National MP Mike Sabin resigns

Written By: - Date published: 11:56 am, January 30th, 2015 - 151 comments
Categories: national, uncategorized - Tags: , ,

Sabin’s statement is here, but it’s fairly short and to the point:

Northland MP, Mike Sabin, today announced he has resigned from Parliament, effective immediately.

Mr Sabin said he had decided to resign due to personal issues that were best dealt with outside Parliament.

151 comments on “National MP Mike Sabin resigns ”

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  1. Ovid 1
    30 January 2015 at 11:59 am

    [I’m sorry Ovid but as a precaution I think it best to remove your comment. Speculation on the identity is dangerous in the circumstances – MS]

    • Tracey 1.1
      30 January 2015 at 12:04 pm

      Is Mike Sabin a prominent new zealander? Until the rumours of his assault did anyone know who he was? Was he famous or important?

      prominent
      ˈprɒmɪnənt/
      adjective
      adjective: prominent

      1.
      important; famous.
      “she was a prominent member of the city council”
      synonyms: important, well known, leading, eminent, pre-eminent, distinguished, notable, noteworthy, noted, public, outstanding, foremost, of mark, illustrious, celebrated, famous, renowned, acclaimed, famed, honoured, esteemed, respected, well thought of, influential, prestigious, big, top, great, chief, main;
      major-league
      “a prominent member of the Royal College of Surgeons”
      antonyms: unimportant, obscure, unknown
      2.
      projecting from something; protuberant.
      “a man with big, prominent eyes like a lobster’s”
      synonyms: protuberant, protruding, projecting, jutting, jutting out, standing out, sticking out, proud, bulging, bulbous; More
      raised, elevated;
      rareprotrusive, protrudent, excrescent
      “his cheekbones were high and prominent”
      3.
      situated so as to catch the attention; noticeable.
      “the new housing estates are prominent landmarks”
      synonyms: conspicuous, noticeable, easily seen, obvious, evident, discernible, recognizable, distinguishable, unmistakable, eye-catching, pronounced, salient, striking, outstanding, dominant, predominant;
      obtrusive
      “the rectangular fields and straight lanes that are now such a prominent feature of the landscape”
      antonyms: inconspicuous

      noun
      noun: prominent; plural noun: prominents; noun: prominent moth; plural noun: prominent moths

      1.
      a stout drab-coloured moth with tufts on the forewings which stick up while at rest, the caterpillars of which typically have fleshy growths on the back.

      • Realblue 1.1.1
        30 January 2015 at 12:14 pm

        He’s pretty well known as an anti-drug campaigner and educator, through his Police duties, and of course as the left obsession du jour.

        • Tracey 1.1.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 12:19 pm

          Pretty sure the herald or SST were the first to speculate about him, not The Standard of the “left”.

        • Colonial Rawshark 1.1.1.2
          30 January 2015 at 12:25 pm

          He’s pretty well known as an anti-drug campaigner and educator, through his Police duties, and of course as the left obsession du jour.

          He’s pretty well known in Northland for a bunch of different things.

        • Once was Tim 1.1.1.3
          30 January 2015 at 3:55 pm

          @ Realblue…. I await the sage PU’s recollections of the guy. Mine of him are that he’s JAW (Just another wanker) whose concern over real issues could be valid at times were it not for the driving force being one of self-aggrandisement. Others in that JAW club are the likes of that Christian campaigner in ChCh currently serving out his ego at Her Majesty’s pleasure.

          Anyone know when Brook’s going to resign? (for crimes against journalism)

          • Clemgeopin 1.1.1.3.1
            30 January 2015 at 4:12 pm

            Anyone know when Brook’s going to resign? (for crimes against journalism)

            I think that is an unfair comment. Not sure why you say that. I have found that Brook Sabin has been careful to be quite professional in his reporting, analysis and comments and has not shown blatant one sided bias as done by so many other RW supporting cringe worthy so called ‘journalists’.

            • Tracey 1.1.1.3.1.1
              30 January 2015 at 4:27 pm

              concur and if i didnt with his reporting he does not deserve to be punished for anything a family member might have done.

              • Once was Tim …
                31 January 2015 at 1:58 am

                @Tracey and Clem – I’d agree with you IF IF IF and when Mediaworks declare Brook’s disposition in all of this. Until, and when they do – they deserve all they frikken well get!
                Can you point me in the direction of where and when Brook has declared any potential conflicts of interest or otherwise – because I can’t fine any

          • Once was Tim 1.1.1.3.2
            30 January 2015 at 4:17 pm

            AaaaaaaaaH Phil ….. I shuda checked further on opinions/comments up and down.
            (Btw ….. one day when the environment suits, there’ll be various anecdotal tales and ekshill evidence of who pisses in “whose” pockets – “Goan Forwid

            I hope it’s before both I, and the cnuts in question kick the proverbial. Cases like this tho’ – woteva the spin aren’t that hard up to pull a positive on. I mean the guy’s of both Edna Evridge (average to the most of us) intel I’m just not that sure that the ‘Little Party’ is that committmed (both to the reality in life of those they purport to represent) Unlike you, I’ll wait a bit longer but the guy is a bit of a muppet and any Andy future make-up artist should get a good earn.

