Steve's Blog. Travel, Transport, Treaty, Society, Politics

 Are we governed by visionless mediocrities? People who cannot see the big picture and understand the consequences of their micro actions. Examples are giving major tax cuts to people who don't need it and being unable to afford the basics of an excellent health and other services, cancelling the Interislander ferries without a plan to replace them, ordering school lunches at a price which any good business person would realise from the start was unsustainable, talking in slogans and mantra's without commonsense, trying to promote public transport but failing to realise how many of their practices impede uptake, slashing and burning the Public Service with orders to cut across the board and no wisdom to define exactly what is needed and provide that and get rid of what is not needed, and no vision for the country as a whole. We are in a mess.

"Where there is no vision the people suffer". So wrote King Solomon 2,900 years ago.

Stephen Greenfield

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29 April, 2025

TRAVEL

Air New Zealand fares - fair or rip off?

There are two ways any business can price its product or service to sell (A) Cost Plus where all the inputs are costed, a margin added, and the price declared OR (B) What the market will bear where a business will charge the maximum people will pay for the service or product., even if they have no option. This can also be known as price gouging, ripoff, extortion, blackmail, exploitation, paying through the nose, monopolistic and predatory.  Air New Zealand has lost its Social Licence for myself and many others. I always supported them (and even worked for them for a year)  and provided there was not too much difference to Jetstar fares would fly Air New Zealand, It seemed the heinous and most egregious price gouging started early last year. So far this year I have made 6 inter island flights - all except one with Jetstar. I live in Auckland and have the option but this is not available to people in the regions. Blaming Dynamic pricing is wrong. The airline can always set the upper and lower limits for its algorithms at whatever level it wants. People understand prices will be more at peak times but not the levels seen in New Zealand in the past 18 months

For the politicians to wring their hands and bemoan the problem without doing anything about it is rank hypocrisy. The Government is the majority shareholder on behalf of all of us. They  (via the Commerce Commission?) can very easily set a maximum level of fare for 1 hour, 2 hour, or 3 hour flights within New Zealand at a reasonable level and Air New Zealand can work their algorithms from there. No flight should be more than $200 for 1 hour, $250  for 90 minutes, $300 for 2 hours, or $400 for any continuous journey even if flight connections are necessary en route. No minimum price would of course be set. 

Regional small aircraft are more expensive to operate than the jets but not with the fare differential charged by Air New Zealand. Lack of competition is the main difference but I well remember the frustration of a Jetstar executive when withdrawing from their regional routes as he put it "that he was tired of the locals waving to the Jetstar plane on the tarmac at New Plymouth, Nelson, etc for bringing prices down as they boarded their Air New Zealand flights to get their Airpoints and use the Koru Lounge"!  Use it or lose it does apply!     

Air New Zealand are now predators and smaller airlines know full well that while Air New Zealand may charge $600 plus for a flight from the regions if they start up Air New Zealand will drop their prices, even to a loss making level if necessary, to drive them out of the market and regain their monopoly. This also could be fixed relatively easily by keeping track of current Air New Zealand fares and if a regional airline wants to start a service from Tauranga to Wellington for instance of $200 Air New Zealand would not be permitted to charge less than their current fares for a period of 6 months from the time of inauguration of the service to allow them to get established.

25 April, 2025. Anzac Day. "Lest we Forget"

Today we honour those who fought and died in the defence of freedom and the values we in the West hold dear. Two years ago I was at Gallipoli (my third visit), on Anzac Day and during my tour escorting over the past 55 years have visited the Commonwealth War Grave cemetaries at El Alamein, Crete, Beersheba, Jerusalem and elsewhere. I am always affected by the rows upon rows of crosses with the inscriptions of those who gave their lives at a young age for our freedom and grieve at the futility,waste, and cost of war.  110 years after the Gallipoli landings, 80 years after the end of the Second World War, 50 years since Vietnam, and numerous wars inbetween we do not forget - but what have we learned?

This morning as I watch the world news India and Pakistan are raising the political temperature, death and destruction continue in Gaza and is increasing in Judea and Samaria, the seemingly endless war in Sudan and the Sahel goes on, and the war in Ukraine becomes more brutal with no end on sight. The tension between China and Taiwan is still a flashpoint.  That is all quite apart from the increasing anger, hate, frustration, depression and hopelessness at all levels which is increasing in every country worldwide - including New Zealand. 

President Trump does not seem to understand Russia at all and for me this is the most worrying of the many potential triggers for world  war, along with Israel (For more on Israel and the conflict there: Read here). I first visited the (then) Soviet Union in 1966 traelling by ferry from Yokohama in Japan to Nakhodka then overnight train to Khabarovsk and Trans Siberian to Moscow with a side trip to Crimea and Simferopol and Yalta, scene of the peace conference between President Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin in 1945. I escorted many groups across Russia from Beijing to Moscow and St Petersburg in the 1980's, the Gorbachev years. Perestroika and Glasnost were the hope of the west. I talked to many Russians (3 days on a train and longer stopovers in the cities gives plenty of time) and found that most ordinary Russians hated him! He was the one who lost Russia its Superpower status and the fact that that status depended solely on the abilkity to blow up the rest of the world a few times over was irrelevant. The "Soul of Mother Russia" had been dishonoured and demeaned. I escorted another group through 3 months after Putin invaded the Ukraine in February 2022. He was held in reverance and awe by the people. He had stood up to the West and honour had neen restored. President Trump wants a 'deal', Putin wants honour and is fixated on recreating the old Soviet Union boundaries including Ukraine, Moldova, the Baltic States etc. Any ceasefire he agrees to will be only a temporary respite to allow him to re-arm before attacking again. He must be stopped.

