After four years, we have over 20,600 subscribers, including 2,520 who pay; We’ll stay focused on housing, climate & poverty in Aotearoa-NZ, but with less news curation & more exploration of solutions
Thanks for providing so much of your thoughts and context with that update Bernard. I certainly find the amount of change going on with the government overwhelming at times. There is frustration that as a country we aren't having adult conversations about why things are hard and why both sides of the political spectrum aren't taking leadership. I think your ideas for how to continue your work going forward is really great. It's important to understand how things can improve so your subscribers can take these conversations to our friends and family. Hopefully that cumulate into real change in the future. Thanks for all your hard work. It is appreciated
Thank you both, I have just read your email and now have to either have a brandy or a little nap, I am quite exhausted. Thank you again you are essential reading and watching.
Mānawatia a Matariki Bernard, you are doing important mahi whatever the form and format, 20K plus subscribers are better informed and equipped to negotiate the waters we find ourselves in, keep it up!
I understand your change of content, it feels like we could get consumed by the sheer volume of change that the current government is imposing, both trivial and large. I truly appreciate your hard work and feel like i would be lost without your contributions. There is so little good journalism to be had, I encourage anyone who talks politics with me to subscribe.
Appreciate the update, and thanks for your focus on more deliberative replies and not hot takes. I have been following you from interest.co.nz days and have to say your work with Catherine in highlighting climate issues has been a great addition to the conversation. Thanks for bringing her expertise into the Kākā! Looking forward to some of those book recommendations!
Thanks for the fulsome explanation. I fully support your ideas and approach. Lazily, I’ve used you as a curator of news and largely given up on the day to day stuff. Perhaps I’ll have to looks elsewhere but I wonder about so much noise which gets forgotten in a few days.
Things I really like in what you do are
1) being so clearly data based, unbiased and thoughtful about developments, while also
2) retaining a very clear focus on clear economic and social objectives (your excellent three), and
3) some excellent interviews with unwavering intent but avoiding the ‘gotcha’ model so the interviewee opens up and explains what they were trying to do.
I hope you find time to continue doing all of that. We have other good journalists in NZ but you are one of our best. Good wishes.
As a paid subscriber I value your articles and comments on current affairs and especially enjoy the weekly Hoon for the insights it brings. I can well understand the effort that you both and others put into The Kaka and support your plan to be less reactive to news and instead to be more reflective and seek more positive outcomes looking to the future. It's important to have time for relaxation, enjoyment and reflection.
Ka pai, appreciate the update here. I’m a nerd for how you make this all operate and selfishly worry for the day you down tools permanently.
A huge thank you for the excellent mahi over the past year. The news cycle since the election has been punishing to the point where I had to switch off completely for a few days.
I don’t sub with the expectation of x amount of articles per week or month, but I’m here for the long haul. Take a break whenever you feel the need to, we’re grateful for the work you do.
Thank you so much for your mahi. Please take the week (totally). I like the idea of looking for solutions, you can leave it to us to be negative about what is happening day-by-day.
Perfect Matariki behaviour, your reflecting clearly about what works in multiple senses in this wonderful substack. It is important that you enjoy the process using your creativity and drive, and take good care of yourselves. I am grateful to be part of this intelligent, warm community, especially given events locally and globally.
Congratulations to you both, and to the other fabulous Hoon panel members, and of course to Kaka chat contributers!
Thanks for providing so much of your thoughts and context with that update Bernard. I certainly find the amount of change going on with the government overwhelming at times. There is frustration that as a country we aren't having adult conversations about why things are hard and why both sides of the political spectrum aren't taking leadership. I think your ideas for how to continue your work going forward is really great. It's important to understand how things can improve so your subscribers can take these conversations to our friends and family. Hopefully that cumulate into real change in the future. Thanks for all your hard work. It is appreciated
Thank you both, I have just read your email and now have to either have a brandy or a little nap, I am quite exhausted. Thank you again you are essential reading and watching.
You doing an amazing job Bernard and I think your move in the new direction makes a lot of sense. Kia kaha. Nga mihi nui Simon
Mānawatia a Matariki Bernard, you are doing important mahi whatever the form and format, 20K plus subscribers are better informed and equipped to negotiate the waters we find ourselves in, keep it up!
Agree with the plan - can’t chase every car
I understand your change of content, it feels like we could get consumed by the sheer volume of change that the current government is imposing, both trivial and large. I truly appreciate your hard work and feel like i would be lost without your contributions. There is so little good journalism to be had, I encourage anyone who talks politics with me to subscribe.
Very positive and inspiring Bernard. You certainly have my support in what you hope to do. A great leader.
Appreciate the update, and thanks for your focus on more deliberative replies and not hot takes. I have been following you from interest.co.nz days and have to say your work with Catherine in highlighting climate issues has been a great addition to the conversation. Thanks for bringing her expertise into the Kākā! Looking forward to some of those book recommendations!
Whoops, sorry Cathrine!
Thanks for the fulsome explanation. I fully support your ideas and approach. Lazily, I’ve used you as a curator of news and largely given up on the day to day stuff. Perhaps I’ll have to looks elsewhere but I wonder about so much noise which gets forgotten in a few days.
Things I really like in what you do are
1) being so clearly data based, unbiased and thoughtful about developments, while also
2) retaining a very clear focus on clear economic and social objectives (your excellent three), and
3) some excellent interviews with unwavering intent but avoiding the ‘gotcha’ model so the interviewee opens up and explains what they were trying to do.
I hope you find time to continue doing all of that. We have other good journalists in NZ but you are one of our best. Good wishes.
As a paid subscriber I value your articles and comments on current affairs and especially enjoy the weekly Hoon for the insights it brings. I can well understand the effort that you both and others put into The Kaka and support your plan to be less reactive to news and instead to be more reflective and seek more positive outcomes looking to the future. It's important to have time for relaxation, enjoyment and reflection.
I so agree with this. Thanks Barry.
Me too!
Count me in, too! Bernard, you & Lynn are NZ treasures - look after yourselves & by all means, take next week off & don't feel guilty!
Fantastic to hear your plans. As a proud subscriber I’m pleased to see you move to fill the gap we have with respect to deliberative media.
The fact you are a lovely looking couple and by all accounts very nice people is just a bonus.
Kia ora Bernard & Lynn,
Ka pai, appreciate the update here. I’m a nerd for how you make this all operate and selfishly worry for the day you down tools permanently.
A huge thank you for the excellent mahi over the past year. The news cycle since the election has been punishing to the point where I had to switch off completely for a few days.
I don’t sub with the expectation of x amount of articles per week or month, but I’m here for the long haul. Take a break whenever you feel the need to, we’re grateful for the work you do.
Thank you so much for your mahi. Please take the week (totally). I like the idea of looking for solutions, you can leave it to us to be negative about what is happening day-by-day.
Bernard and Lynn, a great reflection on what is important in life vs not!. A week off, oh definitely!
Perfect Matariki behaviour, your reflecting clearly about what works in multiple senses in this wonderful substack. It is important that you enjoy the process using your creativity and drive, and take good care of yourselves. I am grateful to be part of this intelligent, warm community, especially given events locally and globally.
Congratulations to you both, and to the other fabulous Hoon panel members, and of course to Kaka chat contributers!
Absolutely agree Mary!
I feel like the Kākā is a beacon of light across a dark ocean. I just love the evidence, even if it’s depressing.