Politics always tie me up in knots by the time I fight my way through all the lying, cheating and skulduggery that goes on. I really can't be bothered to immerse myself in it.
However, as you will know from my posts on the forum, I do follow what's being said in the media. The feeling I get is that, if the kiwi public shouts long enough and loud enough, the government will listen. What happens after that is anyone's guess and depends on which way the wind is blowing at the time. Nevertheless, a government that listens is a step in the right direction compared to other countries where your voice counts for nothing.
Look at The Smacking Bill. There's been so much in the press about the kiwis being against it. Several times it looked like it was going to sail through, but it has been staggering all along the way because of strong public opposition. Now they are talking about a compromise, so having a voice does seem to count for something in NZ.
That's not to say they don't still make enormous blunders now and then.
