Daily Review 23/06/2017

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, June 23rd, 2017 - 91 comments
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Daily review is also your post.

This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

91 comments on “Daily Review 23/06/2017 ”

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  1. Pete George 1
    23 June 2017 at 7:18 pm

    It’s hard to be sure with Martyn Bradbury but from what he says here it appears that he and/or Matt McCarten tried a policy coup of the Labour Party.

    What happened however was Labour Party HQ Wellington become panicked by how big the Campaign had grown and despite green lighting it started dragging their feet until the thing fell over.

    A whispering campaign targeting the funders strangled off money because Labour Party HQ Wellington’s preference is to win over voters who are exisiting voters because the policy platform doesn’t have to be particularly radical for that.

    What Labour didn’t want was a huge campaign to the Left of Labour pressuring them for a Corbyn or Sanders platform.

    Labour didn’t want this…

    Campaign for Change Manifesto
    1: Free public transport for students and beneficiaries
    2: 18month rent freeze
    3: 5% maximum rent rise
    4: $20 per hour minimum wage
    5: Artists and Volunteers benefit
    6: Free condoms, contraceptive pills and sanitary pads available at schools and family planning
    7: Universal Student Allowance for Tertiary students
    8: Free public internet
    9: Lower voting age to 16
    10: Free school lunches

    …so the fear of a successful left wing agenda has once again managed to doom Labour. Just like the candidate selection fiasco and just like the Party List fiasco, this has come down to poor internal management by the Wellington arm of the Party.

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2017/06/23/why-the-labour-party-student-intern-scandal-is-a-smear/

    It would have been election suicide to through out all the party’s policy development and take on that list.

    It looks like the revolution is over before it got properly started.

    • Anne 1.1
      23 June 2017 at 7:22 pm

      God you’re boring. 🙄

      • Pete George 1.1.1
        23 June 2017 at 7:38 pm

        Whatever the plan was Labour has been badly compromised, and Little’s leadership has been compromised. A major disruption like this leading into the election campaign is unlikely to end well, and is more likely to be a disaster.

        Labour had there best chance in nine years to take advantage of a major National vulnerability but the got embroiled in a mess of their own making.

        I don’t find the poor party options and the weakened state of our democracy boring, I think it’s getting alarming.

        I’m starting to think that the best hope for shaking up the status quo is to give TOP the balance of power, they have very limited experience (not necessarily a bad thing) but also limited craziness, and well researched and thought through policies.

        • Anne 1.1.1.1
          23 June 2017 at 8:03 pm

          I don’t find the poor party options and the weakened state of our democracy boring,

          It’s you who is boring.

          If you’re so exercised by a bit of ‘inept’ management by a former Labour Party staffer, then I can’t imagine what state you must be in over a soon to be former National MP in your neck of the woods who not only illegally recorded private conversations of his former electorate secretary… his friends/accomplices then proceeded to harass her and leave threatening messages on her personal telephone.

          Ineptness versus criminality. I know which one I consider to be the more serious and in need of a proper police investigation this time – not a half-pie one as obviously took place last year. But then Glenda Hughes…..

        • Robert Guyton 1.1.1.2
          23 June 2017 at 8:19 pm

          “Whatever the plan was Labour National has been badly compromised, and Little’s English’s leadership has been compromised. A major disruption like this leading into the election campaign is unlikely to end well, and is more likely to be a disaster.”
          Fify
          The Todd Barclay debacle is the very worst thing that could have happened to National right now, AND IT’S STILL GOT FAR TO GO!
          There ya go, Pete. A dose of Friday night reality for you to chew on.

    • marty mars 1.2
      23 June 2017 at 7:24 pm

      Yeah you really are boring Pete and predictable yawn 🙄

    • BM 1.3
      23 June 2017 at 7:31 pm

      Hooton said Bradbury was heavily involved in all of this.

      Seriously, Martyn Bradbury!!! , where were the checks and balances Labour?

    • mickysavage 1.4
      23 June 2017 at 7:35 pm

      Pete this is not a Labour Party smear. I know of some of the deep dark tactics that some within the party get up to.

      This was just some inept organising. No more and no less.

      There is no conspiracy. Young progressives go throughout the world travel and get engaged in politics in other countries. It is a bit like a rite of passage now.

      My kids have done similar.

      The longer I reflect on this the bigger that I understand it is a big beat up.

      • Pete George 1.4.1
        23 June 2017 at 7:43 pm

        I realise it’s possible that Bradbury is just big noting and trying to be a part of the revolution, but him aside, the intern thing is more than some inept organising.

        Either Little and Kirton didn’t know enough about what was going on, or they are inept.

      • Bill 1.4.2
        23 June 2017 at 8:40 pm

        I’ve no problem with Labour running a Fellowship programme, and no problem with young people from overseas volunteering to do stuff for Labour. As noted several times, it’s common-place enough.

        As for a broken shower and wobbly doors or whatever – seriously, who gives a fuck? This is young kids on an adventure of sorts and they probably don’t give a damn about a door hinge or whatever.

        To a story…

        A few years back there was a reality TV programme in the UK (I believe it’s quite well known) where some number of people were persuaded to throw in their jobs and take part in their chance to be millionaires. All the hype was duly conducted with the swanky parties and what not. And on the first day of filming they were taken onto the streets of London and dropped off in teams. And that was it. They had no resources. Nothing. The daft producer had some notion that 12 people (or whatever) could easily earn a million from scratch.

        This McCarten fiasco reminded me of that programme.

        Having just read Bombers piece, (and ingested the recommended amount of salt – now drinking copious amounts of water), I’m thinking about the document I read last night. It read as genuine and gave a rough itemisation for expenses of around a quarter million from memory. It also listed how those expenses would be realised – some from unions and some from fund raising presumably carried out by the volunteers and whatever.

        Now, you don’t think it even remotely possible that McCarten ran the “global political climate” line to hook in young enthusiastic Sander supporter types? That he got big bites and that Bomber is being truthful with that “Campaign for Change” manifesto? (It chimes with the “global political climate” guff that went out on the original NZ Labour Party literature that, I assume, Matt had a hand in.)

        See. If promotion of that list is accurate, then of course, NZ Labour would cut the whole thing loose. (Apparently in mid-May). And the only way McCarten could keep things going is to claim it’s non-partisan. Remember how he was going to do a big launch through TDB? You reckon he got more than 5 or 6 responses from that?

        One week after the Daily Blog piece the whole thing implodes/explodes and McCarten is banished to the wilderness by NZ Labour (finally!).

        But did McCarten seriously think he could run some weird kind of Trotskyist thing on the Labour Party from the outside? Did he think potential donors (unions) would cough to avoid any potential embarrassment that might result if Fellows were unable to be catered to, given that they would be associated with Labour – that he had them over a barrel? Was he deluded enough to believe that young NZers would “flock to his cause” just because young people in the UK and the US had got involved in politics? Did he seriously not understand that the reason they got involved in the UK and US was because of complex reasons, not least of which was that senior political figures had given them something to believe in?

        How many Fellows would Labour usually utilise at any one time (eg – in past elections) btw. Any idea?

        Because I can’t see how anyone could forget to ‘shut the door’ on applications when a target is reached…and that goes back to (I suspect) delusions about what could possibly be achieved by using enthusiastic Sanders types to promote a “McCarten” Manifesto to young or younger NZs.

        • marty mars 1.4.2.1
          23 June 2017 at 9:41 pm

          So full of judgments based on the worse interpretation possible.

          Matt has done more for more people than most. Still going after so many years trying things, trying to get labour in. yet somehow hes a baddy. FFS I agree with some other commenters – this is being used to take the heat off billshitter – open your eyes man – I’m not some big labour fanboy but I can see it.

          • Ed 1.4.2.1.1
            23 June 2017 at 9:52 pm

            +1

          • Bill 1.4.2.1.2
            23 June 2017 at 11:01 pm

            If there was no heat on English and National, then would it be fair enough to seek clarification for wtf went on? Because for me, that doesn’t change just because of some tribal nonsense that some people give themselves over to .

            Labour pulled the plug on Matt’s ‘scheme’ on Monday or Tuesday. And then the story hit on Wednesday. Good timing for National? Yup. Who determined when to pull the plug? Labour. Now, maybe they had no option on timing. Maybe they decided to just do the right thing regardless.

            But I’d like to know how it can be that a Labour party fellowship programme became an allegedly non-partisan, and somewhat fucking crazy “Campaign For Change” that was still strongly linked to Labour.

            Don’t you wonder what Matt was thinking there marty? Both Bradbury and Mike Treen offer up some pointers. Both Bradbury and Mike Treen had some level of connection to the whole crazy affair. So maybe listening to them could shed some light on matters, no?

            And I’m also curious as to how Labour apparently didn’t know what was being done in their name. I mean, this looks like they’re going be picking up a fairly hefty bill – ie, roughly $200 000 right before an election campaign. I imagine that’s going to hurt.

            Of course, you just might not care – be utterly incurious. And that’s a choice you can make.

            • marty mars 1.4.2.1.2.1
              24 June 2017 at 8:39 am

              No I don’t wonder. I see mistakes, and I see mistakes being sorted. But with a bigger picture view I see a distraction from billshitter. I think you are pushing a barrow. THAT is petty party politics.

              And I get it. I have blindspots with labour. Plus you’re being stubborn but that’s just you ☺

        • Pat 1.4.2.2
          23 June 2017 at 9:51 pm

          “How many Fellows would Labour usually utilise at any one time (eg – in past elections) btw. Any idea?”

          it was indicated that typical was around half a dozen…observers, rather than boots on the ground

      • Pat 1.4.3
        23 June 2017 at 8:42 pm

        a big beat up that should never have been given the opportunity…no foresight… and all the disclaimers in the world cannot remove Labour’s attachment to this debacle….I despair.

    • Stuart Munro 1.5
      23 June 2017 at 8:26 pm

      Your insights into electoral suicide might carry more weight had you employed them to prevent UF collapsing inward to become the terrestrial equivalent of a white dwarf.

  2. weka 2
    23 June 2017 at 7:59 pm

    John Drinnan‏ @Zagzigger2 1h

    If correct this is media a own goal Including me,
    US intern defends Labour’s campaign.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11880781

    https://twitter.com/Zagzigger2/status/878139260863365120

  3. weka 3
    23 June 2017 at 8:10 pm

    A second intern talks to RNZ about how the programme has been good, and the ‘scandal’ is a beat up originating from one intern.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/201848679/labour-intern-speaks-out-denies-accusations-of-poor-treatment

    Synopsis of interview here,

    https://twitter.com/melulater/status/878156358410846209

    • Carolyn_nth 3.1
      23 June 2017 at 8:16 pm

      And a print article based on the interview just up online.

      One American intern, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that while the programme was not perfect, the interns had been well looked after.

      She told Checkpoint with John Campbell the views of a couple did not reflect the majority.
      …
      “The fact that the experience of two to three people who have a personal agenda is what’s really being pushed forward is pretty disappointing.”

      The American said she would do the internship again.

    • Anne 3.2
      23 June 2017 at 8:21 pm

      And that intern’s claims were revealed on TV1 tonight. He’s off home. Good riddance. I note they have made no attempt to talk to any of the others interns. What a pathetic bunch of Nat prats.

      If Labour doesn’t finally stand up to these MSM prats responsible for the smears then they are fools.

  4. billmurray 4
    23 June 2017 at 8:12 pm

    Lot more on this debacle, front page NZ Herald 7.39 pm, Claire Trevett.
    Labour needs to move fast and furious to save their skins.
    My speculation is Martyn Bradbury and the big fat German.

      • Gabby 4.1.1
        23 June 2017 at 9:07 pm

        It’s hard to shake the feeling that someone might be pretty good at coming up with cunning plans but totally uninterested in details, consequences and fallout.

