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ASB: Strait closure may squeeze NZ far beyond fuel

Source: ASB

As the Middle East conflict enters its 12th week, new ASB analysis suggests the economic fallout for New Zealand is spreading well beyond the pump, with supply chain costs rising and household spending expected to come under further pressure.

“While the immediate effect has been higher fuel prices, that’s only one piece of the puzzle.  The broader story is how the entire cost shock (which includes fertiliser and petrochemicals) spreads through supply chains, lifting the cost of manufactured goods, packaging, freight and farm inputs, and the flow on effects of that to consumer spending,” says Kim Mundy, Senior Economist at ASB.

Those pressures are already showing up in real costs for some businesses with freight operators providing the clearest early examples. Earlier this month, shipping giant Maersk applied a 27% fuel surcharge while the Interislander almost doubled its fuel surcharge for commercial vehicles crossing Cook Strait – increases likely to be felt across a broad range of New Zealand businesses.

ASB expects the initial inflationary pressure to be felt most acutely in food, freight, plastic products and other goods with high transport or packaging costs. At the same time, discretionary sectors such as retail, hospitality, arts and recreation may face softer demand as higher fuel costs reduce household spending power.

“The effects of the Strait’s closure reach further into the economy than may have first been apparent, with few sectors likely to escape entirely. Agriculture, manufacturing, construction and transport appear most exposed, but even less fuel-intensive businesses could be hit as households shift spending towards essentials. That creates another headwind for economic growth,” says Mundy.

While the Government has indicated the risk of a fuel shortage and rationing remains low, ASB is urging businesses to review where they are exposed and prepare for ongoing volatility.

“Roughly a quarter of our economy has a high, or very high, exposure to at least two of the key disruptions we analysed in our research so for businesses, the message is to look beyond direct fuel use and assess their exposure across suppliers, freight, packaging inputs and customer demand while the conflict in the Middle East persists,” says Mundy.

Other recent ASB reports covering a range of commentary, can be accessed at our ASB Economic Insights page: https://www.asb.co.nz/documents/economic-insights.html

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Opinion – From Victimhood to Empowerment: Palestine Through the Eyes of Its Indigenous People

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

OPINION: For decades, the Palestinian cause has largely been presented to the world as the story of a suffering people, a nation living under occupation, siege, displacement, and violence. While this reality cannot and should not be denied, reducing Palestinians solely to the image of “victims” carries a profound danger for both Palestinian collective consciousness and the way the world perceives Palestine.
A victim, in the global imagination, is often portrayed as someone awaiting sympathy rather than as a people possessing agency, dignity, and the power to shape history. This is why the transition from a “victim consciousness” to a “consciousness of power” is not merely a linguistic or political shift, but a psychological, cultural, and national necessity.
The Palestinian is not simply a person subjected to injustice; they are the indigenous people of the land, the holders of history, memory, identity, and legitimate rights. Their existence in Palestine is not a humanitarian accident requiring temporary compassion, but the continuation of a deep-rooted connection to land, heritage, and belonging.
Victim consciousness imprisons people within pain, while empowerment
consciousness redefines identity through resilience, action, and self-determination. A people who preserved their identity despite the Nakba, endured occupation, survived exile, and continued to create life under siege cannot be understood merely as victims. They are a living example of steadfastness and historical continuity.
For many years, the Zionist narrative succeeded in presenting itself globally through the language of historical victimhood, while Palestinians were often depicted either as powerless sufferers or as statistics in news headlines. This is why the battle over consciousness and narrative is just as important as the political struggle itself. The story the world believes ultimately shapes moral legitimacy and public perception.
A consciousness of power does not mean denying suffering or ignoring atrocities.
Rather, it means refusing to allow oppression to define who we are. Palestinians are not a project of pity; they are a project of liberation. They are not merely survivors of tragedy, but a people with a just cause, a living culture, creativity, resilience, and an undeniable connection to their homeland.
When Palestinians speak from a position of power, they do not speak the language of hatred or revenge, but the language of confidence in justice and truth. A language that says: we are here because this is our land. We are not strangers to history, nor temporary inhabitants of this place. We are its people.
One of the greatest dangers facing any colonized nation is internalizing the perspective of the colonizer beginning to see itself as weak, defeated, or eternally victimized. True liberation begins when people reclaim the ability to define themselves as active makers of history rather than passive recipients of suffering.
Today, Palestine does not only need global solidarity; it also needs a transformation in consciousness Palestinian, Arab, and international alike. A transformation from the language of pity to the language of rights, from the image of victimhood to the image of a free people with sovereignty, dignity, and historical legitimacy.
Because nations are not liberated by resistance on the ground alone, but also by liberating the mind from psychological defeat and restoring faith in identity, justice, and the natural right to freedom, return, and self-determination.
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Rural News – Major breakthrough in battle against wilding pines – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

After years of pushing for more funding to tackle wilding pines, Federated Farmers says today’s Government announcement is a major breakthrough.
The Government has committed an extra $79 million for wilding pine control over the next three years, taking the total commitment to $109 million, targeting some of the country’s worst-affected areas.
Federated Farmers pest spokesperson Richard Dawkins says the investment is a huge win – not just for farmers, but for all New Zealanders.
“Wilding pines are an ecological disaster threatening farms, exports, biodiversity, tourism, and water resources across New Zealand.
“Most Kiwis don’t see the problem day to day, but these invasive trees are spreading across some of our most iconic landscapes at an alarming rate.
“The time to ramp up control efforts is now, and this funding boost will make a real difference.
“The Government deserves enormous credit for stepping up and backing meaningful action.”
Dawkins welcomed the focus on major seed source areas in Wānaka and Marlborough, along with priority regions including Queenstown, Wakatipu, Mackenzie, Molesworth, and the North Island’s Central Plateau.
“For the first time, we’re seeing a serious effort to tackle some of the country’s worst seed source areas, including Branch Leatham in Marlborough, which has long fuelled the wider South Marlborough infestation,” he says.
“That area was originally aerially seeded with conifer pines by the Crown for soil conservation purposes, with a commitment to address any unintended consequences.
“While some funding has been allocated over the years, it’s been piecemeal and nowhere near enough to get on top of the problem properly.
“This new investment is a significant step forward, and everyone involved deserves real credit.”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the key now will be combining this new funding with action from landowners and land managers.
“The Government has really stepped up and done its part to control wilding pines.
“We already have many farmers doing a lot of work out there, but now we need other landowners, councils, and the private sector to do the same so we can maximise the impact of this funding.
“If we can throw a big wave of control work at these pests, we’ve got a real chance to start turning the tide.”
Federated Farmers has long warned that the wilding pine eradication programme was severely underfunded.
Unlike managed plantation forests, wilding pine infestations rarely provide any productive value.
They intensify wildfire risk, smother native vegetation, and reduce groundwater supplies.
Even a handful of trees can spread seed vast distances on the wind.
Dawkins says Federated Farmers identified the issue as an urgent priority more than a year ago, and he’s encouraged to see that advocacy helping drive meaningful action.
“That said, we still believe around $50 million a year is needed for the next decade to halt the spread of these invasive trees across productive farmland and DOC land.
“While this funding is a massive step forward, wilding pines are an intergenerational challenge and there’s no quick fix.
“The focus now needs to be on securing stable, long-term, bipartisan support, so communities can have confidence this work will continue well beyond the next few years.
“We also need to look at how large areas of land are managed day to day, including greater use of active management tools such as managed grazing where appropriate, to reduce future spread and risk.”
Langford says many others have also played an important role in highlighting the threat posed by wilding pines.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the communities, landowners, volunteer groups, and councils who have worked tirelessly to keep this issue front and centre for many years.” 
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Activist Sector – New spend on war is lunacy – Peace Action Wellington

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026 – The Minister of Defence Chris Penk has announced a $1.58 billion investment in war including hundreds of millions for more work on the frigates.

