Former Prime Minister David Lange is reputed to have described a capital gains tax as the sort of tax you introduce if you want to lose not just one election, but the next three! And he should know since the Fourth Labour Government considered a capital... Read More

There's been a shipload of feedback on last week's rabbittings, mainly on the Greenpeace protest, plus some continuing fallout from the terrorist warning a couple of weeks back. The ship protest issue continues to eat away at some of you. It is clear... Read More

From the learned MacDoctor comes what looks to me like more wisdom on this 'the recession is over' nonsense, than you'd see in an idiocy of economists ('idiocy” is the collective noun for economists, right?) 'Economists are bouncing up and... Read More

A seismic shift has occurred in the way Kiwi buyers search for properties. It bodes well for real estate websites, but is dire news for newspapers already feeling the pinch as punters desert them for the net. It's been no secret for several years... Read More

A few weeks ago I met up with Annie Hill of Priority One to discuss the technology sector in the Bay. It was an interesting chat. It was great to hear about the plans Priority One has and how they are progressing. Specifically the effect that the closer... Read More

In 2008 the Maori Party campaigned on ending child poverty by 2020. Child poverty is, however, implicitly tied in with welfare dependence. Periodically Pita Sharples is heard promoting work-for-the-dole. He has said that welfare is hurting Maori,... Read More

Imagine the consternation, wailing, and gnashing of teeth a sign like this would cause these days; geez just look at the hullabaloo over the moko'd guy that was refused entry of a Christchurch bar. Have New Zealanders become more pathetic over the years?... Read More

Outstanding young Knights cricketer Kane Williamson has signed with Te Puke Cricket Club. This is a huge vote of confidence in the Te Puke Club. It is well known that Te Puke Coach Ben William wants to turn Te Puke into the Australia of Bay cricket.... Read More

On Saturday, being at a loose end mid afternoon, I wandered out to the Wairoa River to catch some of the National Kayaking 10 kilometre championships. While it was a dismal wet afternoon, it didn't deter the committed competitors who raced around laps... Read More

As most readers will be aware, Priority One was founded by the local business community to strategically grow the sub-region's economy and create an economic environment which continually increases employment opportunities and average income levels... Read More

Now is the time when business is relying on repeat loyal customers to keep trading in the tough times. We keep reminding our clients that visiting your top business customers is essential to business success. Always remember the saying: 'All things... Read More

See here for the letter referred to in this blog. I had to phone Mr Watkins to ask him if he was writing letters under a pseudonym, but he assured me he didn't write it either. I must say, that this is the very best, most sensible, most moral letter... Read More