I sent this email to the Russian Embassy in Wellington on the 10th March, 2022. Maybe it wasn't sent on to President Putin!.

"Dear President Putin

It is so sad to see Russia, which could be a great as well as powerful country, becoming a pariah country, sanctioned and censured around the world. I have spent many happy times in Russia escorting tour groups from Khabarovsk to St Petersburg in the early days and from Beijing to Siberia, Moscow, and  St Petersburg more recently. To see the destruction and loss of life in the Ukraine is heartbreaking.

I was hoping to take a last group from Beijing to Moscow and St Petersburg before finally retiring however it has been thwarted by covid for the past couple of years and now I will not visit Russia again until the Russian military has  been fully withdrawn from the Ukraine. 

Dasvidaniya Rossiya. My tears are for you - as well as Ukraine.

Stephen Greenfield

Connoisseur Holidays - New Zealand Tours

Phone 0800 309 196.

www.nztours.nz"

It is tragic that just one week after we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ  bringing the opportunity for new life, hope, and peace to humanity for those who want it  the violence in the world is increasing, and hope is decreasing for many. As a christian my certainty is in Jesus Christ and the guarantee of eternal life with Him. The more we turn away from the one true God the more violence, corruption, wars, and poverty increase. But we are told this will happen before the world ends! We have been warned. For more detail: Read here

20 April, 2025. Easter sunday

EASTER AND PASSOVER are over for another year. Passover celebrates the escape of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt some 3,500 years ago and settlement in Israel. The death, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven of Jesus Christ took place at Passover nearly 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. Both events have been celebrated annually ever since by Jews. Get the full story of the life of Jesus Christ from the "Jesus" movie seen by millions around the world free of charge and now available in 2207 languages!. Open source.  Running time just over 2 hours. Click here. Easter/Anzac Bible sale 21 - 26 April. 20% discount. For details Click here 

Easter sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as his final proof that he was God and that he had conquered death and opened the way to eternal life for all humans of all nationalities and cultures for those who want it. Probably the most famous verses of the Bible are John chapter 3 v 16-17 "For God so loved the world (you) that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ as Son of God has everlasting life. Whoever does not believe in Jesus Christ as Son of God shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on them.

Jesus came to bring peace between us and God and in our communities, nations and world. Unfortunately most reject him and we suffer the consequences.

Download a copy of the Bible free from www.biblegateway.org. 20% off sale on all bibles from the BIBLE BOOKSHOP AND GALLERY at 538 Queen St (top near K Rd), open from 2pm-4pm wednesday 23 April, and saturday 27 April this week and 11am - 4.30pm thursday 24th.  For more details Click here

18 April, 2025.  Good friday, Easter

Today over 2 billion christians around the world in every country will be remembering the death of Jesus Christ, Son of God, and creator of the universe including we humans. In New Zealand we started the commemoration in the peace and quiet of our beautiful country but having travelled to 93 countries over the past 60 years I am very aware that many of my christian brothers and sisters will be worshipping God in situations of great difficulty,  danger, and hardship, many hungry, thirsty, and .homeless. To those in Myanmar, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and many other countries at war or suffering from famine, earthquakes, climate change, and disease our prayers for peace and supply of your needs are constant. We look forward to the day, which may be soon, when God will give up on the human race and call time on human history and create the new heavens and new earth. Your eternal perfect kingdom come Lord Jesus, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Read more: 

 

Jesus Christ is the creator of the world who some 4,000 years later, 2,000 years ago, took on human flesh and was born in Bethlehem in Israel, lived, taught, healed, and gave us great wisdom to live by and then died for us, for you, and for me Knowing we could not get to heaven by our own means he took the piunishment and death  sentence that is rightly ours so that all who want to and ask can receive eternal life. The good news is that he rose from death on the sunday morning to prove that he was the Son of God, death had been conquered, and we can enter his home because of what He did. Get the full story in the gospel of Luke in the Bible (google it!). For an excellent film presentation see THE JESUS FILM links below in English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Maori..  Follow the links to watch and listen in 2,205 other languages also.

https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/english.html

https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/maori.html

https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/mandarin-china.html

https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/japanese.html

https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/korean.html

https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/korean-north.html

https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/arabic-palestinian.html

https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/russian.html

Just over 2,000 years ago the angels brought this message to the shepherds watching their sheep in the fields outside Bethlehem near Jerusalem in Israel:  "Don't be afraid " the angel said, "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour, - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David"....Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven - praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased". It was this same message brought to New Zealand by christian missionary Samuel Marsden in 1814 that brought peace to the warring Maori tribes in New Zealand and opened the way for the development of this country. How do we please God? This question was asked of jesus in Israel around 2,000 years ago. His reply "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbour as you love yourself". I urge all Gazans to order Hamas and other militant groups (Many of you know who they are)  to release ALL the Israeli hostages immediately, before the end of Passover tomorrow night preferably, and remove the excuse Netanyahu is using to continue the bombing of Gaza. Do you not want peace and prosperity? I urge all Russians to demand President Putin stop his war on Ukraine and remove his troops from Ukranian territory. This would take an act of great humility and statesmanship and would please God and restore the honour of Russia in the world.

