I would like to discuss your need to take a break regularly. Like an extra day a week!
For goodness sake - we are not slave drivers. Just grateful for your work. We would happily release you from some publishing pressure to read research and compose. We are on YOUR side. Enjoy the time together and being turned off from work :)
I am sure your other subscribers would agree with me.
Noted, it went from about 4 newsletters a week to 6-7 leading up to the election. It could drop back a bit; I agree it's unsustainable, and I struggle to keep up with reading. Appreciate the sentiment of being on my side - thanks 🙂
Would people prefer to know certain days, or happy to play it by ear? For example, Monday is usually a wipeout in terms of politics; bugger all happens.
I agree about Monday being a wipeout ... nothing happens until the post-Cabinet presser on Monday afternoon. You can have a long weekend every weekend!
Agree, no need to be on tap 6-7 days - BUT perhaps "Monday-Funday"?? 3-5 days of serious stuff & one day of other stuff like AMA or MEME sharing or whatever - many of my subs only write once a week OR extras if something BIG happens, so I reckon you provided excellent value for money over and above & less-is-more if it makes things manageable at your end ...
Thank you for the questions, lovely comments, and kind thoughts. Honestly, I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing something I am really passionate about—thank you for making that possible, and for letting me know there are kind-hearted people out there. Sometimes, it feels like a minority, but I've got a bit more faith in my fellow Kiwis than that, even those outside this bubble.
Your Instagram post about politics and friends today really hit home for me. I’ve been really struggling since this coalition of condoms ( they prevent anything growing and developing into a human) came into government. I’m really keen to hear what you and others think. It’s been very isolating for me in the area where I live. I cannot contain my rage I guess about the blatant racism, tax cut consequences, climate change inaction, “bottom-feeder” bashing and the continuing river of shit that’s overflowing its banks seemingly everyday. Equally though, I feel powerless and just volunteer in a minor way and I guess if I really “cared” I’d do something more but am not sure what that is.
The people I know who voted for coalition parties did so for economic reasons, so far as I'm aware. Holding their nose, or turning a blind eye, depending on your pov, to the blatant racism. I genuinely don't believe that the majority of Kiwis will buy into Seymour's garbage; it just doesn't ring true that Māori are supposedly privileged in this country. That whole grotesque aspect seems to be a fight between the Nats and ACT over those votes, and I suspect some centrist voters who went along with the tax cuts will not be as quick to ignore the racism next time after what we've seen.
Climate Change drives me crazy. Even those who understand it is real seem happy to vote for parties that want to do the absolute minimum. Maybe a few more cyclones will change people's minds?
Nick, I'm with Alannah on this, especially ref the understanding of inequity for many Māori. Perspective: I'm 74 and 5th gen NZ pakeha (1845 invaders) but, I didn't arrive here until I was 30, after overseas education and then seven years resident in Singapore, where multicultural/lingual respect is the norm. I learned Mandarin. Our family's first four Aotearoa years were lived close to Turangawaewae marae, with our rangatahi going to Bernard Ferguson school, probably the first bilingual state primary, mostly Māori. I was voted onto the school committee. By the time we came to Wellington, they were bilingual. And I was educated about the hardships of speaking te reo in previous decades. ...Compare this with many pakeha of my decade and older, who (like my local cattery owner) don't believe there's an issue that working wouldn't solve! It's how they were brought up, with blinkers. My own father (B.1920, educated in Waitoa and Matamata, WWII pilot, then lived overseas) once told me "We never had a problem with Māori". Yer, right! ...So, I contend, unless we've had the blinkers removed, many older people think that way, and taught their kids to think that way. Their exposure is what counts - and was it real world? Or, white biased world? ... Not that easy of an ingrained white, privileged and wannabe, belief to overcome, it's hiding just below the surface and responds to what it's fed. And that food right now is burgers and KFC from ACT & Nats. Convenient. Tasty?! Not really good for us. But will we avoid it? ... Like most of your readers seem to, Nick - such a simpatico bunch to hang out with, thanks)
Sadly I agree Annie. The quiet racists will vote them back in and never admit it in public. I’m hopeful those dinosaurs will shuffle off and am hopeful the younger generation are much more aware of injustice. Then again I live in a bubble of my son and his friends ( in their 30s, mostly vegan greenies).
For those who didn't see the post Sue mentions it was this:
I quite like this, I don’t necessarily agree, but how do you deal with the coalition supporters in your life?
