Bruce’s Reckons: The increased speculation about Chris Luxon quitting
Written By:
- Date published:
8:45 pm, October 25th, 2022 - 109 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, humour, national, same old national, Satire, The Standard -
Tags:
Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon turned up to Parliament today and his media spin doctors will be hoping for some good photo opportunities to lift his popularity. But they will be asking a lot.
Tomorrow it will be ten months and 26 days since he became leader. Judith Collins was leader of the opposition for longer. Time will tell if he outlasts her.
The political tide has certainly turned in recent months, and since May National’s polling has gradually gone backward. There are signs that National is headed for a very difficult time in the near future. The United Kingdom has shown what a shit show conservative leadership can cause.
Unsurprisingly, there has been an upswing in speculation about how long Luxon will stay on as leader. The idea of his stepping down before the next election is gaining traction, despite there being no obvious candidate in the National Party who could do a better job than him.
So I polled a number of Trade Unionists who ranked Luxon as the 33rd best performer in the National Party. If it was not for a kind soul giving him a 1 he would have ranked 0 out of 5 for his performance.
I spoke to my mate Bruce who reckons that it’s only a matter of time before Luxon steps down. Bruce should know. He knows someone who knows someone who works in Parliament who thinks this is definitely going to happen.
Bruce reckons there are only two possible outcomes at the next election, neither of which will be attractive to Luxon. The first is that he loses, gets branded as a loser and gets knifed by the National caucus who cannot believe they are not in power. The second is that he wins. Then he has to work really hard and ringing chiefs of departments once a day and telling them to sort out their issues will not not be enough. And then when he fails he will get branded as a loser and gets knifed by the National caucus who cannot believe they are not in power.
There are so many problems building up steam at the moment, and yet National and Luxon look like they have run out of steam and ideas themselves. They have no policy, no costings, and offer no vision for the future.
When this happens, it’s normally a good idea to consider the political exit door earlier than waiting to be pushed out.
109 comments on “Bruce’s Reckons: The increased speculation about Chris Luxon quitting ”
- Comments are now closed
- Comments are now closed
Recent Comments
- Watts going on about climate change – minister’s speech sets out govt’s position to COP28
Buzz from the Beehive Just one bit of governmental news has been recorded on the Beehive website since Point of Order last checked on what our new bunch of ministers are up to. It is a copy of the COP28 National Statement for New Zealand which has given Climate Change Minister Simon ...55 mins ago - Climate Change: The wrong direction again
In 2019, Aotearoa legislated a methane reduction target of 10% (from 2017 levels) by 2030. Dirty farmers think it is unfair that they should be expected to cut their pollution by a fraction of what the rest of us are doing, and want to do less. Meanwhile, the Food and ...1 hour ago - Top 10 for Monday, December 11
5 hours ago - BRIAN EASTON: How should we organise a modern economy?
Alan Bollard, formerly Treasury Secretary, Reserve Bank Governor and Chairman of APEC, has written an insightful book exploring command vs demand approaches to the economy. Brian Easton writes – The Cold War included a conflict about ideas; many were economic. Alan Bollard’s latest book Economists in the ...5 hours ago - Coalition Circus of Chaos – Verbal gymnasts; an inept Ringmaster, and a helluva lot of clowns
..Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.The Curtain Closes…You have to hand it to Aotearoa - voters don’t do things by halves. People wanted change, and by golly, change they got. Baby, bathwater; rubber ducky - all out.There is something ...7 hours ago - “Brown-town”: the Wayne & Simeon show
Last week Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown kicked off what is always the most important thing a Council does every three years – update its ‘Long term plan’. This is the budgeting process for the Council and – unlike central government – the budget has to balance in terms of income ...8 hours ago - Not To Cast Stones…
Yeah I changed my wine into waterHad a miracle or four since I saw youSome came on time, some took a whileLocal Water Done Well.One of our new government’s first actions, number 20 on their list of 49 priorities, is the repeal of the previous government’s Water Services Entities Act 2022. Three Waters, ...9 hours ago - So much noise and so little signalParliament opened with pomp and ceremony, then it was back to politicians shouting at and past each other into the void. Photo: Office of the Clerk, NZ ParliamentTL;DR: It started with pomp, pageantry and a speech from the throne laying out the new National-ACT-NZ First Government’s plan to turn back ...10 hours ago
- Lost in the Desert: Accepted
As noted, November was an exceptionally good writing month for me. Well, in an additional bit of good news for December, one of those November stories, Lost in the Desert, has been accepted by Eternal Haunted Summer (https://eternalhauntedsummer.com/) for their Winter Solstice 2023 issue. At 3,500 words, ...17 hours ago - This Government and their Rightwing culture-war flanks picked a fight with the country… not the ot...
ACT and the culture-war warriors of the Right have picked this fight with Te Ao Māori. Ideologically-speaking, as a Party they’ve actually done this since inception, let’s be clear about that. So there is no real need to delve at length into their duplicitous, malignant, hypocritical manipulations. Yes, yes, ...19 hours ago - 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #49
A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Dec 3, 2023 thru Sat, Dec 9, 2023. Story of the Week Interactive: The pathways to meeting the Paris Agreement’s 1.5C limit The Paris Agreement’s long-term goal of keeping warming “well below” ...1 day ago - LOGAN SAVORY: The planned blessing that has irked councillors“I’m struggling to understand why we are having a blessing to bless this site considering it is a scrap metal yard… It just doesn’t make sense to me.” Logan Savory writes- When’s a blessing appropriate and when isn’t it? Some Invercargill City Councillors have questioned whether blessings might ...1 day ago
- Surely it won't happen
I have prepared a bad news sandwich. That is to say, I'm going to try and make this more agreeable by placing on the top and underneath some cheering things.So let's start with a daughter update, the one who is now half a world away but also never farther out ...1 day ago - Let Them Eat Sausage Rolls: Hipkins Tries to Kill Labour Again
Sometimes you despair. You really do. Fresh off leading Labour to its ugliest election result since 1990,* Chris Hipkins has decided to misdiagnose matters, because the Government he led cannot possibly have been wrong about anything. *In 2011 and 2014, people were willing to save Labour’s electorate ...2 days ago - Clued Up: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
2 days ago - JERRY COYNE: A powerful University dean in New Zealand touts merging higher education with indigeno...Jerry Coyne writes – This article from New Zealand’s Newsroom site was written by Julie Rowland, the deputy dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland as well as a geologist and the Director of the Ngā Ara Whetū | Centre for Climate, Biodiversity & Society. In other ...2 days ago
- Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away.
Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away.For the last couple of weeks its felt as though all the good things in our beautiful land are under attack.These isles in the southern Pacific. The home of the Māori people. A land of easy going friendliness, openness, and she’ll be right. A ...2 days ago - Speaking for the future
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.MondayYou cannot be seriousOne might think, god, people who are seeing all this must be regretting their vote.But one might be mistaken.There are people whose chief priority is not wanting to be ...2 days ago - How Should We Organise a Modern Economy?
Alan Bollard, formerly Treasury Secretary, Reserve Bank Governor and Chairman of APEC, has written an insightful book exploring command vs demand approaches to the economy. The Cold War included a conflict about ideas; many were economic. Alan Bollard’s latest book Economists in the Cold War focuses on the contribution of ...3 days ago - Willis fails a taxing app-titude test but govt supporters will cheer moves on Te Pukenga and the Hum...Buzz from the Beehive The Minister of Defence has returned from Noumea to announce New Zealand will host next year’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting and (wearing another ministerial hat) to condemn malicious cyber activity conducted by the Russian Government. A bigger cheer from people who voted for the Luxon ...3 days ago
- ELIZABETH RATA: In defence of the liberal university and against indigenisationThe suppression of individual thought in our universities spills over into society, threatening free speech everywhere. Elizabeth Rata writes – Indigenising New Zealand’s universities is well underway, presumably with the agreement of University Councils and despite the absence of public discussion. Indigenising, under the broader umbrella of decolonisation, ...3 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on the skewed media coverage of Gaza
Now that he’s back as Foreign Minister, maybe Winston Peters should start reading the MFAT website. If he did, Peters would find MFAT celebrating the 25th anniversary of how New Zealand alerted the rest of the world to the genocide developing in Rwanda. Quote: New Zealand played an important role ...3 days ago - “Your Circus, Your Clowns.”
