I can’t help but compare the photos of Oriini, Marama and Carmel with the oft repeated footage of the three coalition leaders smirking and laughing as they strut down the corridors of Parliament. All our differences and problems in two images…
Very well written Nick. What a world we are living in. I had seen coverage of the awful protest in London and felt sad, angry, and very disturbed. Sad that such viciousness and violence has become all too common in the country I was born in, that people like Tommy Robinson have such influence over so many. Angry (but not surprised) that this sort of violence and anarchy has been supported by Brian Tamaki and his thugs. As if this disgusting event wasn’t disturbing enough, the coverage ended with Elon Musk spouting hate from a giant screen, interfering in the politics of Britain the way he did in America.
In contrast we had the protest down Queen Street where no police were beaten up by protesters, and violence did not break out between the protesters and counter protesters. I really hope that in our country (my home of 54 years) we can hold the line against the violence and hatred that is increasing around the world. We are a small and diverse country, we cannot afford to allow ourselves to let the violence and hate we saw in London take hold here. We must continue to stand up for what’s right and be the small country with a big heart.
Nick it is abhorrent that this COC has not condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and it is not mere speculation to conclude that the reason is this Govt’s policy of cosying up to the USA war machine. The Israeli slaughter in Gaza remains possible only because of the billions of dollars supplied by the USA which makes them complicit in the genocide while our Govt’s inaction on this demonstrates a complete lack of leadership, statesmanship or empathy. No surprises there I guess.
It's hard not to read this and feel really sad about the state of affairs here. It is also hard not to feel angry that idiots like the Tamaki gang are obviously getting funding from other sources, I would guess "The Family " or Musk, or any of the evangelico loons that run the failing oligarchy technofeudalist state of America. Even using the word America in the US is an insult to the real and original inhabitants of both of those continents. Even using United seems improper when talking about this last imperial warmongering lunacy land.
The only thing that gives me any hope is the smiling faces of our young and upcoming Wahine in the Greens and Te Māori party. Please, can we have more caring, more smiling, more action, more accountability, and more science and intelligence brought back into government? And can we please revoke Bishop Tamakis' hate mob's passports so they stop spreading some really weird right-wing hate line that doesn't even make sense to England. How can they stand in front of thousands of obviously racist Londoners as Māori themselves? Logic has seriously left the room. Truth got thrown out with the bathwater in this Orwellian world. And it seems like only a matter of time before we start eating 'Soylent Green'. Though I have always wondered what the hell they put in Big Macs.
Kia ora e tu Whanau. (sorry about the macrons - that's one of my jobs I need to learn in Maori Language week). Steeling myself for whatever horrors come today from the CoC. Brian Tamaki and his "church" are disgusting. We need to tell anyone we know in the UK they don't represent Maori here but he is a grifter feeding off poor people who I assume paid for his trip to London. And yes, I saw that post from Chung's supporters in Welly. I agree Rebecca Matthews is great. I've worked with her in unions as well. Some days we see the lowest of the low. Meanwhile, I've resolved to learn more Te Reo this week. Start by counting up how many words you understand. You might be surprised. Then a couple of sentences. Use them often! For those of who grew up with no Te Reo in our lives, despite being surrounded by Maori, it is understandable if you are a bit shy, but give it a go.
Well busy weekend the the world-lets hope things get better. I had heard tommy invited Brian to the protest? how bizarre Perhaps the UK can keep Brian?
It is pure ignorance (with a touch of evil) that equates being against Netanyahu's war of genocide as being anti-semitic. Not the same. Most of us are not anti a people, race, or peoples, but against the thoughts and actions of violence. ...And in Aotearoa (and many other places), we are a nation of immigrants (often conquering immigrants, the UK especially!) We are them. ...The likeness to football hooliganism is probably the best explainer - they've found a new outlet for their anger. Lock up those who stoke it, I say! Loved the track, Nick. Thanks.
Does Brian honestly believe that Tommy and his followers would welcome some indigenous Māori from the other side of the world to help Make Britain Great Again…?!
Brilliant post, Nick - I agree with everything you have written but esp calling out our Govt's lack of action and your comment, "I find it difficult to reconcile the horrors of Gaza with a group of people who have themselves been victims of such genocide."
