Election date to be announced
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11:57 am, September 12th, 2008 - 75 comments
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So, Helen Clark is expected to announce the election date at 12.30.
$20 says it’s November 8.
UPDATE: The 8th it is. I’ll be collecting my $20 off each of you in due course.
Full text of the speech over the break:
PM’s announcement on the 2008 General Election
I have called this press conference today to announce the date of the 2008 General Election and the timetable of events which will unfold from the dissolution of Parliament.
This election is about trust.
It is about which leader and which major party we New Zealanders trust our families’ and our country’s future with.
This election is a choice between a government which has shown it can make the tough choices and an opposition which flip flops on almost every major issue which emerges.
It is an election between a government which takes principled positions and an opposition which says what it thinks the audience in front of it wants to hear.
It is an election about who can be trusted to take our nation ahead to a prosperous and confident 21st century, where all our families and communities can thrive.
In this campaign we in Labour will be talking about our vision for the future of New Zealand.
Labour is ambitious for New Zealand. National is ambiguous.
We will promote our plans for innovation, upskilling, infrastructure development including broadband rollout and trade negotiations to drive the economy forward.
In the next few weeks I will be announcing significant new policies in critical areas such as health, education, and housing.
We will be promoting bold initiatives to lift the educational achievements of young New Zealanders.
We will be promoting our major sustainability initiatives, following the passage of the emissions trading legislation.
New Zealand is now a world leader in its action programme on climate change. Labour will keep it that way.
We are committed to keeping up the fast pace of Treaty settlements, and to building a 21st century New Zealand inclusive of all ethnicities and faiths.
We will continue to prioritise the arts, culture and heritage sectors as they contribute so much to defining New Zealand’s unique identity of which we are so proud.
I lead a government which over nine years has brought about a remarkable transformation for the better in New Zealand’s economy and society and boosted the pride and confidence we New Zealanders have in our nation.
There are still big challenges ahead of our country. Our government must lead New Zealand through a time of international economic turmoil, the challenges of an ageing population, and the need to keep improving health and education services and our infrastructure.
Labour has continually rolled out big and new policies to take New Zealand families and our country ahead.
In this last term we’ve
· Rolled out cheaper doctors’ fees across New Zealand so that families no longer have to think twice about taking their children to the doctor.
· Ensured that Working for Families helps 370,000 families with the costs of bringing up children and lifted more than 130,000 children out of poverty.
· Introduced Twenty Hours free Early Childhood Education – saving many families more than $70 a week per child.
· This year we are funding one teacher to every fifteen new entrant children in our classrooms to give small children the best possible start at school.
· In tertiary education, interest free loans have been critical for our students.
· For older New Zealanders, the lift in the rate of New Zealand Superannuation along with increased rates rebates and now a range of entitlements through the Gold Card have made life easier.
· The introduction of KiwiSaver has given New Zealanders the chance to save for their first homes and for greater security in retirement.
· The shared equity scheme joins Welcome Home Loans as a new initiative to help New Zealanders in to their first homes.
· More than 2,500 police staff have been added to the force over nine years, and still more are budgeted for.
· We’ve massively increased investment in all aspects of our nation’s infrastructure schools, hospitals, road and rail and public transport, and broadband roll out.
· We’ve been determined to keep our country clean and green and protect our unique environment The emissions trading scheme, the biofuels obligation, the renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, put New Zealand in a leadership role on these issues. It’s not in our country’s nature to be mere fast followers.
Our record on the economy is strong with New Zealand well positioned to come through the current international downturn.
Unemployment remains at low levels by Western world standards, workforce participation is high, and the Crown’s balance sheet is strong.
Labour has negotiated the biggest trade deal in New Zealand’s history the FTA with China and has worked hard to open markets for New Zealand exporters.
We’ve cemented in New Zealand’s reputation as a principled and constructive international player across the wide range of issues confronting the international community.
Our time in office has seen a renaissance of arts and culture and a surge of interest in our nation’s heritage, in no small part due to the importance we have placed on boosting these sectors.
We’ve worked hard at home to promote reconciliation through the Treaty settlement process, to work in partnership with Maori as Treaty partners, and to support the inclusion of all ethnicities, faiths, and cultures in our society.
While there have been recent terrible murders, including of serving police officers, the facts are that overall crime rates are at their lowest levels in a couple of decades, and that serious offenders are serving longer jail sentences under Labour
Overall, Labour takes pride in what it has achieved with and for New Zealanders.
We’ve shown that we will take the hard decisions and that we will stand up for New Zealand’s interests at all times.
I will be asking New Zealanders to cast a positive vote for a future they can trust.
Nothing is more important. A lot is at stake for New Zealand families. The policies our families, young and old, have come to rely on are seriously at risk.
National has attacked every major Labour policy aimed at making life better for New Zealanders.
They attacked Working for Families, interest free student loans, 20 Hours Free early childhood education, cheaper doctors fees, KiwiSaver, the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, and our affordable housing initiatives. Any professed conversion on these policies lacks sincerity. National can’t be trusted.
They attacked our government’s buy back of Kiwi Rail and the Air New Zealand shares.
They’ve attacked us on climate change policy.
They attacked us for staying out of the Iraq War.
Their record shows that they stand for a radically different and backward looking New Zealand, and not for a 21st century future for our people.
Worse, their now not so secret agenda includes
· Selling Kiwibank and other state assets
· Borrowing recklessly for tax cuts.
· Privatising ACC
· Imposing expensive tolls on our roading system
Add to that National’s stated policy of
· Pouring more investment into private schools rather than public and integrated schools
· Weakening workers’ rights
· Undermining cheaper doctors’ fees
· Scrapping much of Labour’s new tax incentive for business R & D and all of the major investment we are making in the future of our major pastoral and food export sector.
It’s clear that National and its leader cannot be trusted with the future of New Zealand.
New Zealanders have everything to lose from electing a party which won’t tell the truth about its policies and wants to put the clock back.
I look forward to fighting this election campaign.
The future of New Zealand is at stake.
Labour has shown through its record in office that we can be trusted with the future of New Zealand.
National’s evasiveness, flip flops, and secret agendas show that it can’t be trusted.
I have advised the Administrator of the Government today that the date for the dissolution of Parliament will be 3 October.
Writ day will follow on 8th October and nomination day will be on 14th October.
The general election will be held on 8th November.
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The Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...17 hours ago - Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environmentThe Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...18 hours ago
- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...18 hours ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...2 days ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...2 days ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...2 days ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...2 days ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...2 days ago
- Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freezeCuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...4 days ago
- Fast-track submissions period must be extendedThe Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...5 days ago
- Release: Progress on climate will be undone by GovtNew Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...5 days ago
- Release: Dark day for Kiwi kids as a third of Govt cuts affect themNews that 1000 jobs at the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki could go is devastating for future generations of New Zealanders. ...7 days ago
- Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunchesMore essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...7 days ago
- Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals billThe Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...1 week ago
- Government throws coal on the climate crisis fireThe Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...1 week ago
- Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project insteadCancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priorityA laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...1 week ago
- Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful lawThe Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homesThe National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on mediaThe action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Landlord Government leaves little hope for rentersThe Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...2 weeks ago
- Opportunity to build a more sustainable economyGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...2 weeks ago
- Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust pastA significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...2 weeks ago
- Missed opportunity but NZ will surely one day recognise the right to a sustainable environmentNew Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Don’t cut our lunches – clear message sent to GovernmentTens of thousands of people are demanding the Government commits to fully funding free and healthy school lunches. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt makes U-turn on Suicide Prevention OfficeLabour welcomes the Government’s U-turn on the closure of the Suicide Prevention Office, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- CCC issues warning over further climate delayToday’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets are lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets lame and lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Commitment to disability communities missing from Govt prioritiesMinister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Methane target review is dangerous duplicationThe Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Government must commit to school building project for disabled studentsThe Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: National must take mental health seriouslyMental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...3 weeks ago
- Referendums for Māori wards a racist step backwardsThe Government's imposed referendum on Māori wards is a racist step backwards for Māori representation, and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...3 weeks ago
- 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. ...3 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 ...12 hours ago - Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment BillThe 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 ...19 hours ago
- Overseas decommissioning models consideredOverseas 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 ...19 hours ago
- Release of North Island Severe Weather Event InquiryEmergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...20 hours ago
- Justice Minister to attend Human Rights CouncilJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...2 days ago
- Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facilityAssociate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...2 days ago
- Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...2 days ago
- Government to introduce revised Three Strikes lawThe Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...2 days ago
- New diplomatic appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...2 days ago
- Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and SomaliaNew Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...2 days ago
- Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho CollectiveMinister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...3 days ago
- Supporting better financial outcomes for KiwisThe Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...3 days ago
- Trade relationship with China remains strong“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...3 days ago
- PM’s South East Asia mission does the businessPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...4 days ago
- $41m to support clean energy in South East AsiaNew 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 ...5 days 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 ...5 days 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 ...5 days 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 ...5 days 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 ...5 days 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 ...5 days ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...5 days 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 ...5 days 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 ...6 days 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 ...6 days 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 ...6 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 - ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 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 ...1 week 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, ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week ago
- Murray Horton: Get tough on Israel – we’ve done it before over spies
COMMENTARY: By Murray Horton New Zealand needs to get tough with Israel. It’s not as if we haven’t done so before. When NZ authorities busted a Mossad operation in Auckland 20 years ago, the government didn’t say: “Oh well, Israel has the right to defend itself.” No, it arrested, prosecuted, ...4 hours ago - Fiji journalism – starting with the people and ending with the peopleNEWSMAKERS: By Vijay Narayan, news director of FijiVillage Blessed to be part of the University of Fiji (UniFiji) faculty to continue to teach and mentor those who want to join our noble profession, and to stand for truth and justice for the people of the country. I was privileged to ...4 hours ago
- Beyond the spin, beyond the handouts, here’s how to get a handle on what’s really happening on b...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Three weeks from now, some of us will be presented with a mountain of budget papers, and just about all of us will get to hear about them on radio, ...6 hours ago
- West Antarctica’s ice sheet was smaller thousands of years ago – here’s why this matters todaySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Lowry, Ice Sheet & Climate Modeller, GNS Science Hugh Chittock/Antarctica New Zealand, CC BY-SA As the climate warms and Antarctica’s glaciers and ice sheets melt, the resulting rise in sea level has the potential to displace hundreds of millions of ...6 hours ago
- 'We can't forget those people': Public sector job cuts not just impacting Wellington
At least 400 of the thousands of jobs on the line so far are outside Wellington, according to the Public Service Association. ...7 hours ago - 'There's no evidence that three strikes reduces crime' – lawyersThe government's plan to reintroduce a three strikes regime is being strongly opposed by lawyers, who argue there is no evidence it reduces crime or helps people rehabilitate. ...8 hours ago
- Elon Musk vs Australia: global content take-down orders can harm the internet if adopted widelySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Jerker B. Svantesson, Professor specialising in Internet law, Bond University Do Australian courts have the right to decide what foreign citizens, located overseas, view online on a foreign-owned platform? Anyone inclined to answer “yes” to this question should perhaps also ask ...11 hours ago
- Elon Musk says ‘disc replacement’ worked for him. But evidence this surgery helps chronic pain i...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giovanni E Ferreira, NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow, Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney Last week in a post on X, owner of the platform Elon Musk recommended people look into disc replacement if they’re experiencing severe neck or back pain. ...11 hours ago
- The NSW treasurer says a slashed share of GST will cost his state $11.9 billion. But where did he ge...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey caught the headlines yesterday, courtesy of a blistering speech condemning the latest GST carve-up. New South Wales, he claimed, would be A$11.9 billion worse off over the ...11 hours ago
- Anti-gang laws faces heavy criticism at select committeeWhile police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...12 hours ago
- Anti-gang laws face heavy criticism at select committeeWhile police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...12 hours ago
- PNG’s PM Marape to ‘give hand to his bro’ Albanese on Kokoda TrailBy Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived at Kokoda Station, Northern province, at the start of his state visit to Papua New Guinea. Both Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape will meet with the locals and the Northern Provincial government before they begin their ...13 hours ago
- Ministry of Social Development accepts 200 voluntary redundancies – PSAThe Public Service Association says further job cuts are likely. ...13 hours ago
- Many Australians face losing their homes right now. Here’s how the government should helpSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Wallace, Professor, School of Politics Economics & Society, Faculty of Business Government & Law, University of Canberra Shutterstock An important principle was invoked by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week in defence of the government’s Future Made in Australia industry ...13 hours ago
- French security forces in Nouméa ahead of two opposing marches todayBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Security forces reinforcements were sent from France ahead of two rival marches in the capital Nouméa today, at the same time and only two streets away one from the other. One march, called by Union Calédonienne party (a component of the ...14 hours ago
- Just 1 In 6 Oppose ‘Three Strikes’ – Poll
A poll last August found that just 16% of New Zealanders oppose bringing back the ‘Three Strikes’ law. The nationwide poll of 1,000 New Zealanders was commissioned by Family First NZ and carried out by Curia Market Research. ...14 hours ago - Scattergun: After the Death of Rūaumoko reveals the frightening talent of Ana Scotney
The solo show from Ana Scotney is both sprawling and intimate, and a must-see, writes Mad Chapman. In the opening moments of Scattergun: After the Death of Rūaumoko, writer and performer Ana Scotney lays out the groundwork, literally. Silently moving around the square stage, Scotney is not so much dancing ...14 hours ago - Curious Kids: who makes the words? Who decides what things like ‘trees’ and ‘shoes’ are call...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Burridge, Professor of Linguistics, Monash University Who makes the words? Why are trees called trees and why are shoes called shoes and who makes the names? – Elliot, age 5, Eltham, Victoria Good question Elliot! Let’s start with ...14 hours ago
- We’re only using a fraction of health workers’ skills. This needs to changeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne at am Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock Roles of health professionals are still unfortunately often stuck in the past. That is, before the ...14 hours ago
- Malcolm Evans: A new low in NZ media’s record of bias over PalestineCOMMENTARY: By Malcolm Evans Last week’s leaked New York Times staff directive, as to what words can and cannot be used to describe the carnage Israel is raining on Palestinians, is proof positive, since those reports are published verbatim here in New Zealand, that our understanding of the conflict is ...15 hours ago
- New Zealand Survey Finds 65 Percent Agree The Economy Is “rigged To Advantage The Rich And Powerfu...In the case of New Zealand, the results confirm that there is no popular support for the vicious austerity program being imposed by the National Party-led government, which is backed in all fundamental respects by the opposition Labour Party. ...15 hours ago
- Is Olivia Rodrigo about to announce a New Zealand show? An investigationThe ‘Vampire’ singer has never visited our part of the world, but that might all be about to change. We assess the evidence. Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour is pulling in massive crowds as it whips around the US and Europe, even helping to catapult regular supporting act Chappell Roan ...16 hours ago
- Govt Repeal Of Te Mana O Te Wai Condemning Rural Communities To Unsafe Drinking Water – Greenp...Testing of drinking water in rural Canterbury over the weekend by Greenpeace revealed that several public town supplies were reaching levels of nitrate above 5 mg/L - the threshold which a growing body of scientific evidence has linked to increased ...16 hours ago
- Vastly bigger than the Black Summer: 84 million hectares of northern Australia burned in 2023Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rohan Fisher, Information Technology for Development Researcher, Charles Darwin University It may come as a surprise to hear 2023 was Australia’s biggest bushfire season in more than a decade. Fires burned across an area eight times as big as the 2019–20 Black ...16 hours ago
- RMA Changes Welcome, But Must Go FurtherResponding to the Government’s announcement of changes to resource management laws, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said: “These changes are a step in the right direction in terms of removing ideological and unworkable ...16 hours ago
- Papua New Guinea: Slow Progress On Reforms And Ongoing Restrictions To Freedom Of ExpressionMore than two years after the Human Rights Council called for the establishment of a national human rights commission, such a body has yet to be formed. ...16 hours ago
- Familiar laxity on show in Cyclone Gabrielle findings
Comment: An emergency management system with wide variations in performance, significant capability gaps, funding shortfalls and above all a setup that is not meeting the needs of New Zealanders at times of crisis. The Government’s inquiry into the response to Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events in the North ...17 hours ago - Existing roads could be tolled, officials tell Transport Minister Simeon BrownSimeon Brown is being encouraged to look at charging for existing roads to relieve pressure on transport funding. ...17 hours ago
- Independent Review And Interim Coverage Rates Highlight Successful CensusApproximately five million people will be represented in 2023 Census data – that’s more than 99 percent of the population. ...17 hours ago
- Is it time for anti-capitalists to embrace shopping? An argument with myselfWelcome to the whirring wonders of one brain trying to align its actions with its beliefs within a system it thinks is evil. My brain has been spiralling in a woke conundrum ever since I found out a bookshop I’ve never been to was shutting down. Good Books, a bookshop ...17 hours ago
- The Criminal Bar Association Of New Zealand (CBANZ) Strongly Opposes The Proposed Return Of The Thre...We repeat our call for criminal justice policy to be based on evidence, something the three strikes regime neglects to recognise – with no evidence that it either reduces crime or assists with rehabilitation. ...18 hours ago
- No clear winner as lobbying to form next Solomon Islands government intensifiesBy Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor in Honiara With only four more seats in the 50-member Parliament yet to be officially declared, there is no outright winner in the Solomon Islands elections. As of Monday, the two largest blocs in the winner’s circle, independents and the incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh ...18 hours ago
- Government reveals first changes to Resource Management ActFarming, mining and other industrial regulations are being scrapped and altered in a reformed RMA. ...18 hours ago
- Space as a tool for change: Inside the innovation of two/fiftysevenTwo/fiftyseven is a multi-purpose space hidden in the heart of Wellington that is paving a way for sustainable building and responsible landlording in Aotearoa and beyond. By 2060 the world is predicted to double its entire building stock, which equates to building an entire New York City every 34 days, ...19 hours ago
- TrueBliss react to their most iconic Y2K Popstars looksPopstars wasn’t just a reality television revolution, it was also a huge moment for Y2K fashion. It’s 25 years since girl group TrueBliss was formed on New Zealand national television, breaking new ground for both the reality television industry and the shiny clothing industry. With the first episode on NZ ...19 hours ago
- Would you be happy as a long-term single? The answer may depend on your attachment styleSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Pepping, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, Griffith University Marvin / Shutterstock Are all single people insecure? When we think about people who have been single for a long time, we may assume it’s because single people have insecurities that make ...20 hours ago
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For once I’d have to agree Tane – but I’d prefer 18 October because Mrs Inv and I are on holiday for a week shortly after that!
