Category Archives: New Zealand Politics

Posts that deal with issues current in New Zealand politics

Flagging interest in ‘folly’ of vexillology

Posted on 2nd Feb, 2014 by Puddleglum

John Key seems like an unlikely vexillologist – or should that be vexillographer?. That aside, what was John Key ‘flagging’ when he proposed a referendum on New Zealand’s national flag to coincide with this year’s election – without having already … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, National Identity, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Pennies from heaven – or, a ‘Corpse’ Flower by any other name …

Posted on 24th Jan, 2014 by Puddleglum

  The education proposals outlined by John Key in his State of the Nation speech have blossomed spectacularly today – like Auckland’s ‘Corpse Flower‘ – attracting a surprising band of over-awed onlookers. The intent of the education initiatives is clear … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Education, New Zealand Politics, Poverty | 18 Comments

Be-Knighted Mayors

Posted on 4th Jan, 2014 by Puddleglum

The year got off to a worryingly surreal start in Canterbury politics. Before the year even began, news was released that highly controversial two-term, ex-mayor of Christchurch Bob Parker would from now on officially have to be referred to as … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Earthquakes, Local Government, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

Adam Smith and the Left and Right of Moral Sentiment – A Christmas Tale

Posted on 28th Dec, 2013 by Puddleglum

[I’m on holiday in a place with very limited and irregular cellphone coverage and access to the internet. That means I haven’t included links in this post but, when I’ve quoted from Adam Smith’s work, I’ve referenced the ‘Part’ and … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Free Market, Human Nature, Human Wellbeing, National Identity, New Zealand Politics, Philosophy | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Boaster roasting

Posted on 11th Nov, 2013 by Puddleglum

[This comes with what is often called a ‘trigger warning’. Despite the tone I always try to adopt in my posts, the issues discussed here are not mere abstractions. People’s past and current suffering can be brought back to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Nature, Media, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

‘How Green was my East Frame?’

Posted on 9th Nov, 2013 by Puddleglum

It looks like the green highlighter that was used to ‘Wow’ the population of Christchurch in the original Central City Blueprint has faded already. The images above can be found in the online article from The Press ‘Green space shrunk … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Earthquakes, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Great minds? Or just something in the Veuve Clicquot?

Posted on 14th Oct, 2013 by Puddleglum

No sooner than I clicked the ‘publish’ button for the previous post, along comes a strong echo of almost exactly the same refrain. This time, Rodney Hide – after complimenting Len Brown on his stewardship of the Super City – … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Fascism, Freedom, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Democracy under attack – by democracy

Posted on 12th Oct, 2013 by Puddleglum

Paradoxes are fascinating things. Some are especially so on the day of local body elections. The famous ‘Liar Paradox‘ poses the intriguing claim by a Cretan that ‘All Cretans are always liars’. Of course, if it’s true, it’s false. And, … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

100% Pure Surveillance? – A retrospective

Posted on 6th Sep, 2013 by Puddleglum

Any potential tourists  who may have raised their eyebrows at the prospect of ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ being the agar plate for mass produced botulism (apparently all a sad mistake) will now have their impressions of a pristine country, saved from … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Freedom, New Zealand Politics | 4 Comments

Spotlight on Christchurch: Epilogue – ‘Trickle up theory’ a confirmed success

Posted on 27th Jul, 2013 by Puddleglum

It seems that with every day that passes more pieces fall into place. Jig-saw addicts know the feeling well: A piece seemingly no different from any other catches your eye and, as you place it down, it fits snugly into … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Earthquakes, Economics, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments