Christopher Luxon is no John Key
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10:13 am, February 1st, 2024 - 48 comments
Categories: chris hipkins, Christopher Luxon, israel, james shaw, national, Palestine -
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Yesterday in Parliament Christopher Luxon showed that he is struggling on the job.
Good Prime Ministers have a solid grasp of the detail. They are briefed, are on top of the facts and understand and are prepared for the variety of potential attacks on the Government’s position. Helen Clark was extraordinary, Jacinda Ardern was exceptional and John Key was frustratingly good. He was always well briefed, knew his stuff and was able to pivot and avoid traps.
Christopher Luxon is none of those. Here is exhibit A in support of this statement.
And here is exhibit B.
His misunderstanding and mischaracterisation of the International Court of Justice decision on Palestine was particularly galling. As shown in this exchange with Shaw:
Hon James Shaw: Is he aware that under article 1 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, New Zealand has an obligation to take action to prevent genocide before it occurs?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: I’m not sure the point of the question that the member is trying to ask or get to.
Hon James Shaw: Point of order, Mr Speaker. To assist the Prime Minister, the point of the question was to ask if he was aware of article 1 of the convention.
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Personally not aware, but if he’d like to direct a specific question to the relevant Minister, I’m sure we could help.
Hon James Shaw: What actions is the Government taking to meet its obligations under article 1 of the genocide convention in light of the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that found a plausible risk of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: It was a provisional finding, and it wasn’t a plausible risk.
Hon James Shaw: Is the Prime Minister aware that the ICJ did find that there was a plausible risk of genocide, which would—[Interruption]
SPEAKER: Excuse me; when a question is being asked, the House is silent. Start again.
Hon James Shaw: Is he aware that the ICJ did find that there is a plausible risk of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza—
Hon Chris Bishop: And not a genocide.
Hon James Shaw: —and that—
SPEAKER: Mr Bishop.
Hon James Shaw: —and that that would trigger New Zealand’s obligations under article 1 of the convention to take action to prevent genocide before it occurs?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: The court did not make any findings that Israel has actually engaged in genocidal conduct.
Hon James Shaw: Is the Prime Minister aware that there is a difference between having found whether genocide has taken place or whether there is a plausible risk of genocide taking place, and that article 1 of the convention requires New Zealand to take action to prevent genocide before it occurs—i.e., when there is a plausible risk?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: As I said earlier, the court did not make any findings that Israel has actually engaged in genocidal conduct. That is part of a full and substantive hearing that will take place in subsequent months and years.
The point is important because the ICJ clearly found it plausible that Israel’s actions could amount to genocide. The consequence is, as pointed out by Shaw, that New Zealand is then required to take steps to prevent genocide. A finding that it is plausible that genocide is occurring means that New Zealand and other States should take action. Luxon has no understanding of the nuance of the question, nor even what New Zealand’s obligations under the treaty are.
And he had to come back to Parliament and correct his answer. From Hansard:
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister): I seek leave to correct an answer I gave to a supplementary question during oral question No. 4 today.
SPEAKER: That’s to give a personal explanation?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Yes.
SPEAKER: Leave is sought. Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none.
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: I said that there wasn’t a plausible risk. What I should have said is that the court was not required to determine whether Israel had actually breached its obligations under the genocide convention. Therefore, the court did not make any findings that Israel has actually engaged in genocidal conduct. However, the court found that there is a plausible case that Israel’s conduct in Gaza may breach its obligations under the genocide convention. That will be the subject of a full and substantive hearing in the International Court of Justice.
From Hipkins’ questions it is clear that Labour has information that Casey Costello gave NZ First policy documents to Officials to then develop policy options for the Government. I expect we will hear a lot more about this in the future.
In the meantime I suspect that National and Luxon are beginning to dread every time he stands up in the house. And it is abundantly clear that in the house he is no John Key.
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Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...4 days ago
- Fossil fuel lobbyist appointment to EECA board called out
The Green Party condemns the Government’s appointment of a fossil fuel lobbyist to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority Board. ...6 days ago
- Release: Boot camps must be shut down today
The Prime Minister has committed to shut down his government’s boot camps if there is evidence of harm to children – so he must do that today. ...6 days ago
- Greens echo OECD call for electricity market reform
The Green Party has welcomed the OECD urging the Government to re-examine separating ‘gentailers’ to make a fairer electricity market for New Zealanders. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks Auckland housing promise
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed National has broken yet another election promise. ...1 week ago
- Government smokescreen to downgrade climate ambition
Today the ACT-National Coalition Agreement pet project’s findings on “no additional warming” were released. ...1 week ago
- Release: Health NZ admits errors led to claimed deficit
Health New Zealand has exaggerated its deficit to justify job cuts. ...1 week ago
- Release: More cuts to research, science and innovation sector
The Government’s latest round of cuts to research and innovation targets the long-established and successful Marsden Fund. ...1 week ago
- Govt guts funding for social sciences and humanities
The Government’s decision to axe all Humanities and Social Science research funding through the Marsden Fund is a massive step backwards. ...1 week ago
- You can’t bank on pine trees in a climate crisis
Today’s Government announcement to limit farm forestry conversions tinkers around the edges, instead of focusing on the real problem and stopping pollution at the source. ...1 week ago
- Release: Nicola Willis being sneaky with new taxes
Nicola Willis is refusing to rule out putting sneaky new taxes on Kiwi households. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt benefit target even further out of reach
Christopher Luxon has once again failed to read the room and claimed success while life gets harder for everyday Kiwis. ...1 week ago
- Govt continues to punch down
The Government’s new initiative to get people off the benefit won’t address the core drivers of poverty such as low incomes, lack of access to adequate housing and lack of employment opportunities. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour urges ACC to pull investments in Israel’s illegal settlements
Labour is urging ACC to divest from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in the building and maintenance of Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...1 week ago
- Release: Further evidence to stop school lunch cuts
A new report provides further proof that David Seymour should not be messing with the free school lunch programme. ...1 week ago
- Jamie Arbuckle: Inquiry into Banking Competition
This week was the start of the bank inquiry hearings into banking competition. The inquiry was confirmed in the NZ First/National Coalition agreement. 140 submissions were received on the inquiry, and we will hear from over 60 submitters including all the major banks. ANZ, New Zealand's largest bank, was first ...1 week ago
- Casey Costello: What Once Was…
Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...1 week ago
- Casey Costello: International Day of Older Persons
Throughout New Zealand it is difficult to think of a sports club, charity, church group, festival, foundation, or service organisation that does not owe its existence, effectiveness, or success to the contribution of older New Zealanders. October 1st is International Day of Older Persons so please take a moment to consider ...1 week ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...1 week ago
- Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs
Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...1 week ago
- Tanya Unkovich: It’s time to start the debate on palliative care as a ‘right’
There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...1 week ago
- Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS
New Zealand will not sign up to the nuclear-powered pillar one, or the pillar two of AUKUS under a Labour Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour will build Dunedin Hospital
Labour will build Dunedin Hospital as it was committed to prior to election 2023. ...2 weeks ago
- Chris Hipkins: Speech to Labour Party Conference 2024
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, e rau rangatira ma Tena koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon Folds on ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, is calling Luxon’s leadership a joke after it was revealed this morning on Q+A that ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill was not a bottom line. "New Zealand officially has a laughing-stock Prime Minister whose leadership folded as he trades away the rights of tangata whenua ...2 weeks ago
- Prime Minister shirks responsibility on global climate commitment
In an interview with Q&A this morning, the Prime Minister refused to say whether he would commit to meeting the Paris Agreement, the international climate agreement which commits all countries to act locally to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: All workers deserve fair treatment
The Government’s latest change to the Employment Relations Act has no justification apart from making it easier to sack employees without having to follow due process. ...2 weeks ago
- COURT OF APPEAL RULING: SFO METHODS “OVERREACH, UNLAWFUL, OPPRESSIVE”
Today the Court of Appeal has found the Serious Fraud Office has been acting indiscriminately and unlawfully throughout an eight year long investigation. The SFO has shown their incompetence and arrogance and shown to be abusing their authority to conduct its own overreaching and unlawful fishing expeditions. The Court of Appeal said the SFO has relied on its misuse of compulsory interview ...2 weeks ago
- Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health
The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our health system so we are prepared for future pandemics. ...2 weeks ago
- Karen Walker and Keven Mealamu join CNZ Board
Fashion designer Karen Walker CNZM and former All Black Keven Mealamu MNZM have been appointed to the Creative New Zealand Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am excited to have these two highly respected individuals join Creative New Zealand, who will undoubtedly add great experience and perspectives to New ...1 hour ago - Health targets encouraging – work continues
New data shows that the Government’s focus on health targets is putting the brakes on the steep decline in delivery seen over the past five years. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says while there is much more work to do, health target results in the three months to 30 September ...1 hour ago
- Independent review of ACC announced
ACC Minister Matt Doocey has today announced an independent review of ACC because of concerns about declining rehabilitation rates and increasing costs. “ACC provides critical support to New Zealanders in times of need, but I am concerned that ACC’s performance has been declining for a decade. Rehabilitation rates are down, ...3 hours ago
- New research to aid tourism and hospitality sector
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey today announced investment in a suite of new surveys and research which will help fill critical gaps in tourism and hospitality sector data. “Government investment totalling around $3 million will fund essential research including a domestic visitor survey, tourism sentiment survey, new research into ...5 hours ago
- Seafood sector a ‘Kiwi success story’
New Zealand’s seafood exports are set to hit a record $2.2 billion in the year to June 2025, and increase to $2.4b the following year, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “Our seafood sector is a Kiwi success story. The sector’s hard work, healthy demand, tight global supply and ...6 hours ago
- Food and Fibre sector set to break records
New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are forecast to hit $56.9 billion by 30 June 2025 and climb to a record $58.3 billion the following year, showcasing the strength and resilience of the sector, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today. “The hard work and innovation of our world ...8 hours ago
- Thai Foreign Minister to visit
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa will visit New Zealand this week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced. “Thailand is an important economic and security partner for New Zealand in Southeast Asia,” Mr Peters says. “The visit is another important step as our two countries work to lift our relationship to a ...22 hours ago
- New ferries will ensure safe, resilient connection
The Government is establishing a new company to procure two new ferries to ensure a safe, reliable and commercially viable ferry service, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “This decision will ensure New Zealand has a safe, reliable and resilient service to move people and freight between the North and South ...1 day ago
- Milestone for Iwi Māori Partnership Boards
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Iwi Māori Partnership Boards have taken a major step as part of the Government’s commitment to the health of Māori communities. Minister Reti has now received 15 IMPB community health plans, representing the vision and plans of the boards for health and wellbeing in ...1 day ago
- New seafood processing factory opens in Porirua
A new seafood processing factory in Porirua north of Wellington will bring export revenue, jobs and opportunities for the community, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The Wellington Kaimoana Hub, a joint venture between Māori owned seafood companies Moana New Zealand and Port Nicholson Fisheries, was formally opened by ...1 day ago
- Gisborne receives mental health beds boost
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today opened Gisborne Hospital’s new acute mental health unit, Te Whare Awhi Ora, and says the region will be better served by a bigger, more therapeutic acute mental health unit.“I have been clear that we need to build a strong mental health and addiction ...1 day ago
- Our journey towards net zero
The Government has unveiled its second Emissions Reduction Plan, outlining a path to keep New Zealand on track to meet its climate change targets while supporting the economy to thrive, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The plan sets the foundation to meet our net zero 2050 target as early ...1 day ago
- Repealing advertising restrictions for media
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has been introduced to Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Traditional media outlets are operating in an extremely difficult environment and as the Government we must ensure regulatory settings are enabling the best chance of ...2 days ago
- Government announces future of greyhound racing in New Zealand
Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced the Government’s plans to end greyhound racing in New Zealand. “This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs. “Despite significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent ...2 days ago
- Government cuts red tape for food exporters
The Government is delivering on its commitment to cut red tape and increase the value of exports by making it easier for exporters to deliver safe New Zealand food to more markets, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Food exports are the bedrock of our economy, so when industry asked ...2 days ago
- Relationships & Sexuality Education refresh
The Government welcomes a new report which confirms the way Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) is taught in schools isn’t fit for purpose, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “In a world that’s rapidly changing, young people deserve every opportunity to be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to ...2 days ago
- Applications open for mental wellbeing campaigns
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced that applications will open today for the $5 million Mental Health Promotion Fund for organisations to run campaigns that promote mental wellbeing while at the Digital Mental Health Summit. “Strengthening the focus on prevention and early intervention is one of my key priorities. Our ...2 days ago
- Raising the visibility of New Zealand’s ethnic communities
A first-of-its-kind report launched today lays the groundwork for growing the visibility of New Zealand’s ethnic communities through data, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “Too often and for too long, ethnic communities have largely been invisible in public sector data. As a result, their voices have not always been ...3 days ago
- Pay deductions for partial strikes to be reintroduced
Changes to collective bargaining will help rebalance the rights and consequences of industrial action, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says. A bill to allow for pay deductions in response to partial strikes will be introduced today. “Partial strikes are industrial actions that normally involve turning up to ...3 days ago
