Peter Ashford
@peterashford.bsky.social
Software engineer. Dad. Ex game-dev.
I like talking to nice people.
No unsolicited DMs, please
I like talking to nice people.
No unsolicited DMs, please
Reposted by Peter Ashford
The public inquiry into the Iraq War was as damning as it’s possible to be within this system. The parliamentary report on Libya tore the government a new arse. Both of them were instantly thrown in the bin and never mentioned again, in favour of inviting the culprits on TV and giving them peerages.
December 12, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The public inquiry into the Iraq War was as damning as it’s possible to be within this system. The parliamentary report on Libya tore the government a new arse. Both of them were instantly thrown in the bin and never mentioned again, in favour of inviting the culprits on TV and giving them peerages.
Reposted by Peter Ashford
It's so fucked up to have been a kid during the D&D is the devil freakout and the Tipper Gore dirty lyrics freakout and live to see the teen suicide machine get such a pass.
December 12, 2025 at 5:40 PM
It's so fucked up to have been a kid during the D&D is the devil freakout and the Tipper Gore dirty lyrics freakout and live to see the teen suicide machine get such a pass.
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Meantime, a Carer’s “Allowance” works out to $2.45/hr, after tax, and we’re treated as if we are sitting on our arses playing on a PS5. No Kiwisaver either, just a fuck you very much.
I am not kidding about that rate which covers 24/7 #nzpol
I am not kidding about that rate which covers 24/7 #nzpol
Meanwhile Luxon gets a $8500 pay rise this year.. #nzpol
December 12, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Meantime, a Carer’s “Allowance” works out to $2.45/hr, after tax, and we’re treated as if we are sitting on our arses playing on a PS5. No Kiwisaver either, just a fuck you very much.
I am not kidding about that rate which covers 24/7 #nzpol
I am not kidding about that rate which covers 24/7 #nzpol
Reposted by Peter Ashford
The whole article.
Fast and fudged: Crimes bill omits crimes
In most things pushing hard and pushing fast can lead to mistakes. Legislating is no different, as the government keeps showing - under record urgency.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 12, 2025 at 3:24 AM
The whole article.
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Richest 1/1000th of world’s population controls 3 times more wealth than the poorest 50%. "The global wealth gap has become so staggering, and its impact on economies & democratic institutions so corrosive, that policymakers should treat it as an emergency..." www.commondreams.org/news/world-i...
Richest 0.001% Now Own Three Times More Wealth Than Poorest Half of Humanity Combined | Common Dreams
A landmark report on global inequality shows that
the chasm between the richest slice of humanity and everyone else
continued to expand this year
www.commondreams.org
December 11, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Richest 1/1000th of world’s population controls 3 times more wealth than the poorest 50%. "The global wealth gap has become so staggering, and its impact on economies & democratic institutions so corrosive, that policymakers should treat it as an emergency..." www.commondreams.org/news/world-i...
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Willis wants to debate Ruth Richardson, but won't face Jack Tame on Q&A.
'Anytime, anywhere': Nicola Willis challenges Ruth Richardson to debate
The Taxpayers' Union is poised to launch a "pressure campaign" targeting Nicola Willis.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 9, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Willis wants to debate Ruth Richardson, but won't face Jack Tame on Q&A.
Reposted by Peter Ashford
NZ #GreenBudget Highlights:
Free GP and free dental care ✅
Free early childhood education (35hr/w) ✅
Income guarantee ($395/w baseline) ✅
(And more!)
Paid for by:
Raise corporate tax (28% -> 33%) ✅
Wealth tax ✅
Private-jet tax ✅ #nzpol #Greens
www.greens.org.nz/green_budget...
Free GP and free dental care ✅
Free early childhood education (35hr/w) ✅
Income guarantee ($395/w baseline) ✅
(And more!)
Paid for by:
Raise corporate tax (28% -> 33%) ✅
Wealth tax ✅
Private-jet tax ✅ #nzpol #Greens
www.greens.org.nz/green_budget...
