Congrats on your third anniversary. Addiction to any harmful product, be it alcohol, drugs, smoking etc, and the effects they have on you and those around you can be devastating. I think we can all relate to having felt the loss of those who didn't beat the demons, and the courage and strength of those who did. Well done indeed!
Lovely photos of you and Keith. Hope your time together was everything you wanted.
Luxon's reluctance to being interviewed by Jack Tame smacks of Trump's claim he doesn't need to have another debate with Kamala Harris. They both know they would be out of their depth and be torn apart, (unfortunately figuratively only) by their challengers. One question I would like to ask Luxo is "why, when you are asked a question which requires a" yes or no" answer, are we regaled with how great our laser focused, really hard working team, are doing all the things New Zealanders want"? I would also ask him why, after this long in office, is the only promise fulfilled that was made pre-electio is the one that has given tax cuts to those who need it least, while every other one has been delayed, deferred, dumped or otherwise simply failed? Without fail?
"I’ve left this newsletter open to all because today is a very important day to me, more so than birthdays or any other day. Today I am three years alcohol-free and am grateful every day not to be carrying that weight and to be the person I am, not crippled and poisoned by that bloody awful addiction." Awesome, well done Nick.
Luxon’s attitude is: “I’m not interested in reaching a wider audience. I just want to keep the 51% I need on side to support me, and that’s a lot easier with TikToks than getting asked questions by Jack Tame.”
Terrific article thank you Nick. Confirming for a variety of reasons that this is the worst government in living memory. I was never a great fan of John Key but he had some redeeming features. Luxon and his gang have none. I despair.
Luxon's craven cowardice is redolent to me of Trump's aversion to any US media other than the friendly sycophants in Fox - it also shows yet another example of his arrogance - he will not be questioned or held accountable! Speed the day Jack Tame gets to grill Luxon properly (hopefully) then watch Luxon descend into thin lipped fury, rapid blinking and blushing ... he's damn near as thin skinned as Trump as well. Congratulations on your sobriety Nick, I'm glad you have found joy in your wonderful writing and all power to Fi for hanging in there with you, you both deserve the happiness of this new life you've wrought.
How can a member of Government who has no portfolios be held accountable for anything? Nothing is his fault. He's surrounded by enough "expendible" colleagues to take any flak aimed at him or his party. Jacinda was right when she called Seymour an arrogant prick. It's a pity she wasn't there long enough to name Luxo a
I don't think he's capable of "cunning" Vicky, that would give him too much credit. He either thought that now he's the boss he doesn't need to do anything so menial as work, he had enough of that at Air NZ, or he just didn't understand what "portfolio" means and anyway it all looks a bit time consuming to figure it out for a bloke who gets things done.
Your kōrero is tino pai! I am touched by your faith that our state broadcasters will ask the hard questions - my observation is that they certainly would with Labour, would double down on The Greens, but only ‘maybe’ with National. I suspect (or maybe just hope) that some of their journalists want to do their job properly but are constrained by management that is working to some commercial goals…
I was stunned that ‘Keith’ was mentioned so often - we Keith types normally fly below the radar! I hope your time with him was special and will be looked back on positively in years to come.
Three years is marvellous (to quote John Campbell), well done!
She's a Nat supporter Peter. Being thick is a prerequisite. The thicker the better. Further proof will be broadcast by Hosking after his morning coffee at the studio tomorrow.
🫂What great anniversary! Many congratulations for regaining control & doing something positive with your perspective. People who have lived experience with struggles lost/won are generally more empathetic & "big picture" than entitled prats like Lux Flakes et al, although there are those who see THEIR triumph over any adversity as making them somehow superior.
🤔While I PERSONALLY turn off anything with Lux Flakes talking, and go to the WRITTEN transcript or summaries from trusted sources, I agree that as figure-head PM he should be fronting up to ALL media, and not cherry-picking the friendlies. On the other hand, doesn't that just confirm that what is said about him is true? That he is captive to his mates & their interests? If he truly believed he was doing the best and what is right for the majority of the population, he would surely be confident in talking to media that might challenge him meaningfully?🤷🏾♀️
Didn't Nicola Willis have the cheek to describe the Nats as the 'workers' party ? funny how they have done 5/8's of fuck all regarding the 3 big manufacturers that have or are closing down due to energy costs - funny how also it was the Nats that created this very flawed model....
