Andrew Little speech: Ready for work
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2:22 pm, November 6th, 2016 - 201 comments
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E nga mana
E nga tapu
E Te whanau o te roopu reipa
Tena koutou katoa
Talofa lava
Kia orana
Malo e lelei
Nǐ hǎo
Namaste
Can I acknowledge party president Nigel Haworth, and all of our hard working New Zealand Councillors.
I want to thank our wonderful MPs. You are well served by your caucus. There’s only one problem – there isn’t enough of them.
Winning Mt Roskill and getting Michel Wood adds one. Next year, we add more.
I also want to acknowledge the great team who’ll be leading the campaign next year. Our wonderful new General Secretary and campaign manager Andrew Kirton, and Campaign chair Phil Twyford.
I especially want to thank my deputy Annette King. You know, last year a journalist described Annette as a cross between your favourite grandmother and a Mafioso boss. I make no comment on that, but Annette’s doing a great job.
Last, and most of all, I want to acknowledge you, our fantastic party members.
I’ve had the chance to see many of you over the last two years.
Those of you who saw a certain rug probably got a chance to see more of me than you wanted.
Honestly though, I was very flattered by that rug’s depiction of me.
They really made my arms look much bigger than they are.
I think the style of art for that rug is called socialist realism. I’m just thankful it wasn’t cubism.
Delegates, we’ve had a fantastic conference.
Yesterday we launched out Future of Work report, which yet again proved Labour is the party of ideas in New Zealand. Grant Robertson thank you for leading this very important project.
For over 100 years now, Labour has been New Zealand’s party of ideas. No organisation in our country’s history has the same record of delivering progress for our people.
- From building the welfare state to restoring the mana of the Treaty of Waitangi;
- From going nuclear free to winning marriage equality;
- From our first sovereign wealth fund to tackling the future of work, Labour is the party that has done the things that define us as a country, and that laid the foundations for progress for our great nation.
That is our legacy. It’s up to all of us to build on it.
Helen Kelly
I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to Helen Kelly.
The Labour movement has lost a warrior.
New Zealand has lost one of its greatest daughters.
And many of us have lost a friend.
All our thoughts are with Steve, Dylan, Cath, and Max as they come to terms with losing Helen.
To them, Helen was a partner, a mother, a daughter, a sister.
To all of us, Helen was a champion, an advocate, an agitator. She was an inspiration.
Whether she was fighting for fair wages, safety at work, or for access to medicine, Helen epitomised the best of New Zealand values.
When she saw others in need, she offered to help.
When she saw wrong, she strove to right it.
Helen stood in no one’s shadow, and we will miss her greatly.
But, delegates, Helen would say:
“Don’t mourn, organise.”
The best way to honour Helen’s memory is to keep fighting without tiring, without flinching. To never give up and to make the changes we need.
Delegates, I’ve been the Leader of our Party for nearly two years now.
In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible New Zealanders.
Kiwis who are doing amazing things, leading the world, helping others.
People like Peter Beck of RocketLab whose passion for outer space and sheer determination will see New Zealand as one of the few countries in the world offering commercial services in small satelite deployment. Which for me was unthinkable as a 15 year old bopping to Mi-sex singing Space Race.
People like the senior boys at St Thomas College in Christchurch who, every year, enter the nationwide young enterprise scheme, and insist on an entry that has social benefits, not just commercial benefits.
And who every year win recognition for the quality of their entry and the compassion behind it.
People like the young couple who ten years ago started an online retail business in their garage selling baby clothes, who now, have a staff of 15, and insist that no one gets paid less than the living wage.
It comes down to this. We are a great country because we are a great people.
We’re fair minded.
We are not, by nature, mean-spirited.
We’re ambitious and we grab opportunities with both hands.
If you give New Zealanders a fair chance, a decent shot, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
Delegates, that’s what our party has always believed.
For 100 years now, we’ve stood for that fair go. For everyone.
Our time in government has been about building a country where everyone can live up to their potential and no one is left out or left behind.
And right now, that is the approach we need more than ever.
Because there’s another side to our country today.
For all the great things Kiwis are doing, too many people are missing out.
Inequality and poverty are rising.
The housing crisis is raging on.
And the things people rely on to give them opportunity – the health services to keep us well, the police to keep us safe, and the schools for our kids – all those things are under pressure.
So while more than ever goes to those already doing very well, it’s getting harder for everyone else to get ahead.
It’s like there’s a party on the top two floors in New Zealand, but no one else is invited.
Delegates, we have the opportunity in front of us to change all of that.
The choice we have to make
In my speech last year, I talked about the Kiwi Dream.
It’s pretty basic stuff.
A decent job, more money in your pocket at the end of the week, a warm, dry home, a good school for your kids and a healthcare system that’s there when you need it.
This year, I want to tell you about the chance that’s in front of us to make that dream a reality for every New Zealander.
We meet this weekend at a time of real opportunity for our country.
We’ve come through a rough time economically.
Fortunately, New Zealand was in a better position than most to weather that storm.
Thanks to successive governments, our banking system was in better shape than many in Europe and North America.
And thanks to Sir Michael Cullen, our public debt in 2008 was virtually zero. Zero.
So when the crisis hit, New Zealand was ready.
Our good position means we’ve come out of the shadow of the GFC faster and in better shape than most other countries.
That means we are now in a position to finally address many of the challenges we face as a country. We have billions of dollars of new debt to repay.
Contributions to the Super Fund were stopped and we are way behind what is needed for the future cost of superannuation.
And there is the urgent need to invest in our people, and invest in their future.
Delegates, it’s time that every New Zealander got to benefit from the good times ahead.
That’s the choice in front of us. That’s the decision we have to make.
Do we choose to stick with business as usual? Do we keep throwing more money at those already doing well.
Keep running down our schools and our hospitals. Keep eroding the things that give people the foundation to get ahead.
Or do we invest in people?
Invest in the things that give people opportunities.
Better schools. Better healthcare. Safer communities.
An end to the housing crisis that’s causing so much misery.
That’s the choice we have.
Delegates, that is the fight in front of us at next year’s election.
If we want to change what’s happening now, we have to change the government.
We have to win.
The last two years has been about getting our great party ready to do just that.
The results of the local elections show we can campaign to win. The polls show it’s a neck and neck race between the centre-left and centre-right blocs.
This is a straight fight, and I’m up for it, we’re up for it and I’ll tell you this:
We’re going to win.
We’re going to win because New Zealanders know it’s time to back our people.
It’s time to invest in the future.
It’s time to put people first.
National’s Plan
And look, we can do so much better than what this Government is offering.
They’ve been very clear about the path they want us to take.
We should give them credit for that, they’ve been very up front about it.
No, I’m serious. They’ve been straight up about what they’d rather do.
They’re proud of their plan. Really.
Do you know what it is?
It’s pretty simple:
Tax cuts.
That’s it. That’s their answer.
After eight years, it’s pretty much all they’ve got left.
At next year’s election, they’ll be asking you to believe that shaving a few points off the top tax rate is the height of what we can achieve as a nation.
They’ll be asking you to believe that moving from the fifth lowest taxes in the OECD to the fourth lowest is the best we can hope for.
And look, I get that this government’s never met a tax cut they didn’t like.
The economy is in trouble in 2010? Well, time for a tax cut to get things growing again! Because you know, trickle down and all that.
The economy’s on the rebound in 2016? Thank god, now we can do tax cuts!
Here’s the reality about the last lot of tax cuts: it didn’t actually make that much of a difference for most people, while the ones already doing well got a big boost.
That’s the problem with tax cuts – those who already have the most always get the most.
And when National’s talking about three billion dollars a year in tax cuts, that’s a lot of money to give away to the very rich.
And to pay for that, they’ll keep running down our schools and our hospitals. They’ll keep underfunding the very things we should be investing in.
This is an empty, small minded vision for our future. And in this election, together, we’re going to show New Zealand a better way.
Delegates, Labour offers a much more hopeful vision for our country.
While National looks to give more than ever to those at the very top, we will invest in people.
We’ll build on everything we love about our country and together we will leave it even better for future generations.
A country that is more prosperous. That is more just. That has more opportunities for all our people.
Let’s start with housing.
Everyone except National agrees we have a housing crisis in New Zealand.
Not a housing “challenge,” or a housing “issue.”
It’s a crisis.
It’s a crisis when home ownership is at its lowest level in 65 years.
It’s a crisis when speculators are having a field day but nurses and teachers and police officers can’t afford to buy a home in Auckland.
And it’s a crisis when more and more of our families are having to sleep in garages and in cars.
You’ve all heard about the family living in a van in South Auckland, with an 11 year old girl struggling to do her homework in a dimly-lit back seat.
That’s a tragedy but they’re not alone.
Lynette Haines lives in Tauranga.
She’s 69, she’s worked all her life and she’s been forced to live in a campground for the last six months because she couldn’t afford a home, and now she faces being evicted from there as well.
69 years old, a lifetime of work, and you end up living in your car.
How the hell does that happen in a country like ours?
When did we decide that was the kind of place we wanted to be?
We never voted for that.
That’s not the New Zealand I know. That’s not the country I love.
Well, I say: no more.
We’re not going to let people languish in poverty like this.
We’re not going to let our families be shut out of the housing market any longer.
We’re not going to sit on the sidelines, we’re going to roll up our sleeves, get stuck in, and fix housing once and for all.
That means 100,000 new affordable homes for first home buyers.
And we’ll establish an Affordable Housing Authority to work with developers, cut through the delays and get those homes built fast.
And we will end the tax loopholes that the big property speculators use to rack up their super-profits.
We’ll scrap the negative gearing tax break they use and if they buy a property to flip it within five years, they’ll pay the full tax on it.
That’s my message: no more free rides for the speculators and a fair shot for first home buyers at last.
With our plan, the difference is clear. We are the party of homeownership.
If you’re trying to save to buy a home, Labour will help make it happen.
