Between what we want and what we need
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8:00 am, August 19th, 2016 - 122 comments
Categories: christchurch earthquake, class war, economy, employment, john key, national, national/act government, same old national -
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Why is New Zealand saying it’s slowly losing confidence in National? It’s not high childhood poverty, suicide, jailing, obesity, or domestic violence; we’ve had high levels of all of that for decades.
By a whole bunch of measures, New Zealand is fine. Apparently, only 6% of us who really want a job don’t have one.
Overall that’s pretty good. Sucks if you’re young, brown, and under-educated, but it has for a while.
Not as many people own houses, but then, it’s been tracking like that for a while. Same for voting and democratic participation. Hardly just this government’s fault.
The climate’s getting silly, but y’know, the climate always did suck here truth be told.
Depending on whether you believe the Economist August 2016 or the Mercer Management Survey 2014, Auckland is either 8th or 5th best city in the world.
According to the Legatum Institute, New Zealand has the 5th best government in the world after Switzerland in 2015 (evaluation categories included economy, entrepeneurship and economy, governance, education, health, safety and security, personal freedom, and social capital).
Choke on your Weetbix!
In crime, just to pull out safety and security for a moment, Police stats for all crime types are about the same as they were four years ago.
According to the long-running UMR Mood of the Nation survey, the February 2016 results are still pretty good. We still expect things to get better, nearly 60% think we’re going in the right direction, and we still expect living standards to continue improving. Not as bullish as previous years, but still pretty good.
We still win Rugby World Cups, get Olympic medals, produce good movies, and tonnes of people want to visit, permanently settle, or not leave. The economy trucks on, despite being brittle and spatially uneven, unproductive and dumb-reliant on commodities, cheap tourism and construction. Deep into their third term, those are collectively good results.
Since all of those benchmarks as a collective can’t be wrong (and yes they all have statistical holes), why are we slowly sliding away from this government?
It’s not like they’re not trying. They are reforming the entire social welfare system, education funding system, local government sector, RMA, and a bunch of others. They are fully interventionist in cities and in housing like we’ve not seen a National government in decades. Sure they’re incoherent in policy terms, but they’re well led, well funded, reshuffled, and still politically coherent. So what gives, you ungrateful wretches?
The first is that people can see government operating at their limits and it’s just not enough. Interest rates from our independent Reserve Bank are a spent economic instrument both here and the world over. They’re rebuilding Christchurch with dumptrucks of debt, but the stimulus no longer registers. The tax cuts are a distant memory.
It’s not enough.
The essence of New Zealand comes from class mobility. And that’s leaving us. A little-read 2014 Treasury piece says it used to be not too bad on average:
It found evidence of large increases from those who started off at the bottom, and stability or decline in those at the highest income group.
The difference to now is you can grind up the income ladder, but if you don’t control appreciating equity in an asset (i.e. a house), you’re a rat on a treadmill.
This, I think, is why we can still feel good and look good globally on so many levels, still have job growth, and yet lose our mojo with the government. Despite income mobility only corroding slowly, the broad housing crisis sees our future evaporate in front of us. The combination has hit almost the whole of society at different strata at once and we are getting more afraid for our station in life.
Subsidised by Working for Families, NZSuper, free healthcare and strong employment, the broad middle were on a stable if slowly sinking platform for decades. But it’s the accelerated sinking that’s really starting to hit.
Housing ownership is now confirmed middle-class chimaera, and that matters in a fading-kiwi-dream way.
There’s an “it’s the vibe” thing missing. I think it’s New Zealand.
I don’t mean a collective nostalgia for an all pervasive state. But the goodies that were bankable out of this lot, have been banked. Those who were going to be in Kiwisaver, are. Those who can get a first or second mortgage, have. Those who can buy a new car, are still the very few and the fleets. Those who could get out of poverty, have.
Too many people are feeling stuck while the future accelerates away from them and their children. And there’s not enough out there in the world now for them to try something better and just leave.
I think we are very slowly getting more intelligent about this government. It’s slow, but it’s trending.
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- Release: Backtrack on school lunches a win for Kiwi kidsDavid Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Hon Willie Jackson to debate at the Prestigious Oxford UnionHon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...1 week ago
- Members Bill will prevent Māori land confiscationsGreen Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...1 week ago
- TIKANGA IS NOT LAW. IT IS CULTURAL INDOCTRINATION.A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...1 week ago
- Release: National won’t commit to full Nelson Hospital upgradeThe Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour calls for fast track list to be releasedMinisters must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National gaslights women fighting for equal payNational has scrapped the pay equity taskforce that fights for equal pay for women and looks at ethnic pay gaps. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More job cuts, fewer houses under NationalThe Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Children fall deeper through the cracks in Govt cutsWith Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour honours memory of Sir Robert MartinThe Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: 130,000 cattle saved from live exportLabour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...2 weeks ago
- Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fireToday’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...2 weeks ago
- New unemployment figures paint bleak pictureThe Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment risesUnemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National hiking transport costs for families and young New ZealandersWeekly expenses will grow for more than 1.6 million New Zealanders as the Government ends free and half price public transport fares tomorrow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreementThe New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...2 weeks ago
- Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle downThe Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicineThe National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACTThis afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial DayLabour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...3 weeks ago
- DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received
"On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “I raised my concerns after being ...2 hours ago - District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...6 hours ago
- Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...7 hours ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...7 hours ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...9 hours ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...1 day ago
- New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...1 day ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...1 day ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...1 day ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...1 day ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...2 days ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...2 days ago
- New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaborationNew Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says. “This ...2 days ago
