Normally over the festive season we don’t give presents to each other but my sister and her partner decide to get something for me so what I decided to do is get something for them along with something for mum as well. I didn’t go overboard but each of them were something unique that I’m sure they’ll enjoy and they’re presented in a metal basket with a wooden handle so it’ll be useful as away of storing things.
When I was down the road the shops were really quiet – a lot quieter than what I’ve seen in previous years particularly when it comes to the supermarket this close to Christmas being on Thursday. I knew that things were getting pretty tough out there for many families but I don’t think many, at least those in power, understand how many families are struggling to keep their head above water.
The government announced today that New Zealand and India have come to an agreement regarding a comprehensive free trade agreement but like a lot of things in life the devil is in the details. There is already one party in the coalition government who said they’re going to vote against it but couldn’t imagine Labour voting against it although Chris Hipkins has been rather coy about giving an answer other than saying that it is up to the Labour caucus to discuss the matter and make a collective decision.
Personally, I don’t see Labour voting against it because generally there is a consensus between the two parties regarding free trade agreements being good and that even if the other party negotiates the free trade agreement it is doubtful that they were in power the agreement would be any better – one thing to keep in mind that as a smaller country we don’t have much leverage in negotiating these agreements regardless of who is in power.
It is interesting how the world is resetting and a focus is on opening up to new markets to insulate ones country from the erratic nature of the United States. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in the next 3 years and whether we’ll see an acceleration of decoupling from the United States and then add to that the fact that is cheaper to do business in Europe than in the United States you may start seeing US businesses expand their presence in Europe along with Canada, New Zealand and Australia especially once you see the fast tracking of immigration for highly skilled workers which may result in a brain drain form the United States to the rest of the world.
My favourite cars are from the 1930s and 1940s in the streamline moderne styling for both vehicles and trains – it gives a sense of modernity, speed, style and sophistication. Here are some good photos of what I am referring to (link).
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