      • Bill 4.1.2
        23 June 2017 at 9:11 pm

        From this mad document (which I’m reading as being genuine). It does seem to dovetail somewhat with stuff subsequently quoted from Mike Treen as well as Bombers thing linked to by PG above.

        Contracts with First Union and Unite – 60k (Presumably signing up members?)
        16 fund raising dinners looking to spin 4k a pop.
        each ‘fellow’ to sell 10 raffle tickets a week – 64k
        Donations of $100 per day – 10k

        Or recruit an additional 800 members on top of honoured contracts to get 40k

        • Gabby 4.1.2.1
          23 June 2017 at 10:03 pm

          If Labour proper are taking over this ‘programme’ I really hope they make it crystal clear what the ‘fellows’ are doing.

    • BM 4.2
      23 June 2017 at 8:51 pm

      Their skins have been well and truly skinned.

      • McGrath 4.2.1
        23 June 2017 at 8:58 pm

        Bad look for Labour, though I reckon it’s the result of piss-poor organisational ability rather than some grand nefarious scheming.

        • Stuart Munro 4.2.1.1
          23 June 2017 at 9:13 pm

          Most likely – but the whereabouts of Mr Wewege and Tilikum at the time should probably be established.

        • BM 4.2.1.2
          23 June 2017 at 9:58 pm

          I disagree it’s nefarious to the power of 10 with a huge side helping of scheming.

          Seriously this is Labour, disingenuous and dodgy is their modus operandi.

          • Ed 4.2.1.2.1
            23 June 2017 at 9:59 pm

            Trolling desperately….

          • McGrath 4.2.1.2.2
            23 June 2017 at 10:08 pm

            Bro, if I didn’t know any better I’d swear you’re trying to stir… The timing doesn’t help either. Bill gets caught being economical with the truth and then this pops up. A very handy diversion for Bill.

        • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1.3
          23 June 2017 at 11:14 pm

          No, it’s actually looking like sour grapes on the part of one of the interns.

    • Ed 4.3
      23 June 2017 at 9:19 pm

      Claire Trevett is not an unbiased source.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.4
      23 June 2017 at 11:11 pm

      My speculation is Martyn Bradbury and the big fat German.

      Speculating what?

      Why the Labour Party Student Intern ‘scandal’ is a smear

      By Martyn Bradbury

      When the Labour Party Student Intern story erupted this week, just as Bill English was in serious trouble, I thought “Well that’s convenient isn’t it”.

      I was out to the Marae 2 weeks ago having a look around at what they were doing. I had a meal with them, talked with some of the volunteers. They were fantastic young people who were loving the adventure of it all.

      And KDC is now out of politics in this country.

  5. Ben 5
    23 June 2017 at 9:27 pm

    Latest Roy Morgan:
    The overall support for the governing National-led coalition was up 4% to 49% with National support up 3.5% to 46.5%, support for the Maori Party unchanged on 1.5%, Act NZ up 0.5% to 1% and support for United Future unchanged at 0%.
    • Support for a potential Labour/Greens alliance was down 3% to 39.5% caused entirely by the 3% drop in support for Labour, now on 25.5%, while support for the Greens was unchanged at 14%. Support for New Zealand First was down 1% to 9%.
    • Support for the parties currently outside Parliament was unchanged at 2.5%.
    New Zealand Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating up in May

    The Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating has increased 1pt to 134.5pts in May with 61.5% of NZ electors (up 1%) saying NZ is ‘heading in the right direction’ cf. 27% of NZ electors (unchanged) that say New Zealand is ‘heading in the wrong direction

    • Ed 5.1
      23 June 2017 at 9:32 pm

      I never trust polls.
      Follow the money. Who owns them?

      • Stuart Munro 5.1.1
        23 June 2017 at 9:41 pm

        There’s a story floating about that this one closed on the 11th & has been held back for strategic release.

        • Ed 5.1.1.1
          23 June 2017 at 9:50 pm

          No surprises there.
          Dirty politics in action.
          The owners of poll companies have political agendas.

