I, Vipertacus

Written By: Zetetic - Date published: 10:28 pm, December 8th, 2012 - 192 comments
Categories: democracy under attack, democratic participation, The Standard - Tags:

Just wanted to say, seeing so many of the regulars change their name in honour of Colonial Viper is awesome. That tells me this is a real community. We discuss, argue, fight, and we respect. We’re not like the disgrace of an MP who has hounded CV into silence because she can’t handle honest criticism (and she’s not just a disgrace for that – she’s the first Labour MP in the history of her seat to let it go blue). Proud of you lot for standing beside our own against a bully.

192 comments on “I, Vipertacus ”

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Visubversaviper 1

8 December 2012 at 10:47 pm

I have been bullied before in the Labour Party, but always by the loosing side!
the sprout, coronial piper 2

8 December 2012 at 10:51 pm

Agreed Zet. Great to see the real left standing up against the rogernome retread hijackers currently running the Labour caucus.

My friends were heavied in an attempt to intimidate me to stop posting during the leadership contest between Shearer and Cunliffe. Clearly someone in Wellington didn’t like me saying their pony was a rightwing puppet who couldn’t lead a party to save himself. Despite me only stating the obvious, it spurred a pretty awful and nasty intimidation campaign. They knew the people being threatened weren’t me, but they knew too that doing that to my friends would quieten me. How shitty North-Korean is that?

So far it’s been CV, millsy, Peter Wilson, and me – that I know of – but who knows who else has been leaned on to shut up?

Here are some more eloquent comments from other leftwing bloggers on the jaw dropping stupidity of some in the caucus (and the rest of the caucus that doesn’t stop it and thereby tacitly endorses it):

http://ideologicallyimpure.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/i-thought-no-one-read-blogs-anyway/
http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/gagging-membership.html
http://tumeke.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/labour-to-censor-mps-from-blogosphere.html
http://www.recessmonkey.org.nz/2012/12/07/stopwhinging/

This shit really has to stop or the whole caucus will be on the receiving end of a no-win escalation.
- QoTViper 2.1
  
  8 December 2012 at 11:55 pm
  
  Sprout posts links so I don’t have to look egotistical. Ta! 🙂
- David Viperious H 2.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:22 am
  
  Well there you go now, you labourite traitorous witch, now you have enough Vipers, to keep you busy for a while. And you do know how dangerous a nest of Vipers is. Don’t you?
- Craig Glen viper 2.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:53 pm
  
  I was leaned on by Mr Robertson via one member who we are not allowed to talk about because he’s been naughty he voted for members to have more of a say in the Labour Party leadership.
ColonialPete 3

8 December 2012 at 11:02 pm

It’s a shocking state of affairs. Who the bloody hell does she think she is?
Zorrviper 4

8 December 2012 at 11:31 pm

Ah, so that is what it has been all about…

CV shouldn’t be put through that at all

Also, New Zealand, I’m going to miss you. I’m not going anywhere but another term under these NActoids will make you virtually unrecognizable to me and the Labour party are proving just how much they are striving to lose…
Copperhead 5

8 December 2012 at 11:43 pm

Right, time for me to start really writing and blogging myself. I welcome any politician and/or their flunkies to try to bully me, in fact, I almost look forward to it 🙂 It would seem to me, that whoever is calling the shots in the Labour party is failing to get any synapses to fire. The entire caucus seems to open there mouths to change feet.

Kia Kaha Tangata, they need us more than we need them, somehow some have forgotten this and will have to be reminded gently, loudly and as often as possible! Night folks.
fender/same sentiment less eloquent Viper 6

9 December 2012 at 12:00 am

Yes it’s great the way people have rallied in support of CV and free speech for all. And some of the names thought up are brilliant, I like Vindow Viper especially.

Hope this blows up in “her” face like “she” never expected, but seriously who in their right mind would attempt such a vile witch hunt? Can’t be anyone worth having in a NZ parliament, “she” should come clean and apologise or be sent packing.
- the sprout 6.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:03 am
  
  Odds on that nice Mr Shearer doing anything about it?
  - QoTViper 6.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 12:05 am
    
    Hey now, it’s not like displaying a complete lack of interest in criticism or debate or understanding of how the internet works could damage the party. Not the way a trumped-up media-created logistically-impossible leadership challenge could. No discipline necessary.
  - fender/same sentiment less eloquent Viper 6.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 3:11 am
    
    About as likely as hearing him say something without the awkward stumbling of a toddler?
Rhinoviper 7

9 December 2012 at 12:17 am

Well I, not being a Labour party member, have nothing to lose, so I enjoy a certain freedom to say that I am quite astonished – not at the audacity, the cruelty, the authoritarianism, but the sheer bloody stupidity of Curran, someone I already knew was not not quite the sharpest tool in the shed full of blunt instruments.

How the Hell did she delude herself into thinking that this wouldn’t get out? This is the member delegated to deal with social media and, well, as Talleyrand said, her behaviour is not only wrong, it is is a mistake, and if she can’t comprehend how withering such a criticism might be, then…

Sorry, I’m going to need surgery to remove my palm from my face. It’s almost as dumb as something Mallard might do (and I know that this is not the first time that she has shown herself to be an utter incompetent when it comes to understanding the web).

The blogs could be Labour’s strongest tool, and yet they think this Internet fad thingy is just going to go away or can be “managed” somehow.

Words fail me – really – how can anyone be so stubbornly thick ?

What century do these fools inhabit?

Anyway, since I’m sure that this metaphor will come up soon, King Canute did indeed stage a demonstration at the seaside in which he ordered the rising tide to retreat. However, the real king did so to demonstrate to his sycophantic courtiers that no-one, not even a king, could command tides.

There’s a lesson in that, Curran, Mallard, Goff, King, Robertson and Shearer, and all your Mini-Me’s like Hipkins.
- rosy viper 7.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:29 am
  
  but the sheer bloody stupidity of Curran
  
  But. Is it [only] Curran? Doesn’t this suggest a different Shearer groupie?
  
  she’s the first Labour MP in the history of her seat to let it go blue
  - Rhinoviper 7.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 12:38 am
    
    I agree absolutely.
    
    I merely pointed out that one more idiot was making one more fuck up.
    
    If there’s one thing, one slogan to deliver, it is this, and it should be repeated to the Labour caucus at every opportunity every time they screw up, every time they are asleep at the wheel – which means all the time:
    
    YOU CALL YOURSELVES OUR REPRESENTATIVES. YOU WORK FOR US – REMEMBER THAT. YOU ARE DELEGATED TO WORK FOR US AND WE DESERVE BETTER
- Copperhead 7.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:30 am
  
  +1
  - Colon Viper 7.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 3:43 am
    
    +2
    - Copperhead 7.2.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 9:25 am
      
      +6 for your new name, very creative.
      - viperidae 7.2.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 9:46 am
        
        +2
        
        The viper formerly known as KJT.
        
        I found out how important anonymity was when POAL heavied my employer after I posted about the fuckup that is POAL, in another blog, under my real name.
        
        Also years ago when I was on a US oil rig opposing the removal of cabotage.
        I will always be grateful to the American toolpusher, who refused to sack me for my politics, even though he did not agree with them.
        
        Fortunately my current employer works well with unions, and had no problem with me, but that is not always the case.
        
        I no longer think that the current Labour caucus are different enough from National to be worth getting them in.
        
        It may be better to let National, and the current Labour caucus, fuckup, another three years so we actually get a Government that believes in democracy (even if it is only the travesty called representative democracy) and free speech. Let them fuckup so badly that we start to demand real democracy and real rights to protest without being heavied.
        
        At present I cannot see any other answer.
        
        Instead of attacking National’s reverting to authoritarian dictatorship, Labour are joining it!
        
        NoseViper (The Nose knows) 7.2.1.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 12:45 pm
        
        viperidae 7.2 1 1 1
        Leave the present political shower to fight over the leavings of our country and then we come in after and try and fix?? There has already been much lost that we hold dear in our democracy. Another three years, we just might be left with the bare boards of a warehouse empty of valuable society-building and maintaining policies and further we’ll find we’re under surveillance to ensure that we can’t get capacity to attempt a reinstall of the good stuff.
        
        There are numbers of political tools that can be used against the people’s best interests in a democracy. Look at the other democracies ‘real’ and sham. It’s hard to tell which is which sometimes. Democracy is just a vehicle for running the country and needs constant checking and oversight to keep it running right. We’ve found sadly, that you can’t take your eyes off the road without damage.
        
        We have had our system badly overhauled by neo lib contractors with no commitment to the clients, the stakeholders, the people, except themselves and their next payoff. What’s left of our precious must be fought for. They don’t make them like this any more.
- David Viperious H 7.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:34 am
  
  “There’s a lesson in that, Curran, Mallard, Goff, King, Robertson and Shearer, and all your Mini-Me’s like Hipkins.”
  
  The Lesson is that they don’t get back in. And we get some people who actually know how to turn on and use a Computer. Who, if really pushed can actually string words together, to make things called sentences.
Neoleftie Viper 8

9 December 2012 at 12:53 am

Clare is caucus sec and rep to council so she is the front person on this and spokesperson for ITC logic would place her at the front of this issue within the power clique.

Context Clare has said some unusual statement over the last few years even posting on whale oil etc.

I think this is a witch hunt to silence dissent within the ranks, limit freedom of speech and opinions and stop the power balancing shift to the members and is out to protect the great leader. After all the clique have a plan to win the election.

First cunliffe, then left active bloggers, who next I wonder. Couldn’t they just take it to the Tories and do the job we demand of them. They represent us after all.

Words have power after all, I wonder what deeds and real actions could do.
R 9

9 December 2012 at 1:11 am

Honestly, if you pay membership fees or vote as part of that crew you’re condoning the bullying treatment they’ve handed out to your mate. Disgusting. Anyone who thinks they can effect change by remaining a member of that party is now tarred with the bullies’ brush.
- bill-viper-browne 9.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:12 am
  
  Bullshit,
  
  I just renewed my membership as the only way, if we get a chance in Feb, of pushing these bastards out.
  - AkldASP 9.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 1:33 pm
    
    I call bullshit on that as well – my membership is there for the same reasons it’s always been which has nothing to do with the bullying of bloggers, as b-v-b said Feb will give us the chance to remove the leadership and any soft right leaning policy shifts the party may be heading toward.
    - R 9.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 3:51 pm
      
      right-oh. I’ll apologise when that happens.
- Tree Viper 9.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:05 pm
  
  You cannot defend the indefensible (bullying internally or externally) and those causing the bullying need to ask themselves what do they expect to gain from silencing and bullying members just because they do not agree with the leadership of the Labour party?
Neoleftie Hidden Viper 10

9 December 2012 at 1:19 am

The first viper to post at red alert

I propose we show solidarity and swamp red alert with the innocent comments.
Come on I cry rise rise up the Viper Army.
- Viper73 10.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:49 am
  
  I would but I’ve been (cue irony) banned…
  - rosy viper 10.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:01 am
    
    haha that’s too funny!. Well done (but I’m guessing it didn’t take much to be banned from there).
    
    Sorry Neoleftie, I won’t post on RA. I hear the sysop is a bit dodgy on the privacy side of things… just a rumour 😉
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 10.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:04 am
    
    They deleted the post.
    Very innocuous post agreeing with the post.
    Oh well at least they have my email address and full name now.
    Every work day I look out at Clare office….funniest thing ever is design of office, a small hatch slide window is access for the people, not open at all.
    A walled off outpost in a sea of desperate people that is South D where Clare when she is there can look out the glass walls and see…what I wonder…her reflection.
    
    Still I am a double ticker call me thicker than water if you may or feb
    - Just viping 10.1.2.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 9:21 am
      
      You gonna call in at her next clinic?
      - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 10.1.2.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 10:07 am
        
        Good idea,
        “free CV” badge and t shirt.
        What do you think…time for some accountability. All part of reconnecting to the electorate and base members.
        
        rosy viper 10.1.2.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 10:16 am
        
        “free CV” badge and t shirt.
        
