A.J. Ponder
@ponderbooks.com
Seems like the cartoon was prescient - like it knew it would be banned.
February 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Seems like the cartoon was prescient - like it knew it would be banned.
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
February 17, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
I want to bring something up that is quite topical, a bill being proposed by penny simmonds, the disestablishment of the ministry of the environment, this while many communities and councils are still grappling with the impacts of floods, still very early and lacking a lot of detail.
#nzpol
#nzpol
February 16, 2026 at 9:11 PM
I want to bring something up that is quite topical, a bill being proposed by penny simmonds, the disestablishment of the ministry of the environment, this while many communities and councils are still grappling with the impacts of floods, still very early and lacking a lot of detail.
#nzpol
#nzpol
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
The world subsidises fossil fuels (oil and gas) to the tune of US$7 trillion dollars (NZD $11.6 trillion) a year
On the flipside, some part of Oz are investing in renewables and seeing electricity prices tumble by 30% in a year #nzpol #climate #kiwi
substack.com/home/post/p-...
On the flipside, some part of Oz are investing in renewables and seeing electricity prices tumble by 30% in a year #nzpol #climate #kiwi
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Why would New Zealand disestablish the Ministry of Environment?
Plus: Why James Shaw was right
substack.com
February 16, 2026 at 10:01 PM
The world subsidises fossil fuels (oil and gas) to the tune of US$7 trillion dollars (NZD $11.6 trillion) a year
On the flipside, some part of Oz are investing in renewables and seeing electricity prices tumble by 30% in a year #nzpol #climate #kiwi
substack.com/home/post/p-...
On the flipside, some part of Oz are investing in renewables and seeing electricity prices tumble by 30% in a year #nzpol #climate #kiwi
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
#AtlasNetwork #HumanRights abusers gather on Trumps “Board of Peace” in Davos. #Melei #Orbán #Trump
No wonder #NZ’s far-right Neoliberal Atlas government was invited #nzpol
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
No wonder #NZ’s far-right Neoliberal Atlas government was invited #nzpol
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Trump-led abuses amid ‘democratic recession’ put human rights in peril, HRW report says
Rights group says growing authoritarianism and abuses in US, Russia and China threaten global rules-based order
www.theguardian.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:17 AM
#AtlasNetwork #HumanRights abusers gather on Trumps “Board of Peace” in Davos. #Melei #Orbán #Trump
No wonder #NZ’s far-right Neoliberal Atlas government was invited #nzpol
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
No wonder #NZ’s far-right Neoliberal Atlas government was invited #nzpol
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
Some in National are running scared today. I'm guessing Hehir is doing everything possible to protect Nicola Willis by yelling "Look over there!"
Willis is on track to borrow more than Labour did during Covid. John Key left NZ with $60bn debt & Ardern had surpluses til Covid #nzpol
Willis is on track to borrow more than Labour did during Covid. John Key left NZ with $60bn debt & Ardern had surpluses til Covid #nzpol
February 16, 2026 at 7:29 AM
Some in National are running scared today. I'm guessing Hehir is doing everything possible to protect Nicola Willis by yelling "Look over there!"
Willis is on track to borrow more than Labour did during Covid. John Key left NZ with $60bn debt & Ardern had surpluses til Covid #nzpol
Willis is on track to borrow more than Labour did during Covid. John Key left NZ with $60bn debt & Ardern had surpluses til Covid #nzpol
Alright NZ, it's the last day for Bug of the Year - and of course I had to vote for the hellraiser mite!
It's so cute!
bugoftheyear.ento.org.nz/2026-bug-of-...
🇳🇿
It's so cute!
bugoftheyear.ento.org.nz/2026-bug-of-...
🇳🇿
Hellraiser Mite – New Zealand Bug of the Year
bugoftheyear.ento.org.nz
February 15, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Alright NZ, it's the last day for Bug of the Year - and of course I had to vote for the hellraiser mite!
It's so cute!
bugoftheyear.ento.org.nz/2026-bug-of-...
🇳🇿
It's so cute!
bugoftheyear.ento.org.nz/2026-bug-of-...
🇳🇿
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
Just added my name to Gun Control NZ's submission on the Arms Bill (closing tomorrow!). I didn't have the right mindset to write my own so just went with theirs.
The bill: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0233/21.0/LMS1533356.html
Gun Control NZ's submission […]
The bill: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0233/21.0/LMS1533356.html
Gun Control NZ's submission […]
Original post on mastodon.nz
mastodon.nz
February 15, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Just added my name to Gun Control NZ's submission on the Arms Bill (closing tomorrow!). I didn't have the right mindset to write my own so just went with theirs.
The bill: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0233/21.0/LMS1533356.html
Gun Control NZ's submission […]
The bill: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0233/21.0/LMS1533356.html
Gun Control NZ's submission […]
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
Really quick chart to show the rise of declared state of emergencies due to sever weather events. See the trend?
Also we are only 45 days into 2026!
Can we talk about climate change now?
#NZPol
Notes in Alt Text
Also we are only 45 days into 2026!
Can we talk about climate change now?