Jesus Christ died, rose again, and went back to heaven to enable peace between God and we humans, and in our families, communities, and nations. God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) long for peace to reign.    

17 April, 2025

TRAVEL

Winter chills arriving soon. Its time to look north for some warmth. The Bay of Islands classifies itself as the subtropical north which may be a bit of a stretch but it is usually a few degrees warmer than Auckland. A visit to the excellent Treaty museum at Waitangi is a must to catch up on our early history. As well as the Treaty displays and videos a new exhibition has been installed from 18 April to 06 July, 2025 presenting a photographic record of 'Operation Grapple', New Zealand's involvement in the British Christmas Island H bomb tests in 1957 and 1958. We had 3 ships involved "Lachlan", "Rotoiti", and "Pukaki".  Like it or not it is part of our history. A visit to Cape Reinga is a must do whether on our 3 day Superdeal which has daily departures by Intercity coach: Read here or our small group Northland Heritage 4 day small group driver escorted tour departing June 02 (Kings Birthday) and any monday for a minimum of 4. This includes the amazing Matakohe Kauri and Early Settlers Museum,  Dargaville, Kaiiwi lakes, Waipoua Forest, and a night at Omapare on the Hokianga as well as the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga: Read here 

Further afield there is still space to Rarotonga, Read here and my favourite French Polynesia cruise aboard Star Breeze with departures most weeks Read here. I lived in Rarotonga for 3 years from 1956 to1959 and remember the frigates calling in! If you are interested in Maori migration to New Zealand a Star Breeze cruise including the island of Raiatea from which they came is a must.

TRANSPORT

Wellington. Some action (promises) on Wellington Metlink to cut costs, raise revenue, and provide better service. All admirable objectives. In 2010 and 2018/19 I adapted Supermaxx to Wellington's needs and presented it to the Greater Wellington Regional Council and the various City Councils and showed them how they could increase revenue, reduce operating subsidies, reduce pollution and congestion, and encourage more people to use public transport  by using the same UnlimIted Travel Passes as Supermaxx valid from Waikanae and Masterton to the Cook Strait coast.  $75 for 30 days, $25 for 7 days, $10 per day, and $2 for 2 hours. Alas they circled the wagons to keep out new ideas and neither proved my claims would not work, nor implemented SuperMetlink. It is never too late! Maybe new Mayors in this years election will help. Read here 

SOCIETY

Genders: Good to see a British court restating the obvious that only women can become pregnant and have children! There is no good explanation in evolution as to how by random selection two completely different beings could form, capable and necessary to each other, to perpetuate the species. There is no fossil evidence of the many millions of mutations that would have had to take place. It is time to look again at the simple words of the Bible "Then God (singular in 3 persons) said "Let us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make human beings in our image to be like us......So God created human beings in in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis chapter 1 v 26-27 abridged).  There are no other genders. God's design for society was that families would form comprised of a man and a woman committed to each other for life and bringing up their biological children in a nurturing, caring, and positive role modelling environment. In doing this we reflect the character of God.  At least 70% of our social problems would be resolved if we humans followed God's design! The christians responsibility is to teach the ways of God with courtesy, respect for others, and honesty. There is no room for vigilante action or hate  against those who are different. 

 

13 April, 2025

PASSOVER AND EASTER

The Jewish Passover has started celebrating the escape from slavery in Egypt around 3,500 years ago. Observant Jews have kept Passover wherever they have been disbursed around the world. It is a time of deep reflection and turning towards God and realising that there is a bigger narrative in the universe than just our personal present issues. Wouldn't it be wonderful for the remaining hostages in Gaza to be released before the end of Passover and  a long term just solution offered to the Palestinians before Passover ends on th 20th April!! Read more:

It was at Passover almost 2,000 years ago that Jesus Christ was captured, tortured, crucified, died and came back to life again on the third day to open the way for us to have peace with God and become His children and citizens of His eternal kingdom which transcend all earthly families and nations. Today is Palm Sunday when many christians celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem. Next weekend we will commemorate his betrayal, mock trial, torture and death on thursday and friday - and the most joyful day of the Christian Calendar as on sunday 21st April we celebrate that Jesus has risen from the dead to offer eternal life to all who want it. We remember the beautiful  promise He made to his disciples just before he was captured that he was "going back to heaven to prepare a place for us. When everything is ready and  the time is right I will come back and get you so that you will always be with me where I am". With all that we see happening in our world that may not be very far away! Read more

11 April, 2025

TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL

Haere Ra - you are not mourned The Treaty Principles Bill was a clumsy attempt  to restate what the Treaty as written actually said. Why not just go back to what the Treaty said and put it into practice. The overriding  principle of the Treaty was spoken by William Hobson - "He Iwi Tahi Tatou" (now we are one people").  Read More  

TARIFFS

The  tariffs war is creating confusion and chaos. Best thing is just to ride out the next couple of weeks and see what actually happens rather than engage in mindless speculation and panic about what might happen.

TAXES

Imagine! No more GST, Fringe Benefit Tax, income tax, annual returns or any other non specific tax! Just a 2% surcharge any time you made a payment from your account. All your wages and earnings must be paid directly into your bank account with heavy penalties for engaging in the cash economy to avoid tax. No exemptions for individuals, businesses, charities, trusts, or anyone or  anything else. Estimated receipts for government about 20% more than the total tax take now!! A visionary competent government would immediately bring our health and education services up to a superb standard. It is possible! 