        Nah. Just an innocent pic of a Colonial Viper should do it.
        
        Jenny …
        
        9 December 2012 at 10:40 am
        
        I couldn’t find any pics of a Colonial Viper but I have found some of an Imperial Viper
        an ugly looking creature if you asked me. More emblematic of CV’s opponents.
        
        Rosey the following photo is more how I would picture the Labour Party witch hunt against those who post comments here.
        
        This is not the droid you’re looking for
- Colonial Weka 10.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:13 am
  
  People need to be aware of the risks of posting at Red Alert
  
  http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-07122012/comment-page-1/#comment-559704
- mike e vipee 10.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:01 pm
  
  a viper pit
SouthDeezViper 11

9 December 2012 at 1:25 am

Can anyone please give me some more detail of what’s happened here?

I’ve been coming here on a regular basis for a few years now and, although I rarely post anything, I often find the comments to be more stimulating than the article they’re attached to. By no means is this to suggest that I find the articles to be ill informed nor poorly written, or whatever, but that statement is a testament to how illuminating I find much of the debate that takes place on this blog. For example, I’m currently taking a Bachelor of Social Work, and I’ve trawled through here on several occasions looking for ideas when I’ve had assignments due that covered social policy. Especially so when I’ve wanted to check for some well-crafted musings on neoliberal welfare discourse, the social effects of free-market policies, and general critiques of capitalism.

Anyway, one of the names that has always stuck out for me here is Colonial Viper. Admittedly, I didn’t always agree with the dude, but I most definitely always took the time to read through what he had to say if he was discussing a topic of interest for me. I don’t really know what else to say other than, this is fucking bullshit.

Kia Kaha CV
Jenny 12

9 December 2012 at 1:44 am

All the signs are that the Shearer gang still have the numbers in caucus to prevent a membership vote in February.

They have achieved this by using the current rules, threatening to demote any MP who dares stand up to them.

I thought that this would remain the current state of affairs up to and past February.

And that’s where it would have ended. The membership may have been disgruntled but would have still got behind caucus come the election.

However this latest effort to crush democracy inside the Labour Party that has so incensed people, makes me wonder if the Shearer gang has gone to far.

There is no doubt that the Shearer gang controls caucus. But now that they are determined to reach down into the lower ranks to exert their authority, (that is barely legitimate), they may have started something they cannot stop.

That is, a will from the membership to have their way. Against the minority of caucus that seek to frustrate that will. The ABCs did it in the original selection for leader and they did it again by demoting Cunliffe from any responsible role post conference. And they intend to continue to frustrate the membership desire for change come February……..

Unless…….. the membership are so upset they choose to go to defcon 1, and react to caucus threats with threats of an organised membership strike against any MP that overrides the wishes of their LEC and votes with the Shearer gang.

So all bets are off.

And there is still a chance that the current leadership could be overturned come February and a more left leaning caucus united by a forceful, tested and experienced leader could see the Nats and Key facing a real and determined opposition party.
- Colon Viper 12.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 3:42 am
  
  If they are being bullied into keeping quiet, it just shows what a gutless bunch of lackeys they are then…..
  - Grant Hay 12.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:39 am
    
    What kind person stops posting their passionately held opinions just because a chinless wonder in the Labour hierarchy goes on a “witch-hunt”. They dont actually burn witches any more and the ruling faction doesn’t have the powers of a witch-finder pursuivant. If Labour’s activist base is more concerned with membership of a dysfunctional party which ceased representing the working class decades ago, rather than the right to freedom of expression, then there truly is no hope for reclaiming the party from the clique that hijacked it in the first place.
- Colonial Weka 12.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:00 am
  
  Karol, that deserves a post of its own. For instance, why do you think that the ABCs have the numbers? If they only won by 1 or 2 votes last year, have so many MPs shifted that the 60% +1 threshold is a given?
  
  Also, an explanation of how things work at the local level would be useful eg the relationship between the LEC and the electorate MP (what about the list MPs?). And isn’t the vote confidential, so how would the members know who voted which way? Or is that an open secret?
  - karol 12.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:03 am
    
    Weka, I think your reply and questions are for Jenny, not me.
    - Colonial Weka 12.2.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 9:11 am
      
      Sorry! How weird. Bleary-eyed Sunday mornings.
  - Jenny 12.2.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 1:34 pm
    
    ……why do you think that the ABCs have the numbers? If they only won by 1 or 2 votes last year, have so many MPs shifted that the 60% +1 threshold is a given?
    
    Colonial Weka
    
    David Shearer appears to be weighing up his options for deputy prime minister between Green co-leader Russel Norman and NZ First leader Winston Peters as he looks for ways to reward support partners without letting go of the key finance portfolio.
    
    Vernon Small
    
    IMO It is also through his power over appointments and demotions that Shearer is threatening, or rewarding members of the Labour Party caucus.
Adele Te Viper 13

9 December 2012 at 1:58 am

I used to enjoy commenting on another site called Aocafe. The site was a host for Māori opinions and dissent. The site also attracted a great deal of expert commentary on various aspects of Te Ao Māori, the Māori worldview. Much like this site it was very much a community of diverse peoples – coming together to debate issues far-ranging and wide of particular importance to whānau, hapū and community.

The site dissappeared from the netscape when Police siezed its servers as part of the Urerewa raids. Until that time I never thought it possible to miss people you have never met, or miss something that never was. Aocafe was an important contributor to the Māori body politic.

The Standard is an important part of the political scape of this country. Absolutely, we must stand against those that would seek to silence its voice or erase its effectiveness at exposing the incompetence and immorality of the government and its opposition counterpart.
- Saarbo 13.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:47 pm
  
  Adele, I assume the Blog never got up and running again? The Urerewa raids are clearly a case of where police power was out of control. Being from the Eastern BOP and knowing a number of people from Ruatoki and Taneatua, who know Tame well, are absolutely adamant that there is no way these guys were doing what they have been allegedly sent to jail for.
  
  The relevance of this in terms of this particular post is when people are in powerful positions (Police, Caucus members, who ever) they need to treat it with respect, I would have hoped that Labour Party caucus members would be the last group that would abuse power. I’m absolutely comfortable that my Labour party rep has integrity and would not abuse her power but clearly other caucus members have issues.
  - Adele Te Viper 13.1.1
    
    10 December 2012 at 1:55 am
    
    Tēnā koe, Saarbo
    
    You assume correctly, Aocafe was never able to relaunch itself back onto the web. I am also from the Eastern Bay of Plenty and also share the view that there is no way that Tame and the others were ever intending to harm other human beings.
    
    I think we share the same Labour MP and I agree that she has integrity in spades. I do however think that it is possible for a person of integrity to support something inherently wrong because they lack sufficient depth and breadth of analysis – the very reason why the dissenting voice is invaluable to decision-making. The dissenter provides the counter-argument and an astute and noble leader would rather cultivate the dissenting voice than seek to cull it.
kiwi_prometheus 14

9 December 2012 at 4:19 am

“There is no doubt that the Shearer gang controls caucus. But now that they are determined to reach down into the lower ranks to exert their authority”

Yeah they are trying to root out the source of the trouble making and get some discipline back amongst the rank and file.

You lot would do THE EXACT SAME THING if the tables were turned.

I think the Listener summed it up nicely:

http://www.listener.co.nz/current-affairs/politics/david-cunliffe-shearer-coup-history/

“For all that [ Cunliffe’s ] supporters, inside and outside the caucus, are insisting that he did nothing wrong, he really and truly did the coupster’s equivalent of waving his knickers at disembarking sailors. He followed several of the bog-standard, by-the-numbers steps taught in Coups 101, to the point that he might have studied at the knee of Maurice Williamson, Brian Connell or Richard Prebble…

…his failure, as party finance spokesman last election, to produce his policy work on time and to do sufficient heavy lifting on the campaign trail. At one crucial point, he even went on holiday. Either he was lazy, or was deliberately being unhelpful, colleagues fumed…most concluded the latter: that he had deduced that Labour would lose quite badly (admittedly not a daring conclusion) and had decided to assist Phil Goff’s image of weakness by not helping too much…when an MP as olde-worlde courteous and decent as Goff goes openly dog on you, it’s time to reflect.”
”

LOL.

And you ninnies are now wailing about the purging being undertaken by the top brass.

Anyway you can go join the Greens, so its not like you will be left homeless.
- Jenny Kirk 14.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 7:18 am
  
  Come on Kiwi Prom – look who is writing that tripe in the Listener. Non other than the latest hand-holder of the drake Mallard. I watched Cunliffe at election time : he was superb with a low income, state housing audience in the north. He didn’t talk down to them, they understood him – and they wanted more ! Its a pity the rightwing caucus are so blind that they cannot see what they’re losing.
  - Draco T Bastard 14.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:28 am
    
    Its a pity the rightwing caucus are so blind that they cannot see what they’re losing.
    
    And that’s your answer right there. We see it from National and Act all the time when they absolutely refuse to see the evidence that their policies and beliefs are contrary to reality.
  - Grant Hay 14.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 8:54 pm
    
    “Come on Kiwi Prom – look who is writing that tripe in the Listener. Non other than the latest hand-holder of the drake Mallard.”
    
    HANDHOLDER (snort)!! I thought she was holding his…….speechnotes……..
- Draco T Bastard 14.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:26 am
  
  Yeah they are trying to root out the source of the trouble making and get some discipline back amongst the rank and file.
  
  It’s not caucuses place to discipline the rank and file. The caucus works for the rank and file and so it should be the rank and file that does any disciplining that needs doing.
  
  You lot would do THE EXACT SAME THING if the tables were turned.
  
  Nope, I’d be asking why the rank and file think I’m doing something wrong and either change what I’m doing or step down. That really is the only two options an MP has.
- Saarbo 14.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 1:53 pm
  
  “when an MP as olde-worlde courteous and decent as Goff goes openly dog on you, it’s time to reflect.””
  
  or maybe Goff was looking for a scape goat for his below par performance, he simply did not get the facts together to support his Policy. The sad thing is that Shearer looks very similar when discussing the new Housing Policy…who does Shearer blame? They need to take responsibility for their own hopelessness.
  
  You only have to view Mood of The Boardroom performance by Cunliffe to see his form in Nov 2011.
travellerev another viper 15

9 December 2012 at 5:43 am

Fucking awesome! Way to go Standardistas. You may lead the revolution yet!
colonial locus 16

9 December 2012 at 6:32 am

You lot would do THE EXACT SAME THING if the tables were turned

From your ill-considered use of the phrase “you lot” it appears that you blithely assume the wide array of TS contributors supporting CV and others in the face of bullying – actually it’s more akin to blackmail – are all Labour Party rank and file.

The issue you need to get your head around is that the people you are superciliously talking down to and calling “you lot”, represent many who value freedom to debate under a pseudonym on the web.
Viperous Descendant Of Smith 17

9 December 2012 at 6:36 am

Til this happened I had little interest in the leadership of the Labour Party. For me I was waiting for some left wing policy to emerge – I even proffered the sorts of policies I would welcome – a decent increase in benefit rates, a commitment to an 8 hour working week (you know that thing the pretend to be Labour Party is so proud of on their website), a increase in taxation for people like me who can afford it, strengthening union members powers including the right to strike, etc.

After the increased powers given to members I seriously considered for the first time joining the Labour Party and not just voting for it. I held off knowing one swallow a summer does not make.

I’ve managed teams where I have had people undermining the team. In my experience engaging with them, particularly when you know deep down they are there because they care, is the most effective strategy. It’s a people focussed strategy that doesn’t treat the dissenter as a human resource. It also means that sometimes you find out that you the boss aren’t always right or on the same wavelength as your staff. You cannot order someone to willingly follow.

