Penn Raine: Give us a smile, darling.

Is the demand that women smile for men still a thing? Are females still instructed by strangers in the lift to ‘Cheer up, it might never happen,’? This pervasive requirement for women to display performative amiability had, I thought been largely swept away in the roiling waters of last century’s feminism.

That feminist struggle that today sees female students outnumbering men at our universities, notably at medical schools. That sees 38% of parliamentarians as women, the highest ever percentage since we were first admitted to the chamber in 1919. Ideally, I suppose this figure should be higher - if the job could be seen as estimable, which is moot.

Clive Bibby: In defence of men and the rule of law

I wonder how many blokes are getting a bit tired of having to justify their very existence every time they come within screaming distance of members of the "MeToo" movement.

What can we do to avert this mindless mis-characterisation of the innocent?

Fiona Mackenzie: Monkey Business in the Town Hall

Strict Maori powhiri protocol was imposed on Auckland Council’s inauguration last Tuesday (29th Oct). Women councillors were directed into the back row behind all their male colleagues, then to the end of the line-up for the hongi. One councillor said she was “shoved” into the back, while another explained that the women simply followed each other. It’s hard to imagine these strong, assertive women willingly being so meek and submissive – especially as their ranks contain at least one ex-MP, two ex-mayors and a deputy mayor.  Wherever the truth lies, the appearance of discrimination and rudeness towards our democratically-elected councillors (and, by inference, all women) was shocking.

Whoever was responsible is obviously unaware that: 1) sexual discrimination is illegal in New Zealand workplaces and government, and 2) in politics, one must be seen to be doing the right thing.