Colin Craig wants help with his legal costs …
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- Date published:
11:47 am, March 7th, 2014 - 112 comments
Categories: conservative party, you couldn't make this shit up -
Tags: colin craig
If you want to donate money to someone extraordinarily wealthy who wants to suppress freedom of speech and bully opposition MPs into silence here is your chance.
What else can I say …
Update:
It has been pointed out to me that the wording on the Conservative donations page, the amount sought ($70,000) and the design of the page is extraordinarily similar to the Greens’ donation page. Even the group photo resembles the group photo used by the Greens.
Maybe they should include copyright breach in the issues to be explored.
Update: Toby Manhire has theorised that Craig is a local version of Ali G. And this is the only rational explanation there is for the phenomenon that is Colin Craig.
112 comments on “Colin Craig wants help with his legal costs … ”
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- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation 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 ...2 hours ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA 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 ...2 hours ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign 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 ...2 hours ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, 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 ...5 hours ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime 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 ...16 hours ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe 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 ...22 hours ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe 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 ...23 hours ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal 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 ...1 day ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe 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 - ...1 day ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit 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 ...1 day ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe 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 ...1 day ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe 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 ...1 day ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime 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 ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA 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 ...2 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’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 ...2 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed 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 ...2 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans 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 ...2 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...3 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...3 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...3 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...3 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...4 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...4 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...7 days ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...7 days ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Government redress for Te Korowai o WainuiāruaThe Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...1 week ago
- I wholeheartedly recommend The President: a brilliant revival of a play of decay, terror and revulsi...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...19 mins ago - How the coolest little capital is shrinking
It's not the first time a government has targeted public servants for job cuts, but this time Wellington is really feeling it. ...33 mins ago - Many prisoners go years without touching a smartphone. It means they struggle to navigate life on th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...34 mins ago
- Ministers accused of Cabinet Manual breach with threats to Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...34 mins ago - Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...35 mins ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mitochondrial Problem’ by Evangeline Riddiford Graham
A new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...37 mins ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending April 18The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38) Hot off the press, this debut ...38 mins ago
- Department of Conservation closing Dunedin centre, but no jobs lostVisitor habits are changing and DOC needs to adapt in a financially sustainable way, its operations director says. ...41 mins ago
- Unions Collaborate With Thousands Of Job Cuts
With New Zealand officially in recession, a swathe of mass sackings is currently sending shockwaves through the entire working class. ...50 mins ago - Watch live: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters in Manila after pledging greater defence cooperation with the Philippines. Watch live. ...1 hour ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreementThe contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...2 hours ago
- Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...2 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation staff cuts loom, with funding falling behind rising costsChief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...2 hours ago
- The ‘devil comet’ 12P/Pons-Brooks has finally become visible from Australia. What can we expect?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Pons–Brooks visible from Utah, March 9 2024. James Peirce/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a fan of all things space, you’ve doubtless heard about the “devil comet”, which has been captivating keen-eyed observers in the ...2 hours ago
- Rugby stadiums are sold as an economic asset – but NZ needs to ask if they’re really worth itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hamlin, Senior Lecturer in Marketing , University of Otago A multi-billion dollar stadium precinct has been proposed for Auckland, one of three proposals in front of Auckland Council for a new stadium in the city. The council is also considering revamping ...2 hours ago
- Auckland dog attacks: Callouts for attacks on other animals going upRoaming dogs are responsible for more than a thousand attacks on animals each year, and the number is growing. ...3 hours ago
- What access to puberty blockers means for trans young people and their whānauThe Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...3 hours ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensionsThe commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...4 hours ago
- How superblocks can help reimagine city lifeBarcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...4 hours ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...5 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...5 hours ago
- ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in IndiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...6 hours ago
- Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...6 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period productsYes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...6 hours ago
- Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...6 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...6 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...6 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...6 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...6 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...6 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...6 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, 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 up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...8 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...10 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...10 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 19 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 AprilLoading…(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 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Financial literacy should be on all of usOpinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Missy rustles to stardom in CanadaHineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...10 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
- Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China SeaNew Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...10 hours ago
- Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...10 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...10 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Ethnic tensions will complicate the Albanese government’s multicultural policy ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment earlier this year, he stressed the rising danger posed by espionage and foreign interference. “In 2024, threats to our way of life have surpassed ...15 hours ago
- Group plans work to improve safety of female MPsNew research shows harassment of elected officials - especially women - is on the rise. ...17 hours ago
- Ukraine warns of WW3 ahead of long-stalled Congress aid voteUkraine's Prime Minister says his country desperately needs the US to approve long-stalled security assistance. ...18 hours ago
- PSA astonished Education Minister expects hiring of contractors to review curriculumHiring contractors is an appalling solution when people who could do the work are losing their jobs, the PSA says. ...19 hours ago
- Crown lawyers attempt to block Waitangi Tribunal summons to Minister for ChildrenThe Tribunal had called on Minister for Children Karen Chhour to provide evidence at an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...20 hours ago
- Luxon refuses to guarantee public consultation on AUKUS Pillar 2Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's "far too premature" to be confirming whether the public would be consulted on joining AUKUS Pillar 2. ...21 hours ago
- Visualising the 1800s or designing wedding invitations: 6 ways you can use AI beyond generating textSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University Midjourney image by T.J. Thomson As more than half of Australian office workers report using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for work, we’re starting to see this technology affect every ...21 hours ago
- Falls, fractures and self-harm: 4 charts on how kids’ injury risk changes over time and differs fo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Nicole Sharwood, Injury epidemiologist | Expert Witness, UNSW Sydney Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock Injuries are the leading cause of disability and death among Australian children and adolescents. At least a quarter of all emergency department presentations during childhood are injury-related. Injuries can ...21 hours ago
- Choice and control: will NDIS reforms mean people with disability don’t get to decide who they liv...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Winkler, Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University Shutterstock/Ground Picture Many Australians with disability feel on the edge of a precipice right now. Recommendations from the disability royal commission and the NDIS review were released late ...22 hours ago
- Asbestos in playground mulch: how to avoid a repeat of this circular economy scandalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Salman Shooshtarian, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University Salman Shooshtarian Asbestos has been found in mulch used for playgrounds, schools, parks and gardens across Sydney and Melbourne. Local communities naturally fear for the health of their ...22 hours ago
- Could Albanese’s bet on homegrown green industries be the boost our regions deserve?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University Cloudy Designs/Shutterstock Right now, there’s a global race underway. The goal: bring back manufacturing and energy jobs as the energy transition speeds up. In 2022, America launched its mammoth Inflation Reduction Act and the ...22 hours ago
- Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon won't say if government will consult public on joining ...Asked multiple times if the public will be consulted on joining the defence pact, Luxon repeatedly said that was yet to be worked through. ...22 hours ago
- Watch live: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks in PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters on the third leg of his Southeast Asia trip, from Manila in the Philippines. ...23 hours ago
- Māori lawyers call Shane Jones' Waitangi Tribunal comments 'inappropriate'The Māori Law Society says his comments breach the principle of the separation of powers and the Cabinet Manual. ...23 hours ago
- Abortions Increase 25% Since Law ChangeFamily First says that the latest abortion statistics make grim and upsetting reading, with a 25% increase in abortions since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020. According to an Official Information Act request received by Right to Life ...24 hours ago
- Over Half Of New Zealanders Feel That The Country Is In Decline And That Our Society Is BrokenIpsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study on populism reveals a pervasive sense of societal and economic decline among New Zealanders. MORE DETAILS AND FULL REPORT HERE Ipsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study ...24 hours ago
- Australia’s new defence strategy is big on ideas, but lacks one key ingredient: well-trained soldi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow, Strategic Studies, Griffith University There have been a lot of defence announcements recently about buying new equipment, building up Australia’s manufacturing capabilities, creating local jobs, new legislation to support AUKUS and even a new defence chief. In ...1 day ago
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It’s hard to know which is worse.
The Green’s, whose members of parliament earn substantially more than their supporter base trying to scrounge funds from them or this mob.
Whose the rent a crowd in the photo?
“The Green’s, whose members of parliament earn substantially more than their supporter base “
lolz.
Oh hang on, you’re serious? You really think a handful of mps have more spare cash than the entire support base of the party?
Wow.
Would you say the same thing about the blessed Brian Tamaki and his flock fleecing? There are quite a few beneficiaries supprting the Greens – is it fair to ask them for donations?
Would you rather the Greens add “If you are a beneficiary, don’t donate.”? Wouldn’t that be condescending?
Also, last time I looked, the Green Party had quite a lot of support in the wealthier electorates.
Given that Russel Norman is being sued as a result of his actions in his role as Green Party co-leader then it makes sense that Green Party members – and their support base – be asked (not required) to help fund the defence?
After all, the supporters and members are partly responsible for making Norman their representative.
“Would you say the same thing about the blessed Brian Tamaki and his flock fleecing? There are quite a few beneficiaries supprting the Greens – is it fair to ask them for donations?”
That’s quite a stretch. The GP are not placing pressure on people to donate. As a beneficiary I have no problem at all with the GP asking the public to donate, or even asking me (I’m on the email list). I know that the GP will have no problem with me not donating if I can’t afford it.
I am a beneficiary, and I am now asking for “donations”, thanks!
Just another RWNJ trying to take power away from the many by telling them that they’re paying too much for their representatives.
you could say just like Russel Norman he has the right to seek donations to cover his costs
And I’m sure there are a few suckers out there who will
Windowlickers
And my answer to Craig’s tin rattling is the same as to Norman’s tin rattling: No. You both earn significantly more than the average New Zealander, if you are going to play sillybuggers you can pay for it yourselves.
Agreed
+1
+1
yep
Actually, the only person playing silly buggers here is Colin for thinking he can sue for defamation and then rattle the tin. How dare Norman not be bullied!
You do realise neither of them are asking one average new zealander to foot the bill.
Don’t you?
No, they’re asking a lot of average New Zealanders, and given that low income people and beneficiaries pay tax and are supporters of the Greens, they’re being asked too. It’s especially affronting in the Greens case because it’s effectively asking their supporters – no differentiation whether they’re vulnerable or not – to show their loyalty. In my book that’s not much better than Brian Tamaki asking for tithes.
Populuxe1, low income people are routinely asked for donations by charities, causes and organisations. That’s because they are part of society.
They are also, of course, exposed to advertising which is an attempt to gain what little money they have.
Like you, I don’t think low income people should be emotionally manipulated to spend their money on things that don’t have any discernible benefit for them. But I really can’t see why you are making a deal out of this particular instance.
Is this really your main point or are you just irritated that Russel Norman isn’t paying for this out of his own pocket and you’re using that argument as justification for your irritation?
If that is your view, then think it through. MPs who aren’t independently wealthy will always be potential targets for being sued about very many things that they may say in the course of being an MP. If they re-tell a constituent’s story that may put someone in a bad light; if they accuse a political opponent of lying; if they speak out about, for example, the unhealthy aspects of fast food made by a particular company – all potentially risky statements that could open them up to being sued.
Which is precisely why we have Parliamentary Privilege
“And my answer to Craig’s tin rattling is the same as to Norman’s tin rattling: No. You both earn significantly more than the average New Zealander, if you are going to play sillybuggers you can pay for it yourselves.”
GP MPs already donate a portion of their salary to the party. I don’t know if Norman could afford to fork out $70,000 himself, but given he is being sued for doing his day job, not something he did in his personal life, it makes sense that the GP help pay for that. This isn’t just about Norman, it’s about not aquiescing to a wealthy brat behaving like a child, and instead standing up for something of quite a lot of value.
I can’t see any reason to not ask for help from the public with that. This is how the GP stay solvent and in govt and do the job they were voted in to do. They fundraise publicly. It’s no different than asking for help with any of their other campaigns. Or do you think the GP MPs should pay for all that as well?
Norman could apply for legal aid as well, however if he was doing his day job I don’t see why he couldn’t have used Parliamentary Privilege and saved us all the bother.
This isn’t campaigning. Campaigning has strict rules and fewer law suits
Legal aid, lol. You are really off track here.
What do you mean if it was his day job?
I thought parliamentary privilege applied to things said in parliament. I doubt that Norman cleverly decided to make the comments outside of parliament knowing that Craig would sue him and then he could use the publicity to… what exactly? You think the GP doesn’t have better things to do?
“If” is the usual way of doing logic – if, then, therefore.
And if Norman is so clever I would assume he would realise that Craig is litigious and think skinned, and would have saved us all the bother by making his statement under Parliamentary Privilege.
There is no if. Norman was speaking as a GP MP. And he couldn’t have used parliamentary privilege because he was speaking at the Big Gay Out. Unless you are suggesting that the Big Gay Out should have been held as part of parliament. Give it up dude, you’re not making any sense.
No, I’m suggesting that if Norman was specifically concerned about Craig, he should have raised the issue in Parliament. It would have been quite sufficient to mock Craig’s whole “homosexuality is a choice” shtick to great effect at the BGO without crossing any potential lines. As it stands it feels more like political point scoring off the struggles of LGBT.
Actually Pop, Russel can raise the issue (Key’s low standards in picking teammates) in any forum he likes.
And yes, Colin and Key can respond in any way they like, including silly lawsuits.
And Russel can fund his defense of those silly lawsuits anyway he likes, including asking like-minded people to contribute.
I am genuinely struggling to see what your issue is.
Rogue, Max, Lanth and the tinfoilhat all agree with Pop which = Fuck all.
What’s your point?
I thought I was pretty clear Lath that I consider yours and the others opinion as hardly a great endorsement of Pop’s statement.
I will leave it there.
Hang on don’t the loser pay the winners costs?? then Colon Craig may need a hand to pay it all.
You gotta be joking !
Unfortunately I don’t think Colin Craig has a sense of humour …
Yeah I don’t know so much….. if liberalism is so great, so progressive, and of course so liberal, then surely true liberals such as Russel would not object to hearing the conservative arguement?
If liberalism can’t stand the challenge of itself being challenged – by what Russle says is ‘outdated’ – then how suited really is liberalism to democracy and society at large?
Really when you think about it – why would anyone need to defend ‘liberal democratic society” – by making it less liberal in practise as Russel is trying to do by silencing an arguement?
Is Russel really a ‘true liberal leader’ behaving like that? He is looking rather stupid to the educated voter.
Why is Russel so scared of the conservative arguement being expressed by just 5% of voters – if they get elected that is – and with National not willing to ‘roll-over’ in government to a minor party who would surely then ‘tea party’ the national voters and caucus?
Mr Craig I think, is going to have the last laugh with Russel.
“Yeah I don’t know so much….. if liberalism is so great, so progressive, and of course so liberal, then surely true liberals such as Russel would not object to hearing the conservative arguement?”
No objects to Colin saying what ever he wants to say. No cares if conservatives express their arguments. No one is trying to stop Colin Craig expressing himself.
So why then would Russle make such appalling allegations against him?
They’re nothing more than outdated, outragous and demeaning slogans.
I shudder to think what women and gay men thought when hearing those disgusting statements from someone who says ‘I and the Greens represent them.’
Mr Craig is not on the record anywhere for saying that rubbish – but Russel Norman is.
Mr Cunliffe would never use the word N***** if Maori’s were the topic of discussion and he wanted to infer something negative!
Why excuse Russle Norman’s lack of judgement – or are gay men and women less in standing around here than say – Maori?
Like I said : Mr Craig I think, is going to have the last laugh with Russel.