It takes a bit more time and takes a bit more effort and doesn’t guarantee success but is successful more often than not but importantly builds a stronger more committed team over time.

Why am I now interested in the leadership – because such an approach and the alternative of forced compliance can only come from the person running the team.

If you can’t bring people who are committed to good things for the ordinary working people onside and I have no doubt from his postings CV does – those who know him personally and within the Labour Party would have a much better idea than I.

Forcing compliance and silence is not the answer here.

It will be interesting to me then how Shearer responds. Will we see a backdown, an acknowledgement that the party got this wrong and that Shearer will personally engage with those who are being pushed out of the way and marginalised?

Will he alternatively come out and explain why they have taken the position they have and why the Labour Party needs to do this?

Or will we just hear zilch from him while minions behind the scenes carry out his bidding, putting their own twists on it like prison camp commanders or southern Texas sheriffs.

But me I’m just a voter commenting on a blog. Apparently I’m not read and I don’t count.

Btw Isn’t
- Viperous Descendant Of Smith 17.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 6:46 am
  
  BTW Isn’t Shearer supposed to be good at solving problems between warring factions?
  
  PS I won’t sooty any politician who suppresses anyone’s freedom of speech
  - Viperous Descendant Of Smith 17.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 7:03 am
    
    Support not sooty big fingers little ipad
    - George Viper. 17.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 6:08 pm
      
      I was waiting for some left wing policy to emerge – I even proffered the sorts of policies I would welcome – a decent increase in benefit rates, a commitment to an 8 hour working week (you know that thing the pretend to be Labour Party is so proud of on their website), a increase in taxation for people like me who can afford it, strengthening union members powers including the right to strike, etc.
      
      THIS. These are the questions I ask Labour MPs when I see them. “Do you support compulsory overtime for a person working more than 8 hours in one day, or 40 hours in one week?” If they cannot give me an unadulterated and unqualified yes, then I don’t really have anything more to ask them.
      
      Though I’m a Green member, and my identity is pretty transparent (its only function is to sidestep Google, not who I am), I’m still very concerned by this. And rather outraged by the way in which those I know are being marched towards “managed democracy”. Good luck to you all.
- viperidae 17.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:54 am
  
  This is why I finally decided that Shearer was absolutely hopeless as a leader.
  
  I had no particular brief for Cunliffe or any other Labour politician, but he has proved to be the most effective one they have.
  
  A leader finds a way to keep people working together for the goals.
  
  The present leadership hasn’t got a clue.
  
  In fact the whole of our Parliament at the moment shows why we cannot leave running the country to that bunch of clowns and why we need binding referenda, and recalls!
- Jenny 17.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:06 am
  
  After the increased powers given to members I seriously considered for the first time joining the Labour Party and not just voting for it. I held off knowing one swallow a summer does not make.
  
  Viperous Descendant Of Smith
  
  Me too.
  
  I even considered letting them see my
  CV.
  
  But after this development I would feel that I was back in Syria.
  
  Luckily I have got away (again) my honour and anonymity intact.
- Saarbo 17.4
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:53 pm
  
  I agree with you whole heartedly!!! This is exactly what I would expect an experienced Leader to do. Shearer’s leadership style is simply not suited as Leader of a major political party, and I cannot see for the life of me how anyone could think that he has what it takes to Lead Labour to victory in 2014. I wouldn’t be surprised if Curran didn’t pass this in front of Shearer before she started down this path, clearly under Shearer there is a huge void in leadership and the caucus (Shearer’s mob) are free to do what they want.
  
  I’m a relatively new member and I am incredibly disappointed at how Labour is operated. In my view it comes back to Leadership. For example, at the conference I would have expected Shearer to open the Conf on both Sat and Sun, he should have rallied the Caucus members, let a few of them say a few words, just create a bridge between the members and caucus, instead the caucus members wondered around randomly and there was just a lack of connection.
  
  If you can’t bring people who are committed to good things for the ordinary working people onside and I have no doubt from his postings CV does – those who know him personally and within the Labour Party would have a much better idea than I.
  
  You have nailed it VDOS, great leaders rarely use their formal power, and that is the problem with this lot in Caucus, they have the formal power to do what they are doing but in doing so, they are losing a group of members who are probably the most passionate and committed.
  
  Shearer is not the answer, nor is it any of his ABC supporters in Caucus. This group have done a lot of damage, they have created a big divide within Labour. I am sure that many of the ABC’ers have managed to convince their LEC/Branches that Cunliffe is evil (as we witnessed at the Conf) and Shearer is the answer but the free thinking/cleverer members can see the situation for what it is worth. Keeping Shearer at the helm is handing power to National in 2014.
  
  The situation in Labour is not flash, we have a below average leader, we have a caucus who are leaderless and out of control, trying to exert what ever power they can get a hold of. We have a proven/outstanding MP who only has the support of 12 of his caucus members however has the majority membership support.
  
  I dont know what the answer is, but I do know that who ever becomes Leader in the future she/he needs to take some advice from Viperous Descendant of Smith…because that is the only way this faction issue is going to be mended.
Ad 18

9 December 2012 at 6:51 am

In the end you are only free if you have no personal trace back to taxpayer funding, or media funding.

If this site rained scrutiny down upon any other industry, each commentator would need to be equally debt free and commercial interest free.

We are contesting in a real market where many here have real interests at stake.

We always knew the counterattack would come. It’s here. They won’t stop. They have everything in their market to lose: power.

We will win if we strengthen our allies, and continue to beat the MSM, because the media is our battlefield, our market. Their interests converge so they have allied close and are in formation.

Remember we are fighting both the MSM and the core ofLabour caucus together, which is more powerful than us.

Events are in the saddle, and we ride, my friends.
karol thrace viper 19

9 December 2012 at 7:14 am

What an ugly place the Labour Party caucus has become! And in doing it, they are becoming everything they were set up to oppose.

I will continue to vote Green (or vote Mana). Unfortunately, any Labour led government will likely contaminate it’s support partner with its undemocratic and dictatorial practices. Unless the Labour Party can be turned to a better course, the future of NZ’s political landscape is bleak.

I made a comment or two yesterday about how the Labour caucus has become the Menz Party – they have been sucked into the NAct agenda, and are making the main battlefield the economy, and between alpha males. Now we see there are at least a couple of women acting behind the scenes to support suich a macho-caucus front. What a disgrace!

There are plenty of competent women in the Labour and Green Party caucus. Some, along with some men, ARE working on very important policies for struggling and low income kiwis. I’m sorry to see such efforts marginalised.

I’ve never been a member of any political party, and my work life is drawing to an end. I will continue to post and comment on any failings I see in opposition parties. And I certainly won’t stop writing about the disgrace the Labour Party caucus has become.

All this has happened before, and it will happen again.
- David Viperious H 19.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:31 am
  
  Something along the lines of Power corrupting and Absolute power yada yada you get what I mean. But why are they so scared of little ol’ us???
karol thrace viper 20

9 December 2012 at 8:29 am

And from Bomber, viperously this morning:

The censorship of members dissent in this manner is a new low by Labour post their character assassination of Cunliffe. …

I’m not sure this ruthless level of intimidation will do anything other than provoke a long running online guerrilla campaign by left wing activists savaging Shearer on a weekly basis all the way to the election.

It seems Shearer has replaced Pagani with a kamikaze pilot for a political advisor.

The only winners from this kind of behavior are the Greens and MANA.
- Colonial Weka 20.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:32 pm
  
  I’m not sure this ruthless level of intimidation will do anything other than provoke a long running online guerrilla campaign by left wing activists savaging Shearer on a weekly basis all the way to the election.
  – Bomber
  
  Interesting phrasing, because I’ve been thinking about the comparisons between the Labour party membership/left wing blogosphere and guerrilla/freedom fighters. And how the ABCs don’t realise they’re fighting a war that that can never win.
Wayne 21

9 December 2012 at 8:40 am

Karol,

If you and others here keep saying “I will continue to vote Green”, don’t be surprised if the leadership wants you out. Having said that of course I have no idea if you are a member of the LP, so my comment is not actually directed to you. More an observation of how parties work.

So therefore if I was in a party and some of the members were fomenting “trouble”and saying they were going to vote for another party, I would want them out of positions or responsibility, say electorate secretary or on an electorate executive, and I would organise to get that outcome.
- karol thrace viper 21.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:43 am
  
  Wayne, as I’ve always said, I’ve never been a member of a political party – not the NZ Labour Party or any other. If they start taking repressive action against people like me, they truly show they are anti-democratic.
  - Wayne 21.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 5:12 pm
    
    As indeed they cannot, which of course you know. Party rules can only apply to Party members, but as a general rule no major party would allow office holders to state they will vote for another party and that person to then continue in office. The proper course is to resign. Parties might be voluntary organisations, but they can have rules applying to their members.
- David Viperious H 21.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:39 am
  
  It looks like they want to purge this nest of vipers from the party’s books. Gotta rig the Feb vote somehow. Won’t win the Election tho’ as they will have very little help. Will be good for the Greens tho’. Maybe that’s whats needed, a complete thrashing with all dinosaurs out. And a stunning Green victory.
Viper73 22

9 December 2012 at 8:44 am

If she thinks she can do this in opposition to members of her own party what will she be like once shes in power?

This is not good
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 22.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:54 am
  
  Christ, Clare is just the front for this attackers on free speech by a scared and desperate clique around the great bumbler…
  Preamble shearer is a middling nice guy should have a minor portfolio but that it…
- felixviper 22.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:25 am
  
  Exactly my first thought V73. Trust her with the full power of the state? Yeah nah.
  - One Tāne Viper 22.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 1:48 pm
    
    Paula Bennett, or Paula Bennett lite?
    
    National, or National lite?
    
    So, Dunedin South LEC, what are you going to do?
viperstar 23

9 December 2012 at 8:54 am

The damn ‘Nactoids’ need to be sent a clear message that their actions will have consequences
in 2yrs time or even in february.
When the lion really awakes and roars, those who choose to take away democracy will
find their ‘undemocratic’ seats and arses turfed out of government and electorates.
tc 24

9 December 2012 at 9:16 am

the mallarfia is determined to sink their ship, they’ve shown utter contempt for the rank and file and an intolerance of diversity and talent. They fear Cunliffe like most inept management fear the up and coming more talented and able candidates.

Agree with a prior post, the winners are other parties. I know of many labour supporters who will turning green next poll. WTF is their to vote for with this self serving wannabes.

These jokers are treating the party as their own fiefdom not a vehicle to unseat a nasty, corrupt, dickensian, uncaring gov’t to restore some balance to workers and the hard done by, SHAME ON THEM ALL.
- Draco T Bastard 24.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:47 am
  
  These jokers are treating the party as their own fiefdom…
  
  That seems to be the end result of any and all hierarchies. The people at the top really do start believing that they’re special and acting as if the rest of us owe them obeisance.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 24.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 2:10 pm
    
    For me that stated observation started at high school when myself , a very high up LP Member and others within the wider group challenged the Tory elitist DP over where the student raised funds held in bank account where spent on and not on the intended common room.we threatened to sue the school, interestingly we organised a socialist group at school as a focal discussion
    I’ve battled the elite management class and owner class ever since.
    