Congratulations on your third anniversary of sobriety. As some who has supported a close family member through the roller-coaster of becoming and remaining sober, I understand what a horrible and tenacious addiction alcoholism is. I’m glad you feel justifiably proud of yourself because it really is an immense achievement.
As for Luxon avoiding journalists who hold his feet to the fire, well that’s hardly surprising really is it? He isn’t across the detail and all he can offer is meaningless corporate babble.
Indeed David! Brian Edwards is my "go to" for best interviewer I have ever watched - he would tailor his approach to the person he was interviewing & expose them for what they are - naughty or nice - Lux Flakes wouldn't stand a chance.
Good to see you home safe and Well Done on maintaining the strength against an addiction. I recall the smoking habit 28 years now but still I need to have a piece of gum after I eat, which I used to help cease smoking….. Thanks for addressing the PM’s ‘fear’ of the news media. It has been irking me also. What can be done, I say it is the media itself which can rectify this by continually making a big thing about it.
“Acting as a watchdog against abuses of power.” Just changing the subject have you noticed that Darlene Tana’s vote (when she’s not in the house) is being made by the Act Party?
This was going to be the music clip for this morning's newsletter... great vocal performance, the title worked, but not the lyrics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmWj5tKKnrE
Congrats on your third anniversary. Addiction to any harmful product, be it alcohol, drugs, smoking etc, and the effects they have on you and those around you can be devastating. I think we can all relate to having felt the loss of those who didn't beat the demons, and the courage and strength of those who did. Well done indeed!
Lovely photos of you and Keith. Hope your time together was everything you wanted.
Luxon's reluctance to being interviewed by Jack Tame smacks of Trump's claim he doesn't need to have another debate with Kamala Harris. They both know they would be out of their depth and be torn apart, (unfortunately figuratively only) by their challengers. One question I would like to ask Luxo is "why, when you are asked a question which requires a" yes or no" answer, are we regaled with how great our laser focused, really hard working team, are doing all the things New Zealanders want"? I would also ask him why, after this long in office, is the only promise fulfilled that was made pre-electio is the one that has given tax cuts to those who need it least, while every other one has been delayed, deferred, dumped or otherwise simply failed? Without fail?
You said so much of what I wanted to say. But better thank you 🙏🏿
Thanks Jo, much appreciated ❤️
"I’ve left this newsletter open to all because today is a very important day to me, more so than birthdays or any other day. Today I am three years alcohol-free and am grateful every day not to be carrying that weight and to be the person I am, not crippled and poisoned by that bloody awful addiction." Awesome, well done Nick.
EXACTLY :
Luxon’s attitude is: “I’m not interested in reaching a wider audience. I just want to keep the 51% I need on side to support me, and that’s a lot easier with TikToks than getting asked questions by Jack Tame.”
Terrific article thank you Nick. Confirming for a variety of reasons that this is the worst government in living memory. I was never a great fan of John Key but he had some redeeming features. Luxon and his gang have none. I despair.
Good news has hit Wairoa today: Tatau Tatau o Te Wairoa has opted to resurrect our beloved community newspaper, The Wairoa Star. Ka pai!
Luxon's craven cowardice is redolent to me of Trump's aversion to any US media other than the friendly sycophants in Fox - it also shows yet another example of his arrogance - he will not be questioned or held accountable! Speed the day Jack Tame gets to grill Luxon properly (hopefully) then watch Luxon descend into thin lipped fury, rapid blinking and blushing ... he's damn near as thin skinned as Trump as well. Congratulations on your sobriety Nick, I'm glad you have found joy in your wonderful writing and all power to Fi for hanging in there with you, you both deserve the happiness of this new life you've wrought.
How can a member of Government who has no portfolios be held accountable for anything? Nothing is his fault. He's surrounded by enough "expendible" colleagues to take any flak aimed at him or his party. Jacinda was right when she called Seymour an arrogant prick. It's a pity she wasn't there long enough to name Luxo a
gutless one.