It must have been a hard first couple of weeks for National voters, since the coalition was announced. Seeing their party make so many concessions to New Zealand First and ACT that there seems little remains of their own policies, other than the dwindling dream of tax cuts and the ...3 days ago - Weekly Roundup 8-December-2023It’s Friday again and Christmas is fast approaching. Here’s some of the stories that caught our attention. This week in Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered some of the recent talk around the costs, benefits and challenges with the City Rail Link. On Thursday Matt looked at how ...3 days ago
- End-of-week escapism
Amsterdam to Hong Kong William McCartney16,000 kilometres41 days18 trains13 countries11 currencies6 long-distance taxis4 taxi apps4 buses3 sim cards2 ferries1 tram0 medical events (surprisingly)Episode 4Whether the Sofia-Istanbul Express really qualifies to be called an express is debatable, but it’s another one of those likeably old and slow trains tha… ...3 days ago - The Hoon around the week to Dec 8Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro arrives for the State Opening of Parliament (Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)TL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:New Finance Minister Nicola Willis set herself a ...3 days ago
- New Zealand’s Witchcraft Laws: 1840/1858-1961/1962
Sometimes one gets morbidly curious about the oddities of one’s own legal system. Sometimes one writes entire essays on New Zealand’s experience with Blasphemous Libel: https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2017/05/09/blasphemous-libel-new-zealand-politics/ And sometimes one follows up the exact historical status of witchcraft law in New Zealand. As one does, of course. ...4 days ago - No surprisesDon’t expect any fiscal shocks or surprises when the books are opened on December 20 with the unveiling of the Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU). That was the message yesterday from Westpac in an economic commentary. But the bank’s analysis did not include any changes to capital ...4 days ago
- Skeptical Science New Research for Week #49 2023113 articles in 48 journals by 674 contributing authors Physical science of climate change, effects Diversity of Lagged Relationships in Global Means of Surface Temperatures and Radiative Budgets for CMIP6 piControl Simulations, Tsuchida et al., Journal of Climate 10.1175/jcli-d-23-0045.1 Do abrupt cryosphere events in High Mountain Asia indicate earlier tipping ...4 days ago
- Phone calls at Kia Kaha primary
It is quiet reading time in Room 13! It is so quiet you can hear the Tui outside. It is so quiet you can hear the Fulton Hogan crew.It is so quiet you can hear old Mr Grant and old Mr Bradbury standing by the roadworks and counting the conesand going on ...4 days ago - A question of confidence is raised by the Minister of Police, but he had to be questioned by RNZ to ...It looks like the new ministerial press secretaries have quickly learned the art of camouflaging exactly what their ministers are saying – or, at least, of keeping the hard news out of the headlines and/or the opening sentences of the statements they post on the home page of the governments ...4 days ago
- Xmas good cheer for the dairy industry as Fonterra lifts its forecastThe big dairy co-op Fonterra had some Christmas cheer to offer its farmers this week, increasing its forecast farmgate milk price and earnings guidance for the year after what it calls a strong start to the year. The forecast midpoint for the 2023/24 season is up 25cs to $7.50 per ...4 days ago
- MICHAEL BASSETT: Modern Maori mythsMichael Bassett writes – Many of the comments about the Coalition’s determination to wind back the dramatic Maorification of New Zealand of the last three years would have you believe the new government is engaged in a full-scale attack on Maori. In reality, all that is happening ...4 days ago
- Dreams of eternal sunshine at a spotless COP28Mary Robinson asked Al Jaber a series of very simple, direct and highly pertinent questions and he responded with a high-octane public meltdown. Photos: Getty Images / montage: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR The hygiene effects of direct sunshine are making some inroads, perhaps for the very first time, on the normalised ‘deficit ...4 days ago
- LINDSAY MITCHELL: Oh, the ironyLindsay Mitchell writes – Appointed by new Labour PM Jacinda Ardern in 2018, Cindy Kiro headed the Welfare Expert Advisory Group (WEAG) tasked with reviewing and recommending reforms to the welfare system. Kiro had been Children’s Commissioner during Helen Clark’s Labour government but returned to academia subsequently. ...4 days ago
- Transport Agencies don’t want Harbour TunnelsIt seems even our transport agencies don’t want Labour’s harbour crossing plans. In August the previous government and Waka Kotahi announced their absurd preferred option the new harbour crossing that at the time was estimated to cost $35-45 billion. It included both road tunnels and a wiggly light rail tunnel ...4 days ago
- Webworm Presents: Jurassic Park on 35mm
Hi,Paying Webworm members such as yourself keep this thing running, so as 2023 draws to close, I wanted to do two things to say a giant, loud “THANKS”. Firstly — I’m giving away 10 Mister Organ blu-rays in New Zealand, and another 10 in America. More details down below.Secondly — ...4 days ago - The Prime Minister's Dream.
Yesterday saw the State Opening of Parliament, the Speech from the Throne, and then Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s dream for Aotearoa in his first address. But first the pomp and ceremony, the arrival of the Governor General.Dame Cindy Kiro arrived on the forecourt outside of parliament to a Māori welcome. ...4 days ago - National’s new MP; the proud part-Maori boy raised in a state houseProbably not since 1975 have we seen a government take office up against such a wall of protest and complaint. That was highlighted yesterday, the day that the new Parliament was sworn in, with news that King Tuheitia has called a national hui for late January to develop a ...4 days ago
- Climate Adam: Battlefield Earth – How War Fuels Climate CatastropheThis video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). War, conflict and climate change are tearing apart lives across the world. But these aren't separate harms - they're intricately connected. ...5 days ago
- They do not speak for us, and they do not speak for the future
These dire woeful and intolerant people have been so determinedly going about their small and petulant business, it’s hard to keep up. At the end of the new government’s first woeful week, Audrey Young took the time to count off its various acts of denigration of Te Ao Māori:Review the ...5 days ago - Another attack on te reoThe new white supremacist government made attacking te reo a key part of its platform, promising to rename government agencies and force them to "communicate primarily in English" (which they already do). But today they've gone further, by trying to cut the pay of public servants who speak te reo: ...5 days ago
- For the record, the Beehive buzz can now be regarded as “official”Buzz from the Beehive The biggest buzz we bring you from the Beehive today is that the government’s official website is up and going after being out of action for more than a week. The latest press statement came from Education Minister Eric Stanford, who seized on the 2022 PISA ...5 days ago
- Climate Change: Failed againThere was another ETS auction this morning. and like all the other ones this year, it failed to clear - meaning that 23 million tons of carbon (15 million ordinary units plus 8 million in the cost containment reserve) went up in smoke. Or rather, they didn't. Being unsold at ...5 days ago
- Gordon Campbell On The Government’s Assault On MaoriThis isn’t news, but the National-led coalition is mounting a sustained assault on Treaty rights and obligations. Even so, Christopher Luxon has described yesterday’s nationwide protests by Maori as “pretty unfair.” Poor thing. In the NZ Herald, Audrey Young has compiled a useful list of the many, many ways that ...5 days ago
- Rising costs hit farmers hard, but there’s more positive news for them this week
New Zealand’s dairy industry, the mainstay of the country’s export trade, has been under pressure from rising costs. Down on the farm, this has been hitting hard. But there was more positive news this week, first from the latest Fonterra GDT auction where prices rose, and then from a report ...5 days ago - ROB MacCULLOCH: Newshub and NZ Herald report misleading garbage about ACT’s van Veldon not follo...Rob MacCulloch writes – In their rush to discredit the new government (which our MainStream Media regard as illegitimate and having no right to enact the democratic will of voters) the NZ Herald and Newshub are arguing ACT’s Deputy Leader Brooke van Veldon is not following Treasury advice ...5 days ago
- Top 10 for Wednesday, December 6
Even many young people who smoke support smokefree policies, fitting in with previous research showing the large majority of people who smoke regret starting and most want to quit. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s my pick of the top 10 news and analysis links elsewhere on the morning of Wednesday, December ...5 days ago - Eleven years of work.
Well it didn’t take six months, but the leaks have begun. Yes the good ship Coalition has inadvertently released a confidential cabinet paper into the public domain, discussing their axing of Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs).Oops.Just when you were admiring how smoothly things were going for the new government, they’ve had ...5 days ago - Why we're missing out on sharply lower inflation
5 days ago - How Did We Get Here?
Hi,Kiwis — keep the evening of December 22nd free. I have a meetup planned, and will send out an invite over the next day or so. This sounds sort of crazy to write, but today will be Tony Stamp’s final Totally Normal column of 2023. Somehow we’ve made it to ...5 days ago - At a glance – Has the greenhouse effect been falsified?On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...6 days ago
- New Zealaders have high expectations of new government: now let’s see if it can deliver?The electorate has high expectations of the new government. The question is: can it deliver? Some might say the signs are not promising. Protestors are already marching in the streets. The new Prime Minister has had little experience of managing very diverse politicians in coalition. The economy he ...6 days ago
- You won't believe some of the numbers you have to pull when you're a Finance Minister
Nicola of Marsden:Yo, normies! We will fix your cost of living worries by giving you a tax cut of 150 dollars. 150! Cash money! Vote National.Various people who can read and count:Actually that's 150 over a fortnight. Not a week, which is how you usually express these things.And actually, it looks ...6 days ago - PushbackWhen this government came to power, it did so on an explicitly white supremacist platform. Undermining the Waitangi Tribunal, removing Māori representation in local government, over-riding the courts which had tried to make their foreshore and seabed legislation work, eradicating te reo from public life, and ultimately trying to repudiate ...6 days ago
- Defence ministerial meeting meant Collins missed the Maori Party’s mischief-making capers in Parli...Buzz from the Beehive Maybe this is not the best time for our Minister of Defence to have gone overseas. Not when the Maori Party is inviting (or should that be inciting?) its followers to join a revolution in a post which promoted its protest plans with a picture of ...6 days ago
- Threats of war have been followed by an invitation to join the revolution – now let’s see how th...A Maori Party post on Instagram invited party followers to …. Tangata Whenua, Tangata Tiriti, Join the REVOLUTION! & make a stand! Nationwide Action Day, All details in tiles swipe to see locations. • This is our 1st hit out and tomorrow Tuesday the 5th is the opening ...6 days ago
- Top 10 for Tuesday, December 4
The RBNZ governor is citing high net migration and profit-led inflation as factors in the bank’s hawkish stance. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s my pick of the top 10 news and analysis links elsewhere on the morning of Tuesday, December 5, including:Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr says high net migration and ...6 days ago - Nicola Willis' 'show me the money' momentWillis has accused labour of “economic vandalism’, while Robertson described her comments as a “desperate diversion from somebody who can't make their tax package add up”. There will now be an intense focus on December 20 to see whether her hyperbole is backed up by true surprises. Photo montage: Lynn ...6 days ago
- CRL costs money but also provides huge benefitsThe City Rail Link has been in the headlines a bit recently so I thought I’d look at some of them. First up, yesterday the NZ Herald ran this piece about the ongoing costs of the CRL. Auckland ratepayers will be saddled with an estimated bill of $220 million each ...6 days ago
- And I don't want the world to see us.