With an image saying - "If I unfriend you over politics it's not because we disagree, it's because I don't like you anymore after knowing your true beliefs."
You can find the thread here if you're interested:
I feel the same way Sue - so even though have always supported Labour have finally joined the party and am enjoying being involved in policy discussions and knowing that they are listening to the members is important- I have also started volunteering at our local school to assist the kids with their reading and pleasingly have noticed a significant improvement for ‘my’ kids even in the six months or so that I have been involved- also taking tasks home to help the teachers to free them up - as you say doing the small stuff is important
Hope your trip goes well, it's sobering when we have to make journeys like this for our peers. Sometimes the tricky thing about these trips without kids is making sure we just don't spend the whole time talking about them!
My question is - how much damage do you think is being done and how long will it take to undo? Are we looking at a generation to get back to where we were with respect to public services, respect for Te Tiriti, progressive education and many other things?
Hi Quentin, yes, I suspect a bit of discussion about the kids; they have a dance comp at Auckland Girls tonight, so there will be dissecting, no doubt, and worrying whether they've fed the dogs. 😂
In terms of damage, it feels like 2 steps forward and 2 back. It took the Arden government a long time to turn the ship after Key regarding social housing, rental conditions, investment in public services, increasing the minimum wage and benefits, so many things they did to undo damage.
I imagine it will be a long road back for our Public Sector, but a left-wing government could turn aspects quickly, like abandoning charter schools, the emphasis on assessment over learning in schools, and a massive injection into Health, workers rights, and a shift to a living wage, etc. But how many people will have chosen not to enter those public sector fields, retired or gone overseas? After one term, you could bounce back, but after two or three - you're talking about a generation of damage.
In terms of te Tiriti and te Reo I honestly believe this will backfire on them. I have never seen such an outpouring of aroha and support for the language and for honouring the treaty as that which has occurred in response to the attacks by this coalition. If anything, I think this will strengthen over time, this is the last hurrah of dinosaurs.
What can we do about David Seymour hogging the news every night? What is wrong with the media? Why are they giving him so much time to lie, obfuscate and foster hatred and division among the populace? They know he's a fraud.
It has reached the stage whenever a major political story breaks, they go straight to him for comment and ignore the leaders of the Opposition parties. Given Chris Hipkins was still PM nine months ago shouldn't they be approaching him?
It has got to the stage when I have to turn off the news nearly every night for fear of damage to my mental health - and that is no exaggeration.
Yes Anne why does Associate minister Seymour get so much power in education? To cut school lunches, bring in charter schools, and why is he given licence to set up his own ministry, to become deputy PM? He's a despicable human being.
Enjoy your Rotorua break. I always find Rotorua a laidback, rejuvenating place to visit, altho I haven't been for a few years and I'm not a mountainbiker.
I would love to read your take on what I think of as a 'helicopter' view of what is going on in NZ with the CofC government. We tend to get bogged down in bagging the last government for the woes we are experiencing and jumping ship to the only other option at election time. We don't take into consideration that NZ is a small fish in a larger global pond, and we are being played by the big boy capitalists and supposed advocates of democracy. We (NZ) are on a fast track to 21st century nobility and serfdom. Or have I gone down the wrong rabbithole.
Thanks, Marilyn; I'm looking forward to breathing the air. 🙂
It does seem that as we alternate between "left" and "right" governments, we move ever more toward a less egalitarian society. That the scope of what is deemed possible is narrow and doesn't question fundamentals like - everyone deserves a house, no one needs 5.
Socially, we progress over time, but in terms of the slide into neoliberalism, it feels like the 1970s, when I grew up, were fairer and simpler times—at least from the perspective of families who could buy a home on one income. I've answered about housing because the division between homeowners and renters clearly demarcates a growing problem with inequality.
I worry about the future when companies will have less need for people in jobs, and day-to-day life will become more precarious for many. I do still hold hope that a small country like ours, like others in Western Europe and Scandinavia, can be independent and opt for a more just, more socialist system. But I fear the lack of education in our nation that allows people like Luxon and Willis, who blatantly had no economic plan or relevant experience, to gain such power.
In short - "yes".
So have hope, we just need to elect Chloe PM for a couple of decades and we should get actually back on track. That isn't a dig at Labour, but come on guys... offer something more than a marginally better status quo.
