A quick update. I just wanted to let you know that things have been a bit better on the subscription front this last week. I'm not back to where I was before things started to drop off but they are heading back in the right direction, getting back on track, dare I say, which is a huge relief.
Thanks for sticking by me and continuing to support this newsletter, I really appreciate it and and so happy to be able to bring this to you.
I considered putting a paywall on this edition but I figured that the "100 likes" thing isn't such a good measure as most of my newsletter recently seem to receive more than that, plus I'm always keen to share my writing with as many people as possible.
After much to'ing and fro'ing I'm coming to the conclusion that I should save the more personal and/or interactive newsletters for paid subscribers, not dissimilar to Emily Writes if you follow her writing, but that the ones looking at the important issues of the day I do like to keep open.
If you have any thoughts on this, particularly if you're not happy with anything let me know. I certainly don't want to make anyone unhappy. You're welcome to message me on FB, or email me at nrockel@gmail.com if you have any feedback that you'd rather not leave in a comment.
I subscribe because I find good value in your writing, and like it turning up in my inbox every day. It makes no difference to me how many other people read it, although I'm very glad to see more people are reading your ideas and analysis. Do whatever feels right to you on the day.
Keep up the great work with the daily Korero Nick. I would much rather read this than the bullshit we get fed from other sources every day. It’s good to know that at least something in our fair land is still on track. It does actually make us think, not just wring our hands in despair at our sorrowful, suffering world. Cheers👍😀
I subscribe because I want to. You leave whatever you want open. The more people who read your stuff the better. Anyone getting pissy about wanting to keep your stuff exclusive cos they make payments doesn't understand the point. Just saying.....
I think the signature dish for Seymour’s Obsession Bisto would have to be Tripe and Onions on Sourdough. It would be a bistro specialising in offal. Other offerings could include:
Dried heart biltong served with fast track biscuits and pickles.
Pickled pigs ears with sour grape jus and mashed policies.
Poached brains on hashbowns.
I think I’ll stop there before I make us all ill.
On a serious note, I don’t think Seymour should have been able to speak at the oral submissions, he’s had way more than his fair share of public commentary on this subject.
Love your dish suggestions and comment about Seymour submitting. For goodness sake it’s his bill, why does he need to make a submission? Still I guess find someone coherent to take the affirmative position was a big ask.
And another quick update. I hear Luxon is now saying they will campaign on asset sales in the next election and if they win, that will give them a "mandate". You couldn't make this shit up.
A suggested menu item for that last option “Seymour’s Obsession” .... I recommend a large Metamucil Chaser to help Seymour with his general shittiness and assist him in being free .... unfortunately I cannot find anything that would help to clear his muck filled brain and polluted psyche :/
A salad named with a catchy new phrase each day. Tastes reasonably palatable for a microsecond until you realize the bitter aftertaste from what's hiding under the mild dressing.
I love this “relevation” Nick: “I had no idea that electricity could be so profitable.”
And I know I’ve said this before but I can’t help myself:
Luxon continues to sound like Brash around 2003, often word for word, e.g. no privatisation “in my first term of government”. Thanks to Nicky Hager we found out that the 2003 version of the Atlas network had bankrolled Brash’s attempt to become National PM knowing that they couldn’t do it via Act, but the money came with the clear requirement that once he was settled in as National’s PM, there would be a very sharp right turn in his second term: Asset sales, deregulation, kill the treaty etc etc.
Luckily he didn’t make PM, but he continues beating the same drum.
If they'd just left the Treaty alone where it belongs & concentrated on running the country none of this bs would be happening but their not capable of either so where screwed till they've gone. I saw a headline about China & AI saying shocking what the hell is so shocking they're jumping ahead of the yanks & they don't like it .
Let the coalition work remotely PLEASE. Send them off to their private investors. Aotearoa does not need these decisive muppets who only wish to run this country into the ground then sell everything of value off at fire sale rates. It may be done in corporate business but not in running a country. This is a travesty we can avoid by getting behind our ONLY constitution THE TREATY
Regarding privatisation, being from the UK before becoming a citizen here, I watched as Thatcher government’s policies cause such devastation to British utilities by privatisation. What it meant practically was a reduction in employees, wages and conditions held low, assets stripped and sold off, director and senior managers bonuses higher and final the real reason for privatisation, dividends and shares prices hugely increased.
Now some privatisation was good, British Telecom for example. They shed much management and moved into new technology quickly.
