David Cunliffe – Labour leader!

Written By: - Date published: 2:53 pm, September 15th, 2013 - 286 comments
Categories: democratic participation - Tags:

It’s official David Cunliffe is Labour’s new leader. And, having been democratically elected by Labour’s Parliamentary, Party, and industrial wings in the first round, he carries the strongest mandate of any leader in the party’s history.

It’s a great day for democracy. But not as great as the sixth Labour government will be when we win next year!

Update: the full vote with second preferences is out:

2013 Leadership Election - Results

If it had gone to second preference Cunliffe would have had 61.5% of the total vote and just under half the caucus vote. It shows just how much those individual caucus votes are worth.

286 comments on “David Cunliffe – Labour leader! ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. millsy 1
    15 September 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Contratulations David.

    Awesome.

    Now, phase 2 begins, a new set of policies to take New Zealand into a green, equal, and publicly owned future, where people matter more than profit.

  2. Lanthanide 2
    15 September 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Did anyone write down the preferences? I heard that Cunliffe got 70% of the union vote. Caucus was 52% for Robertson?

    • QoT 2.1
      15 September 2013 at 3:19 pm

      One of the journos tweeted the table from the release:
      http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BUK_UHsCYAASlns.jpg

      I expect it’ll get reported once they’re back to their laptops!

    • Jenny Kirk 2.2
      15 September 2013 at 3:39 pm

      Cunliffe won on the first round. No need for preferences.

    • Linz 2.3
      15 September 2013 at 4:32 pm

      I’ve copied these off the photo from the journo’s phone.

      Caucus Round 1:
      Cunliffe 32.35%
      Jones 20.59%
      Robertson 47.06%

      Round 2:
      Cunliffe 47.06%
      Robertson 52.94%

      Party Members Round 1:
      Cunliffe 60.14%
      Jones 13.15%
      Robertson 26.71%

      Round 2:
      Cunliffe 67.79%
      Robertson 32.21%

      Affiliates:
      Round 1:
      Cunliffe 70.77%
      Jones 11.92%
      Robertson 17.30%

      Round 2:
      Cunliffe 78.01%
      Robertson 21.99%

      Final Results:
      Round 1:
      Cunliffe 51.15%
      Jones 15.68%
      Robertson 33.17%

      I can’t find the Round 2 final results anywhere.

    • phillip ure 2.4
      15 September 2013 at 6:03 pm

      does anyone else see the labour leadership/yachting metaphor here..?

      ..the caucus up there on one pontoon..risking capsizing the whole gig..?

      ..relying on the party-members/unions to bring them back onto an even keel..?

      ..(just saying..!..)

      ..phillip ure..

  3. Rosie 3
    15 September 2013 at 3:02 pm

    AH! YEEEESSSSS!!!!! May today be the beginning of the end for the Key Regime!

    Congratulations Mr Cunliffe and Congratulations NZ Labour Party on your first democratic leadership vote. Well done everyone!

  4. Wendy 4
    15 September 2013 at 3:08 pm

    Congratulations David. Onwards and Upwards. United.

  5. Colonial Viper 5
    15 September 2013 at 3:08 pm

    Well done to all the candidates. Now the real work to build a fighting fit Labour for 2014 starts.

  6. mac1 6
    15 September 2013 at 3:09 pm

    At the time of writing this in response to the news of Cunliffe’s leadership win, I am listening to “Ave Verum” sung by the Rhos Valley Miner’s Choir. A transcendental piece of music sung inspirationally by ordinary working folk, as inspirational as I hope the sixth Labour Government will be, next year.

    “Ave Verum” ends with an “Amen!” So do I.

    Now, then, back to work!

  8. QoT 8
    15 September 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Congratulations to David.

  9. Ad 9
    15 September 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Weeeeee-haaaa!

  10. Olwyn 10
    15 September 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Brilliant! Just brilliant! Congratulations David!

  11. Varity 11
    15 September 2013 at 3:23 pm

    who cares. david won. 🙂

  12. Lanthanide 12
    15 September 2013 at 3:24 pm

    Here’s the numbers:

    He received 18.2 per cent of the caucus vote, which was worth 40 per cent of the total.

    He received 27.11 per cent of the membership vote, which was also worth 40 per cent.

    And he got 15.6 per cent of the affiliated union vote, which made up 20 per cent of the total.

    Out of 100% for each block:
    Caucus: 45.5% = 15.47 MPs, hard to tell if that should be 15 or 16. Sloppy rounding by the Herald?
    Membership: 67.77%
    Unions: 78%

    Caucus 1st preference was:
    16 for Robertson, 11 for Cunliffe, 7 for Jones.

    • gobsmacked 12.1
      15 September 2013 at 3:39 pm

      When the dust settles, it might be worth compiling a “Top Ten Things So-called Pundits Got Wrong.” Just to remind ourselves how little some of them understand.

      Couple of starters …

      – Robertson got a very small slice of the union/affiliate vote. Gower said the EPMU was voting for him, others said there was a block vote for Robertson.

      – Robertson got less than half the caucus (on first preferences). So he did worse with the caucus than Cunliffe did overall.

      etc …

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 12.2
      15 September 2013 at 3:41 pm

      According to Stuff: “Robertson pulled the majority of caucus support with 47.06 per cent followed by Cunliffe on 32.35 per cent. Jones had 20.59 per cent support”

    • The Al1en 12.3
      15 September 2013 at 3:48 pm

      In politics 51% to 32.97% is a landslide and a half.
      What on earth does that make 67.77% and 78% ?
      Sure shows how out of touch caucus is with the party, and how that will need to be fixed pronto, but not today. Today is a party for for people power.

      Well done to all who’ve supported Cunliffe, not just in this vote, but from way back.
      We did it 🙂

    • alwyn 12.4
      15 September 2013 at 4:00 pm

      Those numbers don’t make any sense I’m afraid.
      If you simply add them up you get a total of 60.9%, not the 51% being quoted.
      If on the other hand you take them literally as you have written them he would only have got about 21.2% of the total number.
      eg 18.2% of the 40% which is the caucus vote comes to only 7.28% of the total..

      • bad12 12.4.1
        15 September 2013 at 4:26 pm

        Have fun spinning them numbers, when you have finished, guess what, David Cunliffe will still be the new leader of the Labour Party…

      • Paul Campbell 12.4.2
        15 September 2013 at 4:30 pm

        those numbers are backwards and being poorly reported in the press at the moment

        “He received 27.11 per cent of the membership vote, which was also worth 40 per cent.”

        really should be something like “he won 67% of the membership vote which counts as 40% resulting in 27.11% of the total vote”

        etc etc

        (BTW: I suspect those are the 2nd round numbers even though he won on the first – so doubly poorly reported)

    • Rogue Trooper 12.5
      15 September 2013 at 4:24 pm

      Audrey Young from The Herald

    • Linz 12.6
      15 September 2013 at 4:38 pm

      More than sloppy reporting. How much do they pay these people? I wrote a snippy email to our Audrey and pointed her in the direction of MathsIsFun.com “Learn about percentages”.

    • Tangee 12.7
      15 September 2013 at 7:54 pm

      Was the 1st preference caucus vote including Cunliffe?

  13. blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 13
    15 September 2013 at 3:25 pm

    Absolutely brilliant news!

    To Mr Cunliffe and his family,
    To the members who made this process more democratic,
    To all those who voted for Mr Cunliffe

    Congratulations and thank you
    Really well done to you all – great stuff!

    • weka 13.1
      15 September 2013 at 3:36 pm

      +1000

      what a relief.

      Congratulations to all involved! And behalf of many non-Labour lefties, thank-you so much.

  14. Boadicea 14
    15 September 2013 at 3:26 pm

    Faaaaaantastic . The best Labour news since Helen won the first of her three terms.

  15. Morgy 15
    15 September 2013 at 3:27 pm

    Brilliant!

  16. swan 16
    15 September 2013 at 3:28 pm

    All the unionised boys on my worksite love Shane Jones. I hope the delegates truly represented their constiuents.

