In Auckland, after an extremely turbulent start highlighted by the shambolic response to the Anniversary Day floods in January 2023, Mayor Wayne Brown looks like being re-elected. Following the damaging Cyclone Gabrielle, which followed a month after the Anniversary Floods, the pressure on Mr Brown, his Deputy Desley Simpson and the Auckland Council was understandably … Continue reading Assessing the 2025 local government election campaigns
Regulatory Standards Bill a dangerous attempt to straight jacket policy making
The Regulatory Standards Bill (Legislation, 08/07/25) The Select Committee stage of one of New Zealand's most contentious Bills of Parliament began on Monday. As the hearing of public submissions progresses I look at why this is not a good Bill of Parliament to pass. The Regulatory Standards Bill, which is being championed by A.C.T. leader … Continue reading Regulatory Standards Bill a dangerous attempt to straight jacket policy making
Ending the “War on Science” in New Zealand
When I was in my last year at high school - some 25+ years ago - there was a documentary on television that Mum and Dad thought I should watch. It was about Ireland's stunning turn around from a relatively lack lustre economy to a booming info-technology driven place. It must have been well watched … Continue reading Ending the “War on Science” in New Zealand
A defence of the N.Z. welfare safety net
Ministry of Social Development provide an essential social welfare safety net (Christel Yardley/Waikato Times) I am writing this in support of the extra assistance and social services available in New Zealand. I am writing as someone who has directly benefitted from the social welfare services available in this country, to the point that I hold … Continue reading A defence of the N.Z. welfare safety net
“No Bullsh*t Budget” a non-flyer in the polls
Why the 2025 fiscal budget is a failure.
