Auckland looks great, now let's smile, eh?
Auckland, you've got to say, is looking fine. The new art gallery, the souped-up zoo, the new shared-space roads with people walking amongst the cars, the busy Britomart precinct, and the North Wharf,...
View ArticleThree cheers to becoming a Two Flag Nation
When Governor William Hobson famously declared"He iwi tahi tatou" (We are all one people) to the rangatira who signed the Treaty of Waitangi, he left an awkward legacy. I imagine he meant well and all,...
View ArticleToo much time, not enough phone
A slight clammy feeling. General anxiety. A sense that something is missing or out of place. Heightened frustration or even distress.read more
View ArticleNew Zealand, together the victor
I've just come from Eden Park on the morning of the Rugby World Cup final, and I've got to say it was a treat to be there in the silence and calm, knowing that in 12 hours the place will be a cauldron...
View ArticleTED comes to Auckland
Come get inspired at one of the internationally-famous TEDx talks, little brother to the TED events that have been sparking ideas and innovation since 1984.read more
View ArticleThe new Herald reviewed: Granny is gone
My first impression is that we're going to get on rather well. Good looking, a sparky conversation starter, full of top yarns, and with a serious side. Yes, me and the new compact/tabloid Herald are...
View ArticleWairarapa Maori own water in Wairarapa lakes
Do property rights fade like fabric in the sun?Or do they remain as strong as a man's word?read more
View ArticleFrom Dennis Connor to Dotcom: Paul Holmes remembered
Timing. It was part of the Paul Holmes genius. There were tougher questioners, better researchers, more authoritative interviews. But no-one understood the ebb and flow, the rhythm and pace, the pure...
View ArticleAn open letter on Auckland trains. Grrrr
Dear Auckland Transport, Veolia and all those others who make up the mish-mash of operators and overseers of Auckland trains.read more
View ArticleOld photo reminds us what marriage equality has won
In my pleasure at the passing of the Marriage Amendment Act I was reminded of an email my Mum sent me a couple of months ago, containing an old black and white photo of eight women and two children....
View ArticleThis is a public service announcement, with guitars
When I got to my office today, I discovered a brown paper bag covered in lunatic, smeared crayon scribblings shoved under my door. After a period of puzzled scrutiny, I was able to determine that it...
View ArticleThe America's Cup -- building boon or boo-hoo?
The America's Cup was a balm and an emotional boon last week – a fun way to start the day and a national ego boost. It became a much more grim vigil; a duty of hope. And after this morning, despair has...
View ArticleWell done, Eleanor Catton
Because the Len Brown story is such an overdone and familiar trope, it's worth pausing to praise Eleanor Catton for winning the Booker Prize (OK, OK, Man Booker Prize) for a truly original and freshly...
View ArticleCalling New Zealand's Jeff Bezos - NZ Listener for sale
The announcement today that APN's New Zealand Magazines has been sold is a decision years in the making. It's long been inevitable that APN would at some stage slice off the small appendage that is its...
View ArticleNo, we’re not the most secular nation in the world
In December politicians try as hard as they want, there’s no out-polling the man with the white beard. No press release can compete with our collective obsession with an obese man in Labour red,...
View ArticleReview: "The Bone Clocks"
Having binged on politics up to and including the day after election night, I'm going through a bit of a purge at the moment. So I've pretty much tried to ignore Labour's travails over the last couple...
View ArticlePutting Eleanor Catton among the pigeons
Eleanor Catton certainly earned her pay this week, especially all that government money everyone was decrying her for receiving while she traitorously criticised our nation's character overseas. She...
View ArticleWhy it's OK the coach can't go to the [basket]ball
There's nowt like a wee ethnic bun-fight to kick-off Waitangi weekend, and it's been delivered this year by a pakeha basketball coach who's been told his team can't go to the [basket]ball because he's...
View ArticleHe's just one of those people born in the wrong time
I didn't ever "know" Peter Gutteridge. read more
View ArticleThey
There’s a sail on the horizon. Not really a sail. More like a blanket on a stick.And today is suddenly going off-script. The complication of others intrudes. And I’m to be their savior.*read more
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