    Had one business owner call his employees his slaves as he laught his was to being extremely wealth so yes I agree with you DTB part of the revolution is post post capitalism and a reallocation of profit – well my dream and hope.
- mickyviper in solidarity 24.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:00 am
  
  “Mallarfia”
  
  Very good TC. Mind if I plagarise it?
  - tc 24.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 2:38 pm
    
    Free to a good home such as your MickeyV.
bad12 25

9 December 2012 at 9:42 am

I am amused, even slightly bemused, the Labour Caucus of NOW is nothing new and has been with us since 1984,

Even during the Clark Labour Governments the Labour Caucus was still that of a 1984 Lange/Douglas Government,

The disconnect becomes apparent when i read the pages of The Standard, the majority of comments, even those from declared Labour Party members, show on the whole that what is being espoused is in fact Green Party policy in 90% of comments posted,

Hence my slight bemusement, anyone believing that Labour are anything but the Socialist Party OF, BY, and FOR the middle class of New Zealand seems from where i sit to have been engaged in a Rip Van Winkle episode for quite some time,

It then becomes obvious that any threat to those middle class aspirations espoused from within the Labour Party will be viewed, (by those supporting the middle class agenda), as a threat, hence the recent treatment of Cunliffe and those who agitate on His political behalf openly in on-line forum,

How wide-spread the anger from Labour Party stalwarts is at the overt threats against those who continue to agitate on behalf of a Cunliffe lead Labour Party is i have no means of judging except from the on-line comments posted,

However, besides venting their on-line fury at such tactics from within the Labour Caucus those who agitate for Cunliffe should be (a), lobbying their nearest Labour MP to vote in February to trigger a Party wide vote on the leadership, and (b),advocating and agitating at Local Electorate Committee level to have remits passed that their local MP vote to trigger the leadership vote in February,

Other than the above, the only reasonable action that those so threatened from the Labour Caucus would seem to have at their disposal would be to, (tongue firmly in cheek), join a party such as the Greens who seem to in the social/economic policy areas espouse the exact same policy that was prior to 1984 central to the Labour ism,

Please note,(with a snigger),this HAS NOT been an official Green Party recruiting message, Bwana Dave Shearer et al are busy filling that role in a freelance capacity at the moment…
- viperidae 25.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:04 am
  
  Yes well. Labour left me in 1984.
  
  Now a Green.
  
  It is obvious that most of Labours R and F now have more in common with the Greens than their own caucus. I hope they can get their own party back.
  
  But I don’t care which party gets rid of National and gets rid of the mean spirited and dysfunctional neo-liberal dog eat dog society we are becoming. So long as we do.
  
  Unfortunately it no longer looks like it will be Labour.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 25.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 10:11 am
    
    Exactly
- bad12 25.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 11:25 am
  
  Anyone not having a context from within which to view my contention of the 2012 Labour Party being solely a socialist party of, for, and by the New Zealand middle class need only look at the relevant party’s, (Labour/Green), housing policy,
  
  Labour = borrow 1.5-2 billion dollars and build 30,000 houses at a retail price to those who will buy them, (presumably), on market terms of $300,000+, thus, in it’s announced form such a housing policy by it’s adherence to ‘market qualification’, (deliberately???), excludes from such housing those with insufficient income to service a 300 thousand+ mortgage,
  
  Greens= build 30,000 new State houses, if their is budgetary constraint to construction simply print the monies necessary and build the housing at such a pace as to spend the monies into the economy while paying due regard to the Reserve Bank’s inflation targets band,
  
  30,000 new state houses would allow for the ‘working poor’, those who daily toil in the non-professional areas of economy at or just above the minimum wage while raising families who have no hope of becoming financially upwardly mobile to enjoy a fixed rent regime of 25% of household income thus freeing them from the current norm of paying between 50-60% of their income into the private rental market, as such families are housed they would by dint of household income and rents paid reduce the overall taxpayer subsidy in the whole State owned housing portfolio,
  
  The Green housing policy is nothing ‘new’, it was once at the core of Labour Party values and while Labour still hold to the 25% of income as the benchmark rent for ‘the poor’ their ‘will’ to increase markedly the number of such houses is sadly lacking,
  
  While the economics of construction within both Party’s policy vis a vis employment and further ongoing production are much the same the end result is obviously quite markedly different,
  
  Under the Labour housing proposal,(in it’s current form), the recipients of such would need an income sufficient to service a 300 grand+ mortgage, (why not just put up a poster saying middle class income earners only need apply),
  
  In such a case more of the production of New Zealand will simply flow out of New Zealand as bank profit for the foreign owned banks NOT having transited the local economy,
  
  Under a Green policy however the reverse would be true,the ‘working poor’ would see themselves housed at 25% of household income thus freeing themselves from the private sectors 50-60% of income private rentals and freeing them to either save or spend into the local economy the difference in dollars between the two rental regimes,
  
  That’s all a bit of a long-winded,(understatement),stating of the perceived difference in policy between Labour and the Greeens, there’s nothing frighteningly radical in the Green policy it is simply a copy of what was Labour policy,
  
  The radicalism is tho apparent in the announced Labour policy and it is the radicalism of the middle class where the recipients of such Governmental largesse wont by dint of income be those who daily toil to clean the offices and infrasructure of those who devised it…
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 25.2.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 11:37 am
    
    How about do both policies
    - bad12 25.2.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 12:04 pm
      
      Touchee, good point, indeed why not???, the only constraint being that both Party’s would have to halve their relative policy,
      
      In terms of the Reserve Bank’s inflationary targets building 10,000 extra houses a year would in terms of current and future short to medium term economics probably not create any inflationary problems within the current targets,
      
      Building 20,000 extra houses a year tho probably would, the same ends tho would, sooner or later, be met in building 10,000 extra houses and allocating half that build to State rentals while allowing the ‘working poor’ access to these,(IE, those with an income insufficient to service a 300+ grand mortgage being accorded access on a priority basis)…
      - Draco T Bastard 25.2.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 2:29 pm
        
        Building 20,000 extra houses a year tho probably would, the same ends tho would,
        
        There’s ways to prevent that and one of the easiest and simplest would be to ban exporting of any and all construction materials such as wood. This would, effective;y, flood the local market with these materials dropping the price except that the government would then be using those same materials for house house building.
        
        MrSmith 25.2.1.1.1.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 4:32 pm
        
        Problem is I’m not sure we export that many building materials apart from timber, and the ‘A’ grade log price remains at around US$130 a cubic metre, believe me there are not that many cubes in a house.
        
        Draco T Bastard …
        
        9 December 2012 at 6:28 pm
        
        But there is in 200 thousand of them. Your should also read this.
  - Draco T Bastard 25.2.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 11:58 am
    
    Labour’s housing policy is for the Bankster class. Sure, the middle class will think it’s for them as they get to buy affordable homes but the real benefits go to the banks who get to create more money at interest.
- R 25.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:05 pm
  
  +1, but don’t forget Mana too.
vto viped 26

9 December 2012 at 9:49 am

Well all this palava is just another reason to push my now left-heading vote to someone other than labour. I recall the shenanigans that went on when labour were last in power and did not like it not one little bit.

And from what I can tell things would be exactly the same if they are in power again.

And Clare Curran’s machinations around this particular issue confirms it.

Power to the people!

edit: beware the instinctive urge in labour to act as school teachers. it never seems to go away.
viperfreedom 27

9 December 2012 at 9:52 am

I have been head down in the workshop lately trying to pay bills, failing mostly, and have missed much of what has been going on. The little I have gleaned leaves me staggered and disgusted by the corrupt temerity of the Labour Party MP’s who have, by their silenct lack of action, given tacit approval of this abusive activity. The cadre of cowards that seem to be at the helm have done little but prepare the grave for what was once, yet is no longer, a political party NZ could be proud of.

Like many i have a few friends, i am not talking ‘friends with influence or position’ but real friends. Something Labour has obviously forgotten as it is friendship which built their Party. It is likely it is friendship which will also destroy it. Friends value and appreciate the efforts of all those who want the world to be a better place. Something else Labour has forgotten was their job to help achieve. Why these friends matter is simple and is well understood. You tell two friends and they tell two friends, and so on and so on and so on. The Labour Party, and their siamese sibling the NActs, deserve to lose handsomely at the next Election.
vto viped 28

9 December 2012 at 10:14 am

What was the problem with colonial viper and his posts on here anyway?

From what I read the points were always well made, incredibly well supported by knowledge and facts, and done with rspect and humour. So what was the problema?

I guess it must have been something to do with internal labour party politics…… which is oh so important. ffs. Stupid. stupid stupid stupid. Cut off your nose to spite your face.
- ColonialPete 28.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:19 pm
  
  From what I read the points were always well made, incredibly well supported by knowledge and facts, and done with rspect and humour. So what was the problem?
  
  I think you’ve answered your own question.
Viper73 29

9 December 2012 at 10:29 am

I know I’ve ragged on the looney lefties in the past (and deservedly so) but this would be one of the most (if not most) dumb-ass things counter-productive things I’ve ever heard an MP propose…

Whats an electorate MP get a year, $150 grand or something and this is what it produces?!?!?

What next, every right wing blogger gets put in prison for dissension?
- TighyVipey 29.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 3:51 pm
  
  As one who detests the faux socialism and other pretensions of CV, I feel for him over this. I may not like what he says, but I defend his right to say it.
  - Craig Glen viper 29.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:20 pm
    
    Thanks for showing your solidarity lol! Tighy Vipey im sure CV would say the same back at you.
    - TightyVipey 29.1.1.1
      
      10 December 2012 at 3:48 pm
      
      You know what? I honestly don’t think he would. but that doesn’t mean that I would ever stand by and let some shit tell someone else what to say, or even if they could say it.
      
      I’d like to think that no matter how misguided CV is, he would echo my sentiments, but I think he has a personal visceral dislike for me that would probably get in the way. a la clare curran. the difference being that she has the power to affect him, CV doesn’t with me. No matter, I hope he is ok.
  - ColonialContrarian 29.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:28 pm
    
    Damn right. You don’t have to agree or like the person but they have the right to be disagreeable.
    - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 29.1.2.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 9:33 pm
      
      More like..
      Damn the right
      And irony as pointed out by CGE is apt.
      Solidarity from a righty…the world has hope yet.
      Bring on Xmas
    - TightyVipey 29.1.2.2
      
      10 December 2012 at 3:49 pm
      
      If you believe in freedom of speech, you have to protect the speech you disagree with the most.
  - TightyVipey 29.1.3
    
    10 December 2012 at 3:45 pm
    
    Clare Curran having policy dictated to her by the authoritarian states?
    
    http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/the-meeting-that-could-kill-the-internet-20121207-2azj9.html
Colonialoscopic Monkey 30

9 December 2012 at 10:43 am

Spectacular own-goal by the Shearer-gang and their elite backers… at least they’re showing themselves clearly for what they are.

Kia kaha CV.
Ant 31

9 December 2012 at 10:56 am

Clare Curran is totally Tori.
- One Tāne Viper 31.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 1:01 pm
  
  Let’s make sure (in the absence of a public apology) she wears all the consequences of her disgusting behaviour.
  
  Authoritarian scum have no place on the left.
  - Peter 31.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 3:38 pm
    
    There are plenty of issues for the membership in Dunedin South to discuss I think.
    - Macro_adder 31.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 7:14 pm
      
      Yes I think that the membership of Dunedin South should be, taking their representative in hand, and explaining a few facts of life. The damage that this stupidity is causing is getting out of hand.
Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 32

9 December 2012 at 11:23 am

Just a quick comparison between 1984 and Now.

We might have to be carefully actually as in our haste to rein in the reign of coming terror and night of the knives in per feb, we might cause labour to implode.
Remember the affiliates has a sniff of their 40 percent and have a union block as MP, combined with a untamed and unbowed membership.
Perhaps time for each LEC to take stock, poll the members and quietly issue a internal directive stating exactly which direction the members want labour to take.
Do we want a more continual drift to the right or is it time to correct the electorate drift by reorganising and reconnecting thru active participation in the electrorate from MP as drivers of change.
Shall we sink beneath the Tory blue wave or do we take a stand and fight for what the real labour stands for….betterment of all and not the few.

We need a strong powerful Labour, an open inclusive labour with clear direction signalled early, a pathway outa the mire of neo lib, post capitalism darkness.

