Setting the Agenda

Political analysis and commentary shaping the progressive debate in Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on power, policy, and accountability.

Curwen Rolinson · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

A Failure At The Border – What One Returnee’s Worrisome Experience Reveals About What’s Actually Going On In Isolation
ByCurwen Ares Rolinson 24 February 2021

What we’re dealing with here, with this story, is a microcosm of that. Some decision-making and some decision-makers at a managed isolation facility that have decided that “they are the law”, and so they’ll run the place as they see fit without regard for actual proper practice (let alone legality) in the matter. It’s not hard to see why this is dangerous – it already patently has been.

Read More A Failure At The Border – What One Returnee’s Worrisome Experience Reveals About What’s Actually Going On In Isolation
Chris Trotter · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

How Powerful Is Labour’s Maori Caucus?
ByChris Trotter 23 February 2021

THAT LABOUR’S MAORI CAUCUS is potentially powerful cannot be doubted. It is large, has a strong leader in Willie Jackson, and is surrounded by well-meaning Pakeha progressives who struggle to say “No” to its demands. For Maori, it is difficult to imagine a more encouraging political environment.

Read More How Powerful Is Labour’s Maori Caucus?
Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Dr Liz Gordon: Some are NOT in the team
ByThe Daily Blog 22 February 2021

The ‘team of five million’ is an important concept for getting Aotearoa through the pandemic. It implies that we are all in this together, and together we can fix it. The team approach is a strong statement of both political leadership and social cohesion.

Read More Dr Liz Gordon: Some are NOT in the team
Leslie Bravery · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Merciless population-control
ByLeslie Bravery 20 February 2021

Since the beginning of 2021, as at 16 February, the Israeli Occupation has destroyed, seized or forced people to demolish…

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Chris Trotter · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

The Strange (And Sad) Demise Of Radio New Zealand
ByChris Trotter 19 February 2021

How to explain such wilful cultural vandalism? What drives RNZ’s Generation X bosses to tear down the public broadcaster’s proud tower with such venomous spite?

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John Minto · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

Don’t tell Netanyahu: he’s been injected with an “Arab vaccine”
ByJohn Minto 19 February 2021

In response to Syd Jackson’s comment on ties: “I refuse to wear that white man’s noose around my neck” on my facebook page someone has replied “But it’s OK to get a white man’s vaccination in your body ????”.

Read More Don’t tell Netanyahu: he’s been injected with an “Arab vaccine”
Chris Trotter · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

In The Know: Making Sense Of Labour’s Inaction.
ByChris Trotter 18 February 2021

ACCORDING TO PEOPLE “in the know”, Labour is awash with more cash than its seen in a very long time. Apparently, Jacinda Ardern’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis didn’t just net her party an unprecedented number of votes, it brought in tons of funds. While this happy situation endures, Labour is said to be polling and focus-grouping like there’s no tomorrow. The PM doesn’t just have her finger on the pulse of the nation, she’s reading its ECGs.

Read More In The Know: Making Sense Of Labour’s Inaction.
Dr Wayne Hope · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

In an age of digital disinformation, dropping level 1 media studies in NZ high schools is a big mistake
ByProf. Wayne Hope 17 February 2021

Primary and secondary school teachers engage with students who are constantly on devices — consuming, sharing and jointly creating texts, photos, videos and memes.

Read More In an age of digital disinformation, dropping level 1 media studies in NZ high schools is a big mistake
Chris Trotter · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

The Words Of The Prophets
ByChris Trotter 16 February 2021

And the sign said, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls And tenement halls” ─ Paul…

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John Minto · Most Recent Blogs · Setting the Agenda

So will the public purse help top up Mike Hosking’s salary?
ByJohn Minto 14 February 2021

A big bonus for Mike Hosking could be on its way – paid for by you and me!

Read More So will the public purse help top up Mike Hosking’s salary?