Yep Charles will be missed. He was one of the few who could be given a bill understand the implications and organise a proper response. His particular skills were quite unique and he was always in demand.
A transcription for those who can’t view the video….
“It’s unproductive to keep trying to locate and exclude the supposed enemy within.
Instead in order to avoid history repeating it’s time for an honest, open, and overdue assessment of the 2011 election campaign produced Labour’s worst ever electoral result.
Those responsible for it should make dignified exits, and all the undoubted talent and diversity of the caucus should be included in the shadow cabinet.
To put it in another way, in Gough Whitlam’s immortal words “the party must have both its wings to fly”.
But if one of those wing’s useless because it’s full of dirt and grime and grease then you need to clean and trim it so it’s able to properly regrow and regain its strength.
Common sense and doing what’s right isn’t in the old guards vocabulary, like has been out of date management teams a full clear out is required by the shareholders as they aint doing it themselves.
“I’m really confident now Annette’s back that Labour can regain its status as a caring party rebuilt on traditional left-wing principles that put people before profits.”
English moves to have mortgages put 20% up front, how ironic. And the silence from Labour, when the mortgage deposit was lowered due to wages failing to keep up with home ownership aspirations, does that mean Labour is out in front demanding wages now rise? No, that’s the Greens job. What does Labour stand for? More Phil and Trevor, of course.
A fine and thoughtful speech. I noted there were some less than happy looks on the faces of the front bench at the end. He has set them a challenge that they have failed so far. Now is the time for them to step up, but it’s come at the cost of a good mp who understood the best of what labor can be.
I noted Moana Mackey and Lianne Dalziell appeared not too far from tears. Two equally fine and intelligent MPs who paid a price for supporting David Cunliffe.
Two wings of Labour to come together, aye? I would hope and dream, but cannot see it.
I also note the clear criticism of the media in NZ, and it is hitting and totally correct.
Yes, while Europe is no longer that influential in this part of the world, it is still to many a beacon of hope, when it comes to democracy, the rule of law and offering people a better life, despite of all the drama the mainly Mediterranean member countries of the Euro Zone have to go through.
What else is there to choose from? US, China, India, Japan and various other countries not coming close to a humane, democratic and at least attempted fair society as in much of Europe.
NZ must think carefully and smartly, and not become a peasant nation under adverse influences. I congratulate Charles Chauvel, he will be a loss for Labour, for sure. A smart and sound legal mind with experience always helps.
And so Aneeeeete, Treev, whatsitsname from further up the Hutt (the anger management boy), Grant (came third to the Greens in Wellington Central) and the hangers-on will have a few from the top shelf to “mark the occassion”.
Shearer will…of course say nothing genuine…and wonder what the top shelf is.
Yes he sure came third in Welly central on party vote.
Maybe he should stop splitting the left vote inWC in the electorate vote and not run next time 🙂
James Shaw of the Greens would be a fine electorate MP IMHO
Sad to see Charles go, Labour actually can’t afford to loose him because sadly this caucus is lacking Mps of his calibre. I can’t say I blame him for leaving though working in a caucus were people leak to the media and the so called senior whip defames an MP because it suits their own purpose must be pretty shit.
All the best with the new job.
Institutions beyond government need strengthening too. Democracy requires a free, well-resourced, unbiased fourth estate. Journalists working in much of our undercapitalized, foreign-owned media are under constant professional pressure. This comes from many quarters, including the constant need to sell newspapers and airtime, and to compete with instantly available online sources. In the case of the two better-known right wing blogs, those online sources are proxies for the present government, with much copy supplied directly out of ministers’ offices at taxpayers’ expense. A general dumbing down, but more importantly a loss of independence, have been among the inevitable results.
Two posts have appeared today on Red Alert. 1st @ 3:48pm, 2nd @ 9:41pm. Nothing re-Charles Chauval speech. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that site run by Curran and Mallard – with a bit of help from Robertson?
To be fair if you dig far enough you’ll find it on Labour’s web site.
Labour currently have several problems, one of them is a real lack of talent in caucus. Chauvel was one of the members Labour needed to keep, a very clever straight shooter.
It is probably too late for decent clean out and full re structure of Labour now, it will happen when they lose in 2014.
+13
All of the above.
What stands out for me is the Wiki ref provided by Khandallah Viper in which they quote him thus:
“…… but I do want to be there for a period of time such as I can get some things done, and leave feeling that I have achieved something.”
I sincerely hope Charles knows he has achieved something but I suspect it was not as much as he would have wished.
Comes a time though when pushing shit uphill is a waste of life and one can be more productive elsewhere – even if hopefully at some stage he will be able to return and complete his ‘vision’ (erk – pardon the vision bit).
Trevor Mallard was campaign manager. Maybe Trevor is what Charles was speaking about.
But instead of thinking about it Trevor went on Twitter and said ‘My decision to seek Hutt South nomination just reinforced’ after the speech.
I think that Trevor is very bad for Labour. He makes me cring when he says point of order point or order point of order.Trevor has been the MP for so long that may be he has lost the grip on reality like Chris Carter did.
I am very angry because Labour is not about one person Trevor!
And this is exactly why Labour are getting it so wrong.
I’m not an insider, a rune-reader, so I don’t really know what Mallard’s tweet means (sure, I can guess, but that’s all). What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.
Labour would have been SO much better off having open debates, contests of ideas, and ultimately, a resolution. Instead they’ve got a holy fu**ing mess. And it won’t be solved by purges.
‘What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.’
Bit like you see on this thread, you mean “Everyone unite … against Shearer!”
‘What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.’
Bit like you see on this thread, you mean? “Everyone unite … against Shearer!”
Labour would have been SO much better off having open debates, contests of ideas, and ultimately, a resolution. Instead they’ve got a holy fu**ing mess. And it won’t be solved by purges.
The funny thing is, the For Free political advisors here on The Standard advised the Labour caucus on this very strongly for the last several months.
I would have hoped he could have responded with a bit more grace and generosity than that, but then again it is Trevor! He never really has accounted for the poor performance of the last election. Mind you, Grant hasn’t either.
Great speech! And I was happy to hear what he very bluntly, but politely, said about the “ABC” brigade! As my Irish father used to say “He didn’t miss them and hit the wall!” Let’s hope the membership on hearing his speech ( and of course, hearing the main reason he is leaving – i.e. the ABC blockade) put pressure on that group to put the party and the people of NZ first – or GET OUT!!
