Meltdown
Written By:
- Date published:
10:36 pm, August 4th, 2008 - 90 comments
Categories: assets, bill english, john key, national, privatisation, slippery -
Tags: competence
The English tape has exploded into a massive scandal. You’ll be familiar with the content of the recording:
- – English mocks voters as greedy simpletons taken in by a flashy con-man “they’re saying that nice Mr Key, he’s pretty smart, he will get me some more”
- – He claims Key doesn’t understand basic trade-offs in Working for Families (ie. that you can have a high abatement rate leading to high marginal tax or a low abatement rate leading to some high income families getting small payments, or you can cut payments over all but you can’t have high payments, low abatement and not reach into high incomes): “Don didn’t understand it, neither did John, actually”
- – Contrary to Key’s announcement last week, he says National will “sort out” Working for Families later on it just doesn’t want the campaign dominated by “families of four on TV saying ‘Mr Key took our money away'”
- – He says that National will sell Kiwibank “eventually” despite it’s official line against asset sales.
But what’s extraordinary is English’s reaction. At first, it seemed he was going down the classic Crosby/Textor line – deny the conversation, say you don’t remember etc (a la Key when he said he “would love to see wages drop“). He could have crawled away, tail between legs and hoped this would die quickly. But on TV1 tonight, he did something incredible – four times, when asked whether he thought Key did understand Working for Families, English said “it’s a complicated policy” (it’s not, see the trade-offs above); he refused to say ‘yes, Key does understand it’.
English is saying Key is incapable of understanding WfF. That, and the comments on the tape, constitute a blatant attack on Key’s leadership of National. English, 15 year veteran MP, knew exactly what he was saying: Key is not competent to deal in real policy; incapable of doing the job of Prime Minister.
Key cannot allow this to stand unanswered; the Key-English leadership team can no longer credibility survive. The only questions are: which of them is going to go? And how quickly?
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- New unemployment figures paint bleak pictureThe Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment risesUnemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National hiking transport costs for families and young New ZealandersWeekly expenses will grow for more than 1.6 million New Zealanders as the Government ends free and half price public transport fares tomorrow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreementThe New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...2 weeks ago
- Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle downThe Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicineThe National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACTThis afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial DayLabour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...3 weeks ago
- DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received
"On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “I raised my concerns after being ...5 hours ago - District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...9 hours ago
- Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...10 hours ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...10 hours ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...12 hours ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...1 day ago
- New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...1 day ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...1 day ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...1 day ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...1 day ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...2 days ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...2 days ago
- New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaborationNew Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says. “This ...2 days ago
- Penk travels to Peru for trade meetingsMinister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...2 days ago
- Minister attends global education conferencesMinister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...3 days ago
- Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA ChairMinister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...3 days ago
- Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call FoundationNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...3 days ago
- Panel announced for review into disability servicesDistinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...3 days ago
- Minister welcomes Police gang unitToday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...3 days ago
- New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoricForeign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners. “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...3 days ago
- New Chief of Defence Force appointedAir Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...3 days ago
- Government puts children first by repealing 7AALegislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...3 days ago
- Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, ItalyDefence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...3 days ago
- Charter schools to lift educational outcomesThe upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...4 days ago
- COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received“The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...4 days ago
- The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlookForeign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...4 days ago
- NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely togetherHealth, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...4 days ago
- Driving ahead with Roads of Regional SignificanceThe coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...4 days ago
- New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands governmentA high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office. “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...5 days ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolutionNew Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...7 days ago
- Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...1 week ago
- $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...1 week ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...1 week ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...1 week ago
- Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...1 week ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...1 week ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...1 week ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...1 week ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...1 week ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...1 week ago
- How Many Public Sector Roles Are Going, And From Where?
Public servants' jobs are on the chopping block as the sector scrambles to meet the Finance Minister's cost-cutting targets. ...2 hours ago - Can you control your image? Gina Rinehart, King Charles and ‘moral portraits’
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roger Benjamin, Professor in Art History, University of Sydney “She’s no oil painting”. Those were the unkind words of a colleague commenting on the subject of Vincent Namatjira’s acrylic painting, Gina. Every one of the prominent Australians and cultural heroes in Namatjira’s ...2 hours ago - Government plans for Māori wards breach The Treaty of Waitangi -Tribunal
Government plans to require local councils hold a referendum on whether to have Māori wards breaches the Treaty of Waitangi, a Waitangi Tribunal report has found. ...2 hours ago - Threatened species have declined 2% a year since 2000. Nature positive? Far from it.Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan C Evans, Senior Lecturer, Public Sector Management, School of Business, UNSW Sydney Martin Tobias Aakesson/Shutterstock Our government has great aspirations. It has committed to end extinctions and expand our protected areas to cover 30% of every Australian ecosystem by 2030. ...3 hours ago
- Rugby league in Perth and Papua New Guinea? Here’s what could be next for the NRLSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney This year the National Rugby League (NRL) opened its season in Las Vegas. It was an audacious move by the league’s ambitious head honcho Peter V’Landys to showcase the game in ...5 hours ago
- The budget has earmarked $8.6 million for live music. Is it enough to save the flailing industry?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate Professor, Music Industry, RMIT University Leading music organisations have praised the federal budget for its investment in the live music sector. The budget includes A$8.6 million for a program called Revive Live: to provide essential support to ...5 hours ago
- The Week in Politics: Charter schools, special police units and a tricky problem for the governmentThe Week in Politics: ACT brings back a signature policy, while NZ First mulls how to fulfil a promise. ...5 hours ago
- There’s $110 million for Indigenous education in the budget. But where’s the evidence it will wo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marnee Shay, Associate Professor, Principal Research Fellow, The University of Queensland The 2024 federal budget contains A$110 million for Indigenous education. This includes funding for various different organisations to represent and help Indigenous people as well as scholarships in a bid to ...6 hours ago
- New Caledonia’s Nouméa airport closed until Tuesday, says Air New ZealandAir New Zealand has confirmed Nouméa’s Tontouta International airport in New Caledonia is closed until Tuesday. The airline earlier told RNZ it would update customers as soon as it could. Earlier today, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Morning Report government officials had been working on an “hourly basis” ...6 hours ago
- Cameras reveal wombat burrows can be safe havens after fire and waterholes after rainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Linley, PhD Candidate in Ecology, Charles Sturt University Grant Linley Australia’s unprecedented Black Summer bushfires in 2019–20 created ideal conditions for misinformation to spread, from the insidious to the absurd. It was within this context that a bizarre story ...6 hours ago
- ChatGPT is now better than ever at faking human emotion and behaviourSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marcel Scharth, Lecturer in Business Analytics, University of Sydney OpenAI executive Mira Murati launching GPT-4o. OpenAI Earlier this week OpenAI launched GPT-4o (“o” for “omni”), a new version of the artificial intelligence (AI) system powering the popular ChatGPT chatbot. GPT-4o is promoted ...7 hours ago
- Menopause can bring increased cholesterol levels and other heart risks. Here’s why and what to do ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treasure McGuire, Assistant Director of Pharmacy, Mater Health SEQ in conjoint appointment as Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Bond University and as Associate Professor (Clinical), The University of Queensland Speedkingz/Shutterstock Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a ...7 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Xiāng’ by Hannah Patterson
A new poem by Hannah Patterson. Xiāng There’s a pear tree in our backyard And Xiāng tells me She can’t eat them anymore Not after some things that have happened in her life. She tells me, in Mandarin The word for pear sounds the same as the word for disassociation ...7 hours ago - Cycle lanes are good for business, actually‘Cycling Works’ aims to show business support for citywide cycle infrastructure. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, supermarket giant Foodstuffs lost its attempt to block the construction of a cycle lane outside Thorndon New World in Wellington. The Spinoff’s Wellington editor ...7 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 17The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Slow Productivity by Cal Newport (Penguin, $40) Taking out the top spot in Auckland this ...7 hours ago
- Nuclear subs are coming to Australia. Now the Coalition wants reactors, too. We’re not ready for i...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University For decades, Australia has exported uranium – but not used it, other than in the Lucas Heights research reactor. But change is coming. We now face a rapidly deepening commitment to ...8 hours ago
- After 180 years, new clues are revealing just how general anaesthesia works in the brainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam D Hines, Research fellow, Queensland University of Technology Sergey Mironov/Shutterstock Over 350 million surgeries are performed globally each year. For most of us, it’s likely at some point in our lives we’ll have to undergo a procedure that needs general ...8 hours ago
- 'I can do much better': Green MP Julie Anne Genter promises to improve conduct"In future I should walk away," Green MP Julie Anne Genter says after complaints over an exchange in Parliament and from two members of the public. ...8 hours ago
- Call to protect asylum seekers who may arrive in New Zealand by boatA group of more than 40 refugees, charities and advocates want better protections for asylum seekers arriving by boat. ...8 hours ago
- Homo Pentecostus: on queer intimacies, religion, ancestry and the human need for connectionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Graffam, PhD Candidate in Theatre, Monash University Gianna Rizzo/Malthouse Music pumps; lights pulsate; two sweaty bodies sway together, touching, breathing in each other’s scent. A male body framed by downlight restlessly shifts between stances and gestures. He undresses. The intensity ...9 hours ago
- Want to be buried on your own land, at sea or in a forest? A guide to unconventional send-offsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sandra van der Laan, Professor of Accounting, University of Sydney Mtaya/Shutterstock At some point, you or someone else will need to make a decision about your “send-off”. Most Australians die in an institution, such as a hospital or aged care facility. ...9 hours ago
- Vanuatu, MSG chief reaffirms support for FLNKS, blames France over unrestAsia Pacific Report Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai — who is also Chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group — has reaffirmed MSG’s support of the pro-independence umbrella group Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) stance opposing the French government’s constitutional bill “unfreezing” the New Caledonia Electoral Roll. It is ...9 hours ago
- Blazing a trail: the Leonard family legacy in Māori televisionProducer Susan Leonard remembers her father Ernie, a pioneer of Māori television, and how his legacy lives on in Pathfinders. My father was a fabulous man. His name was Ernie Leonard and he started in TV in the 1970s when it was still glamorous – when TVNZ made behind the ...9 hours ago
- Home detention for New Caledonia’s unrest ringleaders, Tiktok bannedBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk, and Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist The suspected ringleaders of the unrest in New Caledonia have been placed in home detention and the social network TikTok has been banned as French security forces struggle to restore law and order. The French ...10 hours ago
- Review finds big increase in multi-year government spends, use not always justifiedMulti-year appropriations - which give the government authority to spend money without reapplying annually - are loosening Parliament's control of the public purse, auditor-general says. ...10 hours ago
- $63.6m for Surf Life Saving and Coastguard in Budget 2024"New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll," Transport Minister Simeon Brown said at the announcement. ...11 hours ago
- Dr. Eric Chuah Standing For Mayor Of TaurangaDr. Eric Chuah who stood for a centrist NZ political party in the October 2023 NZ Elections for Maungakiekie Auckland will stand as a candidate for Tauranga City Council Ward of Matua-=Otumoetai and Mayor of Tauranga. ...11 hours ago
- How to enjoy a comedy festival in your own loungeIf you can’t get to the comedy fest, let us bring the comedy fest to you. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is in full swing at the moment, with a veritable smorgasboard of comedy treats ...11 hours ago
- Poll Shows Three Quarters Of Wellingtonians Oppose Airport SaleA new poll commissioned by Unions Wellington shows an overwhelming majority of Wellingtonians oppose the Council’s plan to sell the 34% public stake in Wellington Airport. ...11 hours ago
- $63.6m boost for Surf Life Saving and Coastguard in Budget 2024"New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll," Transport Minister Simeon Brown said at the announcement. ...12 hours ago
- Nearly 1300 homes on hold amid government reviewNewly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes. ...12 hours ago
- At the heart of the budget is the sad truth the economy is weak. That’s one reason inflation will ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aruna Sathanapally, Chief Executive, Grattan Institute, Grattan Institute A central focus of this week’s budget is the treasury’s forecast for inflation. By this time next year, inflation is projected to be back within the Reserve Bank’s 2-3% target range. Inflation has ...12 hours ago
- Denser housing can be greener too – here’s how NZ can build better for biodiversitySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yolanda van Heezik, Professor of Ecology, University of Otago Getty Images Cities across Aotearoa New Zealand are trying to solve a housing crisis, with increasing residential density a key solution. But not everyone is happy about the resulting loss of natural ...12 hours ago
- Clean energy slump – why Australia’s renewables revolution is behind schedule, and how to fix itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Reeve, Deputy Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute WDG Photo/Shutterstock For years, the electricity sector has been the poster child for emissions cuts in Australia. The sector achieved a stunning 26% drop in emissions over the past 15 ...12 hours ago
- It’s OK to ask a loved one if they’re feeling suicidalIt’s often the last thing people want to do, but asking someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts is a critical first step to helping them. Content warning: this story discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. For a list of resources that can help if you or someone you know is feeling ...12 hours ago
- Watch live: Transport Minister makes pre-Budget announcementSimeon Brown and Matt Doocey are set to reveal another bit of next week's budget. ...12 hours ago
- We mapped a lost branch of the Nile River – which may be the key to a longstanding mystery of the ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy J. Ralph, Associate Professor, Macquarie University The pyramids at Giza, like dozens of others, are located several kilometres west of the current path of the Nile. Alex Cimbal / Shutterstock The largest field of pyramids in Egypt – consisting of 31 ...13 hours ago
- If I’m diagnosed with one cancer, am I likely to get another?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute ABO PHOTOGRAPHY/Shutterstock Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life-changing and can cause a range of concerns about ongoing health. Fear of cancer returning is one ...13 hours ago
- All options being considered to help New Zealanders in New Caledonia – Winston PetersGovernment looking at all options for helping New Zealanders who want to leave New Caledonia as death toll rises. ...14 hours ago
- Rebuke issued in stoush over volume of on-bus announcements for blind passengersAnd how a union boss ruined a regional councillor's morning. ...14 hours ago
- Nearly 1300 Kāinga Ora homes on hold amid government reviewNewly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes. ...14 hours ago
- What’s happening in New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and why it matters to NZWinston Peters has been on tour around the Pacific while two unrelated crises unfolded, explains Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Two separate ...14 hours ago
- Charter schools might increase government costs, deliver only marginal benefits, Cabinet papers showCharter schools will likely get higher per-student funding than most state schools, and evidence of their efficacy is mixed. ...15 hours ago
- Charter schools might increase government costs, deliver marginal benefits – Cabinet papersCharter schools will likely get higher per-student funding than most state schools, and evidence of their efficacy is mixed. ...15 hours ago
- Fake bacon, ranked from worst to bestThis is the Mount Everest of artificial meatcraft. Ah, bacon. Pig’s gold. Toast’s consolation. Dawn’s savoury embrace. If meat was a currency, bacon would be the Benjamin Franklin. Or if you’re feeling patriotic, the Lord Rutherford. When it comes to fake bacon, the obvious question is: why bother? In the ...16 hours ago
- Milking it: The man behind New Zealand’s weirdest legal casesFrom illegal milk to sprinkler bans and airplane ticket scams, Tyrone Barugh is on a one-man mission through New Zealand’s most obscure legal loopholes. I’m deep undercover, investigating Wellington’s criminal underworld. Inside this store, I’ve been told there is a million-dollar trade in illicit substances. A man dressed in black ...16 hours ago
- Iwi pledges to use only te reo Māori to communicate with Govt
The move comes after the government departments began to prioritise their English names and the finance minister questioned agencies funding te reo lessons for staff The post Iwi pledges to use only te reo Māori to communicate with Govt appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 17 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 17 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
- A bold call from experts on drug legalisationNew Zealand’s drug legislation hasn’t been overhauled in nearly 50 years, in spite of a recommendation from the Law Commission in 2011 to do so. Our Misuse of Drugs Act was passed in 1975 and is based on a United Nations framework set in 1961. Now a new organisation, Harm ...16 hours ago
- This week’s bestselling books – May 17NONFICTION 1 The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour & Jude Dobson (Allen & Unwin, $37.99) A free copy of this amazing story of a woman who operated behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France was up for grabs this past fortnight. Readers were asked to share a story of wartime bravery, ...16 hours ago
- Commerce Commission slaps wrists over possible bandwidth collusionSpectrum rights are highly contested – the Commerce Commission has had to deal with two bandwidth cases this year The post Commerce Commission slaps wrists over possible bandwidth collusion appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
- Raw Politics: Crime and (perceptions of) conflictIt’s been a recess week at Parliament, which might indicate slim pickings for conversation topics for the Raw Politics team. But things are never dull in politics, especially with a new Government keen to follow through on its law and order promises, and a NZ First minister who wants to ...16 hours ago
- Desperately seeking political maturity on electricity supplyOpinion: Party politics are no substitute for moving toward an electricity resilience policy that will survive elections The post Desperately seeking political maturity on electricity supply appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago
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Massive scandal? You wish. It’ll take more than this to stop the Key/English/National machine hurtling towards the levers of power. The Winston saga is still alive and well…
Ok – the righties have figured out they need to pretend to be female posters in order to dispel the idea they are a bunch of white chauvinist malcontent boys. I’ve noticed this is becoming a bit of a regular treat across several blogs. It gives me this disturbing mental image of Cameron Slater in a dress and wearing red lipstick though…
So “Tanya” are you blar? Or perhaps you’re Murry. Here’s a tip you dick – women don’t use 12 year old boy phrases like “national machine hurtling”. They’re generally smarter than that…
While I’m flattered Sod, I’m not Tanya. Although if you’d like to chat about people who post under other names, could you please explain why your unique gravatar has popped up next to comments from James Kearney, LFC and a range of other folk here?
“He says that National will sell Kiwibank “eventually’ despite it’s official line against asset sales.”
Could you please explain how selling something “eventually” contradicts not selling anything in the first-term of Government?
Oh I don’t think you want to talk about alternate identities blar. Have you been stalking me too?
Nice misdirection sod. Straight out of the Crosby-Textor playbook?
Probably because as registered users they can set thiers to what ever they like?
Gosh this sure isnt looking good for english. haha do we know who the good man asking the questions was? or is whale oil desperately trying hard to find out?
Could you please explain how selling something “eventually’ contradicts not selling anything in the first-term of Government?
Doesn’t contradict it as you have stated it. But not National policy gets stated in various ways:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4449266a6160.html
No mention of first term there. How about this version?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/blogs/politics/2008/04/14/nats-asset-sales-policy-pretty-clear/
Seek a fresh mandate eh. But hmmm – I didn’t hear Bill mention that in his blurt. Sorry, Nats have been caught with their pants down on this one. The policy damage is done, the effect on National’s leadership remains to be seen.
or is whale oil desperately trying hard to find out?
Don’t think for a second that Cameron finds this stuff for himself. He’s got a wee mate that does all of this for him.
Nice misdirection sod. Straight out of the Crosby-Textor playbook?
Funny how related things fall in together…
Massive scandal?
Or an embarassing recording. English has been caught with his pants down. It was hardly a conscious attack on the leadership. A private conversation was recorded. He did not know this was going to come out.
So he will be a bit red faced tonight but going somewhere? What are you on? 15% lead in the polls.
Come on.
I look forward to the next 35 posts that try to keep this story going, while the Key/English marriage marchs on towards victory. How many stories were done on the National consultants. How much did it dent their popularity. Your beat ups are a great read but in reality not very effective are they?
“Robinsod
August 4, 2008 at 11:52 pm
or is whale oil desperately trying hard to find out?
Don’t think for a second that Cameron finds this stuff for himself. He’s got a wee mate that does all of this for him.”
Good point.
Man it makes you wonder, this person obviously had no trouble getting it out of English, what other gems could there be if more people had recorders in thier pockets!
Your beat ups are a great read but in reality not very effective are they?
If this is a “beat up” then I guess TV1 & TV3 are in on the plot (damn commies!).
As to the effect, remains to be seen really. Still plenty of long weeks between now and election day…
Robinsod, sorry to disappoint, but Tanya is my real name, I don’t have a problem with using it here. Honestly, how funny you are. It seems that my post rankled you, hilarious. No, I am not with the boys club, believe it or not, its just too much fun being female!
rOb Crosby/Textor made the msm as well, for a day. But it was The Standard that attempted to keep the story going well and truly past the point the public cared about it. I am just guessing it will be the same with this story.
And don’t for a second think I am comfortable with this revelation. It is not a good look for National. It’s just I believe it will not be making headlines in two days time. Correct me if I am wrong on Thursday.
Huge embarassment. Oh yes
Huge scandal. Keep digging boys, this isnt the one you are looking for.
It’s just I believe it will not be making headlines in two days time.
Maybe, maybe not. It made headlines today though.
Huge embarassment. Oh yes
Huge scandal. Keep digging boys,
Y’know, I think lying to the public to get elected should be a huge scandal, don’t you?
this isnt the one you are looking for.
I’d be surprised if this was the last such incident for National. I look forward, for example, to Nicky Hager’s next contribution…
Nicky Hager. Once again, come on!! If you are relying on his contributions to defeat Key then you are in alot of trouble.
That man has as much credibilty as Iam Wishart or Steve Pierson.
But anyway you call this lieing. I call it an embarrasing fuck up. But one lie/f up that could also happen to the Labour Finance Minister. He wont get caught by a recording but do you honestly think he personally believes in the need for personal tax cuts. There are too many quotes from him over the past 15 years that clearly shows he is fundamentally opposed to any sort of tax cut. He has argued endlessly against them yet is now delivering the. What would a recording behind the closed doors when Clark told Cullen he was delivering these cuts show?
National has been caught out. Labour is just better at keeping their mouths shut in public.
Massive scandal, meltdown,neutron bomb etc,, just shows how out of touch the political schizo’s are with reality. No wonder Joe Average rates politicians as lowly as a steaming dog turd.These deluded well paid wasteful stud muffins live in a demented world of hyperbole and fiction. Why do we need them cluttering up space, talking shit? Looks like National are on par with Labour in the not too bright stakes.The state is NOT the solution to everything! God help this country.
1. Secret Trusts used to cover up the real source of their funding, and remains a closely guarded secret to this day.
2. Secret deals with a secretive religion, the are still embarrassed and evasive about.
3. A secret ‘No Brash, No Cash’ deal that has been covered up.
4. A nod and a wink from a naive AG conspiring to avoid an audit of their real spending.
5. A Leader who is forced from power because he has been caught covering up an affair with the Deputy Chair of one of his parties major backers.
6. A new Leader whose sudden nomination for the safe seat of Henderson remains an open and interesting question.
7. A Party who despite having the wealthiest Leader of all time, does not appear to have declared any donations from him until very recently.
8. A Leader that refuses to confirm the name of his PR consultant, despite it being common knowledge.
9. A Party that despite being the main Opposition Party refuses to release any policy detail for proper scrutiny.
10. A Party that says one thing in public about asset sales, but says distinctly different things in private.
And these are just the ones I know about and can recall easily. How many more do we not know about?
Why then all the chicanery? What drives all this secretiveness?
This is not a scandal. It is a beat up led by left wing 21 year old bloggers, so scared at the prospect that they are going to lose, that those who work hard might start to get ahead, and god forbid, sucessfulness may not longer be ideologically opposed to government policy.
Lets deal with what english said.
1 “John didn’t understand”
I take it as this – in the past, National/John Key tried to design an alternative to WFF. Their objective was to provide a policy that left no body worse off, but created incentives to work harder and keep a creater percentage of their income. They werent able to. Does that make Key inelligible for PM. Of course not. Consider if I am a CEO and I try and develop a new, say, marketing policy. Say I am unable to come up with one – that doesnt necessary make me unable to do my job.
2. “We will have a bit of a sort out”
I hope they do. The problem is that with the country is that labour have brought the place so far to the left, that they have mainstreemed ideas that are contary to success. I really hope National does have a bit of a sort out.
Looking forward to the utter rejection of the Clark government in september, providing she lasts the week….
SP – I enjoy your research driven posts as they raise points that are worth debating.
However, the desperate personality driven drivel is increasingly hysterical and laughable. No party wants to confuse its messages so English’s comments weren’t helpful and I’m sure caused embarrassment.
However scandal it’s not. Simple repeating the view that this is lying doesn’t make it so. SP has been the first to criticise National for not having detailed policy yet there is a policy statement on this that is not contradicted by English’s statement.
So r0b – why wouldn’t you quote the actual policy that I could find in a couple of minutes browsing the Nat’s site. Does omission on your behalf count as lying as I’ve seen plenty of others try to argue.
http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=28267
As for massive scandals, the Double Standard doesn’t count in terms of analysis of the media.
And as a final comment, if this is such a scandal, why the lack of outraged response to Winnie’s finance deals.
looking forward to the utter rejection of the Clark government in september, providing she lasts the week
So how do you expect to be taken seriously with crap like that ?
I fear you may have fallen for too much media hype and could be in for a big let down
There is a very very good chance that Labour will win in November
The Nats only have drop a few percentage points from their current polling and they will not have the numbers.
We know that English was shafted by Key in the leadership struggle
and detests him
The only thing holding a fractured National party together is the prospect of another 3 years in opposition
The cracks have started to appear and the campaigns haven’t even started
I therefore remain reasonably confident that the Nats will not win in November
‘Sod. I think I understand your logic.
1/ Tanya is a womans name.
2/ No women vote for National
3/ Therefore Tanya must be a man.
Remember Reilly ace of spies?
“He attends church regularly, he is punctual & he has polished shoes. No, he cannot be a spy”
Speaking of “massive scandals”do you reckon that Bill English will have the bit between his teeth this arvo when he questions Annette King about why one of her own Ministers is calling for the EFA to be reviewed?
http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2008/08/anderton-and-efa.html
Sure, it’s a stupid blunder by English, but a “massive scandal” – yeah right.
RedLogix, you are a lying tard. You can’t even get the name of John Key’s seat right.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Helensville,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&daddr=Henderson,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&hl=en&geocode=10366587639509491273,-36.860043,174.629579&mra=ls&sll=-36.732556,174.580994&sspn=0.137851,0.229683&ie=UTF8&z=11
Fuckwit.
the nats profess to be a party that does not believe in government but yet they want to govern. I dont thnk they will get the chance. Their m.o. will be rejected by the people of this country as the precious whimperings of a gang of huns trying to hide their essential dislike of anybody else and theintention to do them down if they get halfa chance….goodbye national.
outofbed (but not necessarily awake):
I understand what you are saying. You think a Labour-united-maori-green-nz first coalition can get 50%. It won’t last three years, but clark doesnt give a shit because she will probably go after the election, her reputation secured that she has won 4 elections, and off to some cushy job offshre. Goff gets the hospital pass, loses the next election….
Thats the logic. Now the problem with that is obvious. Firstly I think National will win Tauranga and Winston doesn’t get the 5%. That limits Labours options further.
Secondly I think that English is bang-on when he says people are sick of clark and cullen. I meet lots of people in my work, and the feeling is unamimous – they are sick of Labour. I think given the choice, people will choose growth and prosperity over dependancy and backwards economic thinking.
“chauvinist malcontent boys.”
Remind us again how many XX’s you have posting on your blog? how about The Standard?
[Tane: We have several female contributors.]
Righties. This has moved beyond the tape, which is damning enough in itself. It’s English’s reaction which is incredible. Let’s run a counterfactual:
Imagine Micheal Cullen on TV, repeatedly undermining Clark’s leadership by refusing to say she understood a major policy, and saying its ‘complicated’, although you clearly purport to understand it yourself.
Would any of you seriously not think that was done on purpose to attack Clark? Would any expect Clark to roll over and take that?
Umm, Goff on Alt TV a few weeks back?
So, you think that they’ll vote Labour anyway?
You’ve convinced me, Steve. It’s “exploded” into a “massive scandal”. There are eviscerated bits of scandal stuck to the walls.
Contemporaneously, I accept that Winston soliciting donations in breach of the old Electoral Act and then not declaring them is just a beat up. And that the Prime Minister’s outrage at democracy being for sale to the highest bidder extends to everyone who might do that except if they are on her side.
Personally, I am glad this came up. All of your pretending that there would be an employment law holocaust if National got into power must have been starting to bore even you.
This “scandal” was also helpful for providing this week’s opportunity for Out of Bed to predict that the tide is turning and the public are waking up. That makes one such prediction a week for 61 straight weeks.
Stuff doesn’t give a proverbial while NZH article could have been written by SP (and I thought it was a Tory vehicle??).
No one on the right has challenged that this is embarrassing.
Neither is it surprising that English is the policy king and Key the salesman/delivery/team leader. It happens in all sorts of organisations – in fact, in many organisations, real power lurks below the visible leader. Not Labour obviously!
The point is that this is supposedly a “massive scandal”.
It’s not Watergate.
As for Double Standards, we all happily adjust our perspective on secret recordings depending on who gets caught out. Given the outrage from the left the first time, the consistent pov would have been to rail against the invasion of privacy. Mind you, at least English wasn’t proposing to do some illegal 🙂
Stuff doesn’t give a proverbial
Bro, the Dom Post mentions it on the front page, in the editorial, has a full article on page 2 and has a cartoon dedicated to the scandal.
As for Double Standards, we all happily adjust our perspective on secret recordings depending on who gets caught out.
I think if you’re a politician saying something different behind closed doors than you do in public then it’s fair cop. From the tape I heard of Williams and people I spoke to who were there, I don’t think he did anything more than try to move the meeting along by going “yeah, great idea mate” to someone who made a suggestion – you know, the polite thing to do. It was Audrey Young’s breathless front page reporting of a ‘secret plan’ that made it an issue. But that’s another issue entirely.
[lprent: I was there – that is exactly what happened. It wasn’t a ‘plan’ – it was a suggestion from the floor of the congress. It was pretty obvious later that it wasn’t a good idea. ]
Daveski. I don’t recall being outraged by the Williams recording, I recall being pissed off with Williams for agreeing with something so stupid that he ought to have known was wrong because people I had spoken to months ago had said it wasn’t possible.