09 April, 2025

 

CRIME, DRUGS, VIOLENCE, AND HATE SPEECH.

Once again there is much hand wringing at the dramatic increase in drug dealing and use, increasing hate speech and threatened violence against politicians. Hate speech, bullying, and sexploitation causes enormous harm to our youth causing immense mental suffering, often leading to suicide. Politicians, media, and society refuse to understand and recognise the primary underlying causes that brought us here. We have created the society we live in. Over the past few decades society, and especially the entertainment industry, which includes the media, have diminished and degraded the institution of family as God created it and we suffer the consequences. The Family is the Foundation of Society responsible for producing the next generation and nurturing and training them to succeed in every aspect of life.  "If every man and every woman chose their spouse carefully, committed to each other for life, and brought up children in that nurturing, caring, and positive role modelling environment at least 70% of our social problems would be over and the cost of operating the New Zealand Government would reduce by $12-14 billion dollars per year! The sociological evidence is overwhelming that children brought up by their biological parents do better in life, and I say that with all due respect to the many who through no fault of their own are doing a sterling job as solo parents. Read More   

The Bible gives a graphic description of society just before God wraps up the world as we know it. "In the last days there will be difficult times. People will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving, they will slander others and have no self control....Read more  

It was the coming of the Creators culture to New Zealand in 1814 that over the following 10-15 years brought forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace to the warring tribes of New Zealand and paved the way for the Declaration of Independence and Treaty of Waitangi. We desperately need to bring it back. All the instructions we need for a harmonious, peaceful, and flourishing society are contained in the Bible. When all else fails read the instructions.

Do you want the end of hate speech? Some instructions from the Bible: "Let your speech always be gracious" - Colossians 4 v 6, "Speak the truth in love" - Ephesians 4 v 15, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" - Matthew 7 v 12, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who hurt you". - Luke 6 v 27-28.

07 April, 2025

 

TRAVEL

Interislander have introduced a special $99 return day excursion fare valid on all sailings in April although some sailings are already full. Organise your own on line (www.interislander.co.nz) if you are in or going to Wellington or join our special ANZAC DAY 4 day/3 night departure from Auckland 24 April by "Northern Explorer" (coach from Auckland to Hamilton) with 3 nights in Wellington, Optional attendance at the National ANZAC DAY ceremony  at Pukeahu Park and return day cruise to Picton with 2 hours or 6 hours in Picton.  Read More:

NEW FERRIES

Winston Peters has updated us - a bit. At least he says we will have 2 rail enabled ferries here in 2029. We wait with anticipation and some scepticism for his revelation as to how they are going to be cheaper than the programme cancelled last year.

EREBUS MEMORIAL

It is an absolute disgrace that this has not been completed and available to the relatives of the victims. The ideal local is available now beside the plane spotters car park in Puhinui Rd overlooking the airport. There is plenty of space for a fantastic Memorial Garden  on the land sloping down to the creek. The land is owned by Auckland Council and cannot be developed as it is in close proximity to the airport. The Memorial which has been designed can be sited near the top of the hill with the curve looking over the runway from which the ill fated DC10 took off and the abrupt end of the Memorial can be pointed at Mt Erebus. Easy and economical. Totally beyond Auckland Council and various Community Boards.

 

01 April, 2025.

TRAVEL

With the Interisland ferries so much in the news I was able to take a quick trip from Wellington to Picton 4pm sailing of the Interislander "Aratere" returning the following day on the 2pm sailing Bluebridge "Connemara" to check out the ships, lounges, and port facilities. travelling Premium Lounge on "Aratere" and Lounge class on "Connemara". Check in and boarding "Interislander" in Wellington is easy with a free shuttle bus from platform 10 at Wellington Railway Station to the terminal 70 minutes prior to departure. Most of the passengers self boarded  with their cars and only 10 of us used the shuttle and were able to check in immediately albeit with a short wait in the terminal before boarding. The Premium Lounge is easy to find with comfortable arm chairs to relax in the 'adults only' environment and of course you still have the run of the ship during the cruise to get the best vantage points. Free snacks are available and the buffet dinner available after sailing was tasty and plentiful. The desserts satisfied my sweet tooth! The ride was smooth, the service friendly and efficient and the Marlborough Sounds as scenic as ever. I stayed at the Picton Beachcomber Inn (www.pictonhotel.com) for the night just 5 minutes walk from the terminal and with views from my room overlooking the harbour. The hotel has an excellemt dinner for breakfast but does not serve breakfast. The other alternative forr hotel style accommodation is the Picton Yacht Club Hotel. There was a shuttle available for those with bags (Waikawa Shuttles) but at $25 per person. "The "Edwin Fox" ship restoration project is a 'must do' in Picton. It is a unique part of New Zealand's history. Bluebridge provide a shuttle from 2 stops in Picton town to their sailings to the terminal to check in, or it is about a 15 minutes walk.  Bluebridge boarding is a bit strange as they use another shuttle to take you from the terminal to the ship and they pause the car loading to allow passengers to use the main vehicle ramp. Again the Lounge was easy to find with comfortable armchairs and a quality meal including desserts, and snacks. An advantage in Wellington is that Bluebridge berth beside the Railway Station which leads through to the bus depot for easy connection to airport buses which, unlike Auckland, are part of Metlink and take Gold Cards except before 9am and 3pm - 7pm. Interislander including the Premium Lounge cost $168, Bluebridge including lounge $149 ($89 fare plus Lounge)  but prices vary by sailing. Check out the web sites www.interislander.co.nz or www. bluebridge.co.nz. Both ships offered a very similar standard of service and meals. 