Yeah, I think Nov 8 is the worst kept secret in politics – apart from National’s draft policies, that is 🙂
Could be wrong though, you never know.
Good. Let’s do it.
No she’s going to announce Nationals Policy on….
… am sure she can find something else to crow about. Not like she will be in the roost for much longer.
I’m looking forward to it. Election party at my place! (Err, not that any of you know where that is. But I won’t let that stop me – I’m sure you’ve all got your own fun organised!)
OMG SHE”S ANNOUNCINNNGG HER RESIGATION YESSSHHH!!!!!11111oneoneone
(brought to you by Kiwiblog)
It seems what the press conference is about is the worst kept secret, since you’re confirming it’s about the election when Clark has stayed silent on that.
[lprent: Do some date maths. ]
It says it’s ‘expected’. I’ll update the post, but usually if the media say something’s expected to be announced they have a fair idea.
I guess we’ll find out in ten minutes.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it were October 18, your opponent just five weeks to spend their money. I suppose this is the folly of making predictions that can be proven wrong so quickly.
Perhaps she’ll just stagger out into the corridor and mumble … “It doesn’t give my opponents much time either” (hic).
A bit early in the day for that though.
My guess – She is promoting Winston ….
I think it’s interesting she’s talking about trust… that will just set her up for a fall, given the events of the last few weeks.
‘New Zealand has everything to lose by electing a Party which won’t tell the truth about its policies…’
Hear hear.
Yep. 8th.
Winston wins again. Privileges committee now disbanded and look for his other problems to be magically solved if labour manage to scrape back in.
And so it continues…
Nice she has declared it an election about trust, nobody can accuse her of failing in the blind confidence stakes.
Privileges committee now disbanded
Wrong.
No barnsleybill – Parliament, and therefore the Privileges Committee, will not be dissolved until October 3rd.
Who asked the question about the Standard and what was it? couldn’t hear on natrad
Did Clark say something about ‘The Standard’ after being questioned by a reporter?
Captcha: count investigation (funny when they’re relevant)
I did like her “Labour is ambitious for New Zealand. National is ambiguous.” Kudos to whoever thought that up.
Not sure, I was watching on TV and the bastards cut it out as the questions started.
Sky news Australia had all the questions, they asked about the standard!
Ha! Just talked to a mate of mine. Apparently some plonker in the gallery asked whether The Standard knew about the election date. Classic.
That might explain why the site has gotten a little slow just now…
[lprent: Yep – certainly started spiking the CPU]
Tane – does said plonker now owe you $20?
I. Am. Helen. Clarke!
An election based on trust?
Shit thats rich
I was really disappointed in the journo questions actually – the first one was fine (Brent Edwards from Nat Rad maybe? sounded like him) but the second and third were both beltway questions (the possible impact of the US election and did the Standard know respectively). Nice for you guys to get such a mention, but I wonder how much most voters care about those issues? And I hope it doesn’t set the tone for an election campaign where the media is covering the stuff most people don’t care about and ignoring what really matters.
First I saw of the “Ambiguous for NZ” line was from Ari in 08wire’s NACT Slogan Competition
Great speech. Who wrote it ? Churchillian.
A speech with conviction and sincerity. Everything you would expect from Helen Clark.
About time too.
Mind you the journo’s could have asked SP – he was pretty confident yesterday although it would seem obvious that the 8th was the only real option.
Like Julie, I hope the real issues can be discussed now and Labour will start releasing some policy of their own for a pleasant change 😉
Ladies and gentlemen of the standard, we have a problem.
The PM has said that Labour are ambitious. This is a problem becuase much of the denigration of John Key has been about his use of the word “ambitious”. He was a fool when he was “ambitious” for NZ….
What now fellow spin Dr’s and apologists – how do we dig our way out of this denigration hole ?
A speech with conviction and sincerity????? Are you sure you weren’t watching Obama on the other channel??
Her speech was the same old hateful, fear mongering that she does to her base, the usual, “Aunty Helen will look after you”
We don’t need a Prime Minister who is like this, oh well I hope she is enjoying her last seven weeks in office.
Why’s AYB’s post with the PMs speech and my comment disappeared ?
[lprent: beats me – I can’t see it anywhere. Probably a post that was being written and escaped in published state ?]
[Tane: Double up from my post, which he hadn’t seen. Was easier than having two comments threads.]
I see from the responses to this piece of information that the rancid right somehow think their views should be taken into consideration every time the Government makes a decision. well all I can say is watch your blood pressure and inv2 take your holiday on novemeber 9 cause you will need it after national gets their bums spanked!
Well Burt, we look at what Key meant when he said he was ambitious. Key preaching to the (right) choir:
Do we like NZ? NO!!
Can we trust our doctors and nurses? Hell no!
Do we have faith in the police? hell no SIR!
Do we respect our youth? HELL NO!
Do we want to keep state assets? NO!
Do we want to be ‘missing in action again’? NO!
Can we build trains in the Hutt? Hell No!
Are you ambitious for New Zealand? HELL N.. Ah is that meant to be a yes?
Brett – you must have a lot of anger to see the speech in that light. I’m not going to argue with you, I’m sure you’ll always hear what you want to hear. Good luck with that. Hope it doesn’t make you even more bitter!
Brett I hope you are enjoying your last 7 weeks in New Zealand before you leave for Australia with the rest of the National voters.
burt,
Let me spell it out slooowwwlllyyyyy just for you:
John Key gets the piss taken out of him not for being ambitious, but for saying he’s ambitious when any fool can see his “policies” are anything but.
Was that so hard for your delicate little mind?
HS – I think it may have been taken down since it was essentially a duplication of this post (I saw it too, and thought that).
Felix
Drop the “Was that so hard for your delicate little mind?” and your post has some opinion value. As it stands it’s just flapping because dear leader has stolen another National line and tried to make it her own.
Nah, Im not leaving for Australia, who needs to with a national government, the Australian bookmakers though have National as firm favorites to win the election. Labour’s only help is to try and keep the margin of their defeat down.
Thats the way I saw her speech, reminded me of one of Bush’s speech, where he try’s to paint the democrats as the bad guy. The polices of fear wont work this time.
We will finally have some dignity back in the head office of our country.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it were October 18 … I suppose this is the folly of making predictions that can be proven wrong so quickly.
Yup Tim, wrong, but you’re in “good” company, Key was picking Oct 18 too.
I think it’s interesting she’s talking about trust that will just set her up for a fall, given the events of the last few weeks.
No Tim you’re wrong about that too (here and in previous threads). I’m very glad to see trust at the centre of this election. National are all over the place on policy, internal discipline, and their secrete agenda. Can’t trust them on anything.
Now let’s get on with it.
“secrete agenda” was a typo, but the more I think about it, the more appropriate it seems!
Surely the speech must have be written before the Privileges Committee circus – Labour’s “principles” have been exposed as being as self-serving as the other politicians. Given the circumstances, what a dumb statement to make.
Matt Pilot,
“Do we respect our youth? HELL NO!”
Please explain.
What a joy to be able to contribute with a vote against this pack of unprincipled socialist liars!
Let the games begin…
Daveski, it has to be about trust. Labour have earned it over nine productive years in office. National can’t even keep their story straight for 2 days in a row sometimes.
“This election is about trust” was Helen’s opening statement. That’s no mistake, that’s a head on challenge to Mr Ambiguous.
Just a quick recap about our great Government, now the Election date has been announced.
1 – Last Election Labour stole $800,000 from taxpayers for advertising. They then passed a law that made it legal when re-elected.
2 – They refuse to have a referendum of MMP, even though it was promised.
3 – They refuse to let the “smacking’ referendum happen during this election. Labour knows best.
4 – Raised Taxes 9 years ago and refused to give a tax cut until they were behind in the polls.
5 – Abolished the Privy council. We now have a high court. If it wasn’t for the Privy council, David Bain would still be rotting in jail – he was lucky that he was convicted before the Privy Council was abolished. Hope ya never get charged with a crime under Labour!
6 – Working for Families. Instead of giving everyone a tax cut, they reduced hard working people to beneficiaries who have to go to income support for a top up.
7 – Won’t fire the guilty as fuck Winston peters cause they need him to stay in government.
8 – Just passed the Emissions trading scheme. We are the only country in the world stupid enough to have this. It will cost every family approx 3 grand a year. Food, petrol will be more expensive. Good luck if you have 3 kids. $60 a week!