We don’t need a Tory light party that props up or harnesses the old dying one horse capitalist system to fund pet social program’s we need a New Direction completely.
Coming crunch of oil shock and climate change are our twin towers to be faced.
- bad12 32.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 11:51 am
  
  The problem tho is that while what you are saying is true we all have been saying the same thing over and over again since Sir(spit) Roger Douglas unleashed His brand new world vision upon us in 1984,
  
  In that time we have had The Alliance and now the Green’s with the latter,(in my opinion being far more politically astute),
  
  My devious self here urges me to invite a spanking by inserting my vote g…Gr…Gree…(can’t quite get it out), message because what you so rightly elucidate in your comment is encompassed in that Party’s policy,
  
  My above comment’s in the post,(at first reading having little to do with the specific topic,sorry), address at one policy level the fact that on an economic level we all cannot keep expecting more, bigger, and better,
  
  Even if one does not adhere to ‘Peak isms’ in resource based economics the basic tenet of ‘globalization’ says that as a population we have to expect wages not to rise markedly,(and view with disparagement those who attempt to sell us the snake oil of equality of income with out bigger neighbor)…
- Draco T Bastard 32.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:04 pm
  
  …a pathway outa the mire of neo lib, post capitalism darkness.
  
  Um, what? neo-liberalism is the height capitalism. What we really need is to become post capitalist.
- Ad 32.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 12:19 pm
  
  Good suggestion there Neoleftie.
  
  Every LEC should check whether it wants to resist. Note that New Lynn LEC’s complaint, rather than being dealt with by the central committee, was sent straight up to the Leader of Caucus for comment.
  
  So don’t expect any protection, irrespective of any newfangled rules.
  
  Each LEC could ask itself over the break:
  
  – How is what they are doing advancing the cause of the Labour Party?
  
  – How much willingness, energy, and funding can they generate to sustain the Labour Party cause?
  
  – Can they join in solidarity with other supportive LEC’s or Affiliates or friendly NGO’s in common cause, or do they need to be more in recovery mode? And if so how?
  
  Some may say it is better to fireworks and burn out, than to fade away.
  
  Maybe that’s the trajectory for some once a decision has been made in February.
  
  But at some point we will all have to decide where we stand, and either be in the game for whatever team, or retreat gracefully to the commentariat, or have the official cup of tea and a lie-down.
  - Viper Anne 32.3.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 1:17 pm
    
    Note that New Lynn LEC’s complaint, rather than being dealt with by the central committee, was sent straight up to the Leader of Caucus for comment.
    
    Thanks for that info. AD. To be fair, they would have to pass it to the Leader of Caucus for comment, but it’s got to come back to the NZ Council for a ruling. It won’t be a satisfactory ruling – that’s a given. But they might have the guts to remonstrate with the ABC club privately, and tell them to pull their horns in. Or: am I being overly optimistic?
    - Ad 32.3.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 1:46 pm
      
      Central Committee has had plenty of chances already – Tamihere being the latest.
      
      Process is fine until the Leadership has a specific interest. Then its simply game on.
      
      Sorry if it wasn’t fair. But what in the last year has?
Tazireviper 33

9 December 2012 at 12:00 pm

PG and CC meeting of the minds???
Jum 34

9 December 2012 at 12:52 pm

I don’t comment here anymore, but I often read the threads. The one person that always stood out for me as being objective, thoughtful, politically knowledgeable and fair was CV. If he/she said something, I respected it. She/he is a lateral thinker which is rare and quite frankly this blog has lost someone very valuable. Hope she/he returns soon.

I have always voted Labour, both ticks, but Roger Douglas the chicago boys Pinochet NZ clone ensured I would never risk becoming a Labour member. Now I am forced to consider other voting options because of this latest nonsense and the TPPA double-speak from Labour which risks our children’s health, welfare, working rights, because it still plans to sign the pledge to American control with a few remit points that would be swallowed up in the small print.

Merry Christmas and a better New Year to CV.
Visubversaviper 35

9 December 2012 at 1:31 pm

If it is any consolation – this has all happened before and the Labour Party came out of it much stronger.

In the early 1990’s we had the Backbone Club, a bunch of Rogernomes who could not accept that it was their crap policies which had cost Labour the 1990 election. They buggered off to ACT but not before they has asset stripped several electorates where their candidates had not got selected. They left one electorate with $7 in the bank and another with a disfunctional computer supposedly worth $6,000 and pages and pages of supposed members who did not actually exist, or if they did, had no idea they were in the Labour Party.

After them were the followers of the biggest cult of the leader since Kim Il Sung. The bully boys of the MMSC swaggered around electorates as if they owned the place, paid for by the an early equivalent of a Super PAC. Canvassers for Labour now had an extra question added – “are you a Mike Moore supporter” and material which had previously had “NZLP” on it now had the dreaded “MMSC” logo.

The rank and file revolted, the leader changed, and the bully boys either repented or vanished.

Now that we have the internet, the disinfecting sunlight can be shone on these things a lot easier.

I will never vote anything other than Labour and I still pay my sub and my VFL. I hope history repeats, and from the look of it – aided by blogs like this, good people are coming to the aid of the Party.
- Jenny 35.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 1:53 pm
  
  Mike Moore was also sullied by his advocacy for the Compact, a tripartite agreement for a super collaboration between union leaders, business leaders and government which required major concession from the unions and which gave up the trade unions role as an independant advocate for their members but which proved to be very unpopular amongst many rank and file. Many trace the decline in union power in this country to the Union leaders top table imposition of Mike Moore’s Compact.
  - Jenny 35.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 2:11 pm
    
    Maybe the Labour Party top table could take heed and learn from this example. The bureaucratic imposition of authority risks collapsing your organisation.
    
    Former union delegate and TUAC member (Trade Unionists Against the Compact)
Ms X 36

9 December 2012 at 1:39 pm

Two things bother me about all this – aside from the major issue of trying to curb freedom of speech, which is a basic human right.
1. Come February, what happens to little clusters of Labour members who do not belong to an LEC because of their size? If a vote should take place, will they have a voice? After the last election, branches were decimated.
2. WHEN has a new mp shot to the top of the tree and succeeded? It didn’t work for Don Brash and I don’t see it happening now.
- jenny Kirk 36.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:19 pm
  
  To Ms X. The Party council did say that if the 60% threshold wasn’t reached and there was to be a party-wide vote, it would be a postal vote to all financial members.
  However, from comments on this post, it doesn’t look as if there is likely to be a vote – sounds as if Shearer and his mates have tied up the whole of caucus to vote for him S.
  
  By the way – I missed the comment about Goff being olde world and courteous. Ms Clifton hasn’t been given the full story about Goff in the late 1980s by her hand-holding drake – he (Goff) was one of the most vocal and brutal in attacking Lange in caucus – lots of nasty dog in that guy and in the others, of course.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 36.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 8:30 pm
    
    Oh thank that was very interesting about goff.
    Guess who models himself on Lange in Wellington or at least admired the man.?
    Oh CV come back soon.
    
    Once there was a man or woman brave bold and tall in the time of the Pax USA
    Who told it how it is was and could be.
    A man or woman who saw the future and wasn’t afraid to speak out.
    Until the day up came a a loud silly animal with two humps who didn’t like noise one wee bit.
    Either sling it or shut it cause I’ve got two humps big and strong….then
    The clouds hid the sun, day went to night and the knives came out.
    Rest in peace CV.
- geoff 36.2
  
  10 December 2012 at 7:02 am
  
  2. WHEN has a new mp shot to the top of the tree and succeeded? It didn’t work for Don Brash and I don’t see it happening now.
  
  Does John Key count?
veutoviper 37

9 December 2012 at 2:05 pm

I have read all the comments on this apparent situation of intimidation of people like CV and others here over the last few days and have been utterly disgusted that any Labour Party caucus members would take such an approach to the rights of people to freedom of expression – whether or not they are party members and active in the party. If they thought that this was OK and would be kept under wraps, then they are very naive and should not be in senior positions in the party. Such actions are bound to back fire – both on them personally and on the party as a whole.

I had a quick look at KB earlier for the first time for months, and to give him his due, even PG is up in arms and supporting the views of many here. And under fire for doing so.

My support and best wishes go to CV and the others – hang in there and don’t give in. You have a lot of support. Kia Kaha.
- seeker 37.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:48 pm
  
  Well said veutoviper.This is so not a Labour Party that I can vote for. What has happened to them? First the monstrous leadership charade and now this. I am beginning to see how Douglas highjacked the Labour party in the eighties. Without principles one is asking for trouble and I am not at all sure of the principles and values of today’s Labour anymore. I am not sure that I can trust them anymore than I can national. WOW, did I just type that???
Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 38

9 December 2012 at 2:18 pm

Just been whispered that the hold up from central processing the new membership is due to understaffing of course but also to hold off all the new change supporters until next year registration where their voice and vote can’t be heard or count.
Whisper only at this stage….
- New LP member maybe 38.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:35 pm
  
  That is interesting.
  
  I “joined” via the internet in early Dec and paid via the internet. I received a stock email back the same day which says amongst other things:
  
  “Date”
  “Subject: Receipt – Annual Membership – Welcome to the Labour Party”
  
  “You may print this email as proof of provisional membership until your offical membership card arrives in the post’ and
  
  “Once again we sincerely thank you for being a member of the Labour Party, it is very much appreciated” and
  
  “Please print this confirmation for your records.”
  
  As far as I am concerned, the wording above constitutes acceptance of my membership. AND I have it printed out on that same day. There was nothing on the internet form suggesting it was for next year’s subscription, so if there are any problems or attempts to suggest that, I will not let it rest.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 38.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 7:55 pm
    
    Great mate you’re in….welcome to the party, wine or beer in the chiller, it’s a buffet not a BBQ.
- mac1 38.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:25 pm
  
  All I can say there is a lot of whispering not worth listening too at this stage. Also a lot of shouting.
  
  What I’d do is find a NZLP member with a membership book, slip him/her the current fee (I don’t know what that is since my membership comes with my ongoing automatic contribution to the annual giving plan) and have the little chittie that comes from the membership book all dated and fully kosher.
  
  That’d have to fill the bill for membership.
KhandallaMan-an Absolutely Fabulous Viper 39

9 December 2012 at 2:30 pm

Sunday Quiz Time:

Q1.
What does Clare Curran and Chris Hiplins have in common?
A1.
They both were given good solid seats that they are screwing-up and leaving open to a National take-over. ( and are thus sucking up for high list positions)

Q2.
What does Darien Fenton and Jacinda Ardern have in common?
A2.
They both failed to ever win Electorate seats and build support among branch members. (and are thus sucking up for high list positions)

try setting up your own quiz!
- Ant 39.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 2:45 pm
  
  I always had the impression that Jacinda was far more interested in Wellington than in winning Auckland Central.
  
  She really should have won it last time it but is pretty much invisible in the electorate. You’d see more of David Parker in Grey Lynn than her LOL.
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 39.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 2:55 pm
    
    That’s the half the trouble MP have evolved into beltway hacks and have let the local party organisation run down terrible and have little involvement in their communities.
    There are so so soooo many operational tactic and strategies that could be adopted for local elections.
    Did CC Dunedin south even consider why the party vote swung away from her and labour in such a traditional safe and resourced seat.
  - Veutoviper 39.1.2
    
    9 December 2012 at 3:03 pm
    
    But Jacinda has time to do this
    
    http://t.co/ID0bNmKd
    
    Thanks to Kim Dot.com’s Twitter site for the link.
    
    Incidentially, by coincidence (?) about 13 hours ago, Dotcom retwittered a conversation with Clare Curran dated 26 Nov re the new Mega. Mallard was also in the conversation.
    
    About halfway down – click on the conversation to see it in full
    
    https://mobile.twitter.com/KimDotcom
    
    Wonderful picture of his swans in love there also in his latest tweet.
the sprout 40

9 December 2012 at 3:27 pm

Didn’t turn out too well for Lange either.
Skinny 41

9 December 2012 at 4:16 pm

After reading the anger of a good number of the punters on here & who’s sentiments are also reflected by a good deal of the voting public.

Perhaps consideration should given to forming a ‘new’ political party to the Left. 5% to 8% is not unrealistic given the wave of unsatisfied punters out there. Certainly be a good way of keeping a Labour/Green coalition where they should be, ‘on a bloody LEFT course.’
SHG (not Colonial Viper) 42

9 December 2012 at 4:21 pm

Clare Curran’s greatest hits (this is an update of a post I made on Danyl’s blog a while back)

I keep hearing how Curran is a communications expert, and seeing absolutely no evidence of it. As Labour’s telecommunications spokesperson she appears to be technically ignorant and of average literacy at best. Examples:

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2010/05/27/lets-all-admit-it-our-internet-speeds-are-rubbish/
Curran finds out about a site on the interwebs called “speedtest.net” (/facepalm) and has discovered that NZ is actually geographically remote and its “bandwidth data” or something is, um, less good than that of someone somewhere else.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2010/05/28/advertised-vs-actual-broadband-speed-there-is-a-difference/
Curran discovers that broadband in South Korea and Japan is faster than in NZ and DEMANDS AN EXPLANATION.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2010/07/03/beyond-lol
Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, proclaims that typing “LOL” is silly and that everyone should stop it.

Do you do Droopol (sp?) tell me. Would you do some stuff for us? #pleasenicely—
Clare Curran (@clarecurranmp) May 10, 2011

Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, seeks crowd-sourced assistance with Open Source content management framework. Shortly before it was revealed that Labour’s “Droopol” installation was sharing confidential donor information with the entire Internet.

Oh yeah, there was her hard-hitting poll on Red Alert:

“Internet speeds: are they fast enough?”

[ ] YES
[ ] NO

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/08/10/explaining-netflix-to-simon-power/
Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, lectures Simon Power on this thing she’s discovered called the Internet, informing him that (and I quote) “Bit Torrent is one of the major sites where you go to get content and download it for free (and illegally).”

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/08/22/the-importance-of-being-labour/
http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/08/22/the-importance-of-being-labour-2/
Curran posts to Red Alert basically saying “Fuck the fucking Greens, those bastards are stealing left-leaning voters and those votes belong to Labour BY RIGHT.”

https://twitter.com/#!/clarecurranmp/status/117484871269617664
Curran goes full retard by accusing Cameron Slater, David Farrar, Matthew Hooton, the Young Nationals, and (this is a verbatim quote) “the non-Labour left” of conspiring together to attack Labour. No shit, she said “the non-Labour left”. So there’s an evil conspiracy against Labour being masterminded by the National Party, right-leaning private citizens, and everyone else in the world who isn’t part of Labour. That’s a pretty big conspiracy, eh.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2011/04/14/no-new-zealander-can-be-disconnected-from-the-internet/comment-page-2/#comment-167800
Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, defends the bill which makes NZers guilty upon accusation by opining that it does NOT make NZers guilty upon accusation. In spite of all legal advice to the contrary.

https://twitter.com/#!/clarecurranmp/status/110122884172759040

Are there loudness discrepancies found on NZ TV adverts vs progs and if so should they be monitored and a unified national standard created?

Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, decides that the subjective difference between the loudness of TV shows and TV ads is so important as to require monitoring and national standards. For bonus lols: check the datestamp, she decided and proclaimed this DURING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN. Presumably there was nothing else important going on.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/2012/06/17/john-keys-ghost-followers/
Curran, Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology, decides it would be a good use of taxpayers’ money to investigate if John Key’s twitter-follower count is accurate. Seriously.

Remember, this is a person who thought that of all the issues facing families, workers, and beneficiaries in Dunedin South the most important thing to thrust into the spotlight in Parliament was her support of the Highlanders Super Rugby jersey. Understandable of course, what with it being a taonga with the cultural significance that only comes with not actually existing before 1996 and being manufactured by a German sportswear company in China.
- QoTViper 42.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 4:33 pm
  
  Epic comment is epic. I’ve long been an avid consumer of Curran’s social media fuckups (and I would dearly love to know how much of her handiwork went into the fucking ridiculous #Labour2012 guidelines) but seeing it all laid out in one go is … epic.
  
  There’s such an immediate, obvious difference between people who have come to use social media and online engagement “naturally” (usually Gen Ys but not always, and not all Gen Ys are social media geeks) and those who, usually due to working in marketing, are trying to muscle in on the cool new territory. Curran is most definitely in the latter camp.
  - karol 42.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 4:54 pm
    
    those who, usually due to working in marketing, are trying to muscle in on the cool new territory.
    
    One of my major dislikes. Every time people put effort into developing excellent communication systems for people to use socially for free, the marketing & biz types want in on the action, thus undermining the initial purpose.
    - QoTViper 42.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 7:21 pm
      
      The thing is, I can see how there’s a right way for corporate organisations to use social media. If they’re providing their services or information about their services on a platform where their audience is, kind of thing.
      
      But then you get the ones who are all “we have to be on Twitter! Because that’s what organisations do!!!” and then they hire marketers who suggest obnoxious things like sponsored ads and then it all goes to shit and the people find a new platform to have their conversations the way they like them.
- Viper Anne 42.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 5:14 pm
  
  SHG @42
  Lolz lolz lolz and more lolz. And for good measure I’ll do a Spud.
  
  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 phew that’ll do. Lady C doesn’t like smiley faces either.
- Just viping 42.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 5:20 pm
  
  Hilarious report, SHG (not CV)!
  You couldn’t make this shit up.
  LOL-LOL-LOL………
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 42.3.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 5:50 pm
    
    It gets worse and goes downhill from there.
    Now poor Clare I know naughty us but she is a symbol for what’s wrong with the labour party, perceived as right of centre and weak disconnected to the community as the last election results portrayed.
    The pizza crew waving signs on street corners do a better job advertising their brand and message.
    A local Maori community service provider recently opened their newly renoed modest premises at a function….was labour there I wonder.
- dancervipereke 42.4
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:07 pm
  
  LOLOLOLOLOLOL.
  
  As QOT said, “epic comment is epic”.
- danylmc 42.5
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:14 pm
  
  I also enjoyed it when Idiot Savant criticised Labour on Twitter, and Curran demanded he make atonement by going door-knocking for Labour in South Dunedin.
ColonialPete 43

9 December 2012 at 4:58 pm

If Colonial Viper is reading this, I suggest he make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 43.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 5:11 pm
  
  Ohhhhh escalation that would cause such severe media and potential poll hit that CV would be demonised and shot at dawn, and if we lose in 2014 cause of any distraction….
  It would play into the Tories smug hands.
  - ColonialPete 43.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 5:21 pm
    
    If I were in CV’s position, I would make a complaint right away, consequences be damned. People who engage in what is essentially blackmail do not belong in government.
    - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 43.1.1.1
      
      9 December 2012 at 5:34 pm
      
      Well at least we still able to vote…last freedom in our democratic society…vote em in or down maybe, roll on feb. who know we might have a selection process for some local mp yet come feb too.
    - Colonial Weka 43.1.1.2
      
      9 December 2012 at 6:38 pm
      
      I tend to agree Pete, although I’m not sure how the privacy act would cover this situation. I can’t find a privacy policy on either Red Alert or the main Labour party website 🙁
    - Rhinoviper 43.1.1.3
      
      9 December 2012 at 6:57 pm
      
      CV would have my support if they didn’t make a complaint. I’ve been subjected to the analogous situation of workplace bullying in the past, and went through a protracted complaint process. I fully appreciate how how gruelling it can be, how it can leave permanent effects in terms of relationships and health. It’s all very well to say “damn the consequences”, but if CV goes ahead, CV will have to endure the consequences. What they need is the support of other people. That’s why I was in a union and why I’m staying in one.
      
      Yes, Curran is an utterly vile individual, and that “nice guy” Shearer, by enabling her at the very least, is culpable.
      - Veutoviper 43.1.1.3.1
        
        9 December 2012 at 9:59 pm
        
        +1, Rhino. It is strictly up to CV and the others as to how they handle this. I have also been “there” and know how much it takes at the time and the longer term effects – even if you win at the time. I will respect them – and any decision that they make. They are all people whose comments on here I have appreciated and respected even if I have not necessarily agreed.
        
        What has amazed me is the number and range of people who have come out in support of CV and the others’ democratic rights to express their views. In fact I have found it quite uplifting and feel that we can work together for the greater good – while respecting that we are not all going to agree all of the time. If we can meld this into something bigger, then there is hope. Lets turn a negative into a positive.
Coronial Typer 44

9 December 2012 at 5:29 pm

Perhaps Dunedin South needs a more active selection process coming up.

Let’s just dump her and get a better candidate.

It’s time they figured out the true power of this site.

And while we’re at it, get that NZCouncil to demand a new Caucus rep as well.

Fire this useless thing before she requires us to have something stitched on our clothes:
“Standard Raiser”

And yeah Claire, you do work for us. Not the other way around.

We are Labour Party Members!
Binders full of viper- women 45

9 December 2012 at 6:28 pm

Thanks for outing this weirdo. Us Waitakere men hate censorship which is why I migrated over here from red alert cos of the censoring and abuse from a sad lycra 50 something bully.
Matthew 46

9 December 2012 at 7:15 pm

Is there link where one could go to see eveerything thats happened on one page?
im confused as all hell
- QoTViper 46.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 7:24 pm
  
  This post by IrishBill:
  http://thestandard.org.nz/just-how-wrong-can-you-get-it/
  
  This comment by Colonial Viper:
  http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-07122012/comment-page-1/#comment-559626
  
  And thus Vipertacus was born.
  
  See also this comment for why you should never comment at Red Alert (because as far as Labour/Clare Curran is concerned, “Open Government” means “we demand transparency of the government while in opposition but deny basic freedom of expression to people who disagree with us”)
  http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-07122012/comment-page-1/#comment-559704
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 46.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 7:52 pm
  
  A summary if I may be so bold…
  CV and a few others so far have been nobbled by either direct approach and or complaint to labour party HQ, by um well a unnamed labour MP, about their online blogging so have gone into hiding so to speak, apart from the odd beer or two with his mates. Virtual and otherwise.
  Then behold the true and bold on here stood up in solidarity and did a grand show of support via the name game thing.
  Now the game is up and the call has gone out far and wide. Sharpen your pen sword as it would seem blogging members are for the chop or knife.
  My take wheel within wheel within another wheel as the party members find there voice and demand meaningful and directional change and this is causing discomfort to the ruling labour elite.
Mongoose 47

9 December 2012 at 8:26 pm

Wow, some pretty strong hating going on on this page. Whatever your perception of some Labour MPs and your own ideals, just remember you are talking about/hating on another human being here, and as we have seen recently in the UK, disparagement of others can have nasty consequences.
Are you all so absolutely sure of your claims, accusations? Sure hope so.
Just noticing and just saying.
- MrV 47.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 8:55 pm
  
  Not dubbed the hate blog for no reason.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 47.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:03 pm
  
  Ohhhhhh very good point, thanks for that mongoose.
  Angst – actually from my understanding CC doesn’t need any more pressure…forgot about that.
- BM 47.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:07 pm
  
  Civil war
  - Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 47.3.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 9:17 pm
    
    Well cc won selection by one floor vote it would seem, I was sick that day and could not make it, got some flack for that one my bad.
    I hate hate hate the Tories and this evil system that shackles the people to provide wealth to avert few.
    We need each and every electorate to provide the maxamum amount of party votes come election time. We need unity and connective ness and a modern operational approach to systematically lockin voters now now one not in two years time.
    
    This election starts now for the LP but we need strong caucus and strong policy, we need motivated and strong activist who have a plan to get the message out.
    Bold thinking is needed now…
- QoTViper 47.4
  
  9 December 2012 at 9:38 pm
  
  Oh, fuck off. We’re criticising the actions of a person. Shitty actions, pointless actions, destructive actions, and you want to fucking guilt-trip us by associating blog comments with driving people to suicide?
  
  I say again: fuck off.
Ennui in Requiem Mass for CV 48

9 December 2012 at 8:51 pm

Here in Purgatory we sing songs to sooth the soul of CV. We also have the devils lining up to punish his oppressors: so cut the bollocks please, wont somebody name and shame the guilty party please in full detail, technicolor with damning evidence.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 48.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:06 pm
  
  Hersay from those directly involved and a blogger on Michael winters blog stating they have seen the letter should be enough….
  One peasant to another “what’s that smell”
  Oh that the elites they are revolting.
- Drakula 48.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:28 pm
  
  “Ennui in Requiem Mass for CV” I like it keep up the support !!!!
lurgee 49

9 December 2012 at 10:02 pm

Has anyone seen any evidence to establish what CV is saying is actually A Real Thing and (if it is) looked at both sides of the story? It wouldn’t be the first time in history that someone has decided it is more fun to be the news, rather than just comment on it.

Worth while pausing and reflecting before we break out the torches and pitchforks, perhaps?
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 49.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:08 pm
  
  You mean private conversations and a letter From the caucus rep….only hearsay.
  - lurgee 49.1.1
    
    9 December 2012 at 10:45 pm
    
    I have no idea. Nor, I suspect, do most of the infant vipers squirming about here. But I see a lot of people running very fast in one direction, shouting “Burn the Witch!” and that’s usually not a good thing.
    - Neoleftie friend in arms of cv 49.1.1.1
      
      10 December 2012 at 7:43 am
      
      It would seem that we are the red red witches and they wana burn us one by one at the steak…BBQ
Jester 50

9 December 2012 at 10:14 pm

Is this guy for real? He is got to be taking the piss.

http://blog.labour.org.nz/2012/12/09/sunday-sport-omnishambles/
- rosy 50.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:50 pm
  
  I sort of hope that it’s clever, but really he can’t see that the Labour caucus is NZ Cricket.
- fender/same sentiment less eloquent Viper 50.2
  
  9 December 2012 at 11:05 pm
  
  I wasn’t aware G.Robertson was the Henry Blofeld of the Beehive.
  
  He better place Clare Curren in the silly-mid-off fielding position, oh too late.
- mac1 50.3
  
  9 December 2012 at 11:35 pm
  
  Mmmm….. cricket.
  
  A team game where the captain makes the decisions supported by loyal players, a game plan is followed by bowlers and fielders when the opposition is batting and by the batsmen when their turn is to bat even at the cost of sacrificing their wickets for the good of the team, different skill sets are exercised by various players from a variety of backgrounds, with the same basic rules applying to both sides.
  
  Each team tends to have ardent followers and trenchant critics, especially when the team is not playing well. Individual players can be also criticised for uneven performances even at a distance from the game and with little knowledge by the critics of the playing conditions, captain’s instructions and the basis for his decisions.
  
  Ground staff, umpires, coaches, selectors can also be held accountable reasonably or unreasonably by dissatisfied fans.
  
  Especially known for bias and favouritism are commentators and sports writers. Some have even been accused of interviewing their own typewriters.
  
  Generally, the critics most informed are those who turn up for the actual game, sit on the boundary and watch the action, knowledgeably. Some even keep scoring books.
  
  Some, however, don’t watch matches, and even support other teams. Others only support their team when it is winning. Others again know that cricket is most of all a confidence game where players are easily distracted by sledging and barracking.
  
  A few even run betting schemes and try to influence the play by match fixing and improper use of appeals and review authorities.
  
  Lastly, most of the public take a slight interest in the game at peak times when important tests are being played and for the rest of the time follow other sports, if at all.
  
  And some say cricket has no relevance to life.
Drakula 51

9 December 2012 at 10:22 pm

Sorry; I have been a bit out of touch, I have just read the above and No Right Turn’s take on this and he was brilliantly succinct as usual. I say to CV don’t be intimidated, stand tall and if this bitch insists on her bullying tactics then threaten to DEFECT! EN MASS ! There is always the Greens and the Mana Party.

I am a Greenie but having said that I am getting disillusioned with the partisan political system and I will explain why. It has one fundamental weakness; it focuses on personalities rather than the issues which is why it is very easy for ‘business groups’ to infiltrate a number of parties.

Remember politicians don’t like referendums and the neo liberals have had headaches infiltrating the Swiss system.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 51.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:27 pm
  
  Well I for one have a end goal. Unity and a solid leadership team with members in support taking it to the street to get the vote in
Neoleftie friend in arms of CV 52

9 December 2012 at 10:25 pm

Yes he most certainly is for real mate.
He is quite well rounded for a pollie just like Lange was too.
Hmmmm Lange was betrayed by the right bush wackers too.
- Drakula 52.1
  
  9 December 2012 at 10:37 pm
  
  Yes I remember that but I didn’t feel that sorry for Lange because a few years earlier when Labour was in opposition Douglas was sacked by Rowling! Remember? Lange should have learnt from that but Oh no Douglas and Prebble were dangling the golden grail of power to get rid of Muldoon.
  Strange I remember that better tan last week.
- Neoleftie friend in arms of cv 52.2
  
  10 December 2012 at 7:40 am
  
  Um talking about Robertson there…well rounded.
Greg M, the Ex Navy viper 53

9 December 2012 at 11:08 pm

This whole situation is appalling. While I hardly ever agree with CV, his writings are always well considered and well written. Someone needs to give a certain south Dunedin MP a swift kick up the slats. Anyone that thinks muzzling genuine criticism and robust discussion is a help to democracy, needs to stand aside. I respect CV’s, and Millsy’s comments and I look forward to their early return to these pages.
Greg.
- SHG (not Colonial Viper) 53.1
  
  10 December 2012 at 12:40 am
  
  his writings are always well considered and well written
  
  Bollocks, he’s a frickin’ lunatic. Half the time arguing with him is like talking to a religious nut with his fingers in his ears chanting “lalalala can’t hear you Jesus Jesus Jesus”.
  
  But that’s entirely beyond the point. To have been threatened with naming and shaming for posts made pseudonymously on one site by person(s) who have access to logs of posts made on another is disgusting.
  
  I don’t care if he’s a drooling halfwit or Thomas Aquinas, Colonial Viper is now “us” and those threatening him are now “them”.
  
  To have inspired in me feelings of solidarity with Colonial Viper is yet another crime to add to the list for which the current Labour management cabal should be held accountable.
burt - Viper without the rose tinded glasses 54

9 December 2012 at 11:58 pm

Get some balance CV, but don’t loose your passion.
xtasy 55

10 December 2012 at 2:48 am

I have so far resisted to get “vipered”, am not intending to “viporise”, but am impressed by this convincing viper passion shown in this thread. It will surely send a message “home”, wherever that may be in future.
Blue 56

10 December 2012 at 8:53 am

Just read about CV. Did this seriously happen? Clare Curran is one of the electorate MP’s down here and is not well liked, lost the party vote to National in a strong Labour seat. I don’t agree with much (anything?) CV has to say, but his right to say it in anonymity needs to be protected. The fact that Curran beleives she should ‘out’ him, to exert control over the message is the lowest form of censorship. What a scumbag.
Treetop 57

10 December 2012 at 2:43 pm

I am left wondering that if by association in agreeing with CV when he blogged regarding the Labour leadership that in future when I correspond with a labour MP on a matter of complaint unrelated to the leadership, that I will be treated in a different manner (marked for pay back) than I have formerly been treated.
Richard Down South (Will wingman for CV) 58

10 December 2012 at 4:51 pm

Labour need to pull their head out of their you know where, and im a long time Labour supporter :/
Assviper 59

10 December 2012 at 10:13 pm

Poor show all round really…….
Huginn all God's Vipers 60

11 December 2012 at 4:03 am

I’m really struggling with this. If Claire Curran did this, then she should have known better.
But if she did, then I wouldn’t be surprised.

Her stupId idea that she could moderate National’s ammendments to the Copyright Act by ‘working from the inside’ and effectivrly supporting them caused a huge shift of young voters to the Greens.

Her Red Alert posts are unreadably long winded. She doesn’t seem to get the Interweb at all.
twist 61

11 December 2012 at 8:32 am

Well you can all read her response
Notice the parts where she says “not at any point have I sought disciplinay action against any indvidual” & ‘she had not used individual names’ & that CV had identified themself
You guys at the standard are pretty good at organising a witch hunt. There is always more to hearsay than meets the eye.
[Bunji: fixed link]

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1 week ago
Showing the Americans how to do it

Just ten days ago, South Korea's president attempted a self-coup, declaring martial law and attempting to have opposition MPs murdered or arrested in an effort to seize unconstrained power. The attempt was rapidly defeated by the national assembly voting it down and the people flooding the streets to defend democracy. ...

No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant

1 week ago
2 Men, 1 Haircut

Hi,“What I love about New Zealanders is that sometimes you use these expressions that as Americans we have no idea what those things mean!"I am watching a 30-something year old American ramble on about how different New Zealanders are to Americans. It’s his podcast, and this man is doing a ...

David FarrierBy David Farrier

1 week ago
Chris Penk’s Hate Parade

What Chris Penk has granted holocaust-denier and equal-opportunity-bigot Candace Owens is not “freedom of speech”. It’s not even really freedom of movement, though that technically is the right she has been granted. What he has given her is permission to perform. Freedom of SpeechIn New Zealand, the right to freedom ...

Sapphi’s SubstackBy Sapphi

1 week ago
Tell me a story

All those tears on your cheeksJust like deja vu flow nowWhen grandmother speaksSo tell me a story (I'll tell you a story)Spell it out, I can't hear (What do you want to hear?)Why you wear black in the morning?Why there's smoke in the air? Songwriter: Greg Johnson.Mōrena all ☀️Something a ...

Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel

1 week ago

National’s Greatest Misses 2023-4

National has only been in power for a year, but everywhere you look, its choices are taking New Zealand a long way backwards. In no particular order, here are the National Government's Top 50 Greatest Misses of its first year in power. ...

Labour Blog

2 days ago
Release: Minister’s plan for tertiary sector a backwards step

Returning to the model that was failing for most polytechnics and Institutes of Technology is not the answer. ...

Labour Blog

2 days ago
Release: National buries 1019 planned homes

It’s been revealed that National has cancelled 60 percent of its housing projects planned before mid-2025 amidst housing woes. ...

Labour Blog

3 days ago
Release: Rule-Czar bill a right-wing power grab

The Government is quietly undertaking consultation on the dangerous Regulatory Standards Bill over the Christmas period to avoid too much attention. ...

Labour Blog

3 days ago
Release: Why not both? Luxon shuns Waitangi celebrations

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is running away from problems of his own creation, with his decision not to go to Waitangi. ...

Labour Blog

3 days ago
Govt’s ‘free speech’ legislation stokes fear, not freedom

The Government’s planned changes to the freedom of speech obligations of universities is little more than a front for stoking the political fires of disinformation and fear, placing teachers and students in the crosshairs. ...

Greens

3 days ago
Release: Nicola Willis spirals country deeper into recession

The economy shrank 1% this quarter and New Zealand has tumbled into the depths of a recession of Nicola Willis’ making. ...

Labour Blog

3 days ago
Release: Hikes for company directors but not ordinary Kiwis

Working people are going backwards while company directors are being given huge pay hikes. ...

Labour Blog

4 days ago
ECE no place to cut corners

The Ministry of Regulation’s report into Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Aotearoa raises serious concerns about the possibility of lowering qualification requirements, undermining quality and risking worse outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. ...

Greens

4 days ago
Release: Strengthening Justice Services for New Zealanders

A Bill to modernise the role of Justices of the Peace (JP), ensuring they remain active in their communities and connected with other JPs, has been put into the ballot. ...

Labour Blog

5 days ago
Release: Labour will continue fight against destructive projects

Labour will continue to fight unsustainable and destructive projects that are able to leap-frog environment protection under National’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. ...

