I did my NZ Army Officer training on exchange to Australia 20 odd years ago. At the Australian Defence Force Academy, I got to know a certain Aussie Army fella called Andrew Hastie. I thought he was remarkable then, and think he is even more remarkable now as I've watched his political career take flight (he's now the Federal Opposition Spokesman on Defence following his career in Aus Army SAS).
The primary thing which informed Andrew was his deep and principled Christian faith. He was able to understand morality and call out evil, as he has consistently done his entire political career, including but not limited to the Chinese Communist Party.
Simon, you were the only NZ politician I am aware of who came close to calling out the Chinese Communist Party and the sickening blind eye which NZ turns to it. I lament that nobody in our government seems to have the clarity of either you or Andrew Hastie (and others in Australia too).
I agree with what Simon O’Connor says here about China - until the last line. Why should NZ join AUKUS? In my lifetime the USA has started wars across the world spreading instability and destruction and undermining new nations for no apparent gain. The South Pacific has remained peaceful but giving credence to nuclear subs and accepting USA military influence is likely to undermine this.
Appreciate the comment. I think some of the peace we see in the Pacific is due to the United States, certainly since WWII and along with other nations. I suppose our challenge is how to prevent the militarisation of the Pacific while also ensuring our security against more assertive regimes.
Great stuff!
I did my NZ Army Officer training on exchange to Australia 20 odd years ago. At the Australian Defence Force Academy, I got to know a certain Aussie Army fella called Andrew Hastie. I thought he was remarkable then, and think he is even more remarkable now as I've watched his political career take flight (he's now the Federal Opposition Spokesman on Defence following his career in Aus Army SAS).
The primary thing which informed Andrew was his deep and principled Christian faith. He was able to understand morality and call out evil, as he has consistently done his entire political career, including but not limited to the Chinese Communist Party.
Simon, you were the only NZ politician I am aware of who came close to calling out the Chinese Communist Party and the sickening blind eye which NZ turns to it. I lament that nobody in our government seems to have the clarity of either you or Andrew Hastie (and others in Australia too).
And thank you too, including your service!
I know Hastie well; I will let him know you have commented :)
I agree with what Simon O’Connor says here about China - until the last line. Why should NZ join AUKUS? In my lifetime the USA has started wars across the world spreading instability and destruction and undermining new nations for no apparent gain. The South Pacific has remained peaceful but giving credence to nuclear subs and accepting USA military influence is likely to undermine this.
Appreciate the comment. I think some of the peace we see in the Pacific is due to the United States, certainly since WWII and along with other nations. I suppose our challenge is how to prevent the militarisation of the Pacific while also ensuring our security against more assertive regimes.