Enjoy your break Nick even though it is tinged with much sadness. My question of you is do you see this coalition going the distance or do you, like me, pray it will implode and the bald one lose his knighthood.
Sadly I think they will go the distance this term. It will be interesting when it comes time for Winston to hand over the deputy role to Seymour. He might renegotiate then. I can also see Winston throwing his toys over something ahead of the next election to differentiate NZ First so he doesn't slip below 5% and a battle royal between the Nats and ACT next election campaign.
The polls will make a difference; if it looks like the coalition is unlikely to remain intact beyond the next election, it could be a vicious fight on the right. I hope that Labour and the Greens will offer a calm, clear alternative that people will see makes so much more sense, but my best bet is these guys will be elected again unless something happens to NZF. On the upside, I think the likelihood of a scandal is high, but I'm just not sure how many voters care.
Unfortunately, history is against us. It's 50 years since we had a one-term government. Kiwis like to give a government a go; either that or too many people take too long to open their eyes. Having said that these guys are so awful, maybe that will be accelerated this time?
Although that was under the FPP system, MMP is still less than 30 years old. My main concern is that people will be so ground down surviving, that they will have no time to think about politics, let alone voting. Inertia plays an important part in elections.
Why not take a whole week off? I'm sure none of your readers would mind. Sometimes life throws things at us that are far more important than discussing how much we despise the CoC, (as cathartic and amusing it can be). You'll probably feel like you need a rest after your trip, so take it. You won't have to think about anything other than yourself, your family and friends. We'll still be here.
You may feel more in need of some rest when you get back, than you anticipate. Please take it, look after yourself. Your followers will certainly still be here.
Enjoy your break. My husband died a long time ago, but I still warmly remember our roadies - usually Nelson to Christchurch. Some chatting, some companionable silences, some soaking up the glorious views though the Lewis Pass. May you also have a warm and companionable roadie despite the sad reason for it.
My question is: Dear Nick, Could you please, just squished in once in a while, play some music that this Baby Boomer (we were never known as just Boomers!) knows? I admit to being in a bit of a musical time warp. 'If I Fell' by the Beatles could be a starter. 😁 I'm not sure how it would fit with your writing, but you never know!
Hi Alison, yes I like a road trip - for all those reasons, thank you.
I'm very happy to play some older stuff; I have included quite a few Beatles tracks, but none for a while. I am a big fan. The full boxed set of albums was one of my first purchases with after-school jobs, after a record player.
I remember seeing the Beatles in Sydney in 1964. I say "see", because I could hardly hear them for the screaming from hordes of teenage girls which lasted the whole show. The same for the Rolling Stones in 1965,despite being 4 rows back from the stage. The thing I remember most about that one was Brian Jones staring me in the eye with a look that said "WTF are you doing here kid?" I was 12 and have been a fan ever since.
Nick, even this trip is one of service, not selfish pleasure. I agree with everyone’s comments about taking more time. To be honest, I can’t keep up with the volume of excellent posts you pen, so no idea how you do it. Burn out is a real danger in self-employment, with no boundary between work and home. How about dropping Monday for sure and experimenting a bit with the another day off later in the week to see which works best for you?
Yes, Anna, self-employment can be a trap to working 24/7, always on tap like a barrel of beer and only periodically able to be fully present as a result! More than micro-breaks are a necessity!
Mōrena Nick - yep take the break. you well and truly earn it. But this was to be my post yesterday (got interrupted with babysitting) so I just finished it off. "Right on with everything Nick. What a shit show this government is running. As a governing body in the Health Sector, it's almost laughable. Is Reti that far out of touch! Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! Almost every day brings negativity - businesses closing (some large), Health sector is total disarray, Ambulances not able to respond and if so, not always adequately, mental health services lacking, a halt on employing staff (without running the gauntlet) and I don't even want to start on the Tiriti debacle! Right shit show!" But hey enjoy Rotorua - I was gonna say 'take a breath' but hmmm maybe not. 🤣
Have a good break, Nick. You should definitely build in days off every week.
As you know, our children are the same ages. My youngest plans to skip over year 12 and do year 13 next year. My oldest is looking for work after completing her BA, which has got me thinking about their futures a bit. My middle child is attracted to moving overseas, has looked at going to Melbourne for uni.
I can't help pondering the advise them to go, or stay and fight for a better NZ. Ultimately, they make their own choices, but I ponder all the same.
