grantbrookes

Book review: ‘Our Revolution – A Future to Believe In’, by Bernie Sanders

Our Revolution – A Future to Believe In is the book written by Bernie Sanders at the end of his campaign to be the 2016 Democratic Party nominee for president of the United States. For his supporters, the months leading up to his eventual loss to Hilary Clinton in July that year were a time ofContinue reading “Book review: ‘Our Revolution – A Future to Believe In’, by Bernie Sanders”

What Unions Wellington is up to – Interview on Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM

“Educating for a Social Change” is a weekly show on Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM, produced by the Wellington Workers’ Educational Association. WWEA supports adult and community education that promotes a just and equitable society in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Their show brings you social comment, community and union news, and look at whatContinue reading “What Unions Wellington is up to – Interview on Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM”

Why has the Board downgraded the NZNO AGM? – Letter to Kai Tiaki

The Board of Directors has decided not to hold an NZNO Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Wellington this September, and to press on instead with preparations for a shorter and smaller meeting via Zoom. The reason given is “uncertainty around COVID-19 alert levels and travel restrictions” (‘NZNO plans for online AGM’, June Kai Tiaki). ButContinue reading “Why has the Board downgraded the NZNO AGM? – Letter to Kai Tiaki”

‘Making a mockery of democracy and partnership’ – An unpublished letter to Kai Tiaki

Erin Kennedy is an NZNO leader in Wellington. Since 2006 she has represented members in the workplace, in the media and in the Council of Trade Unions. In her roles as Lead Delegate, Convenor and Co-convenor at my DHB, I worked closely with Erin for over a decade. Last month, Erin submitted a letter toContinue reading “‘Making a mockery of democracy and partnership’ – An unpublished letter to Kai Tiaki”

Viewpoint: Why we aren’t celebrating Florence’s birthday

Debate is swirling around statues and the veneration of colonial icons in the wake of #BlackLivesMatter protests. I re-post this article I wrote in April 2020 as a contribution to a re-evaluation of the figure known as “the founder of modern nursing“. Many nurses find Nightingale’s statements on colonisation and the fate of indigenous peopleContinue reading “Viewpoint: Why we aren’t celebrating Florence’s birthday”