Alright, last week’s serving of breakfast may be sitting uncomfortably. More questions than definitive answers have arisen from stodgy heap we broadcast from, so let’s rectify this.
On Tuesday, David Cohen and I were perplexed by the pervasive use “husting”. How is it that every 3 years one word is so trusted to portray every fresh and fierce electoral cliche? To avoid further confusion, here’s what those Oxford word nerds have to say:
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4. The temporary platform from which, previous to the Ballot Act of 1872, the nomination of candidates for Parliament was made, and on which these stood while addressing the electors. Hence, contextually, the proceedings at a parliamentary election.
The Oxford Dictionary of English (revised edition)
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This contextual leap seems suggests that the entire land mass of Aotearoa NZ is the present day platform for politicking. Last week in particular has seen former gameshow host, National MP Lockwood Smith raising the Blenheim hustings to precarious heights. There is no doubt that this blog is made better by my digital dexterity derived from Asian ancestry. Thanks Mum and Dad!
On Thursday, Dr.Z, our tech correspondent mentioned the world’s highest Lego tower in Vienna, Austria. Celebrating 100 years of Friends of Children, the 29.48m structure was built with the ubiquitous 4×2 rectangular lego brick.
Images of Lego tower from geekologie.com
All-you-can-eat Friday guest Marianne Elliot, Policy Advisor for Oxfam NZ, discussed their political party survey. It’s pretty interesting reading if international aid and development, climate change and global poverty are on your voting agenda. There is also some handy advice on what action you can take.
The VBC Breakfast show will be observing Labour Day. So should you! See you on Tuesday, when I’ll be talking to National’s Rongotai candidate Chris Finlayson and David Cohen.
