Author Archive

Postcard from a 21st century renter

Written By: - Date published: 1:19 pm, December 3rd, 2012 - 16 comments

Dear Jack, It’s been almost a century since your major contribution to NZ . Many still see you as an inspiration for a left wing vision. Unfortunately, we are having to fight the same old battles once again, the poor are being demonised, and we need more state housing.

TPP protests – Day 1

Written By: - Date published: 11:59 am, December 3rd, 2012 - 9 comments

A week of [updated: video] protests against the secretive TPP began today outside entrance to Sky City Convention Centre, where the latest round of TPP negotiations are being held.  The majority of Kiwis are not happy with the secrecy.  Jane Kelsey & Canadian Peter Clark identify problems.

TPP Negotiations Auckland next week

Written By: - Date published: 8:21 pm, November 30th, 2012 - 16 comments

The next round of secretive TPP negotiations is in Auckland next week, 3-12 December.  John Key will be lovin’ it!  A National Day of Action & world wide protest on Saturday 8 December, – it’s about NZ independence, economy and sovereignty. Update: protest events 3-8 Dec

“Name” journalism & voter dis-engagement

Written By: - Date published: 8:55 am, November 29th, 2012 - 76 comments

Criticism of “anonymous” bloggers is a symptom of change that threatens to make politics more democratic.  The rise of “name” journalism and infotainment have increased voter dis-engagement.  However, well-managed blogging (by any name) can contribute to democratic re-engagement.

The Hobbit episode II… continues…

Written By: - Date published: 11:59 am, November 27th, 2012 - 103 comments

Today The Hobbit  employment dispute is revived, exposing gaps between principle and practice.  Jackson defends his role; some of Labour’s ABC club will attend the premier; John Key-speak weaves a contradictory path of  populist nonsense, linking the movie, 100%Pure, 100% Middle-earth and Macdonald’s.

Public service broadcasting and politics

Written By: - Date published: 10:15 am, November 25th, 2012 - 24 comments

Public service broadcasting and commercial TV cover politics in different ways.  Will Sky TV’s new public service channel, Face, (incorporating some ex-Stratos/Triangle shows), do it the commercial or PSB way? What will be the impact on NZ’s political journalism?

Gender, politics & NZ LP conference 2012

Written By: - Date published: 10:38 am, November 22nd, 2012 - 140 comments

The Labour Party are giving serious attention to the unacceptable gender inequalities in MP numbers and in pay.  The Greens are leading in tackling the underlying masculine framework of politics and employment, and, along with Mana, unpaid work.

Eruption

Written By: - Date published: 3:10 pm, November 21st, 2012 - 47 comments

Humans tend to feel we have conquered nature, but, every now and then, we are reminded that we are dependent on it.  Maori have continued to have more respect for the awesome power of nature. Tongariro has had a relatively minor eruption today.

In other news: the failings of Key’s government

Written By: - Date published: 10:57 am, November 21st, 2012 - 20 comments

John Key’s crony-capitalist, neoliberal government is failing NZ on the environment, affordable housing, and a living wage. Mana and the Greens  are leading the way on affordable housing and anti-poverty campaigns.  The Greens still lead the way on pressing environmental issues.

In other news, selling NZ: TPP, Hobbit rulz …

Written By: - Date published: 11:47 am, November 20th, 2012 - 57 comments

John Key is steaming ahead in selling NZ.  He is Obama’s wing-man to extend the TPP into the Asia-Pacific region.  Meanwhile, the “Hobbit Law” is taking a heavy toll on many NZ actors.  And there are claims that the Hobbit production has been harming animals.

Gaza – not acceptable!

Written By: - Date published: 9:59 am, November 19th, 2012 - 100 comments

While most of us have been strongly focused on the Labour Party Conference, an appalling act of slaughter has been going on.

Changing Labour: significant issues

Written By: - Date published: 8:38 am, November 18th, 2012 - 4 comments

These are exciting days as the Labour Party becomes more democratic.  In their reports on the Conference, the MSM are failing to focus on the important issues: ones requiring a new direction from the Left, such as damaging white collar fraud and the urgent need for affordable housing.

Towards an inclusive, democratic left

Written By: - Date published: 10:53 am, November 16th, 2012 - 46 comments

The left needs to develop a new direction, not merely react to the ruling neoliberal discourses and policies. Under NAct there has been a resurgent masculinisation of politics, and the undermining of democratic processes.  How do we work towards a more inclusive, diverse participatory democracy?

Looking for a new left direction: more than just one housing policy

Written By: - Date published: 8:10 am, November 14th, 2012 - 218 comments

A policy focusing on increasing state housing and affordable rents would be a good start. However, my current criticism of Labour leadership focuses on the policy direction of the leadership team.  This requires more than just one policy. A bold new left wing plan is needed to deal with the difficult challenges ahead. Updated

Remember Waihi 1912: who now has the courage?

Written By: - Date published: 10:28 am, November 12th, 2012 - 21 comments

Tomorrow is the centenary of the death of Fred Evans on 13 November 1912, during the Waihi gold miners strike.  Out of this struggle of ordinary, but courageous NZ workers, grew the NZ Labour Party.  Who now has such courage to lead NZ politics in a new direction? Update: Allison McCulloch’s article on the Waihi strike.

John Key Selling (out) New Zealand

Written By: - Date published: 8:21 am, November 11th, 2012 - 56 comments

John Key’s selling out of NZ workers’ rights, tourism industry and identity to Hollywood, the TPP and US corporates, has reached a new low.  OIA papers reveal the extent to which Warners is dictating the NZ government’s promotion of 100% Middle-earth.

