A New Zealand for 100% of New Zealanders
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3:23 pm, April 26th, 2014 - 75 comments
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The text of a very personal straight from the heart speech given by David Cunliffe today to Labour Youth.
You know, becoming the leader of a political party is a bit like becoming a first-time parent.
Children are like pirated software: they don’t come with a manual. Neither do political parties.
As a parent, nothing can prepare you for it. There is so much to learn. Like – How many times a day do you feed or change your baby? How hot do you make your baby’s bottle? How many blankets do babies need on a cold day? What do you do when your baby gets sick, cries, laughs?
As leader of a political party, you also learn on-the-job – and that sometimes occurs on TV! You don’t get everything right; you don’t know it all; you have to deal with random events that occur with little warning and over which you have limited control.
Both roles are hard work and have enormous challenges. But in the end, what really matters is your passion and commitment and love for what you are doing and who you are doing it for. That is what sustains you and remains unwavering regardless.
In this room, we have a common passion and commitment for the New Zealand Labour Party.
It is strong and unwavering and resolute.
Despite the knockers and the critics, the pundits and the commentators, and all those people who try to pull us apart and try to bring us down.
The Labour movement is founded on great values and a sense of history.
Our party is a broad church, but we are one church.
We are diverse, but we are one team with one mission and one unity of purpose.
We speak to the vulnerable, and to hard working middle New Zealand, because we are passsionate about people. All our people.
That is clearly demonstrated in the difference between Young Labour and the Young Nats.
The Young Nats are happy for 10 percent of the population to control 90 percent of the wealth. They don’t mind because they’re mostly part of that 10 percent – or don’t care.
We have seen them watch from the balcony in their tuxedoes and ball gowns, while protestors outside voice the anger of people who are suffering. The Young Nats don’t understand or care.
Young Labour, all of you in this room, embody the values of 100 years of a Labour movement. You believe that opportunity should apply to 100% of Kiwis. You care when people are hurting. You are there to serve.
It is an important distinction because we are five months out from an election that will define New Zealand’s future. And, importantly, an election that will define your future.
When I ran for the leadership of the Labour Party I said: “I refuse to stand by and let this generation of young New Zealanders become part of the first generation to do worse than their parents in this country.”
But that is the reality in New Zealand today. Unless we change things, you will be worse off than your parents.
I am ashamed of that. And I will continue to be ashamed of it until we are on the Government benches and we can do something to fix it.
That is why it is so important we win this September’s election.
That is why I am not going to muck around.
There will be strong words, and I make no apology for that.
Because we are five months out from an election that will define our people’s future: Your future.
Building on our Labour Values
The Labour Party is built on New Zealand’s values of fairness, decency and inclusiveness.
Yesterday was ANZAC day – a day when, no matter who you are or how long you have been here, our nation commemorates the values that generations of New Zealanders have fought for.
At my local RSA, I spoke of my Grandfather Bob Tuke, who fought in World War One.
Although his letters home understated it, he lived in constant fear; he lived with lice, damp and dysentery. He watched his friends die in France, Egypt and Gallipoli.
He was awarded a Military Medal for valour, but hardly mentioned it to his family.
When he went to war, he was younger than most of the people in this room. He was barely old enough to vote. The decision to send him to war was made by others. He wasn’t consulted.
And yet, my grandfather came back from war with the absolute determination that future generations would never have to suffer the way he and his friends suffered.
World War One was supposed to make the world a better place, but our soldiers came back to a country where there were few jobs and little support from the Government.
It was a different world from today – where we have an expectation that if you break your leg, the Government will provide an ambulance and a hospital. And where we have an expectation that if there is no job, the Government will be there to provide a safety net and a hand up.
My grandfather’s generation had no such security. If they couldn’t work, they effectively starved. People often died young of preventable diseases. Women died in childbirth simply because they didn’t get basic medical care.
That is why many returned servicemen joined the original Labour Party.
They came from lots of different backgrounds and viewpoints but they understood that when the least fortunate do better, all of New Zealand does better.
Most the great things we take for granted today were won by the Labour Party.
The eight-hour day. Comprehensive, state-funded medical care. A decent education. Decent, affordable homes.
Fairness for 100 percent of New Zealanders. Not just a small proportion.
In 2014, we are fighting for the same values and the same vision that my grandfather’s generation came back from war to fight for nearly 100 years ago.
I find that sobering.
Fairness for 100 percent of New Zealanders
Fairness for 100 percent of New Zealanders. Not just a small proportion.
That is why I threw my hat in the ring to become the leader of the Labour Party.
I am in politics because I have a passionate belief that every single person matters.
That we are all worth the same.
I believe that our people are a community, not a commodity.
I believe that when the least fortunate of us does better, we all do better.
I believe that in this great country no-one should be left out or left behind.
That we should be judged by how we treat the most vulnerable.
Since becoming leader, I have travelled around New Zealand a lot and found that everything we, as Labour people believe in, everything we’ve fought for over the past 100 years is being threatened by a Government that has turned its back on hard working New Zealanders and has stopped listening.
The National Party is intent on cutting deals for its big business mates and kowtowing to powerful foreign interests. Because of all that, we have a Government that it is not only willing but actively working to sacrifice so much of what we hold dear.
That is not Labour’s vision and as leader I can tell you it is not acceptable to me.
All over our country, I find New Zealanders living lives of quiet courage: grinding on a treadmill where they can barely make ends meet and can never get ahead.
Like the nurse aid I met who earns $525 a week in the hand, pays $400 a week renting a two-bedroom house in Auckland; and feeds, clothes and supports herself and her two teenage sons on the $125 a week she has left.
She cried when she told me how worried she was, because if she works more hours she doesn’t see her kids and they’d go off the rails.
So she grinds on, toughing it out. That is guts. That is valour. Every week.
Or the family in Kelston I visited living in a garage. Mum, Dad and two high school age girls. Mum had part-time work, Dad had none. My electorate team helped him find a job. They were able to move into their own modest rented home (the state housing stock had been decimated).