Dolt45, provide us a link to the supposed word you accuse Russell of using against Maori, you might think it is really clever to attempt to link Russell to racist slurs here at the Standard knowing the stick anyone who portrays racist attitudes round here gets,
Making such allegations without providing the proof means your use by date is fast approaching…
Yep, Colt 45 just sent one into own foot.
“So why then would Russle make such appalling allegations against him?” thats not diminishing colins right to free speech dimwit
and if colin wants to debate why the fuck isnt he.. you know… debating
calling the lawyers isnt debating – its using your power to silence that which you dont like
as for the rest of it – lay of the drink mate – its utter gibberish
What a weird comment, you seem to be living in some kind of alternate reality. Norman said that Craig didn’t believe in equal rights for women or homosexuals. Instead of arguing against Norman, Craig decided to sue Norman. To most sane people, Craig is obviously the one who is afraid of the argument and is trying to silence Norman, not the other way around.
Of course he would sue him – and gay men and women of dignity would support that!
Read what I said above.
‘standards’ of behaviour at the ‘Standard’ seem to be rather lax it appears.
Dolt45, what you said above is meaningless bullshit without the provision of proof…
i would say its meaningless bullshit because its doesnt make any fucking sense – it hasnt even gotten to – “lets see the proof” yet
No, the correct response is not to sue Norman but to say that “those views are wrong and I fully support equal rights for women and homosexuals, including marriage equality”.
Anyway, you still haven’t explain how the whole situation means that Norman is avoiding the argument and silencing Craig, rather than the other way around.
Well, Colt 45, there goes my theory about drinking in the daytime making you smarter.
Keep the Greens honest?
I’m pretty sure that the greens were being honest. Perhaps the invective used was hyperbolic but the message was right on the money.
Funny.
Greens ask for donations to help fight a stupid lawsuit from rich bully-boy.
Rich bully-boy sees this and asks for donations for said stupid lawsuit.
Crazy Craig’s been sniffing chemtrails again…
If it happened in reverse order, it wouldn’t be any less stupid
Actually, it would be less stupid:
Rich bully-boy asks for donations for a stupid lawsuit.
Greens see this and ask for donations to help fight said stupid lawsuit from rich bully-boy.
Because the greens aren’t the ones taking stupid lawsuits in response to someone criticising them and that someone’s opinions of their beliefs.
Shit, it’s not like the Greens’ beliefs have ever been disrespectfully described, not least of which by me (bunch of lentil-eating hippies, the lot of them). And as far as I know not one of their officials has sued someone because of it.
No, you are absolutely right. This is much more stupid
Hopefully, Craig will keep it up – good for the greens, bad for him
And if your auntie had balls she’d be your uncle. But she doesn’t, and it didn’t, so so fucking what?
Yes Judas tried to hide amongst the Twelve Apostles.
The difference between the photo used by the Greens and the Conservatives, is that the Greens are clearly all in the same room together and not photoshopped.
Have to wonder why the Conservatives are photoshopped – it’s like they’ve never all been together in the same room. Fairly odd for a political party, I would have thought.
Might be worth running those photos through a matching engine to see who they are of (and if any are stock). I’d do it, but I’m too busy working to keep my income above the Green MPs (who all give a chunk of their salary to party funds).
The people in the Conservative photo are not from generic stock photos.
They are the “high profile” Conservative candidates.
Or they’re showing Dot Com tech heads and youth of NZ that they represent them and ‘their future’ and are also senseable with money. The Conservatives arn’t luddites it appears – which is a sensable look given the alegations that Russel is making.
Wow a Conservative Party troll who cannot spell sensible …
How sensible is it to blow $140k in legal fees just so Craig can say “told you so”?
Too easy Harriet.
LOL
Hi David!!!
It’s harriet, one of his conservonutter residents.
Oh, that will teach me for being unfamiliar with the Kiwiblog inmates..
Um, you’re saying they can use photoshop therefore they aren’t luddites?
Sorry, but the quality of that image is very very bad.
