Christopher Luxon’s many and varied abortion takes
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8:42 am, June 27th, 2022 - 103 comments
Categories: abortion, Christopher Luxon, feminism, jacinda ardern, national, same old national, Social issues -
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The overturning of Rowe v Wade has made the politics of abortion become topical throughout the world.
In New Zealand the response from Labour was pretty quick and to the point.
Jacinda Ardern was unequivocal. From Radio New Zealand:
“Watching the removal of a woman’s fundamental right to make decisions over their own body is incredibly upsetting,” she said.
“Here in New Zealand we recently legislated to decriminalise abortion and treat it as a health rather than criminal issue.
“That change was grounded in the fundamental belief that it’s a woman’s right to choose. People are absolutely entitled to have deeply held convictions on this issue. But those personal beliefs should never rob another from making their own decisions.
“To see that principle now lost in the United States feels like a loss for women everywhere.
“When there are so many issues to tackle, so many challenges that face woman and girls, we need progress, not to fight the same fights and move backwards.”
And Chris Luxon? Not so much.
His initial statement was that it was not an issue for New Zealand. From One news:
In a statement on Saturday afternoon, Luxon said the US court ruling was “not a New Zealand issue”.
“Roe v Wade is an issue for the American people who have a different set of constitutional arrangements than New Zealand. It is not a New Zealand issue,” he said.
“We respect that amongst the public and within all political parties there is a range of views on this sensitive issue. That is why abortion laws have always been a conscience vote in the New Zealand Parliament.”
But he was forced to take further action after being undermined by Tamaki MP Simon O’Connor who in a deleted social media post expressed the view that it was a good day.
Then Luxon tweeted this:
Roe v Wade is an issue for the American people who have a different set of constitutional arrangements than us. NZ’s abortion laws were voted on and ultimately settled in the last parliament. These laws will not be relitigated or revisited under a future National government.
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) June 25, 2022
He obviously saw the need to say that our abortion laws were “ultimately settled” by the last Parliament.
The language had the same level of passivity as the comments of Gorush, Kavanuagh and Barrett who in their senate confirmation hearing each used soothing passive language to create the direct impression that they would not overrule Rowe v Wade.
Luxon then chose to make a third statement in the hope that the issue would be finished.
Another statement from Luxon, restating and clarifying earlier tweet.
This is the third statement in 24 hours (first was sent to media queries on Sat, second was tweet).
Never good when you have to clarify yourself so many times, but a sign of Luxon wanting to neutralise issue https://t.co/66QWQH67Vt
— Thomas Coughlan (@coughlthom) June 25, 2022
This is an important issue for Luxon. He has said previously that abortion is murder and his fundamentalist christian leanings are well known.
But you have to wonder about his internal sense of morality. Should someone who thinks that something is murder dismiss doing anything about it because it may hurt his election chances?
This has come at a bad time for Luxon. And if you think that National MPs in a future National Government will restrain themselves and not seek to change abortion laws through private members bills then I admire your optimism.
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- Release: National gaslights women fighting for equal payNational has scrapped the pay equity taskforce that fights for equal pay for women and looks at ethnic pay gaps. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More job cuts, fewer houses under NationalThe Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...2 weeks ago
- 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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. ...2 weeks 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 ...2 weeks 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. ...3 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 ...3 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. ...3 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. ...3 weeks ago
- DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received
"On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “I raised my concerns after being ...9 hours ago - District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...13 hours ago
- Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...14 hours ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...14 hours ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...16 hours ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...1 day ago
- New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...1 day ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...1 day ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...1 day ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...2 days ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...2 days ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...2 days ago
- New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaborationNew Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says. “This ...3 days ago
- Penk travels to Peru for trade meetingsMinister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...3 days ago
- Minister attends global education conferencesMinister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...3 days ago
- Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA ChairMinister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...3 days ago
- Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call FoundationNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...4 days ago
- Panel announced for review into disability servicesDistinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...4 days ago
- Minister welcomes Police gang unitToday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...4 days ago
- New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoricForeign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners. “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...4 days ago
- New Chief of Defence Force appointedAir Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...4 days ago
- Government puts children first by repealing 7AALegislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, ItalyDefence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...4 days ago
- Charter schools to lift educational outcomesThe upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...4 days ago
- COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received“The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...4 days ago
- The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlookForeign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...4 days ago
- NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely togetherHealth, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...4 days ago
- Driving ahead with Roads of Regional SignificanceThe coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...5 days ago
- New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands governmentA high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office. “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...5 days ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolutionNew 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 ...7 days 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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. ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week ago
- Kanaky in flames: Five takeaways from the New Caledonia independence riots
ANALYSIS: By David Robie, editor of Asia Pacific Report Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a revered Kanak visionary, was inspirational to indigenous Pacific political activists across Oceania, just like Tongan anthropologist and writer Epeli Hao’ofa was to cultural advocates. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1989 by an opponent within the independence movement during ...2 hours ago - When body positivity becomes problematic
Forget thin is in, apparently now bigger is better … or is it? After over a decade of body positivity, girls, teens and women are even more confused about what body positivity actually is. The movement began with women confronting unrealistic expectations of how their bodies should look. But sub-strands ...3 hours ago - Short story: Ruin, by Ockham winner Emma HislopGrace always sat at the bar at the back of The Cambridge, where she could watch who came in. A huge mirror ran the length of the pub, so you could sometimes watch people without them knowing. The mirror made the place seem a lot bigger than it really was. ...3 hours ago
- The Secret Diary of .. Sheriff Mark MitchellMONDAY Sheriff Mark Mitchell rose at dawn. He had a long day’s ride ahead of him. He was headed for Waikeria. Waikeria! Even the name itself stirred his blood, and set root in his imagination. There was nothing and no one in Waikeria. But he would bend it to his ...3 hours ago
- The Boy in the Water: A forensic examination, at lastThe first phase of the inquest into the death of Gore toddler Lachlan Jones finished this week, turning up plenty of revelations and few answers. But through all the confusion, heartbreak and antipathy on display, the simple fact at the heart of this case remains: if little Lachie’s body had ...3 hours ago
- How Many Public Sector Roles Are Going, And From Where?
