Greg Dixon's Another Kind of Politics: Jesus, Gandhi and Dalai Lama to sue Ardern over memoir
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Greg Dixon's Another Kind of Politics is a weekly, mostly satirical column on politics that appears on listener.co.nz.
The Dalai Lama, Jesus of Nazareth and the ghost of Mahatma Gandhi say they will take former prime minister Jacinda Ardern to court for 'nicking our stuff'. The
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NZ Herald
5 days ago
- NZ Herald
Danyl McLauchlan: The politics of the second Covid inquiry
Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Dame Jacinda Ardern: Divisive hero of the pandemic. Photo / Getty Images Phase 2 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 reponse is now under way. Phase 1 was supposed to be the only phase but all of the opposition parties were unhappy with the narrow scope and terms of reference Labour set for the investigation. Those parties are now in government, and Labour is unhappy with the design of the terms of reference. The inquiry's subtitle is 'Lessons learned', and so far we've learned that even the once-elevated nature of our royal commissions can be broken by partisan hackery. These inquiries are supposed to be the gold standard of political oversight. They are convened when something is so terrible or so important – a terrorist mass murder; the abuse of children in state care – it must transcend politics. Most of the mechanisms by which MPs, public officials and corporations routinely conceal their perfidy and incompetence are superseded. Even the police and intelligence agencies can be subject to public oversight. Justice must be seen to be done. This was a problem for Labour. There had to be a review of the nation's greatest crisis since the war. But it's all very well to demand transparency and oversight into state agencies, private companies and even previous governments. Much less appealing to subject themselves to such uncomfortable scrutiny. The heroes of the pandemic response – Chris Hipkins, Sir Ashley Bloomfield, Dame Jacinda herself – could be called before the public hearings and cross-examined as if they were common senior officials. This would never do. After the pandemic Many things went well during the early stages of the Covid response. It really was world beating. But as the crisis wore on some things went … less well. Labour knew that the loathsome jackals in the media would focus on the latter over the former. They would pick over the economic measures – also a success, until they weren't. Our post-Covid recession was one of the worst in the OECD, and naysayers and political partisans would use this unhappy coincidence to publicly besmirch the reputations of then-Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr and then-finance minister Grant Robertson – Ardern's best friend. Unthinkable. And then there were the anti-vaxxers: the true villains of the Covid era. Traitors. Fifth columnists. Literal fascists. Throughout the pandemic Ardern's government diligently insisted it was following the science, but with the benefit of hindsight, some of the claims made about the efficacy of vaccines in preventing transmission of the virus were less evidence-based than the public was led to believe. Unfortunately, these statements were used to justify the vaccine mandates, the most divisive policy of the response. The anti-vaxxers would seize on this, use any public hearings to spread their deranged conspiracy theories. For all of these reasons, Labour's Royal Commission was an unusually private, circumscribed affair. It would be 'future focused' and non-adversarial. It would mostly take place behind closed doors. It would not look to find fault or assign blame. It would have a surprisingly narrow scope: there would be no international comparisons, no examination of the economic impacts or the Reserve Bank's monetary policy. It would not examine clinical or judicial decisions. When the commission's report was published in late 2024 it was very credible, far from a whitewash. But it was limited by design. By then the government had changed, and New Zealand First negotiated a 'a full-scale, wide-ranging, independent inquiry conducted publicly with local and international experts into how the Covid pandemic was handled in New Zealand'. This is phase 2. Labour is as disdainful of this inquiry as the right-wing parties were of its own. Hipkins points out that it also has selective terms of reference, excluding the early stages of the pandemic – when New Zealand First was in government alongside Labour. He alleges it's been designed as a platform for the Covid conspiracy theorists. Belief vs disbelief It is natural for Labour to despise the anti-vax movement. It is hard to feel sympathy for a group that accuses you of genocide, sentences you to death in a show trial then riots outside Parliament while you're trying to contain a pandemic. But one of the stark lessons of the Covid era is that there's a non-trivial percentage of the population that does not trust the government, public health system or the media. They were adept at co-ordinating their resistance using digital technologies. They will be there during the next crisis and Labour never developed a strategy to deal with them beyond sticking their hands over their ears and screaming 'Nazis'. This allegation was, in itself, a category of misinformation. The parliamentary occupiers were primarily hippies, rural Māori and evangelical Christians. Why was the pandemic response so divisive? What tore the team of five million apart? Philosopher Michel Foucault wrote about a form of tyranny he called the biopolitical state. Alongside the democratic government, he pointed to an unelected apparatus of clinics, hospitals, physicians and bureaucracies managing the health of the population, governing hygiene, sexuality and sanity. The biopolitical state denies that politics or ideology exist in medicine or public health. This is all science and they are