Is this the most shambolic government in the history of New Zealand? Given that parliament hasn’t even opened they’ve managed quite a list of achievements to date.The Smokefree debacle trading lives for tax cuts, the Trumpian claims of bribery in the Media, an International award for indifference, and today the ...6 days ago - Cooking the booksFinance Minister Nicola Willis late yesterday stopped only slightly short of accusing her predecessor Grant Robertson of cooking the books. She complained that the Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU), due to be made public on December 20, would show “fiscal cliffs” that would amount to “billions of ...6 days ago
- Most people don’t realize how much progress we’ve made on climate changeThis is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The year was 2015. ‘Uptown Funk’ with Bruno Mars was at the top of the music charts. Jurassic World was the most popular new movie in theaters. And decades of futility in international climate negotiations was about to come to an end in ...7 days ago
- Of Parliamentary Oaths and Clive Boonham
As a heads-up, I am not one of those people who stay awake at night thinking about weird Culture War nonsense. At least so far as the current Maori/Constitutional arrangements go. In fact, I actually consider it the least important issue facing the day to day lives of New ...7 days ago - Bearing True Allegiance?7 days ago
- You cannot be serious
Some days it feels like the only thing to say is: Seriously? No, really. Seriously?OneSomeone has used their health department access to share data about vaccinations and patients, and inform the world that New Zealanders have been dying in their hundreds of thousands from the evil vaccine. This of course is pure ...7 days ago - A promise kept: govt pulls the plug on Lake Onslow scheme – but this saving of $16bn is denounced...Buzz from the Beehive After $21.8 million was spent on investigations, the plug has been pulled on the Lake Onslow pumped-hydro electricity scheme, The scheme – that technically could have solved New Zealand’s looming energy shortage, according to its champions – was a key part of the defeated Labour government’s ...1 week ago
- CHRIS TROTTER: The Maori Party and Oath of AllegianceIf those elected to the Māori Seats refuse to take them, then what possible reason could the country have for retaining them? Chris Trotter writes – Christmas is fast approaching, which, as it does every year, means gearing up for an abstruse general knowledge question. “Who was ...1 week ago
- BRIAN EASTON: Forward to 2017The coalition party agreements are mainly about returning to 2017 when National lost power. They show commonalities but also some serious divergencies. Brian Easton writes – The two coalition agreements – one National and ACT, the other National and New Zealand First – are more than policy documents. ...1 week ago
- Climate Change: FossilsWhen the new government promised to allow new offshore oil and gas exploration, they were warned that there would be international criticism and reputational damage. Naturally, they arrogantly denied any possibility that that would happen. And then they finally turned up at COP, to criticism from Palau, and a "fossil ...1 week ago
- GEOFFREY MILLER: NZ’s foreign policy resets on AUKUS, Gaza and UkraineGeoffrey Miller writes – New Zealand’s international relations are under new management. And Winston Peters, the new foreign minister, is already setting a change agenda. As expected, this includes a more pro-US positioning when it comes to the Pacific – where Peters will be picking up where he ...1 week ago
- Gordon Campbell on the government’s smokefree laws debacleThe most charitable explanation for National’s behaviour over the smokefree legislation is that they have dutifully fulfilled the wishes of the Big Tobacco lobby and then cast around – incompetently, as it turns out – for excuses that might sell this health policy U-turn to the public. The less charitable ...1 week ago
- Top 10 links at 10 am for Monday, December 4
1 week ago - Be Honest.
Let’s begin today by thinking about job interviews.During my career in Software Development I must have interviewed hundreds of people, hired at least a hundred, but few stick in the memory.I remember one guy who was so laid back he was practically horizontal, leaning back in his chair until his ...1 week ago - Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s foreign policy resets on AUKUS, Gaza and Ukraine
New Zealand’s international relations are under new management. And Winston Peters, the new foreign minister, is already setting a change agenda. As expected, this includes a more pro-US positioning when it comes to the Pacific – where Peters will be picking up where he left off. Peters sought to align ...1 week ago
- Teanau Tuiono first Green MP appointed Assistant Speaker
The Green Party is pleased to announce today that MP Teanau Tuiono will be an Assistant Speaker for the 54th Parliament. ...4 days ago - Release: Labour calls on Government to give visas to Kiwis’ families stuck in Gaza
Labour’s immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford is calling on the Government to follow the example of Australia and help New Zealanders’ close family members stuck in Gaza to escape and take shelter here. ...6 days ago - Now, more than ever, we must whakamana Te Tiriti o WaitangiThe Green Party is urging the Government to recognise its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi so our tamariki and mokopuna can grow up in an Aotearoa where their language is celebrated, their health is prioritised, and their whenua is protected. ...6 days ago
- Release: Labour team ready to take on the coalition of chaosLabour’s strong line-up for the 54th Parliament brings experience and energy to the job of Opposition. ...2 weeks ago
- The future of Aotearoa is at stakeThe next 100 days will be a fight for our future. ...2 weeks ago
- Māori will die to fund tax cutsBy scrapping Aotearoa’s world-leading smokefree laws, this government is sacrificing Māori lives to fund tax cuts for the wealthy. Not only is this plan revolting, but it doesn’t add up. Treasury has estimated that the reversal of smokefree laws to pay for tax cuts will cost our health system $5.25bn, ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s fiscal plans dealt another blowFigures showing National needs to find another $900 million for landlords highlights the mess this coalition Government is in less than a week into the job. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party unveils portfolio spokespeople for the 54th ParliamentThe Green Party is pleased to announce the allocation of portfolios across its largest caucus ever. ...2 weeks ago
- The Time is Now for Oceans ProtectionCommunity organisations, mana whenua and the Greens have written to the incoming Minister of Oceans and Fisheries to call for the progression without delay of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Greenpeace nitrates research proves need for strong freshwater regulationThe Green Party is welcoming the release of an interactive map which enables people to monitor nitrate levels in their drinking water. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Chris Hipkins congratulates Christopher Luxon"On behalf of the Labour Party I would like to congratulate Christopher Luxon on his appointment as Prime Minister,” Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens launch petition to save oil and gas banThe Green Party has launched a petition to save the ban on oil and gas exploration. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon’s Government will whitewash AotearoaNZ First has gotten their wish to ‘take our country back’ to the 1800s with a policy program that will white-wash Aotearoa and erase tangata whenua rights. By disestablishing the Māori Health Authority this Government has condemned Māori to die seven years earlier than Pākehā. By removing Treaty obligations from ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party a strong opposition to divisive governmentThe Green Party will keep up the fight for an Aotearoa that works for everyone. ...2 weeks ago
- First step to flexible labour market
The Government is delivering on its commitment to repeal the Fair Pay Agreement legislation by Christmas 2023. “We are moving quickly to remove this legislation before any fair pay agreements are finalised and the negative impacts are felt by the labour market,” says Minister van Velden. “Fair pay agreements undermine ...25 mins ago - Extending 90-day trial periods to all employersThe Government is delivering on its commitment to extend the availability of 90-day trial periods to all employers. “Extending 90-day trial periods to all employers gives businesses the confidence to hire new people and increases workplace flexibility,” says Minister van Velden. “Whether a business has 2 or 200 employees, bringing ...25 mins ago
- COP28 National Statement for New ZealandTēnā koutou katoa Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. An island nation at the bottom of the Pacific, New Zealand is unique. Our geography, our mountains, lakes, winds and rainfall helps set us up for the future, allowing for nearly 90 per cent of our electricity to come from renewable sources. I’m ...2 days ago
- Ministers visit Hawke’s Bay to grasp recovery needsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Cyclone Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell and Transport and Local Government Minister Simeon Brown, to meet leaders of cyclone and flood-affected regions in the Hawke’s Bay. The visit reinforced the coalition Government’s commitment to support the region and better understand its ongoing requirements, Mr Mitchell says. ...3 days ago
- New Zealand condemns malicious cyber activityNew Zealand has joined the UK and other partners in condemning malicious cyber activity conducted by the Russian Government, Minister Responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau Judith Collins says. The statement follows the UK’s attribution today of malicious cyber activity impacting its domestic democratic institutions and processes, as well ...3 days ago
- Disestablishment of Te Pūkenga beginsThe Government has begun the process of disestablishing Te Pūkenga as part of its 100-day plan, Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Penny Simmonds says. “I have started putting that plan into action and have met with the chair and chief Executive of Te Pūkenga to advise them of my ...4 days ago
- Climate Change Minister to attend COP28 in DubaiClimate Change Minister Simon Watts will be leaving for Dubai today to attend COP28, the 28th annual UN climate summit, this week. Simon Watts says he will push for accelerated action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement, deliver New Zealand’s national statement and connect with partner countries, private sector leaders ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to host 2024 Pacific defence meetingDefence Minister Judith Collins yesterday announced New Zealand will host next year’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM). “Having just returned from this year’s meeting in Nouméa, I witnessed first-hand the value of meeting with my Pacific counterparts to discuss regional security and defence matters. I welcome the opportunity to ...4 days ago
- Study shows need to remove distractions in classThe Government is committed to lifting school achievement in the basics and that starts with removing distractions so young people can focus on their learning, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. The 2022 PISA results released this week found that Kiwi kids ranked 5th in the world for being distracted ...4 days ago
- Minister sets expectations of CommissionerToday I met with Police Commissioner Andrew Coster to set out my expectations, which he has agreed to, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. Under section 16(1) of the Policing Act 2008, the Minister can expect the Police Commissioner to deliver on the Government’s direction and priorities, as now outlined in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand needs a strong and stable ETSNew Zealand needs a strong and stable Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) that is well placed for the future, after emission units failed to sell for the fourth and final auction of the year, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. At today’s auction, 15 million New Zealand units (NZUs) – each ...5 days ago
- PISA results show urgent need to teach the basicsWith 2022 PISA results showing a decline in achievement, Education Minister Erica Stanford is confident that the Coalition Government’s 100-day plan for education will improve outcomes for Kiwi kids. The 2022 PISA results show a significant decline in the performance of 15-year-old students in maths compared to 2018 and confirms ...6 days ago
- Collins leaves for Pacific defence meetingDefence Minister Judith Collins today departed for New Caledonia to attend the 8th annual South Pacific Defence Ministers’ meeting (SPDMM). “This meeting is an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with my Pacific counterparts to discuss regional security matters and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the Pacific,” Judith Collins says. ...7 days ago
- Working for Families gets cost of living boostPutting more money in the pockets of hard-working families is a priority of this Coalition Government, starting with an increase to Working for Families, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “We are starting our 100-day plan with a laser focus on bringing down the cost of living, because that is what ...1 week ago
- Post-Cabinet press conferenceMost weeks, following Cabinet, the Prime Minister holds a press conference for members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery. This page contains the transcripts from those press conferences, which are supplied by Hansard to the Office of the Prime Minister. It is important to note that the transcripts have not been edited ...1 week ago
- Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme scrappedThe Government has axed the $16 billion Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme championed by the previous government, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “This hugely wasteful project was pouring money down the drain at a time when we need to be reining in spending and focussing on rebuilding the economy and ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes further pause in fighting in GazaNew Zealand welcomes the further one-day extension of the pause in fighting, which will allow the delivery of more urgently-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of more hostages, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said. “The human cost of the conflict is horrific, and New Zealand wants to see the violence ...1 week ago
- Condolences on passing of Henry KissingerForeign Minister Winston Peters today expressed on behalf of the New Zealand Government his condolences to the family of former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who has passed away at the age of 100 at his home in Connecticut. “While opinions on his legacy are varied, Secretary Kissinger was ...1 week ago
- Backing our kids to learn the basicsEvery child deserves a world-leading education, and the Coalition Government is making that a priority as part of its 100-day plan. Education Minister Erica Stanford says that will start with banning cellphone use at school and ensuring all primary students spend one hour on reading, writing, and maths each day. ...1 week ago
- US Business Summit Speech – Regional stability through tradeI would like to begin by echoing the Prime Minister’s thanks to the organisers of this Summit, Fran O’Sullivan and the Auckland Business Chamber. I want to also acknowledge the many leading exporters, sector representatives, diplomats, and other leaders we have joining us in the room. In particular, I would like ...2 weeks ago
- Keynote Address to the United States Business Summit, AucklandGood morning. Thank you, Rosemary, for your warm introduction, and to Fran and Simon for this opportunity to make some brief comments about New Zealand’s relationship with the United States. This is also a chance to acknowledge my colleague, Minister for Trade Todd McClay, Ambassador Tom Udall, Secretary of Foreign ...2 weeks ago
- India New Zealand Business Council Speech, India as a Strategic PriorityGood morning, tēnā koutou and namaskar. Many thanks, Michael, for your warm welcome. I would like to acknowledge the work of the India New Zealand Business Council in facilitating today’s event and for the Council’s broader work in supporting a coordinated approach for lifting New Zealand-India relations. I want to also ...2 weeks ago
- Coalition Government unveils 100-day planPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has laid out the Coalition Government’s plan for its first 100 days from today. “The last few years have been incredibly tough for so many New Zealanders. People have put their trust in National, ACT and NZ First to steer them towards a better, more prosperous ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand welcomes European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade AgreementA significant milestone in ratifying the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was reached last night, with 524 of the 705 member European Parliament voting in favour to approve the agreement. “I’m delighted to hear of the successful vote to approve the NZ-EU FTA in the European Parliament overnight. This is ...3 weeks ago
- A brief history of complaints about Te Papa’s treaty exhibit
A protest at Te Papa today was not the first against the museum’s Te Tiriti exhibition. Around midday today, a multi-story Te Papa display of the Treaty of Waitangi in English was defaced by protestors. One man abseiled down the face of the exhibit, which is part of Te Papa’s ...18 mins ago - Taxpayers’ Union Calls For Outcomes-focused Mental Health Spending Rather Than A Cash Splash
Responding to reports that a landmark $2 billion investment in New Zealand’s mental health system by the Ardern government has had little effect on services and delivery, Connor Molloy, Campaigns Manager at the Taxpayers’ Union, says: “We warned at ...24 mins ago - Watch: PM Christopher Luxon speaks after Cabinet meeting
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to media after this week's Cabinet meeting. Watch live from about 4pm. ...26 mins ago - COP28: Why China’s clean energy boom matters for global climate action
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xu Yi-chong, Professor of Governance and Public Policy, Griffith University Shutterstock With an energy-hungry economy, an historic reliance on coal and vast manufacturing enterprises, China is the world’s single largest emitter, accounting for 27% of the world’s carbon dioxide and ...53 mins ago - Chainsaws, chokos and culverts: All the weird things New Zealand googled in 2023Google New Zealand revealed its annual ‘Year in Search’. Sam Brooks runs down the expected, the unexpected and the downright strange. Each year, Google New Zealand releases what New Zealand has been searching for, from the most googled people of the year (Jacinda Ardern, often) to more obscure things like ...1 hour ago
- Free Fares NZ Submit Petition Calling For New Government To Keep Public Transport AffordableToday the Free Fares Campaign presented their 6,650+ strong petition to MPs Julie Anne Genter and Ayesha Verrall, demanding that the new Government retain the current public transport discounts and expand this to 100% free public transport for target ...2 hours ago
- Male infertility is more common than you may think. Here are 5 ways to protect your spermSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karin Hammarberg, Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University Shutterstock Infertility is often thought of as a female problem but one in three IVF cycles in Australia involve male infertility. We ...2 hours ago
- The government is bringing immigration back to ‘normal levels’ but cuts are not as dramatic as t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Stevens, Research fellow, Australian Catholic University metamorworks/Shutterstock On Monday, the federal government announced plans to fix Australia’s “broken migration system” and to “bring migration back to sustainable, normal levels”. Its long-awaited migration strategy aims “to build a migration system ...2 hours ago
- Report Shows Government Must Act With UrgencyThe Gas Supply and Demand Study released today from the Gas Industry Company shows that the new Government must act urgently to restore investment confidence in New Zealand’s upstream oil and gas sector or put our energy security at risk. Energy ...2 hours ago
- CAPHRA Supports Beaglehole's Commentary On Vaping In New ZealandThe Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) supports Emeritus Professor Robert Beaglehole's recent commentary on New Zealand's progress in addressing vaping among young people. Beaglehole, the chair of Action on Smoking ...3 hours ago
- How the poetically-charged art of Tacita Dean gives its audience a moment for stillness and timeSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donna West Brett, Associate Professor in Art History, University of Sydney Tacita Dean, Paradise (film still), 2021, with music, Paradiso by Thomas Adès, 35mm colour anamorphic film, image courtesy the artist, Frith Street Gallery, London and Marian Goodman Gallery, New York, Paris ...3 hours ago
- Doing science in Antarctica has harmed an environment under great pressure. Here’s how we can do b...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shaun Brooks, Fieldwork Coordinator/Research Technician, CSIRO The Argentine research station, Base Primavera, on the Antarctic Peninsula. Shaun Brooks Scientific research in Antarctica has played a key role in many important discoveries of the past century. But it has also come at a ...3 hours ago
- Doing science in Antarctica has harmed an environment under great pressure. Here’s how we can do b...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shaun Brooks, Fieldwork Coordinator/Research Technician, CSIRO The Argentine research station, Base Primavera, on the Antarctic Peninsula. Shaun Brooks Scientific research in Antarctica has played a key role in many important discoveries of the past century. But it has also come at a ...3 hours ago
- International cricket is withering on the vine – why do we still play so much of it?Players are sending a clear and obvious message: there’s too much cricket and not enough of it matters. This is an excerpt from The Bounce, a Substack newsletter by Dylan Cleaver. We are less than a week from the start of the home international men’s cricket season and… what a wet ...3 hours ago
- Return of the ‘consultocracy’ – how cutting public service jobs to save costs usually backfire...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbara Allen, Senior Lecturer in Public Management, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington It has been clear that change is coming to the New Zealand public service since the election campaign. Just what impact that change will have is less ...4 hours ago
- Return of the ‘consultocracy’ – how cutting public service jobs to save costs usually backfire...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbara Allen, Senior Lecturer in Public Management, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington It has been clear that change is coming to the New Zealand public service since the election campaign. Just what impact that change will have is less ...4 hours ago
