Dog whistles and South Auckland garages
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- Date published:
8:19 am, December 14th, 2022 - 20 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, labour, politicans, racism, uncategorized -
Tags: aupito william sio
I have a confession to make. I grew up in South Auckland. Aupito William Sio’s statement that South Auckland was the home of the young and beautiful and gifted has always struck a chord with me.
My family’s home property had a garage on it. The structure was pretty simple. My dad and my mum and my older sister lived there for a while as the family home was built. Heady times.
Our garage deteriorated a bit. It was not the sort of place that you would take your mates to and drink and talk about the meaning of life.
Next door my mate Steve moved in when I was a teenager. We went through adolescence together. His family’s garage was much better. It was bigger and drier. We could drink bourbon and beer and listen to music and talk about our future.
We turned out ok. Steve became a New York cop. Another mate became an accountant, a third became wealthy through real estate speculation and I ended up being a lawyer. One of our group turned to the dark side. For the record his surname and his ethnic grouping was “White”.
So I have always been sensitive about criticisms of South Auckland. It is a great place. There are areas of wealth but it is mostly poor but people are proud and very community focused.
Chris Luxon has received yet more notoriety by choosing to criticise South Auckland garages. He said this:
“If you’re sitting in a garage in South Auckland with your two brothers and you’re thinking about life and where you’re going, consciously or unconsciously, the gang life looks pretty attractive.
“They are the people who have got the money, got all the bling, flash cars and that looks incredibly attractive.
“It does come back to family dynamics as well.”
I can confidently say that my mates and I never talked about the gang life let alone how it was pretty attractive. But clearly I was not the sort of young person he was talking about. The racist subtext of what he said is really strong.
An uproar has occurred.
Aupito William Sio, in my view one of Labour’s best MPs, has accused Luxon of engaging in racist dog whistling politics. From the Herald:
Sio, who lives in the area, told the Herald Luxon’s comment was an outrageous generalisation of South Auckland youth, racist and dog whistle style politics.
“You’re attacking the South Auckland garage with your dog whistle stereotypes, when if you lived in South Auckland you’d know the garage is a sanctuary for many South Auckland families.
“Garages are places of family gatherings, for worshipping, funerals, 21st birthdays, Christmas celebrations.
“Luxon does not know South Auckland young people because the majority are good law-abiding, who listen to their parents, give back to their communities through sport and the church and lead good lives.
“He is grouping all South Auckland young people in with the very few who get themselves into trouble.”
Sio’s conclusion is wonderful:
“It’s dog whistle politics and I hope the young people – the generation of the six Bs – brown, beautiful, brainy, bilingual, bicultural and bold – stand up to this guy.
Luxon in response has apologised “if anyone is offended”. His apology is almost as bad as his original statement. A large part of South Auckland was offended. It is almost as if they do not count.
As I have said previously Luxon is no John Key. He is more like Don Brash, willing to use the dog whistle to rally support among the right. Who can forget his describing poor people as bottom feeders?
To add to all of this he will not commit to serving a full term if National does not win the next election.
All good progressives should do our best to help him with his new career. He is neither suited nor sufficiently talented to perform his current job.
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All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...5 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...6 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...6 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...1 week ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
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- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...10 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...2 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
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The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...3 days ago
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Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
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Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...3 days ago
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State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...3 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...3 days ago
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- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
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Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...4 days ago
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New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
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Luxon is living proof why senior roles in business are the worst possible preparation for politics and especially for genuine political leadership. Those jobs tend to attract people who are already morally and spiritually damaged and then they exacerbate that damage.
If the gangs offered to block vote National if Luxon ran the Christmas BBQ he'd be straight down to the Mad Butcher for some sausies IMHO.
Are you denying that there are kids in South Auckland who are being attracted to gangs? I guarantee you there are.
I am also getting a bit concerned with people underestimating Luxon. It was a constant theme in 2007 and 2008 when we assumed Clark would wipe the floor with Key in the campaign and he would return to his corporate life. Just read TheStandard archives and the exact same things were said then as they are now.
Luxon is no Key, and he would be the first to admit that. But he is dangerous and odds on to be PM in 12 months.