Skipping year 12 is a great idea, it always seemed to me that a lot of young people didn't need the extra year at school but were ready to move onto tertiary education at the end of what would've been the 6th form, with UE - appreciating we're not that old.
It's a hard one, you want them to experience the world, but you want them to come back. My eldest boy has been in Melbourne for a decade. Fi's brother went on his OE not long after we met 28 years ago, and he never came back - but most people still do, I'm sure.
My advice has been to get a year or two of work under their belt first to earn more when they have their OE, but that presupposes options being available here.
We thought Thea might have had to go overseas next year for dance, but a new full-time course is starting here, so yay for that. We're not ready to see her go and did discourage an overseas move just yet.
Hard one, eh? You don't want them to go, but it's a big world with so many opportunities and things to experience. If nothing else, to appreciate how special this place is. Perhaps some realise how much it's worth fighting for by seeing other places?
I did my schooling in Australia, and I've never quite understood this 3 years worth of external exams.
Great that there's a course here for Thea!
And yup, get a bit of money first had been a theme of ours too. But we'll see what next year brings as far as work goes! My husband and I are both of the 'go out and experience the world' thinking, but then you realise what it's like a a parent sending them off!!
3 of my 4 kids used their passports to travel and now they live in Sweden and Canada. The 4th one did 3 years in Melbourne but is back here. So of my 4 grandchildren only 1 is in Aotearoa. Good thing my job gives me chances to travel to Sweden and Canada nearly every year!
The one upside of your time away is you get to stay at a beautiful old establishment. We spent our 'Lock-down vacation' there a few years ago when Auckland (so by default Northland) went into their extended lockdown & we were south of the border.
You won't regret spending these days with your friend & being able to say goodbye is a privilege many do not get. I suppose in some way that is the ONLY upside of a terminal illness?
Safe travels Nick & Fi . Take some time out for yourself as long as is needed. We'll still be here.
As UK immigrants one of the things that we miss here in New Zealand is political satire on TV with Have I Got News For You being our all time favourite. If there were to be a kiwi version of the show, who would choose as the captains of the two teams and any thoughts on potential hosts? I would also like to see the BBC's Question Time here but who would be a suitable chair of the panel?
Love HIGNFY and watch most weeks when it's on. After the quality of comedy in the UK, I did feel a cultural cringe when I returned to NZ years ago; having access online to things like that or Mock the Week has been good.
In terms of local captains/hosts a few thoughts... Simon Wilson, Pam Corkery, David Slack, Michele A'Court, Willie Jackson (would need to retire) and if we have to have a voice from the right - Matthew Hooton.
My favourite British political comedy has to be Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. I must have watched every episode a dozen times online by now. One of the funniest;
HIGNFY is a must watch/listen for me too. Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are brilliant and always incisive. The problem here would be actually choosing the talent. I’d suggest David Downs and Ella Henry as panelists for a start. Good communicators and funny . The show needs to be interesting not a party political broadcast.
Have a good break Nick, come back with some ideas, one I suggest is to raise an active group who will take action on behalf of all people in NZ whenever, they (govt) enact changes that are not in majority interests.
I would like to discuss your need to take a break regularly. Like an extra day a week!
For goodness sake - we are not slave drivers. Just grateful for your work. We would happily release you from some publishing pressure to read research and compose. We are on YOUR side. Enjoy the time together and being turned off from work :)
I am sure your other subscribers would agree with me.
Noted, it went from about 4 newsletters a week to 6-7 leading up to the election. It could drop back a bit; I agree it's unsustainable, and I struggle to keep up with reading. Appreciate the sentiment of being on my side - thanks 🙂
Would people prefer to know certain days, or happy to play it by ear? For example, Monday is usually a wipeout in terms of politics; bugger all happens.
I agree about Monday being a wipeout ... nothing happens until the post-Cabinet presser on Monday afternoon. You can have a long weekend every weekend!
Agree, no need to be on tap 6-7 days - BUT perhaps "Monday-Funday"?? 3-5 days of serious stuff & one day of other stuff like AMA or MEME sharing or whatever - many of my subs only write once a week OR extras if something BIG happens, so I reckon you provided excellent value for money over and above & less-is-more if it makes things manageable at your end ...
I agree, we all need time out to just be
Definitely agree.
Absolutely B Insull! Well said!❤️
Seconded!
