Category: Democracy

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Labour's Leadership Vacuum

In some cases being a ‘soft touch’ is a positive and appropriate. But not when one is the Prime Minister. Jacinda Ardern is increasingly looking out of her depth. But if she’s not really in control of the country, the question is, who is.


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Questions and answers on Curran and Hirschfeld

It is very unwise for the Minister of Broadcasting to have breakfast with the head of news for Radio New Zealand – especially as the Minister is proposing to give Radio New Zealand millions more in funding.


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Political Correctness Threatens Free Speech

It is said, that free speech is a sign of a healthy democracy, but are people really free to speak their mind in New Zealand today? At one time it was OK for someone to be offended by what others said. They were told to toughen up and get on with life.


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Fottles, Fatwas and Free Speech

The Fascists of the Left (FOTLs, pronounced “Fottles”) have won. Free speech in New Zealand is dead. It has been throttled by Fottles. The Fottles have been frenetic. One, Mullah Marvelly, issued a Fatwa via Twit-Witter. Then a second Fatwa was launched in the form of a petition…


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Last Chance to Oppose Coastal Claims

The Marine and Coastal Area Act is flawed in many respects, but especially in its failure to define a critical legal test. As it stands, unless the law is amended, it will be Judges rather than Parliament that determines whether Maori interests will own some of the coastal marine area or most of it.


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A New Era of Politics

The recent volatility in sharemarkets around the world should serve as a warning to our new Government about the fragility of financial markets and the crucial importance of having a strong balance sheet as a buffer against future economic shocks.


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On the Money: Has MMP produced a new era of FPP elections?

With the Jacinda Ardern-led tripartite coalition government passing its hundred day milestone in the 52nd New Zealand Parliament,  Labour and National are now running neck-and-neck in public opinion polls.  Either could potentially win the next general election in 2020 outright. 


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Agendas and Demands

Over the years Waitangi Day has changed from being a celebration of the birth of our nation, when two peoples were united as one, to becoming a grievance day for tribal activists pursuing their Maori sovereignty agenda.


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Golliwogs and Local Government

Earlier this month, a gift shop owner on Waiheke Island was called a racist, for selling golliwogs. The situation has been described as “Political correctness gone mad”.


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Is Freedom of Speech Under Threat in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, freedom of speech is enshrined as one of our fundamental rights in the Bill of Rights Act of 1990. By comparison with a great many other countries, New Zealand stacks up pretty well.