National risks becoming the Govt-leading host eaten from within by parasites as Luxon cedes National's 'small c' conservative centre-right instincts to extreme & non-mainstream policies
Yes, it is a long list of ridiculous backward policies but possibly started with cancelling the anti-smoking legislation and then the fair pay agreements before the 1-billion-dollar cost for no ferry debacle?
Thanks once again for your important commentary; a Zombie PM leading a Zombie Government Coalition spreading Zombie Idea fungal spores is a new way I'll look at this current Government.
Here's an article on Zombie Ideas in policy making that seems to have infected political parties.
This government is completely bonkers - that is my considered opinion. Are National Voters really having buyer's remorse?
The story about the toddler being left alone, screaming in the back of the van, and the statements that are being made - really, they're just setting the stage for another round of butalising and abusing people in state care (they're well practiced).
Today I came across this excellent story:(https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7259345287092084736/) about how 5 Nov is Aotearoa ought to be remembered as Parihaka Day, where the English sacked and destroyed the peaceful Parihaka community on 5 Nov 1881. It highlights horrific abuse and alienation of Maori, in the face of colonial greed. For me, one of the worst things is that this hasn't changed, we still see that government stripping the country.
The crown has so many things to answer for, and continues to do things that it will have to answer for in the years ahead.
That’s a good idea. I went to school in the 50s and 60s in New Plymouth. I never heard anything about Parihaka till Splitenz brought a song out on the subject sometime in the 80s. I’m sure this Government would like this day remembered for other than persecuting pets and setting fire to hillsides. Yeah right.
Of course it’s Depressive reading That’s how so called journalists hold your attention and encourage you to fund more sad and depressive reading for another year
I have had enough of such manipulative writing and will not be renewing any support. I would rather go walking, riding the bus or sweeping the garden of leaves. NZ has so much positivity to enjoy that we should ensure the “Kaka” stays on Waiheke Island and does not fill our days with irrelevant verbage
I agree, what a good idea. time spent in nature and in active pursuits will certainly help anyone cope with the madness of our current political leaders.
I too like to put my head in the sand sometimes. But then I take it out again and realise I was just deluding myself and I was of no help to our society in that ignorant position. I'm all for time in nature, riding the bus and sweeping leaves (if you're privileged enough to have a garden), but you can't pretend all the rubbish isn't piling up around you and leave others to clean it up.
Here at the Kaka we like to have constructive, solutions-oriented discussions.
Attacking Bernard rather than engaging with the content is unproductive. Dismissing serious issues by prioritising ‘positivity’ ignores the reality faced by many New Zealanders. Constructive debate means grappling with uncomfortable truths, not avoiding them.
I'm very interested in understanding which parts of this Kaka you feel is irrelevant verbage, and why you feel that way.
Carolyn. I am not going to debate detail but I do suggest you step back and look at issues from a higher level
I have spent many years successfully fixing major dysfunctional organisations and managing media comments particularly in the early days but this time I am going for a walk then watching the Melbourne cup. Thank you
Now that was a comment. However "a higher level" Slight contradiction there.
Looking down on an issue in a detached manner? Those heavily impacted by bad decisions and an engineered recession will not fix their problems with your suggestion. Vote Left in 2026. This government is failing on many levels.
The standard of journalism in this country is extremely high and we have some insightful analysis in the likes of Bernard, Phil Pennington and others at RNZ, Thomas Coughlan, Aaron Smale, any of the Newsroom writers, Vernon Small. We need to get behind these so others can also see how high the bar is set and aim accordingly. Sadly, so many headlines have been captured lately by Trump, Musk and their ilk.
This is interesting - I'm trying to understand what you expected when you became a subscriber. Does it come as a surprise to find unflattering reports of the government's actions?
I am grateful we have journalists of the caliber of Bernard. I am stimulated every day by the Kaka, and the comments underneath. Maybe Graham you have not read Bernard's frustration about the sad news which we are fed by the worst government we have had for decades. He writes about alternatives to current policy unlike just about any other journalist in NZ. If you find this writing manipulative, then I guess you are better to read Women's Day or some other garbage which assists you to avoid facing up to the terrible world we are handing over to our kids and grandchildren. My advice to Bernard.....keep it up brother.
National have been the party of financial incompetence generally. How is sale of power generating companies looking? Austerity has never worked.
Policy was for fully funded tax cuts not fully unfunded (borrowed) tax cuts and they are completely let off the hook by mainstream media. They are supposed to be the dog in the coalition but are consistently being wagged by the two tails of the coalition. What an expensive farce the COC is.
