Espiner on National’s hypocrisy
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6:14 pm, February 25th, 2008 - 37 comments
Categories: articles, national -
Tags: articles, national
From Colin’s blog:
It’s time for National to put its mouth where its money is.
After a week of climbing into Labour boots and all over the Owen Glenn saga, one thing has become abundantly clear: the Nats have lost any defence of their right to keep their own campaign donations secret.
It is the height of hypocrisy for National to claim, as both its leader John Key and deputy Bill English have done this week, that ‘Labour’s relationship with its largest donor looks very murky indeed’ when National’s own relationship with its donors is not so much murky as totally hidden.
All week National has been stirring the pot, demanding to know more about what Labour promised Owen Glenn in return for his financial assistance. Right, I’d like to know just what National promised its donors last time around. Well first I’d like to know who the donors were, full stop.
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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
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuel lobbyist appointment to EECA board called out
The Green Party condemns the Government’s appointment of a fossil fuel lobbyist to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority Board. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Boot camps must be shut down today
The Prime Minister has committed to shut down his government’s boot camps if there is evidence of harm to children – so he must do that today. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens echo OECD call for electricity market reform
The Green Party has welcomed the OECD urging the Government to re-examine separating ‘gentailers’ to make a fairer electricity market for New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt breaks Auckland housing promise
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed National has broken yet another election promise. ...2 weeks ago
- Government smokescreen to downgrade climate ambition
Today the ACT-National Coalition Agreement pet project’s findings on “no additional warming” were released. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Health NZ admits errors led to claimed deficit
Health New Zealand has exaggerated its deficit to justify job cuts. ...2 weeks 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 ...18 minutes 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 ...55 minutes 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 ...1 hour ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...1 hour ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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 ...2 hours ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
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 hours ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
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 ...4 hours ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
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 ...4 hours ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...5 hours ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
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 ...5 hours ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...23 hours ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...24 hours ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...24 hours ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...1 day ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...1 day ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...1 day ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...1 day ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
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, ...1 day ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...1 day ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...1 day ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...1 day ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...1 day ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
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 ...1 day ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...1 day ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...1 day ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
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 ...1 day ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...1 day ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...1 day ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...2 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...2 days ago
- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
New Zealand is one step closer to reaping the benefits of gene technology with the passing of the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. "This legislation will end New Zealand's near 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab and is ...2 days ago
- New Zealand ratifies AANZFTA Upgrade
New Zealand has ratified the Upgrade to the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), Minister for Trade Todd McClay announced today. “ASEAN which is comprised of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, is New Zealand’s fourth largest trading partner in two-way trade – ...2 days ago
- PM’s Space Prizes highlight talent and innovation
The inaugural winners of the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes showcase the depth and breadth of talent in New Zealand’s dynamic space and advanced aviation sectors, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Space Minister Judith Collins say. “The Government established these prizes to recognise and encourage innovative expertise and rising talent in ...2 days ago
- One-stop shop fast-track bill passes third reading
The coalition Government’s new one-stop shop fast-track consenting regime for regionally and nationally significant projects will help rebuild the New Zealand economy, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones. The Fast-track Approvals Bill passed its third reading in Parliament today. Applications for projects to ...2 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointment
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed Craig Ellison to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand. The appointment is effective from 18 December 2024 for a three-year term and brings the Board to its full capacity of seven members. “Mr Ellison joins the Board with a background in Antarctic ...2 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...2 days ago
- Financial measure and capital allowance updated
The Government is adopting a new financial indicator and a new approach to capital allowances, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. These changes follow reviews, announced at the Budget, of the operating balance before gains and losses (OBEGAL) and the multi-year capital allowance (MYCA). “Since 2008, governments have used OBEGAL to ...2 days ago
- Lifting productivity key
Lifting the productive capacity of the economy is the key to realising New Zealand’s potential, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update released today shows the Crown’s financial position has deteriorated over the past six years, but the economy has reached a turning point. “Inflation ...2 days ago
- Consultation on Arms Act rewrite to begin
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has welcomed Cabinet’s decision to undertake public consultation on the rewrite of the Arms Act 1983. “Phase four of my firearms reforms is the rewrite of the Act and, as promised, we will be consulting with the New Zealand public. The consultation period will open ...2 days ago
- Government confirms reduction to Forestry ETS annual charge
The Government has today confirmed a 50 per cent reduction to the annual charge for forest owners participating in the forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “This decision delivers on the Government’s promise to rebuild confidence in the forestry sector and support its role in achieving ...2 days ago
- Menstrual cups are safe and sustainable – but they can be tricky for first-time users, our new stu...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Hennegan, Senior Research Fellow; Co-Head, Global Adolescent Health Working Group, Burnet Institute Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock Many young women and other people who menstruate are turning to menstrual cups to manage their periods. In 2021, my colleagues and I surveyed 15- ...30 minutes ago - Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will not attend Waitangi at all next year
He says he has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. ...32 minutes ago - Can you run through airport security for love? Leave a child home alone? Here’s what the law says ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia 20th Century Studios/IMDB It’s the time of year when many of us return to our favourite Christmas fables to get into the festive spirit. While film often ...45 minutes ago
- Why does family violence increase during the festive season? Here are 3 contributing factors
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Summerell, Lecturer, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide Shutterstock While the holiday season is supposed to be a happy time, evidence suggests it’s one of the worst times of year for domestic and family ...45 minutes ago
- A world on fire: the World Bulletin year in review
Looking back at the events that made headlines around the globe in 2024. This is an excerpt from The World Bulletin, our weekly global current affairs newsletter exclusively for Spinoff Members. Sign up here. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be hard pressed to think of a grimmer year than ...1 hour ago - Government to change free speech rules for universities
The coalition's proposal will also prohibit unis from adopting positions on issues that don't relate to their "core functions". ...2 hours ago
- From garlic to parsley, new research reveals the herbs and spices Australians love most
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Herbs and spices have been used in cooking for centuries. They add flavour, aroma and colour to foods and have long been used for health ...2 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Essay – Judaism, Antisemitism, and Israel
Analysis by Keith Rankin. To understand antisemitism, we need a meaning for ‘semitism’, and another -ism to contextualise semitism. Keith Rankin, trained as an economic historian, is a retired lecturer in Economics and Statistics. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Literally, semitism means the promotion of the Semitic people, whoever ...3 hours ago
- Former Defence Minister Peeni Henare calls Vanuatu flight woes ’embarrassing
A Hercules plane carrying urban rescue staff to Vanuatu was stranded in New Caledonia after an engine fault. ...3 hours ago
- The Spinoff’s favourite movies of 2024
3 hours ago
- NZ’s dairy industry faces an uncertain future – its fate now lies in its ability to adapt
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milena Bojovic, PhD Candidate, Macquarie University William West/AFP via Getty Images New Zealand’s dairy sector faces an uncertain future due to several challenges, including water pollution, high emissions, animal welfare concerns and market volatility. All of these issues are building ...4 hours ago
- Call for entries: Rod Oram Memorial Essay Prize
Calling all young writers!To honour our great friend and esteemed colleague, Rod Oram, we are calling for essays from young people campaigning for a more equitable, sustainable and compassionate world.Rod Oram was a revered journalist and environmentalist, known for his rigorously researched and passionate commentaries on business, government and wider ...4 hours ago - Banger alert: the song of the summer is ‘Harty Māori Stylez’
Espresso this, Not Like Us that. There will be only one true song of Aotearoa’s summer: Harty Māori Stylez by Te Kura Reo Rua o Waikirikiri. This summer, as you cruise coast to coast, you’re going to need an anthem to soundtrack your movements. A song that encapsulates the feeling ...5 hours ago
- GMO Bill Creates More Societal Division
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) last week completed another two days with Ministers, political leaders, Ministries and primary sector leaders sharing science knowledge, societal concerns, economic impacts and trade findings. ...6 hours ago - Lake Alice redress payments won’t have sway on what other survivors receive
Lead minister of the government's response to abuse in care Erica Stanford said Cabinet looked at this case very separately. ...6 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: I hate spending Christmas with my in-laws
I grew up in a family where Christmas was all about tradition and hospitality. My husband’s family takes a different approach. How do I get over my resentment and have a nice day? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera The Christmas I had growing up was always quite lovely, ...6 hours ago
- AI will continue to grow in 2025. But it will face major challenges along the way
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daswin de Silva, Professor of AI and Analytics, Deputy Director of the Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition, La Trobe University cybermagician/Shutterstock In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) continued taking large and surprising steps forward. People started conversing with AI “resurrections” ...7 hours ago
- Fifty years ago, Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin. The lessons from it have still not been learnt
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Farram, Associate Professor in North Australian and Regional Studies (History), Charles Darwin University It is hard to comprehend the force with which Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin early on Christmas Day, 1974. It was so ferocious that it killed 66 people, partly ...7 hours ago
- Australia has an ongoing GP shortage. Why can’t we just train more GPs?
