Arohanui to you and your family, Nick. Wishing your dad a good recovery and your mum all the love and support to help her through the enforced separation. I hope they’re able to be together again soon.
And tautoko to all you say about Jacinda Ardern and the ignorant, hate-filled misogyny directed towards her and other women politicians. I am appalled by the lack of gratitude for Jacinda’s timely and wise response to the pandemic that saved tens of thousands of lives in Aotearoa. Thanks for your great columns.
This comment says all we feel in this household Nick. As 82 year olds, we too are grateful for Jacinda. Every good wish to your family, especially your Dad at a scary time.
Well said, Nick. I've been waiting for someone to point out what a bunch of nasty small-minded dipshits we have in NZ media, ever since Jacinda was forced to stand down...and anyway, she was better off out of it, having had a kid and all that...what a amazing gutsy human!!!!
Yes she is an amazing and gutsy person. I agree with you. I am just pleased that she is getting recognition for her intelligence and strength out of this country . Especially as we are about to have a new government, a three headed monster that will trample all over the progress Labour, lead by Jacinda, and Chippy have made.
Quite agree. Blessed to be able to share Xmas with loved ones who might well not have survived those first waves. More so wondering WHY there is NOT an inquiry into the bias that pervades our State-funded broadcasters - and why 'news' has become replaced with 'opinion' masquerading as news. Hope your dad recovers quickly under the care he is receiving.
I fell in love with Jacinda over her love & kindness with her Covid stance, for exactly what you are going through Nick, that she cared enough.
I am 75, and grateful to be alive.
Yesterday I saw the Siouxie Wiles movie, Ms Information, another woman who was targeted with severe hate. I guess all this has triggered the underbelly of NZ, something we did not know existed to that extent in our beautiful country!
I could never believe for one moment the messages that folk who are filled with such hate bring to us; truth does not live like that.
Sorry to know about this stressful time in your whanau Nick and all the very best for your dad's recovery. Being unable to visit must be so hard We have just had a family member in hospital following serious surgery so I know how important that is. He and his siblings are of the antivax persuasion. He was given ketamine for pain and a sibling sez well at least you won't get Covid. I laughed like a drain as the Goons used to say but it's bloody mad isn't it. Your article is spot on with the media amplifying these attitudes as being the 'Govments' fault for the past 4 years. I was so furious when I read some of the exposing of Luxons claims of being a smart businessman by MSM that is only just happening now. Where was that analysis pre election?? For the sake of my wairua tapu I no longer watch any TV news if I can help it.
Excactly-you make some very good points. There seems to be acceptance that their tax cuts which would be the reason many people voted for them, and was vicously touted by Nicola Willis- is notngoingbtobe possible because NZ FIRST ARE COPLETELY AGAINST SELLING OFF HOUSES TO FOREIGN BUYERS. Whereisthe money for tax cuts goingbto come from nowis the question that should be being asked?
All the best with your dad. And yes - how did we get so nasty. I still remember going into our local wholefoods shop and there on the counter were Nuremberg 2.5 posters directed at Jacinda. When it was her government's actions that supported the shop through the pandemic and allowed it allowed it to stay in business! I have never been back and never will.
Thinking of you and your Dad Nick. You’ve pinned it exactly again. When you look at the current inquiry into UK’s handling & observations, it makes me more thankful that our govt put people first. We can all be generals in hindsight but when hard and swift decisions had to be made, Jacinda and team made them. I honestly don’t think our ‘potential coalition of chaos’ would have been able to make them, putting economy and backers ahead of people. The ‘conditions would have had to be right’ and we’d have watched what the big guns were doing. Far too little, too late.
Love Jacinda-Clarke-Neve, and miss them everyday. She and Helen were demonised by idiots. So were Chippy, Grant, Megan, Carmel... and all those great left mps, including the Greens, esp Chloe, Marama, mr. Nash (I always missspell Stuart), Te Pati Maori,.... Ashley and Siouxsie... Love to them all and your parents, Nick.