  17. Treetop 17
    15 September 2013 at 3:28 pm

    Electrifying.

  18. Delia 18
    15 September 2013 at 3:28 pm

    Fantastic. Goodbye Greens, hello Labour, I am back.

  19. hush minx 19
    15 September 2013 at 3:30 pm

    Well done team cunliffe. We support you. And now the rest of caucus know it.

  20. bad12 20
    15 September 2013 at 3:30 pm

    David Cunliffe 51.15%,

    Caucus 18.2%,
    Members 27.11%,
    Affiliates 15.6%,

    Robertson 32.97%,

    Jones 15.88%,

    An excellent win for David Cunliffe, an excellent leadership contest by and for Labour, and, an excellent vote for the whole of New Zealand…

    • North 20.1
      15 September 2013 at 4:17 pm

      In a caucus of 34, first preference:

      Robertson 16

      Cunliffe 11

      Jones 7

      In a caucus of 34 after second preference allocation:

      Robertson 18

      Cunliffe 16

      5 of Jones’ 7 supporters had Cunliffe number 2.

      Congratulations to David Cunliffe and the Labour Party.

      Analysis of MSM performance during the lead-up will be interesting. Perhaps more so in terms of overall demeanour and measure of commitment to mischief than strictly in terms of end predictions. Do I hear more than a few pairs of clay feet shuffling by ?

  21. fender 21
    15 September 2013 at 3:31 pm

    🙂 x 1000

  23. Pete 23
    15 September 2013 at 3:31 pm

    A great result and a ringing endorsement to win on first preferences. Now to work.

  24. joe90 24
    15 September 2013 at 3:32 pm

    Smiles all round in this tribal Labour household.

  25. Just Julie 25
    15 September 2013 at 3:32 pm

    I’ll be wearing a red dress and blue shoes to work;tomorrow!

  26. xtasy 26
    15 September 2013 at 3:32 pm

    My sincere congratulations and best wishes to David Cunliffe and Labour as a whole! This is the overdue new start of a new beginning for a party in revival modus, in spring mode, ready to prepare new policies, to present new ideas, and to bring about the end of a rotten government that has run out of any answers, and that is losing credit at high speed day by day!

    I look forward to a new leadership in the opposition, as the biggest party is expected to lead the opposition, and I will also accept that Grant Robertson will likely be the logical Deputy Leader.

    It is good to hear that David won the leadership role in the first round, and it is a convincing vote primarily by the members and the affiliates. Now caucus have to put aside internal rivalries and agendas and unite, as the party and even wider public expect this.

    Not being a member I expect to be delivered policies that may perhaps, in some moderate way at least, convince me to perhaps at least vote a Labour electorate candidate again in the next general elections. I still have large reservations and will judge Labour and the new leadership by what they will actually deliver in the way of good, needed policies to bring New Zealand as a whole ahead again.

    I appreciate at least that David dared to come onto the Standard not long ago and gave some answers to questions. But sadly some matters remained unanswered. And as I have raise this again and again, we have a government that treats beneficiaries as “crap” now, where there is no carrot but a huge baseball bat as stick, I expect to eventually see really constructive, fair, reasonable, objective and inclusive social policy being presented by Labour under the new leaders. I expect that the punitive, mean spirited “reforms” by Bennett and her colleagues will be reversed, and that we will as unfortunate due to no fault of our own be treated with respect again.

    I also expect that doctors and other health professionals will under Labour not be abused and instrumentalised to cull sick and disabled from benefits, by using questionable “findings” by one Mansel Aylward and his few colleagues, also backed up by a highly questionable, hard line and biased WINZ Principal Health Advisor David Bratt.

    That man and his ideas have no place in MSD and their policy implementations. You are expected to correct the mistakes made, and I will cast my vote in 2014 based on the signs you send me re that.

    Thank you and enjoy your celebrations for the rest of the day. An important signal has now been sent to John Key, and he clearly knew it was coming, as he even delayed his overseas trip to face Cunliffe in the House on Tuesday! I want to see a damned scary John Key and Nat gang in there then!

  27. Ennui 27
    15 September 2013 at 3:34 pm

    A year wasted by the ABC club. But not a year too late. Cunliffe will be the next PM of NZ despite the best efforts of the caucus to avoid winning. Time for the old guard to do the right thing: move aside for the new talent.

  28. r0b 28
    15 September 2013 at 3:35 pm

    Congratulations David Cunliffe – be the leader that we need.

    Thanks to Grant Robertson and Shane Jones for a fair and open campaign process – you both did yourselves proud – and what a great thing it has been for Labour.

    Finally, thanks too to David Shearer, for giving it his best shot, and stepping aside at the right time.

    Onwards!

    • bad12 28.1
      15 September 2013 at 3:52 pm

      i was thinking this morning that the ‘leadership contest’ is perfect timing, Labour couldn’t have had such a fortuitous contest at a better time in the political cycle with the cracks beginning to show in National’s support,

      David Cunliffe as the fresh new face of Labour has the opportunity to create a dream run into the 2014 election,

      How the Labour shadow Cabinet is put together will be the next interesting question, my view is that Grant Robertson will be caucuses pick to be His deputy and whether Grant will help deliver the support needed for a reforming Labour Government to Cunliffe is a question yet to be answered,

      My pick is that Robertson will…

      • Olwyn 28.1.1
        15 September 2013 at 4:29 pm

        I think he will too. David Cunliffe has been given authority through the members and unions votes. In many ways, it has been a contest between social democracy and institutional, cadre-style politics, and social democracy has won. Grant and his younger supporters who have entered parliament since 2008 will adapt to that reality, and hopefully shine under the new conditions.

      • North 28.1.2
        15 September 2013 at 4:34 pm

        Re Robertson – that’s my pick too bad12. There may be a tiny handful of caucus members Robertson (not Cunliffe) will teach some manners to. All good – Robertson’s up to that.

        It’s in both Cunliffe and Robertson to create a unifying powerful team.

      • Lucas the socialist 28.1.3
        15 September 2013 at 5:13 pm

        Grant’s a fucktard. If his previous role as deputy is anything to go by. Might be best to get someone who wants to win for the better of the party. Not his fat selfish self. Doing nothing in your role does not define you as ‘being loyal’. May as well put a goat on a rope, more effective!

      • Tangee 28.1.4
        15 September 2013 at 8:21 pm

        I wish he would stand aside as clear as Jones had done, I really want a woman for a deputy.

    • Lanthanide 28.2
      15 September 2013 at 5:23 pm

      He didn’t step aside at the right time.

  29. Rose 29
    15 September 2013 at 3:35 pm

    Congratulations David Cunliffe. There’s video on the One News website.

  30. billbrowne 30
    15 September 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Congratulations to all three candidates. I voted for David and am glad he won – I hope he lives up to our expectations.

  31. Neoleftie 31
    15 September 2013 at 3:38 pm

    Congrats to DC the best person to win in 2014 and beyond.
    Not who I voted for but very glad, now to take back the party vote in Dunedin south come 2014.
    We need a woman as deputy strong bold experienced and cross faction support but no ABC. Hmmm someone from the party for the party and the people. Guesses?

  32. Morgy 32
    15 September 2013 at 3:39 pm

    Xtacy. That’s a funny post! Popcorn anyone?

    • xtasy 32.1
      15 September 2013 at 3:49 pm

      Morgy – not so “funny” if you have been at the receiving end of a long and nasty stick. But I admit, it should rather be celebration mood!

      Go David, deal to Key and Nats now, you are the one who can do it!

      Congrats!

  33. lurgee 33
    15 September 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Excellent. I was worried for a few of you …

  34. Craig 34
    15 September 2013 at 3:45 pm

    Congratulations, David, especially for not succumbing to dogwhistling against an out gay rival contender. For what it’s worth, I have always thought the newly elected leader to be a highly effective communicator and someone to mount a decisive challenge to the Key regime.

    Let me also say that I hope David recognises that there is substantial overlap between the visions that he and Grant Robertson have for the party, and that Grant is reappointed as Labour Deputy Leader. I also do not believe that homophobia played any direct role in the final decision- more likely, it was Robertson’s lack of Cabinet experience compared to Cunliffe (and Jones).

