National coalition with NZ First?
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- Date published:
5:00 pm, January 21st, 2014 - 126 comments
Categories: act, conservative party, election 2014, greens, john key, labour, mana, maori party, national, peter dunne -
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How times have changed.
In 2008 and in 2011 Key adopted what some thought was a position of principle and ruled out National going into coalition with NZ First, specifically Winston Peters. But it seems that National’s dwindling prospects at this year’s election have made it err on the side of expediency over purported principle.
From Stuff:
Prime Minister John Key has announced a big shift in National’s position heading into the next election by refusing to rule out a coalition deal with NZ First.
It is the first time Key has even contemplated going into government with NZ First leader Winston Peters after consistently ruling him out as a coalition ally since 2008.
As a further sign of how desperate the Government is Peter Dunne has been returned to Cabinet and Chris Tremain has been sent to the knacker’s yard in advance of his exit from Parliament.
Key today announced the reshuffle of his Cabinet, returning Dunne as a minister and dumping Chris Tremain.
Dunne resigned as a minister last year after an inquiry into the leaking of a sensitive report could not rule him out as the source.
Key said today Dunne would be appointed minister of internal affairs, associate minister of health and associate minister of conservation. Dunne will be a minister outside Cabinet as he was prior to his resignation in June last year.
Key also confirmed his preference for the Conservatives.
Announcing his preferences for possible coalition talks today, Key also indicated talks with Colin Craig’s Conservatives Party would be possible, despite policy differences between the two parties.
Given the right electoral circumstances, he would prefer to continue working with the Government’s three current partners – ACT, the Maori Party and UnitedFuture, he said.
“I believe there is also a scenario where it would be possible to add the Conservative Party to this group,” Key said.
The Greens and Mana will be pleased that Key has ruled out working with them.
For National to succeed we could see a multi headed National-Act-Maori Party-United Future-Conservative-NZ First government.
How stable would that be?
126 comments on “National coalition with NZ First? ”
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- Release: Job losses at Health not worth it for tax cutsNew Zealand will feel the harm of the National Government’s reckless cuts to jobs at the health ministry for generations, says Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Press release: No Māori initiatives in Government’s nothing planMāori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...11 hours ago - Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder listThe Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...13 hours ago
- Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...14 hours ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...15 hours ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...15 hours ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...15 hours ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...18 hours ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...1 day ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...1 day ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...1 day ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...2 days ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...2 days ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...2 days ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...2 days ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...2 days ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...3 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...3 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...3 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...3 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...4 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...4 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...4 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...5 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...5 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...1 week ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...1 week ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Rousing farewell for Kiwi doctors flying out to Gaza aid flotilla
Kia Ora Gaza A passionate haka reverberated through Auckland International Airport as a medical team of three New Zealand doctors received an emotional farewell from a big crowd of supporters before flying to Turkey to join the international Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. The doctors, who left Auckland yesterday, hope to ...5 hours ago - Communities Against The Fast-track Heartened By ‘Overwhelming’ Public Response; Disgusted By ‘...
With submissions closing today, Macassey-Pickard says groups around the country have been supporting a huge range of people to make their submissions. ...7 hours ago - Renters Rights To Drastically Reduce Under Landlord GovernmentThe Government’s announced changes around tenancy rules set renters’ rights back by nearly a decade. ...7 hours ago
- NZPI Submission on Fast Track Approvals BillOur response to the new legislation is informed by targeted conversations with practitioners working in the system and through an implementation lens. ...7 hours ago
- Fast Track Invite List Includes Most Destructive Industries In New ZealandThe new ‘Fast-track Approvals Bill’ would give just three Ministers the power to approve or deny development projects. They would avoid the usual checks and balances that are in place to protect rivers, land, the ocean, and communities. ...7 hours ago
- Eugene Doyle: Helen Clark on why AUKUS isn’t in New Zealand’s national interestCOMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Helen Clark, how I miss you. The former New Zealand Prime Minister — the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory — gave a masterclass on the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy when she spoke at an AUKUS symposium held ...7 hours ago
- Government releases list of organisations shoulder-tapped for fast-track consents
The government's released the list of organisations provided with information on how to apply - just hours before public submissions on the bill close. ...8 hours ago - The Week in Politics: Job cuts surge and Waitangi Tribunal troubleAnalysis - It's been a grim week for public servants, while trouble is also brewing between the government and Waitangi Tribunal. ...9 hours ago
- It never rains but it pours: intense rain and flash floods have increased inland in eastern Australi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Before climate change really got going, eastern Australia’s flash floods tended to concentrate on our coastal regions, east of the Great Dividing Range. But that’s changing. Now ...9 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaThe PM has defended how he's talked up NZ trade on his trip to Southeast Asia, after criticism from his own delegation. ...10 hours ago
- ‘It could be the death of the museum’: why research cuts at a South Australian institution have ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Finkel, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University Sia Duff / South Australian Museum In February, the South Australian Museum “re-imagined” itself. In the face of rising costs and inadequate government funds, CEO David Gaimster, who took the reins last June, declared ...10 hours ago
