A.E. Thompson: Manipulated by Language

Radio New Zealand is still called that. Labour's abandoned plan to merge it with TVNZ would have enabled the name 'Aotearoa' to be used. The 'working name' used by Labour as they worked through the merger and necessary legislation was 'Aotearoa NZ Public Media', but if it had progressed we can be sure they would have dropped the NZ entirely. They couldn't even bring themselves to use more than the initials of our country's name. Like The Christchurch Shooter whose name, according to Ardern's dictate, should never be spoken.

It's not clear why RNZ and TVNZ have not already abandoned that colonial term for Maoriland; possibly the laws underpinning their existence and funding would have made it difficult. Getting rid of 'New Zealand' may have been one of the reasons the Ardern government embarked upon the merger, alongside Ardern's desire for a media monolith that could be more effective for spreading her politburo's preferred propaganda.

Brian Easton: Christmas Briefing Papers

What Was the Prime Minister Reading in the Runup to Election Year?

It’s the summer break. Everyone settles down with family, books, the sun and some fishing. But the Prime Minister has a pile of briefing papers prepared just before Christmas, which have to be worked through. I haven’t seen them. Here is my guess at some of the headline items – in alphabetical order. (The identified ministers are those who were responsible at Christmas.)