Key’s “Devil Beast” speech

Written By: - Date published: 9:47 am, May 17th, 2013 - 82 comments
Categories: budget 2013, humour, john key - Tags: ,

82 comments on “Key’s “Devil Beast” speech ”

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  1. infused 1
    17 May 2013 at 10:03 am

    Guess you missed the bit where it was actually Labour who mentioned that first.

  2. freedom 2
    17 May 2013 at 10:18 am

    breaking news
    internal polling shows the chimp is ahead for replacement of National Party leader

  3. karol 3
    17 May 2013 at 11:54 am

    Baiting the chimpanzee seems a little cruel – hardly a “beast”, at least no more than humans are. They have a lot in common with us and our current political structure, especially that under “neoliberal” capitalism and the NAct’s anti-democratic diversion machine.

    Male chimpanzees typically attain dominance through cultivating allies who will provide support for that individual in case of future ambitions for power. The alpha male regularly displays by making his normally slim coat puffed up to increase view size and charge to look as threatening and as powerful as possible. This serves to intimidate other members in an attempt to hold on to power and maintain authority, and it may be fundamental to the alpha male’s holding on to his status. Lower-ranking chimpanzees will show respect by making submissive gestures in body language or reaching out their hands while grunting. Female chimpanzees will show deference to the alpha male by presenting their hindquarters.

    Sounds so much like our PM. [PS: the alpha chimp, I mean]

    • ghostrider888 3.1
      17 May 2013 at 2:09 pm

      there is a relationship between “hindquarters” and the emphasis placed upon female breasts in Western culture; funny, I wanted to draw attention to that almost a year ago, yet I didn’t want to offend any persons; yet It is a fact, same with lipstick; oh to be ignorant aye!

    • David H 3.2
      18 May 2013 at 12:04 pm

      Even worse than that it seemed that the Chimpanzee was on his own, which is not the way the live, like Humans,. they crave the company of their own Kind.

      But yes I imagine that even he could do better than Key English and Joyce put together.

  4. marty mars 4
    17 May 2013 at 12:01 pm

    That video makes me hate zoos even more than I already do.

  5. TheContrarian 5
    17 May 2013 at 2:02 pm

    I was recently in Japan and they have a TV show where they bait chimps. The person who can keep the fruit away from the chimp the longest wins (or so it would seem, I don’t speak Japanese).

    It was pretty cruel.

  6. tracey 6
    17 May 2013 at 2:43 pm

    Among the large departments, the Health budget was up 2.2 per cent to $14.11 billion, Education was up 8.5 per cent to $2.39 billion and Transport rose 5.9 per cent to $1.97 billion. The Defence Force’s funding was trimmed by 4.6 per cent to $2.29 billion. The DPMC’s budget, however, rose 18.2 per cent to $22.08 million, while Tourism got a 39 per cent increase to $128.78 million.

    Last month, Mr Key announced a $158 million package over four years to attract more visitors to New Zealand, including “high-end” visitors from emerging markets and big spending business conventioneers.

    But the Government Communications Security Bureau, which Mr Key also oversees, has had a 15.5 per cent or almost $10 million cut. Also under Mr Key’s watch, the Security Intelligence Service had its funding increased this year by 9.8 per cent to $37.7 million.

    • ianmac 6.1
      17 May 2013 at 3:36 pm

      tracey. Keith Ng has an interesting post on Public Address. Interesting because of the interactive data on the Budget (over halfway down his post) and the option of supporting investigative journalism.
      Worth a look. http://publicaddress.net/onpoint/budget-2013-bringing-down-the-house-prices/
      and the interactive Chewydata Visualisation here: http://chewydata.com/budget2013.html

    • prism 6.2
      18 May 2013 at 4:54 pm

      DPMC Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

      $158 million over 4 years – to attract more visitors to New Zealand, including “high-end” visitors from emerging markets and big spending business conventioneers. How long is it going to build the Auckland convention centre and Queenstown building?

