Rex Widerstrom
@rexwiderstrom.bsky.social
Broadcaster, editor, journalist, communications professional. Adrift in a world of stupid with no paddle and a leaky boat.
If the state uses its might to try and crush you with it's 'justice' system and is found to have erred/lied (both occur regularly) then your complete legal costs and *automatic* compensation should apply. People often lose jobs & businesses when charged, not convinced. #nzpol
In the UK, the starting point is the winner's actual costs. Here (my little brother tells Emile Donovan), the rule of thumb is to expect about a third www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
When winning in court still costs you
Even after winning $200,000 in costs, Siouxsie Wiles' court case has left her $400,000 out of pocket. Is this fair? Barrister Steve Keall joins Emile Donovan.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 11, 2025 at 7:58 PM
If the state uses its might to try and crush you with it's 'justice' system and is found to have erred/lied (both occur regularly) then your complete legal costs and *automatic* compensation should apply. People often lose jobs & businesses when charged, not convinced. #nzpol
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Here's another bit of conventional wisdom Zohran completely blew away: His speech was at well above a 10th-grade level. It was complex, erudite, punctuated by deep and fluent references. You don't have to condescend to voters with baby talk! Part of re-establishing norms is speaking like an adult.
November 5, 2025 at 5:14 AM
Here's another bit of conventional wisdom Zohran completely blew away: His speech was at well above a 10th-grade level. It was complex, erudite, punctuated by deep and fluent references. You don't have to condescend to voters with baby talk! Part of re-establishing norms is speaking like an adult.
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Criminal cop convicted of assault after repeatedly pepper spraying a motorist without lawful justification.
Naturally, the police haven't sacked them yet. www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Naturally, the police haven't sacked them yet. www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Waikato cop loses discharge bid after excessive OC spray of motorist
The judge found the officer's actions were not only unlawful, but unwarranted, as the victim had not done anything wrong.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 5, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Criminal cop convicted of assault after repeatedly pepper spraying a motorist without lawful justification.
Naturally, the police haven't sacked them yet. www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Naturally, the police haven't sacked them yet. www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Being able to communicate with the public used to be seen as a privilege & still is in isolated cases (eg radio & TV broadcasters, who have tough standards. Why, then, can social media platforms broadcast evil propaganda with zero consequences? Corruption destroys democracy #followthemoney
Racists are putting out AI videos of Black women threatening to be violent if the prospect of them losing their SNAP benefits next week.
It's rage bait and it's racist and it's fake
It's rage bait and it's racist and it's fake
November 1, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Being able to communicate with the public used to be seen as a privilege & still is in isolated cases (eg radio & TV broadcasters, who have tough standards. Why, then, can social media platforms broadcast evil propaganda with zero consequences? Corruption destroys democracy #followthemoney
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
"WFF will fix it", "a CSC will fix it", "a WEP will fix it", "a Medicard with a few free drs visits will fix it". Tinkering is not working because it does not address the underlying problem. The "economy". What is means, how it works, and who it works for. That's what must change.
#nzpol
#nzpol
October 28, 2025 at 7:20 AM
"WFF will fix it", "a CSC will fix it", "a WEP will fix it", "a Medicard with a few free drs visits will fix it". Tinkering is not working because it does not address the underlying problem. The "economy". What is means, how it works, and who it works for. That's what must change.
#nzpol
#nzpol
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Police culture still completely toxic.
If they treat each other like this, imagine how they treat the public.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
If they treat each other like this, imagine how they treat the public.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Senior police officer still employed after probe into 'derogatory and sexist remarks'
Most of the allegations have been upheld, the Independent Police Conduct Authority says.
www.rnz.co.nz
October 15, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Police culture still completely toxic.
If they treat each other like this, imagine how they treat the public.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
If they treat each other like this, imagine how they treat the public.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Public sector agencies need to start treating this sort of deliberate lawbreaking as serious misconduct and disciplining people for it. But they never will, because its done specifically to protect the agency from accountability. Its like Trump pardoning his co-conspirators.
October 14, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Public sector agencies need to start treating this sort of deliberate lawbreaking as serious misconduct and disciplining people for it. But they never will, because its done specifically to protect the agency from accountability. Its like Trump pardoning his co-conspirators.
I think we can all guess the answer to this question. In fact it'll probably be justified as "just doing their job" and, sadly, that's true - obfuscating & dissembling is now expected of public "servants" & woe betide those who don't. #nzpol
Obvious question: will the ACC manager who knowingly lied in this #OIA response face any employment consequences whatsoever? www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...