- Walking and talking: The Waitakere hīkoi teaching locals about the place they liveA West Auckland iwi is sharing its stories with other Waitakere community members through a unique programme of guided walks. At the meeting point of the Whau awa and Te Waitematā in Waitakere sits Harbourview Park, a taonga of te taiao near the heart of our nation’s biggest city. ...4 hours ago
- Digital ID will go mainstream across Australia in 2024. Here’s how it can work for everyoneSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Santow, Professor & Co-Director, Human Technology Institute, University of Technology Sydney Simon Lee / Unsplash In a world promising self-driving cars and artificial general intelligence, the prospect of a new form of digital identity verification can feel … less ...5 hours ago
- If Ryanair’s social media jumped off a cliff, would yours jump too?The budget airline’s famously sassy tweets and TikToks have commanded millions of eyeballs, and spawned almost as many imitators. What does the brand’s former head of social make of them all? “When you try to be something you’re not, the users can smell bullshit a mile away.” Very calmly and ...6 hours ago
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon: High net migration not sustainable for New ZealandNew Zealand's 118,000 net migration gain in a year is unsustainable, and infrastructure needs to be better managed to support growth, says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. ...7 hours ago
- Transporting New Zealand Outlines Road Freight PrioritiesRoad freight peak body Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand has released its industry briefing to the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown, including setting out eight actions that would provide practical support and reassurance to the freight ...7 hours ago
- Greenpeace billboard labels government 'climate extremists' over oil and gas exploration p...Anyone promoting more fossil fuel use in the midst of a climate crisis deserves to be called out as "extremist", Greenpeace says. ...7 hours ago
- What’s your money doing in Palestine?Your KiwiSaver could be helping to fuel the cycle of violence. Barry Coates, CEO of responsible investing charity Mindful Money, explains how to check. The images of dead and injured civilians pulled from the wreckage in Gaza is tragic. But what is even more tragic is that the atrocities committed ...7 hours ago
- Opinion: Will Our New Government Take The Chance To Fix Accessibility Bill?By Peter Reynolds, New Zealand Disability Support Network CEO I’m holding my breath - hoping for better Accessibility legislation that delivers world class support for all disabled New Zealanders. There’s work to do before we get there. Earlier this ...8 hours ago
- The Geminids: the year’s best meteor shower is upon us. And this one will be a true spectacleSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland Shutterstock As an astronomer and meteor enthusiast, I’d say it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Each December sees the return of the Geminid meteor shower – the best natural fireworks ...8 hours ago
- Israel-Hamas war: What is Zionism? A history of the political movement that created Israel as we kno...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University Shutterstock As the Israel-Hamas war continues, there’s been a lot of discussion around Zionism. Put simply, Zionism is a nationalist movement that advocates for a homeland for the Jewish people in ...8 hours ago
- I’m trying to lose weight and eat healthily. Why do I feel so hungry all the time? What can I do a...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Fuller, Charles Perkins Centre Research Program Leader, University of Sydney Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, famously said nothing is certain except death and taxes. But I think we can include “you’ll feel hungry when you’re ...8 hours ago
- Australia has one of the weakest tax systems for redistribution among industrial nations – the Sta...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jim Stanford, Economist and Director, Centre for Future Work, Australia Institute; Honorary Professor of Political Economy, University of Sydney Shutterstock One of the chief purposes of government payments and taxes is to redistribute income, which is why tax rates are ...8 hours ago
- How an underwater sculpture trail plays a role in the health – and beauty – of the Great Barrier...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Smith, Adjunct Associate Professor, James Cook University The widespread demise of coral reefs due to climate change is now a certainty. But what role does art have in our future for coral reefs? Art is about feelings. One of the ...8 hours ago
- Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden 'less certain' of good relationship with un...The new Workplace Relations and Safety Minister has a busy two weeks ahead, with promises to axe Fair Pay Agreements and start work to reinstate 90-day trials before the summer break. ...9 hours ago
- 2024 will be make or break for New Zealand infrastructureRoads, pipes, houses, hospitals: our infrastructure challenges are overwhelming in their size and scale. Will the government’s new approach make any difference, asks Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A challenge of ...9 hours ago
- Sliding backwards on human rights
This week marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But is the agreement New Zealand signed up to at the UN so long ago still relevant? And are assumptions that we’re doing just fine in this area starting to look a little smug? Today on ...10 hours ago - Workplace Relations Minister 'less certain' of good relationship with unionsThe new Workplace Relations and Safety minister has a busy two weeks ahead, with promises to axe Fair Pay Agreements and start work to reinstate 90-day trials before the summer break. ...11 hours ago
- Xmas: the best nonfiction of 2023New Zealand nonfiction in 2023 went in pursuit of worthy subjects – Māori health, white privilege, law and order, the foaming mad of the alt-right – but lacked the personal touch. In contrast with the blazing artistry and honesty of Charlotte Grimshaw’s memoir The Mirror Book (2021) and Noelle ...11 hours ago
- Winston Peters’ rabbit hole problemClaims by a Whatu Ora staffer have attracted the attention of conspiracy groups in NZ and around the world. And they’re demanding attention from someone they thought was on their side. They didn’t all love him. This was the guy, after all, who stood in lockstep with their bete noire, ...11 hours ago
- Beyond Xero: Is Wellington ready to take on the fintech world?Seventeen years after Xero launched in a one-bedroom apartment on Willis St, the next generation of Wellington financial startups is ready to go big. Will the capital take advantage? In 2006, Rod Drury and Hamish Edwards started a little company in a one-bedroom apartment on Willis St with the janky ...11 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 11 DecemberLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 11 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Mackenzie solar farm stoush heads to courtApplicants for an 88MW solar array in the Mackenzie Basin says the site's biodiversity values are 'vastly overstated' The post Mackenzie solar farm stoush heads to court appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Strong and stable pay for all – not just for politiciansIf a market is structured so a race to the bottom is encouraged, then businesses will start racing there The post Strong and stable pay for all – not just for politicians appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Monday 11 DecemberThe post Daily crossword, Monday 11 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Surging migration expected to lift economic outputNet migration of 120,000 in 2023 has helped to grow population by 2.7% and supported higher output and demand The post Surging migration expected to lift economic output appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Leaders go round in a circle at climate summitSigns of weaker language on the phase-out of fossil fuels emerged yesterday as the United Nations’ COP28 climate summit delegates prepared for the final few days of talks. To that end, Sultan Al Jaber, the United Arab Emirates’ chair of the negotiations, convened a majlis – a gathering of elders ...11 hours ago
- Defence Force boosts sexual assault response after ‘serious’ staff auditFormer Navy engineer welcomes reinforcement of armed forces' Sexual Assault Response team, in the hope her daughters' generation won't suffer what she did. The post Defence Force boosts sexual assault response after ‘serious’ staff audit appeared first on Newsroom. ...11 hours ago
- Government to toughen scrutiny of international students as it slashes net migration over two yearsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australia’s net-overseas migration levels will be cut dramatically over two years to bring the country’s exploding intake back to sustainable numbers. In estimates to be released on Monday, net-overseas migration will be 375,000 this ...16 hours ago
- Another march on the cards if new government lets Ngāpuhi down – Hinerangi Cooper-PuruDame Whina Cooper's daughter says her mum would have urged Ngāpuhi to never give up the struggle for justice. ...18 hours ago
- With Annastacia Palaszczuk gone, can Labor achieve the unachievable in Queensland?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Williams, Associate Professor, Griffith University, Griffith University Democracies are, by nature, systems of stability and change. But, north of the Tweed River, Queensland politics is very much about stability, and only a little about change. Where, for example, New South Wales ...20 hours ago
- Environmental Defence Society releases its Briefings for Incoming MinistersEDS has today released its Briefings for Incoming Ministers in the new Coalition Government. The BIMs cover the following portfolio areas and Ministers: Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for the Environment Hon Chris Bishop, Minister for Resource Management ...1 day ago
- Tobacco researcher: New Zealand's reputation 'now pretty tarnished' amongst scientist...A public health academic says New Zealand's rowback on smokefree legislation is "very embarrassing" and has tarnished our reputation. ...1 day ago
- Why does some popcorn not pop?Popcorn has one job. So what happens when it fails? Charlotte Muru-Lanning reports from the stovetop. This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. There’s nothing quite like the lively ceremony of making stovetop popcorn. First there’s the clattering of those amber-coloured kernels into the pot. Hopefully within minutes, there’s the first hollow pop. Then, ...1 day ago
- In-between kids: The volunteering experience that inspired Before GeorgeDeborah Robertson on what inspired her to write her new novel, and to set it in 1953 – the year of the Tangiwai disaster. A group of six girls in purple T-shirts are sitting on a log. Well, not really a log. It’s an equestrian hurdle that has been carved ...1 day ago
- Coaster calls for Government to plug stopbanksA Harihari dairy farmer whose land was flooded when a stopbank failed this year says river protection on the West Coast has become unaffordable and the Government should urgently restore subsidies for the work. Andy Campbell lost the use of 100ha when the Wanganui River breached a stopbank last ...1 day ago
- We’re going on a bat huntIn rural South Auckland, a team of conservationists head out on a nocturnal mission to track down Aotearoa’s only native land mammal. Asia Martusia King tags along. The bat hunt begins as usual: with Vengaboys. A group of scientists sits somberly around a table in a rural South Auckland paddock, ...1 day ago
- The Sunday Essay: Is there an age when you can no longer dance?How I faced the limitations of dancing into the ‘sunset years’ of my life. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Illustrations by kūkū. “To choose to be a dancer is a lovely act of defiance” – Daniel Nagrin, How to Dance Forever ...1 day ago
- Ngāpuhi hapū gather to receive Tribunal report on Treaty grievancesA landmark Waitangi Tribunal report into injustices suffered by Ngāpuhi will strengthen the iwi's case as it looks to restart its stalled Treaty settlement negotiations, a hapū leader says. ...2 days ago
- ‘We’re legit filmmakers’: The story behind Viva La Dirt League’s epic new studioIn just 18 months, the Auckland-based YouTube channel has gone from working from home and out of cafes to a brand new multi-million dollar studio. Sam Brooks asks the trio how they pulled it off, and what they’re planning to do with it. On December 4, a video called “The ...2 days ago
- Focus on Politics: Māori dissent sets the scene as Parliament returnsThe resumption of Parliament this week has been underlined by outcry from Māori, soon matched by fury within the debating chamber. ...2 days ago
- ‘Childish, immature, disgusting’: Why TV viewers are mad at Anika Moa this timeThe Anika Moa Unleashed host unleashes her thoughts on After the Party, Paul Holmes, The Walking Dead, stalking celebrities and more. Anika Moa has a proud history of angering strangers online, whether it’s due to her tattoos, her love life, or something else entirely. When she sits down with The ...2 days ago
- Rod Oram: Words, crowds and Kiwis at global climate summitSearching widely for ways to overcome deep opposition by fossil fuel nations to a phase-out of their products, the President of COP28 enlisted an ally while negotiators sought subtler language yesterday. “We have been asked by the UAE presidency to help find common language that will be acceptable ...2 days ago
- Food writing isn’t really about foodWith a topic so universal, it’s almost always about something bigger. Consider the contents of your fridge. What kinds of fruits and vegetables are in your crisper drawer? How much did that block of cheese set you back? Where did you source most of this kai from? Are there ingredients ...2 days ago
- Long Read: The grief birdYou can read the full story, plus see photographs from Craig McKenzie, in the November-December issue of New Zealand Geographic magazine, or on their website. The bittern’s eerie, booming call sounds like a lament, a tangi ringing across the marshes. Now, the birds themselves are in trouble. ...2 days ago
- Short story: Beautiful Isolation, by Catherine Chidgey1. In the evening and in the night, I sit on the balcony and think of you. I can’t see the water but I know it’s there, soft and slow. We bathed in it that last day, you and I, when the dusk hung heavy as cloth of gold ...2 days ago
- Theatrical performance: does music work for surgery?Opinion: You may have been there, waiting your turn, wearing an ill-fitting hospital gown, surrounded by a flurry of staff, the smell of disinfectant in the air. If you’ve ever undergone surgery, you probably know the nervous, stress-laden pre-op feeling. What may come as a surprise is that ...2 days ago
- Togs, togs, undies: The story behind NZ’s most iconic summer adAlex Casey unearths the origin story of an New Zealand icon – featuring a surprise cameo from an international comedy megastar. At first glance, the Facebook post from a Waipu cafe reads like any other heartfelt change in ownership announcement. “George and Amber have reflected on their involvement in our ...2 days ago
- Their house, my garden: What to do when your plant is boltingThis week on Their house, my garden, why my spinach plant has grown suspiciously tall, and how to deal with your own over-eager plants. Beginner gardeners would be forgiven for thinking a plant growing tall is reason to celebrate. We are, after all, the kind of species who mark door ...2 days ago
- Government rocked by second leak in five days, ministers suspend analysis of repeal proposalsThe new government has been rocked by the leaking of another confidential paper to the New Zealand Herald - the second to spill in just five days. ...3 days ago
- 'He gets it' – Christopher Luxon impresses locals on first visit to cyclone-battered...Luxon drove the crumbling SH2 with a handful of MPs on Friday morning to reach the small town, gauge progress of its recovery, and learn what it needs from the new government. ...3 days ago
- Israel’s AI can produce 100 bombing targets a day in Gaza. Is this the future of war?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bianca Baggiarini, Lecturer, Australian National University Last week, reports emerged that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are using an artificial intelligence (AI) system called Habsora (Hebrew for “The Gospel”) to select targets in the war on Hamas in Gaza. The system has ...3 days ago
- Frank and far-reaching: Senate report recommends shake-up of the way freedom of information is handl...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Johan Lidberg, Associate Professor, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University The most significant recommendation in the Senate inquiry report on the functionality of the Commonwealth FOI system is this: move the federal Freedom of Information (FOI) function from the Office ...3 days ago
- Week in Politics: New government survives first Question TimeAnalysis: The government was under attack on multiple fronts during a week of relentless criticism and then faced its first Question Time in Parliament, Peter Wilson writes. ...3 days ago
- This is the endWell, it’s 4.30pm on a Friday which feels as appropriate time as ever to say goodbye. The Spinoff’s live updates have come to an end, almost four years after they were first switched on. If you missed my explainer this morning of what’s going on, here it is. In short: ...3 days ago
- Taken together, the NDIS review and the royal commission recommendations could transform disability ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Winkler, Adjunct Associate Professor, La Trobe University Shutterstock A home – in the physical and emotional sense – is foundational to living an ordinary life with a feeling of inclusion. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants with the highest ...3 days ago
- Fire ants are on the march. Here’s what happens when they stingSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darren Roberts, Conjoint Associate Professor in clinical pharmacology and toxicology, St Vincent’s Healthcare Clinical Campus, UNSW Sydney Veronika Kunitsyna/Shutterstock Red imported fire ants are a particularly nasty type of ant because they are aggressive, and inflict painful stings that may ...3 days ago
- Watch: Luxon on Hawke's Bay cyclone recovery: 'We don't want to turn all that upside ...Christopher Luxon says the new government is going to continue everything that the previous one put into place to help with the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle. ...3 days ago
- Waka Kotahi to use its English name first after pressure from governmentWaka Kotahi will begin referring to itself using its English name first after pressure from parties in the coalition government. ...3 days ago
- Investigation into alleged vaccine data breach ongoingTe Whatu Ora is continuing to investigate after a data breach that saw vaccine-related information shared online last week. The agency is liaising with the Privacy Commissioner and said it will make “any appropriate notifications” if individuals were impacted by the breach. “Alongside the work to identify the material allegedly ...3 days ago
Why is Luxon so shit?
Makes Ardern look competent.
It's baffling.
Theory
He was shit at Air New Zealand as well. The Smiling Assasin got co-opted onto the board to get rid of him and the solution was to sideways Luxon into the National Party with a fast route to the leadership. Luxon's ego made it easy.
Key's departure from the board was pretty much as soon as Luxon had departed the building.
yes, luxon has already started going downhill. must be difficult to arrange photo ops without letting him speak.sort of like an old bald paris hilton(?)
I know it's bad to make judgements based on personal appearance, but I've always thought he looked like one of those weird hairless cats, and I don't know if voters are going to go for that.
There is a third possible outcome, which I reckon is perhaps the most likely. Luxon wins but then loses because he is knifed by the Kingmaker and then knifed by his own party for being knifed by the Kingmaker. Luxon will make Julius Caesar look like a con artist for being knifed and dying, politically speaking.
But he’s a Legend in His Own Lunchtime, you can find them anywhere!
He was struggling even more than usual in Question Time today. It turns out he can't say "NCEA". Clip from 3 mins:
https://ondemand.parliament.nz/parliament-tv-on-demand/?itemId=228903
You're right, Luxon repeatedly mangles a four-letter acronym – CEO was cLUX’s limit !
Error in the 6th paragraph… surely you mean "only a matter of time before Luxon steps down" ???
Oops now fixed – MS
In Luxon we truss.
Why would he quit before the next election, when it looks like he has a very good chance of becoming the PM?
Whiiiiizzzzzz!!!
You're expecting a lot from a man who can't even say "NCEA", Jimmy!
Quit? No. Dumped? Maybe.
The chances of Ardern getting dumped by Labour are zero. The chances of Luxon getting dumped by National are around 50-50.
It's not a matter of spin, just basic maths. Politics is ruthless, and all the polls have the same message: Ardern adds votes to Labour, Luxon subtracts votes from National. She is more popular than her party, he is less popular than his.
So if pundits like Bryce were analysing instead of imagining, they'd reach an obvious conclusion.
''Ardern adds votes to Labour, Luxon subtracts votes from National. She is more popular than her party, he is less popular than his.''
That's so true. Now, which one is more important – leader popularity or party popularity given the current political situation we are mired in?
Point missed.
The party vote is what matters. Leaders can increase it (Key, Ardern) or decrease it (Brash, Collins).
The comment you just replied to explained this, and in plain language.
Thankyou for that. I now see things clearly.
Witch Willis is waiting!
Might be comparatively smart – like Brownlee in the fruit & vege aisle – but no charisma, and outside political tragics, no name recognition.
Just going off the polls, there seems to be a pretty decent chunk of National supporters who don't have him as their preferred PM. His high point currently stands at just 29%, and that was in June. Since the Nats had their big unveiling of him, his popularity has gone back down to the mid-low 20s, and it seems like the strategy now is just to hide him from the public. Maybe they can get away with for the rest of the year, but we've got an election coming up, so he can't hide forever.
Bruce knows lots
https://twitter.com/SachaDylan/status/1585020496810487808
Christopher Luxon is to set up and donate to a social investment fund to investigate the development of a AI cyber presence to misrepresent him to media representatives, much as he does all by himself at present.
Nice piece of statire/parody(?) as to the situation and speculation currently surrounding Jacinda.
Is our PM even aware of the hollow "speculation currently surrounding her"?
Bet cLuxon’s minders would kill for publicity like that.
In Barry Soper we must trust. He asked his Labour contacts if Jacinda will resign at the upcoming party conference. The contact said they didn't know, but if Jacinda wins the election, it's highly unlikely she will see the new term out.
I take it from that party insiders have a very rough timeline about Jacinda's future intentions. You have to admit she's in a bind. She either leaves the party as a piker or a loser? She won't want the latter on her CV.
As for Luxon. The man both annoys and bores me. He's inconsequential. A monkey could guide National to victory at election time.
if Jacinda wins the election, it's highly unlikely she will see the new term out.
As predictions go, that's pretty weak.
3rd term PMs under MMP: Key quit. Clark didn't. Bolger dumped. So, 3 different outcomes.
Again, a reminder: Barry Soper did not predict the departure of John Key or Simon Bridges, among others. I suggest you seek betting advice elsewhere.
It's not a prediction. It's what Soper claims to have been told.
They do not even know if she will run or not, they know squat. What sort of contact is “the contact” – the only one who bothered to reply?
Yeah, it's called honesty. They could have made up some bs or misinformation.
Who knows, maybe their uncertainty is a ploy? I extrapolated what was said by the alleged contact and did my own speculations.
I wrote: ”I take it from that party insiders have a very rough timeline about Jacinda’s future intentions.”
Well it's honesty because they do not know. So no, it is not a ploy.
"party insiders"? nah, more like it's a case of "He knows someone who knows someone…" blah blah blah
"It's not a prediction. It's what Soper claims to have been told."
I wonder what else Soper's magik mirror had to say?
"you are looking old and tired. when did you last get a full nights sleep" and,"keep interveiwing your keyboard, its more reliable that your "contacts""
This is just so wrong.
Patricia Bremner and I have already agreed that this is a dog who sits all day on a letterbox out in the ruralies/boondocks. Some days he/she/it/they even wears a blue ribbon to really muster up support. We have not found the perfect dog breed from which to do a selection as we are keen to ensure that a repeat of Uffindog does not occur.
Yes, quite.
Call bullshit on that X Socialist. Recently the PM and Julia Gillard had a zoom conversation. The PM made it very clear that she has no intention of stepping down and intends to contest the next election in 2023. Media speculation is just wishful thinking, there is no basis to it.
She also said she never wanted to be PM. She also doesn't like the hard stuff. It's not her thing. EG.
1- Didn't front the parliamentary protesters.
2- Didn't visit Auckland during the lockdown.
3- She couldn't handle Mike Hosking unlike her other MPs.
4- She seems to have allowed her Maori caucus to much influence when it comes to policy.
Guess what's not bullshit, Louis? The PM has lots of hard stuff coming up, like the leaders debate. Hell, Hosking may even be a moderator.
You know she's been leader in two previous campaigns, don't you? With leaders' debates, including one moderated by Mike Hosking.
Yes, we get it, you have a fixed and unchanging view of the fluffy girlie who can't handle the tough stuff, and you dare not let evidence intrude.
''Yes, we get it, you have a fixed and unchanging view of the fluffy girlie who can't handle the tough stuff, and you dare not let evidence intrude.''
Don't come at that cheap narrative. I said she doesn't like the hard stuff. It's not her natural strength. But when pushed into a corner she handles herself alright as some of her exchanges in the house with Luxon have shown. However, if possible she makes a detour when she sees any hard corners coming up.
Rubbish, stop making stuff up and saying "Don't come at that cheap narrative” is hypocritical.
Absolute crap. Jacinda regularly (always) wipes the floor of a hapless Luxon during QT.
And today Grant Robertson did the same.
It's only a question of time before Luxon gets rolled. Willis is waiting!
Well, who really likes “the hard stuff” – day in, day out – apart from alkies?
Our PM isn't everyone's 'cup of tea', but she's hard-working and has dealt with some tough stuff quite well, imho.
https://theconversation.com/three-reasons-why-jacinda-arderns-coronavirus-response-has-been-a-masterclass-in-crisis-leadership-135541
2. Tour the country during lockdown??
3. Ha ha ha!
4. "Seems"? Powerful argument!
The Leaders Debate? Leader .v. Loser – looking forward to that!
1-Good decision
No, it cost her votes. Allowed the protesters a moral victory. Confirmed her lack guts for the hard stuff.
2. Tour the country during lockdown?
It's called supporting the people you lead in a time of crisis.
First PM I believe who refused to front regularly with Hosking. She has appeared on light commercial stations who ask hard questions like: How's Neve?
4. "Seems"? Powerful argument!
I'm not in caucus, so I can only go by the legislation and pay outs. ''Seems'' seems to be an appropriate word to use.
The Leaders Debate? Leader .v. Loser – looking forward to that!
I wouldn't be in a hurry, Robert. Broken dreams hurt.
It's like you are the one dreaming X Socialist. It would be irresponsible for any leader to "tour the country" during a deadly pandemic, particularly at a time when there were no vaccines. Supporting people meant implementing measures to not spread Covid19 ie lockdown.
You’re making up a lot of BS again.
The PM recently appeared on Morning Report and was questioned about the trouncing of some Labour-endorsed Mayoral candidates, Three Waters, low turnout at Local Elections, and especially grilled about Kris Faafoi heading a lobbying form without a ‘cooldown period’ by Guyon Espiner. Hardly fluffy stuff.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018862019/top-stories-for-monday-10-october-2022 [first 9 min]
Rein in your trolling or I’ll do it for you.
Morning report is left leaning. Yes, there was a tense moment. But It's not Mike Hosking. She would have had a much harder time with him. I did however enjoy the korero that followed the interview. Nothing wrong there.
You’re making up a lot of BS again.
No, you just keep saying that by default.
Rein in your trolling or I’ll do it for you.
I'm not trolling. I'm just giving some unpalatable truths that people don't like because they can't argue against reality. Start from my first post and see how things unfold. You should be saving me from a gang-bang.
[Is the AM Show also ‘left-leaning’? Here you are:
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/10/local-elections-jacinda-ardern-defends-labour-endorsing-defeated-mayoral-candidates-says-it-s-not-sign-of-2023-election-results.html [same day as the Morning Report one]
I’m getting fed up with your vague and sloppy BS comments that are unpalatable and undigestable, your anti-Labour rhetoric, your ongoing anti-Labour reckons that suck up way too much oxygen here, et cetera. For example, I have not forgotten the BS you recently spouted about Hep C, statins, and other stuff you didn’t seem to know much about.
It is ok if you’re one of those who think that the sun shines out of Hosking’s orifice. It suggests that you’re an talk-back zombie who cannot think for himself.
Here’s an easy one for you: provide 2 links with time stamps to interviews on ‘light commercial stations’, whatever these are, with the PM in which she was asked about Neve and no ‘hard[er] questions’, just light fluffiness and nothing else.
Don’t disappoint me – Incognito]
"X Socialist" is trolling hard out.
I feel I know this troll, but under a different alias…
…who could it be now..?
Mod note
"X" is nothing but disappointing…
DNFTT
''Is the AM Show also ‘left-leaning’? Here you are:''
I don't know. Probably. All I know is it's not Mike Hosking.
''For example, I have not forgotten the BS you recently spouted about Hep C, statins, and other stuff you didn’t seem to know much about.'''
Notice I didn't reply to you? That's because it's a waste of time. In my answer I gave you two bits of information that could have be useful at some stage for you. Oxylipins for example. Flaxseed reduces that to youthful levels in older adults ( Which I assume you are). You just love to point score and troll. You aren't interested in debate. And it was obvious to me you know nothing about medicine.
https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-22-10-2022/#comment-1917376
''It is ok if you’re one of those who think that the sun shines out of Hosking’s orifice. It suggests that you’re an talk-back zombie who cannot think for himself.''
I listen to him because he is one of the few commentators ( apart from economists) who actually understands economic issues and states the obvious.
Here’s an easy one for you: provide 2 links with time stamps to interviews on ‘light commercial stations’, whatever these are, with the PM in which she was asked about Neve and no ‘hard[er] questions’, just light fluffiness and nothing else.
Don’t disappoint me – Incognito]
Sure. let's see, it was just after the PM said she wouldn't be appearing with Hosking again unless it was for something major. I heard one interview, and a promo for another ( I later listened). Tell you what, tell me what you had for lunch 3 months ago on a Thursday.? You can't and you know darn well I can't. It's just another of your cunning ploys.
BTW- seen this. It would seem I know what I'm talking about.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/300720859/hundreds-gather-in-thoe-country-to-protest-desecration-of-back-country-huts
[No problem. Let’s start with a short educational ban of 2 weeks, shall we? That’s rhetorical, BTW. However, I have a strong suspicion it will be followed quickly by a longer one when you come back. You seem strangely familiar with my “cunning ploys” and usually forewarned is forearmed, if you’re a smart operator that is – Incognito]
Mod note
The PM is world renowned for taking on the hard stuff – mosque shooting terrorism and lockdown border management.
The Hosking-moth burned it's wings on the Ardern-lamp.
How is this difficult to understand?
The fact is Ardern is PM and your opinion that the PM "doesn't like the hard stuff" is patently untrue.
Why should the PM front a hostile lynch mob that wanted to hang her, every other politician, including the media as well? Do you not understand the purpose of a lockdown? it was to prevent the spread of a deadly virus and no one is supposed to go visiting any one during a lockdown.
The PM handled Mike Hosking very well in fact, he struggled to land the hits he was after. The PM adjusted her media schedule and said she would go on his show if needed instead of a regular slot, in the end he said he didn't want her on his show.
Labour has the largest Maori caucus in history and why shouldn't all caucus members have influence when in govt? Are you a racist?
You haven't seen Jacinda Ardern in action have you? she doesn't have any problems debating her opponents. Have you watched question time yet? It's Luxon that is going to struggle and flounder.
