The Kiwi Party: Out to Launch

 After the fiasco of the Destiny’s Child party non-launch, Future New Zealand created a credibility deficit they desperately needed to address.  They’re not off to a good start with their relaunch as the Kiwi Party.  

First, their new website is very shabby.  One page, that no one bothered to proof read.

Then, the main news in the first two press releases, related to the launch, focus on Gordon Copeland’s resignation as co-leader rather than what makes the party worth voting for.

Lastly, Copeland is remaining an ‘independent’ MP.  Not identifying as a ‘Kiwi Party’ MP is just mystifying.

Inadvertently accurate reporting

Republicans don’t debate republicanism

Mike Moore’s call for a formal debate on republicanism and Royal attendance at Sir Ed’s funeral could well be the most significant stories related to republicanism this year in New Zealand.  The Republican Movement has put out a press release for each matter and its members are blogging away. 

The Republic of NZ Party, a 2008 election hopeful, hasn’t managed to produce any public comment. Its most prolific blogger hasn’t managed a post either.

Not generating any media coverage this week virtually confirms they’ve insufficient media savvy to mount a credible campaign later in the year. Even I’ve written more than them.

Anonymous blogging

 The main reason I don’t make myself identifiable on this and other blogs is that I’m uncomfortable for every Internet user to have a search-able history of my opinions; not that the things I said in newsgroups in 1996 are embarrassing or any different from my views today. 

But the comments on some of the blogs I visit make anonymity seem like best-practice.  This nonsense over at The Standard  provides a good example; cyber-stalking, legal threats and more hysteria than you can shake a stick at.  Who wants the slightest public association with this silliness.

Hillary’s funeral and the Monarchy

I don’t see the Royal Family’s non-attendance at Sir Edmund Hillary’s state funeral as a snub.  From a logistics perspective Royal visits at short notice may not be as practical as they used to be, if only for security concerns.

As a holder of the highest British honour, perhaps a memorial service in London is the most appropriate tribute monarchy could undertake.

What this does highlight is that as long as New Zealand retains the monarchy we won’t have a Head of State that is an active participant in New Zealand life.

Suspension of manners

It’s a good rule to be polite.  I often break this rule, however, for telemarketers.  I feel this is justified as everyone knows such calls will irritate a significant proportion of recipients.   Knowing this, telemarketers still choose to call hoping they’ll make a buck.  Effectively they choose, without our consent, to sacrifice our time for their benefit.

The subset of telemarketers I suspend manners for are those who believe I’m obligated to inform them who I am before they’ll deign to say what they’re after.

Bob Hall Insurance Services; who’s answering my phone is none of your business you spammer!

Karori Sanctuary

I didn’t see too many birds at the sanctuary, but Tuataras and lunch in the bush made up for that. 

Old parts from the reservoir.

Stitchbird having lunch.

Tuatara number one. 

Tuatara number two (actually number three but the real number two wasn’t that photogenic).

A Shag of some variety.

One laptop proves crap

 

I was previously keen on getting a $100 laptop.   Something cheap and truly portable for doing the basics, while out and about, appealed.   

 I’ve recently lost my enthusiasm for the OLPC project and the laptop itself.  

As a laptop it’s, apparently, crap.   More importantly there doesn’t appear to be enough support for buying these laptops for the third world.  The project’s administrators are blaming politics, vested interests and small thinking.  These are the not-for-profit sector’s version of blaming “market conditions” for failure. 

Maybe it’s best to address disease and malnutrition in Africa and a EEE PC for me.

Warning: Really boring minor party election stuff

During the rainy bits of the holidays I started putting together some links on the minnow parties that are likely to contest the 2008 General Election.  So far, I’ve only included those parties currently registered with the Electoral Commission and have links to items such as their websites, leaders’ blogs and the odd press release and news story. 

Aside from lobby groups seeking to circumvent the EFA, there aren’t many other political parties out there yet to register.  Well, not many that can spell ‘political‘ or manage a party launch.

 I’ll try and update the links throughout the year.

Seven photos from 2007

Here are the seven favourite snaps that I took during last year. 

  

Golden Bay with the Abel Tasman National Park in the distance.

Hong Kong’s tallest building taken while hunting for morning tea.

 

Mevlana Museum in Konya, Turkey.

Ruins of Hierapolis near Pamakele, Turkey.

Karlsplatz, Munich.

 

 Shibuya, Tokyo.

Top of Majoribanks St, Mt Victoria.