Labour leadership campaign – day four

Written By: - Date published: 8:16 am, September 3rd, 2013 - 72 comments
Categories: david cunliffe, grant robertson, labour, leadership, Shane Jones - Tags:

cunliffe labour leader campaign

Day four and the campaign is off to the Hawkes Bay.

The campaign trail is starting to get its own momentum.  I have seen three of the meetings and the candidates are honing and refining their skills and presentations.

Last night they met in Shane Jones territory in Whangarei.  The meeting was one of the biggest Labour meetings held in the north for many years with well over 200 people attending.  Proceedings were delayed as a number of new members wanted to join and their applications had to be processed.

The meeting started with Dover Samuels receiving a well deserved gold medal.  Never one to waste an opportunity he took the chance to promote his campaign for the Regional Council and to advocate for the first Prime Minister from the far north.

Proceedings were good natured and there was a lot of laughter and gentle ribbing amongst the candidates.  May this new found unity become the norm.

To my mind David Cunliffe stood out.  He was more relaxed than he was the day before.  He can be genuinely funny and engaging and was certainly this last night.  The Shane Jones supporters I spoke to agreed that he had performed best.

And the right definitely do not like the amount of air time the campaign is generating.  Labour is dominating the media in a positive way like it has not done in a long time.  Expect the usual mouthpieces of the right dial up the hysteria and start to get personal in their attacks.

The venue today is Pukemokimoki Marae, 191 Riverbend Road, Maraenui and the meeting starts at 7:30 pm.

The details about eligibility to attend are as before.

People entitled to attend include members, former members as long as they sign up again and new members who sign up at the door.

Media can attend but for the preliminaries and the speeches only.

If you are going you should get to the meeting early as there will be a vetting process and this could take some time.  People should bring their membership cards or ortherwise photo ID so that they can be identified.  Photos and social media can be taken and used during the open part of the meeting.

And a reminder that current members and those who have been financial members of the Party sometime between January 1 2011 and August 22 2013 but have not yet paid their membership for 2013 can renew their membership and vote, so long as they do so before 12.00am on Friday 6 September. This can be done by clicking here.  New members will not be able to vote.

UPDATE DISCLAIMER:  Just in case anyone is not aware of this I am a supporter of David Cunliffe and a member of his LEC.

72 comments on “Labour leadership campaign – day four ”

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  1. Jenny Kirk 1
    3 September 2013 at 8:41 am

    Yes – Mickey – it was a great night. Labour hasn’t seen this sort of response in the north for a very long time. We put a bit of effort into emailing and phoning people, and they responded by coming into town from all over the north – quite a trek for some at the end of a working day. This augurs well for Labour over the coming year, and like you I thought Cunliffe had the outstanding performance. Jones was funny and the audience enjoyed him, but they responded more substantially to Cunliffe’s policy ideas. Robertson faded a bit during his 10 minute speech, but rallied at Q & A time.

    • Comrade Coba 1.1
      3 September 2013 at 11:37 pm

      Who done the PR & setup work on this meeting, Wellington or they get in pro’s ? Looked awesome from tv!

      • Cassius Dundee 1.1.1
        4 September 2013 at 9:40 am

        If it was done well, then it’s safe to assume that it definitely was NOT Wellington.

  2. Sanctuary 2
    3 September 2013 at 9:00 am

    According to RNZ, the meeting was delayed because of people signing up/renewing their membership. So far, the party seems to have learnt from the process of electing Shearer and this going out to the members business is actually electrifying people who now suddenly feel they can make a difference. BTW – when/how will the postal voting work?

  3. Marty 3
    3 September 2013 at 9:25 am

    Greg, as Cunliffe’s electorate chair, it is hardly surprising you’re excited about his performance and might judge it better than the other candidates. Helps to be upfront about these things.

    But you’re right – all candidates appear to be over their initial nervousness and are getting to grips with the process. As a result, the political news cycle is dominated by the Leadership race and the Nats can but hope to regain some traction.

    • mickysavage 3.1
      3 September 2013 at 9:58 am

      Thanks Marty.

      Clearly I am in camp Cunliffe and I have said so a few times. I had put in a previous disclaimer and have added one to this post.

      I have not been the chair of the LEC for about 8 years although I am still a member.

      To be honest day one of the campaign I think went to Robertson and day 2 was an interesting mix.

    • Greywarbler 3.2
      3 September 2013 at 1:07 pm

      Half informed Marty. Hope other interested parties know better than you.

