Bing Crosby and I are both dreaming of a Green Christmas. The difference in calibre of people putting their hand up for the Opposition parties and the CoC incumbents is breathtaking. May you and the whanau have a wonderful time, and find time to recharge - it’s going to be a tough year
After breaking my ankle in 3 places on Oct 19, last week I graduated from 'no weight bearing" in a cast and wheel chair for 6 weeks, to walker and moonboot and 50% weight bearing. There is a degree of discomfort as the tendons and ligaments were a bit tight after 6 weeks. However I have gained a great deal of independence which gives poor Norm a rest. But 200 to 300m a day is my lot at present. I must be in the "mad lot" as I enjoyed the book on many levels. Seasons Greetings Willy.
I think Tania will be an excellent MP. And for the record, I really rate Marama and Chloe. I am hoping for an election where we on the Left have our parties put out their shingles and we vote either Labour or Green without rancour or backbiting. You know for me it is Labour Labour, particularly out here in the West but I don't begrudge other candidates standing. I will laugh and laugh at those from the right who do, and host a summer fundraiser for Vanushi who can take our Waitakere seat from that ghastly Paulo Garcia. I see public enemy no 1 and the biggest threat to a Labour Green government as Winston who thinks he can decide and stuff up our future once again as he has so many times. I don't get to vote in the Maori seats.
Nick, thank you for all the hard work, great writing, and terrific commentary over the past year. You definitely deserve a break - have a great time with family and friends. We all look forward to reading your work next year, a crucial year for this country. Kia kaha.
Your absolutely right. I was screaming at the umpire not to put his finger up, but regardless, one really can't criticise either Devon or Tom. They were both outstanding.
🤗 As a shy neuro-diverse teenager growing up, listening to the cricket in summer is one of my enduring memories - when I was a little older one of my long time friends used to marvel how I could be listening on my earphones and still carry out "intelligent" conversation with everyone 😂
I find that in a world so unstable and unpredictable, watching cricket is very therapeutic, particularly tests. You can shut the world out for a while and become absorbed in something completely different and enjoyable. I enjoy all the variety now played, as they are each a distraction from reality for a few hours at least. I see test matches as a drama played out over anything up to 5 days, each innings an act by either side, vying for a well earned victory. It’s a lot less painful sometimes being neutral rather than driving yourself nuts over bad calls, stupid runouts and other interferences, and just appreciating the skills involved. I do, however, like New Zealand to win, both men and women.
👍 Indeed, while newer formats are more exciting, I liken Test cricket to a game of Chess - what happens at the end of day 5 (if it lasts that long!) is a result of all the other things - good or bad bowling - good or bad batting - good or bad fielding etc. The final wicket to fall that wins/loses a game is an accumulation of all those other things - fortunately good or bad umpiring has been eliminated with amazing review tech these days 🤗
The one tech review that really annoys me is when it’s for a caught behind appeal. We apparently need to see it from a dozen angles before we get to the UltraEdge. That’s the only one that counts!! There’s too much money involved in all sport now, so that’s why the technology was brought in. A great example was the other day when Kiwi skier Alice Robinson won the St.Moritz GS title by 1:800th of a second. The same goes for goals in football being disallowed because a shoulder or elbow was deemed offside. It’s called Football for a good reason…..we’ve become far too reliant on it, the human element, right or wrong, has always been part of the intrigue..
Thanks Nick. Best wishes to you and your family for the festive season. Have a great break, relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Looking forward to Nick's Korero in the year of " ditch the pricks in 26 ".
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us all year, Nick. They have often been inspiring and occasionally provocative — and always worth reading. Nga mihi. Have a great summer break with the family. Relax, refresh, rejuvenate and get ready for 2026. Xxx
Merry Christmas to you and your family Nick. See you in the New Year. All the best for everyone here too. It's certainly going to be an interesting 10 months until the next election.
Bing Crosby and I are both dreaming of a Green Christmas. The difference in calibre of people putting their hand up for the Opposition parties and the CoC incumbents is breathtaking. May you and the whanau have a wonderful time, and find time to recharge - it’s going to be a tough year
You have to sing that with the slide upwards..... ahhmmmm dreaming.... John does a good imitation.
Merry Christmas Nick and have an awesome break with your whanau. Look forward to your korero next year
Here here to Chloe and Marama having high ministerial office.
Thank you for your work through the year.
Have a great break with your family and look forward to your work next year.
The greens are Labour's conscience.
Happy Holidays to you and yours Nick
Only 7 days till Xmas and the countdown continues.
This one's for you Nick !
#7.
I like to imagine the guy who invented the umbrella was going to call it 'brella'. But he hesitated...
Thanks for that, Willy. 🙂
you are most welcome Nick. And thank you for writing with such conviction, passion and truth...
quite brilliant.
You're a good man Charlie Brown.
I agree So are you Willy. I'm up on a walker with a moonboot now.
thank you Patricia...wait , a moonboot ?!!
TELL ME MORE, ARE YOU OK ?
