In mangrovian Auckland where I grew up, locals voice their customary demand: tax relief. Tax cuts stimulate their economy, they argue, and the money saved goes on bare essentials including, most obviously, holidays in Mäui. Now Maui has gone up in flames, thoughts will turn. If other islands are boring and O'ahu is ratcheting up prices, will folk flirt with radicalism? Perhaps they should pay no taxes at all?
When I was young, my best friend's father belonged to the Values Party. Every time this dreadlocked old bore tried to lecture me about the environment, I told him crisply that I did not care. I didn't anticipate the extent to which I would care in later years. These days I'm scandalised by our lack of progress.
Denne historien er fra September 2-8 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra September 2-8 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.