Buy Ardern
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11:00 am, November 3rd, 2011 - 37 comments
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It is obvious why Nikki Kaye has been dodging debates with Jacinda Ardern in Auckland Central. She’s terrible at it, as last night’s Backbenchers showed. Kaye came across as an angry finger-wagger who thinks the most important issue in the campaign is to keep wages down for young people. This was in spite of the appearance on the show of of one small business owner who already paid $15 minimum, and a student who was getting the Australian minimum of $21 an hour.
Kaye looked like a politician under pressure. Her polling can’t be that hot. Jacinda Ardern, Labour’s spokesperson on youth affairs, was forward-looking and articulate, and had all the best lines of the night as well. Kaye said the holiday highway was to help the poor; Ardern asked how making it easier for Aucklanders to get to their baches was going to help the poor! The show’s worth a look when it comes up on the TVNZ site; it gives a glimpse of what the future could be like. The Greens’ Denise Roche was also impressive.
Aucklanders tell me Kaye is well known as a ‘cushion politician’; one who agrees with the last person that sat on them. She decries mining on Barrier but happy to have it going ahead on Coromandel and talks trams, happy in the knowledge her party bosses talk roads. There was an example of this last night – Kaye favoured the rail loop last night, confident that Joyce will veto it.
No wonder Nikki Kaye is being represented at debates by a chicken. Auckland Central could be a very interesting contest. Ardern’s a buy.
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Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Be wise around water this summer
Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the ...4 hours ago - Drive safely this summer
The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see ...4 hours ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...1 day ago
- PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...5 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...5 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...5 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...5 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...6 days ago
- Cook Islands passport would require giving up NZ citizenship – NZ foreign affairs
A separate passport, citizenship and membership of the United Nations are only available to fully independent nations, Winston Peters' office says. ...49 minutes ago - NZ’s Z Energy renames stations with ‘correct’ kupu
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- Switching off from work can be difficult but taking a proper break is good for your health
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- NZ Media Council upholds complaint against The Spinoff article on Palestine exhibition
The NZ Media Council upheld the complaint under principle four: comment and fact On 5 September 2024, The Spinoff published a brief article titled Made in Palestine, found in 1970s Hastings, which highlighted an upcoming art exhibition featuring photographs of vintage cosmetic products labelled “Made in Palestine.” The piece, described ...5 hours ago
- From smaller homes to screen time, backyard cricket is facing challenges in modern Australia
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kasey Symons, Lecturer of Communication, Sports Media, Deakin University We are well and truly in cricket season. The Australian men’s cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as ...6 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Woods, Lecturer, Nursing, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University FTiare/Shutterstock Summer is here and for many that means going to the beach. You grab your swimmers, beach towel and sunscreen then maybe check the weather forecast. Did you think to ...6 hours ago
- You could be stress eating these holidays – or eating your way to stress. 5 tips for the table
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- Interactive: What Earth’s 4.54 billion-year history would look like in a single year
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- Public service cuts: ‘Rough’ months ahead for those out of work
Laid-off public servants have been slogging it out on a months-long job hunt, and for some that will continue into 2025. ...7 hours ago
- Māori ‘under siege’ in 2024, must fight back in 2025 – Ngarewa-Packer
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Opinion: The latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science report was announced earlier this month, yet it didn’t get the flurry of media attention and political hand-wringing that typically accompanies these announcements. This might be because it presented good news, or you could argue, no news; the results paint a ...8 hours ago
- Pretty much every common nut in Aotearoa, reviewed and ranked
At long last, The Spinoff shells out for a nut ranking. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a member today. It recently came to The Spinoff’s attention ...9 hours ago
- What it’s like to be made redundant by the Ministry of Education
I was one of hundreds of people who lost my government job this week. Here’s exactly how it played out. The Spinoff needs to double the number of paying members we have to continue telling these kinds of stories. Please read our open letter and sign up to be a ...9 hours ago
- Why can’t I pick up my own dropped phone on a plane?
