And the winner is …

Written By: - Date published: 1:45 pm, November 18th, 2014 - 487 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, labour, Politics - Tags:

Labour leadership Andrew Little

Vernon Small has tweeted that Andrew Little has been elected as the new leader of the Labour Party.

Update:  The result has been confirmed.  From party president Moira Coatesworth:

“The Labour Party congratulates Andrew Little, who has been elected as party leader in a robust and highly democratic process,” says Labour Party President Moira Coatsworth. “Andrew’s leadership will have the full support of the whole Labour Party.”

“Our members, caucus and affiliates had a very strong field of candidates to choose from. Andrew, David, Grant and Nanaia all ran strong campaigns and, collectively, they formed an attractive and compelling face for Labour.  Our heartfelt thanks go to them for the positive and uplfting tone of the campaign, and for the personal effort they put in over the past seven weeks since the election was triggered”.

“Andrew has the leadership skills and the vision to win the trust of New Zealanders and take Labour to victory in 2017. I have no doubt he will go on to become a great Labour Prime Minister who builds a stronger, fairer and more sustainable New Zealand.”

Andrew Little was elected by a majority in the third round of a preferential four-way Electoral College contest.  The turnout in the Party section was just under 70% (7% more than in 2013), and Party individual financial membership has increased by over 48% since General Election Day September 20th 2014.

Andrew Little is Labour’s 15th leader in the party’s 98 year history.

Labour result1

Labour result 2

487 comments on “And the winner is … ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. karol 1
    18 November 2014 at 1:48 pm

    Congratulations to Andrew Little.

    Go for it!

    • Colonial Viper 1.1
      18 November 2014 at 3:26 pm

      Well done Andrew. Now, lets make some serious change happen. 2017 is just around the corner.

  3. left for dead 3
    18 November 2014 at 1:48 pm

    Great news. 😉

  4. Anne 4
    18 November 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Yahoo – the relief!!!!!!!

    Dashed home- dashed to TS.

    My bet is he’ll keep David Parker as deputy…

    • Pat O'Dea 4.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:36 pm

      Big mistake, Not after he knifed the last Labour leader in the back.

      For his role in undermining the Cunliffe leadership, David Parker needs to be sent to the back benches.

      David Parker’s commitment to neo-liberal solutions and austerity, plus his business as usual support for the oil and gas lobby in the age of climate change, plus his sectarian approach to the other Left Parties all signal “National lite” and no change in political direction for Labour.

      Because it works so well…..

      • Anne 4.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 2:56 pm

        Looks like I was wrong anyway Pat O’Dea. In the stand-up after the Little speech and Q&A session, David Parker announced he wouldn’t be seeking either the deputy or finance roles. Odd stance to take at this time, but it is his call to make.

        • red blooded 4.1.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 6:29 pm

          Why do you see it as odd? Parker doesn’t want to front a change in policy that he doesn’t believe in.

          • Anne 4.1.1.1.1
            18 November 2014 at 8:55 pm

            I thought it would have been wiser to talk with Little first before going public about his decision. Bear in mind they had only just learnt the outcome.

          • Clemgeopin 4.1.1.1.2
            18 November 2014 at 9:42 pm

            But as a Labour member he should be loyal to the leader who ever it is and be prepared to change/modify his own personal views/policies based on what the leader and the party want. I thought it was a little silly for the experienced stalwart to take the stance he did by saying he does not want to be a deputy or the finance minister. To me that seems strange and a little pathetic, premature and disloyal to the party actually. I like and respect Parker (though I did not like him putting down of Cunliffe, being his deputy, in public, on TV, straight after the election). But his present stance of rejecting high offices under Little makes me think that may be his ego is a little too big and narrow.

      • Matthew Hooton 4.1.2
        18 November 2014 at 2:58 pm

        Totally agree. Send him to the backbenchers! The expulsions must continue until morale improves!

        • Tom Gould 4.1.2.1
          18 November 2014 at 3:03 pm

          So much dead wood to be purged, right Matthew?

        • TeWhareWhero 4.1.2.2
          18 November 2014 at 3:04 pm

          Matthew – haven’t you got something better to do with your time?

        • Anne 4.1.2.3
          18 November 2014 at 3:07 pm

          @ MH.
          Grow up!

        • BMW 4.1.2.4
          18 November 2014 at 3:13 pm

          Ingenious comment Mat, you are a true god of rhetoric.

          I am getting ready to change my spots and vote for the Nanny Nats because of it.

          Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

          I was just wondering, with all that sucking up to dirty John, do you ever expel air?

          You must work out in order to maintain such an amazing lung capacity.

          Looking forward to your workout routine on DVD spandex boy.

      • leftie 4.1.3
        18 November 2014 at 3:05 pm

        @Pat O’Dea
        Agree.

    • sabine 4.2
      18 November 2014 at 8:36 pm

      nope. hopefully not.

      one pale bloke is enough, two is overkill.

      Sorry but I want the women who delivered.

  5. Ant 5
    18 November 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Just got the email, congrats Andrew.

  6. paddy 6
    18 November 2014 at 1:51 pm

    Fantastic. He will be PM in 2017. Robertson should be shown the door. No more backstabbing.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 6.1
      18 November 2014 at 1:58 pm

      Hardly, Robertson won both the caucus and membership rounds.

      But I think the best candidate won in the end

      • Chris 6.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 2:19 pm

        The best candidate to get Labour back to being a proper Labour party so it can then attract a proper leader who’s PM material to take over.

        • red blooded 6.1.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 6:33 pm

          So, a “proper” Labour Party is one which neither then wider membership or the MPs chose?

          Little has many strengths and he may well be a fine leader. We all have to back him and the team he builds up. I don’t think he was the only “proper” candidate with the only “proper” vision, though.

          • Chris 6.1.1.1.1
            18 November 2014 at 9:12 pm

            Labour has no leader who can be PM. Little is the only one of the four who has a dog’s show of giving some sense of order to the party. Once he does that, if he can do that given Robertson’s tendency to undermine, Labour might attract someone as leader who can be PM.

      • Colonial Viper 6.1.2
        18 November 2014 at 5:31 pm

        Robertson has been bested in two leadership contests in a row, two years in a row. It’s time for him to step back and stop acting the pretender.

      • kenny 6.1.3
        18 November 2014 at 8:29 pm

        Agree Ghost – worrying that Grant got more than twice the caucus votes than Andrew in the first round. Looks like trouble ahead from the sulkers, unfortunately they have the fact the party also voted for Grant as support for their endeavours and Andrew only won because of the affiliates.

        Key and National are bound to pick up on this. Not good.

        • sabine 6.1.3.1
          18 November 2014 at 8:39 pm

          who cares. Key and National can pick up what they want. It does not matter.
          labour grow a spine. grow some balls, some ovaries made from brass. and stop doing and thinking about what key and national might pick up on.

          if they say something, put your fingers in your ear and go lalalalalala i can’t hear you!

          Labour voted for a leader, Little won. The end.

  7. RedLogix 7
    18 November 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Congratulations Andrew Little.

    Well the democratic sausage isn’t pretty in it’s making – but it’s ours. Time to make the very best of it.

    Oh and good picking Lynn.

  8. Karen 8
    18 November 2014 at 1:52 pm

    What a relief!

  9. LynWiper 9
    18 November 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Yes, I also got an email before any other announcement. Well done Labour Party! Congratulations Andrew Little.

  10. mickysavage 10
    18 November 2014 at 1:55 pm

    When you look at the result it was knife edge stuff.

    • RedLogix 10.1
      18 November 2014 at 1:58 pm

      It’s what I’d expect ms.

      Two excellent candidates – two perfectly acceptable ones. Not an easy choice for anyone.

    • Anne 10.2
      18 November 2014 at 2:00 pm

      I know of two people who voted for Grant Robertson, but when they asked me why I had voted for Andrew Little they put their heads in their hands and wished they had done the same.

      Unfortunately the Two Track gang are going to use this against Little, but I think he has the nous to put them in their places.

      • Chris 10.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 2:09 pm

        Robertson will not stop until he becomes leader. That’s how he rolls.

        • Hami Shearlie 10.2.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 2:34 pm

          Or until he’s despatched!! Labour don’t need a Smiling McCully!!

        • Liberal Realist 10.2.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 6:30 pm

          I sincerely hope this isn’ t the case however it is a concern! IMO Robertson and his ego have played a significant role in destablising Labour over the last 6 years. AL can’t not give GR a senior role, I just hope he drops that act (and ambition) and gets to work.

          Don’t get me wrong, I think GR is an effective MP, he just let his ego and ambition get the better of him which lead to a series of selfish, poor decisions.

    • Tracey 10.4
      18 November 2014 at 4:32 pm

      Which means it wasnt the “lottery” that rnz’s “voice of the left” proclaimed yesterday. If he were a true voice of the left he might have worked out it was a two horse race…

      Now its time for the ABCs to prove they were a myth of media making and the leaks and gaffes that allowed the media to divert from cunliffe will stop.

    • The Al1en 10.5
      18 November 2014 at 4:35 pm

      Well done AL, though just goes to show how out of touch I am with the labour party that gr nearly got the nod. Caucus are dead heads but what were the members thinking? But who cares? I don’t really without wholesale renewing changes to caucus or it’s same old same old, guard and results.
      Speaking of which, isn’t it time goff, king and mallard retired? Couldn’t ever vote for a party with them in it.

      • karol 10.5.1
        18 November 2014 at 5:12 pm

        Where did the influx of members after the election come from?

        How much influence would they have had on the outcome of the leadership election?

        • The Al1en 10.5.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 5:38 pm

          Good questions, though I’m sure we won’t be reading any ‘ new wave’ comments on here until grant decides to run for leader again.

        • Jesse 10.5.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 6:43 pm

          Not sure all the new members of the Labour party came from the political left. This is a bit of a weakness in the leadership election process, so easy for anyone to join to throw the vote, but it was ok in the end this time.

        • Tracey 10.5.1.3
          18 November 2014 at 6:55 pm

          Hooton, farrar, slater, c graham… Thats four there

          😉

          The taxpayers union…

          How many press releases have they done since sept 21.. The flag?

        • sabine 10.5.1.4
          18 November 2014 at 8:43 pm

          quite a few people joined labour to vote for Cunliffe as Like myself they actually liked and appreciated the guy. I know a few that while they are labour voters were not labour members.

          it is now up to labour to keep these peeps. Not holding my breath.

  11. Olwyn 11
    18 November 2014 at 1:58 pm

    Congratulations Andrew! Suddenly in a single second the news was everywhere – the phone, Skype, the Standard – the tech age equivalent of the peal of bells.

  12. Ron 12
    18 November 2014 at 1:58 pm

    Yes! great result. We now need to make it clear to the also ran that they need to support Andrew 100%. Any deviation from full support should get swift retribution.

    • Chooky 12.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:07 pm

      +100 Ron…great result for Andrew Little…..and I hope Nanaia Mahuta is given a very good post for the NZ Labour Maori supporters and the women’s vote…. and David Cunliffe because he deserves it and is hugely able!

      Robertson must declare that he supports Little 100% …and all other caucus members must also declare their support !

    • Clemgeopin 12.2
      18 November 2014 at 10:06 pm

      Well said. The Labour leader, Little in this case, (but WHOEVER is elected) should be given complete 100% loyalty and support from ALL the labour camp (the caucus, members and the affiliates). That is paramount.
      No one in Labour should allow or encourage anyone in Labour to undermine the leader at anytime. (The MSM, the biased ‘expert’ political media commentators and the ‘expert’ so called journalists do their nasty stuff against Labour from outside the camp anyway. We don’t need internal foolish traitors to do the same thing too. May be we put Cosgrove in charge of stopping such shit)

      I would hope and like to see EVERY single caucus member publicly write or state their 100% complete loyalty to Little.

  13. BM 13
    18 November 2014 at 2:00 pm

    Surprised Andrew Little is so unpopular in Caucus.

    Yikes, he’s going to have a hard road ahead of him.

    • Anne 13.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:05 pm

      Caucus was worked on by their former ABC spin artists.

    • karol 13.2
      18 November 2014 at 2:42 pm

      Not “unpopular” he actually did very well in round three. just not as popular as Grant Robertson.

      • lprent 13.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 7:19 pm

        He did well in the second and third votes in caucus, especially when he was the smallest of the first preference votes.

        I’m really surprised that Roberson didn’t pick up second preferences. It was clear from early on that it was going to won at the final round amongst the caucus and members.

    • bearded rawshark 13.3
      18 November 2014 at 3:41 pm

      BM-don’t talk bollocks. Little got 44% of the caucus against Robertson’s 56%. This means that a couple of caucus members made the difference.

    • BMW 13.4
      18 November 2014 at 4:04 pm

      Anno Domini 18.11.2014

      Dear BM,

      Again I try to connect with you but you still spurn me.

      I feel your intellect knows no bounds; you are a true scholar and gentleman. Please make contact.

