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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- Release: Children fall deeper through the cracks in Govt cutsWith Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour honours memory of Sir Robert MartinThe Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...1 week ago
- Release: 130,000 cattle saved from live exportLabour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...1 week ago
- Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fireToday’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...1 week ago
- New unemployment figures paint bleak pictureThe Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...1 week ago
- Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment risesUnemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...1 week ago
- Release: National hiking transport costs for families and young New ZealandersWeekly expenses will grow for more than 1.6 million New Zealanders as the Government ends free and half price public transport fares tomorrow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreementThe New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...2 weeks ago
- Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle downThe Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicineThe National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACTThis afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial DayLabour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...2 weeks ago
- Gaza: Aotearoa Must Support Independent Investigation into Mass GravesTe Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Working together on consistent support for veterans this Anzac DayOur two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Penny drops – but what about Seymour and Peters?Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...2 weeks ago
- Another ‘Stolen Generation’ enabled by court ruling on Waitangi Tribunal summonsTonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery fundingIt appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...3 weeks ago
- Further environmental mismanagement on the cardsThe Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environmentThe Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...3 weeks ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...11 hours ago - Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...1 day ago
- $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...1 day ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...1 day ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...2 days ago
- Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...2 days ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...2 days ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...3 days ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...3 days ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...3 days ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...3 days ago
- Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs lessAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...3 days ago
- Report provides insights into marine recoveryNew research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...3 days ago
- NZ to send political delegation to the PacificDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region. The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu. “New Zealand has deep and ...3 days ago
- Low gas production threatens energy securityThere has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...3 days ago
- Defence industry talent, commitment recognisedDefence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...4 days ago
- Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for IndustryWelcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...4 days ago
- Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data SummitIt is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...4 days ago
- Ceasefire agreement needed now: PetersNew Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...4 days ago
- Daily school attendance data now availableA new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...4 days ago
- Ambassador to United States appointedForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...4 days ago
- New permit proposed for recreational gold miningThe Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...4 days ago
- NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiationsMinister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...4 days ago
- New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to signNew Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...5 days ago
- Next stop NASA for New Zealand studentsSix tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...5 days ago
- $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crimeNew Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...5 days ago
- OECD reinforces need to control spendingThe OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...5 days ago
- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for AucklandThe Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...6 days ago
- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...1 week ago
- Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...1 week ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...1 week ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...1 week ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...1 week ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...1 week ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...1 week ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...1 week ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...1 week ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...1 week ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...1 week ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill Should Be Withdrawn
“The Bill does not provide environmental protection, good quality decision making, certainty, public participation or speed. It should be withdrawn.” ...11 mins ago - TVNZ breached union pact when deciding on programme cuts, ERA rules
RNZ News Television New Zealand has breached its collective agreement with the E tū union when deciding on discontinuing programmes, the Employment Relations Authority has ruled. It was announced in March that 68 staff members who work for news programmes Midday and Tonight, consumer justice programme Fair Go, current affairs ...13 mins ago - Fast-track Approvals Bill: Chief Ombudsman calls for accountability by law
Democracy will be the "loser" if sweeping executive powers are granted to ministers under the new bill, the Chief Ombudsman warns. ...38 mins ago - NZ’s first Pinoy Green MP Francisco Hernandez talks climate policy and activismAsia Pacific Report Barangay New Zealand’s Rene Molina has interviewed the country’s first Filipino Green MP Francisco Hernandez who was sworn into Parliament yesterday as the party’s latest member. This is the first interview with Hernandez who replaces former Green Party co-leader James Shaw after his retirement from politics to ...2 hours ago
