Political analysis and commentary shaping the progressive debate in Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on power, policy, and accountability.
Ideally, how democracy works is that you vote for what you want and, writ large, you get it. It is not a perfect model even if everyone sticks to that fundamental tenet. In practice, of course, the reality is far different, for three main reasons:
It’s the time of the triennium when all you want to talk and hear about is politics – and the last thing you want to hear and talk about is politics.
Greetings and welcome to you all – thanks for coming this evening. It’s nice to be back in Auckland – even if it is with a microphone rather than a megaphone!
LIKE THE EXCLUSIVE BRETHREN in 2005, the Taxpayers’ Union is poised to launch a well-funded, last-minute attack on the Greens.
“There is no alternative” or TINA was the famous cry associated with the former Prime Minister Of the UK Margaret Thatcher and the introduction of free-market fundamentalism into government policy.
I attended the leader’s debate last night in Christchurch, and I admired Jacinda’s approach and was proud of her. I mixed with current MPs and former Labour colleagues, and I firmed up my decision made tentatively at the weekend. It is not that I think Labour has yet shed all its neo-lib roots, but I do think it is trying to do so.
Luc Tutugoro, a New Zealand-based Kanak: “We are creeping towards Kanak sovereignty. Work on the abstentions will be the key focus for the future – as well as a true and authentic dialogue, no matter what the result of the third and last [independence] referendum will be.”
WHAT IS WRONG with the picture of Judith Collins at prayer?
A wise man once noted that the essence of successful political presentation was authenticity. Once you could fake that, you’d got it made.
The cannabis referendum will be decided by turnout, not the facts or evidence.