For  a short break away why not enjoy the "Northern Explorer" train from Auckland or Hamilton to Wellington (Scenic Plus service and meal available) on my "WONDERFUL WELLINGTON" 3 night package with a 2 or 3 night 'add on' to Picton. This departs most Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays year round for a minimum of 2. Join a Mail cruise, wine tour, or visit Blenheim and the Omaka Aviation and Classic Cars Heritage centre and Marlborough Museum.The package is flexible and you can continue to Christchurch on the "Coastal Pacific" train (except 28 April - 01 September, or take the Intercity bus or a rental car to Kaikoura or Nelson. If one ferrry ride is enough there are direct flights with Air New Zealand from Blenheim to Auckland. The package is flexible. See More: 

INTERISLANDERS

Good to see progress in that at least Winston Peters has given some details of the new ships and a deadline for their introduction - 2029. Also good to see they will carry rail wagons directly. His claim that they will save 'billions' over what Labour contracted for is a far fetched stretch but we will see what happens. The  current ships are around 180 metres in length, the new ones ordered by Labour were 220 metres, and the new ones according to Peters somewhere in between.  Looks like they are getting close to what I suggested to the Government in March last year - Just a year wasted in the meantime!. Read more 

29 March, 2025

STADIUM

Auckland Council endorses a revamped Eden Park as New Zealand's major stadium. Is this the definition of 'Visionless Mediocrity'.

AUCKLAND TRANSPORT 

Auckland Transport raises passenger fares on public transport owing to a major shortfall in revenue without examining the huge benefits and much greater revenue from moving to Unlimited Travel Passes in the SUPERMAXX proposal. Raising fares reduced patronage and almost certainly total revenue. Is this the ultimate definition of 'Visionless Mediocrity'? Read more. Imagine being able to travel at any time on any bus, train or ferry for $75 for 30 days anywhere between Wellsford and Waiuku

WARNING

Serious earthquakes in New Zealand, Myanmar and many other places, wars, famines, diseases, hunger, corruption lawlessness, crime. All the things Jesus told us to look to increase just before He comes back to wrap up human history. Read more

 

27 March, 2025

ISRAEL. 

Fantastic to see Palestinians starting to take some responsibility for their problems at last with thousands demonstrating in Gaza against Hamas over the past 2 days.Demonstrations have been held in Northern Gaza, Beit Lahiya, Gaza City and Nuseirat at least.  Its a risky business for them but I hope it swells. The hostages must be released and the death and destruction stop. There is some evidence that Netanyahu is extending the war for his own personal benefit and that must be stopped. Justice and peace for all is possible. Israel is not conducting a war  on Gaza or Genocide within it as many claim. It is conducting a war on Hamas in Gaza. It has plainly stated that it is conducting Genocide (defined as destruction of a particular group or nation) against Hamas in Gaza. Even if we accept the latest figures from Gaza of 60,000 deaths since October 7th it must be realised that at least 20,000 of those are Hamas fighters that Israel has targeted and many of the rest have been used as human shields to protect their fighters - a war crime under article 1 of the Convention on the Conduct of War. It is possible for both Jews and Palestinians to live in the same country peacefully!. Read more  

LAW AND ORDER - CRIME.

We will never ever solve the problem of crime by more Police or harsher sentences and more prisons although they may be needed to alleviate the problem in the short term.  The problem of crime is only resolved when people decide not to commit crime in the first place. That is our responsibility but needs training when we are young. . The sociological evidence shows overwhelmingly that if every child was brought up by their biological parents in a nurting, caring, and positive role modelling environment at least 60% and probably closed to 70% of our crime and addiction problems would be solved and the cost of running government would reduce by at least 10-12 billion dollars a year. The family is the Foundation of society: Read more. The Secret of a Successful Nation. Read More

TRAVEL

CRUISE.

Deals of the Day - Holland America 7 night inside passage cruise aboard Nieuw Amsterdam departing Vancouver 21 September for Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan. Just $NZ3,350 including Veranda Stateroom and 'Have it all' package including drinks, crew appreciation, shore excursion, plus 1 night hotel and transfers post cruise.

Holland America 7 night Norwegian Fjords with Nordfjord aboard Rotterdam departs Rotterdam 05 July for Eidfjord, Nordfordfjordeid, cruising Hardangerfjord, Alesund, Nordfordeid, Bergen, and ends Rotterdam. Just $$4,200 per person including Veranda Stateroom, 1 night hotel post cruise with transfers

SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING

Imagine enjoying a great sporting contest or concert in the new stadium behind the old Railway Station (see below) and stepping straight into your car, or express bus, and be whisked towards home on the North Shore through a tunnel from the bottom of Stanley St to Bayswater (with immediate links to Takapuna)  and bridge to join State Highway 1 north of Onewa Rd. This connection from SH! would provide easy access from eastern suburbs to North Shore, declutter Spaghetti junction, and add to resilience of the network. Keep the current Harbour Bridge at 6 lanes with the outside 2 eastern lanes being used for (inner lane) wheeled traffic up to 50cc) and outer lane for pedestrians and mobility scooters only.   This was put to the Auckland Councils and Regional Council in 2007 as part of my plan to "Develop Auckland as a World Leading City for the 2011 Rugby World Cup". 17 years later and they still cannot reach a conclusion!  