Public servants' jobs are on the chopping block as the sector scrambles to meet the Finance Minister's cost-cutting targets. ...6 hours ago - Can you control your image? Gina Rinehart, King Charles and ‘moral portraits’Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roger Benjamin, Professor in Art History, University of Sydney “She’s no oil painting”. Those were the unkind words of a colleague commenting on the subject of Vincent Namatjira’s acrylic painting, Gina. Every one of the prominent Australians and cultural heroes in Namatjira’s ...6 hours ago
- Government plans for Māori wards breach The Treaty of Waitangi -Tribunal
Government plans to require local councils hold a referendum on whether to have Māori wards breaches the Treaty of Waitangi, a Waitangi Tribunal report has found. ...7 hours ago - Threatened species have declined 2% a year since 2000. Nature positive? Far from it.Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan C Evans, Senior Lecturer, Public Sector Management, School of Business, UNSW Sydney Martin Tobias Aakesson/Shutterstock Our government has great aspirations. It has committed to end extinctions and expand our protected areas to cover 30% of every Australian ecosystem by 2030. ...7 hours ago
- Rugby league in Perth and Papua New Guinea? Here’s what could be next for the NRLSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney This year the National Rugby League (NRL) opened its season in Las Vegas. It was an audacious move by the league’s ambitious head honcho Peter V’Landys to showcase the game in ...9 hours ago
- The budget has earmarked $8.6 million for live music. Is it enough to save the flailing industry?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate Professor, Music Industry, RMIT University Leading music organisations have praised the federal budget for its investment in the live music sector. The budget includes A$8.6 million for a program called Revive Live: to provide essential support to ...9 hours ago
- The Week in Politics: Charter schools, special police units and a tricky problem for the governmentThe Week in Politics: ACT brings back a signature policy, while NZ First mulls how to fulfil a promise. ...10 hours ago
- There’s $110 million for Indigenous education in the budget. But where’s the evidence it will wo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marnee Shay, Associate Professor, Principal Research Fellow, The University of Queensland The 2024 federal budget contains A$110 million for Indigenous education. This includes funding for various different organisations to represent and help Indigenous people as well as scholarships in a bid to ...10 hours ago
- New Caledonia’s Nouméa airport closed until Tuesday, says Air New ZealandAir New Zealand has confirmed Nouméa’s Tontouta International airport in New Caledonia is closed until Tuesday. The airline earlier told RNZ it would update customers as soon as it could. Earlier today, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Morning Report government officials had been working on an “hourly basis” ...10 hours ago
- Cameras reveal wombat burrows can be safe havens after fire and waterholes after rainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Linley, PhD Candidate in Ecology, Charles Sturt University Grant Linley Australia’s unprecedented Black Summer bushfires in 2019–20 created ideal conditions for misinformation to spread, from the insidious to the absurd. It was within this context that a bizarre story ...10 hours ago
- ChatGPT is now better than ever at faking human emotion and behaviourSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marcel Scharth, Lecturer in Business Analytics, University of Sydney OpenAI executive Mira Murati launching GPT-4o. OpenAI Earlier this week OpenAI launched GPT-4o (“o” for “omni”), a new version of the artificial intelligence (AI) system powering the popular ChatGPT chatbot. GPT-4o is promoted ...11 hours ago
- Menopause can bring increased cholesterol levels and other heart risks. Here’s why and what to do ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treasure McGuire, Assistant Director of Pharmacy, Mater Health SEQ in conjoint appointment as Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Bond University and as Associate Professor (Clinical), The University of Queensland Speedkingz/Shutterstock Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a ...11 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Xiāng’ by Hannah Patterson
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- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 17The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Slow Productivity by Cal Newport (Penguin, $40) Taking out the top spot in Auckland this ...12 hours ago
- Nuclear subs are coming to Australia. Now the Coalition wants reactors, too. We’re not ready for i...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University For decades, Australia has exported uranium – but not used it, other than in the Lucas Heights research reactor. But change is coming. We now face a rapidly deepening commitment to ...12 hours ago
- After 180 years, new clues are revealing just how general anaesthesia works in the brainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam D Hines, Research fellow, Queensland University of Technology Sergey Mironov/Shutterstock Over 350 million surgeries are performed globally each year. For most of us, it’s likely at some point in our lives we’ll have to undergo a procedure that needs general ...12 hours ago
- 'I can do much better': Green MP Julie Anne Genter promises to improve conduct"In future I should walk away," Green MP Julie Anne Genter says after complaints over an exchange in Parliament and from two members of the public. ...12 hours ago
- Call to protect asylum seekers who may arrive in New Zealand by boatA group of more than 40 refugees, charities and advocates want better protections for asylum seekers arriving by boat. ...13 hours ago
- Homo Pentecostus: on queer intimacies, religion, ancestry and the human need for connectionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Graffam, PhD Candidate in Theatre, Monash University Gianna Rizzo/Malthouse Music pumps; lights pulsate; two sweaty bodies sway together, touching, breathing in each other’s scent. A male body framed by downlight restlessly shifts between stances and gestures. He undresses. The intensity ...13 hours ago
- Want to be buried on your own land, at sea or in a forest? A guide to unconventional send-offsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sandra van der Laan, Professor of Accounting, University of Sydney Mtaya/Shutterstock At some point, you or someone else will need to make a decision about your “send-off”. Most Australians die in an institution, such as a hospital or aged care facility. ...13 hours ago
- Vanuatu, MSG chief reaffirms support for FLNKS, blames France over unrestAsia Pacific Report Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai — who is also Chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group — has reaffirmed MSG’s support of the pro-independence umbrella group Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) stance opposing the French government’s constitutional bill “unfreezing” the New Caledonia Electoral Roll. It is ...13 hours ago
- Blazing a trail: the Leonard family legacy in Māori televisionProducer Susan Leonard remembers her father Ernie, a pioneer of Māori television, and how his legacy lives on in Pathfinders. My father was a fabulous man. His name was Ernie Leonard and he started in TV in the 1970s when it was still glamorous – when TVNZ made behind the ...14 hours ago