And if you want to see an end to homelessness in New Zealand, Labour is the party that’ll do it.
No child in our country should have to do their homework in the backseat of a car because they don’t have a home.
It’s wrong and under Labour, those days are over.
We’ll build new state houses and invest in emergency housing as well, so every Kiwi family can have a roof over their heads.
Delegates, the next part of our plan is about investing in our future.
It’s about restoring the things that give people opportunity.
It starts with making sure we’re giving all our kids the best education we can.
I remember the first day Leigh and I sent our son Cam off to Island Bay Primary.
Letting your child go for the first time, watching them walk through those school gates on their own, it can be anxious time for every parent.
But I remember the peace of mind that came from knowing he was going to a great school, where the teachers would do everything they could to give him the best start.
Finding a good school for your child shouldn’t be a lottery.
Every Kiwi kid deserves a world class education, no matter how much money their parents have.
So we’ll turn around National’s legacy of failure on education.
That means saying no to bulk funding and larger class sizes.
It means no more public money for dodgy charter schools.
It means ending the funding freeze for our public schools.
We have some of the best teachers in the world, and we’re going to back them to do what they do best: change children’s lives.
Delegates, we’re also going to undo the damage that National has done in health.
You all know the old saying that health cuts don’t heal.
Well, National has underfunded health by $1.7 billion over its time in office.
The health budget simply hasn’t kept up with a growing population and rising costs.
And that means people are missing out.
Get this, in the last year 45,000 New Zealanders were told they needed hospital treatment, but when they got there the local hospital told them they couldn’t afford to treat them.
Every one of those 45,000 waited to see a specialist.
And they waited.
And they waited.
And you know what?
They’re still sick and they’re still waiting.
Heather Stevens was one of those people. She’s working in a dry cleaning business in Dunedin, and she desperately needs surgery on her hip.
She’s in agony, she’s not sure how much longer she can keep working.
But she’s been waiting for four years with no end in sight.
That’s so wrong, and we’re going to fix it.
We’ll restore the funding that National has cut and we’ll give our doctors and nurses and health professionals what they need to keep people well.
And there’s one more public service Labour is going to invest in.
Our police.
Our police do a really tough job, keeping our communities safe.
But years of underfunding have made their job much much harder.
This year, the Government signed off on a four year freeze in police numbers, even though we have a rising population.
And when police aren’t on the beat, crime goes up.
Just recently there was the dairy in West Auckland, held up three times in three weeks.
One store. Three weeks. Three robberies.
That’s not what we should expect in a peaceful country like ours.
That’s why Labour is going to put 1000 extra front line cops on the beat.
It’ll mean fewer crimes being committed and more crimes being solved.
It’ll mean more people able to live their lives free of the fear of violence.
Labour’s Youth Jobs Plan.
And delegates, today I want to tell you about the next part of our plan to take our country forward.
In Labour, we know that investing in our young people, in giving them the opportunity to succeed and live up to their potential is the best thing we can do for the future.
As Leader, I’ve made this a personal priority because I know how much it matters.
I’ve already announced some major policies in this area:
- Three years free education after high school.
- Helping businesses meet the cost of a new apprentice.
- Professional careers advice at school to help young people make good decisions about work or further study.
- Grants for young Kiwis who want to start their own business.
And today, I want to add the next plank.
Right now, we have 74,000 young people in New Zealand who aren’t just out of work, but aren’t in training or education either.
74,000 young people with nothing to do, wasting away on the scrap heap.
Think of all the talent we are wasting.
Young people with forty years of their working lives still ahead of them, but who aren’t getting any skills, who aren’t getting any experience.
Think of the thousands of young people with no prospects, with no hope, who feel like everyone’s given up on them.
Well I’m telling you this: we’re not going to give up.
I’m not going to give up.
Not now, not ever.
It’s not who I am.
As a parent, as a politician, as someone who gives a damn, I won’t give up on our young people.
Everyone has potential. Everyone deserves an opportunity to live up to it.
That’ why today I am announcing that the next Labour Government will introduce a jobs scheme to put those young people to work in our communities.
We won’t let them waste away, we’ll give them a job. We’ll give them opportunities. We’ll give them the fair shot they need.
My commitment is this: A future where every young New Zealander is earning a living or studying towards a career.
Here’s how it’s going to work:
Rather than pay young people the dole, we’ll set them up for six months with a job working in the conservation estate for DOC, or with a local charity or non-profit.
We’ll put young people to work serving the community, getting the work experience they need.
Now these won’t be flashy jobs, but they will be a first step on the ladder.
And every young person will be paired with a mentor, someone who can help them learn new skills and get them ready for the job market.
I’ve seen for myself how programmes like these can work.
I’ve seen courses where they gave young people who have been out of work for a while a chance.
And its hands on stuff, they make sure they get to work, they make sure they bring a lunch, and they work in horticulture, they work on the land.
And by the end of the course, they’ve learned how to stick to a routine, how to pick themselves up when things get rough, they’ve learned habits that will last a life time.
They’ve got experience, they’ve got a reference, they’re providing for themselves.
They’re ready for work.
That’s the change we can make in the lives of thousands of people.
This is about saying to our young people: we’re not giving up on you. We see the potential in you, and here’s opportunity to make the most of yourself.
Delegates, we’re going to change the lives of thousands of our young people.
We’re going to restore opportunity.
We’re going to restore hope to people.
Conclusion
New Zealand, we have a once in a generation opportunity in front of us.
And next year’s election is about whether we can seize it.
We have a chance to make a difference.
A chance to rise to the challenge, win this fight, and make this a better country.
Delegates, that chance is in front of us, now let’s go make it happen.
Let’s organise and campaign and win the changes we need.
Let’s fight for the young people who need a chance, who need a job, who need hope.
Let’s fight for the young couples who are trying to buy their first home.
For the children who want to learn and the families who need better healthcare.
Let’s fight for Helen Kelly and all the changes she wanted to see.
Let’s fight for young people like Taylor and PPV who we saw on Friday. Young people with immense talent who can do anything if we give them an opportunity.
Let’s fight for a Government that puts people first.
New Zealand, It’s time for a better way.
It’s time to raise our sights as a nation
Time to restore hope to our people.
Together, let’s rise to the challenge.
Let’s change the government and then let’s make this an even better country together.
Thank you.
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- An unusual sort of press conference
Today I tuned into something strange: a press conference that didn’t make my stomach churn or the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Which was strange, because it was about the torture of children. It was the announcement by Erica Stanford — on her own, unusually ...5 days ago - This substack has talked about this government’s seeming corruption & pro-corporate issues...
This is a must watch, and puts on brilliant and practical display the implications and mechanics of fast-track law corruption and weakness.CLICK HERE: LINK TO WATCH VIDEOOur news media as it is set up is simply not equipped to deal with the brazen disinformation and corruption under this right wing ...5 days ago - NZCTU: Minister needs to listen to the evidence on engineered stone ban
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting Secretary Erin Polaczuk is welcoming the announcement from Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden that she is opening consultation on engineered stone and is calling on her to listen to the evidence and implement a total ban of the product. “We need ...5 days ago
- Wednesday 18 December
The Government has announced a 1.5% increase in the minimum wage from 1 April 2025, well below forecast inflation of 2.5%. Unions have reacted strongly and denounced it as a real terms cut. PSA and the CTU are opposing a new round of staff cuts at WorkSafe, which they say ...5 days ago
- Can the government change its mind on the ferries?
The decision to unilaterally repudiate the contract for new Cook Strait ferries is beginning to look like one of the stupidest decisions a New Zealand government ever made. While cancelling the ferries and their associated port infrastructure may have made this year's books look good, it means higher costs later, ...5 days ago
- Notes from Afar: Will Luxon Attend Waitangi Day? And Opposition Calls Out Nicola Willis for “C...
Hi there! I’ve been overseas recently, looking after a situation with a family member. So apologies if there any less than focused posts! Vanuatu has just had a significant 7.3 earthquake. Two MFAT staff are unaccounted for with local fatalities.It’s always sad to hear of such things happening.I think of ...5 days ago - Member’s morning
Today is a special member's morning, scheduled to make up for the government's theft of member's days throughout the year. First up was the first reading of Greg Fleming's Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill, which was passed unanimously. Currently the House is debating the third reading of ...5 days ago
- Going Backwards
We're going backwardsIgnoring the realitiesGoing backwardsAre you counting all the casualties?We are not there yetWhere we need to beWe are still in debtTo our insanitiesSongwriter: Martin Gore Read more ...5 days ago - Blaming Treasury & Labour, Willis looks for even more Austerity
Willis blamed Treasury for changing its productivity assumptions and Labour’s spending increases since Covid for the worsening Budget outlook. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, December 18 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast above ...5 days ago
- December-24 AT Board Meeting
Today the Auckland Transport board meet for the last time this year. For those interested (and with time to spare), you can follow along via this MS Teams link from 10am. I’ve taken a quick look through the agenda items to see what I think the most interesting aspects are. ...5 days ago
- The Making of a Mental Health Rockstar
Hi,If you’re a New Zealander — you know who Mike King is. He is the face of New Zealand’s battle against mental health problems. He can be loud and brash. He raises, and is entrusted with, a lot of cash. Last year his “I Am Hope” charity reported a revenue ...5 days ago - It could have been worse
Probably about the only consolation available from yesterday’s unveiling of the Half-Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) is that it could have been worse. Though Finance Minister Nicola Willis has tightened the screws on future government spending, she has resisted the calls from hard-line academics, fiscal purists and fiscal hawks ...5 days ago
- The Deep Divisions of Local Government
The right have a stupid saying that is only occasionally true:When is democracy not democracy? When it hasn’t been voted on.While not true in regards to branches of government such as the judiciary, it’s a philosophy that probably should apply to recently-elected local government councillors. Nevertheless, this concept seemed to ...5 days ago - Willis’ austerity strategy just isn’t working
Long story short: the Government’s austerity policy has driven the economy into a deeper and longer recession that means it will have to borrow $20 billion more over the next four years than it expected just six months ago. Treasury’s latest forecasts show the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s fiscal strategy of ...6 days ago
- Sabin 33 #7 – Are solar projects hurting farmers and rural communities?
