Are stormy skies a metaphor for New Zealand in election year? (R. Glennie) 2026 begins overcast, with black clouds of various kinds hanging around New Zealand. I do not just mean the thunderstorms that have been striking various parts of the country over the last week, or the deluges that have come from them. The … Continue reading Outlook for New Zealand in 2026
Should New Zealand Ban Private Fireworks? Exploring the Impact
Is a Members Bill in Parliament about to ban fireworks? (Source: AI) New Zealand First is moving to ban private use of fireworks. As a kid I, my mates, parents and relatives had great fun letting a few off at big family events - New Years, Guy Fawkes and the occasional birthday. Lighting sparklers to … Continue reading Should New Zealand Ban Private Fireworks? Exploring the Impact
Why New Zealand should become a Republic
Then Prime Minister Helen Clark and United Leader Peter Dunne inspecting our constitutional elements (Ashley W. Smith, 2004, Turnbull Library) Former Minister, the late Jim Bolger believed that New Zealand should become a Republic. To that end he declined a Knighthood that would have given him the title Sir James Bolger. Former Prime Minister Helen … Continue reading Why New Zealand should become a Republic
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
Confidence in National led coalition plummeting
In addition to Labour leading in 3 of the top 5 issues, it leads in all but four of the remaining issues (RNZ). It's a damning chart. The National Party, not even two years into its first term of office is trailing the left-leaning parties Labour, Greens and Te Pati Maori on all but three … Continue reading Confidence in National led coalition plummeting