Realistically your choices are:
1. Have everyone in person and take a group photo
2. Do a very good photoshop job so people can’t tell you didn’t do #1
Conservatives have clearly gone for:
3. Get someone who “knows computers” to put together a group-shot using whatever random portraits of your members they can find, because you all hate each other too much to be seen together.
lol the photo is a shocker, so terrible it’s embarrassing. ‘Keep the Greens honest” ? I mean only really dim types give free advertising to their opponents – very deep fail on so many levels for those conservative party-ites – not that anyone will care too much apart from the laugh it gives.
Lolz, the bloke standing behind what looks like an anal retentive Colin gives every impression He has an affliction of an entirely opposite nature,
He has a face on which every kid would know as ”oops i have just let slide a big one in my pants and have to try like hell to pretend i havn’t”…
Yeah the youth will support idiots who can use photoshop and overlook the fact that their gay friends are expected to stay in a closet…
“Dot Com tech heads”
1 – “dot com” is very 80s which kinda points to you not knowing what your talking about
2 – i would wager that the bulk of IT and digital media specialists dont tend to be the same bent as the call the lawyers party
dude – just stop, your making a huge fool of yourself
They could set up a blind trust I suppose…
But seriously this is pathetic from the gay hating thin skinned lunatic known as Colin Craig. I thought people were giving him air time because of the humour element. Lets all laugh at the clown who doesn’t believe in the moon landing. Butit has gone past that point now. Do we have to hear from him again?
Lolz, didn’t i just walk into KiwiBank this morning and make a deposit in the ”Crazy Colin Craig Fund”…
What would happen if a few thousand people donated, say $0.05 each?
100 dollars to fund your maths education?
Seems like a few people are willing to help ol’ Colin out. his fund has collected $50,000 in under a day.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11215841
“The account had already collected around $50,000 including a one-off donation of more than $25,000.”
guess who donated that
and so what – having rich party backers mean diddly in regards to popularity and righteousness
no need to guess – it’ll be on the register in a wee while…
If colin craig put 100 bucks into the account of 500 members to enable them to donate to his fighting fund would he have to declare that he donated to himself?
Yes Colin is behaving like a petulent toddler. But I don’t think much more of Russell’s behaviour either. Russel said that:
Colin believes women should be in the home and gays in the closet.
When asked to substantiate this he stated that
Colin believes women are promiscous and being gay is un-natural.
and
I find that personally offensive.
Firstly, even if we accept that statement 2 is true, it does not follow logically that 1 is therefore true
Secondly, statement 3 is a brain burp not a thought. Colin’s assertions in 2 can be verified or otherwise based on empirical evidence plus defining terms. Their truth or falsehood is totally independent of anyone’s feelings. Why on earth would anyone care what Russell, or anyone else FEELS about it, unless they are lovers or friends of his. Russell is not my friend and his feelings don’t come into it.
russel normans words are just a paraphrasing of colin craigs public statements
Colin believes women are promiscous = Colin believes women should be in the home
being gay is un-natural. = gays in the closet.
its all common vernacular stuff and everythign being said is a fairly legit take on things going by common and historical use of language on issues of homosexuality and womens rights. Russel norman isnt claiming a fact – hes saying “based on colins public statement i take them to mean “X”
you guys have some major logic issues going on
“you guys have some major logic issues going on”
+1
Actually, I think that we should all care about the personal opinions of our elected representatives and those who wish to be such.
Their personal beliefs indicate their bias when moral or imprecise issues are before the House.
Worst case scenario, Russel Norman is someone who believes he should personally oppose discrimination and its supporters wherever possible. “Worst case”? Sorry, I meant “best case”.
i think we have to be wary of this little bait and switch being pulled here – MM is trying (just like colin craig) to turn it away from “what one could logically assume based on colins public statements” to “hes talking about evidence in a study”
its a distraction
true that.