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- Could NZ’s two kākā subspecies actually be remnants of a more diverse species? Here’s why we n...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Knapp, Associate Professor in Biological Anthropology, University of Otago Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images As many Wellingtonians will know, kākā can be trouble. New Zealand’s pesky forest parrots have expanded throughout New Zealand’s capital city since they were reintroduced 22 ...7 hours ago
- More than 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died this year when humidity and heat pushed past survivable limits. I...
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High Performance Sport New Zealand will invest $162.8m into 36 national sporting organisations and athletes over the next four years, up from $131m in the four years leading up to this year’s Paris Olympics.From March next year, nearly $41 million per annum will go directly to national sports organisations for ...8 hours ago
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A former National MP and incumbent Hamilton City Councillor has been hired by the University of Waikato to advocate for its proposed third medical school. ...9 hours ago
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 19 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...10 hours ago
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Interesting e-mail quoted there!
Matthew Hooten, a man who knows his Nats, said on Radio NZ today there’s a rumour in Wellington that the e-mails were leaked to Hager by a senior, disaffected National MP. Who could that be, I wonder?
Colin grew a pair 😉
I agree totally. If you stand back and ask, if a party is judged by its donors and what they represent for the future of New Zealand, I would far rather have Owen Glenn and his cheerful, self deprecating humour, his positive view for NZ’s future and his eloquent support for the Labour, rather than the hypocritical hollow-men who never show their faces, and who expect policies to be made after the election to pay for the generous hidden funds that pay for the National party’s glib hoardings.
It is also great to see Australia following New Zealand’s lead on the Electoral Finance Act. As Mr English keeps inferring, we should be doing what the Australians are doing! They know corruption when they see it.
If I were a doner and in a paticularly sensitive provider of a certain service I would think that a anonymous donation to any party would be very appropriate.What business is it of anyone else anyway.
It’s my business.
I deserve to know who’s helping who get elected, thank you very much. Donations for policy is corruption, plain pure and simple.
“e-mails were leaked to Hager by a senior, disaffected National MP. Who could that be, I wonder?”
well gee, who stood to gain the most from rolling The Don?
Dear Dan and George
If you’re so determined to know who’s supporting whom why don’t you request the owners of this blog to out themselves. (By the way I completely support their wish to remain anonymous)
I agree with Dale it’s a dangerous game making donations openly to any political party all politicicians left and right have long memories and can be extremely vindictive.
Amongst all the impassioned debate and a lot of rubbish on this blog site, I reckon the exchange between Dale and George sums up the gulf between the Nats and the rest. Nice one George. Multi millionaire Glenn reckons Labour is OK, but who are the people behind all of the Nats trusts?
No you dont George.Its a privacy issue.”Donations for policy”. Give me a break.Every party panders to their supporters.Labour and the UNIONS. Need I say more.
ooh incisive comeback HS – blog contributors should have the same standards of accountability as a “Leader” of the Opposition.
