Simon O’Connor
Husband, step-father, and longtime student of philosophy and history. Also happen to be a former politician, including chairing New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Committee.
The Reserve Bank has recently been advertising for a Principal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Adviser. As the title suggests, it is a full-on embrace of left-wing ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI) philosophies and of course, a strong dose of the Treaty of Waitangi. How precisely this enhances the work of a bank is unclear, other than perhaps they are planning to disestablish this colonial service and distribute all funds equitably (I say this, tongue in cheek!). How much this will be paid is not clear, but I would suggest at least six figures and likely starting with a two.
Then there is the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet wanting someone to program manage the Christchurch Call. This comes with a healthy salary as well, just under $200,000 for the lucky applicant. The Call of course has become even more politicised and with an ever-growing mandate than when first established. I say more because, from the outset, the Call has been about promoting left-wing values and limiting alternative views all under the guise of preventing extremism. Put another way, the Call is not simply focused on extremism but any groups and ideals the progressives don’t like.
Alongside these are a plethora of other government and council jobs. Lots of cultural advisors, DEI informed roles, and other amorphous roles and titles. In fact, if it weren’t for these sorts of roles, the likes of Seek and TradeMe would be empty of opportunities for those looking for work.
What these all have in common is that they are paid for by the taxpayer or ratepayer. That is you and me. At the same time, we have likes of the Police crying out for better pay. The same is true of those in the health sector, teaching, and so on.
My point is simple. The priorities are wrong. Clearly wrong. I encourage this new government to focus on core roles and to end this ever-growing bureaucracy of wokeness. These roles are not needed nor add the value that a higher-paid police officer or teacher will. As I say, where are the priorities when we end up funding the likes of the Christchurch Call over our front-line police officers, or a DEI idealogue in banking over a nurse?
Of course, if this was not enough in itself, news came out last week that the NZ Film Commission is giving $800,000 for a documentary on Jacinda Ardern. This is on the back of the $200,000+ they gave for a documentary on Chloe Swarbrick last year. Taxpayer funds should not be used to produce puff pieces on politicians, current or so recently former. As others have rightly noted, it is simply propaganda. The final observation will not be lost on anyone and that is how striking it is that such monies are only ever for left-wing figures. Imagine how many more police salaries this would have funded?
BRIEFS
It has been remarkable how little reporting has emerged of the meeting between the New Zealand and Chinese foreign ministers in Wellington this week. At one level, it is perhaps not surprising insofar as the discussion would be predictable. However, I do raise a concern that the relationship with China is critical – both in terms of trade and our national security. It is something that needs to be discussed more and not left to the likes of those who want us to only talk about trade (you can read my earlier Substack, critiquing the view of Helen Clark and Don Brash).
Speaking of China, it has been tragic to see the latest national security law (Article 23) applied in Hong Kong. What was left of any freedom in Hong Kong has been erased. The new law basically turns the island into an informer state – where you can be reported for any activity or comment that may be deemed inappropriate to the CCP. For those doing business there, things will only be getting harder as the line between innocent discussions with a foreigner and colluding for purposes of foreign interference is now so vague and undefined. Just remember, the editor of the Apple Daily, Jimmy Lai, is in prison for having talked to foreign journalists … and this was before the law got even more draconian! There is a good summary of the new law here.
Returning locally, it has been remarkable to watch the reaction to Winston Peter’s recent speech. While his analogy wasn’t particularly appropriate, the fact that mainstream media pretty much spoke as one about it shows yet again why these outlets are struggling. There is no diversity of thought, but rather a groupthink. Also, with so much else going on, and going wrong, in New Zealand, you would think that from politicians to media we would have more to discuss than a song by Chumbawamba.