- Australian Strategic Policy Institute warns AUKUS could 'crush' its defence industryAn Australian Strategic Policy Institute report says Pillar Two could raise the industry to state of the art capability - or "crush" it "under the weight of the globe's biggest player". ...6 hours ago
- Indigenous women are most affected by domestic violence but have struggled to be heard. It’s time ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marlene Longbottom, Associate Professor, Indigenous Education & Research Centre, James Cook University Shutterstock This article contains information on deaths in custody and the violence experienced by First Nations people in encounters with the Australian carceral system. It also contains references to ...7 hours ago
- UN vote: NZ supports 'enhancing Palestine's status' – PetersNew Zealand has voted in favour of a resolution to broaden the Palestinian role at the United Nations General Assembly. ...8 hours ago
- Cold houses to blame for people needing to 'blast the heater' – Green Building Counc...New Zealand's housing building standards are decades behind most other countries in the OECD, green building advocates say. ...10 hours ago
- Austerity For Everyone Except Weapons Dealers“Instead of following along countries that are investing in death and better ways of killing people faster, we need to invest in life and in making Aotearoa a fair, just and equitable place where everyone has what they need for a dignified life.” ...10 hours ago
- The Secret Diary of .. Te Pāti Māori
MARIAMENO KAPA-KINGI, TPM MP FOR TAI TOKERAU This Government will not waver in its mission to exterminate Māori. CHRISTOPHER LUXON Oh well look you know I don’t think that hard-working Kiwis want to hear language like that. It’s just really unhelpful rhetoric. My Government is genuinely committed to advancing outcomes ...11 hours ago - When body positivity morphs into toxic masculinityThe body positivity movement started with women confronting the unrealistic expectations and unrepresentative portrayals of them in media and advertising. Men weren’t part of it … their bodies hadn’t been sexualised to the same extremes and they didn’t really need it. But now that’s changed. And in a warped sort ...11 hours ago
- ‘A curse and a blessing’: Ginette McDonald on how Lyn of Tawa changed her life
The New Zealand comedy legend takes us through her life in television, including the time she hugged Elton John and the unshakeable legacy of a girl named Lyn. In 1981, Ginette McDonald stood on the stage of Auckland’s St James Theatre and directly addressed Queen Elizabeth II. It was a ...11 hours ago - ‘Mothering looked beautiful but also chaotic and stifling’: On flatting with a newbornAn essay by Lily Duval from the just-released anthology Otherhood: Essays on being childless, childfree and child adjacent. I was 22 when my friend Alice gave birth in the living room of our pokey Addington flat. She laboured in the blow-up pool for hours. Garish fish swam along the inflated ...11 hours ago
- Motherhood: A reading journeyElla Borrie on the best books about motherhood she’s come across so far. Over the past few years I’ve been drawn to books about motherhood. I’m fascinated by the joys and horrors of becoming a parent. The question of children also feels more pressing than it used to. It’s like ...11 hours ago
- The Steve Awards 2024: Honouring the year’s worst Mother’s Day marketingOut of gift ideas for mum? You can’t go wrong with a bottle of toilet cleaner and a new squeegee. Emily Writes is the writer and editor of Emily Writes Weekly. This week marks five years since I published a post on The Spinoff about Mother’s Day marketing titled ‘A ...12 hours ago
- The Sunday Essay: A buzzy yearMy husband is posted overseas for 12 months and I’m armed with an expensive, newfangled vibrator. Will I miss him? The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. A few days after my husband leaves, a new sex toy arrives at the front door. Nestled ...12 hours ago
- Tracing four decades of Wellington street artJaimie Baird’s new book Here Today Gone Tomorrow is a record of four decades of graffiti and street art in Wellington, told through more than 1,200 photographs. He spoke with Joel MacManus about what inspired the book. How did you first get interested in photographing street art? I remember ...12 hours ago
- The Weekend: How the woke sausage is madeEditor Madeleine Chapman looks back at a busy week where food of all political leanings dominated. Sometimes you’re just going about your week thinking you’ve got a good handle on what might be coming as far as news topics and then someone (usually a politician) says something so ridiculous that ...12 hours ago
- Short story: Message me, by Lucy O’ConnorA banner notification alerts me to the fact that I’ve received an Instagram message from @felicity.loves. She always comments on my posts. I shouldn’t have opened the message, but clicked on the notification before rationalising this. OMG! Are you in Wellys? X I debate not replying, but Instagram will inform ...12 hours ago
- Callum Donaldson has his head in the gameIn Melbourne’s hardscrabble western suburbs where AFL – Aussie rules football – is a state religion, Callum Donaldson has been quietly grafting away, four months into an odyssey that he hopes will take him to another promised land: the NRL. It was a solid 2023 for the softly spoken 20-year-old ...12 hours ago
- The Boy in the Water: Police caught in ‘zone of uncertainty’ In a week of cold rain and frost, the climate in courtroom four upstairs at the Invercargill courthouse was simmering with restrained indignation. At times it felt like the famous Mexican standoff scene from Reservoir Dogs, or, as someone watching the proceedings described it, there was so much throwing of ...12 hours ago
- TVNZ Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver awarded ONZM for investigative journalismPacific Media Watch Television New Zealand Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to investigative journalism and Pacific communities in a ceremony at Government House, reports 1News. She has been the Pacific correspondent for 1News since 2002, breaking many ...15 hours ago
- Budget to pledge billions more in funds and fresh effort to tackle intractable housing crisisSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Tuesday’s budget will respond to the deepening public agitation over Australia’s housing shortages by pouring new money into crisis accommodation for women and children, social housing and infrastructure. A specially-convened national cabinet late Friday ticked ...15 hours ago
- Pacific journalists are world’s ‘eyes and ears’ on climate crisis, says EU envoyBy Kaneta Naimatu in Suva Journalists in the Pacific region play an important role as the “eyes and ears on the ground” when it comes to reporting the climate crisis, says the European Union’s Pacific Ambassador Barbara Plinkert. Speaking at The University of the South Pacific (USP) on World Press ...18 hours ago
