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Labour Reshuffle

Written By: - Date published: 1:49 pm, February 25th, 2013 - 211 comments
Categories: labour - Tags:

Annette King, Phil Twyford, David Clark and Shane Jones to the front bench.

Moroney and Little promoted and given added responsibilities.

Mallard sent to the backbenches, where Cunliffe stays (although now with portfolios).

Hipkins to Education full-time.

They’re already in order here (although only first 20 are “ranked”, and if Clark is “front bench” the front bench now extends to 12…)

–

1 David Shearer – Leader; Security Intelligence Service; Science and Innovation
2 Grant Robertson – Deputy Leader; Employment, Skills and Training; Arts, Culture and Heritage
3 David Parker – Finance; Attorney-General
4 Jacinda Ardern – Social Development; Children; Assoc Arts Culture and Heritage
5 Clayton Cosgrove – SOEs; Commerce; Trade Negotiations; Assoc Finance
6 Annette King – Health
Pending final AG Report: Shane Jones – Regional Development; Forestry; Assoc Finance
8 Phil Twyford – Housing; Auckland Issues; Assoc Environment
9 Maryan Street – Environment; Disarmament and Arms Control; Assoc Foreign Affairs (ODA)
10 Chris Hipkins – Education; Senior Whip
11 Nanaia Mahuta – Youth Affairs; Māori Development; Assoc Education (Māori)
12 David Clark – Economic Development; Small Business
13 Sue Moroney – ACC; Early Childhood Education; Women’s Affairs
14 Su’a William Sio – Local Government; Pacific Island Affairs; Inter Faith Dialogue; Assoc Foreign Affairs
15 Phil Goff – Foreign Affairs & Trade; State Services; Defence
16 Darien Fenton – Junior Whip; Labour (incl Health and Safety); Immigration; Assoc Arts, Culture and Heritage
17 Damien O’Connor – Primary Industries; Food Safety
18 Clare Curran – Communications and IT; Broadcasting; Open Government; Assoc Economic Development
19 Andrew Little – Justice; Tourism
20 Megan Woods – Tertiary Education; Assoc Science and Innovation; Assoc Transport (Christchurch)

Remainder of Caucus listed by length of time in the House

Trevor Mallard – Shadow Leader of the House; Internal Affairs (incl Ministerial Services); Sport & Recreation; Assoc Finance
Lianne Dalziel – Canterbury Earthquake Recovery; Civil Defence & Emergency Management; Earthquake Commission; Associate Justice
Ruth Dyson – Conservation; Senior Citizens; Disability Issues; Land Information
David Cunliffe – Revenue; Fisheries; Assoc Finance
Parekura Horomia – Māori Affairs; Treaty Negotiations
Moana Mackey – Climate Change; Energy & Resources
Iain Lees-Galloway – Transport; Veterans’ Affairs; Assoc Health (Alcohol and Drugs)
Raymond Huo – Building & Construction; Statistics; Associate Ethnic Affairs
Rajen Prasad – Ethnic Affairs; Social Inclusion; Assoc Social Development
Kris Faafoi – Police; Corrections; Assoc Health (Aged Care)
Carol Beaumont – Consumer Rights & Standards; Associate Employment, Skills and Training
Louisa Wall – Community & Voluntary Sector; Assoc Health (Inequalities); Assoc Sport and Recreation
Rino Tirikatene – Customs; Assoc Māori Affairs
Ross Robertson – Assistant Speaker; Racing; Assoc Disarmament (Small Arms)

211 comments on “Labour Reshuffle ”

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  1. One Tāne Huna 1
    25 February 2013 at 1:56 pm

    Not too bad really. Cunliffe’s talents are under-utilised, though.

    • Bunji 1.1
      25 February 2013 at 2:17 pm

      With Revenue & Assoc Finance he’ll be right back into the tight 4 of finance (with Parker, Clark on Econ Dev & Cosgrove on SOEs/Commerce), even without a position.