- Penk travels to Peru for trade meetingsMinister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...2 days ago
- Minister attends global education conferencesMinister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...2 days ago
- Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA ChairMinister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...2 days ago
- Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call FoundationNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...3 days ago
- Panel announced for review into disability servicesDistinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...3 days ago
- Minister welcomes Police gang unitToday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...3 days ago
- New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoricForeign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners. “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...3 days ago
- New Chief of Defence Force appointedAir Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...3 days ago
- Government puts children first by repealing 7AALegislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...3 days ago
- Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, ItalyDefence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...3 days ago
- Charter schools to lift educational outcomesThe upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...3 days ago
- COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received“The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...4 days ago
- The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlookForeign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...4 days ago
- NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely togetherHealth, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...4 days ago
- Driving ahead with Roads of Regional SignificanceThe coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...4 days ago
- New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands governmentA high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office. “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...5 days ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolutionNew Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...7 days ago
- Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...1 week ago
- $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...1 week ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...1 week ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...1 week ago
- Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...1 week ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...1 week ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...1 week ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...1 week ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...1 week ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...1 week ago
- Rugby league in Perth and Papua New Guinea? Here’s what could be next for the NRL
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney This year the National Rugby League (NRL) opened its season in Las Vegas. It was an audacious move by the league’s ambitious head honcho Peter V’Landys to showcase the game in ...1 hour ago - The budget has earmarked $8.6 million for live music. Is it enough to save the flailing industry?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate Professor, Music Industry, RMIT University Leading music organisations have praised the federal budget for its investment in the live music sector. The budget includes A$8.6 million for a program called Revive Live: to provide essential support to ...2 hours ago
- The Week in Politics: Charter schools, special police units and a tricky problem for the government
The Week in Politics: ACT brings back a signature policy, while NZ First mulls how to fulfil a promise. ...2 hours ago - There’s $110 million for Indigenous education in the budget. But where’s the evidence it will wo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marnee Shay, Associate Professor, Principal Research Fellow, The University of Queensland The 2024 federal budget contains A$110 million for Indigenous education. This includes funding for various different organisations to represent and help Indigenous people as well as scholarships in a bid to ...3 hours ago
- New Caledonia’s Nouméa airport closed until Tuesday, says Air New ZealandAir New Zealand has confirmed Nouméa’s Tontouta International airport in New Caledonia is closed until Tuesday. The airline earlier told RNZ it would update customers as soon as it could. Earlier today, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Morning Report government officials had been working on an “hourly basis” ...3 hours ago
- Cameras reveal wombat burrows can be safe havens after fire and waterholes after rainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Linley, PhD Candidate in Ecology, Charles Sturt University Grant Linley Australia’s unprecedented Black Summer bushfires in 2019–20 created ideal conditions for misinformation to spread, from the insidious to the absurd. It was within this context that a bizarre story ...3 hours ago
- ChatGPT is now better than ever at faking human emotion and behaviourSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marcel Scharth, Lecturer in Business Analytics, University of Sydney OpenAI executive Mira Murati launching GPT-4o. OpenAI Earlier this week OpenAI launched GPT-4o (“o” for “omni”), a new version of the artificial intelligence (AI) system powering the popular ChatGPT chatbot. GPT-4o is promoted ...4 hours ago
- Menopause can bring increased cholesterol levels and other heart risks. Here’s why and what to do ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treasure McGuire, Assistant Director of Pharmacy, Mater Health SEQ in conjoint appointment as Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Bond University and as Associate Professor (Clinical), The University of Queensland Speedkingz/Shutterstock Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a ...4 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Xiāng’ by Hannah Patterson
A new poem by Hannah Patterson. Xiāng There’s a pear tree in our backyard And Xiāng tells me She can’t eat them anymore Not after some things that have happened in her life. She tells me, in Mandarin The word for pear sounds the same as the word for disassociation ...4 hours ago - Cycle lanes are good for business, actually‘Cycling Works’ aims to show business support for citywide cycle infrastructure. This is an excerpt from our weekly environmental newsletter Future Proof. Sign up here. Last week, supermarket giant Foodstuffs lost its attempt to block the construction of a cycle lane outside Thorndon New World in Wellington. The Spinoff’s Wellington editor ...4 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 17The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Slow Productivity by Cal Newport (Penguin, $40) Taking out the top spot in Auckland this ...4 hours ago
- Nuclear subs are coming to Australia. Now the Coalition wants reactors, too. We’re not ready for i...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University For decades, Australia has exported uranium – but not used it, other than in the Lucas Heights research reactor. But change is coming. We now face a rapidly deepening commitment to ...4 hours ago
- After 180 years, new clues are revealing just how general anaesthesia works in the brainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam D Hines, Research fellow, Queensland University of Technology Sergey Mironov/Shutterstock Over 350 million surgeries are performed globally each year. For most of us, it’s likely at some point in our lives we’ll have to undergo a procedure that needs general ...5 hours ago
- 'I can do much better': Green MP Julie Anne Genter promises to improve conduct"In future I should walk away," Green MP Julie Anne Genter says after complaints over an exchange in Parliament and from two members of the public. ...5 hours ago
- Call to protect asylum seekers who may arrive in New Zealand by boatA group of more than 40 refugees, charities and advocates want better protections for asylum seekers arriving by boat. ...5 hours ago