    What is important now is party unity and focus on policy development as the Key regime starts to fray round the edges and succumb to incumbency fatigue. With any luck, we can limit this to a two-term Nat-led government.

    • QoT 34.1
      15 September 2013 at 4:51 pm

      I hope David recognises that there is substantial overlap between the visions that he and Grant Robertson have for the party, and that Grant is reappointed as Labour Deputy Leader.

      Cunliffe doesn’t appoint his deputy, the caucus does. So you may well get your wish.

      • SHG (not Colonial Viper) 34.1.1
        15 September 2013 at 6:44 pm

        Cunliffe doesn’t appoint his deputy, the caucus does.

        I’m sure Cunliffe is preparing to receive exactly the same support that Shearer received from Deputy Leader Robertson.

      • Tangee 34.1.2
        15 September 2013 at 8:26 pm

        I hope we get a woman Deputy

    • Lucas the socialist 34.2
      15 September 2013 at 5:18 pm

      It is Grant’s lack of loyalty that is of bigger concern. It was evident from his time with Shearer that he is not to be trusted and was part of a movement to dis-stabilise Shearer. Moreover, the old ‘homo-phobia’ excuse is a bullshit smokescreen. If Grant was straight, married with children he still would have lost because he is seen as lazy, ineffective and the reason he has a low profile is because he has done nothing of substance. Plain and simple! I personally think, it might be best for all of us, if he steps down all together.

      • red blooded 34.2.1
        15 September 2013 at 7:48 pm

        This is not a time for vitriol and baseless accusations. Celebrate Cunliffes’ win, but there’s no reason to insult Robertson. He’s been a reasonably effective and loyal Deputy and he ran a good race in this contest. It’s not his time, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have the makings of a good future leader.

        • The Al1en 34.2.1.1
          15 September 2013 at 7:56 pm

          GR is ABC through and through and gave us Shearer. For a start that proves his judgement is all fuc*ed up.
          He thought he’d waltz into the leaders office once he stabbed DS in the back, only he didn’t reckon the party stopping him. Again, that proves he hasn’t got the smarts where it counts, and precludes him from the top job.
          Clearly he didn’t run a good race, because he lost, and badly at that. Caucus favourite turned into dog food in three weeks by overwhelming opposition from the members and unions.

          GR won’t ever be the leader of the Labour party, and he, like you, should get use to the notion.

  35. just saying 35
    15 September 2013 at 4:01 pm

    It is a good feeling to have been part of this.
    Democracy won.

  36. LynWiper 36
    15 September 2013 at 4:04 pm

    Fantastic result. Well done everyone who helped make this happen. Here’s to the future…it just got a whole lot more positive. Fabulous reading all the happy comments above and knowing Labour is moving forward with a more united stance.

  37. Ron 37
    15 September 2013 at 4:05 pm

    Whew That is a relief I do not like waiting. Now we have just over a year to convince NZ to vote for a Labour Government.
    If we have the right policies and the right spokespeople we cannot lose.

  38. the pigman 38
    15 September 2013 at 4:09 pm

    Yes! Might be bad taste to ask today but what is the process for having Rimutaka, Wainuiomata and Dunedin South LECs recall their MPs? We almost have our party back 😀

  39. Ugly Truth 39
    15 September 2013 at 4:13 pm

    “It’s a great day for for the corrupt politics that people call democracy.”
    FIFY

  40. pollywog 40
    15 September 2013 at 4:25 pm

    OK…so how much does it cost to join the Labour Party then ?

  41. Rogue Trooper 41
    15 September 2013 at 4:31 pm

    Bless The Lord , oh my soul, Praise The Lord

    Sun is Shining , weather is sweet…make you want to move your dancing feet! 😀

    • Rosie 41.1
      15 September 2013 at 5:08 pm

      Great mix of Sun is Shining Roguey. I just happen to be be listening to some sweet sounds of a similar vein at this moment:-)

      And I think it’s time to be open that bubbly that has been waiting for this occasion…….Cheers to all (al or non al, whatever your preference)for this wonderful day.

      • Rogue Trooper 41.1.1
        15 September 2013 at 5:40 pm

        not sunny here 🙁 , grey and cold. Oh well, Two out of three ain’t Bad.

      • miravox 41.1.2
        15 September 2013 at 5:50 pm

        Champagne breakfast for us, such great news to wake up to. Congrats David and Labour. A briiliant job done by all involved.

  42. Greywarbler 42
    15 September 2013 at 4:33 pm

    David. Great news. Afternoon delight! Let’s have some sky rockets. And what a great showing of Labour determination with the three going through the meetings in such an excellent way and the organisation required to make it happen. They are all tops, winners for Labour all with good points and though the best man won, Grant and Shane will be there being movers and shakers when Labour gets in 2014.

  43. Belladonna 43
    15 September 2013 at 4:40 pm

    Congrats David. Wonderful news – dont let us down.

  44. leftriteleft 44
    15 September 2013 at 4:43 pm

    I’m really happy with this result.
    Bring on next year. Go for it David.
    Pack your bags Shonkey.

  45. North 45
    15 September 2013 at 4:46 pm

    Just a thought……..Shane Jones offered mea culpa and conducted a sounding the results of which have not been hellish. Better that be done in the context of an internal race than a general election. Thunder neutralised ?

  46. Merrial 46
    15 September 2013 at 4:47 pm

    Great result! I was a bit worried that Jones might slip through the middle. But now – all other things being equal – I’m back to being a Labour voter. Onward….

    • tinfoilhat 46.1
      15 September 2013 at 5:01 pm

      “But now – all other things being equal – I’m back to being a Labour voter”

      Vote for a real party of the left – vote Green or Mana, once again Labour will flatter to deceive.

      • Delia 46.1.1
        15 September 2013 at 6:53 pm

        Social policy excellent, they give me the heebies economically. It is the only reason they do not get my party vote, their candidate in my area does (cos he is nice and door knocks in dodgy areas in horrible winter winter at night)

  47. Steve 47
    15 September 2013 at 4:50 pm

    Congratulations David. This a great result for Labour and a bummer for Key.

    Onwards and upwards to turf this shambles of a government out in 2014

  48. the sprout 48
    15 September 2013 at 4:56 pm

    Excellent.
    At last sanity prevails.
    Well done David and team.

  49. Foreign Waka 49
    15 September 2013 at 5:06 pm

    Congratulations Mr Cunliffe. Thank god some sanity, sound knowledge, analysis and skill has won. Hope that it will result in some sane, sound and skillful action for NZ.

  50. Blue 50
    15 September 2013 at 5:06 pm

    Awesome news 🙂 Congratulations to David!

    I can finally forget forcing myself to tick the box beside the Green Party at the next election and come home to the Labour Party.

    Hope DC gives Johnny Boy hell 😀

    • Rosie 50.1
      15 September 2013 at 5:13 pm

      Like a few others here I am seriously considering bringing my party vote back to Labour. Won’t commit to it yet, and will wait to see how next year pans out.

    • North 50.2
      15 September 2013 at 5:35 pm

      Yeah Nah ShonKey Python was seen round 4.00 pm today sneaking in the back door of some sports psychologist’s rooms on medical mile Newmarket end Remuera Road. Michelle Boag, Louise Upstart and Heki Pirau Parata all in tow, all grim faced.

  51. Varity 51
    15 September 2013 at 5:12 pm

    here you go David. what are you truly going to do about poverty? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zLsbbafdgg&list=HL1379220793

  52. Boadicea 52
    15 September 2013 at 5:13 pm

    I hear that the re-birth of the Labour is being celebrated this evening at the upstairs room in Black Salt Bar in the centre on New Lynn. It is just across the road from Cunliffe’s electorate office.

  53. Poem 53
    15 September 2013 at 5:17 pm

    YES !!!!! Very pleased… Congratulations David Cunliffe !!!

  54. North 54
    15 September 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Whatever happened to the sophisticated (sarc/lol) wisdom of Tracy Watkins’ and numerous other so-called pundits – “Robertson has the bulk of the caucus……” ?

    16 of 34 in the primary vote, 18 of 34 after the allocation of second preferences ? Bulk bullshit rather Tracy. Fail.

  55. karol 55
    15 September 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Congratulations David! Well done Team Cunliffe.

    I note, in his speech today, Cunliffe talks about working for

    all those New Zealanders who currently don’t have a voice. For the Mums and Dads struggling to make ends meet. For the young people wanting a future. For our elderly living in cold damp homes.

    That’s an excellent start! It’ll be hard to maintain in the face of the corporate media, and other pressures from the powerful right wing elites.

    It will require all of us working collectively for such people, over many years to come, inside and outside the Labour Party.

    Today I’m celebrating this new bit of hopefulness! 🙂

  56. Murray Olsen 56
    15 September 2013 at 5:20 pm

    Congratulations to David Cunliffe and those on his team. I hope he proves to be a fighting leader of the broader left and gives space to Greens and Mana in the next government. There is a lot to be done, but today, for the first time in a while, I feel that we are rebuilding a movement that can do it. I think that’s enough to focus on for today. I will now fry myself a congratulatory egg and toast David’s victory with an orange juice.

  57. rod 57
    15 September 2013 at 5:24 pm

    Great news. Now get ready for a barrage of sarcasm and poison from our celebrity news
    readers on TV, and RWNJ’s on this site. They will all be in overdrive.

  58. Rhinocrates 58
    15 September 2013 at 5:25 pm

    Fantastic!

    Now, as the cliche has it, the real work begins. David Cunliffe will have to manage his opponents and that means a certain measure of appeasement, so while some (such as myself) are hoping for a purge of no-hopers such as Curran, Duck, Brezhnev (Robertson), etcetera, realistically, some of them will be given senior positions. Helen Clark’s genius was to make her rivals allies and if David Cunliffe – unlike Mumblefuck – is wise, he will do the same. I expect, unfortunately, that Brezhnev, the Member for Sealord and the Duck will be given seemingly senior positions in the shadow cabinet, but hopefully they would be ineffective ones in government and that Curran at least gets regular watering.

    • Chooky 58.1
      15 September 2013 at 5:49 pm

      +1 smirk

    • karol 58.2
      15 September 2013 at 5:53 pm

      Cunliffe seems to have Jones on board, not as deputy, but probably on the front bench. I can see the logic – Jones could win Tāmaki Makaurau from the Maori Party.

      I hope Cunliffe is able to exercise discipline over Jones re gender and Green Party comments.

      • Comrade Coba 58.2.1
        15 September 2013 at 9:51 pm

        Rapt DC got it in 1 (1st vote). The new front bench will be testy, frankly Ardern needs to be replaced with Shane Jones up against Paula Bennett. This guy is problematic & will need to be kept busy-out of trouble, he is renown for being a very lazy prick. I don’t like the way he was picking his own portfolio’s. I think he needs to be put in his place quick smart by ‘Coatsworth’ I dislike his slagging off of the Greens & boosting about mining does little good for the relationship too. The fact is many females who vote Labour have been put off by his rants, so welfare is a good fit for him to earn his stripes.

  60. Rogue Trooper 60
    15 September 2013 at 5:37 pm

    DC/GR
    Caucus 47/52
    Members 67/32
    Affiliates 78/21
    (someone, fortunately, will correct errors). sigh, so many numbers, so many bright people, like Comrade X for example…

  61. Rhinocrates 61
    15 September 2013 at 5:38 pm

    He may not be the messiah, but here’s hoping that he’s a naughty boy.

    • Chooky 61.1
      15 September 2013 at 5:53 pm

      +1 …. at least Nact and John key finds him to be absolutely incorrigible!…..

    • Rogue Trooper 61.2
      15 September 2013 at 5:56 pm

      Analyze this rubbish from Bryce Edwards again; is he grooming himself for the mantle of the departing Brian Edwards ? (not that that piece has already been combed within an inch…)

      • JK 61.2.1
        15 September 2013 at 6:26 pm

        I’ve given up on readng Bryce Edwards. At one time he was doing his own analysis, but now all he seems to do is to copy snippets from other people’s comments into a column format which you can read for yourself on the web. So he’s no longer worth even looking at.

        • Rhinocrates 61.2.1.1
          15 September 2013 at 6:31 pm

          I always saw him as an aggregator, and I thought that that was his aim anyway. More cynically, like any academic who has a peculiar addiction to food and shelter, he can count his columns as “research outputs” for PBRF (Performance-Based Research Funding) committees. “Publish or perish” as it has always been.

          • Murray Olsen 61.2.1.1.1
            15 September 2013 at 10:14 pm

            I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there. Cutting and pasting from blogs, then sending it off to the Herald, probably counts as research output under the idiotic PBRF system. At least I have to solve a few equations, make some pretty graphs, and persuade a couple of my peers that it’s worth publishing, before I can claim a research outcome 🙂
            For whatever qualifications he may have as a political scientist, he seems to contribute nothing in the way of analysis.

      • Greywarbler 61.2.2
        15 September 2013 at 7:38 pm

        All this tweeting by journalists. Do they do their journalistic work while having their morning shower on water proof apps, and then go and do their real work, being an academic or in PR? All they need to do is throw out a few opinions at so much a word and it doesn’t matter whether it is factual, it is getting talked about that counts.

        Probably they all shower at the same time in their different homes and have speaker phones so they can get some good stoushes and mischievous gossip going for the day which can then be enlarged on and alluded to by all the in-group in a parody of being well-informed.

  62. Tim 62
    15 September 2013 at 5:51 pm

    Thank Christ! There’s hope for Labour yet. Congrats David.
    Now all I need is to consider is how I might split my vote in Wgtn Central in 2014.

  63. Delia 63
    15 September 2013 at 5:51 pm

    Another thing I wanted to say, is thank you to Union and Labour Party members who voted for David. It is you who have tried to save Labour’s bacon and improve the lot of working New Zealanders , not the majority of Labour MPs and that is food for thought.

  64. big bruv 64
    15 September 2013 at 6:24 pm

    This is great news for New Zealand, great news for the National party and even greater news for every hard working Kiwi.

    Having committed electoral suicide the hard left of the Labour party have consigned themselves to at least another two terms in opposition.

    • North 64.1
      15 September 2013 at 6:51 pm

      Churchillian, Churchillian there big bruv !

      While I accept you may be sober in the morning may I respectfully offer that self-medication in times of woe frequently ends in tears.

    • fender 64.2
      15 September 2013 at 7:56 pm

      That’s an excellent Hooton impersonation you got there big bruv.

  65. Jim 65
    15 September 2013 at 6:26 pm

    So if I add DC and SJ’s first preference caucus votes just for fun and get 53% to GR’s 47%, there is still potential for block voting to result in GR losing the deputy race.

    • Lanthanide 65.1
      15 September 2013 at 6:28 pm

      “there is still potential for block voting to result in GR losing the deputy race.”

      Well it requires another candidate to put their name forward. And a vote between GR, Little and Ardern could easily look very different than GR, DC and SJ.

    • karol 65.2
      15 September 2013 at 6:29 pm

      If the majority of caucus votes are out of step with the majority of the rest of the party’s votes, who does this caucus majority represent?

      • Tiger Mountain 65.2.1
        15 September 2013 at 6:41 pm

        Exactly karol. It is a bureaucratic hangover in some ways, but should be determined by party members as this new situation has been at long last. Hopefully Labour members have been enjoying today. Some sour (and unexpected for non Labour insiders) faces on the TV coverage!

      • McFlock 65.2.2
        15 September 2013 at 7:04 pm

        Alternatively, the majority of caucus are not “out of step”: actually, only 20 or 30% voted in a different proportion to the membership.

