The recent contrasting response of two different ‘controversies’ involving two politically different MPs are covered by a cloak of hypocrisy. The two MPS are National’s right-wing Hamish Campbell and the Greens’ social-liberal Benjamin Doyle. Campbell also describes himself as having social liberal views. However, their respective takes on what being socially liberal means may beContinue reading “The dirtiest of politics and a tale of two MPs cloaked in hypocrisy”
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When Apartheid met Zionism
The 1981 Springbok Tour was one of the most controversial events in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. For 56 days, between July and September, more than 150,000 people took part in over 200 demonstrations in 28 centres. It was the largest protest in the country’s history. It caused social ruptures within communities and families across the country.Continue reading “When Apartheid met Zionism”
More UK lessons for Labour Party in New Zealand
Recent reputable opinion polls suggest that, contrary to both historical precedent and most people’s expectations (including mine), the chances of the National-ACT-NZ First coalition being a one-term government are now around 50:50. This is extraordinary. The last one-term government was 50 years ago (Labour, 1972-75) although National were only just re-elected in 1978 election byContinue reading “More UK lessons for Labour Party in New Zealand”
When Politics gets in the Pocket of the Gun Lobby
Will 2025 be any different from 2024 in respect of the gun lobby’s influence over the National-ACT-NZ First coalition government’s firearms policy? This question now has a sharper focus with the Government’s intention this year to rewrite the Arms Act 1983. This legislation is administered by the Ministry of Justice. It is a reasonable questionContinue reading “When Politics gets in the Pocket of the Gun Lobby”
Imperialism, the Chagos Islands and the fight to return
I have just finished reading Tariq Ali’s excellent book Winston Churchill: His Times, His Crimes (Verso, London, 2021). Although with a chronological structure, it is thematic. It places the crimes of Churchill (these were many and horrific) in the context of the times in which they were situated. Tariq Ali’s book on Winston Churchill aContinue reading “Imperialism, the Chagos Islands and the fight to return”
Haka, Hikoi and the Empowerment of the Kohanga Generation
Internationally at least the haka is most associated with Aotearoa New Zealand’s national men’s rugby team, the All Blacks. It immediately preceded the start of test matches. The haka is a customary Māori way of welcoming visitors but traditionally also served to invigorate warriors as they headed into battle. It is both a show ofContinue reading “Haka, Hikoi and the Empowerment of the Kohanga Generation”
Changing face of capitalism: private equity threat to New Zealand economy
The Reserve Bank is “watching” the expansion of private equity in Aotearoa New Zealand in light of alarm bells being run by financial regulators globally. These alarm bells included no less than the European Central Bank and Bank of England over possible risks to financial stability by the rise of private equity, including their lendingContinue reading “Changing face of capitalism: private equity threat to New Zealand economy”
New Zealand’s shameful modern slavery shutdown
Slaves had existed in both ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. However, the word ‘slavery’ has a subsequent Latin origin, ‘sclava’, meaning “Slavonic captive in reference to the 9th-century slavery of Slavonic people. Over time it came to mean anyone in captivity, not just Slavs (nor for that matter, those in Greece or the RomanContinue reading “New Zealand’s shameful modern slavery shutdown”
Fast-tracking wealth accumulation and the ‘war on nature’
The Fast-Track Approvals Bill currently before Parliament is up there with the most controversial decisions of the National-ACT-New Zealand First coalition government. This coalition, elected a year ago, is one of the most right-wing governments Aotearoa New Zealand has ever had. One has to go back to the National government elected in 1990 to findContinue reading “Fast-tracking wealth accumulation and the ‘war on nature’”
Why Socialism (why not New Zealand)
When people think of the German born Albert Einstein (1879–1955) usually this would be as the theoretical physicist who is widely held as one of the most influential scientists in the world. They would think of him being best known for developing the theory of relativity. Some would also be aware of his important contributions toContinue reading “Why Socialism (why not New Zealand)”
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