- Government signs off $41m clean energy deal with Asian Development BankThe government has committed $41 million to clean energy transition at the Asian Development Bank's Energy Transition Mechanism. ...10 hours ago
- Are 2 mid-career AFL retirements a sign Australian athletes are taking brain health more seriously?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, School of Allied Heath, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, La Trobe University This week, Collingwood AFL player Nathan Murphy announced his retirement, brought on by his concussion history and ongoing issues. The 24-year-old’s seemingly sudden retirement, ...12 hours ago
- Luxon: Waitangi Tribunal comments from coalition parties 'ill considered'Comments from ACT and NZ First ministers about the Tribunal were "ill considered" and "that message will be underscored" to them, the PM says. ...12 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation Facing Staff Cuts From Govt Funding SqueezeThe Mental Health Foundation provides support and resources for those facing the loss of their job, so it’s wrong in the very week the Government adds another 1000 jobs to its tally of cuts, that this is happening. ...13 hours ago
- I wholeheartedly recommend The President: a brilliant revival of a play of decay, terror and revulsi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...13 hours ago
- How the coolest little capital is shrinkingIt's not the first time a government has targeted public servants for job cuts, but this time Wellington is really feeling it. ...13 hours ago
- Ministers accused of Cabinet Manual breach with threats to Waitangi Tribunal
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...13 hours ago - Many prisoners go years without touching a smartphone. It means they struggle to navigate life on th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...13 hours ago
- Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...13 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mitochondrial Problem’ by Evangeline Riddiford Graham
A new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...13 hours ago - The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending April 18The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38) Hot off the press, this debut ...13 hours ago
- Department of Conservation closing Dunedin centre, but no jobs lostVisitor habits are changing and DOC needs to adapt in a financially sustainable way, its operations director says. ...13 hours ago
- Unions Collaborate With Thousands Of Job CutsWith New Zealand officially in recession, a swathe of mass sackings is currently sending shockwaves through the entire working class. ...13 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters in Manila after pledging greater defence cooperation with the Philippines. Watch live. ...14 hours ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreementThe contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...14 hours ago
- Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...14 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation staff cuts loom, with funding falling behind rising costsChief executive Shaun Robinson said it has not had any government funding cut, but government-funded contracts have not kept pace with rising costs. ...14 hours ago
- The ‘devil comet’ 12P/Pons-Brooks has finally become visible from Australia. What can we expect?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Pons–Brooks visible from Utah, March 9 2024. James Peirce/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND If you’re a fan of all things space, you’ve doubtless heard about the “devil comet”, which has been captivating keen-eyed observers in the ...15 hours ago
- Rugby stadiums are sold as an economic asset – but NZ needs to ask if they’re really worth itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hamlin, Senior Lecturer in Marketing , University of Otago A multi-billion dollar stadium precinct has been proposed for Auckland, one of three proposals in front of Auckland Council for a new stadium in the city. The council is also considering revamping ...15 hours ago
- Auckland dog attacks: Callouts for attacks on other animals going upRoaming dogs are responsible for more than a thousand attacks on animals each year, and the number is growing. ...15 hours ago
- What access to puberty blockers means for trans young people and their whānauThe Ministry of Health has delayed the release of its evidence brief on the safety, reversibility and mental health and wellbeing outcomes for puberty blockers. While we wait, Julia de Bres speaks to those with firsthand experience. Best practice gender-affirming healthcare is based on trans people’s self-determination and agency. The ...15 hours ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensionsThe commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...16 hours ago
- How superblocks can help reimagine city lifeBarcelona’s city streets have gone from traffic-clogged to pedestrian-friendly. How? Superblocks. Ellen Rykers explains. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week I read a great interview with renowned urbanist Janette Sadik-Khan by The Spinoff’s Wellington editor Joel MacManus: “You can reimagine streets, ...17 hours ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...17 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...18 hours ago
- ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in IndiaSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...18 hours ago
- Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...18 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period productsYes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...18 hours ago
- Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...18 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...19 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...19 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...19 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...19 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...19 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...19 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...20 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...22 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...22 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...22 hours ago
- Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China SeaNew Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...22 hours ago
- Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...22 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...22 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 19 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...22 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...22 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...22 hours ago
- Financial literacy should be on all of usOpinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...22 hours ago
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So Dunne finally got the payback he expected for supporting the GCSB bill …
…all parties on the Left should organise , cooperate , unite and get behind the strongest candidate to oust Dunne from Ohariu and out of parliament this year
this is the seat we need to make a deal on the electrate vote and try give dunnbo the the boot we
Dumme can cease now, which will be a quite a relief for The Hair. His tongue must have been extremely dry after all that boot licking.
Associate conservation? LOL.
John Key has no principles …and Peters wont go into coalition with National ….unless he wants to ruin his own reputation for ever.
Key must be getting worried to be putting out those feelers to NZF
….Key is on the ropes and he knows it …… despite the bullshit propaganda about a NZ “rockstar economy” made by his bankster friends
be interesting to see how hooton spins this one, he holds peters with the utmost disdain, i recall.
…probably mutual and originated from Winston…possum has been spurned
I hope Winston asks Key to give him the Moon as his price for keeping him in office for another term. I , wouldn’t rule out a Nat-ACT-Dunne-NZFirst coalition; both Winston and Key are ruthlessly pragmatic, totally unconstrained by any principles. The best way to prevent this scenario is, of course, for Labour to get more Party Votes than any other Party. That way, Cunliffe can call the shots in coalition negotiations with Winston and the other players. That outcome does not look likely at present, in light of reports than some of the caucus prefer another term in opposition rather than one on government under Cunliffe.
Winston has always held the principles of not selling off NZ State owned assets and land to foreigners….He would have gone far in the National Party if he hadnt held these principles.
….so he does have principles ….and dont forget he pulled down the National Govt over sale of State Assets…he said he would and he did
He will spurn National if given the chance …..for many reasons ….but one is the sale of State Assets
Winston is like a prostitute – he will sell himself to the highest bidder – but will he please repay the $148,000 he stole from taxpayers first.
Winston has principles. If you think he doesn’t, you don’t know him very well.
Leftish on economic policy. Right wing as all hell on social policy. Call him an old school conservative? meh Anyway, his principle ‘policy’ is securing power and influence for himself. So, would he go with a Nat led government or Labour led government? Both. He just elevates either of his social or economic bent according to circumstance.
…disagree..Winston was burned badly last time he went into coalition with National
( even although he brought the National govt down in short order…this is why the Nats hate him so much and have never forgiven him ..he could and would do it again)
……never-the-less his coalition with National almost killed Winston’s NZF party support….I doubt whether he will do it again
…….especially as has been against John Key on just about everything!….it is there is no love lost between them
….Key has done the numbers and is desperate to woo….. and crawling!…just as Winston likes him!
Winston will not go with Key because
1. He has no respect at all for Key.
2. He will enjoy keeping the Greens out of cabinet-a condition of his support for Cunliffe.
It follows that we must hope that lab/greens/mana get 49% between them-that should be enough not to need Peters.
..agree with 1)….not sure about 2)……once upon a time NZF and the Greens were in competition but the Greens have pulled way ahead now ….and besides they are not going for the same voters …
i would be very disappointed if Winnie tried to exclude the Greens from Cabinet.( a most unpopular move in these days of global warming and GP strength )..nor do i think Labour would wear it, or could afford to exclude the Greens ….so I think given his age Winnie would just settle for Foreign Affairs Minister and ignore the Greens
…conclusion…the Left cant alienate and exclude Winnie as a potential partner( he worked well with Helen Clark) ….but on the other hand if one wants a Left govt with the Greens …it is probably best not to vote for him strategically, nor is there the need to strategically …and as per usual he is wooing and wowing his own voters around the country
Hope u right on 2) Chooky.
Haersey Hootens attemp at dog whistling saying Key won’t Go near that man.
Hootens reasoning not that he said so is if Nactional can squeeze peters under 5% and then gift colon Craig north shore .machevalian overkill me thinks.Hooton is rapidly becoming yesterdays man.
On the surface this is just a boring announcement from Slippery the Prime Minister telling us what we all mostly have guessed would be the entrails of today’s ‘big announcement’
IF there is any deviousness afoot from the brains(less) trust up on the Beehive’s 9th floor in putting this little piece of media hype together it will be surrounding the ‘we can work with NZFirst in Government’ announcement,
The ‘calculators’ managing and massaging the political process in Slippery’s office might have come to the conclusion that if He gave the thumbs up to NZFirst as a coalition partner it might just drive the left wing of NZFirst voters away from that party,( on the surface a win win for National),
Perhaps a little too machiavellian for New Zealand politics, but, considering where the ‘political advice’ comes from anything is possible…
The interesting thing is that Key puts the Maori Party right in the middle of a right wing coalition – I don’t knwo how much that will please the Maori Party members….?
Andd Key ruled out the Greens and Mana – saying they are too “far left” – which pretty much indicates how far right Key really is.
Peters still playing hard to get.
