About
Welcome
Daily Quiz
New questions every day
Glossary of Aotearoa
Names, places, explainers, news items, some large thoughts
Exploration
People, places, thoughts that followed me home
Remembered
People, places, moments that meant something.
Not Necessarily Real
Scripture, Kia Kaha, the School Journal
Explainers
How things actually work
Yeah, But What Are the Numbers
Various vital signs, regularly updated
Propositions
What should change, and why
Latest
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Can't beat it on a good day 05 Aug 2026TVNZ has been talking to voters, asking them how they plan to vote and why. I came to read this edition by way of someone on BlueSky asking: Where do they find these people?? As I ploughed through it, my jaded thought was: They’re not so hard to find.
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Big smile for the camera 03 Aug 2026This time last Monday my week took a lurch. We have a referral from your dentist, said the email from the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, we could see you tomorrow. The following afternoon I was sitting with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon as we took in the vivid three-D
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There is no denting the self-belief of this man 02 Aug 2026It’s pure reflex now. I see our Prime Minister and I think, You are just so full of it. Polling suggests I’m not alone. But there is no denting the self-belief of this man who imagines himself a hero of the self-made. Up to Rotorua he
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Only half a dozen wrong words 29 Jul 2026My favourite observation in David Lange's memoir was that he was always mindful waiting to go on TV that he could be only half a dozen wrong words away from imploding his political career. Those were the days. Everyone watched TV. Everyone watched the Prime Minister when he