National has gone full woke

Written By: - Date published: 8:39 pm, November 1st, 2022 - 22 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, gender, national, politicans, racism, same old national - Tags:

Remember this scene from the Tauranga by election?

Well it appears that National is determined to ensure that this sort of visual does not appear for the Hamilton West by election and it appears that they have banned white men from seeking National’s candidacy.

Claire Trevett at the Herald has suggested that Chris Luxon wanted the Tauranga to be a joyous celebration of National’s commitment to diversity.  Instead they short listed four white men and selected someone who brutalised teenagers with bed legs.  And although the selection panel apparently knew about this they did not think it was an impediment from being a National MP.

So this time he wanted a candidate pool that looked more like something that a Labour selection would have.

From the Herald:

Luxon’s credibility was on the line – his earlier, milder suggestion that the Tauranga byelection might deliver diversity was completely ignored. He lost a Māori MP in Simon Bridges, and the shortlist was four white men.

This time the party didn’t want to take any risks of a repeat, so the party appeared to decide the only surefire way to ensure diversity in Hamilton West was to remove all temptation of a white, male candidate completely.

In its effect, it is perilously close to the territory of Labour’s proposed 2013 “man ban.” That was a proposal to only allow women to stand in some electorates. It was controversial and then-leader David Shearer dumped it, and Labour toned it down to a more general, longer-term target (it now has more than 50 per cent women).

National’s Hamilton West equivalent would be the “white-man ban” – the party had quiet words and took out the two white male candidates.

The argument that National has applied a white man ban is pretty compelling.  Trevett reports that Tim MacIndoe wanted to contest the seat again and I suspect he would have been a shoe in.  He represented the area for 12 years.  He was always an urbane slightly more conciliatory and slightly less crazy member of the National Party who I thought would be really difficult to move.

MacIndoe’s willingness to stand aside is interesting.  I wonder what motivated it?

The second white male candidate who was excluded from the list is former mayor Andrew King.  He may not have been the ideal candidate but a former Mayor not even making a shortlist of five for local members to discuss when only three candidates are advanced is pretty weird.

There is only one possible conclusion.  National has instigated its own form of Labour’s man ban.  Because it realises that our electorate wants to have representatives who actually look they represent all of us.

22 comments on “National has gone full woke ”

  1. Just one point…

    'shoo in' not 'shoe in'. Though shoe does have a place in view of the woeful selection at Tauranga and perhaps the 'unsuitable' candidates were booted away or into touch in Hamilton.

    Who are on the shortlist? For those not able to link to Granny Herald, though Granny perhaps no longer. Perhaps Witchy or Warlock* Herald as it has morphed into something less benign than Granny.

    *a man who professes or is supposed to practice magic or sorcery; a male witch; sorcerer. a fortuneteller or conjurer.

    • woodart 1.1

      with the amount of grandads spouting outdated nonsense in the herald, granny is still appropriatte. maybe we should start a sweepstakes on who else will be dug out of a crypt. is roger douglas still cheating the reaper?

  2. observer 2

    Of course it's a "white man ban", and the way it's been reported is an extraordinary contrast to the uproar when Labour encouraged women to be candidates. That was portrayed as madness, the end of civilisation as we know it, the lesbian uprising, no red-blooded male was safe, blah blah blah.

    I know commentators don't do apologies, but there are plenty who should be reflecting on their behaviour then and now.

    "Barmy" Luxon?

    • tc 2.1

      The only reflection the granny opinionators do is in the mirror.

      A reminder of what a low bar exists these days that lazy piece is referring to others and I see it's shane jones turn for some more opining, reckons and expectations of pixie dust and fairies.

  3. Muttonbird 3

    While National indulges in this identity crisis, Labour has outmanoeuvred them, calmly selected Georgie Dansey, and is now getting on with it.

    Pity they didn't pick her the last time around.

  4. Alan 4

    The quality of the National short list for this seat is high, it will be a difficult choice.

    I hope the two that miss out look at other seats or consider a place on the list.

