The Standard

Author Archive

We Need Better Politicians!

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 pm, August 2nd, 2021 - 24 comments

With the right people in power, we will get the answers we deserve, and our problems will melt away and scatter in a warm worriless wind.

What does The Standard mean for you?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 20th, 2021 - 60 comments

Let’s hear from you in this unscientific survey!

The Non-Partisan Populism of Popper’s Paradox

Written By: - Date published: 6:18 pm, May 22nd, 2021 - 91 comments

When democracy and free speech are hijacked to silence others, they can no longer support their principles and become a contradictio in terminis.

The Problem with Personification in Politics

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 19th, 2021 - 12 comments

It is a grave mistake to treat Ministries as if they are real persons.

Einstein versus Trump*

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 18th, 2021 - 10 comments

Einstein tried to explain complex things and understand reality; Trump tried to explain it away and distort reality.

Covid Zeitgeist

Written By: - Date published: 12:04 pm, March 21st, 2021 - 31 comments

NZ politics needs recharging and renewal to move forward. We need more charging stations.

The Unbearable Lightness of the Bright-Line Test

Written By: - Date published: 4:20 pm, March 13th, 2021 - 96 comments

The bright-line test is a red herring and does nothing to deter housing speculation.

You have 30 min to get your business in order!

Written By: - Date published: 12:50 pm, March 12th, 2021 - 77 comments

Government should have announced the decision for Auckland to go down to Level 1 first thing this morning.

So, You Want To Buy Your First Home?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, March 7th, 2021 - 75 comments

Money does not grow on trees, it grows on houses. It is pure magic!

An Introvert’s Guide to Spending Money*

Written By: - Date published: 1:38 pm, December 29th, 2020 - 30 comments

Don’t waste your money on shit, spend it on good shit.

Words of Outrage or Outrageous Action?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, December 24th, 2020 - 30 comments

Do you reward rage with rage or do you ignore it and walk away quietly?

Tranquillum

Written By: - Date published: 7:28 pm, December 6th, 2020 - 134 comments

Don’t expect a jellyfish to grow a spine, they just bob along on the current and keep moving, gently, slowly, kindly.

A Bit About How (my) Moderation Works (at present)

Written By: - Date published: 9:58 pm, November 29th, 2020 - 26 comments

An attempt to clarify some misconceptions and dispel some urban myths about (my) moderation.

PPE from a Universe Far, Far Away

Written By: - Date published: 2:33 pm, August 22nd, 2020 - 11 comments

An antidote against the pounding waves of BS coming from inside and outside Aotearoa.

A Stunt Scene from Mission Impossible*

Written By: - Date published: 3:52 pm, August 17th, 2020 - 16 comments

In NZ politics, the perception of fairness matters more than actual fairness.

National Has Found a Moral Compass

Written By: - Date published: 3:46 pm, June 6th, 2020 - 34 comments

National has embarked on a moral crusade to not lose the Election.

Is National Just Inconsistent or Incompetent?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 1st, 2020 - 65 comments

National’s new job-creation scheme appears to be inconsistent with their desire to fully re-instate the 90-day trial period.

Draconian Tourism or no Tourism?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 27th, 2020 - 192 comments

If overseas tourists want to visit NZ, they may have to give up a little bit of their privacy to keep all of us safe.

How Not to Engage in Public Debate

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 15th, 2020 - 95 comments

The best way to engage in public debate on the lockdown is to be open, clear, and transparent and show the facts. A press release full of beliefs and reckons is unhelpful and irresponsible.

Are the Vultures Already Circling Above?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 14th, 2020 - 116 comments

We cannot go back to business as usual after the lockdown but can we shape the way things will be for the greater good?

National’s Petition is Cynical Populism

Written By: - Date published: 12:45 pm, April 9th, 2020 - 124 comments

National is trying to steal show political leadership and relevance by launching a petition.

Addendum added

About Carrots and Sticks

Written By: - Date published: 2:41 pm, April 4th, 2020 - 119 comments

How can we improve motivation to stamp out this virus in New Zealand?

Holding the Government to Account or Concern Trolling?

Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, March 31st, 2020 - 35 comments

When Opposition Spokespersons behave like concern trolls, we have a problem.

One Virus to Rule Them All

Written By: - Date published: 2:33 pm, March 28th, 2020 - 37 comments

Trying to make sense of what’s happening is mindboggling.

Constructive Criticism and Team Work In Politics

Written By: - Date published: 1:51 pm, January 26th, 2020 - 34 comments

Team play is more important than ever in politics.

Known Knowns and All the Other Ones

Written By: - Date published: 12:49 am, January 4th, 2020 - 6 comments

We cannot know everything and our only option is to trust others who know stuff that we don’t.

It Is the Thought That Counts

Written By: - Date published: 12:33 am, December 28th, 2019 - 70 comments

Antagonistic personalities are an obstacle to effective politics tackling major present problems.

MMP Mark II*

Written By: - Date published: 11:57 pm, December 25th, 2019 - 24 comments

What beats MMP? Open-list proportional representation with a low threshold would be a good option.

Democratisation by Social Media and the Internet Is Just Meaningless Waffle

Written By: - Date published: 1:35 pm, December 24th, 2019 - 22 comments

Social Media and the Internet are literally in our faces 24/7 but our political engagement is diminishing.

Two Referendums Too Many

Written By: - Date published: 1:32 pm, November 16th, 2019 - 50 comments

The referendums on two contentious issues could cloud and crowd out the General Election.

Smells Like Stale Male Spirit

Written By: - Date published: 7:01 am, August 18th, 2019 - 92 comments

We live in a rich and diverse society but this is not reflected in our local government.