On November 1, 2024 we announced the publication of 33 rebuttals based on the report "Rebutting 33 False Claims About Solar, Wind, and Electric Vehicles" written by Matthew Eisenson, Jacob Elkin, Andy Fitch, Matthew Ard, Kaya Sittinger & Samuel Lavine and published by the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia ...6 days ago
- Join us for a pop-up Hoon at 5pm on HYEFU
6 days ago - ‘Ideas Worth Saving’: A Call for Papers
Some years ago, I found myself pondering the power of literature to endure. Or at least the power of some of it to endure, while the rest vanishes in mere decades: https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2019/08/07/look-on-my-works-ye-mighty-and-despair-the-literary-future/. I have similarly had fun with the subject in some of my short stories, such as Another Alexandria ...6 days ago - Corrections is torturing prisoners again
In 1998, in the wake of the Paremoremo Prison riot, the Department of Corrections established the "Behaviour Management Regime". Prisoners were locked in their cells for 22 or 23 hours a day, with no fresh air, no exercise, no social contact, no entertainment, and in some cases no clothes and ...6 days ago
- HYEFU and BPS data shows New Zealand is way off track
New data released by the Treasury shows that the economic policies of this Government have made things worse in the year since they took office, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney. “Our fiscal indicators are all heading in the wrong direction – with higher levels of debt, a higher deficit, and ...6 days ago
- “Better economic management”
At the 2023 election, National basically ran on a platform of being better economic managers. So how'd that turn out for us? In just one year, they've fucked us for two full political terms: The government's books are set to remain deeply in the red for the near term ...6 days ago
- Shameless, clueless
AUSTERITYText within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedMy spreadsheet insists This pain leads straight to glory (File not found) Read more ...6 days ago - Minimum wage ‘increase’ is an effective cut
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi are saying that the Government should do the right thing and deliver minimum wage increases that don’t see workers fall further behind, in response to today’s announcement that the minimum wage will only be increased by 1.5%, well short of forecast inflation. “With inflation forecast ...6 days ago
- Crazy ’bout a Sharp-dressed Man
Oh, I weptFor daysFilled my eyesWith silly tearsOh, yeaBut I don'tCare no moreI don't care ifMy eyes get soreSongwriters: Paul Rodgers / Paul Kossoff. Read more ...6 days ago - How much should you worry about a collapse of the Atlantic conveyor belt?
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bob Henson In this aerial view, fingers of meltwater flow from the melting Isunnguata Sermia glacier descending from the Greenland Ice Sheet on July 11, 2024, near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. According to the Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet (PROMICE), the ...6 days ago
- 8% ACT Party Creates One Ring To Rule Them All
In August, I wrote an article about David Seymour1 with a video of his testimony, to warn that there were grave dangers to his Ministry of Regulation:David Seymour's Ministry of Slush Hides Far Greater RisksWhy Seymour's exorbitant waste of taxpayers' money could be the least of concernThe money for Seymour ...6 days ago - When austerity worsens public debt & cuts GDP
Willis is expected to have to reveal the bitter fiscal fruits of her austerity strategy in the HYEFU later today. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/TheKakaMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Tuesday, December 17 in The Kākā’s Dawn Chorus podcast ...6 days ago
- Govt to double number of toll roads
On Friday the government announced it would double the number of toll roads in New Zealand as well as make a few other changes to how toll roads are used in the country. The real issue though is not that tolling is being used but the suggestion it will make ...6 days ago
- Luxon’s pre-emptive strike
The Prime Minister yesterday engaged in what looked like a pre-emptive strike designed to counter what is likely to be a series of depressing economic statistics expected before the end of the week. He opened his weekly post-Cabinet press conference with a recitation of the Government’s achievements. “It certainly has ...6 days ago
- Gordon Campbell On The Coalition’s Empty Gestures, And Abortion Refusal As The New Slavery
This whooping cough story from south Auckland is a good example of the coalition government’s approach to social need – spend money on urging people to get vaccinated but only after you’ve cut the funding to where they could get vaccinated. This has been the case all year with public ...7 days ago
- More public service contempt of parliament
Back in 2023 the New Zealand Council for Civil Liberties raised concerns about the inherent conflict of interest involved in public service agencies supporting parliamentary select committees. Our parliament is run on a shoestring, so depends on the public service for advice. But public service agencies work for Ministers, not ...7 days ago
- If There Is A God
And if there is a GodI know he likes to rockHe likes his loud guitarsHis spiders from MarsAnd if there is a GodI know he's watching meHe likes what he seesBut there's trouble on the breezeSongwriter: William Patrick Corgan Read more ...7 days ago - A Lipstick Government
Here’s a quick round up of today’s political news:1. MORE FOOD BANKS, CHARITIES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS AND YOUTH SOCIAL SERVICES SET TO CLOSE OR SCALE BACK AROUND THE COUNTRY AS GOVT CUTS FUNDINGSome of Auckland's largest foodbanks are warning they may need to close or significantly reduce food parcels after ...7 days ago - NZCTU open letter to Treasury on undue restrictions on restricted briefings
Iain Rennie, CNZMSecretary and Chief Executive to the TreasuryDear Secretary, Undue restrictions on restricted briefings This week, the Treasury barred representatives from four organisations, including the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi, from attending the restricted briefing for the Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update. We had been ...7 days ago
- Why you won’t hear me advocate for electric cars
This is a guest post by Tim Adriaansen, a community, climate, and accessibility advocate. I won’t shut up about climate breakdown, and whenever possible I try to shift the focus of a climate conversation towards solutions. But you’ll almost never hear me give more than a passing nod to ...1 week ago
- Coalition forced to back down on tolling Pahiatua track
A grassroots backlash has forced a backdown from Brown, but he is still eyeing up plenty of tolls for other new roads. And the pressure is on Willis to ramp up the Government’s austerity strategy. Photo: Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short, the six things that matter in Aotearoa’s political economy ...1 week ago
- Thank You
Hi all,I'm pretty overwhelmed by all your messages and emails today; thank you so very much.As much as my newsletter this morning was about money, and we all need to earn money, it was mostly about world domination if I'm honest. 😉I really hate what’s happening to our country, and ...1 week ago - 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #50
A listing of 23 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, December 8, 2024 thru Sat, December 14, 2024. Listing by Category Like last week's summary this one contains the list of articles twice: based on categories and based on ...1 week ago
- Making Gravy
I started writing this morning about Hobson’s Pledge, examining the claims they and their supporters make, basically ripping into them. But I kept getting notifications coming through, and not good ones.Each time I looked up, there was another un-subscription message, and I felt a bit sicker at the thought of ...1 week ago - Nothing here but the shadows
Once, long before there was Harry and Meghan and Dodi and all those episodes of The Crown, they came to spend some time with us, Charles and Diana. Was there anyone in the world more glamorous than the Princess of Wales?Dazzled as everyone was by their company, the leader of ...1 week ago - The United Right: the FSU’s Continued Efforts to Undermine Academia
The collective right have a problem.The entire foundation for their world view is antiscientific. Their preferred economic strategies have been disproven. Their whole neoliberal model faces accusations of corporate corruption and worsening inequality. Climate change not only definitely exists, its rapid progression demands an immediate and expensive response in order ...1 week ago
- Showing the Americans how to do it
Just ten days ago, South Korea's president attempted a self-coup, declaring martial law and attempting to have opposition MPs murdered or arrested in an effort to seize unconstrained power. The attempt was rapidly defeated by the national assembly voting it down and the people flooding the streets to defend democracy. ...1 week ago
- National’s Greatest Misses 2023-4
National has only been in power for a year, but everywhere you look, its choices are taking New Zealand a long way backwards. In no particular order, here are the National Government's Top 50 Greatest Misses of its first year in power. ...3 days ago - Release: Minister’s plan for tertiary sector a backwards step
Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...3 days ago
- Release: National buries 1019 planned homes
It’s been revealed that National has cancelled 60 percent of its housing projects planned before mid-2025 amidst housing woes. ...3 days ago
- Release: Rule-Czar bill a right-wing power grab
The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...3 days ago
- Release: Why not both? Luxon shuns Waitangi celebrations
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is running away from problems of his own creation, with his decision not to go to Waitangi. ...4 days ago
- Govt’s ‘free speech’ legislation stokes fear, not freedom
The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...4 days ago - Release: Nicola Willis spirals country deeper into recession
The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...4 days ago
- Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis
Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...5 days ago
- ECE no place to cut corners
The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...5 days ago
- Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders
A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects
Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...6 days ago
- Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects
The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...6 days ago
- Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity
The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...6 days ago
- Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less
The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...6 days ago
- Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis
With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...6 days ago
- Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’
Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...6 days ago
- Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...7 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...7 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Be wise around water this summer
Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the ...1 hour ago - Drive safely this summer
The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see ...2 hours ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...1 day ago
- PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...5 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...5 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...5 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...5 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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Great speech Andrew , come the hour, come the man
+infinity
Andrew is an outstanding speaker, would love to hear the audio, he gets this ‘rev’ in his voice when he is very passionate about something, powerful speaker.
I haven’t voted labour since Aunty left, however next year I’m thinking I will. Really like Andrews style and message, the way he comes across. Alpha Male
Will be backing Andrew all the way this election.
<a href ="https://www.facebook.com/NZLabourParty/
Disappointed that the Youth Job Scheme will only pay minimum wage and not the living wage.
Minimum wage is a BIG step up from what they get on UB. And, it is like an apprenticeship isn’t it?
In 2012, Paula Bennett’s Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill targeted under 18’s from receiving the UB.
“The bill was passed by 64 votes to 57, with National, the Maori Party, United Future and the Act Party in support and Labour, Greens, New Zealand First and Mana against.”
