Dame Anne Salmond’s final, brief election thought

Written By: - Date published: 12:36 pm, September 21st, 2017 - 39 comments
Categories: election 2017, jacinda ardern, labour, leadership - Tags: , , ,

Newsroom has a short, powerful piece by Dame Anne Salmond. It’s hard to abridge because it’s so compact. You should read the whole piece on Newsroom, but this is how it ends:

Dame Anne Salmond: A final, brief election thought
…
Jacindamania isn’t about personality at all – it’s a collective sigh of relief that we might finally have a kind of leadership that reflects our core values as New Zealanders. A chance for a country that’s truly ‘clean and green;’ for honesty, decency and kindness in our public as well as our private lives.

National have run a classically neo-liberal campaign, based on cynical self-interest. It was sad watching Bill English in the last leader’s debate – a fundamentally decent man lying through his teeth to try and win the election.

We deserve better from our leaders than this kind of Faustian bargain.

The choice in this election is stark. Neo-liberalism has failed. It’s time to hand over the reins to a new generation, and let them shape the future.

39 comments on “Dame Anne Salmond’s final, brief election thought ”

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  1. WILD KATIPO 1
    21 September 2017 at 12:54 pm

    Latest UMR Poll: National 43 Labour 38 NZF 8 Green 7 TOP 2.7 « The …
    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/…/latest-umr-poll-national-43-labour-38-nzf-8-green-7-top-…

    And yes , – neo liberalism HAS failed , – it always has .

    … ” Neo-liberalism has failed. It’s time to hand over the reins to a new generation, and let them shape the future ” …

  2. Roy 2
    21 September 2017 at 1:18 pm

    Newsroom, no Newshub – nearly got me there!

  3. Heather Grimwood 3
    21 September 2017 at 1:29 pm

    Wise words from a wise woman. Thank you Anne.

  4. greywarshark 4
    21 September 2017 at 1:57 pm

    a kind of leadership that reflects our core values as New Zealanders.

    Dame Anne Salmond (a title that is well earned and meaningful for a great NZr) said the above. If enough New Zealanders can’t find enough courage, determination and principles to vote out National then we will know that we are rotten to the core.

  5. eco Maori/kiwi 5
    21 September 2017 at 2:01 pm

    A great article from a wise Lady who is assisting the fight in a return to OUR Kiwi Values and principle’s of respecting everyone and everything in OUR Environment.

  6. Lara 6
    21 September 2017 at 2:05 pm

    True. Except that generation needs to take up the reins and engage. It’s right there guys… right in front of you for the taking.

    If they don’t go and bloody well vote then they’ll get more of the same.

    If Jacinda Ardern with all her youth and positivity can’t get them out to vote… I don’t know what can.

  7. simonm 7
    21 September 2017 at 2:14 pm

    I agree with most of it except this:

    “It was sad watching Bill English in the last leader’s debate – a fundamentally decent man lying through his teeth to try and win the election.”

    What’s ‘fundamentally decent’ about lying about where you live in order to commit housing benefit fraud like English did in 2009?

    • ianmac 7.1
      21 September 2017 at 2:36 pm

      Bill English has always painted as a decent honest fellow.
      For political gain he has chosen to lie. Maybe he was always dishonest but now we know for sure. That is sad in a Prime Minister.

      • AB 7.1.1
        21 September 2017 at 2:55 pm

        Rotten Bill

        • aj 7.1.1.1
          21 September 2017 at 8:38 pm

          It is very sad that there is such a large number of voters prepared to elect that fraudster to the top office. It’s as if they don’t care. I know Labour has sat on the high ground in this election but somebody loudly needed to remind the public of that man’s history.
          A wealthy man, didn’t need the money, lied about his residence because he could thought he could get away with it.

    • Matt 7.2
      21 September 2017 at 3:20 pm

      I have never thought that Bill was the worst of them. We can forgive him for his conservative views as a Catholic farmer from the deep South.

      He has obviously spent too much time with Key and company where he has come to the decision that lying to the electorate to win is ok.

      I really don’t know how people can not see through the lies about the financial hole and the taxes and how he can keep a straight face while talking about it. If they win on Saturday this will be another sad step of our proud democracy being moved towards the American way of doing things where there is a effective civil war between republicans and democrats because there is no trust between them.

      I doubt anyone in the labour party could work effectively to advance mutual interests with their National counterparts when they have effectively gone along with the lies. Agreement by silence is still agreement. Or maybe they are the “everyone” that Bill talks about believing in the hole.