Excellent piece. It was wonderful to be on the march on Saturday. It's over 100 weeks now that many of us have joined each other in what is now referred to as Palestinian corner in Britomart. I do think that Simon Court should resign as he clearly doesn't understand what we as a nation have signed up to in terms of international law and conventions. Don' t they teach new MPs anything? But his remarks were repugnant as were the coments of Auckland Mayo Wayne Brown's when he compared Mt Eden to Gaza for some bizarre reason. We must negate those people who use hate, group closure and unkindness in an attempt to strengthen their power base. Let's ignore them as we did on the march with a sign "nothing to see here". Or strengthen our hate law (do we have one) to deal with their nastiness. To all the good humans, see you next week at the Ceasefire Rally at 2 pm in central Auckland.
Ray Chung. How has he still been able to stand? As for Destiny Cult, it is not a Church and he is radicalising our own and using them. Interesting that Musk encourages war, as does copy cat Seymore, who is trying to get things over the line without fanfare now, as he did not enjoy the push back from the public.
We should be emailing our politicians about this behaviour.
Excellent article thank you Nick. 100% agree. Such a powerful and on-point cartoon from Rod Emmerson. And thanks for calling out the despicable Better Wellington post.
I can’t help but compare the photos of Oriini, Marama and Carmel with the oft repeated footage of the three coalition leaders smirking and laughing as they strut down the corridors of Parliament. All our differences and problems in two images…
Bang on, Keith, one group aloof, arrogant, and separate from the people, the other with us.
So true Keith.
Very well written Nick. What a world we are living in. I had seen coverage of the awful protest in London and felt sad, angry, and very disturbed. Sad that such viciousness and violence has become all too common in the country I was born in, that people like Tommy Robinson have such influence over so many. Angry (but not surprised) that this sort of violence and anarchy has been supported by Brian Tamaki and his thugs. As if this disgusting event wasn’t disturbing enough, the coverage ended with Elon Musk spouting hate from a giant screen, interfering in the politics of Britain the way he did in America.
In contrast we had the protest down Queen Street where no police were beaten up by protesters, and violence did not break out between the protesters and counter protesters. I really hope that in our country (my home of 54 years) we can hold the line against the violence and hatred that is increasing around the world. We are a small and diverse country, we cannot afford to allow ourselves to let the violence and hate we saw in London take hold here. We must continue to stand up for what’s right and be the small country with a big heart.
We must continue to stand up for what’s right and be the small country with a big heart.
❤️❤️❤️
Very well put Diana.
Nick it is abhorrent that this COC has not condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and it is not mere speculation to conclude that the reason is this Govt’s policy of cosying up to the USA war machine. The Israeli slaughter in Gaza remains possible only because of the billions of dollars supplied by the USA which makes them complicit in the genocide while our Govt’s inaction on this demonstrates a complete lack of leadership, statesmanship or empathy. No surprises there I guess.
Well said.
Stay strong all you great kiwis who standup for decency and humanity. Consistency is the key element to beat the spineless
It's hard not to read this and feel really sad about the state of affairs here. It is also hard not to feel angry that idiots like the Tamaki gang are obviously getting funding from other sources, I would guess "The Family " or Musk, or any of the evangelico loons that run the failing oligarchy technofeudalist state of America. Even using the word America in the US is an insult to the real and original inhabitants of both of those continents. Even using United seems improper when talking about this last imperial warmongering lunacy land.
The only thing that gives me any hope is the smiling faces of our young and upcoming Wahine in the Greens and Te Māori party. Please, can we have more caring, more smiling, more action, more accountability, and more science and intelligence brought back into government? And can we please revoke Bishop Tamakis' hate mob's passports so they stop spreading some really weird right-wing hate line that doesn't even make sense to England. How can they stand in front of thousands of obviously racist Londoners as Māori themselves? Logic has seriously left the room. Truth got thrown out with the bathwater in this Orwellian world. And it seems like only a matter of time before we start eating 'Soylent Green'. Though I have always wondered what the hell they put in Big Macs.
