Leftist Kiwi Writes Economy, Employment, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, Political Parties

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

Leftist Kiwi Writes New Zealand Affairs, Parliament, Political Parties, Politics

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

Leftist Kiwi Writes New Zealand Affairs, Parliament, Politics, The Opportunity Party

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

Leftist Kiwi Writes A.C.T., Government, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, Political Parties, Politics

The National M.P. who wants to support Maori broadcasting

Last week was Scrutiny Week. It is a week where bosses of various public service agencies go to Parliament and explain what they are doing in their agencies and why the Government should support them. Meet Greg Fleming, National Party, Member for Maungakiekie and supporter of Te Mangai Paho (T.M.P.), the agency responsible for enabling … Continue reading The National M.P. who wants to support Maori broadcasting

Leftist Kiwi Writes N.Z. Labour Party, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, New Zealand First, Politics, Social Development, Social Policy, Welfare

New Zealand superannuation’s $625 billion mistake (and other consequences)

When National Party leader Robert Muldoon was elected Prime Minister in 1975, he made a decision (not Think Big - more on that another time) that should bother every economist in New Zealand to this day. He abolished the compulsory contributory New Zealand Superannuation scheme. 50 years later, the decision to abolish that scheme is … Continue reading New Zealand superannuation’s $625 billion mistake (and other consequences)