      • Neoleftie 65.2.3
        15 September 2013 at 7:24 pm

        If we drill into the caucus vote on first and second rounds.
        Jones shed 5 vote to cunliffe. While Robertson only improved two mp’s votes after jones dropped off and if indeed the second round was needed.
        How many in the abc clique 5 or so hard core negate them from the equation and Robertson gets 11 true mates and cunliffe gets 16 true supporters. Now added in the overwhelming support from members and union wings and in fact you a more honest picture.

        Now Robertson is a player plan within plans but stated total support and commitment for the leader.
        Who didn’t…Ardern wasn’t at all convincing when approached for an interview.
        That leaves as deputy option either Robertson again or a better fit to fill the gap would be a woman…hmmm.
        Why, cause it provides a balance desperately needed, appeals to 50$ of the vote and appeases the extremely strong woman’s section of labour…who sign off for cunliffe amongst the woman mp’s. heaps.
        Now the party needs unity demand unity and will get unity or else…bang.
        So who is an academic, unionist, feminist, old time labour power broker, served at board level and in top ten of current line up? Work it out. She will be the circuit between party and caucus, keep the old boys in line.
        Robertson gets number three hat, jones to ass finance, David Clark to econ dev,

        Anyway there must be balance within both the party and caucus..unity is strength.

        • Francis 65.2.3.1
          15 September 2013 at 9:55 pm

          Not sure that having Jones on finance would be the best idea. He admits himself that he doesn’t know a lot about it. I’d assume David Parker will keep the role.

      • Chooky 65.2.4
        15 September 2013 at 8:22 pm

        @ Karol….they represent themselves and their club….although not all of caucus , as McFlock says

  66. Rhinocrates 66
    15 September 2013 at 6:26 pm

    Hoots will be changing his nappies about now.

  67. Tiger Mountain 67
    15 September 2013 at 6:33 pm

    Oh well if Bruv, Rod Beater and other dirty filthy torys are moved to comment at the Standard, Labour members and affiliates must have done something good!

  68. karol 68
    15 September 2013 at 6:33 pm

    Why is 3 News still saying Cunliffe attempted a leader coup at the Labour Conference last year? Where is their evidence for this?

    • Macro 68.1
      15 September 2013 at 7:25 pm

      Karol 3 News HAVE to believe their ‘news’ – if they don’t how can they expect us to?
      So if they said it was true, then ipso facto it must be!

      Others, with less couth than I, would suggest that they interview their posteriors.

    • Neoleftie 68.2
      15 September 2013 at 7:27 pm

      Grower is stirring, setting up again for a repeat this time Robertson plays cunliffe and cunliffe plays as goff cum shearer.

      • Rogue Trooper 68.2.1
        15 September 2013 at 8:22 pm

        Gower got the negative spin in lickety split; framed it in his opening lines, “only 11 of caucus, the people he’s (David Cunliffe) is in charge of, are behind him…” etc, nausea

    • Lanthanide 68.3
      15 September 2013 at 8:02 pm

      TV1 said the same in their coverage.

      It appears to now be a fact that it happened.

    • Psycho Milt 68.4
      15 September 2013 at 9:28 pm

      Why is 3 News still saying Cunliffe attempted a leader coup at the Labour Conference last year?

      Hey, they went to a lot of trouble to create that story out of thin air – inventing the news isn’t easy, and no-one likes to kill their children.

    • mickysavage 68.5
      15 September 2013 at 9:50 pm

      Did not happen. If only we could debate what actually happened rather than what they imagined …

      • Macro 68.5.1
        15 September 2013 at 9:56 pm

        We know that mickey….

        But you try telling that to paddy and he’ll never believe you.

        • Macro 68.5.1.1
          15 September 2013 at 10:20 pm

          By the way – congrates to DC. The team have worked hard for a fine result. Very pleased.
          Now all that needs doing is:

          a. ensuring a Labour/ Green Victory next year
          b. repealing the GCSB/Telecoms Acts and calling an inquiry into the role of Sec Services in this country.
          c.Repealing those obscene Labour laws introduce by NAct..
          d.raising the minimum wage.
          e.Paying all Govt and Local body employees the Living wage and requiring all contractors to central and local govt to do the same.
          f. Addressing the funding shortfalls in biosecurity, health, and education and eliminating charter schools.
          g. Changing the culture of social services to being that – a social service to those who for what ever reason are in need. and ensuring that no child lives in poverty.
          h. addressing the transfer of wealth from poor to the rich by introducing more progressive taxation and CGT and reducing GST on food.
          i. thinking up a better affordable housing package and rebuilding the state housing stock.

          That’s for starters and i reckon shouldn’t take more than 100 days 🙂 after re-election

  69. Varity 69
    15 September 2013 at 6:37 pm

    while you are all being very humble … i’m fucking laughing my arse off and dancing for joy david won!!!! yAY, YAY, YAy !!!!!!

    • big bruv 69.1
      15 September 2013 at 6:44 pm

      So am I Varity, so am I.

      Silent t’s win means that the dirty stinking socialists will not get their hands on the countries cheque book and for that we should all be thankful.

      This nation will never vote for a millionaire who pretends to be a man of the people yet does not live among them. This nation will never vote for a man who is so transparently an extreme narcissist. This country will never vote for a man who wants to give parasites more money for doing nothing simply in return for their votes.

      The biggest laugh of all is on the scum union movement. I imagine that the entire union membership thinks that we are about to return to the days of union power, how wrong they are.

      • Jim Nald 69.1.1
        15 September 2013 at 6:50 pm

        Especially this: “a man who is so transparently an extreme narcissist”

        – excellent description of John Key! Brilliant!

      • JK 69.1.2
        15 September 2013 at 7:13 pm

        Are you talking about John Key, big bruv ? The millionaire who pretends to be a man of the people and doesn’t live among them, nor for that matter take holidays with them.

        • big bruv 69.1.2.1
          15 September 2013 at 7:18 pm

          JK

          Was that not a lot like Clark?…or in true left wing fashion have you forgotten that?

          Look, don’t get me wrong. I am ecstatic that silent t won the election. The sooner the nation gets to see what he is really like the sooner the Nat’s can really get down to passing some legislation that will finally kill off the scum union movement for good.

          • Macro 69.1.2.1.1
            15 September 2013 at 7:29 pm

            gezz bruv what are you on tonight? can i have some?

            • big bruv 69.1.2.1.1.1
              15 September 2013 at 7:46 pm

              Nothing like what you lot are on if you really think that silent t is going to be the next PM.

              I repeat, the Labour party has today done this nation a huge service. For that we should all be thankful.

              • felix …
                15 September 2013 at 7:51 pm

                Hahahahaha! Vagina!

                Classic. You should draw a cock and balls on your desk. Don’t forget the stubble and jizz.

              • red blooded …
                15 September 2013 at 8:10 pm

                Is there some reason why you see vagina references as insulting and unpleasant, BB? Most people quite like vaginas. They give pleasure to men and women. Find another joke, arsehole.

                • Macro …
                  15 September 2013 at 8:18 pm

                  bruv thinks he is being Churchillian.. you know the “country gentleman” snigger snigger thing….

                  All he demonstrates is his immense stupidity for he has no rational argument at all – but then he never has – nothing but a clanging cymbal and a windbag.

              • Macro …
                15 September 2013 at 9:10 pm

                “Nothing like what you lot are on..”

                well u will drink cheap plonk you mean ol bugga! didn’t ya get a crate of Uncle John’s special reserve at xmas? 🙁

          • PJ 69.1.2.1.2
            15 September 2013 at 8:03 pm

            So ecstatic that you jumped right on here to let us know. Well thank Christ! How would we possibly have ever known just how mistaken we were without you jumping right online to let us know, you authoritarian dipshit.

            Why don’t you toodle off and celebrate your ‘victory’ with your kin in a right-handed circle jerk, no doubt laughing your heads off at how insanely clever the jokes that you can make about the man’s name are.

            Don’t you get it folks? If you put another letter in the middle there it makes an offensive slang term for female genitalia! Get it!?! OMG I laughed so hard.

      • Neoleftie 69.1.3
        15 September 2013 at 7:38 pm

        State level accords will come to pass over the next ten years.

