Leftist Kiwi Writes Environment, Infrastructure, New Zealand Affairs, Resource Management Law, Transport

The three Muldoons of the Government

The front page of The Press yesterday had a photo of what it called The Three Muldoons. Minister of Housing Chris Bishop, Minister of Transport Simeon Brown and Minister of Resources Shane Jones. Very appropriate given that Robert Muldoon was known for showing scant regard for due process and for his "Think Big" philosophy of … Continue reading The three Muldoons of the Government

Leftist Kiwi Writes Foreign Affairs, Israel, New Zealand Affairs, Palestine, World Affairs

Hamas and Israeli settler designation a welcome move

The Government announced on Thursday that HAMAS is now designated a terrorist organization. Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters made the announcement on Thursday, where he also announced that Israeli settlers would be hit with sanctions. This is welcome news and acknowledges that there is extremism happening on both the Israeli side and the Palestinian … Continue reading Hamas and Israeli settler designation a welcome move

Leftist Kiwi Writes Health, New Zealand Affairs, Taxation

Government assault on democracy threatens New Zealand’s stability – and itself

The Government is rushing legislation through Parliament to repeal the Maori Health Authority is just the latest act in what appears to be an all in assault on democratic practice in this country. And at least one Government Party is forgetting the very principles on which it was founded and on which it gained the … Continue reading Government assault on democracy threatens New Zealand’s stability – and itself

Leftist Kiwi Writes Maori Affairs/Te ao Maori, New Zealand Affairs, Politics

What I didn’t learn at school about Te Tiriti O Waitangi

Saturday was the 160th Anniversary of the attack by the British military on the settlement of Rangiaowhia in Waikato. It was also that day in 2024 that I realized how little I know about the events of the New Zealand Wars, the major participants and the outcomes of those events. As I think about what … Continue reading What I didn’t learn at school about Te Tiriti O Waitangi

Leftist Kiwi Writes Economy, Social Development, Taxation

What are N.Z.’s long term Taxation options?

The Tax Working Group chaired by the late Dr Michael Cullen released its final report in early 2019. The report included a summary of recommendations with regards to necessary tax changes and the reasoning behind them. One of those recommendations was an extension of the Capital Gains Tax. Five years later, with the C.G.T. effectively … Continue reading What are N.Z.’s long term Taxation options?