There is a particular kind of politics that looks, at first glance, like courage. It speaks in the clean language of equality, merit, order, and national unity. It says it is tired of division. It says everyone should be treated the same. It carries itself with the polished confidence of common sense. But in Aotearoa … Continue reading The Model Migrant and the Treaty Shadow
New Zealand
Land-Rich, Scale-Poor
Aotearoa New Zealand is land-rich but scale-poor. That is both our blessing and our bind. We have pasture, coastline, geothermal heat, forests, rainfall. What we do not have is scale; not in population, not in capital markets, not in proximity to large demand centres. For generations we made land do the heavy lifting. Refrigeration turned … Continue reading Land-Rich, Scale-Poor
When culture is weaponised
Two Sikh parades in Aotearoa New Zealand were recently confronted with haka performed in an overtly antagonistic manner. These were not spontaneous gatherings or informal street events. Sikh parades are planned months in advance. Permissions are sought well ahead of time from Police, city councils, and transport authorities. Routes are approved, traffic management plans are … Continue reading When culture is weaponised
Faultline Report 