Green Budget
We are building a future where we do more, faster, to protect our planet and make sure everyone is treated equally.
www.greens.org.nz
December 9, 2025 at 10:41 AM
NZ #GreenBudget Highlights:
Free GP and free dental care ✅
Free early childhood education (35hr/w) ✅
Income guarantee ($395/w baseline) ✅
(And more!)
Paid for by:
Raise corporate tax (28% -> 33%) ✅
Wealth tax ✅
Private-jet tax ✅ #nzpol #Greens
www.greens.org.nz/green_budget...
Free GP and free dental care ✅
Free early childhood education (35hr/w) ✅
Income guarantee ($395/w baseline) ✅
(And more!)
Paid for by:
Raise corporate tax (28% -> 33%) ✅
Wealth tax ✅
Private-jet tax ✅ #nzpol #Greens
www.greens.org.nz/green_budget...
Reposted by Peter Ashford
The Atlas Network has 589 think tanks in 103 countries that finance the hatred and hoaxes of the extreme right.
Its objective is to protect the privileges of capital owners.
#nzpol
Its objective is to protect the privileges of capital owners.
#nzpol
Atlas Network: Disinformation as a Weapon of Neoliberalism
The organization, founded in 1981, has 589 think tanks in 103 countries that finance the hatred and hoaxes of the extreme right. The objective: to protect the privileges of capital owners.
progressive.international
December 9, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Reposted by Peter Ashford
#NZpol
"...as Utah Phillips put it, “The earth is not dying, it is being killed. And the people who are killing it have names and addresses.”
What our government is doing?
It's on purpose. Our insane system is not "broken", it's working *exactly as these monsters intended it to.*
#ItsByDesign
"...as Utah Phillips put it, “The earth is not dying, it is being killed. And the people who are killing it have names and addresses.”
What our government is doing?
It's on purpose. Our insane system is not "broken", it's working *exactly as these monsters intended it to.*
#ItsByDesign
December 9, 2025 at 5:20 AM
#NZpol
"...as Utah Phillips put it, “The earth is not dying, it is being killed. And the people who are killing it have names and addresses.”
What our government is doing?
It's on purpose. Our insane system is not "broken", it's working *exactly as these monsters intended it to.*
#ItsByDesign
"...as Utah Phillips put it, “The earth is not dying, it is being killed. And the people who are killing it have names and addresses.”
What our government is doing?
It's on purpose. Our insane system is not "broken", it's working *exactly as these monsters intended it to.*
#ItsByDesign
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Why doesn't TVNZ's business reporter just go on the National Party payroll and be done with it? Last night's puff piece on the far-reaching RMA rewrite was a disgrace #nzpol Also, where is Chris Hipkins?
December 9, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Why doesn't TVNZ's business reporter just go on the National Party payroll and be done with it? Last night's puff piece on the far-reaching RMA rewrite was a disgrace #nzpol Also, where is Chris Hipkins?
Reposted by Peter Ashford
The problem with 21st century politics and government is the extreme lack of consequences for lying, sedition, and corruption.
It's, so often, clearly documented and evidenced, but nothing happens.
Even in NZ, our MPs are treated me harshly for accusing another of lying than for actually lying.
It's, so often, clearly documented and evidenced, but nothing happens.
Even in NZ, our MPs are treated me harshly for accusing another of lying than for actually lying.
December 9, 2025 at 7:09 PM
The problem with 21st century politics and government is the extreme lack of consequences for lying, sedition, and corruption.
It's, so often, clearly documented and evidenced, but nothing happens.
Even in NZ, our MPs are treated me harshly for accusing another of lying than for actually lying.
It's, so often, clearly documented and evidenced, but nothing happens.
Even in NZ, our MPs are treated me harshly for accusing another of lying than for actually lying.
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Oh look, data from Earth Sciences New Zealand shows the average temperature across the country during spring was 13.5°C, which was 1.3°C hotter than the long-term average and the warmest spring since records began in 1909.
#collapse
#collapse
December 9, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Oh look, data from Earth Sciences New Zealand shows the average temperature across the country during spring was 13.5°C, which was 1.3°C hotter than the long-term average and the warmest spring since records began in 1909.
#collapse
#collapse
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Australia has had solar subsidies for so long that some of my Aussie colleagues are eligible for a second round of upgrades because it's been ten years.