Thank you for the questions, lovely comments, and kind thoughts. Honestly, I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing something I am really passionate about—thank you for making that possible, and for letting me know there are kind-hearted people out there. Sometimes, it feels like a minority, but I've got a bit more faith in my fellow Kiwis than that, even those outside this bubble.
Amen, absolutely Nick and Fi, many good people.
Your Instagram post about politics and friends today really hit home for me. I’ve been really struggling since this coalition of condoms ( they prevent anything growing and developing into a human) came into government. I’m really keen to hear what you and others think. It’s been very isolating for me in the area where I live. I cannot contain my rage I guess about the blatant racism, tax cut consequences, climate change inaction, “bottom-feeder” bashing and the continuing river of shit that’s overflowing its banks seemingly everyday. Equally though, I feel powerless and just volunteer in a minor way and I guess if I really “cared” I’d do something more but am not sure what that is.
The people I know who voted for coalition parties did so for economic reasons, so far as I'm aware. Holding their nose, or turning a blind eye, depending on your pov, to the blatant racism. I genuinely don't believe that the majority of Kiwis will buy into Seymour's garbage; it just doesn't ring true that Māori are supposedly privileged in this country. That whole grotesque aspect seems to be a fight between the Nats and ACT over those votes, and I suspect some centrist voters who went along with the tax cuts will not be as quick to ignore the racism next time after what we've seen.
Climate Change drives me crazy. Even those who understand it is real seem happy to vote for parties that want to do the absolute minimum. Maybe a few more cyclones will change people's minds?
I think you're underestimating how uninformed most kiwis are and therefore easy pickings
I don't doubt it, and there will be much manipulation. But I feel like there are folks who voted National who don't like all this anti-Māori nonsense.
I hope you are right.
What I fear at the next election is National will blame all the bad on their coalition partners and say vote for us to avoid another coalition.
The swing voters go to them and they get back in
Nick, I'm with Alannah on this, especially ref the understanding of inequity for many Māori. Perspective: I'm 74 and 5th gen NZ pakeha (1845 invaders) but, I didn't arrive here until I was 30, after overseas education and then seven years resident in Singapore, where multicultural/lingual respect is the norm. I learned Mandarin. Our family's first four Aotearoa years were lived close to Turangawaewae marae, with our rangatahi going to Bernard Ferguson school, probably the first bilingual state primary, mostly Māori. I was voted onto the school committee. By the time we came to Wellington, they were bilingual. And I was educated about the hardships of speaking te reo in previous decades. ...Compare this with many pakeha of my decade and older, who (like my local cattery owner) don't believe there's an issue that working wouldn't solve! It's how they were brought up, with blinkers. My own father (B.1920, educated in Waitoa and Matamata, WWII pilot, then lived overseas) once told me "We never had a problem with Māori". Yer, right! ...So, I contend, unless we've had the blinkers removed, many older people think that way, and taught their kids to think that way. Their exposure is what counts - and was it real world? Or, white biased world? ... Not that easy of an ingrained white, privileged and wannabe, belief to overcome, it's hiding just below the surface and responds to what it's fed. And that food right now is burgers and KFC from ACT & Nats. Convenient. Tasty?! Not really good for us. But will we avoid it? ... Like most of your readers seem to, Nick - such a simpatico bunch to hang out with, thanks)
Sadly I agree Annie. The quiet racists will vote them back in and never admit it in public. I’m hopeful those dinosaurs will shuffle off and am hopeful the younger generation are much more aware of injustice. Then again I live in a bubble of my son and his friends ( in their 30s, mostly vegan greenies).
For those who didn't see the post Sue mentions it was this:
I quite like this, I don’t necessarily agree, but how do you deal with the coalition supporters in your life?
With an image saying - "If I unfriend you over politics it's not because we disagree, it's because I don't like you anymore after knowing your true beliefs."
You can find the thread here if you're interested:
https://www.facebook.com/nrockel/posts/pfbid02EKYGSo8f86W5kKcn5DU1RUNaLVTvpJwfREZ6VQBdvUe5jwv97sJxGuV2XUgX2Ym6l
Just saw this too: "I DON'T SHARE MY THOUGHTS
BECAUSE I THINK
IT WILL CHANGE
THE MINDS OF PEOPLE WHO
THINK DIFFERENTLY.
I SHaRE My
THOUGHTS
TO SHOW
THE PEOPLE WHO aLREaDY
THINK LIKE ME
THAT THEY RE NOT ALONE."
