An angry little sadsack
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- Date published:
11:30 am, September 3rd, 2009 - 66 comments
Categories: local government, racism -
Tags: michael lhaws, whanganui
I know a dude who went to law school. In one of his lecture theatres was this ‘old guy’ who was always whining (especially about anything to do with Maori), couldn’t keep up with the material, and always seemed intent on making himself the centre of attention.
Finally, the dude leaned over to his mate one day: ‘who is that guy?’. The response: ‘that’s Michael Laws, he was an MP’.
It seems Laws never finished his law degree. Instead, he went off to inflict himself and his frequent racism on the people of Whanganui and anyone else who would listen.
Now the sadsack is taking out his anger on Maori kids. Some 12 year-old kids from a kura kaupapa in Otaki wrote to him saying he should change the name of his city to include the ‘h’. (is it sad or good that we live in a country where that’s a national issue?). Laws responded:
‘when your class starts addressing the real issues affecting Maoridom particularly the appalling rate of child abuse and child murder within Maori society, then I will take the rest of your views seriously’.
He added: ‘Perhaps sacking your teacher for allowing such misapprehension to flourish?’
In handwriting at the bottom of his letter, Mr Laws wrote: ‘PS Controlling your anger might be a start!”
In Laws’ world, you’re not allowed an opinion on spelling place-names unless you also have a solution to murder and child abuse. The irony, of course, is that Laws himself has been the one failing to address real issues as mayor. Instead, he’s devoted his mayoralty to using a trivial spelling disagreement as a platform for more self-exposure.
lprent:
The letters are at RoarPrawn in her post “Hang your head in shame Micheal Laws” with a followup in “We are sorry“. How often is it that we agree with BustedBlonde?
66 comments on “An angry little sadsack ”
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- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...11 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...2 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
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- Judicial appointment announced
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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...3 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
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- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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- A busy year in the House
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- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
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- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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the more i hear of laws, the more i’m inclined to believe he’s become quite unhinged.
he’s alwas been provocative, and i guess being a talkback host doesn’t do much for developing your rational faculties, and he’s suffered some serious personal stressors in the last few years.
but the man is supposed to be a leader. i really don’t think he’s fit for the job.
Laws is a product of the Muldoon School of Political Science and trained at the feet of Professor Winston Peters. The reaching into the irrational psyche of all New Zealanders and giving permission to hate without reason has always been a vote winner.
very true indeed
I think that’s a little unfair BLiP. I interviewed Muldoon several times, first when I was but a callow youth. That interview won an award and so I was interviewed by The Listener. Not being as savvy about the ways of these journo types back then, when I thought the interview was over I let rip on how rude Muldoon had been in not showing me out of his office (I actually walked into a storage cupboard). They published it. Boxed in the middle of the page, in case anyone missed it.
When next I interviewed him, while still at school, I was a tad nervous about what might happen, specially at the end. Without saying he’d seen my comments, Muldoon got up, walked to the door, opened it, did a slight bow, and growled “So kind of you to have come” as he ushered me out.
He could have called me a mouthy 15 year old upstart and written me a nasty letter. Instead he actually managed a joke, and won my respect from that day onward.
Journalists, opponents, and more than a few people in his own party, yes. A child – never. The same applies to Winston. Under extreme provocation I’ve never seen him anything other than gracious and polite to the public.
I’m sure that the primary motivator for both was that it’s better politics to use honey than vinegar.
But aside from that, when it comes to sheer bile, Lhaws is in a class of his own and neither Peters nor Muldoon deserve to be included in it.
Lhaws is, in fact, the only person I’ve ever heard referred to by another person — one not at all given to hyperbole but who knows him well — as “evil”. Even though she said it post my run-in with him in NZF I scoffed. Having seen him in action in Wanganui, on on Radio (for the) Dead, I begin to wonder if she didn’t choose exactly the right descriptor…
Awesome comment Rex, and a great Muldoon story. Thanks.
Yeah, okay, point taken – and a good read too. Thanks.
I’ve a good Muldoon story too! But I’d better not tell it here! (Just what is the limitation on what can be said about Cabinet Economic Committee meetings – not a lot I suspect?)
Clearly, Laws is not normal – but the citizens of Wanganui like him (a bit like Tim Shadbolt).
It would be informative to see the original letters – perhaps you guys or DPF could put them up, then we can all be the judge.
The originals were in Maori
I’m sure grumpy can read them.
BR, You may be surprised.
What’s to judge anyway? Laws is a mayor writing to school kids, ffs. He should show them the respect both they, and his position, deserve.
The people of Wanganui voted and didn’t want a spelling change to the name Wanganui, it seems this teacher is against democracy, I wonder if a kid at this school who agreed with laws would of been allowed to write a letter of support?
It would seem Laws hates democracy. Just because the “people have voted” doesn’t mean dissent is or should be silenced. Respondng to the democratic protest of the children with a tirade about “baby bashing Maori” is a lesson in real-politik – but talking to children like that is sending the message: dissent and you will be pillioried.
What a wonderful lesson those childen would have learned about taking part in the democratic process from Laws. No doubt he feels enabled to behave like that thanks to the example set by National Ltd’s Basher Bennett.
Should everyone who ever had an opinion that wasn’t in keeping with the majority just shut the hell up?
You’re against free speech brett?
Ironic, really, given that Brett is usually in a minority of one.
It’s would have Brett. Back to school for you.
Brett – every student in the class wrote a different letter, but all were along the same lines – they all expressed their disappointment with the decision not to include the letter “h”.
Even sadder than Laws is the advertising ( or lack of it- they were using the fact that ZB has tons more as a selling more)- a succession of potions for erectile dysfunction and those who are confined to chairs by lack of mobility and a web site for ‘working girls’.
The change when he is away and replaced by his standins Hay & Fagin is like another world.
The hedge funds that own the debt that the business was bought with might decide Laws is too much ‘overhead’ and choose his standins permanently
Laws is an egotist, with little or no regard for the consequences of his diatribes. His racism is very thinly disguised (his description of a pacific islander as a fat brown slug comes to mind). His campaign against gang patches has had no effect, except to give Whanganui the undeserved label of a gang city. Bear in mind that his mentor in politics was Winston Peters and you’ll get the picture.
He is not beyond bullshitting and media manipulation if it will help win sympathy. A couple of examples; some wit added a ‘h’ to the large steel sign outside the Wanganui Council chambers. Laws went on radio saying they should give themselves up because the council had CCTV footage of the action and the perp’s would be easily identified. Actually, they didn’t, as the one external camera doesn’t film the council building but rather strangely points in the direction of the front door of the Irish bar across the road.
Secondly, when stones were thrown through an empty bedroom in his house (a cowardly act, IMO), he was quick to place the blame on pro ‘h’ troublemakers (ie maori). He had photos taken with his partner dressed like Mother Theresa and kids toys placed on the window sill, to heighten the effect. It would have been more believable if the toys faced into the room, rather than out to the street, but spin is spin, eh.
His Vision grouping on the council has seriously fractured, and is no longer a majority in council. Conservatives still have the numbers in toto, hence the gang patch bylaw passing, but there is likely to be one credible right candidate up against him at the next election and possibly one from the left, too.
Whanganui is a left leaning city, as MP Chester Borrows knows only too well and Laws’ mayoralty is an abberation. If it were not for the platform his radio show provides, the constant stream of self promoting council publications and the daily photos in the local paper, he wouldn’t be there. With a bit of luck and a some serious graft, after the next council elections he won’t be.
From the dompost, Laws – “I think it’s wrong for kids to be angry about something inanimate, don’t you?”
Ay?
One suspects he didn’t finish his degree ’cause he couldn’t finish the degree.
He operates at the level of the kids he is tussling with.
as high as that?
The original letters are here
http://roarprawn.blogspot.com/2009/09/hang-your-head-in-shame-michael-laws.html
Maori using children as pawns to push their personal agenda?
How sad
that’s your line? pathetic steve
That’s what it is all really about, banging the Maori drum, nothing else.
Michael Laws just made the children aware that they were coned by the school and teacher.
Good oh. So we just get to make up what it’s all ‘really’ about now. Cool.
Your comments are really about how scared you are of brown people and the temporary relief from that fear Michael Lhaws gives you. It’d be sad if it weren’t so fuckn ugly.
Steve are you retarded ?
The kids are in a dual language school and maybe just maybe this is an issue that they would be interested in – why the fuck would Laws reply in such a manner to 11 and 12 year olds who had written to him – if he hasn’t got anything useful to say to a group of children apart from his bizarre rant he should STFU rather than let his ego get out of control – seems to be a common problem amongst Mayors in this country.
PS I support him on his patch ban but on this he has failed miserably.
Maybe I am retarded. Every time I mention “Maori Bullshit” it upsets a group of Maori good – Pakeha bad people. They dislike it when people like Michael Laws give them the truth.
What’s Maori bullshit about a group of kids writing to the mayor ?
What truth did Michael Laws give them in relation to the letters they wrote ?
Do you think it’s reasonable for him to say in response to their letter about the spelling of W(h)anganui ……
“”when your class starts addressing the real issues affecting Maoridom particularly the appalling rate of child abuse and child murder within Maori society, then I will take the rest of your views seriously’.
If any school my kids go/went to received a letter like that from the Mayor I’d be questioning whether the Mayor was on the turps even Winston at his most ludicrous wouldn’t have spouted this kind of crap.
what? are you suggesting the teachers gave the kids marijuana?
The sad thing is when adults don’t allow kids to express political opinion. Like all things kids like adults learn as we go and in my view we should(adults) be encouraging children to learn about politics,and express their views. Hell many adults are so politically stupid because they have never fostered a interest in politics let alone be involved in a party.
Laws is the sad looser here, I just hope the kids don’t get to disillusioned.
I guess sadly the first lesson is a bully is a bully no matter what job he holds!
It’s fairly clear why, I mean kids don’t know what they’re talking about do they? They should just get back to playing their PS2 games and talking about bashing a mate of theirs. They don’t know anything, and probably won’t ever because of their left-leaning teachers indoctrinating them.
Just kidding, fuck this ageist bullshit.
Even Farrar thinks Laws has gone too far with this one.
I would have put the word “bigoted” somewhere in the post title though Zet.
Bright red:
Its mostly lefties that hate free speech, they are ones that scream shut up, if someone has a different opinion than them
Nick”
would of, would have, whats the difference?
Indicates someone not thinking about what they are writing and far better able to talk than listen.
brett – you do realise youve just called redbaiter a leftie? 🙂
Come on Brett – one is correct use of language, the other means nothing at all.
There are three official languages in this country that I’m aware of. Your sentence makes no sense in any of them.
I hope you’re not expecting us to learn a new language just to communicate with you, Brett – that could be construed as being a bit racist. (not by sensible people of course, but certainly by the batshit-paranoid definitions of racism I’ve seen you use in the past.)
Call me a cynic but has it dawned on anyone that Michael Laws has another job – where they’ve just started counting the listeners again. So every time he gets a mention in the media, be it for banning gang patches or W(h)anganui, there’s the off change people might tune in.
Three official languages??? I thought we only had two.
That’s why you will always appear stupid – you don’t know even the most basic things about your own country.
It’s a sign (get it?) of the times, Brett
Be fair BliP – Brett knows that money=good and maaries=bad – what more is there to know about New Zealand?
Key = Obama?
apart from their ratings
Lukey-Pukey back again to snipe.
All very well being able to express dissent here, isn’t it, when comments on your own site are deleted because they don’t fit with your broken arse world view. And you have the bare arse cheek to claim “the most insightful commentary you are likely to come across ”
You are a true reflection of your chosen party.
Still, what can one expect from someone who goes around kicking in windows at public hospital emergency departments? Fucking vandal. Hope you get done.
Yeah, true. Plus, given the example of his political masters in relation to understanding those on the margins, why should he know anything about Sign Language?
teeth gritted … Zet’s best post yet … teeth not gritted
Laws is a self serving idiot.
🙂 +1
It is good for you – builds up those jaw muscles
ROGER:
Please pick my post where I suggested that money is good and marries are bad?
What is a marrie by the way?
I’m for gay marriage by the way.
Sign Language?
A basic thing of our country?
Im guessing more kiwis wouldn’t know this?
“a basic thing” Eh?
Don’t be a dick, Brett. If you don’t know that sign language is an official language of NZ then you don’t know much about NZ.
Dr Felix, please, tone it down. You probably don’t realise it but we are in the company of a self-declared genuius.
We only have two “official” languages: Maori and Sign Language. Weirdly, I guess because it’s the lingua franca, English is not deemed in law to be official. It’s obliquely referred to in lots of pieces of regulation which require forms, words and phrases to be expressed in English…but it’s not actually defined as being an official language. So, it’s Sign and Maori that are the two official languages.
Another one! Good grief! According to the government, English is an official language. Unless, of course, “de facto” doesn’t count any more.
English is not deemed in law to be official.
Assuming that’s true, I’m not too surprised. All sorts of “default settings” are missing from the statute books. Interesting though.
No more English for me tonight then, just NZSL. I’m signing to Brett right now.
Blip – I wasn’t disputing that English is an important language in NZ. If you’re going to play pedant read carefully before you reply. English is not defined as an official language. That’s all I am saying. Regardless, back to the topic at hand – Michael Laws should be ashamed of himself and the people of Whanganui should be collectively embarassed.
“and the people of Whanganui should be collectively embarassed”
They are, Westminster. Every morning at 9.
“Angry little sadsack” – poetry that!
I can’t understand why Maori are complaining about the way Wanganui is spelt?, they didn’t even have a written language so how can you complain how the names spelt.
Not just maori, Brett.
It’s about respect, understanding history, showing a willingness to partner with tangata whenua, putting community ahead of self and leaving ego at the door. The river is already spelled correctly, the electorate too. When I was a kid there use to be a city up north called Wangarei. Can’t find it on the map now. Whanganui is coming, no matter how many racist grippers stand in the way.
Yeah, that’s right, Brett. Stone age people saved from their own squalor by superior Europeans, eh? Good stuff. So, is it as cold there in your neck of the 19th century as it is here today in the 21st?
they didn’t even have a written language so how can you complain how the names spelt.
and no written histories, dictionaries of language biography whakapapa… no songs stories waiata….. I don’t know why all the mokopuna take books to te kura ,and have to write te reo……
C’mon Brett get real, get over it, accept the wonderful welcome you received to Te Ika back in the day from generous hearted people, proud of ‘their’ pakeha. Whanganui’s a lovely place and I always stop there on the way home to the Naki ……
Try taking the ‘surplus’ h out of Christchurch and see how people feel!
As for Laws at uni…wasn’t he at Otago at some point around 1981 and very involved with a pro Springbok Tour group (SPIR I think it was called) ?