No make that more accountable! Why, hosting a blogsite can run into tens of dollars per month! And blogs are vastly more influential on the fabric of our democracy than say, oh a few million for corporate friendly policies, or leadership positions.
blog contributors should have the same standards of accountability as a “Leader’ of the Opposition … don’t think I said that Sprout just making a point that prople are entitled to their anonymity – your determined to see conspiracies where there are none and if your interested in the fabric of democracy why don’t you take issue witrh the Electoral Finance Act which is the most antidemocratic piece of legislation this country has ever seen.
Yes Dan your right.So how many points do you recon Labour have gained with Owen Glenns coments over the last ten days? Bet you wish he could be anonmyous now eh?
Dale, the guy is brilliant. I am sure if he had not shown his cards so openly, the Nats would have wanted him as a trump card. If only all politicians were so open, eloquent and capable. You must have missed his interview with Campbell on TV3.
What has he done that has left you so unhappy? Confess all.
Dan I think you’ve missed the point Owen Glenn does come across as a successful bloke and charitable with it.
It’s not for anyone to tell him who he should donate his money to (within reason) and if he wanted to do it openly or remain anonymous it should be up to him.
Why should a different standard be be applied to other persons who donate openly or anonymously and why do you assume that donors to other parties are any more or less driven by self interest than those who donate to labour.
Unhappy? No Dan Im stoked.Yes he is brilliant,thats why he resides in Monaco to avoid Labours tax reigm. It all comes down to privacy. Do you tell all and sundry who you support and vote for? When there is a government you support you prop them up with your taxes,hence money for policy.Were you forced to make your vote public? Of coarse not,because if you change your ideology or world view do you think you should be punished for it.Democracy can not exist without privacy of ones own perceptions.
Give us the names of all these anonymous fuckers from 2005 then…
New Zealand Labour Party Anonymous $25,000.00
New Zealand Labour Party Anonymous $50,000.00
New Zealand Labour Party Anonymous $40,000.00
New Zealand Labour Party Anonymous $40,000.00
New Zealand Labour Party Anonymous $20,000.00
New Zealand Labour Party Anonymous $50,000.00
New Zealand Labour Party Anonymous $20,000.00
New Zealand Labour Party Anonymous $70,000.00
You hypocritical boot lickers
why don’t you take issue witrh the Electoral Finance Act which is the most antidemocratic piece of legislation this country has ever seen.
You might think otherwise if you’d be involved in the 1951 waterfront dispute, where free speech was outlawed and it was made illegal to provide food to the families of striking workers. The complete lack of any sense of history is behind many of New Zealand’s current problems.
Oh and yes ‘By Bye Helen’, I agree that anonymous donations should be outlawed completely and without loopholes up to say $1000. No one’s denying other parties have had anonymous donations, but when it comes to secrecy of donors the Nats take the cake with more than $2m racked up and evidence suggesting they sold their ACC policies to the Insurance Council.
Yep gotta love ACC. A 17year old had all his skin blown off his legs and one arm because of a poorly maintained transformer. The company paid him $200 in petrol vouchers and a fruit basket,he is intitled to $40 a week from ACC.This lads future is on hold for God knows how long. That pathetic little amount is a disgrace. ACC promotes no accountability.Is’nt time we grew up and joined the real world?
where’s that evidence then?
Tane
The 1951 dispute was a disaster for all NZ. let’s hope we never see its like again in this country.
From what I remember watersiders and their sympathisers evaded government censorship by producing illegal newsletters and dodging police raids to distribute them through clandestine networks.
That said why would a staunch unionist like yourself support the EFA – sorry but it just doesn’t make sense to me.
Dale, I am not sure of your comment on ACC. How is it that every insurance office in the country is going to block vote for the Nats because it is a given that the Nats will sell off ACC. There must be a few bob in it for someone, even if it is at the expense of the unfortunate that you mention.