UNKNOWN
Yes yes yes
I read Nick’s column everyday because of this. It’s salve for the soul.
Good on! You are not alone!
I feel the same way Sue - so even though have always supported Labour have finally joined the party and am enjoying being involved in policy discussions and knowing that they are listening to the members is important- I have also started volunteering at our local school to assist the kids with their reading and pleasingly have noticed a significant improvement for ‘my’ kids even in the six months or so that I have been involved- also taking tasks home to help the teachers to free them up - as you say doing the small stuff is important
That is wonderful Marilyn. Thank you for your mahi.
Hope your trip goes well, it's sobering when we have to make journeys like this for our peers. Sometimes the tricky thing about these trips without kids is making sure we just don't spend the whole time talking about them!
My question is - how much damage do you think is being done and how long will it take to undo? Are we looking at a generation to get back to where we were with respect to public services, respect for Te Tiriti, progressive education and many other things?
Hi Quentin, yes, I suspect a bit of discussion about the kids; they have a dance comp at Auckland Girls tonight, so there will be dissecting, no doubt, and worrying whether they've fed the dogs. 😂
In terms of damage, it feels like 2 steps forward and 2 back. It took the Arden government a long time to turn the ship after Key regarding social housing, rental conditions, investment in public services, increasing the minimum wage and benefits, so many things they did to undo damage.
I imagine it will be a long road back for our Public Sector, but a left-wing government could turn aspects quickly, like abandoning charter schools, the emphasis on assessment over learning in schools, and a massive injection into Health, workers rights, and a shift to a living wage, etc. But how many people will have chosen not to enter those public sector fields, retired or gone overseas? After one term, you could bounce back, but after two or three - you're talking about a generation of damage.
In terms of te Tiriti and te Reo I honestly believe this will backfire on them. I have never seen such an outpouring of aroha and support for the language and for honouring the treaty as that which has occurred in response to the attacks by this coalition. If anything, I think this will strengthen over time, this is the last hurrah of dinosaurs.
Yes, yes, yes - am what about that hugging of the King eh! Ātaahua!
I have started thinking of them as the COC-UP ...
My question, well actually several questions:
What can we do about David Seymour hogging the news every night? What is wrong with the media? Why are they giving him so much time to lie, obfuscate and foster hatred and division among the populace? They know he's a fraud.
It has reached the stage whenever a major political story breaks, they go straight to him for comment and ignore the leaders of the Opposition parties. Given Chris Hipkins was still PM nine months ago shouldn't they be approaching him?
It has got to the stage when I have to turn off the news nearly every night for fear of damage to my mental health - and that is no exaggeration.
Yes Anne why does Associate minister Seymour get so much power in education? To cut school lunches, bring in charter schools, and why is he given licence to set up his own ministry, to become deputy PM? He's a despicable human being.
It's Click bait, Anne.
Yes click OFF
Enjoy your Rotorua break. I always find Rotorua a laidback, rejuvenating place to visit, altho I haven't been for a few years and I'm not a mountainbiker.
I would love to read your take on what I think of as a 'helicopter' view of what is going on in NZ with the CofC government. We tend to get bogged down in bagging the last government for the woes we are experiencing and jumping ship to the only other option at election time. We don't take into consideration that NZ is a small fish in a larger global pond, and we are being played by the big boy capitalists and supposed advocates of democracy. We (NZ) are on a fast track to 21st century nobility and serfdom. Or have I gone down the wrong rabbithole.
Thanks, Marilyn; I'm looking forward to breathing the air. 🙂
It does seem that as we alternate between "left" and "right" governments, we move ever more toward a less egalitarian society. That the scope of what is deemed possible is narrow and doesn't question fundamentals like - everyone deserves a house, no one needs 5.
Socially, we progress over time, but in terms of the slide into neoliberalism, it feels like the 1970s, when I grew up, were fairer and simpler times—at least from the perspective of families who could buy a home on one income. I've answered about housing because the division between homeowners and renters clearly demarcates a growing problem with inequality.
I worry about the future when companies will have less need for people in jobs, and day-to-day life will become more precarious for many. I do still hold hope that a small country like ours, like others in Western Europe and Scandinavia, can be independent and opt for a more just, more socialist system. But I fear the lack of education in our nation that allows people like Luxon and Willis, who blatantly had no economic plan or relevant experience, to gain such power.
