Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Committee is calling on the Government to reconsider New Zealand's refugee quota. The quota of 750 hasn't changed since 1987.
When you look at the troubles around the world and the desperate position people from some countries find themselves in, I think it's not unreasonable for us to increase the quota. Interestingly, Australia, although they cop a lot of flack over their position on asylum seekers which I think is unfair, are very generous with their refugee quote - 20,000 a year.
It's time for NZ to lift its quota. As always with these things, screening of refugees is paramount. Radicals of any persuasion need not apply.
Sir Richie
The Prime Minister is going to knight Richie McCaw. McCaw is our greatest All Black so a knighthood is a given. He will get it in the New Years honours list after the World Cup. No question McCaw deserves the honour. I can't see too many people objecting. But lets see this for what it is - the Prime Minister scoring some very good PR. Knighting the All Blacks captain is very good for business. As for the suggestion that McCaw enter politics, wisely McCaw has discounted this. He's not a fool.