“The government is allocating another $215 million to the frigates – both of which were just upgraded at an actual cost of $700 million – nearly twice what was budgeted with years' long work overruns by Lockheed Martin. This is the usual rort of the weapons industry,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“This announcement shows where the Coalition's priorities are. Instead of building hospitals, schools, houses, aged care facilities and a clean energy transition, this government is intent on waging war alongside the United States.”

“The Minister likes claims the world is more dangerous. What he is not saying is that country most responsible for that very instability is our 'friend' the United States. The US is engaged in an illegal war on the people of Iran, and are arming and funding the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In 2025 alone, the US bombed nine different countries.”

“It is the US that has been pushing this government to spend more on war since the 2023 election. There has been a constant stream of US military and State Department people in and out of Wellington to ensure the government commits to a massive military build up – and interoperability with US forces.”

“Instead of signing up for the US empire's endless wars – and spending our children's inheritance on weapons – we need to build a strong and vibrant Aotearoa New Zealand that ensures everyone here has what they need to lead a dignified life.”

“The announced spending on new weapons will be funneled straight into the pockets of global weapons companies like Lockheed Martin, instead of into ensuring people here are fed, clothed, housed and employed.”

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Budget 2026 – Defence boost must ensure civilian workers get pay rise – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on NZDF and the Government to ensure that civilian workers who are the backbone of Defence get pay increases as a result of today’s pre-Budget announcement.
Civilian personnel who are members of the PSA have been in bargaining with the New Zealand Defence Force since December 2025 with no real progress on pay.
The announcement has confirmed remuneration adjustments as one of four Defence budget priorities for 2026 – alongside maritime security maintenance, housing, training, and alignment with industry – the PSA expects immediate meaningful progress at the bargaining table.
“New Zealand needs a well-resourced Defence Force, and this commitment is important, but civilian staff can’t be forgotten,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Ships, aircraft and equipment don’t maintain themselves. Civilian workers are the backbone of the Defence Force. They are the engineers, IT specialists, logistics staff, tradespeople and security personnel who keep our military operational and ready. The investment in Defence must include fair pay for these workers.
“The Defence Force has been explicit that the principles underpinning its remuneration priority include equity for civilian and military personnel and lifting base pay rates. We will hold them to that.
“Many of our members work in technical and trade roles alongside contractors who are paid at market rates significantly higher than what NZDF pays its own civilian staff. That gap has to close if Defence wants to recruit and retain the skilled workforce it needs to be fit to face our security challenges.
“Civilian workers have been hard done by in recent years. Less than two years ago they were insulted with a zero percent pay offer. They had to fight for eight months and take sustained strike action just to win a small pay rise.
“The Government’s response to that dispute was not to address the root cause of inadequate pay, but to pass the Defence (Workforce) Amendment Act making it easier for Defence to use military personnel to replace striking civilians and to change the law to enable employers to deduct pay for partial strike action. These laws undermine the ability of civilian workers to bargain fairly for the pay they deserve.
“On top of that, hundreds of civilian jobs have been cut. The Defence Force cannot keep hollowing out its civilian workforce and expect to deliver on the ambitions outlined in today’s announcement.
“There are no more excuses for delaying bargaining. Our members expect an immediate fair pay offer that reflects the essential role they play, cost of living pressures and one that genuinely aligns civilian pay with the market.
“The proof of the Government’s commitment to Defence won’t just be in the hardware it buys. It will be in how it treats the people who make it all work.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Universities – Climate change is reshaping migration worldwide, new research shows – UEA

Source: University of East Anglia (UEA)

New research showing how climate change is reshaping global migration patterns will be revealed during a major conference exploring the issues this month.        

Climate change is already altering where people live and work across the world – from rural communities to rapidly growing cities. Now new findings highlight how governments can respond, suggesting migration may need to be integrated into climate adaptation planning rather than treated simply as a problem to prevent.                                  

The conference, Mobility in Adaptation to Climate Change, takes place at the Wellcome Collection in London on May 19-20 and will bring together leading scientists studying migration and climate change.

Sixteen papers will be presented over the two days on every aspect of migration and climate change, by researchers from Africa, Asia and Europe.