      But interesting that he gets fisheries off Jones – a good sign that some of Jones’ defence of the Fishing Industry was going a bit far? Now if they could only stop him talking about the Greens as well…

      • Anne 1.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 3:12 pm

        With Revenue & Assoc Finance he’ll be right back into the tight 4 of finance (with Parker, Clark on Econ Dev & Cosgrove on SOEs/Commerce), even without a position.

        I think you might be dreaming Bunji. More likely they (2 of them anyway) will undermine or misconstrue just about every contribution he tries to make.

    • JBug 1.2
      25 February 2013 at 3:27 pm

      Dumb dumb dumb – This is neither merit-based nor putting our best foot forward. Need our best and our brightest on the front bench. Leaving people like Cunliffe and Louisa Wall languishing on the back bench is only proof that people are scared of him – not that they are keen for the LP to win in 2014. Doesn’t do anything to unify the party either…

    • dancerwaitakere 1.3
      25 February 2013 at 3:36 pm

      For fuck sake.

      I just listen to the press conference, Shearer said re: Parker that he has “led the debate on the transformation of our economy” and that “there is no-one in the parliament with the depth of understanding of the challenges we are facing [other than Parker].”

      What complete and utter bullshit.

      • JK 1.3.1
        25 February 2013 at 8:19 pm

        Agree dancerwaitakere. Its a real insult to Cunliffe for him to be made underling to the likes of Parker.

        • onsos 1.3.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 11:22 pm

          It’s a shame, because he has shown real talent and conviction, but Cunliffe’s position is of his making.

          He’ll be back. The party will bring him back into the fold.

          • xtasy 1.3.1.1.1
            26 February 2013 at 2:52 am

            “onsos” – excuse me, who is “the party” on your mind when saying this?

            • Tony 1.3.1.1.1.1
              26 February 2013 at 3:40 am

              Absolutely agree with onsos. Having interviewed David Cunliffe, it’s apparent he’s an intelligent man and a talented politician, but he is where he is because of his actions. What is most important right now is solidarity. Despite good intentions and intelligent debate, the notion of solidarity is definitely something many contributors on this website fail to understand or perhaps care about.

              • Colonial Viper …
                26 February 2013 at 7:07 am

                it’s apparent he’s an intelligent man and a talented politician, but he is where he is because of his actions.

                Yeah thanks for absolving the ABCs of their bullshit manufactured drama and knifing during and after Conference last year, what a great analysis from you.

                You may have conducted an interview, but you didn’t uncover much did you.

                Did Cunliffe foolishly leave his back exposed during Conference last year? Yes he did. But that’s probably because he didn’t expect the blade to be slipped in between the ribs by his caucus “mates”. What a rat ship.

  2. Pete 2
    25 February 2013 at 1:57 pm

    Good to see advancement for David Clark. He has made a mark in his first year. It’s a damn shame caucus is not mending fences and making use of Cunliffe’s talents.

    • Pete 2.1
      25 February 2013 at 2:17 pm

      It also seems to be a bit of a boys’ club, with only 35% of the top 20 being women. I think Louisa Wall should have had a nod for all her work on marriage equality.

    • JK 2.2
      25 February 2013 at 8:22 pm

      David Clark’s mark – as far as I can tell – is that he’s a numbers man. All his Red Alert blogs are about numbers. Where is the “people” instinct in that ? And putting him into economic development when he’s barely been in Parliament two years – that’s a laugh …… farcical …. if it wasn’t so sad. We’ve got a good economic development spokesman, and he’s been downgraded. And THAT is very sad. Bye bye Labour.

      • Blue 2.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 9:14 pm

        putting him into economic development when he’s barely been in Parliament two years

        David Shearer became the leader of the party after two and a half years in Parliament. Why let inexperience stand in your way?

        • Grassroots 2.2.1.1
          26 February 2013 at 6:52 pm

          This is really sad for Labour – cannot you see the mistake of putting David Shearer in the leadership role?

