Fletcher Chair resigns but directors retain huge fees despite staggering loss
Fletcher announces more huge losses but directors still laughing all the way to the bank
Social issues
Was the political hit on Chris Bishop an inside job?
The disclosure of Chris Bishop’s snapchat engagement with young teenage females raises the question of who leaked the information to the media and why.
The problem with Charter Schools
The Government is moving to stop the creation of new charter schools and require existing charter schools to integrate with the public system.
The Housing Crisis.
Can politics deliver?
NZ Court of Appeal and the Ministry of Health
The government has a responsibility to act fairly, centre its services around the needs of people, and treat NZ citizens as human beings.
National can win the next election
There is a simple strategy for National to follow which may gain them victory in the next General Election.
Middle east Teenagers
In the middle east a Palestinian teenager is detained for a minor assault and for protesting the occupation of her country. And three Israeli teenagers are apparently trying to sue two New Zealand residents for exercising their rights of free speech.
Did you hear about the killer who got pulled over for speeding?
Re-education may be the key to improving NZ driving habits.
Jacinda Ardern’s child poverty speech
In a major speech yesterday on poverty, Prime Minister Ardern has laid out fully and forthrightly what is the problem and what need to be done.
It’s time to change our cannabis laws (sign the petition)
“Sick New Zealanders deserve access to medicinal cannabis which is legal and affordable.”
Bill your pants may be on fire
Bill English has criticised the Government for only offering an officer briefing on the day that legislation is due to be introduced into Parliament. But appears to have forgotten an offer made by Jacinda Ardern 48 days ago.
Roger Federer
Why Roger Federer is my favourite athlete.
Doofus of the week Anniversary Weekend edition – Damien Grant
Damien Grant wins the latest award for penning a column where he claims that University education is a great folly of modern life, contributes surprisingly little to our economic well-being and does not prepare graduates for work.
Ruminations on deprivation
Man gets wet feet. Is reminded of privilege.
Rimutaka Prison.
Who are the bigger criminals?
Updated.
The Humanity.
Thoughtless thugs. Killers.
Solidarity
History not forgotten.
Women’s March Speech.
Sometimes, someone just knocks it out the park. Viola Davis just knocked it out the park. (h/t Carolyn_nth)
Nuclear Options.
What could possibly be wrong in opting for a nuclear option?!
Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori
The language is the life force of the mana Māori. Which is why the Government and the Opposition should pledge support to ensure it survives and thrives.
Jac-in-da-Box
“Wedger Wayne” Mapp in todays’s Spinoff does his best to stuff Jacinda Ardern into a Tony Blair “Third Way” box. Too glib by far. True in 2002 Blair did promise to eliminate child poverty by 2020; but poverty’s now the highest in 20 years in Britain. I’d back Jacinda to do much better. Besides, instead of Mandy she’s got David Parker.
Two Faced Liberalism.
Caring and heartless.
What will 2018 hold for Labour?
What does Labour do this year to make sure this Government is a success and its achievements something that progressives can be proud of?
Up in Smoke.
US reverses Federal marijuana stance.
The Froth Comes off The Beer
Auckland appears to be following the trend set by Melbourne and Sydney of a softening in expected prices for selling houses.
Income related speeding fines – bring it on!
Dr Jarrod Gilbert has a provocative opinion piece on the Herald website today, proposing that speeding fines become income related. It’s an interesting […]
RealMe and online government – good when it works
The only thing worse than standing in queues with lumps of paper is having a website system that isn’t functioning. It is a first world problem I know. But having the government’s systems not be down for maintenance during the holidays is a good idea. There are no queues to form at the passport office because they are on holiday.
A Christmas Rabbit-hole.
Just some light-hearted musings.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Why the latest Star War movie may contain inspiration and meaning for left wing activists.
The Medicinal Marijuana Bill
Will the Medical Marijuana Bill just introduced into Parliament be as effective as proponents wish?
The new government’s approach to climate change
The Government has announced the phasing out of the granting of permits for oil gas and coal extraction. Greenpeace thinks there should be a ban on new permits being granted.
NRT on submitting on the End of Life Choice Bill
“If you care about the bill, I encourage you to speak up about it.”
Take abortion out of the Crimes Act
Abortion is still a crime in NZ. It’s time to change the law so that women don’t have to lie about their mental health to get the health care they need.
National’s Standards
It’s great to see Chris Hipkins abolishing ‘National Standards’ as a matter of priority. This policy was nothing but an unfortunate bit of populism […]
The failure of “right to buy” policies
Not only did National’s policy to sell off state houses fail, but now we’ve found out a similar Thatcher policy in the UK just handed many social houses to private landlords. Should we consider making it harder to sell off state houses in New Zealand?
#WeAreBeneficiaries fundraiser
Artist activist group We are Beneficiaries are writing a report to share the stories they’ve been collecting from beneficiaires with the new Ministers to help make a case for change.