion piece by David Farrar, owner/operator of Kiwiblog - a right-leaning blog site - suggests that New Zealand should become the 7th State of Australia. It is similarly interesting to note that when one looks at the layout of … Continue reading Why New Zealand will not be Australia’s 7th State

Leftist Kiwi Writes Government, Local Government, New Zealand Affairs

Mt. Maunganui landslide raises questions about N.Z. land-use in hazard zones

Mt. Maunganui landslide looking towards Tauranga Harbour. (Source: 1 News) Six people were buried in a landslide on Mt. Maunganui during heavy rain last Thursday. As the country deals with the aftermath, it is time to look at what contribution land use planning may have made to the event. Following the Auckland Anniversary flood event … Continue reading Mt. Maunganui landslide raises questions about N.Z. land-use in hazard zones

Leftist Kiwi Writes Government, New Zealand Affairs, Politics

State of New Zealand: the 2026 Mumbo Jumbo edition

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon gave his State of the Nation address to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce today. It was a bunch of "managerial mumbo jumbo" said Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins. Indeed, it may seem so. But not only that, the speech, which was exclusively focussed on the economy, failed to … Continue reading State of New Zealand: the 2026 Mumbo Jumbo edition