Quentin McDonald
@dqmcd.bsky.social
Ōtautahi/Christchurch He/Him
Aka Q
Toitū te Tiriti
Otherwise I am probably not the droid you are looking for.
Aka Q
Toitū te Tiriti
Otherwise I am probably not the droid you are looking for.
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
Kahurangi Carter has become the first candidate to announce their bid for the central Christchurch seat at the coming general election.
Green Party eyes central Christchurch seat at coming election
Kahurangi Carter has become the first candidate to announce their bid for the central Christchurch seat at the coming general election.
dlvr.it
January 26, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Kahurangi Carter has become the first candidate to announce their bid for the central Christchurch seat at the coming general election.
This little fluff ball was one of two that followed me for a surprisingly long time as I did a trapline in the wet bush this morning. At times they brushed gently against me.
I know they only want the bugs I stir up but I like to imagine the are saying "thanks" as well.
I know they only want the bugs I stir up but I like to imagine the are saying "thanks" as well.
January 26, 2026 at 6:44 AM
This little fluff ball was one of two that followed me for a surprisingly long time as I did a trapline in the wet bush this morning. At times they brushed gently against me.
I know they only want the bugs I stir up but I like to imagine the are saying "thanks" as well.
I know they only want the bugs I stir up but I like to imagine the are saying "thanks" as well.
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
If you want to count the votes quicker then you shouldn't have changed the law preventing people from updating their address in the two weeks prior to election, meaning more people will be casting special votes
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Minister and commission’s stoush over 20-day wait for special votes
The Electoral Commission says it will still take 20 days to count votes this year, despite a law change - but Paul Goldsmith is adamant they can go faster.
www.thepost.co.nz
January 25, 2026 at 6:05 PM
If you want to count the votes quicker then you shouldn't have changed the law preventing people from updating their address in the two weeks prior to election, meaning more people will be casting special votes
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360...
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
This post calling Noem her friend is still up on Judith Collins facebook by the way, and there really aren't ANY good reasons at this point as to why NZ media aren't constantly pressuring her about it
January 24, 2026 at 11:10 PM
This post calling Noem her friend is still up on Judith Collins facebook by the way, and there really aren't ANY good reasons at this point as to why NZ media aren't constantly pressuring her about it
Yes, exactly. A simple test we can all do - go to a political meeting. Which candidates are in the kitchen with a tea-towel or in the hall with a vacuum cleaner afterwards? Some of the most effective MPs I've ever met you'll always see being the first to help clean up.
My evidence for this: just look at who is on the ground right now co-ordinating assistance and support for communities overwhelmed by the weather: it’s not rocket science.
January 24, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Yes, exactly. A simple test we can all do - go to a political meeting. Which candidates are in the kitchen with a tea-towel or in the hall with a vacuum cleaner afterwards? Some of the most effective MPs I've ever met you'll always see being the first to help clean up.
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
When one of your security guarantors becomes the primary threat to the system that kept you safe, you're not in an alliance anymore. You're in a protection racket with uncertain terms. This is no longer rhetorical. #lessonsfromamerica
January 24, 2026 at 7:20 PM
When one of your security guarantors becomes the primary threat to the system that kept you safe, you're not in an alliance anymore. You're in a protection racket with uncertain terms. This is no longer rhetorical. #lessonsfromamerica
I expect Minnesota’s premier news team is all over the troubling events there.
January 24, 2026 at 1:01 AM
I expect Minnesota’s premier news team is all over the troubling events there.
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
With alt text added, from the Green Party of Aotearoa
January 22, 2026 at 9:00 PM
With alt text added, from the Green Party of Aotearoa
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
The American position is that climate change is a Chinese hoax which will expand Greenland's strategic importance for homeland defense and that is why U.S. allies who are too unwilling to stand up to evil should stop standing up to evil and cede their territory to protect their territory.
January 21, 2026 at 6:57 PM
The American position is that climate change is a Chinese hoax which will expand Greenland's strategic importance for homeland defense and that is why U.S. allies who are too unwilling to stand up to evil should stop standing up to evil and cede their territory to protect their territory.
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 🌿
January 21, 2026 at 3:14 AM
SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 🌿
Excellent point here. For those hesitant about volunteering for the AO/NZ keep in mind that there are also lots of persuadable voters here and if they don’t hear a positive message they’ll go for something negative. Personal contact, f2f or phone, works remarkably well.
interesting that a single face-to-face contact turned this nonvoter into a voter
Incredible quote here from a Somali small business owner in Minneapolis who voted for Trump. minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/19/a...
