AAP democracy corro ... i try not to take this place too seriously 📧 [email protected]
Hobart, Australia
Joined February 2009
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Ben McKay retweeted
Useful post from @Overhang_AoNZ that models out the likelihood of an overhang by looking at how people usually split their votes (it's in the name!).
Long story short: An eight-seat overhang for National and two-seat one for TPM.
theoverhangaonz.substack.com…
Ben McKay retweeted
Two fantastic reads in our series on the Christophers this morning.
Luke Malpass on Luxon's early career, from a camp bed in Wadestown to the big wide world:
Ben McKay retweeted
UNGA Political declaration on pandemic preparedness. 153 in favour, 3 against (US, Israel, Argentina) and New Zealand & Paraguay abstained. Bizarre.
Ben McKay retweeted
A week of reporting at the Pacific Islands Forum always reminds you of the hypocrisy of climate diplomacy. This week, the actions of Forum members New Zealand and Australia have overshadowed their fine words of commitment to climate action. THREAD
Ben McKay retweeted
The Pacific Island Forum concluded its 55th meeting yesterday, after days of discussions on key issues affecting the region - here’s a link to their final communique. For full analysis of the Forum, subscribe today for Islands Business September edition.
islandsbusiness.com/news-bre…
Ben McKay retweeted
This in part helps explain why Fiji PM Rabuka is in Fiji and not Palau this week. There are BIG issues in Fijian domestic politics whivh are gaining ground in the lead up to the elrctions as those who are following well know.
"Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged Fijians to remain calm following the presentation of the Constitutional Review Commission’s report and recommendations, particularly over its recommendation concerning Fiji’s status as a secular state."
fijitimes.com.fj/rabuka-urge…
Ben McKay retweeted
Same old England. On first viewing I thought Tuchel’s subs were disastrous. On second viewing, the retreat happened beforehand, a consequence of Argentina pushing on & England being exhausted. The three defensive subs did make sense. Analysis here…⬇️
nytimes.com/athletic/7448592…
Ben McKay retweeted
This is story that @nzheraldsport first broke in May. Allegations could not be more serious.
Cape Verde federation & Fifa have big questions to answer, which have been unwilling to do, despite constant, repeated requests.
@FIFAWorldCup @fcfcomunica
ge.globo.com/futebol/copa-do…
Ben McKay retweeted
I'm very sad to announce that the great Dan McGarry @VanuatuDan passed away earlier today.
Dan was a journalist, tech geek, actor, and lover of (almost) everything to do with the Pacific. He was a brilliant @OCCRP editor, a mentor to many, and a friend to more.
Ben McKay retweeted
Ben McKay retweeted
Fair play to FIFA, making up a rule to ensure Cristiano Ronaldo plays in their World Cup after making up a rule to ensure Lionel Messi played in their Club World Cup. Instead of bickering over which was the biggest sham, why can't we just enjoy both shams.
Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided a suspension for the start of next summer’s World Cup after FIFA handed the Portugal captain a three-match ban, with the final two games suspended for “a one-year probation period”.
Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal’s penultimate World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland for swinging an elbow at Dara O’Shea in an off-the-ball incident.
The red card meant Ronaldo would automatically serve a one-game ban, ruling him out of Portugal’s final World Cup qualifier against Armenia, but the suspension was extended by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, who deemed the offence worthy of a longer three-game ban.
However, the committee ruled that the final two matches of Ronaldo’s extended ban would be suspended “under a one-year probation period”, meaning he will avoid missing any further fixtures provided he does not commit “another infringement of a similar nature”.
🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/6809592…
Ben McKay retweeted
Three decades or so on it’s hard to imagine the political courage it took for Jim Bolger to begin the comprehensive historic Treaty settlement process in the 1990s
Ben McKay retweeted
A reality check for those now proclaiming the death of the #politas stadium. If Labor supports:
1. Will pass the Lower House (14lib+10alp)
2. Leg co: 3 libs + rattray + 2 labor = 6. Plus any one of Hiscutt/thomas/Harriss to get to 7-7 committee stage and just one more to pass.
Ben McKay retweeted
Luxon on Hosking this morning said he wanted the RBNZ to cut the OCR by 50, not 25bps. Trumpian approach, openly showing disregard for the RBNZ's independence, by pressuring it to stimulate the economy. Particularly bad at the moment, as the Govt is due to appoint a new Governor.
Ben McKay retweeted
Was a great privilege (and slightly terrifying) to deliver a speech to the Otago Foreign Policy School last weekend, on NZ's relations with the US and China. A lightly edited version of the speech is now on Newsroom for anyone interested: newsroom.co.nz/2025/07/02/a-…
