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CONTENTS ISSN 2381-9553: Vol 281, No. 4258. August 6-12, 2022 Te Kaiwhakarongo Aotearoa COVER IMAGE: KEN DOWNIE GETTY IMAGES FEATURES after his last visit was cancelled. He caught up among us are not always entirely immune with Andrea Graves ahead of his latest tour. to the lure of talismans and lucky charms. COVER STORY by Marc Wilson LIFE 16 | Raising our money smarts 44 | Technology With overseas travel Financial high-flyer Sam Stubbs is on 36 | Health Nordic walking is not only a becoming more complicated, a good a mission to help more Kiwis learn how good general workout but also particularly smartphone roaming plan is essential. to build wealth. by Paul Little beneficial for people with heart health issues, according to a new study. by Nicky Pellegrino by Peter Griffin 22 | Chosen to fail Most New Zealand schools stream their 38 | Nutrition A problem with pinpointing BOOKS students according to ability. In what’s the effects of coffee on certain health being billed as a seismic shift in education, conditions is that the popular beverage comes 46 | Urban legends After a 13-year hiatus, moves are under way to end the practice. in so many forms. by Jennifer Bowden New Zealand’s master of neo-noir, Chad Taylor, is back with a riveting new crime novel by Mark Revington 40 | Food Fiona Weir Walmsley explains set in late-1980s Auckland. by Craig Sisterson how to make your own pantry staples before 28 | Creative force preparing her selection of cakes, slices and 49-55 | Books Novels by Sloane Crosley, For Kiwi author Adam Christopher, being breakfasts. Frank Chalmers and RH Herron; Tim asked to write the latest Star Wars novel is a Upperton’s Books of My Life and a poem childhood dream come true. by Craig Sisterson 42 | Wine A new collection of wines out from his latest collection, A Riderless Horse; of Hawke’s Bay combines tradition and vision. an exploration of how vibrations affect us 32 | Living with meaning and everything else in the universe; a short World-leading philosopher Peter Singer by Michael Cooper story collection by Owen Marshall; and new returns to Auckland this week, two years thinking on right-wing politics 43 | Psychology Even the more sceptical COMMENTARY 14 | Politics Jane Clifton ENTERTAINMENT 94 | The Good Life 3 | Upfront 60 | Television Russell Baillie 4 | Letters Plus Caption Competition, Michele Hewitson 62 | Film Russell Baillie 64 | Music Graham Reid Quips & Quotes and 10 Quick Questions DIVERSIONS 66 | TV preview Russell Brown 8 | Bulletin Cathrin Schaer 9 | Diary Russell Brown 56-59 | Diversions 71-91 | TV programmes 11 | Life Bill Ralston  & Puzzles 92-93 | Radio programmes 13 | Reality Check Sanjana Hattotuwa p46 93 | Classical Elizabeth Kerr p49 Editor KARYN SCHERER Senior Designer RICHARD KINGSFORD Chief Executive Officer JANE HUXLEY Classified Sales KIM CHAPMAN Chief Subeditor FRANCES GRANT Subeditor NICK RUSSELL General Manager STUART DICK classifi[email protected] Political Columnist JANE CLIFTON Editorial Assistant REBECCA ZHONG Editorial Manager SARAH HENRY Subscriptions Email [email protected], Books Editor MARK BROATCH Editorial Office 317 New North Rd, Kingsland, Senior Account Manager CHLOE JORDAN magshop.co.nz or phone 0800 624 7467 Entertainment & Arts Editor RUSSELL BAILLIE Auckland 1021 [email protected] The NZ Listener is published by Are Media Ltd, Television Editor FIONA RAE Editorial postal address PO Box 52122, Commercial Brand Manager MAE KELLY Level 1, 317 New North Rd, Kingsland, Auckland 1021. Art Director DEREK WARD Kingsland, Auckland 1352 [email protected] Printed by Webstar, 114 Swanson Rd, Henderson, Assistant Art Director SHANE KELLY Editorial contact [email protected] Sales Director CLAIRE CHISHOLM Auckland 0610. © 2022. All rights reserved. 2 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

UPFRONT Divided we fail Much-needed reform of our water infrastructure is being stymied by mistrust and racist fearmongering, writes Anna Curnow. W henitbecameclear,a country) is being used to stir up division and win votes. And couple of years ago, that the method that appears to work best for that is the racist one. the government was serious about reforming the way In Australia, working with “traditional owners” is a funda- council-run water services mental part of Water for Victoria, the state government’s are managed and governed, long-term direction for managing its water resources. Abo- I was concerned. This meant riginal water assessments are part of the planning cycle. When we big things for the role of local talk about doing something similar here, through Te Mana o te Wai government and our communities. What would local government – a concept that refers to the importance of water by prioritising its do, or even be, without “big infrastructure”? health and wellbeing – the wheels fly off and paranoia tumbles out. Then we had the report from the Water Industry Commis- On many occasions, I’ve taken the 10 minutes needed to explain sion for Scotland (WICS), the rationale behind Three suggesting there could Waters reform. The conver- be significant benefits to sation trots along happily a new way of structuring until I mention Taumata the “three waters” – drink- Arowai – the new name ing water, wastewater and of our independent water stormwater – in New Zea- services regulator – or land. I have been involved Te Mana o te Wai, or having in local government for iwi/hapū representation more than a decade, but on regional representation I certainly don’t count groups. At that point, I’ve myself as an expert in big had people shouting at me infrastructure. We have Sign of the about Māori taking over engineers and other special- times: a Three our water assets. ists for that, and they were Waters protest keen on investigating the at Parliament To be fair, the government WICS proposal further. last year. has perhaps been naive in how deep the racial divide So, I decided to learn as still is. Additionally, the much as I could about the I’ve had people shouting at me about infamous cartoon media problem, the solution being campaign really didn’t help. Local government suffers proposed and what other Māori taking over our water assets. options existed. from being underestimated Over the past 18 months, and misunderstood by I have attended every meeting, read every document and watched central government, and that campaign triggered us badly. (and asked questions at) every webinar that I could. I’ve learnt I know that Local Government New Zealand has asked the about the Australian water reforms, the Scottish reforms, and government to slow the process so that we can reset some of this about what hasn’t worked in other parts of the UK. I am now division and misrepresentation. To my mind, that could help, but convinced that the Three Waters Reform Programme has merit is unlikely given the electoral cycle. What might work is for both and needs the local government sector to come together to help parties to get honest and start working constructively together iron out the bits that aren’t yet fit for purpose. For example, how right now, for the benefit of all those we serve. the entities engage with communities and the role of the economic In my time in local government, I’ve learnt that, if invited and regulator. informed, communities contribute richly to hard conversations. This is where things get tricky. Politics and fear of change If we can reset the story, then maybe we stand a chance of building are getting in the way. Three Waters will inevitably result in a a solution that achieves the benefits of the reform package in a way wider reform of local government. Indeed, the “Future for Local that really fits our unique New Zealand needs. l GETTY IMAGES Government” programme is already under way. But I’m disap- pointed to see that Three Waters (which, done right, will correct Anna Curnow is the Deputy Mayor of Kaipara, in Northland. decades of underinvestment in water infrastructure across the She is not standing for re-election. SUBMISSIONS for Upfront should be approximately 600 words long and should be sent to [email protected]. Full contact details must be provided. AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 3

LETTERS The Bank of Mum and Dad Your article on the Bank of Countries with higher tax and greater ease of home power up our state-owned Mum and Dad (“Cash & kin”, takes, such as Denmark, ownership, but higher levels bank so it can lend at very low July 23) pinpointed the new Sweden and Norway, tend of happiness and, wait for it, interest rates to new home basis of wealth in this country, to have more wealthy, much higher incomes than buyers (as the Post Office a situation not prevalent here productive economies than us, and less crime. Of course, did in the pre-neoliberalism since before World War II. those with lower taxes, these things flow one to the days), focus on delivering Understated in the story was because the social and other. high-quality tech and design the reason: our laissez-faire infrastructure investments education, cap rents, expand economics policy, which hands they make, in social safety Instead, we have poverty, social housing, retirement power and influence to those nets, healthcare, education especially for children, low savings and electric bus and who already have capital. In and public transport, create wages for a huge proportion train networks and, critically, such highly unequal societies the circumstances for strong of people, totally unaffordable lift Māori out of poverty by as laissez-faire-ism breeds, it economies. housing, low levels of happi- properly compensating iwi is very hard to go from a poor ness and high levels of stress. for theft of their land. upbringing to wealth. Countries that focus on What a bungle we have made cohesion and long-term of governing. Singapore took about 20 This process has been planned development, such years to go from mediocre as entirely predictable as as Singapore and Japan, have It’s past time for us to return to affluent doing something lamentable. And stupid. not just lower inequality to social democratic values, similar starting in the late reward work adequately, WINNING CAPTION takes a moment to unwind. Kate Gore, Tauranga – Mike Hamblyn, Dunedin FINALISTS Djokovic: “This is how I fly under the vaccination radar.” Novak Djokovic: “Look, Mum! I’m a tennis star!” – Paul Kelly, Palmerston North – Bernard Harris, Palmerston North Caption: Novak Djokovic Djokovic explains the “spread your legs” sneaks into the US technique to avoiding Covid. Djokovic (to umpire): disguised as a Boeing 737. “The balls are on teh line!” – Bob Richardson, Christchurch – Bernard Harris, Palmerston North Djokovic: “Bloody Covid: GETTY IMAGES Djokovic: “When they the wheels fell off.” Caption asked me to go skydiving, competition I thought they would – Muzza Robb, Wellington give me a parachute.” Djokovic: “Next stop – Robert Morey, Dunedin the Qantas terminal.” THIS WEEK’S PICTURE Caption: Having beaten Nick Kyrgios in the men’s – George Clark, Auckland final, Novak Djokovic Caption Competition Sports Minister Grant Robertson and Wellington Mayor Andy Foster at {[email protected]} the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 “One Year To Go” event at Parliament. TO ENTER Send your captions for the photo at right to [email protected], with “Caption Competition No 472” in the subject line. Alternatively, entries can be posted to “Caption Competition No 472”, NZ Listener, PO Box 52122, Kingsland, Auckland 1352. Entries must be received by noon, Tuesday, August 9. THE PRIZE Clinical psychologist Sarb Johal’s tips on managing fear and anxiety in a troubled world. 4 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

70s. If the current govern- ment started this they might stand a decent chance of being re-elected, unlike now, and be worthy of the name “Labour”, unlike their 1980s predeces- sors who, instead, started this train wreck we live in. Joseph Dougherty (Auckland Central) Who would have thought of nursing practice closely and Pasifika students who, In this light, it would be a that loving parents using resemble ours. The major- respectively, make up only 8% service to the rest of us if Mr their own money to help their ity are therefore required and 4% of registered nurses. It Robertson were to examine children and grandchildren by the Nursing Council to would implement a campaign the rise in corporate profits into housing would have a undergo a Competency designed to encourage people during the pandemic, and the “dark side” for New Zealand? Assessment Programme into nursing education. And misinformation being touted Most families helping their (CAP), generally 6-12 weeks it would immediately honour on the Fair Pay Agreements children are not rich owners long. Given the time required its commitment to the back due to become law. of intergenerational estates to process applications, for pay promised in the pay equity but ordinary Kiwis who were the nurse to emigrate, apply, agreement. Above all, he should lucky enough to buy a house and successfully complete Susan Jacobs, RN, MNZM refute Mr Piketty’s huge 20 or 30 years ago. a CAP, fast-tracking their (Mataruahou, Napier) body of evidence from immigration does not economic history, evidence As a retired solicitor with provide a quick fix for our WEALTH BY STEALTH which points undeniably memories of the old estate critical nursing shortage. to the preponderance duty regime, thankfully abol- Bruce Robertson’s letter (July of rentier [property or ished in 1992, the suggestion of Although internationally 30) on Thomas Piketty offers investment] wealth accruing bringing back an inheritance qualified nurses (IQNs) make trenchant and worthy advice. over centuries. In global tax fills me with horror. an enormous contribution Diligence and application will terms, the results of this to our health system, the be rewarded, while indolence enduring imbalance are now If you want to go back to the country’s reliance on them is will be punished. The need grotesquely unjust. past for inspiration, look at also concerning. The council’s for punishment is revealing. Stan Jones modernised versions of plans annual reports show that over Commercial, financial, (Hamilton) that actually got low-income financial years 2019 and 2020, capitalist virtue is not its families into their first home 4979 IQNs were registered but own reward, but rather the The implication in “Wealth -- such things as deferred only 3572 NZ-educated nurses. insurance against the Fall. by Stealth” that rich people payment licences, once offered As of 2020, 29% of registered by Crown Lands and Maori nurses in Aotearoa were IQNs. Letters to the editor {[email protected]} Affairs; insurance leaseholds, where the land was purchased If the government wanted The Editor, NZ Listener, PO Box 52122, Kingsland, Auckland 1352 by insurance companies to address Aotearoa’s nursing and paid off by first-home shortage in a more endur- ● Letters must be under A phone number can be helpful.  PARRY JONES buyers over 21 years; and ing way, it would provide 300 words. Preference is ● Pen names or letters submitted even a well-regulated long- greater financial support given to shorter letters.  elsewhere are not acceptable.  term agreement for sale and for nursing students, with ● A writer’s full residential ● We reserve the right purchase regime would be particular support for Māori address is required on all to edit or decline letters worth investigating. letters, including emails. without explanation. Terry Carson (Pukekohe) MUTUAL EXPLOITATION Jane Clifton’s comments (Politics, July 30) on the govern- ment’s position on immigrant nurses, and the need to “green- light” the path to citizenship for them, are welcomed, but missed several points. First, only a small number of immigrant nurses come from countries in which the standards and expectations AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 5

LETTERS 10Quick Questions byGABEATKINSON Quips& Quotes 1. What was the name Carolina Reaper, and Dorset site of the famous 1815 battle? of the character played Naga are all types of... what? “I think it’s more around by Betty White in the TV ❑ Luxembourg how we defend and how sitcom The Golden Girls? ❑ Hairy caterpillar ❑ Belgium we attack.” – Former All ❑ Rattlesnake ❑ Netherlands ❑ Blanche ❑ Chilli pepper ❑ France Black Ant Strachan on the ❑ Dorothy ❑ Poisonous mushroom All Blacks’ recent losses. ❑ Rose 8. Which of these films is NOT ❑ Sophia 5. Who wrote a pair of autobio- “I drink to make other graphical books titled Boy: Tales an adaptation of an earlier people interesting.” 2. An object that has had all its of Childhood and Going Solo? original components replaced Broadway musical? – George Jean Nathan over time can be described ❑ Elton John as a ‘ship of...’ whom? ❑ Bob Dylan ❑ La La Land “I thought you were in Te ❑ Orville Wright ❑ Annie Puke!” - Labour MPs heckle ❑ Crusoe ❑ Roald Dahl ❑ West Side Story Christopher Luxon during ❑ Shackleton ❑ Fiddler on the Roof Parliament’s question time ❑ Sinbad 6. Which sacred river is after the National leader ❑ Theseus mentioned in Samuel Taylor 9. True or false? Brown admitted to mistakes Coleridge’s poem Kubla Khan? in his social media 3. Lurch the butler is a bears and grizzly bears character in which TV series? ❑ Indus “You don’t have to count ❑ Alph are different species. every raindrop to know it’s ❑ The Munsters ❑ Ganges raining. And it’s pouring ❑ Upstairs, Downstairs ❑ Nile ❑ True right now.” – Dr Joseph ❑ Blackadder ❑ False ❑ The Addams Family 7. In which modern-day Kanter, Louisiana’s state country would you find the 10. The mineral pyrite is health officer, on the surge of 4. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, town of Waterloo, near the new coronavirus infections also known by what name? “Time is the only critic ❑ Fool’s gold Answers on without ambition.” ❑ Amethyst page 58. ❑ Emerald – John Steinbeck ❑ Greenstone “Money is our madness, are living it up at the expense Bruce Robertson proclaims society in Aotearoa. There our vast collective of those who are poorer is that provided they get a sound was once, and it provided state madness.” – DH Lawrence flawed. education and are prepared houses, and transport that was to work hard, the poor can cheap and dependable nearly “The outlook has darkened First, wealth itself brings relieve the indolent rich of everywhere (trains). significantly since April. only limited betterment. Lord their wealth. If only it were The world may soon be Thomson of Fleet, who created that simple. Not only do most But no longer, in a taxation teetering on the edge of a what he called a licence to of the “rich” want to hold on system that arguably is one global recession, only two print money from early com- to their wealth, they actually of the most regressive in the years after the last one.” – mercial television, later wrote want to make more. comparable world. Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, to the effect that he could only the IMF’s chief economist, eat and drink so much, drive Yes, it seems that John May- Even the Australians were in a blog accompanying the in one car, wear one watch, etc. nard Keynes was mistaken able to work out how to: (1) release of an update on the Happiness comes from other when, in 1930, he surmised make a tax-free threshold; (2) global economy things. that, “The love of money as a make fresh food GST free; (3) possession … will be recog- implement a capital gains tax. “There’s no limit to how Where there is ostenta- nised for what it is, a somewhat Neville Rosengren complicated things can tion by the wealthy, such as disgusting morbidity.” (Masterton) get, on account of one expensive yachts, big houses, thing always leading and costly art collections, they I don’t think that commu- ACHILLES HEEL to another.” – EB White often seem as much invest- nism is the only alternative to ments as indulgences. capitalism. For example, con- Climate Change Commission “Laughter is the closest sider participatory economics, chair Rod Carr (Upfront, July distance between two Second, the successful in which you are involved in 23) believes New Zealand has people.” – Victor Borge wealthy are good at having decisions in proportion to how a “world-leading status as an money create money, so much you are affected by the efficient producer of low-emis- “When in doubt, don’t.” helping growth and resources. outcome (“skin in the game”). sion agricultural products” The proponents of the policies Kevin Juventin to preserve. But the truth of – Benjamin Franklin of envy should acknowledge (Waihi Beach) our “efficiency” is leaking that profits are good and out. We can’t hide the state of losses are bad – for people There is not enough money our nitrogen-filled rivers and and societies. in the public estate to fund the lakes, the pesticides we use Les Aldridge needs of a fair and equitable on our pastures and animals, (Tawa, Wellington) the fact that we are the world’s 6 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

