Assessing the 2025 local government election campaigns

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