How about we forget that he’s a naturally reticent speaker. Forget that he’s no show pony like John Key was – and Winston Peters still is – and concentrate on what he says for a change.
How about the MSM do an honest job for a change and highlight what he and Labour stand for… what their policies are… and how it will change the lives of so many people for the better. How about they stop this interminable gotcha claptrap that is slowly crippling this country. How about they do the job they are supposed to do and keep the public informed so that they are able to make rational decisions for a change.
Funniest post ever … you demand the media focus on the Labour’s message not personality … but then want to focus on English’s stodgy personality. Love you work!
“Demand”? No, dreaming of real journalism and admitting that is too much to ask. Then, accepting we sadly live in a time of crap msm, further horrified by the awful bias. Simple really.
I dunno Anne. That definitely wasn’t a “gotcha” interview, and yet…
something like the entire first half of it was conducted from the back foot, and it ended with a stated determination to lead NZ Labour into the election which…well does the gap between that, and a determination to be the next PM of New Zealand need to be spelled out?
I really wish the interview hadn’t oozed defeat, but it did. And it’s going to get worse if the soft bagging of the Greens carries on. He should have been pointing out how irrelevant the shift in voting intentions within any Labour/Green bloc is, not doing the woe is unto us it’s all the fault of the Greens (and NZF) for grabbing headlines routine.
That definitely wasn’t a “gotcha” interview, and yet…
I was referring to the general gotcha claptrap that has permeated throughout the MSM – Newshub in particular – not the linked interview. Its just so puerile and pathetic and its getting worse.
I thought the interview with Dann yesterday was interesting. If you ignore the MSM stuff and just listen, some things come through. One is that Labour are now willing to say that if people want to change the govt they need to vote Labour not NZF. The other is that he is a fighter.
Little looked worn out, so I hope he can rally his own reserves and Labour say this again and again but stronger and clearer.
All the positioning stuff seems fine to me, and they’ve got decent enough policy.
This time tomorrow Jacinda Ardern will be leader of the labour party, as someone whose been calling for littles resignation for well over a year this is bittersweet as at best we hold our current seats.
Little is half as popular as cunliffe. Should have been arsed out a long time ago.
Promoting Jacinda Ardern to leader is like taking a shy third former and making her Head Girl – not good for the individual and very bad for the organisation she is supposed to lead.
Y’a mean, Alan, she’s not yet been Prime Minister?
Have you checked to see if she’s lead any organisations before? Bet you’ll be surprised. And spare a thought for Deputy Paula while you’re at it.
Yeah she’s older than Princess Di if that is the type you are referring to.
That lady was a dazzler but there were too many things against her, and she needed more for her.
I have no problem with Andrew Little. He leads by consensus and that is good. My problem is the word LABOUR. So old and out of date that word. Labour needs a new name that says “we stand for an egalitarian society” because that is what National is destroying in New Zealand.
We have suffered in the last 2 elections from dirty tricks in which the media were (only sometimes) an unwitting part. We can’t afford to have this election hijacked by the media.
Listen up, Paddy Gower, Corin Dann, etc. This election is not about all about YOU. It is not a circus with you as the ringmaster, We have a country which has huge problems to solve. The climate change is going to have an enormous effect on our land, and we need to start planning NOW for the huge impact of rising sea levels, warming seas. The very lives of many of our people will depend on the choice of government in this election and their plans (or lack of plans) for the future. For other people the choice of government is literally life and death for them. For those who cannot access help for their mental health problems soon enough, time is running out. How many more children are going to get rheumatic fever and require heart valve operations? How many more people will die before they can get operations in Dunedin?
How many more roads will be built while rail is in neglected in Auckland?
We want you to ask about POLICIES. We want you to stop obsessing about polls. We want you to stop asking politicians how they feel. We want you to clarify the policy information so that voters can make a fair, educated choice.
Certain elements of the MSM want Labour gone as the main left wing party and replaced by the Greens, which is why you’re seeing this piling into Labour.
The worse decision was to prevaricate about supporting Metiria and not pump a hand on a lecturn and say- we are having good times but we can have that and not hate the poor, not demonise the poor, not make them into criminals just to provide for their own family.
In a government I lead we will have prosperity without the meanness of spirit, aspiration without the snobbery and anger, compassion and confidence in the ability of New Zealanders to build and grow businesses.
Not in God’s own country will we stand by while families live in cars and people die living on the street. Like the Liberals and the First Labour Government we say enough. Enough teaching our children to walk past the homeless, teaching them to blame those who have misfortune, enough teaching them that we owe no service to the country that got us here, that we owe no service to our society, that we don’t need to invest in our housing, our education and our health services and that all we need is a little bit of a tax cut. We are one people, one country, one tribe, but we are not all equal. We need to help our weakest and we should judge our society on how we judge them. And by that measure our country, lead by these heartless hounds who say with all honesty have not knowingly cheated to get ahead, is very poor indeed.
And the people they are suggesting should lead the party instead won’t make anything better.
The swing to Metiria was because of this. Being racist hasn’t split off votes from NZ first, because Labour isn’t racist. Believing in a kind of austerity hasn’t split off voters from National, because they already have austerity. Labour needs to come out swinging, look at the full reason they are failing and it is the whole leadership team and its failure over two cycles to come out swinging strongly and genuinely as Labour.
Well said. I have been home most of today and found it unbelievable how that poll result dominated the news with broadcasters’ breathless statements about Andrew Little talking of resigning. There are so many important challenges facing this country, but they get crowded out because some functionary at RNZ national decided that this was leading the news all day.
Winstone loathed the Alliance, remember that?
Then he loathed the Greens.
And the current Green party is doing a very good impersonation of the old Alliance.
Yes, this is MMP
Alternatively Little goes to caucus tomorrow morning challenges them to make a move, announces a press conference and makes it look like hes about to resign, the press attention will be crazy, instead of resigning does a firey angry speech about why he wants to be pm and uses the attention to announce a policy on Marijuana reform or something equally controversial but popular and radical. This would result in littles face being all over the news.
This could be the making of the man. Labours current policies are boring they need some radical announcements that will get people talking about them
the problem with that approach is that anything radical will likely have a strong left wing edge to it – net result, he drags a few back from the greens and zero from the centre or right.
While he’s talking to caucus he could ask who’s going to contradict policy next, so he can figure out how to pretend it’s all fine. Or give them notice they’re on their own.
I agree Ad. Would rather have Andrew Little as PM in a coalition govt with the Greens than another horrifying 3 years of the Bill and Nat show. How many deaths in the streets will it take before people wake up to stop the current madness?
Anyway, I have taken the quote/Leunig cartoon at the very end and ‘butchered’ it to:
Labour is being threatened by a dark force. We must help Labour. What is this dark force which threatens Labour?
It’s Labour …
PS if this is not permissible, for any reason, please delete forthwith.
[lprent: Not a problem. I presume you’re worried about astroturfing. It follows the site rules by being in the right kind of post (OpenMike or Daily Review) and you explained what it was, why you thought it was important, and provided a link. Even when I’m on a irritable rampage at reading crap, I wouldn’t give this a glance. ]
“As recent anthropological research has pointed out:
Keeping the playing field level was a matter of survival. These small-scale, nomadic foraging groups didn’t stock up much surplus food, and given the high-risk nature of hunting – the fact that on any given day or week you may come back empty-handed – sharing and cooperation were required to ensure everyone got enough to eat. Anyone who made a bid for higher status or attempted to take more than their share would be ridiculed or ostracised for their audacity. Suppressing our primate ancestors’ dominance hierarchies by enforcing these egalitarian norms was a central adaptation of human evolution, argues social anthropologist Christopher Boehm. It enhanced cooperation and lowered risk as small, isolated bands of humans spread into new habitats and regions across the world, and was likely crucial to our survival and success.”
IMHO, I reckon Labour/Greens should follow Winston’s lead and ditch the budget responsibility agreement, the media/Nats would hate it, the subsequent squealing would highlight , Nationals position as being out of step with Lab/Green/NZ1st (the majority). Double down by bringing forward the free tertiary policy.
National’s neglect leading to the appalling state of NZ infrastructure – needing urgent action.(and it does)
Housing, Water, Rail, Health, Education., the list is massive
I scraped around last night and did exactly that and donated 3.36 times the monthly operational costs for this site. A considerable sacrifice I thought until I was given today 2/3rds of the amount as a reward for obsessive work a few months ago in the form of a prezzy card.
Oh well there is always next month to be more sacrificial.. Maybe I’ll donate to the greens then. 😈
Any left wing party trying to get policy out has to deal with the neoliberal media wanting to talk about ……polls……….Personalities….polls…..leadership…….personalities…polls….
The MSM is certainly hostile to the left – and to any kind of social or moral standards for that matter. I just hope the incoming government returns the favour.
“Any left wing party trying to get policy out has to deal with the neoliberal media wanting to talk about ……polls……….Personalities….polls…..leadership…….personalities…polls….”
Then don’t.
It’s all getting rather silly – you want cut through – give the media what it want’s – ratings.
Why at the 11th hour are people moaning, we all know it goes on. Say stuff that will get the media attack dogs attacking, say the things people actually want to hear.
In my experience giving cash leading into an election to a political party tends to be way more productive than that the much large amounts that I routinely donate to political parties over the previous 2.75 years. I do have to admit that it is way easier albeit less productive than giving my skilled hours.
I guess that is why the inherently lazy, shiftless and apparently untalented National and Act supporters (like yourself?) prefer doing it that way.
Yeah, they really seem to have reached their peak of commenting sophistication in 2008. Probably need soem time in opposition to encourage them to start learning again. eh?
Earning: Vegans should now avert their eyes….
They do seem to respond well to accurate assessment about their probable abilities. It is like sishing in the Kaipara used to be like. Foolish fish rising to take the barbed bait (and whining as they bleed out for breakfast)
Yes, we’re all lazy, shiftless and apparently untalented, lprent.
Luckily we’re left under no illusion about how (very self deprecatingly) you are amazing, skilled and probably the biggest computer aficionado since Steve Jobs. Or not.
Except you dipstick she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She said that at this level of 24% he wouldn’t get in.
She’s wrong, but show me a Nat that can do simple arithmetic.
The barefaced Nat plant glossed over the leader poll, Peters, Ardern and LITTLE all went up, only English went down.
Quick ,look over there, a pony tail, oh no wait, it’s only horseshit.
Undermine the leader and get round the party.
Keep voting until we get the right result, yeh? If you can’t convince the people, marginalise them.
Might be time to vote for the Greens and join them after all.
Nash auditioning to be the leader of NZ first? Ahh…Simon Wilson the new Josie Pagani. Such a pity. “Nash would be a big, bold call” Lol except “it’s hard to pinpoint any quality new ideas he’s produced.”
Ardern/Hipkins possibly. drop Nash hard and fast. Little attorney general. Robertson has not impressed. He hasn’t damaged any of the Nats Finance ministers. He is Little’s finance guy. He’s gotta wear that. He’s a key player in this leadership team.
Electorate vote labour, as they’re either first or second place, and disregard traditional, historical reasons, party vote for the most left leaning party who you see as able to push the progressive cause. Imo, the greens.
Don’t feel bad for deserting labour in supporting the greens. You’re making the best decision. They’ve had eight and a half years and wasted them with internal division and ego driven politics.
Just don’t be a loser and vote Top or NZ1st and misguidedly think you’re doing the right thing to oust the government.
Slowly coming around to the possibility of a Grant leadership if he can sell the whole thing better. Well, not hating it if it can change the government. Bring several positives and the possibility of selling a decent manifesto better.
I should be out door knocking for Labour.
I should go be pissed off elsewhere on the internet. or not on the internet at all.
FFS Labour. The votes aren’t leaving the left. They’ve gone to a party that’s put its beating heart out there for a Labour cause. Don’t panic. Don’t go- we should not be Labour and we should ditch the Greens. The votes may come back. They are still in the coalition. National has lost voters. They are vunerable. That’s why the attacks are coming in.
You ceded leadership of the left for a bit. Don’t be sad about that. Respect it. Praise Metiria for looking after hers, as many have. Say why you will decrease poverty and increase the kind of social mobility that Metiria embodies and why this is important to Kiwis and why a government that demeans NZ workers and brings in near slave labour in some cases can f- right off. Labour inspectorate cases seemingly rushing in now there’s an election on eh?
I hear you, but reality bites and says labour are as left wing as my right nut. lol.
Time will come when the greens are the biggest left wing group in parliament. I suggest getting in on the ground floor to claim bragging rights.
But if you want to chose a party that goes through leaders like I do knickers after a week on the curry, so be it, just don’t get scared when you have to play second fiddle to a team that have had no rankles, dramas, and internal divisions while they claim to be acting in the interests of the common people on the street.
I can wait for the tide to change, but only ’cause I know it’s coming sooner rather than later. All depends on when you old hat, died in the wool guys feel brave enough to make the change. 😉
The whole poll thing on talkback today, what I found really messed up is it appears many NZers don’t like honesty. That’s fucked up.
People ringing in saying, oh Andrew shouldn’t have said anything… are they for reals? Dang, they need help, as does the likes of Garner running the narrative with his poll.
Andrew has never been in it for himself, he’s not that kind of man, team player all the way, kudos to him for that, his honesty with Labour and the NZ public in the weird world of polls makes a refreshing change.
Andrew I really admire your integrity among other things, and am backing you all the way.
Question please…. Why does both the leader and the deputy of NZ’s 2nd largest party feature on the preferred PM poll, but only the leader of largest party features on said poll and nationals deputy is nowhere?
Maybe newshub and the like could do a story on why paula bennett does not appear to feature in any poll, anywhere?
Paula Bennett cannot afford to be a focus of attention. Her ‘harassment’ by a member of the public is too recent. She will be keeping well away from the media. The old adage ‘where there is smoke there is fire’ always has an element of truth in it. I would like to see her have an in depth interview regarding her views on lying and fraud, pertaining to Turei’s admittance of the same. Possibly birds of a feather. Who knows? All imo.
Good god, I can’t believe what I’ve been reading and listen too since this morning! Is this shit real or is it my brain tricks on me and I know they (Weather Boffins) are calling for a early build (going to be a real stinker) up to the wet season so I may have gone troppo a little early well I have loaded a trailer full fencing gear this arvo.
Little should go for broke either you are with or you are on your own? Where’s Churchill (yeah I know a few here hate him, but Little needs to deliver a Churchill style speech to those political middle class toff’s who infect our great party) when you need him!
An DS from my Army times said: Politics is war and War is Politics by other means and either side must be bold in attack and steely neve in defence as a poker player ie know when hold them and know when to fold them. ( A bit of Clausewitz and Kenny Rogers)
One last comment from me. Would Labours Finance spokesman (was he a member of the ABC mob?) currently lack luster over the last couple mths, would be so stupid at this stage of the election to try and trip up Little as I believe he had caucus support and Little had party support like the last poor bloke?
The very last comment, do you think I should come home when I get my Med Discharge from the ADF and kick some of these clowns from the middle class toff’s up the ass and ask those team you are on.
Certainly by deepsea fishing standards there’s a few that ought to be overhauled with a deck spanner. I think they listen too much to the vermin on the right – we want Andy angry – way too many suicides and kids in poverty is not a coffee table conversation – it’s war.
What did it matter to ya
When you got a job to do you got to do it well
You got to give the other fella hell…
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Hi,After Webworm contributor Hayden Donnell wrote his latest piece, ‘RIP to Millennials Killing Everything’, he delivered this exciting and important bonus content.It will make more sense if you’ve read his piece.David. Read more ...
Hi,Before we get to Hayden’s column — RIP to Millennials Killing Everything — a quick observation.There was a day last week where it had suddenly reached 10pm and I hadn’t eaten all day. Hunger had suddenly gripped me with a panicky all-consuming force, so I jumped onto Uber Eats and ...
We add some of the CMIP6 models to the updateable MSU comparisons. After my annual update, I was pointed to some MSU-related diagnostics for many of the CMIP6 models (24 of them at least) from Po-Chedley et al. (2022) courtesy of Ben Santer. These are slightly different to what ...
In a memorable Pulp Fiction scene, Vincent inadvertently shoots their backseat passenger in the head. This leads our heroes Jules and Vincent to express alarm about their predicament.We're on a city street in broad daylight here!says Vincent. We gotta get this car off the roads. You know cops tend to ...
Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are all on strike today, demanding higher pay and an end to systematic understaffing. While the former is important - wages should at least keep up with inflation - its the latter which is the real issue. As with the health system, teachers have been ...
So the teachers are on strike, marching across Aotearoa today to press their demands for better pay and working conditions.Children remained in bed this brisk morning, many no doubt quite pleased about a day off school. Parents perhaps taking the day off to look after the kids, or working from ...
After the Cold War the consensus among Western military strategists was that the era of Big Wars, defined as peer conflict between large states with full spectrum military technologies, was at an end, at least for the foreseeable future. The … Continue reading → ...
Dairy giant Fonterra has posted a 50% lift in net profit to $546m, doubled its interim dividend, and is proposing a return of capital of 50c a share, injecting a note of optimism into the nation’s dairy industry. Fonterra’s strong performance is against a backdrop of market volatility. It ...
Buzz from the Beehive The bothersome economic news today is that New Zealand’s GDP fell by 0.6% in the December quarter, weaker than market forecasts of a fall of around 0.2% and much weaker than the Reserve Bank’s assumption of a 0.7% rise. This followed the even-more-bothersome news yesterday that ...
Ouch: Hipkins’ policy bonfire has resulted in an expensive self-administered removal of a Budgetary foot with an explosive device. File Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTLDR: Bonfires can be dangerous things when they get out of control. They also create a lot of smoke and heat and burn the grass. ...
* Dr Bryce Edwards writes – I teach a first-year course at Victoria University of Wellington about government and the political process in New Zealand. In “Introduction to Government and Law”, students learn there are rules preventing senior public servants from getting involved in big political debates – as we ...
I teach a first year course at Victoria University of Wellington about government and the political process in New Zealand. In “Introduction to Government and Law”, students learn there are rules preventing senior public servants from getting involved in big political debates – as we have recently witnessed with Rob ...
An issue of integrity has claimed the first ministerial scalp in Prime Minister Chris Hipkins’ premiership. Police Minister Stuart Nash lasted mere weeks in the role after admitting in a radio interview this morning that he had called Police Commissioner Andrew Coster to ask him if police were going to ...
For some time now we’ve known that the cost and completion timeframe for the City Rail Link would increase. Yesterday we finally learned by just how much. Costs City Rail Link Ltd (CRL Ltd) today confirms it has submitted a formal funding request to its Sponsors – the Crown and ...
The Government’s decision to back peddle on lowering speed limits is hitting potholes. At this stage, although it is part of the Government’s reprioritisation efforts to free up money to alleviate cost of living increases, the speed limit change looks unlikely to do that. And it appears that it ...
The University of Otago – the oldest university in New Zealand – towers over my home city of Dunedin. When classes are on, something like a fifth of Dunedin’s population are university students. It is also the largest employer in the South Island. To say that this is a ...
Last weekend brought the latest instalment in Stuff’s bravura satirical series Of course you can afford a house! Just dig deeper!I love how much their appreciation of humour has evolved in just a few short years since the days when I would get to produce, for a few meagre dollars, ...
Australia’s move to strengthen its defence capability with five nuclear-powered attack submarines underlines how relatively defenceless New Zealand is in the Pacific. Kiwis may gasp that the Labor government in Australia recognises it must outlay $400bn on the nuclear subs, but this ensures that Australia is not exposed ...
Ironically, a repurposed Auckland Ratepayers Alliance placard (with a demand for climate action on the front) featured at the recent climate march. Voting ratepayers don’t want ‘bureaucrats in cushy council jobs’ borrowing or increasing rates, even when the need for investment is becoming increasingly obvious. So is council cost-cutting a ...
The quarterly ETS auction was held today. In the past, these have seen collusion by big players to game the price and force a dump of extra credits from the cost-containment reserve (essentially, trying to pick stuff up cheap now in the belief that it will be more valuable later). ...
Political parties that want to negotiate with the Green Party must come to the table with much faster, bolder climate action, co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson emphasised in their State of the Planet speech today. ...
Political parties that want to negotiate with the Green Party after the election must come to the table with much faster, bolder climate action, co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson emphasised today. ...
You will never truly understand, from the pictures you’ve seen in the newspapers or on the six o-clock news, the sheer scale of the devastation wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle. ...
We’re boosting incomes and helping ease cost of living pressures on Kiwis through a range of bread and butter support measures that will see pensioners, students, families, and those on main benefits better off from the start of next month. ...
The error Labour Ministers made by stopping work on a beverage container return scheme will be reversed by the Greens at the earliest opportunity as part of the next Government. ...
“Cabinet needs to do better - and today has shown exactly why we need Green Ministers in cabinet, so we can prioritise action to cut climate pollution and support people to make ends meet,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. ...
Biggest increase in food prices for over three decades shows the need for an excess profit tax on corporations to help people put food on the table. ...
The Green Party has today launched a submission guide to help Aucklanders give crucial input and prevent potentially disastrous Auckland Council budget proposals. ...
With calls growing for inquiries and action on bank profits, the Greens say the Government has all the information it needs to act now and put a levy on banks. ...
