In a dinnamic environment it’s hard to be precise

Written By: - Date published: 8:03 am, October 19th, 2012 - 32 comments
Categories: alcohol, john key, slippery - Tags:

So apparently John Key failed to be “precise enough” when he said he voted for the drinking age to be 20, and actually voted for it to be 18.

I’m sure many a finance company director would follow his reasoning, but to most of us it looks like proving black is white – and the dangers of that are you’ll be run over on the next zebra crossing…

But then this is all the fault of opposition MPs being ‘pedantic’ with the fact that true doesn’t equal false.  I mean, maybe it’s the high-falutin’ logic papers I did at university that means I think that that’s an overly important precept for our society, but I kind of think it’s a good thing if our opposition is keen on the truth actually being the truth…

32 comments on “In a dinnamic environment it’s hard to be precise ”

  1. One Tāne Huna 1

    “It is sunny. Well, to be precise, it is raining.”

    Standard supplementary to any question put to Slippery in the house: “Can the Prime Minister be precise?”

  2. Nick 2

    Is there a running list of the PM’s brain fades, changing recollection and outright lies? I think a complete list in one place could be used quite effectively by an expert witness to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

  3. Tom 3

    It reminds me of Lincoln’s spot resolutions ..

    “The spot resolutions were offered in the United States House of Representatives on 22 December 1847 by Abraham Lincoln, Whig representative from Illinois. The resolutions requested President James K. Polk to provide Congress with the exact location (the “spot”) upon which blood was spilt on American soil, as Polk had claimed in 1846 when asking Congress to declare war on Mexico. So persistent was Lincoln in pushing his “spot resolutions” that some began referring to him as “spotty Lincoln.” Lincoln’s resolutions were a direct challenge to the validity of the president’s words, and representative of an ongoing political power struggle between Whigs and Democrats.”

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spot_Resolutions

  4. muzza 4

    Prime Minister John Key says he is guilty of not being precise enough in his comments about the drinking age, but is shrugging off criticism.

    Really enjoying this shruggin off, and the hard time the media arre giving him /sarc

    Mr Key told reporters he voted for the drinking age to be raised to 20, when in fact he voted for it to stay at 18.

    Lying toe rag!

    The Labour Party says Mr Key either had a brain fade, or was not telling the truth.

    Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says the memory lapse is concerning given Mr Key runs the country.

    No we have a fraudulant lier – Call it as it is Norman, this is not a concern, its far past that now!

    The Prime Minister admits he was not as precise as he could have been, but believes the opposition MPs are being a bit pedantic.

    So criticising others for your lying is now the way forward, got it!

  5. Lanthanide 5

    I think this is a bit of a beat up, really, having heard Key’s response to reporters asking about it. He ended with “fair enough” I believe – he accepted their criticism.

    Really, if he’d said “that’s why I voted for the split age of 20” there’d be no real story here. Simply leaving out the word “split” changes the meaning of his sentence entirely, but it’s obvious that that is what he meant when he said it.

    I think this is simply evidence of him not getting his thoughts in order and answering a question well, but given the context (on his way to parliament) I don’t really think that’s a huge crime. He still does a much better job of answering questions than Shearer does, so be careful about throwing stones…

    I did like Russell Norman’s stance on it:
    “he can’t remember anything, he can’t run a department, I don’t know how he can run a government”.

    • One Tāne Huna 5.1

      “…evidence of him not getting his thoughts in order…”

      Exhibit Z.

    • Jackal 5.2

      Lanthanide

      Really, if he’d said “that’s why I voted for the split age of 20″ there’d be no real story here.

      You mean if John Key had told the truth there wouldn’t be a problem? Yeah! That’s what I think as well.

      Here’s how the most recent Dunnokeyo moment went down: Key sees polling on drinking age. Key gets asked about drinking age. Key lies about how he voted on drinking age to try to gain public support. Lie blows up in Key’s face. Key blames the opposition.

      • ianmac 5.2.1

        Yea. I predicted that it would somehow be the Opposition’s fault. But not directly Mr Shearer’s fault though. Huh?

      • Lanthanide 5.2.2

        “You mean if John Key had told the truth there wouldn’t be a problem? Yeah! That’s what I think as well.”

        No, I mean if he hadn’t dropped a single word from his sentence that made his intention clear, there wouldn’t be a problem. I’m sure you’ve mispoke and had typoes that cloud or even completely reverse the intention of your communication; it’s a hallmark of being human.