largest importer of palm inconvenient to public in his book Sapiens: A Brief His- Here, you need at least kernel, and the loophole in our employees or their political tory of Humankind warns that 200 nanograms of blood animal welfare rules. hostages – our supposed the biggest risk to nationhood in the stool to qualify for a representatives. is its army: when martial law follow-up colonoscopy. But it Of the recent free-trade is declared, democratic rights does not mean that you don’t agreement with Europe, a Central to this are two and freedoms are halted. The have bowel cancer if you have left-wing French MP, François anti-democratic factors: spin power that the monarchy a “negative” test result. Ruffin, wrote, “Why should doctors and the Privacy Act. withholds has ensured con- French people be exposed Far more than the Official stitutional stability. How can For example, you could have to the residues of pesticides Information Act or its local that stability be guaranteed 150 nanograms of blood and banned in France but government equivalent, they in the future Peter Hamilton be deemed “negative”, even widely used in New Zealand determine what unelected envisages? though you have a tumour. agriculture?” officials can conceal or warp Patricia Cunniffe MNZM But you will not automatically to suit their own agendas, even (Whanganui) be given this vital numeric Atrazine, used here to kill to the extent of gagging their information as a patient. broadleaf weeds, was banned own elected nominal masters. This is a timely issue needing in Europe in 2003 because thorough discussion. The first The only way to check your it is an endocrine disruptor. A 2019 survey by Radio New issue is deciding what is the actual blood results, if “nega- Diflubenzuron is used to kill Zealand cited a doubling of role of a head of state, or even tive”, is to demand that the the larvae of unwanted insects. public relations staff in some if we need one. I have never screening programme supply Our farmers use it in sheep official organisations, together envisioned that role as “pro- all your numeric results. You dip. It’s also used in salmon with massive increases in the moting New Zealand in our can then decide, if there is farming to kill sea lice, and salaries paid to them. The first key markets” – that is surely blood, whether or not to have by mushroom growers. It was question there is why any gov- the job of the government a colonoscopy in the private banned in Europe only last ernment agency should need and its officials. And those system. year because of its toxicity to “communication specialists” if candidates otherwise suitable aquatic organisms. the staff in them are competent for the head of state role who The Ministry of Health enough to operate keyboards. had no such promotional skills apparently refuses to auto- “How,” Ruffin also asked, Surely any public servant would be cut out. matically supply all statistical “can France claim to be a ought to be able to write down results when under 200 nano- defender of tropical forests a factual narrative in response A second issue is: what, if grams of blood. However, and yet sign a trade deal with to queries. The only reason to any, political power would rest I would have thought this a country whose animal feed avoid doing so is the possibil- with the head of state? Parlia- refusal was contravening contributes to their destruc- ity that truth might reveal ment would surely put severe patient rights to full test tion?” Ruffin also found out deficiency or deceit. limits on that and not risk the disclosure? that our welfare code on Robert Lawrence possibility of the head of state AG Talbot animal transport says nothing (Tauranga) sacking the government, as (St Albans, Christchurch) about the number of hours happened in Australia several they can stand in a truck, LETTER OF THE WEEK decades ago. “MR MAGOO” except, I discovered, for new- born calves, where the limit is CHARLES IN CHARGE? And what would be the Being a glasses wearer myself, 12 hours. term of office? Would that be I can feel for Bill Ralston (Life, Peter Hamilton (Upfront, July attached to the general elec- July 23) and his glasses fogging There’s lots we have to 30) makes no mention of how tion timetable? Perhaps a good up when wearing an anti- change in this terrifying the armed forces will fit into time to change to four years. Covid face mask. What may climate crisis and even Dr Carr the revised constitution in a Alan Milton help is something that took me doesn’t face up to the most republic. Currently, their oath (Cambridge) less than five minutes to get the basic issue — the world can no of allegiance is to the Queen, hang of: breathing out through longer afford a diet based on her heirs and successors. SCREEN TIME the mouth by pulling your animal products. lower lip in. Fogging of your Pat Baskett So, what will be the new alle- Further to the responses to glasses is no longer an issue, (Ōkura, Auckland) giance? To a piece of cloth (the Susan Parry (Upfront, July 2) and your nose is still covered. flag, which would need to be on bowel cancer screening, Just talk only when needed. OFFICIAL INFORMATION changed – and we know how it should be understood that John Kuindersma contentious that can be); to our the threshold to qualify for a (Whangārei) Stephen Davis’ report on (unwritten) constitution; to the colonoscopy is set “Information Disorder” Treaty of Waitangi; to an ever- at a relatively high Letter of the (Reality Check, July 23) is changing head of state? 200 nanograms of week prize disturbing not just because blood per millilitre of the examples it gives, but The courage and loyalty of solution. Austral- Food writer Sophie because it suggests that even of armed forces are a great ia’s, for instance, is Hansen and her mum, expert investigators are strength to a nation. But 100 nanograms, and art teacher Annie becoming powerless to extract there are many examples of screening is from Herron, encourage facts from impervious official countries, both in the past and age 50. readers to take structures deliberately set up currently, where the army has a break through to suppress or distort anything taken over and martial law everyday creativity. declared. Yuval Noah Harari AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 7

BULLETIN FROM BERLIN CATHRIN SCHAER Spoiled for arts choices Berlin has city are shaped by the country’s Then, in the late 1960s, a about 700 professional art gal- councillors for all wartime history. Back then, new generation of Germans, leries. It also has more theatres the usual things: the Nazis saw culture as a tool reacting to their conserva- and concert halls than almost transport, envi- to promote their ideology, and tive, Nazi-complicit elders, any other country, hosts half ronment, rubbish. what they considered “pure” demanded “culture for all” – of the world’s orchestras and, according to a recent article But what even a lot of locals German art. Instead of seeing that is, works that went beyond in the New Yorker, is “the most operatic country on Earth” don’t know is that, since 1991, it as something for the elites, traditional paintings of land- with more than 80 permanent the German capital has also as it had traditionally been, art scapes and flowers, financed opera houses. But does all that employed a city “commissioner” and culture became an impor- by the public purse. make this a better place whose sole responsibil- to live? ity is artists’ studios. Sure, there are a lot of scientific studies Martin Schweg- about the value that culture brings. They’re mann, the current a pretty standard part of what all that “Atelierbeauftragter”, arts funding buys. But what do ordinary regularly appears on people think? A brief, unscientific survey telly to discuss how was conducted in my neighbourhood. creatives are being “So, the city is pretty squeezed out of the city liberal anyway,” a queer friend noted. “But the because of rising rents. art scene brings more people here who want Berlin is having an more of that. It just makes it a better, more accept- “atelier emergency”, he ing place to live.” “Art is part of everyday life recently argued. here and it challenges people,” a gallerist visiting from New Critics have com- Zealand, by way of London, enthused. plained his job is only “I like it, it’s nice,” the pensioner next door said. But symbolic, a way of why? He paused for a minute. “Because it makes people think appeasing anyone about more than what to make for dinner and what car to moaning about how buy,” he concluded. “And that’s important.” l fast Berlin is chang- Cathrin Schaer is Middle ing. But coming from City of culture: an exhibition in this year’s Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art. East editor for German public New Zealand, it seems broadcaster dw.com, and lives in Berlin. fairly radical that a city council would pay somebody “The art scene brings more people to do this for a living. In fact, Schwegmann’s job here. It just makes it a better, is just a tiny aspect of the more accepting place to live.” way Germany treats art and culture. In 2022, Berlin will allocate tant part of national identity. Today, unlike in countries about €885.7 million (NZ$1.4 bil- After the war, freedom of such as the US, most lion) of its budget to culture. money for German art That comes to about €239 artistic expression – without (NZ$390) per Berlin resident. In interference by the state and culture still comes from New Zealand, the most recent – was enshrined in a new the state, with only about 10% national budget put NZ$185 German constitution. Article funded by the private sector. million towards local cultural 5 has been interpreted to At the risk of sounding like pursuits; that’s about $NZ36 (or mean that not only can the a travel brochure, this means €22) spent for every resident. state not mess with your that Germany now offers an GETTY IMAGES This difference can be naked fingerpainting, it almost impenetrable thicket of partially explained by how should also actively promote cultural action. For example, Germany’s contemporary poli- and protect your freedom it has the most museums in cies towards art and culture to fingerpaint naked. Europe: about 7500, as well as 8 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

DIARY RUSSELL BROWN We’re not Boomers, okay? My first year declared the existence of a new, generation tend to revolve Anglophilia. A lot of us didn’t at school post-Boomer cohort. around a loss of innocence. get married. My darling and was the They were kids who never I, punk rock kids who met at last year In 2000, the California lived in a world without televi- school, never railed against of the marketing consultant Jonathan sion – and who would go on the nuclear family like the milk. I have a hazy memory of Pontell hailed, in a book of to watch Watergate unfold. Boomers did at university — it arriving in crates and being his own, the existence of Pontell suggests that Jonesers we  ust never got around to the left to curdle in the Canter- another group, squeezed were optimistic children in the wedding part. A dear friend bury sun. There can’t have in the middle of the two: golden weather of the 1960s, of mine became a secular been many more deliveries Generation Jones. He turned before New Zealand’s Milk it into a kind of personal We grew up sheltered, then in Schools programme ended brand and was vindicated watched the guarantee of its 30-year run in 1967. when US President Barack national prosperity dissolve. Obama (who had his 60th Looking back, it seems birthday last year) owned it. but came of age into unem- marriage and funeral celebrant emblematic of the generation ployment and Reaganomics. in the late 90s because so many I was born into: we always “I identify with this gen- Generation X arrived after of her peers had suffered arrived just as the train was eration between the Baby the deluge and never saw bereavements or finally leaving the station. We grew Boomers and Generation X,” what had gone before. decided to tie the knot, but had up sheltered, then watched the Obama declared in 2009. “My no grasp of the religious and guarantee of national prosper- mother was a Baby Boomer, We hadourlocal social rituals involved. ity dissolve. I turned 11 in 1973, and I’m part of Generation variations. When the year of the first oil crisis Jones.” Even Coupland got we embraced Perhaps we also grew up and of Britain joining the Euro- aboard, recasting his own book punk rock in our teens, we without the sense that the pean Economic Community as really having been “about couldn’t know it would be world was there for our benefit, (now the EU). Carless days fol- the fringe of Generation Jones New Zealand’s final fling with or our ways were intrinsi- lowed in 1979, then, in 1982, the which became the mainstream cally the right ways. Perhaps, government imposed a freeze of Generation X”. on every wage and price in because we’ve seen the national economy. For Americans, the cul- certainties dissolve, we The wheels had well tural characteristics of this know they may not last and truly fallen off by forever. I understand the time we saw it all that I won’t understand finally dismantled in how an 18-year-old per- 1984, when I turned 22. ceives gender. (We’ve also seen our kids’ I’ve been ruminat- generation marry at ing on it because I’ve 24, and our daughters turned 60, the impossi- take their husbands’ bly distant age at which name. That was a sur- Kiwis used to retire prise.) But even in this with their mortgage- new seventh decade of free houses. I haven’t life, I’d rather not be a retired and we still scared old fool about have a mortgage. By things. That really some calculations, I’m wouldn’t be very a Baby Boomer – I was punk rock. l born only 17 years after World War II ended. “Wow, who would’ve thought? My husband, Russell Brown is a ALEX SCOTT But I’m seven months promoted to ocean floor manager.” freelance journalist younger than Douglas based in Auckland. Coupland, whose novel Generation X famously AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 9



LIFE BILL RALSTON Dictatorship of the minority The problem contender for Shaw’s posi- it is not stringent enough. the party could then be rebuilt for embattled tion. But even if no one stands So, as I said, he is doomed. anew in their own mould. former Green against him, the anti-Shaw Party co-leader block can simply keep voting to The logical choice for a It may well be that, if they James Shaw is reopen nominations and neatly new co-leader would be the can’t get what they want, there that I like him. He’s intelligent, thwart his re-election from now dynamic Auckland Central is a faction of the Greens who, thinking, caring and reason- until eternity. It’s a dictatorship MP Chlöe Swarbrick. She is like others before them, will able. A sizeable element of of the minority. young, bright, articulate and walk out of the party into the the hardcore Greens would be savvy, with a popular appeal “dustbin of history”. From the horrified that someone like me For them, it seems his holds Shaw in some esteem as a biggest sins are that he is Do the 32 really want National minister and a man. This, I fear, not radical enough and he to slide back into government? means he is doomed politically. has tied the Greens into an Probably. It would make them feel amicable relationship with saintlier and more righteous. At their AGM last week, 32 the Labour government. For of 107 Green delegates voted a group who have spent their wide enough to win a general point of view of the majority to reopen nominations for his entire lives protesting against electorate seat. For the 32 of Greens, I imagine that co-leadership position. Under governments, this is a grievous naysayers, these characteristics departure would be helpful. Green rules, this means he is out failure on his part. probably disqualify her for of the job until such time as there the job. Swarbrick has said she Swarbrick has an elector- is another poll and he attains Quite how Green policy won’t contest the co-leadership, ate seat and stands every 75% or more of the vote. This could be implemented but she may yet be convinced. chance of retaining it at is a highly unlikely outcome. from a position of eternal the next election, especially if opposition they do not make There are some critics in the Labour candidate simply When he popped up to the clear. For his part, Shaw has the party who seem to feel it competes for the party vote. media after the vote, looking been trudging through the does not matter if the Greens So, even if the Green Party like a startled meerkat, he quagmire of government to lost their seats in Parliament; initially hesitated about get a climate change bill into can’t attain 5% of the having another run at the law. Apparently, that is not vote nationwide, it co-leadership, saying he enough. And besides, they say will still retain some would consult the MPs in the House. party membership STEVE BOLTON first. Within 24 Under this hours, he must have scenario, a coalition miraculously managed of Labour, the Greens that feat because he and perhaps Te Pāti then declared he would Māori could nose stand again. out National/Act. Do the 32 really want The 32 delegates are National to slide back unlikely to have a “road into government? to Damascus” moment Probably. It would and suddenly vote for make them feel him next time around. saintlier and more Plus, there was a chunk righteous. of delegates who abstained from voting This is the dilemma at all. It’s possible many the party now finds of those abstainers will itself in. As Kermit slide into the anti-Shaw the Frog sang back in camp at the next ballot. the day, “It’s not easy being green.” l At the time of writing, there was no declared rival AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 11