As large parts of Aotearoa recover from two of the worst climate disasters we have ever experienced, it would be a huge mistake for the Government to deprioritise climate action from future transport investments, the Green Party says. ...
The Green Party is celebrating the signing of a historic United Nations Ocean Treaty, and calls on the new Oceans and Fisheries Minister to urgently step up protection for Aotearoa’s oceans. ...
This year has seen a series of extreme weather events, unparalleled in New Zealand’s recent history. From Cape Reinga in the far north down to the Tararua Ranges, families and businesses across the country have suffered enormous loss and hardship. While the severe weather hasn’t directly affected every part of ...
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...
Hon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...
The Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...
E te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...
113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...
The Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...
E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
The economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...
Aucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...
This section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...
Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...
The Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...
The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...
This morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...
The Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...
$25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...
80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...
The Government continues to invest in New Zealand’s burgeoning space industry, today announcing five scholarships for Kiwi Students to undertake internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash congratulated Michaela Dobson (University of Auckland), Leah Albrow (University of Canterbury) and Jack Naish, Celine Jane ...
The Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...
The health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...
Bikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...
The Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...
Approximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...
$1 billion in savings which will be reallocated to support New Zealanders with the cost of living A range of transport programmes deferred so Waka Kotahi can focus on post Cyclone road recovery Speed limit reduction programme significantly narrowed to focus on the most dangerous one per cent of state ...
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political Roundup: Who will drain Wellington’s lobbying swamp? Wealthy vested interests have an oversized influence on political decisions in New Zealand. Partly that’s due to their use of corporate lobbyists. Fortunately, the influence lobbyists can have on decisions made by politicians is currently under scrutiny in ...
65 percent of Kiwis surveyed admit they would have no idea what to do if their identity was stolen Norton, a leading consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen, today announced the New Zealand launch of Norton™ 360 Platinum, which leverages the company's ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Breen, Professor of Law, University of Waikato Getty Images There might have been pragmatic political reasons behind the government throwing voting-age legislation onto its recent policy bonfire, but it remains a sadly wasted opportunity. The announcement reversed former ...
ANALYSIS:By Bevin Veale, Massey University The impending arrival of Kelly-Jean Keen-Minshull — aka Posie Parker — has put the spotlight on the tension between free speech and protecting vulnerable communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. In particular, it raises questions about Immigration New Zealand’s role in limiting who can visit ...
Wairoa has ready-to-go projects that could be accelerated to quickly get people back into homes following Cyclone Gabrielle, Minister Willie Jackson was told on a visit to Wairoa today. Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa is seeking a Government commitment ...
A new report published by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union exposes the bad decision-making that led to a 61% cost blowout in Auckland’s City Rail Link and shows that the costs of the project now significantly outweigh any benefits. ‘The City Rail Link: ...
Immigration NZ has today confirmed that the controversial anti-trans campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull will be allowed into New Zealand for her speaking events this week. You can read our report here – and the full statement from Immigration NZ’s Richard Owen to the media is below: “I can confirm that ...
Immigration NZ says it knows some people will be unhappy, but ultimately the threshold to bar Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull from New Zealand hasn’t been reached.The British anti-transgender campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, will be allowed into New Zealand this weekend, Immigration NZ has confirmed.Keen-Minshull’s ability to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Stevens, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Adelaide Antarctica is an icy place today, but the ice extended even further during past ice ages. The question of how and where life survived on land in the icy continent, through the ages, has ...
Like a Tongan Cool Runnings, with trumpets instead of bobsleds, Red, White & Brass is a feel-good movie based on an incredible true story. First-time film producer Halaifonua Finau tells Sela Jane Hopgood how he got it made.In 2016, promising new Tongan producer Halaifonua Finau was sitting in the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Thomas Gleeson, Doctoral Candidate, Australian National University Luz Rovira / Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND In the 19th century, Charles Darwin was one of the first to notice something interesting about domesticated animals: different species often developed similar changes when compared ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharine Kemp, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney New research reveals serious privacy flaws in fertility apps used by Australian consumers – emphasising the need for urgent reform of the Privacy Act. Fertility apps provide a number ...
The Fiji Times “The University of the South Pacific (USP) has been and continues to be a bedrock for regionalism. A resource owned by the region; for the region and a precious institution that needs to be protected in line with the vision of our forebearers.” This was the message ...
By Claudia Tally in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinean family who have been renting a property from the National Housing Corporation for the past 46 years have been served with a 24-hour eviction notice by a different owner who had obtained an eviction notice from the Port Moresby District ...
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown’s plans to cut back on spending could see the council quit Local Government NZ, the group that represents councils across the country. Stuff’s Todd Niall has reported that $400,000 would be saved by the move, with mayor Brown reportedly wanting to direct that money into other ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frederic Gachon, Associate Professor, Physiology of Circadian Rhythms, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Gregory Pappas/Unsplash Some of us love to be tucked up in bed by a particular time every night, ensuring a certain number of hours ...
The government has launched campaign to help young people navigate break-ups with the long-term aim of preventing family violence, believed to be the first of its kind. ...
Sports can be hugely beneficial for children but there are still many barriers for trans kids wanting to play, writes researcher Julia de Bres.There’s been a lot of talk recently about trans athletes in high performance sport, much of which derives from a broader anti-trans project rather than a ...
A new documentary follows Amber Clyde, skateboarder and founder of Girls Skate NZ, as she works to rebuild her confidence in the sport while juggling solo motherhood.Amber Clyde remembers being bullied as the only girl at the skate park in Birkenhead – but these days all the same bullies ...
After dedicating years to helping young women find their confidence in skateboarding, Amber Clyde must teach herself how to get back on the board after the birth of her second child. But balancing the realities of being a solo Mum with running her own business means that her time is ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arthur Immanuel Crichton, PhD candidate, Flinders University Relative of _Chunia pledgei_ named _Ektopodon serratus_ (top left), with _Wakaleo oldfieldi_.Reconstruction of the early Miocene Kutjumarpu faunal assemblage by Peter Schouten, CC BY-SA Imagine a vast, lush forest dominated by giant flightless birds ...
The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is urging its 27,000 members and subscribers to have a say on Auckland Council’s proposed 2022/23 annual budget. Last week, the Ratepayers’ Alliance launched a new website to encourage public feedback. Backtobasics.co.nz ...
New Zealand distance runner Zane Robertson has been banned from all sport for eight years due to doping. Robertson, who is the holder of six national distance running records and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal, was tested at the UK’s Great Manchester Run in May last year. His sample returned ...
Alex Casey asks a psychologist why she was too chicken shit to wear a mask during the flight that probably gave her Covid-19. In the live action replay in my head, I can basically see, frame by frame, the moment that one of those puny little Covid-19 Koosh balls did ...
Social services and health & disability provider Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) has appointed Joe Waru as its new Kaitohu Matua (General Manager Māori). The appointment will provide PSN with strategic leadership and advice as it seeks to ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Veale, Lecturer in Media Studies, part of the Digital Cultures Laboratory in the School of Humanities, Media, and Creative Communication, Massey University Getty Images The impending arrival of Kelly-Jean Keen-Minshull – aka Posie Parker – has put the spotlight ...
