Why not have a general strike day with the nurses and NZCTU. Now that would be shouting from the window, that WE have had more than enough of the three headed hydra
There is a problem in New Zealand - about half the population apparently supports the revolting moves being undertaken by our coalition government. This seems to be because they lack the empathy to understand other people's situations, and they do nothing until they are personally affected by the issue - e.g., they or one of their family fails to get proper medical attention because there are no staff available. Then they moan, but until then, they're perfectly happy to see qualified people leaving the country in droves, hospital staff being worked to burnout, and low-paid workers in all sorts of areas being denied any kind of financial help. How do we get these people to realise the damage they're causing?
I think many are unaware of what is really going on & fall for the spin doctors messaging that all is well, we’re on track (& if not it’s Labour’s fault)
The takeover of key media ownership & media roles is also complicit in this
I have been a Registered Nurse for over 34 years now.
I have found that government that leans left is generally better for health policy in general, but not by much. They are generally also more responsive to pay claims of which I am thankful, yes it's a vocation but I still have to pay the bills.
However I have never worked under a government that seems hell bent on privatization, they are not even trying to hide their agenda. Millions for private providers that are essentially lost to the public sector.
Simeon Brown is the least qualified health minister of all time in my opinion. I find his ideology repugnant, and his continued lying disgusting.
I am going to a leaving party for a colleague tonight who isn't going to be replaced as we are told we are overstaffed, tell that to my colleagues when we finish a shift and go home to mentally and physically exhausted to interact with our family members.
It's time for radical change. I am coming to the end of my career, one that on the whole has been rewarding and I feel it has helped to make a difference to people, but it has also left me at times deeply depressed unable to give anything more of myself.
The change i would like to see and that I think would make a difference is taking health out of politics much like MP's pay and a proper assessment made of pay, conditions, staffing ratios and especially unmet need so we can deliver a proper thorough plan to get out of this crisis.
The idea that the government is able to issue sovereign debt needs shouting from every roof top in the country. As does the argument for a truly progressive tax system.
I hope i haven't invaded too much on you guys but I have to keep telling it as it is.
I will proudly be on the picket line on the 30th because I care about you and my colleagues, we would love you to be there too.
No need to apologise Russ. It is we - the electorate - who should apologise to YOU for electing a government that alllows this to happen . Thank you for your service and 34 years of concern for our well-being to date. We must do all we can to not only save our public health system but improve it. Kia kaha Russ ... and you can be sure I will :) B
I always appreciate the articles that come from you Bryan. I agree with Vivienne's comment. But why stop at nurses, NZCTU. It's like the workers of NZ need to unite!
What a magnificent and timely scene. And interesting that a NZ newsreader, Oriini Kaipara, has just said she's tired of being impartial in her job and having to bite her tongue and so is going into politics to make change. We all need to stick our heads out the window and yell.
Yep! Doing those things. I like your idea of the combo also Vivienne - and agree with you Judy. Too many people don’t care - or don’t even notice - until it affects them personally. Our nurses, our caregivers/support workers - and our doctors too - work their butts off with only the best of intentions - until they get burnt out and can’t take it anymore. It’s not making sense that many of our local nurse graduates can’t get jobs in NZ on completing their training. Of course they’re going to go overseas. And at the same time we’re told that there are jobs in Whatu Ora just waiting to be filled. Nope - not adding up 💁🏼♀️
Whole-heartedly agree, and how anyone with a single shred of common-sense can continue to support this current chaotic Government ( term loosely used ) is beyond my understanding :(
But then as a couple of Ladies have already commented on this post, so many in our Country don't give a toss as to what the Government is up to and the lives it impacts... just so long as it isn't theirs... and it's not until any one thing touches them that they might then have a light-bulb moment...
When did we become such a cruel, heartless Society caring only about self, the almighty DOLLAR adored above People, and to hell with anyone struggling .... their plight, their problem?
But I'm ok Jack, I'm sorted ( not me personally ) ... now where have I heard that before?
Laughable that we have Government where the right hand constantly doesn't know what the left hand is doing ... Laughable because it's so damned ridiculous and frustrating ....
Case in point : On one hand we have Truant Officer Seymour insisting that all children of age should be in School .... no exemptions, no excuses!