But the recording of that conversation was a fair cop – if a politician is telling people behind closed doors something different than what the public is told that deserves to be exposed.
just to be clear then, Daveski etc, you’re cool with English saying WfF is a complicated policy and refusing to say Key understands it?
I understand what you are saying. You think a Labour-United-Maori-Green-nz first coalition can get 50%.
NO I don’t think that
The bottom line is If National does not get 47% then it is the Maori Party who hold the power to Government formation
The answer is going to be who is the most likely to do the deal
IWI/KIWI anyone ?
“So, you think that they’ll vote Labour anyway?”
No I didnt mean growth in the public service – i meant private enterprise. But as none of you have experianced it, i cant expect you to understand
Tane – apologies – should have clarified that I was referring only to the online version. I have not seen the Dom Post today and should have clarified that.
My comments re secret recordings were not meant to be one-sided. SP I take your word about your reaction but certainly others here responded differently. Personally, I think the public despises any politician of any hue for saying different things in different situations.
To repeat my pov, it is definitely embarrassing that English put himself in this position.
I must admit I’m a little surprised that English didn’t play the game but I still don’t see it as a scandal. I noted in an earlier post that power doesn’t always rest at the very top – by that I mean the ability to influence and drive policy/strategy.
Obviously worth exploring further but it’s not Watergate nor does it look like derailing National at least on what is so far presented.
I get the feeling that this election will be the most brutal.
“The bottom line is If National does not get 47% then it is the Maori Party who hold the power to Government formation
The answer is going to be who is the most likely to do the deal
IWI/KIWI anyone ?”
Wreckers and Haters….
Also if NZF dont make it, those votes will be reallocated (many of which will go to National) United could deal with National….
Say National get 44%. Act and United get 2% each. National could pick up the balance needed by the redistribution of those votes for parties that dont make the threshold
This just in …
National party deputy leader Bill English has issued a statement taking back comments he made about selling off Kiwibank and seeking to play down talk of him criticising John Key.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10525377
[Tane: Russell, sorry for the delay, you got caught in the spam trap.]
Daveski. I don’t recall being outraged by the Williams recording, I recall being pissed off with Williams for agreeing with something so stupid that he ought to have known was wrong because people I had spoken to months ago had said it wasn’t possible.
From memory, you and your fellow bloggers ignored the issue. What else could we expect from a bunch of partisan hacks?
[Tane: Blar, a quick search pulled up this – http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=1743. Apology welcome.]
sdm if none of us have experienced private enterprise, then Key eats babies and pisses crude oil into the Waikato for kicks.
Grow up.
As for this being a slight embarrassment, it was the first story (make that the first two stories) on three last night, for about 12 minutes.
People might be ‘sick of Clark and Cullen’ but the 600,000 people who joined kiwibank because it’s a Kiwi-owned bank might be prepared to overlook that.
TV1 also ran this story at midday and in the evening.
It was also on three on Sunday, and one and three on Monday night. It’s been in every newspaper, and mentioned on front pages.
There are about five aspects to it:
1 – trustwortiness. Saying something and meaning another. While technically not out of line with their policy, it’s pretty damn clear what National wants to do, and it’s easy to imagine them taking steps to make it happen, trying to slip around a promise.
2 – leadership. Even Garner was promoting the Key vs English aspect of it and saying they clearly have different views.
3 – kiwibank. Lots of people like it, including Consumer, which pointed out that they have forced the foreign banks to keep their branches open, have kept mortgage rates down and fees low.
4 – Key. If English thinks he doesn’t understand WfF, how can that be a good look., Unlike someone’s hypothetical CEO not being able to develop a marketing policy, WfF is a very big game in town. If Key can’t handle that, maybe he is just ‘that nice Mr Key’ and nothing else
5 – voters. National clearly doesn’t think much of ‘the punters’ and that will rile a lot of people. Nothing worse than a senior politician seeming to hold people in contempt.
Pretending that this is small fry isn’t going to wash, righties.
You are so pathetic, Clinton. Get a life.
Statement On Secret Recording
Press Release by New Zealand National Party at 10:14 am, 05 Aug 2008
“Statements of mine secretly recorded at a social function last Friday and published over the weekend have caused confusion and concern about National’s policy on Kiwibank and Working for Families,” says National Party Finance spokesman Bill English.
“I did not choose my words well.
“We have worked for several years to find a better way of allowing families to keep their own income.
“We opted to retain the existing structure because we were not willing to create uncertainty for families under pressure. If we are elected we will work to improve the system for families without reducing entitlements.
“With respect to Kiwibank, I shouldn’t have made the comments I made. National has had no discussions about Kiwibank and has no plans to sell it.
“Comments I made regarding the complexity of WFF have been construed as criticism of John Key. That is wrong. My repeated responses to this question yesterday reflected my determination not to widen the debate – not an attempt to criticise John Key.
“I should have made it clear that I meant no such criticism and I’m making that clear today.”
ENDS
Ooooh, big scandal, Clinton! You’ve really hit the nail on the head on this one. All you do is whinge.
Blar, why the explosion at RedLogix? It was a fairly simple mistake. Can you please try and restrain yourself a bit, you’re like a three year old who has learnt their first swear word and are saying it as much as possible for the reaction.
Tell you what. My three year old cousin grew out of it after only a couple of weeks. You’ve been at it for about a month now, so she’s already got the drop on you, and I presume you’re not three. Try and prove to us that you’re not within, say, 10 years of her age, which is how it looks thus far.
Matthew
English was referring to the PAST. He said “Don didn’t understand it, and neither DID John” He is referring to the past. If he did “key doesn’t understand” fair enough, but thats not what he said. They tried to develop an alternative in the PAST, but couldn’t. Thats all he said….
Its not like Key is backing a corrupt foreign minister or anything serious….
Here’s the Dom-Post (Stuff) reporting of that press release (see Hoolian’s comment above):
National Party deputy Bill English has been forced into an embarrassing public apology over “loose talk” recorded secretly during a cocktail function.
With National Party leader John Key at his side, Mr English read out a statement to journalists this morning acknowledging that his statements had caused “confusion and concern” about National’s intentions on KiwiBank and Working for Families.
Hardly a non-issue, when the leader and deputy leader have to front up to the press together, to try and kill the story.