Deputy Public Service Commissioner Ms Heather Baggott has today announced the appointment of Mr Andrew Hampton to the position of Director-General of Security and Chief Executive, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS). The role of the NZSIS is to understand ...
Money isn’t everything. But for most of us, it’s easier to deal with anything else in our lives if we know the bills are getting paid. So when household budgets come under pressure from cost of living increases – especially when that includes the mortgage that keeps a roof over ...
The National Party will announce the first part of its new education policy tomorrow in the prime minister’s own stomping ground of the Hutt. Leader Christopher Luxon said the “Teaching the Basics Brilliantly” policy will see the curriculum totally overhauled, with a direct focus on reading, writing, maths and science. ...
In conjunction with Curia Market Research, the Free Speech Union has distributed a survey on academic freedom to academics across each of the eight universities in New Zealand. Respect for academic freedom is a statutory responsibility for universities, ...
Thirty years ago, after a marathon Parliamentary sitting, the Bolger National government passed the Maritime Transport Act which deregulated coastal shipping by abolishing cabotage. Cabotage was the practice which restricted the operation of sea, air, or ...
New reports out from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) this morning show that in the year to June 2022, 113,400 people came off a benefit, the highest number since electronic records began in 1996. From early 2020, at the start of the pandemic, there was a large increase in the ...
A recent court action by Australia’s financial regulator suggests ‘greenwashing’ claims can expect far greater scrutiny – a situation likely to happen here soon enough, writes Steven Moe.Coal mining can seem like yesterday’s fuel – a relic of the last century, in the coming age of wind farms and ...
Grammy-winning pop star Lizzo will return to New Zealand in July for her first solo show on our shores. The singer, rapper and flautist (yes) will play Spark Arena on July 26 as part of her Special Tour. The last time she was in New Zealand, Lizzo was a festival ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trevor Ireland, Professor, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland MASCOT / DLR / JAXA How did life come about? The answer to this question goes to the very heart of our existence on planet Earth. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Rudge, Law lecturer, University of Sydney Unsplash/Olga Guryanova, CC BY Disturbing reports about botched cosmetic surgeries and injuries in Australia – from breast augmentations causing chronic pain to liposuction leaving patients with lifelong injuries – have sparked concerns in ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip Zylstra, Adjunct Associate Professor at Curtin University, Research Associate at University of New South Wales, Curtin University Shutterstock Fire management in Australia is approaching crisis point. Seasons such as the Black Summer three years ago showed how our best ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Geary, PhD Student, Deakin University Once abundant, woylies – or brush-tailed bettongs – are now critically endangered. John Gould, CC BY-SA Conserving native wildlife is a challenging task and Australia’s unenviable extinction record shows us we urgently need more sophisticated ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pi-Shen Seet, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Edith Cowan University ThisIsEngineering/Pexels , CC BY-NC Australia continues to grapple with acute skills shortages. Businesses are struggling to find workers with the skills they need. Meanwhile, workers struggle to get jobs because ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robin Eames, History PhD candidate, University of Sydney Portrait of De Lacy Evans and his wife (1870)State Library VictoriaThis article contains references to anti-trans, colonial and institutional violence, and includes information about an Aboriginal person who died in the early ...
The new police minister has defended the government’s approach to dealing with crime, as new figures show just 32% of charges laid against young people last year actually resulted in a sentence. Ginny Andersen was promoted into the police portfolio on Monday after Stuart Nash was sent falling to the ...
The final IPCC report was unequivocal in its call to reduce emissions immediately but the government has no further news on how agricultural emissions charging will work, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...
The Greens say climate change will be integral to the big decision this year. Toby Manhire explores the data. Devastating, global-warming-exacerbatedstorms. A new IPCC report laying outthe calamitous fireball hurtling our way. And a prime minister jettisoninga host of climate-aligned policies. There is plenty of material for James ...
Medsafe has approved applications for Ozempic to be used in New Zealand. How does this new drug work and why is everyone talking about it? What just happened? Last Thursday, New Zealand’s medical regulatory body Medsafe gave consent for Ozempic to be prescribed in New Zealand. The approval is for ...
An author on the death of a baby and "a calm respectful grace" The normal world was out there. The clocks and the jobs and the traffic and the mortgages and the death. Especially the death. Death in suburbia means funerals with piped fake Celtic music despite the fact ...
One of New Zealand’s brightest young netball talents, Paris Lokotui has returned to the court 10 months after a knee reconstruction. Now she hopes her tough journey back paves a better way for other Māori and Pasifika players. Paris Lokotui remembers the moment time stood still. The 21-year-old was playing ...
A month on from Cyclone Gabrielle, many residents in Muriwai are still living in limbo, unable to return to their homes "I can't look back because it's too sad. I can't look forward because it is too daunting." Kat Corbett's Muriwai home remains out-of-bounds more than a month after ...
The Climate Change Commission's chair says the Government's decisions to ignore its advice could weaken the country's most important climate policy. ...
Coconut plantations are far from being ‘natural’ environments, coconut oil is high in saturated fats, and, despite the advertising, most of the global supply of coconut oil doesn’t come from the Pacific Islands eitherOpinion: Coconut oil has gained a halo as a natural health product, with claims it can ...
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Just listened to Andrew Little on Checkpoint.
How about we forget that he’s a naturally reticent speaker. Forget that he’s no show pony like John Key was – and Winston Peters still is – and concentrate on what he says for a change.
How about the MSM do an honest job for a change and highlight what he and Labour stand for… what their policies are… and how it will change the lives of so many people for the better. How about they stop this interminable gotcha claptrap that is slowly crippling this country. How about they do the job they are supposed to do and keep the public informed so that they are able to make rational decisions for a change.
Asking too much I know.
Andrew Little talks to John Campbell.
And how about it be highlighted by MSM that Bill English has a stodgy personality and is not a riveting speaker.
Precisely Reality. The hypocrisy of the Right and their MSM acolytes is staggering almost beyond words.
Funniest post ever … you demand the media focus on the Labour’s message not personality … but then want to focus on English’s stodgy personality. Love you work!
“Demand”? No, dreaming of real journalism and admitting that is too much to ask. Then, accepting we sadly live in a time of crap msm, further horrified by the awful bias. Simple really.
Simple to us Violet but too complicated for Dazzer. 😉
Love you too Dazzer – great of you to drop in and give us your valuable feedback.
I dunno Anne. That definitely wasn’t a “gotcha” interview, and yet…
something like the entire first half of it was conducted from the back foot, and it ended with a stated determination to lead NZ Labour into the election which…well does the gap between that, and a determination to be the next PM of New Zealand need to be spelled out?
I really wish the interview hadn’t oozed defeat, but it did. And it’s going to get worse if the soft bagging of the Greens carries on. He should have been pointing out how irrelevant the shift in voting intentions within any Labour/Green bloc is, not doing the woe is unto us it’s all the fault of the Greens (and NZF) for grabbing headlines routine.
That definitely wasn’t a “gotcha” interview, and yet…
I was referring to the general gotcha claptrap that has permeated throughout the MSM – Newshub in particular – not the linked interview. Its just so puerile and pathetic and its getting worse.