  4. irascible 4
    3 September 2013 at 9:36 am

    The National-ACT reaction to the Living Wage pledges by the Labour Party leadership contenders.
    http://theirasciblecurmudgeon.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/joyce-attacks-living-wage-pledge-key.html

  5. LynWiper 5
    3 September 2013 at 9:57 am

    Very much appreciating these daily post and updates. Thanks to everyone making it happen. I have been involved as much as possible, watching the TV appearances and also attending the Otahuhu session as I live in rural South Auckland. It is indeed interesting to watch these three men together. In my opinion the comic relief Shane Jones offers, while entertaining for most, is not what is required for Labour’s next Prime Minister. I felt that David Cunliffe usurped Grant Robertson in his substance and it is great to read that he has become more relaxed as the sessions progress. All three men have talent which should be channelled wisely.

    Just to clarify my understanding of the voting. Is it correct that each Labour Party member, each union member and each caucus member has x1 vote. And if so this would mean some individuals have x3 votes? Do union members have to be Labour Party members? I’m just trying to get my head around the actual potential number of voters and the potential power of union votes.

    It was made very clear at the meeting I attended that one has to place all three candidates in a preferential order or the vote is not valid. Earlier I had wondered about voting for just one to increase the power of my vote.

    It is indeed wonderful and invigorating to see this historic process occuring. Gratitude to all who made it happen.

  6. Anne 6
    3 September 2013 at 10:53 am

    I hope ‘Ron’ doesn’t mind me repeating part of a comment he made this morning on “Labour Leadership campaign – day three”

    I am a little perturbed that an alleged member of Robertson’s Parliamentary support group (reported by news this morning) should try to influence the leader vote by releasing the support figures for inside caucus. Apart from how one can tell what members may or may not vote in a secret ballot it shows a possible attempt to convince the other two arms of the new voting system that they should get in behind the Politicians.

    If it’s true then I’m more than a little perturbed. Clearly some a—–e in caucus is attempting to undermine David Cunliffe yet again!!! It’s malicious, traitorous and designed to prevent Cunliffe from becoming leader… and in doing so, significantly reducing Labour’s chance of winning in 2014. I know this from my own soundings among swinging voters with whom I’m associated. They are solidly in favour of David Cunliffe.

    I haven’t been able to find an online link but if someone has any further information could they please enlighten me because this time I will lay a formal complaint to the NZ Council and I hope others consider doing like-wise.

    • Ron 6.1
      3 September 2013 at 11:45 am

      Just checked my memory. The item was on Radio Live news all through their breakfast programme. You can listen to their bulletins on line try the 7am one as the item leads the news.

      It states Robertson is emerging as a clear winner in the leaderships stakes. Reporter Jessica Williams stated that sources withing the caucus have told her that Robertson has 18 votes Cunliffe has 11 and Jones 4 with Shearer abstaining.
      Robertson supporters include Goff, King, Parker, Mallard, Hipkins and Faafoi

      I see this as a deliberate attempt to skew the vote and if it was a general election being held and a statement was made on election day that was likely to affect outcome of the election I would suspect the Electoral Commission or Police would get involved.

      It is interesting that the most of those people named above are the ones that I would instinctively want out of Parliament as dead wood. Wonder if thats the reason for the fight to stop change in the party

      • Anne 6.1.1
        3 September 2013 at 12:13 pm

        Wonder if thats the reason for the fight to stop change in the party.

        Of course it is. Looking after number one. Those who are being so adversely affected by this despicable government are only of secondary importance to them. Add to that a few weak caucus members who maybe afraid to go against them, and you have your caucus majority. Lets face it, with a chief whip who does the numbers for the ABC club and thinks nothing of leaking secret ballot information (he did it late last year or earlier this year – not sure when), they know which way they voted is NOT going to remain secret.

        • Olwyn 6.1.1.1
          3 September 2013 at 12:37 pm

          So disappointing. If this proves to be another disguised palace coup, it will be hard if not impossible for me to take this present Labour lot seriously again. For God’s sake! It is one year out from an election, and these people have already spent the last 20 months dissipating whatever authority and credibility they once enjoyed. You would think that under the circumstances they would see the value in actually listening to the members, paying attention to the polls, and generally considering what people actually think, rather than what they might, at a pinch, be persuaded to accept.

          • Anne 6.1.1.1.1
            3 September 2013 at 12:58 pm

            +1 Olwyn.