 

25 March, 2025

TRAVEL

Fly Free: Only 6 days to go for fly free (up to AUD2,400 per person) offer on all Viking  Ocean and River cruises. Be in.

Niue

Stop the world, I want to get off, was a common refrain from a song a long time ago. Sometimes in the current world turmoil we wish we could. If you need to get away from it all join me for a week in the the rarely visited island of Niue, an independent country with special association to New Zealand. A place to chill out, meet some of the 800 people who live there, enjoy a whale watch cruise during the breeding season, and explore the island. We leave Auckland on the 5th August returning on the 12th. with a 5 day option. Read more 

STADIUMS

Imagine entering a grand stadium through the refurbished old Railway Station on Beach Rd, spending time in a sports museum in the main building, then walking through a sportsperson Hall of Fame where the rail platforms were to enter into a fabulous modern, comfortable, stadium seating at least 50,000 in general use and up to another 25,000 for special occasions over the rail tracks which will be on a level below the stadium. A covered roof for all weather use, and  partly retractable for that open air feeling in good weather will add to the ambience. The Northern and Eastern walls will be primarily glass to provide harbour vistas from the main concourse on the 3rd level. In addition to access from Beach Rd there will be direct access by escalator  from The Strand and Quay St, and to a new rail platform built beside the current Eastern line. Instead of an isolated white elephant The Strand side will be offices to provide the ongoing operating expenses for the stadium - and deaden some of the sound from noisy concerts! It can all be paid for by selling Eden Park to develop a fabulous residential area around the 'village green'. This was put to the Auckland Councils and Regional Council in 2007 as part of my plan to "Develop Auckland as a World Leading City for the 2011 Rugby World Cup". 17 years later and they still cannot reach a conclusion!  :Like to know more? Read here  

 

EMAIL SENT TO WILLIE JACKSON IN RESPONSE TO  INTERVIEW WITH AUDREY YOUNG PUBLISHED IN THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 24 March, 2025.  

Dear Mr Jackson. I always appreciate your candour and while not necessarily agreeing appreciate the honesty. The trajectory that New Zealand is travelling is becoming very disturbing. A nation divided against itself cannot stand. Attached is a proof of a brochure I have prepared and just awaiting advice on any copyright issues, and a link to my Race, Culture, and Treaty web page. You are welcome to comment and agree or disagree!. https://www.newzealandtours.co.nz/tours/society-religion/race-and-culture?p=1

A few questions arise out of your interview in the NZ Herald yesterday

1. Could you please clarify your position on Maori ceding sovereignty in the Treaty of Waitangi. To me it is very plain they did  BUT we must understand what sovereignty they were ceding. Article 1 of the Treaty specifically states that they did BUT that was the Sovereignty claimed in the Declaration of Independence "Ko te Kingitanga ko te mana i te Wenua o te wakaminenga" - something Maori did not have collectively over the whole country until 1835. Maori were guaranteed Rangatiratanga over their own tribal lands until such time as they wished to sell in Article 2.  Once they sold the land Article 3 applied.

2. You state (according to the Herald) that Maori have 5% of the land. Have you or any person or organisation you know actually gone through a list of all those who claim Maori identity and the land register to ascertain how much land is held by Maori under Article 3 which enables Maori to have private ownership, develop or use their land as they wish, and to sell when they wish to whom they wish within the law as any other New Zealander is entitled to do. I believe this facility under British/New Zealand law is hugely beneficial. If so what is the total land area owned by Maori.

3. The last figures I have (supplied by Jacinda Ardern) is that land held in Maori tribal ownership as guaranteed under Article 2 of the Treaty is approximately 1.2 million hectares of which approximately 80% is unused or underutilised owing to the well known problems of multiple ownership contributing to the poverty of Maori

4. Can you explain why the targeted funding of around $1 billion for Maori initiatives has not led to improved statistics and whether the difference between Maori (communal/iwi/whanau - as explained by Debbie Ngarewa Packer on Newshub Nation a few years back) and western/christian culture of individual responsibility contributed to this? You may want to check out my WHANAU TE MANA WHAKAORA proposal from a few years back

I look forward to your reply - and to Question Time although it will have to wait until the replay at 10pm.

Best wishes in your continued advocacy.

Stephen Greenfield

23 March, 2025

LAST CHANCE!!  VIKINGS FLY FREE OFFER (maximum value air fares AUD$2,400) finishes 31 March. Offer applies to virtually all Vikings River and Ocean Cruises in Europe, North America, Asia, and Pacific, including New Zealand. Enjoy Vikings Scandinavian atmosphere and superior inclusive service and limited passengers. Still limited cabins later this year and in 2026 on Grand European and other River Cruises, and  

GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM TO OPEN FINALLY

The Egyptian Authorities are planning a much awaited grand opening on the 3rd July of the new 1.5 billion US dollar Grand Egyptian Museum including for the first time the full Tutankhamen display.  This will be one of the greatest 'must do' bucket list items for travellers in 2025/2026. The museum covers 117 Hectares and is just 2 km from the Pyramids.