It is very sad to think that he is now lost to us; he is so smart and clear-eyed. At the same time it is a relief to hear someone from inside the Labour caucus say what he has said, without rancour, in a time and place where no one could shout “crisis” and run to shut him down. I wish you all the best in your new role Charles.
The Hollowmen are pissing themselves at how easy this all is, they got hoots helping the Mallarfia to run labour the way they want, fine MP’s like Charles departing, DC where they want him (out of their way) and no end of MSM flunkeys and bloggers to help with the spin.
Toxic Trevor does his best to steal the show (what a tool), but Chauvel’s speech provides much food for thought.
“It’s time for an entrenched Bill of Rights and a constitution, including provisions that accord the Treaty of Waitangi appropriate status. Parliamentary procedure needs further reform, including rationalising the number of select committees, and increasing their powers. Our public watchdogs need proper powers and resources. The judicial branch’s independence needs to be safeguarded…
It’s time for the re-establishment of a strong, independent, well-resourced, multimedia public broadcaster in New Zealand…”
I don’t really follow the antics of DPF and Mr. Oil, but I’m not sure the National Party wants to be so overtly connected with them 🙂
And of course the remarks about the Labour caucus, the truth of which Mallard was kind enough to illustrate.
What a sad state a once-great party is in, a party I loyally voted for in every election.
Look at the lineup:
Mumblefuck – he might be mumble fuck.. or fuckmumble or mumble, I mean fuck, er…
Goff and King – backstabbers and throwbacks from the 80s who were loyal Brides of Our Blessed Lord Roger Christ.
Hipkins – a smug little fink of the sort that used to be called a yuppie.
Robertson – a third-place loser in Wellington Central, a lazy, condescending, dull second-rate Machiavelli wannabe.
Curran – a bully and blackmailer with an IQ so low the only thing you can do with her is put her in a pot and make sure that she gets watered regularly.
Sio – AWOL on his employment portfolio, but happily campaigning for bigotry
O’Connor – another bigot
Mallard… who’s Mallard – no adjectives or metaphors are necessary.
Deadwood, all of them. Meanwhile…
Ignored or exiled: Lianne Dalziel, Louisa Wall, David Cunliffe.
Mallard is a toxic influence that needs to be amputated and purged. Everything about him is a disaster, the stupid tweets, the dumb distracting points of order, worst election result in many years, I used to respect him but that was a long time ago and he just must get out now, passed it and distructive. Can someone please find him a job at the UN soon!!
knock me down with a feather
Clever Trevor
widebrows wonder wether Clever Trevor’s clever
either have they got
nor neither haven’t not
got no right to make a clot
our of Trevor
What a hell of a way to rip the scab of a long festering wound that was supposedly starting to heal (a bit). A major throwing of toys from the safety of the cot with no regard to the broken toys and broken windows that will inevitable result in the playroom.
A spray of bile of this magnitude from a weasel running away because he was told that he wouldn’t get the lollipop he wanted can only have one outcome. Those left will definitely have cause to ponder their futures (or lack thereof) and, quite apart from the fact that Parliament will undoubtedly be a better place for his absence, some of real talent will be considering how much of their lives they are prepared to waste while being kept behind the scenes and away from important things like policy formation and party rejuvenation.
It would really suck if it turned out that “DavidW” was in some way connected to the Labour caucus. The last thin Labour needs is this kind of spiteful negativity.
Besides, I don’t see any outrage, disassociation or condemnation of toxic Charles speech which would have to be one of the most self-destructive speeches ever given in my recollection. Mr mumble should be all over it like a rash.
You call that speech “gracious” CV (shudders visibly!) I would hate to hear one that was really loaded. Shearer should have invited him to piss off and not let the door hit his sorry arse on the way out.
It was not so much a speech as a great big one-fingered gesture at the Leadership, the Party and the membership. Might be OK in a gloves-off (very much closed door) session looking at what went wrong last election but to do it in public was to my mind unforgiveable, treacherous and self-defeating.
This, classless tantrum.
At least Cunliffe took his lumps like a Man ,Chuck on the other hand throws out his toys and runs of to NY to cry in Mums lap.
Pathetic individual.
“Who cares about the membership?” I would say I’m gobsmacked, gobsmacked but that wouldn’t be true.
No, I was really talking about the loyal souls who have been continuing to prop up the Party’s dwindling financial resources year after year while the parliamentarians have their noses in the public trough and treat them with contempt in exactly the sort of way you have expressed.
You know, the people who really believe and can’t pack it in and bugger off to the UN, the people who save enough from their National Super to maintain membership as a matter of trust. Trust that the principles of the workers movement are being upheld and are not sacrificed on the alter of neo-liberal social engineering.
I would say that more than a few rank and file will be now saying “fuck it” I’ll buy another bottle of that sherry (overpriced because of Jim Anderton’s misguided tax) I like and skip my LP membership this year.
Hmmm, you’re not some sort of bridge dweller are you, David? Your messages are mixed, but I think the anti-Labour sentiment is starting to show through. Chauvel’s speech was pretty dignified in tone and he could have been far more explicit and even nasty if he’d wanted to, but clearly, his loyalty is to the party. Something nobody will ever say of Trevor Mallard.
Regarding the membership, numbers are up and will continue to improve as we move into the second phase of the reform process. Finances are also under control and I’m told donations from the private sector are also on the rise, as the likelihood of a change of Government becomes more apparent and business hedges its bets.
All in all, there is nothing in Chauve’s speech that party members don’t already know. The great thing about it is its honesty, the downside is that Charles won’t be around for the foreseeable future to help reform caucus.
Chauvel’s speech was pretty dignified in tone and he could have been far more explicit and even nasty if he’d wanted to, but clearly, his loyalty is to the party.
Bravo to Charles Chauval for having the courage to say what he did without rancour or anything approaching petty, immature spite.
I don’t know what the fuss is. He’s just another self serving bloke on the gravy train, he’s moved onto a better gravy train. What’s so special about having a legal mind. Keyboy is shafting us all with his legal position though 80% want to hold them in Public Ownership. 🙁
One of the better MP’s was Charles Chauvel, i actually pictured Him as a future Prime Minister more in that role,
Never mind Charles will be forgotten by next month, nah wait thats a couple of days away, the month after should be enough time in politics to erase Him from most memories,
Pity as much energy wasn’t expended picking at the SCABS of and that are the National Government as what gets expended here lambasting Labour,
Changing party allegiance to a more left leaning option would seem to be the best medicine for any perceived wrongs being currently committed by Labour…
Charles is smart and a good left winger but he was not so effective as a potential local MP. He needed to better Peter Dunne’s record of turning up to everything and being everywhere in the electorate and then he might have won the seat, but he seemed a bit bored by all that mundane stuff. And didn’t even live there which is always a bit of a negative.
You know we’re fucked when just coincidentally Paddy Gower tweets this – once Charles is out the door, of course.
Come on, you ABC chickenshits. At least own your catty, juvenile bullshit. Because this constant stream of cowardice just makes me more and more certain that Labour is completely fucked. I thought you’d won and we were all meant to line up behind the strong, committed leadership …
Winning: http://t.co/lFbQlRhkZH <– Roy Morgan, not pretty peeps. But don't worry, it's not the leadership's fault, or tactics, or anything really. It's just the wind. Now that Charles has gone it'll pick up; and Mallard has more time to tweet sweet nothings to whaleoil so it's good news actually.
No surprises with roy morgan,what the hell has to happen ?
That’s right we have got to say nothing,do nothing, type nothing, blog nothing, just
follow the leader,left,right,left right all the way to the edge of the cliff,where we all say
‘right’ and disappear into the abyss along with our hopes,wishes and dreams,at the moment
it looks like we really are that powerless.
Caucus, follow Charles advice and think of the people and the party and relinquish
your stranglehold on a much needed and wanted party,your time has commeth,give
it up, we want it back.
If this trend continues something is going to happen. Don’t ask me what because I haven’t a clue. I don’t have a lot of faith in the voting public, but they do seem to sense sometimes when something is wrong. They may not have a clue what it is, but they know Labour is currently not in a good place.
My view is the main reason for the malignant behaviour particularly on the part of Mallard is because deep down he knows what Charles Chauvel said is true. But he/they won’t admit it, even to themselves. Have a look at the very end of the video. Jacinda Ardern is doing all the right things (standing and clapping) but she’s furious. The body language and facial expression says it all. (I apologise to her here and now if I have misinterpreted her response.)
I’m sure Charles would have much preferred to have confined any criticism to the caucus, but I suspect a climate of fear has been created and no-one dares speak up. Sad, but that’s where I think it’s at…
I don’t think Ardern looks furious at the end of the video, but she doesn’t look very positive. Usually a farewell speech results in congratulations on a job well done. No such response from her. Ardern and Parker are clapping, but most of the time their backs are to Chauvel.
I don’t think it’s so much that the leadership team know Chauvel is right, but that they aren’t aware of their short-comings. I think they were second tier under Clark. They accepted it for that period, but thought that once Clark moved on, their time had come. They seem to believe they truly are top team, leadership material, and now they can do things the way they think they should be done. They are not aware that they are solid, second tier material, but every week they show they are not up to taking the leading roles.
Clearly they won’t go willingly, and will need to totally fail, or to be usurped. The latter is difficult because a section of the caucus needs renewal. I suppose it really needs the membership to be able to select more suitable new candidates: ones who will recognise the kind of leader parliamentary Labour needs in the current context.
To me it looked like she was controlled in her anger, or not sure that she’d heard what she thought she had perhaps? But there was certainly a dearth of front bench MPs congratulating Charles. At the very least they should put the site of unity on given they were on camera. Heard there weren’t many MPs at his after function either.
I agree hush minx. She was angry or maybe shocked because she didn’t think he would do it, but it was well under control. After all they knew the cameras were on them. She and David Parker exchanged a very quick glance at each other after they rose to clap which I thought was quite telling. I guess the reason there weren’t many MPs at the after function was because the ABC Club called an urgent meeting in the caucus room. 🙂
I don’t think it’s so much that the leadership team know Chauvel is right, but that they aren’t aware of their short-comings.
That’s sort of what I was saying. Deep down they will know he’s right, but they won’t admit it even to themselves. I’ve seen it all before. They can’t let go of the power, the intrigues, the whole lifestyle. It gives them a feeling of self-importance (even omnipotence in some cases) which is hard to give up. The thought of becoming an ordinary citizen again fills them with horror. 🙂
It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious: we live in a troubled ...
1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
…it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisitionNOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes – The High Court ...
Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same?Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
Open access notablesIce acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment:In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
Mr Bombastic:Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder.In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére SosouMarket gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
Buzz from the Beehive Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
Morning in London Mother hugs beloved daughter outside the converted shoe factory in which she is living.Afternoon in London Travelling writer takes himself and his wrist down to A&E, just to be sure. Read more ...
Mike Grimshaw writes – The recent announcement of the University Advisory Group, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, makes very clear where the Government’s focus and priorities lie. The remit of the Advisory Group is that Group members will consider challenges and opportunities for improvement in the university sector including: ...
Eric Crampton writes – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand desperately wants to find reasons to have workstreams in climate change. It makes little sense. They’ve run another stress test on the banks looking to see if they could find a prudential regulation case. They couldn’t. They ...
Rob MacCullough writes – Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National’s Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator ...
Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi, and Mema Paremata mō Tāmaki-Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, will travel to the Gold Coast to strengthen ties with Māori in Australia next week (15-21 April). The visit, in the lead-up to the 9th Australian National Kapa haka Festival, will be an opportunity for both ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
Pacific Media Watch Palestine solidarity protesters today demonstrated at the Auckland headquarters of Television New Zealand, accusing the country’s major TV network of broadcasting “propaganda” backing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. About 50 protesters targeted the main entrance to the TVNZ building near Sky Tower and also picketed a side ...
Opinion by Lynley Hood. Forty years on from my 1985 Fulbright Grant, my disquiet over the war in Gaza evoked some troubling questions. The answer to my first question – What is the primary purpose of the Fulbright Programme? – was on the Fulbright NZ website. It says: US Senator, ...
