Competition.

Monopolies need to be kept honest so I don't mind the Act Party's insistence on opening the Accident Compensation Scheme to competition from private insurers.  Just so long as they deliver on the long-term care of broken backs along with the sprained fingers.  

Death in the cosmetic lane.

A little while ago I saw a televised insurance advertisement featuring Keith Quinne, rugby broadcaster. In a sensible matter-of-fact way it dealt with the possibility of sudden death and the financial consequences for bereaved families. Who put the ad on? I didn’t notice. But I certainly noticed the ad now showing on TV.    

Sovereign Finance’s current effort at selling insurance on television is also about providing for your loved ones after sudden death. The about-to-be-deceased, portrayed by telegenic male and female actors alternately, no doubt in the interest of gender balanced marketing, is supposedly talking to the grieving children after the funeral. But not to worry because Mummy or Daddy smile throughout. No room here for sense or seriousness and certainly not sorrow. Hey, this is not a big deal kids, they seem to say. See you guys. Have a nice day. 

While I gazed in wonder at this ad man's idea of an impurity deleted view of the world, the man himself was probably celebrating a bonus for finally de-griefing death.  

IN PRAISE OF A POLITICIAN.

As expedient political decisions go, the Green Party cannot be faulted for rejecting Sue Bradford’s bid for leadership. She is divisive and probably lost the Greens some supporters with her parental discipline bill. She also has the annoying habit, shared by Phill Goff and many other politicians, of being impervious to the eye-roll capacity of listeners. She drives on and on and on with her point as though the message must get through at all costs. Even if the cost is a switched off audience.

In contrast Jeanette Fizsymmons, though a little wooden in her delivery, wins our attention when she speaks. Partly because she is immensely knowledgeable but also because she appears to listen as well as talk. So the message apparently is not as important as carrying the audience.

I sat down for a chat with Sue Bradford a few years ago. I found, as I am sure many others have found, that in person she gentle, patient, understanding. She is a listener. Not at all the blustering politician we have so often heard on the platform. But it’s on the platform that politicians are judged and where the ‘good look’ is paramount. There are no points awarded for being genuine, honest, tireless and effective.

Despite her record for effectiveness, Sue Bradford had no chance against her opponent,  a younger, prettier, smiley, inclusive Maori woman.  

But Sue Bradford can do what comparatively few have done before her; leave parliament knowing she personally made a difference.