      Once again, your one liners (actually, there were 2 this time, well done you) are succinct and straight to the point. I suspect you could work for Fairfax, TV3 or anyone of those major in-depth, left wing (the news you need to know) organizations.

      I yearn for your insights; it flows like ambrosia from an infinite joyous spring of champagne. I suspect you drink Shipwrecked 1907 Heidseick circa $275,000 a bottle.. Speaking of shipwrecked, have you ever been shipwrecked like the poor, on an island made of false promises and sharks circling? Its so much fun watching them on their tippy toes in debt, sharks nibbling.

      BM you’re just like Zebedee on the magic round about, cognitively bonging up and down with a slight tourette twitch. I mean this in a positive way, please don’t be offended. You seem to jump about intellectually, making connections otherwise unseen by us mortals. Thank you, I was blind, but now, now thanks to you BM, I can see.

      Anyway I digress, as you know, in my last communications with you, you will hopefully remember

      “ps I am still thinking of getting into housing rentals in order to pay for my BMW, However, I have changed my mind on the BMW M6 G-Power Hurricane RR $380,000? I feel I deserve a BMW Nazca M12 $650,000. Maybe I could earn enough if I own a media outlet and suck up to the rich.”

      Well, I changed my mind (so much like us Nats ehh… did I tell you I’ve joined up because of you, yes you Mr/Miz Bright eyes)

      I now want a Lamborghini Veneno Roadster, check out the price and specs…

      Engine: 750-hp, 6.5-liter, 12-cylinder
      0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
      Starting price: $4.5 million

      If that doesn’t bring a tear to a poor kids eyes I don’t know what will.

      Will I now have to add to my portfolio (I love that word, it’s so posh) Charter Schools? Otherwise I don’t know where the money is going to come from. Surely we need more poor to pay for it?. My god, I may need to employ someone to run my Rental, right wing media outlets and now charter schools, what are you doing.

      I await instruction oh great sage.

      Your secret admirer and hopefully soon to be confidant.

      BMW

    • sabine 13.5
      18 November 2014 at 8:45 pm

      aren’t you happy that you get to vote for dear leader again? 🙂

  14. Ad 14
    18 November 2014 at 2:00 pm

    That is so, so much tighter than last time.
    Is party-Caucus unity possible?

    Btw: the greatest winner is The Standard.
    It’s NZs primary leftie brokering house.

  15. nadis 15
    18 November 2014 at 2:00 pm

    The way the preferences fell I’d guess Mahuta for Deputy?

    Based on the preferences, the framing for the Nats will be easy “bought and paid for by the unions”, and “isnt it great that caucus got their 4th choice and the wider members hip got their 2nd choice.”

    Just letting you know so you can prepare.

    • Sabine 15.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:31 pm

      who the hell cares what the Nats are going to say? Really….who cares.

      Time to grow a spine Labour and labourlings.

      repeat. Who cares. Rinse, repeat. Who cares.

    • karol 15.2
      18 November 2014 at 2:43 pm

      The Unions were the backbone of traditional Labour. They represent WORKERS!

      So, Little has a mandate to go strong for working people!

      • Chooky 15.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 2:45 pm

        +100 karol

      • Eralc 15.2.2
        18 November 2014 at 3:28 pm

        Remember we’re all workers, regardless of our political preferences.

        • karol 15.2.2.1
          18 November 2014 at 3:44 pm

          The Labour Party originated in standing for the most powerless workers: largely blue collar, and manual workers.

          The majority of people are workers with relatively little power, but the power increases the higher up the organisation. At the top of the pyramid, are those with most power in dictating work conditions, availability of work, and the wages/salaries of the less powerful workers.

        • Tracey 15.2.2.2
          18 November 2014 at 4:38 pm

          Would you prefer “powerless, vulnerable and marginalised members of the workforce? Cos thats not everyone who works

    • greywarshark 15.3
      18 November 2014 at 2:55 pm

      It’s a reminder to the wider membership of what Labour is for and about, workers, people with their feet on the ground not automatically on shag carpet, and life conditions, not lifestyle. If the members don’t like the choice they can toddle off to their true home at National where their true mates hang out.

    • Tracey 15.4
      18 November 2014 at 4:36 pm

      All little needs to do is say our process is open. Nats caucus and membership dont get a say, mr slater senior and the anonymous faced donors chose their leader.

    • ankerawshark 15.5
      18 November 2014 at 10:34 pm

      Just heard little on checkpoint and he was bloody great. Whoever the female interviewer is (not sure as don’t listen usually) she was really whinny and aggressively hostile. Little stood his ground. Solidly. She had nowhere to go with it.

      An impressive start Mr L!

    • David H 15.6
      19 November 2014 at 4:36 pm

      It should be Mahuta. But we will see what Caucus is thinking by who they vote in for Deputy. If it’s someone like Nash, then Caucus hasn’t learned a bloody thing, and are going to try and destabalise yet another leader. The sooner the clean out Caucus of the Dinosaurs and self interested the better. Then maybe the supporters will start to come back.

  16. Ffloyd 16
    18 November 2014 at 2:01 pm

    Yay from our house. Now we want Nanaia Mahuta as Deputy please.

  17. Ffloyd 17
    18 November 2014 at 2:02 pm

    Or David Cunliffe would do just as well.

    • Chooky 17.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:46 pm

      +100 Ffloyd

    • bearded rawshark 17.2
      18 November 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Cunliffe will be finance minister-Parker said today he doesn’t want it.

      • Tracey 17.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 4:40 pm

        He could resign from parliament and let someone whose heart is in the fight come on board? Cosgrove could go with him.

        • Ron 17.2.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 5:34 pm

          And king as well

          He could resign from parliament and let someone whose heart is in the fight come on board? Cosgrove could go with him.

      • Colonial Viper 17.2.2
        18 November 2014 at 5:35 pm

        Finance Minister is a good position for Cunliffe. NZ needs him in that portfolio over the next few years. It’s gonna be rough out there.

      • fisiani 17.2.3
        18 November 2014 at 8:07 pm

        Finance spokesperson. Bill English is the Finance Minister and will be till he retires.

        • sabine 17.2.3.1
          18 November 2014 at 8:47 pm

          yes dear.

        • left for deadshark 17.2.3.2
          18 November 2014 at 9:52 pm

          Your a sad fuck.
          fisiani.

          [lprent: Where is your point. Read the policy about pointless abuse. ]

          • fisiani 17.2.3.2.1
            19 November 2014 at 2:28 pm

            Proof that the civility and manners of the Left extends to just four letters.
            I would have been banned for such a comment that failed to advance the thread. Seems some rules only apply to dissenters. I have never abused you and would expect some common courtesy or a least an explanation. I can assure you I am not sad.

            [lprent: Nope. My usual policy on pointless abuse is to warn first then ban if the warnings aren’t heeded. Thanks for pointing that one out to me. Too many comments yesterday. ]

        • Clemgeopin 17.2.3.3
          18 November 2014 at 10:23 pm

          God only knows how much more English and Key will borrow on top of the present 90 BILLION in debt they have accumulated for our future generations, to pretend that they have a ‘rock star’ economy!

        • Clemgeopin 17.2.3.4
          19 November 2014 at 9:15 pm

          How is his happy plan of massive accumulation of our National debt going?…And oh, is he still double Dipton dipping on the sly?

    • leftie 17.3
      18 November 2014 at 7:11 pm

      @Ffloyd
      Oh yes, totally agree with that !!! But if not, I would like to see David Cunliffe as Finance Minister.

  18. Manuka AOR 18
    18 November 2014 at 2:03 pm

    That’s wonderful. Labour has a new lease on life!

    • David H 18.1
      20 November 2014 at 9:19 am

      Not yet, it all depends on who the Dinosaurs in Caucus put in as deputy. Then you will know if Caucus is going to carry on with the leaking, backstabbing, and destabilisation of yet another leader just to keep their wallets filled. Politicians who destabilised the last election by only going for their seat vote, and sabotaging the ‘party vote’ effort, need to be pulled into the leaders office and a please explain. But none of this will happen. Especially if the National party bought and paid for Nash, or Davis, get the deputy, and finance portfolio, then i will not even think about going back to Labour.

      So in my view those who need to retire are
      Mallard, Goff, King, Cosgrove, Dyson, Curren and Hipkins.

  19. KJS0ne 19
    18 November 2014 at 2:08 pm

    Bloody good show. I only hope Nanaia get’s picked to a senior role within the Caucus, even deputy Leader. From what I saw of Andrew a few weeks ago, I think he’s got the makings of a strong leader, and future Prime Minister. He listens, and that is very important. He has a strong focus on unifying caucus, and that too is very important.

    • Chris 19.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:27 pm

      But can he unify a caucus that Robertson is a part of? I don’t think anyone can.

      • KJS0ne 19.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 2:43 pm

        Good question. I think Paddy had a great suggestion below, Robertson gets deputyship, IF he pledges to be loyal, not to undermine the leadership and never to stand against Andrew Little.

        • Tracey 19.1.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 4:41 pm

          Nah, he two tracks… Smiles while its others doing the leaking and moa gaffes

        • weka 19.1.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 4:41 pm

          What if Little tanks as a leader and in a couple of years Labour is in disarray? Or Labour lose the next election badly and there is a leadership vote, is GR not allowed to stand?

          Didn’t Cunliffe get asked to say he would never stand for leader?

          I just don’t think it’s a realistic proposition to ask MPs to predict the future in this way.

          And you can’t force unity.

          • Colonial Viper 19.1.1.2.1
            18 November 2014 at 5:37 pm

            GR has lost two consecutive leadership challenges. Time for him to stop being the pretender.

            As for Cunliffe – he won outright when he stood for the democratic leadership. Which is of course why the ABCs didn’t want him to stand.

          • KJS0ne 19.1.1.2.2
            18 November 2014 at 8:08 pm

            Agreed, you can’t force Unity, but you also can’t force Robertson to f*** off, and you cannot deny that a significant proportion of the caucus & membership voted for him. Will a united caucus be achieved by sending him packing to the back benches? Or will that continue the cycle of political bloodshed and guerilla warfare. At some point we all need to work upon what we can agree upon and realize we’re not always going to like everyone we have to work with, but that doesn’t preclude us from achieving things together. Grant needs to be brought to the table in a way that ensures his political demise if he decides to fuel discontent and forment another coup, but he still needs to be brought to the table.

            Obviously I would much prefer Nanaia Mahuta to be deputy leader, in a perfect world. Shit if Grant can be placated with a senior portfolio, great. But do bare in mind just how close this leadership race was.

            That’s my 2c, it ain’t necessarily right.

            • weka 19.1.1.2.2.1
              18 November 2014 at 8:39 pm

              I’m not suggesting that GR be banished. I’m not sure giving him the deputy job is wise though, might be better to see if can support Little without being given power and then promote him at a later date.

              That’s moot though, as I gather caucus selects the deputy.

              It’s also moot about whether expecting GR to promise not to stand again is reasonable, given he has just promised that 😉

              • KJS0ne …
                18 November 2014 at 9:06 pm

                might be better to see if can support Little without being given power and then promote him at a later date.

                You know what? You’re right.

            • sabine 19.1.1.2.2.2
              18 November 2014 at 8:49 pm

              He lost. He does not get to make the rules. He can play ball or he can go home and count balls.

              Its the spine thing again. He does not get to choose. The end.

        • leftie 19.1.1.3
          18 November 2014 at 7:16 pm

          @KJS0ne

          No, that wouldn’t work.

    • Chooky 19.2
      18 November 2014 at 2:37 pm

      +100 KJS0ne

    • Ron 19.3
      18 November 2014 at 5:35 pm

      Little stated other day that he would like to see Kelvin on front bench

  20. paddy 20
    18 November 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Thank God the unions got a vote otherwise Robertson would easily have won. Always remember that the Labour Party is the offspring of the Unions and the Unions are strong.

    • Buzz 20.1
      18 November 2014 at 5:38 pm

      Unfortunately there is no evidence that ‘the unions are strong” Their work for the Party during the last election was almost non-existent. Ask the campaign managers

      • Marksman33 20.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 7:00 pm

        Maybe if caucus had ditched the Neo-lib bullshit they may have got a bit more help, as a unionist that’s how I saw it.

      • Tracey 20.1.2
        19 November 2014 at 7:18 am

        Affiliated unions. Not all unions are affiliated to the LP. If the affiliated unions felt unrepresented or let down by caucus why should they expend time, energy and money helping people like cosgrove back on a gravy train?

        Remember the last two leaders of the nats essentially came about cos a small group of very wealthy people said no brash no cash… No Key no money.

  21. Edie Lamurr 21
    18 November 2014 at 2:10 pm

    Party member here: This is a disaster. 1%?! 1% in the final round and Robertson heavily preferred by both caucus AND the members in the first two rounds. Someone needs to take courage and break away here. There are two different parties rattling around in this loose and lumpy skin. This is NOT the result for a strong Opposition, which we desperately need. What happens in 2017 and 2020 is one thing – what we so need now is an Opposition that can kick some butt and make some change happen.