The kids did well at school. The elder sister got a scholarship to Auckland University, where she had to pay foreign student fees. She lost a year. She will have a mountain of debt. The same debt mountain many of you will have. If you can get a loan at all, especially as a postgrad – and we are going to fix that!
We have too many children who are getting sick because they live in cold, damp, cramped houses with black mould growing up the walls. Sometimes owned by speculators who just push the rent up while getting rich on tax-free capital gains.
Is that ok?
And at the same time, we have shoddy state houses that go unrepaired while the Government rips a fortune out of Housing NZ off the back of the Christchurch rebuild.
We are becoming two New Zealands – a country of ghettos and a country of gated communities.
Is that ok?
This is not a “Brighter Future”; this is a powder keg.
A “rock star economy” where a few live like stars (until the bubble bursts), but most just eat rocks.
What is fair or decent or Kiwi about that?
Is it any wonder that in the last election a million of our people did not even bother to vote?
Where is their “recovery”?
Changing Our Future
Think of the people I have just described. Think of your own family and friends that are doing it tough.
Why should they care when politicians score political points in a beltway game that looks and smells like politics-as-usual?
I believe that politics-as-usual has failed New Zealanders. And we have to change that.
That a prosperous future for New Zealand won’t be built the same way as the past.
That it is not enough to work for our people, we have to work with them.
And that the only way for us to transform our future is to first transform ourselves.
Everyone in the New Zealand Labour Party has a shared vision to rebuild our society so that everybody – not just a lucky few – get the chance to succeed and make the best of their potential.
After September, we will make New Zealand a fairer place by strengthening and supporting the most vulnerable members of our society and by giving every young Kiwi a fair chance.
By strengthening, not shrinking, the right of every New Zealander to have a warm, comfortable home.
By strengthening, not shrinking, support for our Universities, schools and hospitals.
And, above all, by strengthening a high-value, high knowledge, sustainable economy that will create the jobs for our graduates and value in our economy that we can all share.
Your Labour Party is going to protect all New Zealanders and reclaim the future for your generation.
I said at conference last year that it was going to be hard work. We have to work harder this election than we have ever fought before.
We have to fight the National Party’s millions of dollars with our thousands of voices. And we have to win.
I promise you that I am here to fight for change. I did not get elected leader to just worry about the polls or who is saying what down the road in Parliament.
But change is not a spectator sport.
Our opponents are counting on young people like you, your classmates, friends and flatmates to stay home in September.
They are betting on the apathy of young people like you. They are counting on your silence. We need to prove them wrong.
We need to fight for a future you are proud to be part of.
Because our future is not written for us, it is written by us. And power to shape that future is in your hands.
I want to congratulate Young Labour on the leading role you are already playing in helping to build our largest, most grassroots campaign ever.
This afternoon I know everyone in this room is getting on a bus for an afternoon of door-knocking and getting Labour’s vision out there.
The conversations you will have today are part of hundreds and thousands of personal contacts we are having all around the country.
But we need your ongoing help to win this election.
We need you to commit to vote.
We need you to continue to make phone calls and to knock on doors and talk to neighbours and share your passion and energy and enthusiasm.
That is how we are going to win this election. That is how we are going to change New Zealand
A grassroots movement for change, built on the progressive values that New Zealanders hold dear.
This election is not about what we have done, it is about what we have yet to do.
Together, we will build the fairest, most decent society in the world.
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In this podcast Selwyn Manning and I talk about what appears to be a particular type of end-game in the long transition to systemic realignment in international affairs, in which the move to a new multipolar order with different characteristics … Continue reading ...1 week ago - The cost of flying blind
Just over two years ago, when worries about immediate mass-death from covid had waned, and people started to talk about covid becoming "endemic", I asked various government agencies what work they'd done on the costs of that - and particularly, on the cost of Long Covid. The answer was that ...1 week ago
- Seymour vs The Clergy
For paid subscribers“Aotearoa is not as malleable as they think,” Lynette wrote last week on Homage to Simeon Brown:In my heart/mind, that phrase ricocheted over the next days, translating out to “We are not so malleable.”It gave me comfort. I always felt that we were given an advantage in New ...1 week ago - Unstoppable Minister McKee
All smiles, I know what it takes to fool this townI'll do it 'til the sun goes downAnd all through the nighttimeOh, yeahOh, yeah, I'll tell you what you wanna hearLeave my sunglasses on while I shed a tearIt's never the right timeYeah, yeahSong by SiaLast night there was a ...1 week ago - Could outdoor dining revitalise Queen Street?
This is a guest post by Ben van Bruggen of The Urban Room,.An earlier version of this post appeared on LinkedIn. All images are by Ben. Have you noticed that there’s almost nowhere on Queen Street that invites you to stop, sit outside and enjoy a coffee, let alone ...1 week ago
- Hipkins challenges long-held Labour view Government must stay below 30% of GDP
Hipkins says when considering tax settings and the size of government, the big question mark is over what happens with the balance between the size of the working-age population and the growing number of Kiwis over the age of 65. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s ...1 week ago - Your invite to Webworm Chat (a bit like Reddit)
Hi,One of the things I love the most about Webworm is, well, you. The community that’s gathered around this lil’ newsletter isn’t something I ever expected when I started writing it four years ago — now the comments section is one of my favourite places on the internet. The comments ...1 week ago
- Release: Sentencing package misses the mark by a mile
Sentencing policy announced by Minister Paul Goldsmith today is anything but new, merely window dressing to make up for backwards violent crime statistics under the National Government. ...3 hours ago - Release: Seymour’s Ministry of Double Standards
David Seymour doesn’t stick to his own standards of good regulation despite having a multimillion-dollar vanity ministry set up to do so. ...3 hours ago
- Release: Labour Leader to travel to UK
Labour Leader Chris Hipkins will travel to the United Kingdom this week to attend the annual UK Labour Party conference in Liverpool and meet with members of the new Labour Government. ...3 hours ago
- Govt Warned – Increasing Snapper Quota Breaches Fisheries Settlement
An imminent decision to increase the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for snapper would be a direct violation of the first-ever Treaty Settlement and inevitably breach Te Tiriti o Waitangi, says Te Pāti Māori. Te Ohu Kaimoana has sought a High Court declaration to prevent the Minister of Oceans and ...19 hours ago
- Govt attacks workers’ rights once again
Today’s announcement from the Minister of Workplace Relations emphasises how deep in the pocket of big business this Government really is. ...2 days ago - Release: Māori business not a priority for this Govt
Scrapping the Progressive Procurement programme designed to support and grow Māori businesses is a missed opportunity. ...2 days ago
- Release: March 15 inquiry grants cut by Government
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has cut grants helping overseas family of victims to attend the next phase of the Coronial Inquiry into the 15 March 2019 Christchurch Masjidain Attack. ...2 days ago
- Minister of Injustice seeks to Entrench largest land confiscation in History
The Waitangi Tribunal has released an Urgent Report on the Government’s proposed amendments to the Takutai Moana Act 2011. The report calls out Paul Goldsmith’s proposal for what it is: a “gross breach of the Treaty” and an “illegitimate exercise of kāwanatanga”. The Tribunal is recommending the Crown step down ...4 days ago
- Takutai Moana changes another assault on Te Tiriti
The Government must abandon its Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act interventions after the Waitangi Tribunal found it was committing gross breaches of the Treaty. ...4 days ago
- Greens call on Govt to leave Te Reo in schools alone
As Te Wiki o te Reo Māori approaches, the Government is considering deprioritising teaching Te Reo Māori in our schools. ...4 days ago
- Govt cannot ignore racism
The Government’s directive to the public service to ignore race is nothing more than a dog whistle and distraction from the structural racism we need to address. ...4 days ago
- Release: Lemauga Lydia Sosene to take medical leave
Labour’s Mangere MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will shortly take medical leave. ...4 days ago
- Potential intelligence sharing with Israel must be investigated
Concerns have been raised that our spy arrangements may mean that intelligence is being shared between Aotearoa and Israel. An urgent inquiry must be launched in response to this. ...5 days ago
- Release: Charter schools undermine our education system
The Government is taking a wrecking ball to our public education system by reinstating charter schools. ...5 days ago
- Youngest MP to travel to Canada to accept Politician of the Year Award
Aotearoa’s Youngest Member of Parliament, and Te Pāti Māori MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, will travel to Montreal to accept the One Young World Politician of the Year Award next week. The One Young World Politician of the Year Award was created in 2018 to recognise the most promising young politicians between ...5 days ago
- Greens celebrate huge step forward for ADHD community
The Greens welcome today’s long-coming announcement by Pharmac of consultation to remove the special authority renewal criteria for methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and modafinil and to fund lisdexamfetamine. ...5 days ago
- Release: Millions to be spent dividing NZ for no reason
The National Party is wasting millions of dollars allowing David Seymour’s Treaty Principals Bill to be drafted and go to Select Committee. ...5 days ago
- Release: New Zealanders departing our shores at a record rate
The Migration figures released by Stats NZ today show National is continuing to drive Kiwis away from New Zealand in record numbers. ...5 days ago
- Te Tai Tokerau MP Slams Govt Overreach in Scrapping Māori Wards
Mema Paremata for Te Tai Tokerau, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, has reflected on the decisions made by the councils of the North amidst the government’s push to remove Māori Wards and weaken mana whenua representation. “Actions taken by the Kaipara District Council to remove Māori Wards are the embodiment of the eradication ...6 days ago
- Govt already seeking advice on Treaty referendum
On one hand, the Prime Minister has assured Aotearoa that his party will not support the Treaty Principles Bill beyond first reading, but on the other, his Government has already sought advice on holding a referendum on our founding document. ...6 days ago
- Release: Aged care will be worse off if redesign rushed
New Zealanders needing aged care support and the people who care for them will be worse off if the Government pushes through a flawed and rushed redesign of dementia and aged care. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt fails hundreds of workers as mills close
Labour is devastated at news hundreds of workers are set to lose their jobs following the closure of Winstone Pulp mills. ...6 days ago
- Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction
Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfalls of our electricity network. ...7 days ago
- Ngarewa-Packer devastated for Ruapehu following WPI closure
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru is devastated for the Ruapehu community following today’s decision to close two Winstone Pulp mills. “My heart goes out to all the workers, their whānau, and the wider Ruapehu community affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International,” said Ngarewa-Packer. ...1 week ago
- Release: Cabinet should stop the Treaty Principles Bill
National Party Ministers have a majority in Cabinet and can stop David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which even the Prime Minister has described as “divisive and unhelpful.” ...1 week ago
- Release: Staff gagged to keep fast track list secret
The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...1 week ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...1 week ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...1 week ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...2 weeks ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds Building Nations 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa, Thank you for your warm welcome and for having my colleagues and I here today. Earlier you heard from the Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, on our vision for the future of infrastructure. I want to build on his comments and provide further detail on some key elements ...2 weeks ago
- Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...2 weeks ago
- Enabling rural recovery works in Hawke’s Bay
Cabinet has approved an Order in Council to enable severe weather recovery works to continue in the Hawke’s Bay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell say. “Cyclone Gabrielle and the other severe weather events in early 2023 caused significant loss and damage to ...1 hour ago - FamilyBoost childcare payment registrations open
From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government’s tax relief plan to help Kiwis who are doing it tough. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we ...2 hours ago
- Prioritising victims with tougher sentences
The Government has today agreed to introduce sentencing reforms to Parliament this week that will ensure criminals face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. "In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences ...18 hours ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...19 hours ago
- Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...22 hours ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...1 day ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...1 day ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...1 day ago
- Serious assaults down 22% in Auckland CBD
Cross-government action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Auckland is getting traction, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Our central cities should be great places to live and work, but in recent years they have become hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as ...2 days ago
- Increased certainty for contractors coming
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses. “These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. It is an ACT-National coalition ...2 days ago
- Draft critical minerals list released for consultation
A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...2 days ago
- Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy
The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...2 days ago
- Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand
From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...3 days ago
- Need and value at forefront of public service delivery
New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...4 days ago
- Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting
Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...4 days ago
- New Bill to crack down on youth vaping
The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping. “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...5 days ago
- Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed
Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...5 days ago
- Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...5 days ago
- Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups
Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...5 days ago
- Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it
The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...5 days ago
- Targeted supports to accelerate reading
The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...5 days ago
- Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology
With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...5 days ago
- Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...5 days ago
- Driving structured literacy in schools
The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...6 days ago
- Labour’s misleading information is disappointing
Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them. ...6 days ago
- Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine
The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...6 days ago
- Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...6 days ago
- Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...6 days ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...6 days ago
- Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...6 days ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...7 days ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...7 days ago
- Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...7 days ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...1 week ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...1 week ago
- Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review
The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...1 week ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...1 week ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...1 week ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...1 week ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...1 week ago
- The many complex truths within the paedophilia study saga
Is Bob McCoskrie a righteous moral crusader? Deeply full of shit? Both? You may have missed the ongoing dust-up about a Victoria University study concerning paedophilia. The study explores “stigma and attitudes towards people with a sexual attraction to children”, according to a poster seeking participants, and aims to “understand ...56 mins ago - Trump assassination plotter: Who is Ryan Routh?