By bye [sic] Helen: where’s that evidence then?
Are you new at this BBH?
http://www.elections.org.nz/parties/donations_summary.html
Higherstandard – what relevance does the watersiders dispute have to the current situation? 50 years later the world has changed, its a different battle entirely. Unionists on this blog have spelled out the reasons for their support. Why not read through a few back issues?
In the mean time, the focus in this thread is Espiner highlighting National’s hypocrisy over its secret “anonymous” donors.
ACC is shiat, purely because we have lost the right to so sue.
To the ACC-haters:
Not everyone can afford to take legal action morons, especially considering if they are out of work…
ACC needs to move with the times, granted, but you should never throw out the baby with the bath water.
How can people expect to survive, let alone win a case that typically is not open and shut? The only people who win from such cases are the employers (who are more likely to get off – at least in civil cases), and lawyers.
Many foreign people I’ve spoken to think our “no-fault” system is the best in the world, and if by the way, if you wish to sue, you can still agree not to undertake cover provided by ACC in hope of discretionary damages granted through a criminal prosecution.
I’d fully support a fully transparent donation system.
I can’t see any reason to have anonymous significant donations for any party.
Totally off-topic, but did anyone else know that it’s Helen Clark’s 58th birthday today – what I’ve written may surprise!
http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2008/02/happy-birthday-helen.html
You (and possibly Colin) miss the point spectacularly. National aren’t claming to be lily white on this, but they do have grounds to make political capital out of Labour’s hypocrisy. Labour crusaded all last year on campaign finance transparency, adopting a holier-than-thou stance with endless references to “hollow men’ and “big money’ and they’ve been caught out. National don’t consider anonymous donations a sin. Labour claim they do, and now they’re proven guilty of their (non-)crime.
Imagine National winning the 2005 election and not delivering tax cuts. Labour would have every right to make political mileage out of it, not because they would deliver tax cuts, but because National made it so central to their political identity.
But Glenn as you can see from the list of Labour’s anonymous donations above they don’t see it as a sin- they just don’t want our system to be overwhelmed by them especially after the dodgyness of the 2005 election.
There was nothing illegal or immoral in Owen Glenn’s donation and at $8,000 value it was below the declaration limit. The only ‘scandal’ was Mike Williams’ confusion about whether a loan counted as a donation.
“The only ‘scandal’ was Mike Williams’ confusion about whether a loan counted as a donation.”
You missed the “Yeah right”.
You must try harder, James. Your feeble defense doesn’t sound credible, but considering you’re a loyal Labour supporter….
Cheers rOb, but there’s no guarantee that my “tory charity” will extend past midnight tonight!
I do believe though that one of the biggest weaknesses of our media-driven political scene is that we seldom see the person behind the mask – and I believe that applies right across the political specturm.
Totally off-topic, but did anyone else know that it’s Helen Clark’s 58th birthday today – what I’ve written may surprise!
Nicely written Iv2, bravo. Welcome to what some of us have known for the last many years.
“So noted, we remain ancestral enemies then!”
In the nicest possible way!!
Cheers rOb, but there’s no guarantee that my “tory charity’ will extend past midnight tonight!
So noted, we remain ancestral enemies then!
And to your closing comment, agreed.
“The only ‘scandal’ was Mike Williams’ confusion about whether a loan counted as a donation.’
You missed the “Yeah right’.
Classic stuff form Santi – he uses the only form of wit lower than sarcasm, the ‘yeah right’, and follows up with:
You must try harder, James. Your feeble defense doesn’t sound credible, but considering you’re a loyal Labour supporter
That’s gotta be a joke, right?
so then wht is the price of democracy…is this all the whingers have got to go on about. we have turned into a nation of niggardly scrooges worrying about chump change instead of the goals and directions of the country… al this led by the little money counters in the press who haven’t got enough yet themselves, never done anything in their lives yet still profess tio be the conscience of the nation…what a larf…and spineless is the worst of the lot!