Healthy blessings to your Dad Nick. I totally agree with you regarding the nastiness within NZ toward Jacinda, particularly when internationally and from Kiwis living overseas she was being applauded and hugely respected. I've always admired Jacinda right from when she was a young politician and have defiantly argued with acquaintances, proving the gossip and rumors wrong and proving and extolling her worth. They don't say much now- particularly with no government in place yet!Likewise to this day I still have to relay how fortunate we have been not to lose anyone we know, to Covid. So so grateful for her leadership during that time. Karma will get those nasty people!
Wishing your Dad a speedy recovery Nick. Thank you for this post today which should be compulsory reading for all in NZ although it should be noted there are so many dips..who wouldn’t understand the kind and supportive parts. Best I stop because you would have to censor what I think of those who treated Jacinda so appallingly.
Nick, again thank you. I hope your Dad will be ok. My partner John has long covid, not as bad as some, who can barely get out of bed, but a constant reminder that COVID was real, is still real and changed our world forever. Some people want to forget that. They want our country "back on track" or "let's get our country back". We will see. Viruses like COVID have a way of ignoring what National Party, ACT and NZ First says. The persecution of Jacinda is our national shame. Some are still at it. Friends I have in other countries can't understand it, especially if they live in the UK, US and even Ukraine. Like you, I fear for other young women coming into leadership, political or otherwise. I will try to be a mentor if they ask me. It has never been easy.
My best wishes for your dad in his fight with covid.
Thank you for your writing about the change in the spirit of New Zealanders, the change from the sense we had of giving people a fair go.
What disturbs me (well, one of the things…) is how easily we moved as a country into the circle of spin by the right wing - Steve bannon and his ilk. At first it seemed just silly and only a few obvious nutters were involved in conspiracy theories and then it spread - and the hatred and vitriol grew. And the media! Bloody hell, they did a job on our WFPM.
And it continues, not quite unabated. But usually if one of our own was doing something of note overseas and had been invited to be involved by significant international people, we’d be reading and hearing about it every day. Not for Jacinda though. It’s an afterthought, a 10 second mention if there’s time before an ad break.
I am not sure if it’s true, however a friend told me the other day, that Jacinda resigned after she’d been told by her security detail that they could no longer guarantee they could keep her safe, that they needed her to lie down in the back of the car as she travelled. If true, what an indictment of us, if true, what a horrid people we have become. And if not true, how terrifying that I can even entertain it as being very likely true!! How the f*ck did that happen to us? We need to look deeply at the influences that wrought this change, and work to expose them.
And we need to be kind. More than ever, we need to be kind.
Sending virtual hugs, Nick to you and yours, and may you have many more Christmases with your family, Marilyn
Nov 20, 2023·edited Nov 20, 2023Liked by Nick Rockel
Thanks Nick and all the best for your parents managing this stressful time.
Sadly I agree the Covid pandemic polarised us. It was "me" versus "we", individual "rights" without an associated sense of communal "responsibilities".
And these have not only become entrenched, but led us to the election result and ensuing chaos. Selfishness and greed.
Jacinda deserves all our gratitude and appreciation for the many accomplishments of her government. And for establishing a great, authentic and ethical team culture.
I truly hope that, unlike the US, Aotearoa comes to its collective senses sooner than later. But first, the damn media!! Grr.
Thank you for calling out the sexism that underpinned all Jacinda’s abuse and continues with Nanaia, Kiri, Marama, now Ginny etc...while the stale, pale males seem to get away with being revolting on the regular with no media making a fuss. Covid is everywhere last few weeks -my son finally got it for the first time, colleagues off sick impacting my project deadlines ...someone new I know every week. We are dreaming if we think ‘Covid is over’. Sending your Dad strong, healing vibes Nick.
Arohanui to you and your family, Nick. Wishing your dad a good recovery and your mum all the love and support to help her through the enforced separation. I hope they’re able to be together again soon.
And tautoko to all you say about Jacinda Ardern and the ignorant, hate-filled misogyny directed towards her and other women politicians. I am appalled by the lack of gratitude for Jacinda’s timely and wise response to the pandemic that saved tens of thousands of lives in Aotearoa. Thanks for your great columns.
