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There is definitely a democratic deficit in New Zealand as well as ignorance in the population (Civics) and a almost universal aversion to responsibility and risk in leadership. The country is effectively a lawless state with no access to Justice for most people as it can only be bought run by “born to rule” and criminal elite attitudes wherever you look who punch down on the peasant and working classes who are largely being oppressed by (now) drug addled and other criminals who perpetuate continued abuse of the vulnerable and cover up without consequence. So many of the “nice to haves”, which are now “must haves”, are simply lost in the struggle for a poor and time poor population under constant threat from one direction or another. It is actually really difficult for anyone anywhere near a typical citizen to access or engage with what passes for democracy. As you correctly point out the low engagement means it therefore certainly is not democracy and those in their ivory towers aren’t fulfilling their duties and obligations properly when it is assumed by most they are elected and paid to do so with a focus on everyone’s equality and welfare on citizens behalf. I think the wrong people are there consistently and the focus is on their pet projects and themselves or their ideology instead of managing and providing resourcing and oversight for the country and people to flourish. Better leadership is required but that is becoming increasingly expensive and dangerous as the various mafia compete like some turf warfare on the ground, on the internet (speaking of Leo Molloy’s campaign) physically or using children, assets or resources to take people out from the oppressed classes and cherry picking those who won’t rock the boat too much and while they focus on their culture war the big issues remain unaddressed and time, potential and lives are wasted. Which all serves the status quo which historically is going to look ridiculous, obscene and much like the dark ages in my opinion. Things are simply too slow and poorly done (if in Labour’s case currently anything gets done at all). The proposition that the Prime Minister will become some kind of universal figurehead is laughable. Just as the UN is laughable.Currently on delivery she will be voted out in her own country shortly because she can’t or won’t deliver in her own portfolios as well as perpetuating overreach into people’s lives. A prospect that most of us find absolutely appalling and egregious to be allowed to continue as it’s been going on for far too long already. The discussions are useful but there’s no progress being made at all.

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5 murders in the region I live in of late. Access to Justice and legal and human rights is a longstanding problem causing people to live in poverty traps which has caused tremendous abuse of women and children both by the State and privately and we have off the charts sexual and family violence. I would be interested to know how you’ve missed all this if you do live here unless you don’t engage socially outside a small or privileged bubble. Or have some financial reason to be in denial. Really you haven’t noticed?

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I am an absolute fan of yours Bernard, I listen to every chorus and hoon. Is there a way to reign Peter in, and get some flow in the conversation? I do appreciate a lot of what he says but it would come across better with a little more moderation and understatement. Interrupting Jason to say he’s already said what he’s saying (and without university blah blah) was last-straw awful. So stark alongside your own refined manner.

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