Deborah Russell for New Lynn

69 comments on “Deborah Russell for New Lynn ”

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1. weka 1

   11 February 2017 at 3:28 pm

   The New Lynn communities are fortunate to have you both!

   Anyone know when Labour’s final seat selections will be finished?
2. Brutus Iscariot 2

   11 February 2017 at 5:35 pm

   He didn’t stand a chance after WJ-Gate. I wonder if there was some horse-trading behind the scenes?
3. Michael 3

   11 February 2017 at 5:50 pm

   An outstanding candidate selected for New Lynn. That’s one seat Labour should retain.
   • AmaKiwi 3.1

     11 February 2017 at 9:31 pm

     The Labour caucus learns zero about democracy. What the locals want counts for nothing. OK.

     If the caucus don’t need me I don’t need them either. I’ll have a closer look at the Greens.
     • Darien Fenton 3.1.1

       12 February 2017 at 1:32 pm

       The caucus doesn’t decide candidates. There is a process involving the party and local reps and members ; as there was yesterday. No MP was involved other than D Cunliffe who had his one red card vote.
       • weka 3.1.1.1

         12 February 2017 at 2:18 pm

         Would probably be useful if Labour put an explanation of its selection process into the public domain. Greens too.
         • Paul Campbell 3.1.1.1.1

           12 February 2017 at 3:26 pm

           Labour’s constitution includes this info and is available on their web site

           https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/nzlabour/pages/3956/attachments/original/1472008254/NZLP_Constitution_with_2016_Amendments.pdf?1472008254

           Edit: The Green’s is only visible to members: https://home.greens.org.nz/constitution but google can find it anyway https://home.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/greenparty_constitution_110602new.pdf here’s how they have done it in the past http://www.elections.org.nz/sites/default/files/bulk-upload/documents/green_party_candidate_selection_and_list_ranking_processes_2014.pdf

           The Nats don’t even have a way to search their web site, but will offer you great deals on private health insurance if you join

           Edit: Actually I did find the Nat’s constitution, here’s how they do it
           https://www.mynational.org.nz/Folder?Action=View%20File&Folder_id=369&File=NZ%20National%20Party%20-%20Rules%20and%20Constitution%202016.pdf
           • weka 3.1.1.1.1.1

             12 February 2017 at 9:13 pm

             Cheers! I’ll see if I can pull out the relevant bits. I don’t suppose you can find a copy of the Labour Party caucus rules?
   • AmaKiwi 3.2

     11 February 2017 at 10:50 pm

     Is this supposed to be alternative fact? “Russell is an outstanding candidate for New Lynn.”

     She has no experience as an elected representative.

     Do you remember, “He’s a great guy. He did brilliant work at the UN and was voted New Zealander of the Year. We’ll push aside the local candidates and make him the candidate for Mt. Albert.” Next came, “The people love Cunliffe but we (the caucus) don’t. We’ll override the membership and make Shearer party leader.” With that top down thinking the Labour caucus nearly destroyed the Labour party.

     Unlike Russell, Greg Presland has a proven record as an outstanding local politician. He built a local Labour team that swept the opposition out of almost every local body seat.

     Time will tell if Deborah Russell proves to be a good candidate (as time proved Shearer was NOT). But the way the hierarchy parachuted her into my electorate sickens me.
     • newsense 3.2.1

       12 February 2017 at 12:07 am

       She has been an active Labour figure for sometime. Perhaps the opposite lesson of Mt Roskill, but perhaps not. We’ll see. The west needs to come back from Paula Bennebasher that’s for sure.
       • Carolyn_nth 3.2.1.1

         12 February 2017 at 6:47 am

         The west needs to come back from Paula Bennebasher that’s for sure.

         Huh! Cunliffe has been MP for New Lynn for many years. Carmel Sepuloni is MP for Kelston, Twyford out at Te Atatū. Bennett was only MP for part of the west.
     • weka 3.2.2

       12 February 2017 at 1:13 am

       Are you saying that anyone who wants to be an MP has to have experience as some other kind of elected representative?

       btw, you left out the fact that Russell stood for Labour in 2014.
     • Simon 3.2.3

       12 February 2017 at 3:35 pm

       Totally agree, 100%. Hopefully Labour is punished for this extraordinary act of nepotism.
     • Paul Campbell 3.2.4

       12 February 2017 at 3:44 pm

       You do realise that EVERY MP was a candidate with no parliamentary experience before they became an MP right?

