Kick-starting Regional Development
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11:02 am, July 22nd, 2014 - 35 comments
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David Cunliffe has announced Labour’s Regional Development policy today. Labour will work in partnership with regions and put $200 million into a Regional Growth Fund fund to resource regional projects that will create jobs and drive local initiative.
David Cunliffe said in his speech to the Local Government Conference today
I don’t think there’s anyone in this room who doesn’t know of at least one project that would help grow their regions wealth, but that can’t get across the line because of a lack of available investment. In my time as regional development spokesperson I’ve seen more than a few. They’re ideas like the Opotiki harbour development which would create nearly 300 jobs – in a town with twice the national rate of people on
the benefit. And the tragic events of recent weeks indicate the importance of creating jobs in communities like that. Or ideas like the Gisborne to Napier Rail line which could be crucial for the efficient processing of East Coast timber and providing a sustainable future – a back bone to the east coast. Or rebuilding Dunedin’s heavy engineering, or accelerating its knowledge industries in the wake of years of the current government’s neglect.
Labour’s initiative is timely. Shamubeel Eaqub of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research has been warning of the danger of unbalanced development in New Zealand’s regions and the Royal Society released a report recently warning of the same danger. Eaqub admits he doesn’t have the answers; but Labour’s timely initiative will offer some hope to these regions, and in the best development tradition, of building on local initiative.
The full policy document is here.
Update: LGNZ welcomes Labour policy
LGNZ President Lawrence Yule stated welcomed this support for regional economic development, which is one of LGNZ’s key seven strategic policy priorities in the LGNZ Policy Statement and the LGNZ 2014 Manifesto that was released this morning.
“Activity that helps regions is important but it needs to be sustainable. New Zealand’s economic growth strategy needs to consider the nation as a whole and the needs of its regions. We need to find ways to make our regional centres attractive for investment and for skilled migrants to settle. For this to occur, there needs to be a shared national strategy developed with central government.”
“LGNZ is also advocating for the distribution of a share of royalties from mineral, oil and gas extraction to the communities where it takes place,” Mr Yule says.
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New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
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The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
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Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
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- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
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After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- 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 ...20 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...3 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 ...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 ...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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
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- 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 ...4 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 ...4 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 ...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 ...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 ...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 ...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 ...5 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. ...5 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 ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- 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 ...5 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 ...5 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, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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- 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 ...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 ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- 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 ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- 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 ...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 ...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 ...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 ...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 ...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 ...5 days ago
- Māori ‘under siege’ in 2024, must fight back in 2025 – Ngarewa-Packer
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 23 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 hour ago
- Govt walks away from infrastructure alliance
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The main points in summary are:
Labour will:
Develop Regional Growth Plans in partnership with local government, business,
and iwi to identify opportunities and barriers to growth, and working groups to
overcome them
Make an initial investment of least $200 million over four years in a Regional
Development Fund for projects that create jobs and growth
Support manufacturing in the regions through the R&D tax credit, accelerated
depreciation, and our monetary policy upgrade
Ensure that government bodies buy from Kiwi manufacturers
whenever possible
Redirect capital from housing speculation into productive investment
Appoint a Minister of Regional Development at Cabinet level
Integrate the Regional Development Fund with a national ports strategy and
regional transport investment
Invest in upgrading regional ICT
Invest in youth training and skills in the regions
Look for opportunities to locate government operations in the regions where
practical and cost-effective
See the details in the link given in the article above.
David Cunliffe is getting into his stride….watch out Nactional John Key!
Well, I guess we can rely on LGNZ’s vote so there’s one more. Awh, hang on, LGNZ can’t vote only people can. Oh, well…
Another excellent Labour announcement, timely given the collapse of the international dairy market.
I think collapse may be a bit of exaggeration.
What we are seeing is a correction from the unsustainable highs of the past 12-18 months.
Well it hasn’t bottomed out yet…already below the long run average and still falling.
http://www.globaldairytrade.info/en/product-results/whole-milk-powder/
Ive always thought some focus should be put on encouraging migrants to move to these regions
maybe extra “points” on your INZ application ?
“Ive always thought some focus should be put on encouraging migrants to move to these regions, maybe extra “points” on your INZ application ?”
How would you then keep people in the regions after they arrive?
Do them for immigration fraud if they move within two years without telling the authorities so their points can be reviewed.
i dont think this is a winner!…competition for cheaper houses and scarce jobs?!…NO NO NO!
….definitely a no no to new immigrants ….but a welcome to returning New Zealanders
Great that he sees local government as real partners, rather than as pothole fixers.
Also loved linking the regional economic development fund to the transport and ports strategies.
Good stuff.