Best way to see it in our view is on a VIKING DISCOVER EGYPT - ANCIENT AND MODERN 12 day tour from Cairo back to Cairo including 3 nights in Cairo and the Egytian museum, Pyramids, Citadel, and museum,  Luxor including the Valley of Kings, and Temples of Luxor and Karnak, Aswan Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo,and return to Cairo  

22 March, 2025

ADDICTIONS

Once again the Coalition Goverment have shown their callous contempt for those who struggle with addictions. Removing the restrictions on the proliferating vape outlets has been shown today to be a gateway to smoking cigarettes rather than a way of getting off them. Refusing to provide easy legislation for local bodies to restrict alcohol outlets and hours, and the legalising of on line gambling and advertising all lead to an increase in shattered lives, wrecked families, and an increase in crime as people feed their addictions in a failing society. Pornography is a destroyer of society and especially harms the young. Best way to not get addicted to anything is not to start! Individuals should exercise self discipline but to those who don't we must give some protection by the state to make involvement less easy. Anyone with any experience in the issue of addiction will tell you that the 3 main drivers of addictions are availability, price, and promotion. I experienced the proof of this when I was working in Supportive Accommodation

20 March, 2025 

ISRAEL

It is tragic to see that death and destruction has started again in Gaza and is continuing in Judea and Samaria (commonly known as the West Bank). I believe that Israel were chosen by God around 4,000 years ago so that through Abraham they would be a special nation to be 'a light to other  nations' of the way God wants us to live. That gives great blessings when God is obeyed and can bring great punishment when his rules are disobeyed. It places a heavy burden on the nation to live according to the ways of God with justice and truth and a recognition that there is only one God. For more on the history, current problems, and possible solutions; Read here

While Israel was 'set aside' for 1900 years they are now back in their land and Jerusalem will play a major part in the final great conflagration during 7 years of great tribulation at the end of the age. The Palestinians are their own worst enemies however Israel were instructed to "treat the strangers among you as your own" people.  God still loves the Palestinians despite their hatred of His people, Israel, and wants their salvation, not their death. There is some evidence that Prime Minister Netanyahu is delaying the return of the hostages, continuing the death and destruction in Gaza,  and delaying peace for his own political ends. This is Sin in the eyes of God!  Listen to the prophet Micah over 2,000 years ago "O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy. and to walk humbly with your God". Listen again to the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount overlooking Lake Galilee "You have heard  what the law says, Love your neighbour and hate your enemies. But I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5 v 43. Jesus Christ will return to Jerusalem as the promised Messiah, the "King of the Jews". Will they be ready to receive Him?

UKRAINE

Is Ukraine being sold out in the interests of a short term peace but no long term solution? It was fascinating to me travelling through 2-3 times a year in the 1980's escorting groups on the Trans Mongolian/Trans Siberian route from Hong Komg t Helsinki how much the local people (and I talked to many) hated Gorbachev as they saw him as the one that lost Russia its Superpower status. I took a group through about 3 months after Putin annexed Crimea in 2014. He was almost worshipped by the Russian people for standing up to the West.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia was a heinous act of agression. Putin should withdraw from all Ukrainian territory immediately..

DAVID SEYMOUR

No David. Jesus would not vote for you or ACT (Herald 19 and 20 March)! Quite the opposite. Jesus was the creator of life and you have supported and even instigated attacking it at both ends in abortion and euthanasia. He is not pleased. You have also supported the liberalisation of the harm that addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling etc cause. He cares about the poor and marginalised and wants them to have a better life. . We need to bring back the Creators Culture brought to New Zealand in 1814 that had such a profound effect for good on our country.

God is also interested in how well we use the brains he has given in the governing of the country and how much our actions match our words He cares about the people and planet that He created.  You may recall a brief discussion you and I had at the Epsom Community Centre after a presentation by Shane Ellison, then CEO of Auckland Transport a few years back, in which I asked if you had examined my SUPERMAXX proposal for a complete revamp of Auckland's public transport which I had presented to you and every local and central government politician a few times since it was prepared and first presented in 2007. Your reply to me was "No, I don't believe you could produce something better than 1700 people in Auckland transport!!!!  My claims are that SUPERMAXX would save at least $100 million per annum ($1.8 billion since 2007) in operating subsidies, provide a much better more frequent and integrated transport network, and reduce commuter costs to $75 for 30 days unlimited travel on public transport between Wellsford and Waiuku saving commuters at least $100 million per annum ($1.8 billion since 2007) in commuter fares.  I believe you have the obligation to prove me wrong in my claims or apologise to the people of New Zealand for your failures and move to implement it. Give me a contract and I will have it rolled out across Auckland within 6 months for a cost of less than $1 million and saving Auckland $2 million per week in subsidies from full implementation. Now thats a deal! For more on SUPERMAXX: Read here

David. Jesus is actually interested in the poor having lower costs in fares and rates, and less pollution in the planet he gave us to look after. He is passionate about justice and politicians governing wisely and for the benefit of all people!

18th March, 2025 

TRAVEL

Vikings FLY/FREE campaign ends 31 March offering great savings of up to AUD 2,400 per person on 2025 Viking cruises anywhere in the world including River cruises in Egypt, Europe including the iconic Amsterdam to Budapest or Constanta cruise. and on the Mekong and Ocean Voyages. Viking offer superior service and Scandinavian atmosphere on their smaller ships throughout the world.

