Political analysis and commentary shaping the progressive debate in Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on power, policy, and accountability.
Two years ago I welcomed John Key’s promise to hold a flag referendum. At last we could get rid of the Union Jack from our flag and have one that didn’t look like Australia’s. Many on the left had long argued for a flag change and now we had some significant support from the right.
The rain sheets weeping over Opotiki. Tears for a fallen chief. The kohu descends. I ran to cover, turned on the radio. Twitter. Ranginui Walker has died. He will stay in Auckland.
Why, then, have the Greens not seized this opportunity to expose the hollowness of Seymour’s conversion to green politics? Why not strangle Act’s green changeling in its cradle? The answer, surely, lies in the Greens ongoing repositioning as a potential National Party coalition partner.
I am becoming more worried as time goes by that we are heading for a demographic pensions disaster.
The rise in demand for KickStart breakfasts occurred at the same time as those on welfare benefits was cut dramatically;
At his Party Convention yesterday – newly rehoused from the phone-box customarily used in previous years – David Seymour took aim at the Greens.
Forgive me, Comrade, but fomenting inter-generational warfare (which, ultimately, entails turning children against their parents or grandparents) is not, and can never be, a progressive cause. Indeed, it strikes at the most primal forms of human solidarity, and at the most essential drivers of human co-operation.
After five years there are still thousands of Christchurch people waiting for insurance companies and the Earthquake Commission to pay up so they can get their houses rebuilt or repaired. Many have died waiting.
Auckland is fast becoming a gentrified city where more and more Maori, Pasifika and poorer families are facing the stark reality of having to leave the city to find affordable accommodation.
72 hours after a poll-result which once again showed The Greens trading votes with New Zealand First … the Green Party are signalling they’re open to adopting NZ First’s flagship Asset Renationalization policy.