24 Comments

Thanks for the reminder: I will submit to the Covid Commission. I agree so strongly with the focus on switching from the individualistic, competitive, neo-liberal version of society back to a collaborative, community-based society. Whenever I spoke with young students visiting Parliament, I would explore with them who owned the school, the road outside their house, the hospital etc....and they got the difference between what you "own" as a family and what you "own " as a community and that is what taxes were, and they were not something to be feared: they could be a contribution to building a strong community.

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Great point about the Covid response - best in the world but Chippy would not talk about it pre-election because some selfish voters were still sulking. A community acted to save lives - as simple as that.

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An excellent read - what a varied, passionate, and well-informed response you stimulated with your thought-provoking words. Your readers are very cool people.

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Thanks Jill. Yes they are, the thoughtful, polite responses are such a breath of fresh air compared to much of social media.

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I agree with your opening assessment Nick. All the C's especially, craven. Great word for it. Heading over now to submit to the Covid commission - about how glad I am our Government of the time resisted the calls that would have killed. Of course it wasn't prefect. It was wading into the deep blue with lurking great whites and taking our number 8 wire with us.

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Yes, and don't forget, 'building the 'plane while flying it'. Most of the population responded to keep others safe. A few selfish ones spat the dummy.

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News this morning, "tax cut millionaires" = luxon CONFLICT OF INTEREST! As most Right politicians are!

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Please forgive me Nick but I can't resist: How would I describe the Coalition Govt's 1st 100 days?

A reprehensibly repressive, rapacious and retarded bunch of rabble-rousing rogues.

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You are far too kind, lol. I refer to them as the Koalition of Khaotic Kunts

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It’s time to make your views known. It’s no good just saying it here in what is an echo chamber but posting on your FB page as well. It’s time to stop worrying who you might cause offence too.

A few years ago a FB page would have a flag or a badge stating what someone’s opinion was on a subject but I now feel that people are more worried about what their family and friends will think about them. If you think you’re right be proud of it and stand tall. Make that statement.

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Well said Nick. A big concern to me is how this Coalition Government is totally ignoring any thing, said, written etc that opposes their rhetoric. (dictatorship) Even in Parliament when a number of excellent speeches eg, Chippy last week "where is your moral compas"(tobacco debate) or Adriene Rurefi's powerful speech re Maori Health issues, 9th December, the people who need to hear them eyeball to eyeball are never in the house. The arrogance of this Government knows no bounds. Sooo how to get them not only listening but to hear what is being said. Some good ideas in comments here for us all to build on & do what we can in our own areas. will be a start.

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Thanks for the info on the royal commission, I’ve made a submission. I agree that education and talking are key, and helping those who didn’t vote last time to learn about the very good reasons to get involved with democracy. Will look for opportunities for chat this week

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Thank you for the information on the covid inquiry.

With the information available and continuously changing our Govt and MOH ran a brilliant Public Health and Economic response. I worked with Hepatitis patients and specialists for 15 years and viruses are tricky, no black and white answers. I

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Thanks Nick for your Kōrero! It reinforces we all need to stand up and roar! Nation wide protests (not during the week) family oriented, collectively carry the same banners and messages. All we need is someone to organise with opposition parties. If we all protest and March every month, I think the protest will escalate! My first banner would read “Enough is Enough”, other suggestions please add to your comments. As the song lyrics echo “United we Stand”. A collective voice is a powerful message!

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I’m ready…..to push back, protest, learn Māori. I already will only support nz businesses from food to clothing and anything else nz produced and made. The coalition has no “vision “. And goodness bad things happen to BAD people. Seymour fell off off his electric bike 😂. Hope the medical service made him wait like us normals👍🤗

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I thought your reply to Gerard Otto was absolutely on the money!

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Yes so did i

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I think those of us with expat families should encourage them to peacefully protest when govt hierarchy attend any international events. Ruin his photo ops. Remind the expats that NZ is being destroyed while they are away.

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More Service Station raids! Wait for the change when they 'get tough on crime' - not made much difference so far. Perhaps there are, just maybe, some other factors in play???

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Fantastic response to G Nick! Loved it! We must come together for a national response- something that catches the attention of the eyes of the world to embarrass these idiots

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