Explaining. Is. Losing.
Blar,
Oh yes… Helensville, not Henderson. Silly me.
And I appreciated the rest of your substantive rebuttal too.
Hoolian. thanks, I’ve seen the light. I know you have the best interests of myself and the Left at heart. So, I’m off to be a sharetrader.
The English tape has exploded into a massive scandal.
Probably the single most stupid comment I’ve seen this week. What a beatup.
Wow isnt it sad when all the lefties have to go on is this little bit of media spin that didnt show the full transcript in the first place.
I guess its no different than Helen on TV looking NZ in the eye saying I dont want to ban smacking because the NZ public dont want that. Yea right !!
Isn’t it refreshing in Bill English to see a man who is big enough to make an apology. We haven’t seen that in this arrogant Labour Government in 8 years. All their cockups and problems but not big enough to apologise. Shows a different standard maybe even a democracy rather than a dictatorship.
Did you call for Goff to resign when he said he has no plans to challenge the leadership ‘at present’?
sdm, it’s not like Key’s not backing working with the same… As has been said, no one comes out of that looking too well, if there’s substance toi the allegations (although I note only the frothy types call it corrupt, and even then they should think about it carefully – if Winston was corrupt,
As for the semantics and hair-splitting, English said (no fewer than four times) that it’s very complicated and refused to be drawn into whether Key does understand WfF. Hardly a ringing endoresement there!
Hoolian, given that all you do is…whinge, well, I don’t really need to point out the obvious do I?
he’s starting to look like a half skinned iguana… iggey?
“A massive scandal” is hyperbole.
But this *is* a serious problem. How it is described on a partisan blog is hardly significant. How it is seen by the voting public is what matters. And it’s not good.
@ Monkey-Boy: the difference is, does the issue resonate with voters?
The public already know that a) Goff wants to be leader and b) he won’t be before the election. Everybody knows both of those things, and so the story has no “oomph”.
Key and English doing a public kiss and make-up is a much bigger deal. When did they – or Clark and Cullen – last have to do that?
Ever?
Pilott, stop being so sanctimonious – calling someone a fuckwit is not an explosion.
RedLogix, you can’t demand substantive rebuttal when you say stuff like:
“a new Leader whose sudden nomination for the safe seat of Henderson (sic) remains an open and interesting question”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1502247&objectid=10523287&pnum=0 This was canvassed here and has been also canvassed extensively in the past. Your comments about the Dianne Foreman thing are similarly weird. Given that the whole thing was revealed by the Associate Minister for Panty Sniffing Trevor Mallard in the House, can you please explain how Brash ‘lost his job’ ‘covering it up’?
Billy
Yeah its getting a problem people cross the street if they see me coming
The problem is though is, when I am proved correct that will equally piss people off
I am destined to be alone and unloved 🙂
[Tane: Blar, a quick search pulled up this – http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=1743. Apology welcome.]
Tane, I forgot someone tried to gloss over the whole thing. In fact, that post reads a lot like this one:
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2008/08/the_full_english_quote.html
So you’re wrong again Blar. That’s okay, I’ve noticed more and more righties coming on here solely to smear and misdirect. When you’ve lost the social and now the economic arguments what else is there to do?
“When you’ve lost the social and now the economic arguments what else is there to do?”
You’re a hoot Tane. Precisely how many of the ‘neoliberal’ reforms have Labour rolled back? It looks like the right has already won on free trade, tax cuts, monetary policy, balanced budgets and the use of PPPs.
Blar, Labour have a strong streak of neoliberalism and I think it’s bollocks. That’s why I don’t vote for them.
My comment was referring specifically to the number of less intelligent right-wing commenters on this site who have resorted to smear and misrepresentation because they can’t win the substantive arguments.
OK guys so I’m willing to go with the idea that this is probably not the most massive scandal of the century. SP is a bit of a whippersnapper after all, and the odd spot of hyperbole can be expected in the young from time to time.
On the other hand, whenever Bill English says anything from now on in are we allowed to ask ourselves if this is actual National Party policy, or just his opinion? Because Bill is a big boy now. He stands to be our next Minister of Finance. On Saturday night he clearly expresses the idea in private that he would sell KiwiBank if he could; on Tuesday he’s making press releases saying that he would not.
Not a good look.
Blar,
The problem with Brash was not the affair itself. It was WHO it was with, and the fact that the political implications of it could not be covered up indefinitely.
As for the Helensville scrap. The open question is still WHY. There are plenty of impressive people about, very few get handed a safe seat because head office suddenly takes a liking to them.
Like I say, there are three grounds on which to judge a politican and a party:
policy
competence
trust
National has failed on all three in this debacle.
Jeez, these guys can’t help themselves. They’re trying to get out of the hole but they just keep digging:
From that commie rag, NBR:
Mr Key said he did not feel the comments had undermined his leadership and his deputy, who retained his confidence, had not been forced by him to make today’s statement.
He said Mr English’s comments on his understanding of Labour’s families package had some merit in relation to his 2005 position.
“I was advocating as the finance spokesman a much more radical overhaul of Working For Families.
“For the last two years Bill and I have working very closely on that issue and what we’ve come to recognise is that it is a lot more difficult to change and I think he had a valid point.”
Great way to reassure families, John! You wanted a “radical overhaul”, but unfortunately it’s just … difficult.
(But easier once you’re in government?)
This is not a scandal. It is a beat up led by left wing 21 year old bloggers
Well how cool is that. Now Steve and other Standard authors are leading, hmm let’s see, TV1, TV3, Radio NZ, The Herald, The Dom Post, ZB Radio, and all the rest!
Use your ultimate power over the media wisely Steve, lead them towards the light…
I think it is refreshing that Bill English has apologised for his loose comments. He didn’t blame the media. He acknowledged that what he said caused confusion, and apologised for it. He is being held to account by John Key.
It is a pity that Helen Clark, who used to be so good at holding her ministers to account, has lost the art of being accountable, and making her ministers accountable. Now she allows that farce of a foreign minister to continue throwing mud at everybody, rather than apologise for deliberately misleading people and acting like a hypocrite. I understand that Labour’s polling company is polling people to see what the prime minister should do with him, so it isn’t a beat-up.