- Strategic leasing another tool in the infrastructure procurement belt
The Government is issuing strategic leasing guidance to agencies to ensure more efficient use of taxpayer dollars where the private sector is better placed to own and maintain infrastructure, Infrastructure Under-Secretary Simon Court says. “On a basic level, strategic leasing is like any other government leasing arrangement, where the government ...3 days ago
- Next steps for banking competition
The Government is pushing ahead with moves to increase banking competition by boosting Kiwibank and taking steps to ensure the Reserve Bank places greater importance on competition in the sector, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “The change will enable the New Zealand-owned bank to more vigorously compete against the ...3 days ago
- New campaign promotes alcohol-free pregnancies
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched a new public health campaign to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder by promoting alcohol-free pregnancies. FASD is the leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disorders in New Zealand, causing lifelong physical, behavioural, learning and mental health problems. “The impact of FASD in ...3 days ago
- New Climate Change Commission Chair appointed
Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy has been appointed as the new chair of the Climate Change Commission, the independent Crown entity that provides the Government advice, monitoring and reporting to support New Zealand’s transition to a climate-resilient, low emissions future, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “I’m pleased that Dame ...3 days ago
- Commonsense changes to insulation standards
The Government is proposing commonsense changes to reduce the upfront cost of building, while maintaining robust energy efficiency standards, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “We know from a social investment point of view that Kiwis do much better when they have access to affordable, insulated, secure housing. “However, ...3 days ago
- Racing Act changes to boost racing industry sustainability
Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced the introduction of legislation to amend the Racing Industry Act 2020 which will extend TAB NZ’s current land-based monopoly for sports and racing betting to online. The Racing Industry Act established TAB NZ for the purposes of funding the racing industry. It provides ...4 days ago
- New members appointed to EECA Board
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two new appointments to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) Board.John Carnegie and Vijay Goel have both been appointed as members for three-year terms which will begin on 6 January 2025 and end on 5 January 2028.“As Minister for Energy, my goal ...6 days ago
- JOINT STATEMENT ON AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND FOREIGN AND DEFENCE MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS (ANZMIN) DECE...
1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters MP and Minister of Defence Hon Judith Collins KC MP hosted Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong on 6 December in ...6 days ago
- Swift avian influenza response in Otago on track
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says good progress is being made in the response to the detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, but there is more work to do. “Rigorous testing and monitoring continue to show no confirmed signs of the disease in chicken farms outside of Mainland ...6 days ago
- Funding for Hawke’s Bay water security project
Up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been allocated for pre-construction development of the Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawke’s Bay, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The grant for the project, which is being co-funded by the Tukituki Water Security Project, is limited to work to ...6 days ago
- Waimārama ban on taking pāua to continue
A two-year temporary closure banning the take of pāua from Waimārama south of Hastings will support efforts by local iwi to rebuild pāua stocks, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The closure includes Waimārama Beach and Ocean Beach, two beaches popular with holidaymakers and recreational fishers. Ngāi Hapū o ...6 days ago
- Appointments to the New Zealand Post board
Four new appointments have been made to the New Zealand Post Ltd (NZ Post) board, Acting State-Owned Enterprises Minister Chris Bishop says. “NZ Post is one of New Zealand’s largest State-owned enterprises with revenue of around $1.2 billion and total assets of around $1.5 billion. It is the designated universal ...6 days ago
- Government to partner with private sector to plant trees on low value Crown land
Ministers responsible for Climate Change, Forestry, Conservation and Land Information today announced that Cabinet has agreed to explore public-private partnerships to plant trees on Crown land, supporting New Zealand’s climate change targets and creating more jobs. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says that nature-based solutions is a key part to ...7 days ago
- International data confirms maths transformation
New international data validates the Government’s plan to transform maths education in New Zealand, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the longest-running, large-scale international assessment of mathematics and science and takes place every four years. While 2023 results show an improved ...7 days ago
- Government partners to boost rural productivity in Hawke’s Bay
The Government is partnering with Hawke’s Bay farmers and the Regional Council to improve farm productivity and build resilience against adverse weather events, Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay announced today at a ceremony in Hawke’s Bay. “The Government is co-investing $995,000 to grow the Land for Life (LFL) pilot programme ...7 days ago
- Peters visit to New Caledonia concludes
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed his visit to New Caledonia, New Zealand’s closest neighbour. “Over the last few days, we have listened to and learned from a wide range of people in New Caledonia - so that we can better understand the acute challenges it faces,” Mr Peters says. ...7 days ago
- More charter schools to open Term 1 2025 announced
