I, Vipertacus

Written By: Zetetic - Date published: 10:28 pm, December 8th, 2012 - 192 comments
Categories: democracy under attack, democratic participation, The Standard - Tags:

Just wanted to say, seeing so many of the regulars change their name in honour of Colonial Viper is awesome. That tells me this is a real community. We discuss, argue, fight, and we respect. We’re not like the disgrace of an MP who has hounded CV into silence because she can’t handle honest criticism (and she’s not just a disgrace for that – she’s the first Labour MP in the history of her seat to let it go blue). Proud of you lot for standing beside our own against a bully.

192 comments on “I, Vipertacus ”

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Visubversaviper 1

8 December 2012 at 10:47 pm

I have been bullied before in the Labour Party, but always by the loosing side!
the sprout, coronial piper 2

8 December 2012 at 10:51 pm

Agreed Zet. Great to see the real left standing up against the rogernome retread hijackers currently running the Labour caucus.

My friends were heavied in an attempt to intimidate me to stop posting during the leadership contest between Shearer and Cunliffe. Clearly someone in Wellington didn’t like me saying their pony was a rightwing puppet who couldn’t lead a party to save himself. Despite me only stating the obvious, it spurred a pretty awful and nasty intimidation campaign. They knew the people being threatened weren’t me, but they knew too that doing that to my friends would quieten me. How shitty North-Korean is that?

So far it’s been CV, millsy, Peter Wilson, and me – that I know of – but who knows who else has been leaned on to shut up?

Here are some more eloquent comments from other leftwing bloggers on the jaw dropping stupidity of some in the caucus (and the rest of the caucus that doesn’t stop it and thereby tacitly endorses it):

http://ideologicallyimpure.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/i-thought-no-one-read-blogs-anyway/
http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/gagging-membership.html
http://tumeke.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/labour-to-censor-mps-from-blogosphere.html
http://www.recessmonkey.org.nz/2012/12/07/stopwhinging/

This shit really has to stop or the whole caucus will be on the receiving end of a no-win escalation.
- QoTViper 2.1
  
  8 December 2012 at 11:55 pm
  
  Sprout posts links so I don’t have to look egotistical. Ta! 🙂
- David Viperious H 2.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:22 am
  
  Well there you go now, you labourite traitorous witch, now you have enough Vipers, to keep you busy for a while. And you do know how dangerous a nest of Vipers is. Don’t you?
- Craig Glen viper 2.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:53 pm
  
  I was leaned on by Mr Robertson via one member who we are not allowed to talk about because he’s been naughty he voted for members to have more of a say in the Labour Party leadership.
ColonialPete 3

8 December 2012 at 11:02 pm

It’s a shocking state of affairs. Who the bloody hell does she think she is?
Zorrviper 4

8 December 2012 at 11:31 pm

Ah, so that is what it has been all about…

CV shouldn’t be put through that at all

Also, New Zealand, I’m going to miss you. I’m not going anywhere but another term under these NActoids will make you virtually unrecognizable to me and the Labour party are proving just how much they are striving to lose…
Copperhead 5

8 December 2012 at 11:43 pm

Right, time for me to start really writing and blogging myself. I welcome any politician and/or their flunkies to try to bully me, in fact, I almost look forward to it 🙂 It would seem to me, that whoever is calling the shots in the Labour party is failing to get any synapses to fire. The entire caucus seems to open there mouths to change feet.

Kia Kaha Tangata, they need us more than we need them, somehow some have forgotten this and will have to be reminded gently, loudly and as often as possible! Night folks.
fender/same sentiment less eloquent Viper 6

9 December 2012 at 12:00 am

Yes it’s great the way people have rallied in support of CV and free speech for all. And some of the names thought up are brilliant, I like Vindow Viper especially.

Hope this blows up in “her” face like “she” never expected, but seriously who in their right mind would attempt such a vile witch hunt? Can’t be anyone worth having in a NZ parliament, “she” should come clean and apologise or be sent packing.
- the sprout 6.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:03 am
  
  Odds on that nice Mr Shearer doing anything about it?
  - QoTViper 6.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 12:05 am
    
    Hey now, it’s not like displaying a complete lack of interest in criticism or debate or understanding of how the internet works could damage the party. Not the way a trumped-up media-created logistically-impossible leadership challenge could. No discipline necessary.
  - fender/same sentiment less eloquent Viper 6.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 3:11 am
    
    About as likely as hearing him say something without the awkward stumbling of a toddler?
Rhinoviper 7

9 December 2012 at 12:17 am

Well I, not being a Labour party member, have nothing to lose, so I enjoy a certain freedom to say that I am quite astonished – not at the audacity, the cruelty, the authoritarianism, but the sheer bloody stupidity of Curran, someone I already knew was not not quite the sharpest tool in the shed full of blunt instruments.

How the Hell did she delude herself into thinking that this wouldn’t get out? This is the member delegated to deal with social media and, well, as Talleyrand said, her behaviour is not only wrong, it is is a mistake, and if she can’t comprehend how withering such a criticism might be, then…

Sorry, I’m going to need surgery to remove my palm from my face. It’s almost as dumb as something Mallard might do (and I know that this is not the first time that she has shown herself to be an utter incompetent when it comes to understanding the web).

The blogs could be Labour’s strongest tool, and yet they think this Internet fad thingy is just going to go away or can be “managed” somehow.

Words fail me – really – how can anyone be so stubbornly thick ?

What century do these fools inhabit?

Anyway, since I’m sure that this metaphor will come up soon, King Canute did indeed stage a demonstration at the seaside in which he ordered the rising tide to retreat. However, the real king did so to demonstrate to his sycophantic courtiers that no-one, not even a king, could command tides.

There’s a lesson in that, Curran, Mallard, Goff, King, Robertson and Shearer, and all your Mini-Me’s like Hipkins.
- rosy viper 7.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:29 am
  
  but the sheer bloody stupidity of Curran
  
  But. Is it [only] Curran? Doesn’t this suggest a different Shearer groupie?
  
  she’s the first Labour MP in the history of her seat to let it go blue
  - Rhinoviper 7.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 12:38 am
    
    I agree absolutely.
    
    I merely pointed out that one more idiot was making one more fuck up.
    
    If there’s one thing, one slogan to deliver, it is this, and it should be repeated to the Labour caucus at every opportunity every time they screw up, every time they are asleep at the wheel – which means all the time:
    
    YOU CALL YOURSELVES OUR REPRESENTATIVES. YOU WORK FOR US – REMEMBER THAT. YOU ARE DELEGATED TO WORK FOR US AND WE DESERVE BETTER
- Copperhead 7.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:30 am
  
  +1
  - Colon Viper 7.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 3:43 am
    
    +2
    - Copperhead 7.2.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 9:25 am
      
      +6 for your new name, very creative.
      - viperidae 7.2.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 9:46 am
        
        +2
        
        The viper formerly known as KJT.
        
        I found out how important anonymity was when POAL heavied my employer after I posted about the fuckup that is POAL, in another blog, under my real name.
        
        Also years ago when I was on a US oil rig opposing the removal of cabotage.
        I will always be grateful to the American toolpusher, who refused to sack me for my politics, even though he did not agree with them.
        
        Fortunately my current employer works well with unions, and had no problem with me, but that is not always the case.
        
        I no longer think that the current Labour caucus are different enough from National to be worth getting them in.
        
        It may be better to let National, and the current Labour caucus, fuckup, another three years so we actually get a Government that believes in democracy (even if it is only the travesty called representative democracy) and free speech. Let them fuckup so badly that we start to demand real democracy and real rights to protest without being heavied.
        
        At present I cannot see any other answer.
        
        Instead of attacking National’s reverting to authoritarian dictatorship, Labour are joining it!
        
        NoseViper (The Nose knows) 7.2.1.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 12:45 pm
        
        viperidae 7.2 1 1 1
        Leave the present political shower to fight over the leavings of our country and then we come in after and try and fix?? There has already been much lost that we hold dear in our democracy. Another three years, we just might be left with the bare boards of a warehouse empty of valuable society-building and maintaining policies and further we’ll find we’re under surveillance to ensure that we can’t get capacity to attempt a reinstall of the good stuff.
        
        There are numbers of political tools that can be used against the people’s best interests in a democracy. Look at the other democracies ‘real’ and sham. It’s hard to tell which is which sometimes. Democracy is just a vehicle for running the country and needs constant checking and oversight to keep it running right. We’ve found sadly, that you can’t take your eyes off the road without damage.
        
        We have had our system badly overhauled by neo lib contractors with no commitment to the clients, the stakeholders, the people, except themselves and their next payoff. What’s left of our precious must be fought for. They don’t make them like this any more.
- David Viperious H 7.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:34 am
  
  “There’s a lesson in that, Curran, Mallard, Goff, King, Robertson and Shearer, and all your Mini-Me’s like Hipkins.”
  
  The Lesson is that they don’t get back in. And we get some people who actually know how to turn on and use a Computer. Who, if really pushed can actually string words together, to make things called sentences.
Neoleftie Viper 8

9 December 2012 at 12:53 am

Clare is caucus sec and rep to council so she is the front person on this and spokesperson for ITC logic would place her at the front of this issue within the power clique.

Context Clare has said some unusual statement over the last few years even posting on whale oil etc.

I think this is a witch hunt to silence dissent within the ranks, limit freedom of speech and opinions and stop the power balancing shift to the members and is out to protect the great leader. After all the clique have a plan to win the election.

First cunliffe, then left active bloggers, who next I wonder. Couldn’t they just take it to the Tories and do the job we demand of them. They represent us after all.

Words have power after all, I wonder what deeds and real actions could do.
R 9

9 December 2012 at 1:11 am

Honestly, if you pay membership fees or vote as part of that crew you’re condoning the bullying treatment they’ve handed out to your mate. Disgusting. Anyone who thinks they can effect change by remaining a member of that party is now tarred with the bullies’ brush.
- bill-viper-browne 9.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:12 am
  
  Bullshit,
  
  I just renewed my membership as the only way, if we get a chance in Feb, of pushing these bastards out.
  - AkldASP 9.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 1:33 pm
    
    I call bullshit on that as well – my membership is there for the same reasons it’s always been which has nothing to do with the bullying of bloggers, as b-v-b said Feb will give us the chance to remove the leadership and any soft right leaning policy shifts the party may be heading toward.
    - R 9.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 3:51 pm
      
      right-oh. I’ll apologise when that happens.
- Tree Viper 9.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:05 pm
  
  You cannot defend the indefensible (bullying internally or externally) and those causing the bullying need to ask themselves what do they expect to gain from silencing and bullying members just because they do not agree with the leadership of the Labour party?
Neoleftie Hidden Viper 10

9 December 2012 at 1:19 am

The first viper to post at red alert

I propose we show solidarity and swamp red alert with the innocent comments.
Come on I cry rise rise up the Viper Army.
- Viper73 10.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:49 am
  
  I would but I’ve been (cue irony) banned…
  - rosy viper 10.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:01 am
    
    haha that’s too funny!. Well done (but I’m guessing it didn’t take much to be banned from there).
    
    Sorry Neoleftie, I won’t post on RA. I hear the sysop is a bit dodgy on the privacy side of things… just a rumour 😉
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 10.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:04 am
    
    They deleted the post.
    Very innocuous post agreeing with the post.
    Oh well at least they have my email address and full name now.
    Every work day I look out at Clare office….funniest thing ever is design of office, a small hatch slide window is access for the people, not open at all.
    A walled off outpost in a sea of desperate people that is South D where Clare when she is there can look out the glass walls and see…what I wonder…her reflection.
    
    Still I am a double ticker call me thicker than water if you may or feb
    - Just viping 10.1.2.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 9:21 am
      
      You gonna call in at her next clinic?
      - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 10.1.2.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 10:07 am
        
        Good idea,
        “free CV” badge and t shirt.
        What do you think…time for some accountability. All part of reconnecting to the electorate and base members.
        
        rosy viper 10.1.2.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 10:16 am
        
        “free CV” badge and t shirt.
        
        Nah. Just an innocent pic of a Colonial Viper should do it.
        
        Jenny …
        
        9 December 2012 at 10:40 am
        
        I couldn’t find any pics of a Colonial Viper but I have found some of an Imperial Viper
        an ugly looking creature if you asked me. More emblematic of CV’s opponents.
        
        Rosey the following photo is more how I would picture the Labour Party witch hunt against those who post comments here.
        
        This is not the droid you’re looking for
- Colonial Weka 10.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:13 am
  
  People need to be aware of the risks of posting at Red Alert
  
  http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-07122012/comment-page-1/#comment-559704
- mike e vipee 10.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:01 pm
  
  a viper pit
SouthDeezViper 11

9 December 2012 at 1:25 am

Can anyone please give me some more detail of what’s happened here?

I’ve been coming here on a regular basis for a few years now and, although I rarely post anything, I often find the comments to be more stimulating than the article they’re attached to. By no means is this to suggest that I find the articles to be ill informed nor poorly written, or whatever, but that statement is a testament to how illuminating I find much of the debate that takes place on this blog. For example, I’m currently taking a Bachelor of Social Work, and I’ve trawled through here on several occasions looking for ideas when I’ve had assignments due that covered social policy. Especially so when I’ve wanted to check for some well-crafted musings on neoliberal welfare discourse, the social effects of free-market policies, and general critiques of capitalism.

Anyway, one of the names that has always stuck out for me here is Colonial Viper. Admittedly, I didn’t always agree with the dude, but I most definitely always took the time to read through what he had to say if he was discussing a topic of interest for me. I don’t really know what else to say other than, this is fucking bullshit.

Kia Kaha CV
Jenny 12

9 December 2012 at 1:44 am

All the signs are that the Shearer gang still have the numbers in caucus to prevent a membership vote in February.

They have achieved this by using the current rules, threatening to demote any MP who dares stand up to them.

I thought that this would remain the current state of affairs up to and past February.

And that’s where it would have ended. The membership may have been disgruntled but would have still got behind caucus come the election.

However this latest effort to crush democracy inside the Labour Party that has so incensed people, makes me wonder if the Shearer gang has gone to far.

There is no doubt that the Shearer gang controls caucus. But now that they are determined to reach down into the lower ranks to exert their authority, (that is barely legitimate), they may have started something they cannot stop.

That is, a will from the membership to have their way. Against the minority of caucus that seek to frustrate that will. The ABCs did it in the original selection for leader and they did it again by demoting Cunliffe from any responsible role post conference. And they intend to continue to frustrate the membership desire for change come February……..

Unless…….. the membership are so upset they choose to go to defcon 1, and react to caucus threats with threats of an organised membership strike against any MP that overrides the wishes of their LEC and votes with the Shearer gang.

So all bets are off.

And there is still a chance that the current leadership could be overturned come February and a more left leaning caucus united by a forceful, tested and experienced leader could see the Nats and Key facing a real and determined opposition party.
- Colon Viper 12.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 3:42 am
  
  If they are being bullied into keeping quiet, it just shows what a gutless bunch of lackeys they are then…..
  - Grant Hay 12.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:39 am
    
    What kind person stops posting their passionately held opinions just because a chinless wonder in the Labour hierarchy goes on a “witch-hunt”. They dont actually burn witches any more and the ruling faction doesn’t have the powers of a witch-finder pursuivant. If Labour’s activist base is more concerned with membership of a dysfunctional party which ceased representing the working class decades ago, rather than the right to freedom of expression, then there truly is no hope for reclaiming the party from the clique that hijacked it in the first place.
- Colonial Weka 12.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:00 am
  
  Karol, that deserves a post of its own. For instance, why do you think that the ABCs have the numbers? If they only won by 1 or 2 votes last year, have so many MPs shifted that the 60% +1 threshold is a given?
  
  Also, an explanation of how things work at the local level would be useful eg the relationship between the LEC and the electorate MP (what about the list MPs?). And isn’t the vote confidential, so how would the members know who voted which way? Or is that an open secret?
  - karol 12.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:03 am
    
    Weka, I think your reply and questions are for Jenny, not me.
    - Colonial Weka 12.2.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 9:11 am
      
      Sorry! How weird. Bleary-eyed Sunday mornings.
  - Jenny 12.2.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 1:34 pm
    
    ……why do you think that the ABCs have the numbers? If they only won by 1 or 2 votes last year, have so many MPs shifted that the 60% +1 threshold is a given?
    
    Colonial Weka
    
    David Shearer appears to be weighing up his options for deputy prime minister between Green co-leader Russel Norman and NZ First leader Winston Peters as he looks for ways to reward support partners without letting go of the key finance portfolio.
    
    Vernon Small
    
    IMO It is also through his power over appointments and demotions that Shearer is threatening, or rewarding members of the Labour Party caucus.
Adele Te Viper 13

9 December 2012 at 1:58 am

I used to enjoy commenting on another site called Aocafe. The site was a host for Māori opinions and dissent. The site also attracted a great deal of expert commentary on various aspects of Te Ao Māori, the Māori worldview. Much like this site it was very much a community of diverse peoples – coming together to debate issues far-ranging and wide of particular importance to whānau, hapū and community.

The site dissappeared from the netscape when Police siezed its servers as part of the Urerewa raids. Until that time I never thought it possible to miss people you have never met, or miss something that never was. Aocafe was an important contributor to the Māori body politic.

The Standard is an important part of the political scape of this country. Absolutely, we must stand against those that would seek to silence its voice or erase its effectiveness at exposing the incompetence and immorality of the government and its opposition counterpart.
- Saarbo 13.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:47 pm
  
  Adele, I assume the Blog never got up and running again? The Urerewa raids are clearly a case of where police power was out of control. Being from the Eastern BOP and knowing a number of people from Ruatoki and Taneatua, who know Tame well, are absolutely adamant that there is no way these guys were doing what they have been allegedly sent to jail for.
  
  The relevance of this in terms of this particular post is when people are in powerful positions (Police, Caucus members, who ever) they need to treat it with respect, I would have hoped that Labour Party caucus members would be the last group that would abuse power. I’m absolutely comfortable that my Labour party rep has integrity and would not abuse her power but clearly other caucus members have issues.
  - Adele Te Viper 13.1.1
    
    10 December 2012 at 1:55 am
    
    Tēnā koe, Saarbo
    
    You assume correctly, Aocafe was never able to relaunch itself back onto the web. I am also from the Eastern Bay of Plenty and also share the view that there is no way that Tame and the others were ever intending to harm other human beings.
    
    I think we share the same Labour MP and I agree that she has integrity in spades. I do however think that it is possible for a person of integrity to support something inherently wrong because they lack sufficient depth and breadth of analysis – the very reason why the dissenting voice is invaluable to decision-making. The dissenter provides the counter-argument and an astute and noble leader would rather cultivate the dissenting voice than seek to cull it.
kiwi_prometheus 14

9 December 2012 at 4:19 am

“There is no doubt that the Shearer gang controls caucus. But now that they are determined to reach down into the lower ranks to exert their authority”

Yeah they are trying to root out the source of the trouble making and get some discipline back amongst the rank and file.

You lot would do THE EXACT SAME THING if the tables were turned.

I think the Listener summed it up nicely:

http://www.listener.co.nz/current-affairs/politics/david-cunliffe-shearer-coup-history/

“For all that [ Cunliffe’s ] supporters, inside and outside the caucus, are insisting that he did nothing wrong, he really and truly did the coupster’s equivalent of waving his knickers at disembarking sailors. He followed several of the bog-standard, by-the-numbers steps taught in Coups 101, to the point that he might have studied at the knee of Maurice Williamson, Brian Connell or Richard Prebble…

…his failure, as party finance spokesman last election, to produce his policy work on time and to do sufficient heavy lifting on the campaign trail. At one crucial point, he even went on holiday. Either he was lazy, or was deliberately being unhelpful, colleagues fumed…most concluded the latter: that he had deduced that Labour would lose quite badly (admittedly not a daring conclusion) and had decided to assist Phil Goff’s image of weakness by not helping too much…when an MP as olde-worlde courteous and decent as Goff goes openly dog on you, it’s time to reflect.”
”

LOL.

And you ninnies are now wailing about the purging being undertaken by the top brass.

Anyway you can go join the Greens, so its not like you will be left homeless.
- Jenny Kirk 14.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 7:18 am
  
  Come on Kiwi Prom – look who is writing that tripe in the Listener. Non other than the latest hand-holder of the drake Mallard. I watched Cunliffe at election time : he was superb with a low income, state housing audience in the north. He didn’t talk down to them, they understood him – and they wanted more ! Its a pity the rightwing caucus are so blind that they cannot see what they’re losing.
  - Draco T Bastard 14.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:28 am
    
    Its a pity the rightwing caucus are so blind that they cannot see what they’re losing.
    
    And that’s your answer right there. We see it from National and Act all the time when they absolutely refuse to see the evidence that their policies and beliefs are contrary to reality.
  - Grant Hay 14.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 8:54 pm
    
    “Come on Kiwi Prom – look who is writing that tripe in the Listener. Non other than the latest hand-holder of the drake Mallard.”
    
    HANDHOLDER (snort)!! I thought she was holding his…….speechnotes……..
- Draco T Bastard 14.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:26 am
  
  Yeah they are trying to root out the source of the trouble making and get some discipline back amongst the rank and file.
  
  It’s not caucuses place to discipline the rank and file. The caucus works for the rank and file and so it should be the rank and file that does any disciplining that needs doing.
  
  You lot would do THE EXACT SAME THING if the tables were turned.
  
  Nope, I’d be asking why the rank and file think I’m doing something wrong and either change what I’m doing or step down. That really is the only two options an MP has.
- Saarbo 14.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 1:53 pm
  
  “when an MP as olde-worlde courteous and decent as Goff goes openly dog on you, it’s time to reflect.””
  
  or maybe Goff was looking for a scape goat for his below par performance, he simply did not get the facts together to support his Policy. The sad thing is that Shearer looks very similar when discussing the new Housing Policy…who does Shearer blame? They need to take responsibility for their own hopelessness.
  
  You only have to view Mood of The Boardroom performance by Cunliffe to see his form in Nov 2011.
travellerev another viper 15

9 December 2012 at 5:43 am

Fucking awesome! Way to go Standardistas. You may lead the revolution yet!
colonial locus 16

9 December 2012 at 6:32 am

You lot would do THE EXACT SAME THING if the tables were turned

From your ill-considered use of the phrase “you lot” it appears that you blithely assume the wide array of TS contributors supporting CV and others in the face of bullying – actually it’s more akin to blackmail – are all Labour Party rank and file.

The issue you need to get your head around is that the people you are superciliously talking down to and calling “you lot”, represent many who value freedom to debate under a pseudonym on the web.
Viperous Descendant Of Smith 17

9 December 2012 at 6:36 am

Til this happened I had little interest in the leadership of the Labour Party. For me I was waiting for some left wing policy to emerge – I even proffered the sorts of policies I would welcome – a decent increase in benefit rates, a commitment to an 8 hour working week (you know that thing the pretend to be Labour Party is so proud of on their website), a increase in taxation for people like me who can afford it, strengthening union members powers including the right to strike, etc.

After the increased powers given to members I seriously considered for the first time joining the Labour Party and not just voting for it. I held off knowing one swallow a summer does not make.

I’ve managed teams where I have had people undermining the team. In my experience engaging with them, particularly when you know deep down they are there because they care, is the most effective strategy. It’s a people focussed strategy that doesn’t treat the dissenter as a human resource. It also means that sometimes you find out that you the boss aren’t always right or on the same wavelength as your staff. You cannot order someone to willingly follow.

It takes a bit more time and takes a bit more effort and doesn’t guarantee success but is successful more often than not but importantly builds a stronger more committed team over time.

Why am I now interested in the leadership – because such an approach and the alternative of forced compliance can only come from the person running the team.

If you can’t bring people who are committed to good things for the ordinary working people onside and I have no doubt from his postings CV does – those who know him personally and within the Labour Party would have a much better idea than I.

Forcing compliance and silence is not the answer here.

It will be interesting to me then how Shearer responds. Will we see a backdown, an acknowledgement that the party got this wrong and that Shearer will personally engage with those who are being pushed out of the way and marginalised?

Will he alternatively come out and explain why they have taken the position they have and why the Labour Party needs to do this?

Or will we just hear zilch from him while minions behind the scenes carry out his bidding, putting their own twists on it like prison camp commanders or southern Texas sheriffs.

But me I’m just a voter commenting on a blog. Apparently I’m not read and I don’t count.

Btw Isn’t
- Viperous Descendant Of Smith 17.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 6:46 am
  
  BTW Isn’t Shearer supposed to be good at solving problems between warring factions?
  
  PS I won’t sooty any politician who suppresses anyone’s freedom of speech
  - Viperous Descendant Of Smith 17.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 7:03 am
    
    Support not sooty big fingers little ipad
    - George Viper. 17.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 6:08 pm
      
      I was waiting for some left wing policy to emerge – I even proffered the sorts of policies I would welcome – a decent increase in benefit rates, a commitment to an 8 hour working week (you know that thing the pretend to be Labour Party is so proud of on their website), a increase in taxation for people like me who can afford it, strengthening union members powers including the right to strike, etc.
      
      THIS. These are the questions I ask Labour MPs when I see them. “Do you support compulsory overtime for a person working more than 8 hours in one day, or 40 hours in one week?” If they cannot give me an unadulterated and unqualified yes, then I don’t really have anything more to ask them.
      
      Though I’m a Green member, and my identity is pretty transparent (its only function is to sidestep Google, not who I am), I’m still very concerned by this. And rather outraged by the way in which those I know are being marched towards “managed democracy”. Good luck to you all.
- viperidae 17.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:54 am
  
  This is why I finally decided that Shearer was absolutely hopeless as a leader.
  
  I had no particular brief for Cunliffe or any other Labour politician, but he has proved to be the most effective one they have.
  
  A leader finds a way to keep people working together for the goals.
  
  The present leadership hasn’t got a clue.
  
  In fact the whole of our Parliament at the moment shows why we cannot leave running the country to that bunch of clowns and why we need binding referenda, and recalls!
- Jenny 17.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:06 am
  
  After the increased powers given to members I seriously considered for the first time joining the Labour Party and not just voting for it. I held off knowing one swallow a summer does not make.
  
  Viperous Descendant Of Smith
  
  Me too.
  
  I even considered letting them see my
  CV.
  
  But after this development I would feel that I was back in Syria.
  
  Luckily I have got away (again) my honour and anonymity intact.
- Saarbo 17.4
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:53 pm
  
  I agree with you whole heartedly!!! This is exactly what I would expect an experienced Leader to do. Shearer’s leadership style is simply not suited as Leader of a major political party, and I cannot see for the life of me how anyone could think that he has what it takes to Lead Labour to victory in 2014. I wouldn’t be surprised if Curran didn’t pass this in front of Shearer before she started down this path, clearly under Shearer there is a huge void in leadership and the caucus (Shearer’s mob) are free to do what they want.
  
  I’m a relatively new member and I am incredibly disappointed at how Labour is operated. In my view it comes back to Leadership. For example, at the conference I would have expected Shearer to open the Conf on both Sat and Sun, he should have rallied the Caucus members, let a few of them say a few words, just create a bridge between the members and caucus, instead the caucus members wondered around randomly and there was just a lack of connection.
  
  If you can’t bring people who are committed to good things for the ordinary working people onside and I have no doubt from his postings CV does – those who know him personally and within the Labour Party would have a much better idea than I.
  
  You have nailed it VDOS, great leaders rarely use their formal power, and that is the problem with this lot in Caucus, they have the formal power to do what they are doing but in doing so, they are losing a group of members who are probably the most passionate and committed.
  
  Shearer is not the answer, nor is it any of his ABC supporters in Caucus. This group have done a lot of damage, they have created a big divide within Labour. I am sure that many of the ABC’ers have managed to convince their LEC/Branches that Cunliffe is evil (as we witnessed at the Conf) and Shearer is the answer but the free thinking/cleverer members can see the situation for what it is worth. Keeping Shearer at the helm is handing power to National in 2014.
  
  The situation in Labour is not flash, we have a below average leader, we have a caucus who are leaderless and out of control, trying to exert what ever power they can get a hold of. We have a proven/outstanding MP who only has the support of 12 of his caucus members however has the majority membership support.
  
  I dont know what the answer is, but I do know that who ever becomes Leader in the future she/he needs to take some advice from Viperous Descendant of Smith…because that is the only way this faction issue is going to be mended.
Ad 18

9 December 2012 at 6:51 am

In the end you are only free if you have no personal trace back to taxpayer funding, or media funding.

If this site rained scrutiny down upon any other industry, each commentator would need to be equally debt free and commercial interest free.

We are contesting in a real market where many here have real interests at stake.

We always knew the counterattack would come. It’s here. They won’t stop. They have everything in their market to lose: power.

We will win if we strengthen our allies, and continue to beat the MSM, because the media is our battlefield, our market. Their interests converge so they have allied close and are in formation.

Remember we are fighting both the MSM and the core ofLabour caucus together, which is more powerful than us.

Events are in the saddle, and we ride, my friends.
karol thrace viper 19

9 December 2012 at 7:14 am

What an ugly place the Labour Party caucus has become! And in doing it, they are becoming everything they were set up to oppose.

I will continue to vote Green (or vote Mana). Unfortunately, any Labour led government will likely contaminate it’s support partner with its undemocratic and dictatorial practices. Unless the Labour Party can be turned to a better course, the future of NZ’s political landscape is bleak.

I made a comment or two yesterday about how the Labour caucus has become the Menz Party – they have been sucked into the NAct agenda, and are making the main battlefield the economy, and between alpha males. Now we see there are at least a couple of women acting behind the scenes to support suich a macho-caucus front. What a disgrace!

There are plenty of competent women in the Labour and Green Party caucus. Some, along with some men, ARE working on very important policies for struggling and low income kiwis. I’m sorry to see such efforts marginalised.

I’ve never been a member of any political party, and my work life is drawing to an end. I will continue to post and comment on any failings I see in opposition parties. And I certainly won’t stop writing about the disgrace the Labour Party caucus has become.

All this has happened before, and it will happen again.
- David Viperious H 19.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:31 am
  
  Something along the lines of Power corrupting and Absolute power yada yada you get what I mean. But why are they so scared of little ol’ us???
karol thrace viper 20

9 December 2012 at 8:29 am

And from Bomber, viperously this morning:

The censorship of members dissent in this manner is a new low by Labour post their character assassination of Cunliffe. …

I’m not sure this ruthless level of intimidation will do anything other than provoke a long running online guerrilla campaign by left wing activists savaging Shearer on a weekly basis all the way to the election.

It seems Shearer has replaced Pagani with a kamikaze pilot for a political advisor.

The only winners from this kind of behavior are the Greens and MANA.
- Colonial Weka 20.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:32 pm
  
  I’m not sure this ruthless level of intimidation will do anything other than provoke a long running online guerrilla campaign by left wing activists savaging Shearer on a weekly basis all the way to the election.
  – Bomber
  
  Interesting phrasing, because I’ve been thinking about the comparisons between the Labour party membership/left wing blogosphere and guerrilla/freedom fighters. And how the ABCs don’t realise they’re fighting a war that that can never win.
Wayne 21

9 December 2012 at 8:40 am

Karol,

If you and others here keep saying “I will continue to vote Green”, don’t be surprised if the leadership wants you out. Having said that of course I have no idea if you are a member of the LP, so my comment is not actually directed to you. More an observation of how parties work.

So therefore if I was in a party and some of the members were fomenting “trouble”and saying they were going to vote for another party, I would want them out of positions or responsibility, say electorate secretary or on an electorate executive, and I would organise to get that outcome.
- karol thrace viper 21.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:43 am
  
  Wayne, as I’ve always said, I’ve never been a member of a political party – not the NZ Labour Party or any other. If they start taking repressive action against people like me, they truly show they are anti-democratic.
  - Wayne 21.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 5:12 pm
    
    As indeed they cannot, which of course you know. Party rules can only apply to Party members, but as a general rule no major party would allow office holders to state they will vote for another party and that person to then continue in office. The proper course is to resign. Parties might be voluntary organisations, but they can have rules applying to their members.
- David Viperious H 21.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:39 am
  
  It looks like they want to purge this nest of vipers from the party’s books. Gotta rig the Feb vote somehow. Won’t win the Election tho’ as they will have very little help. Will be good for the Greens tho’. Maybe that’s whats needed, a complete thrashing with all dinosaurs out. And a stunning Green victory.
Viper73 22

9 December 2012 at 8:44 am

If she thinks she can do this in opposition to members of her own party what will she be like once shes in power?

This is not good
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 22.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:54 am
  
  Christ, Clare is just the front for this attackers on free speech by a scared and desperate clique around the great bumbler…
  Preamble shearer is a middling nice guy should have a minor portfolio but that it…
- felixviper 22.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:25 am
  
  Exactly my first thought V73. Trust her with the full power of the state? Yeah nah.
  - One Tāne Viper 22.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 1:48 pm
    
    Paula Bennett, or Paula Bennett lite?
    
    National, or National lite?
    
    So, Dunedin South LEC, what are you going to do?
viperstar 23

9 December 2012 at 8:54 am

The damn ‘Nactoids’ need to be sent a clear message that their actions will have consequences
in 2yrs time or even in february.
When the lion really awakes and roars, those who choose to take away democracy will
find their ‘undemocratic’ seats and arses turfed out of government and electorates.
tc 24

9 December 2012 at 9:16 am

the mallarfia is determined to sink their ship, they’ve shown utter contempt for the rank and file and an intolerance of diversity and talent. They fear Cunliffe like most inept management fear the up and coming more talented and able candidates.

Agree with a prior post, the winners are other parties. I know of many labour supporters who will turning green next poll. WTF is their to vote for with this self serving wannabes.

These jokers are treating the party as their own fiefdom not a vehicle to unseat a nasty, corrupt, dickensian, uncaring gov’t to restore some balance to workers and the hard done by, SHAME ON THEM ALL.
- Draco T Bastard 24.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:47 am
  
  These jokers are treating the party as their own fiefdom…
  
  That seems to be the end result of any and all hierarchies. The people at the top really do start believing that they’re special and acting as if the rest of us owe them obeisance.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 24.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 2:10 pm
    
    For me that stated observation started at high school when myself , a very high up LP Member and others within the wider group challenged the Tory elitist DP over where the student raised funds held in bank account where spent on and not on the intended common room.we threatened to sue the school, interestingly we organised a socialist group at school as a focal discussion
    I’ve battled the elite management class and owner class ever since.
    
    Had one business owner call his employees his slaves as he laught his was to being extremely wealth so yes I agree with you DTB part of the revolution is post post capitalism and a reallocation of profit – well my dream and hope.
- mickyviper in solidarity 24.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:00 am
  
  “Mallarfia”
  
  Very good TC. Mind if I plagarise it?
  - tc 24.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 2:38 pm
    
    Free to a good home such as your MickeyV.
bad12 25

9 December 2012 at 9:42 am

I am amused, even slightly bemused, the Labour Caucus of NOW is nothing new and has been with us since 1984,

Even during the Clark Labour Governments the Labour Caucus was still that of a 1984 Lange/Douglas Government,

The disconnect becomes apparent when i read the pages of The Standard, the majority of comments, even those from declared Labour Party members, show on the whole that what is being espoused is in fact Green Party policy in 90% of comments posted,

Hence my slight bemusement, anyone believing that Labour are anything but the Socialist Party OF, BY, and FOR the middle class of New Zealand seems from where i sit to have been engaged in a Rip Van Winkle episode for quite some time,

It then becomes obvious that any threat to those middle class aspirations espoused from within the Labour Party will be viewed, (by those supporting the middle class agenda), as a threat, hence the recent treatment of Cunliffe and those who agitate on His political behalf openly in on-line forum,

How wide-spread the anger from Labour Party stalwarts is at the overt threats against those who continue to agitate on behalf of a Cunliffe lead Labour Party is i have no means of judging except from the on-line comments posted,

However, besides venting their on-line fury at such tactics from within the Labour Caucus those who agitate for Cunliffe should be (a), lobbying their nearest Labour MP to vote in February to trigger a Party wide vote on the leadership, and (b),advocating and agitating at Local Electorate Committee level to have remits passed that their local MP vote to trigger the leadership vote in February,

Other than the above, the only reasonable action that those so threatened from the Labour Caucus would seem to have at their disposal would be to, (tongue firmly in cheek), join a party such as the Greens who seem to in the social/economic policy areas espouse the exact same policy that was prior to 1984 central to the Labour ism,

Please note,(with a snigger),this HAS NOT been an official Green Party recruiting message, Bwana Dave Shearer et al are busy filling that role in a freelance capacity at the moment…
- viperidae 25.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:04 am
  
  Yes well. Labour left me in 1984.
  
  Now a Green.
  
  It is obvious that most of Labours R and F now have more in common with the Greens than their own caucus. I hope they can get their own party back.
  
  But I don’t care which party gets rid of National and gets rid of the mean spirited and dysfunctional neo-liberal dog eat dog society we are becoming. So long as we do.
  
  Unfortunately it no longer looks like it will be Labour.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 25.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 10:11 am
    
    Exactly
- bad12 25.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 11:25 am
  
  Anyone not having a context from within which to view my contention of the 2012 Labour Party being solely a socialist party of, for, and by the New Zealand middle class need only look at the relevant party’s, (Labour/Green), housing policy,
  
  Labour = borrow 1.5-2 billion dollars and build 30,000 houses at a retail price to those who will buy them, (presumably), on market terms of $300,000+, thus, in it’s announced form such a housing policy by it’s adherence to ‘market qualification’, (deliberately???), excludes from such housing those with insufficient income to service a 300 thousand+ mortgage,
  
  Greens= build 30,000 new State houses, if their is budgetary constraint to construction simply print the monies necessary and build the housing at such a pace as to spend the monies into the economy while paying due regard to the Reserve Bank’s inflation targets band,
  
  30,000 new state houses would allow for the ‘working poor’, those who daily toil in the non-professional areas of economy at or just above the minimum wage while raising families who have no hope of becoming financially upwardly mobile to enjoy a fixed rent regime of 25% of household income thus freeing them from the current norm of paying between 50-60% of their income into the private rental market, as such families are housed they would by dint of household income and rents paid reduce the overall taxpayer subsidy in the whole State owned housing portfolio,
  
  The Green housing policy is nothing ‘new’, it was once at the core of Labour Party values and while Labour still hold to the 25% of income as the benchmark rent for ‘the poor’ their ‘will’ to increase markedly the number of such houses is sadly lacking,
  
  While the economics of construction within both Party’s policy vis a vis employment and further ongoing production are much the same the end result is obviously quite markedly different,
  
  Under the Labour housing proposal,(in it’s current form), the recipients of such would need an income sufficient to service a 300 grand+ mortgage, (why not just put up a poster saying middle class income earners only need apply),
  
  In such a case more of the production of New Zealand will simply flow out of New Zealand as bank profit for the foreign owned banks NOT having transited the local economy,
  
  Under a Green policy however the reverse would be true,the ‘working poor’ would see themselves housed at 25% of household income thus freeing themselves from the private sectors 50-60% of income private rentals and freeing them to either save or spend into the local economy the difference in dollars between the two rental regimes,
  
  That’s all a bit of a long-winded,(understatement),stating of the perceived difference in policy between Labour and the Greeens, there’s nothing frighteningly radical in the Green policy it is simply a copy of what was Labour policy,
  
  The radicalism is tho apparent in the announced Labour policy and it is the radicalism of the middle class where the recipients of such Governmental largesse wont by dint of income be those who daily toil to clean the offices and infrasructure of those who devised it…
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 25.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 11:37 am
    
    How about do both policies
    - bad12 25.2.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 12:04 pm
      
      Touchee, good point, indeed why not???, the only constraint being that both Party’s would have to halve their relative policy,
      
      In terms of the Reserve Bank’s inflationary targets building 10,000 extra houses a year would in terms of current and future short to medium term economics probably not create any inflationary problems within the current targets,
      
      Building 20,000 extra houses a year tho probably would, the same ends tho would, sooner or later, be met in building 10,000 extra houses and allocating half that build to State rentals while allowing the ‘working poor’ access to these,(IE, those with an income insufficient to service a 300+ grand mortgage being accorded access on a priority basis)…
      - Draco T Bastard 25.2.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 2:29 pm
        
        Building 20,000 extra houses a year tho probably would, the same ends tho would,
        
        There’s ways to prevent that and one of the easiest and simplest would be to ban exporting of any and all construction materials such as wood. This would, effective;y, flood the local market with these materials dropping the price except that the government would then be using those same materials for house house building.
        