Ryan Routh, 58, has a criminal history, an interest in the Ukraine war, and has been described as both a loving father and "delusional". ...1 hour ago - The cost of being: A public servant with a six-month-old baby and a quality coffee habit
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a working parent shares the ins and outs of her finances. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female Age: 32 Ethnicity: NZ European Role: Principal adviser in ...2 hours ago
- The internet is worse than it used to be. How did we get here, and can we go back?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marc Cheong, Senior Lecturer of Information Systems, School of Computing and Information Systems; and (Honorary) Senior Fellow, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne Two Pixel/Shutterstock When it comes to our experience of the internet, “the times, they are a-changin’”, as ...2 hours ago - Global powers are grappling with ‘responsible’ use of military AI. What would that look like?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zena Assaad, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering, Australian National University Air Force Tech. Sgt. Teri Eicher Last week, some 2,000 government officials and experts from around the world met for the REAIM (Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain) summit in ...2 hours ago
- Democraticising stocks: At 33, Brooke Roberts leads an investment platform valued at $500 million
At 33, Brooke Roberts leads a $500m investment platform. She believes if you have $5 to invest, you should have the same choices. ...3 hours ago
- New data reveals rates of family violence among those who died by suicide
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, Monash University Shutterstock Domestic, family and sexual violence is rightly recognised as a national crisis. While the evidence base has built significantly in recent years, one important missing piece ...3 hours ago
- How perpetrators of domestic violence use drugs and alcohol to control their victims
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cathy Humphreys, Professor of Social Work, The University of Melbourne panitanphoto/Shutterstock At least three decades of research on the intersection of substance use with domestic and family violence consistently shows the frequency, severity and impact of violence increases in the context ...3 hours ago
- ‘Pirate birds’ force other seabirds to regurgitate fish meals. Their thieving ways could spread ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Gorta, PhD Candidate in ecology, UNSW Sydney Skuas chase a gannet to force it to regurgitate its meal Bob Brewer/Unsplash, CC BY-NC-ND It’s not easy finding food at sea. Seabirds often stay aloft, scanning the churning waters for elusive prey. Most ...3 hours ago
- Are kiwi and moa recent immigrants from Australia? Neither fossils nor genetic evidence support the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nic Rawlence, Associate Professor in Ancient DNA, University of Otago Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images Aotearoa New Zealand is a land of birds, from the smallest of wrens to the mightiest of moa. The ancestors of some species have been here for tens ...3 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, ARC Future Fellow & Professor of Economics, Curtin University Bricolage/Shutterbox For many Australians, the family home is their largest financial asset. With an increasing variety of ways to tap into home equity, the temptation to access this wealth ...3 hours ago
- Are credit checks for ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes enough?
Providers like Afterpay don’t have to carry out affordability tests and were recently allowed to set fees at whatever level they like, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. ...4 hours ago
- Nursing jobs ‘ghosted’ as Health NZ cuts costs
Te Whatu Ora insists recruitment has continued, but staff say their colleagues aren't being replaced. ...4 hours ago
- Live: Focus on Government law and order efforts
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon can't put a timeframe on when law and order policies will start to reduce the number of victims. ...5 hours ago
- Victims advocate urges frontline investment after increasing violence statistics
It's a stark reversal of the government's goal: 20,000 fewer victims by 2030. ...5 hours ago
- The social media app you forgot about is on every kid’s phone
With nearly 95% of young New Zealanders using Snapchat, staff writer Lyric Waiwiri-Smith looks back at the rise and fall and rise of the yellow app. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that each new generation to possess a smartphone will believe the technology habits of their elders are too ...6 hours ago
- Windbag: How Wellington’s bike network has grown, in three maps
Few cities have ever attempted to build a connected cycling network this quickly. Windbag is The Spinoff’s Wellington issues column, written by Wellington editor Joel MacManus. It’s made possible thanks to the support of The Spinoff Members. Wellington’s cycleway debate is an interminable bore. We’ve had the same mind-numbing arguments ...6 hours ago
- Bipartisan support for constitutional change to Parliament
Years of work spanning three governments has produced a significant reform for Parliament with support from both National and Labour The post Bipartisan support for constitutional change to Parliament appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago - ‘Cognitive dissonance’ over social services cuts
Social services providers mix frustration over government funding cuts with optimism that they can weather the storm The post ‘Cognitive dissonance’ over social services cuts appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- The neoliberal attack on the Treaty of Waitangi
Opinion: The Government, led by a run-of-the-mill-corporatist, a garden-variety populist and a 10-a-penny libertarian has been considering the future of a singular and unique treaty that is at the heart of what is so special about Aotearoa New Zealand. In the guise of the Treaty Principles Bill, these politicians will ...6 hours ago
- A long, personal and painful read for the minister called Goldie
Analysis: At least 15 times in its urgent report on the proposed law to tighten Māori marine customary rights, the Waitangi Tribunal called out one person The post A long, personal and painful read for the minister called Goldie appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- East Coast forestry industry facing the axe
“Absolutely impossible” consent conditions are causing some East Coast forestry companies to “bleed money” and this could force them to move offshore.Forestry harvesting has already ground to a halt in some areas of Tairāwhiti, part of the fallout after the district was hit by devastating cyclones Hale and Gabrielle last ...6 hours ago
- Brussels still sprouting same old stale economic plans
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That’s inspiring stuff. I hope Labour does roll out some policies that will achieve the aims of working for the most vulnerable, the need for more state housing, etc.
