Election By Media
The glee with which the media has seized on the latest political poll has us all feeling a little nauseous. Don't these things have a margin of error of plus or minus 4%? The minor drop for Labour has been over-egged in extreme. Think the media is all gagging to tear the Labour govt to shreds. Probably just so they can publish something that will sell. But they should be careful what they wish for. Or have they forgotten how repressive, stultifying, regressive, and just plain toxic a National government is?
When the Nats start tearing Labour's welfare initiatives to shreds, everyone will be worse off. School Lunches gone, with many low income families struggling to put food on the table. This is Nicola Willis's definition of "waste". She is clearly an advocate of Maggie Thatcher, who once declared "there is no such thing as society".
Prescription charges reinstated, the winter energy payment scrapped. Older people dying earlier from excess winter mortality or at best suffering in cold damp houses without the medical care they need. And abolishing all this "waste" is such a false economy, as the taxpayer ends up paying for it three times over in medical costs further down the line. But of course that doesn't bother the media. Their mantra is "if it bleeds, print it". They Don't Care Who bleeds.
For once I agree with Winston, the media are a bunch of childish, bitchy, churlish brats. I detect a lot more tolerance and understanding of the issues Labour has been facing in the electorate, despite what the media would have us believe.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
76.9% Yes
-
22.2% No
-
0.9% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz