Kia Ora,

It's been a while since I have updated this, and a bit has happened. I survived Las Vegas, I didn't even melt into the pavement which was a concern of mine, and that is including having to change a tyre in the middle of the Mojave Desert, which as odd as it sounds was quite fun, I know I'm weird shoot me. The two biggest let downs for me was Nat and Alex's Conert in Vegas being cancelled and coming home.

I love New Zealand, don't get me wrong. But I need to be where I feel I can do the most good and at this time it is not New Zealand. Of course being on my sort of income does not provide alot of oppourtunity to escape, and living in the area I live provides even less. Currently I work a job 36 hours a week at minimum wage just to survive, All the reviewing, advocating I do, both as Youth MP and Youth Councilor are done on a volunteer basis, on rare occasion I am recompensated for gas, but other wise I am responsible for any expenses, which is getting more difficutly with the minescule size of my budget, but I am trying to continue to provide my services for free for as long as I can, I'm just not sure how long that it will last.

I am currently engaged in one of my biggest projects in represnting as many of NBB fans as will either let me or I can find. I had intended to present a case to Polly Draper in Las Vegas, unfortunatly they weren't there, so I had to think how to do I do it? I chose to present my case by letter sending it care of the Chicago House of Blues. It worked, I received an email explaining some of the ponits I raised. On recieving mandate from a number of fans I have presented a plan and am still waiting on word, to try and salvage a fourth quarter and a conclussion.

Back home, New Zealanders recently voted on a Referendum question 'Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offense in New Zealand?' In response to Sue Bradfords 2007 Anti Smacking bill which was passed into law by the then Labour Government. New Zealand voted an overwhelming 88% No. Yet Sue Bradford claims that it does not Represent the view of the people. 88% is higher than the 75% for a parliamentry super majority, so explain me to how this could not show the view of people. Yet the government refuses to change the law until CYFs or the Police can prove it's not working..... The law has to be changed, it does not help those who it claims, those are being abused by their parents will still be abused, they won't care, because honestly Abuse is worse than smacking, and a law saying smacking is illegal won't deter them. All it will take is for one **** cop, and New Zealand has alot of those, and some good parent will find themselves a convicted criminal.

Meanwhile I applaud the descion by Cabinet not to support Maori only seats on the new Auckland Supercity council. We are one country..... lets start acting like it. It is not the NZ Maori and the rest of New Zealand....... it is New Zealand.

Til next time, Rock On.

Ka Kite

Sam