Entanglement: ebook set in Wellington and the Philipines
In case any public servants out there are interested.
By Tim McIvor, Ngaio
Buy on Amazon Australia.
Book overview
Entanglement is a contemporary novel that inhabits the world of international relations, politics and diplomacy.
It takes the reader behind the scenes, proving insights to the realities of ministers, bureaucrats and diplomats in action. In this unashamedly old-fashioned, fast-paced romp, we find cynicism, naivete, political and personal ambition, utter self-interest, sexism, prejudice, greed and ruthlessness. As well, sometimes, genuine commitment to the greater good, kindness and a wholesome consideration of others.
The novel is set in Wellington, New Zealand; the Philippines; and Canberra, Australia. The main plot revolves around a kidnaping that occurs in the margins of an international conference, and the dramatic part of the story takes place in the hurly-burly of Mindanao, in the southern Philippines.
The characters are kept alive in a sea of tongue-in-cheek, observational and at times, dark humor. Personal and official relationships are complicated, and often indecipherable.
Whether it be the organization required to bring world leaders to an international meeting; delivering official development assistance to plantation forestry, where divergent interests and complex politics abound; or securing the release of hostages from the grasp of kidnappers, the main characters are connected in a tangle of opposing forces and motivations.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
At just 8 years old, Nina-Mae already has Wellington Council listening! 👏
She’s speaking up for safer roads for her and her classmates—fuelled by a desire for independence and maybe even a budding interest in politics.
So here’s the big question: how do we create space for every voice in our community to be heard?
It’s great that the Council is paying attention 👂 but what small actions can we all take to keep our whole community involved and engaged?
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