The event is organised through a collaboration between UK-based researchers at the University of Exeter and the University of East Anglia (UEA), working with partners across Asia including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

The research is part of a £5 million UK–Canadian programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Canada's International Development Research Centre, examining whether migration can serve as a successful adaptation to climate change.

Key findings to be discussed during the conference include:

  • Climate change is altering migration patterns across south Asia – from the high mountains of Nepal and Bhutan to the coasts of India and Bangladesh. Rural areas are losing populations through migration to cities. But government actions are helping to build capacity to cope.

Dr Amina Maharjan, from The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, says: “When mobility is supported, it reduces risk, secures livelihoods, and strengthens agency. When it is not, it increases precarity and inequality.”

 

  • Migrants are moving into climate risk hotspots – migration to cities across South Asia exposes people to rising heatwaves and chronic heat.

As cities expand, from Bengaluru to Dhaka, they need to protect new migrant populations that disproportionately work in highly-exposed sectors – from construction to transport. Public health providers are now offering mobile clinics, reaching 6000 migrant workers in multiple languages across Kerala state in India, for example.    

Dr Chandni Singh, from the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, says: “Safe destinations are as important as safe journeys. New measures can make cities safe, secure and resilient.”    

Global research by Prof Halvard Buhaug tests for the presence of an 'urbanisation bomb' – the idea that migration to cities causes more conflict through ethnic tensions and scarce services and resources. His team from the Peace Research Institute Oslo largely dispels this myth – pointing to the need for integration of migrant populations to successfully avoid conflict.

 

  • Climate-related displacement has limited legal protection – yet Italy, Finland, and Cyprus have explicit legal provisions that may allow protection in cases of displacement linked to environmental disasters.

In her research, Prof Raya Muttarak of the University of Bologna highlights 124 cases in Italy since 2018 where protection has been allowed and shows that new science attributing climate change as impacting current weather could be the basis for more claims.

 

  • Movement from Pacific Island nations are increasingly being influenced by China – for the past 50 years the dominant flows have been from island countries to Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Now China seeks greater influence in the region: there is increasing movement of people between the Pacific and China. Australia seeks to counter China in part through a range of seasonal and permanent visas, and recent US immigration policies are affecting migration options for Pacific island communities.

Prof Jon Barnett from the University of Melbourne argues that this 'mosaic' presents more risks than opportunities for adaptation for small island countries in the Pacific.

The conference organisers are Prof Neil Adger (University of Exeter), Dr Chandni Singh (Indian Institute for Human Settlements), Dr Amina Maharjan (The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) and Dr Mark Tebboth (UEA).

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Retail activity up in the March 2026 quarter – Retail trade survey: March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release

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Govt squeezing poorest households, to line pockets of landlords already winning the jackpot in untaxed capital gains

Source:  Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign

The Government's decision to increase rents of whānau in social housing to offset the cost of increasing accommodation supplements to those in private rentals, is just squeezing the poorest households to line the pockets of the landlords of those private rentals, the Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign has pointed out.

“It's astounding that the Government has chosen to take from whānau already struggling with the cost of putting food on the table to address the needs of others in the same boat. If the Government taxed the capital gains of landlords currently reaping the benefit of accommodation supplements it could easily afford the cost of increasing the supplement – just $374.3m – and also build much needed social housing,” said Kate Stone, Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign manager and spokesperson.

“In reality, it is landlords who have “won the lotto” for many years now. And there is a real risk that any increase to the accommodation supplement will just be reflected in landlords increasing rents, defeating the purpose of the move and increasing the cost to the public of providing housing support to the most vulnerable in our communities.”

“It is quite clear who the Government is backing, and it isn't ordinary families trying to make ends meet in a cost of living and fuel crisis. Let's not forget this Government already granted tax cuts to landlords costing an estimated $2.9b over 4 years, when it restored 100% tax deductibility in 2024,” said Stone.

“Rather than reducing the incomes of those who are struggling most by increasing their income-related rents by 20%, we should be ensuring the wealthiest and big corporates are paying their fair share of tax, so that everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand can afford warm, healthy homes to live in.”

