There are so many brilliantly written pieces analysing the continuing fallout since Nicky Hager's Dirty Politics book was published, and this is proving to be an historic election battle.
Quoting Simon Wilson from Metro magazine is a clearer summary of the situation than I could give:
"The evidence is strong that a rogue political lobbyist and his colleagues-in-arms, working in close liaison with a staffer in the Prime Minister's office, have used a range of bullying and deceitful tactics, over several years, to subvert democratic processes."
Wilson says: "We do know that the Prime Minister did not move against Judith Collins until he absolutely had to, and we do know he has consistently declined to condemn Cameron Slater or his behaviour. On the contrary, he continues to claim, on the basis of no evidence at all, that Nicky Hager's revelations have been discredited."
My view, with experience of working with politicians and journalists, is that this is not a "they-all-do-it" situation - it is much much worse. It is abhorrent and unacceptable and the sunlight from a proper investigation is indeed the best treatment.
But while I was lounging by the pool, I switched off politics almost completely - though I did get pulled back in a little through the environmental themes around me.
I read a fantastic Margaret Atwood novel, MaddAddam - the final in her trilogy set in another dystopian future. This one featured corruption, internet hacking, environmental damage, artificial food, offensive pornography, inequality and poverty - unfortunately, the not-so-distant future.
I almost laughed out loud at this light-hearted insult in the book: "Heart like shale. What you need is a good fracking."
Then this quote, reminiscent of the Whaleoil approach to life: "Hatred and viciousness are addictive. You can get high on them. Once you've had a little, you start shaking if you don't get more."
Then, at a brighter level, on our final night in Fiji, I watched an animated movie outdoors with the boys, Rio 2. Set in the Amazon, it is a story of the battle between illegal loggers and those protecting the threatened blue macaws. It has a Kiwi connection with Jemaine Clement, half of Flight of the Conchords, as the voice of Nigel, the bad cockatoo.
I can recommend both the Atwood book and Rio 2 for greenies like me and for anyone who appreciates a good entertaining story.
Another recommendation for Whanganui people is to take part in next weekend's permaculture activities. There will be 24 events across 14 sites, ranging from presentations to hands-on workshops covering backyard gardening, ethical investment, community structures and better house design. All events are free or by koha - check out www.whanganuipermaculture.org
Finally, voting is now open in the general election - you don't have to wait until polling day on September 20. There are three early polling places in Whanganui and six more across the electorate. Get out and vote.
Nicola Young is a former Department of Conservation manager who now works for global consultancy AECOM. Educated at Wanganui Girls' College, she has a science degree and is the mother of two boys.