9 – The Electoral Finance Act. Freedom of Speech is now illegal. Put a banner up on your lawn that says “don’t vote labour’ and be arrested. This Act was condemned by the Leftist U.N!
10 – Fireworks! They want to ban fireworks for all of us!!! oh i almost forgot, it will be legal if you’re Chinese or Indian and celebrating new year.
The sad fact is we could go an all day.
This is not the Labour Party our grandparents voted for. This is a far left, socialist, lesbian government that doesnt care about people.
[deleted] IF YOU HATE YOUR COUNTRY!
[lprent: You may hate your country, but you don’t put explicit campaign advertising on here.
Read the Policy before I have to ban you as a (v)idiot troll.
I’ll let others deal with your lack of knowledge evident in the comment. However I’d point out that you are now on my watch list as probable troll. I’d suggest that you lift your Standard fast.]
Righties – could you please provide us with some reasons why voters should trust JK?
Labour campaigning on “trust” will make a great Tui billboard.
“Nine productive years”? Surely you jest, sir? Or did you forget about the ‘chewing gum’ tax cuts that Cullen promised and reneged on at the last election?
[lprent: At least he reads comments. Less like a troll. I’ll pop him into moderation and see if he reads my previous notes. ]
good lord. Vidiot is certainly living up to his name.
But just one sticking point that I absolutely cannot pass up:
#2. A referendum was never promised. People just think one was. A review was promised, and was duly carried out by the appropriate Select Committee. I bet you didn’t get off your ass to go and submit, so don’t give me any shit about how you never had your say.
I know why people on the left stay home on voting day – so they can avoid rabid dipshits like yourself with no concept of reality.
This is not the Labour Party our grandparents voted for. This is a far left, socialist, lesbian government that doesnt care about people.
Vidiot’s other observations are just as intelligent and rational as this one.
forgetaboutthelastone, some reasons to trust JK?
1. When he says he’ll give us a tax cut, he will.
2. If he says something like banning smacking would defy human nature, he wouldn’t then ban smacking.
3. When he says he’ll increase health and education spending, he will – but unlike Cullen, will actually increase frontline spending rather than loading the system with more bureaucrats.
4. When he says he doesn’t have a secret agenda, he’ll actually mean it. Hulun on the other hand: anti-smacking, prostitution reform, civil unions, privy council – all issues not campaigned on or backed by electorate.
Gosh
what a great prime minister she is
r0b – An interesting point and certainly even the most avid rightie would acknowledge that HC in particular has run a steady ship, albeit in pretty calm waters.
The Nats haven’t helped themselves – some of their efforts have been shambolic and amateurish and reek of 9 years in opposition. On the other hand, it may be that they muff their lines through the rehearsals but get it right on opening night.
Labour hasn’t had to go through that yet. Moreover, I suspect that the Peters circus will cost Labour to at least a small degree in the areas of trust, integrity etc. Ironically, as I’ve posted elesewhere, any collapse in vote for NZF could help Labour.
At least we can move on to more substantive debates now.
I agree with one thing Clark said today.
This election should be about trust.
The Spencer trust. A vote for labour is a vote for Winston peters.
Ok, so ignoring my previous rhetoric, a serious question. When will Labour release some actual policies ? All we have seen so far is attempted character assassinations, inane smears and churlish acts (the JK Google Bomb).
If this Election is going to be on ‘Trust’, when will Labour actually put up something to ‘stand behind’.
There is, ‘as of yet’, no positive message coming from the Labour website, it’s all about dragging everyone else down, not about delivering on promises.
[lprent: You’re banned for two weeks. I run this site – Labour does not. I can’t do much about the misinformation outside the site, but I can inside the site. Read the About and the Policy. Bugger I’m feeling generous today…]
Spider_Pig: got any precedent to back up those statements?
I’m looking forward to Mr. Key making good on his previous promises – smaller bureaucracy, $50 tax cuts for everyone and lightning-fast porn downloads for frustrated citizens everywhere!
I’ll believe it when I see it.
3 – They refuse to let the “smacking’ referendum happen during this election. Labour knows best.
That would be the law John Key voted for? They are just following the advice from the departments, they are the expert on it, what happened last time there was a referendum held at the same time as the election?
7 – Won’t fire the guilty as fuck Winston peters cause they need him to stay in government.
Your supporting firing him before the investigation is finished, obviously you know best?
8 – Just passed the Emissions trading scheme. We are the only country in the world stupid enough to have this. It will cost every family approx 3 grand a year. Food, petrol will be more expensive. Good luck if you have 3 kids. $60 a week!
