Society and environment

The media is often refereed to as the fourth estate and plays a critical watchdog role in society.    According to Thought Co , "i n England, the three estates preceding the fourth estate were the king, the clergy and the commoners" (2018). In my opinion,  corporations,  politics  and  the public  better represent the spheres of influence on modern day society and the fourth estate 'media' has shifted to perform the role of public relations manager for the highest bidder.  The deregulation of our economic systems in the 1980's enabled news corporations exceptional freedoms to trade and act in ways other corporations did. These days, media ownership practices resembles that of any large multi-national corporation which trades shares on the stock market. From a social perspective, deregulation and free marketism has created serious issues in New Zealand. We now face problems in areas such as income disparity, housing, education, corrections,...

These days finding a place to live has become really tough for many. Especially for those who live in popular places such as Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch Queenstown, Wanaka and more. Why is this so and what can be done to alleviate the many issues surrounding it? According to Housing New Zealand, Prime Minister Richard Seddon in 1905 instated the Workers Dwelling Act. Mr Seddon believed that Kiwi's should have affordable housing and a higher standard of living. This was the beginning of the nations ideals to support it's people into affordabl e and comfortable homes. The government even offered financial support for housing, this was called the  Community Housing Improvement Programme .  By the end of the second world war the government was building around 10,000 houses each year. Entire suburbs were planned and established to provide homes and jobs.  Photo from Pataka Museum Collection, Porirua Library  Eventually i...

Growing up in Rotorua the youngest of 10 children, I spent my younger years exploring the area of Western Heights. Nestled at the foot of Mt Ngongotaha much time was spent playing in the bush and creek across the road from our house. In my late teens I moved to Melbourne and discovered the verity of cultures and foods the city had to offer, also I expanded my interests into the outdoors. In my early thirties, I made my way home to be closer to the mountains and things I love about NZ. In the family portrait below, I'm held by my eldest brother Douglas.  Currently I live in Golden Bay which is mostly quiet and surrounded by national parks. Abel Tasman on one side with Kahurangi on the other. My studies in communications has brought me to this task of writing a blog. Within my blogs I plan to explore the social and environmental issues we face here and elsewhere. Not only the issues of these topics interest me, it's the possible solutions that really get me going. My idea ...