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Fighting for freedom

Last Notes

2026-10-26 19:45:11 GMT

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US Presidential politics is a slightly different story because it is reported world-wide - assuming "reporting" and "truth" relate reasonably (but then numerous mouths would have to be washed-out with soap for using words like "politician", "promise", and "truth" in the same sentence).

2026-10-26 00:09:47 GMT

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Perhaps an earlier answer was 'lost' between updates.
vote.nz confirms that Kiwis do retain a right to vote (in their 'home' electorate), but only for three years post-departure (one clause in a three-part test: https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-ready-to-enrol/are-you-eligible-to-enrol-and-vote).
The privilege resumes if/when return.
The above somewhat in-line with earlier comments about needing (but living overseas means losing) civic understanding and engagement to vote (meaningfully).

2026-10-26 00:03:44 GMT

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...and some of us (like to think we) did/do.
Whereas at one time Kiwi kids went 'out there' on OE for a couple of years, that has changed. Sadly, more are going and staying, and certainly the tendency is to stay for longer periods (assuming visas, etc). PS guilty as charged!
Thus, this, plus the "might" and the "often" argue that moves towards a special and specific representation enjoy only a vague justification.

2026-10-21 22:08:56 GMT

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Tax-residence something of a proxy for community involvement. However, there is a (better) definition at https://vote.nz which says that we only retain eligibility to vote for three years.
People away on OE/short-period can retain (?close) ties to their home electorate. People away for longer lose their ties (naturally), and thus their privilege.
Accordingly, no need for special or specific representation.
(with/out tea!)

2026-10-19 21:59:49 GMT

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New questiona:
Is the right to vote 'bought' by paying taxes? (hope not)
How does the New Zealand unspoken 'contract' between citizens and government vary from US? (much learned during those Civics classes where I learned that a tea-party in Boston involved neither drinking nor any of those little fancy cakes... does not apply here or is subtly/slightly different in expression)

2026-10-19 21:54:11 GMT

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Accordingly, the point about 'community' - why should someone who has left the country (quite possibly to improve their economic circumstances - essentially a selfish reason) who is NOT contributing either taxes and/or 'economic recovery' have the same voice as those who are?

2026-10-19 21:50:08 GMT

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We've both suffered from exploitative taxation systems. Unless the law has changed recently/outside of my knowledge, absent Kiwis are NEVER taxed on world-wide income, only local income. Whichonly applies for the year of departure. The exception is someone maintaining a permanent home and/or generating income here.

2026-10-19 17:50:00 GMT

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Not so sure. People who are traveling for work or away on short-term OE are aware of recent events and are able to use Postal Voting. Are people who have been 'away' for longer part of the community? Committed to the future of the country? Participating in local events. Contributing to tax-costs and other maintenance?

2026-10-06 19:37:48 GMT

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Woolworths might be interested in them for their next (plant this on the end of your pencil) distraction, um, 'promotion'...