This comment says all we feel in this household Nick. As 82 year olds, we too are grateful for Jacinda. Every good wish to your family, especially your Dad at a scary time.
Thank you Nic. I just hope I don't get covid then it will be another 5 days on top of my husband's 5 days!
Oh, I hope you stay covid-free too, Jean. 🤞Wishing you all the very best. 🌻
Well said, Nick. I've been waiting for someone to point out what a bunch of nasty small-minded dipshits we have in NZ media, ever since Jacinda was forced to stand down...and anyway, she was better off out of it, having had a kid and all that...what a amazing gutsy human!!!!
Yes she is an amazing and gutsy person. I agree with you. I am just pleased that she is getting recognition for her intelligence and strength out of this country . Especially as we are about to have a new government, a three headed monster that will trample all over the progress Labour, lead by Jacinda, and Chippy have made.
Looks like a monster with three heads that is going to tear itself to pieces, to me...lets hope that all the bits flying off don't do too much damage.
Quite agree. Blessed to be able to share Xmas with loved ones who might well not have survived those first waves. More so wondering WHY there is NOT an inquiry into the bias that pervades our State-funded broadcasters - and why 'news' has become replaced with 'opinion' masquerading as news. Hope your dad recovers quickly under the care he is receiving.
The non reporting of ram raids is one very blatant & obvious point.
I fell in love with Jacinda over her love & kindness with her Covid stance, for exactly what you are going through Nick, that she cared enough.
I am 75, and grateful to be alive.
Yesterday I saw the Siouxie Wiles movie, Ms Information, another woman who was targeted with severe hate. I guess all this has triggered the underbelly of NZ, something we did not know existed to that extent in our beautiful country!
I could never believe for one moment the messages that folk who are filled with such hate bring to us; truth does not live like that.
Best wishes to your Dad, keep us posted.
Sorry to know about this stressful time in your whanau Nick and all the very best for your dad's recovery. Being unable to visit must be so hard We have just had a family member in hospital following serious surgery so I know how important that is. He and his siblings are of the antivax persuasion. He was given ketamine for pain and a sibling sez well at least you won't get Covid. I laughed like a drain as the Goons used to say but it's bloody mad isn't it. Your article is spot on with the media amplifying these attitudes as being the 'Govments' fault for the past 4 years. I was so furious when I read some of the exposing of Luxons claims of being a smart businessman by MSM that is only just happening now. Where was that analysis pre election?? For the sake of my wairua tapu I no longer watch any TV news if I can help it.
Excactly-you make some very good points. There seems to be acceptance that their tax cuts which would be the reason many people voted for them, and was vicously touted by Nicola Willis- is notngoingbtobe possible because NZ FIRST ARE COPLETELY AGAINST SELLING OFF HOUSES TO FOREIGN BUYERS. Whereisthe money for tax cuts goingbto come from nowis the question that should be being asked?
All the best with your dad. And yes - how did we get so nasty. I still remember going into our local wholefoods shop and there on the counter were Nuremberg 2.5 posters directed at Jacinda. When it was her government's actions that supported the shop through the pandemic and allowed it allowed it to stay in business! I have never been back and never will.
Name the shop, and we'll never go there again either!
I agree.
Puti Puti Ra.
I hope your Dad comes thru ok . bloody tough for you guys.
Thinking of you and your Dad Nick. You’ve pinned it exactly again. When you look at the current inquiry into UK’s handling & observations, it makes me more thankful that our govt put people first. We can all be generals in hindsight but when hard and swift decisions had to be made, Jacinda and team made them. I honestly don’t think our ‘potential coalition of chaos’ would have been able to make them, putting economy and backers ahead of people. The ‘conditions would have had to be right’ and we’d have watched what the big guns were doing. Far too little, too late.