The Mike Hosking Breakfast. 6AM – 9AM WEEKDAYS

REALITY CHECK SANJANA HATTOTUWA The seeds of disaster R ecently,Iwas The seeds for this disaster You may be tempted to Disinformation is a referred to in were sown in January 2010, conclude that New Zealand home-grown problem, a social media when Sri Lanka had its first is nothing like Sri Lanka. umbilically connected post with a word presidential election following And you’re right. Democratic to structural racism, inequity I hadn’t heard of. the end of its brutal civil war. norms, institutions and foun- and inequality. The pandemic It turned out to be an awfully It was the first election where dations run deep here. But, lockdowns, where we spent violent one aimed at Indians. the two leading candidates – counterintuitively, that also unprecedented amounts of I am not Indian, but I guess that Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya’s puts New Zealand at risk. time in front of screens, were shows how much local racists elder brother, and General an opportunity to accelerate know about South Asia. Sarath Fonseka –  employed Disinformation weaponises the seeding of racism and a lazy belief in the resilience of misogyny, the stoking of anger What I found more worry- and the incitement to violence. ing was the permissive Pain at the pump: This may well result in random environment on social media autorickshaws in a terrorism, but the real purpose for sharing racist discourse, long queue for fuel of disinformation is to create a with no discernible pushback. in Sri Lanka’s capital. more hostile society, where dif- That worry, in turn, is anchored ference is negotiated violently to my home country, its present The real purpose of disinformation is and incivility is normalised. condition and how it got there. to create a more hostile society, where difference is negotiated violently. What I see as part of my Many in Sri Lanka today can studies is anti-Māori racism now afford to eat just one meal social media profiles for their democracies, unravelling social and dangerous hostility GETTY IMAGES a day. People have died in the respective campaigns. cohesion through manipu- towards politicians, academics, huge queues for gas, petrol or lation and lies. High-trust medical experts and anyone diesel. Schools are closed. Hos- It was also the first election societies that assume they are who voices contrary opinions. pitals have run out of essential where these accounts were immune from disinformation’s I worry that New Zealand is medicines. The economy has used to promote harmful mate- reach and harms are particu- heading down the same path completely disintegrated. rial, seeding a mindset that larly vulnerable. A digital that Sri Lanka has already The resulting impact will be those who voted for one candi- weapon perfected in Sri Lanka taken. intergenerational. date were patriots, and those and the Global South for years who voted for the other were is now being used by Kiwis. Research shows that disin- Covid-19 saw the collapse traitors. This language was formation campaigns have of Sri Lanka’s tourist trade also a licence for harms both Therein lies the rub. reached these shores, including – one of its biggest foreign online and offline that prefaced New Zealand’s policing and those that have adopted and currency earners – although and even promoted violence. immigration policies, to name adapted Russian templates. We it had already started to trail Mahinda Rajapaksa went on just two areas, are aimed at don’t yet have the regulatory, off following the Easter 2019 to win the election, cementing controlling and containing legal and policy frameworks bombings. But economic a powerful political family violent extremism and related to identify these, let alone mismanagement and corrup- dynasty synonymous with harms. But these methods are respond in any meaningful tion are also to blame for the populist authoritarianism. no longer fit for purpose. way. It’s not looking good. country’s debt-driven dilemma. It’s no surprise that President Data, however, isn’t destiny. Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the There is still time to respond. country before resigning and Intense loss also teaches. It’s losing his immunity from knowing what’s at stake that prosecution. compels me to help, however I can, the mahi of Kiwis fighting All of this is a Google search to preserve and perfect New away, and it is heartbreaking. Zealand’s democracy — no matter what I’m called. l For more than 12 years, I have studied disinformation Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa is in Sri Lanka and how it has a research fellow with The inexorably created the political Disinformation Project. conditions for the country’s cataclysmic economic collapse. AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 13

POLITICS JANE CLIFTON Out to pasture The activist Green Party bloc who forced co-leader James Shaw to reapply for his job risks consigning the party to irrelevance. In matters of state Its leadership ructions may are running a long game to exposing the electorate to and governance, prove a textbook example of further radicalise the party. pain before it’s ready to make never saying never how the perfect can be the uncomfortable trade-offs, get is generally the enemy of the good. PATIENCE TESTED turfed out of Parliament and wisest course. then have absolutely no influ- Former US presi- It was no great surprise There has always been a section ence or voice, let alone voting dent Donald Trump that long-simmering ten- of the party determined that leverage where it counts. may be indicted or stand again sions between the idealistic nothing short of full-throttle for the presidency – or both. demands of its activist base decarbonisation and decima- Shaw has been the ideal Scandal-hit British Prime and the realities of its co- tion of the national livestock co-leader to represent the Minister Boris Johnson steps operation agreement with herd would be an acceptable wishes of these more realistic down on September 6, but Labour erupted last weekend term’s work from their MPs. voters, and he has pulled not knowledgeable politicos are just Labour but National into already predicting he will The Green brand has endured a remarkably stable compact stage a comeback. by attracting Labour, National on how far and fast emissions Ukrainian President Volo- and centrist voters who are reductions should go. Few in dymyr Zelensky, who once concerned about climate change. either party would argue that played a TV comedy president, he has moved them further GETTY IMAGES is now one of the world’s most at the party’s annual confer- Others are rather more towards the pain threshold revered leaders, courageously ence. Co-leader James Shaw realistic, accepting that they than they would otherwise steeling his nation against was forced to reapply for his lack the numbers to force such have gone. a brutal Russian invasion. job after a bloc of delegates rapid change, but they want to And the Queen has pulled off a long-plotted pro- at least see some belligerence The activists demanding reportedly invited the Oprah- cedural coup. They rebuked and menace from their MPs. hardball should not underesti- unburdening Duke and what, by their lights, is his mate the blood shed last term, Duchess of Sussex to Balmoral lack of demonstrated ideologi- What their idealism, when Shaw bound the National for a summer visit. cal zeal. At press time, there potentially fatally, discounts, opposition into a carbon-zero It’s these sorts of outland- were no rival contenders, but is the desire among a large consensus. He behaved with a ishly vaulting odds that make there’s about a month before proportion of green voters – ruthlessness belying his mild, predictions so risky. Absurdi- the final vote, and even then as opposed to Green activists besuited public image. ties can become realities his reinstatement would not – to see the party permanently overnight, upending even life’s around the top table, so it has a This radical-pragmatist rift dustiest certainties. So while constitute a victory. chance to move the doomsday is not exclusive to New Zealand. it might seem as though the Just as British dial back, however frustrat- Understandable impatience Green Party is an immutable reformist ingly slowly. These voters with the establishment’s glacial force in our politics, as ginger group understand the Pantene-ness climate mitigation has given the only minor party to Momentum of public opinion about the rise to global extremism, have made itself reliably infiltrated the sacrifices needed to mitigate notably Extinction Rebellion. electable, it’s now pos- Labour Party climate change: it won’t happen sible to see it circling the and swerved it overnight, but it will happen. The two critical questions MMP-threshold drain. They grasp the corollary, too, are whether a concerted push to the hard left, so that parties that force the pace, towards more radicalism will Reapplying: James Shaw. doctrinaire Greens grow the Green Party’s vote, and whether it will move the climate-change dial a nudge in the right direction. For New Zealand consumption, the 14 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

former answer is almost cer- their only pathway to acceler- and those experimenting with – whose allure proved more tainly no. The Green brand has ate climate-policy change is genetic modification – even party-party than political endured by attracting Labour, through vote leverage. Democ- at the risk of inflaming Green party. National and centrist voters racy’s most pitiless stricture is sensibilities – are the real who are concerned about sheer mathematics. climate warriors. However, Tamaki’s activ- climate change. These voters ists may find that snarling skew older and wealthier than Unless and until the radicals the activist base. A chunk of numerically outstrip the more Clean-energy innovators and them are sufficiently com- conservative Green voters, those developing sustainable fortably off that they would whose support they risk driv- agri-business systems are embrace, or at least tolerate, ing away, that access to real the real climate warriors. the sacrifices entailed in emis- power will remain shaky. sions reduction. But few would SHRINKING THE VOTE traffic and using up hours CHRIS SLANE support measures that would As to whether a more of people’s precious weekend tank the economy or throttle radical approach can slow Further radicalism has been leisure time is not a smart trade. They’re also more apt to climate change, it remains on the march in the form of way of growing their vote. be put off by the Greens’ more an awkward truth that, short disruptive anti-government Tamaki addressed a few militant social policies, as the of the world returning to a protests, expertly marshalled hundred of the Auckland party found after its former pre-industrial way of life, the from the rise of resistance motorway invaders about co-leader, Metiria Turei, only climate activism so far to the pandemic restrictions the perfidy of the current attempted to make a virtue proven to make a difference by Destiny Church leader cost-of-living crisis, while of admitting benefit fraud. is research and technology. Brian Tamaki. Their bravura adding mightily to the fuel Clean-energy innovators, displays suggest a deeper vote bills of a few thousand Although some in the those developing sustainable reservoir than that for Kim frustrated potential voters. anti-vaccination movement agri-business systems, inven- Dotcom’s failed Internet Party allege the government and its tors harnessing the recycling – the last attempt at a truly Again, it’s all about the laws are illegitimate, Green potential of traditional waste anti-establishment movement maths. l activists have yet to buy into products, scientists working that twilight zone. That means to solve the conundrum of electric batteries’ short lives AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 15

FINANCIAL LITERACY 16

Keep it simple: Sam Raising Stubbs says he has our made his own lifestyle money much more modest smarts than it once was. Financial high-flyer Sam Stubbs is on a mission to help more Kiwis learn how to build wealth. byPAUL LITTLE●photographbyKENDOWNIE Sam Stubbs, co-founder and public face of Simplicity, the not-for-profit KiwiSaver and fund manager, is in Oslo. He is not there to research possible investment opportunities for the fast-growing com- pany, nor to examine how a socially progressive country tends its citizens’ finances. He’s there because he told his 18-year-old son, Ben, that if Ben applied himself to his studies, he would take him on a trip anywhere in the world. Consequently, the early morning Zoom call is backgrounded by Ben’s hunt for socks and a charger as he prepares to amble out for breakfast. Stubbs and his partner, journalist Amanda Morrall, have a blended family made up of his two – Emma, 21, and Ben – and her two – Connor, 20, and Liam, 19. All are stu- dents. Morrall is one of Simplicity’s other co-founders, along with Andrew Lance and Amir Bashir. It will probably reassure Simplicity’s 126,000 inves- tors to know that the man overseeing their $4.3 billion in investments has their interests in mind, even on the other side of the world. “Every single cent of it is someone else’s money and it’s a very big responsibility,” says Stubbs, “but I don’t consider it a burden. When you have 3000 investments in 23 countries, on any one day something’s going up and something’s going down. If you have diversified risk, 17

FINANCIAL LITERACY BASIC RULES nothing can hurt you too much. You tend to TO GET AHEAD sleep well at night.” Given Sam Stubbs says he would like Simplicity is run as a close-knit team the information in Money Made Simple including the founders, 30 staff and a chang- to reach as many people as possible, ing roster of volunteers. he would surely not object to having some of its advice repeated here. Stubbs, 57, definitely thinks outside the spreadsheet. A self-described disruptor, 8GOLDEN RULES his priorities have changed considerably OF MONEY since his early days, first at local merchant bank Fay, Richwhite and later at Goldman 1. PAY OFF YOUR DEBTS Compounding interest is great “It’s crazy we don’t when you are earning it, deadly have basic financial when it is adding to your debt literacy as a core burden. school subject, because money is so important 2. INVEST IN EDUCATION in people’s lives.” Educational qualifications and GETTY IMAGES how much you earn are closely Sachs, in the UK and around the world, for “We need to do something about that.” linked. 10 years. Next minute, the lowly hockey player had been dismissed and the captain of the First 3. BUY A HOUSE IF YOU CAN, He studied politics and philosophy at XV appointed head boy, and the natural Auckland University, emerging with a mas- order was restored. AND PAY IT OFF AS FAST AS ter’s degree with first-class honours and no There was another valuable lesson, when POSSIBLE intention of going into the world of finance. Stubbs joined the ill-fated Hanover Group as Almost the only possession that But he did. its chief executive on his return to New Zea- will increase in value over the long land in 2007, after the Goldman Sachs years. term. “It was for all the wrong reasons,” he “I did that purely for money. They gave says. “Faster cars, pretty girls. It was Fay, me the job and said, ‘We want you to list this 4. GET INTO KIWISAVER Richwhite, and it was glamorous. We were company, want you to take it into fund man- Because the government will give trying to win the America’s Cup. A lot of it agement, and then we’ll exit it.’ you $500 a year free money. was that I wanted to be wealthy, because I “That was what I was sold, and that’s what came from an area that wasn’t so wealthy.” I bought, and I didn’t do my proper due dili- 5. STOP PAYING HIGH FEES AND gence. Not only could I not work with the He grew up in West Auckland, the son of owners, there was a difference of opinion HIGH INTEREST schoolteacher parents who lived the sort at a very fundamental level. The Global Because they can make a big dif- of life that was taken for granted then but Financial Crisis was starting to happen, and ference to how much money you seems increasingly unrealistic now. His it was clear the company wasn’t going to get have in retirement. parents worked hard, bought their house, listed, the founders weren’t going to exit and bought a bach and held to strong family there wasn’t going to be a fund management 6. CHOOSE DIVERSIFIED, PASSIVE values. business. So there was no reason for me to be there.” FUNDS At rugby-mad Kelston Boys’ High School, His resignation was announced amid Diversity means risk is spread; Stubbs, “a thin white nerdy kid”, learnt growing turmoil in the finance sector. passive management means about pecking orders and priorities. “That Hanover collapsed a few months later, someone like Stubbs isn’t trying to was a bit of a jungle for me early on and so owing more than half a billion dollars to beat the market and pick winners. learning how to navigate that was really more than 36,000 investors, many of whom valuable.” knew very little about what they were actu- 7. HAVE A RAINYDAY FUND ally investing in. Put a little aside regularly where Not a natural sportsman, he had been “Every now and again, when someone you won’t miss it, because rainy relegated to the hockey team. wants to have a hit at me, they’ll bring that days do come. He was also, due to circum- 8. HAVE SOME BASIC stances beyond his control, acting head boy at the time INSURANCE when Graham Henry – who Treat it as some- would eventually become the thing to have in All Blacks’ coach – took over as case of potential principal of the school. Stubbs disasters, not was summonsed. for lifestyle preservation. “Stubbs, you play hockey?” barked Henry. “Yeah.” 18 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

Stubbs with members of the Simplicity team. The not-for-profit funds manager also has a roster of volunteers. up: ‘You can’t trust this guy.’ Because in my Finance companies, which profit from con- For them, this book is not going to be useful. KEN DOWNIE entire career, I spent seven months working sumer anxiety. One of Stubbs’ main aims But that won’t be many people, because the for one particular finance company.” is to help people overcome their fear that vast majority of New Zealanders still have finance is complicated. some choices, and they do still have a job. I His midlife crisis involved “divorce and think capitalism is a great way of making looking in the mirror and feeling uncom- “Money is incredibly simple,” he insists. money, but I think socialism is a great way fortable about the person I’d become. “But our industry loves complexity, because of distributing it. Getting out of that hedonistic trouble was complexity is profit. The finance industry wrenching emotionally. It probably was is like any other priesthood – they want “The point at which you stop worrying depression.” you to think it’s difficult and complex.” The about money is a door opener to a whole idea that money can be made simple does lot of other things, because money wor- Since then, he says, he has gone back to not appeal to it. ries are the worst. Every time you go to the the Kiwi values of fairness and opportunity shops, every time a bill arrives, every time with which he was brought up and that used “If you’re running a the kid asks for something – it’s massively to be taken for granted. “I’m just doing what home and household draining.” my mother would do in school, which was finances, you’re actually fight for the kids and do what was good for a financial expert. He’s putting his investors’ money where them. I’m just doing it in a different area.” You don’t realise it.” his mouth is. Advice like “buy a home ASAP” might be impractical for many in today’s DEMYSTIFYING MONEY Some of the advice in his book might fall volatile housing market – but Simplicity into the “that’s easy for you to say” category. is investing in building affordable homes. His fight is currently focused on getting Such as “never make a decision based on ASAP. basic financial wisdom into as many heads money”, which is swell if you’ve got plenty as possible via a pocket-sized book, Money of it. He acknowledges this. “Simplicity has opened up my eyes to the Made Simple (see “Basic rules to get ahead”, power of social enterprise. When you have page 18). “I personally think it’s crazy that “It’s easy for me to get into a patronising billions of dollars to invest, you can invest it we don’t have basic financial literacy as a mode and assume that everyone has choices and make money and do good. The money we core school subject, because money is so in life, when they don’t. For some people, lend out to first-home buyers, or the afford- important in people’s lives.” there is literally not much they can do, they able housing we’re doing now, is making a are dependent on the state, and dependent really good solid return for people.” Much of the advice in his book is well- on income over which they have no control. worn: don’t get into debt, buy a house if you UNRECOGNISED EXPERTISE can and pay it off ASAP, understand com- pound interest. This is not occult knowledge Stubbs believes we would worry less about reserved for initiates. And yet, people strug- money if we realised how much we already gle to follow it. know. “Most people don’t need financial advisers, and most people are pretty good Who benefits from this state of affairs? AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 19