    • xtasy 6.3
      18 May 2013 at 11:17 pm

      “Also under Mr Key’s watch, the Security Intelligence Service had its funding increased this year by 9.8 per cent to $37.7 million.”

      Wow, it boosts my self confidence, seeing the SIS get so much more to keep an eye on persons like me. I never knew I was such a “threat” to New Zealand, or rather the present government.

      And while the SIS will in future be able to have GCSB do more work for them, that means they will be more effective in tracking internet traffic and what else needs to be “watched”.

  7. tracey 7
    17 May 2013 at 4:43 pm

    Thanks ianmac

  8. CeeH 8
    18 May 2013 at 7:17 am

    Devil beasts ay? The real devil is a liar, and the father of lies, and John Key certainly holds the pitchfork in that area.

  9. Jenny 9
    18 May 2013 at 4:06 pm

    Key’s political rhetoric:

    Don’t vote for North Korean Communist Devil Beasts!

    This dated mid 20th C Red Baiting political strategy to groundlessly demonise the opposition, demonstrates a government that cannot rationally defend its own policies.

  10. karol 10
    18 May 2013 at 4:24 pm

    Imperator Fish on Sherlock Shearer:

    In Parliament on Thursday during his Budget speech, John Key likened David Shearer and Dr Russel Norman to Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson in the famous Conan-Doyle novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. …

    The Hound of the Baskervilles tells the story of a mysterious death, and relates the legend of a diabolical supernatural beast, which I suppose must be the “devil-beast” referred to in Key’s speech.

    Unfortunately for Key, the person who wrote his speech appears never to have read The Hound of the Baskervilles. Far from hunting the “devil-beast”, Sherlock Holmes is convinced from the outset that an entirely rational and natural explanation exists for the activities of the infernal hound. In the end Holmes uncovers a sinister plot designed to fool everyone that supernatural forces are at work, and saves the day.

  11. felix 11
    18 May 2013 at 5:29 pm

    I still haven’t been able to figure out whether Key’s, er, unusual outburst was:

    a) a metaphor I don’t understand, or/and
    b) a metaphor he doesn’t understand, or/and
    c) a genuine expression of some deep-rooted fear born of his strongly held jewish/christian/atheist beliefs.

    Either way, it was just weird. It’s the kind of thing you might hear from a televangelist, a religious extremist, an medieval peasant, a cult-member or a southern politician in the U.S.

    It’s not the kind of thing I’ve heard from a kiwi before. He’s not like a kiwi. He’s not like us. He’s something else entirely.

    • Colonial Viper 11.1
      18 May 2013 at 5:32 pm

      5 years as PM and we still have to admit that we really don’t know that much about Key.

      • marty mars 11.1.1
        18 May 2013 at 5:43 pm

        It seems to me to be an obvious code designed for his waiting minions – expect trouble, big trouble and maybe even bigger trouble especially from the reptilian shapeshifters – those fuckers like trouble!

    • karol 11.2
      18 May 2013 at 5:39 pm

      It’s written into the speech, clearly by the speech writers:

      Yes, these two parties have come together in this happy little place, where fruit meets loop. That is where they are. Like one of the most famous combinations of all time, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, it is “Sherlock Shearer” and “Dr Norman” in search of solving the mystery, and this one is The Hound of the Baskervilles. According to them, Bill English is the devil-beast that haunts the moors that New Zealanders live on. Sadly for our two would-be crime solvers, it turns out that the devil-beast is not only a thoroughly competent Minister of Finance, but he is the envy of the Western World. Far from being someone who wants to haunt the moors, he wants to build tens of thousands of homes, well-insulated and affordable, on the moors. He has got this funny, quaint little notion. He wants New Zealand to earn money, not print it. That is the way he wants to go. He wants to support enterprise. He does not want to regulate for monopoly. He is a man who supports businesses, big and small. He is a person who cares about individuals, rich and poor, and that was on display in his Budget here today. Like all great Sherlock Holmes mysteries, there is a twist in the tale, and the twist is as simple as this: the devil-beast is the Opposition, not the Minister of Finance….

