Labour: towards an MMP strategy
For me though, the best result for the Left was seeing the Labour Party accept and embrace that we needed to vote strategically.
Setting the Agenda
Political analysis and commentary shaping the progressive debate in Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on power, policy, and accountability.
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Nurturing future, civic leadership
Just prior to going on holiday last year I was fascinated by the Heralds weak attempt to try and set the civic Auckland agenda with a silly poll on possible contenders for the Auckland mayoralty.
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On Eleanor Catton, the cost of speaking out and why her words have the right running scared
I hate to break it to so many of our right-wing pundits who know so little about so much, but Catton has been pointing out the failings of our current government for a while now.
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“Minority report”: how the Terrorist Law will stifle dissent and could take away your basic human rights
The purpose of the state and establishment has never really been to keep us safe from terrorism. The purpose is to keep us, their citizenry complaint and quiet – and fearful.
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On earning a living wage and the right to use the bathroom without asking for permission
Caring about some shit job and smiling on cue for customers becomes difficult when getting out of bed is a minor miracle. Mental health days are a luxury of the rich.
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What WINZ are callously saying to people even when they know people are listening
When you are vulnerable and down, you have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and kindness by whatever government is in power. Don’t you deserve to know you are loved and valued no matter how much profit you are or are not turning over?
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Stop telling young people to vote. Tell them to start the riot.
This year was the first time I ever voted and in all honestly I feel a bit ripped off. I knew the left would lose badly to the right, so it was not this which left me feeling short changed. It was the left’s behaviour after the fact.
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On baby boomers who give my generation unhelpful advice: JUST DON’T
Either join us in our fight to change the world or get out of our fucking way.
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Here’s what WINZ are patronisingly saying to people on welfare when they don’t think anyone’s listening
Yesterday, a case manager from WINZ called to tell me that I needed to “imagine what I would do if I did not have welfare”. I replied “Well, I guess if I couldn’t live at home, I would be homeless.” The case manager responded by saying “Now, you see that is a really negative way of seeing it. You would find ways to support yourself.”
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Labour, leadership and White blokes
There seems to be an agreement amongst those currently vying for the leadership that Labour needs to take up more of the middle ground. These White blokes have said that Labour needs to occupy that political space in order to win the votes of their peers, other White blokes.