Forget big business and big government, 'big neighbour' is more powerful than both

Forget big business and big government, 'big neighbour' is more powerful than both
Big neighbour has a large part to play in a lot of New Zealand's problems. (Image: DepositPhotos)
Dileepa Fonseka
People whine a lot about the tyranny of "big government" and "big business", but those weaklings have nothing on the power of "big neighbour”.  In journalist Austin Mitchell’s book The Half-Gallon Quarter Acre Paradise, "big neighbour" demonstrated its power during the 1970s by driving around New Zealand’s cities on a Sunday and inspecting everyone’s lawns."Big neighbour is always watching you, keep him happy," he wrote in 1972. Now it’s worse. Big neighbour ha...

More Policy

The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025
KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform
Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform

The Retirement Commissioner says KiwiSaver does not work equally well for everyone.

Digital Investment Plan expected this month
Policy

Digital Investment Plan expected this month

Health NZ to release its 10-year Digital Investment Plan in Christchurch.

Cécile Meier 14 Nov 2025
Emissions impacts of NZ's largest companies under microscope
Policy

Emissions impacts of NZ's largest companies under microscope

Nearly half of NZ's biggest companies increased their emissions last year.

Michael Neilson 13 Nov 2025