The New Zealand Parliament, and Beehive (R. Glennie) For years I have watched as successive Governments have passed legislation under urgency in the New Zealand Parliament. In almost all instances, the use of Parliamentary Urgency has not been justified, and this article looks at examples of such behaviour. The most recent example of this is … Continue reading Legislation passed under urgency is not N.Z law done well
Neoliberal austerity, Labour timidity or something else in N.Z.’s 2026 election?
There are basically 6 months left in the 54th Parliament of New Zealand. In about mid-September, it will dissolve for the campaign period. The retiring M.P.'s will give their valedictory statements to Parliament. When that happens and Parliament dissolves, the writ will be done for the election and the campaign phase will begin in earnest. … Continue reading Neoliberal austerity, Labour timidity or something else in N.Z.’s 2026 election?
Why New Zealand will not be Australia’s 7th State
Australia and N.Z. A N.Z. commentator thinks we should be their 7th State (Google Maps) An opinion piece by David Farrar, owner/operator of Kiwiblog - a right-leaning blog site - suggests that New Zealand should become the 7th State of Australia. It is similarly interesting to note that when one looks at the layout of … Continue reading Why New Zealand will not be Australia’s 7th State
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