But why oh why does Fairfax go with a headline based on a comment from Key panning our policies, start the article with his comments before announcing the details? They seem to do it all the time …
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10292727/PM-dismisses-Labours-slush-fund
Headlines today: “Key wins soundbite battle” “PM pans Labours slush fund” “My holiday was too long” “I’m not flimflamming” “Labour losing male appeal”……………
And meanwhile elsewhere some pundit has the temerity to claim the MSM is not running a pro National campaign!!
That same idiot so called journalist wrote ANOTHER Hash-Key puff piece on the very SAME topic. What a biased nincompoop! Take a look here, including the readers’ comments:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/10295790/Key-v-Cunliffe-Battle-of-the-soundbites
Thanks for this posting
Happy to eat humble pie, and say this is excellent policy from Labour.
Now, please, please, none of the Labour MP’s put their foot in their mouth again.
And DC. Please don’t apologise and play down, or retract your comments about domestic violence. They were entirely appropriate and well said in the context they were used. This white hetero male tradesman stands right behind what you said.
Unfortunately anything that doesn’t suit the current power paradigm will be mis-reported and spun no matter what.
Yes it is good policy. It’s also about 1/20 of the size that I would like to see it at. At $50M p.a. you can expect perhaps an extra 3,000 to 4,000 jobs to be created and sustained in the regions.
It is a stupid policy. Form a Government with the Greens. Introduce anti-growth policy settings. Then tax the productive parts of the economy (what is left of it) to subsidise non-economic “projects” in declining parts of the economy.
Those regions that have a comparative advantage are doing fine. They don’t need subsidies – which is all this policy is. Those that are not fine can change or die. Or they can become cheap housing dormitories for the feckless and unemployable.
Still fantasising about unlimited growth in a finite world, Srylands?
“Or they can become cheap housing dormitories for the feckless and unemployable.”
How about we banish all the nasty right wing rogues to the provinces then? You could be their marvelous mayor.
That has got to be the most psychopathic rant I’ve seen out of you so far.
Feckless?! What sort of asshole uses feckless, where are you the fuckin the 1930s? Fuck off with your fecklessness you wanker.
‘anti-growth’?
How is keeping our rivers clean ‘anti-growth’.
The problem of emptying out the countryside is not unique to New Zealand.
The French government has been trying to reverse this trend for years and they have mainly attracted overseas tax evaders.
The south of France is a sunny place for shady people.
And it is no good setting up projects that become money spinners for the holders of the contracts to provide services.
Real thought has to go into this if anything positive is to be achieved.
To prevent emptying out of the regions, money has to be spent into and circulated around the regions. People are acting like its some huge mystery.
+100 deep throat…or it could backfire badly in the Election
Northland the region that has always had marginal road quality. It does have a rail network though, albeit it nearly in mothballs. A functioning rail service for heavy goods such as logs should be a top priority for the next Labour govt. I suspect the major challenge will be getting the cow cockies to give up the love affair with big trucks.
Widen the gauge, or develop high speed trains for narrow-gauge tracks.
Widen the gauge, high speed trains not suited to the terrain. Widening the tracks would help solve the unemployment issue and support local business in Northland and elsewhere. Just put the money in, get it done and move on. Reopen the works at Hillside Engineering, direct some capital into R&D for upgrading rolling stock and open up some apprenticeships.
All too simple eh. But unfortunately it doesn’t suit farm gate politics and the transport industry so most likely will never happen. Unless we have VERY strong Labour govt.
Regional Development is one of the MOST needed important goals. I listened to hourly news on RNZ and NTZB at two different hourly news (at 1pm and 3 pm I think)and was disappointed that neither of those bulletins mentioned today’s Labour announcement about their Regional Development plans. It will be interesting to see if the TV1 and RV3 6 pm bulletins carry it or not.
Our MSM is very pathetic as they thrive on sound bites and trivia excessively rather than be a responsible fair arm of democracy.
Just as I suspected!
TV3 had NOTHING on this policy (as far as I could see. Zilch. Nada ! Gower was still concentrating on Cunliffe’s three day holiday)
TV1 made a brief mention turning it into a farce report without any policy detail.
What a pathetic dumb stupid news media we have in such a vital policy as the Regional Development!
It’s going to get worse. The nastiest piece of work in the world has moved to buy all of Fairfax today. Gina Rhienhart, who has refused to sign the agreement for Editorial Independence for the Melbourne Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. Thats why this shit is coming out of the Fairfax rags here. The journalists either lick arse or get the arse. Bloody bitch.
Yes, it is hard work being a lefty these days. We need civics in secondary school, at around year 10. Quite frankly if a kid doesn’t have parents interested in politics, and not many are then they leave school with absolutely no idea of politics. Seems absurd.
So do we get to pick up fallen trees and mill them or what?
Labour wants to build things up.
National want to tear things down.