But, meanwhile, this:
I agree, it is an inspiring speech. And I also agree that significant change can only come from grass roots engagement. The right wing shills are constantly pushing for a neutralised or non-existent left, and it is up to us to make sure that their endeavour fails. We need to do what we can, wherever we live, to get potential left-leaning voters to come out and vote.
But Labour is still going to make all these young people work more years (or stay unemployed more years) than their parents by raising the retirement age, right? Great.
Is raising the super age actually a big deal to many young people? I’m not convinced…However, it seems to activate the knee jerk reaction for older people where super is a political ‘no fly zone’.
I don’t think it is such a big deal. how about …
Over 50 – 65
40-49 – 66 (me)
30-39 – 67
20-29 – 68
11-20 – TBC
that’s obviously spurious, but it has the advantage of being simple.
I think people understand that people will have to work longer and would quite like to have things sorted out now, rather than left until the last minute and botched.
CV……….if us Boomers are working till 67 years, that means those young people will be paying less for our super.
One thing is this age of retirement debate that often gets left out, is it is the young who will have to fund those extra two years if we don’t shift the age to 67 years.
Don’t get me wrong I am not necessarily saying I agree with raising the retirement age.
But the people least likely to benefit from it staying at 65 are young people. Most people I know heading towards 65 years are going to stay on in their jobs a while as well as collecting the pension
If people continue in full time work and collect super, they’ll most likely lose most of the income gain in taxes.
I have always said that Karol but without any facts to support my gut feeeling on the matter.
In view of the employment situation facing somebody made redundant shortly before sixty … pretty grim as I found out myself … I think it should be accepted that people want to work for the empowering aspects of it and enable those who for whatever reason cannot work retire from the age of fifty.
It is completely inhuman to expect somebody worn out by a life of hard manual work to work another two or more years before they get the pension …. some are advocating 70 as the retirement age.
It’s only late boomers who are affected anker, so the generational fairness argument doesn’t apply.
The policy will end up being more expensive than retaining universality, because of all the exemptions needed.
@ Anker,
I wouldn’t worry about the younger having to pay for our retirement – a large amount of them don’t have jobs, so perhaps that matter ought to be sorted out first.
Generally when there are less workers around, wages [are supposed to] go up. Perhaps that is why there is such a ‘concern’ re the amounts of oldies – less concern re oldies, more a genuine concern about having to pay higher wages coming from those who want to keep all the profits in their own grubby little hands.
+1
That would be the main concern I suspect. We all know that all that really needs to happen so as to be able to afford Super is a slight rise in taxes.
And that is why a Universal Income works. People will ‘retire’ pretty much when they feel like it. Most people, I suspect, would just continue working as long as they could.
I am not too happy with the raising of the pension age, nor was I happy to see Labour supporting the recent two social welfare amendments. At the same time, I am reminded of Roosevelt’s “Make me do it” call. If the left block does not succeed in this election, the claim will be that Labour tried left and NZ didn’t like it, and we will be back to square one. For this reason, if for no other, we must do what we can to get the left voters out in droves. With Cunliffe as leader, at least the door is ajar for moving further left. It is up to us to push it open.
+100
I’d really like to share your optimism, but how do you do that or expect that to happen when Labour keeps crapping on people, such as with the two social welfare amendments you refer to that Labour voted for? (By the way, I know about the Bill that extends criminality to partners of beneficiaries without the need for knowledge of the offending and that also removes the power not to recover debt, but what was the other one?)
I’m more of the view that the rot is too deep and that if Labour is ever going to come right it needs to be destroyed at this election in the same way the nats were in 2002. It’s the only way we can try to regain some semblance of a true left party. I’d like to see Labour get trounced so badly it’s reduced to being regarded as a minor party. It is time to convey nothing but complete and utter disdain for Labour because nothing less has the slimmest chance of making them understand. That’s how bad Labour’s become.
The ‘we had to bomb the village in order to save it’ theory of political philosophy.
The democratic measures that have been introduced seem to be doing the trick, the party will be sorted out over the next few years, it is already doing a lot better.
Mate, what planet are you on? Doing a lot better”???
Hi Mary – sorry, I took the two aspects of the one amendment you mention to be two. If you think Labour is irredeemable (and for myself I am not ready to surrender to that thought at this stage), then there are the Greens or Mana to support. If the left is allowed to be destroyed, it will take a long time and a lot more social harm for it to be rebuilt to an effective level. Hence I think it is better to maintain the structures we still have. Which is a long winded way of saying what Red Logix has said.
It’s not about destroying the Left, it’s about abandoning hope that Labour is still part of the Left. This is very different to what RedLogix was suggesting. Nobody’s saying the Left should be destroyed, far from it.
Well, Red Logix mentioned the “burn the village to save the village theory,” though he did not go on to say whether or not he thought it a good idea. As I see it, Labour is still a part of the left’s structure. You seem to think it is no longer part of the left at all – that it has effectively gone the way of the Liberals already – that all that is needed is a grand coalition with National to keep the Green/Mana riff-raff out, for their true status to be there for all to see. On one hand I am a bit more optimistic than you – I still think Labour can be pushed leftward with enough people pushing. On the other hand, I am more pessimistic about a new left party gaining traction quickly enough.
“I still think Labour can be pushed leftward with enough people pushing.”
Labour is at the moment smug in its belief that those on the Left will not abandon it. They think that the Left will always be there regardless of what they do. And Labour is correct about that at the moment. People joke about how John Key could eat a baby and people would still vote for him. Well Labour’s doing precisely that now. It’s eating the poor but the Left just keep on hanging in there saying things like “at least they’re better than the alternative”. Really? Are they? You say above that if “the left is allowed to be destroyed, it will take a long time and a lot more social harm for it to be rebuilt to an effective level.” While I’m not talking about destroying the Left, what less harm has Labour’s policies done to the marginalised and disenfranchised? While in government from 1999 Labour introduced a whole stack of anti-poor legislation before it handed the baton to National to continue its handy work. When in opposition Labour does not stand up against the Key/Bennett/Collins bashing machine which just gives the right-wing a free pass. Labour even gives it a hand along the way like what we’ve seen recently which is just astounding. There’s no evidence that Labour will change which together with history says that currently they have no intention of changing. There’s now even hard evidence that they will not change because they’re quite happy to support Key/Bennett et al pass appallingly anti-beneficiary-anti-citizen-hatred of the poor-driven legislation. That’s why it’s time the Left needs to tell Labour not to rely on its support because it’s only with that support that it feels confident continuing to crap on the most vulnerable.
Well said Mary…
You and RL Olwyn are being appropriately pragmatic. And your reasons are utterly sound, that’s the only way to look at the matter. In the past I’ve got irritated or angry at something that has been changed, and found it not for the better.
‘You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone’ is a sad song we don’t want to sing. Just have to keep firing little love darts at Labour. The little pricks will get it going in the Left direction.
@ CV And here’s you supposed to be a Labour Candidate. You are starting to sound like all the other nay sayers. So like Shane bloody Jones, if you don’t like it. Leave.!
Meh. I’m a Labour Party member, not a Labour Party follower. Learn the difference.
Secondly, do you support increasing the labour pool even further by increasing the retirement age, even when there are already no where near enough full time jobs to go around?
Thirdly Maori and Pasifika men are the ones who will be most descriminated against by the increase in Super eligibility age. Just look at Parekura Horomia – died at 62 years of age before collecting a single cent of NZ super. Are you OK with that.
It’s nothing to do with that at all
the FACTS are these
1 Haven’t You have accepted the chance to be a be a Labour Party politician in the 2014 Labour Govt.
2 Then this, like it or not is policy. made by the higher ups.
3 Ans as a politician like it or not you will have to campaign on it.
Now as I am at the age 58 I will get caught up in the Later dates I think, and I accept that as part of having a Labour Government.
I am not happy that Maori, or anyone else dying before they are 65, 66, 67, or what ever. But mainly that is Medical or Accident neither is wanted, but there is very little that can be done if people don’t change their habits. Now I don’t want to get into an argument over weight issues that the polynesian people have. (And the damage that Ryall and the Nats have done to our medical system.) As people make bad choices, there is very little that can be done to force people to change. You have to educate people and if they don’t want to listen, then that’s up to them.
“Just look at Parekura Horomia – died at 62 years of age before collecting a single cent of NZ super. Are you OK with that.”
No I am not. But lets be honest here and I am not denigrating his memory in any way, but Parekura was way over weight, and he knew it.
Now as for increasing the Labour pool. I have said before on (this site) that when people are close to retirement they should be given an apprentice, that they can train in not only the job, but in vital life skills. And as a hell of a lot of our young are from single parent (mother) households, then they would benefit from having someone older to talk to, who could offer advice on the millions of things they know, and that he kids are just getting into.
So right or wrong there you go that’s the way I am looking at things
Colonial Viper, a 2 year increase over a 20 year period, is not earth shattering, there’s a certain amount of flexibility built in to it and it allows plenty of time for adjustment. Arent people having to work longer, or have found themselves in a position where they have had to return back to work now?
Oh dear.
The thing about hierarchical institutions or structures talking about grassroots movements is that they have not a clue about grassroots movements (hint: it isn’t door knocking) or how to initiate them and can never be an integral part of them if and when they do form. But maybe I’ve missed something and there’s actually a groundswell of grassroots activity talking about and acting on these somewhat nebulous values that are mentioned?
The really sad bit is that I suspect Labour needed to tap into a groundswell of grassroots sentiments. But the notion that thousands and thousands of people will magically appear over the next few months on the back of a politicians pleas (no matter how honourable) is, well…it just ain’t going to be happening.
“I’m talking to young people. I best make a reference to internet piracy straight away!”
Children are like pirated software: they don’t come with a manual. Neither do political parties.
In my experience, it’s MUCH easier to download the manual than to download the software.
I’m sure there’s a metaphor for raising children in that as well .
Speaking to fire up the youth converts is a easy thing to do,not saying that his words had no care and social conection of fairness,however, Kennedy leaning.
Seen Kelvin Davis, this morning,a green new skin to politic and its skill,under the spot light and rambling,like also Labours present leader, has been guilty of,not understanding ,that at times, less is more.
The marathon is in its training stage,the race, ten days toward the final result.Lets hope we are registerd to participtate.
Kelvin Davis has served a full term as MP in Parliament and has run for Te Tai Tokerau 3 times (unsuccessfully) against Hone.
Although not a veteran politician he is not new to politics in the slightest.
The Left’s oft expressed opinion that the Nats (or for that matter anyone who is not a leftist ) don’t care about “the poor” is nothing but a stark example of the immaturity that characterises their political thinking.
Nobody on the so called right wants to see anyone locked into poverty. We want everyone to have equal opportunity to develop their own destiny.
We are also able to face reality. That reality being that wealth redistribution by government decree fosters dependancy and white ants the work ethic.
In fact it is misguided left wing polices that trap people in poverty. See USA. See Democrats. See ghettos. See Barack Obama. See more poor people in US than ever before.
See Venezuela.
See Cuba.
See Nth Korea.
See Sweden in the future.
See Norway when the oil runs out.
Believing that the left are the only political group with the welfare of others at heart is childish, and that the left consistently think like this demonstrates why their actions are also consistently counter productive. They just have no grasp on reality and they cannot think like grown ups.
Quite surprising of Cunliffe to hint that he understands this truth.
So RB how about those 280,000 kids in poverty. What is the Government doing about them? And your mention of scandinavian countries is somewhat cute. Because they are doing very well despite your wish that they crash and burn.
Mick, at the moment all Norway is doing well, including children, because of oil drilling.
Pity the coalition partner you are going to give Ministries to won’t allow it.
That’s the real question you need to deal with. How will partnering with the job and investment killing Greens help in bringing those kids out of poverty?
Not in Green la la land mate, but in reality?
Nope, the real question in this conversation is how does one such as yourself manage to draw such bizarre conclusions about a party that aims to keep our environment healthy.
Perhaps you mean they don’t want any new drilling for oil in deep waters because there are safety issues?
You might not be aware that renewable energy industries such as solar and wind power create around five times as many jobs as fossil fuel industries for the same amount of investment. That’s the reality you seem to be at pains to ignore Redbaiter.
I think the Greens want to reduce New Zealand’s dependency on polluting forms of energy in favour of the gradual implementation of a clean and green economy. Quite frankly I don’t understand why you would be against such a progressive policy direction?
So you would advocate for all oil ventures in NZ to be majority Government owned, just like in Norway?
That’s very socialist of you mate.
You know the old saying about socialism and other people’s money don’t you Viper? Norway is “doing well” in the short term but read a bit about it. Killing the work ethic and other serious downsides. The excrement will hit the fan there when the oil runs dry.
Britain under a succession of neo-liberal economic governments. They are doing well eh redbait. Oh, they are not? Their oil running out is it?
Britain under a succession of neo-liberal economic governments. They are doing well eh redbait. Oh, they are not? Their oil running out is it?
Huh?
Norway took the advice of Iraqi oil expert Farouk Al-kasim in the 1970’s and hence managed their North Sea oil wealth completely different to the UK.
The Government kept a tight ownership of how that oil was used and where the funds were applied. Whereas the UK fields are just about all over, Norway has many years of extraction left ahead of it.
And the resulting Sovereign wealth fund, now roughly a trillion dollars worth, ensures that Norway will be sweet when the oil runs out – because it’s already all been planned and prepared for by the state.
The work ethic. I think that was first cited in scrolls of Egyptian scribes when describing the worth of various slaves on the pyramids wasn’t it.
Of course you have to say ‘Sweden in the future’ and ‘Norway when the oil runs out’ to inoculate your ridiculous argument against the obvious rebuttals.
See Sweden in the future.
Is it the voices in your head that tell you Sweden’s future, or do you have some equipment (entrails, crystal ball etc)?
If the right wing care so much about the poor ReBaiter, why do the statistics show such a broad range of worsening conditions for the poor under right wing governments?
You might not be aware that childhood poverty has increased under this National government so that 265,000 children are now being deprived of the basic necessities of life. But instead of actually doing anything about it, people like yourself prefer to blame the victims of a failed system that locks people into poverty. It’s all their fault you say, when the issue is far more complex.
The reality is that the system creates dependency by removing opportunities for people to become self-sufficient. This societal dysfunction can be as inhumane as restricting a child’s ability to learn because they’re suffering from respiratory and infectious diseases associated with living in damp and overcrowded houses. It can be as insidious as artificially maintaining a certain percentage of unemployed just to keep wages low.
In my opinion, the only thing white anting the work ethic in New Zealand is a lack of proper remuneration for workers. We as a nation are overworked and underpaid, mainly because of the right wings failed neoliberal agenda.
Increasing equal opportunity for everybody irrespective of their or their families wealth is the only way to reduce the amount of redistribution required. To reduce wealth redistribution without first ensuring there is an even playing field will simply cause further widespread social harm. Anybody who believes themselves immune to increasing social dysfunction because of the right wings war on the poor is a fool…which pretty much sums up RedBaiter.
Good points Jackal,
I have a feeling that when Red Baiter referred to ‘not wanting to lock anyone into poverty’ the ‘anyone’ in that sentence was referring to ‘those who have wealth’ because I get the impression that the people really without much resources are considered sub-human – almost beneath contempt* by such types as Red Baiter appears to be representing (*but not quite, because bashing such types is one of their sports)
Yeah, that would be because of all the RWNJ policies that they enact.
Yes redbait, more poor people in the US. 2008 took care of any hopes for the future those people had eh. Your deregulated markets and neo-liberal mantra did real well for them, didnt it.
Cuba & North Korea followed a state socialist model that was riddled with contradictions.
The Chamber of Commerce speech was way better.
This youth one, like the childcare one 3 months back starts with a most awkward metaphor that does not resolve into an actual point later on. The childcare one started with an extended riff about he and his son going up a Nelson mountain. This one had a bizarre “being a party leader is like raising a child” thing which was poorly chosen for a youth audience, and was similarly pointless.
They felt like trademark last-minute Cunliffe drop-ins.
Also, no repeatable quotes for the news, no jokes, no set-ups, very brief anecdotes that barely mentioned the kind of aufience in front of him, and only inviting his audience in 4/5 of the way through. And then begging for more work from them. Needs to be subtler than that. And continue eradicating that patrician instinct.
Hope his speechwriter vastly decreases the number of polishing hands involved, keeps the freshness, and unleashes more quotable zingers.
I have read articles that Sweden will be a third world country in just over a decade. They have trashed their traditions, just as NZ is doing…slipperly slope is getting faster.
Articles? Cool! You’ll be able to link to some of them, won’t you?
You people are always asking for links to commonly know information.
Why don’t you read something besides left wing propaganda now and again.
FFS, children who know nothing unless it is pointed out to them by adults.
Here’s a clue. Just type “Sweden a future third world nation” into any search engine. Its a UN report.
So lazy and always expecting so much from others while contributing so little themselves.