       If we only elect people with experience eventually they’ll all die off and we’ll have no MPs at all
       • gsays 3.2.4.1

         12 February 2017 at 5:14 pm

         Oh Paul, dare to dream, the dying off of those who want to govern others…
     • saveNZ 3.2.5

       13 February 2017 at 10:16 am

       You make some good points AmaKiwi.

       I think they need to go back to what worked in Mt Roskill. It was the slogan about being local and Woods came across as a decent family man – not someone who goes into politics to work on their career and gain power.

       I’m on the fence about Deborah – saw her on Waatea and she seemed ok and competent, but a little hard in some of her views.
4. Andre 4

   11 February 2017 at 5:57 pm

   Ok, those of us in New Lynn have missed out on having an electorate MP that’s on top of local issues and representing those effectively in Parliament, in favour of someone whose expertise is on issues with nationwide effects.

   I’m only a little bit disappointed, coz I rate them both very highly.

   But does anyone want to explain to me why Paul Eagle is going to do such a good job for Rongotai’s particular needs that I should feel better about Labour leadership wanting Deborah to represent New Lynn rather than Rongotai? Preferably someone with local Rongotai knowledge?
   • Carolyn_nth 4.1

     11 February 2017 at 6:02 pm

     Yes. Agree. Prefer local people to be candidates for electorate MP.

     But Russell is a quality candidate also.
5. Anne 5

   11 February 2017 at 6:26 pm

   Not sure how Auckland’s ‘Waitakere men and women’ (Westies to some) are going to relate to a Massey University academic.
   • Andre 5.1

     11 February 2017 at 6:33 pm

     Not actually a whole lot of Waitakere man territory in the New Lynn electorate. New Lynn has Titirangi, Green Bay, Blockhouse Bay, New Windsor, New Lynn, Avondale.
     • Carolyn_nth 5.1.1

       11 February 2017 at 6:39 pm

       New Lynn is becoming a bit gentrified, though it still is a bit mixed socio-economic. But Kelston has also been split off from it, and that probably is still more mixed socio-economic, I think.

       “Waitakere man” was always located further west in the Waitakere electorate that once had Bennett – nearer to Henderson and further west also.
       • Andre 5.1.1.1

         11 February 2017 at 7:20 pm

         New Lynn used to include Woodlands Park, Laingholm etc out to Whatipu, but all that’s now in Helensville.

         S’pose that young lady from the Greens that announced her interest in Helensville and promptly scared off the incumbent will pick up a few votes out that way.
         • Carolyn_nth 5.1.1.1.1

           11 February 2017 at 7:45 pm

           Probably will. Last election they had Kennedy Graham as a candidate. So the Greens might run another fairly high profile candidate out there.
       • Sacha 5.1.1.2

         11 February 2017 at 8:13 pm

         Waitakere man was always located further west – like, in the sea. 🙂
       • Draco T Bastard 5.1.1.3

         11 February 2017 at 8:57 pm

         “Waitakere man” was always a myth.

         God knows who invented the stereo type but I know no one who matches it and I’ve lived here most of my life.
         • Sacha 5.1.1.3.1

           11 February 2017 at 9:18 pm

           ever met Comrade Trotter? 🙂
         • Anne 5.1.1.3.2

           11 February 2017 at 9:22 pm

           It was Chris Trotter – who else. 🙂

           Yes, it was a mythical stereo type but I think I understand the kind of person Trotter was referring to, and they can be found everywhere. Conservative leaning with a hint of misogynist and racist attitudes. They were once quite prevalent in parts of West Auckland but apparently not so much in New Lynn.
           • AB 5.1.1.3.2.1

             11 February 2017 at 10:56 pm

             Yes – to be fair to Chris Trotter it is a composite rather than a stereotype. And its purpose was not to be sociologically/psychologically precise, but to be illustrative of diversity and the political dangers facing a left that is too one-dimensional and purist
             • Anne …

               12 February 2017 at 6:08 pm

               Sorry AB. Only just seen your comment.

               Absolutely correct. And unfortunately this one dimensional purist streak running through certain Labour members has been all too prevalent this past week – to the undoubted detriment of the Labour Party and its electoral chances later this year.
               • Carolyn_nth …

                 12 February 2017 at 6:13 pm

                 Do you mean the purists who think people on the left should be primarily focusing on economic justice and ignoring, or strongly down-playing social justice issues?… cause that’s what the waitakere man type seemed to be about to me.
                 • Sacha …

                   12 February 2017 at 6:26 pm

                   That whole stereotype demeans a segment of voters as if they can’t simultaneously want fairness and economic opportunity – more a projection of pundits’ moral/intellectual inadequacies than anything.
                   • Carolyn_nth …

                     12 February 2017 at 6:33 pm

                     Yep.
       • Simon 5.1.1.4

         11 February 2017 at 9:28 pm

         These posts are illuminating. Essentially you are all stating that Labour would do poorly in areas that are working class, but because New Lynn is gentrified, all is well.