The ministers responsible for green-lighting major projects need to be open about potential conflicts of interest, says Transparency International. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Powell, Professor, Family and Sexual Violence, RMIT University It has been a particularly distressing start to the year. There is little that can ease the current grief of individuals, families and communities who have needlessly lost a loved one to men’s ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Moore, Senior Research Associate, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne Lichen, the first described example of symbiosis.AdeJ Artventure/Shutterstock Once known only to those studying biology, the word symbiosis is now widely used. Symbiosis is the intimate ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Hemsley, Head, Childhood Dementia Research Group, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University Olena Ivanova/Shutterstock “Childhood” and “dementia” are two words we wish we didn’t have to use together. But sadly, around 1,400 ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Whiteford, Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee has just published its second report. It was set up by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in 2022 to provide: ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The Queensland state election will be held in October. A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted April 9–17 from a sample ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Naeni, PhD candidate at Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University There’s been much talk in recent months about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency in the United States could mean for Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the ...
A brief round-up of submissions on the controversial proposed law. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, submissions on the controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill closed just hours after the government released a list of stakeholder organisations who were sent letters advising how they could ...
A poem from Robin Peace’s new collection Detritus of Empire: feather / grass / rock. Cereal giving I see a woman’s hands, see her curious hands break a stalk as she walks through the tall prairie, the savannah, the steppe, wherever it was. See her idly bite the grass that ...
The 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.AUCKLAND1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38)A handsomely produced (debossed cover, lovely ...
The Commissioner's decision validates the longstanding efforts of the local community and ensures that Awataha Marae will be managed to serve the needs of the local community, particularly for hosting tangihanga. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Salles, Associate professor, University of Sydney Examples of Australian landscapes.Unsplash Seventy thousand years ago, the sea level was much lower than today. Australia, along with New Guinea and Tasmania, formed a connected landmass known as Sahul. Around this time – ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Castagna, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Western Sydney University Day Day Market, ParramattaPhoto: Garry Trinh I live on the edge of Parramatta, Australia’s fastest-growing city, on the kind of old-fashioned suburban street that has 1950s fibros constructed in the post-war housing boom, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Ryan, Teaching Fellow in Economics, University of Waikato GettyImagesfatido/Getty Images There is an ongoing global debate over whether the high inflation seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic can be lowered without a recession. New Zealand is not ...
The ‘Wicked Game’ heartthrob is in his late 60s now. That didn’t stop him putting on a lively, goofy and very sparkly show. Apart from ‘Wicked Game’, which graces a sultry playlist of mine simply called 💋, my last sustained Chris Isaak listening session took place when I was about ...
Analysis - Two ministers were stripped of portfolios in a warning to Cabinet, drama broke out at the Waitangi Tribunal, and the gang patch ban bill ran into opposition. ...
Tara Ward makes an impassioned plea for some vital pop culture merch. In April 1999, I became obsessed with a new reality television show called Popstars. Every Tuesday night, five strangers transformed into music royalty before my very eyes as Joe, Keri, Carly, Erika and Megan were chosen to form ...
PNG Post-Courier In the early hours of ANZAC Day, aerial photographs captured an impressive gathering of Australians and Papua New Guineans at Isurava in the Northern (Oro) Province. The solemn dawn service yesterday was held at a site steeped in history, where some of the fiercest battles of World War ...
The PSA is shocked that Oranga Tamariki has used the cost cutting drive to downgrade its commitment to Te Ao Māori and remove many specialist Māori roles. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Kemish, Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighbouring countries walking together on the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sharon Robinson, Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director of ARC Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Andrew Netherwood Over the last 25 years, the ozone hole which forming over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viktoria Kahui, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics, University of Otago Getty Images/Amy Toensing Biodiversity is declining at rates unprecedented in human history. This suggests the ways we currently use to manage our natural environment are failing. One emerging concept focuses on ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Colin Bednall, Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology marvent/Shutterstock Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates. Employers typically consider information from ...
Wondering where to host your next BYO? Whether its a small gathering or a massive party, we’ve got some recommendations. I was first introduced to the concept of BYOs at Dunedin’s India Gardens, a legendary but sadly defunct establishment, which purveyed enormous quantities of mango chicken to Aotearoa’s drunkest future ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julien Cooper, Honorary Lecturer, Department of History and Archaeology, Macquarie University Julien Cooper The hyper-arid desert of Eastern Sudan, the Atbai Desert, seems like an unlikely place to find evidence of ancient cattle herders. But in this dry environment, my new ...
The sector says it’s hopeful her replacement Paul Goldsmith will be able to throw it a lifeline, after six months with a minister deemed missing in action, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign ...
The government can't just rely on axing public sector jobs and has to do more to cut spending, says the chief economist at a free market think tank. ...
Rock The Vote NZ, known for its advocacy for minor party unity and its role within the Freedoms NZ Coalition during the 2023 General Election, celebrates this merger as a strategic enhancement of its operational strength and outreach. ...
Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of something you use breaking and being difficult or expensive to fix. Proposed legislation could change that. It’s been raining on and off all Sunday afternoon but people are lining up outside a building in a corner of Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham, Auckland. In ...
What does a forever relationship look like when you don’t believe in marriage? And how do you celebrate it? This essay is part of our Sunday Essay series, made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.I’m going to do it, right now. I’m going to say ...
FICTION 1 Take Two by Danielle Hawkins (Allen & Unwin, $36.99) There’s commercial fiction, like this book, and then there’s quality fiction, quality writers, quality literature; the forthcoming Auckland Writers Festival is full of quality, and ReadingRoom has two tickets to give away to the following events: Paul Lynch (Dublin ...
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],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 26 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...
You can’t have missed the Gallipoli story as the movies, documentaries, essays and books capture what it was like for New Zealand troops in their eight-month campaign on the Peninsula. But this Anzac Day the Auckland War Memorial Museum has published a book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the ...
The Prime Minister has committed to resuming direct flights to Thailand. But it’s not a promise he will be able to deliver on anytime soon. The post Prime Minister jumps the gun in Thailand appeared first on Newsroom. ...
It’s not that long ago Eliza McCartney was seriously wondering if the Paris Olympics would be her pole vaulting swansong. After years of being hounded by injury after injury, the Rio Olympics bronze medallist was still confident she would compete at her second Olympics in Paris in July, unless something ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the free-for-all between the Australian government and Big Tech boss Elon Musk this week, the government had to be on a winner. Most people would have little sympathy with Musk’s vociferous opposition to ...