But the sell off of utilities such as the railways was a disaster.
So, what’s happened to NZ utilities? As Nick said, who knew they could be so profitable? Service levels risen? Not a chance!
Out of the script writers manual to describe Chloe as "dark and sinister" (I assume he doesn't think of any of his own words). Laughable to talk about someone like Chloe in those terms but sow the seeds with a phrase and the wrong people will start believing them.
Personally I would say there are so many more "dark and sinister" things going on....you know like making it easier for people to kill themselves by smoking or driving their cars faster.
I was gobsmacked by the breathless announcement from both the PM and the Minister of finance that allowing overseas visitors to essentially work from home - or the nearest cafe with internet access - was somehow going to be the panacea for our tourism sector and therefore our economy. They're really dumb, or they think we are.
As for Seymour's "freedom" call, that's the sort of crap normally trumpeted (I know) by Donald's flag waving, gun toting, Maga cap -wearing, trailer park residing supporters - while they warn of the evils of socialism. Surely it won't gain traction here??
Haha, I've often thought that we could send them the columns with all the comments included...I don't for a minute think that they will be doing their due diligence and getting their lackeys to sign up to Substacks that aren't in line with their own thinking, so they know the mood of those who didn't vote for them (as any professional politician would) - they're way too certain of themselves for that, I think!
A quick update. I just wanted to let you know that things have been a bit better on the subscription front this last week. I'm not back to where I was before things started to drop off but they are heading back in the right direction, getting back on track, dare I say, which is a huge relief.
Thanks for sticking by me and continuing to support this newsletter, I really appreciate it and and so happy to be able to bring this to you.
I considered putting a paywall on this edition but I figured that the "100 likes" thing isn't such a good measure as most of my newsletter recently seem to receive more than that, plus I'm always keen to share my writing with as many people as possible.
After much to'ing and fro'ing I'm coming to the conclusion that I should save the more personal and/or interactive newsletters for paid subscribers, not dissimilar to Emily Writes if you follow her writing, but that the ones looking at the important issues of the day I do like to keep open.
If you have any thoughts on this, particularly if you're not happy with anything let me know. I certainly don't want to make anyone unhappy. You're welcome to message me on FB, or email me at nrockel@gmail.com if you have any feedback that you'd rather not leave in a comment.
Nga mihi,
Nick.
I subscribe because I find good value in your writing, and like it turning up in my inbox every day. It makes no difference to me how many other people read it, although I'm very glad to see more people are reading your ideas and analysis. Do whatever feels right to you on the day.
Same!
Keep up the great work with the daily Korero Nick. I would much rather read this than the bullshit we get fed from other sources every day. It’s good to know that at least something in our fair land is still on track. It does actually make us think, not just wring our hands in despair at our sorrowful, suffering world. Cheers👍😀
I subscribe because I want to. You leave whatever you want open. The more people who read your stuff the better. Anyone getting pissy about wanting to keep your stuff exclusive cos they make payments doesn't understand the point. Just saying.....
I think the signature dish for Seymour’s Obsession Bisto would have to be Tripe and Onions on Sourdough. It would be a bistro specialising in offal. Other offerings could include:
Dried heart biltong served with fast track biscuits and pickles.
Pickled pigs ears with sour grape jus and mashed policies.
Poached brains on hashbowns.
I think I’ll stop there before I make us all ill.
On a serious note, I don’t think Seymour should have been able to speak at the oral submissions, he’s had way more than his fair share of public commentary on this subject.
Love your dish suggestions and comment about Seymour submitting. For goodness sake it’s his bill, why does he need to make a submission? Still I guess find someone coherent to take the affirmative position was a big ask.
Agreed Nick because it sure seemed like the other DFs supporting the bill were somewhat less than coherent or even from this planet.
One of them would be Don Brash who is getting quite "less than coherent" these days!!
The whole damn bill is his 'submission', why does he get another
And another quick update. I hear Luxon is now saying they will campaign on asset sales in the next election and if they win, that will give them a "mandate". You couldn't make this shit up.
Especially after what he said to Chloe He couldn’t lie straight in bed!
I want an angry emoji for this!
🤬
I couldn't* believe he said (on RNZ) that he hadn't heard HIS INCOMING DEPUTY PM's 'State of the Nation' speech.
* actually I could, what a tosser he is.
It’s happening New Zealand. Right here.
Take it from an American, I done seen this all before.