    Seriously alarmed by the data behind this result.

    • Bill 21.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:27 pm

      I honestly thought that between them, Nanaia and Andrew would have had over 50% of the membership vote.

      But a moments reflection on Robertson’s previous level of exposure to the public and the possible fact he picked up a sympathy vote from members willing to ‘give him a shot’ after he missed out last time, alongside the fact he hit the ground, not running, but at least stumbling in the right direction with a fairly slick, polished ‘n smooth campaign message…

      Caucus was always going to side with Robertson.

      Affiliates were always going to side with Little.

      I’m very curious as to what Robertson has to say now and see what Robertson does now. There has to be absolutely no prospect of a re-run of the type of shit that swept around beneath Cunliffe’s feet. Having said that, I’m sure Andrew Little has the measure of any who may be contemplating running any type of interference or disruption 😉

    • Olwyn 21.2
      18 November 2014 at 2:34 pm

      Labour’s vote has been diminishing since 2008 – it is up to all involved to ensure that it is not a disaster. After all, the fact that the election was close does not just have to mean more fractiousness. I think that if everyone now looks to where their particular talents can be best employed then Labour can come out of this with renewed energy and purpose.

      • Monty 21.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 10:06 pm

        Actually Labours vote has been shrinking since the high of 2002. labour have made a massive mistake by not electing Grant Robertson. grant is a very personable person and will appeal to more NZers than the rather dour Andrew Little.

        Why do you all think the blue team ( myself included) are jubilant at the appointment of Andrew Little. Just think about that for a moment.

        • Olwyn 21.2.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 10:28 pm

          There is more to being a leader than being personable, and coming across as personable is also contingent on other factors, like unity of purpose and confidence within the party. I am fine with Andrew Little – at least he seems clear about where the actual enemy lies.

        • ankerawshark 21.2.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 10:41 pm

          Monty listen to Andrew Little on check point tonight. You might be quite a bit less jubilant.

        • Clemgeopin 21.2.1.3
          18 November 2014 at 10:50 pm

          I personally do not care a damn what you or your bloody blue team think. This is about what the Labour party and its members think.

    • Tracey 21.3
      18 November 2014 at 4:43 pm

      Fair comment. The thing about transparency is we can draw those conclusions. Other parties are not as open so no one knows how close the race. In ACT the membership wanted Boscawen but the Board of Directors overruled.

  22. Enough is Enough 22
    18 November 2014 at 2:10 pm

    Pleasing result.

    However that caucus support is a worry. The previous two Davids are evidence of what happens when the team doesn’t back you.

    Lets hope they leave the internal politics behind them. Galvanise as one team behind Little and go full steam for that rich prick Key’s jugular.

  23. Ad 23
    18 November 2014 at 2:10 pm

    Will Standard commenters who backed Robertson now come on the site and pledge allegiance?

    Can we invite all Caucus members do the same on The Standard.

    Nice and public please.

    • Chris 23.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:24 pm

      They’ll all be pledging allegiance til they’re blue in the face. Watch the news on tele tonight. Count how many times you’ll hear them say “full support”, “total allegiance”, “unified caucus”. At the same time they’ll be beavering away behind the scenes, backstabbing, white-anting and scheming to take Little down.

    • Cancerman 23.2
      18 November 2014 at 3:30 pm

      When do the struggle sessions begin?

    • emergency mike 23.3
      18 November 2014 at 3:51 pm

      “Will Standard commenters who backed Robertson now come on the site and pledge allegiance?”

      I guess some might, some might not. So what?

      “Can we invite all Caucus members do the same on The Standard.”

      So, you know this isn’t a Labour Party blog right?

      “Nice and public please.”

      Whether sincerely or not I’m sure they all will do so somewhere. Then you’ll be all happy.

      • Ad 23.3.1
        18 November 2014 at 4:15 pm

        Clearly the entire debate about the costs of disunity has been lost on you.

        • emergency mike 23.3.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 5:14 pm

          Not at all, the clear unwillingness of some within Labour throw everything behind Cunliffe clearly cost Labour big time at the election. But your here stated prescription/concern tr0lling is ridiculous. This is a place for free debate where anyone can take any position they want, not for singing the company song. This isn’t a Labour Party blog.

          Invite all caucus members to pledge allegiance? That would be pretty arrogant and presumptuous since: this isn’t a Labour Party blog.

          You’re right in that the Labour party needs to present a genuinely united front. But that doesn’t apply to The Standard because, get this Ad, this isn’t a Labour Party blog.

  24. Bill 24
    18 November 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Genuinely astonished that it wound up so close.

  25. SPC 25
    18 November 2014 at 2:13 pm

    It looks like the Maori MP’s and the Maori members of the party backed Little over his super age position.

  26. Skinny 26
    18 November 2014 at 2:16 pm

    Well done Andrew Little!

    The members, including the Afiliates had their say, however inorder to attract me to do anything for Labour I want the knife to be taken to the caucus deadwood who are bleeding the party dry.

    There is no unity in those lot.

    • Chooky 26.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:33 pm

      +100

    • Colonial Viper 26.2
      18 November 2014 at 5:41 pm

      I want the knife to be taken to the caucus deadwood who are bleeding the party dry.

      Axe or flamethrower is appropriate for deadwood…

      • Skinny 26.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 6:34 pm

        True, did you see the look on the dead beat Robertson fan club faces. Mahuta and Cunliffe looked mighty happy as well they should.

        Mahuta can take a bow by unselfishly & openly encouraging members & Afiliates vote for Little. Going as far as to say if Robertson wins it’s the same undermining lot in charge. I say work out how to kick the fuckers all to touch by the time of the next conference.

        And let the workers of this Country take it to National if Key tries to attack workers with anymore attacks & meddling with workers rights.

    • leftie 26.3
      18 November 2014 at 7:33 pm

      @Skinny

      Yes, Moira Coatesworth ends her emails “In solidarity” it’s a pity that a number within Labour’s caucus, don’t know the meaning of that statement.

    • kenny 26.4
      18 November 2014 at 9:05 pm

      100% correct.

  27. cogito 27
    18 November 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Great news.

  28. goodsweat 28
    18 November 2014 at 2:23 pm

    One of the important messages in those results is just how very close it was. To me this is a real and tangible indication of how broadly Labour beliefs can stretch across a society. There was a time when this broad appeal was an asset and the party drew strength from the all encompassing dreadlock to airline pilot voice.

    It’s energy that has become poorly contained and corrosive. I’m hoping Andrew can get all the arrows pointing the same way because when they do, Labour is the only choice. All the best Andrew.

    • Anne 28.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:34 pm

      In the end, I think the closeness of the result might work in Little’s favour. That support will surely increase as his organisational abilities and proven talent to pull everyone together becomes apparent. I’ve been watching the live Q&A session on TVNZ online (finished now) and his answers were strong and to the point every time. No mucking about. That’s why I put him @ no.1.

      • goodsweat 28.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 3:42 pm

        Goodness me yes Anne. We all get to make a conscious choice. We get to choose. Do I want to be a person that sees the closeness of this contest as a sure fire catalyst for the back-stabbing knives to hit the grindstones…

        or a person that sees ‘Of course it was always going to be this close. I wouldn’t expect any less when selecting from a quartet of that calibre. It’s a reflection of the depth of talent. A cigarette paper between them. 4 Sir Edmunds and Sir Edmund won.

      • Tracey 28.1.2
        18 November 2014 at 4:46 pm

        Time for some to go. Not a massacre but a mature moving on. Parker doesnt want finance or deputy. In my opinion he needs to resign let a new invigorated person whose heart is in it carry on. The public dont need to be paying for people to cool their heels on 160k plus perks.

        Cosgrove has been so quiet I hoped he had retired.

        • leftie 28.1.2.1
          18 November 2014 at 7:39 pm

          @Tracey
          Shearer is another one who I would like to see go. His behaviour after the election was a disgrace. I hope Labour follows through with the formal complaints laid against him.

          • Hami Shearlie 28.1.2.1.1
            18 November 2014 at 11:04 pm

            I hope so too – so much for the “nice guy” label people had put on Shearer – Personally I never believed he was what people thought!

        • Atiawa 28.1.2.2
          18 November 2014 at 8:01 pm

          Little will need caucus members prepared to work harder then they have ever worked previously. His view is about uniting and connecting with the wider labour movement and the community. Any MP unprepared to play their part in assisting with his vision should either move on or be moved on. He has a huge appetite for work and getting things done and will require the support of us all to achieve a common goal of changing the government.
          Safe seated MP’s will be required to get out of their comfort zone’s and assist electorates who are struggling and Tory held. Like the government, his caucus will be held to account and challenged at every available opportunity.
          Andrew Little is a leader. He will become our Prime Minister, hopefully sooner rather than later.

          Stand Tall.

  29. paddy 29
    18 November 2014 at 2:25 pm

    Robertson got close but no cigar. He is the clear favourite of the Caucus and the members. He will not accept defeat. He will simply wait for the polls to drop one day. A masterstroke from Little would be to make Robertson his deputy and make him pledge never to stand against him.
    I am nervous that it was so close. The Right will shout disunity. We need unity more than anything.

    • Chooky 29.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:32 pm

      imo…Robertson can not be trusted to be Deputy…. if Little is to do his job properly and not to be watching his back all the time

      ….Robertson needs a post well out of the way that keeps him very very busy

      ….and any of those in caucus who show any signs of not supporting Little should be out to the back bench fast

      ..in fact it is time for a clean out and Nactional has already done it! Labour needs new blood at the top

      Little is going to have to move swiftly and ruthlessly ( Cunliffe’s strategy of rapprochement and conciliation did not work)

      • lurgee 29.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 4:01 pm

        Politically, Robertson almost certainly has to be deputy. Face reality. He won the caucus vote (no surprise) and the membership (a bit of a surprise); people who ignore that fact are living in a fantasy land.

        Cunliffe will probably not feature anywhere significant in the immediate future. Parker has ruled himself out of playing a big role. Mahuta will be given something or other, but won’t be deputy.

        • Chooky 29.1.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 4:15 pm

          Mahuta should be Deputy…Cunliffe should be Finance Minister

          Robertson should be Minister of Trade or Education

          Parker should be Minister of Justice

          ….all in the next Labour Government in coalition with the Greens and Mana/int and NZF

          ( and I will politely ignore your comments lurgee)

        • Tracey 29.1.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 4:47 pm

          He was shearers deputy wasnt he?!?

          • Chooky 29.1.1.2.1
            18 November 2014 at 5:13 pm

            yes Robertson has form as Deputy …not a good idea

            • Colonial Viper 29.1.1.2.1.1
              18 November 2014 at 5:42 pm

              Or shall we call him…Brutus

              • Disraeli Gladstone …
                18 November 2014 at 5:45 pm

                Of course, the fact of the matter is that Brutus was the “noblest of all the Romans” and that it was Cassius who was really the villain.

                Jesus. High School level Shakespeare.

                • Chooky …
                  18 November 2014 at 6:34 pm

                  lol…well we cant all be Cambridge scholars like you…but our politics are good

                  • Disraeli Gladstone …
                    18 November 2014 at 7:18 pm

                    “but our politics are good”

                    The last year would tend to suggest not as good as you thought.

                    • Chooky …
                      18 November 2014 at 8:27 pm

                      …well last year it was a case of Hamlet…unforeseen perfidy…and an existential crisis…and a tragedy

                      ….we are into a new drama now…but politics at heart still good

                • lurgee …
                  18 November 2014 at 8:41 pm

                  Cassius, on closer inspection, isn’t really the villain either. He arranges the assassination to save the republic but he never dreams of taking the top spot for himself. Brutus, at first reluctant and too soft hearted, so becomes arrogant and imperious.

                  • Disraeli Gladstone …
                    18 November 2014 at 8:44 pm

                    No one tends to be a moustache twirling villain. Everyone has goals and there’s not too many wholly unsympathetic characters in Shakespeare (one or two excluded).

                    But Cassius is definitely the antagonist and least moral/principled of the cast.

        • Clemgeopin 29.1.1.3
          18 November 2014 at 11:55 pm

          He won the caucus vote (no surprise) and the membership (a bit of a surprise)

          The ‘membership’ vote is a little dodgy because any one, including may be gays from other parties in Grant’s case, RWnut jobs i.e, the Labour enemies from NACT etc could easily become a voting member by paying a few paltry dollars and influencing the leadership vote…by voting for a person that THEY prefer, for what ever reason, to undermine the vote! A serious problem that! Isn’t it?

      • kenny 29.1.2
        18 November 2014 at 9:12 pm

        100% correct. Some MPs need to be moved on but it will be difficult for Andrew unless he has support; who from is a good question.