It's silly I know, but how about a gang renaming itself for when it is in the public eye. Keep the red and black coloured leather jacket but instead of the back of the jacket saying "Mongrel Mob, Opotiki" (sorry if I got any of that wrong) it instead says, in blue, "Nation-ill, Botany". Or maybe a yellow "Seymour's Boys, Mt Eden".
Speaking on fungus. A good reminder that with increases in global temperatures there has and will continue to be an increase in pathogenic fungus, which is very hard to treat in humans. Some say the Age of Fungus is upon us.
Thoroughly agree with article. It seems our "leaders" regard government as a game with winners take all. I wonder what would happen if all ministerial positions were assigned only to members of the party receiving the most votes - would that curtail the extremes people complain about - not only with this govt but the last?
They do regard it that way, as it’s the party of “business” and that is the way they will treat everyone. Didn’t Luxon even accidentally refer to everyone as customers the other day? Money making in the short term (stuff the long term) comes first and always will to this current lot
A Government consumed from within is a great analogy. Especially the notion that it looks like a National led government but actually isn’t. The man with a bald head is actually a Zombie barking the words of the dogmatists!
When Government's rely on endless vox-popping, the cliff they can so easily fall off is simply asking the wrong questions, and/or misreading the nuanced messages in the data they are receiving. We seem to see a Luxon who is doubling down on being a 'tough guy', a 'punitive Dad' , but who is actually hard to take seriously -
When you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything ;-)
Any list of what this government has done, starting with cancelling the ferry projects, makes depressing reading.
Queensland's new state government has joined the cancel party too: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/04/new-queensland-government-bins-labors-hydro-project-set-to-be-key-part-of-renewable-transition
Yes, it is a long list of ridiculous backward policies but possibly started with cancelling the anti-smoking legislation and then the fair pay agreements before the 1-billion-dollar cost for no ferry debacle?
Thanks once again for your important commentary; a Zombie PM leading a Zombie Government Coalition spreading Zombie Idea fungal spores is a new way I'll look at this current Government.
Here's an article on Zombie Ideas in policy making that seems to have infected political parties.
https://ojs.victoria.ac.nz/pq/article/view/9047
Definitely it is time for new ideas, policy innovation and fresh approaches from all sides of politics before we all become 'the last of us'
This government is completely bonkers - that is my considered opinion. Are National Voters really having buyer's remorse?
The story about the toddler being left alone, screaming in the back of the van, and the statements that are being made - really, they're just setting the stage for another round of butalising and abusing people in state care (they're well practiced).
Today I came across this excellent story:(https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7259345287092084736/) about how 5 Nov is Aotearoa ought to be remembered as Parihaka Day, where the English sacked and destroyed the peaceful Parihaka community on 5 Nov 1881. It highlights horrific abuse and alienation of Maori, in the face of colonial greed. For me, one of the worst things is that this hasn't changed, we still see that government stripping the country.
The crown has so many things to answer for, and continues to do things that it will have to answer for in the years ahead.
Parihaka Day is being observed at my child's school this week, they are sharing stories about it with the kids.
That’s a good idea. I went to school in the 50s and 60s in New Plymouth. I never heard anything about Parihaka till Splitenz brought a song out on the subject sometime in the 80s. I’m sure this Government would like this day remembered for other than persecuting pets and setting fire to hillsides. Yeah right.
Good. This govt is terrified of informed population. They are terrified of the young generation which is why they blocked the Make it 16.
But I have some hope that change will come.
Of course it’s Depressive reading That’s how so called journalists hold your attention and encourage you to fund more sad and depressive reading for another year
I have had enough of such manipulative writing and will not be renewing any support. I would rather go walking, riding the bus or sweeping the garden of leaves. NZ has so much positivity to enjoy that we should ensure the “Kaka” stays on Waiheke Island and does not fill our days with irrelevant verbage
Doubt you are a paid subscriber more like a nat troll. Keep voting with your head in the sand that is such a constructive way to progress.
If he's able to post in the comments he's a subscriber
I agree, what a good idea. time spent in nature and in active pursuits will certainly help anyone cope with the madness of our current political leaders.
If ever someone had a suggestive name...!!!
That's brilliant Patricia 🤭🤣🤭
Very funny - but now I can't un-see it
I too like to put my head in the sand sometimes. But then I take it out again and realise I was just deluding myself and I was of no help to our society in that ignorant position. I'm all for time in nature, riding the bus and sweeping leaves (if you're privileged enough to have a garden), but you can't pretend all the rubbish isn't piling up around you and leave others to clean it up.
