In New Zealand... In the past week our Auditor General, John Ryan, has insisted that Lester Levy change the accounts of Te Whata Ora. An attempt had been made to include some of this year’s expenditure in last year’s accounts. This would have allowed the government to blame Labour for … [Read more...]
HAKA and HIKOI – two amazing events
I was delighted to have my two oldest grandchildren share with me their excited response to the haka in parliament, and the following Hikoi. That’s the first time I’ve heard them animated on a political issue. It gave me great hope for the future. I’ve been involved in some animated debates … [Read more...]
South Island 25% of population…
One recent issue has given me hope. I think we have Winston Peters to thank for this. I have often described Winston as a Conservative with a small “c”. I think he has taken the inter-island ferry debate off those who would like to privatise the process. His interview on Radio New Zealand on … [Read more...]
The Election of Donald Trump
I heard a friend once say that we are witnessing the demise of the American Empire, just as Empires have come and gone before. There’s been some amazing analysis of the USA election results and like most I’m watching things evolve with great interest. Are we witnessing neo-liberalists last … [Read more...]
Always build your footpaths where the people walk
I enjoy the writings of Chris Trotter. During the month he wrote: The late Jim Anderton understood, as did his hero, Norman Kirk, that, at heart, New Zealand was a conservative country. That said, when confronted by profound economic and/or moral challenges New Zealand voters have demonstrated … [Read more...]
Garry writes 8 October 2024 – South Island woes…
Surely, it’s time for us all to respond to a government which considers Te Wai Pounamu, the South Island, as a mere side show. I feel it’s time for the Mayors of the South Island to develop a strategy to challenge this government. Ratepayers expect Mayors to have a spine and to speak for us and to … [Read more...]
What is the role of Ethics, private and public – in a decent society
This book made me think hard about the way our current government operates. The list of projects on the fast-track list smells very fishy. Dead fishy. Next Tuesday Club notes I will look carefully at local projects and how they happened and their costly ramifications for us as local ratepayers. I … [Read more...]
The Misguided Minister of Speed
I come from a family of petrol heads. My Dad was a motor mechanic for 55 years. I came to live in Christchurch because the Vintage Car Club scene was so alive down here. Whenever someone in the family talked about travelling from “A” to “B” the first question asked by a family chorus was “what time … [Read more...]
Update from Garry Moore
In December I had what now appears to have been a brain seizure. This was followed some months later by three TIA’s (mini strokes). Then I had a stroke and after superb diagnosis at Christchurch Hospital I was admitted to Burwood Hospital. I was unable to stand or walk. I was at Burwood 10 … [Read more...]
Deeply ingrained social conservatism?
An Observation by Chris Trotter... Depressing though it is to admit, New Zealanders’ deeply ingrained social conservatism; their fury at any person, or group, who see themselves as being better than everybody else; their unwillingness to tolerate one rule for thee, and another for me; their … [Read more...]