Following the refusal by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters to acknowledge the State of Palestine, many people have taken to social media bemoaning the absence of an "independent foreign policy". I thought I would take the opportunity to outline why I think we need one and how it could look. Trump? Xi? Or a … Continue reading New Zealand needs an independent foreign policy
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
Standing up to Israeli aggression is not being anti-Israel
An Iranian missile explodes in Tel Aviv, Israel (Credit: A.P.) Israel and Iran are at war. After months of worsening tensions highlighted by occasional posturing, the Iranian-Israel feud over Iran's nuclear ambitions erupted into war on Friday last week. There is absolutely nothing to gain from continuing the war for a minute longer. The conflict … Continue reading Standing up to Israeli aggression is not being anti-Israel
New Zealand forgetting its Pasifika neighbours: a third way view of China vs the U.S.
New Zealand is forgetting about its south Pacific neighbours.
Our good mate Australia
New Zealanders and Australians have a relationship that few other countries around the world can claim to enjoy. Sure, when it comes to sport we love a good rivalry and few will deny the intensity of the Australian/New Zealand rivalry. It goes so far as to have inspired t-shirts which read "I support two teams: … Continue reading Our good mate Australia