        MrSmith 25.2.1.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 4:32 pm
        
        Problem is I’m not sure we export that many building materials apart from timber, and the ‘A’ grade log price remains at around US$130 a cubic metre, believe me there are not that many cubes in a house.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        9 December 2012 at 6:28 pm
        
        But there is in 200 thousand of them. Your should also read this.
  - Draco T Bastard 25.2.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 11:58 am
    
    Labour’s housing policy is for the Bankster class. Sure, the middle class will think it’s for them as they get to buy affordable homes but the real benefits go to the banks who get to create more money at interest.
- R 25.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:05 pm
  
  +1, but don’t forget Mana too.
vto viped 26

9 December 2012 at 9:49 am

Well all this palava is just another reason to push my now left-heading vote to someone other than labour. I recall the shenanigans that went on when labour were last in power and did not like it not one little bit.

And from what I can tell things would be exactly the same if they are in power again.

And Clare Curran’s machinations around this particular issue confirms it.

Power to the people!

edit: beware the instinctive urge in labour to act as school teachers. it never seems to go away.
viperfreedom 27

9 December 2012 at 9:52 am

I have been head down in the workshop lately trying to pay bills, failing mostly, and have missed much of what has been going on. The little I have gleaned leaves me staggered and disgusted by the corrupt temerity of the Labour Party MP’s who have, by their silenct lack of action, given tacit approval of this abusive activity. The cadre of cowards that seem to be at the helm have done little but prepare the grave for what was once, yet is no longer, a political party NZ could be proud of.

Like many i have a few friends, i am not talking ‘friends with influence or position’ but real friends. Something Labour has obviously forgotten as it is friendship which built their Party. It is likely it is friendship which will also destroy it. Friends value and appreciate the efforts of all those who want the world to be a better place. Something else Labour has forgotten was their job to help achieve. Why these friends matter is simple and is well understood. You tell two friends and they tell two friends, and so on and so on and so on. The Labour Party, and their siamese sibling the NActs, deserve to lose handsomely at the next Election.
vto viped 28

9 December 2012 at 10:14 am

What was the problem with colonial viper and his posts on here anyway?

From what I read the points were always well made, incredibly well supported by knowledge and facts, and done with rspect and humour. So what was the problema?

I guess it must have been something to do with internal labour party politics…… which is oh so important. ffs. Stupid. stupid stupid stupid. Cut off your nose to spite your face.
- ColonialPete 28.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:19 pm
  
  From what I read the points were always well made, incredibly well supported by knowledge and facts, and done with rspect and humour. So what was the problem?
  
  I think you’ve answered your own question.
Viper73 29

9 December 2012 at 10:29 am

I know I’ve ragged on the looney lefties in the past (and deservedly so) but this would be one of the most (if not most) dumb-ass things counter-productive things I’ve ever heard an MP propose…

Whats an electorate MP get a year, $150 grand or something and this is what it produces?!?!?

What next, every right wing blogger gets put in prison for dissension?
- TighyVipey 29.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 3:51 pm
  
  As one who detests the faux socialism and other pretensions of CV, I feel for him over this. I may not like what he says, but I defend his right to say it.
  - Craig Glen viper 29.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:20 pm
    
    Thanks for showing your solidarity lol! Tighy Vipey im sure CV would say the same back at you.
    - TightyVipey 29.1.1.1
      
      10 December 2012 at 3:48 pm
      
      You know what? I honestly don’t think he would. but that doesn’t mean that I would ever stand by and let some shit tell someone else what to say, or even if they could say it.
      
      I’d like to think that no matter how misguided CV is, he would echo my sentiments, but I think he has a personal visceral dislike for me that would probably get in the way. a la clare curran. the difference being that she has the power to affect him, CV doesn’t with me. No matter, I hope he is ok.
  - ColonialContrarian 29.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:28 pm
    
    Damn right. You don’t have to agree or like the person but they have the right to be disagreeable.
    - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 29.1.2.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 9:33 pm
      
      More like..
      Damn the right
      And irony as pointed out by CGE is apt.
      Solidarity from a righty…the world has hope yet.
      Bring on Xmas
    - TightyVipey 29.1.2.2
      
      10 December 2012 at 3:49 pm
      
      If you believe in freedom of speech, you have to protect the speech you disagree with the most.
  - TightyVipey 29.1.3
    
    10 December 2012 at 3:45 pm
    
    Clare Curran having policy dictated to her by the authoritarian states?
    
    http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/the-meeting-that-could-kill-the-internet-20121207-2azj9.html
Colonialoscopic Monkey 30

9 December 2012 at 10:43 am

Spectacular own-goal by the Shearer-gang and their elite backers… at least they’re showing themselves clearly for what they are.

Kia kaha CV.
Ant 31

9 December 2012 at 10:56 am

Clare Curran is totally Tori.
- One Tāne Viper 31.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 1:01 pm
  
  Let’s make sure (in the absence of a public apology) she wears all the consequences of her disgusting behaviour.
  
  Authoritarian scum have no place on the left.
  - Peter 31.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 3:38 pm
    
    There are plenty of issues for the membership in Dunedin South to discuss I think.
    - Macro_adder 31.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 7:14 pm
      
      Yes I think that the membership of Dunedin South should be, taking their representative in hand, and explaining a few facts of life. The damage that this stupidity is causing is getting out of hand.
Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 32

9 December 2012 at 11:23 am

Just a quick comparison between 1984 and Now.

We might have to be carefully actually as in our haste to rein in the reign of coming terror and night of the knives in per feb, we might cause labour to implode.
Remember the affiliates has a sniff of their 40 percent and have a union block as MP, combined with a untamed and unbowed membership.
Perhaps time for each LEC to take stock, poll the members and quietly issue a internal directive stating exactly which direction the members want labour to take.
Do we want a more continual drift to the right or is it time to correct the electorate drift by reorganising and reconnecting thru active participation in the electrorate from MP as drivers of change.
Shall we sink beneath the Tory blue wave or do we take a stand and fight for what the real labour stands for….betterment of all and not the few.

We need a strong powerful Labour, an open inclusive labour with clear direction signalled early, a pathway outa the mire of neo lib, post capitalism darkness.

We don’t need a Tory light party that props up or harnesses the old dying one horse capitalist system to fund pet social program’s we need a New Direction completely.
Coming crunch of oil shock and climate change are our twin towers to be faced.
- bad12 32.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 11:51 am
  
  The problem tho is that while what you are saying is true we all have been saying the same thing over and over again since Sir(spit) Roger Douglas unleashed His brand new world vision upon us in 1984,
  
  In that time we have had The Alliance and now the Green’s with the latter,(in my opinion being far more politically astute),
  
  My devious self here urges me to invite a spanking by inserting my vote g…Gr…Gree…(can’t quite get it out), message because what you so rightly elucidate in your comment is encompassed in that Party’s policy,
  
  My above comment’s in the post,(at first reading having little to do with the specific topic,sorry), address at one policy level the fact that on an economic level we all cannot keep expecting more, bigger, and better,
  
  Even if one does not adhere to ‘Peak isms’ in resource based economics the basic tenet of ‘globalization’ says that as a population we have to expect wages not to rise markedly,(and view with disparagement those who attempt to sell us the snake oil of equality of income with out bigger neighbor)…
- Draco T Bastard 32.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:04 pm
  
  …a pathway outa the mire of neo lib, post capitalism darkness.
  
  Um, what? neo-liberalism is the height capitalism. What we really need is to become post capitalist.
- Ad 32.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:19 pm
  
  Good suggestion there Neoleftie.
  
  Every LEC should check whether it wants to resist. Note that New Lynn LEC’s complaint, rather than being dealt with by the central committee, was sent straight up to the Leader of Caucus for comment.
  
  So don’t expect any protection, irrespective of any newfangled rules.
  
  Each LEC could ask itself over the break:
  
  – How is what they are doing advancing the cause of the Labour Party?
  
  – How much willingness, energy, and funding can they generate to sustain the Labour Party cause?
  
  – Can they join in solidarity with other supportive LEC’s or Affiliates or friendly NGO’s in common cause, or do they need to be more in recovery mode? And if so how?
  
  Some may say it is better to fireworks and burn out, than to fade away.
  
  Maybe that’s the trajectory for some once a decision has been made in February.
  
  But at some point we will all have to decide where we stand, and either be in the game for whatever team, or retreat gracefully to the commentariat, or have the official cup of tea and a lie-down.
  - Viper Anne 32.3.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 1:17 pm
    
    Note that New Lynn LEC’s complaint, rather than being dealt with by the central committee, was sent straight up to the Leader of Caucus for comment.
    
    Thanks for that info. AD. To be fair, they would have to pass it to the Leader of Caucus for comment, but it’s got to come back to the NZ Council for a ruling. It won’t be a satisfactory ruling – that’s a given. But they might have the guts to remonstrate with the ABC club privately, and tell them to pull their horns in. Or: am I being overly optimistic?
    - Ad 32.3.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 1:46 pm
      
      Central Committee has had plenty of chances already – Tamihere being the latest.
      
      Process is fine until the Leadership has a specific interest. Then its simply game on.
      
      Sorry if it wasn’t fair. But what in the last year has?
Tazireviper 33

9 December 2012 at 12:00 pm

PG and CC meeting of the minds???
Jum 34

9 December 2012 at 12:52 pm

I don’t comment here anymore, but I often read the threads. The one person that always stood out for me as being objective, thoughtful, politically knowledgeable and fair was CV. If he/she said something, I respected it. She/he is a lateral thinker which is rare and quite frankly this blog has lost someone very valuable. Hope she/he returns soon.

I have always voted Labour, both ticks, but Roger Douglas the chicago boys Pinochet NZ clone ensured I would never risk becoming a Labour member. Now I am forced to consider other voting options because of this latest nonsense and the TPPA double-speak from Labour which risks our children’s health, welfare, working rights, because it still plans to sign the pledge to American control with a few remit points that would be swallowed up in the small print.

Merry Christmas and a better New Year to CV.
Visubversaviper 35

9 December 2012 at 1:31 pm

If it is any consolation – this has all happened before and the Labour Party came out of it much stronger.

In the early 1990’s we had the Backbone Club, a bunch of Rogernomes who could not accept that it was their crap policies which had cost Labour the 1990 election. They buggered off to ACT but not before they has asset stripped several electorates where their candidates had not got selected. They left one electorate with $7 in the bank and another with a disfunctional computer supposedly worth $6,000 and pages and pages of supposed members who did not actually exist, or if they did, had no idea they were in the Labour Party.

After them were the followers of the biggest cult of the leader since Kim Il Sung. The bully boys of the MMSC swaggered around electorates as if they owned the place, paid for by the an early equivalent of a Super PAC. Canvassers for Labour now had an extra question added – “are you a Mike Moore supporter” and material which had previously had “NZLP” on it now had the dreaded “MMSC” logo.

The rank and file revolted, the leader changed, and the bully boys either repented or vanished.

Now that we have the internet, the disinfecting sunlight can be shone on these things a lot easier.

I will never vote anything other than Labour and I still pay my sub and my VFL. I hope history repeats, and from the look of it – aided by blogs like this, good people are coming to the aid of the Party.
- Jenny 35.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 1:53 pm
  
  Mike Moore was also sullied by his advocacy for the Compact, a tripartite agreement for a super collaboration between union leaders, business leaders and government which required major concession from the unions and which gave up the trade unions role as an independant advocate for their members but which proved to be very unpopular amongst many rank and file. Many trace the decline in union power in this country to the Union leaders top table imposition of Mike Moore’s Compact.
  - Jenny 35.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 2:11 pm
    
    Maybe the Labour Party top table could take heed and learn from this example. The bureaucratic imposition of authority risks collapsing your organisation.
    
    Former union delegate and TUAC member (Trade Unionists Against the Compact)
Ms X 36

9 December 2012 at 1:39 pm

Two things bother me about all this – aside from the major issue of trying to curb freedom of speech, which is a basic human right.
1. Come February, what happens to little clusters of Labour members who do not belong to an LEC because of their size? If a vote should take place, will they have a voice? After the last election, branches were decimated.
2. WHEN has a new mp shot to the top of the tree and succeeded? It didn’t work for Don Brash and I don’t see it happening now.
- jenny Kirk 36.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:19 pm
  
  To Ms X. The Party council did say that if the 60% threshold wasn’t reached and there was to be a party-wide vote, it would be a postal vote to all financial members.
  However, from comments on this post, it doesn’t look as if there is likely to be a vote – sounds as if Shearer and his mates have tied up the whole of caucus to vote for him S.
  
  By the way – I missed the comment about Goff being olde world and courteous. Ms Clifton hasn’t been given the full story about Goff in the late 1980s by her hand-holding drake – he (Goff) was one of the most vocal and brutal in attacking Lange in caucus – lots of nasty dog in that guy and in the others, of course.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 36.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 8:30 pm
    
    Oh thank that was very interesting about goff.
    Guess who models himself on Lange in Wellington or at least admired the man.?
    Oh CV come back soon.
    
    Once there was a man or woman brave bold and tall in the time of the Pax USA
    Who told it how it is was and could be.
    A man or woman who saw the future and wasn’t afraid to speak out.
    Until the day up came a a loud silly animal with two humps who didn’t like noise one wee bit.
    Either sling it or shut it cause I’ve got two humps big and strong….then
    The clouds hid the sun, day went to night and the knives came out.
    Rest in peace CV.
- geoff 36.2
  
  10 December 2012 at 7:02 am
  
  2. WHEN has a new mp shot to the top of the tree and succeeded? It didn’t work for Don Brash and I don’t see it happening now.
  
  Does John Key count?
veutoviper 37

9 December 2012 at 2:05 pm

I have read all the comments on this apparent situation of intimidation of people like CV and others here over the last few days and have been utterly disgusted that any Labour Party caucus members would take such an approach to the rights of people to freedom of expression – whether or not they are party members and active in the party. If they thought that this was OK and would be kept under wraps, then they are very naive and should not be in senior positions in the party. Such actions are bound to back fire – both on them personally and on the party as a whole.