    • goodsweat 29.2
      18 November 2014 at 2:41 pm

      The closeness is an asset. It’s hard to know who to choose when you’ve got 4 JFKs on the stand.

      Grant’s ability to unite and bond the Labour caucus is an asset. If Little is doing the job that needs doing any back-stabbing Grant might have in mind would be with a rubber knife.

      People can only make us feel vulnerable if we let them. Hopefully we’re all fed-up with fighting in the bedroom and will step out the front door – multi faceted, tough and ready.

    • leftie 29.3
      18 November 2014 at 7:53 pm

      @Paddy.

      It has already started.

      “Labour is still divided: Key”

      Prime Minister John Key says he’ll be taking Labour’s new leader Andrew Little seriously, but he thinks the party is still divided.

      Mr Little beat Grant Robertson in the leadership election, but only by one per cent when the votes of MPs, party members and affiliated unions had been counted.

      “What this process has shown is that there are deep divisions within the party, they’re a long way away from agreeing with each other or even liking each other,” Mr Key told reporters.

      “Andrew Little has the task of unifying a group of individuals who historically have shown they have very low levels of discipline.”

      Little wins Labour leadership

      Mr Key noted David Parker, who was also a candidate, had been the architect of much of Labour’s election policies.

      Mr Parker said after the result was announced that he wasn’t going to continue as Labour’s finance spokesman.

      “I think Labour is in for quite a bit of a shake-up,” Mr Key said.

      Before the result was announced, Mr Key correctly forecast that neither Mr Parker nor the fourth candidate, Nanaia Mahuta, would make the cut.

      Under the preferential voting system, first Ms Mahuta and then Mr Parker dropped out.

      <a href="https://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/25541159/labour-is-still-divided-key/

      • Tracey 29.3.1
        18 November 2014 at 8:09 pm

        “.have very low levels of discipline.. …”

        How many have had to resign under Key?

      • Tracey 29.3.2
        18 November 2014 at 8:11 pm

        Key should be the voice of the left on rnz nine to noon… He knows more about the left than mike ” i have to agree with matthew” williams…

        Yeah mike you just have to…

    • sabine 29.4
      18 November 2014 at 8:54 pm

      The right can shout until they are blue.
      The leader is called. Full stop.

    • Sabine 29.5
      19 November 2014 at 8:27 am

      who cares what the right wants? They got dear leader and that should make them happy.

  30. Keith Johnson 30
    18 November 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Congratulations Andrew. Time now for the ABC faction in the Caucus [which is really an NBR ‘Nobody But Robertson’ faction] to finally back off and put 100% of their energy into defeating Key in 2017. I agree with one of the commentators above – show us the money – make a pledge NBRs.

  31. odysseus 31
    18 November 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Am a bit of an outlier on this, had Parker at 1 and Little at 2. So am happy with this.
    Now it’s time for no more BS.

  32. Sable 32
    18 November 2014 at 2:32 pm

    Wonder if this guy will have a knife in his back in 3 years time? Such a loyal bunch….

  33. Scintilla 33
    18 November 2014 at 2:33 pm

    Little came out swinging at Key, he understands the rabble need a common enemy to unite them.

    • greywarshark 33.1
      18 November 2014 at 3:10 pm

      @ Scintilla
      Don’t talk about rabble, sheeple may be, but don’t be derisory – it’s not helpful for good democracy.

      • Scintilla 33.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 3:29 pm

        I meant the rabble within caucus that’s done such a stellar job to implode themselves as the serious party of Opposition.

    • music4menz 33.2
      18 November 2014 at 6:08 pm

      That strategy of making Key ‘Public Enemy Number One’ worked really well in the general election, didn’t it Scintilla!

  34. cricklewood 34
    18 November 2014 at 2:33 pm

    Amazing that he was the least popular of the four amongst caucus on first preferences yet was able to squeak through in the end with overwhelming affiliate support.
    You’d have to hope that caucus swings in behind him but I’m not holding my breath…

  35. mickysavage 35
    18 November 2014 at 2:33 pm

    Matthew Hooton has already posted an article in Metro criticising the decision and calling us extremists. What is the bet he would have posted the same article no matter what the result?

    http://metromag.co.nz/city-life/columnists/who-will-save-labour-now/

    • Scintilla 35.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:43 pm

      Matthew is a tool. To quote my mum “he just opens his mouth and lets the wind roll his tongue around.”

    • Manuka AOR 35.2
      18 November 2014 at 3:02 pm

      Yes, it reads as if he set it for publishing before results were known. There’s no ref to Andrew or to anyone else. A pre-prepared instant takeout dish for his loyal readership. How many more of these are about to be served by various media outlets..

    • Karen 35.3
      18 November 2014 at 3:25 pm

      He would have written two articles – one for Little and one for Robertson. Then all he had to do was send the right one.

      • Matthew Hooton 35.3.1
        18 November 2014 at 4:04 pm

        Only needed to write one. Can always rely on the Labour Party to act in the way most counter to its interests. And so it has transpired.

        [lprent: Your number counting is appalling – “several thousand”? Apparently the paid up general membership of the NZLP is at heights that it hasn’t seen since New Labour split in the early 1990s, and a majority of them voted this time.

        But I guess that is why you are a waffle merchant and I do maths. ]

        • SPC 35.3.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 4:13 pm

          Yeah you knew it would come down to one caucus vote deciding the contest and which way it would go.

          • Matthew Hooton 35.3.1.1.1
            18 November 2014 at 6:12 pm

            Have to admit, I assumed Little would win much more easily than this.

            • mickysavage 35.3.1.1.1.1
              18 November 2014 at 7:46 pm

              You have to admit though Matthew that Little did extraordinarily well. Two months ago I would not even have counted him as a possible candidate, let alone the eventual winner.

              • lprent …
                18 November 2014 at 8:10 pm

                That was my point in my reaction post. 4 weeks ago, I wouldn’t have seen myself voting for him as the top of my list. I was actually rather despairing of finding one of the candidates that I could vote for. In the end I found two.

              • Disraeli Gladstone …
                18 November 2014 at 8:39 pm

                I don’t know. As soon as Little threw his hat into the ring and got Cunliffe’s endorsement, he became the unofficial frontrunner. With the unions carrying 20% and likely to block vote Little (which they did), it was always going to be hard for Grant to win (which turned out to be true).

                I thought (and it seems like others did as well, i.e Bill) that Little would win by more.

                The fact that he only won because of the unions is the reason why I’m more upset than I thought I would be. It’s UK Labour’s leadership election all over again.

                • Tracey …
                  19 November 2014 at 6:58 am

                  He cannot have won just because of the unions cos the unions only get 20% of the vote.

                  Did you snarl as you wrote unions?

                  The right elect their leaders by a group of anonymous donors. ?. Wealthy and most likely in the top 1% of earners who again are furthering their interests at everyones expense.

                  Those unions which are affiliated to the LP are as entitled to be there as members and some might argue more entitled to vote than caucus. Why? Because caucus are themselves elected, presumably by portions of tge membership and are the servants of the party. The affiliated unions work hard and contribute financially to advance certain pribciples. Caucus is there to implement some of those principles.

                  The story might just as easily be

                  “Robertson rejected by foundation of Labour Party”

                  • Tracey …
                    19 November 2014 at 7:14 am

                    I tried to edit disraeli gladstone but ran out of time…

                    He cannot have won just because of the unions cos the unions only get 20% of the vote.

                    I get your analogy with the uk lp but surely if LP stops being embarrassed by its union affiliates is a start. By staying quiet as the right snarls about unions, and gower snarls about unions makes it seem like a union is a negative thing. Bite back. Nats are selected by anonymous wealthy donors, by default ( if we dont have brash… If we dont have Key… Ur cash goes)…

                    Be proud that a few unions want to be part of the lp, that tgey want better wages and conditions for the vulnerable and powerless amongst us. If Little cowers, dodges on “unions”, the demonising remains.

                    DONT APOLOGISE FOR SOME UNION SUPPORT

                    The right elect their leaders by a group of anonymous donors. ?. Wealthy and most likely in the top 1% of earners who again are furthering their interests at everyones expense.

                    Those unions which are affiliated to the LP are as entitled to be there as members and some might argue more entitled to vote than caucus. Why? Because caucus are themselves elected, presumably by portions of tge membership and are the servants of the party. The affiliated unions work hard and contribute financially to advance certain pribciples. Caucus is there to implement some of those principles.

                    The story might just as easily be

                    “Robertson rejected by foundation of Labour Party”

                  • Disraeli Gladstone …
                    19 November 2014 at 7:16 am

                    Well, he did win because of the unions.

                    If the unions didn’t vote, Little loses by 10 whole percent (55-45%). That’s a pretty large gap.

                    Personally, I don’t think the unions should get a bloc vote in leadership elections. Didn’t in the UK. Don’t here. Especially through the use of delegates.

                    Yes, they’re the foundation of the Party. But union politics doesn’t encompass the left-wing politics anymore. There’s different factors at play (social and environmental issues) which are just as important but are rejected by some of the old-school unionists as side issues from the bread and butter of workers and wages. I don’t think that is a healthy viewpoint.

                    • Tracey …
                      19 November 2014 at 7:25 am

                      You might need to update your understanding of unions in 2014 too DG.

                      Some are into healthcare schemes for members and fanilies amongst other things. Advocates for safe and healthy work places, some are also active in things like ttp protests and so on. In workplaces with union representation wzges are higher than non union and conditions better. You are buying the rights rhetoric. Given unions only represent 23% of our workforce, why do you think the right wants to drive them deeper into extinction and continue to demonise them? Because they drive up wages and conditions.

                      Have a look at how much the affiliated unions donate to LP and how much they historically spend on election Ads etc. This LP would be in even deeper shit without them. Cosgrove already thinks as a list MP he doesnt have to advertise his party. This is not a problem with unions affiliated to LP it is a problem with 30 odd individuals, some of whom think they are there to represent their own bst interests.

                      I dont currently vote labour.

                    • Tracey …
                      19 November 2014 at 7:28 am

                      If robertson had got all of caucus he would have won

                      If robertson had got 90% of members vote he would have won.

            • Sabine 35.3.1.1.1.2
              19 November 2014 at 8:31 am

              Who are you and why should we care?

        • Tracey 35.3.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 4:51 pm

          Lying again Matthew? My proof? The words on the page were typed by you.

        • Tracey 35.3.1.3
          18 November 2014 at 8:04 pm

          Matthew rarely does facts… Except to distort them…

          Dotcom paying people to vote
          IP responsible for Kill the PM

          BLiP could start a thread for Hootons lies…

          Its in his DNA

          • leftie 35.3.1.3.1
            19 November 2014 at 1:35 am

            @Tracey.
            +1000

          • Chooky 35.3.1.3.2
            19 November 2014 at 5:18 pm

            +100% …Tracey ….Yes I wish BLip or someone would itemise Hooton’s lies and spin…he is a master of the trade

            …and very dangerous for the Left getting its message out

            ..in particular Hooton has radionz monopolized where he frames the Left and Labour and the Greens and Mana/Int and creates the spins on a wide range of issues and politicians

            …and this radionz audience is not Slater’s audience, or Farrar’s , or Paul Henry’s or Sean Plunket’s or Mike Hosking’s

    • bearded rawshark 35.4
      18 November 2014 at 3:47 pm

      The decision to choose Little must be the right one then if Hooton says this. Little will have learned from the demise of Shearer and Cunliffe. He will not make himself an easy target for the MSM.

      • ankerawshark 35.4.1
        18 November 2014 at 10:52 pm

        Monty listen to Andrew Little on check point tonight. You might be quite a bit less jubilant.

    • Tracey 35.5
      18 November 2014 at 4:50 pm

      But but but BM says metro would have published an article more favourable if the left had sent one. Matthew just has good luck to have his words preferred…

    • sabine 35.6
      18 November 2014 at 8:56 pm

      Who is Matthew Hooton, and why should we care?

      Really, who is Matthew Hooton? is he of any interest?

  36. Nebman 36
    18 November 2014 at 2:41 pm

    This man will not be Prime Minister and neither will the now lightweight Mr Robertson.

    Caucus picks the deputy so they’ll dump Robbo on Little as payback to the Unions.

    You’re on 25% folks and you’ve just elected the least popular man in the Leadership contest – as judged by caucus – to run the show.

    How’d that work out for you last time? That’s right, Labour went from 33% to 25%

    Nope, can’t see this ending badly at all…. I can already hear the call for Labour Party split. Yeah that’ll fix it!

    • goodsweat 36.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:55 pm

      I dearly hope they can see the benefits to be had from all singing in G at the same time.

      That aside, I’m not convinced the best way to take on National is by doing what they do. Get a front-man that oozes common man appeal.

      I think the way to beat national is with well presented solid tangible believable ideas. Then the guy sitting in Andrew’s chair becomes our talking head. Not much more is needed. To try and take on Mr Bojangles with a Mr Bojangles impersonator is not a winning strategy.