FINANCIAL LITERACY FRUGAL IS FUN financial experts, because they run their increased. “In my Goldman Sachs days, I own household. If you’re running a home hung around with billionaires, and I can SAM STUBBS SAYS HE IS A LOT and household finances, you’re actually honestly say, from my sample set, that happier since he began divesting. a financial expert. You don’t realise it but there is zero correlation between wealth Out went the de rigueur trappings of you understand assets and liabilities, you and happiness.” the successful financial high-flyer: “All understand cash flow, you understand my cars, boats, houses. Everything. budgeting, you understand investing. Up to a point, however, money is incred- I had a very hedonistic life at one ibly important. He quotes studies showing stage, and I was very unsatisfied.” “But the sheer volume of financial the optimal household income is anywhere Finding ways to live more frugally products on the market, the amount of between $100,000 and $200,000 a year, but is one of Stubbs’ hobbies. Given his information fired at us and the variety believes the amount is now probably closer ability to generate a considerable of financial institutions that exist are to the latter than the former. amount of personal income, why daunting.” bother? One rule that isn’t in his book but under- “I hung around with lies much of what he says and does is that “Because I think it is more fun. billionaires, and I “True happiness has nothing to do with Because I’ve had experience with can honestly say ... what you have. It’s to do with people.” the other side. Don’t get me wrong, that there is zero I have the odd treat every now and correlation between Which is a message as old as Ecclesiastes, again, but there’s an optimal point wealth and happiness”. yet one that people still fail to take on board. where spending a lot more money does not get you more pleasure.” Stubbs agrees that money is more compli- KNACK FOR SIMPLIFYING cated than it used to be. “And it’s certainly Take his current trip: “I could afford much harder than it needs to be. It’s because If Stubbs’ ambitions for it are realised, a five-star hotel. I could equally stay the industry needs to generate new stuff all Money Made Simple will get that message in a backpackers with my son. We’re the time to stimulate people’s interests. The across. It’s more of a booklet than a book, but somewhere in the middle. We’re in a industry wants you to think about money even that was a bit of an effort, apparently. three-star, because it’s fine, because maybe 2% of your time, but actually you “Writing a book’s hard, eh? I never knew it’s got a nice shower and beds and I should be thinking about money about you had to reread something so many times, don’t need more than that. Declutter- 1/10th of 1% of your time.” and every single time you find something.” ing these things and making things generally as simple as they can be is a Which will reduce anxiety considerably. It was the suggestion of publisher Robbie nice way to live.” “A lot of the stress about money is the per- Burton, who had attended one of Stubbs’ ceived feeling of lack of control.” presentations. “Robbie said: ‘What you’re Stubbs says he always flies econ- saying here is not being said. People may omy. He could turn left and pay some Simplicity describes his own lifestyle as know it, but it hasn’t been simplified the way of the world’s most extortionate well as his business. He has no credit cards you do.’” So Stubbs agreed to do the book mark-ups for a glass of okay cham- and some basic insurance, but not, inter- “because our mission is to get everybody pagne, but “I’d rather spend the estingly, health insurance, about which he with more money, more choices, and a more money on a slightly better hotel”. remains ambivalent. dignified life”. Also, he knows how to make “I have had it myself, when the kids were It is not, he insists, just a case of getting economy and seat selection work young. I don’t have it now. I actually trust people to pay $10 for an ad for his fund. for him when booking. “You know the state will look after me if I get really sick. certain flights will be busier, so if you And I can afford to pay for the small stuff.” “We’re a non-profit company owned by a have time flexibility you can take charity. The purpose of the book was that we advantage of that. It’s not often I’ll Nevertheless, “I think Southern Cross just want people to be smarter with money. be sitting next to somebody in the are an awesome organisation. We modelled Maybe they’ll find their way towards us, and economy section of an international ourselves on them. We want to be the South- maybe they won’t. That’s okay, because we’re flight anywhere.” ern Cross of finance.” big enough anyway.” The danger with private healthcare, he He hopes there will be a version in te reo says, oscillating between his capitalist and Māori and is offering free copies to any socialist modes, “is when you get money, school that wants them. you start insulating yourself from the real world. When you start sending your kids WEALTH OF OPINIONS to private school, you’re not as invested in the welfare of everyone else and yourself The book complements Stubbs’ high profile by investing in the state-run institutions.” and his willingness to speak out as a critic of the finance industry and others. Which is all He also passes on oft-quoted advice that the more surprising given that “I had a very is all too easy to forget: that after a cer- bad stutter when I was a kid. I couldn’t use tain amount of income, happiness is not the phone. I couldn’t speak at all, actually. At my worst, that was one word a minute.” But when he had to do a school give-a- speech-to-the-class exercise, his stutter disappeared. “When I got up on stage, for some reason, boom, I didn’t stutter. I still can’t explain it. So, when I’m in front of a crowd, I’m in my comfort zone.” 20 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

Just as well, because he has a lot to say. He is “We’ve been advertising that way for From left, Stubbs as acting head boy STUBBS COLLECTION a believer in “speaking truth to power. I think about five years,” says Stubbs, “and we had at Kelston Boys’ High School, in 1983; that the vast majority of the finance industry received no industry objections. The ad said graduating with an MA in 1989; as CEO of in New Zealand are hugely compromised, you could be 20% better off [with Simplicity]. Tower Investments, in 2012. because the people that they should be hold- It had been through all the sign-offs. And ing to account are their clients.” then the FMA decided that was mislead- It seems everyone wants to help: “Robbie is ing. And so we just we accepted that and, of doing the book pro bono. The printers have Take the controversy over Fletcher Build- course, changed it.” given us an incredibly good rate. We have ing and Gib supply and costs, about which been gifted a building company, to do [afford- Stubbs has hollered loud and long. The blip will not alter the fund’s tra- able housing developer] Simplicity Living. jectory. “I think Simplicity will be the It’s been an absolute revelation to me about “We’re one of the few KiwiSaver man- biggest financial institution in New Zealand. how generous people are.” agers that don’t also want to be a client of There’s nothing special about what we’re Fletcher’s. Many banks and investment Volunteers donating a little of their time banks that run KiwiSaver schemes want “There’s nothing are an important part of the mix. “At any one Fletchers as a client for their bank or special about what time we have six to 10 working with us – as investment bank. That’s why, I think, they we’re doing. There’s trustees of our charity, lawyers, marketing remained strategically silent [on Fletcher not a single new idea. and in other roles. Building]. We didn’t have that conflict, so We’re just doing what’s spoke up.  worked overseas.” The most recent example are Shane and Anna Brealey, who have effectively gifted “And I believe that there is a responsi- doing. There’s not a single new idea. We’re us their construction company so we can bility, if you’re acting on behalf of a lot of just doing what’s worked overseas. I don’t build affordable homes [through Simplic- shareholders, to encourage companies to like investing in new ideas with your money. ity Living]. They will run it for another five behave better. We will use the commercial That’s not right. [Other funds will] come years – pro bono.” advantages we have, and also the heft we back and compete, for sure. But they don’t have as a shareholder. We’re pretty close to have an enduring competitive advantage, It’s an enterprising social enterprise. owning 1% of all of the biggest companies because they have to make a lot of money.” “We are one of the most thinly populated in New Zealand. At that point, you start to countries in the world with some of the get noticed.” Simplicity is 100% owned by the Simplic- most expensive house prices. You can either ity Charitable Trust. It makes a small cash accept that, in which case we are consigning His readiness to remind people about surplus every year and 15% of fees go to the a generation of kids to non-homeownership, Simplicity’s ethical stance – and the fact that Simplicity Foundation, which has already which is not the New Zealand dream, or you its fees are a third of the industry norm – given more than $4 million to charity. can do something about it. makes him something of a schadenfreude magnet. “And we are accumulating a rainy-day “We will have tens of billions of dollars to fund now. We have to fund some growth in help do something about that. And we will. If you’re positioning yourself as the ethi- the business, but the rest of it goes back to We’re building the first 120 homes now and cal investment, you’re implying the others’ investors in fee cuts – we’ve already cut fees we’ve got the land for the first 600. It doesn’t investments are not ethical. four times in five years.” displace the state. It just supplements that and helps create the infrastructure that cre- Few of Simplicity’s competitors grieved ates a better New Zealand.” l publicly when an ad it had been running for quite some time with no complaints Money Made Simple: Managing your came to the attention of the Financial Mar- money – a guide for all New Zealanders, kets Authority, which ruled that it was Potton & Burton, $10, available August 1. misleading. AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 21

EDUCATION 22 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

Chosen to fail Most New Zealand schools stream their students according to ability. In what’s being billed as a seismic shift in education, moves are under way to end the practice. byMARKREVINGTON ‘Streamingkillsdreams,”saysHana Hipkins has said streaming is discriminatory and O’Regan. And she should know. As unfairanddoesmoreharmthangood. Othercritics chief executive of Core Educa- say the practice suits some parents and teachers, but tion, an equity-focused learning not students. consultancy, she has observed Unless streaming is halted, our children face a the unfortunate consequences of bleak future, says Tokona te Raki convener Piripi picking early winners in our schools. Prendergast. We have a growing young Māori Streaming means sorting students into groups or population and an ageing Pākehā population, but classes based on perceived ability. More than 90% streaming adversely affects Māori and Pasifika of schools in New Zealand stream youth most of all. their students in some way, in the According to a ministry report last year, and a recent Tokona Global researchbelief that it helps both students and teachers progress at a pace shows streaming te Raki report, schools that that suits almost everyone. does not benefit have stopped streaming report anyone, except improved academic achievement, But research is increasingly especially among Māori and Pasi- questioning this assumption. It has been noted that in this coun- teachers dealing fika students. They also report try, those in the top streams are with large much improved student motiva- usually white and privileged, class sizes. tion and aspiration. while those at the bottom of the heap are often brown. Although the government and ministry have resisted the tempta- Eruera Tarena, executive direc- tion to ban streaming, as Ontario tor of Tokona te Raki: Māori Futures Collective, a in Canada has done, some believe it is inevitable it Ngāi Tahu organisation that helps young Māori will eventually be ditched. “I don’t think we are at take on leadership roles, calls it an outdated and the tipping point yet, but there is huge momentum biased idea. Streaming, he says, means students are for change,” says O’Regan. taught in a system that strips them of motivation Not everyone is convinced, of course. O’Regan and often drums into them that their futures are agrees a ban may not necessarily be the answer. predetermined. “If the government said ‘stop’, all that will happen Even Education Minister Chris Hipkins is is that schools will do it by different means. It’ll be against the practice, although his government the same practice but by a different name because and the Ministry of Education leave the decision people believe that they went through the system to individual schools. and it didn’t do them any harm.” But she believes both teachers and parents will Softly, softly: Core Education’s Hana O’Regan eventually be won over by the evidence. advocates an evidence-based approach to ending Tokona te Raki has been researching streaming streaming. for the past five years and has been asked by the AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 23

EDUCATION MARTIN HUNTER ministry and the Iwi Chairs Forum to deliberately around channelling Māori into Piripi Prendergast: convenes a group lead a collaborative approach to end vocational roles.” seeking a collaborative approach to it. It has assembled a group including end streaming. representatives from the Mātauranga She has researched the history of stream- Iwi Leaders Group (the education arm ing in New Zealand and concluded it came nature to get their living by manual of the Iwi Chairs Forum), the minis- about by deliberate intent. “It was designed than by mental labour”. try, the Education Review Office, New to keep Māori out of the academic profes- Zealand Qualifications Authority, sion. When you look at the rhetoric that Later, in the 1880s, Te Aute Col- principals, teachers’ unions, pro- came out from the government and the lege produced Māori graduates but fessional learning associations and came under pressure to abandon its Auckland and Canterbury universi- “Streaming’s also about academic curriculum and teach agri- ties, and intends to release an action the opportunities you culture instead. plan by September. This blueprint get or don’t get and how will raise awareness of the pitfalls of you get channelled into In 1915, the annual report from the streaming, and propose alternatives certain vocations.” Department of Education quoted the and next steps, says Prendergast. inspector of native schools: “So far as Director of Education and his reports to the department is concerned, there FAIR ASSESSMENT the House of Representatives, it’s explicit. is no encouragement given to Māori So, streaming isn’t just a test that you get boys who wish to enter the learned Many parents who expect their chil- to determine if you’re going to be in a cer- professions. The aim is to turn, if pos- dren to pursue professional careers tain class, it’s also about the opportunities sible, their attention to the branches of do not seem to realise it, but global you get or don’t get and how you get chan- industry for which the Māori seems research shows that streaming does nelled into certain courses and then certain best suited.” not benefit anyone, except some teach- vocations.” ers who see it as an efficient way of And in 1930-31, the Director of Edu- dealing with large classes. She points to a link on the Office of the cation thought schooling “should lead Auditor-General’s website, which examines the Māori lad to be a good farmer and In primary schools, children are often historical and current context for Māori the Māori girl to be a good farmer’s streamed due to a teacher’s assessment of education. It specifies how, in 1862, gov- wife”. ability. Although we would like to believe ernment expectations of Māori were not As the Waitangi Tribunal noted in its 1999 that all children get a fair assessment, high. A school inspector reported to Par- Wānanga Capital Establishment Report, “it research shows these decisions are often liament that “a refined education or high would not be difficult to argue that the seeds based on an individual teacher’s prejudice. mental culture would be inappropriate for of Māori underachievement in the modern Māori because they are better calculated by education system were sown by some of the Streaming in secondary schools occurs past education policies”. most often in mathematics and science, as they are subjects often seen as vital to RECIPROCAL TEACHING jobs of the future. It is usually based on the result of a single test. One of the reasons crit- Among the primary schools that have ics believe mixed-ability classes are much already stopped streaming is Viscount Pri- better for students is because they take into mary in Mangere, Auckland. About 88% of account a broader range of strengths and its students are Pasifika and 10% are Māori. weaknesses. It has replaced streaming with a programme called “reciprocal teaching”. Streaming is especially damning for Māori. Extension classes for brighter chil- Prendergast says when he walked dren are predominantly Pākehā, while through classrooms at the school, he was many Māori are placed in foundation struck by how many students were work- classes, colloquially known as “the cabbage ing in groups with tightly defined roles and classes”. Critics believe this can lead to ste- processes. reotyping and the risk of Māori and Pasifika students internalising those stereotypes. “The students were leading their own learning and their own assessment.” According to Prendergast and Tokona te Raki, streaming also acts as a gatekeeper, Viscount principal Shirley Hardcastle reducing the career choices of students says there was no pushback from parents placed in lower streams. In 2019, a third of or teachers, who all just wanted the best Year 11 Māori students were not entered for for their children. She notes that primary a full NCEA mathematics course, ministry schools had already moved away from figures show. whole-class teaching some time ago, amid a growing emphasis on diagnosing learning CHANNELLING MĀORI needs and teaching these at a more individu- alised level. According to O’Regan, streaming has its roots in early attempts to establish Māori The challenge was how this could be done, as a labouring class. “In Aotearoa New and the most practical way seemed to be to Zealand, the history of streaming was put children into three to four groups with similar needs. This certainly made teach- ing more manageable, she says, and teachers 24 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

could focus more particularly on specific in the programme — this was something Viscount School principal Shirley KEN DOWNIE needs. Piripi commented on when he visited the Hardcastle says children who are labelled classrooms.” as low achievers start to act accordingly. “One of the issues, I think, is that we need to keep working on finding ways to organ- At primary school, teachers often divide groups within each class, instead of groups ise that work better so that all children can a class into groups for maths and literacy, based on perceived ability,” says Hardcastle. learn and succeed,” Hardcastle says. “One of based on each student’s learning needs “We are still mindful of individual needs, the great things about the movement Piripi but we enable students to be co-teachers [Prendergast] is championing is that they Prendergast was through the group process.” are focused on providing examples of how struck by how many to organise and work differently.” students were working There is still room in this approach to in groups, “leading draw individual students aside for extra One of the important factors is recog- their own learning support if that is needed, she says. While nising the power of peers in the learning and assessment”. some teachers naturally worked this way, process, she says, and tapping into children’s others seemed to pick it up quickly. “It knowledge and friendship dynamics. This and progress through the curriculum. The probably helped that we had worked on a ensures everyone benefits, and no one feels groups can change during a term but usu- problem-solving, mixed-ability approach to embarrassed by their lack of knowledge. ally don’t. maths before we started on reading. A few found it more challenging, but once they “Everyone was keen. We had already “What we have sought to do is to move to have experienced this approach and seen moved maths learning to a more collabo- teaching maths and reading in mixed-ability how the students engage with it, they are rative, mixed-ability group approach, so willing to make it a success, too.” staff were keen to apply these principles to reading. The real motivation to explore The new approach has taken a year and and adopt this approach, though, was in needs revisiting annually, she says. But she seeing the way children engaged so fully AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 25