            It will upset me very much because I’m tribal Labour, but if it proves to be true and they succeed then I will have to seriously consider resigning. An awful decision to have to make.

            • Jilly Bee 6.1.1.1.1.1
              3 September 2013 at 4:45 pm

              +1111 Anne – I too will seriously consider resigning – after having been re-energised by attending the Women’s Conference and by the wonderful calibre of the younger women present. I have voted today on line and have relegated GR to number 3. I pretty much had to swallow a dead rat with my number 2 choice, so I hope I have fully understood the voting procedure.

          • lurgee 6.1.1.1.2
            3 September 2013 at 3:45 pm

            Good grief. So if Cunliffe loses after an open contest where votes are divived between caucus, the membership and the unions, some people will STILL not be happy with the result?

            I think he will win – though a bit less certain since Ronertsonseems to be quite hungry – and I want him to win. But I can’t believe we can already see the factionalist refusniks already starting their wailing and gnashing of teeth.

        • George D 6.1.1.2
          3 September 2013 at 12:41 pm

          Congratulations to Moira and Tim though, for making the right decisions and allowing the membership and affiliates to have their say on their parliamentary party.

      • Bill 6.1.2
        3 September 2013 at 2:20 pm

        Scoured the news archive from yesterday morning and Sunday morning. No mention that I could find.

      • David H 6.1.3
        4 September 2013 at 8:43 am

        “Goff, King, Parker, Mallard, Hipkins and Faafoi” 5 Names that should disappear from the election. But unless the right man wins, then I see the supporters leaving in droves, because these 5 will just keep on with the same ol’ same ol’, and nothing will change.

    • Tracey 6.2
      3 September 2013 at 1:52 pm

      would this not have breached the code of conduct? Surely he fish starts rotting at the head. Robertson may not have directly ok-ed it but isn’t he ultimately responsible for it, especially as he may benefit from it?

  7. Virginia Linton 7
    3 September 2013 at 12:17 pm

    Shane says he’s aiming for support from women who read the NZ Women’s Weekly, not those who read Germaine Greer. He’s so one dimensional he doesn’t realise that some of us read both. How odd to have someone vying for a senior role in the Labour Party, who is blatantly sexist. Sad too to see people like Kelvin Davis and David Shearer and Stuart Nash coming out for a sexist phoney arsehole. On that basis alone, I now have no respect for them either. As a Far Northerner I could not now support Kelvin to have a high list position; to line up with a sexist (we wouldn’t tolerate racism, so why sexism?) demeans not only these men but all of the women in their lives (who include, as colleagues, the women of the Labour Party).

    • LynWiper 7.1
      3 September 2013 at 12:56 pm

      +100 Well said Virginia. I agree entirely.

    • Mary 7.2
      3 September 2013 at 9:59 pm

      Sexist phoney arsehole is a perfect description of Jones, the most accurate I’ve ever heard. I’d initially thought it’d missed lazy but upon reflection think that could probably slot into phoney or arsehole equally well.

    • Murray Olsen 7.3
      4 September 2013 at 1:33 am

      Now I know why I must dislike Jones so much – I’ve read a bit of Germaine Greer. Oh, and the odd Women’s Weekly as well, so now I’m just confused.

      • karol 7.3.1
        4 September 2013 at 7:15 am

        And Jones has no interest in women who read neither Greer, nor WD, but something completely different…. say, The Economist, or The Guardian, or Max Rashbrooke, or George RR Martin, or Naomi Klein……?

        • Tracey 7.3.1.1
          4 September 2013 at 8:50 am

          Jones is confirming he sees women as two dimensional, either WW or GG. I note he made no comment let alone a commitment) to gender equality on his front bench. The other to did (rightly or wrongly).

  8. James 8
    3 September 2013 at 12:32 pm

    It looks like both the membership and the unions are going to vote in Cunliffe, outvoting the caucus. If the caucus doesn’t see this and act accordingly then I predict a big bloodletting and a new fresh-faced Labour party going into the 2014 election.

  9. Delia 9
    3 September 2013 at 12:34 pm

    I completely agree with you Virginia. I chew through history books and than read the Women’s Day. Shane is just the good old boys of the left, and does not represent my vision for my future and family’s.Like some of those sexist union men of the 1970’s. Honestly what a has been he is and he can take his has been supporters in caucus (who are well past their use by date) with him. Cunliffe’s has a wife with a successful career in her own right, that tells me something about the man. He actually likes women with a brain, not exploited porno girls.

  10. Ron 10
    3 September 2013 at 1:27 pm

    The information about numbers has been spread fairly widely. My LEC had the figures early in the week and well before MSM got it. Someone is going to a lot of trouble to ring round I guess they would never trust email for such scurrilous gossip.
    My hope is that the unions and the party members punish those that spread such dangerous gossip by voting DC and thus nullify any mischief the MP’s get up to

  11. Tautoko Viper 11
    3 September 2013 at 2:11 pm

    There is an outside possibility that the “leak” could have come from gcsb sources and the pm’s mate. The result of this Labour party vote is of huge importance to National. Let’s stop disembowelling ourselves as this could be a “false flag” incident. Think carefully and clearly.

    • Ad 11.1
      3 September 2013 at 3:22 pm

      … because that’s the history of Labour caucus anti-Cunliffe media leaks over the last 18 months. Tui billboard.

      Think with the truth.

    • Ron 11.2
      3 September 2013 at 3:25 pm

      I doubt the GCSB are ringing up LEC’s and giving caucus voting figures

    • Anne 11.3
      3 September 2013 at 3:53 pm

      This is a repeat performance of Nov/Dec. 2011 Tautoko Viper. Some stuff never came out including a ring around of LEC officials requesting they find out how members were intending to vote. And that was before the constitution changed and the members views was just a guide only – a guide that was completely ignored.

  12. Craig GlenEden 12
    3 September 2013 at 3:46 pm

    Look the truth is all this leaking that comes from this caucus is always anti Cunliffe and pro the status quo, but this time the members get to have their say so make sure you have your say vote for the person who can get rid of Key and this Nat Government. Labour does indeed need a fresh/new beginning if it does not happen this time we will bleed activists to the Greens and we wont see them back.

    • Ad 12.1
      3 September 2013 at 5:50 pm

      Since Cunliffe is going to win, I’m sure he will be incredibly graceful and “hold his enemies close”, whoever they are. Fortunately I will not be in power as I would round them up against the wall, shoot them, cremate them, mix their dust with rubber and hand them out as balls for dogs to chew on.

      Like I said, fortunately…

  13. redpete 13
    3 September 2013 at 3:55 pm

    Had the opportunity to be in Levin on Saturday. .interesting to see the gap between how media reported things and what I experienced. Waiting till after tonight to make my decision.

    Have seen a lot of politicans speak over the years and was impressed by all three. Grant stole the show at Levin, was authentic and articulate at describing our values, followed by Shane (extremely entertaining, but with some very good points), then DC.

    The key point I think the media missed was the energy that was there, cannot remember seeing a Labour crowd ever looking so energised. It was clear also that who ever gets choosen will have a mandate. The caucas, party, union’s and special interest groups need to be on notice….no more in fighting. Country, party, self in that order as DS said on his departure. I also hope that who ever wins has the foresight and courage to continue the the reform and democratisation of the Labour party.

    I found some of the comments in respect to how the caucus intends to vote kind of hysterical. ..every person and his dog knows that Grant is most popular amongest the caucus. … I wonder why DC isn’t? ….makes you think. …

    • North 13.1
      3 September 2013 at 7:24 pm

      Clever, Redpete. Last paragraph.

    • Colonial Viper 13.2
      3 September 2013 at 9:51 pm

      I found some of the comments in respect to how the caucus intends to vote kind of hysterical. ..every person and his dog knows that Grant is most popular amongest the caucus. … I wonder why DC isn’t? ….makes you think. …

      Ever wonder why Shearer was voted in by those very same MPs you are referring to? Despite it being bleedin’ obvious that Shearer was desperately inexperienced. He finally only made half a term as leader limping along.

      The words “self interested bad judgement” ring a bell?

    • miravox 13.3
      3 September 2013 at 10:02 pm

      ” I wonder why DC isn’t? ….makes you think”

      It makes me think some people (e.g. Mallard) will have their jobs on the line if DC is in charge. A great reason to vote DC.

      • the sprout 13.3.1
        3 September 2013 at 10:23 pm

        Amen

        • Comrade Coba 13.3.1.1
          3 September 2013 at 10:50 pm

          Someone in Labour seriously lifted the game up a notch or two last night. In a blue ribbon town (strange that I could never work out) Theatre venue- very professional, huge crowd, looking like every media outlet in the country showed up. They hired a PR firm?