  8. marty mars 8
    21 September 2017 at 2:57 pm

    Yep totally agree with her. Pity some didn’t understand the Jacinda effect and I have high hopes for Saturday no matter what the naysayers have said.

    • adam 8.1
      21 September 2017 at 4:54 pm

      See me I’m a bit uncomfortable, we had a articulate Maori women – a few actually. But for this argument, one, in the form of Materia Turei make these points against an economic system that does not work, and she was hounded out of parliament.

      It is not to much of a stretch to say Jacinda Ardern was not exactly supportive of her. A case can be put that knives were used by the same Jacinda Ardern. So me I’m uncomfortable, Jacinda Ardern came to power via a coup, then (in all probability) back-stabbed a well liked figure on the left. Pretty sure that’s not the values I support.

      I know many here are comfortable with that, but I’m not. Nor am I so Machiavellian, nor am I so bloke orientated, to appreciate and support such things. Does beg the question, does the public need a white face to convey this message? If so, that’s a very sad indictment on this country.

      • JanM 8.1.1
        21 September 2017 at 5:05 pm

        Metiria was not hounded out by Jacinda – she threw herself under a bus by confessing to ‘criminal activity’, no matter how minor or how long ago. She was seriously naive not to realise that the hounds of hell would be baying immediately, and it would have done none of us any good if Jacinda had gone under after her, which is what would have happened had she overtly supported her. Metiria placed a lot of good people in a very precarious position, sadly. It was well intentioned, honest, and heartfelt, but not clever politics in a narrow-minded society like NZ

        • adam 8.1.1.1
          21 September 2017 at 5:55 pm

          I did not say Materia Turei was hounded out Jacinda Ardern. I said the case can be made she was stabbed in the back by Jacinda Ardern, at worst, and at best she was not supportive. Either of the positions make me uncomfortable. Especially the former.

          As for “in a narrow minded society like NZ” does that not contradict what Professor Salmond was trying to say?

          • marty mars 8.1.1.1.1
            22 September 2017 at 9:57 am

            that case is bullshit – she wasn’t stabbed in the back by anyone – what a load of rubbish.

            • adam 8.1.1.1.1.1
              22 September 2017 at 12:38 pm

              So saying she would not get a cabinet position was not a stab in the back?

              Do we need to talk about Jacinda Ardern helping feed the media frenzy?

              • marty mars …
                22 September 2017 at 12:51 pm

                no it wasn’t – it was smart politics – I love/laugh how you want to make Metiria fragile as if she can’t make her own decisions and stand by them

                • adam …
                  22 September 2017 at 3:05 pm

                  Nice twist, not buying it. Metiria is not fragile, but she was subject to a hit job, if you can’t see that, then sorry for you.

                  So smart politics is being as Machiavellian as possible.

                  You know the left had moral compass once, and saw that approach to politics as reprehensible and somthing they wanted to change. But as many are so unthinkingly in bed with liberalism, they have given up on the project of a better world for working people. I’m not surprised that Machiavellian, or macho politics is the winner on the day.

      • patricia bremner 8.1.2
        21 September 2017 at 5:52 pm

        Adam, you appear to embellish events with a spin that suits your interpretation.

        Jacinda did not take over through a coup.

        Andrew Little asked her to.

        Their hug on stage at the Auckland Rally is up on Andrew’s Facebook page.

        Andrew was then made number 3 on the List.

        Strange coup!!!

        Metiria was ruled out because she broke the law.

        In spite of Joyce’s beliefs you can’t be “pretty Legal”

        • adam 8.1.2.1
          21 September 2017 at 6:00 pm

          So where was the labour patty membership in the vote for the new leader? Or indeed the unions, if I remember their rules correctly.

          So feeding you kids is a capital offence now? Why don’t we just elect Judge Dredd and be done with it, if that is the attitude. You know we use to think owning slaves was ‘pretty legal’ as well.

        • DoublePlusGood 8.1.2.2
          22 September 2017 at 1:08 am

          Broke the law 20 years ago, while not remotely in parliament.
          That’s a pretty ridiculous absurd standard to hold elected officials to.

  9. Philj 9
    21 September 2017 at 6:57 pm

    Thank you Dame Anne. I wonder whether the next generation does realise the neo-liberal connection as they have known nothing else. Student loans being a good example.