I had a quick look at KB earlier for the first time for months, and to give him his due, even PG is up in arms and supporting the views of many here. And under fire for doing so.

My support and best wishes go to CV and the others – hang in there and don’t give in. You have a lot of support. Kia Kaha.
- seeker 37.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:48 pm
  
  Well said veutoviper.This is so not a Labour Party that I can vote for. What has happened to them? First the monstrous leadership charade and now this. I am beginning to see how Douglas highjacked the Labour party in the eighties. Without principles one is asking for trouble and I am not at all sure of the principles and values of today’s Labour anymore. I am not sure that I can trust them anymore than I can national. WOW, did I just type that???
Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 38

9 December 2012 at 2:18 pm

Just been whispered that the hold up from central processing the new membership is due to understaffing of course but also to hold off all the new change supporters until next year registration where their voice and vote can’t be heard or count.
Whisper only at this stage….
- New LP member maybe 38.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:35 pm
  
  That is interesting.
  
  I “joined” via the internet in early Dec and paid via the internet. I received a stock email back the same day which says amongst other things:
  
  “Date”
  “Subject: Receipt – Annual Membership – Welcome to the Labour Party”
  
  “You may print this email as proof of provisional membership until your offical membership card arrives in the post’ and
  
  “Once again we sincerely thank you for being a member of the Labour Party, it is very much appreciated” and
  
  “Please print this confirmation for your records.”
  
  As far as I am concerned, the wording above constitutes acceptance of my membership. AND I have it printed out on that same day. There was nothing on the internet form suggesting it was for next year’s subscription, so if there are any problems or attempts to suggest that, I will not let it rest.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 38.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 7:55 pm
    
    Great mate you’re in….welcome to the party, wine or beer in the chiller, it’s a buffet not a BBQ.
- mac1 38.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:25 pm
  
  All I can say there is a lot of whispering not worth listening too at this stage. Also a lot of shouting.
  
  What I’d do is find a NZLP member with a membership book, slip him/her the current fee (I don’t know what that is since my membership comes with my ongoing automatic contribution to the annual giving plan) and have the little chittie that comes from the membership book all dated and fully kosher.
  
  That’d have to fill the bill for membership.
KhandallaMan-an Absolutely Fabulous Viper 39

9 December 2012 at 2:30 pm

Sunday Quiz Time:

Q1.
What does Clare Curran and Chris Hiplins have in common?
A1.
They both were given good solid seats that they are screwing-up and leaving open to a National take-over. ( and are thus sucking up for high list positions)

Q2.
What does Darien Fenton and Jacinda Ardern have in common?
A2.
They both failed to ever win Electorate seats and build support among branch members. (and are thus sucking up for high list positions)

try setting up your own quiz!
- Ant 39.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:45 pm
  
  I always had the impression that Jacinda was far more interested in Wellington than in winning Auckland Central.
  
  She really should have won it last time it but is pretty much invisible in the electorate. You’d see more of David Parker in Grey Lynn than her LOL.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 39.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 2:55 pm
    
    That’s the half the trouble MP have evolved into beltway hacks and have let the local party organisation run down terrible and have little involvement in their communities.
    There are so so soooo many operational tactic and strategies that could be adopted for local elections.
    Did CC Dunedin south even consider why the party vote swung away from her and labour in such a traditional safe and resourced seat.
  - Veutoviper 39.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 3:03 pm
    
    But Jacinda has time to do this
    
    http://t.co/ID0bNmKd
    
    Thanks to Kim Dot.com’s Twitter site for the link.
    
    Incidentially, by coincidence (?) about 13 hours ago, Dotcom retwittered a conversation with Clare Curran dated 26 Nov re the new Mega. Mallard was also in the conversation.
    
    About halfway down – click on the conversation to see it in full
    
    https://mobile.twitter.com/KimDotcom
    
    Wonderful picture of his swans in love there also in his latest tweet.
the sprout 40

9 December 2012 at 3:27 pm

Didn’t turn out too well for Lange either.
Skinny 41

9 December 2012 at 4:16 pm

After reading the anger of a good number of the punters on here & who’s sentiments are also reflected by a good deal of the voting public.

Perhaps consideration should given to forming a ‘new’ political party to the Left. 5% to 8% is not unrealistic given the wave of unsatisfied punters out there. Certainly be a good way of keeping a Labour/Green coalition where they should be, ‘on a bloody LEFT course.’
SHG (not Colonial Viper) 42

9 December 2012 at 4:21 pm

Clare Curran’s greatest hits (this is an update of a post I made on Danyl’s blog a while back)

I keep hearing how Curran is a communications expert, and seeing absolutely no evidence of it. As Labour’s telecommunications spokesperson she appears to be technically ignorant and of average literacy at best. Examples:

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2010/05/27/lets-all-admit-it-our-internet-speeds-are-rubbish/
Curran finds out about a site on the interwebs called “speedtest.net” (/facepalm) and has discovered that NZ is actually geographically remote and its “bandwidth data” or something is, um, less good than that of someone somewhere else.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2010/05/28/advertised-vs-actual-broadband-speed-there-is-a-difference/
Curran discovers that broadband in South Korea and Japan is faster than in NZ and DEMANDS AN EXPLANATION.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2010/07/03/beyond-lol
Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, proclaims that typing “LOL” is silly and that everyone should stop it.

Do you do Droopol (sp?) tell me. Would you do some stuff for us? #pleasenicely—
Clare Curran (@clarecurranmp) May 10, 2011

Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, seeks crowd-sourced assistance with Open Source content management framework. Shortly before it was revealed that Labour’s “Droopol” installation was sharing confidential donor information with the entire Internet.

Oh yeah, there was her hard-hitting poll on Red Alert:

“Internet speeds: are they fast enough?”

[ ] YES
[ ] NO

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/08/10/explaining-netflix-to-simon-power/
Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, lectures Simon Power on this thing she’s discovered called the Internet, informing him that (and I quote) “Bit Torrent is one of the major sites where you go to get content and download it for free (and illegally).”

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/08/22/the-importance-of-being-labour/
http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/08/22/the-importance-of-being-labour-2/
Curran posts to Red Alert basically saying “Fuck the fucking Greens, those bastards are stealing left-leaning voters and those votes belong to Labour BY RIGHT.”

https://twitter.com/#!/clarecurranmp/status/117484871269617664
Curran goes full retard by accusing Cameron Slater, David Farrar, Matthew Hooton, the Young Nationals, and (this is a verbatim quote) “the non-Labour left” of conspiring together to attack Labour. No shit, she said “the non-Labour left”. So there’s an evil conspiracy against Labour being masterminded by the National Party, right-leaning private citizens, and everyone else in the world who isn’t part of Labour. That’s a pretty big conspiracy, eh.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/04/14/no-new-zealander-can-be-disconnected-from-the-internet/comment-page-2/#comment-167800
Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, defends the bill which makes NZers guilty upon accusation by opining that it does NOT make NZers guilty upon accusation. In spite of all legal advice to the contrary.

https://twitter.com/#!/clarecurranmp/status/110122884172759040

Are there loudness discrepancies found on NZ TV adverts vs progs and if so should they be monitored and a unified national standard created?

Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, decides that the subjective difference between the loudness of TV shows and TV ads is so important as to require monitoring and national standards. For bonus lols: check the datestamp, she decided and proclaimed this DURING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN. Presumably there was nothing else important going on.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/2012/06/17/john-keys-ghost-followers/
Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, decides it would be a good use of taxpayers’ money to investigate if John Key’s twitter-follower count is accurate. Seriously.

Remember, this is a person who thought that of all the issues facing families, workers, and beneficiaries in Dunedin South the most important thing to thrust into the spotlight in Parliament was her support of the Highlanders Super Rugby jersey. Understandable of course, what with it being a taonga with the cultural significance that only comes with not actually existing before 1996 and being manufactured by a German sportswear company in China.
- QoTViper 42.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:33 pm
  
  Epic comment is epic. I’ve long been an avid consumer of Curran’s social media fuckups (and I would dearly love to know how much of her handiwork went into the fucking ridiculous #Labour2012 guidelines) but seeing it all laid out in one go is … epic.
  
  There’s such an immediate, obvious difference between people who have come to use social media and online engagement “naturally” (usually Gen Ys but not always, and not all Gen Ys are social media geeks) and those who, usually due to working in marketing, are trying to muscle in on the cool new territory. Curran is most definitely in the latter camp.
  - karol 42.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 4:54 pm
    
    those who, usually due to working in marketing, are trying to muscle in on the cool new territory.
    
    One of my major dislikes. Every time people put effort into developing excellent communication systems for people to use socially for free, the marketing & biz types want in on the action, thus undermining the initial purpose.
    - QoTViper 42.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 7:21 pm
      
      The thing is, I can see how there’s a right way for corporate organisations to use social media. If they’re providing their services or information about their services on a platform where their audience is, kind of thing.
      
      But then you get the ones who are all “we have to be on Twitter! Because that’s what organisations do!!!” and then they hire marketers who suggest obnoxious things like sponsored ads and then it all goes to shit and the people find a new platform to have their conversations the way they like them.
- Viper Anne 42.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 5:14 pm
  
  SHG @42
  Lolz lolz lolz and more lolz. And for good measure I’ll do a Spud.
  
  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 phew that’ll do. Lady C doesn’t like smiley faces either.
- Just viping 42.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 5:20 pm
  
  Hilarious report, SHG (not CV)!
  You couldn’t make this shit up.
  LOL-LOL-LOL………
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 42.3.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 5:50 pm
    
    It gets worse and goes downhill from there.
    Now poor Clare I know naughty us but she is a symbol for what’s wrong with the labour party, perceived as right of centre and weak disconnected to the community as the last election results portrayed.
    The pizza crew waving signs on street corners do a better job advertising their brand and message.
    A local Maori community service provider recently opened their newly renoed modest premises at a function….was labour there I wonder.
- dancervipereke 42.4
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:07 pm
  
  LOLOLOLOLOLOL.
  
  As QOT said, “epic comment is epic”.
- danylmc 42.5
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:14 pm
  
  I also enjoyed it when Idiot Savant criticised Labour on Twitter, and Curran demanded he make atonement by going door-knocking for Labour in South Dunedin.
ColonialPete 43

9 December 2012 at 4:58 pm

If Colonial Viper is reading this, I suggest he make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 43.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 5:11 pm
  
  Ohhhhh escalation that would cause such severe media and potential poll hit that CV would be demonised and shot at dawn, and if we lose in 2014 cause of any distraction….
  It would play into the Tories smug hands.
  - ColonialPete 43.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 5:21 pm
    
    If I were in CV’s position, I would make a complaint right away, consequences be damned. People who engage in what is essentially blackmail do not belong in government.
    - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 43.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 5:34 pm
      
      Well at least we still able to vote…last freedom in our democratic society…vote em in or down maybe, roll on feb. who know we might have a selection process for some local mp yet come feb too.
    - Colonial Weka 43.1.1.2
      
      9 December 2012 at 6:38 pm
      
      I tend to agree Pete, although I’m not sure how the privacy act would cover this situation. I can’t find a privacy policy on either Red Alert or the main Labour party website 🙁
    - Rhinoviper 43.1.1.3
      
      9 December 2012 at 6:57 pm
      
      CV would have my support if they didn’t make a complaint. I’ve been subjected to the analogous situation of workplace bullying in the past, and went through a protracted complaint process. I fully appreciate how how gruelling it can be, how it can leave permanent effects in terms of relationships and health. It’s all very well to say “damn the consequences”, but if CV goes ahead, CV will have to endure the consequences. What they need is the support of other people. That’s why I was in a union and why I’m staying in one.
      
      Yes, Curran is an utterly vile individual, and that “nice guy” Shearer, by enabling her at the very least, is culpable.
      - Veutoviper 43.1.1.3.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 9:59 pm
        
        +1, Rhino. It is strictly up to CV and the others as to how they handle this. I have also been “there” and know how much it takes at the time and the longer term effects – even if you win at the time. I will respect them – and any decision that they make. They are all people whose comments on here I have appreciated and respected even if I have not necessarily agreed.
        
        What has amazed me is the number and range of people who have come out in support of CV and the others’ democratic rights to express their views. In fact I have found it quite uplifting and feel that we can work together for the greater good – while respecting that we are not all going to agree all of the time. If we can meld this into something bigger, then there is hope. Lets turn a negative into a positive.
Coronial Typer 44

9 December 2012 at 5:29 pm

Perhaps Dunedin South needs a more active selection process coming up.

Let’s just dump her and get a better candidate.

It’s time they figured out the true power of this site.

And while we’re at it, get that NZCouncil to demand a new Caucus rep as well.

Fire this useless thing before she requires us to have something stitched on our clothes:
“Standard Raiser”

And yeah Claire, you do work for us. Not the other way around.

We are Labour Party Members!
Binders full of viper- women 45

9 December 2012 at 6:28 pm

Thanks for outing this weirdo. Us Waitakere men hate censorship which is why I migrated over here from red alert cos of the censoring and abuse from a sad lycra 50 something bully.
Matthew 46

9 December 2012 at 7:15 pm

Is there link where one could go to see eveerything thats happened on one page?
im confused as all hell
- QoTViper 46.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 7:24 pm
  
  This post by IrishBill:
  http://thestandard.org.nz/just-how-wrong-can-you-get-it/
  
  This comment by Colonial Viper:
  http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-07122012/comment-page-1/#comment-559626
  
  And thus Vipertacus was born.
  
