Rinse, Repeat, Revolt
Why National's latest leadership drama is not an ending, but another chapter in an unresolved political struggle.
On Point
Musings of a husband, step-father, and longtime student of philosophy and history. Also happen to be a former politician, including chairing New Zealand's Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Committee.
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Foreign interference is very real in New Zealand
I recently gave a speech to MPs, academics, journalists, and the general public on foreign interference in New Zealand, sharing some real and personal stories of mine.
The Odyssesy
A reflection on Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, exploring home, justice, suffering, faith, and what an ancient epic can still teach us about the modern world.
Muddled multiculturalism
After travelling through Morocco and Portugal, and attending conferences in London, I found myself asking a simple question: can a nation remain coherent if it no longer believes in its own culture?
The response to Ann Widdecombe's murder
Having recently returned from London, I found that much of the press coverage was consumed by the murder of former politician Ann Widdecombe.
An update from the Sahara
Watch now (4 mins) | Some may be wondering why I've not written a Substack in recent weeks, so I've recorded a short video from a rather unusual location to update you.
It's already a failure
I'm prepared to say it now, even before the full text is released, but the framework to end the conflict between Iran and the United States is a already a failure.
China's bullying on full display
China's decision to sanction New Zealand MPs for visiting Taiwan is outrageous, yet how New Zealand's parliament and political leadership responds will be even more insightful and important.
We are being misled
I explore three of the ways many in media manipulate stories and, as Sir Roger Scruton once noted, effectively censor what people read and hear.
Be prepared
The fraying of the international rules-based order and various conflicts - either happening now or possible in the future - should see New Zealand preparing now. There are no excuses for inaction.