Is it laziness or is it cunning or a combination of both that Luxon has no portfolios Jeremy? .... he is acting like a CEO not a PM!
I don't think he's capable of "cunning" Vicky, that would give him too much credit. He either thought that now he's the boss he doesn't need to do anything so menial as work, he had enough of that at Air NZ, or he just didn't understand what "portfolio" means and anyway it all looks a bit time consuming to figure it out for a bloke who gets things done.
Your kōrero is tino pai! I am touched by your faith that our state broadcasters will ask the hard questions - my observation is that they certainly would with Labour, would double down on The Greens, but only ‘maybe’ with National. I suspect (or maybe just hope) that some of their journalists want to do their job properly but are constrained by management that is working to some commercial goals…
I was stunned that ‘Keith’ was mentioned so often - we Keith types normally fly below the radar! I hope your time with him was special and will be looked back on positively in years to come.
Three years is marvellous (to quote John Campbell), well done!
Well done on your sobriety, join the club.
Don't think cluxon has the intellect to front anywhere but redneck radio
woodham mc'd an event that my wife and I attended, We thought she sounded pretty thick to be honest.
She's a Nat supporter Peter. Being thick is a prerequisite. The thicker the better. Further proof will be broadcast by Hosking after his morning coffee at the studio tomorrow.
🫂What great anniversary! Many congratulations for regaining control & doing something positive with your perspective. People who have lived experience with struggles lost/won are generally more empathetic & "big picture" than entitled prats like Lux Flakes et al, although there are those who see THEIR triumph over any adversity as making them somehow superior.
🤔While I PERSONALLY turn off anything with Lux Flakes talking, and go to the WRITTEN transcript or summaries from trusted sources, I agree that as figure-head PM he should be fronting up to ALL media, and not cherry-picking the friendlies. On the other hand, doesn't that just confirm that what is said about him is true? That he is captive to his mates & their interests? If he truly believed he was doing the best and what is right for the majority of the population, he would surely be confident in talking to media that might challenge him meaningfully?🤷🏾♀️
Didn't Nicola Willis have the cheek to describe the Nats as the 'workers' party ? funny how they have done 5/8's of fuck all regarding the 3 big manufacturers that have or are closing down due to energy costs - funny how also it was the Nats that created this very flawed model....
5/8 of fuck all is a marvellous description!
Congratulations on your third anniversary of sobriety. As some who has supported a close family member through the roller-coaster of becoming and remaining sober, I understand what a horrible and tenacious addiction alcoholism is. I’m glad you feel justifiably proud of yourself because it really is an immense achievement.
As for Luxon avoiding journalists who hold his feet to the fire, well that’s hardly surprising really is it? He isn’t across the detail and all he can offer is meaningless corporate babble.
Well done Nick on three years.
For those of you who remember Brian Edwards, can you imagine Lux Flake going up against him.. Luxon would be torn to shreds
Indeed David! Brian Edwards is my "go to" for best interviewer I have ever watched - he would tailor his approach to the person he was interviewing & expose them for what they are - naughty or nice - Lux Flakes wouldn't stand a chance.
Happy sober birthday Nick how awesome
Luxy is a lost cause. Good for you Nick acknowledging and doing are very hard things, good on Fi for believing in you.
Good to see you home safe and Well Done on maintaining the strength against an addiction. I recall the smoking habit 28 years now but still I need to have a piece of gum after I eat, which I used to help cease smoking….. Thanks for addressing the PM’s ‘fear’ of the news media. It has been irking me also. What can be done, I say it is the media itself which can rectify this by continually making a big thing about it.
“Acting as a watchdog against abuses of power.” Just changing the subject have you noticed that Darlene Tana’s vote (when she’s not in the house) is being made by the Act Party?
Tana and Act. OMG, she has no loyalty.
I realized this a little late in proceedings, but from what I noticed the vote was always the same as Green. But don’t quote me.
Say what????? The Greens need to move faaaaaaaaaast ...
Simply making her vote on her behalf. I would have thought she would have had the Māori Party doing it…..
Yes, it's that choice that has me worried.