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Brenda Pilott's avatar

I particularly appreciated your comments on 'evidence-based' advice. I'm getting increasingly irritated by claims that various viewpoints are evidence-based. Which evidence, how rigorous was the methodology to gather the evidence, which other evidence was discarded and why and so on. To often it reads like opinion in search of some basis, rather than advice formulated following careful consideration of all the available research. Or sometimes, 'evidence-based' is used to shut down discussion or critique. The Opportunities Party is going to need stronger than saying they will work from evidence to shape their views.

Deborah Te Kawa's avatar

I enjoyed this comment, because taua taua (same). You might enjoy the article I did covering Christen Gade's insights on this very same matter. Message me e hoa: I have that article, as well as Brian Head's. Both speak to your point above.

https://debtekawa.substack.com/p/te-ra-whakamana-77c?r=1bw0n&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Brenda Pilott's avatar

Thanks Deb. I've downloaded Christen Gade and re-read your earlier Substack. Loved the phrase: "Without it, advice is not advice. It is a smuggled politics." Just so. Got a reference to Brian Head's article?

I'm adding the 'evidence-based policy' matter to my ever-growing list of 'Things That Irritate Me About The Way The Media Reports on Politics and Advocates Present Their Views'. Recent addition: "Ministers have ignored official advice". Ministers have always declined to agree to the advice of officials at times. The media make it sound like a reckless bypassing of important and factually correct advice. We all know that some reports get to Ministers that are neither of these things. And that advisors advise and ministers decide. It also feels like a loaded term to refer to it as "official advice" as opposed to "the advice of officials".

Peter Tutehanga Carr's avatar

This is a great synthesis of your work to date. More thinking than I (thought I) wanted for a Sunday morning, but a compelling read. Thanks!

Deborah Te Kawa's avatar

Needs a good edit, but many thanks x

Cindy's avatar

🤔 As always, thought provoking & logically laid out - love how you get to quote your own work as a source 🤗

Deborah Te Kawa's avatar

Me too. A small moment of pride in that. x