Red
Kiwibank is an interesting issue – the only person who called this right and without whom there would be no Kiwibank was Jim Anderton, from memory everyone else was lukewarm to disinterested to anti.
Personally I can’t see why you would sell Kiwibank if it’s profitable, the public like it and it acts as a competitor to the larger banks in terms of keeping them sharp with their rates.
While I don’t think governments should generally be in the business of running retail banks in this case it appears to be performing well or at the very least OK and one would think there’s more important things for National to be looking at.
Blar: In case you hadn’t realised…
When Tane says
That is me. A reluctant socialist. It is the company that you have to keep on the right that makes me go left.
The right is incoherent on anything beyond winning the next election. The combinations between the romantics, elitists, and just plain greedy are terrible. That doesn’t make for good policy decisions now for what needs to be done for 20 years out.
The left at least does think ahead, and somewhat more coherently. They usually compromise with each other more readily as well – makes for better governments.
He acknowledged that what he said caused confusion
Ya know what? I don’t feel confused at all. I found Bill’s comments to be perfectly blindingly clear. Nats will say whatever it takes to get elected, then do whatever they please after that. What could be clearer?
Nice try Tim. So English is great for apologising for comments he clearly and enequivocally made, but Clark is wrong for not apologising for Winston Peters’ various indiscretions. That’s really going to wash as a useful equivalent situation!
Blar, it’s not being sanctimonious. Say you’re at a reataurant and something isn’t right do you ask for it to be corrected or mouth off abuse at the waiter? RedLogix isn’t a ‘fuckwit’ because he mixed up Helensville and Henderson. That’s a pretty low bar you’ve set for being up for some pointless abuse. I know it’s in your interest to drag this site down, and it’s not sanctmonious to counteract that.
So the challenge is still out there, sunshine – you’ve already taken two weeks longer than my three year-old cousin – how long will it take you to grow up a little?
Interesting this concept of “labour-plus”.
A cynical playing of the plebes as punters who are driven by their need for a bit more money from the Nats.
Here are these rich parasites who live off the hard work of the punters patronising them for not having enough money to live on.
What a joke, condemning WFF and then having to admit that if you tampered with it yourd be condemned by families of 4 saying give our money back.
As a punter I’d say screw you English. I don’t like being called a welfare bludger for having WFF top up my wages. I’d tell you cynical anti-worker bludgers on the public tit that I only need a top up because my fucking boss will not pay me a living wage! I’m working class not under class arsehole!
As a punter I’d say screw you English. You want Kiwi Bank for your Aussie banking mates? No way. I’m getting out of BNZ, ANZ who screw homeowners and speculate in subprime. Then I’d nationalise you just like Hugo Chavez.
And I’m only getting started.
lprent says: ‘the right’ is evil. Individual right-wingers are bad people I can’t stand to be around. As a far sighted and virtuous individual, I have no choice but to be left-leaning. Woe!
“RedLogix isn’t a ‘fuckwit’ because he mixed up Helensville and Henderson.”
When you are trying to discredit someone because of their involvement in a selection, you do look like a fuckwit if you can’t even name the seat the selection happened in.
what does all that mean..piffle. the right are psychologically disposed to dominate for pleasure and exploit for profit. they get to form a government every now and then when they can hide their fangs long enough to form a coalition with other likeminded blighted individuals
Blar: Show me one place that I said that the right were evil?
What I said was (paraphrasing so you might understand) – that the right were incoherent because there were too many flavours and the combinations between them were terrible.
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/ has melted
I’ve said before that the right would probably do better if they split up into several parties but that I don’t think they will because they want that single party rule.
The one big party of the right always seems that they like mixing lemon sorbet with chocolate ice cream.
Individually ok, but makes a horrible sticky mess when stuck together. It is an experiment that only a child could love.
“When you are trying to discredit someone because of their involvement in a selection, you do look like a fuckwit if you can’t even name the seat the selection happened in.”
No you don’t, Blar. It’s a fairly simple mistake, people often type in a hurry when at work, for example, breaks don’t last forever. That’s exactly why you need to grow up.
What do you mean it’s melted oob?
That’s the most internally consistent post Davey’s ever written.
I meant the the site seems down
Really?
I thought that was his new style – no words, just symbols.
It’s pretty good by his standards.
Doh ! Fuck I need a coffee
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This is such a beatup. Last week it was Winnie, this week it is lame duck Clark watching the appropriations bill third reading slip further and further away as Peters strings out his use-by date. But the difference was that last week the media beat the whole thing up, this week they aren’t which means it will fade from public prominence even faster – like most of the causes campaigned here.
“Secret Trusts used to cover up the real source of their funding, and remains a closely guarded secret to this day.”
etc.
I’m sure you could dig the same sort of dirt on Labour if you chose to. Then why the bias?
“Imagine Micheal Cullen on TV, repeatedly undermining Clark’s leadership by refusing to say she understood a major policy, and saying its ‘complicated’, although you clearly purport to understand it yourself.”
Exactly what happened in Labour when Phil Goff was quoted on his leadership ambtiions couple of months back?
“People might be ‘sick of Clark and Cullen’ but the 600,000 people who joined kiwibank because it’s a Kiwi-owned bank might be prepared to overlook that.”
Is that proven? It’s like saying everyone who signed up for WFF is a Labour supporter (lol)
This is such a beatup.
Is it? Are TV1, TV3, Radio NZ, The Herald, The Dom Post, ZB Radio, and all the rest part of the plot? Damn commies.
Exactly what happened in Labour when Phil Goff was quoted on his leadership ambtiions couple of months back?
Oh yeah, that’s it exactly. The situations are exactly the same. It’s OK Swampy, this is all just a bad dream. You’ll wake up soon and you’ll be in your Happy Place.
Swampy. You’re interesting. Assume you’re UK based because you come on here in the late evening hours after a thread has dried up, make 3 (always 3) successive comments, which usually state something already dealt with earlier in the thread or something already dealt with in the wider discourse…. you’re welcome to do so of course, it’s just interesting and I wonder i you might be able to contribute more challenging and substantive comments in the future.