Leftist Kiwi Writes Emergencies/Natural Hazards, N.Z. Labour Party, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, Political Parties, Research, Science Technology

Natural hazards underfunding forces closure of Geonet monitoring centres

A print screen of the live Geonet website (Geonet). Natural hazards are a part of life in this country. Faults, volcanoes and tsunamis exist throughout. Government funding has always been available. In recent years that has changed. Funding tax cuts for those who do not need it, has been a bigger priority. To the point … Continue reading Natural hazards underfunding forces closure of Geonet monitoring centres

Leftist Kiwi Writes A.C.T., Crime, Justice, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, New Zealand First, Political Parties

“Tough on Crime” approach is not working

National M.P., Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith (Source: National Party) "National will get 'Tough on Crime'" said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. "Let us get 'Tough on Crime'" said Deputy Prime Ministers David Seymour and Winston Peters at various points. To all three of these parties "tough on crime" is akin to putting an ambulance at … Continue reading “Tough on Crime” approach is not working

Leftist Kiwi Writes A.C.T., Ministers of the Crown, N.Z. National Party, New Zealand Affairs, New Zealand First, Political Parties, Politics

How the Luxon Cabinet 2023-2026 performed

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in 2023 (STUFF/Robert Kitchin) The New Zealand Parliament has sat for the final time in its 54th edition. I now take the time to rank the Cabinet Ministers of the Christopher Luxon Government. A.C.T. PARTY When Brooke van Velden first became a Minister of the Crown, a cartoonist … Continue reading How the Luxon Cabinet 2023-2026 performed

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

My report card for 54th New Zealand Parliament

A.C.T. Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden delivering her valedictory statement (Stuff N.Z.) Parliament is in the process of dissolving for the 2026 Election, due on 07 November 2026. As the final insults and questions flew in the House of Representatives yesterday, I wrote this. It is my report card for the political parties of the … Continue reading My report card for 54th New Zealand Parliament

Leftist Kiwi Writes Green Party, New Zealand Affairs, Political Parties, Politics

Respecting the Greens in 2026

Green Party co-leaders Chloe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson earlier this year (Green Party). When the Green Party first entered Parliament in 1999, many thought it was a joke of the political system. It would not last. No one would take them seriously and they were/are too childish to hold Cabinet portfolios. Over the years, the … Continue reading Respecting the Greens in 2026