      • Bunji 2.2.2
        25 February 2013 at 11:12 pm

        David Clark’s numbers posts were because he was Revenue spokesperson. He’s a Presbyterian minister – there’s a fair amount of “people” instinct in that…

  3. DLHamiltonNZ 3
    25 February 2013 at 2:05 pm

    I’m just happy to see an attempt at renewal.

  4. r0b 4
    25 February 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Interesting!

    Mallard and Dalziel have allowed themselves to be shuffled down in the interests of renewal – bravo to them.

    I’m disappointed not to see Cunliffe back on the front bench (but I know that’s not how politics works in the “real world” – alas!)

    And just personally, congratulations to my MP David Clark – watch that man!

    All in all, not a bad job from Shearer.

  5. VivaciousViper 5
    25 February 2013 at 2:18 pm

    I am absolutely astonished that Lianne Delziel has been thrown out of the top 20,she has
    been a strong fighter for those in Christchurch and has been very good in parliament arguing
    for the people of Christchurch.
    I always felt that David Clark has promise,so, he deserves his spot.
    The reshuffle is an opportunity missed to show the public,voters,members that there
    is a democratic bone in the labour leadership and you don’t have to lick someones boots
    to rise to the top.
    It is incredulous that the Shearer leadership is continuing on a path of the divide and rule
    style of politics, if ever there was a need for the labour leaderhsip to be inclusive and
    concillatory was now, however what labourites have got is a fingerlicking hope that the
    winds blow fair and the masses follow.

    Well they won’t, rest assured.

    • muzza 5.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:30 pm

      Perhaps its the bad smell that hangs around her with the Peter Ellis case, among other things. Arguing for the people of ChCh, perhaps depends who you speak with, and about what!

    • Matthew Whitehead 5.2
      25 February 2013 at 7:10 pm

      While I can’t go into specifics, and I don’t directly deal with ministerial/MP enquiries, I can definitely say that from an internal EQC perspective I’m very happy that Lianne has gotten all of the disaster and EQ-recovery related responsibilities, she takes them incredibly seriously and her office works directly with us just as hard as she does in parliament for Christchurch, and she clearly deserves to be in Cabinet especially given the importance of her responsibilities.

      While we’ve gotten good support from the current government in a lot of ways, I’d really like to see how things would function if she had responsibility for the recovery, and what CERA might be like.

    • xtasy 5.3
      26 February 2013 at 2:59 am

      Was it on National Radio or whatever, Christchurch is NOT well presented in the new line-up, and that is a REAL worry, given it is still the second largest city, and the major centre down south. Now is David Shearer Mt Albert and Auckland centric, perhaps?

  6. dancerwaitakere 6
    25 February 2013 at 2:20 pm

    So the top 10 is blindingly ABC, making Jacinda Ardern perhaps the most left wing out of the top 10.

    Does anyone really think this is going to be a great progressive Government come 2014?

    If they wanted some real renewal, lets see Moana instead of Maryan. Louisa instead of, well, anyone of the other 19 on the list above. In fact hasn’t Louisa been an MP now long enough to qualify her for leader. But no, a hard working MP sits in the ‘unranked’ backbenches.

    Not too bad? I say it’s actually bloody shit.

    • Anne 6.1
      25 February 2013 at 2:58 pm

      Yes.

      It looks to me like all those who supported Cunliffe 15 months ago have been shunted down to/or remain at… the bottom of the heap. And you call that political nous? No, it’s idiocy and indicates that David Shearer is an integral part of the vendetta that continues to be waged against a handful of colleagues by a bunch of Labour Finks.

      I was a strong suppporter of Shearer once. Now its gone.

      I see Fink 2 is no 10. (Fink 1 is 21)

      • David H 6.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 3:38 pm

        Yep Nothing to make me even think of reconsidering leaving Labour for the Greens and this vendetta against Cunliffe and his supporters has to stop. And there is also nothing to wake up the 800,000 that said fuck ’em last time maybe it will be 1.5 Million this time. Yep and Shonkey wins by default.

    • Murray Olsen 6.2
      25 February 2013 at 3:38 pm

      Prefacing her mild opposition to the most draconian of NAct’s welfare bashing with the honorific “Comrades” is all that I can see that makes Ardern even remotely left wing. “Comrades, we agree that there is a problem with benefit fraud but think the National approach is slightly harsh, even though we won’t promise to repeal this anti-worker law, comrades” is a satire of student politics, not a left-wing contribution.

      • Rogue Trooper 6.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 5:07 pm

        Yep

      • xtasy 6.2.2
        26 February 2013 at 3:04 am

        Murray Olsen: WELFARE is NOT a PRIORITY for Labour according to the re-shuffle! Full stop, basta, realisation with a hammer hitting head, brain, promptu, claro now. I expected nothing else, and that exposes the two facedness of the present Labour Party.

        If you are a beneficiary, left there in despair, you are out there, hung to dry, by Nats, and Labour will do fuck all for you and me!

  7. Socialist Paddy 7
    25 February 2013 at 2:30 pm

    Four of the top ten are bloody ex parliamentary staffers. When is the Labour Party going to look like one?

    • ad 7.1
      25 February 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Our top Socialist performer Darien Fenton gets Labour issues. Robertson gets Employment. Clark gets Economic Devleopment. Take your pick who will electrify the economy to generate the 200,000 full time jobs it now needs.

      Mind you can’t do a worse job than National.

      • Rogue Trooper 7.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 5:10 pm

        might be an ohm or two of resistance, yet,
        David Clark 🙂
        Darien Fenton 🙂 (could be worse)
        Big Dave as an Assoc.:) 🙂 🙂
        and
        Iain Lees Galloway 🙂

      • Colonial Viper 7.1.2
        26 February 2013 at 6:56 am

        I like you ad but you are being so seriously optimistic.

        “Socialist performer”? Why don’t you read Red Rattler’s contributions on The Standard and learn a bit moe about what “socialism” is, then apply That Standard to Fenton et al and see how much “Socialist performance” we actually have here.

        FFS Ronald Reagan and Michael Cullen were fraking socialists under your scale.

  8. Peter 8
    25 February 2013 at 2:31 pm

    Yep. It appears that factional loyalty means more than ability in the modern day Labour caucus?

    And also, doesn’t Grant Robertson’s workload seem a bit too light?

  9. KhandallaViper 9
    25 February 2013 at 2:35 pm

    This is NOT Renewal.
    This is NOT prmoting on the basis of talent!
    This is NOT putting a line under the Leadership doubts!

    What message is in this line-up that moight connect to the 800,000 who did not even vote?
    What message is in here that would inspre a young person to join Labour?
    What in the shuffle puts us in a better position to win in 2014?

    Are we going to continue to faill to land strong sharp punches when Key’s defence is down, ala Sky City, Education, Christchurch and GCSB?
    Are we going to send a message to our activist that if they show impatience they will be igmored?
    Are we coing to continue doing the same thing, hoping for a different outcome?

    Shearer will have to do a lot better in his re-shuffle next February. A Lot Lot better.

    • Marty 9.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:59 pm

      Exactly. Another year wasted, as far as I can see.

      • 4wardthinking 9.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 8:42 pm

        Exactly – agree – this is a half way to nowhere reshuffle. It has promise but doesn’t deliver. Is not using the best talent in the House either. Cunliffe is underutilised in the House already as far as I can see- except that every time he does speak he trounces the hell out of his colleagues with the number of views on YouTube (if that’s anything to go by). Not even his mother could hit those kind of numbers going at it every day. Sheesh Shearer, wake up and smell the puppeteers! You are better that that, surely?!

