In defence of Aaron Smith and Why we Shouldn't be so quick to Judge Others

When someone makes a mistake don't jump on them
understand why they did it and what thinking process lead to the action. Then see if there is a way to help them not make the same mistake again and again. Always try and show compassion to those who screw up within limits because you will one day find yourself with the roles reversed.You have be warned! Trial by public opinion is a brutal reality enabled by mass media and it's crooked lens. Nothing sells more newspapers than a glamourized individual caught in a scandal regardless of circumstance. When you are looking at something or someone else's personal failure you would be surprised to know how much relevant information you are missing on which you form your prejudiced conclusion on. Be slow to cast a stone at another but when you do give it a good throw haha

How can we Remedy the All Blacks Mis-Behaviour and Misogyny?

I certainly agree with previously mentioned points but can't help but feel that the excessive drinking culture of Rugby before after and during games coupled with the completely misogynistic nature of international Rugby aka yet to see a woman All Black or coach create this problem as well. When men are in a group they sure act differently than with a partner or female family members. Coupled with heavy levels of drinking and you get the Chiefs scandal one of many I imagine yet the single most publicised. It's also unrealistic to believe that such happenings of the current All Blacks failings didn't happen under the captainship of Richie McCaw for all we know he could be a horrendous person when not in the public eye.

I believe the quickest way to remedy the NZRU problem is to kick out all the old boys and clinger-ons and appoint people to the national rugby organisation who are first and foremost heavily invested in looking after the rugby players. At the same time I think its even more inclusive that woman be allowed to enter all roles that men currently have access to in the New Zealand rugby in management and on the field. Otherwise I feel these problems will just cropping up again and again.

A fun fact in NZ colonial times there was a shortage of woman men outnumbering woman sometimes a hundred to one in gold-mining towns and in the first settled parts of the country. To remedy the issue men would create a mock woman made out of pillows with a woollen throw over her and place them at the table. The men would instantly act more polite and social responsible - if worse comes to worse we could enforce the All Blacks to engage in such historical practices to uphold moral and ethical standards if they can't do it themselves. mic drop

The Great Flag Debate

I just wanted to clear up some madness jumping around about trying to get the "The Red Peak Flag" design into the New Zealand flag referendum. Many of you probably don't know but
New Zealand is under going a perfect storm - an identity crisis so the National government can avoid doing anything productive in office for their whole third term. Here are some snubbed designs many now labelled great alternatives like Otis Frizzels "MANAWA":

Or the obvious Maori choice "Tino Rangatiratanga", anything but that one aye ;)

What I truly find worrying is a 20,000 strong signed petition advocating that we switch our flag to
a back packing brand red peak is the fifth option thankfully not an official choice.

I also don't know about you but I see striking similarities to the SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG aka our Rugby playing arch-enemies. I can't imagine anything worse or more embarrassing than flying this flag high which incorporates Red, White, Black and Blue!

                                                      'Red Peak' by Aaron Dustin

South African Flag (below)

The current New Zealand flag that my grandfather Harry Bioletti 

fought under in WW2 in the South Pacific 

Rugby Ball Flag