EDUCATION Breaking Seismic shift: consultation and the collaboration are critical to a successful mould transition, says Christchurch Girls’ High School principal Christine O’Neill, far “I used to think, ‘I right, pictured with assistant principal can’t be as good as Sonja Bailey and students. those kids, I’m not brainy enough.’” has already noticed that students have been more engaged, more willing to help others, K aya Staples is in her late twen- Kaya Staples: “Everybody is good at keener to take on more responsibility, ties, which makes her feel like something, and schools should be able showing more respect when working inde- an impostor as one of Tokona to bring that out in every individual.” pendently, and more willing to contribute. te Raki’s rangatahi represent- atives. The Ngāi Tahu wahine is definitely wasn’t good enough, she says. Hardcastle says she first became aware a voice for youth, though. “I used to think, ‘I can’t be as good of the downside of streaming and ability grouping back in the 1970s. She believes she was unwittingly as those kids because I’m not brainy streamed from the time she began school enough.’ That is how I thought. I had a “The evidence has shown that students and sees the same thing happening with mindset which said I can’t do something. her young son. And even though she iden- School should be about making kids “We need to teach tifies as Māori, she didn’t until she began realise that they can, no matter what. people rather than work at Tokona te Raki. Everybody is good at something, and teaching subjects. That’s schools should be able to bring that out a different emphasis.” “I was one of those Māori who don’t feel in every individual child, but they cur- Māori enough. I was so disconnected from rently don’t do that.” in the lowest groups or classes do not ben- my culture. I didn’t feel brown enough and efit from this approach. One of the reasons I didn’t know te reo – could barely do my She believes she was a model student is that they are not able to benefit from the whakapapa – and that in itself just weighs at primary school and applied for every information other classmates may be able you down. One of the biggest barriers for award going but didn’t get anything. to share. Another is that they are aware they Māori is not feeling Māori enough.” Secondary school was when her life are in this group and start to label them- veered off the rails, probably due to selves as the low achievers and start to act Yet others clearly identified her as a combination of hormones and low accordingly.” Māori. She remembers at secondary expectations, she says. school being told she should be at another COLLABORATION CRUCIAL school – a lower-decile school with way “You’ve got your upper class, you’ve more brown faces. got your middle class, and then you’ve Christchurch Girls’ High School, which has a got the people on the bottom, and that’s roll of 1250 including 12% Māori and 5% Pasi- “When I came to this job, streaming was how schools actually enforce groups fika, stopped streaming for Year 9 last year the first project that we were introduced and create that narrative for our young as part of a wider update of its educational to and from there I realised that’s what people at such a young age. practices, says principal Christine O’Neill. happened to me at primary school and at This year, the school stopped streaming at high school, but you don’t realise while “They realise that they’re actually Year 10 level as well. you’re in it. You think it’s normal.” going to be in the low category for the rest of their life and they accept it way A letter to parents explained that the Staples believes Māori would thrive too young. They’re not aspiring any decision was based on research that clearly at school without streaming. In her case, bigger.” showed streaming was divisive, detrimental it made her feel unworthy – that she and had an insignificant effect on academic attainment. The move was approved by the board of trustees, and again received no noticeable opposition from parents or teachers. O’Neill says this was largely due to plenty of consul- tation and sharing of information before the move. “We spent quite a bit of time getting parents, students and staff to collaborate with us.” Critics of streaming acknowledge that this sort of collaboration and information will be crucial if they are to win over the sceptics. Prendergast calls it a seismic shift in education. O’Neill agrees that it’s a bold move that will take courage. “We can’t be authentic to 26 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

our values and stream. What we introduced suggests that streaming doesn’t work, why streaming and ability grouping. The key MARTIN HUNTER is much more personal for individual stu- are most schools in Aotearoa persisting barrier I see isn’t attitudes or awareness, it’s dents. It is about providing an education with the practice for now? the often-overwhelming pressures teachers for the future for the girls, but one which face in their day-to-day jobs. is innovative and more personalised.” Shannon Walsh is a strategic researcher with New Zealand’s largest education “We have very large class sizes, espe- A key problem with streaming is that union, the New Zealand Educational Insti- cially at primary schools, which are staffed it tends to measure an extremely narrow tute (NZEI), and is also on Tokona te Raki’s at lower teacher-to-student ratios than band of skills, which doesn’t fit with modern secondary schools. Streaming and ability demands for diversity and a range of talents, “The key barrier isn’t grouping are seen as ways to manage large, she says. “We need to teach people, rather attitudes or awareness, diverse groups of students.” than teaching subjects. That’s a different it’s the overwhelming emphasis.” pressures teachers face One teacher the Listener spoke to, who in their day-to-day jobs.” did not want to be named because it was Teacher Vicki Teesdale says ending against her school’s policy, said she did not streaming is clearly better for develop- blueprint design team. Her theory is that personally support streaming, because of ing students. “No one in the school would teachers find streaming helpful in coping the evidence that it disadvantaged students doubt ‘why’. The challenge is ‘how’, but we with their huge workloads. placed in lower streams. wouldn’t go back. That doesn’t mean it’s not difficult, but ultimately it’s far better for our “The expectations and demands we place “When I have spoken to older teachers students. on teachers have expanded greatly over who are pro streaming, their argument the past few decades, but the resourcing of is that it is very challenging to create “You know it’s the right thing and love schools hasn’t kept pace, says Walsh. “The resources that can cater to a diverse set of doing it, but in terms of the message, you’ve teachers I talk to strongly support ending needs and it’s challenging to be teaching to just got to be constantly revising what you’re such a range of different needs. Personally, doing. I think for some people that can be a having taught an extension class at all very little bit daunting. It’s educating the whole similar academic levels and mainstream person and challenging that person.” classes, I don’t notice too many differences in the resources that I offer.” l So, if the evidence overwhelmingly AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 27

PROFILE Creative force For Kiwi author Adam Christopher, being asked to write the latest Star Wars novel is a childhood dream come true. byCRAIG SISTERSON The blaring siren was a call harder-to-find Star Wars toys his father Skywalker and Lando Calrissian, two of to battle stations, the boots brought back from overseas trips. the most beloved characters. “It’s one of stomping nearby were those things where it’s like the dream, Stormtroopers moving to So, for Christopher to see his name on because I love tie-in books.” deadly action, and the hiss- the cover of an official Star Wars novel, ing from the large man in a Shadow of the Sith, is a childhood wish Christopher has published more than mask had to be Darth Vader. granted. “Are you kidding me?!” was his 20 novels, novellas, collections, and comics reaction when he was offered the oppor- since his first novel, superhero noir A cafe now sits in place of the Titirangi tunity to not only contribute to Star Empire State, a decade ago. “Star Wars is house where author Adam Christopher Wars lore but craft a tale starring Luke like the top of the ladder, and I always, grew up. But in the late 1980s, he’d peek from his bedroom window in the “When I was writing the always wanted to do one, while know- West Auckland suburb as firefighters book, I was like, ‘What ing that it was sort of impossible.” rushed to the neighbouring station. His would I want to read young imagination didn’t have to leap as a Star Wars fan?’” Christopher spoke with the Listener far, far away to feel like he was living ahead of Shadow of the Sith’s New Zea- inside his favourite movie, The Empire land release, just before flying to San Strikes Back. Diego to appear at multiple events at the famed Comic-Con convention. “My whole childhood is punctu- ated by the siren going off and the He’s now a New York Times best- volunteers tearing into the carpark, seller, and his Twitter account hasn’t ripping off their clothes as they got yet become fully operational again out of their cars ready to put on their after the launch of his novel in the fireman stuff,” says Christopher via UK and US resulted in a deluge of video call from England. “The march attention. “My social media is literally up and down the street outside our broken,” he says with a laugh. “The house, the breathing sounded like notifications won’t even load because Darth Vader because they’ve got the of the volume. It has all been posi- big respirators on.” tive, which is lovely. I’m not taking it for granted. I’m a Star Wars fan, An Imperial March? All that scene and when I was writing the book, I needed was for the ominous percus- was like, ‘What would I want to read sion and strings then dramatic brass as a Star Wars fan? Let’s do an epic, notes of John Williams’ iconic instru- cinematic adventure for Episode 6.5.’ mental to kick in, heralding the arrival And that’s what I wrote.” of the greatest villain in film history. (A few years ago, Vanity Fair called Christopher admits feeling relief The Imperial March, aka Darth Vader’s amid the excitement. He felt the theme, the best music cue of all time.) weight of responsibility, given the opportunity to write a canon novel Christopher has certainly heard starring Luke Skywalker – the first in Williams’ music enough times. Grow- several years – and address a timeline ing up, he wasn’t just a fan of the Star gap between Return of the Jedi and The Wars franchise, he was near-obsessed, Force Awakens films. repeatedly watching the films (the original trilogy at primary school, the FLOW OF FANDOM prequels when he was at university) and inventing his own spin-off stories with Although the chance to write official tie-in novels – new stories for known fictional worlds from other media – came 28 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

Adam Christopher: “It’s GETTY IMAGES like the dream, because I AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER love tie-in books. I always, always wanted to do one.” 29

PROFILE about only a few years ago, it’s some- seconds and there are these amazing cos- novel with superheroes in it”. Echoes of thing Christopher has been interested in tumes, but I have no idea who they are or his childhood: parents who loved science since he fell in love with storytelling as a where they came from,” says Christopher. fiction and mysteries. youngster. “With the toys and action figures, I could create the stories myself, their whole back- He explored his love of American hard- “The two things I really loved were story, and these bounty hunters would go boiled detective-fiction pioneer Raymond Doctor Who and Star Wars,” he says. “And off on adventures.” Chandler with his Ray Electromatic series, Doctor Who has kind of a literary history, featuring a wisecracking private eye with the Target novelisations. In the The Star Wars bug may have been who happens to be a hulking robot, and days before VHS recorders, the only way planted even earlier. It’s family legend hitman. The first in the series, Made to you could experience the stories again that the first movie he ever saw at the Kill, is both a homage to Chandler and a from TV was in written form. So, I was cinema was the original trilogy opener, A response to his ridicule of science fiction. completely obsessed and collected all the It was a finalist for the 2016 Ngaio Marsh Target books.” “I wasn’t even sure Award for Best Crime Novel, the judges I could write a book, calling it “inventive and audacious … a That fandom flowed through the first so I wrote a 100,000- hugely enjoyable read”. stories Christopher ever scribbled down, word science-fiction for his teachers at Titirangi Primary manuscript. It’s Reader enjoyment is a huge driver for School. “I’ve got one of my exercise books completely awful, and Christopher. from around 1985, and it’s all basically no one will ever see it.” Doctor Who fan fiction, but with some Whether it’s his original books, tie-ins ghosts as well, because I like ghost stories. New Hope. Although it premiered the year for hit shows such as Elementary and before he was born, his father took him Stranger Things, video game Dishonored, “In fact, I continued to write fan fiction along – as a baby – to a screening in Auck- and now Star Wars, what he’s trying to do as I got older, and the first stuff I ever had land in 1978. “I don’t know why anyone is “tell a cool story”. published, outside of school, was for Time would take a baby to that film, but I guess Space Visualiser (TSV), the fanzine of New he really wanted to see it,” laughs Chris- A few years ago, Christopher was Zealand’s Doctor Who fan club.” topher. His father was a lover of sci-fi and having lunch with his publisher when he his Isaac Asimov novels filled the family learnt a tie-in novel was planned for Ele- Christopher eventually became the bookshelves. Christopher’s mother was mentary, his then-favourite TV show – a editor of TSV, which ran for 76 issues a fan of the mysteries of Agatha Christie contemporary Sherlock Holmes in which from 1987 to 2009, and won a Sir Julius and Ngaio Marsh, and his childhood TV the great detective (Jonny Lee Miller) Vogel Award (for various endeavours viewing included Sherlock Holmes, Poirot, has moved to Manhattan after rehab and in the science fiction, fantasy or horror The Sweeney and Hill Street Blues, along fields) during his stewardship. with Doctor Who. But his very first “publication” happened HARD-BOILED SCI-FI years before, at primary school. “We had this thing of process writing, where you’d Looking back, it’s no surprise Christo- write stories, and the idea was that if pher’s résumé regularly blends science your story was good enough, it could be fiction and noir. His itch to write fiction published,” recalls Christopher. “‘Pub- reignited after he moved to the UK in 2006 lished’ meant you’d get to write it out in pen for better job opportunities as a medi- instead of pencil, on a nice bit of refill, and cal writer analysing clinical-trial data. it would get put up on the classroom wall. “I wasn’t even sure I could write a book, So, my first aim in publishing, when I was so I wrote a 100,000-word science-fiction six or seven years old, was to get my story manuscript, with no intention of sending up on the wall. And I did, eventually.” it anywhere, to see if I could do it. It’s com- pletely awful, and no one will ever see it.” Around the same time, Christopher also watched Empire Strikes Back religiously He did it again, then again. Third time every weekend. His father, who worked in proved the charm. advertising, would borrow a VHS player from work on Friday nights and stop at Christopher had been “getting into the independent video store in Green Bay. comics quite heavily” at the time, so “There was no point taking me there to decided to bring superheroes – usu- choose something else, because that’s all ally a visual medium in comics and on I chose, so he just started getting it on the screen – into his novels. But he thinks of way home.” his debut, Empire State, set in a parallel universe Prohibition-era New York, as While young Adam could conceive “more a hard-boiled crime-science-fiction of Doctor Who stories in written form, thanks to the Target novelisations, with Star Wars he’d act out his own storylines with the official toys. “My favourite part of Empire Strikes Back was the bounty hunter scene, because they’re on-screen for like 10 30 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

