Tag Archives: Voting

Wafer-thin socialism in nouvelle cuisine budget

Posted on 18th May, 2014 by Puddleglum

It was obviously a budget for political foodies. As pointed out by Christ Trotter, Liam Dann predicted (or advised Bill English to deliver) a ‘cheese and toast‘ budget – comfort food, Kiwi-style. Gordon Campbell, by contrast, hitched his analysis to a … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Earthquakes, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Six impossible things before breakfast

Posted on 4th May, 2014 by Puddleglum

“I’m just one hundred and one, five months and a day.” “I can’t believe that!” said Alice. “Can’t you?” the Queen said in a pitying tone. “Try again: draw a long breath, and shut your eyes.” Alice laughed. “There’s no … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour, Media, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Foxes, hens, the ‘hard left’ and the myth of the ‘time warp’.

Posted on 2nd Mar, 2014 by Puddleglum

It’s easy to feel a bit giddy – even queasy – after reading and hearing the reaction of politicians and commentators to the appointment of Matt McCarten as David Cunliffe’s Chief of Staff. John Armstrong has invited a picture of … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Labour, New Zealand Politics, Political Polls, Political Psychology, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Flagging interest in ‘folly’ of vexillology

Posted on 2nd Feb, 2014 by Puddleglum

John Key seems like an unlikely vexillologist – or should that be vexillographer?. That aside, what was John Key ‘flagging’ when he proposed a referendum on New Zealand’s national flag to coincide with this year’s election – without having already … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, National Identity, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Be-Knighted Mayors

Posted on 4th Jan, 2014 by Puddleglum

The year got off to a worryingly surreal start in Canterbury politics. Before the year even began, news was released that highly controversial two-term, ex-mayor of Christchurch Bob Parker would from now on officially have to be referred to as … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Earthquakes, Local Government, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

Great minds? Or just something in the Veuve Clicquot?

Posted on 14th Oct, 2013 by Puddleglum

No sooner than I clicked the ‘publish’ button for the previous post, along comes a strong echo of almost exactly the same refrain. This time, Rodney Hide – after complimenting Len Brown on his stewardship of the Super City – … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Fascism, Freedom, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Democracy under attack – by democracy

Posted on 12th Oct, 2013 by Puddleglum

Paradoxes are fascinating things. Some are especially so on the day of local body elections. The famous ‘Liar Paradox‘ poses the intriguing claim by a Cretan that ‘All Cretans are always liars’. Of course, if it’s true, it’s false. And, … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Spotlight on Christchurch – Part II: Election nearing

Posted on 7th Jul, 2013 by Puddleglum

[Prologue: As mentioned in the previous post, most of that post and this one was written prior to Bob Parker announcing that he would not be contesting the mayoralty in the upcoming local body elections. I’ve indicated where in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Earthquakes, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Spotlight on Christchurch – Part I: Manufacturing crises and consents

Posted on 6th Jul, 2013 by Puddleglum

[Prologue: The bulk of this was written before I heard the news that Bob Parker was not going to contest the upcoming local body elections as a mayoral candidate. The same is true for the second part of this three-part … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Earthquakes, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Disdaining democracy

Posted on 25th Apr, 2012 by Puddleglum

All those years ago – you know, way back when John Key wasn’t the Prime Minister – the populace, so we found out, was getting restless. Its main complaint about the government of the day was that it was ‘off … Continue reading →

Posted in Democracy, Economics, New Zealand Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments