I watched Chippies interview too and was so impressed by his relaxed, relatable and realistic style. You can tell he’s thinking about what is being asked and not just using lines from his Spin Doctor like Luxon - and badly at that!
I particularly liked the way he noted that if MMP had been in use previously there could have been one term governments. Again he gently challenges the rhetoric.
But most of all I liked how he talked about working together with Greens and Te Pati Māori and preparing those partnerships well before an election. Rather than CL whose spin was he was a great negotiator. Yup we can see that lol
UNUSUALLY: GARNER ALSO NAILS IT -Luxon pumps out numerous social media videos telling us the economy is on track, things are turning a corner and everything else is set to boom! It’s starting to look deluded, out of touch, insincere and, frankly, almost unbecoming of someone holding the office of Prime Minister.
The Chippy interview was great. Your words echo my thoughts on it exactly, Nick. He comes across as a normal person too, which is not common for political leaders.
Great newsletter, Nick! You've covered all the points that were important to me in the past week, and I agree with you on your comments about all of them. I was particularly pleased to see your comment on the interview with Chippy on BHN. What a fantastic interview that was! Pat and Chewie are doing some fabulous work, and this was no exception. I've met up with Chippy on many occasions in the past, and he was exactly what he has been always. Upfront, honest, articulate,sincere, and truly concerned about Kiwis in all walks of life sums him up, always. One point I was especially pleased to see was that he went out and signed up to bluesky immediately after the interview! Social media and independent media such as yours and many others are becoming more important every day, as mainstream media concentrates on empty vessels such as Luxon, and tries to sell their supposed virtues to the public. Keep up the great work!
I am deeply fortunate to overlook the sea even from my bed. I see the tides, currents, wave action and also fishing boats each day. The sea, in its vastness helps contextualise what has happened that day or that week and my reaction to it. So thank you Nick for the song it resonates deeply.
It's easy to see why funding has been pulled from Humanities and Social Sciences by the CoC. These studies contain concepts which have no use or merit for our current government. Concepts which value people, environmental conservation, open and honest communication, history and art, philosophy, inclusivity and all else that is anathema to right wing ethos.
On the other hand, Chippy and Chloe are great examples of why we can't allow these studies to be lost. They have a far better understanding and empathy with their country people, which goes far beyond the content of their wallets, and despite all the trials their parties have been through over the last few years, are still up for a crack at returning AotearoaNZ to where it belongs, at the top of the world's most popular places to visit and live in, rather than the global joke we've become under this tragically untalented and painfully out of touch lot we have now.
I see Ministries have cut funding for staff year end Xmas parties. All in the name of cutting wasteful spending. Given the year our public servants have had with thousands of jobs cut, endless restructures, 0% pay offers, insults from the likes of Seymour and having to cover for inept and hopeless Ministers, they deserve champagne! I suppose we could do a fundraiser. I've been laughing today about Luxon's CEO speak and his pathetic attempts on social media, which all go something like "look at me, look at me, look at me." Duncan Garner is right. And on Chippy ; yes he is a decent person and best when he smiles and laughs. Greens I hope their next year is better for them all. They are a good caucus.
I agree with just about everything you write. You have such accurate perception. Thanks for the Otis Redding memory - loved it. Keep writing, don't ever stop.
It's one of my favourite songs, Nick. Thanks. I hope you don't rush back to your keyboard tomorrow, unless Luxon resigns, in which case, by all means, go for it.
👏Thanks for introducing me to BHN 😁 They do great interviews with their own "style" but excellent grasp of the background of the subject for discussion, and person they are interviewing. Chippy comes across the same as when he fronted in govt, either as a Minister (Police, Education, COVID 19 response etc.) and as a PM who knew what was happening & how to explain things without resorting to evasion & slogans. Kassie from Action Station was brilliant - explaining Te Tiriti, and the on-line workshops they are running to help people write their own submissions against the racists & divisive Luxon/Seymour bill. I will keep an eye out in future for more... 👍
The decision about limiting the Marsden Fund is sooooo short sighted, but totally on brand for this lot 🤷 As numerous examples from history show, many "advances" for good (health being a major area) have come when that was not the OBJECT of the particular research, but was the result of it.
As for Christmas parties - being neuro-spicy I am pleased I am past being in situations where I am "expected" to attend these - too much going on, people acting inconsistent with "normal", insincerity from bosses, and a bit of "bah humbug" about the commercialisation aspect, let alone the provenance of the instigating event (virgin birth of son of god & all that 😱) Doesn't mean I don't want others to enjoy themselves - just not enough hours in the day for stuff that really matters to me, so... 🤷
Love love that song 🎵
I watched Chippies interview too and was so impressed by his relaxed, relatable and realistic style. You can tell he’s thinking about what is being asked and not just using lines from his Spin Doctor like Luxon - and badly at that!
I particularly liked the way he noted that if MMP had been in use previously there could have been one term governments. Again he gently challenges the rhetoric.
But most of all I liked how he talked about working together with Greens and Te Pati Māori and preparing those partnerships well before an election. Rather than CL whose spin was he was a great negotiator. Yup we can see that lol
Happy weekend Nick and all you lovely people 😊
UNUSUALLY: GARNER ALSO NAILS IT -Luxon pumps out numerous social media videos telling us the economy is on track, things are turning a corner and everything else is set to boom! It’s starting to look deluded, out of touch, insincere and, frankly, almost unbecoming of someone holding the office of Prime Minister.