He also said that he is standing up for a fair NZ where all of us are valued (me paraphrasing). His finding of Craig’s beliefs to be personally offensive mirrors what lots of NZers feel, and given he is the co-leader of the third biggest political party in this country, that’s relevant.
“Firstly, even if we accept that statement 2 is true, it does not follow logically that 1 is therefore true.”
The first statement is only a problem for people that can only think literally. Obviously Norman was shorthanding Craig’s sexism and homophobia by using two very well known turns of phrase. The only people that think that Norman was being literal are Craig and pedants.
ie: “colin craig doesnt think gay people should stay in closets” – as in a physical closet
Just seen your and McFlock’s comments 🙂
He prefers us out where his SS can find us
I would love to see him state that he’s never literally pushed a gay person into an actual closet, nor stood at the kitchen door, shooing a woman back into it.
“The only people that think that Norman was being literal are Craig and pedants.”
Nah, not even them really.
As other’s have already pointed out, this is complete bullshit. It is impossible to use rational or logical reasoning to determine if 1 is true, simply because statement 1 is a figurative statement. Therefore, statement 1 doesn’t have a objectively defined meaning and therefore any interpretation of that statement is necessarily subjective.
Yip.
You really should wait for the second week of Philosophy 101 lectures before you try addressing sophisticated notions such as logic, Michael. It’s easier to just say god told you. None of us can prove you wrong then.
“Keep the Greens Honest”
Scary photo and it seems the money is ‘pooring’ in from the Christians I suppose and you really have to wonder wouldn’t this money be better spent helping a few poor souls instead of pissing it away on some frivolous law suit.
Collin Craig is a cowardly fool like most God botherers, manly because when anyone questions or challenges there beliefs they’re never honest about it, they can never deliver with any facts to back up their belief and so they lie to themselves, others and let others lie to them, the “Keep the Greens Honest” cry is hilarious.
Message to Colin Craig Conservatives:
Pig headed denial of evidence is not faith. Prov 8:22-31; Psalm 19
Blind obedience to authority is not faith. Acts 17:11
Dull failure to think critically is not faith. 1 Thess 5:21
Faith is an intuitive leap, an inference of hope, a subjective spiritual experience. Heb. 11
We live in a secular democracy and it is wrong to impose religious strictures on people who don’t share those values. 1 Cor 5:12
No, no, you are wrong, the mullahs did it in Iran, we must have the same “rights” here in NZ! Colon Cringe just wants “equal rights”, nothing less or more.
Colin never said that, though did he. Norman just alleged that he did.
Maybe that spelling mistake was just an honest typo.
Go Colin, up in the polls too.
Norman didn’t allege that Craig said anything. Here’s what he said, see if you can prove he is wrong
“Now the thing about Colin Craig is he thinks that a woman’s place is in the kitchen and a gay man’s place is in the closet.”
If Russell’s comments are to be excused on the basis they are hyperbole, then so are accusations that the Green’s policies will see us living in the stone age all singing Kumbaya around the campfire. Both are straw man fallacies. And saying somthing is offensive is simply another form of the ad hominem argument; no different from saying Colin is a plonker.
One thing I used to admire the Greens for was that they rose the standard of debate above the gutter and attacked issues, not personalities. But starting with their John Key “Muldoon” comments they now seem to be slipping in their debating standards and are getting no better than the rest.
The difference in this instance being that the Greens have not taken vexatious defamation cases to the courts to silence what you describe.
“One thing I used to admire the Greens for was that they rose the standard of debate above the gutter and attacked issues, not personalities.”
Good point. The Greens scored points with me for keeping to the issues and keeping out of the sandpit. They shouldn’t buy in to the personality politics and petty name-calling bullshit.
Do you think that Craig is sexist and homophobic? Should Norman talk about that or not?
Yep, has certainly given me that impression. And No, because he doesn’t need to. All he has done is waste time and resources on a pointless cock fight.
Ok, let me get this right. Are you saying that, during an election year, the co-leader of a left wing party shouldn’t raise questions about/point out the prejudice of the beliefs of the leader of a right wing party?