protecting society. But during the 20th century this form of power sterilised young women it considered promiscuous and subjected gay men to electro-shock treatment. The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care documented psychiatrists and nurses torturing children who were Māori, Pasifika, disabled or neurodiverse. One of Foucault's catch-phrases was 'wherever there is power there is resistance', and because biopolitics presents itself as the embodiment of science and reason, those who resist it revolt against reason itself – a perfect description of the anti-vax movement. There's no contradiction in believing our pandemic response was mostly successful and its critics mostly crazy, yet still wanting those sweeping public health measures properly scrutinised. NZ First's motives for its inquiry might be dubious but so were Labour's. At least this new investigation does not pretend that the most profound political event in a generation is beyond politics.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- RNZ News
Late-night hosts react to cancellation of Stephen Colbert show as Trump says 'Kimmel is next'
By Jessica Riga , ABC Jacinda Ardern on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2018. Photo: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has blasted television network CBS for cancelling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , as the US president took to social media to revel in the news and warn, "Kimmel is next". Stephen Colbert announced on Thursday (US time) that his late-night show has not been extended beyond the upcoming broadcast season, meaning it will end in May next year. CBS executives released a statement calling the move a "purely financial decision", labelling Colbert "irreplaceable". "[The decision is made] against a challenging backdrop in late night," the statement read. Fellow late-night hosts have reacted with shock and anger, with Kimmel writing on social media: "love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS". Jimmy Kimmel. Photo: TOMMASO BODDI Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show , wrote on social media that he was "just as shocked as everyone". "Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I'd ride this out with him for years to come," he wrote. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump seemed to delight in the announcement, writing on his own social media platform Truth Social, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired". "His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!" Trump added: "Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show." US President Donald Trump. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski US media is reporting that CBS's parent company, Paramount, is seeking approval from the US Federal Communications Commission for a merger with Skydance Media, in a deal worth $US8.4 billion (NZ$14 billion). Paramount also agreed this month to settle a lawsuit filed by Trump over an interview with his Democratic challenger in the 2024 presidential race - former vice-president Kamala Harris - that CBS's 60 Minutes programme broadcast in October. Critics, including Colbert - who often condemns the president's actions on his show - say the company settled primarily to clear a hurdle to the Skydance sale. In a scathing monologue delivered on Monday, local time, Colbert said he was "offended" by the settlement and joked that the technical name in legal circles for the deal was a "big fat bribe". In its statement, CBS executive said the cancellation of Colbert's show "is not related in any way to the show's performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount." To the boos of the audience at the news of the announcement, Colbert said, "Yeah, I share your feelings". "It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS. I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away." Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, a longtime critic of the US president, joined those calling for more transparency around the show's cancellation. "CBS cancelled Colbert's show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump - a deal that looks like bribery," Senator Warren wrote on social media. "America deserves to know if his show was cancelled for political reasons." Senator Elizabeth Warren. Photo: AFP / Getty Images Eleven-time Emmy award winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus defended the late-night host, writing, "I stand with my friend Stephen Colbert". She then directed a David Graham quote at CBS, Paramount and chairwoman Shari Redstone. "Institutions that are willing to sacrifice their values for the government's favour are likely to end up with neither," she wrote. A slew of stars commented on an Instagram post shared by The Late Show and Colbert's personal account. "Love you Stephen. This is absolute bulls***," Severance star Adam Scott wrote. "And I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows." Seth Meyers, the host of Late Night , also weighed in on Instagram. "For as great a comedian and host he is, Stephen Colbert is an even better person," he wrote. "I'm going to miss having him on TV every night, but I'm excited he can no longer use the excuse that he's 'too busy to hang out' with me." Colbert took over as host of The Late Show in September 2015, succeeding veteran broadcaster David Letterman, who launched the programme in 1993 after Jay Leno was named host of NBC's flagship Tonight Show . - ABC
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to Editor: water, Al Jazeera, Ardern