- Home detention for New Caledonia’s unrest ringleaders, Tiktok bannedBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk, and Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist The suspected ringleaders of the unrest in New Caledonia have been placed in home detention and the social network TikTok has been banned as French security forces struggle to restore law and order. The French ...14 hours ago
- Review finds big increase in multi-year government spends, use not always justifiedMulti-year appropriations - which give the government authority to spend money without reapplying annually - are loosening Parliament's control of the public purse, auditor-general says. ...14 hours ago
- $63.6m for Surf Life Saving and Coastguard in Budget 2024"New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll," Transport Minister Simeon Brown said at the announcement. ...15 hours ago
- Dr. Eric Chuah Standing For Mayor Of TaurangaDr. Eric Chuah who stood for a centrist NZ political party in the October 2023 NZ Elections for Maungakiekie Auckland will stand as a candidate for Tauranga City Council Ward of Matua-=Otumoetai and Mayor of Tauranga. ...15 hours ago
- How to enjoy a comedy festival in your own loungeIf you can’t get to the comedy fest, let us bring the comedy fest to you. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is in full swing at the moment, with a veritable smorgasboard of comedy treats ...15 hours ago
- Poll Shows Three Quarters Of Wellingtonians Oppose Airport SaleA new poll commissioned by Unions Wellington shows an overwhelming majority of Wellingtonians oppose the Council’s plan to sell the 34% public stake in Wellington Airport. ...15 hours ago
- $63.6m boost for Surf Life Saving and Coastguard in Budget 2024"New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll," Transport Minister Simeon Brown said at the announcement. ...16 hours ago
- Nearly 1300 homes on hold amid government reviewNewly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes. ...16 hours ago
- At the heart of the budget is the sad truth the economy is weak. That’s one reason inflation will ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aruna Sathanapally, Chief Executive, Grattan Institute, Grattan Institute A central focus of this week’s budget is the treasury’s forecast for inflation. By this time next year, inflation is projected to be back within the Reserve Bank’s 2-3% target range. Inflation has ...16 hours ago
- Denser housing can be greener too – here’s how NZ can build better for biodiversitySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yolanda van Heezik, Professor of Ecology, University of Otago Getty Images Cities across Aotearoa New Zealand are trying to solve a housing crisis, with increasing residential density a key solution. But not everyone is happy about the resulting loss of natural ...16 hours ago
- Clean energy slump – why Australia’s renewables revolution is behind schedule, and how to fix itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Reeve, Deputy Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute WDG Photo/Shutterstock For years, the electricity sector has been the poster child for emissions cuts in Australia. The sector achieved a stunning 26% drop in emissions over the past 15 ...16 hours ago
- It’s OK to ask a loved one if they’re feeling suicidalIt’s often the last thing people want to do, but asking someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts is a critical first step to helping them. Content warning: this story discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. For a list of resources that can help if you or someone you know is feeling ...17 hours ago
- Watch live: Transport Minister makes pre-Budget announcementSimeon Brown and Matt Doocey are set to reveal another bit of next week's budget. ...17 hours ago
- We mapped a lost branch of the Nile River – which may be the key to a longstanding mystery of the ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy J. Ralph, Associate Professor, Macquarie University The pyramids at Giza, like dozens of others, are located several kilometres west of the current path of the Nile. Alex Cimbal / Shutterstock The largest field of pyramids in Egypt – consisting of 31 ...17 hours ago
- If I’m diagnosed with one cancer, am I likely to get another?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute ABO PHOTOGRAPHY/Shutterstock Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life-changing and can cause a range of concerns about ongoing health. Fear of cancer returning is one ...17 hours ago
- All options being considered to help New Zealanders in New Caledonia – Winston PetersGovernment looking at all options for helping New Zealanders who want to leave New Caledonia as death toll rises. ...18 hours ago
- Rebuke issued in stoush over volume of on-bus announcements for blind passengersAnd how a union boss ruined a regional councillor's morning. ...18 hours ago
- Nearly 1300 Kāinga Ora homes on hold amid government reviewNewly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes. ...18 hours ago
- What’s happening in New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and why it matters to NZWinston Peters has been on tour around the Pacific while two unrelated crises unfolded, explains Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Two separate ...18 hours ago
- Charter schools might increase government costs, deliver only marginal benefits, Cabinet papers showCharter schools will likely get higher per-student funding than most state schools, and evidence of their efficacy is mixed. ...19 hours ago
- Charter schools might increase government costs, deliver marginal benefits – Cabinet papersCharter schools will likely get higher per-student funding than most state schools, and evidence of their efficacy is mixed. ...19 hours ago
- Fake bacon, ranked from worst to bestThis is the Mount Everest of artificial meatcraft. Ah, bacon. Pig’s gold. Toast’s consolation. Dawn’s savoury embrace. If meat was a currency, bacon would be the Benjamin Franklin. Or if you’re feeling patriotic, the Lord Rutherford. When it comes to fake bacon, the obvious question is: why bother? In the ...21 hours ago
- Milking it: The man behind New Zealand’s weirdest legal casesFrom illegal milk to sprinkler bans and airplane ticket scams, Tyrone Barugh is on a one-man mission through New Zealand’s most obscure legal loopholes. I’m deep undercover, investigating Wellington’s criminal underworld. Inside this store, I’ve been told there is a million-dollar trade in illicit substances. A man dressed in black ...21 hours ago
- Raw Politics: Crime and (perceptions of) conflictIt’s been a recess week at Parliament, which might indicate slim pickings for conversation topics for the Raw Politics team. But things are never dull in politics, especially with a new Government keen to follow through on its law and order promises, and a NZ First minister who wants to ...21 hours ago
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Would another way to look at this without the particular "trigger" that abortion carries, be to imagine if the issue in question was capital punishment?
That is, it's not lawful here, but Luxon may have a personal view about the electric chair, the noose and the lethal injection similar to his anti-abortion view, that he claims won't affect his party's actions, yet he holds the view personally.
What kind of man does that make him?
What kind of outcomes might follow, were he to become Prime Minister of our country?
I really don't know why such a big issue is being made about this.
Firstly, I don't see any inconsistency or inaccuracies with any of the statements above from Luxon.
Secondly, there is really little difference between Luxon and Bill English so far as views on abortion are concerned. Just because English had personally conservative views on abortion had no effect on the party position on that so far as I know.
That is why these sort of issues tend to be a conscience issue as Luxon points out in his first statement.
So, taking Luxon's statements together, it appears that National will keep decisions about abortion law as a conscience issue. And furthermore, National is not going to attempt to unilaterally change those laws.
The language shift is significant. First of all Luxon abortion votes were a conscience issue, then he said the laws were settled which is similar to what the recent Supreme Court nominees said then he used stronger language. You will have to ask him why he issued three different statements in 24 hours.
And if it still is a conscience issue then there are a number of National MPs with strong views on abortion which could still mean that if National was elected there would be a shift to the right on abortion law.
You are still applying the US situation to the NZ context.
Overturning Roe v Wade has been on the agenda for the conservative wing of the GOP for decades and their goal was to always get enough conservative judges appointed to do that. This was no stealth attack in that regard. It was why many left wingers deciding to not back Clinton in 2016 was such an own goal.
We don’t have the same conservative influence in the main right leaning political party here in NZ. The liberal and socially conservative wings of the National party are both strongly represented.
Can you name 10 or even 5 current "liberal" National MPs?
Let's be very generous with our definitions, and put aside all the other issues, so Chris Bishop and Nicola Willis get a pass. Even though they voted against their so-called consciences on gay conversion therapy so their "liberal" stance is words, not action.
Who else?
And more to the point … who would be prepared to fight hard? Because their opponents certainly will.
Well duh. National are clearly modelling their campaigning after the Republican model in the topics and language they use.
No they aren't. They are focusing on the weak areasof the govt which is failure to deliver and the cost of living. How is that modelling after what the GOP is doing in the US?
Only if they want to commit political suicide.
Luxon is in this game for 1 reason only. To be PM. His own personal views and principles will be sidelined in pursuit of that ambition.
That is always the possibility with any conscience issue I guess. But for that to happen it would require parliament as a whole to become much more conservative I expect.
That is because National is a fairly broad party with a wide range of views. So, even with a dominant National presence in parliament, I doubt there would be enough support for such a move unless parliament as a whole had become a lot more conservative.
Also, such a move that was seen to be the consequence of the dominance of any political party is likely to be electoral suicide for the next election.
So, it is basically never going to happen.
National is not a broad church. A significant number have very significant morally conservative views. If it was left up to their caucus then New Zealand would be in a similar state to parts of the US.
Mickey, if what you are saying is true (which I don’t think it is) how come there wasn’t mass voting against conversion therapy or self if? There wasn’t
You are clutching at straws trying to find an angle to convince people who have swung from Labour to National, to swing back. It looks a little desperate
Mickey, if what you are saying is true (which I don’t think it is) how come there wasn’t mass voting against conversion therapy or self if? There wasn’t
You are clutching at straws trying to find an angle to convince people who have swung from Labour to National, to swing back. It looks a little desperate
You're correct that National will not try to overturn the abortion law as a government.
But of course that's not how it works. Changes on social issues often come about through private member's bills (Seymour, Wall, Bradford etc).
As a "conscience issue", 35 National MPs voted against the current law. A future National caucus (much larger than now if they are in government) will contain many very conservative MPs, like Simon O'Connor or Simeon Brown, in safe seats. They will put member's bills in the ballot. Sooner or later one will be drawn, and (because they're smart enough to work the system) it will only be a "minor" change … at first.
Marriage equality came in partly because Key was prepared to support it. Ardern put abortion on the agenda. A PM has huge influence, it's naive to think otherwise.
Luxon won't lead publicly, but he will nod and wink.
Again, it is NOT about official government policy. Luxon understands this, and we all should too.
National is a broad church (pardon the choice of words here) right of center political party. It will include many social coservatives as was well as liberals. It is unlikely to get a social conservative majority and certainly it is extremely unlikely to get one that will have the ability to pass changes to Abortion laws. Remember ACT is VERY socially liberal on this issue and there is unlikely to be much support for this policy outside some Labour MP's and NZ First (if they get back in).
You're out of date. National's candidate selection is more and more conservative.
The "liberal" National MPs? Amy Adams, Nikki Kaye, Paula Bennett, Anne Tolley … all gone. All voted for the current law.
Some of the conservative 'no' voters from National have also gone.
It will be very interesting to see National's candidate selection in many of the marginal seats – which went Labour in 2020, but will almost certainly revert to National in 2023. [Yes, speculation. However, informed by the unprecedented Jacinda bounce in 2020 – which is unlikely to be ever repeated; and the current neck-and-neck polling.]
If, National does opt for highly Conservative (socially – they'll all be conservative politically), then we'll know what to think.
Just remember that social conservatism on this (and other issues) crosses party lines. Nania Mahuta voted 'no' for abortion in NZ in a conscience vote, but is now castigating the US for a judicial ruling she must (surely) personally agree with.
Please, please – don't make the assumption that Luxon speaks for me on abortion (or, indeed on other topics) – he most certainly doesn't.
But, I really don't see the undeniable outrage in NZ over the US decision, influencing domestic politics.
All these types of arguments were trotted out by Republicans implying, if not stating, that they would not challenge Roe vs Wade … and then they did. If you support a woman's right to have autonomy over her own body then you can't take the opposition's mealy mouth excuses about why something can't happen.
But tsmith, I wouldn't vote for a Labour or Green party where the leader called abortion murder.
That is the massive political problem Luxon has here and it is not going to go away.
“Events, dear boy, events.”
Given that (I gather) you would never vote for a right wing party under any circumstances, you're not the target group here.
The question is, will centrist and right wing voters change their vote, purely because of Luxon's personal views on abortion?
I don't see any evidence (yet) that they will.
That will come in the election Bella.
This weekend feels like National's cut into Labour's support has peaked.
I may be wilfully over-reading the vibe.
Well, Jacinda gave us a holiday, while Luxon gave us a glimpse of his dark heart.