  10. mosa 10
    21 September 2017 at 7:23 pm

    It’s all over bar the shouting and the New Zealand electorate decided in 2011 that it preferred corruption and deceit over everything else even sanity and common sense and this election campaign has been no different.

    It is going to be a long three years but we have got Jacinda the Natz don’t even come close to her and she will be unstoppable and when the current regime falls she will be ready.

  11. WILD KATIPO 11
    21 September 2017 at 9:37 pm

    In light of Dame Anne Salmond’s excellent analysis and truthful words on neo liberalism , … and in particular under this National party after 9 long years , … I posted this song after listening to my 21 year old son play it….

    This how so many young people genuinely feel about things currently and how disenchanted with the greed of this neo liberal ideology they have become …

    Home Brew – ‘LISTEN TO US’ – YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AjgWyxJAGQ

  12. mosa 12
    22 September 2017 at 12:11 am

    Bloody brilliant and pretty much sums everything up for the last 33 years.

    Socialism for the rich and Capitalisim for the poor in Aotearoa.

  13. Sparky 13
    22 September 2017 at 11:33 am

    Yes but why do people seem to think Labour are all that different? This to me is so reminiscent of what happened in the US. Two main parties that really look more like one. Lets remember people the Nats want the TPPA and Labour are not definitively saying no to it.

    Want real change in my view steer well clear of them both come election day.

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    Nicola Willis (in blue) at the signing of the coalition agreement, before being sworn in as both Finance Minister and Social Investment Minister. National’s plan to unwind anti-smoking measures will benefit her in the first role, but how does it stack up from a social investment viewpoint? Photo: Lynn Grieveson ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Giving Tuesday
    For the first time "in history" we decided to jump on the "Giving Tuesday" bandwagon in order to make you aware of the options you have to contribute to our work! Projects supported by Skeptical Science Inc. Skeptical Science Skeptical Science is an all-volunteer organization but ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Let's open the books with Nicotine Willis
    Let’s say it’s 1984,and there's a dreary little nation at the bottom of the Pacific whose name rhymes with New Zealand,and they've just had an election.Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, will you look at the state of these books we’ve opened,cries the incoming government, will you look at all this mountain ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • Climate Change: Stopping oil
    National is promising to bring back offshore oil and gas drilling. Naturally, the Greens have organised a petition campaign to try and stop them. You should sign it - every little bit helps, and as the struggle over mining conservation land showed, even National can be deterred if enough people ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Don’t accept Human Rights Commission reading of data on Treaty partnership – read the survey fin...
    Wellington is braced for a “massive impact’ from the new government’s cutting public service jobs, The Post somewhat grimly reported today. Expectations of an economic and social jolt are based on the National-Act coalition agreement to cut public service numbers in each government agency in a cost-trimming exercise  “informed by” head ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • The stupidest of stupid reasons
    One of the threats in the National - ACT - NZ First coalition agreements was to extend the term of Parliament to four years, reducing our opportunities to throw a bad government out. The justification? Apparently, the government thinks "elections are expensive". This is the stupidest of stupid reasons for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • A website bereft of buzz
    Buzz from the Beehive The new government was being  sworn in, at time of writing , and when Point of Order checked the Beehive website for the latest ministerial statements and re-visit some of the old ones we drew a blank. We found ….  Nowt. Nothing. Zilch. Not a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • MICHAEL BASSETT: A new Ministry – at last
    Michael Bassett writes – Like most people, I was getting heartily sick of all the time being wasted over the coalition negotiations. During the first three weeks Winston grinned like a Cheshire cat, certain he’d be needed; Chris Luxon wasted time in lifting the phone to Winston ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Luxon's Breakfast.
    The Prime Minister elect had his silver fern badge on. He wore it to remind viewers he was supporting New Zealand, that was his team. Despite the fact it made him look like a concierge, or a welcomer in a Koru lounge. Anna Burns-Francis, the Breakfast presenter, asked if he ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • LINDSAY MITCHELL:  Oranga Tamariki faces major upheaval under coalition agreement
     Lindsay Mitchell writes – A hugely significant gain for ACT is somewhat camouflaged by legislative jargon. Under the heading ‘Oranga Tamariki’ ACT’s coalition agreement contains the following item:   Remove Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 According to Oranga Tamariki:     “Section ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • BRIAN EASTON:  Peters as Minister
    A previous column looked at Winston Peters biographically. This one takes a closer look at his record as a minister, especially his policy record. Brian Easton writes – 1990-1991: Minister of Māori Affairs. Few remember Ka Awatea as a major document on the future of Māori policy; there is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Cathrine Dyer's guide to watching COP 28 from the bottom of a warming planet
    Is COP28 largely smoke and mirrors and a plan so cunning, you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel? Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: COP28 kicks off on November 30 and up for negotiation are issues like the role of fossil fuels in the energy transition, contributions to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Top 10 news links at 10 am for Monday, Nov 27
    PM Elect Christopher Luxon was challenged this morning on whether he would sack Adrian Orr and Andrew Coster.TL;DR: Here’s my pick of top 10 news links elsewhere at 10 am on Monday November 27, including:Signs councils are putting planning and capital spending on hold, given a lack of clear guidance ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the new government’s policies of yesteryear
    This column expands on a Werewolf column published by Scoop on Friday Routinely, Winston Peters is described as the kingmaker who gets to decide when the centre right or the centre-left has a turn at running this country. He also plays a less heralded but equally important role as the ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    7 days ago

