Crikey, it's dark when you get to work before 8am. For my mental well-being, I walk at least part of the way to work, do it early, and then leave correspondingly early for the return walk. This is a wee routine that I need to look after myself.
Today it also meant I was in my office for a radio invitation to talk about Kiri Allan's resignation from her ministerial portfolios. What commentary might I have about whether we expect too much of our MPs? What mental-health supports are in place for our MPs?
The call was framed around mental health, rather than alleged careless driving, or failing to accompany a police officer, because Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' press release goes on to place Allan's case in a context of mental well-being. I shall be interested to see how the Opposition choose to frame this. It wasn't so many years ago (2015) that Act leader David Seymour appeared to say depressed or anxious people, specifically students, should "harden up".
Personally, I think mental health is an important factor in helping us understand why someone might appear to go off the rails, but in many cases, it's also not an excuse.
Denne historien er fra August 5-11 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra August 5-11 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.