🙂
I suspect that the probable consequences of encouraging the conservative hypocrites saying one thing and doing another became somewhat clearer over this weekend with the news from the Barbarian States of America.
Incidentally I find it interesting the current distribution of states in the US with laws ready to change abortion laws. They equate quite closely to old slave holder states or states that had battles over slavery, and to where money from those states went to after their civil war over slavery. Something that seems to becoming more explicit when you look at example with the crowd response to this dipshit republican with Trump looming over her shoulder. "GOP lawmaker calls Roe ruling ‘victory for white life’ as Trump rally cheers"
Hardly surprising when you look at the historical track record of treating black women as brood cattle for breeding more slaves without their consent by forced 'marriages' and rape. I guess that attitude has followed on because this decision is overwhelmingly going to impact on women who can’t as easily can't escape over state borders for economic reasons – with a massive racial bias.
When you look at 'pro-choice' in the US, it seems to have a major smear of racist slavers accompanying it. It wouldn't surprise me if it does here as well.
Opinion piece in the Guardian expanding on that Lprent, and the serious implications for the Union.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/26/second-civil-war-us-abortion
Doubtless the Supreme Court will strike out all legislation preventing slavery soon. And Trump will come out in support.
Can just see Clarence Thomas supporting that one.
There is a specific Amendment to the US Constitution which makes Slavery unconstitutional. The SCOTUS would have to ignore that if they were going to do what you suggest.
Who would have guessed that misogynists and racist slavers would have so much in common.
Ad. This is a huge issue for many women, left and right, and he does not convince .
I agree that it is a huge issue for NZ women across the political spectrum.
However, I would be more interested in right-wing or centrist women saying that Luxon doesn't convince on this issue. TBH, for some left-wing voters, Luxon could say that NZ is in the Southern Hemisphere, and it wouldn't convince….
Luxon doesn’t have to convince anybody of the geographical location of NZ, that’s a strawman. He was also not convincing anybody about paying healthcare workers at least enough to keep up with CoL increases. The Leader of the National Party and the Party itself have many credibility issues and you can isolate and marginalize each of them all you like, but the overall pattern is clear and remains firmly a thorn in its political ‘liberal’ thigh.
This is the relevant point
Until we see some evidence that Luxon's personal stance on abortion is not only an issue for the Left (who hate him anyway) – it's all a storm in a teacup.
Elections are won and lost on the economy (and I certainly believe that this will be an even greater factor in 2023) – attacking National (and Luxon) on economic credibility and social impact grounds will win a lot more support.
You may be correct that extrapolating the latest US disaster to NZ and the present LOTO may be overegging it but the LOTO’s acrobatics & gymnastics have put a greater show than The Great Houdini. He seems to ignore that’s a relative newbie and here’s his chance to establish a firm record with the NZ public (and voters) and he’s failing miserably and his PR on this topic is a shambles and makes him look weak, unsure, and shifty.
Your second point may also be correct to a degree but reeks of the misleading claims that National are ‘the better manager of the economy’. Instead of using the false dichotomy of ‘it’s the economy, stupid’, something that was also tried as an argument against the Public Health measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, you could consider wellbeing as the most important and relevant holistic (a term that makes many cringe) metric. In any case, trying to separate abortion from other broader social issues is exactly what I argued against before: isolating and marginalizing, often followed by ridiculing.
As if concerns about Luxton are only legitimate if they come from a right wing or centrist view point. Left wing view points are to be dismissed.
This cry further embeds you as a right wing commenter. You can only be viewed as such on this forum.
I think that you're entirely (perhaps wilfully) missing the point.
The left can be as agitated as they please over Luxon’s personal views on abortion – but it's not converting anyone else (centrists or swinging voters) to vote for left parties/candidates.
Preaching to the choir.
Jacinda Ardern swung a record majority in 2020. Labour knows how to win the indecisive, hand wringing centre.
It's fine to think the way you do but please don't pretend to be neutral because it's just not true.
Do you think it is possible for you to address the points I make, rather than attacking me as a Right wing bogeyman you’re imagining under the bed.
It's getting boring……
Thanks for all your comments on this Belladonna.
The most sensible ones on this thread
Thanks for all your comments on this Belladonna.
The most sensible ones on this thread
Yes, you are.
Three waters, inflation, etc. etc. have not miraculously gone away.
Abortion law reform in NZ has long been a conscience decision not party political. You are seemingly trying to apply the US situation to the NZ context when it does not fit. Whatever Christopher Luxon thinks about this issue personally or even what he decides to vote for when this comes up does not impact his ability to lead the National Party or even the country.
That the National Party won't or can't change the abortion laws here is one thing.
Having the leader of the National Party hold such a fundamentalist view that conflicts with the position taken by our Governments and our populace, is another.
It's all a bit yucky for most New Zealanders.
How is it different from Bill English's views?
Should politicians be allowed to hold no personal views – unless they are endorsed by the 'majority'
I'm sure you can see what a slippery slope that is – many social issue positions taken by Green MPs and more 'radical' (I know TS doesn't like the word) MPs – are anything but widely accepted.
At what level of Ministerial responsibility should this prohibition kick in? (Mahuta and Rurawhe, for example, both voted 'no' to the NZ abortion legislation)
Bella-it was "yucky" when Bill English held those views too.
That really is the worst, most illogical and least credible possible defence of Luxon on this issue from both you and tsmithfield (above).
So just as "yucky" from Mahuta and Rurawhe?
English-sminglish – Bill had been establishing credibility to some degree for years and his Catholic Church views on morality were not hidden. Luxon hasn't established anything of anything and his church is way further out the Bill's and needs looking into. This is the acid test for Luxton. Of course all politicians (bar Peter Dunne who candy-flossed every possible sharp-edge of his personality) has beliefs and those that are topical or of substance (as this one is) should be prepared to be judged for them. Luxon's smooching-up the people of New Zealand in the hope of becoming our Leader (Mahuta and Rurawhe are not) and must expect to be asked the hard questions. This is a hard question. He's been slippery in his answers, imo.
Several commentators here have openly said, that it doesn't matter what Luxon says, they won't believe him.
Sorry, I find that Mahuta (in representing us on the foreign stage) and Rurawhe (as Speaker ultimately responsible for parliamentary democracy in NZ) – are just as significant in the way they represent us. If it's vitally important to ask this question of Luxon, then it's just as important to ask it of them.
You may believe that this is a significant stick with which to beat Luxon — but I don't think that right and centrist voters agree with you.
Really, save your powder for something that will make a difference.
I have powder to spare, Belladonna 🙂
Commenters may have said they don't believe Luxon on any issue but I can't see how that's relevant to this discussion, unless you are trying to hold the focus on the possibility of National reversing the abortion laws here and I think that's been put to bed already. The significant stick with which to beat Luxon is his extreme views that seem to be linked with his involvement with a radical church. New Zealanders, as a whole, won't like that in a Leader, I reckon, so for those who seek to prevent Luxon becoming PM, this "flaw" in his political face is ripe for exposing/exploiting/exploring, imo.
Never ever trust a fundamentalist Christian.
He'll do what his God tells him to do, and (literally) to hell with the rest of us!
so true..so SAD.
I know Mickey wrote "fundamentalist christian leanings" with a link to an article. Reading that article, the closest to fundamentalism was this "..Some on the left have talked about his evangelical Christianity for nearly as long.."
Now you are saying "and his church is way further out the Bill's and needs looking into. " You say this based on what?
Are you aware of the name of Luxon's church, gsays?
Clue: The “Upper Room Church”
Does that sound … okey-dokey to you?
Just asking’…
The name does sound familiar, I don't really have a strong opinion as to it's okey dokeyness.
Observer's link basically refers to the pastor's deleted material. No insight into Luxon.
The Catholic church has a long history of physical, emotional and spiritual abuse but you are ok with that.
What you appear to be advocating for is no less than a witch hunt, a witch hunt that have plenty of folk round these parts polishing their pitchforks for.
"You say this based on what?"
Plenty of background info in these links:
https://thestandard.org.nz/nationals-fundamentals/
Plenty of speculation about the pastor not really anything about Luxon.
Certainly not enough that warrants "looking into".
Worth looking into some of the baggage carried by would-be Prime Ministers, wouldn't you think?
If Luxon attends a wacky church, he might hold wacky views.
We should check that out, I reckon!
Is it still a conscience issue? I mean is Simon O'connor allowed to have a conscience but not allowed to tell anyone what it is?
The issue is promising for the left, as Luxon is visibly trying to straddle the incompossible preferences of conservative possible donors and a relatively modern electorate. A strong leader or a good communicator would settle the matter with an unequivocal declaration – but Luxon is neither of those things, and equivocates his way into more and more trouble. Crosby Textor once told another execrable Gnat leader that explaining is losing – Luxon is an object lesson in why.
+100 stuart.
Agree Stuart.
Stuart – the last line of your comment is exactly what popped into my mind on seeing Mr Luxon had thought it necessary to keep putting out so many messages.
Good – Luxon's social extremism exposed. Will it prompt anyone with a media platform to look harder at his economic extremism: tax cuts favouring the wealthy, austerity for everyone else, public sector retrenchment, infrastructure neglect and likely state asset sales – all during a probable recession, i.e. the same ragbag of Tory reflexes that are always the right thing to do under any imaginable economic conditions.
In a word, No.
Left leaning politicians, commentators etc. need to explicitly hammer home issues of economic extremism in policy, with examples.
In most elections, the economy trumps (sorry for the word), any social issues.
and if someone, say for instance a woman, is a swing voter and is undecided, it's useful to have the issues with National's position on abortion very clear.
People vote for varying reasons, sometimes more than one reason at once.
But, it's not likely to be a deciding point.
Labour, equally, have MPs who voted against abortion (and no doubt, would again). It's not a clear-cut vote Left for this, vote Right for that.
Social issues go in a spectrum across most parties. In this case, I would hazard a guess that ACT and the Greens would have most MPs who were pro Women's choice on abortion law – whereas they would have little in common over an economic agenda (for example).
I just think that there are better issues to campaign on.
Politics isn't just about campaigning. It's about social change and who controls the Overton Window.
https://twitter.com/contrer_as/status/1541246137167859712
It's worth recalling the exact moment that abortion law reform was given the green light.
Politics is about how you set the agenda, not just how you respond on somebody else's agenda. That's the difference between the so-called "liberal" Nats, who never once took the lead on abortion, and Ardern, who did.
Leaders' debate, September 2017:
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/ardern-abortion-shouldn-t-be-in-the-crimes-act.html
The issue may just be wider than just whether the now current law is reversed or not.
In The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury helpfully lists the amendments The National Party proposed during the consideration of the bill. Without changing the underlying part of the Act, who's to say that these amendments or one's similar to these won't surface.
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2022/06/27/list-of-amendments-national-tried-to-stop-abortion-laws-you-judge-if-they-wont-try-it-on/
Great link Bruce….Bomber nails it.
Agree. Good to see that some people here have grasped Martyn's point. It seemed to me that most commenters over at TDB had not actually done so..
Passing these amendments that had already been proposed to the current legislation will make abortions very difficult to get, but Luxon will be able to claim that he has not relitigated or revisited – that he has only passed a few harmless amendments that had already been brought up when passing the current laws … blah blah.
None of our slick politicians would ever do anything like that, would they?
Indeed. Considering how many amendments the US Constitution has accumulated since it was ratified about 230 years ago in 1788, it's amazing to learn that most of the current cabal of SCOTUS 'judges' have relatively recently discovered a need to take the document literally. Such bold forward thinkers are now called Originalists, which pairs them rather neatly with Creationists… How very convenient.
Do these courageous souls still see women as virgin, martyr, mystic and/or witch? Is this vicious campaign their idea of punishing Eve for existing? And how many of them are linked with The Family (see Jeff Sharlet's nightmare of a book) – there's plenty about that online, its depredations are all under the surface and behind the big doors of power. Dr Strangelove was Paddington Bear compared with these people.
It's not only women who need to fight back.