- Homo Pentecostus: on queer intimacies, religion, ancestry and the human need for connectionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Graffam, PhD Candidate in Theatre, Monash University Gianna Rizzo/Malthouse Music pumps; lights pulsate; two sweaty bodies sway together, touching, breathing in each other’s scent. A male body framed by downlight restlessly shifts between stances and gestures. He undresses. The intensity ...6 hours ago
- Want to be buried on your own land, at sea or in a forest? A guide to unconventional send-offsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sandra van der Laan, Professor of Accounting, University of Sydney Mtaya/Shutterstock At some point, you or someone else will need to make a decision about your “send-off”. Most Australians die in an institution, such as a hospital or aged care facility. ...6 hours ago
- Vanuatu, MSG chief reaffirms support for FLNKS, blames France over unrestAsia Pacific Report Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai — who is also Chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group — has reaffirmed MSG’s support of the pro-independence umbrella group Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) stance opposing the French government’s constitutional bill “unfreezing” the New Caledonia Electoral Roll. It is ...6 hours ago
- Blazing a trail: the Leonard family legacy in Māori televisionProducer Susan Leonard remembers her father Ernie, a pioneer of Māori television, and how his legacy lives on in Pathfinders. My father was a fabulous man. His name was Ernie Leonard and he started in TV in the 1970s when it was still glamorous – when TVNZ made behind the ...6 hours ago
- Home detention for New Caledonia’s unrest ringleaders, Tiktok bannedBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk, and Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist The suspected ringleaders of the unrest in New Caledonia have been placed in home detention and the social network TikTok has been banned as French security forces struggle to restore law and order. The French ...7 hours ago
- Review finds big increase in multi-year government spends, use not always justifiedMulti-year appropriations - which give the government authority to spend money without reapplying annually - are loosening Parliament's control of the public purse, auditor-general says. ...7 hours ago
- $63.6m for Surf Life Saving and Coastguard in Budget 2024"New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll," Transport Minister Simeon Brown said at the announcement. ...7 hours ago
- Dr. Eric Chuah Standing For Mayor Of Tauranga
Dr. Eric Chuah who stood for a centrist NZ political party in the October 2023 NZ Elections for Maungakiekie Auckland will stand as a candidate for Tauranga City Council Ward of Matua-=Otumoetai and Mayor of Tauranga. ...8 hours ago - How to enjoy a comedy festival in your own loungeIf you can’t get to the comedy fest, let us bring the comedy fest to you. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is in full swing at the moment, with a veritable smorgasboard of comedy treats ...8 hours ago
- Poll Shows Three Quarters Of Wellingtonians Oppose Airport SaleA new poll commissioned by Unions Wellington shows an overwhelming majority of Wellingtonians oppose the Council’s plan to sell the 34% public stake in Wellington Airport. ...8 hours ago
- $63.6m boost for Surf Life Saving and Coastguard in Budget 2024"New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll," Transport Minister Simeon Brown said at the announcement. ...8 hours ago
- Nearly 1300 homes on hold amid government reviewNewly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes. ...9 hours ago
- At the heart of the budget is the sad truth the economy is weak. That’s one reason inflation will ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aruna Sathanapally, Chief Executive, Grattan Institute, Grattan Institute A central focus of this week’s budget is the treasury’s forecast for inflation. By this time next year, inflation is projected to be back within the Reserve Bank’s 2-3% target range. Inflation has ...9 hours ago
- Denser housing can be greener too – here’s how NZ can build better for biodiversitySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yolanda van Heezik, Professor of Ecology, University of Otago Getty Images Cities across Aotearoa New Zealand are trying to solve a housing crisis, with increasing residential density a key solution. But not everyone is happy about the resulting loss of natural ...9 hours ago
- Clean energy slump – why Australia’s renewables revolution is behind schedule, and how to fix itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Reeve, Deputy Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute WDG Photo/Shutterstock For years, the electricity sector has been the poster child for emissions cuts in Australia. The sector achieved a stunning 26% drop in emissions over the past 15 ...9 hours ago
- It’s OK to ask a loved one if they’re feeling suicidalIt’s often the last thing people want to do, but asking someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts is a critical first step to helping them. Content warning: this story discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. For a list of resources that can help if you or someone you know is feeling ...9 hours ago
- Watch live: Transport Minister makes pre-Budget announcementSimeon Brown and Matt Doocey are set to reveal another bit of next week's budget. ...9 hours ago
- We mapped a lost branch of the Nile River – which may be the key to a longstanding mystery of the ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy J. Ralph, Associate Professor, Macquarie University The pyramids at Giza, like dozens of others, are located several kilometres west of the current path of the Nile. Alex Cimbal / Shutterstock The largest field of pyramids in Egypt – consisting of 31 ...9 hours ago
- If I’m diagnosed with one cancer, am I likely to get another?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute ABO PHOTOGRAPHY/Shutterstock Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life-changing and can cause a range of concerns about ongoing health. Fear of cancer returning is one ...10 hours ago
- All options being considered to help New Zealanders in New Caledonia – Winston PetersGovernment looking at all options for helping New Zealanders who want to leave New Caledonia as death toll rises. ...11 hours ago
- Rebuke issued in stoush over volume of on-bus announcements for blind passengersAnd how a union boss ruined a regional councillor's morning. ...11 hours ago
- Nearly 1300 Kāinga Ora homes on hold amid government reviewNewly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes. ...11 hours ago
- What’s happening in New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and why it matters to NZWinston Peters has been on tour around the Pacific while two unrelated crises unfolded, explains Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Two separate ...11 hours ago
- Charter schools might increase government costs, deliver only marginal benefits, Cabinet papers showCharter schools will likely get higher per-student funding than most state schools, and evidence of their efficacy is mixed. ...11 hours ago
- Charter schools might increase government costs, deliver marginal benefits – Cabinet papersCharter schools will likely get higher per-student funding than most state schools, and evidence of their efficacy is mixed. ...11 hours ago
- Fake bacon, ranked from worst to bestThis is the Mount Everest of artificial meatcraft. Ah, bacon. Pig’s gold. Toast’s consolation. Dawn’s savoury embrace. If meat was a currency, bacon would be the Benjamin Franklin. Or if you’re feeling patriotic, the Lord Rutherford. When it comes to fake bacon, the obvious question is: why bother? In the ...13 hours ago
- Milking it: The man behind New Zealand’s weirdest legal casesFrom illegal milk to sprinkler bans and airplane ticket scams, Tyrone Barugh is on a one-man mission through New Zealand’s most obscure legal loopholes. I’m deep undercover, investigating Wellington’s criminal underworld. Inside this store, I’ve been told there is a million-dollar trade in illicit substances. A man dressed in black ...13 hours ago
- Iwi pledges to use only te reo Māori to communicate with Govt
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Emporers New Clothes….. People slowly realizing ShonKey is a complete Bullshit artist.
People have always known he’s dodgy , but he has money and they aspire to have money at all costs ,so being dodgy in there mind is not a fault.
