Kiwiblog

Since I started blogging in July 2003 I have assumed that almost everyone knows my background and affiliations, but as the audience gets bigger this may not be as true as it once was. Therefore in the interest of full disclosure, I will link this statement from my front page as a permanent link.

Political Views

I self identify as a classical liberal, which the Institute for Liberal Values of New Zealand succinctly summarises as a belief in individual rights, limited government, private property, free markets, tolerance, and reason.

On the political compass test I score +10 (right) on economic issues and -6.15 (libertarian) on authoritarian/libertarian issues. One can see NZ blogosphere charted here and NZ politicians here.

Political Affiliations

Since I joined Young Nationals in 1986, I have been affiliated to, and a member of, the National Party. I do not regard National as always right, but it is the party which I believe gives me the greatest opportunity to achieve the New Zealand I want.

As a volunteer, I established National’s initial Internet presence in 1996 and have held various roles in the party up until 2005. I have three times been a temporary contractor to National HQ, helping out with the campaign in 1999, and also between staff appointments – in 2004 and 2007 for a total of ten months.

I am a former executive member of the International Young Democract Union and have attended several meetings and conferences of both the IYDU and its parent organisation, the International Democrat Union.

Employment

I worked in Parliament for almost eight years from July 1996 to March 2004. I initially worked as a media advisor to Ministerial Services when Jim Bolger was Prime Minister. I then had the rare privilege of working in the Prime Minister’s Office for Jenny Shipley, and in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition for Jenny Shipley, Bill Englsh and Don Brash.

Memberships

I am a member of the Internet Society of New Zealand, the Centre for Independent Studies, the Institute of Directors and the World Wildlife Fund. I am also a trustee of the Free Speech Coalition.

I am also a Director of the New Zealand Domain Name Registry Ltd, DPF Group Ltd and Curia Market Research Ltd.

Curia’s clients have included newspapers, political parties, Goverment Departments,  corporates, lobby groups, local body candidates and non profits. Commercial and professional confidentiality prevents clients being listed, but a commercial relationship with Curia does not stop me from expressing my opinion on a client or issue should it be relevant.

I can list clients that have on their own initiative revealed they use Curia. Curia never objects to such release – it is entirely up to clients. Clients who have publicly used Curia are the Northern Advocate, the Wanganui Chronicle, Family First, the Republican Movement, Hon John Banks, Exceltium, and Olivier Lequeux.

Media

I am a paid regular commentator for NewstalkZB, the National Business Review, and Radio NZ. Plus I have done occassional articles for the Herald on Sunday, Dominion Post and The Press.

I also write a paid weekly analysis for iPredict.co.nz – the online futures market.

Freebies

I have received free goods or services from the following companies or organisations:

• Inspire Net (blog hosting)
• Woosh (free subscription)
• Symantec (free software)
• Vodafone (free Blackberry Curve, free high speed data card)
• Trend Micro (free software)
• Intel (travel and accom to Melbourne for launch of i7 processor)
• National Business Review (free subscription)
• The Independent (free subscription)
• Transtasman (free subscription)
• New Zealand Business Roundtable (guest at dinners, conferences)
• Various Embassies and High Commssions (free meals)
• Downstage (for purpose of reviews)
• Telecom (corporate box for rugby)

All are of a minor nature and none oblige me to write anything. All have been gratefully accepted.

Advertising

A number of companies and organisations advertise on Kiwiblog. They do so through Scoop Media who do the advertising for Kiwiblog. From time to time I will also blog on an advertiser’s product or service. Any comments I make are honest opinion, based on my personal experience of the product or service.

I also have been invited to speak at various conferences in New Zealand, and overseas. It is normal practice for the conference organisers to cover travel expenses for guest speakers.