After breaking my ankle in 3 places on Oct 19, last week I graduated from 'no weight bearing" in a cast and wheel chair for 6 weeks, to walker and moonboot and 50% weight bearing. There is a degree of discomfort as the tendons and ligaments were a bit tight after 6 weeks. However I have gained a great deal of independence which gives poor Norm a rest. But 200 to 300m a day is my lot at present. I must be in the "mad lot" as I enjoyed the book on many levels. Seasons Greetings Willy.
you're not mad Patricia, just an intelligent, decent human being.
The great healer, time !
Enjoy Xmas Ms Bremner x
Yeah love that Willy
Have you seen the t-shirts ACT is selling? A mashing of their party, with the Greens and TPM logos. I hope Tania Waikato sues them over copyright.
Have a fab Christmas Nick 😊
Yes, I thought they were pretty stupid. If only they could focus on their own values.
I hope so too!!
Thank you for your inspiring kōrero thoughout 2025 Nick - wishing you & your family a wonderful Christmas & a restful break.
Thank you to your community who follows & makes encouraging comments on this page - we just have to believe it can be changed next year.
Marama’s speech made me cry a little today- what an impressive wahine 🥰
Many thanks for the continued stream of sanity. Enjoy your cuppa, and your family.
Ditto
Ditto
I think Tania will be an excellent MP. And for the record, I really rate Marama and Chloe. I am hoping for an election where we on the Left have our parties put out their shingles and we vote either Labour or Green without rancour or backbiting. You know for me it is Labour Labour, particularly out here in the West but I don't begrudge other candidates standing. I will laugh and laugh at those from the right who do, and host a summer fundraiser for Vanushi who can take our Waitakere seat from that ghastly Paulo Garcia. I see public enemy no 1 and the biggest threat to a Labour Green government as Winston who thinks he can decide and stuff up our future once again as he has so many times. I don't get to vote in the Maori seats.
Nick, thank you for all the hard work, great writing, and terrific commentary over the past year. You definitely deserve a break - have a great time with family and friends. We all look forward to reading your work next year, a crucial year for this country. Kia kaha.
Meri Kirihimete to you, Fiona and your whānau and all readers of Nick's Kōrero.
Ngā mihi to you for all your hard mahi providing us with wonderful writings over the year. You are appreciated.
Enjoy your time with those you love ehoa. You have earned your break.
It's been a bloody tough year for so many, but you have kept me sane.
I'm currently watching the Blackcaps in Mt Maunganui with the Blackcaps on 387/2 with Devon Conway on a magnificent 209 nō.
Please god, let 2026 be better.
Watching the cricket too Josephine. A pity to see Conway go, but a great performance over two days 👏👏👏👏👏
Your absolutely right. I was screaming at the umpire not to put his finger up, but regardless, one really can't criticise either Devon or Tom. They were both outstanding.
Indeed they were. I reckon they should get as close to 500 as they can, declare at tea and have a go at the Windies while the bowlers are fresh.
🤗 As a shy neuro-diverse teenager growing up, listening to the cricket in summer is one of my enduring memories - when I was a little older one of my long time friends used to marvel how I could be listening on my earphones and still carry out "intelligent" conversation with everyone 😂
I find that in a world so unstable and unpredictable, watching cricket is very therapeutic, particularly tests. You can shut the world out for a while and become absorbed in something completely different and enjoyable. I enjoy all the variety now played, as they are each a distraction from reality for a few hours at least. I see test matches as a drama played out over anything up to 5 days, each innings an act by either side, vying for a well earned victory. It’s a lot less painful sometimes being neutral rather than driving yourself nuts over bad calls, stupid runouts and other interferences, and just appreciating the skills involved. I do, however, like New Zealand to win, both men and women.
👍 Indeed, while newer formats are more exciting, I liken Test cricket to a game of Chess - what happens at the end of day 5 (if it lasts that long!) is a result of all the other things - good or bad bowling - good or bad batting - good or bad fielding etc. The final wicket to fall that wins/loses a game is an accumulation of all those other things - fortunately good or bad umpiring has been eliminated with amazing review tech these days 🤗
The one tech review that really annoys me is when it’s for a caught behind appeal. We apparently need to see it from a dozen angles before we get to the UltraEdge. That’s the only one that counts!! There’s too much money involved in all sport now, so that’s why the technology was brought in. A great example was the other day when Kiwi skier Alice Robinson won the St.Moritz GS title by 1:800th of a second. The same goes for goals in football being disallowed because a shoulder or elbow was deemed offside. It’s called Football for a good reason…..we’ve become far too reliant on it, the human element, right or wrong, has always been part of the intrigue..
I've subscribed for another year as I enjoy your much needed commentary. Have a wonderful Xmas 😊
Thanks very much, Janie. 🙂
Thanks Nick. Best wishes to you and your family for the festive season. Have a great break, relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Looking forward to Nick's Korero in the year of " ditch the pricks in 26 ".
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us all year, Nick. They have often been inspiring and occasionally provocative — and always worth reading. Nga mihi. Have a great summer break with the family. Relax, refresh, rejuvenate and get ready for 2026. Xxx
Have a good Christmas, Nick.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Nick. See you in the New Year. All the best for everyone here too. It's certainly going to be an interesting 10 months until the next election.