The average right winger thinks you’re weak if you aren’t willing to shaft the next person for a $ .
that is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth
+100 not $ though.
Given how rare it is for a Government to achieve a fourth term, and (according to the consensus on this blog) how bad the current Govt. is, surely the question is this…..
Why has the loss of support for this Govt. been so slow, and why do they still retain such a high level of support this far along their third term?
Why has the Opposition made such slow and insignificant inroads into that support?
Just a theory, but if this Govt. is so obviously inept, don’t the above trends indicate the Left is doing a piss poor job of convincing voters they would be a better option?
its all about the house prices aint it
On that basis, and by the link quoted in post above, over the last year and a half House prices have lost National 1% support.
Again, isn’t this much slower than would be expected if things are so bad, and other Parties had convincing alternatives on offer?
That and rent.
Marx understood it first!
That and rent and Labour’s credibility issues.
Lprent understood it first 😉
🙂 🙂 🙂
“Why has the loss of support for this Govt. been so slow, and why do they still retain such a high level of support this far along their third term?”
At the risk of bringing down the ire of the commentators I’d say its because National aren’t doing as bad a job of running the country that the commentators on here think they are
“Why has the Opposition made such slow and insignificant inroads into that support?”
If I was going to make a cheap shot I’d say the answer is to look at the opposition but really it goes back to the voting public don’t think National are doing that bad a job, that what gets the left up in arms isn’t what the general public think is that important
There also worrying signs (worrying if you’re on the left) that Labour and Little are falling into the same trap as under Cunliffe
What I mean by that when National is about to be on the ropes someone in Labour or in the left in general comes along and opens their mouth and ruins all the good work
It happened under Cunliffe and now its happening under Little, eg National under pressure so lets have Metiria talk about dropping house prices 40%, National under pressure lets have Little say we’ll have a referendum on weed but the next day say I didn’t say it etc etc
I think the voter prefers the more hands off, only get involved when necessary, managerial approach of National to the more intrusive sticky beak, know all approach of Greenbour.
It’s my belief most people would prefer less government in their lives,than more, nothing worse than being micro-managed.
I think that voters in Hawkes Bay would be rather keen on more government involvement right now.
but do we have less govt so far? –
considering that theres been massive re-centralisation under joyce, a massive reliance on outsourcing/consultants and that nat/lab arent really that different i would say the idea of “less govt” is a mirage.
and why just the other day they announced a new childrens ministry with an even bigger and more intrusive mandate than CYFs ever had – thats getting kinda nanny state
sounds like your making an authoritarian/libertarian argument more than a left/right argument – theres plenty of authoritarians across the spectrum
I see that as more about making the public service more efficient and effective than an increase in the Nanny state.
Having said that John Key is starting to be called Helen Key in some quarters, so he’s probably right there on the edge.
Probably needs to be a bit careful.
“I see that as more about making the public service more efficient and effective than an increase in the Nanny state.”
ke? – are you talking joyces work of the CYFs overhaul?
Can you imagine what the press would have done to Clarke if her government had of put worm farming on the dangerous jobs list.
Are you Hooton’s imaginary friend BM ?
“At the risk of bringing down the ire of the commentators I’d say its because National aren’t doing as bad a job of running the country that the commentators on here think they are ”
i would say that reality isnt a factor and its all about appearance
I agree with you, perception is what matters (in reference to getting elected I mean) if the majority of the voters think Nationals doing a good job then they’re doing a good job, right or wrongly
As Mike Moore put it: “The voters are always right, even when they’re wrong.”
I think public mood has got to the point that facial expressions just aren’t enough anymore.
You hope you mean, It’ll be close and it’ll probably involve Winston but John Key will still be PM after the next election
Labour-Greens coalition are not going to have any problem.
National just ran out of friends.
Housing and rentals are just driving a nice slow wooden stake through National’s heart.
And it’s great to watch in slomo. Far more satisfying.
I don’t think you realise that people with homes ackshully like their house prices rising
As an owner of multiple homes, I assure you I do.
But watch that poll tracking; National currently tracks down at pretty much the same rate as the housing ownership rate is dropping, and it’s not a coincidence.
You own multiple house, then you are one of the reasons we’re in this mess, you only need one house to live so you should donate the others to needy families, if you don’t then you’re tory scum 🙂
Try harder.
Really try this time.
Not unless he uses the army. But he wouldn’t have a problem with that. And neither would you.
What exactly are you suggesting?
Seems pretty obvious to me:
1) your predictions of Key legitimately winning a fourth term are overly bold; and
2) both Key and yourself are closet totalitarians who have no problem grasping onto power by any means fair or foul.
Fortunately I think NZ has strong enough mechanisms in place to keep your behaviour within walking distance of legitimate (albeit with with a copious level of lying, sockpuppet agitators, backroom deals, coincidental taxpayer contracts to party donors, artificially-constrained terms of reference, arbitrary replacement of local populations’ elected officials, and so on).
1. I don’t think its overally bold, in fact its quite conservative
Winston has always said his preference is to go with the largest party, he’d also prefer two parties to multiple parties, his party is center but certainly with a large amount of older, conservative types, some of his demands would be easily accepted by National (immigration, more police)
Of course there are reasons he could go left but no its not a bold prediction
2. Lets not let our emotions run too far eh, armed insurrection to keep john Key in power is just a tad over the top don’t you think
Saying a tory coup d’etat is imminent would be over the top.
But I genuinely don’t get the impression you’d be too worried about it as long as your side was the one with the guns. Probably be commenting “well you lot should have gotten guns as well, don’t blame us for playing the game better”, or trying to spin “Labour did it too” somehow. Shortly before TS is shut down by the new regime, of course.
“But I genuinely don’t get the impression you’d be too worried about it as long as your side was the one with the guns”
Well then you have to accept that your impression is wrong, as someone that was involved in one of the deployments to East Timor I can assure you its something I would not like to see happen here
I’d that suggest that some of you have been reading too much Smiths Dream for your own good
Dunno about Smith’s Dream.