  • The New Government’s Agreements
    Last Friday, almost six weeks after election day, National finally came to an agreement with ACT and NZ First to form a government. They also released the agreements between each party and looking through them, here are the things I thought were the most interesting (and often concerning) from the. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    7 days ago

  • How many smokers will die to fund the tax cuts?
    Maori and Pasifika smoking rates are already over twice the ‘all adult’ rate. Now the revenue that generates will be used to fund National’s tax cuts. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The devil is always in the detail and it emerged over the weekend from the guts of the policy agreements National ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • How the culture will change in the Beehive
    Perhaps the biggest change that will come to the Beehive as the new government settles in will be a fundamental culture change. The era of endless consultation will be over. This looks like a government that knows what it wants to do, and that means it knows what outcomes ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    7 days ago

  • No More Winnie Blues.
    So what do you think of the coalition’s decision to cancel Smokefree measures intended to stop young people, including an over representation of Māori, from taking up smoking? Enabling them to use the tax revenue to give other people a tax cut?David Cormack summed it up well:It seems not only ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #47
    A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on the Skeptical Science  Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Nov 19, 2023 thru Sat, Nov 25, 2023.  Story of the Week World stands on frontline of disaster at Cop28, says UN climate chief  Exclusive: Simon Stiell says leaders must ‘stop ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Some of it is mad, some of it is bad and some of it is clearly the work of people who are dangerous ...
    On announcement morning my mate texted:Typical of this cut-price, fake-deal government to announce itself on Black Friday.What a deal. We lose Kim Hill, we gain an empty, jargonising prime minister, a belligerent conspiracist, and a heartless Ayn Rand fanboy. One door closes, another gets slammed repeatedly in your face.It seems pretty ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • “Revolution” is the threat as the Māori Party smarts at coalition government’s Treaty directi...
    Buzz from the Beehive Having found no fresh announcements on the government’s official website, Point of Order turned today to Scoop’s Latest Parliament Headlines  for its buzz. This provided us with evidence that the Māori Party has been soured by the the coalition agreement announced yesterday by the new PM. “Soured” ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • The Good, the Bad, and the even Worse.
    Yesterday the trio that will lead our country unveiled their vision for New Zealand.Seymour looking surprisingly statesmanlike, refusing to rise to barbs about his previous comments on Winston Peters. Almost as if they had just been slapstick for the crowd.Winston was mostly focussed on settling scores with the media, making ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • When it Comes to Palestine – Free Speech is Under Threat
    Hi,Thanks for getting amongst Mister Organ on digital — thanks to you, we hit the #1 doc spot on iTunes this week. This response goes a long way to helping us break even.I feel good about that. Other things — not so much.New Zealand finally has a new government, and ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 week ago

  • Thank you Captain Luxon. Was that a landing, or were we shot down?
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Also in More Than A FeildingFriday The unboxing And so this is Friday and what have we gone and done to ourselves?In the same way that a Christmas present can look lovely under the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand welcomes European Parliament vote on the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement
    A significant milestone in ratifying the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was reached last night, with 524 of the 705 member European Parliament voting in favour to approve the agreement. “I’m delighted to hear of the successful vote to approve the NZ-EU FTA in the European Parliament overnight. This is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Further humanitarian support for Gaza, the West Bank and Israel
    The Government is contributing a further $5 million to support the response to urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, bringing New Zealand’s total contribution to the humanitarian response so far to $10 million. “New Zealand is deeply saddened by the loss of civilian life and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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