Insights
The umlaut premium
Bürgen bread, often mistaken as German, was actually an Australian product created by Doug Leighton, symbolising authenticity through its umlaut rather than true heritage.
Satire
Insights
They came in peace. We came with clipboards.
The Martian Audit portrays two Martians touring New Zealand, baffled by absurd legalities, ultimately deciding invading Australia would be simpler.
Research reports
The Martian Audit
The Martian Audit is a satirical novella featuring Martian auditors who, upon encountering New Zealand’s bureaucratic absurdities, decide the country is not worth conquering, humorously critiquing public policy and governance.
Insights
Health and safety on the rocks
Air New Zealand’s new whisky rule mandates a single ice cube, reflecting bureaucratic caution. Meanwhile, Qantas’ (of all companies) has a more respectful approach.
Insights
Why did the chicken cross the road? A Nobel attempt
László Krasznahorkai, recently awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, is known for his apocalyptic fiction and intricate style. His writing inspires reflections on existential themes and narrative purpose.
Insights
Talking in code
Seemingly disjointed political conversations may actually be strategic signaling among leaders, as demonstrated in the Interislander ferries saga.
Insights
My strange German addictions
German politics can be baffling up close – but following its bureaucratic melodramas from New Zealand takes dedication bordering on the surreal.
Insights
Absurd Beehive theatre
The New Zealand public has a right to know the truth, the full truth, and nothing but the truth.
Insights
Pavlova’s identity crisis
Whether Pavlova, Häagen-Dazs or Hawaiian pizza, there is too much confusion over culinary appropriation and national identity in food.
Insights
Commerce Commission’s green crusade
What if the Commerce Commission expanded its oversight to include New Zealand’s ecosystems, aiming to address unfair advantages in flora and fauna?