Bad behaviour

Bad behaviour

Last week’s news that New Zealand school students are among the worst behaved in the OECD came as quite a surprise. On reflection, it probably shouldn’t have. My immediate reaction was one of embarrassment. Those inside the education system were not so surprised. The...
When language is used to divide

When language is used to divide

There’s a nasty theme emerging in New Zealand politics. It’s come on gradually, particularly over the last year or so, but has become somewhat exaggerated recently, particularly in the months since the new government was sworn in. I refer to the use of highly emotive...
Planes, Houses and Double Standards

Planes, Houses and Double Standards

I sometimes think we’re quite good at double standards. It’s one of our quirky little habits and it has surfaced again this week. I’m referring to the hand-wringing over the Prime Minister’s decision to live in his own apartment in Wellington rather than in Premier...