<a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10812818
<a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10820783
An apprenticeship in what? 74000 youths (male & female) clambering around the Tararuas for 6 months, making their own lunches. What could go wrong?
On that note, TVNZ could make a reality TV show – Survivor Labour. The winner gets a job in Andrew Little’s office.
Hopefully the minimum wage will be increased faster than under National.
Why don’t Labour just put the taxes up? Then they can show they really have the courage of their convictions and pay the Survivor DOC players the Living Wage, instead of just the neo-liberal Minimum Wage. Then once the trainees have finished their 6-month rotation, they can have their Living Wage holiday on the Gold Coast, and then come back and put their name down with DOC for a permanent job using their new skills.
I wondered that also? Perhaps it’s just a matter of keeping it economically viable?
My wife and I had a good discussion on this today – I can see how it could be a good idea.
“My wife and I”
Very posh James. You must come from a very good background.. Cambridge, Oxford?
I don’t know what constitutes posh in tokoroa – but just using basic grammar shouldnt impress you that much. It’s as posh as you seem to think.
A thumbs up for the jobs policy for the young unemployed. Not only does it guarantee a significantly better income than benefit money, even if only at minimum wage, it also cuts off the work for dole movement which is tantamount to slave labour. Equal pay for equal work is fair and empowering.
Though it’s a shame it doesn’t kick in until after six months and won’t be open to those over the age limit, it’s a positive position to take from labour.
Its clear Andrew Little is counting on National offering a tax cut, and is trying to counter that.
As John Key has shown over and over again, he does not conform to traditional centre right politics. He will just as easy venture onto the left side of centre as well.
And even the most rabid lefties here will agree…National is very good at understanding voter sentiment via continuous internal polling.
It is just possible, taking into account voter sentiment (if its there) that National will forgo tax cuts and instead spend the surplus on the “issues of the day”.
And / or only adjust the lower tax bracket down or even “no tax on the first $x earned”.
Interesting times…
“And even the most rabid lefties here will agree…National is very good at understanding voter sentiment” Indeed that why he vote with Sue Bradford to remove the loop hole to enable parents to beat there kids. So Chuck the Slap conspiracy theorist – do you agree with Key on this?
As you use speech marks all the time, I think I’m not alone thinking it comes from you, as you never make it clear when you are quote someone else. That said, if you are going to quote someone else, it is also generally assumed you agree with the statement they have made.
Simple rules of politics Chucky, as you seem not to know them…
“As you use speech marks all the time, I think I’m not alone thinking it comes from you, as you never make it clear when you are quote someone else.”
Well looks like I have a groupie in adam then, I might need a restraining order 🙂
Glad you have finally worked out that it was all in your head…
Do you have any children adam?? For the record I have three, all brought up in a caring loving family.
BTW: Trying to score points by accusing people of mistreating children reflects poorly on you adam.
Delusional as always Chucky, I’ve been asking you a question for two days and a simple no rather than your continued deflections is not to much to ask.
You started on the personal attacks, I just wanted and still want to know if you oppose the beating of children position, sponsored by those who called it the anti-smacking bill?
You will not answer that simple question Chuck, it is a politically loaded question yes. But as you brought up anti-smacking is it not time you answered the question.
By the way not a fan of people who deflect as often as you. Its a simple question, you are the one turning it into an accusation – by not answering a very simple question. Do you beat children or support the rights of people to beat children? I would have thought after two days Chucky you could come with an answer, and a position on a political issue like this as you seem so ready to offer your opinion on everything else.
adam, no amount of spinning will hide the facts.
You made a half hearted attempt at an apology…@ 5.1
“As you use speech marks all the time, I think I’m not alone thinking it comes from you”
I’m making no apology, feel free to dream on about that one. Let me remind you, you brought up anti-smacking position. I’m trying to found out were you stand on the issue.
The constant deflections are making you look like you support child abuse.
My question is, and has always been quite simple, I’m sure most 5 year olds would be able answer, but you are struggling. So here it is again – even more simplified as you seem to be having trouble with English the last two days. Do you hit children or support the rights of people who do? A simple yes or no – will do, as anything else seems to be too taxing for you.
Andrew Little and Labour have to find a way passed an hostile media to get their message out.
A case in point last nights One news two top stories were
1 Joseph Parker
2 A scrub fire at Brighton beach near Dunedin
Grant Robertsons speech on the future of work some time after the first commercial break and the PMs photo opportunities.
The whole landscape has changed for Labours share of important air time and how the story is portrayed to the population unless the news is negative and can inflict damage on the party, a favourite one is “disunity in the ranks ” or Labour is” divided on this” issue.
The speech was good and has real lift and positive appeal and the ability to reach out with an alternative vision of how Labour is going to address some serious problems and invoking the sacrifice of the late Helen Kelly.
How much will be reported and how will it be conveyed is the next test.
Who still watches the network news?
That is now really just the domain of the aged and those unable to undertake personal research.
Communicate with the people you want via other means (hint: the interaction means they prefer themselves) and forget about the old broadcast model.
pull your head out of your arse ,i bet shit loads still get all their politics from tv
The viewing numbers are ..really low WB..real low..
People must be getting there tv on demand and skipping perhaps news? or viewing the news on PC’s.
I would state, internet advertising and getting the message out on a web presence will be the way of the future, if not right NOW.
As far as i am aware the domain of the aged and those unable to undertake personal research still vote Chess Player.
Indeed they do, and haven’t they all voted well in the past…very effective voting.
Like I say, if you choose an outdated medium to communicate your message – one that involves an intermediary that can add their own perspective/spin – then you do that at your peril.
mosa,
I generally agree with all your points, except to say, after reading Andrews speech, that I cannot get any real enthusiasm or lift from the speech.
I feel as if I read it all before.
I don’t believe the speech will get any traction for Labour in the polls simply because people are not listening to a political party that will probably have to have two other political parties with sizable electorate support to form a coalition government bench.
I wish Andrew and the party well, but there is a feeling of staleness about this conference that I cannot shake.
Billmurray. If any politician and political party is stale and has gone passed it’s use by date, then it’s no future, visionless, no ideas sell out John Key and his National party, that requires the support of 3 minor political parties to govern, and it would be extremely hard, near on impossible in fact, for anyone to feel any real enthusiasm for the same old tired lies that we have all heard so many times before.
Is Dunne fully charged up yet. where is that ..grrrr
I am all for an understanding between Labour and the Greens to rid Ōhāriu of Peter Dunne.
Leftie, yes it is fair to say that the National party also has staleness. They are more stale than Labour by a country mile.
But they do not suffer from making to many promise’s to the electorates, read Andrews speech and couple it with Grants speech and you have had a book (taken into account the fine print that will be needed to implement) of promise’s.
Grant is already furiously backtracking on his tax on small employers for ‘non training’ of staff. Grant did not do his research nor did he present well.
The $60M cost for a policy from Andrew is now being challenged and will be challenged further in the new week starting.
Though National should not win in 2017, they have better than a fighting chance because of Labours ineptitude and lack of understanding of MMP. Labour can certainly crunch the numbers but they do not understand the key to winning in a MMP enviroment is not just numbers.
John Key and Winston Peters are both successful politicians who understand MMP without numbers.
Finally please read Chris Trotters latest blog (bowalley road) to get further insight of what I am trying to convey about Labours staleness.
Bollocks Billmurray. And Winston Peters will never support John key, and Labour have a far better track record of keeping their promises than National, who have practically broken every promise they have made.
I disagree in part of your comment BillMurray for these reasons.
I think there is a real will to change this government.
I think all of keys lies have wound people down they have had enough.
People are aware of the dirty politics and know Keys promises are broken most of the time.
I think when we get to full election time the list of things national has lied about, done and been nasty on are going to come home to roost if played right and policy will be forgotten to a degree.
When the election cycle starts getting nearer the election day, policy will be side lined by slagging each other off and negative electioneering.
If it goes to negative electioneering, labours got far to much ammo for that.
John I think will go for a massive voter bribe, he wants to try for that fourth term,, he’s a man who sets goals and does his best to achieve.
It’s way to early and this is nothing,(re any faults with policy announcement) we got a year to go.. They can review and correct. good learning curve for them (labours new caucus).., tough breaks like these can make a team.. a team that will improve their electioneering skills.
Nothing ever starts perfect in my experience, it’s how you learn as a team from your mistakes. That I think is what’s going to decide this election.
I noted he aligned himself with the actual words centre left..
This is where he has chosen to stand his Labour party. He will succeed or fail on how the election goes, and we I suppose shall have to listen and make our decisions.
That be politics.
I think now if you really are interested in the election and politics, you’ll be browsing the net and reading here and there making your own mind up.
The people are not as stupid as people think. No ones, not thinking things on an even basis.
We all know parties exaggerate and the media is bias.
What i’m saying is people take into consideration more than your giving them credit.
You guys are all forgetting what happened last election. The whole Country was awash with blue hoardings, the money for National dominated all the media and the left were very competently ridiculed.
For the majority of kiwis who don’t give a toss about politics it was easy to support Key. The media are as Right as you can get (including RNZ now).
Do you really think the Left is looking good enough to overcome all that this time around? I would suggest not and imo I totally blame Labour for that. They are the ones with arrogance and an inability to cooperate.
You can’t throw billions on failed policy.., Clintons done that, it only works when the damage of your policies hasn’t taken effect.
I think, the mood of the electorate has changed, hence left n right block are far closer now than before in the polls
It’s easy to blame labour, have you contributed to their campaign chest? if not, well you shouldn’t moan . really.
Also: What about the older folks who’ve years of experience and get traded in for cheaper youth-uni grads & qual’s?
What is Labour going to do for the unemployed 47-65 age group who’ve been displaced by foreign workers and cheap uni students who’re useless but have a quals?
The data says this needs to be addressed …. its a growing bubble with a tail.
A Taniwha having a moe!
Have a look at the Future of Work report Takere there is lots there for all sectors of society.
Ae mate .Have done and also the released version earlier this year in the Jan/Feb release … its a bit vague, but I can understand. Dildo Face will steal any good policy! Haha!
It all stems from tertiary ed. selling qual’s to generate income for the ed. private & state sectors then to move them on into the employment to justify a bought education’s worth. It is a scam on a large scale. It needs to be address by making education free and devalue the financial implication of the qual in dollar terms.
Cheers!
https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/nzlabour/pages/2371/attachments/original/1478147232/43229_LoO_Future_of_Work_Full_Document_FINAL_2_LR.pdf?1478147232
Yes , MS I like what i’m seeing so far both from grant and Andrew, looking a positive AGM.
Ok, so if there are approx. 56,741 NZ Labour Party members (as per wikipedia) and approx. 74,000 unemployed young people, that means if each Labour party member employs just one person, the problem is largely solved.
You actually don’t need to elect Labour into power to achieve this, you can simply hire a young person each and Bob’s your uncle!
Idiot comment of the week goes to Chess Player!
Go read a book , live a little outside your obvious white privileged self absorbed world, then come back and add to the conversation like an adult.
Audrey beat him with her McCully comment..
Should frame it for my wall as a forever keep sake, I might actually do that too.
Audrey Young at peak intellect.
-The threshold for a McCully sacking is higher than for ordinary ministers because despite his failings, he is good at his job. And that helps Key.
Adam. He’s (an assumption) obviously a checkers player not realising they’re playing the wrong game!
“Idiot comment of the week goes to Chess Player!”
For once I agree with you adam…that there are 56,742 NZ Labour Party members!!
But just as accusing someone of abusing children, the same rules apply to assuming someone’s race, and then abusing them because of said race.
Poor chucky, the privilege getting to you…
To much smugness and self absorption means you are not actually a good person?
Has it dawned on you yet?
No, oh poor Chucky.
Fascinating that on the basis of one comment, you have assumed quite a lot about me. You must be a superior being.
It’s true I am white (well, pinkish) and I’m definitely privileged, given I’m free to engage in discourse such as this and only suffer written abuse and not torture, like my relatives, however I don’t think I am self-absorbed.
I care very deeply about people and I care about you too, adam, and so does God.
God loves you, and he will save you from all perils, if you just let him.
You don’t have to keep living in pain.
Trust in yourself.
And then, when you have started a business and employed people, come back to the conversation and tell us all about it.
I believe in God to Chess Player, but not the money worshiping one you bow your head to.
You a Evangelical type there Chess Player, the follows who really are engaged in solipsism – the type churches who know all the words, but none of the meaning.
I’m guessing that, you don’t know what love is or humanity means becasue in reality that would get in the way of your warped view of the gospels. Or that you have a dire need to embrace the old testament, because well, Jesus was a dirty communalist after all.
How many Labour members do you think are in a position to employ anyone? I employ two young people but I am in an unusual position.
Surely they could be employed to pop the corks on the chardonnay of the Labour Party members?
adam has an issue with white people and a very unhealthy fascination with beating children.
I broke one of my rules and engaged with adam on the basis he accused me of child abuse…
Just giving you the heads up Chess Player!
Yeah I want child beating to stop, so I’m asking you if you are opposed to it Chucky. But then again you lie so easy, I’m not sure you can even understand that concept.
What the hell are you on about? .., Oi who left the fucking door open, some Tory’s wandered in and looks lost.
Wonders if he should take the piss, and go to wikipedia edit the page place 4.5 million paid members for Labour. Then edit the National page on Wikipedia and put Chess player there currently single and hoping for friends. Oh change the name of their party to NZ Nazi’s just for giggles.
Do you have any skill in chess ? Or do you just wish you did?
I think your optimism is superbly summed up by Chris Trotter;
“Yes, the delegates will all be there in the conference hall this weekend. The workshop debates will splutter and stutter to some sort of conclusion. Party vacancies will be filled, reports presented, and Andrew will deliver his speech. Except, this time, the political drama’s script will not have been written by a Kirk, a Lange, a Clark, or even a Roger Douglas, but by a committee.
Labour’s villains have become banal, and her heroes are dead and gone. For me, the party’s annual conference no longer beckons. Fortunately, there’s plenty to keep me busy in my garden. This year’s roses are a particularly vivid shade of red”.
http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/11/06/must-read-sunday-why-i-wont-be-at-the-labour-conference-this-weekend/
Ready with the popcorn for TS resident Politburo Members to declare Trotter a Trotskyite and one who must be given the benefit of a show trial before being purged from Dear Leaders Ranks and sentaced to a life in the outer for his heinous crimes against Mother Labour.
[lprent: Have you really had your head up your arse since before the 1960s? Otherwise how else can you explain the supreme stupidity of regurgitating McCarthy era propaganda designed for simpletons?
Do too much of this low-grade stupid trolling and you will find that I start discussing exactly how much of a simple minded fuckwit you appear to be to me. ]
He’s entitled to his opinion Tory.. jeez.
The only one of those four that can deliver, beg your pardon could deliver a speech Was lange.
They all had flaws..
However I would choose 2 of them to govern me because they kept things as fair as they could in an imperfect world.
I don’t expect governments to have all the answers.., but when you fuck with a sector of society like beneficiery and the sick and mentally ill. Punish them with starvations i’ll come for you. you can bet your life on it.
Little said there were 74,000 young people not in employment, education or training, yet Labour is assuming only 10,000 would be involved in the new work scheme.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/86144698/labour-offers-six-months-paid-work-to-young-longterm-unemployed
Moreover, it’s only six months paid employment.
While better than nothing, at a cost of $60 million a year it’s disappointing Labour failed to come up with something more substantial.
According to Farrar they’ve got the sums wrong, it’s actually $120 million
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2016/11/dodgy_sums_from_labour.html
Farrar is wrong. Here is my basic costing, assuming 30 hours per week work (full-time as defined by the Social Security Act):
Minimum wage is $15.25/hour x 30 = $457.50 per week = $389.93 net (less PAYE) per week. I used the PAYE calculator on the IRD website to calculate this.
Net Benefit for someone < 25 is $175.10 per week per https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/deskfile/main-benefits-rates/jobseeker-support-current.html .
Actual net weekly cost to the government is $389.93 – $175.10 = $214.83 per week x 26 = $5,585.58.
Multiplied by 10,000 = $55,855,800.
Admin will add to that, as will holiday pay, public holidays, Kiwisaver employer contributions, sick pay etc – somewhere between 12% and 20% typically. On the other hand, there will be some amount of savings in accommodation supplements through abatement, and increased GST (15% of the net figure of $214.83 is over $8,000,000 when multiplied out over 26 weeks and 10,000 people).
All in all, $60 million is a reasonable estimate for a headline cost, given the complexity of the analysis involved.
[lprent: Even a small look at the numbers indicates that David Farrar was simply lying with numbers (a characteristic of Nationals’s spokespeople). Because most of the subsequent conversation is numeric dipshit discussed by idiots.
I’ve moved this comment up to the top of the thread as it explains the costing clearly enough that even a talking head on TV might understand it. It was originally written at about 2320.
Craig H expanded it in a later comment ]
/slap, do not quote me a National party full on nut jobs bias.
FFS BM that’s ridiculous.
Do I use stalin for reference!
[lprent: Looks like I should start putting some words back into auto-moderation. It is clear that you are using them without context and in a way that is guaranteed to start idiotic flamewars. I’ve already turfed an entire out-of-context thread out of this post into OpenMike that you started.
Or I could just do the simpler solution and remove the problem for a few months. ]
No more nuttier than this site, you should go and do a few posts.
David Farrar is very laid back free speech sort of guy, it takes a hell of a lot to get banned from Kiwi blog.
You ‘d probably quite enjoy posting on his blog and fighting with the regulars.
Joke of the week there BM…Well done – your always good for a laugh mate with the shit you actually believe.
Ok then you go hang with him..seriously, you love him so, me i’d spew up just being in his company.
Just watching One News…they are tearing Andy Little and Labour apart on bogus numbers.
Seems the fine print was that Labour has only allowed for 4 months per person and not the 6 months announced. Hence why the numbers don’t add up.
You just can’t make this shit up…
It’s just amateur hour, thank goodness I’m not a left winger the incompetence would do my head in.
Ha.. I love the Torys, the make outrageous accusations and sit back like smug arrogant arseholes because in their infinite wisdom how could the serfs ever not believe anything they ever say. They are Tories!
you lot are completely fucking bonkers.
amateur hour.
Ok Bm… 1 word..McCully..
You want to mention amateur hour spin McCully out of it.
He’s retiring.
retiring or paid off and moving onto a sweet number?
head shepherd for a saudi king maybe
ackshully..he said he’s not standing but if Key really wanted him he’d come back on his list.
back to you.
For fucksake Chump. I mean Chuck! 10,000 people won’t be signed up on day one! As more employers take up the offer. It’ll grow.
Employers will have to make some kind of contribution. Nothings for free!
People will and can move from one job to the next anytime!
The decent employers will contribute financially reducing the drain on the fund!
Currently there $873m spent every year on this!
Are you Tory fucks that thick? Or do you have to have someone else do the thinking for you?
NO T, you are right they are that THICK.
as in they think the people are even thicker and will just believe any ol;d thing they say without the slightest..question.
and they are wrong. We are not that thick. You and me, and everyone else is starting to cotton on.
Come on Takere, Chuck is the guy who runs for conspiracy, and/or polls to justify anything he says. Hell he can’t even answer the simplest of questions. He just a troll, you likes to dish it out, but can’t take it.
The damage has already been done Takere.
What is the message we (NZ public) are going to take out of the Labour conference just finished today?
That Labour cannot get there numbers right, even on one of their own policy’s…how are they going to run the Country?
And it was Andy Little that said he had only allowed for 4 month period for each person. So why on earth did he say the policy was for 6 months?? did he not expect anyone to run a ruler over the numbers??
What is the message we (NZ public) are going to take out of the Labour conference just finished today?
Incompetence, with a side helping of ineptitude, heavily seasoned with cloddishness. 😀
You actually believe your own spin ah Chucky….
Makes those conspiracies easy to swallow to I guess…
Mate. You’re making some “wrong” assumptions. TV LSM only give 30-40 seconds. If you’re that stupid to believe a Policy can be explained in its entirety in that amount of time … you’re a bigga fuckwit than I thought? My apologies for being rude but fuck mate you deserve a serve.
The nuance of a policy is beyond you and life too most probably? But, I guess I’m wasting my time with trying to reason with you,however, if you just try to use your imagination just a little without the tory spec’s on, you just might see there is a benefit in this policy?
I don’t know you so I’m not sure if you have any understanding of NZ’s political history but, National empty the cupboards & Labour fill the cupboards back up!
They’re empty now …. again!
Don’t think I’m biting. I’m happy to only to use “a” dying mem-cell on you so I’m good with that.
“TV LSM only give 30-40 seconds. If you’re that stupid to believe a Policy can be explained in its entirety in that amount of time”
That my friend is politics these days. News bites…by Labour fucking up the numbers it was the lead story re – Labour conference.
All Andy Little had to do was cost the policy to match what he said. Simple really.
Isn’t this just taskforce green or those PEP schemes from 20+ years ago.
What’s the difference?
Yep. The numbers. It worked then, and it’ll work again. The only thing(s) that has changed is the evolution of capitalism. Same shit, just a different day.
It ain’t rocket science stuff if you break it down and relate it to with what has changed tech advancements.
Why did those schemes get canned?.
Lack of money, poor ROI ?
30-40 years of evolution mate. Politics & Globalisation & Corporatisation and fuckwit Governments.
I was in a pep scheme as a youth.. some of the best parties I ever went to got organized there, between sunbathing on the roof, or doing nothing…
the god damn people pleasing crap parties have presented as solutions in the past eh BM talking both sides here.
Wicked parties, sunbathing, chillin out, sounds like taxpayer money well spent 😉
It was wonderful time, and when you worked for the MOW and it rained you got paid for playing cards in the caravan for a week or so..
and when it was sunny, pot holes took a week to repair because there had to be extensive conversations around safe shovel handling and the proper way one should lean on it whilst gathered together.
ahh the good old days.
Takes a pep manager to enable that!
A lot of those got canned because Gnat cronies were rorting them for cheap labour. Goodman Fielder Christchurch used to ‘train’ folk to stack flour bags for two months, then dump them & take on a new lot. A refugee I was teaching got screwed like this – he was a senior hospital administrator back home – not very impressed. He’s in OZ now.
Your the public..right,
cancel the election, just ask Chuck.
“10,000 people won’t be signed up on day one! As more employers take up the offer.”
The announcement made no mention of the cost while the option was taken up, it simply talked of an annual cost of $60m. They clearly got the sums wrong. The result is that instead of debating a policy with merit, the focus will be on Labour’s inability to get basic sums right. Sad.
Semantics. Nuance..watch da finga’s on the gat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plODO1LOzrM
Takere, it isn’t semantics. It is an error, and is being painted as such already. My point is that such a fundamental error is politically inexcusable, because it gives the government an opportunity to hammer Labour, and to change the narrative of the discussion around what could have been a good policy.
Dude, breathe. Give the imagination some room to grow. Its ok? Some of us have a handle on these “Big” things the little people like you cant imagine or handle, its ok. We’ll do the heavy lifting for those of you that can’t. You just relax and don’t fuck’n stress mate! Have a Cup-O-Tea?
Jeeeezzus!? Have I turned up on the wrong fuck’n day or what?
Anal or micro managing? Who gives a fuck about MSMTV. Nobody watch’s it or believes it anymore. Well, I mean only dumb fucks do. And those are the people I like meeting every day and I like to fuck their day up with some good ole home truths.
“Anal or micro managing? Who gives a fuck about MSMTV. Nobody watch’s it or believes it anymore. Well, I mean only dumb fucks do. And those are the people I like meeting every day and I like to fuck their day up with some good ole home truths.”
Great
Thanks, though i’d rather believe a team that’s worked on policy for months to have done the sums and know what and how they are going to budget for it.
For you to say they have no integrity and they just put up any old figures is an insult to them me and everyone else.
I trust them far more than YOU TVONE, Paul henry Mike Hosking or any other of the crooked and well known biased media.
You get me someone with a respectable and unbiased opinion i’ll listen till then enjoy your make believe faults. I ain’t impressed.
Richard the maths are simple.
The minimum wage is $15.25 per hour.
The policy is for 10,000 participants.
A working week is 40 hours.
There are 26 weeks in six months.
$15.25 x 10,000 x 40 x 26 = $158,600,000.
I’ve tried to get back to Labour’s figures, using 37.5 hours per week, and the minimum youth wage of $11.80, and I still get $115,050,000.
I stand to be corrected, but if, as you suggest, they have worked on this policy for ‘months’, how can they have got this so wrong?
They are already paid a benefit say?, so perhaps it’s like they get an extra 20 dollars a week?
So extra cost is negligible?
or taking into account the benefit they were already getting that’s why they can do so much with so Little as it’s the extra cost over and above what it already costs the government to support them.
of the top of my head.
If the target audience are on a benefit, and they are paid the youth wage used in my calculations, no-one would take up the offer.
Conversely, if they are on a benefit and switch to being paid the minimum adult wage, the cost would not be $60 million.
Either way, Labour’s numbers don’t add up.
Full time is 30 hours per week in the Social Security Act (the benefit act), not 37.5 or 40. Also, deduct the benefit being paid originally, because that would be paid anyway. The $60 million is the net increase in costs to the government, since some of it was being paid anyway.
Plus factor in the the deductions of income tax the workers would be paying each week.
If they are on a benefit, they will already be paying income tax.
And they’ll pay more when they earn more which reduces the cost of the scheme.
No-where in Labour’s policy is 30 hours mentioned. But, giving them the absolute benefit of the doubt:
$11.80 x 10,000 x 30 x 26 = $92,040,000. And that doesn’t include any administration costs.
Factor in properly all they already receive, these are always based on extremely good looking figures for the party proposing a policy, both parties do that.
But what I will say WFW, is this.
It’s god damn piss poor when we are all struggling to work it out, even if it’s right.
When we need to impress the electorate, this is crap. It should have been down in the policy exactly how Labour did these figures and I am not impressed. Not because I think they are wrong.
But that it is clear, this policy’s funding is unclear.
It’s almost like they have an incredible capacity to shoot themselves in the foot.
However, when National can explain where all the asset sales and borrowing went to in detail, the RW can moan. Till then, i’ll give it what it deserves..my support.
.
Rough figures.
Per person
hourly rate 15.8
hours 40
weeks 26
15.8x40x26=16,432
– tax Over $14,000 and up to $48,000
17.5%
= 13,554.6
x 10000
= 135,540,000
less what they were getting by way of, maxing it too, accommodation, basic benefit, supplementary. etc.
they here have after tax so i’ll skip that
$175.10 basic 18-19 example and the nest zone 1 accommodation supplement is a massive 145.oo
so
175.1 + 145 = 320.10
times 26 weeks =8,332.60
times 10000= 83,226,000
then we subtract..
135,540,000
– 83,226,000
= 52,314,000
that’s a glowing best case they live in an area 1 accommodation supplement area and are ages between 18-19 and are not living at home.
Why oh why Labour would you make it like that, we in the grand scheme of tax take are playing here with pocket change.
if I changed it to zone 4 accommodation supplement it may soak up the other 7.7m.. probably does off the top of my head.
administration costs, you really want to growl at this don’t you, no admin costs, freaking do the same work when they call in the office weekly to report!!!
That took me, oh 5 minutes this morning, first look at it..
How long you been working out sums now?
and they say we’re numerically illiterate!
only on second coffee..
I am invincible.. love that from..what was it, x-men.
Hi Richard.
A few observations on your numbers.
1. If we’re genuinely talking ‘youth’ here, there would not be much in the way of accomodation benefits.
2. The tax rate on the $0 to $14,000 income bracket is only 10.5%.
3. The admin costs have to be factored in. The systems to administer welfare are already in place. The systems to administer a ‘make work’ scheme are not.
Here’s a better explanation of the costings from Labour themselves:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11743712
I’m still reminded of the old adage “explaining is losing”.
I don’t watch the media TV here to bias.
as for claims he fiddled numbers, are you serious, they would do that..
Spare me the integrity insult.
I’d wager they have found a way via Farrar to discredit it, somehow, and they will not give Andrew or Labour the chance to correct them at all.
They did not fiddle the numbers it’s just plain incompetence,
what is?.. precisely explain to me what the bloody bally hoo from you lot is all about.. gawd.
it’s like you found the holy grail..
stop the world.., what is so bloody bad.. then.?
It’s not incompetence, it’s a lack of understanding of the policy. The $60 million is a net increase in costs to the government based on having to pay a benefit anyway.
That’s not mathematically correct, and it isn’t even the way Labour are explaining it.
I’ve costed it out elsewhere here, and $60 million is a reasonable estimate.
Only for four months. Even Labour have admitted that now. The numbers do not add up when applied to the way the policy was announced, and now Labour are trying to argue that out in public with NZH. Foolish.
sadly a quick look at the figures shows as usual, the RW have the biggest issues counting things, like um social costs, health costs, getting to a surplus without fiddling the books by selling stuff to yourself!!
Perhaps if national went to Labours conference and joined some of their workshops it’ll help the National Caucus work out what’s between 1 and 10..
lol BURN…:)
One news the Bastion of bias free non government interfered straight up, truth.
FUCKING A, THE MAN IS TVONE…
lets all sit back and laugh at the tories.. you lot are fubar honestly.
You will grab anything at all to brag.. my god we all laughed yesterday at the RM poll. this is even better.
Just seen One News. What a shambles.
The youth employment problem.
First thing admit some of them at the moment are unemployable full stop.
I have no answers, I have bitter experiences with youth and engineering.
I’d rather hire an adult.
Richard, have another look at the speech. Andrew’s actually talking about getting people into an employable state; helping them develop work skills and giving each one involved in the scheme an active mentor to help address any issues that might be a barrier to employment. Plus, people change – especially young people. They grow and develop. In a scheme like this they’d have a chance to grow in a positive direction.
It’s not the complete answer, but it’s a good start. Put it together with the education and training policies and it’s certainly a positive set of plans.
I understand that, for the willing.
here’s my issue, as Bi-polar my youth was spent floating around getting drunk and stoned, in trouble, all sorts of bad behaviours. 70’s 80’s I was a menace.
i’m only saying that to show, I recognize their is an antisocial group.. it’s those i’m more directed at.
Because I believe for the most part that’s the demographic of youth hard to get on a correct track and propping up unemployed youth statistics. trust me i see a lot of them in Tokoroa i was one.., you just know. So wanting to work, turning up, and wanting to learn how do we do that..
the only thing that would have changed me back then was a proper prospect of a future ,a good apprentiship with conditions, those being I sorted my shit out.
I think.. at that age it may have worked.
I cannot think of anything else that would have not made me go get fucked if they wanted me to do something for nothing.
I have no answers at all. I really was a fucking shit of a kid.
its a start of a repair job after 9 years of national i still don’t think we know the full extent of the damage and what state the books are in we know English is very good at moving money around to give the appearance that all is well
I’m sure this dovetails into the bigger economic strategy? I’m guessing they’ll leave the scary stuff till later? Like restructuring the economy? Pull those levers that bring about a structural (macro-micro) change in how NZ(ers) earns a living domestically & internationally?
Rebalance the economy …. I’m guessing? Or else I won’t be voting for them! Haha! It’s been a long wait for me, 20 years!
Where was the bold policy? Where was the vision? Fairly insipid stuff. Why would a National voter of 2014 switch to voting Labour in 2017? What in that speech is believable?
Thanks fifi.
your contribution to the standard is noted, passed and flushed.
Does it hurt passing shit that big?
It’s far more policy than National have.
In fact, all that National has is tax cuts for the rich and entrenching Trickle Down Economics even more.
In other words, All National have is proven failure.
NO DTB, you completely missed the whole Tory way.
First they make up any old policy, the easier the better and if it helps the rich jolly good.
Then they invent the result that confirms that it is working.
it’s perfect and so devilishly clever they use it in banks, I think they called it a Ponzi scheme in banking.
Well, that’s a succinct but accurate description.
It’s not National’s policy you need to worry about – it’s Winnie and Gareth’s policy.
I don’t think anyone really expects great policy ideas from either National or Labour (the Greens discount themselves as they are really just Labour’s annoying little sister and so look to differentiate themselves with all manner of absurd utterings).
The next election will be most interesting entertainment for quite some time.
Winnie will find one chink in the armour (fear of being old and poor, fear of missing out on prosperity, etc), and work it for all it’s worth, just like he did with the Gold Card and in Northland for the by-election.
Gareth will come out with lots of ideas and few people will be able to get their head around them, as they are so used to the traditional smile and wave/everything ‘s fine/aren’t the ABs doing well (Invincible!) National approach vs the traditional You Have Stuff We Want So We Will Tax You approach from Labour.
National’s time will definitely run out – but what the replacement looks like is not clear. And Labour is not the default.
Arrh because about 4% of the National vote are swingers!
National received 700,000 more votes in 2014 than they did in 2002, I think you underestimate the NZ swing vote. Not everyone votes for a party because they always have.
Why would a National voter of 2014 switch to Labour in 2017?
Two words… Michelle Boag
Don’t blame it on the Boagey.
Lol Cinny!
Thought the swing to National took place in 2008,
those swing voters.. they will remember kids locked in rooms..
They will remember you didn’t fund Keytruda
They will remember the lovely Lecretia Seales I certainly will
and Helen Kelly too what a fantastic lady.
there are some shockers I could go on but that will do for an example
you got some repairs to do..
Your total ignorance of the bad things under nationals term confounds me fisi.
If you don’t address them your asking for trouble.
You know what?
That’s exactly the problem that this study says will happen:
There’s really only one way to resolve the problem and that’s to get rid of capitalism and the rich.
That’s not the solution. In fact, it’s part of the problem as it entrenches private ownership even more.
Yes, we need the 100k homes – but make them state homes rented out to anyone on a first come, needs basis. And then offer to buy peoples homes off of them but allow them to stay on the same great rent of 10% of household income and a lifetime lease.
Make it so that people don’t want to own a home because doing so costs far more.
Quite right. No one should own a home. The state should own all the houses and all the companies. Everyone should earn the same. No one should ever die. Chocolate should be free.
Will you be my rainbow-tailed unicorn pony?
What’s the point of owning a house?
Please note: I said house, not home. People living in state houses have a home. Well, they do until National sells them all off to their bludging rich mates.
All private business should be cooperatives with no one having ownership in them.
I tend to be more in favour of getting rid of money altogether but for now I’m happy with just putting in place a maximum income of $100k.
I cannot tell if you are joking. I hope so. i cannot believe you are serious.
Oh, she’s serious.
And you? You will conform…
And I know that you’re serious about making life ever more difficult for the majority of people just so that a few bludging rich people can be ever richer.
Majority? I don’t think so some how.
Yes, the majority.
As Adam Smith said (Paraphrased): You need lots of poor people to support one rich person.
National are working to bring about lots of poor people.
In the mean time the left “wanks on” about “the living wage” and your big policy announcement uses the minimum wage; hypocrisy at its best.
I’m not a political party and thus haven’t announced any policy.
http://www.newshub.co.nz/nznews/did-labour-plagiarise-newshub-2016110619?platform=hootsuite
Cannot count and cannot come up with a fresh idea. What a disaster.
meh morry minor, and with Jacinda to look at ,this male gets side tracked by her beauty.
So really you’ve had a full 2 days now to rip shit out of labour, and not a lot..
I think it’s going well..
Dick, we don’t need to “rip shit out of Labour”, you lot are achieving that quite successfully yourselves without any input from the right.
I see, so all day yesterday the massive influz..of Tory Dicks attacking the standard and it’s memebers and everything anyone said..
was just a figment of my KDS ..
I see…
clearly now.
Here’s something for you to think about Tory.
When you look at yourself as a poster here, you have come to a left wing blog. You have called yourself Tory.. at a left wing blog. That’s an interesting name in itself.
To call oneself Tory on a left blog, invites people to attack you..it’s bait in itself, and carefully chosen, your intent by that name is to invite the posters here to focus on you..it’s well thought out and deliberate in itself.
Then the content of your posts is always of a critical nature, you contribute little to the site but thrills for your own amusement.
The derogatory nature of offence intended by the use of this name here is tantamount to posting on a jewish web site and calling yourself Hitler.
The bullshit mock offence you guys put up yesterday left me so side split with laughter, taking the above into consideration that I wondered where all the admins were.
I don’t go to your RW sites, call myself Commie and attack anyones idea’s or thoughts there, so if getting a leftie back for stuff they post on RW sites is your intent..your not well.
From here on Tory..i’ll do my bit to just plain out ignore the fuck out of you..or just be really rude to you.
because all of the above is pretty much spot on. IMHO.
Ready for work?
Well not quite.
Not quite ready just yet to face up the greatest work we will ever have to do, as a government, as a nation, as a people, as a world.
Whatever happened to, “The government I lead will make our country a leader in the fight against climate change.” Andrew Little, delivered to the Green Party conference?
Or even the passing nod given to climate change in Grant Robertson’s Future Of Work speech yesterday?
https://thestandard.org.nz/grant-robertson-speech-future-of-work-commission-results/#comment-1255662
.”We owe it to our kids – I owe it to my son – to do our part in the fight against climate change – because they don’t have a future if our planet doesn’t have a future.”
“The government I lead will make our country a leader in the fight against climate change.”
I haven’t seen a change from that, so what makes you think there has been Jenny? It’s impossible to fit in every detail and/or plan in a speech, but you definitely get the idea of where the party is heading.
Websters English dictionary
the elephant in the room
DEFINITION
a major problem or controversial issue which is obviously present but is avoided as a subject for discussion
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=banksy+elephant+in+the+room+barely+legal+exhibition&&view=detail&mid=9F4FA361C75D4AA52F579F4FA361C75D4AA52F57&FORM=VRDGAR
Another elephant in Labour’s room is fixing the safety net for the poorest of the poor. Labour doesn’t want to do that. Labour might be a party for the workers, but if you’re an unemployed worker or someone who’s unable to participate in the Labour market, then Labour offers you nothing except life on the scrap heap.
Hi Chris, in lesser words you could have said, ‘I think the benefit cuts need to be reversed’. Which is a fair comment, but a bit off topic.
Forgive me if I am wrong, but since your comment was in reply to my comment, I am guessing that you are trying to make a rather round-about point that my comment was off topic.
This thread is about Labour’s Future Of Work policies. It is in my humble opinion that addressing climate change will be central to the future of work, and to ignore that reality represents a glaring ommission. You may, or may not, have a different opinion, and could have said that.
In his speech Grant Robertson mentioned the words climate change just once, and then only in passing. Explaining that his use of the phrase “just transition” had been borrowed from the environmental movement. Almost apologetically, Grant added, “Climate change and its global impact was ever-present in the work of the Commission.
In our report we are calling for decent work that supports our move to a low-carbon economy.”
(You could argue, I suppose that, that amounted to two mentions of climate change by Grant.)
Andrew Little in his speech, chose not to mention climate change at all.