    • Tracey 36.2
      18 November 2014 at 4:52 pm

      How many votes did caucus get on sept 20?

  37. alwyn 37
    18 November 2014 at 2:42 pm

    I would like to congratulate the person who picked the photograph at the top of this post. I think it sums up the result perfectly.
    In a little bubble over Robertson’s head I can see the words.
    “Just one more MP.
    There were 18 of them promised me they would vote for me ahead of Little and one of the bastards lied to me!
    And did Little really have to give me the bottle of hemlock right at this table?
    Damn, damn, damn”

    Can’t resist it.

  38. TeWhareWhero 38
    18 November 2014 at 2:45 pm

    “Party individual financial membership has increased by over 48% since General Election Day September 20th 2014.”

    Interesting statistic – and I will be more interested to see if that is sustained in 2015. (Hopefully it will increase)

    Congratulations to Andrew Little. I’d like to see Nanaia Mauta get a high profile role and David Cunliffe.

    I wonder, given how close the election was, if Robertson will end up as deputy but whatever happens I want to see Caucus and the membership unite behind Little.

  39. Sanctuary 39
    18 November 2014 at 2:51 pm

    I voted for Little because he seemed to me the candidate most likely able to re-connect with the people who actually vote for Labour or who should be voting Labour – blue collar and low level service sector workers.

    I guess for every reaction there is a counter reaction and the truculent disloyalty of the ABC caucus simply gave birth to an equally determined ABR (anyone but Robertson) feeling amongst many. Surely this must be the end of the road for Robertson.

  40. Bob 40
    18 November 2014 at 2:53 pm

    So the winner is the person that got the smallest % of first choice Caucus votes, is it just me, or is this a clear indication the wrong people are being put forward as MP’s for Labour? Perhaps a pointer to why they performed so badly at the election!

    • ghostwhowalksnz 40.1
      18 November 2014 at 2:56 pm

      Mps dont necessarily choose the best person , often its a personal deal to advance their own career- or spike someone elses.

    • greywarshark 40.2
      18 November 2014 at 3:13 pm

      @ Bob
      Don’t waste your and our energy eviscerating the result – just look to how we are going to manage the outcome and the future.

    • goodsweat 40.3
      18 November 2014 at 3:18 pm

      The left dipped out that Saturday night because they had crap pick-up lines. They frightened the chicks instead of seducing them. They tried the old “Please will you come home with me because I’ve only got 2 months to live.” and “The government forces me to be poor, do you want to walk back to my place?” No traction whatsoever, the girls just kept dancing amongst themselves.

      Then this Mr Fancy Pants swaggered in and said that he was doing what he could to make the most of his life and those girls fell for it! Unbelievable.

      Regardless of who is wearing the BOSS cap, the Left need better pick-up lines. We need to give “Psssst, want your own home for the same money as your rent bill?” a go. With a line like that I reckon even Andrew Little could go home with a babe on each arm.

    • Tracey 40.4
      18 November 2014 at 4:54 pm

      You know that Key was given to nats caucus with a bag of money round his neck.. And then they supported him?

    • Tracey 40.5
      18 November 2014 at 5:17 pm

      I havent had a vote on the ceo in a single job I have had.

    • lurgee 40.6
      18 November 2014 at 6:14 pm

      So the winner is the person that got the smallest % of first choice Caucus votes, is it just me, or is this a clear indication the wrong people are being put forward as MP’s for Labour? Perhaps a pointer to why they performed so badly at the election!

      Little was also rejected by the membership in favour of Robertson. By your logic, Labour has the wrong membership. Maybe they should all quit.

      Still, amusing to see ho people hereabouts – who babbled incessantly about Cunliffe’s victory in the membership vote – square tht position with Robertson’s success this time. Does that mean Robertson – who won two legs and only lost the union vote because of Little’s ‘home advantage’ is norw the People’s Champion?

      Or will they keep on hating him and ignore their cognitive dissonance?

      Hmmm. What do you think?

      • Tracey 40.6.1
        19 November 2014 at 8:26 am

        Um, no, because cunliffe won the leadership?

        If cunliffe had lost and the people you say babbled, babbled that way to be consistent they would now be babbling for robertson.

        To me, two guys so evenly matched ought to make the perfect partnership. In this instance it is for robertson and his supporters to take a deep breath, honour the system and swing in behind the new leader and the whole labour movement.

        Otherwise it may be proof it was never about the movement, the goals or the vision, but peolle looking for personal advancement on the back of the vulnerable and struggling.

    • Paul 40.7
      18 November 2014 at 9:12 pm

      You don’t vote Labour, so why should you care so much?
      Help your own party decide how to deal with Gerry.

      • lurgee 40.7.1
        19 November 2014 at 8:08 am

        You don’t vote Labour, so why should you care so much?
        Help your own party decide how to deal with Gerry.

        You’re right I don’t vote Labour. Alliance in 2002 and 2005. Refused to vote in 2008. Mana in 2011. Greens in 2014. So you’re right, I don’t vote Labour. I’m the classic leftwing floating voter. Though how which of these is ‘my party’, or why they are expected to ‘deal with Gerry’ is beyond me.

        I ‘care so much’ about whether or not Labour are popular because it is the only way policies that roughly match my sympathies will ever make it into law. If the new leader doesn’t resonate with the membership, it might be a problem. It might not, of course, because he may be able to change people’s minds. But Robertson as deputy seems like the logical move. That way, the caucus and membership have more of a stake in Little’s leadership.

        And it is very funny watching people here turning intellectual cartwheels trying to justify or deny this or that volte-face.

    • Clemgeopin 40.8
      19 November 2014 at 12:42 am

      No, it is a pointer that the caucus alone is not supreme, but what is supreme is a combination of 32 caucus members, thousands of party members and a dozen or so affiliates. Cool stuff!

    • miravox 40.9
      19 November 2014 at 8:20 am

      “is this a clear indication the wrong people are being put forward as MP’s for Labour? “

      Yes, I think you might have a point there Bob, too many people with too little connection to the base.

      It’s good to see a union man get the job – at least he knows what ‘labour’ think and ‘Labour’ will have a better chance of doing something about it. If caucus is not on the same page as the members, there may be a wee problem with the selection process.

  41. Te Reo Putake 41
    18 November 2014 at 3:00 pm

    Pretty pleased with this result. Well done, Andrew. And well done to the other candidates, too. I hope Andrew asks caucus to elect Jacinda deputy. It would be the right move.

    This election shows that NZLP now has a mature internal democracy, and that we can elect our leaders in public, rather than in the boardroom. A lot of the credit should go to Moira Coatsworth. The democratisation process she has lead has gone a long way to making the party a more enjoyable place to be.

    A couple of months ago I wrote a post that said if Andrew ran, he would win. I’m going to go for the second leg of the quinella; Andrew Little will be NZ’s next Prime Minister. You read it here first, Standardistas!

    And a word to David Cunliffe: Good on ya, mate. You’ll be the best PM we never had. Shame, that, but you still have much good work to do.

    • Anne 41.1
      18 November 2014 at 3:11 pm

      Well said. Thank-you TRP.

    • Chooky 41.2
      18 November 2014 at 3:59 pm

      re “I hope Andrew asks caucus to elect Jacinda deputy”.

      ……Nanaia has a lot more Parliamentary experience than Jacinda ….. and way more clout with the Maori vote and Labour women’s vote imo

      …Nanaia has also been loyal

      • dave 41.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 6:45 pm

        Mahuta is blooby useless she belong on the back benches

        • Chooky 41.2.1.1
          19 November 2014 at 9:14 am

          dave…not good spelling or grammar…i dont think your general knowledge or research is very good either!

          actually Nanaia Mahuta ( MA Social Anthropology) has a very very impressive CV if you would like to read it

    • Pat O'Dea 41.3
      18 November 2014 at 4:06 pm

      +1

      Yep, there is much good work for David Cunliffe to do.
      The role of climate change spokesperson needs filling. David Cunliffe has shown himself to have a handle on this issue.

      I could think of no one better suited for the role.

      • Colonial Viper 41.3.1
        18 November 2014 at 4:59 pm

        Cunliffe should be Renewable Energy and Resources Tsar. NZ is not ready for the tough low carbon future rushing right up at us and he could be a leader in changing that.

    • ankerawshark 41.4
      18 November 2014 at 8:50 pm

      TPR @ 41 100+

    • Clemgeopin 41.5
      19 November 2014 at 12:45 am

      Touché

  42. Antony Cotton 42
    18 November 2014 at 3:06 pm

    Andrew needs to bring fresh Talent in the top Rino Kris Megan David Clark all need to promoted. Forget about Old Guard Labour Must Unite.

  43. Tom Gould 43
    18 November 2014 at 3:12 pm

    The right person won, in my view. Grant wasn’t up to it. Andrew is clearly a no-nonsense bloke with the steel to make the big calls, regardless. He certainly doesn’t come across as some hand-wringing PC lefty union lapdog or crazy neo-Bolshevik wrecker. Which might end up upsetting a few privileged and entitled folks eventually?

  44. ghostwhowalksnz 44
    18 November 2014 at 3:23 pm

    ON my reckoning on the first round caucus vote changing % to actual MPs

    Little : 5 votes

    Mahuta: 6 votes

    Parker : 7 votes

    Robertson: 14 votes

    On round two all of Mahutas votes went to Little and on round 3 Robertson went up to 18 votes ( +4) and Little got 14 ( +3 of Parkers 7 votes)

    My calculation would be if Robertson had ONE extra caucus vote ( 3.125% x .4) he would be leader with 50.73% of the possible vote.

    • Tracey 44.1
      18 November 2014 at 4:57 pm

      How does this stack with the last leadership races robertson was in

      • GregJ 44.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 7:05 pm

        in 2013 (only 1 Round required – so no redistribution):

        Robertson – 16
        Cunliffe – 11
        Jones – 7

        Total=34

        So about the same? 2 fewer MPs this time.

        • Tracey 44.1.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 7:46 pm

          Thanks greg… So grant does not have any more popularity in caucus today than he effectively had last time… But there are fewer total in caucus today?

          • Disraeli Gladstone 44.1.1.1.1
            18 November 2014 at 8:41 pm

            Grant turned out to be way more popular with the members, though.

            • GregJ 44.1.1.1.1.1
              18 November 2014 at 9:16 pm

              Yes – he had a very well organised campaign and really went after members. He appears to have got about the same support from the affiliates as last time (on the first round). So Affiliates and Caucus roughly the same as 2013 and increase in membership support.

              And yes, Tracey, 2 fewer MPs in Caucus from 2013.

              Maryan Street, Moana Mackey, Raymond Huo didn’t make it back.

              Darien Fenton, Rajen Prasad, Ross Robertson retired.

              Peeni Henare, Adrian Rurawhe, Jenny Salesa, & “The Nashy”, were new to the vote.

              (Someone more in the know than me will know who would have supported who). At least 2 Robertson supporters (Street & Fenton) lost, perhaps offset by “The Nashy”?

              • Disraeli Gladstone …
                18 November 2014 at 9:21 pm

                The Nash only decided not to run after Little threw his hat into the ring, so I think he probably went with Little.

                I suspect in The Nash’s mind, Little is the perfect nightwatchman for him to replace in 2017. Grant had a chance of accidentally winning.

                • GregJ …
                  18 November 2014 at 9:38 pm

                  Heh – nice analogy. The question will be is The Nashy a “Martin Crowe” or a Chris “The Phantom” Martin? 😈

  45. Shona 45
    18 November 2014 at 3:34 pm

    Yeah …Nah. Meh.
    My vote goes back to the Greens after a 2 elections flirting with the pretenders of the left. Little will fail. Robertson will continue to stab him in the back and it’ll be all on again.
    Robertson will not rest until he achieves his goal of leading what is left of NZ Labour to another record defeat.

    • Chooky 45.1
      18 November 2014 at 3:54 pm

      …that is why Little has to act decisively for new blood the way John key and Nactional have done

  46. Gosman 46
    18 November 2014 at 3:37 pm

    This is not a great result for Labour.

    Let’s look at the voting breakdown.

    In the Caucus it is clear there is a a significant hard core support for Grant Robertson, It was interesting that at each round of voting Robertson’s share hardly changed. He got over 40% of the total in the first round alone and ended up getting well over 50%. This contrasts with Little who only approached 50% of the Caucus in the final round.

    In the wider party Robertson again came out ahead but this time the difference between him and Little in the first round was much smaller.

    Little only really won this because of the Union vote. How is this a good thing for Labour?

    • goodsweat 46.1
      18 November 2014 at 3:56 pm

      This ‘gee it was a close call does he really have support’ discussion is only of any relevance if the left have a hankering to keep bitch slapping each other…I’m going fishing. Give me a yell when you guys have really really really decided who is going to be boss or dinner is ready. Whatever comes first. I’ll txt ya if dinner is snapper.

    • felix 46.2
      18 November 2014 at 3:57 pm

      It would be weird if the National party elected a union man as Leader.

      In the LABOUR party, not so much.

      (of course it would be weird if nats elected a leader at all, they don’t do democracy)

      Now off you fuck, this thread doesn’t concern you.

      • Gosman 46.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 4:22 pm

        I thought it would be just civil of me to point out where Little will be attacked upon over the next three years from the right. As he owes his victory to the Union movement the right (i.e. people like me) are going to state that the Union movement has now got undue influence and control over Labour. The NZ right has a long and successful tradition of doing this. You have be warned.

        • McFlock 46.2.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 4:33 pm

          thanks for your concern

        • Tracey 46.2.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 4:59 pm

          We rely on BM to state the blingingly obvious, now he has a chum.

          • McFlock 46.2.1.2.1
            18 November 2014 at 5:31 pm

            they have to state the blindingly obvious, otherwise anyone familiar with their comments will assume they’re lying.

        • Clemgeopin 46.2.1.3
          19 November 2014 at 12:58 am

          I am actually glad that the unions that represent ordinary workers (have you ever been a worker?) had a say in electing our next PM. Why the hell should such a say be always with the big business, the wealthy and the corporate crooks in their back rooms?

      • Paul 46.2.2
        18 November 2014 at 9:08 pm

        Why do these right wingers take such an interest?
        Honestly it’s so predictable and clearly signals what they do want to happen.
        They want Labour to move to the centre.

        • felix 46.2.2.1
          18 November 2014 at 9:25 pm

          Labour are already the centre-right. The gumps want them to move to the right, then National can go all the way.

    • Skinny 46.3
      18 November 2014 at 4:35 pm

      That is nonsense, Grant has preformed poorly over a number of years and because of this lost Union votes that he would have otherwise held. His undermining of Shearer didn’t help, nor his attack of Cunliffe after the election.

      If Robertson had of won the Labour Party would still be stuck with the same old self serving MP’s. Now at the next conference the call from the membership should be a mandate to forcefully retire deadwood MP’s like Cosgrove, Shearer, Dyson, Moroney, Goff, King, Mallard, Kris F, King and a few others on the cusp like Robertson.

    • Tracey 46.4
      18 November 2014 at 4:58 pm

      How did the figures break down when key was voted leader of the nats?

      • Sirenia 46.4.1
        18 November 2014 at 5:19 pm

        The Nats do not have open processes. Basically Steven Joyce runs everything from behind a tightly closed door.

        • Tracey 46.4.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 5:58 pm

          I know. Gosman is pretending to have some knowledge without knowing the figures.

          I believe the backing of key was similar to the backing of brash… You have him or theres no money. I have no proof of course, and they dont publish their figures but gosman will repeat the nats press release as though it is factual.

      • Gosman 46.4.2
        18 November 2014 at 5:28 pm

        I believe he got the majority of the Caucus backing him. Little can hardly claim the same.

    • Ron 46.5
      18 November 2014 at 5:46 pm

      All that tells us is that a large portion of Labour caucus do not support the very organisations that are the heart of Labour – The Unions. Which also means that the party needs to very carefully pick candidates in future

    • sabine 46.6
      18 November 2014 at 9:01 pm

      ahhh, but aren’t you lucky that you support National and get to vote for dear leader.

      Just don’t worry your lil pretty head about it.

  47. Karen 47
    18 November 2014 at 3:50 pm

    Because it is the LABOUR party, Gosman. When NZ had strong unions there was far less inequality and we didn’t have 300,000 children living in poverty.

    • goodsweat 47.1
      18 November 2014 at 4:12 pm

      I agree and it’s an ugly insidious flavour of poverty. Not quite drowning. I don’t think a hungry child is so much of a problem as the car the child is being driven around in with 2 slick front tyres.

      The people we see snared on TV with dangerous front tyres aren’t driving a dangerous car because they’re evil people. Their front tyres are like that because NZers live with a style of poverty that presents an endless string of impossible choices. Do I spend the $200 on updating the kids’ school uniforms and sports boots on Trademe or do I get 2 tyres?

      Too many of us are just surviving and it’s not right.

      • Clemgeopin 47.1.1
        19 November 2014 at 1:11 am

        You make very good points. I like reading your posts. Cheers!

        • goodsweat 47.1.1.1
          19 November 2014 at 7:41 am

          Thanks clem and I enjoy what you have to say. If MPs I think you and I would belong to the same faction and doing all we could to raise it’s popularity. The ‘Fer crissakes, can we shake hands, roll our sleeves up and get to work please?’ faction.

  48. Belladonna 48
    18 November 2014 at 3:53 pm

    IMO the best man won. I would like to see David Cunliffe as deputy. He would be one of the few that Andrew could trust and they would make a formidable team.

    • Matthew Hooton 48.1
      18 November 2014 at 4:06 pm

      Please, let that be so.

    • karol 48.2
      18 November 2014 at 4:10 pm

      I reckon Cunliffe will get finance as Parker says he doesn’t want it. And either Robertson or Ardern will be deputy.

      • Chooky 48.2.1
        18 November 2014 at 4:27 pm

        It would be a huge mistake to overlook Mahuta as Deputy ….given her longevity and superior experience in Parliament, her loyalty and her winning the Maori seats for Labour.!…and dont forget the Labour women working class vote !

        …really Jacinda would be great as a Minister of the Arts

        ….and Grant as a dynamic Minister of Trade and/or Education

        ….above all the Deputy must have loyal form…Grant does not have this…and nor does for that matter Jacinda

        • Gosman 48.2.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 5:07 pm

          If you can’t see that you need to have a deputy that will come from the over 50% of the caucus that didn’t vote for Little then the left really is politically blind.

        • chris73 48.2.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 5:09 pm

          Yup 18 years in parliament and shes achieved…could someone help me out with what shes achieved in her time?

          • Chooky 48.2.1.2.1
            18 November 2014 at 7:07 pm

            well whatever you say …you can be sure it is good NOT for the Labour Parties interests….so thanks for the advice

            ….and maybe if you care to check you will see that Mahuta has been an outstanding performer …she brought back the Maori Seats to Labour for a start

        • karol 48.2.1.3
          18 November 2014 at 5:15 pm

          That would be a bad choice if little is aiming to unite the caucus and membership. Mahuta and Little were not the first choices of the caucus or membership.

          Ardern would have more uniting potential. Like her or not, she does get a lot of positive media attention, and would provide a contrast to Little’s more “dour” image.

          • Ron 48.2.1.3.1
            18 November 2014 at 5:50 pm

            Not Ardern please. What about someone new like Salesa?

            • Chooky 48.2.1.3.1.1
              18 November 2014 at 7:01 pm

              +100 Ron…”Not Ardern please”!

              ( despite being very popular with some Adern appears a careerist to others and not a very effective spokesperson MP in her portfolios …as well she is a Robertson supporter…she would be a big turn off imo)

              …..and what about Mahuta?….she has way more experience than Adern….she would be way more popular with the Maori and Polynesian South Auckland vote and the missing beneficiaries and the missing million non voters

              …Mahuta’s work bringing in the Maori seats must be acknowledged!….and I think she would appeal to working class women and middle class women who vote Labour a lot more than Adern

              i think Little has to be ruthless on this! …go for the best woman for the job!….and no more favours to the ABCs…they dont deserve it ….there needs to be a big clean out of nonperformers

            • Mark 48.2.1.3.1.2
              18 November 2014 at 7:18 pm

              The best part of the whole process was seeing her at the announcement.
              100% sour to the core. Wonderful to see. And that it was so close will make the pain even worse. There is a god after all.

          • Karen 48.2.1.3.2
            18 November 2014 at 5:55 pm

            I agree Karol. I expect that Mahuta will be on the front bench but not deputy.
            I went to one of the informal meetings with Andrew Little, and he said that the deputy should be someone from the losing side as a way of uniting the caucus. Of course the caucus get to vote for the deputy anyway, but the leader’s preference is usually accepted.
            He also said he’d prefer someone from Auckland because he lived in Wellington. If Jacinda Adern is willing to the job she is the most likely to meet both requirements. The other option would be Phil Twyford.

            • Tracey 48.2.1.3.2.1
              18 November 2014 at 8:00 pm

              Mahuta has an office in auckland

            • Chooky 48.2.1.3.2.2
              19 November 2014 at 9:28 am

              Jacinda has the appeal of an impeccably dressed President’s wife ( loyal to Robertson)…

              …..Mahuta has the appeal of a very able , intelligent , loyal, hard working, effective core Labour representative of the people …especially Maori and women Labour voters

              Little should go for the best woman for the job of Deputy…the one who best represents working class New Zealand voters and the apathetic million non voters

      • lurgee 48.2.2
        18 November 2014 at 4:27 pm

        Cunliffe needs to be invisible for a while. For his own good and for Labour’s.

        Though even if he does nothing, journalists will probably interpret that as indicative of plotting.

        • Chooky 48.2.2.1
          18 November 2014 at 5:02 pm

          @lurgee…yu mean you would like Cunliffe to be invisible so as not to remind everyone of the John Key dirty PR campaign against Cunliffe

          ( despite Cunliffe having overwhelming support from Labour members…and now a high positive profile among New Zealand voters )

          • lurgee 48.2.2.1.1
            18 November 2014 at 6:03 pm

            I mean what I said – both Labour and Cunliffe’s prospects will benefit from him keeping a resolutely low profile for 12 months.

            If I’d meant to say something else, I’d have said something else.

      • les 48.2.3
        18 November 2014 at 9:03 pm

        that makes sense…is Cunnliffe committed to staying in politics?

      • sabine 48.2.4
        18 November 2014 at 9:06 pm

        why Jacintha Ardern? Really why? what has she done that would allow her that seat?
        why not give the deputy seat to the women who run for leadership and delivered the goods in the last election. Her Name? Nanaia Mahuta.

        Why would anyone want Jacintha Ardern, who has absolutely nothing to show for, but a pretty face? Please tell me it is not the pretty face.

        Educate me? Please?

        And then why Robertson? Why would anyone give the man who does not stand behind his party, who does not support the Party Leader in what was the most crucial election in years a seat other than the long drop outside in the cold?

        educate me? Why?

        • karol 48.2.4.1
          18 November 2014 at 9:14 pm

          I’m not a great Ardern fan at all. I much prefer Mahuta. However, as I said above, Ardern as deputy will do more to unite the caucus – and she does get positive media coverage.

          A Mahuta-LIttle leadership could be divisive in the caucus, and thence in the MSM.

          I would like to see Mahuta get a strong front row position.

          • sabine 48.2.4.1.1
            18 November 2014 at 9:53 pm

            see this is were I differ. The media will poo on us just because. Do we really think that the bobbleheads on TV are going to support one that is going to raise taxes on them? Nope they will not. No matter what. we need to understand that they have jobs and incomes that they want to protect. They know full well which side their bread is buttered.

            I want Mahuta because there is substance to that women. She can handle an adverse media.

            Jacintha let her grow up a bit. She is young and will do well in the next few years. At the moment what we need is a “mother of the nation” (very german expression…someone who can run a show and not fall over at the faintest whiff of a fart).

            The caucus needs to be put in their place. They are not the citizens of this country that get shafted. They are effn pampered poodles with too much money, too many perks and nothing to show for.

            Why the heck would anyone want to listen to them. Rotten Eggs and tomatoes is my idea of loving for them until they find their spine their loyalties.

            • Chooky 48.2.4.1.1.1
              19 November 2014 at 9:31 am

              +100..”I want Mahuta because there is substance to that women. She can handle an adverse media”….she is the real deal !…

  49. lurgee 49
    18 November 2014 at 4:12 pm

    Robertson will be deputy. Even if Little got to pick his deputy, the likelihood is he would pick Robertson, given the way the votes fell. He lost caucus and membership votes. If his leadership is to be credible beyond the weekend, he needs a popular, heavyweight candidate. Mahuta does not have that support. Ardern lacks the gravitas. Robertson is the obvious contender. And – though it will stick in the craws of the partisan dreamers hereabouts – it will probably be an effective combination. I think Robertson, having run twice and lost twice, knows he isn’t likely to get it now. If he knuckles down and gets on with being the most effective deputy the world has ever seen, he might be in with a shout in the future, though perversely the better he does his job (and thus helps Labour win) he will postpone that date. But another short-lived, ineffective leadership will simply leave him tarnished as well – either because he refuses to be part of the team, or doesn’t play his part fully.

    • Colonial Rawshark 49.1
      18 November 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Grant Robertson sees himself as Leader, not as Deputy.

        • weka 49.1.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 4:45 pm

          Good for him.

        • Chooky 49.1.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 4:50 pm

          +100 Phil …thanks for that !…Little showing he can sock it to John Key ….and also his dry sense of humour… He looks like the NEXT Prime Minister!

          • srylands 49.1.1.2.1
            18 November 2014 at 6:07 pm

            “He looks like the NEXT Prime Minister!”

            I clearly recall you all saying much the same thing on 15 September 2013.

            I don’t believe the next labour PM is currently in the Parliament. But good luck. I could be wrong. If Tony Abbott can be the Prime Minister of Australia, I guess Andrew Little can be the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

            • Chooky 49.1.1.2.1.1
              18 November 2014 at 8:11 pm

              well i knew it would be hard for Cunliffe…but i guess i was ignorant or innocent of the extent of your John Key Nact dirty tricks PR…and the extent to which the msm was bought out by the right…but never mind ….lessons learned all around !

              ….Cunliffe would have made a great Prime Minister!…if he had had the support of caucus he would have run again !….and Andrew Little was endorsed by David Cunliffe

              Andrew Little has the advantage of hindsight …and will be a hell of a lot tougher !…so will the rest of the Left in general after Nicky Hager’s book….’Dirty Politics’

              …so no reason to feel smug…if i were you i would be feeling ashamed of myself

            • sabine 49.1.1.2.1.2
              18 November 2014 at 9:08 pm

              but what do you care…..you get to support dear leader next time.

        • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 49.1.1.3
          18 November 2014 at 8:10 pm

          Never say never for Grant.

          Grant, just five months ago, uttered “I support the leader” when Cunliffe was leader:

          See and hear Grant from 1’05” at
          http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/defiant-cunliffe-turns-key-6006883/video?vid=6008068

          Btw the Dong-Hua Liu smears worked well against Cunliffe, didn’t they?

          Thanks, JK. /sarc

          • Hami Shearlie 49.1.1.3.1
            18 November 2014 at 11:30 pm

            Robertson said he would not “seek” the leadership again – as Chris Trotter said on Paul Henry’s show tonight, Robertson didn’t say he wouldn’t take the leadership! I would love to see him gone! Robertson has been one of Labour’s big big problems for a good while now!

      • lurgee 49.1.2
        18 November 2014 at 4:26 pm

        But you’re crazy and no-one listens to you.

      • Chooky 49.1.3
        18 November 2014 at 4:55 pm

        +100 CR…pertinent point ….it is better off for everyone that Grant Robertson is a Minister and Not the Deputy

    • Ad 49.2
      18 November 2014 at 4:18 pm

      Agree. Right logic.

      But omg 1 caucus vote shifts, trigger pulled, argh, Mutually Assured Destruction.

    • Ron 49.3
      18 November 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Robertson said tonight he would not run again. If he accepted Deputy it would be effectively standing as Leader again.
      Nanaia deserves some reward and she would be find as deputy

  50. goodsweat 50
    18 November 2014 at 4:28 pm

    Grant will chuck a little tizz and run away from home. He’ll go down to the cricket ground and ruminate in the back row of the Victorian grandstand. He’ll spend 2 hours swapping horrid observations of people with Alf and about sunset we’ll hear his chipper voice “You make cocktails Andrew and I’ll play the piano.”

  51. Disraeli Gladstone 51
    18 November 2014 at 4:35 pm

    Oh for fuck sake. Deja vu.

    David Miliband by far the best person for the job. Wins caucus. Wins the party members. Loses to Ed because of the unions. Result? A fucking train wreck of a Labour Party.

    Grant Robertson by far the best person for the job. Wins caucus. Wins the party members. Loses to Little because of the unions. Result? I wonder what it could possibly be.

    Good to see that the rank and file’s wishes were pushed to one aside to take into consideration that Little was the EPMU’s old boss.

    I’m surprised more isn’t being discussed here about the fact that like the general election, the Standard was well out of tune with reality (considering Grant won the party members vote by 10% when people thought Little would walk it with Nahuta and Cunliffe’s support).

    • DoublePlusGood 51.1
      18 November 2014 at 5:28 pm

      I fail to see how manipulating everything until you get your way and be the leader is some how ‘by far the best person for the job’.

      • marie 51.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 7:07 pm

        +1

        Happily undermining the party by talking to the media……anything to be leader. Couldn’t care less about the poor and needy.

        And he’s not the only one. Thought the caucus might have got the message that the party members are sick to death of this behaviour…..Darien Fenton obviously hasn’t been listening.

    • lurgee 51.2
      18 November 2014 at 5:59 pm

      David ‘banana’ Miliband would have been a terrible leader. Ed M isn’t great – though he’s shown admirable determination, given the constant hostility directed at him – but he got whatever brains and charisma the family has.

  52. Anne 52
    18 November 2014 at 4:45 pm

    Don’t bother to listen to The Panel online. Brian Edwards, Michelle Boag and guest Bryce Edwards. All negative stuff from the two Edwards fellows. Surprisingly Michelle gave the fairest assessment by at least acknowledging (in passing) Little’s abilities.

    Mora read out two tweets – one from Darien Fenton and one from Phil Twyford.

    Darien tweeted something to the effect… it’s a catastrophe

    Twyford tweeted he’s looking forward to working under Little’s leadership.

    • Virginia Linton 52.1
      18 November 2014 at 4:56 pm

      Who listens to Darien? She made her choices and she’s had her day. Good on Phil, who was positive and great at a recent hustings meeting.

    • Karen 52.2
      18 November 2014 at 5:58 pm

      Poor show Darien. I thought you were better than that.

    • Tracey 52.3
      18 November 2014 at 6:58 pm

      Interesting to observe a strong union person like darien so anti Little? Cant mean nothing surely?

      • Colonial Rawshark 52.3.1
        18 November 2014 at 7:08 pm

        Nope – Darien holds only minor sway in the unions, and has been campaigning hard in person and online for Grant since Sept 20.

        • Anne 52.3.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 8:18 pm

          Darien is a genuine and caring person. I just don’t agree with her when it comes to leadership matters. I think she is close to Grant Robertson so lets give them a bit of slack.

    • sabine 52.4
      18 November 2014 at 9:11 pm

      My MP……love the man, really I do. 🙂

    • lurgee 52.5
      19 November 2014 at 6:57 am

      If you’re referring to Fenton’s tweet of “Disappointment doesn’t mean disloyalty. I’m a labour trooper. Always have been always will be.” then “it’s a catastrophe” isn’t exactly a fair paraphrase.

      Was there another tweet, since deleted?

      • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 52.5.1
        19 November 2014 at 1:52 pm

        It was in response to Laura McQuillan’s tweet where Darien said, at 2:04pm (18 Nov 2014), “yep I’m not gonna be nice about this. It’s a disaster”.

        I saw the screenshot and can ask for that if required.

      • Anne 52.5.2
        19 November 2014 at 2:52 pm

        Yes, according to Jim Mora on yesterday’s The Panel.

        The words were apparently it’s a disaster not catastrophe. I knew it it was one or the other. On Morning Report she said she admitted she had been very disappointed for Grant (fair enough), but she was referring to the closeness of the result with the “disaster” claim. She went on to say she’s moved on now so I say good on her…

        Oops : Kiwiri has already commented.

  53. Virginia Linton 53
    18 November 2014 at 4:53 pm

    Thrilled with Andrew’s win! Let’s hope for a strong fresh lineup, with experienced MPs mentoring the younger ones. Grant’s speech was gracious and grown up, well done Grant. It’s up to Andrew now to put a team in place that can work with and for him, and that will be united to advance the values of our 100 year old Labour Party. Let’s hope he gets the mature support he needs to progress Labour, rather than grubby scrapping by individuals with their own agendas.

  54. Tautoko Mangō Mata 54
    18 November 2014 at 5:16 pm

    Time for us all to calm down, get out the song sheet and read the music. The descant has been bloody awful so we will need to do it in unison.
    We, the Labour Party members are going to direct our criticism towards the National Party who are failing NZers on issues such as climate change, inequality, the environment, regional development, education, research and development, while at the same time enriching the already well-off, plundering our assets, dragging us towards an unwinnable war and setting up a Big Brother surveillance system to spy on the chips on our shoulders. No more arrows should be wasted on ourselves or any other party that wants to help unseat this despicable government.

    And let’s put the MSM on notice that they are there to report the truth and Donghua Liu-level unsubstantiated journalism will not be tolerated. The real war is here in NZ- a war against poverty, against destruction of the environment, against unaffordable housing, against lack of transparency of government, against total surveillance, against asset stripping, against exacerbating climate change, against starving the regions of transport and work.

  55. Tracey 55
    18 November 2014 at 5:21 pm

    Andrew, lose the tie unless its part of a proscribed dresscode.

    Good luck.

    • BM 55.1
      18 November 2014 at 5:42 pm

      And those naff looking $4.99 warehouse shirts.
      He got some talent but his dress sense could do with a bit of work.

      • Anne 55.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 5:52 pm

        He got some talent but his dress sense could do with a bit of work.

        +1

        • Colonial Viper 55.1.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 7:38 pm

          We don’t need or want Andrew to get too much Wellington polish.

          I fear for when the paid hanger ons try to remake him in their image of the perfect Thorndon Bubble politician. Fear for them, that is.

          • Anne 55.1.1.1.1
            18 November 2014 at 7:57 pm

            Nah CV. He will never stand for that. But he does need to get into the 21st century.

            They gave Helen Clark a much needed make-over in the 90s, but they never got her into plunging neck-lines, pearls, ear-rings, chunky bracelets and laser whitened teeth like a number of the female Nat. counterparts on the other side of the chamber.

          • Chooky 55.1.1.1.2
            18 November 2014 at 8:00 pm

            +100 CV…dress is the least of Labour Party worries…and those that worry about it are everything that is wrong with the Labour Party

        • greywarshark 55.1.1.2
          18 November 2014 at 8:05 pm

          A shirt is pretty standard. We don’t want to be sidelined by stylistas, the trivialistas.
          Someone who appeared to like Andrew’s union background then had a go at his check shirt. What a conformist lot of little minds. Just wear good quality gear and it doesn’t have to be $1000’s but would be better to not show creases too much.
          So no linen, and take no notice of what it says in the Old Testament.

  56. Ron 56
    18 November 2014 at 5:39 pm

    Robertson said on news that he would not stand for leader again. Now we have to make him keep his word.

    • chris73 56.1
      18 November 2014 at 5:57 pm

      Of course if caucus overwhelmingly decided to back him then of course he’d reconsider but only if the party wanted it…

    • b waghorn 56.2
      18 November 2014 at 7:33 pm

      He said he wouldn’t ‘put is name forward’ there is a difference to won’t stand

  57. Disraeli Gladstone 57
    18 November 2014 at 5:41 pm

    Can someone explain why the people who pushed and pushed for a ‘red’ Labour are now celebrating Andrew Little’s win.

    He, along with Parker, were by far the more centrist candidates. And his tenure as head of the EPMU was of a very Middle-Way approach to unionism.

    Is this all to do with Cunliffe’s recommendations? Seems like Cunliffe could have recommended John Key and people would have swung behind him becoming leader of the Labour Party.

    Ah well.

    May be time to properly join the Green Party.

    • Chooky 57.1
      18 November 2014 at 6:43 pm

      oh no …you wouldnt!

    • sabine 57.2
      18 November 2014 at 9:18 pm

      oh please do so. I am sure it will be a better party with you.

    • lurgee 57.3
      19 November 2014 at 6:52 am

      Can someone explain why the people who pushed and pushed for a ‘red’ Labour are now celebrating Andrew Little’s win.

      Because a lot of people here are so fanatically anti-Robertson they can’t actually see that Andrew Little is not the Great Saviour Of The Left. Politically, Little’s probably to the right of Robertson, but that doesn’t matter to our Robertson-hating partisans, because anyone who isn’t Grant Robertson (and maybe David DISLOYAL Parker) must be Good. And Good = Left in their demented world view.

      There is going to be a lot of disappointed howling and shrieking, or massive cognitive dissonance hereabouts in a few months time. Still, this leadership contest has proven that the commentators hereabouts are in no way representative of the Labour Party membership, far less the general electorate.

    • Karen 57.4
      19 November 2014 at 3:45 pm

      I didn’t vote for Little because Cunliffe recommended him. I made my decision after reading everything issued by the 4 candidates and going to hustings meetings. I chose Andrew because, once it was obvious the choice was between Grant and Andrew, Andrew had the best strategy for winning the next election.

      Grant has had very limited work experience and this would have been used to question his ability to be PM, justifiably in my view. He also seemed to lay total blame for the election result on Cunliffe, which was very naive. I don’t think he was prepared for the attacks he’d get.

      My personal politics are on the left of all 4 candidates, but I recognise that neither the Labour Party nor the Green Party (who I also support) are going to be able to enact all the policies I’d like. While Little is centrist in some areas he was the only candidate to see the need for expanding, rather than maintaining, the number of state houses, and the only one to recognise the needs of beneficiaries.

