The secret diary of... ordering fish and chips

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
- By Steve Braunias

Christopher Luxon

What do I want? I don’t really know.

This is my first time in one of these establishments. I’ve visited a lot of places. I’ve met a lot of world leaders. I’m hustling generally at the top echelons to get New Zealand the right result, but I don’t generally have the time to mix with down and outs. It smells of vinegar in here.

But OK, looking at the menu board what I can tell you is that I’m open to a scoop of things and half a dozen battered things and can you chuck in a few crumbed things on the side but listen I’m aware that you can’t boil the ocean. You know, there’s only so much you can do. Really my message is that you’ve got to be very intentional, very choiceful about the things you spend your resources and time on. I mean I’m looking at your menu board and what’s on my mind is the need to take those big topics and chunk them down by decision gates as well through the quarter. It’s something I want to confront head-on and so when it comes to either hoki, terakihi or gurnard, I want to consider the intensity of each species so that I can have the benefit of optionality, and be able to look at a more diversified set of food content that I can play into.

What is a "sausage"?

Chris Hipkins

What do I want? No, what do you want? Are you better off than you were three years ago? Are your groceries cheaper? Is the power bill easier to pay? What’s your superpower? Have you made space in your life for what you want? Are you going through anything the person across from you doesn’t know about? Do you know the way to San Jose? What’s the frequency Kenneth? Should I stay or should I go?

Don’t answer that last one.

David Seymour

What do I want? Whatever the Atlas Project wants.

Winston Peters

What do I want? Who do you think you are, Jack Tame? I don’t have time to answer stupid questions. What I do have is the time to humiliate you in front of my voting demographic, because they are naturally suspicious of people like you and Jack Tame who think they have the right to challenge the elderly while carrying on with a woke agenda. Are you a boy or a girl? Make up your mind, sunshine, even though the decision was made for you at birth.

Wake me up when it’s ready.

Chloe Swarbrick

What do I want? I was about to place my order and allow people behind me in the queue to place their orders, too, but right now it’s more important that I make a stand, and object to Winston’s disgraceful transphobia. Because most New Zealanders appreciate the sensitivities of trans people and their right to be referred to by their pronouns. It’s crucial. It’s essential. It’s the issue that most defines who we are as human beings and what our responsibilities are on this planet.

I know the people waiting in line will understand.

Rawiri Waititi

What do I want? As much as I can get.