Clockwise from far left: Christopher with a Star Wars fan; with hundreds of copies of signed first-edition hardbacks ahead of the UK release of Shadow of the Sith; two of his tie-in novels, for shows Stranger Things and Elementary. haul to get there,” says Christopher of his dream to write for Star Wars. Two years later, he contributed a short story, “End of Watch” to the From a Certain Point of View anthology celebrating 40 years of “That’s the puzzle to solve with tie-in novels. How can I do all the usual things for a book, but make it Elementary or Dishonored or Stranger Things?” Watson is played by Lucy Liu. Christopher providing coherence and entertainment Star Wars. A comic strip for Star Wars emailed his agent, wishing he could have and “maybe saying something impor- Adventures followed, then a Stranger got the gig. tant”, tie-ins need to fit the story universe Things tie-in novel for the same editors readers already know and love (and – an important “show us what you can A few weeks later, he had his chance often meet tight time frames and story do” moment – and another short story when the scheduled writer couldn’t do it. frameworks). relating to The Empire Strikes Back. Then, The hitch was that the publishers wanted a momentous email: an offer to write a to keep to the original timeline. Christo- “For me, that’s the puzzle to solve,” tie-in novel for The Mandalorian. pher had to write an “audition chapter” says Christopher. “Like, how can I do all showing he deeply understood the TV the usual things for a book, but make it “Oh, awesome, this is it, it’s happen- characters, and a 25,000-word outline for Elementary or Dishonored or Stranger ing,” recalls Christopher. It didn’t. Plans an 80,000-word book. Impressing the deci- Things? And especially with Luke and changed. That novel was canned. “These sion makers, Christopher then had three Lando, when you’re creating original things happen with tie-in publishing.” weeks to write the first draft. characters for the book, they’ve got to somehow be strong and interesting But then Christopher was offered an “It was a lot of work,” he says, deadpan. enough to stand up to these iconic char- alternative book. “They explained to “But I was like, ‘Okay, this is the dream,’ acters on the page. It’s a juxtaposition of me what it was, and I was like, ‘Are you because I grew up reading tie-in books. a character like Luke, who people have kidding me? You want me to create Luke One of my favourite authors, still, is known for 40 years, and something com- and Lando’s adventures chasing Ochi of Terrance Dicks, who did so many Doctor pletely new that only exists in the tie-in Bestoon, from that line in The Rise of Sky- Who books, so this was like my moment to book. It’s a real challenge, absolutely, and I walker?’ I think that’s the fastest I’ve ever channel Terrance Dicks and do him proud really love it.” replied to an email, ‘YES! Let’s do that one.’” by writing a really good tie-in novel for a really good TV series.” It was 2015, the same year Made to Kill When I ask Christopher what’s next, and Elementary: The Ghost Line were pub- after a year in which he has written an LOVING THE CHALLENGE lished, when Christopher was introduced audio drama for Doctor Who and a novel to the Star Wars editors through his for Star Wars – two childhood touch- While not every author likes tie-in novels, friend Chuck Wendig, who was writing stones – he “can’t say anything at all”. So, Christopher loves the challenge. Added the Aftermath trilogy of novels for the does that imply there are cool projects in to the usual authorial requirements of franchise, set after Return of the Jedi. the works that he just can’t talk about? crafting a compelling narrative, with “You can take whatever meaning from characters people are interested in, “I kind of knew it was going to be a long that comment as you like,” he says, smil- ing. “I’m not responsible.” Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure: Adam Christopher is still working hard to get his stories put up on the wall. The wall has just got a whole lot bigger. l SHADOW OF THE SITH, by Adam Christo- pher (Del Rey, $37) is out now. AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 31

PETER SINGER Living with meaning World-leading philosopher Peter Singer returns to Auckland this week, two years after his last visit was cancelled. He caught up with Andrea Graves ahead of his latest tour. Gender, race, sexual But Singer has also been described as speech and misinformation, giving away orientation, religion and “the most dangerous man on Earth”, by money, animal suffering, climate change disability are topics that Not Dead Yet, a US disability-rights group and career choices for worried young can easily cause offence. opposed to euthanasia. That was because people. And it’s about time, say of his explorations, from the late 1970s, those who believe that of the morality of keeping alive newborn A lot of negative things are said discrimination has gone on so long that a infants who have serious disorders about you on the internet. Have you backlash is overdue. associated with suffering that cannot be really said disabled people should be alleviated and for whom there is no hope euthanised? The result is “cancel culture”, where of improvement. I’ve never advocated for anything as support is withdrawn from public figures flatly as that, or said anyone “should” be after they say or do something considered “You have to watch euthanised. Just that parents should have offensive. Although it’s often associated everything you the option of requesting euthanasia for with the US or UK, Aotearoa also has say so closely for their severely disabled newborn infants, plenty of examples, such as in 2020, when fear you might be who they know have a very poor progno- SkyCity cancelled a talk by moral philoso- misinterpreted.” sis. It should be decided in consultation pher Peter Singer. with the infant’s doctors. This has been Local disability groups were upset formalised in the Netherlands with the The professor of bioethics at Princeton when he was due to speak here in 2020, Groningen Protocol, which is supported University has been described as the and SkyCity cancelled the booking as a by the Royal Dutch Medical Associa- world’s most influential living philosopher. result. At the time, Singer said the venue tion. It’s only done rarely, which is as it He is considered by many to be the father had not “checked the facts” of his views. should be. of the animal liberation movement, and of the social movement known as “effective Singer is due to return to New Zealand Similar decisions are made in neona- altruism”. Last year, he was awarded the this week, where he will speak at Auck- tal intensive care units in New Zealand US$1 million Berggruen Prize for Philo- land’s Trusts Arena on August 6. Ahead and other countries, where the choice is sophy and Culture, an annual prize for of his latest tour, which has already sometimes made to reorientate medical “thinkers whose ideas have profoundly treatment from life support to end-of- shaped human self-understanding and sold out in Australia, the life care. advancement in a rapidly changing world”. Listener spoke to him about He donated the money to charities. end-of-life decisions, free You were an early adopter when it came to advocating for abortion and euthanasia. How are these topics linked? They both depend on the ethic of the sanctity of human life, which says it’s always wrong to take the life of an Peter Singer: “Unless we’re prepared to hear contrarians, there is no other way to be sure we’re getting at the truth.” LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

ALLETTA VAANDERING AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 33

PETER SINGER Animal liberation: Peta members protest outside Nasa’s headquarters over the agency’s plans to subject squirrel monkeys to a massive doses of gamma radiation. GETTY IMAGES innocent human being. That ethic was Ideas because we became aware it was threats for things we’ve published. You applied by opponents of abortion to becoming a problem. It’s a peer-reviewed can’t brush that off as a joke. the human being from the moment of journal, so the arguments have to be conception. good enough to get through that process. You often emphasise donating to people Some of our authors have only published in extreme poverty in developing coun- One circumstance in which I don’t because they could use a pseudonym, tries, but many people are struggling think euthanasia is wrong is on the consid- which reflects how controversial their financially in New Zealand. Shouldn’t we ered request of the person whose life it is, topics are. One author, who did not use look after our own first? especially when they’re incurably ill with a a pseudonym, examined whether it was Need is relative. I don’t think there will be condition that’s no longer providing them people living on NZ$3 a day, which is near with an acceptable quality of life. “The journal has three the World Bank’s line for extreme poverty. editors and two of us That’s about $1000 a year. A $1000 dona- With abortion, I don’t disagree that have received death tion could double the annual income of a human life begins at conception, but I don’t threats for things we’ve family in extreme poverty. They can per- think it’s therefore wrong to take it before published. You can’t haps replace their leaky thatched roof with there’s any consciousness or capacity to brush that off as a joke.” an iron roof that will keep them and their suffer or awareness of oneself in the devel- food supplies dry. Or maybe they can start oping embryo and fetus. ever okay to wear blackface, and he a small business and get out of poverty argued that in some circumstances it that way, or send their daughters to school. I don’t think there’s a crucial distinction is. His article was on the verge of being That amount of money would have much in the intrinsic nature of the life between accepted by another journal until the less impact in New Zealand. an abortion late in pregnancy (although, murder of George Floyd occurred, and once the fetus can feel pain, I think there’s the editor then said she wasn’t going to Some people see no point in saving lives a greater burden to show sufficient reason publish it and that it would be better for in poor, corrupt countries, because the to justify abortion) and after birth. If it’s his career if he didn’t publish it, either. So child who survives thanks to a mosquito possible for the child to be adopted out, I think it’s clear that we are increasing the net or a rescue meal will just be another that’s certainly preferable, unless the range of ideas that can be discussed. mouth to feed. Are they right? baby’s condition is so bad that it can only People do say that, but letting children die suffer for a while and die. Being worried about your career isn’t slowly of starvation or malaria is a very the only reason for publishing under a harsh way to reduce the population. If Some of the most pressing matters pseudonym. The journal has three edi- you’re concerned that population is a prob- today are so complex that it can be dif- tors and two of us have received death lem, there are much better ways to address ficult to sort fact from fiction. Should that, particularly by making sure girls get we allow freedom of speech from as many years of education as possible. everyone, even if they’re spreading That’s been shown to reduce the number misinformation? Yes, we have to, even if we strongly disagree. Unless we’re prepared to hear contrarians, there is no other way to be sure we’re getting at the truth. It’s only legitimate to stop speakers if they’re stir- ring up hatred, because that’s an appeal to people’s emotions and comes close to an incitement of violence. If people are putting forward false theories, I think the solution is to show why they’re mistaken. If it’s hard for the audience to assess the claims that are being made, hopefully, plenty of people who are equipped to do so will make public statements about whether those views are generally respected by experts in the field or not. Has the idea of cancel culture or ostra- cising people for their ideas become more pronounced recently? Definitely. Now you have to watch every- thing you say so closely for fear you might be misinterpreted. My co-editors and I started the Journal of Controversial 34 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

Costs of inaction: an Oxfam poster in Washington, DC, to highlight concerns about possible cuts to foreign aid and other financial assistance. still allows it all, for example. There will be new information about becoming vegetar- ian and its links with climate change. You call for the end of industrial farming because of the animal suffering it entails. But isn’t affordable, nutrient-dense food like meat more important than ever? I accept that it’s tough when families can’t afford to eat what they’d like to eat, but it’s not in anyone’s health interests to be eating large quantities of meat, especially bacon and ham. Anything that makes New Zealanders consume less of them will be good for New Zealanders’ health. of children a woman has, and empowering to help those who are much less fortunate You are concerned with alleviating suf- girls and women is a positive thing. than you are. People think it’s enough to fering, and there is so much at present. live ethically if you obey the rules about Some of it is related to global heating. Another common criticism is that what you must not do, but the rules don’t How should we be thinking about this? donations don’t address the causes of say what positively you ought to do. Collectively, affluent people in the indus- poverty. I don’t agree. Poverty has many trialised world are contributing to the causes and they can be tackled on many The effectiveness part is about donat- deaths of poorer people. They’re much different levels. It’s very difficult to change ing to charities that have been objectively more vulnerable than we are because they the global economic system. It will take assessed as making each donated dollar don’t have the same fallback systems. It’s decades, if it succeeds at all. Meanwhile, go furthest. not like killing someone yourself, but we donations to effective charities can help need to realise that we are harming other people who can’t wait for that change “If rich people feel people who have contributed little to to come about. But if you want to try to good about donating global warming, and we have contributed address the root causes, you can donate money, it’s better than vastly more. We’re not taking full respon- to an advocate for change such as Oxfam, feeling good because sibility for that, and we’re not yet doing which does a lot of important political their yacht is bigger enough to reduce it. advocacy, as well as providing aid at the than everyone else’s.” village level. Many young people are concerned about Your 1975 book Animal Liberation is said climate change and other global prob- Is the effective altruism movement to have launched the animal rights move- lems. Do you have advice for youngsters created for rich people to feel good ment. Is animal suffering still a problem? making career choices? about themselves? I’m currently working on a full revision I understand why you would feel anxious, No, it’s created to make sure that resources of the book, which will be out next year. but let that spur you to do something are given as effectively as possible to Painful experiments on animals have meaningful with your life to reduce the make a difference to those in need, and to unfortunately never stopped, so I’ll update things you’re worried about. It is pos- mitigate climate change. Rich people have that information. There has been a bit of sible to do so, especially if you live in a the ability to do more, and if they feel good progress in factory farm conditions – the democracy where you can contribute to about themselves when they give a lot of European Union has reduced the time discussion and pursue careers where you their wealth to help people in extreme sows can be confined in sow stalls and can work with others to change things. poverty, it’s much better than them feeling has banned the standard battery cage and good because their yacht is bigger than veal stalls, as has New Zealand. But many The website 80000hours.org focuses everyone else’s. other countries haven’t. Most of the US on this choice. Some people work to max- imise their income in order to donate If you are a middle-class person or most of it. Investment bankers, for exam- above, living in an affluent country such as ple, can change the world – not only with New Zealand, then you’re not really living their donations but by the deals they put ethically unless you do something positive together. Other choices include working for effective charities; doing research, for example, to find better and cheaper clean energy or meat alternatives; or going into politics, which needs more idealistic people. l AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 35

LIFE HEALTH by Nicky Pellegrino Pole to pole Nordic walking is not only a good general workout but also particularly beneficial for people with heart health issues, according to a new study. GETTY IMAGES Striding along, poles in hands, Nordic “Just because there capacity – the ability to carry out walkers are getting a better workout are a couple of poles daily activities – was greater after than regular walkers, using more of their doesn’t mean you Nordic walking. This is a key finding body, with greater intensity, and burning have to be old.” because lower functional capac- up to 40% more calories. The technique, ity predicts higher risk of future originally developed by Scandinavian cross-coun- continuous training. cardiovascular events in people try skiers to train during the summer months, has Researchers split 130 with coronary artery disease. gone mainstream as a low-impact exercise that almost anyone can do safely. people into three groups With the correct technique, Nordic and put them through 12 walking engages core, upper and Now a randomised clinical trial from weeks of training followed lower body muscles, while at the the University of Ottawa, Canada, has by a 14-week observation same time improving posture and identified Nordic walking as a better phase. While all the exercise encouraging better gait and balance. option for cardiovascular rehab than programmes helped depression Although it is an ideal option for standard high-intensity interval train- and quality of life, the improve- older people and for those who are ing or moderate- to vigorous-intensity sedentary and want to get active, ment in functional it is first and foremost a fitness June Stevenson: Nordic walking exercise and is suited to any age “is not difficult to learn”. group, according to Auckland coach 36 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

same as tramping poles. Rather than being HEALTH BRIEFS intended to improve stability over rough terrain, they are designed for forward propul- PCOS & CHILD HEALTH sion, and turn a walk into a full-body exercise, working 90% of the major muscles. Proponents Children whose mothers have compare it to using a cross trainer in a gym and polycystic ovary syndrome say it closes the intensity gap between walking (PCOS) have a higher rate of health and jogging. “I liken it to walking on all fours, problems, a University of Montreal but in an upright position,” says Stevenson. study has found. It compared the outcomes of 7000 children “The anecdotal evidence of mothers with PCOS with one is that the feeling of million children of mums without wellbeing is greater than the condition. The children in the with regular walking.” PCOS group were 32% more likely to be hospitalised; 31% more likely June Stevenson. “Just because there R ather than rushing out and investing to be admitted with an infectious GETTY IMAGES are a couple of poles doesn’t mean in poles, people should give it a go before disease and 47% more likely to be you have to be old or have some- they commit, she advises. Usually, she admitted for allergy problems. thing wrong with you,” she says. has four sessions with clients to teach them the basics and get them co-ordinated and walking NOT DRUGS FOR COVID Stevenson helped to pioneer properly. the sport in New Zealand, having The antidepressant drug discovered it almost 20 years “The first thing I’ll do is look at how a person fluvoxamine and the gout drug ago at a fitness convention. She moves. They might have a sore knee or hip and colchicine should not be used became an instant convert, and be limping a little, or taking one step bigger to treat non-severe Covid-19 now teaches the technique. than another, and over time that has become outside clinical trials, according a habit. With little corrections we can make to updated advice from the “It’s not a matter of picking a big difference.” World Health Organisation. up the poles and off you go,” she The two drugs were considered explains. “You do need instruction Although it can be performed on a variety of as treatments because they are to understand how to use them to surfaces, often Stevenson starts coaching new common and inexpensive, but an best advantage. Having said that, it’s clients on a beach as sand is an ideal surface to evidence review by researchers not difficult to learn. It’s about co- help develop a plant-and-push technique with at McMaster University, Canada, ordination, and that can be taught.” the poles and get the upper body moving. found insufficient proof they help improve Covid-19 outcomes. Nordic walking poles are not the The sport caters for people who are over- looked by other areas of the fitness industry, BOOZE BRAIN IMPACT says Stevenson. She has trained sufferers of neu- rological conditions such as Parkinson’s, as well Consuming just over seven as older people who used to enjoy higher-impact standard drinks of alcohol a activities such as tennis, squash or running and week could harm brain health, say now need something that gives a decent work- researchers from the University of out with less stress on the joints. Oxford, who studied the iron levels in the brains of more than 20,000 Those who are getting back into exercise find people. Participants reported their the poles can help keep them moving for longer, own alcohol consumption, had while fitter people can cover long distances. their brains scanned to look at iron “We’ve done marathon training, so that’s a levels and completed a series of 42.2km walk, and some of the groups I take cognitive tests. Having more than every week would average 12-15km.” seven standard drinks a week was associated with higher iron in a The technique helps improve everyday func- group of brain regions associated tional movement, so going up and down stairs or bending to reach things can be done more with movement, safely. Most importantly, people tend to cognition and enjoy Nordic walking, which makes it emotion called an exercise programme that is easier the basal ganglia. to stick with, says Stevenson. Higher iron levels in this “The anecdotal evidence is that region were the feeling of wellbeing is greater associated than with regular walking.” l with poorer cognitive performance. AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 37

