The Treaty of Waitangi (N.Z. Govt. Archives) As concerns with the transparency and accountability of our politicians, and - in particular - the current Government of New Zealand grow, the usual debate about whether New Zealand needs constitutional reform has returned. The status quo supporters who think we have bigger problems to worry about versus … Continue reading Constitutional reform in New Zealand? Yay or Nay?
China’s very unwelcome missile testing in south Pacific
Chinese P.L.A. Navy ship Hengyang in Tasman Sea, 2025 (Australian Defence Force). Days after China fired the first of two missiles into the south Pacific, the fallout continues. It is the first time that I am aware of any nation deliberately test firing missiles in this part of the world. It follows an earlier incident … Continue reading China’s very unwelcome missile testing in south Pacific
Where to for N.Z-U.S. relations on America’s 250th Birthday?
Independence Day, 04 July 1776 (ChatG.P.T.) America turns 250 today (U.S. time). On a day which normally invokes the most overt celebrations of all things American, what it means to be American, Independence Day means different things to the 330 million people who have the legal right to call themselves Americans. Most will probably celebrate … Continue reading Where to for N.Z-U.S. relations on America’s 250th Birthday?
Defence spending increases; no change in nuclear free Aotearoa
H.M.N.Z.S Te Mana during Operation Crucible, 2022 (Source: N.Z.D.F.) The fiscal budget last week announced a significant - and long expected - increase in defence spending. It is one that I for a change, approve of as I have long viewed New Zealand as under-investing in the New Zealand Defence Force. What came as a … Continue reading Defence spending increases; no change in nuclear free Aotearoa
Charlie Kirk and why New Zealand should not import U.S./U.K. culture wars
A tweet by A.C.T. Leader David Seymour ignores the fact that political rhetoric stokes tensions. The murder of U.S. far right political advocate Charlie Kirk has seen a divisive, contentious debate erupt around around his conduct. Halfway around the world, politicians in New Zealand are advocating remembering Mr Kirk, despite him having nothing to do … Continue reading Charlie Kirk and why New Zealand should not import U.S./U.K. culture wars