Karol, a display of serious delusion on Slippery’s part, i will be surprised of the Maori Party feature in the Parliament after the upcoming election…
The Maori Party is not left.
Sacha, have a look at the Maori Party voting pattern in the Parliament which would strongly suggest that they are a left leaning party with strong suicidal tendencies in giving confidence and supply to the right,
i fully expect after voting concludes this year to be only discussing the Maori Party in a historical sense…
Nor are the Greens a leftwing party. They are largely a white middle class urban part, despite having a Maori leader. Those Greens who had strong social justice credentials are likely to support Labour under Cunliffe or Mana with Sue Bradford.
Yes Bad12, this thought flitted across my mind on hearing the news.
Key saying he is open to working with NZ First could well undermine NZ First support – unless Winston says something very strong to oppose the idea.
Has he made any statements on the matter yet?
Key has good years experience in replacing Ministers, renewing the party, and sustaining a coalition within the minimum of fuss.
I seriously hope there are smart people within the Greens and Labour (at least) who can talk to each other on a daily basis. Cunliffe has certainly observed it with the Clark government, but otherwise I see skills lacking within the current Labour caucus in coalition management. Happy to be proved wrong.
We need to see some proof of a viable coalition on the left really soon. Joint policy, etc.
Nah. Each party just needs to focus on their policies, with discussions going on behind the scenes. The election will indicate how they do/don’t negotiate an agreed alliance.
I guess we’ll find out how good the public’s imagination is.
No policy and PR co-ordination then? And no electoral co-ordination either?
When’s the first polls of 2014 due out, does anyone know?
Even though I’m picking National to get over 50%, this is a great move by Key
There’s now plenty of minor parties in the mix that he can go to if by some small chance National doesn’t crack 50%
Conservatives
Maori party
NZ First
United Future
Not too shabby for a party that apparently had no coalition partners.
Plenty of options there for National, maybe 2020 might be labours turn, that’s if they’re still around.
Conservatives – no MPs, one leader.
UF – a one man band.
Maori Party… watch this space, now you see them, now………
Conservatives will get a seat
Maori Party will get a seat or two
UF will get a seat
Key will probably only need a couple of the above to form a party
Peters may break 5% but to be honest I’m not sure how likely that will be, there’s just nothing coming up in this year year to make NZ First a voting choice.
The only reason he didn’t rule Peters out is because of Dot com.
Can you really see National getting more votes than last time? Really BM?
Yes.
Economy is really starting to take off and lets be honest there’s just no other viable party out there to take over the reigns.
It’s National by default really, everyone can see that.
Economy is really starting to take off
Navigation and landing could be a problem.
i am hearing a lot of the economy taking off? would that before or after the election? will this be a good economy for all or just some in the financial and real estate sector?
I am just curious, cause I can tell you there are a lot of people waiting for the economy to take off…..finally.
Economic growth, and confidence, only for the few.
But it’s the many who will vote.
Know why I know? It’s the people here will get them to the polls.
National + Winston Peters apparently, according to your dear leader. Are you sure that’s a default you like?
If that’s what it takes to put a stake in Labour, I don’t think he’ll be needed but if it comes down to the wire, so be it.
I really think Labour’s on the verge of collapsing, I don’t think they could survive another 3 years in opposition, no money, no talent this is do or die for the red team.
If National’s opinion polling stay mired in the 42%-43% range, it’ll be muskets at dawn for John Key.
Wishing don’t make it true, BM.
There’s no way in hell that National will get more votes than 2011, and no one with a shred of credibility would suggest it, MS. Their zenith occurred in the months before the last election and it’s downhill from there.
Even Paddy Glower, Nat sickofant, is calling it Key “swallowing dead rats”.
Gowers just doing his job and that is to create political stories.
You don’t actually base anything around what Gower says?
Beats what you are saying.
So after 5 years , National has borrowed to the hilt – with no plan to pay it back- while they sat and waited …and waited for a recovery based on outside factors.
Remember all their plans came to zilch- the increase in GST, and every budget they spent more than Labour .
Considering the sum total of the Gower piece on TV3 News tonight i get the distinct impression that wee Patrick might have been recently schooled in terms of ‘balance’,
With viewing rates across the whole free to air spectrum said to be as low as 12% on some recent nights TV3 might have come to the belated realization that they cannot afford to keep bleeding viewers when they are provoked by the usual Gower ravings…
What I find interesting is how few actually watch the news and this is going on those bollocky tv statistics.
According to scoop
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1308/S00697/strong-3-news-ratings-set-up-25-54-win-for-tv3.htm
The stats are
3 News 366,400
ONE 751,300
Giving a total of 1,117,700 people.
Registered voters
3,070,847 people
Only around 36% of registered voters watch the news
Personally I think far too much emphasis is given to the ramblings of political commentators and the impact their spin has on the average voter.