  See also this comment for why you should never comment at Red Alert (because as far as Labour/Clare Curran is concerned, “Open Government” means “we demand transparency of the government while in opposition but deny basic freedom of expression to people who disagree with us”)
  http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-07122012/comment-page-1/#comment-559704
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 46.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 7:52 pm
  
  A summary if I may be so bold…
  CV and a few others so far have been nobbled by either direct approach and or complaint to labour party HQ, by um well a unnamed labour MP, about their online blogging so have gone into hiding so to speak, apart from the odd beer or two with his mates. Virtual and otherwise.
  Then behold the true and bold on here stood up in solidarity and did a grand show of support via the name game thing.
  Now the game is up and the call has gone out far and wide. Sharpen your pen sword as it would seem blogging members are for the chop or knife.
  My take wheel within wheel within another wheel as the party members find there voice and demand meaningful and directional change and this is causing discomfort to the ruling labour elite.
Mongoose 47

9 December 2012 at 8:26 pm

Wow, some pretty strong hating going on on this page. Whatever your perception of some Labour MPs and your own ideals, just remember you are talking about/hating on another human being here, and as we have seen recently in the UK, disparagement of others can have nasty consequences.
Are you all so absolutely sure of your claims, accusations? Sure hope so.
Just noticing and just saying.
- MrV 47.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:55 pm
  
  Not dubbed the hate blog for no reason.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 47.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:03 pm
  
  Ohhhhhh very good point, thanks for that mongoose.
  Angst – actually from my understanding CC doesn’t need any more pressure…forgot about that.
- BM 47.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:07 pm
  
  Civil war
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 47.3.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:17 pm
    
    Well cc won selection by one floor vote it would seem, I was sick that day and could not make it, got some flack for that one my bad.
    I hate hate hate the Tories and this evil system that shackles the people to provide wealth to avert few.
    We need each and every electorate to provide the maxamum amount of party votes come election time. We need unity and connective ness and a modern operational approach to systematically lockin voters now now one not in two years time.
    
    This election starts now for the LP but we need strong caucus and strong policy, we need motivated and strong activist who have a plan to get the message out.
    Bold thinking is needed now…
- QoTViper 47.4
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:38 pm
  
  Oh, fuck off. We’re criticising the actions of a person. Shitty actions, pointless actions, destructive actions, and you want to fucking guilt-trip us by associating blog comments with driving people to suicide?
  
  I say again: fuck off.
Ennui in Requiem Mass for CV 48

9 December 2012 at 8:51 pm

Here in Purgatory we sing songs to sooth the soul of CV. We also have the devils lining up to punish his oppressors: so cut the bollocks please, wont somebody name and shame the guilty party please in full detail, technicolor with damning evidence.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 48.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:06 pm
  
  Hersay from those directly involved and a blogger on Michael winters blog stating they have seen the letter should be enough….
  One peasant to another “what’s that smell”
  Oh that the elites they are revolting.
- Drakula 48.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:28 pm
  
  “Ennui in Requiem Mass for CV” I like it keep up the support !!!!
lurgee 49

9 December 2012 at 10:02 pm

Has anyone seen any evidence to establish what CV is saying is actually A Real Thing and (if it is) looked at both sides of the story? It wouldn’t be the first time in history that someone has decided it is more fun to be the news, rather than just comment on it.

Worth while pausing and reflecting before we break out the torches and pitchforks, perhaps?
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 49.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:08 pm
  
  You mean private conversations and a letter From the caucus rep….only hearsay.
  - lurgee 49.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 10:45 pm
    
    I have no idea. Nor, I suspect, do most of the infant vipers squirming about here. But I see a lot of people running very fast in one direction, shouting “Burn the Witch!” and that’s usually not a good thing.
    - Neoleftie friend in arms of cv 49.1.1.1
      
      10 December 2012 at 7:43 am
      
      It would seem that we are the red red witches and they wana burn us one by one at the steak…BBQ
Jester 50

9 December 2012 at 10:14 pm

Is this guy for real? He is got to be taking the piss.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/2012/12/09/sunday-sport-omnishambles/
- rosy 50.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:50 pm
  
  I sort of hope that it’s clever, but really he can’t see that the Labour caucus is NZ Cricket.
- fender/same sentiment less eloquent Viper 50.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 11:05 pm
  
  I wasn’t aware G.Robertson was the Henry Blofeld of the Beehive.
  
  He better place Clare Curren in the silly-mid-off fielding position, oh too late.
- mac1 50.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 11:35 pm
  
  Mmmm….. cricket.
  
  A team game where the captain makes the decisions supported by loyal players, a game plan is followed by bowlers and fielders when the opposition is batting and by the batsmen when their turn is to bat even at the cost of sacrificing their wickets for the good of the team, different skill sets are exercised by various players from a variety of backgrounds, with the same basic rules applying to both sides.
  
  Each team tends to have ardent followers and trenchant critics, especially when the team is not playing well. Individual players can be also criticised for uneven performances even at a distance from the game and with little knowledge by the critics of the playing conditions, captain’s instructions and the basis for his decisions.
  
  Ground staff, umpires, coaches, selectors can also be held accountable reasonably or unreasonably by dissatisfied fans.
  
  Especially known for bias and favouritism are commentators and sports writers. Some have even been accused of interviewing their own typewriters.
  
  Generally, the critics most informed are those who turn up for the actual game, sit on the boundary and watch the action, knowledgeably. Some even keep scoring books.
  
  Some, however, don’t watch matches, and even support other teams. Others only support their team when it is winning. Others again know that cricket is most of all a confidence game where players are easily distracted by sledging and barracking.
  
  A few even run betting schemes and try to influence the play by match fixing and improper use of appeals and review authorities.
  
  Lastly, most of the public take a slight interest in the game at peak times when important tests are being played and for the rest of the time follow other sports, if at all.
  
  And some say cricket has no relevance to life.
Drakula 51

9 December 2012 at 10:22 pm

Sorry; I have been a bit out of touch, I have just read the above and No Right Turn’s take on this and he was brilliantly succinct as usual. I say to CV don’t be intimidated, stand tall and if this bitch insists on her bullying tactics then threaten to DEFECT! EN MASS ! There is always the Greens and the Mana Party.

I am a Greenie but having said that I am getting disillusioned with the partisan political system and I will explain why. It has one fundamental weakness; it focuses on personalities rather than the issues which is why it is very easy for ‘business groups’ to infiltrate a number of parties.

Remember politicians don’t like referendums and the neo liberals have had headaches infiltrating the Swiss system.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 51.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:27 pm
  
  Well I for one have a end goal. Unity and a solid leadership team with members in support taking it to the street to get the vote in
Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 52

9 December 2012 at 10:25 pm

Yes he most certainly is for real mate.
He is quite well rounded for a pollie just like Lange was too.
Hmmmm Lange was betrayed by the right bush wackers too.
- Drakula 52.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:37 pm
  
  Yes I remember that but I didn’t feel that sorry for Lange because a few years earlier when Labour was in opposition Douglas was sacked by Rowling! Remember? Lange should have learnt from that but Oh no Douglas and Prebble were dangling the golden grail of power to get rid of Muldoon.
  Strange I remember that better tan last week.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of cv 52.2
  
  10 December 2012 at 7:40 am
  
  Um talking about Robertson there…well rounded.
Greg M, the Ex Navy viper 53

9 December 2012 at 11:08 pm

This whole situation is appalling. While I hardly ever agree with CV, his writings are always well considered and well written. Someone needs to give a certain south Dunedin MP a swift kick up the slats. Anyone that thinks muzzling genuine criticism and robust discussion is a help to democracy, needs to stand aside. I respect CV’s, and Millsy’s comments and I look forward to their early return to these pages.
Greg.
- SHG (not Colonial Viper) 53.1
  
  10 December 2012 at 12:40 am
  
  his writings are always well considered and well written
  
  Bollocks, he’s a frickin’ lunatic. Half the time arguing with him is like talking to a religious nut with his fingers in his ears chanting “lalalala can’t hear you Jesus Jesus Jesus”.
  
  But that’s entirely beyond the point. To have been threatened with naming and shaming for posts made pseudonymously on one site by person(s) who have access to logs of posts made on another is disgusting.
  
  I don’t care if he’s a drooling halfwit or Thomas Aquinas, Colonial Viper is now “us” and those threatening him are now “them”.
  
  To have inspired in me feelings of solidarity with Colonial Viper is yet another crime to add to the list for which the current Labour management cabal should be held accountable.
burt - Viper without the rose tinded glasses 54

9 December 2012 at 11:58 pm

Get some balance CV, but don’t loose your passion.
xtasy 55

10 December 2012 at 2:48 am

I have so far resisted to get “vipered”, am not intending to “viporise”, but am impressed by this convincing viper passion shown in this thread. It will surely send a message “home”, wherever that may be in future.
Blue 56

10 December 2012 at 8:53 am

Just read about CV. Did this seriously happen? Clare Curran is one of the electorate MP’s down here and is not well liked, lost the party vote to National in a strong Labour seat. I don’t agree with much (anything?) CV has to say, but his right to say it in anonymity needs to be protected. The fact that Curran beleives she should ‘out’ him, to exert control over the message is the lowest form of censorship. What a scumbag.
Treetop 57

10 December 2012 at 2:43 pm

I am left wondering that if by association in agreeing with CV when he blogged regarding the Labour leadership that in future when I correspond with a labour MP on a matter of complaint unrelated to the leadership, that I will be treated in a different manner (marked for pay back) than I have formerly been treated.
Richard Down South (Will wingman for CV) 58

10 December 2012 at 4:51 pm

Labour need to pull their head out of their you know where, and im a long time Labour supporter :/
Assviper 59

10 December 2012 at 10:13 pm

Poor show all round really…….
Huginn all God's Vipers 60

11 December 2012 at 4:03 am

I’m really struggling with this. If Claire Curran did this, then she should have known better.
But if she did, then I wouldn’t be surprised.

Her stupId idea that she could moderate National’s ammendments to the Copyright Act by ‘working from the inside’ and effectivrly supporting them caused a huge shift of young voters to the Greens.

Her Red Alert posts are unreadably long winded. She doesn’t seem to get the Interweb at all.
twist 61

11 December 2012 at 8:32 am

Well you can all read her response
Notice the parts where she says “not at any point have I sought disciplinay action against any indvidual” & ‘she had not used individual names’ & that CV had identified themself
You guys at the standard are pretty good at organising a witch hunt. There is always more to hearsay than meets the eye.
[Bunji: fixed link]

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Not all authoritarians are fascists.

A few days ago I responded to a post about Trump being a fascist on one of my friend’s social media page, then made a few comments on the consultancy social media page by way of follow up. Given the … Continue reading → ...

KiwipoliticoBy Pablo

1 week ago
Keep the Vampires From Your Door

I'll protect you from the hooded clawKeep the vampires from your doorWhen the chips are down I'll be aroundWith my undying, death-defying love for youEnvy will hurt itselfLet yourself be beautifulSparkling love, flowersAnd pearls and pretty girlsLove is like an energyRushin' an' rushin' inside of me, ehSongwriters: Brian Philip Nash ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

1 week ago
The Odd Couple.

Strange Political Bedfellows: Matthew Hooton’s support for Winston Peters’ New Zealand Futures Fund reflects the Radical Right’s newfound reluctance to bet everything on the efficacy of market forces.AS IF HE WASN’T IN ENOUGH TROUBLE, Matthew Hooton has now come out for Winston Peters’ New Zealand Futures Fund (NZFF). Not only ...

Bowalley Road

1 week ago
Your Friends Should Be Close By

Hi,I’ll never forget the time the guy next to me on the plane got really angry because the Wi-Fi wasn’t working. Here we were, 40,000 feet in the air, and he couldn’t get Facebook. He was huffing, he was puffing. He was insufferable.I’m constantly amazed you can get the internet ...

David FarrierBy David Farrier

1 week ago

Release: Government’s disgrace for Christchurch homeowners

The Government is backtracking on existing commitments to do the right thing by homeowners let down by EQC (now the Natural Hazards Commission). ...

Labour Blog

21 hours ago
Release: National’s FamilyBoost a colossal flop

Nicola Willis continues to over promise and under deliver, with most families receiving only $30 a week from National’s flagship FamilyBoost flop. ...

Labour Blog

22 hours ago
Ngarewa-Packer Demands Support for Palestine Ceasefire from New Plymouth Mayor

Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is calling on the Mayor for New Plymouth, Neil Holdom, to do the right thing. “I am shocked at his decision to disregard the petition presented by Palestine Solidarity Taranaki calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire”, said ...

Māori Party

1 day ago
Release: Trade deal with Gulf states welcomed

Labour welcomes the conclusion of a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that was restarted under a Labour government after languishing for many years. ...

Labour Blog

1 day ago
Release: Labour welcomes OAG fast track inquiry

The Government should consider the outcome of an Auditor-General report into conflicts of interest before progressing the Fast track Approvals Bill through Parliament. ...

Labour Blog

1 day ago
Greens reignite call for free dental

A new report detailing the enormous social and economic costs of our dental system has reignited the Greens' call for free dental care. ...

Greens

1 day ago
Greens call for bottom trawling ban and call out Minister for lacklustre response

The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to ban bottom trawling, following news a New Zealand bottom trawler caught 37kg of coral in international waters, prompting the suspension of all fishing in the area until 2026. ...

Greens

4 days ago
Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs

Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...

NZ First Press Release

5 days ago
Release: Funding for Gumboot Friday should pause

The National Government should review its support for Gumboot Friday after unacceptable comments by its leader and champion Mike King. ...

Labour Blog

5 days ago
Louise Upston cherry-picks data to punch down on the poor

The Government has very conveniently cherry-picked data from the latest MSD projections to justify its cruel agenda and punch-down policy when it comes to people living in poverty. ...