      This is a Government that has delivered competitiveness to our economy. This is where real jobs are delivered and where real growth takes place. The election will be about National versus that devil-beast. I know whom I will be voting for, and it will not be the devil-beast.

      Strangely, they have re-written the story.

    • TheContrarian 11.3
      18 May 2013 at 7:05 pm

      “It’s not the kind of thing I’ve heard from a kiwi before. He’s not like a kiwi. He’s not like us. He’s something else entirely.”

      I also find it most suspicious that Key doesn’t conform to what Felix believes a kiwi should be like.

      • Colonial Viper 11.3.1
        18 May 2013 at 7:11 pm

        Attacking the messenger is the best you can do? How about addressing the point?

      • RedLogix 11.3.2
        18 May 2013 at 7:25 pm

        @ TC

        This wasn’t some throw-away remark in the heat of Question Time. It was a carefully, comprehensively scripted metaphor embedded into the heart of a major formal Parliamentary speech.

        felix raises a really interesting point. Where did this metaphor come from? And why would Key use it like this?

        Because at a literal level you are right; Key is a kiwi therefore anything he says or does is by definition ‘kiwi’ … but from a cultural, historical perspective I really can’t recall any senior NZ politician, or any public figure for that matter, indulging in anything like this ever before. In that sense this outburst isn’t kiwi at all.

        Yes. We really don’t know John Key at all. Do we?

        • Anne 11.3.2.1
          18 May 2013 at 7:46 pm

          I imagine the source material was actually supplied by a non New Zealander, or it was cherry-picked from an overseas political diatribe finessed to fit in to a NZ context.

          Can you OIA source materials for prime-ministerial speeches? Could provide some fascinating international linkages. Lord Ashcroft comes to mind.

          • TheContrarian 11.3.2.1.1
            18 May 2013 at 10:03 pm

            You sound like those conservative pundits who accuse Obama of being ‘un-american’ and a threat to their way of life.

            “He is not one of us. His outburst isn’t kiwi at all.”

            The Standard on Hannity level.

            • Colonial Viper 11.3.2.1.1.1
              18 May 2013 at 10:13 pm

              But you don’t disagree that it’s an extremely unusual metaphor and source for a NZ PM to use?

              I like how you bring “Hannity” into a NZ context, we’re saying that is exactly what has happened.

              • felix …
                18 May 2013 at 10:34 pm

                Next he’s going to accuse us of xenophobia.

                Cos you know, pointing out that it’s unusual for the New Zealand PM to be deliberately inserting memes from a very different cultural context into our political discourse is, like, anti-biblical-literalist or something.

                • TheContrarian …
                  18 May 2013 at 10:49 pm

                  “pointing out that it’s unusual for the New Zealand PM to be deliberately inserting memes from a very different cultural context into our political discourse”

                  You know Felix, I have a grudging respect for you on a personal level, in real life we’d probably be friends (in some aspects we already are) but that is just fucking dumb.

                  Do please explain what a proper NZ PM should sound like. Should he/she preface each statement with “yeah, na”?
                  If Hone Harawira were to quote from a Native American would you comment on him “deliberately inserting memes from a very different cultural context into our political discourse”?

                  Don’t be a mutant. Deconstructing language is not your forte. Stick to vodka and guitar work. Chomsky you are not.

                  • felix …
                    18 May 2013 at 10:58 pm

                    I didn’t say anything about what a proper NZ PM should sound like. You’re misrepresenting me, and poorly.

                    I’m comparing Key to what other kiwis do sound like. And in this case, they don’t match.

                    Of course if I were that far off the mark you’d probably be giving examples of other hellfire and brimstone in parliament by now.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:01 pm

                      “I’m comparing Key to what other kiwis do sound like.”

                      And what do they sound like?

                      You sound like these people:
                      http://www.conservapedia.com/My_Muslim_faith

                    • felix …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:16 pm

                      It’d be relatively easy to prove I’m way off the mark if you really believed it.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:21 pm

                      Yes but you first need to define what a real Kiwi PM sounds like.
                      “Not what Key said” isn’t a very efficient starting point.