No. How on earth could you interpret what I said to mean that? Are you saying that Colin Craig has made the statements Norman alleges? Because if he has, then great. Post the evidence. If he hasn’t made those statements, why bother suggesting he has? My impression is that Norman comes out of this looking more stupid than Craig. And look at the waste of time and energy this little spat really is. I’d never vote for Craig anyway. Nothing needed to be said by Norman.
Did you look up a list of logical fallacies and decide that throwing a few into your comment would make you seem to be smart? Unfortunately for you, it’s actually doing the opposite.
Norman’s comments are not hyperbole. They are figurative ways of saying that Craig does not support equal rights for women or homosexuals. Is it really that hard to understand? Did you really think that Norman literally meant that Colin Craig believes that women should stay in the kitchen and gays should stay in the closet?
Isn’t this more of a new right wing tactic? Use the money you have to put your opposition into a position where they have to pay legal or court fees. Both are now absolutely unaffordable for most of the people in our society that the laws apply to. Hence for most people there is no effective civil law.
When used in the political arena it is looking to shut up anybody who disagrees with the RW view.
Used on Len Brown where ratepayer funds went to the RW and they tried to get him to pay towards the cost as well as that of his own lawyers. I reckon he personally would have been up for $100,000 plus.
Wouldn’t it be nice if substantial court costs were awarded.
And while I’m here. Comments on NZ women being promiscuous- one assumes that they are being promiscuous with er promiscuous NZ blokes?
Or is there a number for the girls and a higher one for the boys? or does the internet have a different answer?
Are we not all equal in front of the law – will a judge have to decide on these numbers? Can he make them different?
“Are we not all equal in front of the law – will a judge have to decide on these numbers? Can he make them different.”
Who is the “he” in your final sentence above? Hopefully not the judge. We have a lot of “she” judges now.
LOL – just stirring!
Hangs head in shame. Quite right veuotviper the judge should be s/he
Colin Craig wants help with his legal costs?
Russel Norman needs help with his legal costs, because the TAXPAYER will pay for the loser
Michael Morris,
“woman’s place is in the home” or “kitchen”
is a common colloquialism. It implies a fossilised viewpoint on the issue of equality between the sexes.
Good luck proving that using a figure of speech in this manner is defamatory.
Norman only has to point to the “promiscuous” quote to show Craig applies double standards to the differing sexes. I’m sure there are other examples available.
This case is has the same level of stupidity as the that taken against NIWA by climate change deniers, who were so divorced from reality that they believed in the fantasy of their own creation.
This is Bullshit, as Colin Craig may not be the richest amongst us, but he has previously shown he is not shy of spending millions on his campaigns for mayor of Auckland, for his election ambitions now, and whatever else. He is doing this with ulterior motives, simply to get more attention and to make this a “public” issue, nothing else.
Well, good on him for trying, but any intelligent and sensible person must see through what he does and claims. This is not worth the attention he seeks!
Not only does CC think women belong in the kitchen and gays in the closet; but also that parents should be able to assault their children[1]. I’m sure CC would use weasel words and legal clauses but the end result would be the same. What a pillock.
[1] ref: con party website, search for ‘smacking’
Something about all this has slipped beneath the radar.
Russel’s statements about Colin were actually in the context of criticising John Key. It was in the context of ‘look at Key, he’s such a scumbag that he’s even willing to team up with Colin Craig who hates women and gays.
Wonder if John Key’s secret trust will be supporting Colin financially…
I will never understand those very religious who trump integrity as a moral yet cannot identify a lack of it in their leaders.
Can CC point to any public statements supporting women in the workplace (eg an extension of paid parental leave, more women on boards of directors, or more female MPs?) or respect for gay people (eg marriage equality, adoption rights?). If not, it’s hard to imagine how he hopes to “prove” his case.
This whole issue is muddle-headed. Does CC want his supporters to think that he DOES approve of the policies listed above? One doubts whether many of them do.