         This is why Labour is in such big trouble.
         • AmaKiwi 5.1.1.4.1

           11 February 2017 at 9:33 pm

           The Labour caucus learns zero about democracy. What the locals want counts for nothing. OK.

           If the caucus don’t need me I don’t need them either. I’ll have a closer look at the Greens.
           • Sacha 5.1.1.4.1.1

             12 February 2017 at 10:27 am

             Isn’t it the party rather than caucus who drive selections? Your response is sound in any case.
           • Simon 5.1.1.4.1.2

             12 February 2017 at 3:39 pm

             Yep, been a member for 4 years, but at this rate will vote Maori party.

             I can’t believe they’ve parachuted someone into New Lynn, who doesn’t even live in Auckland. Insanity.
             • Sacha …

               12 February 2017 at 6:29 pm

               See my comment #14 below: https://thestandard.org.nz/deborah-russell-for-new-lynn/#comment-1298714
               • Simon …

                 13 February 2017 at 12:19 pm

                 Yes. Will move for job. Sounds good.
   • Gina G 5.2

     11 February 2017 at 7:32 pm

     David Cunliffe went to Harvard
     • Anne 5.2.1

       11 February 2017 at 7:52 pm

       So? What does that have to do with my idle observation?

       Seems demographics have changed rather more than I realised since moving away from the region 30 plus years ago.
     • Chris 5.2.2

       12 February 2017 at 2:21 am

       Far out.
   • Pat 5.3

     11 February 2017 at 8:47 pm

     if she talks more about where their tax needs to be used and less about labelling/judging them then she will probably be related to fine…we can but hope.
6. Sanctuary 6

   11 February 2017 at 6:56 pm

   I am confident Greg Presland is a fine fellow whose day will come, and in this case he will be a good loser and concentrate his energies on getting Ms. Russell (who is very talented and brings a huge skill set to parliament) elected.

   Poto Williams has yet to decide if Ms Russell’s deliberate spilling of orange juice on her Maori friend in a calculated fit of of pique at kindergarten in 1972 warrants a massaged press statement via Facebook.
   • kiwikeith 6.1

     11 February 2017 at 7:48 pm

     Well said Sanctuary.
     I think Deborah Russel is a great choice
   • Nordy 6.2

     11 February 2017 at 8:19 pm

     Yes, it’s so hard to get a real apology these days…some people will say anything just for the effect .
   • Stephanie Rodgers 6.3

     11 February 2017 at 10:22 pm

     Thanks for letting us know how little you regard the safety of underage victims of sexual assault, Sanc.
     • the pigman 6.3.1

       13 February 2017 at 10:17 pm

       It’s these kinds of breathless, patronising non-sequiturs that turn people off the “you’ve abandoned social justice because you’re just misogynistic, rape culture-promoting naughty boys” sect of the Labour Party.

       I wonder if there is less of it in the Greens?

       Sanc should be welcome to criticise Poto’s conduct in how she went about attacking an NZLP candidate for selection without the dark(!) innuendo about how he’s pro-rape.
       • weka 6.3.1.1

         13 February 2017 at 10:38 pm

         Sanc wasn’t critiquing Williams, they were putting her down. There is a difference. It’s hardly surprising that women are touchy about how rape gets dealt with politically, all things considered.
   • Michael 6.4

     12 February 2017 at 7:05 pm

     No chance of Presland scoring a seat anywhere now: no other electorate will take him because he’d be an outsider and he doesn’t have “expert” credentials like Russell and Shearer. As for Labour’s List – do I have to spell out Presland’s deficiencies?
     • Ad 6.4.1

       12 February 2017 at 9:41 pm

       Greg Presland is different to many in Labour, because now he’s lost the nomination he:

       – will earn far more running his own business than being an MP
       – remains beholden to no MP or faction
       – has a full time profession to immediately return to
       – has a successful political life already as Chair of the Local Board
       – is already underway with planning for life’s next stage
       – has total respect from Labour and Green locals for several decades of work and delivery
       – doesn’t have the ego of a shrinking newcomer who got their first spanking; so …

       … essentially needs for nothing,
7. Mrs Brillo 7

   11 February 2017 at 8:24 pm

   I’ve come to know Deborah somewhat over the last ten years, and it’s not just her in depth knowledge of her topic that is so impressive, but her integrity and genuine family values. As well as her generous heart and her sense of fun.