Here at the Kaka we like to have constructive, solutions-oriented discussions.
Attacking Bernard rather than engaging with the content is unproductive. Dismissing serious issues by prioritising ‘positivity’ ignores the reality faced by many New Zealanders. Constructive debate means grappling with uncomfortable truths, not avoiding them.
I'm very interested in understanding which parts of this Kaka you feel is irrelevant verbage, and why you feel that way.
Carolyn. I am not going to debate detail but I do suggest you step back and look at issues from a higher level
I have spent many years successfully fixing major dysfunctional organisations and managing media comments particularly in the early days but this time I am going for a walk then watching the Melbourne cup. Thank you
Now that was a comment. However "a higher level" Slight contradiction there.
Looking down on an issue in a detached manner? Those heavily impacted by bad decisions and an engineered recession will not fix their problems with your suggestion. Vote Left in 2026. This government is failing on many levels.
I admire deep thinkers who find the Melbourne Cup useful.
Will you just be watching from the sidelines - or do you have some skin in the game?
The standard of journalism in this country is extremely high and we have some insightful analysis in the likes of Bernard, Phil Pennington and others at RNZ, Thomas Coughlan, Aaron Smale, any of the Newsroom writers, Vernon Small. We need to get behind these so others can also see how high the bar is set and aim accordingly. Sadly, so many headlines have been captured lately by Trump, Musk and their ilk.
This is interesting - I'm trying to understand what you expected when you became a subscriber. Does it come as a surprise to find unflattering reports of the government's actions?
I am grateful we have journalists of the caliber of Bernard. I am stimulated every day by the Kaka, and the comments underneath. Maybe Graham you have not read Bernard's frustration about the sad news which we are fed by the worst government we have had for decades. He writes about alternatives to current policy unlike just about any other journalist in NZ. If you find this writing manipulative, then I guess you are better to read Women's Day or some other garbage which assists you to avoid facing up to the terrible world we are handing over to our kids and grandchildren. My advice to Bernard.....keep it up brother.
National have been the party of financial incompetence generally. How is sale of power generating companies looking? Austerity has never worked.
Policy was for fully funded tax cuts not fully unfunded (borrowed) tax cuts and they are completely let off the hook by mainstream media. They are supposed to be the dog in the coalition but are consistently being wagged by the two tails of the coalition. What an expensive farce the COC is.
It's silly I know, but how about a gang renaming itself for when it is in the public eye. Keep the red and black coloured leather jacket but instead of the back of the jacket saying "Mongrel Mob, Opotiki" (sorry if I got any of that wrong) it instead says, in blue, "Nation-ill, Botany". Or maybe a yellow "Seymour's Boys, Mt Eden".
Invasion of the Body Snatchers - that would be one explanation for the badly fitting suits?
Or the Slitheen Alien invasion of Wellington because of the badly fitting skins and farting coming out of them:
https://youtu.be/ih9c1t7zypM?feature=shared
😀
The contents of the above are too important to be restricted to only Newsroom subscribers.
This information needs to go out to as many people as possible.
National just want power for powers sake. PM luxon got the title that he wanted, they dont actually care about doing the best things for the country.
Great analogy.
The tide is turning. When we start getting trolled we know they are rattled by the truth.
The same "Take a walk" is similar to "Why vote? They are all the same" designed to get the Left to disengage instead of fighting back.
Vote this Coc of Zombies out in 2026.
Speaking on fungus. A good reminder that with increases in global temperatures there has and will continue to be an increase in pathogenic fungus, which is very hard to treat in humans. Some say the Age of Fungus is upon us.
Thoroughly agree with article. It seems our "leaders" regard government as a game with winners take all. I wonder what would happen if all ministerial positions were assigned only to members of the party receiving the most votes - would that curtail the extremes people complain about - not only with this govt but the last?
They do regard it that way, as it’s the party of “business” and that is the way they will treat everyone. Didn’t Luxon even accidentally refer to everyone as customers the other day? Money making in the short term (stuff the long term) comes first and always will to this current lot
A Government consumed from within is a great analogy. Especially the notion that it looks like a National led government but actually isn’t. The man with a bald head is actually a Zombie barking the words of the dogmatists!
When Government's rely on endless vox-popping, the cliff they can so easily fall off is simply asking the wrong questions, and/or misreading the nuanced messages in the data they are receiving. We seem to see a Luxon who is doubling down on being a 'tough guy', a 'punitive Dad' , but who is actually hard to take seriously -