March 15th, 2023.
I was sitting outside today (yes, it wasn’t raining or snowing!) thinking about the impending storms and it was only yesterday that I realised it was Spring as the swans had returned to our little river.
Having reflected on how quickly seasons and things can change I realised that it is now nearly three years since I sent my first nervous, tentative letter to the BFD.
On that date Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson was the Prime Minister of the UK, Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon was the First Minister of Scotland, Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern was the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Myanmar’s leader was Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Donald John Trump was the President of the USA. How things change!
Simon Bridges was the leader of the NZ National Party. Today it is Christopher Luxon via Todd Muller and Judith Collins. Four leaders in three years almost copies the managerial appointment policy of unsuccessful UK football teams!
Talking of football (I have even learned how to segue into new subjects!)
Peter Withe, Footballer and England International once asked a referee “if I called you a pillock (paraphrase) would you send me off?” “Yes” replied the referee, “What if I just think that?” said Withe. “Oh, that’s ok” said the referee. “Well in that case,” said Withe “I think you’re a pillock.”
If only this approach could be taken by the British police where they have arrested the same woman twice for silent prayer near an abortion clinic.
During these three years, I was disenfranchised by Jacinda Ardern. Because I couldn’t return to New Zealand as planned due to the lockdown my ability to vote lapsed as I had been overseas for three years. Thankfully the period before losing the overseas vote has been extended to six years and I shall accordingly cast my votes in the Epsom electorate. The only problem is for whom shall I vote?
Over the three years, I have commented on the long-term ambitions of China to gain access to the Antarctic via the Pacific. It is successfully reducing New Zealand’s influence in the islands and forging links in the chain en route to Antarctica. By attempting to limit the influence of the USA in the Pacific it will gain control of trade routes across the Pacific between South and Central America and South and Southeast Asia.
There have been changes over the three years in the assessment of New Zealand’s ability to contribute to regional defence. As a result, New Zealand’s role in the Five Eyes alliance is viewed with caution. A policy of fence sitting with relation to China appears to be developing and very soon New Zealand will have to make a choice as to which side of the fence they will choose.
One of the Universities of which I am an alumnus is canvassing me about their proposed change of logo and brand image. Without going into details it is a substantial proposal of the Maorification of the University both in descriptions, culture and language used. The logo (Coat of Arms) is being changed to reflect their desire to be Tiriti led. The Toru as the new symbol is described as something that will reflect its special place and places in the world, in Aotearoa and the Pacific.
It is proposed that it will have two versions, one English and one te Reo Maori. The former would be most commonly used in external-facing communication such as our marketing material, our websites, in international markets and on major campus signage. The version which has more emphasis on its te reo Maori name, would be used when suitable. If approved, they will encourage staff, students and their wider communities to embrace the te reo Maori name and the usage of this version of the logo.
It looks like they are scared of frightening away their overseas students.
Another segue!
I spent time at the International Conflict Research Institute in Belfast, and this has led me to be concerned for the future of New Zealand. New Zealand is developing many of the prerequisites of internal conflict and the breakdown of many of the rules of a free and democratic society. The concentration on matters such as this has been shown in the literature to have the potential for major disruption to an organised society.
The unknown in all this is what the reaction of the new immigrants from China and the Indian sub-continent will be. The European influence is being slowly diluted.
In my second year, I reported extensively on the situation in Myanmar and this diminished as my sources manage to leave the country. It became unwise for me to continue in depth and I have kept abreast of the situation there, respecting the personal space of my friends in the country. I am still able to get updates from friends in the diplomatic service and again I made a judgement call not to report on the situation.
In a similar vein, I have previously worked in Ukraine and still have contacts there. I have not reported on Ukraine as there are many more competent people than me providing analyses.
I have written about the complete shambles that the UK is becoming, with incompetence, corruption and weak government being more visible than it has been for years.
I have tried to give a view of life in small-town England with news of our festivals and entertainment. In fact, as we come out of winter our summer season kicks off with the beer festival this Saturday. I hope to continue reporting on our colourful festivities as time and work allows. As the effect of covid restrictions recedes I am able to start overseas work again and am in the planning stage for visits to Berlin, Belfast and Beirut. I would hope to give pen pictures of the situation in each place as I visit them.
Finally, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to submit articles to the BFD for the last three years and what has been noticeable is how the BFD has gone from strength to strength during that time. More power to its elbow.