And then on the other hand we have Ms. Stanford looking into removing the very Bus services that transport some of those same kids to School ...
What's it to be? Kids in class? or no Buses to get them to Class?
Go figure....
All these politicians who are forever seen on the telly, attending School classrooms, squatting down beside the children, pretending to be engaged with them ... until they get the nod that the filming has finished... then off and away.
I become more and more convinced that those School kids could do a far better job of running this Country, and the Politicians who use them merely as "Stage Props" should take note....
Brilliant post, Bryan. Beale was right we do need to get mad as hell. But if we don’t take the next step and understand who actually controls the system we’re trapped in, that rage will go nowhere. Worse, it’ll be redirected against scapegoats while the real culprits keep milking the machine.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: our government voluntarily borrows money at interest from private banks and markets, even though it has the legal authority to issue public credit free of interest through the Reserve Bank and Treasury.
In 2023, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand confirmed that:
> “When a bank makes a loan… new money is created.”
(RBNZ, “Money Creation in New Zealand”)
That means nearly every dollar in circulation is created by commercial banks, not the government. And every one of those dollars is issued as a debt—with interest attached. This isn’t just inefficient. It’s exploitative.
But here’s what most don’t realise: the law gives us a way out.
✅ Section 125 of the Reserve Bank Act 2021 lets the Government instruct the Reserve Bank to pursue alternative economic goals—including supporting sovereign public credit issuance—for 12 months via an Order in Council.
✅ Section 47(2) of the Public Finance Act 1989 lets the Minister of Finance borrow directly from the Reserve Bank—no private banks required.
✅ Section 26G allows a temporary departure from the usual fiscal handbrake, to deal with major economic challenges—like the ones we face right now.
We at Uniting Peoples Credit Movement NZ have drafted a public petition to demand the Government use these powers—not next year, not during the next global crisis, but now. To break the debt spiral, fund real infrastructure, and restore economic sovereignty to the people of Aotearoa.
A Reclaim Monetary Sovereignty Petition to the NZ Parliament to go live shortly.
So yes—get mad. But then get specific. Because until we name the monetary system and challenge its control, we’re just shouting out the window while the rent goes up, the roads crumble, and our children inherit liabilities instead of assets.
Monetary sovereignty is not a radical idea. It’s a democratic necessity.
I joined the Pay equity protest at parliament recently - one of a number of oldies in the crowd. A lady next to me had travelled from 1hr30min away, I had only journeyed an hour. I appreciate those who are working can't join in, but us retirees can. We can get up and shout for a "we" society! I will be joining the CTU and nurses when they present their petition later this month - pencilled in on my calendar.
"The profit of the capitalist comes through the exploitation of the workers – the interests of the two are diametrically opposed.”
Vulture Capitalism. Grace Blakely
The people who are presently in govt seem to all be entirely devoid of compassion & empathy. They seem determined to tighten the screws on every last worker in the country, apparently starting with nurses. I think they may have made a mistake in this because they seem not to understand just how much nurses are valued by most of us, & how neccessary they are.
I think the idea of a general strike is an excellent one. If every last worker across the country was to strike in support of nurses it might just get the govt to comprehend that really, people are a tad pithed off with them & their ever more cruel policies which benefit only those who are already 'sorted'.
Every time I hear that phrase of ‘having had enough’ my mind also returns to that very scene, amazing. Superb you have supplied emails for those two power holders. Thanks.
Seems like deja vue - Simeon Brown is whinging about the effect of the Nurses’ strike on the public using the same words as he used when the doctors went on strike a few months ago. And those figures for how many people awaiting treatments will be inconvenienced seem grossly overinflated. I have no way of checking but weren’t those the same figures quoted s few months back too?
I think it's the people who are ok cos their sorted they don't seem to be able to comprehend other people's circumstances or don't want to more likely. They think we'll it's your fault if you aren't "sorted" Loved the clip really powerful.
Why not have a general strike day with the nurses and NZCTU. Now that would be shouting from the window, that WE have had more than enough of the three headed hydra
Why not indeed - great idea!!