            You know what ….. I think Russel’s reasons for resigning (I mean the REAL reasons) are ekshly quite admirable

            I’ll visit when next I have the patience – it’s just that the online availability (that I Get) isn’t actually that great. SukitnSees, database upgrades, changes you can rely on, tinkering and tapping and wishing and hoping on THIS site are entirely legit – after all …… ’tis he that pays the bills and he shud be commeded for doing so. Once upon a time – in a corporatised environment – I’d have been sekkd.

            There does however need to be more like TS. (Btw – still haven’t werkd eart who’s the top en who’s the bottom but wotever, I’d suggess the botm needs some assertiveness training

            • Lizbet 1.1.1.3.2.1
              31 January 2015 at 4:30 am

              Go home Tim, you’re drunk.

              • Clemgeopin …
                31 January 2015 at 3:43 pm

                lol…funny!

              • Clemgeopin …
                31 January 2015 at 11:35 pm

                A joke for you: [For ADULTS only!]

                Three guys are drinking in a bar when a drunk comes in, staggers up to them, and points at the guy in the middle, shouting, “Your mom’s the best sex in town! She sure is!”

                Everyone expects a fight, but the guy ignores him, so the drunk wanders off and bellies up to the bar at the far end. Ten minutes later, the drunk comes back, points at the same guy, and says, “I just did your mom, and she did me too!…it was sw-e-e-e-e-e-t as!”

                Again the guy refuses to take the bait, and the drunk goes back to the far end of the bar. Ten minutes later, he comes back and announces, “Woo hoo!…Your mom liked it a lot too, matey!”

                Finally the guy says, “Go home, Dad, you’re drunk!”

      • phillip ure 1.1.2
        30 January 2015 at 12:16 pm

        i gave him points for honesty..

        ..for calling the methamphetamine-scare-meme/frenzy he whipped up to ride into parliament on the back of..

        ..meth-con…

        • tricledrown 1.1.2.1
          30 January 2015 at 1:26 pm

          Yes Phil and one of his own senior police drug squad from Northland was found guilty of stealing police evidence and trafficking methanphetamine.
          Our asurd war on Drugs is just financing gangs and criminals.
          Time to decriminalize all Drugs.
          Misdemeaner fines and provide rehab take the money out of crims hands.
          Alcohol kills 500 to 600 everyear wastes up to 75% of police resources yet this govt does nothing but pander to this $6 billion a year damage alcohol causes.
          All other drugs combined cause less than 20 deaths a year.
          Nationals Hypocritical Rednecks have been promoting this waste of resources on a Drug War that will never be won.Esentially promoting Criminal profitability by pushing the price of illict Drugs up making more profitable for nasty criminal gangs to flourish.
          Mike Sabin the short sighted short tempered Redneck!

      • Treetop 1.1.3
        30 January 2015 at 1:51 pm

        His son had a serious head injury a few years ago.

      • Sabine 1.1.4
        30 January 2015 at 2:41 pm

        never heard of him before the posts here on the standard.

        so what ever.

        one more pinhead to bite the dust.

        • phillip ure 1.1.4.1
          30 January 2015 at 6:40 pm

          head of/remember meth-con..?

          ..they ran around yelling that ‘the sky is falling in!’..’cos of methamphetamine..?

          ..he then rode that whipped-up hysteria into parliament..

          ..’meth-con’..indeed..!

  2. Skinny 2
    30 January 2015 at 12:06 pm

    By election time I am hearing Paul Henry is considering a nomination. What a circus if that transpires.

    • Tracey 2.1
      30 January 2015 at 12:20 pm

      from whom are you hearing it?

      • Realblue 2.1.1
        30 January 2015 at 12:24 pm

        The voices in his head 🙂

        • wyndham 2.1.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 12:48 pm

          Paul Henry stood for National once before. Wairarapa but fortunately defeated by Georgette Beyer. 1999 ?

      • Skinny 2.1.2
        30 January 2015 at 12:44 pm

        The same person from within national that said there is a by election in the north after Xmas. I thought the new fella Reti had been outed, there were rumours going around prior to the election.

        Anyway I doubt Key wants him wasted as an MP, Henry is much more useful in the morning talkback slot on their radio station Radio Live.

        • b waghorn 2.1.2.1
          30 January 2015 at 12:48 pm

          I think it would be brilliant if henry got elected it would only be a matter of time before he made a complete idiot of him self and embarrassed the nats some more.

          • Tracey 2.1.2.1.1
            30 January 2015 at 1:54 pm

            he would be taking a BIG pay cut and would have to pay second fiddle to key amongst others… anyone seeing him doing either of those things?

    • Treetop 2.2
      30 January 2015 at 1:55 pm

      Paul Henry has cancer, not sure what type. I doubt he will enter politics at this time.

    • Treetop 2.3
      30 January 2015 at 2:20 pm

      Nice and tidy for a Friday dump. Heard Key on the topic of Sabin earlier in the week, knew there was something to it as Key would have defended Sabin if his job was not on the line. I thought that Key was waiting for Sabin to resign.

      Hope the Northland voters get it right this time and do not vote for the government. Need to look up Sabin’s majority.

      • Murray Rawshark 2.3.1
        30 January 2015 at 5:45 pm

        Majority of something like 9000. Nact will win the seat. They won it a few months back with a piece of used bog paper as candidate. They can do it again.

    • Rodel 2.4
      30 January 2015 at 6:33 pm

      Paul Henry…Please God let it be he. I doubt anyone would vote for him but if he won he would be hilariously embarrassing for National.
      He never got over being wasted by Georgina.

      • phillip ure 2.4.1
        30 January 2015 at 6:35 pm

        yeah..i wd like henry..

        ..that wd b fun…

        ..henry hissy-fits all over northland..

        ..u cd run sweepstakes 4 what time each day he wd first lose it..

        ..and tanty all over the place..

  3. phillip ure 3
    30 January 2015 at 12:12 pm

    so..a bye-election..

  4. Ovid 4
    30 January 2015 at 12:15 pm

    It will be interesting to see who is selected to stand in Northland as it will give an indication on what faction is in the ascendancy in the National Party. If one of Simon Lusk’s proteges gets the nod, it’ll be a bad sign for Key, English and the rest of the centrists (for want of a better term).

  6. Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 6
    30 January 2015 at 12:18 pm

    Great timing?
    Wait till something pops up regarding another party and then release it quickly at about the same time.
    Well done, chief of staff + comms team.

    • Tracey 6.1
      30 January 2015 at 12:21 pm

      I think it is good for the Green Party. They can get on with their process and now the media focus will be On Sabin, and Key being all tight-lipped, and pressing Key for not standing him down earlier from the law and Order Committee and covering for Sabin… OR imagining rifts and problems in Greens that don’t exist

      • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 6.1.1
        30 January 2015 at 12:25 pm

        I haven’t been yet in touch with my contacts on the inside (of Blue or Greens).
        I couched what I said in general terms so that it could be read either being one way or the other 🙂 Suspect it is the way Saarbo is querying at #7.
        Then again, with the Friday dump as LPrent has noted, both could have been scheduled quite separately.

        Parliament sits the week after next, and so it is probably an idea to dump Sabin today to let things run a bit next week and die off by Tuesday week.

    • Skinny 6.2
      30 January 2015 at 12:28 pm

      I pretty much said on open mike if Norman resigns Key and his spin merchants will use the timing in standing Sabin down. They pushed him out completely.

      Which leads me to where are the hard question from these idiots posing as journalists, relating to Key’s handling of Sabin. So fucking serious were the allegations that Sabin resigns outright. Presumably Key was briefed of ‘these serious allegations’ prior to the election when they first surfaced, and doesn’t do the ethical thing of standing him down or removing him all together. Smells rotten to the core!

      • phillip ure 6.2.1
        30 January 2015 at 2:09 pm

        “..Presumably Key was briefed of ‘these serious allegations’ prior to the election when they first surfaced,..”

        i guess that will be a question for questiontime..when did he first know..?

        • Skinny 6.2.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 2:53 pm

          Of course he was you could see it in his eyes (Joyce, Finlayson too) Sabin arranged a invite only forum. At that stage of the election campaign Key was getting hammered over dirty politic’s and Collins, he was starting to doubt himself. The Nats got a pasting (something they weren’t use too) up North thru a couple of media rags. Anyway they distanced themselves from Sabin, it was very noticeable that something fishy was going on.

          Looking back feel for little Brooke, holding back tears, standing proudly/ashamed side by side with big daddy O, both blowing trumpet stoically knowing it was terminal and their Titanic was eventually going down. Brave faces as they cheerily played on trying to ease a very worried looking Captain Key and first officer Joyce.

          • Clemgeopin 6.2.1.1.1
            30 January 2015 at 3:18 pm

            I have found Brook Sabin to be quite a fair reporter. I think he does a professional job in his political reporting, analysis and comments.

            • Skinny 6.2.1.1.1.1
              30 January 2015 at 4:15 pm

              No mate he is a slippery little shit who plays a deep cover role. He comes out for team national when needed/told.

        • Clemgeopin 6.2.1.2
          30 January 2015 at 3:14 pm

          guess that will be a question for questiontime..when did he first know..?

          Answer : “Uum, akshully, I , uum, don’t recall. Honest! I know you will think it is another kind of brain fade, I guess. Of course, you are free to speculate, or what eva, but I am telling you the absolute truth!”

  7. Saarbo 7
    30 January 2015 at 12:19 pm

    I wonder if he took the opportunity to resign in the shadow of Norman’s resignation.

    • Karen 7.1
      30 January 2015 at 12:23 pm

      I am sure you are right Saarbo. By doing it now there will be less scrutiny of his resignation and the refusal of Key to answer questions about the police investigation.

      I am wondering whether the Nats found out about Russel Norman’s intentions and that is why Key wouldn’t answer questions the other day.

    • lprent 7.2
      30 January 2015 at 12:24 pm

      Being the chair of the police oversight was a bit of an issue next week. Was probably programmed as being in the friday dump.

    • Tracey 7.3
      30 January 2015 at 12:32 pm

      [Careful – MS]

      • rawshark-yeshe 7.3.1
        30 January 2015 at 1:20 pm

        [Careful guys – MS]

        • rawshark-yeshe 7.3.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 1:33 pm

          unprecedented secrecy .. not even the district court can be named. hope the msm will pursue with rigour else it will simply highlight it further.

  8. Puckish Rogue 8
    30 January 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Well it took longer then it should have but at least its done

  9. fisiani 9
    30 January 2015 at 12:33 pm

    Sensible move. Jump before being pushed. By election in Northland in a couple of months. National down 1 MP till then.

    • Bearded Git 9.1
      30 January 2015 at 12:46 pm

      So 60-60 on the RMA reforms now. They don’t get through till National wins Northland.

      I hope Labour and the Greens are listening to this and only stand one candidate-a Labour one would be the obvious choice.

      • Tracey 9.1.1
        30 January 2015 at 12:53 pm

        RMA wont be finally voted on until end of 2015 so a new nat will be in parliament by then

        • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 9.1.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 12:57 pm

          Just as well the surveillance bill went through (62 in a House of 121) although Labour was particularly helpful in strengthening the numbers for that

          … and gnats can look forward to Labour’s support again in the future 😉

        • Bearded Git 9.1.1.2
          30 January 2015 at 3:07 pm

          What I’m really highlighting here is that funny things happen in by-elections. If Labour and the Greens got together and only stood one candidate and then stood on 2 clear issues like:

          -no state house sales
          -no wrecking of the RMA (which a win to Labour would stop)

          you never know.

      • saveNZ 9.1.2
        31 January 2015 at 11:29 am

        Totally agree. For once in their lives, be strategic! Only one candidate, Labour or Green. Also lot’s of things can happen so don’t concede a victory for National. If ( Labour) did a big campaign and actually put effort to get the poor out voting and actually bother to look at some local issues etc etc maybe they can win it. They are probably pro jobs and anti pollution up North. So Maybe Labour could do it with Green support? A trial of partnership and strategy?

    • Skinny 9.2
      30 January 2015 at 12:50 pm

      I might call Peters PA see where the celebration party is happening. Winston will be smiling like a tiger. 🙂

    • Tracey 9.3
      30 January 2015 at 12:53 pm

      LOL @ thinking he wasn’t being pushed 😉

      • McFlock 9.3.1
        30 January 2015 at 1:33 pm

        lol yeah

        My only curiosity is as to whether he was phoned this morning and released the previously-arranged statement himself, or whether he simply found out at the same time as the journolists 🙂

    • BobJ 9.4
      30 January 2015 at 1:32 pm

      Is that right? Proportionality/votes are taken from the party vote so a vacant seat but the same number of votes?

      Also if Labour win the by-election do they lose the last person on the list?

      • McFlock 9.4.1
        30 January 2015 at 1:41 pm

        Well, it’s solid blue so the question is most likely moot, but my understanding is that the number of list seats are allocated at general election time based on share_of_vote – #_electorate_seats.

        After writ day, the number of list seats is constant until the next general election.

        But unless the national candidate in the by-election is exposed as a horse-fucker during the campaign, Northland will probably stay solidly National. Even then, given Clutha-Southland’s performance electing a floundering tobacco lobbyist (whose daddy had to defend him in the debates, apparently) the nact horse-fucker will probably win (albeit with maybe some sudden announcements of government investment in Northland infrastructure that are “purely coincidental”, of course).

        • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 9.4.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 2:03 pm

          Ok.
          Will be good to see NZ First-Greens-Labour working in alignment to get maximum leverage out of the by-election for the Opposition. Can strategists and the appropriate people within those parties keep in touch with each other please.

        • The lost sheep 9.4.1.2
          30 January 2015 at 2:07 pm

          ” given Clutha-Southland’s performance electing a floundering tobacco lobbyist (whose daddy had to defend him in the debates, apparently) the nact horse-fucker will probably win”

          In Clutha – Southland you could stand the horse and still win by 10,000.

          • Tracey 9.4.1.2.1
            30 January 2015 at 2:26 pm

            A horse would get 100% of the votes

            • greywarshark 9.4.1.2.1.1
              30 January 2015 at 3:35 pm

              Politics will use anything animal, vegetable or mineral to advance its purposes. If you could only get a talking horse!!!
              Here’s one singing the Empty Feed Bag Blues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LND1PypBnrU

              The TV show Mr Ed the Talking Horse was used to put over a public service announcement in 1964 encouraging people to take out savings bonds – backed by the government! And sponsored by the Chrysler Corporation.
              That’s the way to run a government!

          • Alpha 9.4.1.2.2
            30 January 2015 at 3:04 pm

            Yes, they even had two r.wing donkeys elected there in recent elections!

        • greywarshark 9.4.1.3
          30 January 2015 at 3:20 pm

          Thanks McFlock for the clear and direct explanation of the scenario.
          😀

        • Murray Rawshark 9.4.1.4
          30 January 2015 at 5:49 pm

          They’ll probably rebuild the Opua Yacht Club. That’d do the trick.

  10. Psycho Milt 10
    30 January 2015 at 12:44 pm

    What a loss to the country this retirement is!

    Oops – sorry, wrong thread. This retirement’s a nett gain for the country.

  11. Takere 11
    30 January 2015 at 12:51 pm

    So the question is …. what did he do? To whom and when did it happen? Why not ask that amazing bright news reporter for a comment, Brooke Sabin! Haha!

    • Tracey 11.1
      30 January 2015 at 12:57 pm

      are you saying the sins of the father must be visited upon the son?

      • Takere 11.1.1
        30 January 2015 at 1:20 pm

        Well it’d be a good test for Brooke …. turning the “Mike” on him to see if he can answer a question put to him like he does to others while acting as a professional journo. He just mite learn something about objectivity, impartiality and getting the “facts right?” Haha!?

        • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 11.1.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 1:47 pm

          I missed the tv coverage where Brooke was pursuing Mike at Wellington airport?? Rats.

        • Murray Rawshark 11.1.1.2
          30 January 2015 at 5:50 pm

          Brooke should not go anywhere near the story. It is an obvious conflict of interest.

  12. b waghorn 12
    30 January 2015 at 12:52 pm

    I’ve heard its unlikely for national to lose northland but if they did what does that mean for the stability of the government?

  13. Clemgeopin 13
    30 January 2015 at 12:58 pm

    The Day Of Restless Resignations :

    11 am : Russel Norman resigns for honourable reasons. Many feel sad.

    12 noon : Mike Sabin resigns/gets pushed for dark cloud reasons. Enigma. Key still doesn’t front up!

    5 pm : PM can’t spin no more and buys a one way ticket to Hawaii 5’O! Bennett smiles.

  14. Tracey 14
    30 January 2015 at 1:03 pm

    IF this is based on the previous rumour, then KEY has known for a very long time under the “no surprises” policy.

    For those about to do comparisons with Field and Clark, as soon as it entered the public domain I understand Clark stood Field down. THIS story entered the public domain on 21 December 2014.

    • mickysavage 14.1
      30 January 2015 at 1:34 pm

      The media knew about Sabin’s problems in August last year. It is beyond comprehension that Key has not been briefed on the details.

      • Tracey 14.1.1
        30 January 2015 at 1:51 pm

        BUT the media buy his denials and no comments…

        Was it reported in August Mickey?

        • mickysavage 14.1.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 1:55 pm

          No the first time it was reported was in December. I am amazed at the delay. I would have thought the media would have been all over the issue.

          • Tracey 14.1.1.1.1
            30 January 2015 at 2:01 pm

            Sorry to be dopey, but how did the media know in August?

            • Tracey 14.1.1.1.1.1
              30 January 2015 at 2:14 pm

              I am asking because of what the National President said in December 2014

              “Party president Peter Goodfellow told the Herald National’s hierarchy was unaware of any allegations, historical or recent, against Mr Sabin before this year’s general election. He refused to comment further.”

        • Alpha 14.1.1.2
          30 January 2015 at 2:00 pm

          Lots of 2+2=4 below,

          [Sorry Alpha but best if this site does not link to that site – MS]

          • Tracey 14.1.1.2.1
            30 January 2015 at 2:11 pm

            The mind boggles at what Slater could possibly consider “too horrible for words”.

            and… I may not stop laughing for the lack of self awareness of this from Slater

            “This is the problem you get when you have an ethically challenged party hierarchy.”

            BTW that link also could have alot of 2 + 2 =5

            • Puckish Rogue 14.1.1.2.1.1
              30 January 2015 at 4:15 pm

              Having read Whaleoil for a while theres really only one thing it could be alluding to (and I’m sure you can guess for yourself what it is) but I don’t want to say it on here in case it gets the Standard in trouble…or myself for that matter

              [lprent: Wise. ]

              • Murray Rawshark …
                30 January 2015 at 5:52 pm

                With Slater, it could be having a beer with Hone that’d be too horrible for words.

            • Neil 14.1.1.2.1.2
              30 January 2015 at 4:17 pm

              For Slater to be saying “too horrible for words”, it must be bad if he is disgusted by it. Hopefully the truth comes out & is not buried by Key.

            • Macro 14.1.1.2.1.3
              30 January 2015 at 4:41 pm

              Well yes! That is the task of The Ministry of Truth”:

              As well as administering truth, the ministry spreads a new language amongst the populace called Newspeak, in which, for example, “truth” is understood to mean statements like 2 + 2 = 5 when the situation warrants.

    • rawshark-yeshe 14.2
      30 January 2015 at 1:58 pm

      could it be fairly said key stole the election by withholding this critical info ? looks like it to me.

      almost have to admire the cold, evil dark place where his heart might have been and his crippling willingness to deliver power for his masters at any cost known to any good kiwi.

      Tracey .. does this blanket secrecy mean nothing can be asked in the house about Sabin ? or can not knowing if it is or isn’t Sabin in the court, can the ones such as Winston ask and be answered ? thx

      • Tracey 14.2.1
        30 January 2015 at 2:21 pm

        My understanding is that MPs can breach name suppression under parliamentary privilege and be protected from prosecution, but I don’t think any, or many have done it. Perhaps because parliament showing no respect for the Courts is a slippery slope? Also the Courts are only implementing the laws made by parliament so parliament could remove name suppression if they wanted it known.

        If anyone asks questions, it wont be of Sabin, cos he has resigned but no one would be compelled to answer questions about someone else. IMO

        Rodney Hide called on Maggie Barrie to do it, but she didn’t. of course he didn’t have the courage of his convictions to name the person he knew so much about cos going to jail for a few weeks as punishment was too big a price for him to pay. Funny, when you consider the ACT party has tended to describe prison as soft and a holiday camp.

        • rawshark-yeshe 14.2.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 3:00 pm

          Thanks Tracey .. so if parliament can remove name suppression, could they equally apply it ? Is this what has happened ? Even in extreme cases such as incestuous sexual abuse where victims need identity protection, the presiding court is usually named isn’t it ?

          • Tracey 14.2.1.1.1
            30 January 2015 at 4:31 pm

            i cant recall the name of the court being suppressed but it may have happened.

            interesting that slater considers the allegations too horrible for words, and if it is the same person granted name suppression today, he has not outted him.

            • rawshark-yeshe 14.2.1.1.1.1
              30 January 2015 at 5:55 pm

              not yet .. but I guess there will be clues .. and if Key has known since April ? Baby cheeses indeed !

              What a rort of the voters in Northland and a disgrace for NZ.

        • Murray Rawshark 14.2.1.2
          30 January 2015 at 5:55 pm

          Yeah, but it’s not a holiday camp where Hide could have gotten us to pay for his girlfriend to go with him.

      • Anne 14.2.2
        30 January 2015 at 9:56 pm

        rawshark-yeshe @ 14.2

        Well, did anyone else notice how stressed and bleary eyed Key looked throughout most of August and early September? I put it down to ‘Dirty Politics’ at the time because there was a clear sense that something other than the campaign had deeply rattled him.

        • Jenny Kirk 14.2.2.1
          30 January 2015 at 10:16 pm

          To Anne – yep. I thought that he was suddenly looking older and not enjoying the job so much.

  15. Michael who failed Civics 15
    30 January 2015 at 1:45 pm

    Good riddance.

  16. Tracey 16
    30 January 2015 at 1:51 pm

    Have the police been called to investigate the leak to Andrea Vance?

  18. Penny Bright 18
    30 January 2015 at 4:31 pm

    Seen this?

    ‘Nothing to hide – nothing to fear’?

    Why wasn’t NZ Prime Minister John Key ‘straight up’ with the public – regarding (ex) Northland National MP Mike Sabin?

    Given that NZ is purported to be the SECOND ‘least corrupt country in the world’ – shouldn’t we be at least the SECOND most ‘transparent’, and expect our Prime Minister John Key to ‘lead by example’?

    “It is understood the National Party was first made aware of an assault complaint against National MP Mike Sabin weeks before the 2011 election but chose not to ask Mr Sabin to withdraw his candidacy.

    It is also understood that Mr Key was made aware of the allegation in April last year but chose to neither disclose this to the public nor ask the former police officer to stand down as chairman of the law and order select committee. … ”

    But – what sort of ethical standards do you expect from a Prime Minister whose ‘moral compass’, in my considered opinion, is stuck on ‘Wall Street’?

    http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/sabin-resigns-parliament-jb-168018?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NBR%2520Last%2520Call

    “Prime Minister John Key has acknowledged the resignation of Northland MP Mike Sabin for personal reasons, according to a media release from his office.

    Mr Key acknowledged Mr Sabin’s service as an MP since he was elected in 2011.

    The Prime Minister is taking advice on the possible date for a by-election.

    A National Party media release that followed soon after confirmed Mr Sabin’s resignation was effective immediately.

    “Mr Sabin said he had decided to resign due to personal issues that were best dealt with outside Parliament. Mr Sabin will not be making any further comment,” the media release says.

    NBR ONLINE first began researching the National MP in September.

    In December, Fairfax media revealed Waitemata police were investigating an assault complaint against Mr Sabin.

    It is understood the National Party was first made aware of an assault complaint against National MP Mike Sabin weeks before the 2011 election but chose not to ask Mr Sabin to withdraw his candidacy.

    It is also understood that Mr Key was made aware of the allegation in April last year but chose to neither disclose this to the public nor ask the former police officer to stand down as chairman of the law and order select committee.

    The Northland MP, 46, has been in Parliament since 2011 and served as a police officer in Northland before 2006.