Opposition Party statements; what the MSM doesn’t report

Written By: - Date published: 8:10 am, November 10th, 2012 - 39 comments

The MSM quickly picked up a press release on the failure of the Southern Cross Cable. Others that are ignored:  Bennett has either lied or is incompetent;  Nat-linked appointment to TVNZ board; Hone’s ‘feed the kids’ Bill; Joyce’s education agenda; John Key as a “bumbling Marxist”.

Hard times & demographics

Written By: - Date published: 10:57 am, November 9th, 2012 - 14 comments

With the crises in housing and unemployment, there are worrying trends of increasing marginalisation and struggle for selected demographic groups, such as women, Maori and Pasifika people. Meanwhile, there has been a recent increase in male unemployment.  This probably is because there are fewer secure, well-paid, full time jobs available.

Hypocrisy and bad spin

Written By: - Date published: 12:19 pm, November 8th, 2012 - 44 comments

NActUF use a lot of finely-honed, diversionary and distorting spin.  However, when debating 2 Private Members’ Bills yesterday, government MPs couldn’t even be bothered trying too hard; the hypocrisy was glaring and the spin clumsy – showing clearly the differences between left & right wing principles.

Housing crisis day of action today

Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, November 7th, 2012 - 17 comments

Today is Housing Crisis Day of Action with a march on parliament in Wellington (see Facebook page).  The government’s plan will benefit private developers and property speculators, and involves risks of “cutting red tape”.  Instead, they should be building more state houses. Updates: General Debate.   John Banks heckled by protesters.

Kate Wilkinson resigns portfolio

Written By: - Date published: 4:00 pm, November 5th, 2012 - 184 comments

Breaking news: Kate Wilkinson has resigned her portfolio due to the Pike River Mine report.  Updates: News reports.  Damning official report: cold comfort for the families of the victims. Video of John Key’s press conference today.  International news coverage. Video of Shearer’s response (7 mins)

Free Public Libraries Bill

Written By: - Date published: 10:15 am, November 5th, 2012 - 19 comments

Darien Fenton’s “Keep Public Libraries Free” Bill will soon be getting its first reading in parliament. Public libraries are an important community resource. Keeping their resources and services free contributes to social inclusion and participatory democracy.

Not in the public interest

Written By: - Date published: 8:47 am, November 3rd, 2012 - 89 comments

Some prominent “journalists” are working to undermine Labour and a possible Labour-Green government: one that could turn against the neoliberal scam that such “journalists” feed off. The left should take heart – the time has come to support the “public interest”, as outlined by Nicky Hager.

From Sugarbags to Foodbanks

Written By: - Date published: 11:00 am, October 31st, 2012 - 60 comments

Sugarbags are a symbol of self-help in the 1930s Depression.  Foodbanks are a symbol of the failure of consumer capitalism.  Should the left reclaim Labour’s original core values?  What are those core values, and are they still relevant today?

‘The Asian Century’: Aus, NZ

Written By: - Date published: 10:50 am, October 29th, 2012 - 22 comments

Gillard’s ‘Asian Century’ white paper, and negotiations of the ASEAN trade agreement (RCEP) are significant developments in US-China struggle for dominance in the region. Aussie wants to be a major player. How should NZ respond?

The rhythms of life

Written By: - Date published: 9:10 am, October 28th, 2012 - 18 comments

On Planet Key natural body processes are ignored, and nature has been tamed into a golf course. It’s a place where mothers don’t lactate or have a heightened sensitivity to their babies’ cries; a place disconnected from the chaotic consequences of climate change.

Shifting ground: PPL

Written By: - Date published: 11:55 am, October 24th, 2012 - 27 comments

The government is vulnerable around Sue Moroney’s Paid Parental Leave Bill.  The Nats don’t want it to pass, but they risk losing support from women.  A government veto of an entire Bill is on experimental ground, and Bill English has shifted his reasons for not supporting the Bill. Updates: BusinessNZ submission

Adventures in the slave trade

Written By: - Date published: 9:50 am, October 22nd, 2012 - 74 comments

Slavery was abolished in the 19th century, wasn’t it? From wage-slavery to human-trafficking, modern day forms of slavery have many faces, all in the interests of profits for the few.  What are these different faces, and what impact do they have on the lives of ordinary people?

Backwards to the future?

Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, October 20th, 2012 - 50 comments

Labour Day celebrates, what was at the time, a cutting edge victory for working people – the 8 hour working day.  But the struggles continue for men and women. Now is not the time to be going backwards on issues that impact on workers, people struggling on low incomes, or beneficiaries. Updated.

Let’s sing it! Songs for ‘ordinary’ people

Written By: - Date published: 11:55 am, October 19th, 2012 - 109 comments

Revolutions, political movements and protests are fueled by songs.  They bring people together in common cause, draw attention to devastating conditions, reassure the oppressed that they are not alone, and inspire people to take political action. What songs have engaged, inspired, or motivated your political conscience and compassion? Update: : The winner is…

Children of Men: money or our lives

Written By: - Date published: 11:30 am, October 18th, 2012 - 28 comments

Paid Parental Leave, Charter schools, compulsory early childhood education for beneficiaries: for NAct it’s all about money, and they use ‘shonky’ figures to justify their ‘shonkey’ policies and vetos.  This is ostrich and patriarchal behaviour, ignoring the evidence of the wider benefits to communities and society of good quality child care, education and Paid Parental Leave.