                    • felix …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:31 pm

                      No, I don’t need to do that at all.

                      I’m taking it as read that most of us don’t go around screaming that our enemies are Devil-Beasts.

                      I’m taking it as especially read that Ministers Prime are especially not in the habit of doing so.

                      Feel free to dispute either of those opinions any time you like, but I again I note that you haven’t disputed them yet.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:43 pm

                      Well, you do I’m afraid.

                      Please enlighten us with “what other kiwis do sound like” and how Key is so different.

                    • felix …
                      19 May 2013 at 12:00 am

                      Don’t be afraid.

                      And no, you’re the one going on about what “real” kiwis do or say, not me. I haven’t gone there and I don’t intend to.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      19 May 2013 at 12:03 am

                      “you’re the one going on about what “real” kiwis do or say, not me.”

                      Ok….

                      “I’m comparing Key to what other kiwis do sound like.”

                      huh. Weird.

                    • felix …
                      19 May 2013 at 12:15 am

                      Yeah, it’s weird alright. I haven’t said anything about “real kiwis” but it’s all you want to talk about.

                      ps it’s polite to leave quotes with the emphasis intact, otherwise it looks like you’re trying to alter the context.

              • TheContrarian …
                18 May 2013 at 10:38 pm

                Wow, really? An ‘unusual metaphor’? You’re right, no REAL New Zealander would say something like that.

                http://www.hark.com/clips/zywbkylhnq-no-human-being-would-stack-books-like-this

                • felix …
                  18 May 2013 at 10:44 pm

                  Whatever TC. It’s highly unusual in a NZ context, particularly in a NZ political context.

                  I note you haven’t actually disputed that at all.

                  • TheContrarian …
                    18 May 2013 at 10:50 pm

                    See above, sweet-pea.

                    • Rogue Trooper …
                      18 May 2013 at 10:59 pm

                      a friend in need is a friend indeed, a friend with weed is better

                    • felix …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:01 pm

                      Checked above. Don’t see anything to suggest that Key’s demonic imagery is anything but highly unorthodox in NZ politics.

                      I could be wrong of course, but you haven’t shown it.

                    • TheContrarian …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:03 pm

                      “demonic imagery”

                      You have long arms, my friend. How far can you reach?

                    • ghostrider888 …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:06 pm

                      Wonder. who is Key and his ‘speech-writing’ masters channeling, felix.

                    • felix …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:21 pm

                      Ah I see, we’re now in your contrarian universe where repeatedly yelling “Devil-Beast!” is not employing demonic imagery.

                      Goodo.

                      Any chance you’re going to engage with the idea that Key’s demonic imagery is very unusual in our culture, particularly in our political culture?

                    • TheContrarian …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:24 pm

                      Your arms are longer than I thought.

                    • felix …
                      18 May 2013 at 11:36 pm

                      Would you do me the service of coming out and saying which bits you disagree with?

                      For example, if you don’t think that repeatedly yelling “Devil-Beast!” is employing demonic imagery, say so.

                      Then we know where we’re starting from. Of course that’s assuming you’re interested in discussing this in good faith and aren’t about to suddenly remember that you’ve got to dash off.

      • felix 11.3.3
        18 May 2013 at 10:41 pm

        “I also find it most suspicious that Key doesn’t conform to what Felix believes a kiwi should be like.”

        Don’t be a dick TC, I didn’t say anything about what a kiwi should be. Key can believe in whatever monsters and demons he likes, I don’t give a fuck.

        The weird bit, and the bit you’re trying so hard to avoid discussing, is that he made it a central focus of a major speech in our parliament, as Prime Minister.

        • TheContrarian 11.3.3.1
          18 May 2013 at 10:51 pm

          A turn of phrase I haven’t heard before! How dare he, no NZer would say such a thing!

    • peterlepaysan 11.4
      18 May 2013 at 9:46 pm

      Shonkey is Hawaiian/USA citizen. He is definitely not one of us.
      His moral compass was fixed on Wall Street not New Zealand.
      That is why, as Minister of Tourism, he holidays at home, in the USA.