I thought the interview with Dann yesterday was interesting. If you ignore the MSM stuff and just listen, some things come through. One is that Labour are now willing to say that if people want to change the govt they need to vote Labour not NZF. The other is that he is a fighter.
Little looked worn out, so I hope he can rally his own reserves and Labour say this again and again but stronger and clearer.
All the positioning stuff seems fine to me, and they’ve got decent enough policy.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/95282759/vandalised-national-party-billboard-in-riverton-claims-bill-english-has-brain-fade
the riverton ripper strikes
This time tomorrow Jacinda Ardern will be leader of the labour party, as someone whose been calling for littles resignation for well over a year this is bittersweet as at best we hold our current seats.
Little is half as popular as cunliffe. Should have been arsed out a long time ago.
Promoting Jacinda Ardern to leader is like taking a shy third former and making her Head Girl – not good for the individual and very bad for the organisation she is supposed to lead.
She’s 37. Comparisons with a third-former are ridiculous, unless you similarly want to compare Bill English to the dull boy who’s been made prefect.
her age is irrelevant, it is her leadership experience that matters – she has none.
Y’a mean, Alan, she’s not yet been Prime Minister?
Have you checked to see if she’s lead any organisations before? Bet you’ll be surprised. And spare a thought for Deputy Paula while you’re at it.
What ,- Pullyer Benefit and put em up in a Motel Bennett ?
Geez.
And I thought the Double Dipper was bad…. strewth !!!
“she has none”
I always find this an odd argument. You don’t have experience therefore can’t have the job, but how do you get the experience without having the job?
Yeah she’s older than Princess Di if that is the type you are referring to.
That lady was a dazzler but there were too many things against her, and she needed more for her.
I reckon Jacinda will be gone sometime during the next electoral term, she’s off to have babies.
THat’s why she’s not interested in the leadership.
I reckon what you reckon has as much worth as Mike Hosking’s sleeve-pulling habit.
I would normally agree, but Jacinda herself has said she doesn’t want the leadership because she still has possible intention of starting a family.
Craig – good point. I still though, reckon about BM’s reckons 🙂
Mike Hosking’s sleeve-pulling habit…
Trying to place a defensive position between himself and the camera in public.
Body Language 101.
I reckon she could probably have a baby and do her job slyrants.
I have no problem with Andrew Little. He leads by consensus and that is good. My problem is the word LABOUR. So old and out of date that word. Labour needs a new name that says “we stand for an egalitarian society” because that is what National is destroying in New Zealand.
Bet that doesn’t happen Cynical.
We have suffered in the last 2 elections from dirty tricks in which the media were (only sometimes) an unwitting part. We can’t afford to have this election hijacked by the media.
Listen up, Paddy Gower, Corin Dann, etc. This election is not about all about YOU. It is not a circus with you as the ringmaster, We have a country which has huge problems to solve. The climate change is going to have an enormous effect on our land, and we need to start planning NOW for the huge impact of rising sea levels, warming seas. The very lives of many of our people will depend on the choice of government in this election and their plans (or lack of plans) for the future. For other people the choice of government is literally life and death for them. For those who cannot access help for their mental health problems soon enough, time is running out. How many more children are going to get rheumatic fever and require heart valve operations? How many more people will die before they can get operations in Dunedin?
How many more roads will be built while rail is in neglected in Auckland?
We want you to ask about POLICIES. We want you to stop obsessing about polls. We want you to stop asking politicians how they feel. We want you to clarify the policy information so that voters can make a fair, educated choice.
Certain elements of the MSM want Labour gone as the main left wing party and replaced by the Greens, which is why you’re seeing this piling into Labour.
MOU = the worst tactical decision ever.
The worse decision was to prevaricate about supporting Metiria and not pump a hand on a lecturn and say- we are having good times but we can have that and not hate the poor, not demonise the poor, not make them into criminals just to provide for their own family.
In a government I lead we will have prosperity without the meanness of spirit, aspiration without the snobbery and anger, compassion and confidence in the ability of New Zealanders to build and grow businesses.
Not in God’s own country will we stand by while families live in cars and people die living on the street. Like the Liberals and the First Labour Government we say enough. Enough teaching our children to walk past the homeless, teaching them to blame those who have misfortune, enough teaching them that we owe no service to the country that got us here, that we owe no service to our society, that we don’t need to invest in our housing, our education and our health services and that all we need is a little bit of a tax cut. We are one people, one country, one tribe, but we are not all equal. We need to help our weakest and we should judge our society on how we judge them. And by that measure our country, lead by these heartless hounds who say with all honesty have not knowingly cheated to get ahead, is very poor indeed.
And the people they are suggesting should lead the party instead won’t make anything better.
The swing to Metiria was because of this. Being racist hasn’t split off votes from NZ first, because Labour isn’t racist. Believing in a kind of austerity hasn’t split off voters from National, because they already have austerity. Labour needs to come out swinging, look at the full reason they are failing and it is the whole leadership team and its failure over two cycles to come out swinging strongly and genuinely as Labour.
I like what you say Tautoko but Paddy Gower, Corin Dann and people like them dont care.
Well said. I have been home most of today and found it unbelievable how that poll result dominated the news with broadcasters’ breathless statements about Andrew Little talking of resigning. There are so many important challenges facing this country, but they get crowded out because some functionary at RNZ national decided that this was leading the news all day.
We’re lucky there wasn’t a school shoot out in the USA, we’d never have heard anything about us only the USA.
This is MMP.
Winstone loathed the Alliance, remember that?
Then he loathed the Greens.
And the current Green party is doing a very good impersonation of the old Alliance.
Yes, this is MMP
Alternatively Little goes to caucus tomorrow morning challenges them to make a move, announces a press conference and makes it look like hes about to resign, the press attention will be crazy, instead of resigning does a firey angry speech about why he wants to be pm and uses the attention to announce a policy on Marijuana reform or something equally controversial but popular and radical. This would result in littles face being all over the news.
This could be the making of the man. Labours current policies are boring they need some radical announcements that will get people talking about them
the problem with that approach is that anything radical will likely have a strong left wing edge to it – net result, he drags a few back from the greens and zero from the centre or right.
And how has 9 years of going for the radical center worked out for labour??!? Like pretty much all the traditional left parties – all but dead…
While he’s talking to caucus he could ask who’s going to contradict policy next, so he can figure out how to pretend it’s all fine. Or give them notice they’re on their own.
Hang in there Andrew Little.
You are a good man.
New Zealand needs a good man as Prime Minister and I hope you make it.
I agree Ad. Would rather have Andrew Little as PM in a coalition govt with the Greens than another horrifying 3 years of the Bill and Nat show. How many deaths in the streets will it take before people wake up to stop the current madness?
+1000.
On reflection I agree Ad.
If Little cut loose and campaigned like he had nothing to lose, he just might win it.
I’m sure he has the nous to do it but it depends on whether his caucus members have the nous to back him up.
Yeah, that’s the sense I have. Nash breaking ranks today is not a good sign.
Puddleglum has written the first blog in a long time and it’s well worth the read: http://www.thepoliticalscientist.org/whos-afraid-of-radical-politics/
Anyway, I have taken the quote/Leunig cartoon at the very end and ‘butchered’ it to:
PS if this is not permissible, for any reason, please delete forthwith.