#NZPol
Notes in Alt Text
February 14, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Really quick chart to show the rise of declared state of emergencies due to sever weather events. See the trend?
Also we are only 45 days into 2026!
Can we talk about climate change now?
#NZPol
Notes in Alt Text
Also we are only 45 days into 2026!
Can we talk about climate change now?
#NZPol
Notes in Alt Text
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
AoNZ has a massive inequality problem. We have a #climatecrisis happening as we speak.
We cannot solve one without attending to the other. They must be solved together or they will not be solved at all. If you're voting for flat taxes and roads, you're on the wrong side.
#nzpol
We cannot solve one without attending to the other. They must be solved together or they will not be solved at all. If you're voting for flat taxes and roads, you're on the wrong side.
#nzpol
February 14, 2026 at 8:28 AM
AoNZ has a massive inequality problem. We have a #climatecrisis happening as we speak.
We cannot solve one without attending to the other. They must be solved together or they will not be solved at all. If you're voting for flat taxes and roads, you're on the wrong side.
#nzpol
We cannot solve one without attending to the other. They must be solved together or they will not be solved at all. If you're voting for flat taxes and roads, you're on the wrong side.
#nzpol
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
"Otherwise they will just keep seeing their children & grandchildren leave for Australia where they have already undertaken the Tax Reforms.
The New Zealand situation is so bad that even Tax policy parity with Australia would be an improvement."
[ bsky.app/profile/nzhe... ]
#nzpol
The New Zealand situation is so bad that even Tax policy parity with Australia would be an improvement."
[ bsky.app/profile/nzhe... ]
#nzpol
Then why hasn't Labour announced a comparable Income Tax Threshold of $18,200 as Australia has?
#nzpol
#nzpol
February 13, 2026 at 9:32 AM
"Otherwise they will just keep seeing their children & grandchildren leave for Australia where they have already undertaken the Tax Reforms.
The New Zealand situation is so bad that even Tax policy parity with Australia would be an improvement."
[ bsky.app/profile/nzhe... ]
#nzpol
The New Zealand situation is so bad that even Tax policy parity with Australia would be an improvement."
[ bsky.app/profile/nzhe... ]
#nzpol
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
BREAKING: government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism law ruled UNLAWFUL
This matters for everyone.
For years, the right to protest has been under sustained and deliberate attack.
Thousands of people have been arrested for something that should have never been a crime.
This matters for everyone.
For years, the right to protest has been under sustained and deliberate attack.
Thousands of people have been arrested for something that should have never been a crime.
February 13, 2026 at 10:32 AM
BREAKING: government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism law ruled UNLAWFUL
This matters for everyone.
For years, the right to protest has been under sustained and deliberate attack.
Thousands of people have been arrested for something that should have never been a crime.
This matters for everyone.
For years, the right to protest has been under sustained and deliberate attack.
Thousands of people have been arrested for something that should have never been a crime.
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
These mining fast-track applicants don't appear to genuinely benefit New Zealand.
Removing limited resources, returning 2-5% royalties, and paying no tax.
Then we get lugged with clean up costs (like Tui oilfields that cost $500m for taxpayers to clean up)
#nzpol #Kiwi #NZ
Removing limited resources, returning 2-5% royalties, and paying no tax.
Then we get lugged with clean up costs (like Tui oilfields that cost $500m for taxpayers to clean up)
#nzpol #Kiwi #NZ
February 13, 2026 at 3:16 AM
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
I'm ready to be creative. What fantasy chaos am I about to unleash withing these pages? Maybe a dash of Science-Fiction. Of course Scotland will be the backdrop.
##booksky #fantasybook #author #writer #ScienceFiction #writercommunity #fantasysky #sffsky #sffbooks
##booksky #fantasybook #author #writer #ScienceFiction #writercommunity #fantasysky #sffsky #sffbooks
February 6, 2026 at 10:57 AM
I'm ready to be creative. What fantasy chaos am I about to unleash withing these pages? Maybe a dash of Science-Fiction. Of course Scotland will be the backdrop.
##booksky #fantasybook #author #writer #ScienceFiction #writercommunity #fantasysky #sffsky #sffbooks
##booksky #fantasybook #author #writer #ScienceFiction #writercommunity #fantasysky #sffsky #sffbooks
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
#NZpol LNG
If you haven’t read it before, it’s worth reading @kirstyjohnston.bsky.social’s piece, The fuel of ‘last resort’: How imported gas became New Zealand’s first choice
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
If you haven’t read it before, it’s worth reading @kirstyjohnston.bsky.social’s piece, The fuel of ‘last resort’: How imported gas became New Zealand’s first choice
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
The fuel of ‘last resort’: How imported gas became New Zealand’s first choice
It's expensive, vulnerable to price shocks and terrible for the planet. So why are we importing gas?
www.rnz.co.nz
February 12, 2026 at 4:27 AM
#NZpol LNG
If you haven’t read it before, it’s worth reading @kirstyjohnston.bsky.social’s piece, The fuel of ‘last resort’: How imported gas became New Zealand’s first choice
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
If you haven’t read it before, it’s worth reading @kirstyjohnston.bsky.social’s piece, The fuel of ‘last resort’: How imported gas became New Zealand’s first choice
www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-dept...