I’m simply going on the fact that you’ve defended every scummy and corrupt thing that this government has done so far. I’m glad you think there might be some limit to your Nact apologism, but frankly I’ll believe it only when I see it.
edit: OH! Sleeping Dogs! (Google is my friend 🙂 )
“I’m simply going on the fact that you’ve defended every scummy and corrupt thing that this government has done so far. I’m glad you think there might be some limit to your Nact apologism, but frankly I’ll believe it only when I see it.”
Every scummy and corrupt this government is what every government has done since, well since governments have been around.
The next government will be just as corrupt and just as scummy as this one.
Its not defending the government its being realistic about what a government can do and this country is heading in the right direction for the majority of people.
It’d be nice for NZ to be like “the good old days” but unless you can convince another country to buy everything we produce its not going to happen.
Its called making the best out of the situation, the majority of the voting public know and understand this but the left do not.
pr your full of it . what this government has been great at ,is convincing people that this is as good as it gets, while the whole time all the problems that nz faces are getting worse , it,s pathetic that we accept this low bar bullshit from our so called leaders.
As I said, that’s one of your two standard lines. But it’s just not true – what previous governments have had relationships such as outlined in Dirty Politics? What other governments have bypassed the democratic process by ramming through the same number of bills under “urgency”? What other PM has waivered between “can’t remember” and “not bothered” as an answer to most questions? What other PM has had to correct a straight (albeit false) answer in the House to “I can’t remember”? Which other government has interfered in local body politics to this extreme?
Well, the majority of people who are deemed to count, anyway.
As I said, that’s one of your two standard lines. But it’s just not true – what previous governments have had relationships such as outlined in Dirty Politics? What other governments have bypassed the democratic process by ramming through the same number of bills under “urgency”? What other PM has waivered between “can’t remember” and “not bothered” as an answer to most questions? What other PM has had to correct a straight (albeit false) answer in the House to “I can’t remember”? Which other government has interfered in local body politics to this extreme?
Depends on what you define as “Dirty Politics”, does “by definition I cannot leak” count, does the attacks on Erin Leigh count?, how about the only MP done for corruption, does that count?
How about the sell off of NZs assets as a breach of trust, on a scale that even National hasn’t done?
It might surprise some commenters there is a considerable distance between National and Peters on immigration.
Of course they count.
But for most NZ governments such behaviour was an exception. With this one it’s routine. Lab4 and Muldoon were pretty bad.
But to argue some sort of equivalence between this government and “every other government” is frankly the flipside of arguing that a military coup is imminent.
“It might surprise some commenters there is a considerable distance between National and Peters on immigration.”
I’m hoping that’s one of the things National will change on
^
And risk the housing bubble? You can hope, but it isn’t going to happen under this government.
Add to that the even wider gulf between National and Peters on unrestricted foreign investment in housing, which National are even less likely to budge on, and I’d say the chances of Peters going into government with Key next year remote.
That a government that destroys media neutrality and the integrity of public statistics to retain power won’t stop at much. That it deploys its own Lord Haw Haw (that’s you, PR) should be a clue as to what slippery slope they’re zooming down.
Normally when someone says something on here they need to back it up with proof however I feel confident in saying that you’re an idiot if you seriously think that
A. John Key would order the army to take over NZ if he lost the election
B. The army would listen
C. The army actually could defeat the combined air force, navy and police forces
D. I’d be ok with all that
You’ve said some really dumb things in the past but this would have to be your crowning achievement
Well done
Trashier than your usual rubbish PR.
A) There’s not much Key wouldn’t do.
B) The NZ army usually follow orders.
C) What makes you think they’d have to fight other services?
D) Having defended everything Key has ever done you expect us to believe that you would suddenly develop scruples? Laughable.
Occam’s Razor.
National would stage a military take over, or, Stuart is an idiot?
Given the sudden extension of SIS powers – the Gnats abuse state spying capacity to retain power and the Lost Sheep approves.
I didn’t say i approved of those things Stuart. Just testing your theories by applying the age old test of logic.
Which is more likely?
A NZ Govt. would or could stage a Military takeover.
or
You are a highly deluded conspiracy theorist?
I reckon any sane person who had to put their house on it would be backing the latter.
A) There’s not much Key wouldn’t do.
Can you give any evidence that even slightly suggests he would order the army to mount a coup? (You muppet)
B) The NZ army usually follow orders.
Every service person knows that they can and should disobey an illegal command and yes they’d know that staging a coup would be an illegal act (You muppet)
C) What makes you think they’d have to fight other services?
You said army, I highly doubt the Navy, Air Force and Police will sit on their thumbs and do nothing (you muppet)
D) Having defended everything Key has ever done you expect us to believe that you would suddenly develop scruples?
Yes how silly to think I’d condone a military coup against my fellow kiwis (you muppet)
Laughable
Yes, yes you are.
PR – you devote almost all your spare time to repressing the people who genuinely want a better New Zealand, it is reasonable to conclude that your preferences are right authoritarian – and your grandstanding is full of winning ugly parables about the ‘inevitable’ triumph of this loathsome and unaccountable despot.
Quelle honte.
And when the voting public hear the increasing chorus of severely deluded conspiracy theory shit from people identifying themselves as Left Wing…it must do wonders for the Left Wing poll ratings. (sarc)
PR – you devote almost all your spare time to repressing the people who genuinely want a better New Zealand, it is reasonable to conclude that your preferences are right authoritarian – and your grandstanding is full of winning ugly parables about the ‘inevitable’ triumph of this loathsome and unaccountable despot.
Basically you’re pissy that people keep voting John Key in and not a left-wing block
No – PR – he disenfranchises people.
He cheats. You love that he cheats because you’re also corrupt.
No mystery – only disgrace.
Stuart has gone well beyond conspiracy theory, now in the psychotic ranting sphere
“No – PR – he disenfranchises people.”
He also empowers others
“He cheats. You love that he cheats because you’re also corrupt.”
