About
Jafapete lives in Auckland, of course. He spends too much time talking politics over beer at Galbraiths, New Zealand’s number one brewpub. He has worked at various times as a policy analyst, ministerial private secretary, trade union negotiator and academic. Also worked many years ago on Capitol Hill, and as a cook on a Costa Rican horse ranch. Present occupation cannot be disclosed right now.
First joined the Labour Party in 1975, and has continued to support left goals and principles ever since. This meant joining the New Labour Party on its formation in 1989. Has stood for various public offices as a Labour Party candidate. Currently, membership has lapsed.
I can be contacted at: jafapete@hotmail.co.uk
Jafapete's Weblog 
June 1, 2008 at 11:55 pm |
Jafapete – if you ever need a guest commentator from the right, I’d be happy to oblige, and of course, allow you to reciprocate on Keeping Stock – and this IS a genuine offer!
Cheers, Inventory2
June 2, 2008 at 12:04 am |
Hi Inventory,
Funnily enough, I have been thinking about the possibility of a Hannity and Colmes-style blog. (Perhaps that’s not a good analogy, given how unbalanced H&C is, but you get my drift, I’m sure.)
Although this blog is starting to pick up — 110 views yesterday, but I have no idea how many unique visitors — it’s a hell of a lot of work. So I’ll give your invitation some real thought.
Cheers, Peter
June 2, 2008 at 2:06 am |
You’re right about the “hell of a lot of work” bit JP, and sometimes it’s hard to find a fresh angle on things. But good on you for giving it a go, and although I may disagree with some of what you write (as you will with my stuff), I will enjoy the read. At the end of the day, I’m sure we’re grown-up enough to respect one another’s opinions, and even more importantly, the right to hold the opinions.
June 5, 2008 at 7:52 pm |
Hi Peter
Just added you to my blogroll – feel free to reciprocate if you wish. I’m enjoying your “considered” take on things, even though our idealogies may be some distance apart!
Tony (I2)
June 10, 2008 at 10:10 am |
Careful Sod, he’s a regular at Galbraiths…
June 10, 2008 at 9:45 am |
Interesting to see you use the term “trade union negotiator”. Where I come from they’re called “organisers”. Are you sure you weren’t working for a bargaining agent?
June 10, 2008 at 9:51 am |
Yes Sod, quite certain. In those days that particular union distinguished between the organisers in the regional offices who organised the workplaces, and the “industrial officers” who organised nationally, negotiated and performed an advocacy role in front of various tribunals. There is no single standard structure applied across all unions, even today.
June 10, 2008 at 10:08 am |
Fair enough. I was just fishing for a timeframe. You piqued my curiosity – it’s not often one strikes folk with an active left background that can do the more academic side of things. Although I fear citing Trotter in relation to any serious analysis of the popularity of the current lot may be a little naive…
June 15, 2008 at 9:32 pm |
Jafapete
That’s an interesting About, Pete. I was particularly impressed by the reference to beer.
I think I know what an organiser is, and a negotiater. But what’s a union?
And while you’re at it, what’s a brewpub? Is it a place where you can get a cuppa as well as a pint?
Scone. From the OED: Brewpub n. A public house, often including a restaurant, selling beer that has been brewed on the premises.
June 16, 2008 at 3:32 pm |
Thanks, Pete.
Do I take it that the word ‘union’ no longer appears in the OED?
Scone, it’s “trade union”. Surely you’ve been a member of one yourself.]
June 17, 2008 at 9:40 pm |
Right. Of course, the word ‘union’, and several others, has been hijacked by the same-sex marriage brigade. Sorry, I forgot.
September 17, 2008 at 7:02 pm |
White Fungus presents a film screening of:
SOMEONE ELSE’S COUNTRY
by Alister Barry
With a panel discussion hosted by White Fungus ditor Ron Hanson with Alister Barry, Nicky Hager and Tim Bollinger talking about the film, ‘Rogernomics’ and related issues. Massey University College of Creative Arts (Wellington), Lecture Theatre 10A02, Monday, September 29, 6pm. Someone Else’s Country is independent filmmaker Alister Barry’s in-depth look at the economic revolution that took place in New Zealand in the 1980s at the hands of then Labour Finance Minister Roger Douglas. The country’s fourth Labour Government had been voted in on a traditional Labour platform, but unbeknownst to the public, it would implement a radical programme of right-wing economic policies as proscribed by the World Bank and the ideologues behind the Thatcher and Reagan administrations in Britain and the US. Barry’s 1996 debut documentary, which draws extensively on archive footage and interviews with key players of the time, was refused a screening by TVNZ until it was belatedly aired in 2004. Barry’s new documentary The Hollowmen, based on Nicky Hager’s groundbreaking investigative book, is currently playing to packed-out audiences at film festivals throughout New Zealand. White Fungus would like to present the opportunity to see Barry’s first film and a chance to discuss some key issues in the lead-up to this year’s election.
http://www.whitefungus.com
http://www.thehollowmen.co.nz