If I were writing your statement I would take the almost out. For me Luxon's behaviour is unbecoming of a PM.
Thanks for noticing excision of funding for humanities and social sciences. Says it all really.
It is very telling of Judith and this government. Shocking.
Yes! I found it amusing that Nick used the same words I did in response to this ludicrous stance taken by the CoC.
The Chippy interview was great. Your words echo my thoughts on it exactly, Nick. He comes across as a normal person too, which is not common for political leaders.
Love that song so much. Have you considered the parallels between Fi’s instantly laminated million$ and Musk/Trump getting rich on cryptocurrency?
Great newsletter, Nick! You've covered all the points that were important to me in the past week, and I agree with you on your comments about all of them. I was particularly pleased to see your comment on the interview with Chippy on BHN. What a fantastic interview that was! Pat and Chewie are doing some fabulous work, and this was no exception. I've met up with Chippy on many occasions in the past, and he was exactly what he has been always. Upfront, honest, articulate,sincere, and truly concerned about Kiwis in all walks of life sums him up, always. One point I was especially pleased to see was that he went out and signed up to bluesky immediately after the interview! Social media and independent media such as yours and many others are becoming more important every day, as mainstream media concentrates on empty vessels such as Luxon, and tries to sell their supposed virtues to the public. Keep up the great work!
😁🙋What she said ❤️👍
I am deeply fortunate to overlook the sea even from my bed. I see the tides, currents, wave action and also fishing boats each day. The sea, in its vastness helps contextualise what has happened that day or that week and my reaction to it. So thank you Nick for the song it resonates deeply.
It's easy to see why funding has been pulled from Humanities and Social Sciences by the CoC. These studies contain concepts which have no use or merit for our current government. Concepts which value people, environmental conservation, open and honest communication, history and art, philosophy, inclusivity and all else that is anathema to right wing ethos.
On the other hand, Chippy and Chloe are great examples of why we can't allow these studies to be lost. They have a far better understanding and empathy with their country people, which goes far beyond the content of their wallets, and despite all the trials their parties have been through over the last few years, are still up for a crack at returning AotearoaNZ to where it belongs, at the top of the world's most popular places to visit and live in, rather than the global joke we've become under this tragically untalented and painfully out of touch lot we have now.
A great song, but also a much greater loss.
I see Ministries have cut funding for staff year end Xmas parties. All in the name of cutting wasteful spending. Given the year our public servants have had with thousands of jobs cut, endless restructures, 0% pay offers, insults from the likes of Seymour and having to cover for inept and hopeless Ministers, they deserve champagne! I suppose we could do a fundraiser. I've been laughing today about Luxon's CEO speak and his pathetic attempts on social media, which all go something like "look at me, look at me, look at me." Duncan Garner is right. And on Chippy ; yes he is a decent person and best when he smiles and laughs. Greens I hope their next year is better for them all. They are a good caucus.
Recommend watching BHN and Chippy, what a decent, clever and honorable man. My vote for pm
I joined a March in Christchurch today to support people with disabilities
It was from the Bridge of Rememberence through Cashel Mall and it was asking for support after the Government funding cuts
Surely a Government should support all the people of New Zealand as the hikoi has shown Kiwis are simply asking for please honor Te Tiriti
Good Korero Nick & I was singing the song as soon as I saw the first line!!
What an excellent BHN interview with the Next Prime Minister.
I also meant to add, I think Cloe has handled all the crap, she & the Greens have had this year, very well. I hope she has a relaxing Christmas
I agree with just about everything you write. You have such accurate perception. Thanks for the Otis Redding memory - loved it. Keep writing, don't ever stop.
It's one of my favourite songs, Nick. Thanks. I hope you don't rush back to your keyboard tomorrow, unless Luxon resigns, in which case, by all means, go for it.
👏Thanks for introducing me to BHN 😁 They do great interviews with their own "style" but excellent grasp of the background of the subject for discussion, and person they are interviewing. Chippy comes across the same as when he fronted in govt, either as a Minister (Police, Education, COVID 19 response etc.) and as a PM who knew what was happening & how to explain things without resorting to evasion & slogans. Kassie from Action Station was brilliant - explaining Te Tiriti, and the on-line workshops they are running to help people write their own submissions against the racists & divisive Luxon/Seymour bill. I will keep an eye out in future for more... 👍
The decision about limiting the Marsden Fund is sooooo short sighted, but totally on brand for this lot 🤷 As numerous examples from history show, many "advances" for good (health being a major area) have come when that was not the OBJECT of the particular research, but was the result of it.
As for Christmas parties - being neuro-spicy I am pleased I am past being in situations where I am "expected" to attend these - too much going on, people acting inconsistent with "normal", insincerity from bosses, and a bit of "bah humbug" about the commercialisation aspect, let alone the provenance of the instigating event (virgin birth of son of god & all that 😱) Doesn't mean I don't want others to enjoy themselves - just not enough hours in the day for stuff that really matters to me, so... 🤷
The BEST song!!!