Welcome to my blog—a space where I explore politics, economics, democracy, and the workings of local government in New Zealand. Here you'll find a mix of archived articles from national publications and fresh commentary on issues that matter to me—and hopefully resonate with fellow New Zealanders. I'm also happy to publish selected articles from other like-minded writers if you are interested.
I’m a New Zealand columnist and author with a deep interest in democratic reform, regional representation, and government accountability. Over the years, my writing has appeared in newspapers across the country, covering everything from council transparency and economic development to national policy and social justice.
My academic foundation includes a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Waikato, followed by Honours in Political Science from Victoria University of Wellington. This grounding informs my practical, systems-focused approach to political analysis.
Before turning to full-time writing, I spent over 30 years as a businessman and entrepreneur, running marketing and advertising firms. That experience gave me firsthand insight into how government decisions affect real businesses and regional economies.
My passion for direct democracy began in the 1980s and led to a Citizens' Initiated Referendum campaign in 2003, aimed at making referendums binding on government. Despite collecting 20,000 signatures, the petition stalled in Parliament—an experience that underscored the democratic deficits I continue to write about.
New Zealand lacks a codified constitution, an upper house and often passes laws without meaningful public consultation. I believe these gaps deserve scrutiny and reform.
I focus on how democracy functions in practice—not just theory. Local government is where policy meets everyday life, and I often examine national decisions through a regional lens. Why do policies crafted in Wellington sometimes miss the mark for communities like ours?
I’m especially interested in Switzerland’s model of direct democracy, where citizens can challenge legislation through referendums. Of the 2,200+ laws passed since 1874, only 7% have faced referendums—showing that while most decisions are accepted, the public retains the power to intervene.
I’ve authored and co-authored three books:
I also founded Better Democracy New Zealand, though I’ve since stepped back to focus on writing and commentary.
This blog is a living archive of my published columns and new articles on political and economic issues. I write about flawed processes, democratic reform, and how policies affect everyday New Zealanders.
I believe in the collective wisdom of voters over politicians, and that regional voices deserve a stronger say in national decisions. Whether I’m dissecting council budgets or coalition politics, my goal is to cut through the spin and examine how decisions shape real lives.
If you care about democracy, transparency, and practical reform, I invite you to explore, comment, and share. Let’s challenge the status quo—together.