Ambition doesn’t cut it

Written By: - Date published: 11:06 am, November 27th, 2007 - 32 comments
Categories: john key - Tags:

Wow, so that’s John Key’s announcement: he’s ambitious.

I know I said he’d be short on substance, but maybe that was giving him too much credit.

I also couldn’t help noticing Key’s production crew used some footage from his ill-fated expedition to the Porirua Markets. For those who don’t think they can stomach the stage-managed version, here’s what really happened:

32 comments on “Ambition doesn’t cut it ”

  1. redbus 1

    What the hell, The Standard? Of all the things you could say about his pathetic new soap opera of a video you decide to post an old and now ignored video again.

    Even I, a self-affirmed amatuer, did a better job than you in my comments on YouTube:
    http://nz.youtube.com/comment_servlet?all_comments&v=_jLC-0vy3gU

    This is really a lowering of the standard, The Standard.

  2. Tane 2

    Hi redbus, we’ve got plenty more to say about Key’s video, but unfortunately we’ve got full time jobs to hold down so you’ll have to wait. This post is what you call a placeholder – you’ll notice it went up around ten minutes after Key’s vid was released. We’ll have more stuff up later today.

    There’s some good commentary over at Kiwiblogblog if you just can’t wait –
    http://kiwiblogblog.wordpress.com/2007/11/27/ambitious-vacuous-more-like/

    As for the Porirua Markets video, I think it’s quite relevant to show the other side of the story when he’s used footage from the same event in his new vid. Don’t you?

  3. Daveo 3

    I’m amazed they used that footage of the markets after the coverage the guerilla video got. What were they thinking? Oh and Redbus- chill out dude. These cats aren’t paid to blog like David Farrar is. I’m sure they have other shit to do than blog all day to keep you happy.

  4. Lampie 4

    wonder if he sniffs his caucus?

  5. redbus 5

    Ok. Fair enough then… I was also stunned to see the Porirua market footage. I described him as audacious in an earlier comment; their use of the footage certainly solidifies that description.

  6. r0b 6

    Newsroom – “John Key has started distributing thousands of DVDs about his vision for New Zealand as part of a “heartland” tour marking what he says is an early start for National’s 2008 election campaign”

    http://www.ehow.com/how_2841_create-cd-coasters.html

  7. redbus 8

    Has anybody else noticed that the video on YouTube is listed as ‘People and Blogs’, as opposed to ‘News and Politics’? Amazingly it seems that even NZNats ( http://nz.youtube.com/profile?user=NZNats ) has realised that John Key is a personality rather than a possible Prime Minister. This acknowledgement means that even the National party execs admit that John Key is merely the lead character in the soap opera called ‘The Days of His Lies’.

  8. redbus 10

    NZNATS HAS BLOCKED ME!

    For christ sake!

    Not only do they pour dribble on to the internet, or that they shove huge funds into pointless video clips, but they actually choose to block people with opposing views. This from the party that has had a tantrum over the EFB while yelling about free speech. What example do they want to set? How is it that everything this party says is a contradiction to what they actually do?

    ‘Hohonu kaka, papaku uaua.’
    – The National Party is ‘long on words, short on action.’

  9. djp 11

    redbus stop crying like a baby… NZNats have no obligation to let you in on their propaganda process.

    Next up you will be complaining that they dont let you attach your comments to the bottom of their billboards.

  10. Tane 12

    djp, there’s one key difference – he doesn’t want to leave comments on their billboards, he wants to leave them in the Nats’ comments section. Of course it’s their right to shut down dissent, but it makes their cries of ‘free speech’ over the Electoral Finance Bill look a little self-serving.

  11. bobby tambling 13

    Robinsod
    I am defending your honour at the bog

  12. redbus 14

    Why is it when people say somebody was crying, they always compare it to a baby. I know its common, and there’s nothing wrong with saying it, but it’s such a cliche. I propose we all make some new cliches, like ‘crying like a hose’ or ‘crying like a punctured oil tank’.

    Anyhew, I just worked out what happened. I created a new YouTube account ‘redbusnz’, because I didn’t like the old screen name… But while I was logged into the old one I went to check out the comments to this new video and spotted a comment from Tane, to which I made a reply. However, and here’s the clincher, the comment didn’t go through. I had forgotten that the last time I visited an NZNats clip (which was about three months ago) I was blocked for “trolling” – NOTE: NZNats view of trolling is commenting that Gerry Brownlee had no substance in his video blog, which was true, it was babble. Anyway, they must have learnt their lesson because the account I use now ISN’T blocked. I must stress that. But what still remains is that the account I used to use is blocked by the online representative of the National party for the simple reason of not proclaiming my love to the all-knowing leader. That is wrong.

  13. j 15

    This is appalling! JohnKey is acting out his real life ; badly.
    He’s playing the political market like a financial market. Trying to soften anxiety.

    Shonky Johnkeys Strategy:

    Although electing me looks like a risk please look at my soft propaganda to reassure you it’s all good. All I innocently want is to cut your taxes AND then give you more welfare. It doesn’t make sense does it, that’s how lovable and dumb I am. Money means nothing to me although I’ll be fucked if I’m going to give it away.

    Oh by the way Aucklands got a traffic problem, National have just spotted it. Hmmmm who sat on their arse and let that happen? That mother of all budgets followed by 8 years of “let’s not waste a penny” of Daddy Birch.

    Best Scene: What is that dutiful wife?, the kids want to take me out to dinner, let them decide, the kids are alright ….if you make them work hard and put them back into an educational framework that was created in the middle ages and that scared the shit out of half the class and they’ll be fine, well half of them anyway.

    Best Quote: “I say unashamedly that I want more prosperity “says Key

    What the fuck? Whose ashamed of that? Who wants to be poorer? Was that on the pledge card? National has no fresh ideas, we need a new opposition aprty.

  14. Gruela 16

    On a related note, does anyone have any information on the whereabouts of Rodney Hide?

    I can’t help thinking that this must be a golden time for Act to gain some serious political traction. The Nats have gone into stealth mode on all perceived ‘controversial’ policy, which leaves Act an opportunity to laugh and make merry on their traditional ground without having to share it, and the Nats now have a leader who seems to struggle to assemble a coherent train of thought when he’s caught in the media spotlight.

    But where is Act? Are they just trying not to take advantage of their natural ally when the Nats seem to be struggling, do you think?

  15. Patrick 17

    Gruela, I think you raise a good point. With National really trying oh so hard to seem ‘softer’ there is plenty of ground to be had by NZ First and ACT.

    My prediction is that Winston will go hard over the next year, saying the sort of things that Brash was saying and Key is to afraid to, and he’ll end up getting around 7% of the party vote, possibly even more. The fact that Winston is so strongly anti-privatization could provide an even bigger draw for quite a few swing National voters.

  16. the sprout 18

    i think Rodney is currently struggling with one of his natural highs at present. he gets busier in the natural low phase.

  17. Leftie 19

    Love the way Key identifies the need for higher pay and conditions for New Zealand workers. Does he say how they are going to do it? No he does not.

  18. Patrick 20

    I wonder what Key had in mind? Promoting collective bargaining? Raising the minimum wage? More worker-friendly employment law?

  19. mike 21

    Great to see all you lefties paying so much attention to what JK is up to. He must have you guys shitting yourselves with all this paranoid waffle here.
    This type of hype is exactly what he is after.

  20. Tane 22

    No Mike, ‘hype’ over the fact he’s had to spend $50,000 on a waffling, insubstantial and frankly boring DVD just to make himself look like an ordinary Kiwi is certainly not what he’s after. Come to think of it, what is he after?

  21. Pascal's bookie 23

    Mike
    sarcasm + mockery /= paranoid waffle

    You’re welcome.

  22. Matthew Pilott 24

    Mike why would we be worried to see John Key doing exactly what we expected – fuzzy-waffle and SFA along the lines of substance?

    That’s like saying I’d be shitting myself if I’d bet the house on a boxing match and saw the opponent in an alcoholic coma an hour before the fight.

  23. Pascal's bookie 25

    Hey, where’d my addition sign between ‘sarcasm’ and mockery’ go?

    The Standard stole my addition sign in a blatant act!! The Leftist, lackspittling, lesbiliarbores strike again. Look over here I’m being oppressed!!

  24. Tane 26

    There you go, I put it back for you and even fixed your typo while I was in there. Aren’t we good bastards?

  25. Pascal's bookie 27

    You are indeed.:)

  26. j 28

    “This type of hype is exactly what he is after.”

    Well if this is the kind of hype Johnkey wants he’s got it. It looks like an episode from the office. I can’t help thinking this will just lose voters. That house he grew up in is bigger than mine and I’m supposedly middle class.

    Also give your money away John, if it means nothing to you. You worked at a merchant bank, it’s a glorified casino, it’s not real business.

  27. gobsmacked 29

    Mind you, I bet Key or McCully (or whoever it is) has got one thing right – never underestimate the laziness of television news. Give them moving pictures, and they’re happy. Expect to see clips from this DVD on the news tonight. Don’t expect to see a reporter asking Key what any of it means (“Talking heads? Boring!”).

  28. redbus 30

    does anyone have any information on the whereabouts of Rodney Hide?
    – Good question. Where has he gone? Maybe when he lost all that weight he floated out of his collar (since he has also stopped wearing a tie). I wonder what it’s like for him now, floating about, with a movie about a guy who beats the IRD which has a character abour him in it… It must be strange – though that might be because it’s Rodney.

    You do raise a good point, ACT doesn’t have any apparent competition when it comes to election campaigns with policies related to their ideology. So why aren’t they out there trying to gain 5%? Surely they can do it, even if their MP’s are jokes.

  29. Draco TB 31

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/466/story.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10478760
    “Ambitious for New Zealand – Meet John Key”
    Herald rating: ** (out of possible *****)
    Cast: John Key as John Key.
    Also starring: John Key.

    I think that’s a fairly good assessment.

    Captcha: Died Used
    Is that any better than dying unused?

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 mins ago
  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-08T22:27:16+00:00