French Polynesia. For those who want a short winter cruise close to home  I heartily recommend WINDSTAR 7-11 day cruises from Papeete including the island of Raiatea from where Maori emigrated some 800 years ago including the Taputapuatea Marae regarded as their spiritual home. Read here

Niue. I still have a few seats and rooms on my Niue tour departing 05 August. I invite you to join me. Read here

Autumn Tints. You have seen the pictures but have you seen the reality of Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Te Anau in full Autumn glory? I am a great fan of the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise operating in March and April, and even more of the 2 night Doubtful Sound cruise in May. Most cruises are full but there are still some cabins. See it all on our FABULOUS FIORDLAND package including Queenstown, Glenorchy, Milford Sound, Te Anau and Doubtful Sound 1 or 2 night cruise but be in quick: Read here

TREATY

The Treaty of Waitangi is a sacred document that should be honoured and not re-interpreted. TheTreaty Principles Bill is a clumsy attempt to restate what the Treaty already says. Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters need to honour their promise to let it die at the next reading. For more on the Treaty, its history and current relevance  Read here

TRANSPORT

Auckland Transport continue their incompetent way without the common sense to realise the side effects. I talk especially today of raised speed calming platforms proliferating throughout the city at great cost and causing  enormous problems for commuters, drivers, emergency vehicles, and cost blowouts. On a recent trip from Auckland city to the airport I counted 7 raised bus busting platforms between Onehunga and Mangere and 6 between Mangere town centre and airport. They make life difficult and slow travel down for the drivers, damage the suspension on the buses, and are uncomfortable for passengers. Rock and Roll Thump and Bump The situation as it affects Dominion Rd services on the stupid detour from Symonds St up Mt Eden Rd, through Bellevue Rd and down View Rd to Dominion Rd. Another example of stupidity and hypocrisy is the pixellating of passengers windows so that the view is at best obscured and at worst unavailable. One double decker I travelled on this week had my window virtually totally obscured and a great blank black screen in front of me making it impossible to tell  where I was on my journey. One of the joys of public transport is being able to sit back and let someone else do the driving while watching the world go by. Read more. Another week goes by - another $2 million dollars of ratepayers money paid out in excess operating subsidies, another $2 million paid by Auckland commuters in excess fares, another 600 tons of carbon needlessly emitted, and all commuters forced to suffer a far from optimum network and schedules  through failure to implement Supermaxx, and it will be the same next week, and the week after, until Auckland Transport is fixed.

SCHOOL LUNCHES. 

The saga continues despite the protestations of the Minister in charge that the problem has been 'fixed'. Any rational businessman would have realised that the price of $3 was unsustainable to prepare a nutritious meal and distribute it across the country..

PARLIAMENTARY TERM. 

We of the New Zealand Party developed in 1987 the total package to introduce a much more participatory and effective democracy. I believe in a 4 year term but there must be ways of calling the politicians to account. Our programme was (1) To remove a lot of the politicking declare the first saturday of October as Election Day for both Local and Central Government elections with allowance to change in exceptional circumstances. (2) Introduce Mandatory Citizen Initiated referendums in conjunction with each local and central government election with any issue achieving a yes vote of at least 60% of votes cast being mandatory to introduce - or the government would be required to resign. (3) The first question of the first referendum would be "Do you agree to a 4 year term for both Central and Local Government bodies?" . If passed some adjustment would need to be made to term in the first instance so that there would an election/referendum every second October. Elections for both Local and central Government would be by voting booth.  Election Results would be declared on the day.  Referendum results would be required to be declared within 7 days of the election. The politicians in power hated the idea of being actually called to account!

ISRAEL 

It is tragic to see the war in Gaza has started again  today (24th March). Is it another case of visionless mediocrities of politicians unable to see the big picture and present a long term solution that is fair to both Israelis and the Palestinians? For more on this and the history and a possible solution for Gaza Read here 

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Events in the world are moving  fast.  It is fascinating sitting on the sidelines (currently) in our small friendly and relatively peaceful country while the rest of the world sinks into greater and greater chaos. Events in Russia (I have visited 14 times), Ukraine (visited 3 times), Europe and Great Britain (visited many times), Israel (visited 17 times), Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt (visited 6 or 7 times), and the United States and Canada (visited many times) bring back many great memories, and sorrow for the millions around the world suffering from war, disease, famine, and persecution.

As a christian I understand that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth", with design and purpose for a limited time (we don't know how long) Genesis 1 v 1. He is very patient with the people he created. Around 4.500 years ago God looked down on the earth and "saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence" so he destroyed them in a great flood and started again with Noah and his sons. Genesis 6 v 11.  In 2025 God looks down on the earth and sees that it is corrupt and filled with violence and it grieves his heart.  I believe He is getting  tired of the war, corruption, injustice, lying, hatred, and physical and verbal abuse He sees in the world, the disobedience of people to his laws, the abuse and mockery He suffers in the world, and the trashing of this planet that he gave us as our home. He will shortly bring it to an end. When his disciples asked him when he would come back he refused to tell them but gave many signs to look for which are rapidly coming to fulfillment. Will the world as we know it end? Read more. As a child of God and a citizen of His Kingdom I have total peace,  my eternal future is totally secure and while we may have to go through hard times in this life I look forward by the grace of God and no merit my own being with him for ever.  The secret of Success in this life and the next. Read more:

This is an age of confusion, illusion, delusion, depression, and suicide. Yet we can have total peace in this life. It is my prayer that you too will experience it.  Listen to the words of Jesus. " Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest".  Matthew 11 v 28