Whistleblower who broke ranks to reveal ACC’s party bill gets a win
Thanks to the whistleblower’s complaint, the Ombudsman revealed how ACC managers pressured staff not to reveal the full cost.
www.stuff.co.nz
October 14, 2025 at 2:04 AM
I think we can all guess the answer to this question. In fact it'll probably be justified as "just doing their job" and, sadly, that's true - obfuscating & dissembling is now expected of public "servants" & woe betide those who don't. #nzpol
"I can't stop coughing"
True story - I ran out of the studio & left a startled ambassador to keep talking while I found a glass of water 😂
True story - I ran out of the studio & left a startled ambassador to keep talking while I found a glass of water 😂
“The tape is blank.”
In honour of spooky month, share a 4 word horror story that only someone in your profession would understand.
"Out of emesis bags!"
"Out of emesis bags!"
October 12, 2025 at 11:36 AM
"I can't stop coughing"
True story - I ran out of the studio & left a startled ambassador to keep talking while I found a glass of water 😂
True story - I ran out of the studio & left a startled ambassador to keep talking while I found a glass of water 😂
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Police not looking into misuse of vehicle-spotting cameras - https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/575286/police-not-looking-into-misuse-of-vehicle-spotting-cameras - Details and more news at: https://nzccl.org.nz/news
Police not looking into misuse of vehicle-spotting cameras
That's despite reports suggesting some officers may have repeatedly looked up the same vehicle.
www.rnz.co.nz
October 7, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Police not looking into misuse of vehicle-spotting cameras - https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/575286/police-not-looking-into-misuse-of-vehicle-spotting-cameras - Details and more news at: https://nzccl.org.nz/news
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Key questions to ask:
1) Who will the data will be shared with?
2) Under what circumstances will data be shared?
3) What democratic controls will be in place to limit function and/or sharing creep?
1) Who will the data will be shared with?
2) Under what circumstances will data be shared?
3) What democratic controls will be in place to limit function and/or sharing creep?
What you need to know about digital driver licences in New Zealand - https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/574579/what-you-need-to-know-about-digital-driver-licences-in-new-zealand - Details and more news at: https://nzccl.org.nz/news
What you need to know about digital driver licences in New Zealand
Explainer - The government aims to introduce digital driver licences by the end of the year. But are they safe - and will everyone have to use them?
www.rnz.co.nz
September 30, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Key questions to ask:
1) Who will the data will be shared with?
2) Under what circumstances will data be shared?
3) What democratic controls will be in place to limit function and/or sharing creep?
1) Who will the data will be shared with?
2) Under what circumstances will data be shared?
3) What democratic controls will be in place to limit function and/or sharing creep?
Someone needs to hire the Tākapu team to run their election campaign. Straight past the prefrontal cortex to the limbic system, this is the perfect ad. Though a party leader would have to perish, but meh, mere details... #nzpol
Preserve Nigel's memory! Vote Tākapu at www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/australasian...!
#boty #boty2025 #birdoftheyear #birdoftheyear2025 @forestandbird.bsky.social
#boty #boty2025 #birdoftheyear #birdoftheyear2025 @forestandbird.bsky.social
September 27, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Someone needs to hire the Tākapu team to run their election campaign. Straight past the prefrontal cortex to the limbic system, this is the perfect ad. Though a party leader would have to perish, but meh, mere details... #nzpol
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Too late, Batman. Once this Tylenol floods the city's water supply, my wiki won't run out of editors ever again
September 22, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Too late, Batman. Once this Tylenol floods the city's water supply, my wiki won't run out of editors ever again
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus.
Everything is awful right now but reading this for the first time last night was awesome and I recommend doing the same if you need a boost.
5 min read
5 min read
The Great Silence - Electric Literature
“The Great Silence” by Ted Chiang The humans use Arecibo to look for extraterrestrial intelligence. Their desire to make a connection is so strong that they’ve created an ear capable of hearing across...
electricliterature.com
September 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus.
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
A joint letter from multiple NZ organisations pointing out their fears that suggested changes to the Terrorism Suppression Act risk suppressing dissent, advocacy, and humanitarian work: community.scoop.co.nz/2025/09/join...
Community Scoop » Joint Statement On Proposed Amendments To The Terrorism Suppression Act 2002
community.scoop.co.nz
September 18, 2025 at 8:51 AM
A joint letter from multiple NZ organisations pointing out their fears that suggested changes to the Terrorism Suppression Act risk suppressing dissent, advocacy, and humanitarian work: community.scoop.co.nz/2025/09/join...
