Recent updates

I believe that the concept of inherited power and privilege is wrong and it is not the Kiwi way.

The Hunter Council Chamber, Victoria University.

As many readers will know, I took part in the final of the Centre for Public Law and Law Foundation's constitutional debates at Victoria University of Wellington last week. The debate was broadcast on Radio NZ National on Sunday (audio here). I'm not going to claim victory (or loss) in the debate,  that's up to the audience to decide. But I have had a lot of positive feedback on the debate, as well as praise for my main opponent, Michael Mabbett, in articulating the case against a New Zealand head of State.

The New Zealand Herald is reporting that, due to her age, 87 year old Queen Elizabeth will never again visit New Zealand or Australia. Charles is now taking her place on all overseas trips as he prepares to become King.

The SST has published the vaguely comical and largely worthless results of the half-satirical online 'Constitutional Poll' it ran last week. Rather than participate in the constitutional debate by actually informing voters it chose to take the piss out of the whole thing with a poll about the constitution and other cultural identity issues (like the national anthem).

The Centre for Public Law is holding a debate next Monday at Victoria University of Wellington in the Hunter Council Chamber from 6:30pm. There's been a change to the billing - unfortunately Jim Bolger can't make it, so they've substituted the former Prime Minister for myself.