And now it is happening here…
Im a Brit in NZ and I see it too
Good grief! Doesn’t the government know that “digital nomads” are already using our infrastructure to work here?
Some do it from camper vans, some use camping grounds, others use house-sitting/pet-minding websites to find a base.
Do they contribute enough to our economy to make a difference?
Dessert could be Whittakers White Fragility chocolate slice... none of that dark stuff in that Cafe thanks.
No, apart from buying food and services. They live inside some one else's footprint.
A suggested menu item for that last option “Seymour’s Obsession” .... I recommend a large Metamucil Chaser to help Seymour with his general shittiness and assist him in being free .... unfortunately I cannot find anything that would help to clear his muck filled brain and polluted psyche :/
On the menu at Seymour's Obsession:
- Soundbite Salad 🥗 -
A salad named with a catchy new phrase each day. Tastes reasonably palatable for a microsecond until you realize the bitter aftertaste from what's hiding under the mild dressing.
I love this “relevation” Nick: “I had no idea that electricity could be so profitable.”
And I know I’ve said this before but I can’t help myself:
Luxon continues to sound like Brash around 2003, often word for word, e.g. no privatisation “in my first term of government”. Thanks to Nicky Hager we found out that the 2003 version of the Atlas network had bankrolled Brash’s attempt to become National PM knowing that they couldn’t do it via Act, but the money came with the clear requirement that once he was settled in as National’s PM, there would be a very sharp right turn in his second term: Asset sales, deregulation, kill the treaty etc etc.
Luckily he didn’t make PM, but he continues beating the same drum.
Luxon=Brash Mark 2?
With Seymour as the warm up
act.
Well one dish you can guarantee would NOT be on the menu at The Naff Twerker Caff:
Humble Pie.
If they'd just left the Treaty alone where it belongs & concentrated on running the country none of this bs would be happening but their not capable of either so where screwed till they've gone. I saw a headline about China & AI saying shocking what the hell is so shocking they're jumping ahead of the yanks & they don't like it .
Let the coalition work remotely PLEASE. Send them off to their private investors. Aotearoa does not need these decisive muppets who only wish to run this country into the ground then sell everything of value off at fire sale rates. It may be done in corporate business but not in running a country. This is a travesty we can avoid by getting behind our ONLY constitution THE TREATY
Love it Sally!!
Regarding privatisation, being from the UK before becoming a citizen here, I watched as Thatcher government’s policies cause such devastation to British utilities by privatisation. What it meant practically was a reduction in employees, wages and conditions held low, assets stripped and sold off, director and senior managers bonuses higher and final the real reason for privatisation, dividends and shares prices hugely increased.
Now some privatisation was good, British Telecom for example. They shed much management and moved into new technology quickly.
But the sell off of utilities such as the railways was a disaster.
So, what’s happened to NZ utilities? As Nick said, who knew they could be so profitable? Service levels risen? Not a chance!
Ditto
Out of the script writers manual to describe Chloe as "dark and sinister" (I assume he doesn't think of any of his own words). Laughable to talk about someone like Chloe in those terms but sow the seeds with a phrase and the wrong people will start believing them.
Personally I would say there are so many more "dark and sinister" things going on....you know like making it easier for people to kill themselves by smoking or driving their cars faster.
Its that US Republican projecting thing in full swing
Appalling that seymour could speak to his own bill.
!00% agree - who allowed that? And, rhetorical question, only - why was he allowed to go first? Talk about trying to manipulate things
I was gobsmacked by the breathless announcement from both the PM and the Minister of finance that allowing overseas visitors to essentially work from home - or the nearest cafe with internet access - was somehow going to be the panacea for our tourism sector and therefore our economy. They're really dumb, or they think we are.
As for Seymour's "freedom" call, that's the sort of crap normally trumpeted (I know) by Donald's flag waving, gun toting, Maga cap -wearing, trailer park residing supporters - while they warn of the evils of socialism. Surely it won't gain traction here??
Dont be silly it already has traction here
Woudn't it be great if Seymour read your comments?
Luxon and all his cohort are uniquely ill equipped to run a successful government.
Haha, I've often thought that we could send them the columns with all the comments included...I don't for a minute think that they will be doing their due diligence and getting their lackeys to sign up to Substacks that aren't in line with their own thinking, so they know the mood of those who didn't vote for them (as any professional politician would) - they're way too certain of themselves for that, I think!