Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has sparked controversy by declaring a provocative "War on Woke," targeting diversity, empathy, and inclusion in New Zealand society. In a satirical yet deeply meaningful exploration, we examine the real consequences behind political theatrics designed to distract rather than govern. From dismantling public diversity initiatives to marginalising minority communities, the article critically evaluates the impacts of policies presented as "common sense" yet underpinned by divisive rhetoric. Read more to understand the broader implications for New Zealand’s democratic and social fabric.

In a country proud of its compassion and community values, hospice care in New Zealand is being quietly dismantled through chronic underfunding and political indifference. With just $114 million of the $226 million needed to provide dignified end-of-life care coming from the government, the rest is left to sausage sizzles and charity drives. This satirical yet deeply emotional article shines a harsh light on a system that has monetised dying—without apology, without shame, and without enough care. Read it now and ask: is this the kind of kindness we want to be known for?

The Inter-Island Resilience Connection (iReX) was meant to upgrade New Zealand’s vital ferry infrastructure - hybrid ships, modern ports, future-ready logistics. Instead, it was dismantled midstream. In this no-holds-barred analysis, we break down the politics, psychology, and staggering waste behind one of the country’s most baffling infrastructure decisions. If you’ve ever wondered how public investment gets torched in the name of reform, start here.

In a dramatic policy shift, the New Zealand government has dismantled existing pay equity claims, raising the bar for proving gender-based pay discrimination and eliminating back pay for underpaid women. The reform, presented as a cost-saving measure, has drawn fierce criticism for undermining decades of progress in gender equality. This article examines the implications, rhetoric, and public reaction to what many are calling a return to 18th-century values under the guise of modern reform.

Nice Little Democracy. Shame if Something Happened to It.
Democracy doesn’t collapse in a day—it erodes through silence, distraction, and the slow breakdown of accountability. Drawing on Adrienne LaFrance’s compelling warnings from the U.S., this article urges New Zealanders to stay vigilant. We’re not in danger—yet—but that’s exactly when erosion begins. Learn the signs of democratic backsliding and how to stop it before it starts.

📚 The Library That Let Go of Grudges (and Late Fees)

Some say forgiveness is divine. Turns out, the Freeport Public Library in Illinois agrees—wholeheartedly—and decided to do something about it.

In a delightfully unexpected twist, the library forgave every single overdue book fine. No questions. No stern librarian stares. Not even for the long-lost Clifford the Big Red Dog from 1997.

What started as an overdue amnesty blossomed into a community celebration—complete with poetry readings, free bookmarks, and a mystery Sherlock Holmes impersonator. But beneath the whimsy was a profound act of inclusion: a reminder that systems can choose compassion over punishment.

The New Zealand Government’s decision to axe the Living Wage from future contracts has been sold as “fiscal responsibility.” In reality, it’s a policy shift that tells essential workers—cleaners, catering staff, and security guards—that their wellbeing costs too much.

This satirical analysis exposes the double standards at the heart of the decision, highlighting how workers are expected to survive on minimum wage while subsidising the wealth of corporations through state top-ups. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in labour rights, economic justice, and how governments value (or devalue) their lowest-paid workers.

Success in business isn’t about being ruthless—it’s about being human. Despite the stereotype that hard-nosed leadership is the key to profitability, my decades of experience in business advisory tell a different story. Kindness, loyalty, honesty, and generosity aren’t just nice traits; they’re the foundation of strong, thriving businesses.

In this article, I challenge the toxic myths of leadership, explore the parallels between running a business and leading a community, and argue why New Zealand’s government should be managed more like a social enterprise—prioritizing people over pure profit. If you’re tired of outdated economic narratives and want a leadership model that actually works, this is for you.

I just wonder where we are all going, are we going to go there together and will we like it when we get there?

I’m not sure this is what God had in mind.

Leaving your business is easy. Doing it so it sets the rest of your life up for happiness, security and meaning is not so easy.

Making damned sure you know what you want to do next is utterly critical. Trust me. I’ve seen it go wrong too many times.

Think long hard and deep about what you want your time and your heart to be consumed by for the rest of your time on the planet and you’re off to a glorious start.