Asia Pacific Report Chief Mandla Mandela, a member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, has joined the Freedom Flotilla in istanbul as the ships prepare to sail for Gaza, reports Kia Ora Gaza. Mandela is also the ambassador for the Global Campaign to Return to ...
Pacific Media Watch Journalists who report on environmental issues are encountering growing difficulties in many parts of the world, reports Reporters Without Borders. According to the tally kept by RSF, 200 journalists have been subjected to threats and physical violence, including murder, in the past 10 years because they were ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards, Democracy Project (https://democracyproject.nz)Political scientist, Dr Bryce Edwards. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra BagzhanSadvakassov/Upsplash, CC BY-SA Australia’s inflation rate has fallen for the fifth successive quarter, and it’s now less than half of what it was back in late 2022. ...
ACT's Rural Communities and Veterans spokesman Mark Cameron responds to cancellations and protests of ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington. He says, "These pitiful attempts to detract from ANZAC Day are not at all indicative of the feelings of mainstream ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Pōneke based peace activists staged a silent protest at the ANZAC day service to highlight New Zealand’s complicity in war and genocide, and urge the government to take concrete steps to stop the genocide in Palestine. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magdalena M.E. Bunbury, Postdoctoral Researcher, James Cook University Burial with a horse at the Rákóczifalva site, Hungary (8th century AD).Sándor Hegedűs, Hungarian National Museum, CC BY How do we understand past societies? For centuries, our main sources of information have been ...
Amanda Thompson doesn’t really do Anzac Day. But what she does do is remember the people she knew who had a lifetime to remember stuff they didn’t really want to, because of a war they didn’t ask for. And she does make Anzac biscuits.First published in 2021.All my ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Willis, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSIRO Xavier Boulenger/Shutterstock In the two decades to 2019, global plastic production doubled. By 2040, plastic manufacturing and processing could consume as much as 20% of global oil production and use up 15% of the annual carbon ...
With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace. ...
Principal reasons for the opposition is the loss of the public’s democratic right to have “a fair say” and the vital need for a government free from corruption, said Casey Cravens of Dunedin, president of the New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...
Never mind the scoreboard – in the 2000 Bledisloe Cup decider, the real trans-Tasman battle was won before kickoff.First published in 2016. The dawn of the new millennium was a dark time for the All Blacks. Their final game pre-Y2K was a 22-18 loss to South Africa in the ...
I’m on the wrong side of 40, I never pursued creative work and now my job is killing my soul. Help! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nzDear Hera,May I start with the least original conversation opener you’re likely to hear around the motu at the moment, particularly in Wellington: ...
“Never again - No AUKUS” was the message of the wreath laid at this morning’s national ANZAC Day commemorative service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park this morning by the Stop AUKUS group. ...
Yep Charles will be missed. He was one of the few who could be given a bill understand the implications and organise a proper response. His particular skills were quite unique and he was always in demand.
I’m pleased he called for Phil and Trevor to go (10’50”) it’s about time someone from caucus came out and said that.
Oh well said Charles Chauval. His so sound advice starts… at 10:40mins. Will commonsense finally prevail? Fingers crossed.
A transcription for those who can’t view the video….
“It’s unproductive to keep trying to locate and exclude the supposed enemy within.
Instead in order to avoid history repeating it’s time for an honest, open, and overdue assessment of the 2011 election campaign produced Labour’s worst ever electoral result.
Those responsible for it should make dignified exits, and all the undoubted talent and diversity of the caucus should be included in the shadow cabinet.
To put it in another way, in Gough Whitlam’s immortal words “the party must have both its wings to fly”.
yep!
Yep. And said with calm grace.
But if one of those wing’s useless because it’s full of dirt and grime and grease then you need to clean and trim it so it’s able to properly regrow and regain its strength.
Common sense and doing what’s right isn’t in the old guards vocabulary, like has been out of date management teams a full clear out is required by the shareholders as they aint doing it themselves.
Here’s one for DB Breweries:
“I’m really confident now Annette’s back that Labour can regain its status as a caring party rebuilt on traditional left-wing principles that put people before profits.”
it’s about time someone from caucus came out and said that
Aye but it is sad that an MP only feels that he can say this publicly in his valedictory speech.
What is going on?
Why are very good MPs like Lianne Dalziel being demoted and Louisa Wall being ignored because they are on the “wrong side”.
It is up to the members to get their party back. It has been done before. It is time to do it again.
IrishBill
Yep, that’s the truth…
How ironic that Charles calls for inclusion and the first out of the blocks finger people for execution.
English moves to have mortgages put 20% up front, how ironic. And the silence from Labour, when the mortgage deposit was lowered due to wages failing to keep up with home ownership aspirations, does that mean Labour is out in front demanding wages now rise? No, that’s the Greens job. What does Labour stand for? More Phil and Trevor, of course.
A fine and thoughtful speech. I noted there were some less than happy looks on the faces of the front bench at the end. He has set them a challenge that they have failed so far. Now is the time for them to step up, but it’s come at the cost of a good mp who understood the best of what labor can be.
I noted Moana Mackey and Lianne Dalziell appeared not too far from tears. Two equally fine and intelligent MPs who paid a price for supporting David Cunliffe.
My apologies. It’s Dalziel.
An edit, an edit, our kingdom for an edit. 😈
[lprent: Working on it. I suspect that if I turn off the RSS aggregator that it will start working. ]
They’re both talented, and we can’t afford not to have them utilised. I hope sense prevails soon.
Two wings of Labour to come together, aye? I would hope and dream, but cannot see it.
I also note the clear criticism of the media in NZ, and it is hitting and totally correct.
Yes, while Europe is no longer that influential in this part of the world, it is still to many a beacon of hope, when it comes to democracy, the rule of law and offering people a better life, despite of all the drama the mainly Mediterranean member countries of the Euro Zone have to go through.
What else is there to choose from? US, China, India, Japan and various other countries not coming close to a humane, democratic and at least attempted fair society as in much of Europe.
NZ must think carefully and smartly, and not become a peasant nation under adverse influences. I congratulate Charles Chauvel, he will be a loss for Labour, for sure. A smart and sound legal mind with experience always helps.
Yep. Sad to see Charles go. He’s got good principles and a sharp mind.