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Christchurch North College, The BUSY School, Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao, Ecole Francaise Internationale Auckland and North West Creative Arts College will open in term one 2025 as charter schools. “This announcement is another significant step in the Government’s efforts to ...1 week ago
- New chair appointed to Heritage New Zealand
Dame Jo Brosnahan DNZM QSO has been appointed chair of the Heritage New Zealand Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Dame Jo has extensive governance and business experience which has been recognised in various Honours, notably in 2023 when she was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order ...1 week ago
- Survey results to drive change for tourism and hospitality workforce
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the data released today about the hospitality and tourism workforce. “Two of my key priorities include supporting the people who make up the tourism and hospitality workforce and growing the value of international tourism. In order to grow New Zealand’s international tourism ...1 week ago
- Upgrading substations to improve reliability for Wellington metro rail
Wellington commuters will benefit from a $137.2 million funding boost that will deliver long overdue upgrades to substations on the city’s metro rail network and improve the reliability of services, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Our Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that reduces congestion, boosts productivity to support economic growth, ...1 week ago
- Record $434 million in community grants from Lotto NZ
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says Lotto NZ has granted $434 million to the community in the past financial year, an increase of 15 percent from the previous year. “It’s fantastic to see an increase in funding going to important community projects, providing opportunities for New Zealanders to ...1 week ago
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Bethany Rolston looks back at the three years she wrote for the Te Awamutu Courier, one of the 14 NZME community newspapers set to close before Christmas. Looking back at the three years I was a journalist at the Te Awamutu Courier feels like a happy sort of fever ...30 minutes ago - Politics with Michelle Grattan: For Mark Dreyfus, antisemitism is very personal
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and another car torching in Sydney have dramatically heightened political tensions over antisemitism. Amid criticism the government has been too slow to act in the ...43 minutes ago - Disaster happens when soldiers don’t act ethically. We can provide better training to support the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deane-Peter Baker, Associate Professor of Ethics, Director of UNSW Military Ethics Research Lab and Innovation Network (MERLIN), UNSW Sydney Recently, the government responded to the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide. It adopted most of the recommendations designed to better support defence personnel. ...43 minutes ago
- Fiji government accused over human rights violations, free speech curb
By Apenisa Waqairadovu in Suva Fiji’s coalition government has come under scrutiny over allegations of human rights violations. Speaking at the commemoration of International Human Rights Day in Suva on Tuesday, the chair of the Coalition of NGOs, Shamima Ali, claimed that — like the previous FijiFirst administration — the ...1 hour ago
- Winston Peters says rail-enabled ferries are ‘no-brainer’ for Interislander replacements
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He said Charles is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria - the reigning monarch at the time the treaty was signed - and had the mana to intervene. ...2 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon faces questions after ferry announcement
The Prime Minister's comments come a day after the government announced its alternative ferry replacement project, which has been criticised for a lack of specific detail. ...2 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Petousis-Harris, Associate Professor in Vaccinology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Shutterstock/Melnikov Dmitriy The recently released Royal Commission of Inquiry report about New Zealand’s COVID response highlights the harmful impact of misinformation and disinformation on public health. While ...2 hours ago
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Two more units are facing major cuts, RNZ understands. ...3 hours ago
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Paul Hoglund says he's been offered less than his property is worth and he isn't going anywhere. "I've got nothing to lose". ...4 hours ago
- David Seymour wrong on cost of ferry replacement project, says Winston Peters
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- ‘A virtual seat at the family table’: why older people are among the biggest users of social med...
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- These 3 simple actions can save you money and help make the most of your rooftop solar
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- Help Me Hera: How do I navigate Auckland traffic without going insane?
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Nationwide efforts to combat family and sexual violence are not getting results, with government agencies blamed for poor access to services. ...6 hours ago
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The government's ferry announcement has done little to placate the opposition parties, even prompting calls for Nicola Willis to resign. ...9 hours ago
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Goodness me mickysavage you're going to have to give up your day job if things continue as they are.
I linked to those two "exhibits" yesterday on OM. I couldn't believe what I was seeing/hearing – the ignorance, the incompetence and the plainly wrong information.
Of course some official/officials leaked the info. to Labour's Ayesha Verrall. They would have been justifiably appalled at what they were being asked to do. In short, they were whistle-blower/s and they have put a duty to inform before personal gain.
I wouldn't be so sure of that, Anne. Leaking to a news outlet is one thing. Doing so directly to an opposition spokesperson is quite another.
As a public servant myself there's just something about it that makes me deeply uncomfortable. The right is already looking desperately for an excuse to sideline or purge the public service. And being seen to be taking sides in a political debate may just be the casus belli they've been looking for.
