Pope Francis kissing foot of female inmate at Rebibbia Prison, Rome. (Vatican Media) For one who is not a massive fan of religion or religious practices, the recent passing of the late Pope Francis of Assisi, brings to an end the era of one of the more modern guardians of the Holy See. Pope Francis … Continue reading Pope Francis an example of New Zealand values
Labour doing nothing to improve their election prospects
Labour leader Chris Hipkins (Credit: Office of Governor General 25/01/23) New Zealand is coming to the half way point of this political term. The Deputy Prime Ministership of David Seymour starts in a few weeks. And the Leader of the Labour Party has just made one of the most delusional statements I have seen in … Continue reading Labour doing nothing to improve their election prospects
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
Worsening global politics – and their players – do nothing for N.Z.
Around the world - for any number of reasons - tensions are rising. Bigger nations are becoming more and more belligerent. Medium size nations are increasing defence spending and philosophically digging in. For New Zealand, a nation that grew strong on the rules based order, this is a worrying sign. Like it or not, New … Continue reading Worsening global politics – and their players – do nothing for N.Z.
New Zealand First not for New Zealand first
I was a member of New Zealand First 2002-2006; 2010-2017, during which time I saw the party grow, implode, revive itself and grow a second time before imploding again in 2020. Now quite the different beast from the one I knew, is New Zealand First really the party that it says it is? When I … Continue reading New Zealand First not for New Zealand first
