iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

What's the purpose of paying taxes? Are they a burden extracted from individuals, or a mechanism for collective care? Our research examines how the Taxpayers' Union constructs the purpose of taxation, and what that means for Aotearoa. tinyurl.com/WhoCountsANZ #NZPolitics #Aotearoa

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The Taxpayers' Union doesn't just advocate for lower taxes. Our research found they actively construct a political identity, 'taxpayer citizenship', that promotes who deserves rights in Aotearoa. Here's what it's made of. 🔻 buff.ly/MIayuwQ #NZPolitics #Aotearoa #TaxpayerCitizenship

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Here's the strategy: The Taxpayers' Union finds one example that sounds wasteful, then presents it as the 'tip of the iceberg'. When this is highlighted over and over, all government spending starts to sound like waste. But who decides what counts as waste? tinyurl.com/WhoCountsANZ #NZPolitics

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Wonder what never gets called 'wasetful' by the Taxpayers' Union? Billions in government spending get a free pass while research grants, mātauranga Māori, and local government get targeted. Our research shows the pattern. 🔻 buff.ly/MIayuwQ #nzpol #Aotearoa

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

We studied the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union for two years and identified five key findings about how they construct citizenship in Aotearoa. Swipe to see what we found — and why it matters for democracy here. Full report: buff.ly/MIayuwQ #NZPolitics #Aotearoa #TeTiriti #TaxpayerCitizenship

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

In our analysis of two years of NZTU material, we found the same pattern again and again: a single example of small-scale "waste," framed as proof of widespread misuse of public funds. It's a rhetorical move with real political consequences. Video 2 in our series.🔻 #NZPolitics #Aotearoa

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

As He Whenua Taurikura closes its doors, this final episode distils years of research into a narrative about what extremism really threatens: not just physical safety, but the fundamental human need to belong and our ideas of peace. open.spotify.com/episode/3umc... #populism #GRT #islamophobia

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

Looking for other folks on here celebrating #kwanzaa I am really part of the diaspora celebrating all the way out here in New Zealand. Let’s connect!

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Welp, since the US has all in on ‘great replacement’ it’s an excellent time to revisit this episode.

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

How your email finds me. Thanks Victoria Zoo. This little one’s name is Noodle

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

Had the pleasure of going to the book launch for Oceans Between Us @ Unity Books edited by Dr Naepi. Crucial scholarship in how racism impacts Pacific communities in Aotearoa. Bula vinaka to all the scholars who contributed to this mahi.

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

In this episode, we talk about dismantling communicative inequalities with Professor Dutta. We discussed how Te Tiriti offers global lessons for resisting hate, the concept of "communicative sovereignty", and why academics are accountable to the communities they serve.

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

In this episode of Unsettling Extremism, I spoke to @mrxdentith.com about conspiracy theories: what they are, the purpose they serve, and why believing in conspiracies can be rational. Ready to question your thinking about conspiracy theories?🤔 www.buzzsprout.com/2315985/epis...

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

A 3rd grader grabbed by ICE after going door to door is unconscionable. They are a child, a human child. This principal is showing true leadership.

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

Replacement Conspiracy Theory has moved from the margins to the center socially and politically. On this episode of Unsettling Extremism, we explore what Replacement Conspiracy is and what it looks like in Aotearoa. hwt.ac.nz/rct_podcast/ Transcript buff.ly/QrU5tTt

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 04/01/2025

FYI, make if it what you will but it seems you will have the ability to resubmit if your submission is deemed inappropriate.

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

Happy New Year!!! Black eye peas, greens, and cornbread to bring luck it the next 364

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

Send help! This giant showed up in my whare. I thought Aus was the one with ginormous spiders?

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Avery Smith @averysmith.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

How can literature inform our understanding of racism, white supremacy, and extremism in Aotearoa? We explore this and more with award-winning author Dr. @tinamakereti.bsky.social on our latest episode of Unsettling Extremism. Find it wherever you get your podcasts. buff.ly/4gj0Dzx

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