        • Chuck 5.1.1.2
          24 June 2017 at 9:34 am

          Suggest you go and look back as to when RM release there NZ poll results mate.

          The strategic reason is drum roll…

          • Stuart Munro 5.1.1.2.1
            24 June 2017 at 9:42 am

            You know what, I’m not very concerned by whatever their reason is. And, with a 6.5% margin of error it really isn’t very meaningful.

            I think it’s about time we had some real polls like YouGov – large sample size, real attention paid to reducing sampling error.

    • Jenny Kirk 5.2
      23 June 2017 at 10:50 pm

      Roy Morgan Research put out a press release this afternoon (23.6.2017) showing results of a poll, and suggesting that the National Party has a huge lead in the polls.

      What they are NOT telling you all – is this poll was taken just after the Budget speech – between 29 May to 11 June, 874 electors surveyed, and 6.5% were don’t knows.

      But – to hold back on such a poll, and bring it out just as the Nats are floundering around trying to pretend the Barclay incident hasn’t happened – is just too coincidental – in my personal opinon. This is “dirty politics” being played yet again !

  6. Robert Guyton 6
    23 June 2017 at 9:45 pm

    The Friday night question that everyone’s asking: Is the time right for Bill’s rolling?

    • McGrath 6.1
      23 June 2017 at 10:10 pm

      Not when the polls consistently put your party in front.

    • Incognito 6.2
      23 June 2017 at 10:17 pm

      Well, today is 23rd June which means the election is in 13 weeks. After almost 9 years I can wait a few more weeks …

    • Graeme 6.3
      23 June 2017 at 10:38 pm

      It is going to happen, it’s whether it’s before or after the election. And that will depend on what the Nat’s internal polls say about this week’s goings on. Mr Farrar is probably a busy boy.

      Popcorn stocked up for next week

    • Rob 6.4
      24 June 2017 at 8:12 am

      Well he has lied and covered up a possible crime.
      (I wonder how interesting it would be to be the proverbial ‘fly on the wall’ at police headquarters)

      • Graeme 6.4.1
        24 June 2017 at 9:06 am

        Not only lied and covered up a crime, but threw a sector of the National Party under the bus along with young toddles. The fall out from the investigation into toddles’ selection and re-selection could cause some angst around the party

    • Chuck 6.5
      24 June 2017 at 9:17 am

      Robert, Bill going will not have the outcome you so desire. In fact it may have the opposite effect and give the Nats another couple of % in the polls,

  7. Alwyn 7
    24 June 2017 at 12:16 am

    And in further news there is a barbecue being organised at Robertson’s place.
    Bring your own booze of couse. They can’t afford to supply it.
    Perhaps someone can help me. Is Little gone from Parlament if Labour get 25.5%?
    Trevor Mallard has obviously given up the ghost. Off to see whe yacht racing rather than try aand help them campaign.

    • patricia bremner 7.1
      24 June 2017 at 8:03 am

      Alwyn, I think we will wait for a better poll than this unreliable nat prop.

      • Alwyn 7.1.1
        24 June 2017 at 9:28 pm

        I suspect that there are people who comment on this site who have been saying that for a decade.
        “The tide has turned”. “But this poll was just before …” “Wait till you see next months”.
        etc, etc, etc.

  8. patricia bremner 8
    24 June 2017 at 8:01 am

    Trevor is a loner these days. Attended a farewell for Annette. He propped up the bar alone, seemed moody.

    • McFlock 8.1
      1 July 2017 at 9:59 pm

      mind you, farewells suck. They’re ok for “work acquaintances” with whom you basically just say hi and bye and fwd emails to, but for close colleagues they bite.

  9. Ad 9
    1 July 2017 at 9:40 pm

    All Blacks did incredibly well to hold on to the lead as well as they did.
    Pretty average penalty kicking, Sonny Bill red carded, lots of odd midfield decisions, average set pieces, and a properly fired up Lions pack.

    Lions fully had momentum for last 15 minutes.

    Well past time All Blacks lost, and great to see the series alive.