January 20, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Excellent point here. For those hesitant about volunteering for the AO/NZ keep in mind that there are also lots of persuadable voters here and if they don’t hear a positive message they’ll go for something negative. Personal contact, f2f or phone, works remarkably well.
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
I see Bryce Edwards has posted his triennial piece on how the Greens are suffering because of their support for "identify politics"
Also published today, the CTU mood of the workforce survey showing Sawbrick is the most favored leader (Davidson & Hipkins 2nd equal)
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Also published today, the CTU mood of the workforce survey showing Sawbrick is the most favored leader (Davidson & Hipkins 2nd equal)
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
January 19, 2026 at 4:11 AM
I see Bryce Edwards has posted his triennial piece on how the Greens are suffering because of their support for "identify politics"
Also published today, the CTU mood of the workforce survey showing Sawbrick is the most favored leader (Davidson & Hipkins 2nd equal)
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Also published today, the CTU mood of the workforce survey showing Sawbrick is the most favored leader (Davidson & Hipkins 2nd equal)
www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
"if EnZed Energy was granted a permit, it could be years before any explorative drilling happened - if at all.“
So time to vote in a progressive government at the next election and get the ban back.
So time to vote in a progressive government at the next election and get the ban back.
First offshore oil and gas exploration permit since ban under official consideration
First offshore oil and gas exploration permit since ban under official consideration
Australian firm EnZed Energy's application to explore a large block off the coast of south Taranaki will go to officials with no competing bids.
www.rnz.co.nz
January 16, 2026 at 7:18 AM
"if EnZed Energy was granted a permit, it could be years before any explorative drilling happened - if at all.“
So time to vote in a progressive government at the next election and get the ban back.
So time to vote in a progressive government at the next election and get the ban back.
Introduce yourself with five facts. I am a:
1. Boy with a Problem
2. Mannish Boy
3. Crawling King Snake
4. Gut Feeling
5. Pinhead
1. Boy with a Problem
2. Mannish Boy
3. Crawling King Snake
4. Gut Feeling
5. Pinhead
Introduce yourself with five facts: I am a:
1. Man of Constant Sorrow
2. rock
3. island
4. Believer
5. Song
1. Man of Constant Sorrow
2. rock
3. island
4. Believer
5. Song
Introduce yourself with five facts: I am a:
1. Loser
2. Ruin
3. Mess
4. Believer
5. Your Baby Tonight
1. Loser
2. Ruin
3. Mess
4. Believer
5. Your Baby Tonight
January 15, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Introduce yourself with five facts. I am a:
1. Boy with a Problem
2. Mannish Boy
3. Crawling King Snake
4. Gut Feeling
5. Pinhead
1. Boy with a Problem
2. Mannish Boy
3. Crawling King Snake
4. Gut Feeling
5. Pinhead
I generally would never be happy to see a firm going into liquidation as it generally involves stress and heartbreak. But working for DOGE and then going under when the contracts dry up seems like Karma. As usual the creditors suffer.
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
Collapsed research firm owes millions
Creditors of an award-winning market research firm have been left more than $3m out of pocket.
www.thepress.co.nz
January 14, 2026 at 11:14 PM
I generally would never be happy to see a firm going into liquidation as it generally involves stress and heartbreak. But working for DOGE and then going under when the contracts dry up seems like Karma. As usual the creditors suffer.
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
Two new posts today: I’m starting a new series called Keeping Up With the Coalition because wow this unruly chaos crew sure need a lot of keeping up with. All the horrible stuff + qs in desperate need of answers!
Please share as that really helps me do this work!
Please share as that really helps me do this work!
Keeping up with the Coalition
Ok, well - I did think because it's Monday, it would be cruel to send out a newsletter about everything garbage going on. So I started writing about why Heated Rivalry is so important, and then I was ...
www.emilywrites.co.nz
January 12, 2026 at 4:42 AM
Two new posts today: I’m starting a new series called Keeping Up With the Coalition because wow this unruly chaos crew sure need a lot of keeping up with. All the horrible stuff + qs in desperate need of answers!
Please share as that really helps me do this work!
Please share as that really helps me do this work!
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
YESSSSSS this is great news!!
I’ll be VERY happy to give Craig my electorate vote.
@greens.org.nz
#nzpol
I’ll be VERY happy to give Craig my electorate vote.