- Why the Defence Force has been calling for a Budget boostFailing accommodation, tarmac problems and a deteriorating naval base were all laid bare before a $571 million spend-up was unveiled today. ...18 hours ago
- Back in Black: Aldora’s year gets even betterAldora Itunu is back in the Black Ferns squad after a three-year absence. The last of her 24 internationals was an underwhelming loss to France (7-29) in Castres to conclude the disastrous 2021 Northern Tour. The powerhouse prop won a Rugby World Cup in 2017 and thought she was done. ...19 hours ago
- ‘Who’s actually governing this city?’The fight to control major transport policy and projects in Auckland has burst into the open again, with councillors rejecting Mayor Wayne Brown’s latest attempt to steer things more under his influence. Councillors from the left and right broke ranks on the mayor’s bid to control Auckland Transport more directly ...19 hours ago
- The return of .. Raw PoliticsExhausted by the general election campaign, horrified by the twilight zone of coalition negotiations, distracted by the silly season and waiting for the honeymoon to begin, Raw Politics has been in hibernation since October. From today, we’re back. Our weekly political video show and podcast returns for ...19 hours ago
- New Caledonia marks Armistice Day with new NZ war memorialBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Authorities in the small town of Boulouparis have commemorated Armistice Day on May 8 with a new memorial honouring New Zealand soldiers who were stationed in New Caledonia during World War II. The ceremony took place in the township on the ...19 hours ago
- High Court dismisses key challenge to indefinite immigration detention. What does it mean?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Dehm, Senior lecturer, international migration and refugee law, University of Technology Sydney The High Court unanimously ruled today that the Australian government can keep asylum seekers in immigration detention indefinitely in cases where they do not “voluntarily” cooperate with their own ...22 hours ago
- A brief history of found footage video art – and where Macklemore’s Hind’s Hall fits inSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Munro, Lecturer, Creative Industries and Digital Media, University of South Australia Twenty-four hours after the release of Macklemore’s pro-Palestine protest song Hind’s Hall on social media on May 7, the video had already notched up over 24 million views. In ...22 hours ago
- Transmission Gully could need new builder – Infrastructure Commission reviewFailing to anticipate the complexity of the consenting system is being cited as the the current builder's shortcomings, an Infrastructure Commission review says. ...22 hours ago
- Transmission Gully could need new bulider – Infrastructure Commission reviewFailing to anticipate the complexity of the consenting system is being cited as the the current builder's shortcomings, an Infrastructure Commission review says. ...22 hours ago
- Proposed repeal of Oranga Tamariki Act section 7AA breaches Treaty of Waitangi – TribunalThe government is planning to repeal Treaty obligations from the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...23 hours ago
- Committee Silences Majority Of Submitters On Fast-track Bill350 Aotearoa is calling the Environment Select Committee’s decision to allow oral submissions from just 40% of individual, unique submitters who asked to speak to the committee ‘a disgraceful blight to democracy’. ...23 hours ago
- Sky-high vanity: constructing the world’s tallest buildings creates high emissionsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Helal, Assistant Dean (Sustainability), The University of Melbourne Dubai skyline AleksandarPasaric/Pexels Since ancient times, people have built structures that reach for the skies – from the steep spires of medieval towers to the grand domes of ancient cathedrals and mosques. Today ...23 hours ago
- How can we measure the size of Australia’s illegal cannabis market – and the billions in taxes t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jenny Williams, Professor of Economics, The University of Melbourne Canna Obscura/Shutterstock At the end of this month, a senate inquiry by the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee is due to hand down its report on a bill to legalise cannabis. ...23 hours ago
- Wearable devices can now harvest our brain data. Australia needs urgent privacy reformsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Musole, PhD Law Student, University of New England Girts Ragelis/Shutterstock Recent trends show Australians are increasingly buying wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. These electronics track our body movements or vital signs to provide data throughout the day, with ...1 day ago
- Labour Up, Greens Down But Centre-Right Remains AheadThis is the first time since February that voters have had a net positive view of the country direction. ...1 day ago
- RNZAF Hercules, NZDF Personnel Arrive In Papua New Guinea To Help Distribute Relief SuppliesPapua New Guinea experienced a significant earthquake on 24 March in East Sepik and there has also been recent flooding there and in surrounding provinces. ...1 day ago
- Sleep wrinkles are real. Here’s how they leave their markSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yousuf Mohammed, Dermatology researcher, The University of Queensland Maridav/Shutterstock You wake up, stagger to the bathroom and gaze into the mirror. No, you’re not imagining it. You’ve developed face wrinkles overnight. They’re sleep wrinkles. Sleep wrinkles are temporary. But as your ...1 day ago
- Week in Politics: Triumph and disaster, but no austerityAnalysis - A big announcement about Auckland's water woes was overshadowed by a chaotic press conference about prisons, Peter Wilson writes. ...1 day ago
- Community Groups Furious That Government Silencing Hundreds In Fast-Track HearingsThe Environment Select Committee has just announced that 60 percent of individuals who asked to speak at the hearings will not be heard. This equates to almost 700 people who made individual submissions and more than 1000 more who made a form submission. ...1 day ago
- Review: Swan Lake is a reminder of how much work it takes to look effortlessThe Royal New Zealand Ballet is performing Swan Lake around the country. What kind of dream does the ballet sell? Before going to see the Royal New Zealand Ballet perform Swan Lake, I had about as much familiarity with the plot of this ballet as could be expected from having ...1 day ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘High Tide at Local Maxima’ by Eamonn TeeA new poem by Auckland poet Eamonn Tee. High Tide at Local Maxima It is only going to get worse. The streams will be narrow and fickle. The week will bend and buckle like a pot-bellied waist. You will make it to the weekend with one ...1 day 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.