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- Govt walks away from infrastructure alliance
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.wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .entry-title { font-size: 1.2em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles .entry-meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; margin-top: 0.5em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .entry-meta { font-size: 0.8em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles article .avatar { height: 25px; width: 25px; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles .post-thumbnail{ margin: 0; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } .wp-block-newspack-blocks-homepage-articles .post-thumbnail img { height: auto; width: 100%; ...9 hours ago
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('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 23 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
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- The Secret Diary of .. Luxon at Xmas
MONDAY“Merry Xmas, and praise the Lord,” said Sheriff Luxon, and smiled for the camera. There was a flash of smoke when the shutter pressed down on the magnesium powder. The sheriff had arranged for a photographer from the Dodge Gazette to attend a ceremony where he handed out food parcels to ...2 days ago
- Stand by for cricket’s Smash Palace
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helllllooooooooooooo Jacinda…
Really? A road out of town to help the poor? Guess she wants to ship them all up north.
Seriously, the poor don’t have money to spend on petrol to go on highways like that.
I wonder what Melissa Lee thinks about the holiday highway? Anyone know what list placing she has or if she’s up for an electorate?
Shhh… don’t tell her about it. Melissa will panic cause all the crims from Northland will travel along it on their way to Mt.Albert!
She’s standing in Mt. Albert again.
ffs, I just dont’ get what it is the nats dont get about a better minimum wage being better for the entire country.
It doesn’t take money out of the economy. It spreads it around amongst more people, which is better surely. Better a hill and valley than a mountain peak and ravine.
No? Anyone?
The Nats and their supporters are hills that want to be mountains, and don’t mind as long as someone else is the ravine.
“It spreads it around amongst more people”
There’s your answer, v. That’s exactly what they hate about it.
They say it will hurt small businesses.
The adjustment period may hurt a tiny bit, but that’s it. It will definitely not hurt after that. And then we have valleys and hills rather than mountains and ravines.
While I’m sure some supporters like that argument, it’s certainly not the reason National is against it, as they seem to keep implying that a lower minimum wage is actually BETTER for the economy as a whole. They’re not opposed to it because of marginal cases, they’re opposed because they don’t want employers to need to pay more on wages.
Raising the minimum wage is a goal any truly optimistic-patriotic government would be striving for.
but, but, business owners could use that extra $2 per hour for something important, like… buying more houses as a CGT free investment to get rich!!!!!!
/sigh
Election Debate Winners
#1 Native Affairs: Key/Goff draw. Minor parties: Metiria Turei – 24 Oct
#2 Sky Campaign 2011: Hone Harawira – Oct 30 (worst one yet)
#3 TVOne Leaders debate: Phil Goff – Oct 31 (not the first debate)
#4 Native Affairs Kowhiri 11: Clinton Dearlove – 31 Oct
#5 Press Leaders debate: Draw – Nov 2 (Best format but technical faults)
#6 Backbenches: Jacinda Ardern – Nov 2
#7 Waiariki election debate Maori TV: Jack McDonald – Nov 2
My god, Nikki Kaye actually said she’d love to see wages drop!
Jacinda deserves the win and deserves every success coming to her. She’s so damn smart and effective. Very, very proud to be a member of a party with talent like this on a rise.
Jacinda for P.M. !
We need her ..
One day. I’d happily put money on it.
I might actually vote Labour if that happened. 😛
I thought Jacinda was impressive in that debate and it got me wondering what the polling is like.
Nikki Kaye has been taking smug grin lessons from Key and it really didn’t look good. “Can I just say two things…” every time she tried to make a point, at least one if not both of her two things was an attack on Labour at some bizzare tangent to the topic.
Denise Roche had a few good lines too.
Interesting to hear that the CBD rail loop is too expensive for Labour to afford, but Kaye supports the holiday highway AND the rail loop.
The difference between Jacinda Adern and Nikki Kaye is that Jacinda’s Party agrees with her!
Another great performance from Jacinda. We can now look forward to Grant Robertson taking out the Backbenchers Wellington Central debate next week. The Grant Robertson/Jacinda Ardern Labour leadership combination is worth waiting for. They are both smart, articulate and relate extremely well to all New Zealanders. They each have a deep social conscience. Great work team!