There is a problem in New Zealand - about half the population apparently supports the revolting moves being undertaken by our coalition government. This seems to be because they lack the empathy to understand other people's situations, and they do nothing until they are personally affected by the issue - e.g., they or one of their family fails to get proper medical attention because there are no staff available. Then they moan, but until then, they're perfectly happy to see qualified people leaving the country in droves, hospital staff being worked to burnout, and low-paid workers in all sorts of areas being denied any kind of financial help. How do we get these people to realise the damage they're causing?
I agree with you. There are many who are "comfortable" and don't appreciate what they stand to lose until it has gone.
I think many are unaware of what is really going on & fall for the spin doctors messaging that all is well, we’re on track (& if not it’s Labour’s fault)
The takeover of key media ownership & media roles is also complicit in this
Apologies I am going to have a rant.
I have been a Registered Nurse for over 34 years now.
I have found that government that leans left is generally better for health policy in general, but not by much. They are generally also more responsive to pay claims of which I am thankful, yes it's a vocation but I still have to pay the bills.
However I have never worked under a government that seems hell bent on privatization, they are not even trying to hide their agenda. Millions for private providers that are essentially lost to the public sector.
Simeon Brown is the least qualified health minister of all time in my opinion. I find his ideology repugnant, and his continued lying disgusting.
I am going to a leaving party for a colleague tonight who isn't going to be replaced as we are told we are overstaffed, tell that to my colleagues when we finish a shift and go home to mentally and physically exhausted to interact with our family members.
It's time for radical change. I am coming to the end of my career, one that on the whole has been rewarding and I feel it has helped to make a difference to people, but it has also left me at times deeply depressed unable to give anything more of myself.
The change i would like to see and that I think would make a difference is taking health out of politics much like MP's pay and a proper assessment made of pay, conditions, staffing ratios and especially unmet need so we can deliver a proper thorough plan to get out of this crisis.
The idea that the government is able to issue sovereign debt needs shouting from every roof top in the country. As does the argument for a truly progressive tax system.
I hope i haven't invaded too much on you guys but I have to keep telling it as it is.
I will proudly be on the picket line on the 30th because I care about you and my colleagues, we would love you to be there too.
Kia haha keep posting
No need to apologise Russ. It is we - the electorate - who should apologise to YOU for electing a government that alllows this to happen . Thank you for your service and 34 years of concern for our well-being to date. We must do all we can to not only save our public health system but improve it. Kia kaha Russ ... and you can be sure I will :) B
Rant away! As far as I’m concerned, you are entitled to!!
I’m grateful that people like Bryan give us a safe space to rant, without idiots who try to belittle us for our beliefs.
I always appreciate the articles that come from you Bryan. I agree with Vivienne's comment. But why stop at nurses, NZCTU. It's like the workers of NZ need to unite!
Yes Kathy I agree - let us all unite like we did for the Treaty!!
What a magnificent and timely scene. And interesting that a NZ newsreader, Oriini Kaipara, has just said she's tired of being impartial in her job and having to bite her tongue and so is going into politics to make change. We all need to stick our heads out the window and yell.
Yes, April - I thought that too about Irini …
Yep! Doing those things. I like your idea of the combo also Vivienne - and agree with you Judy. Too many people don’t care - or don’t even notice - until it affects them personally. Our nurses, our caregivers/support workers - and our doctors too - work their butts off with only the best of intentions - until they get burnt out and can’t take it anymore. It’s not making sense that many of our local nurse graduates can’t get jobs in NZ on completing their training. Of course they’re going to go overseas. And at the same time we’re told that there are jobs in Whatu Ora just waiting to be filled. Nope - not adding up 💁🏼♀️
Whole-heartedly agree, and how anyone with a single shred of common-sense can continue to support this current chaotic Government ( term loosely used ) is beyond my understanding :(
But then as a couple of Ladies have already commented on this post, so many in our Country don't give a toss as to what the Government is up to and the lives it impacts... just so long as it isn't theirs... and it's not until any one thing touches them that they might then have a light-bulb moment...
When did we become such a cruel, heartless Society caring only about self, the almighty DOLLAR adored above People, and to hell with anyone struggling .... their plight, their problem?
But I'm ok Jack, I'm sorted ( not me personally ) ... now where have I heard that before?