LIFE NUTRITION by Jennifer Bowden The Java jive A problem with pinpointing the effects of coffee on certain health conditions is that the popular beverage comes in so many forms. Question: Researchers health effects are linked to coffee After I developed oesophageal reflux, my GP said cannot definitively consumption? And the answer my one cup a day of black coffee was “like drinking determine if coffee to that is not straightforward. a cup of acid”. I stopped drinking coffee, the reflux initiates symptoms subsided, as did the jittery tachycardia, especially at of dyspepsia. It’s not all good news about coffee – bedtime (and I never had coffee after midday), and drinking four or more cups daily can my chronic tinnitus has also improved. Decaffeinated coffee does seem to cause a variety of cause insomnia, irritability, restless- coffee did not have this effect. Why do we not seem adverse effects in different situations. ness, nervousness, stomach upsets, to hear about the negative effects of coffee? muscle tremors and a fast heartbeat. The challenge for Indeed, just one cup of caffeinated CAnswer:offee has undergone something of a researchers is sorting coffee can raise blood pressure and renaissance in recent times, through these to stiffen arteries in the short term. with much fanfare determine what about the potential is true about This much we know, but things coffee. Strictly get complicated when we turn to GETTY IMAGES health benefits which adverse research on the health issues you have experienced. of moderate intake of the A review published this year beverage. All well and good, in the journal Nutrients, for example, highlighted the many but as you’ve pointed out, knowns and unknowns about 38 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

initiate symptoms of dyspepsia because coffee NUTRITION BITES and food are often consumed together. SALTY HAZARD Likewise, many confounding issues hamper research on GORD. This is a painful condition Adding salt to your food at the caused by the return of stomach acid content table is linked to a higher risk of into the oesophagus. Coffee may lower the pres- premature death, according to new sure in the opening or sphincter at the bottom research published in the European of the oesophagus, thus allowing gastro-oesoph- Heart Journal. The study involv- ageal reflux and heartburn. However, not all ing more than 500,000 people research studies agree with this finding. For compared the health of people example, the 2022 review identified 11 studies in who never or rarely added salt to which coffee appeared to aggravate GORD, two their food with those who always in which coffee seemed to produce a protective did, finding the latter had a 28% effect against it and 15 studies with no associa- increased risk of dying prematurely. tion between coffee and GORD. IODINE DEFICIENCY The problem with coffee and GORD research Canada is experiencing a is that coffee is not a resurgence of iodine deficiency, homogeneous drink. decades after it introduced There are many variants. iodised salt to resolve the public health problem, says a new coffee and gastrointestinal health. The problem with coffee and GORD research study in Nutrients. Changing GETTY IMAGES For example, coffee consumption is that coffee is not a homogeneous drink. dietary habits, including stimulates increased secretion There are many variants of coffee beans, bean- recommendations to reduce salt of certain salivary enzymes and processing methods, brewing methods, varying intake for cardiovascular health, gastrin and hydrochloric acid concentrations in each individual’s cup (single are likely contributing to the lower secretions in the stomach. shot or double), plus more. Given these variables iodine status in Canada. Further are not accounted for in most research, it’s not investigation is required, say Given coffee is an acidic drink that surprising we see such differing results. the research team, who pointed increases stomach acid secretions, to New Zealand, Australia and researchers have questioned whether Similar issues appear in the research looking Denmark as countries that have drinking it may cause or worsen dys- at the impact of coffee on tinnitus. Past research fortified bread with iodised salt pepsia, oesophageal burns, gastritis has found that high amounts of caffeine worsen to resolve the same problem. or ulcers, and gastro-oesophageal the condition. However, recent studies suggest reflux disease (GORD). this is false, and caffeine may even improve FRUITY UPLIFT tinnitus distress. Unfortunately, much of this People who frequently eat fruit research has been limited by So, which is it? The same set of issues high- are more likely to report greater the study design. For exam- lighted in GORD research occurs with tinnitus positive mental wellbeing and ple, researchers cannot definitively – variability in coffee composition, individual less likely to report symptoms determine if coffee or other foods coffee habits, and observational study designs of depression than those who that do not prospectively assess the impact do not, according to new research of coffee on tinnitus over an extended period. published in the British Journal of Nutrition. The study surveyed 428 We need well-controlled prospective studies adults and examined the relation- that detail people’s coffee intake and gastro- ship between their consumption intestinal symptoms to assess coffee’s effect of fruit, vegetables, sweet and on GORD. Ditto for tinnitus. savoury food snacks and their psychological health. The more In answer to your question, we do not often often people ate fruit, the lower hear about the adverse effects of coffee con- they scored for depression and sumption because, to date, no one can agree the higher for mental wellbeing. on whether coffee worsens GORD or tinnitus. Still, there is potentially much to gain and little to lose in experimenting with a coffee-free lifestyle to see if it improves GORD or tinnitus, as research suggests there may well be a link. l Email your nutrition questions to [email protected] AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 39

LIFE FOOD From left, chocolate caramel slice; chocolate self-saucing pudding; Armenian spice cake. Tricks of the trade Try making your own pantry staples before preparing this selection of cakes, slices and breakfasts from Fiona Weir Walmsley. This is not a fancy slice, or a tricky CARAMEL Stir all the caramel ingredients one. It doesn’t photograph par- 395g tin sweetened condensed milk, together in a saucepan over a low ticularly well and looks much the heat, until the butter is melted and same on your friend’s beaten-up or 500ml (2 cups) of homemade everything is amalgamated. Keep old chopping board as on a pretty condensed milk (see recipe, below) stirring for about 6 minutes, or plate. Because this one is not about appearances. 60g butter until the caramel changes to golden It’s chocolate caramel slice – a happy-dance in 100g (4 tbsp) golden syrup colour. Pour or spread over the a mouthful. TOPPING cooled base and bake for another 200g milk or dark chocolate, melted 10 minutes. CHOCOLATE CARAMEL SLICE Preheat the oven to 180°C. When the caramel has cooked and BASE Grease and line an 18cm x 28cm had time to cool slightly, spread with 150g self-raising flour (see recipe, below) slice tin. the melted chocolate. 45g desiccated coconut 155g brown sugar (see recipe, below) Combine all the base ingredients Allow at least 2 hours to set in the 125g butter, melted and press into the prepared tin. Bake fridge. for 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Makes 24 pieces. 40 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

SELF-RAISING FLOUR Homemade brown sugar doesn’t 250ml (1 cup) full-cream milk 150g (1 cup) plain flour store for that long and is best used 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp baking powder within 2-3 weeks. 230g brown sugar 500ml (2 cups) boiling water Combine the plain flour with the CONDENSED MILK baking powder. Ideally, sift them 1 litre full-cream milk MICROWAVE METHOD together, but if you’re like me and 440g white sugar have a mental block about sifting, Place the butter in a microwave-safe pie dish combine briskly with a whisk. Mix the ingredients together in a and melt in the microwave. heavy-based saucepan and stir over This recipe makes 150g (1 cup) a low heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the sifted flour, caster sugar, half the of self-raising flour. cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Add the milk Once the sugar is fully dissolved, and vanilla, then beat until smooth. BROWN SUGAR simmer over a very low heat for 220g (1 cup) white sugar approximately 40 minutes, stirring Combine the brown sugar and remaining cocoa 1 tbsp molasses occasionally. It’s done when the mix- powder and sift over the top of the batter. Pour the FOR A DARKER BROWN SUGAR ture has halved in volume. water over the top and cook on high for 12 minutes, 220g (1 cup) white sugar or until just cooked in the centre. 2 tbsp molasses This recipe makes 500ml (2 cups) of condensed milk. It can be stored Stand for a few minutes before serving because Put the sugar in a bowl and drizzle in the fridge for up to a month. it will be piping hot. It’s delightful with ice cream. the molasses over the top. CHOCOLATE SELF-SAUCING PUDDING OVEN METHOD With your fingers (it won’t work with a fork) rub the molasses into 100g butter Preheat your oven to 170°C and grease a pie dish. the sugar. Keep rubbing until the 225g self-raising flour, sifted In a saucepan, melt your butter. Add the flour, white sugar and clumps of molasses 230g caster sugar turn into brown sugar. 80g unsweetened cocoa powder sugar, half the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. pinch of salt Stir well to combine, then mix in the milk and vanilla. Scrape into the pie dish. Combine the brown sugar and remaining cocoa powder and sift over the top of the batter. Pour the boiling water over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until just cooked in the centre. Serves 6-8. ARMENIAN SPICE CAKE 125g butter, plus extra for greasing 400g brown sugar 300g (2 cups) self-raising flour ½ tsp baking soda 250ml (1 cup) full-cream milk 2 free-range eggs, beaten 2 tsp ground or freshly grated nutmeg 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger CREAM CHEESE ICING 200g cream cheese, softened 125g (1 cup) icing sugar 50g butter, softened 1 tsp vanilla extract Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm cake tin. Combine the brown sugar and flour. Rub in the butter (or use a food processor) until it resembles breadcrumbs. Divide the mixture in half and gently pat half of the crumbs into the base of the prepared tin. (Don’t press down too enthusiastically or it’ll be too hard after baking.) Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and add to the other half of the mix, along with the eggs and spices. Mix together well, then pour over the base. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 41

LIFE WINE Tilly’s baked by Michael Cooper oatmeal. Happy valley Beat all the cream cheese icing ingredients together until smooth, then spread on to the A new collection of wines out of Hawke’s cooled cake. Bay combines tradition and vision. Serves 10-12. For almost 30 years, Gordon flavours, a hint of apricot and THIS RECIPE IS inspired by my teenage Russell has headed the a basically dry finish. $30 daughter, Matilda, who found something winemaking team at Esk similar on TikTok and made it every morning Valley, in Hawke’s Bay. Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s for a week until she was happy with it. His key challenge, he says, is to Bay Gamay Noir 2021 understand the character of grapes Full of charm, this is a rare red. TILLY’S BAKED OATMEAL grown at different sites around Bright ruby, it is floral, with cherry, the region and the influences plum and spice flavours, savoury butter, for greasing they can bring to the final blend. notes adding a touch of complexity 60g (½ cup) rolled oats Russell likens his role to that of an and a seductively smooth finish. 60ml (¼ cup) milk orchestral conductor: “I’ve got to $30 ½ banana, mashed make one and one equal three.” ¼ tsp baking powder Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s 2 tsp pure maple syrup Esk Valley’s recently launched Bay Syrah 2020 pinch of salt Artisanal Collection is designed This fragrant, full-coloured red is ¼ tsp ground cinnamon to celebrate Russell’s vision and buoyantly fruity, with strong red- handful of berries (optional) ability, utilising a very traditional, berry and plum flavours, a distinctly Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a 500ml hands-off approach. The wines are spicy thread and an attractive (2 cup) capacity ramekin or ovenproof bowl. sold via restaurants, independent vibrancy and suppleness. $25 wine stores and Esk Valley’s Crush your rolled oats fine, like flour: we do website. Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s this in big batches in the food processor and Bay Tempranillo 2021 store a week’s worth in a jar. Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s Deeply coloured, this is a full- Bay Albariño 2021 bodied red with strong, vibrant Mix all your ingredients Drinking well in its youth, this blackcurrant, plum and spice together and put in partly barrel-fermented wine is flavours and a subtle seasoning the ramekin. Add the freshly scented, mouthfilling and of oak. Well worth cellaring. $30 berries, if using. Bake crisp, with strong, lively stone- for 15 minutes. fruit and spice flavours and a Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s finely balanced, dry finish. $25 Bay Malbec/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon Serves 1. l 2020 This is an edited extract from Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s Bargain-priced, this characterful red FROM SCRATCH, by Fiona Bay Chardonnay 2021 is powerful and fleshy, with strong, Weir Walmsley (published Offering very good value, this plummy, well-spiced flavours, by Hardie Grant Books, $52). mouthfilling wine has deep, vibrant savoury notes adding complexity grapefruit-like flavours, barrel- and ripe, supple tannins. Great ferment complexity and a slightly drinkability. $25 creamy, lingering finish. $25 Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s (Note: these wines are 13.5%-14.5% alc/vol.) Bay Chenin Blanc 2021 Instantly likeable, this full-bodied WINE OF THE WEEK wine has generous peachy, slightly spicy flavours showing lovely Esk Valley Artisanal Collection balance and vibrance and an off-dry Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay finish. $30 Grenache 2021 This powerful red is hard to Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Gimblett resist. Deep, bright ruby, it is Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc mouthfilling and vibrantly fruity, Rosé 2021 with concentrated dark berry, This distinctive, pale-pink rosé is plum and spice flavours, ripe full-bodied, with generous peachy and well rounded. $30 42 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

PSYCHOLOGY polymath Pythagoras argued they’re the window to the soul, and even if you don’t believe in the by Marc Wilson evil eye, you’ve probably used or heard phrases such as “looking daggers” or “giving the evils”. Eye spy This last is consistent with an early (mis)under- Even the more sceptical among us standing of how vision works – the “emission are not always entirely immune to theory” proposed, again, by the ancient Greeks. the lure of talismans and lucky charms. The notion is that we see because our eyes emit rays or beams. In the early to mid-1900s, eminent Swiss You’d be hard-pressed directed by starers of sinister intent. developmental psychologist Jean Piaget noted that GETTY IMAGES to find a tourist to Britannica says that humans the young children frequently display this belief. In Greece who hasn’t world over, and for thousands of 2002, Gerald Winer, from Ohio State University, returned home with years, have worried about injury reviewed research on people’s understanding of a glass eye or two in or even death from the gaze of the vision, reporting that even in modern times, some- their luggage. Specifically, I mean the malevolent. thing like a half to a third of American adults will often-round lump of dark-blue glass turn to some form of emission theory to under- around what looks like an eye, with Many of us have stand how people see things. a light-blue iris and black pupil. rituals or tokens we superstitiously hang For the record, this is not how vision works – our They’re everywhere you find on to and that do help eyes are receptors for patterns of light, not some tourists, with a particularly high facilitate things we kind of radar that bounces beams on to and back glass-eye-per-metre rate on Mona- want to happen. from things we look at. stiraki Square (looking up at the magnificent Acropolis), and along Given the sensory A2020 Town and Country article notes Adrianou Street. The eye is depicted primacy of vision, it’s no that this ancient symbol has become on tea towels and tote bags and graces surprise that, culturally and more widespread and fashionable jewellery from mass-produced thread psychologically, eyes are over the past 20 years. It notes that high-profile bracelets to (apparently) solid gold important. Ancient Greek people, such as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, can high-end pieces. And it’s not just in be regularly seen showing off fancy versions of Greece – you’ll find them around the Meghan, Duchess of Sussex: the glass eye. It goes on to present an interview wider Mediterranean, Turkey and likes an eye talisman. with Greek designer Ileana Makri, who has West Asia. helped popularise the talisman. Makri is quoted as saying her designs have become even more of Even if you’ve not come across a hit since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. them before, I bet you’re thinking “evil eye” and, yes, these talismans Just as belief in emission theory continues to be are meant to ward off misfortune surprisingly common, we pooh-pooh lucky talis- mans while behaving in ways that suggest we still give them some credence. Research shows that many of us have ritu- als or tokens we superstitiously hang on to and that actually do function to facilitate things we want to happen. I’m not saying your lucky socks actually do give you better luck on the rugby field, but rather that if you believe those socks bring you luck, then you’ll play better than you otherwise would if you were not wearing them. A series of studies by researchers at the Univer- sity of Cologne show that when we try to create good luck by talismanic phrases (“break a leg”) or actions (crossing our fingers), we do, on average, perform better on both physical and mental tasks. The same research shows evidence that good luck charms work by helping us feel more effective, particularly in situations where the margin for error is slight, and that we tend to persist longer at dif- ficult tasks when we activate our luck in these ways. It’s yet more evidence that we’re still ancient Greeks at heart. l AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 43