    This morning, a Whangarei barrister slammed Mr Sabin for maintaining his right to silence in the public sphere while attempting to introduce a bill to Parliament that would remove that right for certain others during police questioning. ”

    ______________________________________________________________________________________

    Penny Bright

  19. Tracey 19
    30 January 2015 at 4:49 pm

    Mr Key seems pretty relaxed about it all, and very comfortable with Mr Sabin.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11394142

    • BLiP 19.1
      30 January 2015 at 5:46 pm

      ‘

      Heh! I see the Slippery One is ducking behind the manufactured convenience of him not having been informed but his “office”. Such obvious chicanery, although swallowed holus bolus with relish by the compliant MSM, indicates to the observant that the Prime Sinister is not quite as comfortable as he would have us believe.

      • Clemgeopin 19.1.1
        30 January 2015 at 5:58 pm

        Three quotes from that link:
        The first one seems pure bull shit. The second one is honest. The third one is funny.

        [1] John Key says National ‘did not ask Mike Sabin to quit’ after MP resigns ‘due to personal issues’ Mr Key continued to refuse to comment on when he first found out Mr Sabin’s personal issues, but said today National had not asked Mr Sabin to step down. “Sabin reached that conclusion himself on the back of personal and family reasons he is pursuing. My office was advised by Mr Sabin in the last day or so of his intention to resign. “He’s made that call to go and do that. He’s obviously made the best decision for himself and his family.”

        [2] Labour leader Andrew Little said Mr Sabin’s departure so soon after a general election was unusual and Mr Key should have to answer questions about it.
        “He might want to tell people what he knew [and] when he knew it …”. He said Labour would stand in the byelection but conceded it had little chance of winning. “We polled 16 per cent in the last election so Northland clearly is not a Labour stronghold. But they’ve got issues up there. They’ve got unemployment up round 8.6 per cent, one of the higher levels of unemployment in any country. They’ve got major problems with housing. And these are big issues for us. But it has been a National stronghold for a long time and I doubt whether that will change.”

        [3] NZ First leader Winston Peters also questioned the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation. Mr Peters harks from Northland but would not say whether or not he was considering running in the byelection himself.

        “This is not the plains of the Serengeti where we gather like animals at the first sign of a weak animal.”

  20. One Anonymous Bloke 20
    30 January 2015 at 5:46 pm

    It’s nice to see Sabin gone. Given his twisted right wing views, I expect he’s done something truly vile to match the truly vile private member’s bills he produced as an MP.

    • BLiP 20.1
      30 January 2015 at 5:48 pm

      ‘

      Indeed. Isn’t he know exercising his right to silence – that same very right he’s seeking to have removed from New Zealanders? Wottaguy.

      • Realblue 20.1.1
        2 February 2015 at 5:50 pm

        The right to silence is only in context when being questioned by Police. If he chooses not to talk to the journos, everyone has that right. You can just say fuck off.

    • Jellytussle 20.2
      30 January 2015 at 8:15 pm

      Hopefully his obnoxious roadside signs can now be taken down.

      • Jenny Kirk 20.2.1
        31 January 2015 at 4:30 pm

        They were still up at 1pm today (Sat) – be interesting to watch how long it takes for them to come down – especially with everyone trekking up to Waitangi soon.

  21. Jellytussle 21
    30 January 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Accusations about sexual offending with underage girls should’ve led to a stand down months ago.

    • weka 21.1
      30 January 2015 at 5:57 pm

      Unlikely when our PM appears to support one of the heirs to the Crown being entitled to have sex with underage girls.

        • Jellytussle 21.1.1.1
          30 January 2015 at 6:17 pm

          Nice. First of all I had a good old lol about the association between the PM, Prince Andrew and the horrendous Sabin accusations, then I read the article and was actually pleasantly surprised at the comments from De Boni……

          “It’s actually a story of reducing Government spending, casualising our workforce, taking no steps to cool the property market, selling off our natural assets, ignoring inequality, ignoring high levels of personal debt, ignoring environmental change and privatising essential services. It is the story of the short-term benefits of trickle-down economics”

      • One Anonymous Bloke 21.1.2
        30 January 2015 at 6:00 pm

        It’s time they changed their name to the Princess Party.

  22. Paul 22
    30 January 2015 at 7:17 pm

    ‘Mr Sabin said he had decided to resign due to personal issues that were best dealt with outside Parliament.’

    Is it widely known what these issues are?

    • Anne 22.1
      30 January 2015 at 7:29 pm

      Is it widely known what these issues are?

      Yes. He’s been using fisticuffs or something similar on someone or some persons. We just don’t know exactly who… although rumours are at large.

      We’re talking about an ex- NZ Police Force detective. No wonder the police have donned their hard hats and disappeared into a bunker. Checking on Key’s TV news demeamour this evening I think he’s grabbed his h. hat and has joined them.

      • Paul 22.1.1
        30 January 2015 at 7:31 pm

        Would it be illegal to repeat those rumours?

        [It depends and we would prefer not to go there – MS]

      • One Anonymous Bloke 22.1.2
        30 January 2015 at 7:35 pm

        “Fisticuffs” – he’s being investigated for assault, of which there are several kinds.

        Fisticuffs do not usually lead to suppression orders.

        • Paul 22.1.2.1
          30 January 2015 at 7:38 pm

          What does lead to suppression orders?