And only around 12% of registered voters watch 3 news.
Patrick Gower is irrelevant.
Yes; and the ones who watch are theoretically more interested in politics/current affairs and less likely to be swing voters. It’s why stories like Pike that would once have sustained traction/outrage run out of impetus. And partly why the Nats got away with selling assets when it was a disaster just 10-20 years ago.
I’m guessing that the people who watch the news (and I am guessing are more likely to have a newspaper subscription too) are the kind of registered voters who are more likely to actually turnout on the day.
People who do watch the news are fairly set in their voting preference.
I don’t think the way politics is presented on the evening news really has a lot of sway on the voting public.
Agree Bad12. I thought he (Gower) did a pretty good job of exposing Key’s lack of principle on tv3 news tonight. And the 6-headed monster reference was wonderful.
Any talented person out there able to do a suitable graphic of this 6-headed monster (Nat/NZF/UF/ACT/MP/CP)? Could be very useful line of attack.
Karol it looked like paddy was swallowing the dead rats as he spoke.
“UF will get a seat”
Can you tell us how you know that BM?
bm what the hell are you sniffing keys glory days are done and dusted just like Dunne
Your deluded BM internal polling shows National are suffering slippage. Act is only good for 1 MP, Dunne is finished once the electorate block vote him out, Maori party lucky to get 1. Conservative party won’t get over 5% or a seat. Peters will grab the limelight right on cue and stiff Key, bolstering his percentages to maintain a healthy 6%. Finally KDC will get the slackers to the polling booths, ‘voting is the in thing’ in 2014. Labour will benefit by getting candidate votes in previous tight seats they lost.
Chin up BM a soon to be expat will be looking for a caddy in Hawaii, dust up ya skills chap!
+1
The funny side to this is not Key’s totally predictable shift, but (yet again) the way he makes fools of his supporters.
You can find countless examples on this blog alone (and far more on Kiwiblog and other places where Nats hang out). The same conversation, constantly over the past 5 years …
“Super John Key is principled, he’s ruled out Winston!”
“No, he’s ruled out Winston to get votes. Principle has nothing to do with it.”
“No, you lefties just don’t know principle when you see it. Key is different! He has real principles! Yay!”
“But he’ll rule him back in when he needs him. Just wait and see …”
“No, Winston is finished. Key has principles! Hooray for Key”
etc, etc.
Some were fools who believed, some were liars who (deep down) didn’t believe, but all were wrong.
From the Stuff article, Key apparently talking out of both sides of his mouth at once:
So what is today’s announcement if not playing some little polticking games?
Pit NZ First and Conservatives against each other, and see who comes up trumps? Drive a wedge between Winston & the “left” parties? Reinforce perceptions of Maori Party as having become quite right wing?
…and Peters wont go into coalition with National ….unless he wants to ruin his own reputation for ever.
I’ve lost count of the number of times Peters has ruined his own reputation forever. It doesn’t seem to cause him any great difficulties.
It is the first time Key has even contemplated going into government with NZ First leader Winston Peters after consistently ruling him out as a coalition ally since 2008.
Or, more accurately, it’s the first time Key has even contemplated going into government with Peters since the polls stopped telling him he was going to win anyway.
+1
So Key says he can work with Peters. The real question for the left is can Peters work with Key. We ignore this at our peril.
I honestly think the Asset Sales are what will always prevent Winnie from being able to work with Key. Despite the fact that most are done and dusted now, he is very much a fiscal conservative (as mentioned above) and actually believes very highly in retaining state assets. Not to mention, so do his core constituents…
As much as politics is about swallowing dead rats, I don’t think even Winnie would swallow one this big for him…
Yep, he’s already stated publicly that buying back the shares in the power companies would be an absolute bottom line, non negotiable policy for any party wanting to go into coalition with NZ First.
Can’t see Key and English doing that.
Of course, Winston could go back on that.
Winston only has two priorities.
1. When not in government, get in government.
2. When in government, get in Cabinet.
What on earth makes you think he “actually believes very highly in retaining state assets”?
The only time he had true political power, when he was Treasurer, he led the process to sell shares in Auckland International Airport Ltd, calling it “popular capitalism”.
At the time he said: “The purpose of this exercise is to shore up the Crown against future risk of developmental cost and free up money for other investments and interest servicing charges.”
He believes in nothing at all, which is why it is so disappointing John Key has done this u-turn.
It would be to David Cunliffe’s credit if he now ruled out working with the charlatan.
Hooton it’s not a matter of Key-National willing to form any coalition arrangement with Peters-NZF. After he spent a term in the wilderness, caused by Nationals smear campaign, Winston seeks revenge. He will stitch up a deal with Labour pre election & humiliatingly
rule National out in the final 10 days before polling day. His popularity will leap from not making the threshold to just over what he got last election 5.9 %.