Lefty in his comment, apologetically, explains, “It’s impossible to fit in every detail and/or plan in a speech”
The “detail” Lefty mentions, is nothing less than the greatest crisis that humanity has ever faced. If our leaders ever do eventually start to properly begin to address the challenge presented by climate change, it will be the beginning of the greatest work we ever do.
Jenny!
Can I suggest to you that…. just because the words “Climate Change” do not appear in each and every speech by leading Labour politicians does not mean they don’t care or are not interested. Indeed the opposite is the case. I was at the week-end conference and the subject matter was referred to in one form or another at both policy sessions I attended – and not just once but several times.
Together Labour and the Greens represent the best chance this country will ever have of dealing to Climate Change in a timely and realistic manner. There’s much more goes on behind the scenes than is apparent in the one-off conference speeches. Labour’s CC spokeswoman, Megan Woods is very well informed – and that comes from someone who was once in the climatalogical business.
Thank you Anne.
[I assume you didn’t see my earlier moderation note. Calm. The. Fuck. Down. TRP]
Thank you, Anne
Q: If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound?
A: Not in politics.
(Especially, if it does not make it to a press release, or official speech.)
Anne, do you have any records or notes of these policy sessions you could pass on, through this medium?
Why the secrecy?
What is Labour trying to hide?
What are Labour’s plans around the issue of climate change and work, do they have any?
Does Labour still support the opening of new coal mines?
Will Labour support the Pacific Island Forum Nations ban on all new coal mining in the region?
Does Labour still support deep sea oil drilling?
Does Labour oppose John Key’s plan to spend $7billion on a second harbour crossing in Auckland, instead of maximising public transport?
Should we be building motorways under the harbour or bus lanes across the Habour Bridge, and expanding the public transport sector by hiring and training more bus drivers?
(What’s Labour’s view on this?)
Does Labour intend to take any issue at all with the government over any element of National’s climate change policies in next year’s elections?
Going on Labour’s past record, my guess is no, to all of the above
Pacific Island forum nations call for the end of coal mining in the region.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/14/pacific-islands-nations-consider-worlds-first-treaty-to-ban-fossil-fuels
http://www.ipsnews.net/2015/08/tiny-island-nation-pleads-for-global-moratorium-on-new-coal-mines/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-10/pacific-islands-forum-abbott-to-be-asked-to-ban-new-coal-mines/6763804
Labour’s views on mining close to the government’s
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10822510
Maybe Anne, as an insider, you could tell me, is this the reason that Labour keeps talk of climate change “behind the scenes” while enforcing a public silence?
I would appreciate your thoughts.
Greens and Labour have a memorandum of understanding, best the greens do what the greens do and labour does what it does, do you not think.?
For Grant to make ANY comment on climate change etc, really opens up a can of worms, and a can of kick ass for the media, they will exploit any, slightest, friction, or differences.
I think it’s covered, labours entering government and it will be along side the greens, Let the greens deal with their field of expertise and labour there’s.
Green party co leader James Shaw was highly complementary of Andrew Little.
Co leaders of the Green party were special guests at Labour’s conference, James Shaw was very complementary of Andrew Little.
Apologies for the doubling up of comments, having a few probs with posting.
[your comments are going into Spam for some random reason. It takes time for them to be released manually – weka]
Thanks Weka.
It was a statement of fact, and I wasn’t being apologetic.
Nothing leftie says is important. He’s a shill for the Labour party. People reading the shit that pours from his mouth need to take this into account.
Lol That’s rich coming from a nat fan troll like yourself, Chris. You are showing yourself up.
You’re trolling Chris.
You’re trolling Chris
Fuck off, you pathetic uncritical Labour party shill. You disgust me.
[Settle down, cobber. No need for that kind of mindless abuse. Only warning. TRP]
I view painted elephants like that as a form of abuse.
Here is my basic costing of the Ready For Work policy, assuming 30 hours per week work (full-time as defined by the Social Security Act):
Minimum wage is $15.25/hour x 30 = $457.50 per week = $389.93 net (less PAYE) per week. I used the PAYE calculator on the IRD website to calculate this.
Net Benefit for someone < 25 is $175.10 per week per https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/deskfile/main-benefits-rates/jobseeker-support-current.html .
Actual net weekly cost to the government is $389.93 – $175.10 = $214.83 per week x 26 = $5,585.58.
Multiplied by 10,000 = $55,855,800.
Admin will add to that, as will holiday pay, public holidays, Kiwisaver employer contributions, sick pay etc – somewhere between 12% and 20% typically. On the other hand, there will be some amount of savings in accommodation supplements through abatement, and increased GST (15% of the net figure of $214.83 is over $8,000,000 when multiplied out over 26 weeks and 10,000 people). This ignores excise taxes (alcohol, tobacco, gambling), petrol tax and what happens when the beneficiary concerned has children (working for families and childcare subsidies increase).
All in all, $60 million is a reasonable estimate for a headline cost, given the complexity of the analysis involved.
Your estimate makes sense to me.
Plus quite a few beneficiaries might already be getting some supplementary assistance, above the $175.10 you mention, which could also be displaced by the new scheme (plus there are administration costs of the existing benefits, such as rubbish “work for you” seminars etc).
It’s a real shame that calculation, or conveying it, seems to have been beyond its proponents. Maybe they’ve got their act together now, I don’t know.
Actually they have been ambushed by obviously misleading (and I suspect malicious) calculations produced by opponents.
Maybe Labour’s background could have been more detailed up front, but you can’t predict every lie a liar will make – only after they lie do you know what to respond to.
Well I’d’ve thought a ‘showmethamunny’ was pretty predictable. Christ help them come election time.
People from the top end of town don’t like these policies cause they get in the way of there agenda for higher profits. If you have train a kiwi to do a job it costs more than importing a skilled migrant. To the top end of town they see less $$$… I think Little is on the right track here but i also think he needs to introduce a Universal Basic Income. So people are less reliant on the top end of town and can take the risk of starting up there own businesses.
I agree, Jono. Labour’s sentiments and policies show a much better direction than NAct, but we need to do more – and a UBI would be a great step.
Andrew talks a bit about the lack of tax/contribution from the top end of town, but could go further, given it is the elephant in the room. Could start by putting some pressure on John Key – a 1%er who also happens to be PM – to reveal his tax vs his wealth.
And that is why it’s going to take a while to get a UBI through. It totally removes the need for rich people.
Morgans pushing for the UBI,
here we have the perfect left, each working to gather votes from those who want specifics.. once the votes are counted we get all three benefits.
Greens Labour Morgan
we may not need the wolf in McCully’s clothing Winston at all, and would that not be a spectacular sunrise.?
It’s like ACT UF Nats and Maori but with the other parties actually contributing instead of pushing the main party over the line for their own benefit.
This is how you do it folks.
What is so stupid about current labour and it’s policies is that they can’t see past the traditional model of implementation, tax, or the grounds for them, socialism. Instead of taking two mediocre and individually rather useless, if not punititve policies, like levying businesses not providing training to New Zealanders and providing free tertiary education if you meet certain criteria at some point in the future, Why not behave like a government with all the statistical and institutional resources a government has.
Why not identify current and future skill shortages, which don’t arise overnight, and provide free education in those skills and retraining and perhaps subsidised apprenticeships for those in the workforce or in areas where tertiary training isn’t relevant.
Show that they’e thought about the problem and the future of it. not just looked at some clickbait headline and released a clickbait policy to match exactly that headline.
Small wonder no one seriously thinks they are ready to govern.
WHAT!
Well if you won’t drop the negativity and ACTUALLY LOOK, we will never change your perception.
I read that and just shook my head everything you moaned about they did!! FFS
Is this all we get? Tinkering around the edges? Like National, only red coloured.
Where is the unwinding of neoliberalism? I can only conclude they still agree with it, even if they posture otherwise.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Rubbish Rsbandit, you haven’t read it have you?
I think its fair for some of us to be questioning these policies.
Unemployment is at 4.9%.
It is probably not an issue playing large in people’s minds when they go to the voting booth.
For myself, I have two 20 year old children currently unemployed. One is waiting for seasonal work, one had to leave University. I don’t in fact worry about them being ‘unemployed’.
What keeps me awake at night is that every job they have had has been less than full time. And less than permanent. And has had a wage too low to cover even a decent standard of living in Auckland. Once upon a time you could get a crappy flat for peanuts and the landlord would leave you alone. Now even that is out of reach.
This is all the result of the neo liberal free trade model and the downward pressure it puts on workers.
What is Labour going to do about that?.
And if appeasing the Third Way faction of the Labour Party is the price Little is willing to pay to win…well what is the point??
Exactly. Well said.
Now that I can agree with , deal with today’s issues
Which National is refusing to do Blue.
What’s National got Rsbandit?
Do you honestly believe unemployment is really just 4.9%??
Stats NZ reviewed it’s methodology.
<a href=" http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/81579257/NZ-unemployment-rate-tumbles-and-workforce-shrinks-in-recalculation
Labour is showing the direction it’s heading, I don’t see it as mere “tinkering around the edges” like we see with National, and it’s a hell of lot more proactive than this do nothing, but exasperate the issues, current government.
“Once upon a time you could get a crappy flat for peanuts and the landlord would leave you alone. Now even that is out of reach.”
That’s a pretty damn exact litmus test. And Labour offers nothing to address that. It’s the third way, all the fucking way. Centre right dicks. They can fuck off.
How do you know that will not be addressed under a Lab/Green coalition government? And please don’t try to pass it off by saying history, this current Labour party is not the same as it’s predecessors, and hasn’t been tested yet in government.
Labour hasn’t even pretended to address the incomes of the poorest people over the past eight elections. Show why you think 2017 will be any different?
You didn’t read the report. There is no reason to assume a Lab/Green coalition government will not address these issues.
You didn’t read it, you already formed that opinion and nothing labour said barring declaring war would have changed it.
Look with an open mind, then make a decision.
Well said Richard.