Don’t blame him though. It sounds like caucus isn’t the most fun place in the world to be.
Wise words from a smart man.
with all the couldas and the shouldas and other counterfactuals that run through the mind with that, it kind of makes for a melancholy evening.
A sad day for the New Zealand Labour Party.
And so Aneeeeete, Treev, whatsitsname from further up the Hutt (the anger management boy), Grant (came third to the Greens in Wellington Central) and the hangers-on will have a few from the top shelf to “mark the occassion”.
Shearer will…of course say nothing genuine…and wonder what the top shelf is.
Yes he sure came third in Welly central on party vote.
Maybe he should stop splitting the left vote inWC in the electorate vote and not run next time 🙂
James Shaw of the Greens would be a fine electorate MP IMHO
He would make a good electorate MP, though might not be able to beat whichever stuffed shirt the Nats put up simply because he is a Green.
Sad to see Charles go, Labour actually can’t afford to loose him because sadly this caucus is lacking Mps of his calibre. I can’t say I blame him for leaving though working in a caucus were people leak to the media and the so called senior whip defames an MP because it suits their own purpose must be pretty shit.
All the best with the new job.
Chur chur Charles.
Ballsy speech. Hopefully you’ll be back when Shearer gets rolled and Cunliffe is running tings proper!
When I think of what the biggest issue is for New Zealand, I think “Hollowing Out” of the economy and society.
When I see a young talent like Charles pushed out by Shearer, I think “Hollowing Out” of the Labour Party.
I’m sad and angry. What a ******* stupid stupid ignorant waste.
ref “young”: Shearer was born in July ’57. Charles was born in April ’69.
+1 Khandallah.
One could easily see more of them leaving as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Chauvel_(politician)
here is some bio on Charles
That was a very direct claim he made about Farrarblog and SlaterOil.
…which could hardly be said by National about The Standard and its relation to either Labour or the Greens…
Hopefully TheDailyBlog goes just a tiny way to filling the space he wanted formed within the media.
What was it? I’m a bit short of time looking at javascript conflicts to watch the video.
Never mind. I can probably find the transcript…
He said roughly that Whaleoiland Kiwibog act as mouthpieces for National and are fed information straight from Ministers’ offices.
Yep… Just through on the feed. http://www.labour.org.nz/news/valedictory-speech
Ummm…
But nobody reads blogs…
Thank you Charles and good luck.
Discuss. 😀
You may think that, however I couldn’t possibly comment….
😈
Actually I think I will. But after I see the last night’s code burnt on the first 10 boxes out of the door.
Wry humour:
Two posts have appeared today on Red Alert. 1st @ 3:48pm, 2nd @ 9:41pm. Nothing re-Charles Chauval speech. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that site run by Curran and Mallard – with a bit of help from Robertson?
To be fair if you dig far enough you’ll find it on Labour’s web site.
Labour currently have several problems, one of them is a real lack of talent in caucus. Chauvel was one of the members Labour needed to keep, a very clever straight shooter.
It is probably too late for decent clean out and full re structure of Labour now, it will happen when they lose in 2014.
By the way, that is not my wish, it is my prediction.
+13
All of the above.
What stands out for me is the Wiki ref provided by Khandallah Viper in which they quote him thus:
“…… but I do want to be there for a period of time such as I can get some things done, and leave feeling that I have achieved something.”
I sincerely hope Charles knows he has achieved something but I suspect it was not as much as he would have wished.
Comes a time though when pushing shit uphill is a waste of life and one can be more productive elsewhere – even if hopefully at some stage he will be able to return and complete his ‘vision’ (erk – pardon the vision bit).
He was on track to roll the cockatoo in Ohariu too.
Trevor Mallard was campaign manager. Maybe Trevor is what Charles was speaking about.
But instead of thinking about it Trevor went on Twitter and said ‘My decision to seek Hutt South nomination just reinforced’ after the speech.
I think that Trevor is very bad for Labour. He makes me cring when he says point of order point or order point of order.Trevor has been the MP for so long that may be he has lost the grip on reality like Chris Carter did.
I am very angry because Labour is not about one person Trevor!
https://twitter.com/TrevorMallard/status/306629099105943552
Utterly disgusting behaviour by Mallard.
He can seek the nomination. But I hope every person who is willing and able fights like hell to make sure he loses.
And this is exactly why Labour are getting it so wrong.
I’m not an insider, a rune-reader, so I don’t really know what Mallard’s tweet means (sure, I can guess, but that’s all). What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.
Labour would have been SO much better off having open debates, contests of ideas, and ultimately, a resolution. Instead they’ve got a holy fu**ing mess. And it won’t be solved by purges.
‘What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.’
Bit like you see on this thread, you mean “Everyone unite … against Shearer!”
‘What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.’
Bit like you see on this thread, you mean? “Everyone unite … against Shearer!”
No. Not a bit like you see on this thread.
People who don’t think much of Shearer say things like “I don’t think much of Shearer”. See?
I don’t like Mallard, I think he should leave Parliament. This would help Labour.
See? Not hard.
The funny thing is, the For Free political advisors here on The Standard advised the Labour caucus on this very strongly for the last several months.
And, we are being proven right.
*Years*
Advised the Labour caucus on this very strongly for the last several *years*.
Christ, what an utter prick.
I would have hoped he could have responded with a bit more grace and generosity than that, but then again it is Trevor! He never really has accounted for the poor performance of the last election. Mind you, Grant hasn’t either.
Great speech! And I was happy to hear what he very bluntly, but politely, said about the “ABC” brigade! As my Irish father used to say “He didn’t miss them and hit the wall!” Let’s hope the membership on hearing his speech ( and of course, hearing the main reason he is leaving – i.e. the ABC blockade) put pressure on that group to put the party and the people of NZ first – or GET OUT!!
It is very sad to think that he is now lost to us; he is so smart and clear-eyed. At the same time it is a relief to hear someone from inside the Labour caucus say what he has said, without rancour, in a time and place where no one could shout “crisis” and run to shut him down. I wish you all the best in your new role Charles.
The Hollowmen are pissing themselves at how easy this all is, they got hoots helping the Mallarfia to run labour the way they want, fine MP’s like Charles departing, DC where they want him (out of their way) and no end of MSM flunkeys and bloggers to help with the spin.