Key has made a bad judgement declaring his hand, and that integrity Key has you talked about just got flushed down the toilet. I’d be feeling a tad red faced if I were you.
Yep
Of course this is the game of politics and the pre election prove of the pudding will be how stronger contender Key-National put up in the Whangarei electorate seat should Peters elect to stand there. Which I suspect he will to add further icing on Winstons egotistical cake. No doubting Peters is one tricky character, so I’d be expecting Cunliffe to make overtones that he may indeed insist on a publicly announced coalition arrange with NZF prior to the election. As far as I see it’s Labour who will determine Peters-NZF’s fate.
I’d be expecting Cunliffe to make overtones that he may indeed insist on a publicly announced coalition arrange with NZF prior to the election
Cunliffe already ruled that out on RNZ this morning – basically said such things will be decided after the election – let the people decide. Cunliffe just stressed the policies Labour had in common with NZF.
*Arrangement
Guess it is early days, however it’s in Winston’s better interests, as Labour will not only reclaim votes but also gain votes, NZF votes. Key has boxed Peters into a corner really. Unless Key thinks his charms can motivate National supporters to strategically candidate vote Peters in Whangarei. Time will tell all.
“He believes in nothing at all, which is why it is so disappointing John Key has done this u-turn.
It would be to David Cunliffe’s credit if he now ruled out working with the charlatan.”
I agree he’s a charlatan who believes in nothing at all. Very strong words from you though Matthew; he is after all the leader of your party, the man who instructs you how to vote every three years.
Not sure why you think Cunliffe should rule out working with him either, a grand coalition is the most unlikely of outcomes.
Reading comprehension, learn it
whoosh.
Hearsey Hooten
That means Keys
Integrety is totally shot your own commentry9 to
noone.
Is this another one of your schemes to make you look like the good guy and are you going to stand for SACt.
“I agree he’s a charlatan who believes in nothing at all”.
Should be an excellent fit with the National caucus, then!
moari party to much higgin torries gone
act has the plague gone
Dunne hes done and dusted gone
crazy colin wannabe never none existent
david cunliffe hello prime minister
National’s coalition thought process is very simple:
I hate brussel sprouts
I refuse to eat brussel sprouts
I won’t get dessert?
pass those sprouts baby
Dunne says in his well modulated sensible voice that he and key are mates and key offering him a ninistry (sic) is all part of this happy relationship.
Laeve out the bit that he cant be trusted, and would sell Nationals secrets in an blink of the eye
National-Act-Maori Party-United Future-Conservative-NZ First? Doesn’t leave much room for anybody else. The Devil will be disappointed here.
Satan is well represented by the first two in your hyphenated list.
Peters got votes off labour last time because goff wasn’t seen as a winner so they wanted a bit
Mongrel Peters has failed to fire.
Those disafected labour supporters are going with cunliffe this time.
So Peters is going to be taking more National supporters this time it will be his last stint so he will want baubles galore.
Such is the reality of pre-election manoeuvring under MMP.
Wish we could have dumped it for STV, but no. MMP means we will have Winston hanging around until someone finally puts a stake through the old vampire’s heart.
Dont know what the big deal is. Key says WInston’s changed not him. Kay?
Gobsmacked
” the way he makes fools of his supporters.
You can find countless examples on this blog alone (and far more on Kiwiblog and other places where Nats hang out). The same conversation, constantly over the past 5 years …
“Super John Key is principled, he’s ruled out Winston!”
“No, he’s ruled out Winston to get votes. Principle has nothing to do with it.”
“No, you lefties just don’t know principle when you see it. Key is different! He has real principles! Yay!”
“But he’ll rule him back in when he needs him. Just wait and see …”
“No, Winston is finished. Key has principles! Hooray for Key”
+1
I heard Peseta Sam’s “associate minister” job was his downpayment on not defecting to Colin Craig.
I heard Peseta Sam’s “associate minister” job was his downpayment on not defecting to Colin Craig.
I don’t think you understand how NZ elections work.
“For National to succeed we could see a multi headed National-Act-Maori Party-United Future-Conservative-NZ First government.
How stable would that be?”
Disappointed to see that from you micky. It’s a bit FPP-ish. What about Labour/GP/Mana/NZF? How stable would that be? Isn’t the multi-headed criticism what Key uses against the left?
We really have to get past this big party shit, and see the potential for developing process for building relationships that increase representation.
I believe MS was being sarcastic in that sentence as it’s the BS argument that the RWNJs used about the left coalition in the 2005/8 elections.
[I was Draco, it was a frequent criticism by the right last time – MS]
lolz, ok. Bit subtle for me, that sarcasm.