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
In my experience, this is a quite understated assessment. There have been worse Councils in Australia, sure, where people have ended up in jail. Most of this lot only deserve the stocks, but still... #nzpol
Just been doing some quick voter advice for Lower Hutt for a friend, and fuck, Hutt City Council is a hive of scum and villany. A pile of awful people, with only a few worth voting for.
September 13, 2025 at 4:10 AM
In my experience, this is a quite understated assessment. There have been worse Councils in Australia, sure, where people have ended up in jail. Most of this lot only deserve the stocks, but still... #nzpol
What he said.
Politics today is less driven by ideological conviction and more by parties chasing votes based on a distorted picture of public opinion, one filtered through algorithms that amplify emotionally engaging content. This incentivises performance over substance and erodes democratic deliberation.
If correctly written:
"Ministers are to announce a tightening of migration rules as the government hands over the political agenda to Nigel Farage"
Both immoral and politically inept. Well done Yvette Cooper.
"Ministers are to announce a tightening of migration rules as the government hands over the political agenda to Nigel Farage"
Both immoral and politically inept. Well done Yvette Cooper.
September 2, 2025 at 1:33 AM
What he said.
Anything with a potential two years imprisonment is generally considered serious offending, yet our politicians and the prosecutorial authorities seem to think them not worth investigating, let alone prosecuting. So does this mean we get to have The Purge, but only for small-to-medium crimes? #nzpol
2 years imprisonment. See s5591)(d) Electoral Act 1993
Alternatively, it could be added to the definition of "corrupt practice", or an additional term added covering administrative corruption in government.
www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1...
Alternatively, it could be added to the definition of "corrupt practice", or an additional term added covering administrative corruption in government.
www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1...
www.legislation.govt.nz
August 25, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Anything with a potential two years imprisonment is generally considered serious offending, yet our politicians and the prosecutorial authorities seem to think them not worth investigating, let alone prosecuting. So does this mean we get to have The Purge, but only for small-to-medium crimes? #nzpol
And you thought it was only NZ First conducting secret negotiations with stakeholders who then go on to draft laws imposed on the rest of us. The rot has spread, and must be cut out before the body politic expires. #nzpol
Hell will freeze over before we see action for ministers’ failures to comply with the Public Records Act:
“Goldsmith told RNZ he took no meeting notes and the "exact discussions or any further in-person discussions not included in my diary cannot be recalled".
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
“Goldsmith told RNZ he took no meeting notes and the "exact discussions or any further in-person discussions not included in my diary cannot be recalled".
www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...
Facial tech company wanted 'pragmatic policy interventions'
The Justice Minister asked a retail crime surveillance company to help change privacy laws, a newly released email suggests - but the company now says it misspoke.
www.rnz.co.nz
August 25, 2025 at 12:25 AM
And you thought it was only NZ First conducting secret negotiations with stakeholders who then go on to draft laws imposed on the rest of us. The rot has spread, and must be cut out before the body politic expires. #nzpol
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
He has kept among us in times of peace Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution & unacknowledged by our laws.
DC Union Station tonight. Unreal.
August 15, 2025 at 5:04 AM
He has kept among us in times of peace Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution & unacknowledged by our laws.
There's just too much important stuff to read these days, so I rarely recommend something lest it divert your attention from something more important, about which I'm unaware. But there is *nothing* more important than this. It is literally how democracy dies. So read it. #nzpol
August 14, 2025 at 1:35 AM
There's just too much important stuff to read these days, so I rarely recommend something lest it divert your attention from something more important, about which I'm unaware. But there is *nothing* more important than this. It is literally how democracy dies. So read it. #nzpol
Reposted by Rex Widerstrom
Chlöe Swarbrick: The Real Leader of The Opposition.
August 13, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Chlöe Swarbrick: The Real Leader of The Opposition.
Slightly diminish a band:
Lame Biscuit
Lame Biscuit
Slightly diminish a band:
Passive Aggressive Against the Machine
Passive Aggressive Against the Machine
slightly diminish a band:
Coolplay
Coolplay
August 13, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Slightly diminish a band:
Lame Biscuit
Lame Biscuit
This is genius. I hope someone from Vic sees this and gets it going in Wellington. Even cafes would be better than asking is to troop into lecture halls with uncomfortable seats and our own bottles of water if we want a bit of intellectual interaction.
The latest academic research from Auckland University is about to get an airing in the city’s watering holes.
Stars, spines and slavery to feature in bar talks
newsroom.co.nz
August 12, 2025 at 9:26 PM
This is genius. I hope someone from Vic sees this and gets it going in Wellington. Even cafes would be better than asking is to troop into lecture halls with uncomfortable seats and our own bottles of water if we want a bit of intellectual interaction.