

Flag Referendum Post Mortum
Now that the referendum result is final, we wish to provide some thoughts. The second flag referendum result has some interesting factors: That the result is surprisingly similar to Australia's 1999 referendum to retain the Queen as head of state; That, although the turnout was 67%, the result was closer than most would have thought; That the Kiwimeter polling suggests that a significant proportion of those who supported the current flag may have wanted to change the flag bu

Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Mar 25, 20164 min read


For and against: Waterfront stadium
Original article can be found here. A waterfront stadium could synergise Central Auckland, creating an entertainment hub that would...

Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Mar 18, 20163 min read


NZ in 800 Words
If self-deprecating is a noble trait, then the new TV series 800 Words is subliminal genius. The team at South Pacific Pictures have...

Grant McLachlan
Dec 7, 20152 min read


Contrived problems are the problem
You can’t please everyone. When the Rodney Local Board tried to please a vocal minority they annoyed the apathetic majority by making...

Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Nov 3, 20153 min read


Summer break may cure us of flag fatigue
Original article can be found here. The flag referendum should be delayed until after the summer, writes Grant McLachlan. I empathise...

Grant McLachlan
Sep 24, 20153 min read


The flag process is not New Zealand Idol
Original article can be found here. New Zealand Idol should never have been used as a template for the Flag Consideration Panel....

Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Sep 17, 20154 min read


Flag debate now a political turf war
The Flag Consideration Panel asked for the 'expert' advice of a Nike sportshoe designer who previously designed washing machines.

Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Sep 10, 20154 min read


Taking a leaf from Canada's flag debate
Original article here Will we get a political doodle for a flag, a celebrity-driven choice, or a timeless icon, asks Grant McLachlan. New Zealand appears to be repeating what happened in Canada 50 years ago when Canada chose a new flag. But I doubt we will end up with a new national icon. In Canada during 1964, initial designs proposed by a "special flag committee" were rejected. Canadians had submitted 3541 designs. Of those, 2136 contained the maple leaf (their silver

Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Aug 13, 20154 min read


NZ's national colour is black
Original article can be found here. The discussion over whether New Zealand should change its flag should be a time to discuss whether we...

Grant McLachlan - New Zealand Herald - Column
Jul 7, 20154 min read


Is it time to tunnel across the Cook Strait?
Original article can be found here. Considering the state of our inter-island fleet, the cancellations of air and sea travel due to weather and the future demands on utilities, it is time that we examine the feasibility of a fixed link between our two main islands. Bridges and tunnel technology have improved in both engineering capability and affordability. More recently, this country has invested in megaprojects that have delivered on their goals. "But what about the cos

Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Jul 24, 20143 min read


Endangered species need war
Original article can be found here. If world leaders are serious about eliminating poaching of endangered species then they need to...

Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Feb 13, 20142 min read


Listen to the birdsong of war
Original review can be found here. Finally, a no punches pulled behind the scenes account of one of military history’s greatest and most...

Brad Manera - The Mercury - Review
Dec 22, 20134 min read


New Zealand fans need to grow up
Original article can be found here. I felt embarrassed to be a New Zealander watching the Bledisloe Cup game on Saturday night. The...

Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Aug 21, 20131 min read


Time to put 100% into making NZ pure
TIDY UP NEEDED: If we spent as much money on cleaning up our environment then our 100 Per Cent Pure brand would hold water, rather than...

Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Aug 9, 20132 min read


Politicians 'abuse flaws' of MMP
Original article can be found here. Any suggestion that we have a proportional representation system is a myth. The Mixed Member...

Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Jun 11, 20133 min read


NZ electricity market a 'failed experiment'
Original article can be found here. Since Rogernomics, the proponents of 'free-market' economic theories led New Zealand down the path of...

Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
May 27, 20133 min read


New Homes for new lives
HAWKE’S Bay writer Grant McLachlan saved a dog while on holiday here but it might be shot if a new home is not found. Mr McLachlan was...

Gisborne Herald
Mar 22, 20132 min read


We should use our rail network as roads
Original article can be found here. If New Zealand wants to optimise its transport network it needs to change its mindset. I lived near...

Grant McLachlan
Jan 30, 20133 min read


Journalists put watchdogs to shame
Original article can be found here. The media has regularly found itself at the front line of debate. My concern is that for too many...

Grant McLachlan
Jan 27, 20133 min read


Let's rethink our electricity industry
Original article can be found here. If farming is New Zealand's backbone, then the energy sector is our lifeblood. And New Zealanders...

Grant McLachlan - Stuff - Column
Jan 24, 20134 min read


























