The non-existent enemy and following fools
In the fantasy world of learn-to-read books of my long-ago primary school days I remember the story of Chicken Licken who had the misfortune to… Read More »The non-existent enemy and following fools
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A public discussion on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
Efforts by some politicians to prevent a reasoned and civilised public discussion on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi are understandable if we accept… Read More »A public discussion on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
Climate Change Denial
Climate Change denial is now part of the problem. As New Zealand, and most of the world, struggles with how to overcome problems associated with… Read More »Climate Change Denial
Concerns about separatism should not be lightly dismissed
One of the most common arguments against Maori wards is that they would be a racist development but that is a misuse of the term. Racism generally means to act against people simply because of ethnicity and Maori wards will not do that. They are a positive rather than negative concept but are they really justifiable? Many non-Maori don’t think so but seem reluctant to say so in case of accusations of racism.
Open Season
Most hunters will have carefully read the hunting regulations which apply to their areas and have a shooting licence and firearms licence safely tucked away in a back pocket but few will yet have had the opportunity to read the damming report of a year long review of the organisation which manages their sport.
Is ANZAC a nostalgic dream?
The so-called trans-Tasman relationship, which we will commemorate next Sunday on Anzac Day, has never been more abused than it is now. While the somewhat idealistic brotherhood in arms tradition was established by a previous generation on the bloody slopes of Gallipoli more than a century ago, there is now a new conflict festering beneath the surface which is raising temperatures and tempers on both side of the Tasman.
Revenge is not Justice
The appeal by the man convicted of the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre against his jail conditions and terrorist status was not surprising. He probably has little else to do and his action follows the pattern of many long-term prison inmates who have used their time to engage in ongoing litigation, often at taxpayer expense.
Maori Wards must be decided by ratepayers, not councils alone
While Hamilton City Council and the Taranaki Regional Council appear to be approaching the thorny issue of Maori Wards for local bodies from completely different… Read More »Maori Wards must be decided by ratepayers, not councils alone
Feed and Build Community before Debates and Travel Bubbles
In a time of unprecedented uncertainty about our protection from a deadly disease and the future of the planet it can often be helpful to look back at how our parents and grandparents managed in the face of adversity. They fed and clothed often quite large families through the very tough times of the major economic depression of the 1930s and the dreadful uncertainties of two world wars. In addition, they helped others less fortunate than themselves in an age when that was a traditional responsibility.
Cool it
Investors and speculators in real estate are equal contributors to a ridiculously overheated housing market and they should have seen these changes, or something similar, coming at them like a freight train at least five years ago. There have been warnings enough that the booming house market would not be allowed to continue without Government intervention. If anything, that intervention has taken too long.