Labour Blog

5 days ago
Green Government will revoke dodgy fast-track projects

The Green Party has warned that a Green Government will revoke the consents of companies who override environmental protections as part of Fast-Track legislation being passed today. ...

Greens

5 days ago
Government for the wealthy keeps pushing austerity

The Green Party says the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows how the Government is failing to address the massive social and infrastructure deficits our country faces. ...

Greens

5 days ago
Release: Visa changes let migrant workers be paid less

The Government’s latest move to reduce the earnings of migrant workers will not only hurt migrants but it will drive down the wages of Kiwi workers. ...

Labour Blog

5 days ago
Release: Nightmare before Christmas for Nicola Willis

With more debt and a larger deficit, Nicola Willis’ reputation is in tatters after her failure to return the Government’s books to surplus. ...

Labour Blog

5 days ago
Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’

Te Pāti Māori has this morning issued a stern warning to Fast-Track applicants with interests in mining, pledging to hold them accountable through retrospective liability and to immediately revoke Fast-Track consents under a future Te Pāti Māori government. This warning comes ahead of today’s third reading of the Fast-Track Approvals ...

Māori Party

5 days ago
Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again

For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...

Labour Blog

6 days ago
Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards

The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...

Greens

6 days ago
Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes

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. ...

Labour Blog

6 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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Labour Blog

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Labour Blog

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks 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. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks 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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Labour Blog

2 weeks ago
Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago
Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban

The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...

Labour Blog

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Greens

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 ...

NZ First Press Release

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. ...

Greens

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. ...

Greens

2 weeks ago

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

14 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

3 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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. ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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, ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

4 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 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 ...

BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz

5 days ago

Signs of the hīkoi: More than just ‘words on cardboard’

The placards seen at the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti conveyed "huge kōrero with immediacy", expert says: "People know the power of the word." ...

Radio NZ – political

10 hours ago
A final Ode to .. King Luxon

Cosmic CatastropheThe year draws to a close.King Luxon has grown tired of the long eveningsListening to the dreary squabbling of his Triumvirate.He strolls up to the top floor of the PalaceTo consult with his Astronomer Royal.The Royal Telescope scans the skies,And King Luxon stares up into the heavensFrom the terrestrial ...

NewsroomBy Victor Billot

17 hours ago
A hater and an enthusiast review The Royal Free by Carl Shuker

Spinoff editor Mad Chapman and books editor Claire Mabey debate Carl Shuker’s new novel about… an editor. Claire: Hello Mad, you just finished The Royal Free – overall impressions? Mad: Hi Claire, I literally just put the book down and I would have to say my immediate impression is ...

The SpinoffBy Claire Mabey

19 hours ago
Survive to 25 (December, that is)

Christmas and its buildup are often lonely, hard and full of unreasonable expectations. Here’s how to make it to Jesus’s birthday and find the little bit of joy we all deserve. Have you found this year relentless? Has the latest Apple update “fucked up your life”? Have you lost two ...

The SpinoffBy Anna Rawhiti-Connell

19 hours ago
All I want for Christmas is modern day slavery legislation

Despite overwhelming public and corporate support, the government has stalled progress on a modern day slavery law. That puts us behind other countries – and makes Christmas a time of tragedy rather than joy, argues Shanti Mathias. Picture the scene on Christmas Day. Everyone replete with nice things to eat, ...

The SpinoffBy Shanti Mathias

19 hours ago
Israeli-American historian describes attacks on Gaza as ‘war of annihilation’

Asia Pacific Report “It looks like Hiroshima. It looks like Germany at the end of World War Two,” says an Israeli-American historian and professor of holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University about the horrifying reality of Gaza. Professor Omer Bartov, has described Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza as an ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

22 hours ago
NZ govt plans to make ‘heavy handed’ change to free speech rules for universities

The New Zealand government coalition is tweaking university regulations to curb what it says is an increasingly “risk-averse approach” to free speech. The proposed changes will set clear expectations on how universities should approach freedom of speech issues. Each university will then have to adopt a “freedom of speech statement” ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

22 hours ago
Caitlin Johnstone: Where does the aggression really begin?

Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone New York prosecutors have charged Luigi Mangione with “murder as an act of terrorism” in his alleged shooting of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month. This news comes out at the same time as ...

Evening ReportBy David Robie

1 day ago
OECD Report Highlights That More Is Needed

This report reflects that gap in our dealings overseas, and it shows that legislators, the public sector and businesses need to walk the talk. ...

Scoop politics

1 day ago
Government quietly scraps waste minimisation policies

The government has quietly cancelled plans to improve recycling and roll out a kerbside food scraps composting scheme. ...

Radio NZ – political

1 day ago
MEAA welcomes News MAP funding ‘leg up’ for Australian journalism

Pacific Media Watch The union for Australian journalists has welcomed the delivery by the federal government of more than $150 million to support the sustainability of public interest journalism over the next four years. Combined with the announcement of the revamped News Bargaining Initiative, this could result in up to ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

1 day ago
Transmission Gully partnership breakdown will not hurt future public-private partnerships, Infrastru...

The roads partnership unravelled under a confidential settlement this week, meaning NZTA will now finish off what it had said was incomplete work. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
Funding cuts to charity particularly felt over Christmas period

The number of people seeking help from Lifeline is expected to increase by 10 to 20 percent over Christmas. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
Nelson Hospital conditions ‘unbearable’ – staff

One worker says the building is decrepit and falling down around them. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
The Secret Diary of .. Luxon at Xmas

MONDAY“Merry Xmas, and praise the Lord,” said Sheriff Luxon, and smiled for the camera. There was a flash of smoke when the shutter pressed down on the magnesium powder. The sheriff had arranged for a photographer from the Dodge Gazette to attend a ceremony where he handed out food parcels to ...

NewsroomBy Steve Braunias

2 days ago
Stand by for cricket’s Smash Palace

It’s a little under two months since the White Ferns shocked the cricketing world, deservedly taking home the T20 World Cup. Since then the trophy has had a tour around the country, five of the squad have played in the WBBL in Australia while most others have returned to domestic ...

NewsroomBy Aiden McLaughlin

2 days ago
Early-onset dementia under the microscope

Comment: If we say the word ‘dementia’, many will picture an older person struggling to remember the names of their loved ones, maybe a grandparent living out their final years in an aged care facility. Dementia can also occur in people younger than 65, but it can take time before ...

NewsroomBy Shruti Sharma and Dr Brigid Ryan

2 days ago
Keeping the pirates at bay: Should the Australian ‘Blocking Order’ case prompt a discussion in N...

Piracy is a reality of modern life – but copyright law has struggled to play catch-up for as long as the entertainment industry has existed. As far back as 1988, the House of Lords criticised copyright law’s conflict with the reality of human behaviour in the context of burning cassette ...

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2 days ago
‘We were as famous as Tom Cruise’: Craig Parker on 90s Shortland St fandom

As he makes a surprise return to Shortland Street, actor Craig Parker takes us through his life in television. Craig Parker has been a fixture on television in Aotearoa for nearly four decades. He had starring roles in iconic local series like Gloss, Mercy Peak and Diplomatic Immunity, featured in ...

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‘I prioritise the mission, not my health’: Adam McGrath’s perfect weekend playlist

The Ōtautahi musician shares the 10 tracks he loves to spin, including the folk classic that cured him of a ‘case of the give-ups’. When singer-songwriter Adam McGrath returns to Kumeu’s Auckland Folk Festival from January 24-27, he’s not planning on simply idling his way through – he wants the late ...

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2 days ago
The rescue dog bringing joy to Christchurch retirement homes

Alex Casey spends an afternoon on the job with River, the rescue dog on a mission to spread joy to Ōtautahi rest homes. Almost everyone says it is never enough time. But River the rescue dog, a jet black huntaway border collie cross, has to keep a tight pace to ...

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2 days ago
Fiji pro-Palestine nativity scene exposes Gaza as ‘hell on earth’ at Christmas

Asia Pacific Report Fiji activists have recreated the nativity scene at a solidarity for Palestine gathering in Fiji’s capital Suva just days before Christmas. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Fijians for Palestine Solidarity Network recreated the scene at the FWCC compound — a baby Jesus figurine lies amidst the ...

Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report

2 days ago
Vanuatu quake: ‘Our shop was flattened like a deck of cards’

By 1News Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver and 1News reporters A number of Kiwis have been successfully evacuated from Vanuatu after a devastating earthquake shook the Pacific island nation earlier this week. The death toll was still unclear, though at least 14 people were killed according to an earlier statement from ...

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2 days ago
How diplomats have broken the law in NZ – and what happened next

A handful of foreign diplomats have misbehaved during their time here - and not all of them have been brought to justice. ...

Radio NZ – political

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Swim schools report sinking enrolments as downturn deepens

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Radio NZ – political

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‘There will be deaths because of this’ – Warning over Health NZ IT cuts

A West Coast IT worker is warning patients will die as Health New Zealand aims to slash its data and digital staff. ...

Radio NZ – political

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Polytech sales possible but unlikely when Te Pūkenga disestablished – minister

In a surprise move, the sale of polytechnics will be on the table when the national institute of technology Te Pūkenga is disestablished. ...

Radio NZ – political

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Parliament’s final sitting day an insight into party factions

On Parliament's last day of the year, there was a rare glimpse of the factions within the major parties. ...

Radio NZ – political

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Former Labour MP, North Shore mayor Ann Hartley dies

Former Labour MP and mayor of Auckland's North Shore City Ann Hartley has died. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
The closest thing Australian cartooning had to a prophet: the sometimes celebrated, sometimes contro...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Scully, Professor in Modern History, University of New England Bunker. Image courtesy of Michael Leunig, CC BY-NC-SA Michael Leunig – who died in the early hours of Thursday December 19, surrounded by “his children, loved ones, and sunflowers” – was the ...

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2 days ago
Labour moves Speaker from the ‘nice’ to ‘naughty’ list

Last week's fights with the Speaker over the Fast Track schedule may have changed the tone in Parliament. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
Govt ends pilot programme for Māori and Pacific, sparking outrage

The Government announced the end of the programme that allowed Māori and Pacific people to acess bowel cancer screening at 50-years-old. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
Parliament fits an extra morning into final sitting day

The House - On Parliament's last day of the year, there was the rare occurrence of a personal (conscience) vote on selling booze over the Easter weekend. While it didn't have the numbers to pass, it was a chance to get a rare glimpse of the fact ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago
The Friday Poem: ‘Bejeweled log’ by Holly Fletcher

A new poem by Holly Fletcher. bejeweled log i was dreaming about wasps / wee darlings that followed me / ducking under objects / that i was fated to pickup / my fingers seeking / and meeting with tiny proboscis’s / but instead / i wake up / roll sideways ...

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2 days ago
Sunglasses don’t just look good – they’re good for you too. Here’s how to choose the right p...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flora Hui, Research Fellow, Centre for Eye Research Australia and Honorary Fellow, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne Versta/Shutterstock Australians are exposed to some of the highest levels of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. While we ...

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2 days ago
How does franchising work?

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Evening ReportBy The Conversation

2 days ago
The one episode of Shortland Street you need to watch this year

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The SpinoffBy Tara Ward

2 days ago
As China expands its cyber espionage and sabotage operations, how will the Trump administration resp...

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William A. Stoltz, Lecturer and expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University US President-elect Donald Trump has named most of the members of his proposed cabinet. However, he’s yet to reveal key appointees to America’s powerful cyber warfare and intelligence institutions. ...

Evening ReportBy The Conversation

2 days ago
The Unity Books bestseller chart for 2024

Announcing the top 10 books of the the year at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Faber & Faber, $37) The phenomenal Irish writer is the unsurprising chart topper for 2024 with her fourth novel that, much like her first ...

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2 days ago
Government confirms plan to dismantle Te Pūkenga, re-establish polytechs

The government has confirmed its plan to break up Te Pūkenga / New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and re-establish independent polytechnics. ...

Radio NZ – political

2 days ago

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