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Growing demand for kaupapa Māori governance drives return of Amorangi summit

Source: Tapuwae Roa

Following increasing national demand for kaupapa Māori governance development, Tapuwae Roa’s biennial Amorangi: Māori in Governance Summit will return this 29 July 2026 with both in-person and online attendance options available.
Since launching in 2022, Amorangi has rapidly evolved into one of Aotearoa’s leading kaupapa Māori governance gatherings, bringing together governors, trustees, directors, executives, emerging leaders, and changemakers from across the motu.
The inaugural 2022 summit attracted over 900 virtual attendees, highlighting strong appetite for accessible Māori governance development opportunities from the outset.
By 2024, Amorangi had expanded into a hybrid in-person and online event model, with more than 300 in-person attendees and a further 500 participating nationally across both formats. In-person registrations sold out within three weeks, generating a waitlist of more than 100 people.
Amorangi’s return comes as Māori organisations, iwi, trusts, and businesses continue to seek stronger leadership capability and succession pathways across multiple sectors.
Tapuwae Roa Kaihautū, Te Pūoho Kātene, says the growth of Amorangi reflects a wider shift occurring across Aotearoa.
“What we are seeing is growing demand for spaces grounded in tikanga Māori, intergenerational decision-making, and future-focused thinking,” says Kātene.
“The response to Amorangi over the past two events has reinforced the importance of continuing to invest in Māori capability and creating pathways for emerging governance leaders to step into roles with confidence.”
This year’s programme will feature speakers from across the governance spectrum, including Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, Waitangi Tribunal Chair Chief Judge Caren Fox, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori and Kaitiakitanga Rawinia Higgins, and Wellington Rugby Director Erin Roxburgh, alongside additional kaikōrero and interactive panel discussions to be announced.
Kātene says maintaining hybrid access remains a priority for Amorangi.
“We know many people seeking governance development opportunities are balancing commitments to whānau, mahi, and their communities. We have prioritised continued online access at affordable prices to ensure these conversations remain accessible regardless of where people are based, or their financial constraints.”
Amorangi will take place on 29 July 2026 at Shed 6, Wellington.
First release in-person tickets are on sale now for $189 incl. GST. Second release tickets will increase to $219 incl. GST, followed by a final release price of $249 incl. GST. Online livestream registrations are available for $69 incl. GST.
ABOUT AMORANGI
Amorangi: National Māori in Governance Summit is a biennial kaupapa hosted by Tapuwae Roa that seeks to inspire, strengthen, and grow the next generation of tikanga-led, future-focused Māori governance leaders.
Designed by Māori, for Māori, Amorangi brings together a diverse range of governors, trustees, directors, executives, rangatahi leaders, and changemakers for high impact kōrero and whakaaro from across the Māori governance landscape.
ABOUT TAPUWAE ROA
Tapuwa Roa (formerly Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust) pursues tikanga-led social change with the purpose of whāngaitia matua te tuakiri Māori (promoting the sustenance of Māori identity) through targeted funding, investment, and advocacy. 
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Arts – Applications open for cash grants to support NZ writers

 Source: CLNZ | NZSA

Applications are now open for the CLNZ | NZSA Research Grants to help writers research a fiction or non-fiction writing project.
 
Kua tuwhera ināianei ngā tono mō ngā Karāti Rangahau o te CLNZ | NZSA hei āwhina atu māu e rangahau tō hinonga, tō kōrero paki, tō kōrero pono rānei.
 
Four grants valued at $5,000 each are available to New Zealand writers.  

One of the grants targets diverse writers and topics, including writers from, and writing about, parts of Aotearoa that are not broadly represented in writing and publishing, and projects on issues or subjects that are topical in present day Aotearoa.  
 
E whā ngā karāti, e $5,000 te wāriu o ia karāti, ā, e wātea ana aua mea ki ngā kaituhi o Aotearoa.
 