      • TheContrarian 11.4.1
        18 May 2013 at 10:04 pm

        Come to think of it, has anyone even seen Key’s long form birth certificate?

        • Colonial Viper 11.4.1.1
          18 May 2013 at 10:14 pm

          What’s happened to you lately, turned off your brain? The idea is that the PM is sourcing political ideas and content from offshore. Surely you cannot be shocked at that?

  12. xtasy 12
    18 May 2013 at 11:28 pm

    Re Key not behaving or speaking like a “Kiwi”, I am astonished to hear this. He was raised here, born here, I believe, so while he may have had a Jewish mother and an English father, what does it necessitate to be a “Kiwi”?

    There are many from different backgrounds, who came and come here as migrants, and yes, some are very “different”. They may adhere to their various cultural backgrounds and customs and whatever.

    John Key may not fit the New Zealander stereotype, but as much as I dislike him, I must concede he is a rather smart operator (for the wrong cause). He has some problems with speaking and pronouncing certain words, but so do many others.

    As for those pre-occupied with criticising Key for not being the traditional “Kiwi” they may think he should be, perhaps start dealing with him the same way he deals with most of us?

    Fight fire with fire, and put aside your meekness, respect for those that may not deserve it, and call the kettle by what it should be called as.

    His “devil beast” comments are of course bizarre, but perhaps think out something matching that man’s extremism and rudeness, and deal it out to him in like manner.

    There were many speeches held after the death of Parekura Horomia, rather dignified and respectful in Parliament, but the day after many MPs exposed their true natures again, ripping into each other. Is that the “Kiwi” way, I ask? What is the “Kiwi” way, I am urged to ask every day, as there are so many varying interpretations as to what that may mean.

    When drunk many Kiwis talk in manners unbecoming, and that makes them no different to any other person from anywhere else. Perhaps move on to the presence and even future?

    • TheContrarian 12.1
      18 May 2013 at 11:32 pm

      Good call, xtasy (though I disagree with the insinuation Key is a drunk – evidence required and all that).

      • xtasy 12.1.1
        18 May 2013 at 11:42 pm

        The Contrarian – I was not suggesting that Key is a “drunk”, I only raised the thoght that any Kiwi, or any person from any other country, can behave rather foolishly or bizarre when under the influence. Yet it is my impression that John Key does quite like a good few beers and else at times. But that is another story.

        Labour will get nowhere with starting to portray Key as a drunk, that is for sure, as such matters would only be side issues. Policy and performance matter, more than anything else, and I wish Labour would start getting that in order. I am left waiting, like many others.

        • felix 12.1.1.1
          19 May 2013 at 12:02 am

          He’s totally a pisshead.

          ps Labour aren’t coming to the rescue, xtasy. Don’t hold your breath waiting.

          • TheContrarian 12.1.1.1.1
            19 May 2013 at 12:05 am

            “He’s totally a pisshead.”

            Yeah, fuck shit like “evidence”. That is just dumb

            • felix 12.1.1.1.1.1
              19 May 2013 at 12:12 am

              Only if you don’t know what “evidence” means.

              There’s plenty of evidence available. Draw your own conclusions from it.

    • felix 12.2
      18 May 2013 at 11:43 pm

      xtasy, I agree that the “Devil-Beast” comments were bizarre, but they’re only bizarre in the context of NZ culture.

      In other parts of the world, and other debating chambers, they’d be far more mainstream. Here, they’re extreme and quite bizarre.

      I don’t think there’s anything controversial about that observation.

      • TheContrarian 12.2.1
        18 May 2013 at 11:46 pm

        How about “House Niggers”? Would that be bizarre in the context of NZ culture?

        • felix 12.2.1.1
          18 May 2013 at 11:57 pm

          In the context of NZ race relations? Yeah, bit weird.

          But in the sense that it offended people, it’d be just as offensive anywhere else.