He's odds on, all right. National's still up to its neck in dirty politics, but they've fine-tuned their delivery to make them close to if not untouchable. Instead of black ops smear campaigns, which probably still go on, it's more like 'lie and walk away, then repeat', and it's working.
Labour needs to either work out what to do, or hope for a miracle. They certainly can't keep doing this:
https://www.bspnova.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mowing-the-lawn.png
Had some great times in Sth Auckland garages when I worked in the Car Industry for 20 years. They could be utilised for anything, such as extra living space, storage, social clubs, lounges, craft production/workshops, family shrines with photos and keepsakes, or even parking cars.
Mr “7 pads” Luxury Luxon does not deserve to be Prime Minister of this country.
We get a glimpse of what lies beneath. He is a cold man. Many photos of his face in micro response show distaste and calculation imo. "Man of the people" he is not.
Was the expression the right way around in the post?
If Christopher doesn't win the next election I doubt he can commit to waking up the next morning without a knife sticking out of his back either.
They won't need a knife he'll be off like a dirty shirt.
What is the dark side?….gangs?…voting national?
Seems that Luxon is getting his cues from watching gangsta rap videos on YouTube. How bizarre.
Atleast luxons honest I guess ,key pretending to care about poor people even the brown ones.
So … graduated from chasing cars to chasing garages?
Arrogant prick. Just my opinion.He is a man of no substance and a long list of cliches and catchphrases. Cluxon should resign. He appears to be racist. RESIGN Seems to be his go to for everyone else. Should take his own advice. And take OffenDull with him..
Damn. He forgot to mention that every South Auckland garage has a stolen Subaru being broken down for parts (usually after being used in a ram raid or as a getaway vehicle). I guess maybe the tour bus went by too fast to get a good look, or maybe the silver spoon had become dislodged and was getting painful to sit on…
Today Luxon said our UNO ( and WHO)? do not meet with his approval. He says they are weak. Further he thought small nations should be armed.
According to Granny Herald that makes him a Statesman. Lol. (Help with the link would be appreciated.)
He hasn't had a portfolio yet, further he is on record he will probably leave if he does not win. Strange idea of a Statesman.
So….. interpretation.
Rule of Law is weak? ie discussion and collective action is a waste of time?
Armed Police? and an armed and loaded military is needed for small countries in his view?
People who are better at interpreting "Slux" might help.
Appalling comments from the Leader oof the National Party, out of touch, we cannot let this man to be PM of our country
Luxon is showing his true colours : first " we are not working for bottom feeders", after businesses are "soft " in front of Tories in UK and in Australian media, giving tax cuts for rich ( finally cancelled), anti salaries increase, anti 10 days sick leave in a pandemic, asking for borders to be opened when Delta was killing hundreds of thousands, anti Fair pay agreement law , anti 3 waters co governance, anti everything Labour is doing to lift New Zealand from the mess left by his predecessor. National lies are blatant. Unfortunately they owned the media: we all know facts but majority of kiwis get news only from media which is spreading misleading falsehoods at the orders of their owners or CEO. Same tactics as Trump , Boris , Scott Morrison : lie lielie repeat . With TVNZ political journalists advising Luxon to be more on photo op acknowledged by journalists on TV…Labour would loose the election not because they've not achieved what they've promissed to as facts speak for themselves but because of media spreading misleading falsehoods .
And don't forget the arrogant prick called Maori "thugs"
This self opinionated, self satisfied prick, has no idea of what goes on in South Auckland garages or any other garages in NZ, other than his own well stuffed garage with cars and toys.
The issue for David Seymour is that local and global phenomenon, Jacinda Ardern, has anointed him, "arrogant prick".
That sticks and he knows it.
A keen student of one-line political theatre, Seymour will know how damaging this super-meme is which is why he napalmed the media al day today with 'the meek shall inherit the earth' shit. Also, he likes to maximise self-promotion whenever the opportunity may arise.
This whole episode was born out of Seymour's line of questioning the other day. He wanted the PM to acknowledge and apologise for mistakes, but more correctly he wanted the PM to acknowledge and apologise for things he saw as mistakes.
I'm sure student politician David Rimmer thought this was a great idea, but it kind of got away from him.