I’m ready for the youngsters to take charge now
Kaye won Auckland the old fashioned way; by knocking on thousands of doors and telling people whatever they wanted to hear.
She’s not smart and she’s not talented but she’s willing to do the footwork every 3 years and that makes her dangerous.
Just watched BackBenchers – Nikki Kaye squints when she tries to get her point across – it just makes her look conniving and mean! Fingerpointing the whole time too! Blowing with the wind of Auckland then swaying back the way of her party – she can’t have it both ways forever! Choose Nikki – Auckland City or National – two very different agendas!
Kaye won because Tizzard couldn’t be arsed IMO a few seats were won by the nats because of lazy campaigning by labour candidates……let’s hope for nz sake they get off their butts this time….listening Beaumont !
I’m not sure why you feel like electorates matter when it’s a Labour/National contest.
I posted in yesterdays open mike about the chicky with the glasses standing behind the presenter, she looked like such a cow. I think someone noticed too because by the end of the show she was gone. 🙂
As for Jacinda, she was on fire, I loved her line about how Kaye wants the holiday highway so she could have a smooth ride to her holiday bach lol, and The Green MP was awesome with the local knowledge quiz. She got all the answers except for one that got picked up by labour. Made the NACTs look like tourists haha.
LOL! I noticed her as well and man did she look like she’d been sucking lemons through a straw! Very attractive – not! Great debate and agreed Jacinda made Nikki look really smug and quite frankly out of touch. Another great debate from Labour.
I thought it was a man at first and thought that was funny, but the funniest thing was that it was wearing a “I’m a Key person” t-shirt and that explained everthing.
Apologies to feminist types for objectifying but Jacinda is HOT, good and on the correct side.
I realise its the wrong electorate but pretty please could you come doorknocking up in the not so swanky bits of Parnell Jacinda? <3 <3 <3
Yes shes a fine looking lady but even better than that when she starts talking she just makes so much sense.
I’m sorry but you think Ardern is hot? There are no hot politicians in NZ.
Even if she wasa regular girl at the bar, I wouldn’t go near her. Average at best – just like her politics. Cactus Kate was right – you spend all your time crying about John Key being Mr Smile and Wave and ignore the fact that Ardern is being wheeled out at the “attractive” face of Labour at every opportunity.
Consistency please! Or at least get better standards!
[lprent: You could have just used your own name as usual – just for consistency. Isn’t that what you keep urging my authors to do? The word hypocrite comes to mind. ]
I think the hotness factor is not relevant, but I do think it helps that Jacinda comes across well on TV and is quite photogenic. But, an important part of that is that she sounds passionate and sincere. Kaye just looks like another National spin merchant, with moves and body language rehearsed in front of a mirror, or a Nat spin meister.
The Green MP came across really well too – smart and down to earth with some good lines.
Denise isn’t an MP yet but yes I agree she came across well, especially for someone who hasn’t done much on tv.
I’ve had dealings with her before and found her to be a person of notable integrity.
Hahahahahahahahaha!!! Best line of the campaign so far:
ACT Wally: – I don’t know why Denise is complaining about urban sprawl – she doesn’t even live on the same island. She live on an off shore island . . .
. . . (three other panel members start falling about laughiing) . . .
<Jacinda: – At least she lives on the same planet.
Tha ACT guy sounded very middleclass in his aspirations for “his generation”., with little real understanding of the ways many people in all generations, but especially large numbers of young people, are struggling just to get jobs that pay enough to live on.
Jacinda ? Hot ?
Yeah .. in a good way.
She’s on fire. We need more like her.
I read recently* that voter registration for Cent. Auks is the lowest in the country. So even if JA loses inspite of her activity, it’ll probably come down more to voter apathy, and entrenched stubborn folks. I’m not from that electorate, but I am an Aucklander, and I do appreciate Js vision more and hope she wins the seat.
* I had a look for the article but couldn’t find it. But basically all the main urban centres had very low registration (aucks, welly, dunedin… etc)
low registration rates bad for Labour.