Laughable that we have Government where the right hand constantly doesn't know what the left hand is doing ... Laughable because it's so damned ridiculous and frustrating ....
Case in point : On one hand we have Truant Officer Seymour insisting that all children of age should be in School .... no exemptions, no excuses!
And then on the other hand we have Ms. Stanford looking into removing the very Bus services that transport some of those same kids to School ...
What's it to be? Kids in class? or no Buses to get them to Class?
Go figure....
All these politicians who are forever seen on the telly, attending School classrooms, squatting down beside the children, pretending to be engaged with them ... until they get the nod that the filming has finished... then off and away.
I become more and more convinced that those School kids could do a far better job of running this Country, and the Politicians who use them merely as "Stage Props" should take note....
Brilliant post, Bryan. Beale was right we do need to get mad as hell. But if we don’t take the next step and understand who actually controls the system we’re trapped in, that rage will go nowhere. Worse, it’ll be redirected against scapegoats while the real culprits keep milking the machine.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: our government voluntarily borrows money at interest from private banks and markets, even though it has the legal authority to issue public credit free of interest through the Reserve Bank and Treasury.
In 2023, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand confirmed that:
> “When a bank makes a loan… new money is created.”
(RBNZ, “Money Creation in New Zealand”)
That means nearly every dollar in circulation is created by commercial banks, not the government. And every one of those dollars is issued as a debt—with interest attached. This isn’t just inefficient. It’s exploitative.
But here’s what most don’t realise: the law gives us a way out.
✅ Section 125 of the Reserve Bank Act 2021 lets the Government instruct the Reserve Bank to pursue alternative economic goals—including supporting sovereign public credit issuance—for 12 months via an Order in Council.
✅ Section 47(2) of the Public Finance Act 1989 lets the Minister of Finance borrow directly from the Reserve Bank—no private banks required.
✅ Section 26G allows a temporary departure from the usual fiscal handbrake, to deal with major economic challenges—like the ones we face right now.
We at Uniting Peoples Credit Movement NZ have drafted a public petition to demand the Government use these powers—not next year, not during the next global crisis, but now. To break the debt spiral, fund real infrastructure, and restore economic sovereignty to the people of Aotearoa.
A Reclaim Monetary Sovereignty Petition to the NZ Parliament to go live shortly.
So yes—get mad. But then get specific. Because until we name the monetary system and challenge its control, we’re just shouting out the window while the rent goes up, the roads crumble, and our children inherit liabilities instead of assets.
Monetary sovereignty is not a radical idea. It’s a democratic necessity.
Brilliant 👍
I joined the Pay equity protest at parliament recently - one of a number of oldies in the crowd. A lady next to me had travelled from 1hr30min away, I had only journeyed an hour. I appreciate those who are working can't join in, but us retirees can. We can get up and shout for a "we" society! I will be joining the CTU and nurses when they present their petition later this month - pencilled in on my calendar.
"The profit of the capitalist comes through the exploitation of the workers – the interests of the two are diametrically opposed.”
Vulture Capitalism. Grace Blakely
The people who are presently in govt seem to all be entirely devoid of compassion & empathy. They seem determined to tighten the screws on every last worker in the country, apparently starting with nurses. I think they may have made a mistake in this because they seem not to understand just how much nurses are valued by most of us, & how neccessary they are.
I think the idea of a general strike is an excellent one. If every last worker across the country was to strike in support of nurses it might just get the govt to comprehend that really, people are a tad pithed off with them & their ever more cruel policies which benefit only those who are already 'sorted'.
Every time I hear that phrase of ‘having had enough’ my mind also returns to that very scene, amazing. Superb you have supplied emails for those two power holders. Thanks.
Well said!
Thanks for the heads up..I've signed
Seems like deja vue - Simeon Brown is whinging about the effect of the Nurses’ strike on the public using the same words as he used when the doctors went on strike a few months ago. And those figures for how many people awaiting treatments will be inconvenienced seem grossly overinflated. I have no way of checking but weren’t those the same figures quoted s few months back too?
I think it's the people who are ok cos their sorted they don't seem to be able to comprehend other people's circumstances or don't want to more likely. They think we'll it's your fault if you aren't "sorted" Loved the clip really powerful.