Voting for the 2025 local Government elections closed at the weekend. (The Press) "If you don't bother voting, you can't have your grumbling rights for the next 3 years" It is Wednesday 15 October, and the dust is settling on the 2025 local government election outcome. In an election cycle that turned out the lowest … Continue reading An uninspired election: the New Zealand local Government elections 2025
Easing the political rhetoric in Aotearoa New Zealand
Earlier this week the home Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters was attacked by vandals. A crowbar was used to smash a window which showered broken glass into the house, onto the family dog and cut his partner. THERE IS NO PLACE IN NEW ZEALAND FOR POLITICAL VIOLENCE OF ANY KIND. If I sound angry, … Continue reading Easing the political rhetoric in Aotearoa New Zealand
Government ignores lessons of Christchurch in weakening seismic compliance
Repertory Theatre 05 September 2010, a day after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake (R. Glennie) When New Zealand went to bed on 03 September 2010, probably no one had given the slightest thought to a seismic odyssey beginning in Canterbury in the small hours of the following morning. Fewer still imagined the horror it would unleash … Continue reading Government ignores lessons of Christchurch in weakening seismic compliance
New Zealand needs an independent foreign policy
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
The U.N. 80 years on: Does it still work?
As the Israeli attempt to destroy Gaza through genocide rolls relentlessly on, the purpose and function of the United Nations is more in question than at any time since the Cold War ended. But why is it like this, and what can be done? In 1945 as one of the most harrowing chapters of humanity’s … Continue reading The U.N. 80 years on: Does it still work?
Leftist Kiwi Writes 