Or maybe I'm just old-fashioned and believe strongly in the political neutrality of the public service, despite my fundamental disdain for the current government and its "policy" (if you're feeling charitable enough to call it that).
Lux had to correct himself sometime later: you definitely scored a point there! Risk of genocide seemed so hard for him to concede that he was initially forced into denial of the ICJ verdict which made him seem both stupid and perverse.
So looks like his minder pointed this out & Lux then realised he was damaging his reputation. Fatal self-harm for a political leader!!
Good on James & Marama for labouring the point. Lux played for time by kicking for the sideline. We'll see if parliament can comprehend risk management when they do their eventual diagnosis of the ICJ advisory…
National must wish they could have that minder sitting right next to Luxton in the chamber.
Doubt it. Geopolitical risk isn't normal business in parliament so the ICJ is a curve-ball to be dodged. Only if debate in parliament were to focus on genocide prevention as risk management would the rarified heights of intellectual positioning become attainable, at which point his lack of intellect threatens to expose him. We will have to await the foreshadowed debate to see if this happens…
Dont forget the ministerial re-shuffle at the start of last week.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/507629/prime-minister-announces-minor-cabinet-reshuffle
Looks like he wasnt on top of what ministers would be doing back when it created his ministry
National's Erica Stanford will become Minister for the Crown Response Unit of the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care. She is already minister for Education and Immigration.
ACT leader David Seymour will become Associate Justice Minister with responsibility for the Treaty Principles Bill.
NZ First MP Mark Patterson adds Associate Regional Development to his Rural Communities and Associate Agriculture roles.
NZ First's Jenny Marcroft, who is Parliamentary undersecretary for Media and Communications, will now also be Parliamentary Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries.
The kind of mistakes he keeps making suggests there's no remedy for his problem, that what ever it is that makes him so useless as a leader is very much part of who he is and how he's become hardwired to operate.
It is no surprise.
Key had more experience in the House, and was Finance Spokesperson in the Brash campaign in 2005 before becoming leader and then PM after the 2008 election.
Luxon is in the House becomes Leader, runs a campaign, forms a coalition and then has more learning to do about being a Minister in Cabinet and PM while answering questions in parliament.
It is now up to the Opposition to stamp on the Ministers of the 3 parties acting independently of coalition policy (Cabinet policy) to develop and promote their party policy with the help of ministry (public) resources – which is a form of lobbying on behalf of their party donors. At least until Luxon demonstrates either an understanding of Cabinet responsibility or the role of the public service.
Don't agree SPC, a person who has attained the positions that Luxon has had should be a fast learner, he's not, ergo, he's an idiot who has one trick that has kept him afloat and that trick is bullshit with a side dressing of flannel.
A lot of the art of politics is learnt by osmosis, he is from outside that world.
The same problem occurs within the public service with the neo-liberal tendency to bring in those of some "executive class".
The type do not do complexity, procedure and nuance well.
What you seem to be suggesting, Adrian, is that Luxon would struggle to keep that job at McDonalds he posed for in the cover photo for Micky's post.
Umm . . . I agree!
Maybe somebody should investigate the manner of his leaving!
Luxons a risk the hollow men are happy to take as they needed a fresh electable face they could craft the campaign around.
Key also had heavy lifters like ryall, Joyce, blinglish and findlayson covering the bases.
Opposition need to keep it simple and nag away consistently as a team for the country's sake.
Agreed, tc.
It is the public face of an erstwhile coalition leader largely manipulated and outflanked by prime ministerial pretenders Seymour and Peters.
They won't be complaining. Luxon's weakness is their strength and whilst it works that way their notional truce will continue.
Micky’s quoted questions and replies from Parliament illustrate much of the problem here.
Is Mr 7 pads Luxury Baldrick Luxon, genuinely thick, lazy, mis-speaks, unprepared, unaware of Parliamentary procedure & public presentation, or just does not care that much?
I guess we will find out in the next few months, for now watch him at Waitangi where he will likely do a bit of crawling and then square off afterwards. The Three Amigos–hey!!
What a tool he is.
Another issue Luxon has is the cronyism and corruption within his government.
Gun toting Judith Collins as Minister of Defence. The same, minister for Orivida as AG.
Casey Costello, ex shill for The Taxpayer Union as a minister.
Chris Bishop, current unaccredited big tobacco lobbyist, a senior minister.
Nicole McKee, Firearms Minister, and gun lobbyist.
Winston Peters, bought and paid for by the racing and commercial fishing industries.
At some point these are going to blow up in Luxon's face. He does not have the political nous to be able to cope.
It's happening slowly, right now.
Micky has certainly given me one good laugh for the day.
I would certainly agree that both Helen Clark and John Key were fully in control as to what their Governments were up to. However He also tells us that. "Good Prime Ministers have a solid grasp of the detail. They are briefed, are on top of the facts ……. Jacinda Ardern was exceptional and ……"
Jacinda Ardern on top of the facts? You have got to be joking or, as John McEnroe put it "You cannot be serious"
This was the woman who didn't know the difference between the Crown Accounts and the GDP figures. This was the woman who had no idea of what was in the Treaty of Waitangi and only came out with the words that Willie Jackson was whispering to her from behind her and which she couldn't expand on.
On top of the facts? You cannot be serious.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2019/02/04/jacinda-ardern-fumbles-over-what-treaty-of-waitangi-articles-say-article-one-on-the-spot/
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/107160622/prime-ministers-office-admits-mistake-over-arderns-economic-growth-hint-claim
https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1TcwKzc1sTBg9FLKys_IU8hNTs0ryk9VqMwvVUhOzMvLL1FISlUoTi3KzC8tBgBc9g_j&q=john+mcenroe+you+cannot+be+serious&oq=john+mcenroe+you+cannot+be&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBEC4YgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyBwgBEC4YgAQyBggCEEUYOTIICAMQABgWGB7SAQoyNTMyNGowajE1qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:50750c96,vid:t0hK1wyrrAU,st:0
She's gone Alwyn.
Chris Luxon is the Prime Minister now.
I suggest that you tell Micky about that. He was the one who brought up Helen, Jacinda and John.
I am pretty sure that no-one under 20 can remember when Helen Clark was PM. They wouldn't have started school when she left Office but Micky still retains the happy memories of his youth.
I agree that his correlation of Jacinda & facts seems rather loopy & you've reminded us of her track record effectively. I'm inclined to explain that as not due to any inherent incapacity however.
Seems to me having a young child will always reduce one's attention span & which facts are relevant is subjective anyway. Plus a leader is meant to lead from a big-picture view which often means helpers mind the details.
Helen's track record on the relevance of Greens values to politics was total ignorance/evasion till Al Gore's movie forced her to get real so obviously she was too stupid to grasp the scientific facts until then. Key was a fact-free zone in all directions until political necessity forced him to confront them in particular situations. So poor old MS clocks in a score of 0/3 for accuracy.
No matter, a political essay can still succeed despite being fictional on one particular dimension! His did, I reckon.
"Jacinda & facts seems rather loopy." Such as? two examples mentioned @10 do not demonstrate that.
"Seems to me having a young child will always reduce one's attention span & which facts are relevant is subjective anyway" Saw no evidence of that, that is sexist rubbish.
Grow up. Any parent of young children will correct your view real fast.
The topic was Jacinda, not any other parent and as I said, I saw no evidence regarding your sexist, belittling remark. Jacinda was always sharp as a tack.
You really believe she's not typical in that situation?? Your grasp of reality really is rather marginal. Anyway her lack of interest in relevant details of situations was so widely reported in the media for so long I don't really need to advocate the common view. Your ignorance of that suffices to demonstrate your lack of credibility.
Best demo is this unicorn hunt: search for the reported instances of Jacinda explaining the details of Labour's adoption of co-governance. Bet you can't find any!
Do you have kids, Dennis?
Yeah.
And did you have baby-brain when they were born, or did you keep on blogging at a high level throughout?
I think it’s really important to call you out on your extremely lazy reference to Ardern’s performance being hampered by her child.
I’m surprised you haven’t asked if she timed her baby specifically to get the job like a lot of your fellow nut jobs do.
"her lack of interest in relevant details of situations was so widely reported in the media" Links to back up your opinion?
"The prime minister says co-governance arrangements are not something to be feared, and described them as key to upholding Treaty of Waitangi obligations."
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/08/jacinda-ardern-says-co-governance-is-key-to-upholding-treaty-of-waitangi-obligations.html
"Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says her government won’t be backing down on advancing Māori issues, even if National frames co-governance as central to the 2023 general election.
“You’ve got to be able to sleep at night, knowing that you’ve done your best and you’ve done what you’ve believed is right,” Ardern told TeAoMaori.news
The Māori Health Authority, Three Waters and Māori seats on councils were achievements Ardern said the Government was proud of.
Ardern said she was “comfortable” the government was doing its best to fulfil obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/jacinda-ardern-wont-back-down-on-maori-issues/NSVB6NBQVVEE3JELQORV2U7WTM/
None of those expressions of feeling fit the criteria specified: "explaining the details of Labour's adoption of co-governance."
The obvious facts to search for are the day the policy was adopted by the party, and the actual event that produced the adoption, and the text agreed to, and the decision-making body that effected the formal adoption. Another key detail would be the decision not to inform the media at the time…
Thought it was explained. Cannot understand why people like yourself are against such a partnership that has been going on for years. National under Key introduced some co-governance arrangements. There was no political hysteria over it then.
"So under both Labour and National co-governance has been orthodox policy for over 30 years."
https://thestandard.org.nz/co-governance-is-orthodox-policy-for-both-national-and-labour/
https://www.dia.govt.nz/Water-services-reform-about-the-reform-programme
MS used the former prime Ministers as a comparison to Luxon, whose lack of knowledge, understanding, and inexperience is showing.
Winston was coaching Luxon on what to say during question time. 2 weak examples do not show that Jacinda was not on top of the facts, because she most definitely was and she demonstrated that through post-cab pressers, media interviews, daily updates during the pandemic, and question time.
[to Alwyn]
Complete nonsense. The opposition kept complaining that Ardern was given too much TV time. They thought it was unfair, because she used that time so effectively.
If you asked the current opposition if Luxon should hold daily press conferences live on TV, and answer more questions in the House, they would say "please, please let it happen". He is a walking gift.
This week Luxon even cancelled the weekly post-Cabinet press conference.
With both Minister of Justice and Minister of Foreign Affairs in Australia, Luxon is an open mark for Hipkins.
As Sepuloni has noted, they had 3 separate corrections after making their Parliamentary responses to questions given well in advance.
I'm looking forward to Hipkins and Shaw exploiting this Parliamentary question time to its fullest.
Yes.
Luxon will learn. He is new to the game, and a fast learner. Hipkins in comparison has been there for years, it's been his only job. He was woeful as prime minister and got routed in the election. He will get the occasional success, as he seemed to today, but these will become few and far between. He will be gone by the next election. Luxon will be at his best in his second term.
Luxon is not a fast learner. He is not even a slow follower …
Luxon is a flake
A lot of learning is by osmosis, the agitation of the water helps the flakes to work.
As will an opposition asking the right questions of a government out of its depth.
I don't ask a right-wing PM to favour leftish policies. I don't expect him to be the PM I want.
But couldn't he at least buy a dictionary? Maybe read a book? Anything to expand his vocabulary beyond a handful of cliches.
On the 6 pm news tonight he was asked about Costello, and even if you didn't see it, you already know … "What I would say to you is … Look … what I would say to you …"
His language bingo card has about four phrases. Smallest bingo card ever.
And more credit is due – he also said at the end of the day. Bit late for speech training, unfortunately.
There is a rumour going around that Luxon's sister in law works for American Tobacco.
Don't know how to link to Instagram but she is Barbara Luxon and is their Marketing Manager living in Christchurch.
Remembering the anger poured on the Maori Minister for connections to her husband, I guess Christopher will have some explaining to do.
She's had the job since 2004, it has little to do with the recent politics.
Gosh Bishop is a tosser, like father like son I guess…. "I will never be coming back to this Cafe again"… Ugh…
I totally agree with Shaws findings.
I will however remind everyone on the left that we totally underestimated John Key and from 06-16 said exactly the same things we said about Key, that we are now saying about Luxon.
Noone on the left ever took Key seriously or thought he was competent while he was PM, Noone on the left was ever able to understand why he was popular, people mocked him for the way he talked, his weird statements that had to be corrected and his inexperience, his wealth, being a corporate banker etc
And it NEVER dinged his popularity.
I don't like Luxon but history is repeating all over again.
We're totally underestimating this dude who took national from it's second worst defeat in history to government in two years and Labour have only beaten him in a couple of polls in two years.
Attacking leaders on inexperience doesnt work, kiwis HATE professional politicians.
Attacking him on his corporate career doesn't work cos kiwis like hearing that their leaders had jobs before parliament
Attacking him on his wealth doesn't work because people think one day they too will be rich and bear "oh they are jealous of his success"
Attacking him on the way he talks doesn't work because it's just mean.
Attacking him for not being popular doesn't work because it's a bit rich since he won an election and the LOTO is polling at 13%
Attacking him for owning multiple houses doesn't work especially when most of the other side do too.
We never beat John Key, he resigned while polling in the high 40's and early 50's….
Luxon took a splintered broken terminally ill party into govt in less than two years.
We always underestimated Key we never took Key seriously and we are doing the same thing with Luxon and attacking him in the same ineffective ways we attacked key.