It would almost (but not quite) be worth it just to see Jonkey having to deal with Winston on a daily basis – I think it would be a case of biting off more than he could chew! At least we would get the odd laugh as HMS Aotearoa sank beneath the waves
My prediction
Key 60-70% for pm. definitely a smiling assassin. ( but people trust him)
Cunnliffe 10-20% for pm, he needs a jaw line. ( people don’t trust him)
Nats 40-45%, bullet proof currently. (police rapists) maybe a bit unfair to the cops.
Lab 30-35%. too far left. (husband/wife beaters apologists)
Greens 5-15% oil spill needed. (nutters)
The rest will be incorporated and prostitute themselves for power and influence, as usual.
Nats will likely form govt, anyway anyhow. Unlikely to form a govt without the major party getting in the 40-45% area. Don’t think labour is offering a good alternative, too left, too feminist, too green.
Take a middle path, more votes will be won, and the purse strings will be handed over, then you can have the luxury of having an ideology, time in opposition is basically like being in jail, boring and pointless.
Hey – that’s good. John Clarke could make that spiel really work!
You’re talking utter nonsense.
John Key: “These are my principles…and if you don’t like them, well, I have others”.
He’ll go with National if it suits him. He sold out years ago … before most of your were even born. He’ll do it again.
Key will go with UFO believing Moon landing skeptic Chem trail questioning Colin Craig, if it suits the PM.
Oh the tough choices the electorate has to make this year.
Low key, reasoned, undramatic statement of how the PM sees the landscape. Not dripping with portentousness a la Helen Clarke. No particular effort to justify the change. Just a view, take it or leave it. And as the comments here indicate so clearly once again you lot are completely blind to the attractiveness of that approach to the electorate because of your desire to see the devil incarnate in the man.
Tony
You have a very short memory. In 2008, Key publicly dissed Winston and suggested the latter was the most unpredictable and unprincipled MP. Key ruled out working with Winston First. But now it seems Key’s principles are negotiable. In other words, he doesn’t have any. Hence my comment:
John Key: “These are my principles…and if you don’t like them, well, I have others”.
It would be the most impotent government in a long time
The left need a strategy. Trust Winston at your peril.
Gift Hone and the Mana Party Te Ururoa Flavell’s Waiariki Electorate, and allow Annette Sykes to win. Focus on Tamaki Makaurau and Te Tai Hauaruru instead. Enough of National’s lapdog. In all my years I have never witnessed Maori cosy up to Pakeha like this rabble. And for what? Shyte!!
Target Ohariu, get rid of Peter Dunne, no Katrina Shanks, so Labour/Greens need a strong candidate.
Key & Joyce are going to pull every dirty trick out of the bag – already he is calling the Greens and Mana too extreme, too left to work with. He hasn’t even announced the election and already he is electioneering.
The left need to be prepared to counter at every opportunity, then go on the aggression. Always being reactionary will not work.
Expect the right, including the media, NZ Business Inc., NZ Stock Exchange, etc., to “talk-up” the economy, maybe even throw a few surprises the workers way – but as only as a one-off. Remember National has a “war-chest” to throw the voters way this year. Next year, back to austerity.
John Key announced today he sees more “attacks” on the agenda for next year. We need a co-ordinated approach – damn sure the right’s attacks will be.
W@W I say give him Enough rope and they will hang them selves!
Dead rats are just the entree!
With regard to New Zealand First, Mr Key said that he believed a post-election working relationship was very unlikely; however he would not rule the possibility out ahead of the election.
“In 2008 we ruled them out because we were unable to reconcile some of their statements on the Glenn donation matter. Six years has passed and, should New Zealand First be returned to Parliament, we would not rule out a discussion after the election.”
Which part of the above even mentions coalition with NZF. Yet again a post that misses the point entirely. I can assure you that John Key will NEVER be in coalition with Winston.
That’s true: National are going to lose the election.
lol your having a giggle.
care to put a wager on that? CV wouldn’t, but he just yammers away on the sideline haranguing those people who actually do things without sticking his own neck out.
I’ll make the same wager with you. National win – you admit by writing a full length post you’ve been wrong about pretty much everything politcal and in particular your current viewpoint on nationals ability to govern. labour win, i’ll do the same.
lol fizzy.
Your principled hero ruled him out because he was unable to reconcile certain statements, but that was 6 years ago.
So has he reconciled them now? Nah, just changed his principles.
like david cunliffe and the living wage during his tilt at labour leader? like david cunliffe dropping gst on fruit and veg during the 2011 election campaign? I’m gutted he dropped the $5000 tax free threshold though. i personally think tax free should be $15k and all the bands move up from there.
I see you have your instructions from control re:- living wage.
