Fascinating post by Bernard Hickey in his latest The Kākā newsletter - now open to all.

"Discussion is building within National Party circles that Christopher Luxon will have to be replaced as Leader immediately after the election if he sticks with his promise not to talk to Opportunity to form a Government.

That would see National’s reduced caucus elect a new leader straight after the election so National could negotiate with Quilae Wong to form a Government. If, as expected, Chris Bishop and Nicola Luxon can’t return as National list MPs, then the most likely candidates are Erica Stanford and Mark Mitchell, both of whom are in safe electorate seats."

#NZPol

https://thekaka.substack.com/p/will-we-have-pm-erica-stanford-by

This stuff really p*sses me off. How hard is it to have a "print" style sheet for precisely this use case? It's not hard at all - *if* you have a user-centric philosophy and approach. No doubt it was left to the techies, none of whom print anything so can't imagine any one else doing so. Sigh.

Peace Piece, by Bill Evans

Such a wonderful, tender jazz piece. Really looking forward to the film about his life due out later this year I think - 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans'.

#PeaceAndCalm
#JukeboxFridayNight
#BillEvans
#Jazz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv2GgV34qIg

I missed that there were some new provincial newspapers added to PapersPast recently. It makes me glad to see that the National Library is continuing this important work, despite tough times.

New additions comprise:

• Chatham Islander (Sep 1992-2010)
• Devonport Gazette and Greater North Shore Advocate (Nov 1921-Nov 1924)
• North Shore Gazette (misc. issues Nov 1924-May 1948)
• Opotiki News (1951-1972, misc. issues 1981)
• Taranaki Daily News (1946-1953)
• Wanganui Herald (1928-1950)

#genealogy #FamilyHistory

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

The Cost of Luxon

"A major and long-running survey of consumer attitudes by the University of Otago has found 27% of New Zealanders now see themselves as financial strugglers, being unable to pay for essentials and least satisfied with their standards of living.

[The Survey] also found 48% felt they needed to leave New Zealand to get ahead, up from 28% in 2020."

https://thekaka.substack.com/p/48-now-feel-they-have-to-leave-nz?r=akd4

It's currently 6º in the capital, feels like 3º! Feels very wintry.

#Wellington

It was common knowledge at Vic University when Jordan Williams was studying there that he was a "creep'.

Just sayin'

#NZPol

Pretty disappointed in this from Labour, tbh. They seem to be running scared of offending the wealthy for fear of some sort of backlash. I get why that is: that are scarred from the whole COVID thing but their mild and milquetoast approach is hurting them big time. People are crying out for bold policies that tackle the existential issues facing us. I carry a lot of water for Labour but am finding that harder and harder to justify in my own mind. Unlike many, if not most, people here on Mastodon in Aotearoa, I have never been a fan of the Greens, but they are out in front on many issues.

#NZPol

https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/361036403/hipkins-confirms-labour-will-leave-interest-deductibility-alone

Luxon doesn't need to like, respect, or even acknowledge Hager. But to claim that he doesn't know who he is, is just silly and ignorant. Sure Luxon was out of the country for some of the time Hager made his name, but that is no excuse. Parading your ignorance as some sort of strength is ludicrous, and demeans and diminishes Luxon. Numpty.

#NZPol

"‘Don’t know who he is’: Luxon unfazed by new Nicky Hager book"

https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/361036377/dont-know-who-he-luxon-unfazed-new-nicky-hager-book

Judging by the election billboards around Central Otago, it is clearly National v ACT. The left is virtually invisible..

#NZPol

Hungary, 1977

Szentkuthy was a professional photographer during the Communist era who specialised in photographing daily life and public spaces. This is a moving portrait of old age.

Source: Fortepan [267310] / Ibolya Szentkuthy

#fortepan #Hungary #portrait