Annette King

Thanks Annette

Written By: Mike Smith - Date published: 11:38 am, March 3rd, 2017 - 9 comments

I well remember going to see new Minister of Employment Annette King in 1989 to ask for support for group apprenticeship in the motor industry. “Seems like a good idea, we’ll put up $50,000.” she said. I nearly fell off my chair. It was not the usual response from Ministers in those days, but is Annette King to a T – positive, decisive, and supportive.

Annette King standing down as deputy leader

Written By: notices and features - Date published: 9:43 am, March 1st, 2017 - 215 comments

In breaking news Annette King is standing down as deputy leader of the Labour Party and Andrew Little will nominate Jacinda Ardern as deputy leader.

The phantom phantom hospital waiting lists

Written By: mickysavage - Date published: 12:46 pm, July 25th, 2016 - 28 comments

According to Health Minister Jonathan Coleman he is right, everyone else is wrong and there is no elective surgery hidden list in New Zealand.

Labour’s position on TPPA

Written By: mickysavage - Date published: 11:01 am, October 18th, 2015 - 186 comments

The last fortnight has not been a great time for Labour when it comes to the TPPA.  But a couple of imprecisely worded comments may have had far too much read into them.  And the left and the media may have fallen into a trap set by the right.

Common People; Yanis Varoufakis is all Class.

Written By: te reo putake - Date published: 11:21 am, July 7th, 2015 - 81 comments

The Greek Finance minister has unexpectedly quit. He had already said he would resign if the referendum was lost; nobody expected that he would go after such a stunning win. But it was the strategically correct thing to do. Why can’t some of the veterans in the NZ Labour Party take the hint?

Labour Listens in Newtown

Written By: Mike Smith - Date published: 7:36 pm, March 8th, 2015 - 15 comments

Thousands came to Newtown today for the Annual Fair on a beautiful sunny Wellington day. The Labour party stall was right in the middle and instead handing out lots of leaflets had a big sign saying “Tell us what you think” – and they did – have a look.

Labour’s reshuffle

Written By: mickysavage - Date published: 3:31 pm, September 23rd, 2013 - 83 comments

Details of the Labour Caucus changes are now appearing in the media.  The update is Parker, Robertson and Jones will be the core of the economic team, King retains Health, Shearer gains Foreign Affairs and Cosgrove and Hipkins retain their current responsibilities.  Mahuta and Moroney are elevated to the front bench and this will help gender balance.

Updated with full list.

Looking for a new left direction: more than just one housing policy

Written By: karol - Date published: 8:10 am, November 14th, 2012 - 218 comments

A policy focusing on increasing state housing and affordable rents would be a good start. However, my current criticism of Labour leadership focuses on the policy direction of the leadership team.  This requires more than just one policy. A bold new left wing plan is needed to deal with the difficult challenges ahead. Updated

NRT: An admission

Written By: notices and features - Date published: 11:33 am, August 14th, 2012 - 3 comments

Idiot/Savant at NRT on the need to reform the Terrorism Suppression Act.

Annette, Save Us!

Written By: Bunji - Date published: 2:18 pm, November 30th, 2011 - 47 comments

Labour would do well out of a long, positive leadership contest with all the contenders getting well-known by the country as they express their vision. If we can’t get Phil to stay, how about we have Annette hold the reigns as interim leader for the duration of the contest?

Labour should not rush to judgment

Written By: Mike Smith - Date published: 12:36 pm, November 28th, 2011 - 171 comments

One can understand why John Key is ‘speed dating” to form a one-seat majority in Parliament.  His honeymoon is likely to be a lot shorter in the next term of government. It is quite different for Labour. The caucus would be wise not to rush to decide  who leads Labour into the next election.