A not-so-great war

Hello world It’s a hundred years today since the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) landing at Gallipoli in one of the most regrettable episodes of the First World War. Here’s what I read to mostly friends at the War Memorial on Thursday:  We have come here to remember the fallen of countries which … Continue reading →

Honour the Treaty (3)

New Zealand is busily engaged at the moment in a charming little public tea party called ‘The Constitution Conversation’. The government is asking for the public’s views on supposedly important questions like whether all our constitutional documents should be combined into one. It’s the sort of thing that gives you the warm fuzzy feeling of … Continue reading →

Honour the Treaty (2)

“He mokopuna he taonga.” Yes indeed, children are a treasure – wanted, valued, cherished, desired, prized. Far more so than any possession. During the debate over the re-writing of Section 59 of the Crimes Act – the so-called ‘anti-smacking law’, which in reality has outlawed the family as an institution – the bill’s author, Sue … Continue reading →

Honour the Treaty

We’re bombarded constantly these days with government propaganda telling us how to be better people, to give up smoking, go for health checks, oppose domestic violence, and so on. Some of it’s just plain annoying; some of the messages are quite touching. My favourite is the slogan “He mokopuna he taonga” – “The child is … Continue reading →