About Me

I am a New Zealander, living in Wellington. During my time as a public servant I was heavily engaged in e-government and how technology is affecting public management, and before that was involved in administering trade remedies and negotiating trade agreements. I am now working on projects and activities that suit me, drawing on my experience in both of these areas.

This blog was intended to provide a way for me to record some things, comment on things and generally try out the medium.  I originally planned to blog about my professional interests – government and technology, public management, international trade policy – but given that I am continuing to work in these areas I haven’t felt compelled to follow this plan.

So this has ended up mainly as a place to review books.  I studied literature at university, and reading is a major pastime.  Book reviews are mainly on crime fiction, which is what I read mostly. Movies are more sporadic, and I don’t review everything I see.

Other areas of personal interest include rugby, travel, genealogy and food, on which I may post from time to time.

For more details, visit my website at www.mcphail.net.nz