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
Libertarian account over on dark place foretells the story of where Nat is taking the "independent" RBNZ Covid inquriy
Looking at that account, reminds me of Taxpayers Union, Atlas Network's partner organisation in #NZ. TPU boasted to Atlas they were going to turn NZ into a "laboratory" #nzpol
Looking at that account, reminds me of Taxpayers Union, Atlas Network's partner organisation in #NZ. TPU boasted to Atlas they were going to turn NZ into a "laboratory" #nzpol
February 12, 2026 at 3:03 AM
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
We need backbone
Beyond just appeasement, National ACT & NZFirst coalition government have been complicit with so many parts of the Trumpist agenda.
( Bluesky "trumpist" search link [ tinyurl.com/NZHtrump ] )
#nzpol
( Bluesky "trumpist" search link [ tinyurl.com/NZHtrump ] )
#nzpol
February 11, 2026 at 9:41 PM
We need backbone
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
It would be infuriatingly easy to just come out with a budgeted renewable energy policy, slap it down and challenge the govt to justify their LNG boondoggle vs the alternative. Don’t be all reasonable and nice. Tell them to put up or shut up. Hit them on their bad policies and keep hitting them.
February 11, 2026 at 8:55 PM
It would be infuriatingly easy to just come out with a budgeted renewable energy policy, slap it down and challenge the govt to justify their LNG boondoggle vs the alternative. Don’t be all reasonable and nice. Tell them to put up or shut up. Hit them on their bad policies and keep hitting them.
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
My investigative piece today on Nicola Willis's surprise RBNZ Covid Inquiry announcement. She has set it up so that the results are released 6 WEEKS BEFORE THE ELECTION
Please share where you can - between the voter suppression laws, and this, it could be a real killer come Nov 2026. #NZPOL #NZ
Please share where you can - between the voter suppression laws, and this, it could be a real killer come Nov 2026. #NZPOL #NZ
Did Nicola Willis just appoint Atlas Network connections to her surprise RBNZ Covid Inquiry?
Willis launches a surprise Covid inquiry with results to come out 6 weeks before the election. Most NZ publications noted her hiring of "independent" experts. I looked further into it.
mountaintui.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:20 AM
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
New Zealand will likely sign a US-NZ Minerals Agreement and while the negotiations remain clouded in secrecy from Kiwis - if it happens, it'll be a move that commits our country to fast-tracking and expanding mining, largely to supply America’s needs and as a move against China #nzpol #kiwi
February 8, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
Decades ago, Kris Hansen showed 3M that its PFAS chemicals were in people's bodies. Her bosses halted her work.
Now she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
(Published May 2024)
Now she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
(Published May 2024)
Toxic Gaslighting: How 3M Executives Convinced a Scientist the Forever Chemicals She Found in Human Blood Were Safe
Decades ago, Kris Hansen showed 3M that its PFAS chemicals were in people’s bodies. Her bosses halted her work. As the EPA now forces the removal of the chemicals from drinking water, she wrestles wit...
www.propublica.org
February 7, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Decades ago, Kris Hansen showed 3M that its PFAS chemicals were in people's bodies. Her bosses halted her work.
Now she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
(Published May 2024)
Now she wrestles with the secrets that 3M kept from her and the world.
(Published May 2024)
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
Privatise the profits, socialise the risk.
#NZPol
#NZPol
Veolia seem to have managed to keep their name out of the Wellington Water info this time around. How and why?
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Company running Wellington wastewater treatment plants failed basic asset management - report
Despite multiple failures - including untreated sewage polluting a popular swimming beach - the company running Wellington's four wastewater treatment plants is keeping its multi-million dollar contra...
www.rnz.co.nz
February 5, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Privatise the profits, socialise the risk.
#NZPol
#NZPol
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
Yet more evidence that mandated clean air in schools is needed to combat predictable, recurring waves of within-school illness spread.
In New Zealand, individual school BoTs are not equipped or prepared to take this necessary step. It must be mandated and funded by govt.
#nzpol
@greens.org.nz
In New Zealand, individual school BoTs are not equipped or prepared to take this necessary step. It must be mandated and funded by govt.
#nzpol
@greens.org.nz
Our results indicate that extended periods spent in poorly ventilated classrooms may be a stronger driver of within-school transmission than individual contact rates.
February 5, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Yet more evidence that mandated clean air in schools is needed to combat predictable, recurring waves of within-school illness spread.
In New Zealand, individual school BoTs are not equipped or prepared to take this necessary step. It must be mandated and funded by govt.
#nzpol
@greens.org.nz
In New Zealand, individual school BoTs are not equipped or prepared to take this necessary step. It must be mandated and funded by govt.
#nzpol
@greens.org.nz
Reposted by A.J. Ponder
Tell the government we want no part of any deal with Trump. Aotearoa is not for sale. #NZPol
PETITION: No minerals deal with Trump
Join the call. Tell Luxon you don't want a minerals "deal" with Trump
greenpeace.nz
February 5, 2026 at 7:23 AM
Tell the government we want no part of any deal with Trump. Aotearoa is not for sale. #NZPol