Thursday, May 13, 2010

Food for thought...

Yum, who’s for dinner?

In light of the Prime Ministers recent comments about Tuhoe his dinner comments were pretty accurate and funny. I’m surprised they were taken literally!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

John and Tariana – walking a tightrope, together!

It is surprising it has taken so long for serious comment to start emerging regarding Maori issues.

I believe the National/Maori Party relationship is still strong, though tested. John had previously picked his words well reinforcing the relationship.
He appears to have slipped with his all was fine comments with Tariana relating to the Urewera National Park and Tuhoe. The comments managed to put her in an embarrassing corner.

John Key has been (and still is) a smart trader foreseeing the dangers ahead for New Zealand if he didn’t embrace the Maori Party. Together both sides are paving a way ahead that could potentially be a “win win” for all New Zealanders, without the extremes of either side ruining our country.

This has required give from both sides. Right or wrongly people were seeing the Urewera/Tuhoe settlement as ultimately being a step toward an independent state – it was a bridge too far!

The challenge is many don’t totally understand the bigger picture. John and Tariana’s challenge is keeping New Zealand together while devolving as much as possible (were appropriate) to Maori without crossing the line and losing both their support bases.

Yes, John and Tariana are walking a tightrope tied together – if one falls, they both fall, and so does the country.

The Apprentice - great television!

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when there right man won. If there hadn’t been so much doubt cast about who would win, we wouldn’t have all been glued to our screens. Well done!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Smoko Talk

...did you know Labour in the UK have called none other than H1? They have been seeking advice on coalitions.