[lprent: Not a problem. I presume you’re worried about astroturfing. It follows the site rules by being in the right kind of post (OpenMike or Daily Review) and you explained what it was, why you thought it was important, and provided a link. Even when I’m on a irritable rampage at reading crap, I wouldn’t give this a glance. ]
Nash can fuck right off.
Agreed! I was thinking the exact same thing about hanging in there.
Yes, yes for sures agree with you Ad
“As recent anthropological research has pointed out:
Keeping the playing field level was a matter of survival. These small-scale, nomadic foraging groups didn’t stock up much surplus food, and given the high-risk nature of hunting – the fact that on any given day or week you may come back empty-handed – sharing and cooperation were required to ensure everyone got enough to eat. Anyone who made a bid for higher status or attempted to take more than their share would be ridiculed or ostracised for their audacity. Suppressing our primate ancestors’ dominance hierarchies by enforcing these egalitarian norms was a central adaptation of human evolution, argues social anthropologist Christopher Boehm. It enhanced cooperation and lowered risk as small, isolated bands of humans spread into new habitats and regions across the world, and was likely crucial to our survival and success.”
Puddleglum – clever thinking, always.
http://www.thepoliticalscientist.org/whos-afraid-of-radical-politics/
Sounds like a whole New World 🙂
Stuart Nash turns out to be a liability, who knew? 🙄
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/larry-williams-drive/audio/stuart-nash-labour-admits-agreement-with-greens-hurting-its-chances/
Hmm…. I admit Labour agreement to select Stuart Nash is hurting its chances with me.
Yeah, a liablity in your view, Weka.
But we all know that you still think in an MMP world that 24% +15% + 11% = a credible government.
I’m not sure that most outside this echo chamber would agree.
Plus this:
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/95300591/switching-leaders-at-this-point-is-not-easy-but-andrew-littles-exit-seems-more-likely
But you’re a Tory and you would think that.
Well, what would you think, Ed?
Can’t you do the maths?
Are you giving odds on Little stepping down tomorrow?
Bet he doesn’t.
He should have been told to fuck off and join National a long time ago.
IMHO, I reckon Labour/Greens should follow Winston’s lead and ditch the budget responsibility agreement, the media/Nats would hate it, the subsequent squealing would highlight , Nationals position as being out of step with Lab/Green/NZ1st (the majority). Double down by bringing forward the free tertiary policy.
Pretty hard to back track on such a major policy. What would they say made them change their mind?
National’s neglect leading to the appalling state of NZ infrastructure – needing urgent action.(and it does)
Housing, Water, Rail, Health, Education., the list is massive
Wonder if David Cunliffe is having a naughty chuckle to himself, or shedding a bitter little tear, right about now?
Can’t but wonder how low the price of mincemeat would have fallen to after him dealing to dopey Bill in a few leadership debates.
Instead of talking to each other, send a message of support to Andrew.
(My national voting brother-in-law says he received a request for a donation by Judith
Collins.)?????
Lets support Andrew on NZ labours’ facebook and donate!!!!!
We DON”T need a new Leader. We need to get policy out there!!!!!!!
I scraped around last night and did exactly that and donated 3.36 times the monthly operational costs for this site. A considerable sacrifice I thought until I was given today 2/3rds of the amount as a reward for obsessive work a few months ago in the form of a prezzy card.
Oh well there is always next month to be more sacrificial.. Maybe I’ll donate to the greens then. 😈
You’ve had 3 years to get policy out there and sway the vote. What makes you think $20 here or there with 8 weeks to go is going to make a difference?
Supporting Andrew on Facebook won’t make him PM, sadly for you.
Any left wing party trying to get policy out has to deal with the neoliberal media wanting to talk about ……polls……….Personalities….polls…..leadership…….personalities…polls….
Msm… blah… Radio Nz bias.. blah… picking on Labour… blah.. picking on Metiria even though it bumped the Greens… blah…
The MSM is certainly hostile to the left – and to any kind of social or moral standards for that matter. I just hope the incoming government returns the favour.
You know it.
Watch Chomsky if you don’t
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnrBQEAM3rE
Or watch this
ALL GOVERNMENTS LIE: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone
“Any left wing party trying to get policy out has to deal with the neoliberal media wanting to talk about ……polls……….Personalities….polls…..leadership…….personalities…polls….”
Then don’t.
It’s all getting rather silly – you want cut through – give the media what it want’s – ratings.
Why at the 11th hour are people moaning, we all know it goes on. Say stuff that will get the media attack dogs attacking, say the things people actually want to hear.
In my experience giving cash leading into an election to a political party tends to be way more productive than that the much large amounts that I routinely donate to political parties over the previous 2.75 years. I do have to admit that it is way easier albeit less productive than giving my skilled hours.
I guess that is why the inherently lazy, shiftless and apparently untalented National and Act supporters (like yourself?) prefer doing it that way.
Well, I guess with 8 weeks to go, your hard earned dosh may help to purchase some new hoardings for the new Labour leader to be announced tomorrow.
I hope you’ve programmed your donations accordingly lprent.
What is it with the turds repeating the same attack line.
It’s like a round robin of dumb, and dumber.
Yeah, they really seem to have reached their peak of commenting sophistication in 2008. Probably need soem time in opposition to encourage them to start learning again. eh?
Earning: Vegans should now avert their eyes….
They do seem to respond well to accurate assessment about their probable abilities. It is like sishing in the Kaipara used to be like. Foolish fish rising to take the barbed bait (and whining as they bleed out for breakfast)
What’s the attack line Adam?
Do you seriously think Little will still be Labour leader this time tomorrow?
I don’t.
That’s not an attack line. That’s a subjective statement based on what’s happened over the past couple of days.
Yes, we’re all lazy, shiftless and apparently untalented, lprent.
Luckily we’re left under no illusion about how (very self deprecatingly) you are amazing, skilled and probably the biggest computer aficionado since Steve Jobs. Or not.
Umm.. Definitely a small snapper from the 2008 contingent.
Ummm. I may be a snapper, but what does that make Audrey?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11897368
Are you willing to wager, lprent!
John Key confessed that he considered resigning long before he did a runner, the media lapped it up.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11897067
A point though, Andrew Little didnt actually offer his resignation.
Except you dipstick she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She said that at this level of 24% he wouldn’t get in.
She’s wrong, but show me a Nat that can do simple arithmetic.
The barefaced Nat plant glossed over the leader poll, Peters, Ardern and LITTLE all went up, only English went down.
Quick ,look over there, a pony tail, oh no wait, it’s only horseshit.
Quick, look over there. Andrew has pulled out of all media interviews this morning.
Nothing to see here though, I’m sure.
Ahh….brilliant.
Undermine the leader and get round the party.
Keep voting until we get the right result, yeh? If you can’t convince the people, marginalise them.
Might be time to vote for the Greens and join them after all.
Nash auditioning to be the leader of NZ first? Ahh…Simon Wilson the new Josie Pagani. Such a pity. “Nash would be a big, bold call” Lol except “it’s hard to pinpoint any quality new ideas he’s produced.”