… yep, I think Trevor Mallard has earned himself a case of Don Perignon from Hooters this year.
They – Mallard, Shearer et al – are hollow men themselves.
+1.
Toxic Trevor does his best to steal the show (what a tool), but Chauvel’s speech provides much food for thought.
“It’s time for an entrenched Bill of Rights and a constitution, including provisions that accord the Treaty of Waitangi appropriate status. Parliamentary procedure needs further reform, including rationalising the number of select committees, and increasing their powers. Our public watchdogs need proper powers and resources. The judicial branch’s independence needs to be safeguarded…
It’s time for the re-establishment of a strong, independent, well-resourced, multimedia public broadcaster in New Zealand…”
I don’t really follow the antics of DPF and Mr. Oil, but I’m not sure the National Party wants to be so overtly connected with them 🙂
And of course the remarks about the Labour caucus, the truth of which Mallard was kind enough to illustrate.
What a sad state a once-great party is in, a party I loyally voted for in every election.
Look at the lineup:
Mumblefuck – he might be mumble fuck.. or fuckmumble or mumble, I mean fuck, er…
Goff and King – backstabbers and throwbacks from the 80s who were loyal Brides of Our Blessed Lord Roger Christ.
Hipkins – a smug little fink of the sort that used to be called a yuppie.
Robertson – a third-place loser in Wellington Central, a lazy, condescending, dull second-rate Machiavelli wannabe.
Curran – a bully and blackmailer with an IQ so low the only thing you can do with her is put her in a pot and make sure that she gets watered regularly.
Sio – AWOL on his employment portfolio, but happily campaigning for bigotry
O’Connor – another bigot
Mallard… who’s Mallard – no adjectives or metaphors are necessary.
Deadwood, all of them. Meanwhile…
Ignored or exiled: Lianne Dalziel, Louisa Wall, David Cunliffe.
Driven out: Charles Chauvel.
still got it Potsie
Mallard is a toxic influence that needs to be amputated and purged. Everything about him is a disaster, the stupid tweets, the dumb distracting points of order, worst election result in many years, I used to respect him but that was a long time ago and he just must get out now, passed it and distructive. Can someone please find him a job at the UN soon!!
Clearing minefields on a pogo stick would be a good job.
Tea-Party (clever-)Trevor responds to his critics:
Just cos I ain’t never said, no, nothing worth saying
never ever, never ever, never ever
things ‘ave got read into what I never sad, ’till me mouth becomes me ‘ead
which ain’t not all that clever
and it’s not not saying one thing nor another
neither, either is ist anything I haven’t said, whatever
and it ain’t not proving that me mind ain’t moving
and I answer to the naem of Trever, however
knock me down with a feather
Clever Trevor
widebrows wonder wether Clever Trevor’s clever
either have they got
nor neither haven’t not
got no right to make a clot
our of Trevor
and The Tea Party
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT_vF9yzJUo
sleighted
What a hell of a way to rip the scab of a long festering wound that was supposedly starting to heal (a bit). A major throwing of toys from the safety of the cot with no regard to the broken toys and broken windows that will inevitable result in the playroom.
A spray of bile of this magnitude from a weasel running away because he was told that he wouldn’t get the lollipop he wanted can only have one outcome. Those left will definitely have cause to ponder their futures (or lack thereof) and, quite apart from the fact that Parliament will undoubtedly be a better place for his absence, some of real talent will be considering how much of their lives they are prepared to waste while being kept behind the scenes and away from important things like policy formation and party rejuvenation.
Way to go Chucky!!
Hi Chippie.
It would really suck if it turned out that “DavidW” was in some way connected to the Labour caucus. The last thin Labour needs is this kind of spiteful negativity.
It might suck OTH but you really wouldn’t be surprised now, would you?
This is the start of the healing, DavidW.
You are the scab.
When ya got an itch, the most natural thing to do is scratch it!
Besides, I don’t see any outrage, disassociation or condemnation of toxic Charles speech which would have to be one of the most self-destructive speeches ever given in my recollection. Mr mumble should be all over it like a rash.
Why would there be any condemnation of a gracious, honest, from the heart speech given by a Labour MP?
You’re not one of those Charles mentioned looking to hunt down and exclude the ‘enemies within’ are you?
You call that speech “gracious” CV (shudders visibly!) I would hate to hear one that was really loaded. Shearer should have invited him to piss off and not let the door hit his sorry arse on the way out.
It was not so much a speech as a great big one-fingered gesture at the Leadership, the Party and the membership. Might be OK in a gloves-off (very much closed door) session looking at what went wrong last election but to do it in public was to my mind unforgiveable, treacherous and self-defeating.
This, classless tantrum.
At least Cunliffe took his lumps like a Man ,Chuck on the other hand throws out his toys and runs of to NY to cry in Mums lap.
Pathetic individual.
lol you guys, I’m so sorry that karma works in this universe.
More is coming.
Happy Hunting
a great big one-fingered gesture at the Leadership, the Party and the membership.
Classic!
That’s “the membership” as in “the people”, Stalin’s version?
Who cares about the membership? Next you’ll be suggesting they should have a say … oh, hang on.
“Who cares about the membership?” I would say I’m gobsmacked, gobsmacked but that wouldn’t be true.
No, I was really talking about the loyal souls who have been continuing to prop up the Party’s dwindling financial resources year after year while the parliamentarians have their noses in the public trough and treat them with contempt in exactly the sort of way you have expressed.
You know, the people who really believe and can’t pack it in and bugger off to the UN, the people who save enough from their National Super to maintain membership as a matter of trust. Trust that the principles of the workers movement are being upheld and are not sacrificed on the alter of neo-liberal social engineering.
I would say that more than a few rank and file will be now saying “fuck it” I’ll buy another bottle of that sherry (overpriced because of Jim Anderton’s misguided tax) I like and skip my LP membership this year.
You’re very confused.
1) Do you understand who Chauvel was criticising? 2) Do you agree with those criticisms?
1) Mallard and the ABC
2) Yes, you do … if what you say about “trough” and “neo-lberal” means anything sincere.
Does it?
Hmmm, you’re not some sort of bridge dweller are you, David? Your messages are mixed, but I think the anti-Labour sentiment is starting to show through. Chauvel’s speech was pretty dignified in tone and he could have been far more explicit and even nasty if he’d wanted to, but clearly, his loyalty is to the party. Something nobody will ever say of Trevor Mallard.
