Decline in services a danger to N.Z. rural communities

A N.Z. Post store in Auckland. (Google Maps) This is a bit of a grumble about large businesses closing and the socio-economic devastation they leave behind, the trends and some local observations. It stems from the announcement by New Zealand Post that 140+ stores are closing (more on that later), and the apparent lack of … Continue reading Decline in services a danger to N.Z. rural communities

New Zealand votes: 07 November 2026

There is an unwritten but generally accepted practice among Governments to make sure that whatever Saturday is set down for the elections, that it does not clash with a foreseen event - e.g. Rugby Championship match, a major international event likely to overshadow it such as a general election in Australia. In 2026, the reasoning … Continue reading New Zealand votes: 07 November 2026

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

Political winners and losers in New Zealand for 2025

It is that time of year again when the political pundits roll out their nominees for best and worst political performances of 2025. Former Three News reporter, and now TV1 Breakfast co-host (in the new year) Tova O'Brien has just commissioned her take on New Zealand politics for the year. The L.O.M. (Loudmouth Obnoxious Minister) … Continue reading Political winners and losers in New Zealand for 2025