Ardern/Hipkins possibly. drop Nash hard and fast. Little attorney general. Robertson has not impressed. He hasn’t damaged any of the Nats Finance ministers. He is Little’s finance guy. He’s gotta wear that. He’s a key player in this leadership team.
Anyone in the know want to tell us what the fuck is really going on and why us two tickers should still do it?
Electorate vote labour, as they’re either first or second place, and disregard traditional, historical reasons, party vote for the most left leaning party who you see as able to push the progressive cause. Imo, the greens.
Don’t feel bad for deserting labour in supporting the greens. You’re making the best decision. They’ve had eight and a half years and wasted them with internal division and ego driven politics.
Just don’t be a loser and vote Top or NZ1st and misguidedly think you’re doing the right thing to oust the government.
Not a chance of the latter, mate.
Slowly coming around to the possibility of a Grant leadership if he can sell the whole thing better. Well, not hating it if it can change the government. Bring several positives and the possibility of selling a decent manifesto better.
I should be out door knocking for Labour.
I should go be pissed off elsewhere on the internet. or not on the internet at all.
FFS Labour. The votes aren’t leaving the left. They’ve gone to a party that’s put its beating heart out there for a Labour cause. Don’t panic. Don’t go- we should not be Labour and we should ditch the Greens. The votes may come back. They are still in the coalition. National has lost voters. They are vunerable. That’s why the attacks are coming in.
You ceded leadership of the left for a bit. Don’t be sad about that. Respect it. Praise Metiria for looking after hers, as many have. Say why you will decrease poverty and increase the kind of social mobility that Metiria embodies and why this is important to Kiwis and why a government that demeans NZ workers and brings in near slave labour in some cases can f- right off. Labour inspectorate cases seemingly rushing in now there’s an election on eh?
I hear you, but reality bites and says labour are as left wing as my right nut. lol.
Time will come when the greens are the biggest left wing group in parliament. I suggest getting in on the ground floor to claim bragging rights.
But if you want to chose a party that goes through leaders like I do knickers after a week on the curry, so be it, just don’t get scared when you have to play second fiddle to a team that have had no rankles, dramas, and internal divisions while they claim to be acting in the interests of the common people on the street.
I can wait for the tide to change, but only ’cause I know it’s coming sooner rather than later. All depends on when you old hat, died in the wool guys feel brave enough to make the change. 😉
It’s simple Newsense, the Nats can’t win it from here and English has admitted it, so they’ve released their media hounds on on Little and Labour.
Newshub-Reid Research poll – July 2017 ~ July 2014
….….….….….….….….. . …. 2014 ………..….….. 2017
National…. …. …. . .…. … 49% ………..….…… 45% …. – 4
Labour…. …. …. ….…. …. 27% ………..……….. 24% ….. – 3
Greens …. …. …. …. …. .. 12% ………..………..13% ….. + 1
NZ First …. …. …. …. …. . . 4% ………..……….. 13% ….. + 9
Newshub-Reid Research poll
Opposition Leader Performance Rating
Cunliffe during 2014 election campaign
July 2014
Performed
Well 27
Poorly 53
Net Score – 26
August 2014
Performed
Well 22
Poorly 56
Net Score – 34
Sep (1) 2014
Performed
Well 33
Poorly 48
Net Score – 15
Sep (2) 2014
Performed
Well 41
Poorly 46
Net Score – 5
Sep (3) 2014
Performed
Well 41
Poorly 46
Net Score – 5
Little
July 2017
Performed
Well 30
Poorly 46
Net Score – 16
________________________________________________________
Cunliffe ~ Little
July 2014 ~ July 2017
Performed
Well 27 ………. . . . . . 30
Poorly 53 ……. . . . .. 46
Net Score – 26 …. – 16
The whole poll thing on talkback today, what I found really messed up is it appears many NZers don’t like honesty. That’s fucked up.
People ringing in saying, oh Andrew shouldn’t have said anything… are they for reals? Dang, they need help, as does the likes of Garner running the narrative with his poll.
Andrew has never been in it for himself, he’s not that kind of man, team player all the way, kudos to him for that, his honesty with Labour and the NZ public in the weird world of polls makes a refreshing change.
Andrew I really admire your integrity among other things, and am backing you all the way.
Question please…. Why does both the leader and the deputy of NZ’s 2nd largest party feature on the preferred PM poll, but only the leader of largest party features on said poll and nationals deputy is nowhere?
Maybe newshub and the like could do a story on why paula bennett does not appear to feature in any poll, anywhere?
Labour need to be talking about how unpopular Bennett is A LOT. Why would you want to elect a government like that?
the slipperiness of Bill Clinton with the heartlessness of …Bennett.
On his lonesome
“Andrew Little and Jacinda Ardern look well together, sharing the Labour Party billboard, Leader and Deputy, side by side.
The Green leaders too, Metiria Turei and James Shaw make a happy pair on their billboard, along with their binding message “Great together”.
National’s billboards however, have Bill English standing without support, alone.
Why hasn’t deputy Paula Bennett joined him on the campaign?
Her face is missing from the picture. Bill looks abandoned.”
The Southland Times – letters to the editor 31/7/2017
He is abandoned – and Paula could never take John’s place.
She could be, but she’d have to get twice as sleazy and ten times as popular.
and Paula could never take John’s place.
No one could ever takes Sir Johns place…
Yup – as worthless as his eponymous predecessor in Thomas Hardy.
Paula Bennett cannot afford to be a focus of attention. Her ‘harassment’ by a member of the public is too recent. She will be keeping well away from the media. The old adage ‘where there is smoke there is fire’ always has an element of truth in it. I would like to see her have an in depth interview regarding her views on lying and fraud, pertaining to Turei’s admittance of the same. Possibly birds of a feather. Who knows? All imo.
Good god, I can’t believe what I’ve been reading and listen too since this morning! Is this shit real or is it my brain tricks on me and I know they (Weather Boffins) are calling for a early build (going to be a real stinker) up to the wet season so I may have gone troppo a little early well I have loaded a trailer full fencing gear this arvo.
Little should go for broke either you are with or you are on your own? Where’s Churchill (yeah I know a few here hate him, but Little needs to deliver a Churchill style speech to those political middle class toff’s who infect our great party) when you need him!
An DS from my Army times said: Politics is war and War is Politics by other means and either side must be bold in attack and steely neve in defence as a poker player ie know when hold them and know when to fold them. ( A bit of Clausewitz and Kenny Rogers)
One last comment from me. Would Labours Finance spokesman (was he a member of the ABC mob?) currently lack luster over the last couple mths, would be so stupid at this stage of the election to try and trip up Little as I believe he had caucus support and Little had party support like the last poor bloke?
The very last comment, do you think I should come home when I get my Med Discharge from the ADF and kick some of these clowns from the middle class toff’s up the ass and ask those team you are on.
Certainly by deepsea fishing standards there’s a few that ought to be overhauled with a deck spanner. I think they listen too much to the vermin on the right – we want Andy angry – way too many suicides and kids in poverty is not a coffee table conversation – it’s war.
What did it matter to ya
When you got a job to do you got to do it well
You got to give the other fella hell…
Ayn Rand’s hobby was pissing and moaning to the FBI about books she thought were seditious.
https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2016/aug/03/ayn-rands-date-j-edgar-hoover/