Regarding the membership, numbers are up and will continue to improve as we move into the second phase of the reform process. Finances are also under control and I’m told donations from the private sector are also on the rise, as the likelihood of a change of Government becomes more apparent and business hedges its bets.
All in all, there is nothing in Chauve’s speech that party members don’t already know. The great thing about it is its honesty, the downside is that Charles won’t be around for the foreseeable future to help reform caucus.
Bravo to Charles Chauval for having the courage to say what he did without rancour or anything approaching petty, immature spite.
Heh !
I don’t know what the fuss is. He’s just another self serving bloke on the gravy train, he’s moved onto a better gravy train. What’s so special about having a legal mind. Keyboy is shafting us all with his legal position though 80% want to hold them in Public Ownership. 🙁
One of the better MP’s was Charles Chauvel, i actually pictured Him as a future Prime Minister more in that role,
Never mind Charles will be forgotten by next month, nah wait thats a couple of days away, the month after should be enough time in politics to erase Him from most memories,
Pity as much energy wasn’t expended picking at the SCABS of and that are the National Government as what gets expended here lambasting Labour,
Changing party allegiance to a more left leaning option would seem to be the best medicine for any perceived wrongs being currently committed by Labour…
Charles is smart and a good left winger but he was not so effective as a potential local MP. He needed to better Peter Dunne’s record of turning up to everything and being everywhere in the electorate and then he might have won the seat, but he seemed a bit bored by all that mundane stuff. And didn’t even live there which is always a bit of a negative.
What a rude fucking prick (Mallard and his tweet).
Absolute and undoubted proof he is In Labour for himself, not for Labour
A guy who repeatedly loses to Peter Dunne won’t be missed.
Superlative Windsor Knot; Dalziel and Pascoe (pronounced, De al)
You know we’re fucked when just coincidentally Paddy Gower tweets this – once Charles is out the door, of course.
Come on, you ABC chickenshits. At least own your catty, juvenile bullshit. Because this constant stream of cowardice just makes me more and more certain that Labour is completely fucked. I thought you’d won and we were all meant to line up behind the strong, committed leadership …
*sigh*. Juvenile, indeed… and as for Gower’s, Twitter page, hands-in pockets attempt to be cool boy wonder, cub reporter… *snigger*.
Winning: http://t.co/lFbQlRhkZH <– Roy Morgan, not pretty peeps. But don't worry, it's not the leadership's fault, or tactics, or anything really. It's just the wind. Now that Charles has gone it'll pick up; and Mallard has more time to tweet sweet nothings to whaleoil so it's good news actually.
So, in summary, the two things that the payroll-cheerleaders like to claim in Shearer’s favour are …
1) his conciliation skills, he can bring people together, and lead the MMP gov’t like he made UN peace.
2) the polls.
Neither are looking great right now.
Was there something else? I got nothing.
(Please don’t say “At least he’s not John Key.” I’m not John Key either. Why don’t you get behind me! Unite, so I can be Prime Minister, or else!).
3) mad guitar skillz
So how’s that trend looking now, I wonder?
come on rosy, you can’t rush these things, just give it another 6 months…
It’s most likely just a rogue trend…
No surprises with roy morgan,what the hell has to happen ?
That’s right we have got to say nothing,do nothing, type nothing, blog nothing, just
follow the leader,left,right,left right all the way to the edge of the cliff,where we all say
‘right’ and disappear into the abyss along with our hopes,wishes and dreams,at the moment
it looks like we really are that powerless.
Caucus, follow Charles advice and think of the people and the party and relinquish
your stranglehold on a much needed and wanted party,your time has commeth,give
it up, we want it back.
If this trend continues something is going to happen. Don’t ask me what because I haven’t a clue. I don’t have a lot of faith in the voting public, but they do seem to sense sometimes when something is wrong. They may not have a clue what it is, but they know Labour is currently not in a good place.
My view is the main reason for the malignant behaviour particularly on the part of Mallard is because deep down he knows what Charles Chauvel said is true. But he/they won’t admit it, even to themselves. Have a look at the very end of the video. Jacinda Ardern is doing all the right things (standing and clapping) but she’s furious. The body language and facial expression says it all. (I apologise to her here and now if I have misinterpreted her response.)
I’m sure Charles would have much preferred to have confined any criticism to the caucus, but I suspect a climate of fear has been created and no-one dares speak up. Sad, but that’s where I think it’s at…
I don’t think Ardern looks furious at the end of the video, but she doesn’t look very positive. Usually a farewell speech results in congratulations on a job well done. No such response from her. Ardern and Parker are clapping, but most of the time their backs are to Chauvel.
I don’t think it’s so much that the leadership team know Chauvel is right, but that they aren’t aware of their short-comings. I think they were second tier under Clark. They accepted it for that period, but thought that once Clark moved on, their time had come. They seem to believe they truly are top team, leadership material, and now they can do things the way they think they should be done. They are not aware that they are solid, second tier material, but every week they show they are not up to taking the leading roles.
Clearly they won’t go willingly, and will need to totally fail, or to be usurped. The latter is difficult because a section of the caucus needs renewal. I suppose it really needs the membership to be able to select more suitable new candidates: ones who will recognise the kind of leader parliamentary Labour needs in the current context.
Former staff sargeants fancying themselves with Generals stars
To me it looked like she was controlled in her anger, or not sure that she’d heard what she thought she had perhaps? But there was certainly a dearth of front bench MPs congratulating Charles. At the very least they should put the site of unity on given they were on camera. Heard there weren’t many MPs at his after function either.
I agree hush minx. She was angry or maybe shocked because she didn’t think he would do it, but it was well under control. After all they knew the cameras were on them. She and David Parker exchanged a very quick glance at each other after they rose to clap which I thought was quite telling. I guess the reason there weren’t many MPs at the after function was because the ABC Club called an urgent meeting in the caucus room. 🙂
That’s sort of what I was saying. Deep down they will know he’s right, but they won’t admit it even to themselves. I’ve seen it all before. They can’t let go of the power, the intrigues, the whole lifestyle. It gives them a feeling of self-importance (even omnipotence in some cases) which is hard to give up. The thought of becoming an ordinary citizen again fills them with horror. 🙂