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
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Culture at the Top
November 2025’s police-misconduct news did not surprise me. It felt familiar, almost expected. Social media quickly pinned on whichever government last made the senior appointments. But policing in Aotearoa New Zealand has a longer story. And when top cops fail, the institution drifts slow, steady, and always downward. Decades of inquiries show this clearly. This … Continue reading Culture at the Top
The Maturing of MMP
Many say that Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) representation has not worked in Aotearoa New Zealand. Critics point to hung parliaments, messy compromises, and policy drift. Yet the current coalition offers a counter-narrative: it shows how MMP has matured. Coalition partners, whether small or mid-sized, are not just supporting acts rather they are shaping the script. … Continue reading The Maturing of MMP