NZ meanwhile, we can't have nice things. It might upset the status quo.
NZ meanwhile, we can't have nice things. It might upset the status quo.
December 9, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Australia has had solar subsidies for so long that some of my Aussie colleagues are eligible for a second round of upgrades because it's been ten years.
NZ meanwhile, we can't have nice things. It might upset the status quo.
NZ meanwhile, we can't have nice things. It might upset the status quo.
Reposted by Peter Ashford
The funny thing is that while the rest of NZ regards the TPU as trolls funded to agitate on behalf vested interests & Richardson as a terrible minister with a terrible legacy - both best ignored - Willis is easily goaded into giving them exactly what they want.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
'Anytime, anywhere': Nicola Willis challenges Ruth Richardson to debate
The Taxpayers' Union is poised to launch a "pressure campaign" targeting Nicola Willis.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 9, 2025 at 12:34 AM
The funny thing is that while the rest of NZ regards the TPU as trolls funded to agitate on behalf vested interests & Richardson as a terrible minister with a terrible legacy - both best ignored - Willis is easily goaded into giving them exactly what they want.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Slow clap. You just elevated the TPU to the status of serious critic of government policy worthy of a 1-on-1 debate with the minister of finance. In one action you’ve given them the credibility they’ve been trying to buy for years. Just top work.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Ruth Richardson agrees to debate country's fiscal position with Nicola Willis
The former finance minister has accepted the challenge from current Finance Minister Nicola Willis to debate her.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 9, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Slow clap. You just elevated the TPU to the status of serious critic of government policy worthy of a 1-on-1 debate with the minister of finance. In one action you’ve given them the credibility they’ve been trying to buy for years. Just top work.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Reposted by Peter Ashford
The amount of shit this government pushes through under urgency is astounding
December 10, 2025 at 6:08 AM
The amount of shit this government pushes through under urgency is astounding
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Vote for Chlöe
68 privileged people, some swallowing large rats to pass awful legislation under urgency.
Look at yr National MP & think.. u voted Treaty Principles bill to 1st reading, removed Te Tiriti from legislation, watered down climate change, killed pay equity, ripped the poorest #nzpol
68 privileged people, some swallowing large rats to pass awful legislation under urgency.
Look at yr National MP & think.. u voted Treaty Principles bill to 1st reading, removed Te Tiriti from legislation, watered down climate change, killed pay equity, ripped the poorest #nzpol
Vote for Quote of the Year
Cast your vote for the most iconic quote of 2025.
events.massey.ac.nz
December 10, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Vote for Chlöe
68 privileged people, some swallowing large rats to pass awful legislation under urgency.
Look at yr National MP & think.. u voted Treaty Principles bill to 1st reading, removed Te Tiriti from legislation, watered down climate change, killed pay equity, ripped the poorest #nzpol
68 privileged people, some swallowing large rats to pass awful legislation under urgency.
Look at yr National MP & think.. u voted Treaty Principles bill to 1st reading, removed Te Tiriti from legislation, watered down climate change, killed pay equity, ripped the poorest #nzpol
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Seriously considering going full vegan at this point.
I don't see the oat milk companies capturing the NZ government and getting them to fast track leniency for environmentally and ethitcally harmful oat farm practices.
I don't see any oats being raised in farrowing crates.
I don't see the oat milk companies capturing the NZ government and getting them to fast track leniency for environmentally and ethitcally harmful oat farm practices.
I don't see any oats being raised in farrowing crates.
December 11, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Seriously considering going full vegan at this point.
I don't see the oat milk companies capturing the NZ government and getting them to fast track leniency for environmentally and ethitcally harmful oat farm practices.
I don't see any oats being raised in farrowing crates.
I don't see the oat milk companies capturing the NZ government and getting them to fast track leniency for environmentally and ethitcally harmful oat farm practices.
I don't see any oats being raised in farrowing crates.