  14. tracey 14
    3 September 2013 at 7:53 pm

    To be honest foot in mouth mallard supporting grant, doesnt help grant.

  15. hush minx 15
    3 September 2013 at 7:59 pm

    does anyone know the procedure for how a complaint as to a alledged breach of the code of conduct would be handled by the Party? do they have any ability to hold people accountable, or at least tell them to lift their game? just wondering how meaningful it is if this sort of ring around is undertaken with no consquences.

    • Colonial Viper 15.1
      3 September 2013 at 9:52 pm

      If the complaint was serious enough it would go to New Zealand Council for consideration and be actioned constitutionally.

  16. tracey 16
    3 September 2013 at 8:08 pm

    I have heard some accuse jones of being lazy. Truth or smear?

  17. amirite 17
    3 September 2013 at 8:24 pm

    And this is why the media and the Right keep championing Shane Jones, and why Shane Jones should never ever become a Labour leader:

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/09/03/why-shane-jones-cant-be-leader-of-the-labour-party/

  18. Venezia 18
    3 September 2013 at 9:00 pm

    Just voted online. DC for leader. Then GR.

    • miravox 18.1
      3 September 2013 at 9:58 pm

      I still can’t work out if you can choose to vote just one or two people, or if you must rank all 3 candidates…

      Does anyone know for sure? I don’t want to rank all 3, but I want the choice I make to be counted.

      • Colonial Viper 18.1.1
        3 September 2013 at 9:59 pm

        You MUST rank all 3 for your ballot paper to be valid.

        • miravox 18.1.1.1
          3 September 2013 at 10:05 pm

          Thanks. Disappointed.

          Now, if I rank SJ second preference on the assumption that most people will rank him 3rd, will that mean it’s less likely for GR to overtake DC in a run-off? Decisions. Decisions.

          • Bill 18.1.1.1.1
            3 September 2013 at 10:08 pm

            And if a pile of people think like that, then SJ gets in.

          • Colonial Viper 18.1.1.1.2
            3 September 2013 at 10:12 pm

            Hi miravox. In practice it won’t work like that. If you rank DC first, then your 2nd preference will only be counted if DC is already out. Your second preference will not be counted if DC gets in (problem solved).

            Therefore, you should put in as your second preference who you really actually want to be your 2nd preference. Because DC will already be out, and your 2nd preference will have no impact on that having already happened.

          • lurgee 18.1.1.1.3
            3 September 2013 at 10:17 pm

            The person you rank second will only be relevant if your preferred candidate is eliminated. Ranking Jones second won’t give him any boost as long as Cunliffe is in the contest .

            So, obviously, rank your second choice second. It will have no bearing what-so-ever unless Cunliffe is beaten. In which case, you want to give your vote to your next preferred candidate, rather than play ineffectual tactical games with it.

            EDIT – In other words, what CV said.

        • weka 18.1.1.2
          3 September 2013 at 10:43 pm

          “You MUST rank all 3 for your ballot paper to be valid.”

          Please tell that it says that on the paper.

  19. Comrade Coba 19
    3 September 2013 at 11:13 pm

    I would ask these 2 questions but can’t be bothered going through the process.

    Virtual question: Who would the contenders prefer to be speaker when Labour takes the Govenment benches in 2014 ?

    Virtual question: Will you have the Labour party ready to fight a camgaign if a snap election is called?

    • Boadicea 19.1
      4 September 2013 at 7:35 am

      Robertson has already promised the Speaker perk to Mallard. Fenton (list) is asking for whip again and hopimg for a high list place.

  20. Colonial Viper 20
    3 September 2013 at 11:15 pm

    A snap election this year indicates a crisis of confidence in the Government and will almost guarantee a National loss so…

  21. Comrade Coba 21
    3 September 2013 at 11:27 pm

    Oh rephrased, I hear Key might go early before referendum 2014. How’s that work cobber?

    • Colonial Viper 21.1
      3 September 2013 at 11:47 pm

      Dangerous for National, because the General Election could be positioned by Opposition Parties as being the de facto referendum. Which Key would lose.

  22. Comrade Coba 22
    3 September 2013 at 11:55 pm

    In other words he is fucked both before and after. The mug doesn’t listen bit like the GCSB bill.

    Some people shouldn’t listen to radio-live/ tv 3 bulshit, or should I say Gower & Garner. I got a call from an MP who is ‘not’ declaring so confirmed GR vote my arse!