  58. Colonial Viper 58
    18 November 2014 at 5:46 pm

    Stuff says – Robertson confirms he will not ever run for leadership again (…until the next time he does)

    https://twitter.com/NZStuffPolitics/status/534521440926576640/photo/1

  59. Whateva next? 59
    18 November 2014 at 6:21 pm

    Time to unite, and happy to do so with a leader like Andrew learned by the hard yards, and obviously connected already, as shown by the many people in the unions who know him, and have faith in him

    • Chooky 59.1
      18 November 2014 at 6:41 pm

      Little is sounding very good on the radio…getting stuck into Brownlee now!…bloody good stuff

      …Go Andrew Little next Prime Minister of New Zealand …but there is quite a lot of house cleaning to do next!

      ….the warehouse has to be cleared of old machinery before the new lot can be moved in

      • lurgee 59.1.1
        19 November 2014 at 6:47 am

        And so the factional squabbling and dissent continues …

        Why is it people are yelling that caucus has to show unity, but don’t think they have to try a bit of it themselves?

  60. Clean_power 60
    18 November 2014 at 7:17 pm

    Chris Trotter on the radio this arvo was extremely harsh and scathing of the result, calling Little’s election the possible result for Labour. I guess he was a Robertson supporter.

    • Chooky 60.1
      18 November 2014 at 7:20 pm

      Chris Trotter also thought it would be good to be rid of Helen Clark

      • Draco T Bastard 60.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 7:29 pm

        Yep, Trotter is often wrong and it pays to take what he says with a few grains of salt.

      • Colonial Rawshark 60.1.2
        18 November 2014 at 8:07 pm

        Trotter was for Shearer as the absolute best thing, until he was against Shearer as being not the right thing

        • felix 60.1.2.1
          18 November 2014 at 9:44 pm

          Well his strength is as a historian, not a futurist.

        • Karen 60.1.2.2
          19 November 2014 at 12:45 pm

          And after that Trotter was for Cunliffe as the absolute best thing, until he was against Cunliffe … I gave up on Trotter a long time ago. He very seldom has anything insightful to say.

    • Paul 60.2
      18 November 2014 at 9:00 pm

      Well he was speaking on ZB….

      Do you think they’d ever invite someone on who was a) genuinely from the left (i.e not Pagani) and also prepared to state a positive message about left wing ideals?
      It’s a rhetorical question.
      You need to spend less time listening to Larry Lackwit. It’s not good for your health.

  61. TeWhareWhero 61
    18 November 2014 at 7:56 pm

    The political pundits are declaiming as if their precious little lives depended on how much doom-laden hyperbole they can spout. And that’s just the ones on the Left.

  62. fisiani 62
    18 November 2014 at 7:59 pm

    Congratulations to Andrew Mogadon of the Union Party. How low can they go. 40% of the EPMU vote National yet their delegates annoint the lowest polling member of caucus and the man beloved by the minority of members.

  63. DS 63
    18 November 2014 at 8:23 pm

    So we have a leader. Excellent. Time to stop complaining, and work together for a victory in 2017.

  64. les 64
    18 November 2014 at 9:00 pm

    Little may hopefully turn out to be a surprise package.He has decency ,thats something NZ relates to(as did the other contenders)and seems totally focused.All Labour supporters need to embrace him as leader and get on with the job of sending Key to Hawaii.As an aside Little will be a cartoonists delight I’m picking.

    • GregJ 64.1
      18 November 2014 at 9:23 pm

      Perhaps he is the “anti-Key”?

      • chris73 64.1.1
        18 November 2014 at 9:27 pm

        No no I’m sure hes a game changer*

        *Probably around the 14th game changer thus far

        🙂

        • Anne 64.1.1.1
          18 November 2014 at 10:05 pm

          You’re on form tonight. I’ve enjoyed the repartee.

          Actually he’s the 15th Labour leader (heard that somewhere today) – 4 of them since 2008. We’re doing well.

          • halfcrown 64.1.1.1.1
            19 November 2014 at 8:00 am

            “You’re on form tonight. I’ve enjoyed the repartee.”

            So have I, Excellent both of you.

  65. Rodel 65
    18 November 2014 at 9:39 pm

    Although I wanted David Cunliffe, all four contenders are/ were good people but Andrew Little has won a fair and transparent contest and deserves our congratulations and support.

    I hope he brings back a good old fashioned egalitarian outlook, something lacking in the selfish Tory mindset that has stealthily invaded kiwi thinking.

    I also hope he gives a hard time to journalists who will no doubt try to treat him with the same character assassination techniques they employed against Cunliffe.

    e.g. “Oh Fuck off Paddy. Has anyone else got a sensible question?”
    (I’d never make a politician)

    .

    • felix 65.1
      18 November 2014 at 9:46 pm

      “Oh Fuck off Paddy. Has anyone else got a sensible question?”

      Gawd I’d love to hear that. From anyone. I’d be delighted if Bill English said it.

    • sabine 65.2
      18 November 2014 at 9:54 pm

      You ask that question and you have my vote.

      see you win. 🙂

  66. felix 66
    18 November 2014 at 10:15 pm

    I see Radio NZ has a new political commentator. John someone.

    Checkpoint went straight to him for a pundit’s view of the leadership result so I guess he must know a thing or two about the Labour party.

    Apparently he predicted Little would win. Said so himself.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/20157740/andrew-little-beats-out-grant-robertson-in-leadership-race

  67. Redzone 67
    18 November 2014 at 10:37 pm

    Congrats to Little – hardly an overwhelming mandate but he ran convincingly. I like the fact there is no pretense here and he actually speaks and sounds bloody authentic and appears decisive. That’s a refreshing change. Clear and to the point in the media will be an asset.
    Must be damn tempting to now purge but probably needs to make Robertson deputy as a sign of unity with caucus. Keep friends close and enemies even closer as they say.

  68. Clemgeopin 68
    18 November 2014 at 11:38 pm

    I feel that the caucus should realise a few simple truths:

    [1] The caucus are put there by the members by selecting them to be MPs.
    [2] The caucus have to be loyal to the party and the leader always.
    [3] The caucus should not get too cocky, arrogant or ego driven. The party and the leader paramount.
    [4] The caucus are there to serve the wishes of the party members and not to boss them over.
    [5] The caucus are servants of the party and not their masters.
    [6] The caucus members SHOULD have surveyed their constituents and supporters first as to which Labour leadership candidate THEY preferred and should have voted accordingly, rather than what their own faction inside caucus wanted.
    [7] Write or state unequivocally your complete support for the new leader and do not let anyone of your colleagues undermine him or the party ever.
    [8] If any caucus member is unhappy with the final result today and wants to be a traitor from within, just have some integrity/courage and just leave the party.
    [9] The caucus members should know that the labour party members and the entire nation is watching. Do not let the party, its members and yourself down.

    Readers here are welcome to add to this important list.

    • Colonial Viper 68.1
      18 November 2014 at 11:41 pm

      +100

      The caucus are well paid servants of the party and the public. They should stop acting as if they are the all powerful palace eunuchs.

      • les 68.1.1
        19 November 2014 at 6:43 am

        if they in fact do act like that,not only will they never get laid,their chances of winning the treasury benches are about the same.

  69. Clemgeopin 69
    19 November 2014 at 2:13 am

    An email I received from Andrew Little that he sent to all the members straight after being elected:

    Dear Clem,

    As someone who’s shown an interest in issues affecting Kiwis, I wanted you to be one of the first people I wrote to in my new role as Leader of the Labour Party.

    I’m committed to fighting for fairness and opportunity for all New Zealanders. Over the next three years, I hope you’ll join me in that fight. From taking away our tea breaks, to selling off our state houses, this government has shown its priority is the few at the top, not everyday Kiwis.

    But by working together, we can cast a light on the bad decisions this government’s making. We may not win every battle we fight, but we can use our combined strength to stop the worst of their plans.

    And that’s why I’m writing today. Thousands of people recently completed a survey about the state of housing in New Zealand. A staggering 97% of people reported that they’re concerned about the country’s housing crisis.

    But housing’s an issue this government just doesn’t seem to want to fix. They should be lowering house prices by building new homes. Instead, they’re planning on selling off our limited stock of state houses, and removing the safety net which makes sure all our kids have a warm, dry roof over their heads.

    As one of my first actions as Leader of the Labour Party, I’m going to launch a housing campaign. But I need to know how much people are willing to get involved, so I can decide how much of our limited resources we should put into the campaign.

    So tell me: would you back a campaign to fix our country’s housing?

    [Links]

    Yes – and I’ll chip in to help fund it

    Yes – but I can’t chip in

    No – I won’t back a housing campaign

    There are heaps of ways we could campaign: from signing a petition, or writing to MPs, or chipping in to help fund a newspaper ad across the country.

    Together, we can make this a huge campaign which the government have to pay attention to, and take action on.

    Click here if you’ll back a campaign to fix our housing crisis.[Link]

    The strength of power in numbers is where the Labour Party came from, and I’m committed to proving that notion still has value today, as we campaign together over the next three years – starting with this housing campaign.

    Thanks,

    Andrew Little
    Labour Party Leader

    • goodsweat 69.1
      19 November 2014 at 7:19 pm

      YES! That’s what I reckon too Andrew. I’ve been rabbiting on about it.

      I don’t think it need be viewed as a campaign but more a corner-stone idea to carry Labour right into the next election.

      The spin-off benefits are many. Housing is one area that has the potential to absorb a worthwhile lift in the incomes of those that work with their hands. I’ve seen itube footage of a machine that prints a house but I think that’s a little way off and there will still be many labour intensive tasks.

      The economy of scale would come into play. The per metre rate when buying long-run roofing comes right down when you’re buying 20 kilometres of it. It would be great to see cost savings of this type make it into the pockets of all those individuals making the house happen.

      This was Labour’s best policy last election, it oozed potential. It died an ugly death. Politicians have an uphill battle when it comes to being accepted as telling the raw truth. You know those satirical pieces Fred Dagg/John Clarke does in Aussie? The Labour housing story came across like one of those sketches.

      “Well we need 10,000 houses in the year, so we’ll get 2500 builders starting and finishing one every quarter and we’re there!”

      Upon hearing this, every person in NZ that has ever had a house built or anything to do with building one said ‘Bulldust’. The person that can get the paperwork through in 4 weeks can probably also walk on water.

      I have an idea about how Labour could sell the housing plan in a manner that would leave no room for achievability doubt. Careers, reasonably priced houses, the means to get into one, a healthy lift in everyone’s wages. Opportunity smorgasbord.

      Start accumulating and facilitating signed contracts with key providers. eg: A signed contract with GJ Gardener Homes to build 2000 homes. The contract signed under the proviso Labour are the government in 2017. The same with the holders of all that land in outer west Auckland, signed sale contracts with a proviso, labour must win. The same with a training institution. 100 new electricians, 100 new plumbers etc, all positions supported with a signed contract provided Labour win 2017. Etc etc. NZ’s future can be all sitting there on the start ramps. All it would take is a few red ticks.

      This approach can be taken on from there. A family can be signed to move into their own place, but Labour would need to win for the place to be built.

      Not election promises. Hard Proof Labour are going to put a rocket under NZ that is going to benefit each and everyone of us.

  70. Clean_power 70
    19 November 2014 at 7:00 am

    How long will Grant Robertson loyalty last?
    No, he will not bail out, since he knows nothing but Labour politics.

  71. les 71
    19 November 2014 at 7:07 am

    I’ve just realised who Little looks like….Bert from the muppets duo…its the mouth I think.

  72. Ffloyd 72
    19 November 2014 at 10:05 am

    Some time ago I heard Little asked how he would counter jk and he said that his main consideration would be to get NZ back on it’s feet and working for ALL New Zealanders and that jk would be the least of his worries. Paraphrased of course but I like his attitude that key is just another mortal like anyone and can be marginalised . I don’t think he will buy into this ‘key is unbeatable’ myth that is perpetuated by our media hacks. Key is easily stared down and Little will be the one to do it.

  73. Treetop 73
    19 November 2014 at 2:45 pm

    The thing I like about Little is how he can adapt/modify what he has to work with in order to improve it. I like his boldness as well.

  74. Ian 74
    19 November 2014 at 6:07 pm

    I like Andrew Little too. Another 3 years guys ,

  75. newsense 75
    19 November 2014 at 6:25 pm

    Seems like Little is a manager, which is perhaps something other leaders have lacked.

    But ffs- an anonymous MP again carrying on about “really sounding the death knell” on David Cunliffe’s career. Well done, you have identified the real enemy and continued your anonymous BS.

    Going on Shearer’s BS Robertson should resign from parliament in order to prevent further media speculation about the leadership. I mean FFS he said David could be PM for years and years too and look how that has transpired- the knives were ready at the first occasion.

    Well, Little has the advantage of having been a leader of a large left wing organisation, so we will see what happens.

  76. Ware armitage 76
    19 November 2014 at 8:16 pm

    I can’t understand people here who say that someone should be “moved on”. They are elected MP’s. History has shown us that the leader can’t just say “Go away!!” Little is going to have to manage what he has until 2017. Personally would love to see Annette as Wellington mayor some time soon.

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