Today's letters to the editor include discussions concerning the Waitaki District Council, Al Jazeera, and opinions on Dame Jacinda Ardern. Recent opposition to the Waitaki District Council's preferred Water Well Done proposal is probably a reflection of the general lack of trust in the council rather than misinformation. Take the Proposed District Plan. This now legally enforceable plan allows that certain people are allowed to access private properties to cut, dig and build without the landowner's permission within the new wahi tupuna overlays. Conversely the same landowners can be required to consult with and pay whatever fee iwi deem appropriate in addition to council's own consenting requirements. The consulting process was haphazard and ultimately ignored the concerns of affected landowners. To their credit, councillors John McCone, Guy Percival and Brent Cowles opposed the plan which to the detriment of the Waitaki District community was approved in December. One councillor even stated that people affected by the PDP can now "share the same feelings of loss and disempowerment and identity ... caused by the Kemp Purchase of 1848". Our community deserves much better representation than being held liable for what happened over 175 years ago. Mark Hay Oamaru In-house backed I am tired of reading Ben Bell's accusations that Waitaki's decision to nix a joint water company with Gore, Clutha and Central Otago is the "misinformed" decision of only 161 submitters in our public consultation. Out of 300 submitters in the consultation, 85% favoured another option instead of the tie-up with those three districts. Only 15% supported Southern Water Done Well. Sentiment throughout the district was strongly in favour of keeping water in-house. Faced with an election in three months, the Waitaki councillors suddenly realised that public sentiment was so strong that it had to be respected. That's why the vote was 9-2 for continued in-house operation. The Gore councillors are wrong to claim that government required them to approve Southern Water Done Well. There are 19 councils nationwide which have chosen in-house. Minister Simon Watts may be trying to bully councils, but this hasn't scared the stronger councils in the past, nor will it in the future. Mike Sweeney Oamaru No, it's dire Dire wolves, mammoths, moa ... .why? Any effort to bring these back from the dead, at this stage is ridiculous, what you get is nothing like the original. What you get is a Claytons version. As has been shown, the dire wolves are only that in name. They are nothing like the originals, simply a white wolf with a few shredded DNA strands that amount to nothing. If there was going to be money sunk into these sorts of folly projects I would much prefer it be spent on saving our current flora and fauna Graham Bulman Dunedin Higher huts Re the tragic death of Wednesday Davis on Mt Ruapehu (ODT 14.7.25). This is very sad indeed and the circumstances appear to be particularly distressing for the family, and they have my full sympathy. I note however that the Whangaehu has been repeatedly reported as the "highest alpine hut in New Zealand". This is not the case by a significant margin. Whangaehu hut is at an altitude of 2080m while Empress Hut (at the top of the Hooker Glacier at Aoraki/Mt Cook) is at an altitude of 2472m, Plateau Hut (also on Aoraki/Mt Cook) is at 2200m, Centennial Hut (on the Franz Josef Glacier) is at 2400m. Stating that Whangaehu is the highest hut in New Zealand puts an erroneous perspective on the story. Derek Chinn Queenstown Overwhelming news and the bare essentials I watch the Al Jazeera news channel. Their news coverage can be difficult to watch. Images can be overwhelming and leave you questioning why some events on this planet are allowed to continue. The only thing on television at the moment that can put a smile on your face is an advertisement. It shows a naked skier, beautiful snow views and the background music is Age of Innocence by Enigma. It is very peaceful and you have to smile. Lorraine Adams Oamaru Enduring legacy I was horrified to read Neville McLay's letter (ODT 14.7.25). Can it really be true that the stadium will only last another 35 years, especially when you think that most old villas were built between 1890 and 1910. Many will have been renovated in the past 35 years when the houses were already nearly 100 years old. So the stadium is only to last about a quarter as long as the average old villa? George Livingstone Roslyn Boo Sir Ian It is so very sad to see all the knives pointed in direction of Dame Jacinda Ardern, the latest poison from Sir Ian Taylor. The combined threats and personal attacks made on her mainly through the cowardly medium of social media disgusted me. Dame Jacinda succeeded in saving many lives when the country faced a relentless and deadly Covid virus. She was applauded and recognised upon the world stage. The mosque massacre and Christchurch earthquakes, she resolutely and bravely faced up to with utmost dignity sincerity and compassion. Clive McNeill North East Valley Bravo Sir Ian "Better late than never" as the saying goes. Recent comments ridiculing and criticising Sir Ian Taylor about his about-face opinion of Jacinda Ardern just goes to show that changing one's mind and an admission of being wrong, is frowned upon and not appreciated by many. I, however applaud his honesty and bravery in publicly admitting his previous error in judgement. Joyce Yee-Murdoch Cromwell Boo Sir Ian I was disappointed by Sir Ian Taylor's article on Jacinda. It read like a lovesick virgin teenager's lament on finding the object of their adoration had feet of plasticene and a far-from-saintly past. Most politicians who get the top job, with some exceptions, and Jacinda was no exception, do the best they can with the hand they are dealt. And with impeccable timing she quit when she realised she was no longer the solution but part of the problem. We don't need to look far in the contemporary world to find exceptions who did neither. So we should be grateful. I am absolutely delighted that Jacinda has found things to do and a means of earning a crust, after leaving us Kiwi ingrates for what she must see as greener and safer pastures. I suggest Sir Ian plants his sour grapes in our great Central soil where they can turn to fine wine, and saves his rocks for his own rockery rather than use them as ammunition. Morley Williams Cromwell
