Welcome to the new followers I’ve picked up this week. There are quite a few of you across all of my platforms!

I set up my Substack because I felt there were perspectives missing from the mainstream media, angles that weren’t being explored, questions that weren’t being asked, and conversations that were being shut down.

So I made a space to write into that gap. It’s independent, it’s mine, and it reflects what I’m seeing and hearing across a wide range of political conversations.

I’ve deliberately chosen not to put anything behind a paywall. I want these perspectives to be accessible to anyone who wants to read them, regardless of whether they can afford to pay. At the same time, I do really appreciate those who choose to contribute financially especially because they don’t have to. That support is appreciated more than they know.

In terms of what I write about, it’s mostly political, social, and cultural commentary. A lot of it is focused on New Zealand, but I also step into wider global politics where it’s relevant or interesting. If it’s being talked about, argued about, or quietly ignored when it shouldn’t be, there’s a good chance I’ll end up writing about it.

I also publish “A Week Is A Long Time” each Saturday which is a wrap-up of the week in politics, both in New Zealand and abroad.

If you’re new and want a sense of the kind of work I do, here are a few pieces to start with:

The argument against rolling Luxon even if you don’t like him

What America is up to in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz

My reaction to watching Louis Theroux's Manosphere documentary

What Chris Hipkins knew about the vaccine risk to young people

The media response to the allegations of Chris Hipkins' ex-wife

Who are the Opportunities Party and what do they stand for? Are they Left or Right wing?

Thanks again for following.