I agree with Luxon that New Zealand's constitutional arrangements as they pertain to abortion are different to America's. Until the weekend, New Zealand's were considerably worse as the US had an enshrined constitutional right which no state legislature could overrule with a majority vote. New Zealand has never had any such protection and its abortion laws have always been able to be changed by any parliament at any time through a bare majority.
I do not think it is likely and I do believe Luxon when he says abortion reform is not top of his agenda as PM. But the US Supreme Court has undoubtedly emboldened moral conservatives across the western world, which includes a reasonable proportion of National's sitting MP's. Under a National-led government, all it would take is the wrong member's bill (the Simon O’Connor’s Revenge Bill 2024, perhaps) to be drawn at the wrong time and there could be trouble. Abortion has historically been a conscience issue, and even if that was to change is Luxon really going to whip his MP’s to vote their consciences in favour of a practice which he believes is murder?
Possible, but I'd say not probable.
National traditionally don't reverse social change legislation (which doesn't affect the bottom line – so excepting issues of social welfare payments, etc.).
Given that there is absolutely not a 'moral majority' (or even a significant bloc) in NZ which are baying for abortion laws to be changed – they'd have to be insane to poke a stick into the beehive, with little or no chance of any reward at the end.
National are traditionally very coldly calculating over legislation – and weigh up the costs and benefits (to themselves, of course) very carefully.
The list of Nat MPs' amendments linked above is worth reading. (Disclaimer: Bradbury and his blog are often eye-rolling nonsense IMO, but here let's focus on message not messenger).
As already stated, it is about one MP putting in one private member's bill on one seemingly plausible change. Who wouldn't (on the surface) want to consider religious or language issues, or under 16s, or propose a 'review' or some other innocuous step? They're not going to scream "Satan", they're going to fly a very small and plausible kite.
If Luxon is PM he will have 50-ish MPs in his caucus, and it is absolutely predictable that one will take this course.
So the obvious question is: will (PM) Luxon prohibit his backbenchers from putting in a bill, or will he allow it, and say "it's a conscience vote"?
I'd certainly like to hear his answer.
I don't think there is any mechanism for a party leader to blackball private members bills (though am perfectly prepared to retract this statement if given evidence otherwise!)
Abortion has always, until now, been a conscience vote. I'd say that there would be some very unhappy MPs (in both National and Labour) if that changed.
Even assuming that there is a right government in 2023 (which is by no means assured – polls pretty much neck-and-neck) – National could only govern with ACT support – and their MPs are pretty strongly pro individual rights (i.e. pro abortion).
I don't think National would have the numbers to force it through (nor the desire, frankly) and would be happy to see it defeated at the first reading – the fate of most private members bills.
You seem to think that everything is decided simply by having a majority, which it is, and it isn’t. Coalition partners make deals and negotiate agreements (aka horse trading) that can lead to a minority/minor party getting its way in Parliament. This balancing of agendas can also occur within parties. So, I think it is naïve to suggest that a change abortion rules, for all intents and purposes, is not gonna happen any time soon in NZ. On the contrary, with relatively low numbers of abortions in NZ and a complacent populace it will be an easy score for conservatives.
The obvious minor party to go into coalition with National is ACT.
Their mantra is personal freedom/responsibility. Seymour (love him or hate him) was the public face of parliament politicking over the Right to Die legislation. They are probably to the left of even the Greens (OK hyberbole, but certainly well to the left of Labour) on this issue.
They would have zero interest in leveraging their coalition agreement with National to revisit abortion legislation.
The only other (very remote) possibilities would be NZF (highly, highly unlikely to even get a seat) – and Peters would be leveraging any coalition for his personal benefit.
And even more remote possibility TPM (not over a seat – but the unlikelihood of them going into coalition with ACT, at all). There's no way that abortion legislation would be in even the top 100 issues that they'd want to be negotiating over.
Apart from that, you're looking at some form of Christian party – which has never managed to get across the electoral threshold in NZ so far. I really don't see it happening in 2023 – or within the next decade.
And, if it does – and it looks a real chance of hitting over 5% or gaining an electoral seat, then is the time to be agitating over this issue.
Horse trading within the National party is moot. Luxon has said that Abortion is always a conscience vote issue. He’d absolutely face rebellion within his ranks, if he tried to whip MPs in line over this.
And, there is nothing in it for National. There’s not a strong group agitating for change (i.e. votes to gain) They’d be poking a stick into a beehive for no reward.
You seem to believe that the leader of the National Party has some magic wand which automatically makes all of the other party members agree with him. A very recent review of NP history will show the error of that perception!
Luxon knows his personal views are not reflective of the NP as a whole, let alone of NZ as a whole. Which is why he’s trying to make very firm and clear statements that there will be no change.
Good reply, thanks, but I’d like to push back on some of your notions, whilst I agree that on current polling it seems unlikely that there will be coalition partner for National that is anti-abortion.
People go into politics to affect change. Abortion is a deeply personal issue and one that divided the USA for decades. Such division, although maybe not neatly through the middle, is entirely possible within the National Party and also in NZ. There are plenty of signs of this within the Party and in wider NZ society and ignoring such distinct possibility (reality) is foolhardy. Complacency always gets them.
You seem to ignore the fact that Luxon is not the only one in National who has a strong anti-abortion stance (“murder”), in fact there may be a whole faction and who knows what will change after the Election. And because he may not have the power to whip the other MPs back behind the line, even he really wanted to, it is feasible that there may come a strong anti-abortion push from within the National Party in future. This is the issue, especially when the Leader’s personal beliefs and integrity are at stake. It is not always a neat number’s game – power is
not alwaysalmost never distributed symmetrically, as we know all too well!Indeed, it’s called pragmatism or opportunism and trumps ideology and thus (moral) values. You put the finger on the pain point.
Yes. So pragmatically, what would National have to gain?
Power
Should someone who thinks that something is murder dismiss doing anything about it because it may hurt his election chances?
You might wish to ask the PM, not the Opposition leader, that question. The PM was for a long time (and maybe still is) keen on a capital gains tax, so why hasn’t it happened?