   For once, Labour could not have chosen a better candidate.

   Now let’s get that message across to voters.
8. millsy 8

   11 February 2017 at 10:01 pm

   Presland should have got the nod. His values are more Labour (ie public ownership, workers protection. regulation, welfare, etc). Russell is probably a Blairite/Clarkite.
   • Stephanie Rodgers 8.1

     11 February 2017 at 10:24 pm

     I have this really, really out-there idea, millsy: read her actual writing before jumping to conclusions. https://deborahfrussell.net/
9. Tanz 9

   11 February 2017 at 10:33 pm

   Oh, I forgot all about this, went out to Murawai instead, ah well. Don’t care who won, but glad its Deborah.
   • dukeofurl 9.1

     12 February 2017 at 10:57 am

     yeah , thats exactly how I see it
10. ttd 10

    11 February 2017 at 10:47 pm

    Paul Eagle is an appalling candidate. He is the last person I would vote for.
    His attitude and comments about the cycleway were appalling. The fact he proposed a partnership with the right wing nutter Nicola Young beggars belief..
    I can’t believe that labour has not greater depth in Rongotai.
    Electing Eagle as the candidate,? Shit they should at least have gone for a progressive!

    My electorate vote will now be going to the Greens. In fact he is such an oaf, I shall actively campaign against him..
    • Gabby 10.1

      12 February 2017 at 9:35 am

      He didn’t support that stupid cycleway did he?
      • DoublePlusGood 10.1.1

        12 February 2017 at 9:53 am

        The cycleway is fine, just the design is dumb, so they should have just sacked their transport consultant who designed the thing and got a new one.
11. DoublePlusGood 11

    12 February 2017 at 2:39 am

    I should really go into business making travel baggage designed for holding textiles…

    Anyway, Deborah Russell should be the candidate where she actually lives, and if Greg ain’t going to get the nod, he might as well bail to the Greens.

    Paul Eagle is pretty medium.
12. Thinkerr 12

    12 February 2017 at 8:29 am

    Congratulations, too, to all of those who put their names forward and missed out. Only one can be chosen, but to be a serious candidate at all shows skill & experience worthy of respect.

    Has National appointed its New Lynn candidate yet?
13. Anthony 13

    12 February 2017 at 4:32 pm

    I am one who has read Deborah Russell’s work. She will be an outstanding candidate. I am certain she will quickly get to grips with local issues. I’d encourage those who are concerned about this to go meet with her, and talk her through the issues you want her to know about.

    Congratulations to Paul eagle as well! He’s passionate about issues in his patch, and a great spokesperson for the area.
14. Sacha 14

    12 February 2017 at 6:12 pm

    I notice Deborah has promised to move from Palmy:
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11798963

    “Russell previously told the Herald there were difficulties in trying to get the selection as an outsider, but she was contacting party members in New Lynn to try to secure support and had promised to move into the electorate if selected.”
    • Carolyn_nth 14.1

      12 February 2017 at 6:25 pm

      Good. Unlike the carbetbagger of Parnell.
      • Sacha 14.1.1

        12 February 2017 at 6:27 pm

        Quite. Imagine him slumming it in Helensville. Local cafe worker might have decked him on his first stroke.
        • Carolyn_nth 14.1.1.1

          12 February 2017 at 6:32 pm

          I’ve heard from locals he showed little interets in Helensville town. His electorate office was in Kumeu/Waimauku. Not even sure he ever visited Helensville town.
15. Cinny 15

    13 February 2017 at 7:55 am

    All the best Deborah. You are one clued up lady and a real asset to the Party.

    I know you will be a dedicated hard working MP, looking forward to seeing you in the House later in the year.
16. Richard McGrath 16

    14 February 2017 at 2:02 am

    Will Deborah Russell’s election campaign be funded by a secret trust and will Greg Presland be running it?
    • Leftie 16.1

      14 February 2017 at 9:30 pm

      ?

      You are shitstirring Mr McGrath.
17. Leftie 17

    14 February 2017 at 9:35 pm

    Disappointed that Greg Presland didn’t get the nod, but like Presland, Deborah Russell is a great asset to Labour too and it’s a no-brainer to give her full support.

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