Hey Redbaiter, it’s common knowledge that you’re a stupid piece of shit but even so, I’ll still provide a link for you.
Here you go:
http://thestandard.org.nz/a-new-zealand-for-100-of-new-zealanders/#comment-804851
Now go learn some fucking manners, shit-for-brains.
Hamish … I am reminded of the saying “It takes one to know one”
One of the problems of expressing one’s quite justified anger in intemperate ways.
Of the 286,000 children in poverty one should ask the previous Labour government what they did to stop the slide starting becuase I am sure it didn’t happen under the current government and unlike Labour they have largely maintained our system through a global financial crisis I believe and am thankful to them for not following the extreme rightwing policy of austerity found in europe.
The Oravida government is too busy following the US model to imitate Europe.
Well I’ve read the UN report you link refer to. Which is possibly more than you have been bothered to do.
It’s titled A Hypothetical Cohort Model of Human Development.
Searching on the word “Sweden” in the document gives just two hits. Neither give any detail or justification for the data given. If you are looking for any understanding of why Sweden has this anomalous result you won’t find it here.
A very thin foundation for the elaborate structure you are attempting to raise on it RB.
Thanks for finding the report, RL, I won’t be looking at any of the other links that come up in that google search. All white supremacist, or close to it.
The funniest thing though, is that Sweden has left progressive social democratic principles behind in favour of the neoliberal doctrine. So if Rb and co are correct that Sweden is predicted to be a third world nation is not for the reasons they think.
All white supremacist, or close to it.
Yup.
Puts a whole new light on his comment up-thread about wanting people to reach their own destiny.
Okay, now you type in “free market poverty”.
That’s because we know that the RWNJs make shit up more than actually state truth or facts and when called on it whinge and call people names. Oh, that would be what you just did.
Tanz may just be correct seeing as Sweden drank the neoliberal Koolaid quite some time ago.
… and so on… sounds drearily familiar. Sweden now has one of the fastest growing rate of inequality in the developed world. It’s not one of the most unequal, yet, thanks to an egalitarian past. http://www.oecd.org/sweden/49564868.pdf
I think he means Anders Brevik’s prison blog. He even got the country wrong.
Actually in Sweden, the website Info-14 is one known for publishing articles saying Sweden is turning into a 3rd world country. Specifically, an Islamo-Communist one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Info-14
Yeah, like voting for the latest benefit fraud Bill. Fucking lying wankers. Labour can fuck off and die.
That was pretty much my reaction.
The explanation being that there were submissions to the select committee regarding DPB fraud, where one partner had simply skipped town and left the other to face the music. I’m sure you can see how that can reward bullies.
In that context I get it.
But the Bill (now passed so it’s law) criminalises the partner without the need for that partner to know of the offending. Even the right-wing should be up in arms about what this means for our criminal justice system. The issue people were complaining about was that only one partner, usually women, would be lumbered with the debt. Well if that’s the problem fix it by splitting the civil liability for the debt, but don’t extend the criminal law in a way where people can be convicted of an offence involving fraud without even knowing they’ve committed the offence. Borrows is supposed to be a lawyer. He’s either a very stupid lawyer, or subscribes to the view that beneficiaries are sub-human therefore usual laws and legal principles that apply to most citizens should not apply to beneficiaries. My guess it’s both. Labour voting for this law change is extremely significant.
+1 this is a disgrace.
Interesting that one of the New Zealanders from Kelston he mentions has to pay foreign student fees at university…
I see the lie about the Military Medal is still there. What does this say about an an aspiring Prime Minister who wraps himself in some one else’s deeds for his own gain, through telling a lie. His venality besmirches the the valour of his great Uncle and the service of his great grand dad. This is disgraceful and cannot be explained as a “family mix-up”. Families know who got what. These are not mistakes. And anyway it takes only 5 mins to check the war record. Why does Cunliffe lie every time he tries to talk about personal matters?
I have let this comment through because BIA is obviously part of the right wing goon squad that pop up and run predetermined lines. FFS both Cunliffe’s grandfather and great uncle were decorated heroes. So he got a slight detail wrong. No doubt the story was passed down from decade to decade and the story became slightly wrong. Do you think that DC should get someone to research everything that his grandmother or grandfather told him?
“Do you think that DC should get someone to research everything that his grandmother or grandfather told him?”
No, but if he puts in a speech, yes, he should research it shouldn’t he?
“So he got a slight detail wrong. ”
In the military a medal for valour is significantly different to a medal for service. Cunliffe shouldn’t get details like that wrong in his speeches.
His Grandfather gave great service – no question. He was not however a “decorated hero” (and yes, his brother was) – he received campaign medals recording his service and recognising a nation’s gratitude. NZ had thousands in that camp – my Grand dad among them.
Cunliffe besmirches his Grandfather’s service and the valour of his Great Uncle with his (at best clumsy) attempt to wrap himself in their glorious service with an obvious lie. Families know exactly what happened and who got what.
You suggest Cunliffe got a small fact wrong. However he managed to remember “…he lived with lice, damp and dysentery…” but didn’t remember it was his brother that got the gong.
BTW, the war record shows the grand dad didn’t serve in France – another oversight?
To your question “… Do you think that DC should get someone to research everything that his grandmother or grandfather told him?…”
Yes when Cunliffe is making a speech someone should check every fact. He has shown his CV was (at best) embellished and said it was a mistake and wouldn’t happen again. He said the use of secret trusts was a mistake and would not happen again. …
Every utterance about Cunliffe the person by the person is now regarded with suspicion and invites the, as you call them, RWNJ to fact check. Remarkably and astonishingly every time Cunliffe is found to have lied – as proven by his abject apologies each time.
Like the VRWC, the RWNJ is no organised conspiracy we just see it as it is and unfortunately for you your fearless leader is a sham and keeps proving it day in and day out. If it vwasn’t so serious it would be hilarious.
As to you as moderator letting my comment/post through – why not? My commentary is civil and the grammar is OK. Are you suggesting you need to sanitise the blog to a single line of think?