  5. Corey Humm 5

    We urgently need more diversity of class in parliament, parliament is extremely diverse in terms of race gender and sexuality but utterly unrepresentative in terms of class, education and income.

    An upper middle class brown,gay, female is no different to an upper middle class white straight man in terms of representation.

    Norman Kirk wouldn't even be allowed to be a labour candidate in today's labour party because he didn't have a university degree or finish high school.

    How can parliament claim to be representative of NZ when it's virtually exclusively upper middle class university graduates, unless 3/4 of NZ are lawyers it's unrepresentative of NZ.

    We desperately need more working class, poor, it and tech experts (having so much of our political class tech illiterate is allowing tech companies and their data mining algorithms to wreck untold havoc on society) having so few of our politicians understand what it's like to go without, to go hungry, to be in debt, to rent is why parliament doesn't handle class based issues with the urgency they need because they don't experience or understand anything outside their middle class bubble apart from statistical data.

    Replacing upper middle class white straight neoliberal men robot politicians with upper middle class gay, brown,female neoliberal robots will never achieve anything.

    Im glad politics is more inclusive of race gender and sexuality but until it's representative of class, income and education it will continue to be unrepresentative and ignorant of class based issues

    • Mac1 5.1

      "Norman Kirk wouldn't even be allowed to be a labour candidate in today's labour party because he didn't have a university degree or finish high school. "

      That is not true. Our local Labour candidate in 2020 had no academic qualifications. What evidence can you offer to support your contention?

      We have had an airline pilot, a post office worker, a shop owner, two teachers, a secretary, a nurse, a printer, as well. Three were university graduates.

      Kirk by the way was known as a literate and extremely well-read individual. He worked at Firestone in ChCh as a stationary engine driver and was able to read voraciously while on that job. I know because I worked in that same boiler house as a coal trimmer after he had left, and this was told to me by his fellow workers who were proud of him.

      • DS 5.1.1

        Kirk would not be a Labour candidate today for his social views, which were deeply conservative.

        • Mac1 5.1.1.1

          Kirk said this in 1969. “Basically there are four things that matter to people: they have to have somewhere to live, they have to have food to eat, they have to have clothing to wear, and they have to have something to hope for.”

          That resonates still in the NZLP.

          In 1969 he told me personally that he would havev no problems in withdrawing troops from Vietnam.

          He sent a frigate to oppose French nuclear testing.

          He opposed the Springbok tour.

          He showed the way in terms of racial equality.

          All of that would still be NZLP policy.

          He was partly a social conservative. So was I. I changed, I've had 50 years to change.

          Kirk died after 20 months in office as PM. What views of his would also have altered?Look at what he achieved.

          He is still honoured today in the Labour Party.

          I know because I was one who today at the Labour Conference did just that.

          I know because today the PM honoured Kirk at Conference.

          I know because I saw today the photo exhibition mounted in the foyer to honour his legacy.

          I know because I was there somewhere in the photos at the 1974 Conference. I knew the Labour Party then. I know it now. Kirk would fit in for his vision, social compassion, sense of justice, desire to make changes and his essential humanity.

          I honoured him in 1969, and I do in 2022.

          I have visited his grave in Waimate. He lies alongside some of my forebears.

          To write him, or the Labour party, off for some views held fifty years ago does both a disservice, but that I suspect is your intention, DS.

          Lastly, would the Kirk of the late 60s and early 70s have been tolerated in the National Party then?

          Or now?

          • Mac1 5.1.1.1.1

            DS, here's what you said on 3 December 2021 on the Standard.

            "I'd also suggest a sizeable population of Labour voters (particularly religious ones) would not actually be enthusiastic about further liberalisation of abortion. Both big parties have their share of social liberals and social conservatives."

  6. Mike the Lefty 6

    National are starting to realize that us old white males are society leeches.

    Good only for driving buses or directing parking at agricultural A and P shows.

    No more heroes anymore!

    NB: There is a certain element of sarcasm in my contribution, in case you missed it.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-04T13:52:39+00:00