      • QoT 69.1.4
        15 September 2013 at 7:40 pm

        Lol, vagina, am I right?

      • Tangee 69.1.5
        15 September 2013 at 9:24 pm

        Why not there’s plenty to go around and they will be taxed to make up the difference

      • Psycho Milt 69.1.6
        15 September 2013 at 9:32 pm

        This nation will never vote for a millionaire who pretends to be a man of the people yet does not live among them.

        Bruv, do you read this stuff before you post it? That line is worthy of the Dim Post…

      • Murray Olsen 69.1.7
        15 September 2013 at 10:19 pm

        “This country will never vote for a man who wants to give parasites more money for doing nothing”

        That sounds a lot like Key and his corporate welfare to me.

  70. Jim Nald 70
    15 September 2013 at 6:41 pm

    Any chance of getting David’s speech given sometime after 6pm?

    I thought TV3 was going to broadcast it and the speech looked like it was under way but David must have been giving a really good speech because TV3 has not covered it.

  71. karol 71
    15 September 2013 at 6:43 pm

    Stuff has a video of him speaking after the announcement in New Lynn.

    • Jim Nald 71.1
      15 September 2013 at 6:57 pm

      I meant I would like to have listened to the speech that was underway about 24 seconds into this TV3 piece:

      http://www.3news.co.nz/Cunliffe-pledges-to-unite-MPs/tabid/1607/articleID/313294/Default.aspx

      • karol 71.1.1
        15 September 2013 at 7:01 pm

        I think that’s the same speech that is on the Stuff link – Gower says it’s Cunliffe’s victory speech. That is what is on the Stuff video. It probably wasn’t a live report from Gower.

        • Jim Nald 71.1.1.1
          15 September 2013 at 7:47 pm

          Not sure if we are seeing the same things. The Stuff one is the speech given in David’s New Lynn office around mid-afternoon.

          The TV3 link I posted at 71.1 is at a different venue most likely just after 6pm.

          I believe David gave a different, or slightly different, speech early evening for the 6pm news (cf. his speech at his office right after the results were publicised).

          • karol 71.1.1.1.1
            15 September 2013 at 8:10 pm

            You may be right, Jim. One News did the same thing, with Dan reporting in front of the alleged victory speech.

            • Jim Nald 71.1.1.1.1.1
              15 September 2013 at 11:00 pm

              (Thanks for the One News link!)

              I am sure, knowing what David is like, that his early evening speech was not identical to, but continued to build on, his mid-afternoon one. He doesn’t just repeat the same speech but keeps on refining and developing his messages for the audience, the occasion and also for his own benefit.

              If David or a member of his campaign team is reading this, and if the speech is different in important ways and should be available (or if the notes can be quickly written up in presentable form), it would be great to see that posted somewhere (like on The Standard!).

              If the tv stations are not doing their reporting job, then let him speak directly to the rest of us around the country via the web.

              • karol …
                16 September 2013 at 7:22 am

                It may be that the 6pm News decided not to play it live – may have taken too much of their bite sized news reports – may decide to play clips at a later date.

  72. North 72
    15 September 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I see Potty Gower on TV3 News just now pushing the narrative that Cunliffe got slayed in the caucus vote.

    Is that nonsense because Potty understands he has the right to maintain a narrative against the facts ?

    Or is that nonsense because Potty fails to understand preferential voting ?

    The vote completed according to the rules: Robertson 18 Cunliffe 16.

    That’s a slaying Potty you knob ?

    My God, still on TV3. According to TV3 newsreader “David Cunnliffe has stormed to victory……”.

    Potty the unguided missile/missal !

    • karol 72.1
      15 September 2013 at 6:57 pm

      Yes, though the stats that were shown as Gower was saying Cunliffe got slayed by caucus vote, showed it was pretty close – depends how much viewers take note of that.

      Gower still going on about the painting. He must have been pissed it was removed from Cunliffe’s electorate office wall, so Gower couldn’t keep going on about it… well except to say it’s gone.

      When will Gower get voted off the island?

    • big bruv 72.2
      15 September 2013 at 7:06 pm

      North

      Gower is telling the truth. Would your rather that Gower and the rest of the media simply spun the labour parties lies as they did in the Clark days?

      • North 72.2.1
        15 September 2013 at 7:20 pm

        Big Bruv – can you not read ? – ditto for you what I addressed to McGrath @ 73.2 below.

        My goodness it’s tea time. I better be off. Have a Snickers bro’………you’re mean when you’re hungry.

      • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 72.2.2
        15 September 2013 at 7:23 pm

        Are the sour grapes tasty, Big Bruv?

        • big bruv 72.2.2.1
          15 September 2013 at 7:27 pm

          No sour grapes from me at all. I wanted silent t to win. I am just as happy as you lot are.

          • felix 72.2.2.1.1
            15 September 2013 at 7:35 pm

            OH NOEZ!! bruv wanted this and so did Key!! That means it’s all gone wrong and we’ve fallen into a cunning trap!!!!

            oh hang on, no-one gives a shit what bruv thinks and Key is a compulsive liar shitting his pants.

            Carry on.

          • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 72.2.2.1.2
            15 September 2013 at 7:37 pm

            “No sour grapes from me at all” ~ Big Bruv

            Sure Big Bruv, I believe you.

            (muffled snigger)

          • QoT 72.2.2.1.3
            15 September 2013 at 7:42 pm

            LOL VAGINA.

            • Rogue Trooper 72.2.2.1.3.1
              15 September 2013 at 8:29 pm

              Mighty deciphering there; does a career in State Security interest you QoT

              • QoT …
                15 September 2013 at 8:47 pm

                I hear it involves little accountability. I’m in!

                • Rogue Trooper …
                  15 September 2013 at 8:59 pm

                  ssshh, Korn has ears, could be a promotion to ‘the top’ for you. Please excuse the brief exchange, not enough cache on this free notebook, and the carrier pigeons, well, it has been a lean winter at times, only so much red-meat a retriever can eat. However, I must tell you about the three ‘gifted’ desktops that are yet to have a trial run on my new Vodafone (multi-port) Station; and to think they would have been in excess of, probably 2K each retail when new, such wastage. I feel a poor-mans I-Cuppa could be established. NO Rogue, people in your home, making noise, cluttering up the place, it just won’t do! (I’m just gonna decide each day, which is the lucky screen to get attention. 😀

        • Macro 72.2.2.2
          15 September 2013 at 7:53 pm

          more like fermented grapes and lots of them!

      • Tangee 72.2.3
        15 September 2013 at 9:29 pm

        Big bruv loves fantasy sorry but the reality is different big bruv

      • Macro 72.2.4
        15 September 2013 at 10:32 pm

        “Gower is telling the truth”

        Yes bruv this is a truism…
        What paddy says is always the truth… its on the news therefore it must be true.
        And when he refers to it again at a later date – well that makes it even more true!

        It just isn’t reality.

        • big bruv 72.2.4.1
          16 September 2013 at 4:51 am

          The funniest thing of all re silent t is that he has so many of you convinced that he is some left wing messiah. If you couple that with the way you guys have chose to overlook the mans many and obvious faults means that the fall is going to be that much harder and that much funnier to watch.

          • felix 72.2.4.1.1
            16 September 2013 at 8:07 am

            If you really believed what you’re saying about how funny it’s going to be to watch the fall, you wouldn’t be saying it. You’d be quietly encouraging so as to ensure maximum height and maximum lolz. But you don’t.

            Also, I haven’t heard anyone say he’s a left-wing messiah.

            Also also, VAGINA LOLZ! Never gets old, eh bruv?

          • Macro 72.2.4.1.2
            16 September 2013 at 9:59 am

            “overlook the mans many and obvious faults”

            just as you choose to overlook those of your messiah – Shonkey
            and pray tell me bruv – who hasn’t got a few faults – some are worse than others – like consistently lying to the electorate and and arranging backroom deals for your mates with taxpayers money – but hey that’s ok! – except you of course – i mean your perfect! Oh! wait a minute you think it’s funny to make a laboured obscene pun at someones name….