It’s a bit obvious when you all post the same brand new lie on the same day mate.
Fizzy please reread the article. Key made a big song and dance about how he previously would not go into coalition with Peters. Now he is refusing to rule it out.
See the difference?
Aren’t they entirely consistent and congruent positions? At least on Planet Key, they seem to be.
Time to get that 2011 soundbite out for the public…
Fishy anal yeah right
Gromless and Gullible sit down and have a cup of tea!
Fisil out.
Keys backtracking lies selling off the assets makes Peters look good.
All this analysis overlooks Key’s strongest natural ally: only one party will really prosper from a relationship with the ship of fools which is the doomed Key government – Ben Uffindell’s Civilian party has an unparalled opportunity to tap the richest vein of satire in the country. You thought NZ was an international laughing stock now with its air-guitar rock-star economy? Wait for term three!
National’s tabloid, the Herald, checking out Plan C for their corporate masters.
This after numerous polls on plan A. – the resurrection of ACT
and plan B – the creation of Colin Craig
This paper is a joke and a threat to democracy.
Roughan and Murphy will get knighthoods for their services to the kleptocracy.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11189987
I don’t know what would be more amusing: Winston fighting with Dunne and Craig or Winston fighting with Norman and Harawira
I guess the question is who do Winstsons supporters feel more comfortable with, National and its supporters or Labour and its supporters?
John Key has outsmarted Labour yet again. Not hard really. In 2011 NZF were saved by the collapse of the Labour vote much of which went to NZF getting them over the 5% hurdle when polling at 3.5% just 24 hours before polling day.It was safe for Labour voters to prop up NZF because John Key had already said that he would not work with Peters.
This time those Labour voters are less likely to plump for NZF and since147,544 voted NZF in 2011 then if NZF lose just 27,000 votes then they go from 8 seats to zero and the inevitable retirement of Winston and raison d’etre of NZF. Given that Key will ‘talk’ (note talk- not form a coalition) to NZF some of those people will assume that they will side with National and thus revert back to Labour in 2014. Some NZF votes will obviously go to the Conservatives as they have many policies in common.
For example. Assume the NZF vote in 2014 splits
NZF 100,000
Labour 25,000
Conservative 22,544
This would equate to 47,000 extra votes for National and 58,000 to Labour after redistribution and leave the Conservatives needing just another 97,000 votes nationwide. A swing to Labour of just 11,000 votes makes no real difference but takes 8 NZF MP’s completely out of the equation. Masterful politics from John Key who like me can do the arithmetic.
“Masterful politics from John Key who like me can do the arithmetic.”
Wow, that is impressive. Does Key really not know that there is no redistribution of votes in our electoral system?
Felix you are wrong. There is redistribution of all wasted votes for parties that fail to reach the 5% threshold or gain one electoral seat. The wasted votes are then distributed in the same proportion as votes cast for successful parties. Thus 47% to National and 33% to Labour. That is our electoral system.
fissi – I know a lot of retirees and ex-National Party supporters. They do not support National because of its current ideological beliefs, the asset sales were the final straw for many, but their lack of an economic plan in their first term was the kicker for many.
Watching your children and grandchildren heading off-shore to find employment, for many, was gut-wrenching, particularly when it involved whole generations, not just one or two off-spring.
Like a lot of Labour supporters, crossing the divide and voting for National, they could not vote for Labour, and a lot of them have found a natural home with Winston Peters, some have taken up with the Greens.
The biggest task is to get the 800,000 odd voters who did not vote last time. And while many in Christchurch thought they were going to be better off under National and voted that way, this year expect to see a return to “traditional” voting patterns there with a swing back to the left – Bob has gone, Gerry has left a trail of broken promises.
Key is desperate.
And Fisiani’s arguments become ever more desperate.
Winston about Dunne ‘He’s a serial leaker’. He is a moocher too, think of the song, ‘Mini the Moocher’ or a sort of Mini-Me to Key. NZ doesn’t get any advantage from having The Moocher in government.
Hey guys – someone better have a word in the Messiahs ear.
He’s got the Yeah, Nah wobbles again – done a ‘U Turn’ on his promise of a GST exemption on Fruit and Vegetables, scrapped the Tax exemption on the first $5,000 of income, and now has the temerity to announce he has no inclination to lift the minimum wage beyond $15.00 per hour.
So much for helping the working man – thousands more defectors about to jump ship to the Melon Party.
What a great start to the year Labour.
“announce he has no inclination to lift the minimum wage beyond $15.00 per hour.”
cite for this “announcement” please trolly heihei. In the actual words, if you’d be so kind.
fishy anal you forgot the green partyit will get a pecentage of the votes as well.
Currently the 2 blocks running neck tock.
Facts right fishy .