Good change in the world

Every good person says yes

Last week The Good Registry ticked over the one million mark: $1million raised for good causes in New Zealand, many thousands of unwanted gifts foregone. The effects of all this goodness and generosity are far reaching. It’s not just the money for good causes (although that is – obviously – significant). It’s the environmental impact… Continue reading Every good person says yes

Good change in the world

Transparency is a system – how can we fix it?

I’ve been reading the recent discussion about transparency and the public sector with a great deal of interest.  Transparency is a crucial part of a strong and functioning democracy. By most objective measures the legislation and policies that support transparency in New Zealand are strong.  So it’s interesting and concerning to read editorials from the media… Continue reading Transparency is a system – how can we fix it?

Good change in the world

Cancel culture and the pile on

This week, 150 prominent writers and academics put their names to a Letter on Justice and Open Debate, published in Harper’s Magazine.  The letter bemoaned what the writers felt was a growing illiberalism in public discourse.  It was a curious and strangely unenlightening contribution to an ongoing discussion about “cancel culture”, perhaps prompted by a… Continue reading Cancel culture and the pile on

Good change at work, Good change in the world

We can be the changemakers

Public Relations Institute of New Zealand Changing Mindsets Conference 2019: opening speech  We’re gathered here today in the name of change. Each block of presentations in this conference is framed around a different aspect of change, and each presenter will offer their own observations on change. And for everyone here it’s an opportunity to think… Continue reading We can be the changemakers

Good change in the world

Can’t you take a joke?

I grew up with comedy, listening to and reciting Rowan Atkinson and Monty Python while doing the dishes with my brother in our suburban Palmerston North kitchen.  We would invent and record or perform sketches, and put on shows for anyone who would watch – costumes, recorded music and all.  At university, we wrote and… Continue reading Can’t you take a joke?

Good change in the world

Framing and Free Speech: are we letting the alt-right win the battle of wits?

In his 2004 book, Don’t Think of An Elephant, American linguist George Lakoff described the power of “framing” – the use of commonly understood metaphors, or narrative constructs, to describe issues or events in a way that makes sense to people, and means they will be more easily convinved of a contrary world view.  Thus,… Continue reading Framing and Free Speech: are we letting the alt-right win the battle of wits?

Good change in the world

The female gaze; the mother tongue

When I was in my mid-twenties I was a junior member of the editorial team in a television newsroom. I had a lot to learn about television news, so I tended to just listen, and when I did contribute, I quickly learned that my input was offtrack. It turned out I wasn’t really very good… Continue reading The female gaze; the mother tongue