    • Dan1 72.3
      15 September 2013 at 7:30 pm

      Potty’s summary was so far off the reality! Even the TV3 news reader had it right but Potty kept on with his nonsense. That is the problem with interviewing your own typewriter.

  73. McGrath 73
    15 September 2013 at 6:49 pm

    How stable will things be though? Cunliffe only got a 3rd of the caucus vote, which is not exactly a recipe for stability…

    • felix 73.1
      15 September 2013 at 7:10 pm

      And if either of the others had won you’d be saying exactly the same thing I presume.

      e.g. “zomfg Robertson didn’t even get a majority in caucus, how unstable etc etc”

    • North 73.2
      15 September 2013 at 7:15 pm

      So McGrath you’re another one who (1) insists the facts are what you want them to be even when they’re not, or (2) doesn’t have a bloody clue about preferential.

      The voting complete in caucus: Robertson 18 Cunliffe 16. Just chew on that dickhead. Oh by the way my bovine beauty, I’ve called off milking in the morning. Mr Farmer’s on the piss celebrating Cunliffe. You’ve got heaps of time to chew and chew and chew and chew until you finally get it !

    • JK 73.3
      15 September 2013 at 7:17 pm

      You’ve got Jones sounding a warning to the Labour caucus not to muck things up, and also a large proportion of his second preference votes went to Cunliffe – I think that’s a very telling message to the ABCs to shut up, get in behind or get out.

      • Neoleftie 73.3.1
        15 September 2013 at 7:31 pm

        That I agree is a fair summary…jones sick and tired of the crap, I wouldn’t mess with that man ah,

    • mickysavage 73.4
      15 September 2013 at 9:57 pm

      Things will be very stable. The caucus will see the wishes of the membership and the affiliates and then respect these wishes …

      • big bruv 73.4.1
        16 September 2013 at 4:55 am

        Ha ha ha…

        Oh Micky, you really are delusional.

        The public are not stupid (despite what the left think of them) they know that Labour is not united, they know that silent T is hated by most of his caucus colleagues and yet you seem to think that the public will be fooled by false statements of “I fully support the leader”.

        The public were not fooled by that statement when silent T offered it so why the hell do you think they will be fooled when it is offered by the majority who despise silent T?

        • bad12 73.4.1.1
          16 September 2013 at 7:32 am

          Keep you up all night grinding your front and rear lobes together did it, putting together the comment i mean,

          i reckon David Cunliffe is worth +2% for the Labour Party even befor He has taken His seat as leader in the Parliament,

          Oh plus 2% is the ticket Slippery the current Prime Minister needs to ride…

        • karol 73.4.1.2
          16 September 2013 at 7:50 am

          Silent T: A leader that listens, and will hasten the end of the NAct plutocracy.

          So fasten your seatbelts…… the Key-loaders can just go whistle . For them the end is nigh.

        • felix 73.4.1.3
          16 September 2013 at 8:25 am

          “they know that silent T is hated by most of his caucus colleagues”

          lolz, I wonder how the evil genius fooled so many of them into voting for him.

          Also, THREE hilarious vagina lolz in one comment? Why do you hate women so much, bruv?

          lprent, perhaps you could script something that replaces bruv’s repetitive boring misogyny with “btw I am a giant turd”.

  74. locus 74
    15 September 2013 at 7:06 pm

    David awesome and thanks to grant and shane for bringing labour support back! Heres to us ridding NZ of the anti social self serving muddleheads ineptly trying to run things at the moment

  75. Conlan 75
    15 September 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Will it be possible for the ABC tribe to work with him?

  76. jaymam 76
    15 September 2013 at 7:15 pm

    Goodness me, is it true that two thirds of caucus voted against Cunliffe, which is not at all what the party members and the public think?
    I think those MPs should reconsider whether they are doing what is best for the Labour Party. They are clearly out of touch. Unless they have some particular skills to offer, they should not stand for re-election.

    • Tiger Mountain 76.1
      15 September 2013 at 7:31 pm

      You are way too polite in my opinion jaymam old chap. The scallywags that wanted to keelhaul DC are scabby rogernome dregs, bye, bye in a decent world surely.

    • felix 76.2
      15 September 2013 at 7:31 pm

      That’s a gross misrepresentation jayman. At most, 2/3 of caucus voted against what 60% of the party thinks.

      And to put that “2/3” in context, the caucus is 34 people. I make it:

      GR 16
      DC 11
      SJ 07

    • Dan1 76.3
      15 September 2013 at 7:35 pm

      I would phrase that as more than half voted against Robertson, and once the preferences were considered, more of Jones’ supporters transferred to Cunliffe.
      The ABC group need to pull head in and work for what the membership want.

    • Fisiani 76.4
      15 September 2013 at 7:36 pm

      When over two thirds of caucus fails to recognise and vote for David Cunliffe they are seriously misguided and unrepresentative. They need to be deselected in the next six months and replaced with people who are loyal to the Party and to Cunliffe.

  77. Blue 77
    15 September 2013 at 7:48 pm

    What if he doesn’t win ? Who can be blamed then?

  78. Lionel 78
    15 September 2013 at 7:56 pm

    Great result got it right time to stuff Key and his inept regime

  79. marsman 79
    15 September 2013 at 7:58 pm

    Congratulations David Cunliffe, you represent new hope for the Labour Party and for New Zealand.
    May you succeed in vanquishing the enemy of our country, John Key and his gang of lying, stealing, scamming traitors. And may you succeed in rebuilding our wonderful country for the good of ALL New Zealanders. Kia kaha.

  80. muzza 80
    15 September 2013 at 8:06 pm

    Ok, now we all get to find out if DC is the only hope messiah, the believers wish him to be.

    No pressure David, you will have to piss off a heap of your buddies from B.I., should you end up in the big seat.

    I’ll settle for David tearing strips out of Key and the NACT cronies, which is something that, if no immediate change from what the LP strategy’s been until now, will set the tone for massive disappointment, for the believers!

  81. felix 81
    15 September 2013 at 8:07 pm

    I wonder why red alert has nothing about the result…

  82. Dan1 82
    15 September 2013 at 8:14 pm

    Pardon my ignorance but who are Red Alert? The ABC club? Mallard? Kiwiblog?

  83. JonL 83
    15 September 2013 at 8:37 pm

    Now, let the real shitstorm begin from the media and the right……..

    • Rogue Trooper 83.1
      15 September 2013 at 8:44 pm

      here at The Standard, we are bunkered in for the blitzkreig Bop; even Brian Edwards has acknowledged the role of blogs now in ol’ NZ, cos, Man! our local paper…sigh…all Money, Methamphetamine, and those “uppity Maaris”, oh and water, and, what’s that Lusk fellah’s strategy again? Oh yeah, run a ‘negative campaign” targeting the incumbents; ffs

  84. Princess 84
    15 September 2013 at 8:51 pm

    Such wonderful news, congratulations David Cunliffe.

  85. red blooded 85
    15 September 2013 at 9:11 pm

    A result well worth celebrating. Let’s remember the euphoria that gripped the US (and spread through the world) when Obama was elected, though. A leader with huge potential can still be stymied by entrenched interests (and sometimes we look for a hero when no matter whom we elect they will still be a human being). Don’t let’s get too unrealistic. There’s plenty of hard slog ahead.

  86. Nicolas 86
    15 September 2013 at 9:12 pm

    Jones is supposed to be given a top spot in the “new” Labour caucus. Should be in the top 5, apparently… http://www.3news.co.nz/Jones-leaves-Labour-election-with-mana/tabid/1607/articleID/313298/Default.aspx

    Why the fuck would Cunliffe do this? And I get you’re supposed to be polite and all, but calling Jones one of the finest politicians of this generation? Isn’t that a bit too much?

    I’m not gonna lie, I want the likes of Jones and the SkyCity VIP box kids far from any future government.

