John MacDonald: Are we ready to accept the truth about NZ Super?

After yesterday’s half-year fiscal update from the Government, the canary in the mine is gasping for air and the elephant in the room is walking all over everything. And economist Cameron Bagrie is saying that we can’t ignore either of them - particularly in relation to the long-term outlook and w…

John MacDonald: What needs to happen because of our terrorism complacency

You would think that, having had a major terror attack here, we’d be the last people that needed to be told after what happened in Bondi on Sunday night that we’re too complacent.  But that’s what security experts are saying. That New Zealand remains complacent and naive, despite 51 people being k…

John MacDonald: Another kick in the guts for our volunteer firefighters

I’m glad I’m not a volunteer firefighter. Because, if I was, I would be brassed-off that an attempt to get volunteer firefighters the same ACC cover as full-time firefighters has gone nowhere. A petition calling for the change has been rejected by a parliamentary select committee because it doesn’…

John MacDonald: You won't get me liking any social media ban

Australia pressed go yesterday on the social media ban for kids under-16 and a Parliamentary select committee here thinks we should do the same. I don’t. Nor does retired district court judge David Harvey, who is saying today that a ban would be a cop-out for parents. He says it would be another e…

Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on the debate between Nicola Willis, Taxpayers' Union, Andrew Coster

Chris Hipkins is hitting out at the Taxpayers' Union as it prepares to launch a campaign against Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  The lobby group is questioning Willis's track record on the economy.  Willis has responded, challenging chair and former finance minister Ruth Richardson to a debate. …

John MacDonald: Your house is going to be your castle again

There’s a lot to take in with these planning law changes. But what it comes down to is the Government wants people to be able to do more with their own property with less red tape.  If you want to do something that has no impact on anyone else, you’ll be able to do it. Your house, your castle.  T…

John MacDonald: You can't put alcohol violence down to marketing

These researchers calling today for a ban on alcohol marketing and sponsorship sound to me like they’re living in the past. Maybe it’s the circles I mix in. But I reckon things have come ahead leaps and bounds when it comes to our drinking culture in New Zealand. And before you start yelling “wha…

John MacDonald: The Eagle has landed in Chch and should stay

The eagle has landed. One of the police Eagle helicopters from Auckland is in Christchurch for the next two months as part of a crackdown on these criminal kids doing-over dairies and committing other crimes.  I think it’s brilliant that it’s here and I think we need one here permanently.   For s…

John MacDonald: Don't dismiss the Christchurch supercity idea

A couple of advisors at the Christchurch City Council have ripped into the Government’s plan for regional councils and have said to councillors that they reckon there’s a better way. Or more correctly, two better potential ways. Instead of having local mayors run regional councils for two years an…

John MacDonald: Rates caps are a placebo policy

You might recall a poll result that came out back in September which proved that 75 percent of us are idiots. It’s these idiots that the Government is pandering to with the council rates cap it announced yesterday. And the 75 percent of people who said in that poll that they support the Government…