Ditch the rich
New Zealand Listener| June - 1-7 2024
A neighbour recently told me he's going Jeff Bezos-free, a decision that resonated with me immediately, as I have long resented the cone-headed tycoon for stealing the name of the world's mightiest river to drown the rest of us in his lucre lust.
Jonathan Kronstadt
Ditch the rich

But it also made me think how best to not add to the obscenely bloated coffers of the world's complement of, at present, 2668 billionaires.

Now, even I don't have time to research that many mega moneyed humans, so what follows is my effort to break up with 10 of the richest on the planet. Here goes:

1. Elon Musk. For me, erasing Musk is downright joyful. Teslas are overpriced and, in my unscientific but keenly observed anecdotal survey, their drivers are the leading producers of road rage. As for SpaceX, even as a kid I didn't want to be an astronaut and figured those who did were just hoping to get really far away from their families.

This story is from the June - 1-7 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June - 1-7 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND LISTENERView All
Ewes know it
New Zealand Listener

Ewes know it

'It has been my life's work,\" I announced grandly and quite possibly pompously the other day to Greg, no other audience being available, \"to advocate for the advancement of sheep.\" He pointed out that this was patently untrue. If it was true, he said annoyingly, although quite possibly reasonably, I'd have started my life's work a bit earlier, given that I had taken up this selfless work only seven years ago, the length of time we have been at Lush Places.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
A moral panic
New Zealand Listener

A moral panic

America's top doctor wants smoking-style warning labels for social media platforms.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
Give and take
New Zealand Listener

Give and take

We're likely to reciprocate if someone's nice to us unexpectedly.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
Culture club
New Zealand Listener

Culture club

Whether you make yoghurt at home with your own starter or buy a commercial brand, the health benefits remain roughly the same.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
Now for the news
New Zealand Listener

Now for the news

How will Stuff's take on broadcast news match up to its polished predecessor?

time-read
3 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
Time to rewind
New Zealand Listener

Time to rewind

A leaner NZ International Film Festival programme still offers promising local debuts and some art cinema classics.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
Come dancing
New Zealand Listener

Come dancing

Albums from Anna Coddington and Peggy Gou are smart and sassy. Bonny Light Horseman leans on heartache.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
Calling on the muse
New Zealand Listener

Calling on the muse

Kiwi journalist Garth Cartwright recalls his audience with the late Françoise Hardy in Paris.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
Artist of high standing
New Zealand Listener

Artist of high standing

Waiheke Island sculptor Anton Forde talks about creating the largest contemporary pou installation of his career.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 6-12 2024
'You were salvation'
New Zealand Listener

'You were salvation'

A repurposed supply vessel provides a lifeline to migrants who risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean in a desperate bid for a new life.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 6-12 2024