Again a systemic story that's bigger than the individual bits: a govt which ran into power in large part based on banging the localism drum about water has accelerated the pace of centralised - and personal Ministerial - decision-making. This is a big story about this govt. Someone should tell it.

Maybe the fashion girlies just want to read some early Christian philosophy, it's not that unusual RNZ, get some perspective. He's not JUST for Brewers, Printers, and Theologians.

*slams geonet button* #eqnz

Parliament just passed the Parliament Bill. It's not a perfect piece of legislation (because nothing ever is), but it is a tremendously important step to ensuring the independence of the legislature — and, hopefully, providing some important safeguards for our democratic and political system. #NZPOL

Coming in January 2026 A comprehensive narrative of two of the most vital bands in pop history. Published by White Owl Featuring official band photographs by Anton Corbijn and Warren Jackson. And full colour reproductions of all Peter Saville's groundbreaking album sleeves.

It's nice that not EVERY bit of news from the Beehive is terrible. Now to play the "make a reservation at as many likely restaurants as possible so I can have a booking ready on the day of the star announcement feel superior about it" game.

My Name Is Dave WellingtonSkellington and I Endorse This Article.

Local man makes gestures, expressions, recommendations.

Today, 144 years ago, 1600 Crown troops invaded a pacifist settlement that was the centre of resistance against British colonialism. The leaders were arrested, the settlement sacked, the people violated. For many in Aotearoa, November 5th is Parihaka Day, or Te Rā o te Pāhua: The Day of Plunder.

I don't have a problem with media reporting on what NZF put in the biscuit tin, but it would be nice if they did this even handedly (and come on, folks, there's up to 120 free articles in there because every MP will happily talk to you about their bill!)

To be clear, I don't actually think the problem is with individual reporters, I think the problem is with news outlets no longer having a proper editorial process and the lack of all subeditors. All writing is a team sport, and journalism is no different.

A roundup of stories about NZ First's latest lodged member's bill, judged on whether they say it has been introduced or not. Pass: Stuff, the Post, the Spinoff. Bonus points to the Spinoff for saying "lodged". #NZPOL

You can't spell "Pokémon Legends: ZA" without NZ LGE. It's topical.

Alan Moore knows the score

Chemex Spotted

For various reasons I gave notice at my job yesterday, so I'm looking down the barrel of Job Hunting In December And January. Which is intimidating, but also I really need a break, so I won't grumble too much.

A seasonal selection of skulls

Marlon Williams (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai) won the APRA Silver Scroll Award last night, probably Aotearoa New Zealand's most prestigious songwriting award, for the song Aua Atu Rā. His album of waiata Māori is probably my favourite album of the year, and if you haven't listened to it yet then you must.

Tonight's spooky film. Seems to be some sort of take-off of that Scooby Doo Project film I saw on Cartoon Network that one time.

Poster for the Australian band Birthday Party, 1980. Victoria University of Wellington.

Have you heard of actors? We have very good ones in this country.

DEAD HAND RULE is out today! As an implacable enemy skitters nearer across the stars, Tara Abernathy gathers Gods and Deathless Kings alike to join forces. Of course, there's still a little fine print to be sorted out. But surely they'll be able to come together against the darkness. Any minute now.

Kicking the day off with a shiny new pin from @pepperraccoon.com

Getting into the Halloween spirit by watching the big budget Yank remake of Ghostwatch

New card. What do you think? Picked them up from the printer's yesterday. The lettering is something called "Light Rail". Look at that classic All Blacks background colouring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh my God... it even has a silver fern.

Fortunately, MFAT always provides top-notch advice and briefings when Ministers travel to foreign countries with unusual and barbaric ways. #NZPOL

"A Burglar Bitten by a Skeleton," Illustrated Police News, June 27, 1874

Locations of interest where people with measles visited: info.health.nz/conditions-t... This page is regularly updated as locations confirmed.

Measles outbreak update. 2 new cases confirmed over long weekend. Total now 10 nationwide. 3 in Wgtn. New locations of interest - Wgtn College & Wgtn Girls’ College. Stay home if unwell & call Healthline. Check immunity: info.health.nz/measles-immu.... Book vaccine: info.health.nz/bookavaccine

Look man I dunno #NZPOL

Todaybour Day is Labour Day. Throw anyone who tries to make you work into Wellington harbour.

Tagged gore/pomegranates

Celebrate this Labour Weekend by reading about Sam Parnell's Law, as immortalised in song by the Wellington Sea Shanty Society.

Celebrate this Labour Weekend by reading about Sam Parnell's Law, as immortalised in song by the Wellington Sea Shanty Society.

"He did not believe the coalition Government’s use of urgency and truncated select committee processes was behind the rise in submissions..." Of course he would say this, but he's wrong, and disingenous. The evidence suggests that an overall poor legislative process IS significantly implicated.

At the risk of being called illiberal, I don't disagree that large campaigns leading to thousands of submissions that are substantively similar and/or just say "this bill should not pass" ARE swamping committees and making it much harder to do their jobs. But the solution isn't to make it 1/ #NZPOL

Another excellent article from The House's Phil Smith #NZPOL

The Standing Orders Committee is about to convene for the first public meeting of its 2026 review. Scheduled to appear today are the Clerk of the House, the Parliamentary Counsel Office, and the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Watch here: www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/scl... #NZPOL

I wrote this up for RNZ www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...

Parliament's sitting calendar for next year has been recommended, pending confirmation from the House (which is very likely, but never guaranteed). Continuing the trend of sitting for a week prior to Waitangi Day,running til the week before Xmas. #NZPOL selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/6/94aa6cce...

Reading the auguries in my coffee. Change is coming.

This afternoon is a member's day, but the House is sitting tomorrow morning as well to get through Govt Business. And it looks like they'll have the Committee stage for the Parliament Bill first up. #NZPOL

So tomorrow isn't a general strike, but at the very least it's gotta be a Lieutenant-Colonel Strike

I am delighted and honoured to say that my second novel RAKESFALL has won the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction! vajra.me/2025/10/21/r...

Reminder that it's worth carrying a cheap paint scraper to get down posters like this, alongside any transphobic bullshit you see out in public. Rarely, there's something dangerous under the poster to harm people tearing em down Rarely, however, is not 'never,' so paint scrapers are the way to go.

The 'B' stands for 'B Not Afraid '

When you think about it, it's kind of funny how the best things we could *actually* do for roads and travel times in AoNZ is rebuild our rail network and massively increase funding for public transport, walking and cycling

I always wondered why France had so many heists but if you can still just put a ladder up to a window on the Louvre in the year 2025 and get away with a big bag full of priceless jewels I guess that solves the mystery