In short - "yes".
So have hope, we just need to elect Chloe PM for a couple of decades and we should get actually back on track. That isn't a dig at Labour, but come on guys... offer something more than a marginally better status quo.
One reason I swapped from red to green. So angry with "Captain's calls"
I think you are correct imo.
Enjoy your break Nick even though it is tinged with much sadness. My question of you is do you see this coalition going the distance or do you, like me, pray it will implode and the bald one lose his knighthood.
Hi Mac, thanks for that.
Sadly I think they will go the distance this term. It will be interesting when it comes time for Winston to hand over the deputy role to Seymour. He might renegotiate then. I can also see Winston throwing his toys over something ahead of the next election to differentiate NZ First so he doesn't slip below 5% and a battle royal between the Nats and ACT next election campaign.
The polls will make a difference; if it looks like the coalition is unlikely to remain intact beyond the next election, it could be a vicious fight on the right. I hope that Labour and the Greens will offer a calm, clear alternative that people will see makes so much more sense, but my best bet is these guys will be elected again unless something happens to NZF. On the upside, I think the likelihood of a scandal is high, but I'm just not sure how many voters care.
OMG please dont say that. How could these awful people possibly be voted in for a 2nd term
Unfortunately, history is against us. It's 50 years since we had a one-term government. Kiwis like to give a government a go; either that or too many people take too long to open their eyes. Having said that these guys are so awful, maybe that will be accelerated this time?
Although that was under the FPP system, MMP is still less than 30 years old. My main concern is that people will be so ground down surviving, that they will have no time to think about politics, let alone voting. Inertia plays an important part in elections.
I know what you're saying Nick. I know you're probably right too. It just makes me sick to my stomach.
I ask this also please Nick.
Yes Nick much aroha to all of you at this time xx
Why not take a whole week off? I'm sure none of your readers would mind. Sometimes life throws things at us that are far more important than discussing how much we despise the CoC, (as cathartic and amusing it can be). You'll probably feel like you need a rest after your trip, so take it. You won't have to think about anything other than yourself, your family and friends. We'll still be here.
Wise council.
You may feel more in need of some rest when you get back, than you anticipate. Please take it, look after yourself. Your followers will certainly still be here.
Safe travels.
I agree. Take a week off Then use Mondays to reset. Tuesday to Friday works for me.
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Will be thinking of you over the next few days Nick. It will be really tough at times but you’ll never regret making the effort. Safe travels.
Thanks Kerin, good words, you're right, you don't regret going.
Enjoy your break. My husband died a long time ago, but I still warmly remember our roadies - usually Nelson to Christchurch. Some chatting, some companionable silences, some soaking up the glorious views though the Lewis Pass. May you also have a warm and companionable roadie despite the sad reason for it.
My question is: Dear Nick, Could you please, just squished in once in a while, play some music that this Baby Boomer (we were never known as just Boomers!) knows? I admit to being in a bit of a musical time warp. 'If I Fell' by the Beatles could be a starter. 😁 I'm not sure how it would fit with your writing, but you never know!
Take care. Regards to you and Fi.
Hi Alison, yes I like a road trip - for all those reasons, thank you.
I'm very happy to play some older stuff; I have included quite a few Beatles tracks, but none for a while. I am a big fan. The full boxed set of albums was one of my first purchases with after-school jobs, after a record player.
That's an easy one, and take care too 🙂
My grandson (14) has just put on Tupelo Honey! A bit of Van would be good too. And Dylan of course
Yeah... the Beatles would go down well with me too. Brings back happy memories.
I remember seeing the Beatles in Sydney in 1964. I say "see", because I could hardly hear them for the screaming from hordes of teenage girls which lasted the whole show. The same for the Rolling Stones in 1965,despite being 4 rows back from the stage. The thing I remember most about that one was Brian Jones staring me in the eye with a look that said "WTF are you doing here kid?" I was 12 and have been a fan ever since.
Our road trips in "Buzzing Along" our retirement motorhome song was "On the Road again".
Nick, even this trip is one of service, not selfish pleasure. I agree with everyone’s comments about taking more time. To be honest, I can’t keep up with the volume of excellent posts you pen, so no idea how you do it. Burn out is a real danger in self-employment, with no boundary between work and home. How about dropping Monday for sure and experimenting a bit with the another day off later in the week to see which works best for you?
