Category: imported_weekly

The freedom of expression is a cornerstone of our democracy. It results in a stronger and more resilient society. Once opinions are silenced and society becomes stifled, it’s only a short step to totalitarian control.

The real issue is whether the government has plans to address the chronic problems that have led to the current shortage of affordable housing in many parts of the country. To date they have shown no inclination that they intend to do so.

A Bill that is currently in front of Parliament will have serious implications for the future of our economy if passed in its present form. Unfortunately few understand the magnitude of what is being proposed and to date it has attracted little attention.

The Budget reveals that under the stewardship of Jacinda Ardern’s Government, New Zealand’s economic growth has fallen from 3.2 percent last year to 2.4 percent this year. Treasury attributes this to a drop in migration and a collapse in business investment growth from 6.8 percent last year to 0.7 percent this year.

The ‘elites’ in Labour and the Greens have captured the agenda, attacking free speech, advancing race-based privilege, and prioritising identity politics, alienating middle of the road voters in the process.

The danger is that hate speech restrictions will be the thin end of the wedge, and will escalate from addressing extremism to criminalising speech that socialists like our Prime Minister and her parties think is objectionable.

It is deeply concerning that our PM has taken on the role of international cheerleader for the climate change movement. With the support of the UN, she is determined to see New Zealand leading the world in climate restrictions.

The Labour Government’s $2 million Welfare Expert Advisory Group’s report was made public last Friday - in the same week that labour market figures showed the number of New Zealanders with jobs had fallen by 4,000 in the past three months. If enacted, their 42 recommendations would dramatically deepen the dependency trap.

The growth in race based representation in local and central government - through appointment rather than election – is increasing public concern. The on-going drive by iwi leaders to institutionalise 50:50 co-governance is a growing threat to our democracy.