political parties

Poverty Watch 1

Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 8:46 am, September 1st, 2012 - 104 comments

A weekly post on the status of poverty in NZ, and a list of the National government’s responses, or lack thereof. To date the government has not set any target for reducing poverty.

Government in turmoil over spending cap

Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 9:39 am, August 31st, 2012 - 20 comments

Conflict between support parties. The government without the majority needed for legislation. The Nats’ economic plans in turmoil. Thank goodness the country is in such safe, steady hands.

A quick question

Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 11:02 am, August 29th, 2012 - 81 comments

Bennett (playing the distraction card) is pushing her drug testing policy again. I have a question for the supporters of this policy which remains unanswered…

Turn off turnout – National’s 2014 strategy?

Written By: Mike Smith - Date published: 3:56 pm, August 27th, 2012 - 41 comments

Depress turnout among low-income voters by changing the enrolment rules – it’s an old right-wing trick.  The Republicans are doing it in the US – it looks like National may try it on here. They should not succeed.

Good work by Parker

Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 9:34 am, August 25th, 2012 - 25 comments

David Parker got stuck in to the Nats last week, with a 30 page report that laid bare National’s appalling economic record, and presented an outline of Labour’s alternatives.  Good work from Parker – everyone should read it.

National’s achievement: Highest ever inequality

Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 12:55 pm, August 23rd, 2012 - 50 comments

The exodus to Australia is at record levels. Falling wages have seen social inequality rise to record levels. Good job National.

On decile ratings of schools

Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 11:50 am, August 21st, 2012 - 20 comments

Decile ratings of schools are to be dropped from ERO reports because they are “confusing” and “unfair” and lead to “white flight”. Unlike, say, ropey national standards data. Uh huh.

David Shearer’s second e-newsletter

Written By: notices and features - Date published: 1:30 pm, August 18th, 2012 - 47 comments

Last week David Shearer announced he would be writing a weekly newsletter to members and supporters.

It’s a good idea and a step toward letting people get to know where Labour is coming from. Here’s the second edition.

We’re also happy to publish any similar e-letters from other opposition leaders. Just send them to our email address (see our contact page)

Drug testing beneficiaries; yeah that’s the problem

Written By: Jenny Michie - Date published: 2:49 pm, August 17th, 2012 - 66 comments

I could hardly believe my ears this morning when I heard about Paula Bennett’s plan to drug test beneficiaries and cut their benefits if they fail.  Yeah that’s the problem that’s preventing people from finding work.  Drugs.  Not the 6.8 percent unemployment rate (and it’s higher in the provinces).   It’s hard to imagine a […]

Labour’s plan a real alternative to Nats’ failure

Written By: James Henderson - Date published: 10:15 am, August 17th, 2012 - 33 comments

Labour’s hands on approach to economic management focused on boosting manufacturing stands in stark contrast to National’s failed record of big promises and no delivery. Manufacturing is our largest employer. It has lost 25,500 jobs under National. National has been pushing mining for four years. It employs 6,000 people, up just 600 under National.

Zero tolerance for privacy breaches

Written By: Anthony R0bins - Date published: 9:04 am, August 17th, 2012 - 22 comments

Collins can’t credibly call for zero tolerance on privacy breaches while working alongside a Minister who has not only breached privacy, but is unrepentant, and boasting that she might do it again.  Bennett has breached the Privacy Act – what is she doing still in cabinet? The Nats have no credibility while she remains.

Strategy and opinion

Written By: Mike Smith - Date published: 8:21 pm, August 15th, 2012 - 150 comments

Thanks to Rob Salmond and Josie Pagani it is now clear that Labour’s pitch to the  centre is an intentional strategy. That is helpful as now perhaps we can have a reasonable discussion about how well it’s working, and what else might work better.

Human Rights Commission concludes that Bennett breached privacy

Written By: notices and features - Date published: 1:16 pm, August 15th, 2012 - 114 comments

The Human Rights Commission has concluded that Paula Bennett breached the privacy of a private citizen. Apart from releasing an agreed statement, the HRC is not proposing action. John Key won’t propose any either.

Privileged try to turn Kiwis against each other

Written By: Eddie - Date published: 8:22 am, August 14th, 2012 - 213 comments

National Party campaign designer John Ansell and Invercargill-based racist Loius Crimp are planning a $2 million campaign to whip up racial hatred between Pakeha and Maori. I don’t think people will be fooled, even if anyone publishes their material. We’ve moved past the Owera days. Everyone will see this is about NACToids’ privilege, not Maori privilege.

Let’s debate political strategy

Written By: Mike Smith - Date published: 8:12 pm, August 13th, 2012 - 79 comments

Jordan Carter and Josie Pagani agree – there is a legitimate debate that needs to be had about whether Labour aims for the left or the centre vote. That may be where agreement stops, judging from Josie Pagani’s contribution to the debate on Nine to Noon this morning. The political strategy she expounds is however worth unpicking.