There is no doubt that much has been said, written, filmed, photographed or otherwise recorded about Africa. It is a continent of mystery, of sorrow, of immense potential and no small amount of misunderstanding. Especially misunderstanding. It’s billion or so people are amongst the poorest on the face of the planet. Its resources are amongst … Continue reading Our lack of an African understanding: Part 1
Reforming Ministry of Social Development
Ministry of Social Development is in bad need of a complete overhaul (Christel Yardley/Waikato Times) Ministry of Social Development (or as I sometimes call it, Ministry of Social Destruction) is responsible for the implementation of social services and advising the Government on social policy. As it has evolved so have the attitudes of those relying … Continue reading Reforming Ministry of Social Development
China’s very unwelcome missile testing in south Pacific
Chinese P.L.A. Navy ship Hengyang in Tasman Sea, 2025 (Australian Defence Force). Days after China fired the first of two missiles into the south Pacific, the fallout continues. It is the first time that I am aware of any nation deliberately test firing missiles in this part of the world. It follows an earlier incident … Continue reading China’s very unwelcome missile testing in south Pacific
The soggy question posed by New Zealand floods
The Leader River attacking State Highway 1 earlier this week (Source: RNZ) This week, northern Canterbury and southern Marlborough experienced the worst flooding in possibly more than a generation. Fuelled by a deep, broad, slow moving low that delivered huge rainfall tallies in the northern South Island - and significant snow in inland and southern … Continue reading The soggy question posed by New Zealand floods
New Zealand First’s drift to the fringe right
The party of Winston Peters is drifting to the right. (A. Cairns/Stuff) A few days ago columnist Andrea Vance wrote a zinger of a column about the drift of New Zealand First to the right of the New Zealand political spectrum. When one considers all that has happened, which New Zealand First has been a … Continue reading New Zealand First’s drift to the fringe right