Why other options? Labour has a majority and could implement such a tax. You must be devastated, Micky, that the PM has apparently put winning votes ahead of her conscience. One is reminded of Groucho Marx: “I have principles and if you don’t like them, well, I have others.” 🙂
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/388067/pm-jacinda-ardern-on-capital-gains-tax-i-could-not-get-the-support-of-nz-first
It is called "Listening to the Electorate". Unlike Key…..
Patricia I am no fan at all of John Key, but I have to point out we got a referendum on the flag (which was stupid, but at least we were asked). Co governance…. No attempt to explain it at all. They didn’t campaign on it. Jacinda says it’s not policy, but they are introducing three waters. I did my own research and read He Puapua. In it it states it will involve constitutional transformation. I suspect most kiwis don’t support this (they don’t three waters. Jacinda appears to not be listening
Patricia I am no fan at all of John Key, but I have to point out we got a referendum on the flag (which was stupid, but at least we were asked). Co governance…. No attempt to explain it at all. They didn’t campaign on it. Jacinda says it’s not policy, but they are introducing three waters. I did my own research and read He Puapua. In it it states it will involve constitutional transformation. I suspect most kiwis don’t support this (they don’t three waters. Jacinda appears to not be listening
I haven’t seen any viable alternatives to 3 waters. It will go theough by default because of that.
There is absolutely no way that I could support giving tax money to the total incompetents in local government to get them up to standard. You can’t raise their debt ceilings or to allow them to issue bonds. Most of the local councils barely manage their existing debt which they mostly raise by hocking their infrastructure assets like water systems to pay for luxuries.
The alternative would be to simply start bankrupting councils with fines for water pollution. That would provide some incentives to upgrade their piss-poor badly maintained century old water systems.
Anker, yes, we got a $26 million referendum on the flag.
Not that anyone wanted a referendum. It was Mr Key's vanity project.
Did we get a referendum on state asset partial-sales? No.
Did we get a referendum on raising GST and raising presciption charges? No.
Did we get a referendum on selling of over 6,000 state houses? No.
But we got one on… a flag.
Yay.
As for Three Waters? Might I remind you that the Auckland Councils were amalgamated in 2010 – by National. Did we get a referendum on that? No.
But the flag referendum, yeah, we got that.
Double yay.
You'll excuse my cynicism. But when it comes to Tories, I trust the buggers as far as I can throw them. (I should start using catapults, I guess.)
Finally, this: https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/129087398/wellington-water-dealing-with-another-collapsed-sewer-down-one-in-three-frontline-staff
I am well aware of the pipe’s situation in Wellington and the utter neglect by council, who managed to find for a new convention centre and various projects to Make the city “vibrant”.
I trust neithe labour nor National
What’s the difference between ‘being keen on’ and ‘having fundamental Christian beliefs’?
Discuss.
BTW, have you completed your previous assignment yet on the difference between authenticity and principled, and the difference with integrity (https://thestandard.org.nz/matariki-and-prime-minister-ardern/#comment-1896797)?
PS nice diversion attempt again!
nice diversion attempt again!
No diversion at all. Micky claimed that Luxon’s position is motivated by winning votes. But that seems to be the rationale for the PM’s decision to avoid implementing a capital gains tax. You can’t have your cake and eat it. Well, maybe you can but it’s fattening lol
Nope, the question was why Luxon would tolerate murder.
Anyway, this is not even close to equivalent to ruling out CGT when there are other alternatives.
You were definitely diverting but maybe it is the Ross-Kruger effect at play here.
Baldrick needs to be pummelled relentlessly on issues like this.
He is another natzo blue suited fake, essentially a representative of international finance capital as per Sirkey and quite unashamed about it!
Streisand effect coming into play here for Luxon – NZ Herald lays it all out in a non pay walled piece, with explanation number 4.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/roe-v-wade-abortion-decision-former-national-mp-alfred-ngaro-criticises-christopher-luxons-gagging-order/HB6B5FOKD22K67EIF53QNOMEZM/
That's laughable from Luxon …
"Simon [O'Connor] is entitled to his view …"
Well, yes – as long as he doesn't actually express it.
Each statement adds a little more detail to the previous one, but they all point in the same direction. There is no contradiction between any of them and frankly it seems a little desperate to be looking so hard for one.
The all say, "I'm not gunna, ever, honest guv!"
Who could resist those puppy-eyes!
The philharmonic orchestra started playing, one instrument at a time, and in the end, we were listening to an a cappella solo by the maestro himself. Such was our musical journey that when we arrived, we had forgotten from where we came, let alone what we were doing, as it no longer mattered, and we were mesmerised by the soothing sotto voce.
Well I for one refuse to sit here and endure this kind of non-partisan objectivity. You sick, evil bastard ! Keep your reasonable, fair-minded thoughts to yourself.
You’re just a bunch of sad party poopers.
It only takes one MP to draft a private members bill, it takes a bit of chance for it to be selected.
For those who see a risk of a larger National caucus (given 35 no votes to decriminalising out of little more than 50) and a smaller Labour one, the answer is to question National's electorate MP's (and then candidates in seats they might win in 2023) and do the same for those on their 2023 list.
This is the only way to identify the risk – and remember someone saying the law is the law and they respect the law of the land does not preclude a certain type from then changing the law.
Luxon's promises are meaningless while he says only 'no relitigating' and 'no revisiting'.
He has to also say explicitly, 'no amendments.' Or through that crack he is sure to slide.
After that we have to worry about private members' bills.
The “Upper Room”.
Relax!
Nothing to see … here…
This is not just about attacks on reproductive rights. The conservative onslaught began in earnest with transphobic repression, agitating to separate the "T" from the LGBTQI+ community; isolating trans people; co-opting reactionary "feminism"; and creating a fertile ground to move on to other issues of concern for neo-cons.
Bigotry doesn't exist in isolation. Where it flourishes against one minority, others will soon be swept up in a tsunami of oppression; reactionism; and hatred. Pastor Niemöller's poem was never more appropriate.
Expect the US Supreme Court to move on marriage equality and gay rights next. Expect more religion in schools. Expect gun control laws to be struck down.
It doesn't stop with just one.