Greens

5 days ago
Luxon needs to address the cow in the room

The Green Party was appalled to hear Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claim we are “doing everything we can” on climate change, while his government does nothing to address emissions in our most polluting sector. ...

Greens

7 days ago
Govt Must Clean Up ‘Its Shit’ From Sunken HMNZS Manawanui

Te Pāti Māori is calling out the Government and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for their inaction and disgraceful downplaying of the impact caused by the sunken HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa. “We demand the Government move without further delay to clean up its shit from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui in Samoa,” said co-leader Debbie ...

Māori Party

1 week ago
Jamie Arbuckle: Inquiry into Banking Competition

This week was the start of the bank inquiry hearings into banking competition. The inquiry was confirmed in the NZ First/National Coalition agreement. 140 submissions were received on the inquiry, and we will hear from over 60 submitters including all the major banks. ANZ, New Zealand's largest bank, was first ...

NZ First Press Release

1 week ago
Tanya Unkovich: It’s time to start the debate on palliative care as a ‘right’

There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...

NZ First Press Release

2 weeks ago
Release: Labour backs Christchurch City Council sanctions on Israel

Labour is backing Christchurch City Council’s decision not to do business with firms involved in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Government driving away offshore wind industry

The Government has created a hostile environment for companies seeking to build offshore wind farms. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Another step towards Pasifika justice

The Green Party acknowledges the historical importance of MP Teanau Tuiono’s Member’s Bill, Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill, passing its second reading in Parliament today. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Sanctions Soar, Jobs Vanish – National’s Cruelty Exposed

Te Pāti Māori is enraged at the National government’s ruthless punishment of beneficiaries, all while jobs are disappearing. MSD data shows a 133% increase in sanctions over the past year, with over 14,000 sanctions in just three months. The kicker? The jobs this government insists people should find are nowhere ...

Māori Party

2 weeks ago
Police Perpetuate Siege on Ōpōtiki

Te Pāti Māori MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi, says today’s police-sponsored terrorism in Ōpōtiki is a continuation of the State’s predatory behaviour towards the iwi of Te Whakatōhea. "Ōpōtiki is once again being intentionally targeted and is the direct byproduct of this Government’s 'tough on crime' legislative changes,” said MP ...

Māori Party

2 weeks ago
Release: Govt cuts school lunches even further

The Government has gone back on its word and cut the full school lunch programme in primary schools after saying it wouldn’t. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Time to shut down failed Youth Justice Residences

The Green Party is calling for Youth Justice Residences to close, following a protest in which a group of young people spent the night on the roof of an Oranga Tamariki justice facility. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Tell Luxon to Kill the Treaty Principles Bill

Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Appalling process on three strikes law

The Government is subverting parliamentary process on laws the evidence already shows don’t work. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Labour calls for investigation into tobacco tax cut

The Government’s decision to award a $216 million tax break for Philip Morris’ heated tobacco products reeks of tobacco industry interference and needs to be thoroughly investigated. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Delay to retirement village review won’t help residents

The National Government is treading water on a much-needed review of the Retirement Villages Act, kicking any amendments down the road till the next parliamentary term in 2027. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Release: Serious concerns ignored in Govt’s fast track bill

National’s fast track bill enables the most radical and unbalanced consenting regime in living memory. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
Fast-Track, off the rails: Submitters show strong opposition to Bill

Despite resounding public opposition, the fast-track legislation is being pushed through Parliament with provisions that could have real consequences for people and planet. ...

Greens

3 weeks ago
Release: Labour supports continuing fight for dairy access

Labour welcomes the National Government’s decision to further pursue our access to the Canadian dairy market under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
Release: Job losses devastating for Timaru

Confirmed news that the Smithfield meatworks will close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
New Zealand First Member’s Bill to Improve Access to Palliative Care

New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill which aims to improve access to palliative care for all New Zealanders, ensuring kiwis have better access to the compassionate palliative support they may need. The ‘Improving Access to Palliative Care Bill’ seeks to guarantee that every New Zealander has the right ...

NZ First Press Release

3 weeks ago
Release: Further uncertainty for Kiwirail as jobs set to go

KiwiRail offering voluntary redundancy to all its staff is hugely concerning given the future of New Zealand’s rail system is under threat. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
ASA Declares Hobson’s Pledge Advertising Misleading and Socially Irresponsible

Te Pāti Māori Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer welcome today’s ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which found that a Hobson's Pledge advertisement regarding customary marine titles was misleading and socially irresponsible. The two-page wraparound ad, published in The New Zealand Herald, suggested that nearly the entire coastline ...

Māori Party

3 weeks ago
Release: Benefit numbers continue to soar under National

National’s all pain approach to beneficiaries has yielded no gain as benefit numbers continue to surge past projected figures. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
Casey Costello: What Once Was…

Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...

NZ First Press Release

3 weeks ago
Soaring benefit sanctions push more into poverty

Sanctions on beneficiaries have sky-rocketed since the Coalition Government came to power, pushing more families into poverty. ...

Greens

3 weeks ago
International Energy Agency issues wake-up call on climate action

Today’s report from the International Energy Agency highlights how far this Government’s actions are dragging us backwards in the fight against climate change. ...

Greens

3 weeks ago
Release: Lack of funding puts pressure on frontline Police

News that 173 roles are being cut at Police will only put more pressure on the frontline. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
Release: Bipartisan agreement on outdated marriage law

Changes to outdated relationships legislation has passed its third reading giving family violence survivors the power to quickly dissolve abusive marriages. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
Release: Cuts to Apprenticeship Boost will fail future NZ

The Government’s cuts to the Apprenticeship Boost programme will leave New Zealand without the workforce it needs to build homes, schools and hospitals. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago
Release: Sluggish economy means struggles ahead for Kiwis

While today’s inflation numbers are good news for Kiwis, there are still struggles ahead with rising rents, rates, insurance and high unemployment. ...

Labour Blog

3 weeks ago

Stats show Medsafe accelerates approval assessments

Associate Health Minister David Seymour says that Medsafe’s annual performance statistics released today show that Medsafe are accelerating their approval process. “The data produced in Medsafe’s annual statistics show that in 2023/2024 Medsafe expedited their assessment process for almost every category of medicine,” says Mr Seymour. For innovative new medicines ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 hour ago
New rules mean faster payment times for small businesses

New requirements for government agencies to pay their invoices faster and adopt labour-saving technology are an important part of our plan to rebuild the economy and support small businesses, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly and Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee say. “The Government is ambitious about lifting New ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 hours ago
Speech – Diwali 2024

Namaste. Namaskar. Namaskaram. Vanakkam. Sat Sri Akal. Kem chho. Greetings to you all. It is my great privilege, as Minister for Ethnic Communities, to host this year’s Diwali Celebration at Parliament. I am truly excited to be with you all for Diwali as your Minister, and I warmly welcome each ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

18 hours ago
Accelerating maths achievement for Kiwi kids

The Government is continuing to transform maths education, by trialling a targeted maths acceleration programme to give more Kiwi kids confidence in mathematics. “After discovering just 22 per cent of Year 8 students are at the expected standard for maths, we launched our Make it Count Action Plan to give our ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

18 hours ago
Government’s creative sector strategy released

The Government’s creative sector strategy is designed to increase Kiwis’ engagement with culture and creativity and to boost its economic contribution, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Amplify has been released for public consultation and I encourage people to read the strategy and to share their feedback. “There’s an opportunity to ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 day ago
On-sold programme changes bring resolution to homeowners and taxpayers

Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has asked the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) to make changes to how it delivers the On-sold support package to prevent a cost blowout while helping eligible homeowners repair their homes in a timely manner. The On-sold programme was set up by the Government in 2019 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 day ago
Todd McClay to lead large trade mission to China

Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will lead a large trade delegation to the 7th annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai next week, followed by a visit to Guangzhou. This year, almost 70 New Zealand companies will participate in CIIE, to interact with over 3,400 exhibitors and 410,000 visitors. “This ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 days ago
New Charter to guarantee better access for hunting and fishing

Minister for Hunting and Fishing Todd McClay has today launched an Access Charter (the Charter) to ensure better access for recreational hunting and fishing on public conservation land (PCL) across New Zealand. “This Charter establishes guiding principles for the Department of Conservation (DOC) to provide clear and transparent decisions on ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days ago
Pou Whenua blessing honours Tongariro

A beautiful new Pou Whenua at the beginning of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will introduce visitors to the sacred landscape they are entering, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. Mr Potaka attended a blessing for the specially carved Pou Whenua at Mangatepopo, at the start of the track on 1 November. ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
New members appointed to the NZTA Board

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two new appointments to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board. Mary-Anne Macleod and Mike Rudge have both been appointed as members for three-year terms commencing 1 November 2024 and ending 31 October 2027. “Transport is a critical part of our Government’s plan ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Welcome relief from new oestradiol gel funding

Associate Health Minister David Seymour is welcoming Pharmac’s funding of oestradiol gel, following global shortages of oestradiol patches earlier this year. “I’m well aware of the stress caused by the global shortage earlier this year. At the time I said I was confident Pharmac was working hard to find a ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Deputy Prime Minister visit to Australia

Foreign Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters will visit Australia next week. “Australia is New Zealand’s closest partner, and we are pleased to make this second official visit there for 2024 following the first ever Foreign and Defence Ministers 2+2 Meeting between our two countries in Melbourne in January,” ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Applications now open for new training pathway

Applications have now opened for tertiary education organisations to seek Government funding to develop New Zealand’s first postgraduate diploma programme for associate psychologists, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced today. “Investment in this new training pathway supports the Government’s target to grow our mental health and addiction workforce and ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
Increased medicines access continues following budget boost

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see further increased availability of medicines for Kiwis following the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When this Government assumed office, ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days ago
New Zealand concludes high quality trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

New Zealand and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement that will open up significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters in the Gulf region, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay announced from Doha today. Today’s announcement follows significant reengagement with the GCC following meetings ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Government seeks views on remote court attendance

The Government is exploring how to modernise the law around people attending court remotely, to support access to justice and enhance court performance. Courts Minister Nicole McKee says the current law has not kept up with evolving court practices and public attitudes to the use of remote technology, nor been ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Breast screening age extension begins in Nelson Marlborough

Free breast screening has been extended for 70 to 74-year-old women living in the Nelson Marlborough district, ahead of a national roll-out late next year, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand with about 3,400 women diagnosed with the disease ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board strengthened

He toi whakairo, he mana tangata. The reappointment of one trustee and the appointment of four new trustees to the Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust Board will enable the legacy of Te Māori to be carried forward into the future, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka and Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Affordable housing project supporting home ownership

Up to 300 affordable, healthy, community-tailored homes helping to support home ownership are set to be built in eastern Porirua, supported by Government funding for Our Whare Our Fale through the Building Homes for Pacific in Porirua initiative, Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti and Associate Housing Minister Tama ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Dire benefit forecasts show the need for Welfare that Works

A new report that forecasts young people on benefits will spend an average of 20 more years relying on welfare underscores the need for the Government’s reforms, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. MSD’s latest Benefit System Insights report, released today, which estimates how many future years different ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago
Trade Minister travels to Doha for GCC trade discussions

Trade Minister Todd McClay will hold trade discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) trade ministers in Doha this week. Minister McClay will meet with all six GCC Trade Ministers, as well as the GCC Secretary General. “This will be my seventh visit to the region this year including two Ministerial ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

6 days ago
Podiatry prescribers will boost patient care

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister David Seymour say it’s great news that podiatrists will soon be able to prescribe medicines, meaning patients with painful foot and leg conditions don’t have to make a separate trip to the doctor. “This simple step means a big change for people ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

6 days ago
Historic redress inequities finally resolved for Lake Alice Unit survivors

The Government is addressing historic redress inequities for some survivors abused at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit. In 2001, the Crown reached a $6.5 million group settlement with 95 survivors subjected to abuse at the Lake Alice Unit. Law firm Grant Cameron & Associates (now GCA Lawyers) represented ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

6 days ago
ERO report shows Government’s truancy emphasis is vital

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Education Review Office’s (ERO) timely report on chronic school absence released today is further evidence of a truancy crisis. “Chronic absence has doubled since 2015. This report reinforces that action is needed to ensure this generation reaches its full potential,” says Associate ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

6 days ago
Minister welcomes business view on AML

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomes BusinessNZ’s report which addresses reducing the compliance burden on small businesses. “The challenges outlined in the report released today echo many of the concerns I have heard from businesses, which have informed my Anti Money Laundering/Countering Financing Terrorism (AML/CFT) priorities,” she says. “I have ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Mangamuka Gorge opening in time for Christmas

State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge will be open for Christmas, with critical work currently underway to clear the large slips and dropouts that have caused significant disruption for Northlanders trying to get where they want to go quickly and safely, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Mangamuka Gorge ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Trusted building professionals able to self-certify

The Government is proposing further significant action to reform the building and construction sector to support more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
New appointments to the TEC board

Dr Alan Bollard CNZM and Mr Bharat Guha have been appointed to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) board, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds says. “I would like to welcome the two new members joining the TEC board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Dr Alan Bollard CNZM is an experienced public ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Move to fast-track overseas doctors welcomed

Fast tracking applications for registration by eligible specialist doctors wanting to practice in New Zealand is in line with the Government’s push to improve the health outcomes for New Zealanders, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says. This fast-track pathway applies to specialists trained in anaesthesia, dermatology, emergency medicine, general practice, ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

7 days ago
Address to Western Sydney University: Constitutional and Rule of Law challenges in current global en...