        • Anne 22.1.2.2
          30 January 2015 at 7:52 pm

          I put it in a light-hearted way OAB. Best to err on the side of caution eh.

        • Colonial Rawshark 22.1.2.3
          30 January 2015 at 8:27 pm

          Judith Collins in 2012:

          Justice Minister Judith Collins said these provisions, which were passed late last year, represent a substantial reform to criminal procedure.

          “Grounds for granting name suppression weren’t always clear, and could be granted too easily and inconsistently – the Criminal Procedure Act changes this. It sets out a clear set of criteria for the courts to use when deciding whether suppression is appropriate or not.

          “Previously defendants could be granted name suppression in situations where publication of their name may have resulted in ‘undue’ hardship to them or others. The test for granting name suppression has now been raised to ‘extreme’ hardship,” said Ms Collins.

          There will be no presumption of extreme hardship simply because a defendant is well-known.

          “The principle of ‘open justice’ is fundamental to our justice system and there is no reason for a defendant to get name suppression simply because they are famous,” Ms Collins said.

          Certain special provisions are also made, for example, to continue to protect victims of sexual offending. Automatic name suppression will continue to apply to victims of specified sexual offending, defendants in cases of incest or sexual conduct with a dependent family member, and child witnesses.

          http://beehive.govt.nz/release/name-suppression-rules-tightened

      • Ffloyd 22.1.3
        30 January 2015 at 8:26 pm

        Think he needs hi-vis as well. Lily livered little part.

        • Paul 22.1.3.1
          30 January 2015 at 8:45 pm

          He’s gone back to referring to his office.

          ‘Mr Key continued to refuse to comment on when he first found out Mr Sabin’s personal issues, but said today National had not asked Mr Sabin to step down.

          He said his office was told Mr Sabin intended to resign yesterday.’

          • Alpha 22.1.3.1.1
            30 January 2015 at 8:54 pm

            {He said his office was told Mr Sabin intended to resign yesterday}

            at first I read that as ‘his orifice was told’!

  23. Ffloyd 23
    30 January 2015 at 8:08 pm

    I see that little cockroach jkey is reverting to his default position. Non answering his sycophantic news peeps. No comment! Not answering that! Nup,no comment. AND THEY SEEM TO BE HAPPY WITH THAT!! REALLY!!.

    • Anne 23.1
      30 January 2015 at 8:37 pm

      I didn’t get the impression TV 3’s Lisa Owen was all that happy. She questioned Key’s response and for her pains she got his ‘you little bitch I’ll teach you’ look.

  24. joe90 24
    30 January 2015 at 8:23 pm

    Who knew?.

    Grimm times ‏@GrimmJayne

    Sabin resigned today but National Party removed him from website on 14 Jan @michaeltarry Still there 13 Jan http://web.archive.org/web/20150114222809/https://www.national.org.nz/team/mps/detail/mike.sabin … #nzpol

    https://twitter.com/GrimmJayne/status/561056426236186624

    • Paul 24.1
      30 January 2015 at 8:36 pm

      So this was preplanned?
      Did they wait for Norman’s resignation or the first big story to break?

      Just a pity the media aren’t able to research a news story as well as you.

      Sorry they are capable of doing so. They just have political orders not to do so.

    • whateva next? 24.2
      31 January 2015 at 4:26 pm

      How could Key NOT know? and if he didn’t….well that’s an even bigger worry!

  25. Justme 25
    31 January 2015 at 5:37 pm

    During WW2 the allies allowed the Germans to bomb cities, that the allies knew they were going to do, because of the German communications being broken into.

    Maybe this is one of those instances, pretending everything is normal, so that the investigation can be completed. Sometimes, like a marriage breaking up, you pretend everything is okay, even though you know where it is really heading, waiting for the right time.

  26. Melanie Scott 26
    1 February 2015 at 10:18 am

    Just a ‘devil’s advocate’ question: If a horse could have won the Northland seat for National in the General Election, why couldn’t Sabin have been forced to stand down in favour of a new candidate, by the Nat hierarchy? Is there a ‘rule’ or law requiring proof or something before a party kicks their standing candidate into touch?

    • mickysavage 26.1
      1 February 2015 at 10:21 am

      That is why the date of when National’s hierarchy and Key knew about the problems is so important.

    • Pete George 26.2
      1 February 2015 at 10:37 am

      It’s been reported that it became known too late to select a new candidate. And it’s quite possible there was scant information initially, with nothing definite or proven.

      It is understood some within National learned Mr Sabin was dealing with issues before the election but he had already been selected as a candidate and it was too late to change.
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11394367

      I think the more critical timing is how much Key knew when he appointed Sabin chair of the Law and Order committee. If Key knew the potential severity at that stage he was either nuts or more than arrogant. Even if he knew nothing more than Sabin was under police investigation it would seem to have been unwise.

      But we may be left speculating, it’s unlikely more on this will be revealed while it’s subject to legal process. Like it or not that gives Key a right to silence, and possibly a necessity to remain silent on it.

      I think this will go on hold until an unnamed prominent New Zealander appears in court. Media are constrained if name suppression applies but there’s already enough hints in the public domain of an association between stories.

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