Yes dear, I’m sure it will, pity you have no credibility.
9 – The Electoral Finance Act. Freedom of Speech is now illegal. Put a banner up on your lawn that says “don’t vote labour’ and be arrested. This Act was condemned by the Leftist U.N!
Your a sucker for your own propaganda, get some perspective.
Spider_pig: I’m pretty sure hes going to cure cancer and create world peace while hes at it too.
Ben R, they’re all taggers, all getting into trouble, and need boot camps.
Well that’s what a National Billboard told me, I didn’t think it was true.
Spider_Pig
1 – so when he says he’ll abolish the families commision, he will but he won’t but he’ll merge it, but maybe, then you *know* what’s going to happen? Your blind faith is touching.
2 – Neither did Helen. Another person lapping up the lines they’re fed.
3 – With magical money from fairyland, as best I can tell.
4 – That’s not what his ‘mates’ say about that ‘nice Mr Key’ at cocktail parties. Do some reading – find out what a private member’s bill is, for a start. Follow up with Labour’s Manifesto, which did make some mention of the Privy Council, even if you missed it.
Vidiot
1 – National and most other parties did the same. Unless you think it’s ok to ‘steal’ small amounts of money, you’ll be voting Dunne.
2 – No such referendum promised. How is your petition towards that going? You…you haven’t started one? Maybe you don’t care as much about it as you pretend…
3 – Maybe you should look at what happened to previous elections that included refrenda questions. You want the 3rd term to last until 2009, be my guest.
4 – Voted in on raising taxes. Lowering taxes as economic growth slows. Read a book on Keynesian Economics.
5 – That’s what the public voted for.
6 – Getting your own tax back is a benefit? Hell, National must want us all to be beneficiaries.
7 – Ironic – you’re complaining about the courts two points prior.
8 – Have you heard of Europe? Want to be able to sell goods there? Wonder if they care about climate change, even if you don’t?
9 – What are you doing speaking here then? Starting to transcend into the realms of accidental self-satire.
10 – Oh? I remember Key saying he ‘thought they were going to be banned’. Is the man a spectator, or the leader of the opposition? What a joke.
I hear that Labour and New Zealand First are to merge. The new party will be aptly named;
Labour First.
Nice press conference Helen… Loved the bagging of the nats…
Am excited about the election campaign that will see the left lead this country once again.
Can i ask does anyone know what the polls this weekend are going to show? Espiner on TV1 last nite haf a smirk on his face explaing about there poll on sunday night and the impact the peters saga has had on labour?
would like to hear your thoughts and insights…
Thanks
“Ben R, they’re all taggers, all getting into trouble, and need boot camps.
Well that’s what a National Billboard told me, I didn’t think it was true.”
I thought the billboard said getting them into training not into trouble. I don’t think highlighting issues like tagging equates to demonising youth or not respecting them. Do you think anti-violence campaigns demonise men, or suggest they’re all abusers? I don’t think you’re being very fair on this point.
Spider_Pig:
Those are all statements of blind faith: Because so-and-so said such-and-such, such-and-such will happen… You need to give reasons why we should believe so-and-so about such-and-such.
Maybe it will help to define trustworthiness… From wikipedia:
“A person can prove his trustworthiness by fulfilling an assigned responsibility – and as an extension of that, to not let down our expectations. The responsibility can be either material, such as delivering a mail package on time, or it can be a non-material such as keeping an important secret to himself. A trustworthy person is someone that we can put our worries and secrets into and know they wont come out. In order for one to trust another, their worth and integrity must be constantly proven over time.”
In what way has JK constantly proven his worth and integrity over time?
would like to hear your thoughts and insights
Hi Kinoy001. I don’t have any insights on what this particular poll will show. But in general single polls are not very useful, you need to look at trends over time. See a good discussion here: http://08wire.org/category/pollwatch/
Ben R – you’re right, it was a bit of a cheap shot. If anything, though, it illustrates Brett Dale’s ‘campaigning on fear’ theme though – that plus the boot camps, just what I would describe as typical right-wing fear mongering. There’s some truth to it of course, best to judge by the respective solutions the parties have though.
“best to judge by the respective solutions the parties have though.”
Indeed.
KITNO,
They are just following the advice from the departments, they are the expert on it
Yep, the same department that says the EFA has had a “chilling effect” on public participation in the democratic process.
And thereby Clark neatly sidesteps the Winston Peters issue, avoiding what many commentators had predicted, the need to cut him loose to avoid further damage to Labour’s reputation.
Hey Swampy, notice how she got the ETS through too? Damn she’s good. I look forward to the fourth term!