Author Archive

Get a haircut and get a real job

Written By: - Date published: 5:19 pm, October 24th, 2021 - 63 comments

While our eyes are peeled on the 90% vaccination target, the ground under our feet is shifting.

Mad Tuesday

Written By: - Date published: 7:58 pm, October 22nd, 2021 - 15 comments

NZ Government is jumping at the deep end by re-opening schools on Tuesday.

Terra Incognita

Written By: - Date published: 7:51 pm, October 9th, 2021 - 25 comments

The future can seem scary but we do not face it alone.

Gut Feeling and Common Sense

Written By: - Date published: 10:30 pm, October 6th, 2021 - 42 comments

With clear information people can and should be expected to make optimal and sub-optimal choices & decisions.

Priorities?

Written By: - Date published: 7:54 pm, October 3rd, 2021 - 16 comments

Is setting priorities just a matter of resources?

This turkey is struggling cooped up in a bubble

Written By: - Date published: 6:21 pm, September 29th, 2021 - 78 comments

Turkeys don’t vote for Christmas but Kiwis do, don’t they?

Fearmongering or telling it how it is?

Written By: - Date published: 5:14 pm, September 25th, 2021 - 29 comments

42 is not the meaning of life and 13 is not an unlucky number.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Written By: - Date published: 9:58 pm, September 21st, 2021 - 26 comments

Government has taken a ‘calculated risk’ with opening up Auckland somewhat tonight.

A little bit of understanding can go a long way …

Written By: - Date published: 11:09 am, August 19th, 2021 - 18 comments

Our online Persona is not us, but just a mask.

We Need Better Politicians!

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 pm, August 2nd, 2021 - 24 comments

With the right people in power, we will get the answers we deserve, and our problems will melt away and scatter in a warm worriless wind.

What does The Standard mean for you?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 20th, 2021 - 60 comments

Let’s hear from you in this unscientific survey!

The Non-Partisan Populism of Popper’s Paradox

Written By: - Date published: 6:18 pm, May 22nd, 2021 - 91 comments

When democracy and free speech are hijacked to silence others, they can no longer support their principles and become a contradictio in terminis.

The Problem with Personification in Politics

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 19th, 2021 - 12 comments

It is a grave mistake to treat Ministries as if they are real persons.

Einstein versus Trump*

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 18th, 2021 - 10 comments

Einstein tried to explain complex things and understand reality; Trump tried to explain it away and distort reality.

Covid Zeitgeist

Written By: - Date published: 12:04 pm, March 21st, 2021 - 31 comments

NZ politics needs recharging and renewal to move forward. We need more charging stations.

The Unbearable Lightness of the Bright-Line Test

Written By: - Date published: 4:20 pm, March 13th, 2021 - 96 comments

The bright-line test is a red herring and does nothing to deter housing speculation.

You have 30 min to get your business in order!

Written By: - Date published: 12:50 pm, March 12th, 2021 - 77 comments

Government should have announced the decision for Auckland to go down to Level 1 first thing this morning.

So, You Want To Buy Your First Home?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, March 7th, 2021 - 75 comments

Money does not grow on trees, it grows on houses. It is pure magic!

An Introvert’s Guide to Spending Money*

Written By: - Date published: 1:38 pm, December 29th, 2020 - 30 comments

Don’t waste your money on shit, spend it on good shit.

Words of Outrage or Outrageous Action?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, December 24th, 2020 - 30 comments

Do you reward rage with rage or do you ignore it and walk away quietly?

Tranquillum

Written By: - Date published: 7:28 pm, December 6th, 2020 - 134 comments

Don’t expect a jellyfish to grow a spine, they just bob along on the current and keep moving, gently, slowly, kindly.

A Bit About How (my) Moderation Works (at present)

Written By: - Date published: 9:58 pm, November 29th, 2020 - 26 comments

An attempt to clarify some misconceptions and dispel some urban myths about (my) moderation.

PPE from a Universe Far, Far Away

Written By: - Date published: 2:33 pm, August 22nd, 2020 - 11 comments

An antidote against the pounding waves of BS coming from inside and outside Aotearoa.

A Stunt Scene from Mission Impossible*

Written By: - Date published: 3:52 pm, August 17th, 2020 - 16 comments

In NZ politics, the perception of fairness matters more than actual fairness.

National Has Found a Moral Compass

Written By: - Date published: 3:46 pm, June 6th, 2020 - 34 comments

National has embarked on a moral crusade to not lose the Election.

Is National Just Inconsistent or Incompetent?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, June 1st, 2020 - 65 comments

National’s new job-creation scheme appears to be inconsistent with their desire to fully re-instate the 90-day trial period.

Draconian Tourism or no Tourism?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 27th, 2020 - 192 comments

If overseas tourists want to visit NZ, they may have to give up a little bit of their privacy to keep all of us safe.

How Not to Engage in Public Debate

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 15th, 2020 - 95 comments

The best way to engage in public debate on the lockdown is to be open, clear, and transparent and show the facts. A press release full of beliefs and reckons is unhelpful and irresponsible.

Are the Vultures Already Circling Above?

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 14th, 2020 - 116 comments

We cannot go back to business as usual after the lockdown but can we shape the way things will be for the greater good?

National’s Petition is Cynical Populism

Written By: - Date published: 12:45 pm, April 9th, 2020 - 124 comments

National is trying to steal show political leadership and relevance by launching a petition.

Addendum added

About Carrots and Sticks

Written By: - Date published: 2:41 pm, April 4th, 2020 - 119 comments

How can we improve motivation to stamp out this virus in New Zealand?