@greens.org.nz
#nzpol
Former ECan chair to contest Banks Peninsula
Former Environment Canterbury chairman Craig Pauling is setting his sights on Parliament, entering the race for Banks Peninsula under the Green Party banner.
www.thepress.co.nz
January 2, 2026 at 5:12 PM
YESSSSSS this is great news!!
I’ll be VERY happy to give Craig my electorate vote.
@greens.org.nz
#nzpol
I’ll be VERY happy to give Craig my electorate vote.
@greens.org.nz
#nzpol
Funnily enough I was looking through my own Manage My Health records recently. I've reached the age where I've been investigated for a lot of things, many of which I'd forgotten. But a prospective employer or insurer might be interested.
December 31, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Funnily enough I was looking through my own Manage My Health records recently. I've reached the age where I've been investigated for a lot of things, many of which I'd forgotten. But a prospective employer or insurer might be interested.
The “Teleost” anchored in Whakaraupō/Lyttleton harbour for Christmas. For a mere 155000 Euro a week it could be yours.
December 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The “Teleost” anchored in Whakaraupō/Lyttleton harbour for Christmas. For a mere 155000 Euro a week it could be yours.
This is an *excellent* summary of the issues with the new curriculum.
What the HELL is happening with the new school curriculum? www.emilywrites.co.nz/what-the-hel...
What the HELL is happening with the new school curriculum? www.emilywrites.co.nz/what-the-hel...
What the HELL is happening with the new school curriculum?
Over and over again, I've had emails and messages from parents asking me about the new curriculum. I tried to get my head around it, but just had more questions than answers. So I teamed up with my fr...
www.emilywrites.co.nz
November 19, 2025 at 4:50 AM
This is an *excellent* summary of the issues with the new curriculum.
What the HELL is happening with the new school curriculum? www.emilywrites.co.nz/what-the-hel...
What the HELL is happening with the new school curriculum? www.emilywrites.co.nz/what-the-hel...
I suspect the fact this has been transferred to the Ministry of Environment will be taken by Nigel as "proof" that the EPA knows about weather control in AoNZ and the MOE is suppressing it.
[Response] EPA replied about Authority to emit cloud over New Zealand
November 18, 2025 at 12:17 AM
I suspect the fact this has been transferred to the Ministry of Environment will be taken by Nigel as "proof" that the EPA knows about weather control in AoNZ and the MOE is suppressing it.
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
Paywall lifted: At every turn, the Govt has opted for whatever would actually lead to more pollution and a warmer world – even if it costs more, jeopardises NZ’s reputation, overturns a campaign promise or clashes with the Govt’s other priorities.
The long retreat:
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/07/g...
The long retreat:
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/07/g...
Govt's climate strategy: Let it burn
Comment: The Government has relentlessly pursued policies that boost climate pollution – even if they cost more or jeopardise NZ's reputation, Marc Daalder writes
newsroom.co.nz
November 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Paywall lifted: At every turn, the Govt has opted for whatever would actually lead to more pollution and a warmer world – even if it costs more, jeopardises NZ’s reputation, overturns a campaign promise or clashes with the Govt’s other priorities.
The long retreat:
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/07/g...
The long retreat:
newsroom.co.nz/2025/11/07/g...
From neighbourhood FB page. I have to admit Winston is some type of genius in this respect.
November 7, 2025 at 9:34 AM
From neighbourhood FB page. I have to admit Winston is some type of genius in this respect.
Reposted by Quentin McDonald
Kia ora e hoa mā. I'm pleased to announce that I'm coming out of retirement to take up the role of Chief of Staff role for the Green Party in Parliament (think Malcolm Tucker, Leo McGarry). I'm not moving away from Te Tai o Poutini, but just now going the process of setting up a 2nd home in Wgtn.
November 5, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Kia ora e hoa mā. I'm pleased to announce that I'm coming out of retirement to take up the role of Chief of Staff role for the Green Party in Parliament (think Malcolm Tucker, Leo McGarry). I'm not moving away from Te Tai o Poutini, but just now going the process of setting up a 2nd home in Wgtn.
Mr 20 started his first full time job today. One thing tertiary education doesn't prepare you for is how much modern working life is "meetings". His calendar is hilarious.
November 3, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Mr 20 started his first full time job today. One thing tertiary education doesn't prepare you for is how much modern working life is "meetings". His calendar is hilarious.