          Key’s hellfire and brimstone is weird and out of place here but would be run-of-the-mill in parts of the U.S. political discourse.

          • TheContrarian 12.2.1.1.1
            19 May 2013 at 12:01 am

            So tell me your benchmark for judging this against. What does a normal Kiwi sound like?

            • felix 12.2.1.1.1.1
              19 May 2013 at 12:09 am

              “So tell me your benchmark for judging this against.”

              Try as you might, I’m not going to place a value judgement on Key’s worth as a person vs any other person or group of people.

              I’m simply making the comparison between Key’s bizarre rant and, well, pretty much every other piece of NZ public discourse I’m aware of to date.

              I’ve never heard anything like it. Have you?

              • TheContrarian …
                19 May 2013 at 12:14 am

                Unless you can explain what you consider to be what a real NZer would say then we can assess it.

                So what benchmark are you using?

                • felix …
                  19 May 2013 at 12:21 am

                  There’s no benchmark for “real NZer” because I haven’t mentioned any comparison between Key and a real NZer.

                  The comment you replied to explains very clearly what I’m comparing with what. Care to address it?

      • xtasy 12.2.2
        19 May 2013 at 12:01 am

        felix – The reason for Key coming with such extreme comparisons may also lie in his cynical approach that he applies generally, and also has he spent some time in other places, like the UK, the US and Singapore, where life and social interaction may be different to what is still respected by many in New Zealand. Singapore would not be so relevant, but the hard working environment in merchant banking in the key financial hubs of the globe, like London and New York, they would “harden” anyone who works in such jobs, and who did work in roles as Key.

        So yes, you got a point, but Key has that background, and he carries his conduct and views into his homeland, as he is a rather “cosmopolitan” operator, with a second home in the US, in Hawaii, that is.

        Sometimes I wonder whether he only considers his commitment to New Zealand as rather a part time commitment, having set up home on other places, and commuting between his estates in Hawaii, London and Auckland.

        If Sheaerer for Labour would not stuff up so much, and have a bit more solid convictions and integrity, I would give him trust, surely more than Key, but sadly Shearer has so far disappointed.

        And with that, Key is having an easy game with the opposition. It is sad and shocking.

      • Puddleglum 12.2.3
        19 May 2013 at 12:04 am

        I think the really strange thing here is that Key always tries to conform to the ‘ordinary New Zealander myth’ – you know, pragmatic, no-nonsense, commonsensical, rugby-loving, radio live chattering, barbecuing, male NZer – the kind of identity myth just about every people have about themselves.

        Yet, here, he just tosses that mythology aside and adopts a completely different identity. I’ve had some pretty weird conversations with wide-eyed people who talk about devils and the like at barbecues and other events, but they tend to be the people that the builder-blokey types at the same events point their beer bottles at and knowingly shake their heads.

        Why has he (or his speech writer) done this rhetorical shape-shifting away from ordinary blokedom?

        • felix 12.2.3.1
          19 May 2013 at 12:40 am

          Yeah I think that’s what’s at the heart of the jarring effect of his words – there are two versions of John Key in the speech and they can’t both be real.

          It’s almost like a simple outsourcing error. But then, the fact that he would go along with it shows how disconnected he is from the rest of us.

  13. Puddleglum 13
    18 May 2013 at 11:40 pm

    I wasn’t aware that Bill English was “the envy of the Western world“.

    But if Key says it, then I guess it must be true.

    I wouldn’t be impolite enough to ask him for the evidence of such envy, of course.

    And this metaphor seems extremely strained. What is this ‘mystery’ that he believes Shearer and Norman are trying to solve?

    Does Key really think the notion of the ‘devil-beast’ or, more correctly, the ‘Devil’s beast’ is metaphorical of something Labour and the Greens are doing?

    The Baskerville hound was, supposedly, set onto the Baskerville line by the Devil, after a Baskerville affronted the Devil somehow or other. I suppose their could be a mystery around whose work Bill English is truly doing (That is, assuming English is the ‘beast’ who has been set upon us, then who is the ‘devil’ behind him?). And, like the mythical hound, English does not need to know or care who his master is – he just gets set on his master’s enemies because of his nature (ideology).