❤️❤️
Kia ora e tu Whanau. (sorry about the macrons - that's one of my jobs I need to learn in Maori Language week). Steeling myself for whatever horrors come today from the CoC. Brian Tamaki and his "church" are disgusting. We need to tell anyone we know in the UK they don't represent Maori here but he is a grifter feeding off poor people who I assume paid for his trip to London. And yes, I saw that post from Chung's supporters in Welly. I agree Rebecca Matthews is great. I've worked with her in unions as well. Some days we see the lowest of the low. Meanwhile, I've resolved to learn more Te Reo this week. Start by counting up how many words you understand. You might be surprised. Then a couple of sentences. Use them often! For those of who grew up with no Te Reo in our lives, despite being surrounded by Maori, it is understandable if you are a bit shy, but give it a go.
Hello Darien, 100% agree
If you want macros go to languages and change to Māori I've set it up on my phone and it will be done automatically
Tenā koe Darren.
Kā rawe ehoa. I mihi (acknowledge) you for embracing Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.
Kia kaha ehoa.
Well busy weekend the the world-lets hope things get better. I had heard tommy invited Brian to the protest? how bizarre Perhaps the UK can keep Brian?
It is pure ignorance (with a touch of evil) that equates being against Netanyahu's war of genocide as being anti-semitic. Not the same. Most of us are not anti a people, race, or peoples, but against the thoughts and actions of violence. ...And in Aotearoa (and many other places), we are a nation of immigrants (often conquering immigrants, the UK especially!) We are them. ...The likeness to football hooliganism is probably the best explainer - they've found a new outlet for their anger. Lock up those who stoke it, I say! Loved the track, Nick. Thanks.
People who are anti immigrant are also weirdly anti indigenous. As counter intuitive that might sound, the two just seem to go hand in hand.
PS: as if Jon Toogood can't get any Cooler!!!!
Truly a living legend, in fact all those Kiwis who marched for Palestine are living legends!
🤘🥰🤘
I didn't think Jon Toogood could get any cooler; turns out he could. What an awesome Kiwi.
Does Brian honestly believe that Tommy and his followers would welcome some indigenous Māori from the other side of the world to help Make Britain Great Again…?!
Make it make sense
It's like gang members wearing Swastikas, makes no sense.
Thanks for bringing us news we might otherwize have missed.
It's a pity that so many of our citizens don't know the history of colonization.
Shame on those dudes doing a haka in the U K. and supporting the loathsome Tommy Robinson( not his real name either.
I'm hoping Labour gets brave and announces CGT.
That will help fill the coffers to enable funding of health, housing and education.( not roads or overseas trips)
And a better graduated tax.
Not many things make me cry but this song feels like my anthem for the past 2 years...
Well done to everyone who stood up for Palestine yesterday in the face of so much hate and cowardness.
Lots of love, Juliet, hopefully better days ahead, my friend.
Brilliant post, Nick - I agree with everything you have written but esp calling out our Govt's lack of action and your comment, "I find it difficult to reconcile the horrors of Gaza with a group of people who have themselves been victims of such genocide."
Excellent piece. It was wonderful to be on the march on Saturday. It's over 100 weeks now that many of us have joined each other in what is now referred to as Palestinian corner in Britomart. I do think that Simon Court should resign as he clearly doesn't understand what we as a nation have signed up to in terms of international law and conventions. Don' t they teach new MPs anything? But his remarks were repugnant as were the coments of Auckland Mayo Wayne Brown's when he compared Mt Eden to Gaza for some bizarre reason. We must negate those people who use hate, group closure and unkindness in an attempt to strengthen their power base. Let's ignore them as we did on the march with a sign "nothing to see here". Or strengthen our hate law (do we have one) to deal with their nastiness. To all the good humans, see you next week at the Ceasefire Rally at 2 pm in central Auckland.
He stands in my electorate of Te Atatu, you should hear his views on climate change - the guy is either a complete moron or absolutely bought.
I am just not sure how a sitting MP can get away with such comments? He should have been gone burger the moment he tweeted that comment. Nasty.
Ray Chung. How has he still been able to stand? As for Destiny Cult, it is not a Church and he is radicalising our own and using them. Interesting that Musk encourages war, as does copy cat Seymore, who is trying to get things over the line without fanfare now, as he did not enjoy the push back from the public.
We should be emailing our politicians about this behaviour.
Excellent article thank you Nick. 100% agree. Such a powerful and on-point cartoon from Rod Emmerson. And thanks for calling out the despicable Better Wellington post.