        Now, why did he drop the word?
        A. Was he deliberately lying to the public?
        B. Is he just sloppy?
        C. Was he in a rush to get to parliament?

        I think 50/50 on B and C, but not A as you (and others here) are asserting.

        • One Tāne Huna 5.2.2.1

          So, fresh from an ongoing stream of deliberate lies and refusals to take responsibility for his duties, he trips over his words for a change.

          No-one really understands what it’s like to have to keep up the relentless mendacity. It’s stressful. No wonder the poor man’s looking drawn.

          We should feel sorry for him.

        • weka 5.2.2.2

          D. Did he deliberately use the language that he did, knowing full well that it sounded better and matched the polls better, and that if called on it he could shrug if off as a mistake? So not an outright lie, but a strategised manipulation.

          • gobsmacked 5.2.2.2.1

            The more revealing comment was at the end – “but Parliament voted for 18”. As if it was somebody else. Silly old Parliament!

            Distancing himself from decisions he was part of has been a hallmark of his time in office. It’s worked well for him. Probably done its dash now (I hope).

          • David H 5.2.2.2.2

            E: Did he do it deliberately? To take the heat out of all the other shit that’s plaguing his govt at the moment??

    • gobsmacked 5.3

      He still does a much better job of answering questions than Shearer does, so be careful about throwing stones…

      Unfortunately, this is true. The media/opposition are increasingly drawing attention to Key being “loose” with language – about time too. But he will get away with it as long as he can say “I’m blathering jibberish, but hey, listen to that guy!”.

      It beggars belief that Labour would highlight one of the PM’s greatest weaknesses, and then copy it.

      • Lanthanide 5.3.1

        I’ve found myself agreeing with every single one of your comments in the last couple of weeks, gob.

        • gobsmacked 5.3.1.1

          Oh no! You iz right wing troll! 😉

          I’ll try and find something to fight about. Christchurch rebuild, who cares, eh?

      • Vicky32 5.3.2

        He still does a much better job of answering questions than Shearer does, so be careful about throwing stones…

        Say what? Praising Key, in order to slam Shearer? I am gobsmacked. I didn’t believe you Greenies would go so far.. and thereby give yourselves away.

        I meant this comment for you, but the system messed up, and it landed on Lanth’s post, which probably is where it should also be!

         

    • Vicky32 5.4

      He still does a much better job of answering questions than Shearer does, so be careful about throwing stones…

      Say what? Praising Key, in order to slam Shearer? I am gobsmacked. I didn’t believe you Greenies would go so far.. and thereby give yourselves away.
       

  6. gobsmacked 6

    Credit to Norman and Robertson for nailing Key on this. Good soundbites (“body double” – heh).

  7. Dr Terry 7

    You know, just for a split second, I thought the PM might be about to offer a personal apology, at last. I hardly think so. What he did do was attempt to use that big word “pedantic” which he must have picked up from somewhere. Thus, predictably, he turns actual blame upon the opposition, with a word that dismissively means “concerned with insignificant detail”. Yes, indeed, this is John Key talking!

  8. Dv 8

    Lanth
    If it had been a one or two off ok .
    BUT it is not.
    It is part of his pattern

  9. Dv 9

    Dunokeyo has hit the comments in nbr

  10. McFlock 10

    I’m sure many a finance company director would follow his reasoning

    lolz 

  11. MrSmith 11

    A snake oil salesman had just drifted into town,
    All the fine Lady’s and fine Gents took him for bit of a clown,
    That said he had plenty of charm, but as the Lady’s & Gents hair turned grey this soon turned to alarm,
    Till one morning they awoke and he couldn’t be found,
    Turned out the snake oil salesman had emptied the bank on his way out of town.

  12. Some people may not mind John Key lying to the public of NZ but we remember the hard time he and his ministers gave the Labour Party so we are enjoying Key’s downfall, bring it on guys make sure you give him no wriggle room, lets give him the same treatment he gave Labour, at least they were trying to do the best for our country not just trying to do the best for the wealthy in the world.

    • RedLogix 12.1

      You don’t understand. In the minds of many, many New Zealanders they expect National to be the party of cosy deals and corruption. It’s OK for Key to lie. They’re secretly quite proud that their man is such a good liar and gets away with it so much of the time.

      A Labour PM is quite a different matter. The left expresses principles and values which they know they cannot, do not want live up to. Therefore if a Labour PM so much as signs a fricking painting to raise money for charity it’s the crime of the century.

      It’s not and never will be a level playing field Maggie.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-28T23:53:03+00:00