Migrant Tales – “New Zealanders have got to be the best marketeers in the world! Life is so different compared to how it is portrayed!”

Don’t get taken in by New Zealand’s slick, and very powerful, marketing hype.

German Tourist Uncovers Kaikoura Garbage Mountain, EarthCheck Status at Risk. Another 100% Pure NZ Story -Updated

German tourist, Hans Gunther, has exposed a 15 tonne illegal garbage dump in Kaikoura, and most of it can be traced to one local resident. Hans discovered the mess when he stopped to change a tyre about 10 km into a bike ride up the Puhi Puhi valley. Among the fridges, dog kennels and tyres…

NZ Flag Change, Constitutional Change Through the Back Door, and the TPPA. Kiss Goodbye to the Treaty NZ

Our overseas readers may’ve heard something about Prime Minister Key’s push to change the NZ flag and to sign-up New Zealand to the very unpopular TPPA, effectively handing over his country’s weak democracy to overseas corporations. Bear in mind John Key is the same man who seconded the All Black captain for Prime Minister, calling…

All Blacks Snubbed The 2015 World Cup Ad. “It’s Too Big to Miss”- No Branding Permitted

It’s nearly Rugby World Cup time again! and the first official ad for the tournament has been released. The short film is headlined by the British actor Charles Dance and has distinct Westeros overtones. As you know, Lannisters love their rugby and always pay their debts. It features players from all the participating counties except New Zealand.…

Socially Progressive New Zealand. Does Statistics NZ Actually Give Cash Prizes to Reporters and Why?

A reader recently left this comment on the site. I do not know if many people are aware of this, but Statistics New Zealand awards cash prizes to media reporters every year. For “best” use of its statistics in a story. Consider too the publicity that comes of that “best use” for the reporters who…