Bad behaviour

Bad behaviour

Last week’s news that New Zealand school students are among the worst behaved in the OECD came as quite a surprise. On reflection, it probably shouldn’t have. My immediate reaction was one of embarrassment. Those inside the education system were not so surprised. The...
When language is used to divide

When language is used to divide

There’s a nasty theme emerging in New Zealand politics. It’s come on gradually, particularly over the last year or so, but has become somewhat exaggerated recently, particularly in the months since the new government was sworn in. I refer to the use of highly emotive...
Planes, Houses and Double Standards

Planes, Houses and Double Standards

I sometimes think we’re quite good at double standards. It’s one of our quirky little habits and it has surfaced again this week. I’m referring to the hand-wringing over the Prime Minister’s decision to live in his own apartment in Wellington rather than in Premier...
It’s a big mess.  We need to be patient.

It’s a big mess. We need to be patient.

It hasn’t taken long has it. Since returning from the summer break I’ve been watching the reaction to the new government. There is already plenty of criticism. I’m hearing and reading views that they’re not moving quickly enough, that the new PM is not aggressive...
Are we better together or better apart?

Are we better together or better apart?

My grandmother used to say that things come in threes. I’m not sure why she thought that but I’m sure it was nothing more than a grand old superstition of her time. It happened a year or so ago. Three things in one week. All surprised me. All made me think. In one...
The Christchurch call and the end of Woke

The Christchurch call and the end of Woke

I’ve been surprised by the reaction to Christopher Luxon’s meeting with former Prime Minister Ardern. Social media has been alive with criticism of the new PM’s decision to meet to discuss the future of one of her projects. For me, irrespective of whether you continue...