Reposted by Peter Ashford
#nzpol People aren't unemployed because they're unskilled or lazy. They've been really let down by this awful government's economic policies. They've all being paying the price while the wealthy and sorted continue to get wealthier and can cruise on their exploitative tax breaks.🤬
Over two years, filled jobs have fallen in:
· Construction - down 17,565
· Manufacturing - down 11,938
· Administrative and Support down - 10,240
· Professional, scientific, technical down - 8,725
· Retail down - 7,177
Overall filled jobs are down 42,341 in two years
· Construction - down 17,565
· Manufacturing - down 11,938
· Administrative and Support down - 10,240
· Professional, scientific, technical down - 8,725
· Retail down - 7,177
Overall filled jobs are down 42,341 in two years
December 11, 2025 at 3:08 AM
#nzpol People aren't unemployed because they're unskilled or lazy. They've been really let down by this awful government's economic policies. They've all being paying the price while the wealthy and sorted continue to get wealthier and can cruise on their exploitative tax breaks.🤬
Reposted by Peter Ashford
When your only option is to sleep in your car you are homeless, but not according to this government. When your car has been repossessed, don't try sleeping anywhere you can be seen because that might embarrass our government - although I suspect they aren't capable of shame #nzpol
People facing 'imminent homelessness' not eligible for emergency housing, Citizens Advice Bureau says
People facing 'imminent homelessness' not eligible for emergency housing, Citizens Advice Bureau says
Many facing 'imminent homelessness' don't qualitfy for emergency housing anymore, the Citizens Advice Bureau warns.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 10, 2025 at 10:19 PM
When your only option is to sleep in your car you are homeless, but not according to this government. When your car has been repossessed, don't try sleeping anywhere you can be seen because that might embarrass our government - although I suspect they aren't capable of shame #nzpol
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Imagine if this govt gave the homeless a place to live, a chance of a job, a chance to enjoy life.
It would be so much better for everyone.
But of course Luxon doesn't realise this as he lounges beside his swimming pool still quaffing his Perrier Sparkling Water
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/alert-n...
It would be so much better for everyone.
But of course Luxon doesn't realise this as he lounges beside his swimming pool still quaffing his Perrier Sparkling Water
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/alert-n...
People facing 'imminent homelessness' not eligible for emergency housing, Citizens Advice Bureau says
Many facing 'imminent homelessness' don't qualify for emergency housing anymore, the Citizens Advice Bureau warns.
www.rnz.co.nz
December 11, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Imagine if this govt gave the homeless a place to live, a chance of a job, a chance to enjoy life.
It would be so much better for everyone.
But of course Luxon doesn't realise this as he lounges beside his swimming pool still quaffing his Perrier Sparkling Water
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/alert-n...
It would be so much better for everyone.
But of course Luxon doesn't realise this as he lounges beside his swimming pool still quaffing his Perrier Sparkling Water
#nzpol
www.rnz.co.nz/news/alert-n...
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Found some rather more professional words to express my sweary thoughts on millionaire men utterly ignoring all the unpaid work many women and carers do over the holiday period.
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
Only millionaires would complain about other people's holidays
And forget about unpaid family carers
open.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Found some rather more professional words to express my sweary thoughts on millionaire men utterly ignoring all the unpaid work many women and carers do over the holiday period.
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/drbex/p/...
Reposted by Peter Ashford
Thank you, Sam. You speak for so many of us.
“I might take Shane Jones more seriously if someone had bothered to actually elect him to this position of unfettered power. They did not.
“In addition, I have never liked bullies."
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
“I might take Shane Jones more seriously if someone had bothered to actually elect him to this position of unfettered power. They did not.
“In addition, I have never liked bullies."
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
‘Bully and hypocrite’: Hollywood star fires back at Shane Jones over attacks
Actor Sam Neill says the NZ First minster’s personal attack on him over his opposition to a controversial Central Otago gold mine proposal is “pathetic”.
www.thepress.co.nz
December 11, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Thank you, Sam. You speak for so many of us.
“I might take Shane Jones more seriously if someone had bothered to actually elect him to this position of unfettered power. They did not.
“In addition, I have never liked bullies."
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3609...
“I might take Shane Jones more seriously if someone had bothered to actually elect him to this position of unfettered power. They did not.
“In addition, I have never liked bullies."
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/3609...