No but I love that NZ is one of the best countries in the world to live in, is heading in the right direction and that we’re one of the countries most of the rest of the world envy
“No mystery – only disgrace”
Whats it like sucking on a lemon all day?
Also with Auckland as one of the worlds most liveable cities, pretty impressive to achieve this while at the same time been in Jk neoliberal hell hole as Paul reminds us every day
Pr there you go with the heading in the right direction shit ,by every international measure i’ve seen in recent years we are sliding backwards, at best no change in poverty levels , people living in pain because they cant get treatment the list is endless, most managers would get the sack with that sort of performance.
“Pr there you go with the heading in the right direction shit ,by every international measure i’ve seen in recent years we are sliding backwards, at best no change in poverty levels , people living in pain because they cant get treatment the list is endless, most managers would get the sack with that sort of performance.”
Yet the polls say the majority believe we’re going in the right direction so maybe theres a disconnect between the left and the voters?
However in regards to your comment about being sacked John Key has had three job interviews so far and the public have given him the job each time
Stuart munro doing the impossible, making Draco T B appear a reasoned and sensible contributor to the Standard in comparison to his brain burps of today.
i suppose at least it’s a step up for his repetitive and boring calls for Key and his cohorts to be the victims of violence.
if people are judged by the quality of their enemies, we at the Standard are badly let down – what a pack of SAMFs.
“as someone that was involved in one of the deployments to East Timor”
which regiment ?
He was with the Indonesians.
As Bill Clinton said it’s the economy stupid !
Well, to be fair, we do not have a true ‘Left’ Party anymore.
And when it comes to a fight between two Centrist Parties voting tends to come down to a popularity contest between Leaders.
And in that situation it would seem that John Keys’ ability to make money and damn the consequences; his total ambivalence about ethics and not acknowledging the helping hands he received as a youngster… would seem to appeal to a good half of Voters.
I’ve seen the likes of Stuart Nash, and so called Labourites on The Standard, crowing about how badly Corbyn and the ‘True Left’ vision of politics is doing in the UK, which, for starters is factually incorrect; but which also tells me our own Labour Party is a long long way from inspiring a new wave of voters.
If Labour gets in, it will be by the skin of their teeth.
And even then, probably only because the National voters of Havelock North sulk about the National Parties betrayal, after all they voted for poor water standards for down the road..they didn’t think it would affect them personally. Though, on second thoughts I wonder if people ever really connect the dots that way??
Good comment Siobahn. To everyone else…. please stop feeding the trolls.
They can’t help themselves Garibaldi and in doing so, they lose worthy and thoughtful comments because people can’t be bothered wading through the crap and ‘change channels’ – something of which the dedicated Standrad tr**ls are only too well aware.
Well after three successive governments its no surprise that Nationals slipping in the polls but don’t worry National will hang on until 2020
Yes there as many valid reasons why Winston could swing left as there is right (and I’m sure we could all out them down here) but my view is he’ll swing left
If Winston’s goes left then National won’t hang on until 2020.
Yes of course that’s always a possibility
National hanging on but what about Dunne Seymour and the Maoris ?
Key will hang on at all costs even with a lost majority.
Well I think if National need Winston then its gone burgers for everyone else, I don’t think Winston wants to play with others…Act might be allowed to play in the sandbox but I wouldn’t put money on it
But Puckish Rogue, Winston hasn’t forgotten what John key and the National party did, that bridge hasn’t been mended. Key has wanted Winston for quite some time now, but Winston doesn’t appear to be interested. During the 2014 election campaign Winston Peter’s said he was approached and asked if he would support National if John key was no longer around. It does appear that National would throw even John Key under a bus if need be, doesn’t it? but in any event, I can’t see Winston supporting the Nats, he hasn’t in almost 20 years, and last time he apologized for it back in 98′. Interestingly, Winston Peters said it was the most easiest time he had ever had working with the Labour government last time, and I don’t think the Greens are an issue with him anymore either, he appears to have softened in that regard.
“But Puckish Rogue, Winston hasn’t forgotten what John key and the National party did, that bridge hasn’t been mended.”
This is true but I’m sure a knighthood, deputy PM and/or Foreign Affairs topped of with stint at NZ house in London would salve over past hurts plus if Winston wants revenge he can get all that plus make Key dance to his tune as well
“Key has wanted Winston for quite some time now, but Winston doesn’t appear to be interested. During the 2014 election campaign Winston Peter’s said he was approached and asked if he would support National if John key was no longer around. It does appear that National would throw even John Key under a bus if need be, doesn’t it?”
What Winston says before an election and what he says after are too different things, remember how he was going to go with Labour and then didn’t?
“but in any event, I can’t see Winston supporting the Nats, he hasn’t in almost 20 years, and last time he apologized for it back in 98′. Interestingly, Winston Peters said it was the most easiest time he had ever had working with the Labour government last time, and I don’t think the Greens are an issue with him anymore either, he appears to have softened in that regard.”
You hope he has and you may well be right (its Winston so no one can predict what he’ll do) but I feel his support base, older, conservative and some rural types are more of a fit with National then with Labour
Plus it’ll come down to a negotiation and lolly scramble and who do you think is a better negotiator John Key or Andrew Little, the ex-wall street money trader or the ex-union official?
but as I say, its Winston so I think its 60-40 he’ll swing to National
“What Winston says before an election and what he says after are too different things, remember how he was going to go with Labour and then didn’t?”
No. Remind me of this please, Puckish Rogue.
As Andrew Little has pointed out, NZ First, in many respects, is on the same page as Labour.
In fact, IMO I see Labour, Greens and NZ First on the same page on a number of important issues, and don’t see any reason why they can’t work together, because I think they can for the common good.
I feel that you are underestimating Andrew Little’s negotiating powers Puckish Rogue. John key is not much of a negotiator by any stretch of the imagination, and he and his regime is tired, stale, way too dirty and can offer nothing new. I seriously doubt Winston Peter’s can be so easily bought off by John key. I don’t think the public can be either.
https://dimpost.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/winston-is-actually-a-really-sweet-guy-you-just-dont-know-him-like-the-labour-party-does/
“Consider the 1996 election campaign. Peters campaigned against the incumbent National government and indicated that he would go into coalition with Labour and ‘keep them honest’. After the election he formed a coalition with National and became Bolger’s Finance Minister and Deputy PM.”
Well theres this: http://bowalleyroad.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/winston-peters-choices-will-be.html
and another reason: http://www.colinjames.co.nz/2005/11/30/whatever-it-takes-government-formation-after-the-first-four-mmp-elections/
These are all reasons why Winston will (probably) go National
When @ 3 you posted that “but my view is he’ll swing left” so aren’t you contradicting yourself Puckish Rogue?
2 years later in 1998 Winston Peter’s apologized for supporting National, and he hasn’t supported the Nats since in almost 20 years. He has supported a Labour government though.
Very true ScottGN
Then you know National are goneburgers Puckish Rogue. Dirty politics can’t keep the criminal Nats in power for much longer anyway.
I agree, every government runs out of steam and its no different for National, the only thing we disagree on is the time frame, you think 2017 I think 2020
I don’t think dirty politics and so many Kiwis bearing the brunt of National’s living nightmare will allow the Nats to cling to power for that long Puckish Rogue. Unless you think John key can get away with abusing his position of office again, that is.
Good post Ad.
The best thing the opposition to do (apart from be very careful announcing taxation policy) is to encourage people to vote.
There needs to be a campaign to encourage every voter to make sure 5 of their friends gets to vote too.
Poverty action and Beneficiary groups need to get active and (like in the US to get Obama in), drive people to the voting booths to vote. Encourage people to register to vote, etc etc.
Labour needs to appeal to the 65% middle class home owners & families, NZ First need to appeal to the rural, elderly and those that want to send the Natz a message, Greens need to get the environmental voters and those that want social changes… They need to try not to cannibalise each others votes, but to suck the votes out of the disenchanted Natz voters.
The opposition need to campaign under the banner Change the government!!
Many people know that National are bad and making bad choices for the country, it is capturing that in an election campaign to galvanise people to vote.
Yup agree with that.
What would also help is if Andrew Little didn’t look like he is going to punch the next person he sees in the face.
More smiling and less scowling would do wonders for the man.
And Key looks like a smarmy schoolyard bully, but he’s still pretty popular.
No, Little’s problem isn’t his expressions, it’s that he permanently sounds like he’s reading a teleprompter.
“And Key looks like a smarmy schoolyard bully, but he’s still pretty popular.”
The issue is though (and I can’t believe I have to point it out) that John Key has been the PM since 2008 which means his looks are either working for him or, at the very least, not working against him
Little however always looks…well like Little
My point is that (at least for male politicians) nobody really cares too much about how they look so long as they’re presentable. It’s much more relevant that they’re engaging and persuasive, which Little… isn’t. But hey, Labour’s right wing has successfully eliminated Cunliffe, so I guess we need to tolerate him.
Yep – maybe Andrew should confine himself to punching only that guy who keeps smiling and waving to distract everyone while his cronies pick their pockets?
Try addressing something of the substance in the post.
There’s a fair few links there for you to get into.
Step it up BM.
Something of substance.
A co-ordinated, coherent and compelling Left Wing vision of exactly how The Left would cure all of our issues, while at the same time not eroding the qualities that current Govt. supporters value.
Presented positively with humour, intelligence, and unshakeable confidence by 3-4 leaders of genuine charisma.
That would be substantial?
As I say, given the supposedly horrific situation the country is in, the alleged despair of so many voters, the superior intelligence of the Left, and the self-evident truth of Left Wing Philosophy…
I just don’t understand why the Left is doing such a crap job at selling their far superior option?
Maybe a good hard look in the mirror is called for. Start focusing on what the Left is doing wrong, rather than obsessing about what the Right is up to?
The broad opposition could sit back and do stuff all and National would still lose. That home+rent meme is …..the sound of inevitability.
🙂
The broad opposition could sit back and do stuff all
That does look like their plan AD.
Just wonder if after clinging to that for 8 years without making much ground, it might be time to try something else?
Current plan looks fine
At 1% every 18 months it ain’t going to be fast enough sorry AD.
Deep sigh. But at least you get the bonus of being able to keep reveling in that delicious slo mo decline for a further 3 years.
Ah except there’s this thing called MMP.
So I get to revel in the decline, and watch the government change.
It’s great revelling all round.
There have been seven elections in NZ held under MMP, National are currently leading Labour four elections to three
Not making a point, just interesting is all
“A co-ordinated, coherent and compelling Left Wing vision of exactly how The Left would cure all of our issues, while at the same time not eroding the qualities that current Govt. supporters value.”
national certainly didnt do this the last three times – and yes they are the govt yada yada yada (nod to PR)
but i find that people dont require the same from national in order to vote for them pretty weird
I’d have thought winning the last three elections would give the left some idea that National kind of know what they’re doing
thats not really my point – im talking about how people dont demand the same things from nat/lab
Ok so what I think is that people have different expectations from National then they do Labour
So what National can do Labour can’t and vice versa, it may also mean people have higher expectations of Labour then they do National so when Labour fall short of those expectations they’re “punished” more then what National would be
So to say Nationals doing this therefore Labour should be able to do it as well simply won’t work
The unique attribute of Labour as distinct from National is that Labour can walk and chew gum convincingly at the same time.
Under Labour, as under National, house prices went up, the economy wasn’t too bad, they built stuff, solved some Treaty claims, and they both generally dealt with things as they came up.
But what Labour did as well at the same time was lower government debt, lower unemployment, increase the ability to save, form a realistic national brand, push the country to innovate, and crack into the deep and hard stuff.
They’ve both had three terms. Labour’s go at it delivered far more.
And it always will.
“The unique attribute of Labour as distinct from National is that Labour can walk and chew gum convincingly at the same time.”
Just a shame the voters of NZ would disagree with you
“But what Labour did as well at the same time was lower government debt, lower unemployment, increase the ability to save, form a realistic national brand, push the country to innovate, and crack into the deep and hard stuff.”
and according to CV the government debt was passed onto private debt, unemployment under National is low (and the envy of a number of first world nations) even after the GFC and as for deep and hard well there were a couple of major earthquakes and natural disasters to deal with
“They’ve both had three terms. Labour’s go at it delivered far more. And it always will.”
Even Cunliffe congratulated National on the work they’d done 🙂
All of which is covered in my post.
well yeah – i kind of agree PR.
consider my comment more an exercise in considering the weird motivations of all of us
Humans are very odd things, in all sorts of weird ways, on all sorts of subjects
…and the massive increase in the homeless population sets the record straight.
I note that the only way you can win elections is to politicise the SIS and lie about your opponents. Drug cheats sometimes win medals. They’re still trash.
Whats your blindingly brilliant plan for winning the next election then OAB?
Sneer at a few trolls on The Standard? Worked well so far eh?
Yawn. If it were my plan you’d have brought something to the table for once. As it is you’re still a bag of air.
Heh heh. You can always be relied on to immediately confirm any point made against you OAB.
But, no. If you had read carefully you would see that I am making a substantial point about the need for The Left to improve and strengthen leadership, drop the emphasis on the current Govt., and bring a new focus on a powerful and coherent selling of the Left’s vision.
If you think that is just ‘air’ it is probably an indication of why you are incapable of stating any concrete alternatives of your own.
Because i did notice that you did only sneer, and had no plan to offer. In that you are so representative of the way so much of the Left Wing ‘thinking’ is headed.
What is your plan OAB?
Enough of the mindless Pit Bull routine. Add something constructive to the post please.
Concern troll is concerned, offers weasel words.
In terms of lying, deception, distractions, getting govt agencies and the msm to play their part the last 3 elections show they really do know to get a result.
You find it ‘weird’ because you can’t accept that many people do actually think that National are offering a more coherent option than The Left Framu?
IMO many on the Left suffer from this kind of denial. Broadly speaking it is the ‘Voters must be idiots to vote National and not for us’ meme.
Unfortunately for the Left, memes are only useful for basing strategy on if they are true. If your strategy is based on the assumption voters are stupid, then you will probably end up with a stupid strategy. As the Left has done.
So here’s an alternative meme.
‘The voters are intelligent and understand clearly what they are voting for’.
My pick is a strategy based on that meme will have far more chance of success than the current dumb plan.
FFS! – your trying to put words in my mouth – and doing it very badly. In fact youve utterly failed to comprehend the point being made. Well done
try again
O/K.
im talking about how people dont demand the same things from nat/lab
They do. What’s ‘weird’ is that you think they don’t.
If i understand you correctly, I agree that the vision National offers is limited in scope and conservative.
But my point is that the ‘vision’ the Left is offering is even weaker. So many voters do in fact see the Nat. option as the most coherent.
As I’m saying. On the face of it, it should be a simple matter for The Left to offer a more compelling option. I don’t understand why it is not happening.
Meanwhile on Earth, the opposition bloc has led polling for the last two years, so once again, your contribution amounts to nothing.
My comment was aimed at save nz about what would help the left.
As you know politics has become very personality driven,so if Labour is going to be successful in 2017 then Andrew Little has to improve and become more likable, looking and sounding perpetually grumpy and pissed off doesn’t cut it in modern politics.
There is a reason he’s only rated at 7%.
Irrelevant – but shouldn’t you leave the white-anting to the Herald? It wouldn’t do to overplay your hand.
National – “We couldn’t create a surplus if your future depended on it, but we can belittle Andrew Little.”
Wow ! BM’s got a job applying lippy in the Crosby Textor Beauty Dept. That’s why BM’s so knowledgable about governance and so on and knows all about smiles.
Andrew Little doesn’t look like he is going to punch the next person he sees in the face BM.
.
. Annette King
. The Leader Labour needed and didn’t get ?
. She has both Presence and Authority. Without which a leader limps.
.
She’s a good Deputy.
Not only because she is supremely competent within her Health portfolio, but also because she has the loyalty of the MPs from the centre and south of the North Island, and most of the women.
Great to see her wrinsing Coleman over Hawkes Bay water issue. Well nigh time she got a meaty media issue to deal with. Needs to be in the next government in charge of Health.
Andrew Little has grown on me as a leader because he has made some good decisions as leader in particular TPP, collaboration with Greens, and collaboration with NZ First to help get Natz out of Northland ‘safe’ seat.
Now is not the time to undermine him with other options as leader, which killed Labour last election and is killing UK Labour. But do feel that he should surround himself by other MP’s in interviews, working together to give out messaging and to look more united and representative of different age groups, genders and ethnicity. David Cunliffe is very popular as is Jacinda Arden, so again having more Labour MP’s with Andrew Little, sends both a united message and is subconsciously more inclusive.
At the end of the day attacking Little because of how he appears is a compliment, in the sense that they can’t get him on anything else.
. To save NZ
. I don’t think I attacked him on looks. Winnie Churchill wasn’t actually a hunk. I am certainly not a hunk. Presence however is a comprehensive psychological mental dominance. Winnie had “Presence” on the street, on Radio, on film.
Annette King has it. Phil Twyford too.
The PM trashes Andrew. Just as he did David Cunliffe. Little had a great handle on John Key at the beginning. “Cut the Crap prime Minister”. Nice; neat, crisp, accurate. Little should have followed through.
Andrew Little must get the measure of Key, and topple him in debate. Topple him on TV and on radio and topple him in the Press. Nice; neat, crisp and accurate.
If he does not, he will let Labour down. I am sure he does not want to do that.
Our PM has lost the plot. You would think that the Opposition would drive that home to every person. every time in every place. Constantly.
.