LIFE but stingy on data. After sacrificing as much as $90 million a year in roaming revenue during the pan- TECHNOLOGY demic, mobile operators are highly unlikely to move to change that. It’s a nice little earner for them. by Peter Griffin Vodafone has a deal that allows you to pay $8 a day to use your existing on-account voice, text and data allowance in more than 100 overseas locations. That sounds reasonable, but over the course of a week, that’s $56 in addition to your regular monthly mobile phone bill. Spark’s roaming pack strikes a better balance, offering 2GB of data, 300 calling minutes and 300 texts over 14 days for $30. If you are travelling for longer than 10 days, a good option is to buy a local SIM card in the country you are heading to. Don’t leave But if you are travelling for longer than 10 roam without it days and won’t be able to rely on the free Wi-Fi of hotels, restaurants and airport lounges to stay With overseas travel becoming more connected, a good option is to buy a local SIM card complicated, a good smartphone in the country you are heading to. roaming plan is essential. A prepaid T-Mobile SIM card bought in New GETTY IMAGES If you are heading abroad extensive use of that data and text allow- York would have cost me US$40 for 10GB of data for the first time since Covid ance over the next week. Travelling is and unlimited calling and texting within the US closed our border, prepare more complicated than it was prior to for a month. For US$50, I could have opted for to be discombobulated as you Covid. Flight delays and venue closures unlimited data. Then you can just use a free call- relearn what it means to be linked to labour shortages keep you on ing app such as Viber or Apple’s FaceTime to make a modern traveller. your toes, requiring you to keep check- calls back home. If you have a phone with dual- ing your phone for status updates. SIM capability, you can have your regular SIM I found myself in that state standing card active to receive incoming calls and texts for outside JFK Airport in New York a few The problem is that roaming data no additional charge. Then you just use the local weeks back when I went to order an allowances haven’t increased in the SIM to make local calls and texts, surf the web and Uber ride and realised I hadn’t set up a intervening two years. Even my modest call home via messaging apps. mobile roaming plan. Luckily, an over- checking of Google Maps, ordering looked text I’d received when I arrived Ubers, social-media updates and A SIM bought in a European Union nation at LAX allowed me to send a message researching tourist attractions saw will generally allow you to roam all over to my mobile provider, Skinny, ena- me blow through my 1GB data limit Europe. But you need to be careful using bling a seven-day roaming pack. in a few days. I had to splurge another a UK-bought SIM in Europe. It used to be that you $17 to buy an additional gigabyte. could use your regular plan allowance while in For $23 I received an allowance of Europe, with no additional charges. Post Brexit, 200 minutes and 200 texts to US and Roaming plans across the board some mobile carriers have started applying roam- New Zealand numbers and 1GB of tend to be reasonably generous ing charges. data. I made just a handful of calls, but on voice calling and texts, A law change that took effect on April 1 means that GST is now added to all roaming charges. It’s included in the price if you are buying a roaming pack, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you think you’ll be making just the odd phone call, text or web- surfing session and opt to pay casual roaming rates. With an adequate data allowance, you can also start taking advantage of some of the clever aug- mented-reality smartphone features. Google Lens, for instance, lets you point your phone’s camera at objects or places of interest to find out more information about them, and to translate signs into English. l 44 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

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BOOKS Urban legends After a 13-year hiatus, New Zealand’s master of neo- noir, Chad Taylor, is back with a riveting new crime novel set in late-1980s Auckland. byCRAIGSISTERSON DEREK HENDERSON This time, the artist turned his ten- provided a rich canvas for Taylor’s early novels “I’ve been writing the dency for deconstruction on himself. and do so again in Blue Hotel, which is set in late- whole time. There are For a dozen years or so, bisected by 1980s Auckland in the wake of the stock market four other unpublished the millennium, Chad Taylor was crash and before computer technology and manuscripts that I’ve one of the most exciting voices in New Zealand mobile phones became ubiquitous. Ray Moody got.”– Chad Taylor on literature. His tales of office workers, streetwalk- is a reporter with more booze than bylines the years since his last ers and burglars caught up in offbeat events lately, who sniffs a hidden story when leather- published novel. laced with mystery, violence and sex in vivid clad Danish woman Blanca Nul vanishes from a renderings of Auckland earned him literary pub on the Mahurangi Peninsula. Catastrophe fellowships at home and translations and rave ensues, and Ray is left nursing injuries and reviews from major publications abroad. cataloguing adult classifieds for a dingy tabloid. He spies a second chance when another woman, “Effortlessly cool”, “wonderfully urban”, “hal- dressed the same way, vanishes on the anni- lucinatory”, chorused the international critics, as they attempted to distil how Taylor toyed Taylor was doing with and subverted crime fiction conventions interviews for Rip It Up in books such as Heaven, Shirker, Electric and magazine with visiting Departure Lounge. artists like Ice-T at the time Blue Hotel was set. If Paul Thomas had torn New Zealand crime writing from its cosy traditions with his Ihaka versary, kick-starting a dangerous search that trilogy in the 1990s, then Chad Taylor had veers from BDSM dungeons to the lofty offices of flipped it upside down and shook it until it fizzed corporate raiders. like a bottle of L&P on a hot summer’s day. Neo- noir, the critics called it, and Taylor was a master. Although Blue Hotel is Taylor’s first published Then, like more than one character in his books, book since 2009’s The Church of John Coltrane – a he vanished. sequel to Heaven that after the global financial crisis was published only in France – it isn’t It has been 13 years since Taylor had a new the first novel he has written since. “I’ve been novel published, but Blue Hotel shows that writing the whole time. There are four other although he no longer qualifies for the “New unpublished manuscripts that I’ve got,” he says. Zealand’s Top Novelists Under 40” accolade the “Things just fell apart, publishing-wise, after the Listener once bestowed on him, he’s still one of crash. Agents left and publishers left, and busi- the most exciting voices in Kiwi literature. nesses folded.” “When I started on Blue Hotel, I really took my It was disheartening, and Taylor admits he game apart,” Taylor says from his home in Tau- wondered if he’d ever be published again. “I ranga. The born-and-bred Aucklander moved thought, ‘Oh, maybe that was it. I just had to ask to the Bay of Plenty on his return from several myself, if I wasn’t going to get published again, years in Europe. He says it’s good to be close to the sea, after being based in London’s East End following the global financial crisis, but “it’s still weird for me not being in Auckland”. The urban landscapes of our biggest city 46



BOOKS would I carry on writing?” The answer some time by the idea of a missing person people’s pockets. When journalists bashed was yes. He was driven to write. and a doppelganger, a case of mistaken out stories on Smith Corona Sterling identity. The fact that while such a thing typewriters and blackened their fingers Although he has gone 13 years between would be “less feasible to the reader in while scouring archives. When research published novels, Taylor saw other our digital age of everything being seen at required leaving your desk and interact- writing projects come to fruition. In once” was one of several reasons why he ing with people rather than screens. 2013, the feature REALITi, directed by chose to set Blue Hotel in the late 1980s. Jonathan King from Taylor’s original “I liked the disconnection of people screenplay, premiered at the New Zealand Another was the tactile nature of pre- having to drive to places, people having to International Film Festival. Taylor was digital days, and the way Auckland used look through documents, people having nominated for Best Screenplay at the New to be. to do physical searches on data, looking Zealand Film Awards. His original work things up,” says Taylor. “I liked that it was on Kurt Cobain formed part of the French “It’s not an American close to those kinds of detective tropes, street art and literature project Mythiq27 crime novel where you but at the same time it was fun to subvert in 2014. The next year, Taylor scripted the can just pull a gun and it and say, ‘Okay, well it’s not going to be radio version of his short story Close to that solves the plot.” glamorous or tough; our hero’s not going You for RNZ. to be a square-jawed guy; it’s going to be “I was remembering just the shape stranger than that.’ It’s going to subvert Taylor began work on Blue Hotel, an of the city at that time,” recalls Taylor, some traditions.” idea he’d had for a while, after some soul who was doing interviews for Rip It Up searching as well as reflection on his own magazine with visiting artists such as The local setting provided another craft. After an early career of deconstruct- Ice-T at the time Blue Hotel was set. “It had difference compared with classic ing noir in his writing, he deconstructed a lot of nooks and crannies. And it doesn’t American noir: “It was hard for his own writing. And found himself cir- have that now; cities have really changed. people to find information back then, and cling back to near where he’d always been. You’ll see this in London, right? We were if you wanted to find that information you in London from 2006 to 2008, when there had to cajole and lie and get people to tell “I finished up as the same player I was the crash, and just watched London you stuff. How do you get people to tell you always was,” he says. “Blue Hotel is very change within a matter of months. It’s just stuff? It’s not an American crime novel much in the vein of Shirker and Departure cities becoming malls; they’re becoming where you can just pull a gun and that Lounge, but it’s different in that it’s a bit more homogenous. The sort of crime that solves the plot. less meta. It’s a serious detective story happens is digital, or just different. You that goes to some dark places, but it’s also want to find purchase for your story, and I “That was something that was enter- funny. As the story became more dra- remember that time in Auckland.” taining for me to write.” matic, the humour occurred naturally. I think readers will get that.” Taylor enjoyed the “clunkiness” of Taylor’s deep passion for storytelling is an era when computers were new and clear. He admits that “in a corny way” he Taylor has returned with a unwieldy and didn’t get carried around in wanted to be a writer since he was a kid wonderful novel. Blue Hotel is a growing up in Manurewa. “I just wanted tear-through-in-a-day mystery to write Star Trek or something,” he says that’s full of depth, striking characters, with a chuckle. “I remember seeing that sparkling writing, and a rich sense of time they’d have the ‘story by’ writers on Star and place. Trek episodes, and I thought that’d be a cool job. I always liked stories. I liked “I’d been carrying around parts of the Sherlock Holmes, I liked mysteries. And I story for quite a while, because that was loved noir movies, so it all came together what I really wanted to write. I set out to quite nicely.” write quite a complex plot, but I wanted it to work. I thought the chapters would be Taylor has fond memories of the sort of short and episodic and quite sort stands of books at the dairy with noir of deep and detailed in that kind of way paperbacks. I’ve probably always written. I just wanted to write it in my style and not give a shit “I remember as a kid hearing the about whether that was the right way to do Beatles’ song Paperback Writer and it for the market, whatever the market is.” thinking, ‘Well, what other sort of writ- ers are there?’ I loved that pulp stuff, not So, he “persisted with it really stub- ironically, I really loved it. I really liked bornly”, eventually realising that his the Brett Halliday novels. I just love all less-meta but longer-than-usual tale that the machinery of the plot. I mean, I know he’d conceived in three parts should actu- some of them were just crap, but I still like ally be told that way. them. I’m still interested. It’s like, ‘Okay, I’m up for this, what’s going to happen?’ I More good news: Blue Hotel is the first in like the machinery of it. Some people like a planned trilogy, so we shouldn’t have to cars. I like plots.” l wait so long for the next Taylor novel. As we video-chat, he holds up half a ream of Blue Hotel (Brio Books, $35.99) is available pages to the screen. “Draft three or four.” online and through supporting bookstores. Taylor says he’d been intrigued for 48 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022

Match making A mystical and comic mystery about dating life in the internet age that never strays too far from the plausible. by JOSIE SHAPIRO CULT CLASSIC, by Sloane Crosley (Blooms- is something more mysterious and nefari- Tart brilliance and genius fun: Sloane Crosley’s BEOWULF SHEEHAN bury, $32.99) ous at play? second novel is a winning combination of You have one, don’t you? An ex-boyfriend serious and silly. you think of sometimes late at night? An Her former boss, Clive Glenn, may ex-girlfriend you sometimes stalk on have something to do with it. Clive is a of Crosley’s writing ensures that it never Facebook and wonder “what if?” What charismatic and smarmy pseudo celebrity strays too far from the plausible. if you’d been a little more, or they’d been who establishes what Lola calls a “mind a little less, maybe you could’ve been control cult with an espresso machine”, The book also examines what it means happy together? In Cult Classic, this idea although he calls it a company that helps to date as an older woman. Lola’s name for fuels a romantic comedy that twists into people find “closure” through “energy” the dating game is “Don’t Scare the Men”, science-fiction territory. and social-media manipulation. and Crosley tackles the haunting idea that you’re a failure if you can’t find “the one”. This is the second foray into fic- There are hints of Michel Gondry’s Lola feels as if her extensive “dating life tion for Crosley, twice a finalist for the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind had been some elaborate logic proof, show- Thurber Prize for American Humor for – that same nostalgia for the “what if” ing me how to wind up with someone not her bestselling essay collections. Her first of past romances that may have ended for the person he is but for all the people novel, The Clasp, followed a trio of friends prematurely. Although Lola knows it’s he isn’t”. on a hare-brained trip to find a lost neck- true that “just because something ends lace in Europe. Like its predecessor, Cult prematurely doesn’t mean it won’t end Crosley throws in small wisdoms at Classic features more of Crosley’s acidic eventually”, her relationship with Boots the end of paragraphs observation and wit, although this time may not work out simply because she is with a tart brilliance, it’s romantic love rather than friendship spending too much time consumed with and the genius fun of that gets the action rolling. the past (and social media) to truly experi- her work is how it’s ence or commit to the present. both deeply serious Lola spent her youth in New York and also very silly – a and “never left”, and now she’s on her way By moving into the speculative, and combination that to 40. She was recently made redundant adding a whimsical metaphysical element makes for engaging when Modern Psychology magazine went to the story, the novel digs a bit deeper into and entertaining under, and her romantic history reads the subtleties and nuances of love in the reading. l like Carrie Bradshaw’s. A serial monoga- age of the internet. The dry, ironic style mist, Lola has a past that’s fraught with heartbreak. She’s now engaged to Boots, a glass artist who doesn’t mind the childish nickname she has given him. (To con- tinue the Sex and the City analogy, Boots is Aidan: creative, kind, quiet.) Boots seems perfect, yet Lola has some reservations about the engagement. Is Boots too boring, too passive, or is she just not ready for commitment? When she bumps into two ex-boyfriends in two days, she chalks it up to coincidence, but when she then meets a third, she wonders if life is reminding her of her options. Or AUGUST 6 2022 LISTENER 49

BOOKS White-knuckle rides: Frank Chalmers, left, and RH Herron. Fraying at the edges A jaded detective and a pregnant doctor face their demons in the latest international thrillers. by MICHELE HEWITSON beneath the writing, which is lean and They will all share custody. laconic and has a strange beauty, like the Cosy turns sinister: somebody is sneak- CONVICTION, by Frank Chalmers (Allen & bleached skeleton of a cattle beast on the Unwin, $36.99) red, dusty dirt of the outback. An abso- ing into Jillian’s house and taking small Detective Ray Windsor is a man with a lutely terrific debut. things. She suspects Rochelle is gaslight- dubious past and a future that stretches ing her in a bid to drive her insane, or bleakly before him, devoid of fulfilment. HUSH LITTLE BABY, by RH Herron (Pen- back to the bottle, as He is banished to a small, dusty, poverty- guin, $35) a plot to gain custody stricken Queensland town. It is 1976, and In the utterly bonkers Hush Little Baby, a of the baby once it is sexism, racism and police corruption are support group of mothers-to-be, who are born. Also, the sup- rampant. There are suicides and cattle also recovering alcoholics, have weekly port group is turning rustling and too much bad-tempered booz- meetings during which they gossip and bitchy. Confidences are ing, which all too often results in biffo. complain and compare bellies. So far, spilled, including the so cosy. Jillian is a member of the group. one about the mother- Ray hates it all. He hates his lazy, on-the- She is an obstetrician-gynaecologist. to-be who is possibly take local police chief who doesn’t want When she still drank, she would some- pregnant to a man who the case of two dead and one missing girls times go to work drunk. There was a is not her husband. from immigrant families investigated. sobering incident involving a mad- This is merely the Instead, he sends Ray and his partner, woman who was under the delusion that beginning of what Arshag – who is as much an outsider in she was pregnant when she patently will culminate in an this mostly white, macho community – on wasn’t. After which Jillian sobered up, entirely unbelievable hare-brained chases after missing stock. met her wife, Rochelle, and they lived denouement. So, yes, Ray’s rage at the world, about his past and happily ever after. Of course they didn’t. bonkers, but rather that barren future is barely contained. It Rochelle left her for a hot new model. good fun, in a macabre simmers just beneath his jittery skin, and way. l 50 LISTENER AUGUST 6 2022