Yes, Anna, self-employment can be a trap to working 24/7, always on tap like a barrel of beer and only periodically able to be fully present as a result! More than micro-breaks are a necessity!
Mōrena Nick - yep take the break. you well and truly earn it. But this was to be my post yesterday (got interrupted with babysitting) so I just finished it off. "Right on with everything Nick. What a shit show this government is running. As a governing body in the Health Sector, it's almost laughable. Is Reti that far out of touch! Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! Almost every day brings negativity - businesses closing (some large), Health sector is total disarray, Ambulances not able to respond and if so, not always adequately, mental health services lacking, a halt on employing staff (without running the gauntlet) and I don't even want to start on the Tiriti debacle! Right shit show!" But hey enjoy Rotorua - I was gonna say 'take a breath' but hmmm maybe not. 🤣
Have a good break, Nick. You should definitely build in days off every week.
As you know, our children are the same ages. My youngest plans to skip over year 12 and do year 13 next year. My oldest is looking for work after completing her BA, which has got me thinking about their futures a bit. My middle child is attracted to moving overseas, has looked at going to Melbourne for uni.
I can't help pondering the advise them to go, or stay and fight for a better NZ. Ultimately, they make their own choices, but I ponder all the same.
Thanks Caty. 🙂
Skipping year 12 is a great idea, it always seemed to me that a lot of young people didn't need the extra year at school but were ready to move onto tertiary education at the end of what would've been the 6th form, with UE - appreciating we're not that old.
It's a hard one, you want them to experience the world, but you want them to come back. My eldest boy has been in Melbourne for a decade. Fi's brother went on his OE not long after we met 28 years ago, and he never came back - but most people still do, I'm sure.
My advice has been to get a year or two of work under their belt first to earn more when they have their OE, but that presupposes options being available here.
We thought Thea might have had to go overseas next year for dance, but a new full-time course is starting here, so yay for that. We're not ready to see her go and did discourage an overseas move just yet.
Hard one, eh? You don't want them to go, but it's a big world with so many opportunities and things to experience. If nothing else, to appreciate how special this place is. Perhaps some realise how much it's worth fighting for by seeing other places?
I did my schooling in Australia, and I've never quite understood this 3 years worth of external exams.
Great that there's a course here for Thea!
And yup, get a bit of money first had been a theme of ours too. But we'll see what next year brings as far as work goes! My husband and I are both of the 'go out and experience the world' thinking, but then you realise what it's like a a parent sending them off!!
3 of my 4 kids used their passports to travel and now they live in Sweden and Canada. The 4th one did 3 years in Melbourne but is back here. So of my 4 grandchildren only 1 is in Aotearoa. Good thing my job gives me chances to travel to Sweden and Canada nearly every year!
The one upside of your time away is you get to stay at a beautiful old establishment. We spent our 'Lock-down vacation' there a few years ago when Auckland (so by default Northland) went into their extended lockdown & we were south of the border.
You won't regret spending these days with your friend & being able to say goodbye is a privilege many do not get. I suppose in some way that is the ONLY upside of a terminal illness?
Safe travels Nick & Fi . Take some time out for yourself as long as is needed. We'll still be here.
As UK immigrants one of the things that we miss here in New Zealand is political satire on TV with Have I Got News For You being our all time favourite. If there were to be a kiwi version of the show, who would choose as the captains of the two teams and any thoughts on potential hosts? I would also like to see the BBC's Question Time here but who would be a suitable chair of the panel?
Love HIGNFY and watch most weeks when it's on. After the quality of comedy in the UK, I did feel a cultural cringe when I returned to NZ years ago; having access online to things like that or Mock the Week has been good.
In terms of local captains/hosts a few thoughts... Simon Wilson, Pam Corkery, David Slack, Michele A'Court, Willie Jackson (would need to retire) and if we have to have a voice from the right - Matthew Hooton.
My favourite British political comedy has to be Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. I must have watched every episode a dozen times online by now. One of the funniest;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-aibUV-Ltg
HIGNFY is a must watch/listen for me too. Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are brilliant and always incisive. The problem here would be actually choosing the talent. I’d suggest David Downs and Ella Henry as panelists for a start. Good communicators and funny . The show needs to be interesting not a party political broadcast.
Have a good break Nick, come back with some ideas, one I suggest is to raise an active group who will take action on behalf of all people in NZ whenever, they (govt) enact changes that are not in majority interests.