E aro pū ana tētahi o ngā karāti ki ngā kaituhi kanorau me ngā kaupapa kanorau, tae ana ki ngā kaituhi i ahu mai ai i, e tuhi nei hoki mō ngā wāhi o Aotearoa me uaua ka kitea i roto i ngā tuhinga, i roto hoki i te ao tā pukapuka, ā, tae ana ki ngā hinonga e pā ana ki ngā take o te wā, ki ngā kaupapa o te wā rānei nō roto mai o Aotearoa onāianei.

 
These are brought to you by Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) as part of the CLNZ Cultural Fund.

Grant Impact: Previous Recipients Share Their Experience

‘Kept me focused’

Since receiving her 2025 CLNZ | NZSA Research Grant, Jacquie McRae has been busy researching and writing her historical novel set in 1863 Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The research grant helped me buy some time, in both Tamaki Makaurau and Te Whanganui a tara. I was able to spend time in both their reading rooms, with archives and manuscripts, that are only available in these spaces,” she says.
McRae says receiving the grant helped her stay focused on her project.  

“One of the gifts of the research grant is that I feel an obligation to enact what I proposed to do in my application. It is helping me keep focused and giving me some parameters around my research.”

Her research continues with a planned trip to Whakatu in June, to spend time in the extensive archives held in the offices of Ngāti Koata.  

‘Now writing from a far more confident and assured place’

Fiction writer Rosetta Allan received a 2025 CLNZ | NZSA Research Grant for a new novel, The Good Uncle. She says the grant helped give her space to properly sit with the world of the novel and deepen the research behind it.  
 
“It allowed me to engage more directly with the systems surrounding addiction, including courts, remand, rehabilitation, and community responses, as well as spend time on place-based research and conversations with people connected to that world,” Allan says.

Because of this, she says the characters and the emotional truth of the story has been shaped in a much more grounded way.  

“It also gave me the time to structure the novel clearly, chapter by chapter, so I’m now writing from a far more confident and assured place.”

‘Time and confidence’

Taryn Dryfhout received a 2025 CLNZ | NZSA Research Grant to work on her project Ngā Tini Ara o te Tamariki: A Complete History of Adoption in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Receiving the CLNZ NZSA Research Grant was a real turning point for this project,” she says.
Taryn Dryfhout is a Māori academic, teacher, and writer whose work explores the intersections of adoption, western frameworks, and Māori worldviews. Her project will be the first comprehensive account of the history of adoption in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“[The Research Grant] allowed me to move beyond initial ideas and outlines and into focused, sustained research, particularly in accessing archival sources and shaping the early direction of the book. As a writer balancing significant family responsibilities, this support made a tangible difference. It gave me both the time and the confidence to take this work seriously and begin building it into something substantial.”  

Want to Apply?

A broad range of fiction and non-fiction writing projects are eligible for these grants. However, some works and projects are excluded so please check the guidelines carefully.
 
First: Read the CLNZ / NZSA Research Grant Guidelines: https://authors.org.nz/clnznzsa-research-grants/application-guide-and-criteria/
 
Then: Fill in the CLNZ / NZSA Research Grant Application Form:
https://authors.org.nz/clnz-nzsa-research-grants-application-form/
 
The CLNZ | NZSA Research Grants open for applications 9am Friday 22 May 2026, and will close at 4pm Friday 19 June 2026.
 
Submissions must be made online. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised before recipients are announced. Successful recipients will be contacted directly, and we will also publish the announcement on the CLNZ and NZSA websites and social media platforms.
 
NZSA is proud to be administering the awards in 2026.
Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) plays a key role in making creative rights valuable assets for all New Zealanders, be they rightsholders like authors, publishers and artists, or users such as educators, students and businesses. CLNZ provides licences to help make copying, scanning and sharing printed works easy and legal.

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) was established in 1934 and is the principal organisation representing writers’ interests in NZ. A national office oversees 8 branches and hubs, administers prizes and awards, runs professional development programmes, advocates for the sector and to raise the visibility of NZ writers and NZ writing. It works in partnership with Ngā Kaituhi Māori and its developing Youth writer’s network.