My Tribute to Michael Cullen

Last Saturday I was honoured to speak at the memorial service for the late Michael Cullen, my Deputy Prime Minister for six years and Finance Minister for nine years. Below is the link to my tribute to Michael. It was wonderful to catch up with Michael's family and many friends and colleagues from my decades in New Zealand politics.

CURRENT ISSUES

Salman Rushdie

“A great relief to read that Salman Rushdie is now “off ventilator & able to talk after 'preplanned' attack” on him. Hoping for recovery. Rushdie is a brilliant author: it’s hard to comprehend the hatred that drives an assailant to attack him so viciously.”

AUKUS defence alliance

“If AUKUS defence alliance is focused on nuclear-powered submarines as US Department Secretary of State told RNZ, then that in itself is a defining reason for New Zealand never joining: nuclear powered submarines by law cannot come to NZ ports; nuclear-free policy would be contravened.”

“3 strikes & you are out” law

“Pleased to see 2010 “3 strikes & you are out” law repealed by New Zealand Parliament and discretion over sentencing returned to judiciary. Such arbitrary law can result in manifest injustice. It is better for sentencing judge to weigh the issues during sentencing.”

The new Colombian President and the war on drugs

“Exciting news from Colombia: the newly inaugurated President, Gustavo Petro calls for "a new global convention that accepts the war on drugs has failed." Colombia has paid a heavy price for that war in lives lost & terrorism & organised crime fuelled by it.”

Caroline Kennedy acknowledges bravery of Solomon Islanders

“Heart warming to see Caroline Kennedy, the new US ambassador to Australia acknowledge bravery of Solomon Islanders who helped save her father's life in Battle of Guadalcanal: 80th anniversary commemorated this week. My uncle was in New Zealand forces in WW2 in Solomon Islands.”

Check out my Twitter page for more information and links on these issues.

PAST EVENT

REVOLUTIONISE; AHRI Public Sector HR Conference

15 August

I was pleased to be invited to speak at this year’s National Convention & Exhibition in Sydney. The session focused on global crises reponse, the now and the road ahead.

THE LATEST FROM THE HELEN CLARK FOUNDATION

Webinar: The Global Implications of the Fall of Roe vs Wade 

30 August

We are pleased to announce another members only exclusive webinar. 

The end of Roe v. Wade, a Supreme Court decision that protected abortion rights in the United States for almost exactly 50 years, means at least 52 percent of American women and other people with the capacity for pregnancy will face new restrictions on their ability to have abortions. Furthermore, the implications of this setback to human rights reach far beyond the borders of the United States.

Join our distinguished panel as they reflect on the global implications of the fall of Roe, featuring the Rt Hon Helen Clark in conversation with Mina Barling, Director for External Relations at International Planned Parenthood Federation, Stephen Omollo, CEO at Plan International and Dr. Maliha Khan, President & CEO, Women Deliver. The panel will be chaired by long serving research fellow at the Helen Clark Foundation Dr Holly Walker.

Sign up as a member and you will receive an email with registration information.

The Shared Path

The benefits of low-traffic neighbourhoods include reduced carbon emissions, increased road safety, and better health, equity, and social connection. Check out a recent article in NZ Stuff on that topic.

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Our Youtube Channel

Check out our Youtube Channel with tons of great webinars. Topics include include productivity, perinatal and maternal mental health, sustainable cities, health equity, and many many more.