Tēnā koutou Nau mai haere mai ki tenei hui Thank you to Vice Chancellor Williams, and the University of Western Sydney, for inviting me to speak today. I speak to you today in my capacity as Attorney-General – the New Zealand Crown’s Senior Law Officer. In this capacity, I serve ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Security advice for start-ups welcomed

Minister responsible for the security and intelligence agencies Judith Collins has welcomed new guidance that aims to protect New Zealand’s start-up and emerging technology sector from the threat of economic espionage. “We are a nation well-known for our ingenuity, and our willingness to openly collaborate in the spirit of enterprise ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Funding support to strengthen frontline volunteer service organisations

The Government has approved $23.1 million for four critical frontline volunteer service organisations to replace storm-damaged assets and provide training and equipment to improve New Zealand’s response to future emergency events, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey says. $14.6 million for Surf Life Saving New ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Jones heads to international mining conference

Resources Minister Shane Jones will speak at Australia's largest annual mining event in Sydney this week to mark New Zealand’s return to the international industry stage. Mr Jones will attend the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) where he will update the sector’s most influential players on the work the ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
NZ investing in Pacific disaster preparedness & climate resilience

New Zealand will contribute $20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters have announced. “The Pacific Islands region faces severe challenges from natural disasters and climate change impacts and New Zealand is committed to doing its part to help meet them,” ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Police to increase presence on Auckland public transport

Aucklanders will see a greater Police presence on public transport services to boost safety and reassure public transport workers and passengers, Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Transport and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say. “Minister Brown and I are working together, alongside Police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

1 week ago
Government funds helicopter replacements

The Government is investing in eight new emergency helicopters to replace some of New Zealand’s ageing air ambulance fleet, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and ACC Minister Matt Doocey announced today. “Our air ambulance helicopters play a vital role in saving lives around New Zealand,” Casey Costello says. “This is ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 weeks ago
China and New Zealand strengthen organic trade

An uplift to New Zealand’s organic product trade is expected through a new upgraded arrangement with China, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says.“The upgraded Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products will deliver opportunities for our organic export sector.”The upgraded MRA was signed in Central Otago today by Andrew Hoggard ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 weeks ago
Judicial appointments announced

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced two Court of Appeal and two High Court appointments. The four appointments will take effect on 21 November 2024 and are: Justice Christine French Justice French, who has been appointed President of the Court of Appeal, graduated with an LLB (Honours) from the University of Otago ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 weeks ago
Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka joined tangata whenua from Ngāi Tahu and local community members today to celebrate the opening of New Zealand’s eleventh Great Walk – the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. “The 60km upgraded track provides the opportunity to do one of New Zealand’s world-class multi-day walks, and will bring ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 weeks ago
New Chief Criminal Cases Review Commissioner

The Honourable Denis Clifford has been appointed Chief Commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. Hon Clifford brings a wealth of expertise and experience that will prove invaluable to the Commission. “He has served as a judge at both the Court of Appeal and High ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

2 weeks ago

Appalling Attack On Public Service Official By Minister Crosses The Line

"Publicly attacking a public servant for giving advice that you disagree with is unacceptable within our democratic system," said Kerry Davies, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. ...

Scoop politics

45 mins ago
Every travel disaster I can think of – and how travel insurance would help

While you might be reluctant to buy travel insurance, you’ll be glad to have it when things go wrong. As a natural catastrophiser, I spend a lot of time thinking about things that could go wrong – even on holiday. Perhaps I’ll be caught up in a life-threatening multi-car pileup ...

The SpinoffBy Tara Ward

1 hour ago
My Greatest Trip: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos

A white woman’s account of backpacking through southeast Asia? Groundbreaking. In a post-social media world, I find it impossible to regale you with my trip through Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos without first doing some throat-clearing. “Doing” southeast Asia “on a shoestring” has become such a traveller’s cliche – so ...

The SpinoffBy Madeleine Holden

1 hour ago
Zero-risk policy part of ‘widespread erosion’ of access to recreational areas

Twelve associations are calling for recreational activities to be formally excluded from the Health and Safety Act 2015. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 hours ago
The cost of being: A uni tutor who spends on vapes, samosas and the odd night out

As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 21-year-old flatting in Wellington explains how she gets by. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Wahine. Age: 21. Ethnicity: Māori. Role: Tutor at Victoria University. Salary/income/assets: ...

The SpinoffBy The Cost of Being

3 hours ago
Yes, burning gas is bad for the climate. But keeping it in Australia’s energy mix is sensible

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roger Dargaville, Director Monash Energy Institute, Monash University Shutterstock Both major parties in Australia see a significant role for gas as the world shifts to clean energy in a bid to avert dangerous climate change. The Albanese government says new sources ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 hours ago
Live: Luxon ‘frustrated’ with officials but ‘confident’ in Cabinet conflict ...

The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he's confident about Cabinet's own conflict of interest processes ...

Radio NZ – political

3 hours ago
Bird flu has been detected in a pig in the US. Why does that matter?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC L3 Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney David MG/Shutterstock The United States Department of Agriculture last week reported that a pig on a backyard farm in Oregon was infected with ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 hours ago
What happens if you have a HELP debt and kids? The missed opportunity in Labor’s plan to fix stude...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Warburton, Honorary Senior Fellow, Centre for the Study of Higher Education, The University of Melbourne Rogut/Pexels , CC BY The Albanese government has announced several significant changes to student loans to start in mid-2025. These include wiping 20% off debts, ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 hours ago
Memes, photojournalism and television debates: 3 images that defined the 2024 US election

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Message, Professor of Public Humanities and Director of the ANU Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University Visual images often last in historical and popular memory. This is especially the case in presidential campaigns in the United States, which offer a vast ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

3 hours ago
Todd McClay, trade, and the spectre of Trump

The PM says he’ll work with whoever wins the White House, but the trade minister has previously expressed concern over higher tariffs, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund for The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...

The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund

4 hours ago
America heads to the polls, and into a great unknown

Opinion: Wednesday November 6, NZ time, sees the majority of voting in the 2024 US presidential election. While it is unlikely we will have a confirmed result until later (Thursday is best case, but the result could take weeks, depending on how close it is), the next week promises to ...

NewsroomBy Hayden Thorne

5 hours ago
Live: Minister accuses health officials of undermining smoking reforms

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will talk to Morning Report live. ...

Radio NZ – political

5 hours ago
The longest commute, day two: Joel says a sad goodbye to Invercargill

Joel MacManus attempts to travel from the bottom to the top of the country without a car or plane. Today: Invercargill to Dunedin and beyond. The mission: Get from Stewart Island to Cape Reinga as fast as possible using only public transport. Wherever I can, I’ll travel by train. In ...

The SpinoffBy Joel MacManus

5 hours ago
Scientists concerned about delays to critical report

Scientists are becoming increasingly worried about delays to a critical report that could see an overhaul of the country's science infrastructure and funding. ...

Radio NZ – political

5 hours ago
Blood cancer patients call on National to honour commitment

Patients want National to take note of a report on blood cancer medicines and remember its pre-election promise that they would not be forgotten. ...

Radio NZ – political

6 hours ago
When will we know the US presidential election results in New Zealand?

And everything else you need to know about timings, where and what to watch in our user’s guide to the Trump v Harris big day(s). One ancient candidate ejected after a catastrophic debate performance, another shot in the head in a horrific, failed assassination attempt. Racism, misogyny, plausible claims of ...

The SpinoffBy Toby Manhire

7 hours ago
Is it possible to travel without damaging the climate? Yes

Trains, bikes and sailboats already exist, and choosing to travel more slowly can be a pleasure, too. “I’ve seen more on my bike that I would have seen in my whole lifetime, if I’d been flying,” says Robbie Webb. He’s calling me from Ghent, where he’s staying with friends, nearly ...

The SpinoffBy Shanti Mathias

7 hours ago
Oil supply crisis could trigger a sovereignty crisis for NZ

If Middle East oil flows were seriously disrupted, it would hit NZ harder than most other OECD countries The post Oil supply crisis could trigger a sovereignty crisis for NZ appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Simon Terry

7 hours ago
‘Hold us to account’: Iwi defends its own fast-track project

Ngāti Manuhiri hopes to fast-track over 400 homes and an on-shore aquaculture facility, but is committed to meeting the ‘gold standard’ no matter what the fast-track allows The post ‘Hold us to account’: Iwi defends its own fast-track project appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Fox Meyer

7 hours ago
Tax competitiveness just isn’t cricket (Estonia win again)

Opinion: Importance of combining a flat GST with a progressive income tax The post Tax competitiveness just isn’t cricket (Estonia win again) appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Dr Eric Crampton

7 hours ago
Self-cert buildings could work with a random element

Analysis: A more comprehensive solution would involve spot checks by third-party inspectors The post Self-cert buildings could work with a random element appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Sarosh Mulla

7 hours ago
Mansfield painted as ‘bold, reckless’ colonial

Nelson artist Sally Burton, has always been intrigued by Katherine Mansfield and describes her as bold, brave ‘and sort of lonely.’ Her fascination with Mansfield began at Nelson Girls’ College, when she was a teenager. She read every Mansfield manuscript she could lay her hands on. She loves her ‘wicked observations of ...

NewsroomBy Anna Cottrell

7 hours ago
Unions seek international inquiry into charter schools policy

A formal complaint to the global workers’ rights watchdog follows official advice to ministers that the policy likely breaches international labour law The post Unions seek international inquiry into charter schools policy appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Marc Daalder

7 hours ago
Taxing people unfairly just isn’t cricket

Opinion: Importance of combining a flat GST with a progressive income tax The post Taxing people unfairly just isn’t cricket appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Dr Eric Crampton

7 hours ago
Concerns over new, streamlined building consent process

The building consent regime is about to be streamlined by the government, with self-certifications replacing some council inspections.It means councils will be partly removed from the building consent process, allowing qualified tradespeople – including plumbers and builders – to forego inspections for low-risk builds.Self-certifications will be open to those with ...

NewsroomBy Amanda Gillies

7 hours ago
Auckland’s risk of becoming becalmed

Opinion: New Zealand had the fastest boat on the water at the recent America’s Cup. But the country’s largest city Auckland does not have such comparable speed in the international cities’ race.The World Economic Forum says cities are critical for developing competitive, innovation-driven economies, particularly those with strong infrastructure, vibrant ...

NewsroomBy Mark Thomas

7 hours ago
Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 5 November

Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Tuesday 5 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles

7 hours ago
Daily crossword, Tuesday 5 November

The post Daily crossword, Tuesday 5 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...

NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles

7 hours ago
Paul Goldsmith buys a book in Queenstown

Two days at a literary festival in Queenstown followed by two days at a literary festival in Akaroa – literature in two kinds of South Island paradise, one surrounded by snow and wealth, built on schist and the memory of gold, the other a pretty little harbour village with two ...

NewsroomBy Steve Braunias

7 hours ago
Corporates regain appetite for growth following OCR cuts

A change in direction from the central bank has corporates coming out of hibernation and gaining confidence to shift gears into expansion mode.With inflation inside its target band, earlier this month the Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 4.75 percent.This larger than usual interest ...

NewsroomBy Andrew Bevin

7 hours ago
US election: Women will pick the winner

“They’re both wrong,” the 80-year-old Arizonan says.But Kamala Harris will probably win because she’s been strong on a woman’s right to access abortions, she says.The mother, who doesn’t want to be identified “because I’ll probably be too honest”, believes Harris is bad for the economy, for job creation, for businesses, ...

NewsroomBy Laura Walters

7 hours ago
Crossbenchers cancel their membership of airlines’ elite lounges

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Crossbench independents Allegra Spender, Helen Haines and Kate Chaney have declared they are pulling out of the elite lounges run by Qantas and Virgin, amid the ongoing spotlight on privileges politicians receive from the airlines. ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

16 hours ago
Jonathan Cook: Israel kills the journalists. Western media kills the truth of genocide in Gaza

Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – Western publics are being subjected to a campaign of psychological warfare, where genocide is classed as ‘self-defence’ and opposition to it ‘terrorism’. Jonathan Cook reports as the world marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists at ...

Evening ReportBy David Robie

16 hours ago
New Zealand Loyal Political Party Is Under New Management

The AGM will allow its members, for the very first time, to democratically elect a Board to take the New Zealand Loyal Political Party through to the 2026 General Election. ...

Scoop politics

16 hours ago
31% of companies are not paying tax in Australia. How do they do it?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kerrie Sadiq, Professor of Taxation, QUT Business School, and ARC Future Fellow, Queensland University of Technology Seb Zurcher/Unsplash Large companies paid the Australian government a record A$100 billion in tax in the last year, a 17% increase on the previous year. ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

17 hours ago
Authentically embracing tikanga Māori can help New Zealand in the growing Asian markets

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hafsa Ahmed, Senior lecturer, Department of Global Value Chains and Trade, Lincoln University, New Zealand The Asian markets have long been seen as a linchpin for New Zealand’s economic success. And the key to future growth could be the cultural similarities between ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

18 hours ago
Apart from Chris Martin’s fall, here are 10 other examples of onstage accidents. Can we keep perfo...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Analytics & Resilience, UNSW Sydney In recent months, Australian concertgoers have witnessed plenty of unexpected onstage drama. The latest example came from Coldplay’s sold-out Sunday show in Melbourne. Lead singer Chris Martin took a sudden ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

18 hours ago
Australia is axing a $7bn military satellite project, leaving defence comms potentially vulnerable

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethics & CyberSecurity, Griffith University In a significant blow to Australia’s defence capabilities, the federal government is cancelling what would have been the nation’s largest-ever space project: a A$7 billion military satellite communications system. The ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

19 hours ago
Dams have taken half the water from Australia’s second biggest river – and climate change will m...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jan Kreibich, PhD Candidate, Centre for Ecosystem Science & Water Research Laboratory, UNSW Sydney Annette Ruzicka The largest wetland on Australia’s second longest river, the Murrumbidgee in the southern Murray-Darling Basin, is drying up. This is bad news for the plants, ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

19 hours ago

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