Love Jacinda-Clarke-Neve, and miss them everyday. She and Helen were demonised by idiots. So were Chippy, Grant, Megan, Carmel... and all those great left mps, including the Greens, esp Chloe, Marama, mr. Nash (I always missspell Stuart), Te Pati Maori,.... Ashley and Siouxsie... Love to them all and your parents, Nick.
Healthy blessings to your Dad Nick. I totally agree with you regarding the nastiness within NZ toward Jacinda, particularly when internationally and from Kiwis living overseas she was being applauded and hugely respected. I've always admired Jacinda right from when she was a young politician and have defiantly argued with acquaintances, proving the gossip and rumors wrong and proving and extolling her worth. They don't say much now- particularly with no government in place yet!Likewise to this day I still have to relay how fortunate we have been not to lose anyone we know, to Covid. So so grateful for her leadership during that time. Karma will get those nasty people!
Wishing your Dad a speedy recovery Nick. Thank you for this post today which should be compulsory reading for all in NZ although it should be noted there are so many dips..who wouldn’t understand the kind and supportive parts. Best I stop because you would have to censor what I think of those who treated Jacinda so appallingly.
Nick, again thank you. I hope your Dad will be ok. My partner John has long covid, not as bad as some, who can barely get out of bed, but a constant reminder that COVID was real, is still real and changed our world forever. Some people want to forget that. They want our country "back on track" or "let's get our country back". We will see. Viruses like COVID have a way of ignoring what National Party, ACT and NZ First says. The persecution of Jacinda is our national shame. Some are still at it. Friends I have in other countries can't understand it, especially if they live in the UK, US and even Ukraine. Like you, I fear for other young women coming into leadership, political or otherwise. I will try to be a mentor if they ask me. It has never been easy.
Kia kaha, Nick, awhi awhi awhi.
My best wishes for your dad in his fight with covid.
Thank you for your writing about the change in the spirit of New Zealanders, the change from the sense we had of giving people a fair go.
What disturbs me (well, one of the things…) is how easily we moved as a country into the circle of spin by the right wing - Steve bannon and his ilk. At first it seemed just silly and only a few obvious nutters were involved in conspiracy theories and then it spread - and the hatred and vitriol grew. And the media! Bloody hell, they did a job on our WFPM.
And it continues, not quite unabated. But usually if one of our own was doing something of note overseas and had been invited to be involved by significant international people, we’d be reading and hearing about it every day. Not for Jacinda though. It’s an afterthought, a 10 second mention if there’s time before an ad break.
I am not sure if it’s true, however a friend told me the other day, that Jacinda resigned after she’d been told by her security detail that they could no longer guarantee they could keep her safe, that they needed her to lie down in the back of the car as she travelled. If true, what an indictment of us, if true, what a horrid people we have become. And if not true, how terrifying that I can even entertain it as being very likely true!! How the f*ck did that happen to us? We need to look deeply at the influences that wrought this change, and work to expose them.
And we need to be kind. More than ever, we need to be kind.
Sending virtual hugs, Nick to you and yours, and may you have many more Christmases with your family, Marilyn
Thanks Nick and all the best for your parents managing this stressful time.
Sadly I agree the Covid pandemic polarised us. It was "me" versus "we", individual "rights" without an associated sense of communal "responsibilities".
And these have not only become entrenched, but led us to the election result and ensuing chaos. Selfishness and greed.
Jacinda deserves all our gratitude and appreciation for the many accomplishments of her government. And for establishing a great, authentic and ethical team culture.
I truly hope that, unlike the US, Aotearoa comes to its collective senses sooner than later. But first, the damn media!! Grr.
All the very best to your Dad, Nick.
And I so totally agree with this post that I have nothing else to contribute. Thanks for this.
Thank you for calling out the sexism that underpinned all Jacinda’s abuse and continues with Nanaia, Kiri, Marama, now Ginny etc...while the stale, pale males seem to get away with being revolting on the regular with no media making a fuss. Covid is everywhere last few weeks -my son finally got it for the first time, colleagues off sick impacting my project deadlines ...someone new I know every week. We are dreaming if we think ‘Covid is over’. Sending your Dad strong, healing vibes Nick.