    If that is the interpretation we are meant to take from the metaphor, then Key’s claim that Labour and the Greens are the ‘Devil’s beast’ raises the parallel mystery of who Key thinks is the ‘Devil’ behind the work of his own nominated ‘beast’ (i.e., Labour and the Greens).

    Is our Prime Minister a conspiracy theorist? He at least seems to think Shearer and Norman are conspiracy theorists on the basis that they have criticised English’s budget. But, even more clearly, Key himself seems to be a self-confessed conspiracy theorist given that he claims that Labour and the Greens are the ‘Devil’s beast’. That is, they have been set upon New Zealand (to roam our moors, as he puts it) by some dark force that controls them.

    Does Key really believe that?

    Or does he just need a new speech writer?

    ‘Fruit’ is definitely meeting ‘loop’ in this speech.

    • felix 13.1
      18 May 2013 at 11:49 pm

      Kiwi kids ♫ Are fruit-loop kids ♫

      Nah, doesn’t feel right either.

    • xtasy 13.2
      18 May 2013 at 11:52 pm

      Puddleglum: The “western world” and their various populations would in their vast majorities not even know where New Zealand is to be found on the world map. Many would think it is a state of Australia, or some land in the Netherland Antilles, perhaps.

      Yes, it sounds a bit silly, but that is actually the reality. Having lived outside of New Zealand I can tell you in all confidence that this is the way things are.

      In Europe some may know about New Zealand, but they rarely ever hear and read about what goes on here. In the US it is likely to be worse, as many US citizens would not even know where Wyoming is. So there you go. Try China or Japan in Asia, the picture will not be much different.

      When Key goes on like this, he is taking above all his own compatriates for a huge ride into fantasyland. Bill English will be less known than the country he lives in.

      But as I learned also, you can tell a fair number of New Zealanders anything, and they would believe it, as most have not had much of an OE or experience of what goes on in the rest of the world.

      Just look at TVNZ or TV3 and their news. Prince Harry is what matters, not what happens in the Middle East, in the rest of Europe, Africa, Asia or other places, unless it is some rare headline story like the building collapse in Dhaka in Bangla Desh.

      Out of mind and out of sight, and when you have such poor, yes appalling media reporting, then you can as PM and government minister get away with almost anything, that you claim.

      Key would not have a shit show to be a PM in any of the major economies this country trades with, that is for sure. Only in distant and little New Zealand can a PM get away with the BS claims he makes. Sad this is, really, but you cannot blame people that are not informed. So they vote accordingly. It is the blind leading the blind, in some ways.

  14. Jenny 14
    19 May 2013 at 11:13 pm

    Vote Devil Beasts in 2014.

  15. ropata 15
    21 May 2013 at 1:07 am

    Key is channelling Brian Tamaki?
    AFAIK God hasn’t changed his policy on smug rich bastards …

    The Sheep and the Goats

    31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

    34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

    37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

    40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

    41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

    44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

    45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

    46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

    • Colonial Viper 15.1
      21 May 2013 at 1:10 am

      Thank you for this.

      • ropata 15.1.1
        21 May 2013 at 1:24 am

        You’re welcome, the Bible is pretty tough on unjust rulers, exploiters and such.
        Leaving aside the primitive (sexuality and stoning) stuff there are some beams of inspiration…

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    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

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  • Or is that just they want us to think?
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  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
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  • Arguing over a moot point.
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  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
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  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
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  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
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  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
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  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
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  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
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  • Taupō takes pole position
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  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
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  • Government backing mussel spat project
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  • Government focused on getting people into work
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  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
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  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
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  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
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  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
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  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
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  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
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  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
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  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
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  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
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  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
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  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
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  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
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  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
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  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
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  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
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  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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  • Joint US and NZ declaration
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  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
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  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
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  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
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    1 week ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
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    1 week ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
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    1 week ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
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    1 week ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
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    1 week ago

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