    • Rhinocrates 86.1
      15 September 2013 at 9:39 pm

      Personally, I’d like to see Jones being [insert absurd, humiliating and gruesome fate here], but realpolitik dictates that in order to have a unified opposition, the rivals will have to be pacified. It’s unfortunate, and not exactly karma, but I’ll expect to see Beltway Grant and the various Brides of Our Blessed Lord Roger getting their baubles too, just to shut them up. Sad, but necessary.

      Helen Clark knew that and fortunately she had people with talent like Michael Cullen. Alas, David Cunliffe has ballast like Goff, Jones, Duck and that yuppie snot Hipkins. Good luck to him!

  87. Saarbo 87
    15 September 2013 at 9:21 pm

    Congratulations David Cunliffe and The Labour Party, great process leading to a great result.

    I will kick of a Victory for Labour because we now have a leader capable of communicating a narrative that is meaningful to me as a member of Labour.

    After this whole process, I also think more highly of Grant Robertson (although fair to say he was coming off a low base). I think we still have some talent issues in our caucus, on that I saw Kate Sutton on q&a, she was outstanding…putting barnett in his place. Imagine if Mallard left and Kate Sutton took his place…increases brain power and gender equality in one hit ( I dont know if she is available but she is a talented speaker!). Glad that 16 in caucus ended up supporting David, a little disappointed that 18 didnt, I hope this lot can show more intelligence and strategic foresight between now and the election.

    I’m now keen as mustard to roll my sleeves up and help get rid of this abysmal National government.

    • Rogue Trooper 87.1
      15 September 2013 at 9:28 pm

      Kate Sutton (Q&A)
      -after being in the ‘states recently; “the appetite for intervention (destruction) is not there (American public).
      -laid some of the reasons for the dairy product contamination at the hooves of this government and their cutting MPI / MFAT budgets and staff.
      Reminded me of that other dusky beauty of the left and trade union movements… 😉

  88. Outofbed 88
    15 September 2013 at 9:30 pm

    thank fuck for that

  89. Craig GlenEden 89
    15 September 2013 at 9:43 pm

    TRP will be happy folks he must have been out celebrating and is to tired to congratulate DC.

    Well done DC.

  90. Don Franks 90
    15 September 2013 at 9:50 pm

    ” he carries the strongest mandate of any leader in the party’s history”

    Yeah right, half his workmates in the department cant stand him.

    Wet yourselves while you may Labour fantasisers, custard is coming fast.

  91. Puddleglum 91
    15 September 2013 at 9:58 pm

    Congratulations to David Cunliffe. I thought the whole process came across well and the final result was quite clear. A win on first preferences is very good in a preferential system, especially with strong candidates.

    I read this piece about Cunliffe’s ‘South Island Roots’ tucked away in yesterday’s The Press. I was reassured by the comments of locals about him and by this anecdote:

    “Their debating coach, Wendy Hurst, 59, says they had time to kill in Wellington on their way to one of the final rounds of the competition in Masterton.

    Steven and Feasey were keen to go shopping in the capital but Cunliffe wanted to go to Parliament. So did Hurst. They headed to the public gallery where then minister of health Frank Gill was casually reading a newspaper during debate.

    “David was livid. He said: That’s who is running our country? He was quite upset.

    “He was interested in the country’s affairs.”

  92. billbrowne 92
    15 September 2013 at 10:03 pm

    Hard to believe this:

    http://thestandard.org.nz/is-shearer-gone/

    only appeared just over three weeks ago.

  93. Pascal's bookie 93
    16 September 2013 at 7:33 am

    Well, the righties are certainly showing their hatred. “Silent T” indeed. What a pack of bell-ends you all are.

    Seems you’ve all forgotten what the country thought about you all whhen you raged and ranted at Helen for lo, those 9 long years.

    If you look at how you all reacted to Goff and Shearer when new on the job, you’ll see there was much more of the ‘good man, honest bloke, good choice really’. But you just can’t help yourself with Cunliffe.

    I’m sure he welcomes your hatred.

  94. Pascal's bookie 94
    16 September 2013 at 7:36 am

    As for bruv having one clue about what the people reckon, it is to laugh.

    Bruv me old china, what did you think would happen when Brash took over Act? Be honest now.

  95. Craig 95
    16 September 2013 at 8:40 am

    O-kay. So if the Nats get desperate again in 2014, as tends to happen at roughly nine year intervals at which point things then turn pear-shaped for them thereafter (1987/1996/2005?) so what’ll happen this time to derail their plans to spin themselves as “centre-right?” I’m picking an attempt to parachute the Conservative Party into Parliament through an electorate deal, which then backfires because the Con Party is prehensile, opportunist and an unknown quantity. Ergo, the Christian Coalition/United Future all over again…

    • chris73 95.1
      16 September 2013 at 9:35 am

      Not required because:

      A. The MSM will focus more on the Greens this time as they have a chance of getting into parliament and the general population of NZ will actually hear specifics from the Greens such as they want people to lose money in their homes (which will wake up a number of their middle-class supporters)

      B. Unless Cunliffe does a massive blood-letting (which IMHO he should) he’ll have the same snakes in the grasses that did for Goff and Shearer and will do for him

      C. JK is still popular and has the chequebook so he and English will cook up a bribe (sorry no thats not right the right term) they’ll come out with something along the lines of “NZs done it tough but now we can loosen up the purse strings thanks to the sacrifices we’ve made

      At the very least I hope National doesn’t do a stitch up deal with Colin Craig

      • Craig 95.1.1
        16 September 2013 at 3:19 pm

        One wonders what is ticking in the back of Muzza McCully’s mind at this time. Given that the Nats tend to get themselves in this predicament like clockwork every nine years or so, here’s what could unfold:
        a) Banks gets tired of the ACT one-person band rotunda, or;
        b) Catherine Isaacs gets rid of him in an electorate committee coup
        c) Dirty linen related to Banks’ abortive Auckland mayoral term bid
        d) Further United Future shenanigans
        e) Adverse polls showing that that Ohariu Belmont and Epsom are going to end up in Labour/National hands respectively over a long duration due to prior cumulative damage
        f) Muzza has short-circuit- forgets events of 1996/2005, and mistakenly believes public has too;
        g) Key and Colin C spotted with a cup of tea in a certain café
        h) Strange electorally unviable utterances from Conservative Party candidates
        i) Public realises that Conservatives are not ‘centre right’ but religious social conservatives.
        j) Centre right poll dive as result
        k) The Keypocalypse happens. A Labour/Green government is elected, Colin Craig is blamed by the Nats, JK resigns as Nat leader and a Collins vs Joyce contest arises.

        • Clement Pinto 95.1.1.1
          16 September 2013 at 3:39 pm

          l) Dunne gets a haircut.
          m) Banks lies in jail, but still lies.
          n) Key gives another three way handshake and quickly escapes to Hawaii with a lot of easily generated public troty in his own private blind trust.

  96. Sable 96
    16 September 2013 at 3:28 pm

    Whether its a great day for democracy remains to be seen….

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Stories of varying weight

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 hours ago
  • Balancing External Security and the Economy

    New Zealand is again having to reconcile conflicting pressures from its military and its trade interests. Should we join Pillar Two of AUKUS and risk compromising our markets in China? For a century after New Zealand was founded in 1840, its external security arrangements and external economics arrangements were aligned. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    17 hours ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: The unravelling of the offsets

    The ‘50 Shades of Green’ farmers’ protest in 2019 was heavy on climate change denial, but five years on, scepticism and criticism about the idea that pine forests can save us is growing across the board. File photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago
  • What makes us tick

    This morning the sky was bright.The birds, in their usual joyous bliss. Nature doesn’t seem to feel the heat of what might angst humans.Their calls are clear and beautiful.Just some random thoughts:MāoriPaul Goldsmith has announced his government will roll back the judiciary’s rulings on Māori Customary Marine Title, which recognises ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    23 hours ago
  • Foreshore and seabed 2.0

    In 2003, the Court of Appeal delivered its decision in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General, ruling that Māori customary title over the foreshore and seabed had not been universally extinguished, and that the Māori Land Court could determine claims and confirm title if the facts supported it. This kicked off the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the Royal Commission report into abuse in care

    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-07-26T23:22:26+00:00