Ignore it Louis. It doesn't do rational thinking. Suspect it's from the dark side of the Internet.
yuk, who wants to handle hosking? man cant even dress himself..no proper m.p.s meet the pootesters. didnt visit auckland. boohoo, do you want your hand held.
"pootesters"
Harsh!
Didn't front the parliamentary protesters.
They had threatened to kill her – her security would probably have vetoed it even if she had wanted to meet such unappealing specimens.
Didn't visit Auckland during the lockdown.
Auckland is much less important than it likes to think.
She couldn't handle Mike Hosking unlike her other MPs.
On the contrary, she routinely thrashed him, but he was, (and remains) too thick to realize how thoroughly he was owned.
She seems to have allowed her Maori caucus too much influence when it comes to policy.
She does seem to have allowed reforms through without much public discussion – true of most enacted change under her government.
Hard to be 'surrounded' by a chump wielding a noodle.
Will anyone be bothered tracing the origin of the “PM to resign” pump up? If it is not natzo “two track” dirty politics as per usual, it would be a major surprise.
Going on Jacinda Ardern’s previous, she would quite likely have a plan A) i.e. let people know well in advance.
But I guess there is always plan B for any politician)–do a ‘sirkey’, a runner in other words! to “spend more time with the fam”–but the usual suspects will be waiting a while I suspect with the current PM.
I think the problem for Labour at the moment is that National could put up a pet rock as a leader and Labour would still be in trouble.
Labour's strategy seems to be to find every possible unpalatable issue to push, and do that as hard as possible.
The only rationale I can think of is that they seriously believe they are going to lose anyway, so hope to get as much of their stuff through as possible in the hope that National won't repeal it all when they get into power.
I think your summation is spot on. The Fair Pay Agreement is the latest move that beggars belief.
What's wrong with it?
See above pet rocks and monkeys have no place as a candidate for NP leadership. The blue ribbon wearing dog is it.
Who do rocks and monkeys represent in the tribal NP anyway?
Perhaps a stone represents
“Labour finding every unpalatable issue”
This movement on multiple fronts has left the opposition scrambling to select the most important target. The straw poll of 82% against tax cuts must worry the monkeys and rocks. Truss sent that policy to the shredder.
Remind me again what Liz Truss has to do with NZ?
Didn't Luxon go and ask her for advice?
Just that Luxon thought her policies were simply spiffing, top-hole yah!
What do the sock-puppet known as "Liz Truss" and the sock-puppet, "Chris Luxon" share, X Socialist?
A song-sheet.
This: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162379389804358&set=a.10151208068464358
They both know what just happened to Liz will be happening to no-show Jacinda next year? Talking of leadership, Robert. who do you pick as Jacinda's successor? I can only see Chris Hipkins as the logical choice. My bet though is Labour goes with Robbo.
I guess, X, you believe you are amusing.
I find your "handle" interesting; would you have us believe you were a "socialist" but you saw through the nonsense and now align with the wise-ones; Seymour et all?
Surely, you jest?
''I guess, X, you believe you are amusing.''
If you don't want comedy, don't invite me to do standup.
''I find your "handle" interesting; would you have us believe you were a "socialist" but you saw through the nonsense and now align with the wise-ones; Seymour et all?''
More a swing voter. Mostly Labour, but leaning more to whatever party had the most policies to help the little guy out. However, I will never vote Labour again after this lot. The first term was OK, but then Labour put ear muffs on and has refused to listen to peoples concerns.
I am seriously considering the Epsom wonder boy. Not so much for his policies, but for his defence of democracy. I see little of that coming from National.
And you, Robert? True Green? They may be a spent force next year.
"who do you pick as Jacinda's successor"
Ummm…Jacinda.
There ya go, Speculation Boy.
As to The Greens – strength to strength!
You won't be crowing next year, Council Boy. I'm for Chris all the way. For some strange reason I like the guy. He and Stu Nash belong in National. I will be thinking of you at election time. Pity I won't be here for some, as Aunty would say, frank and vigorous discussion. You deserve my worst.
Why won't you be here at election time?
Yours is a familiar, somewhat hackneyed style, X but no matter. Your confidence is misplaced, imo, as it was in Todd, but you have to at least try to maintain some peppy support for your team, even when they're rubbish 🙂
Lol.. see above.
You'll get tired of your own shit posting?
Passé may be a better word. Technology is a great tool, Robert. Especially plagiarism software used in a different way.
"Leaning more to whatever party had the most policies to help the little guy out"
Then you definitely will NOT be voting for either National and Act, but you are inclined to contradict yourself… "I am seriously considering the Epsom wonder boy. Not so much for his policies"
So you arrived here after deciding not to support Labour staying in government … as someone who once lent to the left.
A perfect role model for a pied piper leading those losing faith in Labour away from them to a new place …
But not so bold as to suggest the tribal enemy National, just ACT for “free speech, democracy, anti-woke, not pro Treaty/indigenous peoples rights, one nation/one law for all” … coz all their seats are inside NACT.
Once we see through that, try TOP (wastes a leftish vote) or NZF (if you are allowed to by your handlers because of the risk of yet another LNZ coalition supported by Greens).
You'd have loved the House this afternoon – the Fair Pay Agreement Bill passed its third reading.
Now that's really helping the little guy out!
It's so convoluted it will be hard to enforce. And is a 10% majority for action democracy? What about the other 90%.? Better to do something with the tax brackets and get rid of the EV rebate scheme that is millions in the red.
Bull. You don't know what you are talking about X Socialist.
One of National's main tax policies is indexing tax brackets to inflation.
I can't see this policy as being particularly unpopular with anyone as it seems intrinsically fair, and every tax payer has the potential to benefit from the policy at some point.
Contrast that with Labour who seems to want to introduce all sorts of innovative ways to extract money from the taxpayer even if the methods may not be technically labelled a tax but rather a levy or similar. And this at a time of high inflation when people are already feeling under pressure.
If Labour really wants to do this sort of thing, it would be a lot more acceptable when inflation is low and the economy is good. But I can't understand why they would want to do it in the current environment when they are certain to get blowback, especially with an election around the corner.
Except if there was no income insurance imagine meeting mortgage (or rent) payments if one of the partners was not working … .
That said the problem with ACC is that it does not cover sickness, and income insurance does not cover longer term sickness.
As I mentioned above, the merits of the idea are one thing, and is worth discussing. There is a number of cons as well as benefits that need to be considered.
However, the timing is probably the main issue at the moment. Having an additional cost imposed on workers and businesses while interest rates, rents, and living costs generally are rapidly increasing is unlikely to be very popular.
Also, it is highly debatable whether such a scheme is even necessary right now given our tight labour market meaning that most people unlucky enough to be made redundant should quickly be able to get another job.
It probably would be a lot more politically acceptable to the electorate if the social insurance concept was flagged as a topic for public debate, including the acceptable economic conditions for such a levy to be introduced.
Delaying the introduction of the scheme until there was more unemployment has its own problems (paying out money).
And if there is a delay, a solution for sickness has to be found (long covid and all).
I don't disagree that there is room for debate about the scheme itself. I can see both positives and negatives with it. And, you may be right from the point of view of the efficiency of the scheme.
But that really isn't the points I am trying to discuss.
My comments are more to do with the political acceptability of the scheme, and whether it is worth the political risk trying to rush it through now in the current economic conditions.
It is hideously intrinsically unfair if they don't bring the tax brackets up to date first. Sure once this is done indexing as a way of keeping rates current and fair could could be looked at. I think the indexing regime needs looking at too so that it realistically captures where rises affect the general populace.
So a fair bit of work to do first though.
no, the real problem is that labours best weapon(apart from jacinda) is nats leader. so, either the nats have to change leader again, or hope that jacinda is as gutless as johnkey. so, thats why granny is having a run of "whens jacinda going to quit". its a change from their normal run of tired old geezers yelling at clouds.
Brilliant writing Micky. I vote that you submit it to the Herald. Then we could all pile in on the comments section confirming your views.
Stories about Labour Party women leaders having UN jobs to go to, so that a National Party man can get a job locally, are as common as stories about in flight behaviour and management of it on various airlines. Something relevant to those with Herald subscriptions – scheduling use of planned tax cut money for foreign holidays.
yes, add one part u.n. hater, two parts misogyny, one part greed, half bake it, and voila! serve with a maga hat and some koolaid.
I definitely recognise that recipe.
The scuttlebutt is serving its purpose, aided by Rachael Smalley, Dr Cravat, Heather Stupidity-Allan and her grandfather, and now Peter Dunne.
Dunne's most famous act in politics was to get caught in a honey trap laid by former Daily Mail reporter, Andrea Vance. Today, apparently, he demanded Jacinda Ardern tell us one way or another if she is resigning or not.
The wingnuts and their strategies, eh?
peter dunne, whos last political act(?) was to abruptly withdraw halfway through an election when the numbers were against him. he is the last worm(see what I did) to demand any confirmation from anybody else.been to more parties than the noise control. achieved far less.
Three things not good for Luxon right now (I'm being objective…)
1. He is a carryover from the previous Nat Leadership (Good fellow Empire). Haven't seen how the new guard want to do things differently yet but Luxon must be a thorn in their side.
2. Said old guard seemingly saw in Luxon a John Key rebirth. Fantastic for their blinkered eyes but the rest of New Zealand ended the honeymoon with Key a long time ago.
3. The microchip inserted into Luxon that proclaims tax cuts for the rich as the fix for NZ is now a dumb mantra, given the hard evidence from Truss. Yet, seemingly, National has no other mantras and risks looking stupid if it turned around that policy anyway, because they've been so determined about it.