        • xtasy 9.1.1.1
          26 February 2013 at 3:10 am

          Reading the new Central Leader edition and other news in Auckland, Cunliffe is resigned now to save trees in the Waitakere area that is part of his Titirangi and New Lynn electorate. I do not blame him. If you are rejected and rejected (I can tell some stories), you finally resign and escape into something little, that makes you feel better. What else can you choose. Next he will likely head off too, working for WTO, ILO, UN of whatever organisation, or the EU may find him inspiring to solve their probs. Hey, endless opportunities overseas, that is what 40 to 50 plus thousands of “patriotic” “Kiwis” realise each year, aye?!

  10. ad 10
    25 February 2013 at 2:39 pm

    In that top 10, Cosgrove, King, Hipkins and Twyford have the power the make decent hits on the government. But pound for pound, they need fresh blood at the 2014 election to really best the newly refreshed National bench.

    Pretty surprised that Transport is taken off Twyford and given to Ian Lees-Galloway. Twyford has done a good job on it, and it’s totally interrelated with the Housing portfolio. If you get Transport right, you can tilt the whole Auckland electorate. If you win Auckland, you can (now) win the country. Does this signal they are readying Juie-Ann Genter for Transport- I think so. Odd move.

    Really odd that Maori is outside the main portfolios, and can be “handled outside of the front bench”. With the decline fo the Maori party in the polls there is a great opportunity to reclaim mana with Maori right across the country; the whole privatisation of further national assets is going to require major engagement. Wrong move.

    Same with Christchurch rebuild. It’s where the majority of non- social welfare expenditure is going to go in the next decade from Government: it needed better oversight that this. Wrong move.

    I’m not convinced by Street at 9; I’m sure she’s a senior figure but her portfolios don’t warrant the position, and she has been utterly ineffective. Wrong move.

    Can’t understand the gift of Economic Development to David Clark. I can’t see him staring down any boardroom in any part of the top end of town. Jones – much as he is greasy – can do that. I have heard him called lazy and incoherent in Parliament. Clearly he has supporters.

    Mahuta did well to hang on at 11; with a new baby and not really firing all of 2012, can’t see her being ranked solely on merit. I guess still better bet than a retiring Horomia.

    Cosgrove has the main dish for this year: whether can can really re-heat the anti-asset sale campaign at all. It’s completely out of the public mind now. And it’s yet to be seen whether he can land clean hits on anything. But he has good rhetorical sparkle, which does count on tv and radio.

    Put a line under those to 10 names and ask: will this lift the polls into enabling us to believe in a change of government? Only the future of the country hangs on that.

    • JK 10.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:30 pm

      To Ad – Mahuta is there because she’s Ratana – and anyhow when you demote your top Maori player, you have to have someone else up close (No 11) to cover that spot otherwise it looks like an insult to Maori.
      Actually demoting Parekura IS an insult to Maori. Shearer doesn’t know what he’s doing .

      And rOB how can it be “not bad ” for Cunliffe to be made junior to Parker ?

      Nope – this is not a good line-up. Mr Shearer’s so-called mediation and negotiating powers are nowhere to be seen. He’s kept all the rightwingers on the front bench, he’s thrown a nod to Pacific Islanders and Women with Su’a and Sue, and he’s left many Labour activists without much to cling on to.

      Interesting vote in Dom Post’s poll on Shearer’s reshuffle – good 30%, not so good 30% and bad 30% – with over 1100 votes. (Note these are approximate only – couldn’t be bothered going back to check for exact figures).

      • ad 10.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 3:44 pm

        Any shift in any Maori placement is going to put Maori noses out of joint, every time. It’s the most nuanced territorial role in the country.

        However here’s another metric: which of the front bench could initaite and write bold policy?
        – King can, and has already with Housing
        – Parker can, and with Cunliffe’s assistance was good with CGT
        – Twyford can, particularly in Transport
        – Robertson is certainly a good policy facilitator

        Of course there are others, who have not been included.
        But is this the core of the brains of the outfit?

        Is that enough, or do we need a fresh brain injection in 2014 intake before storming the heights wth policy is possible?

        • Colonial Viper 10.1.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 4:00 pm

          Labour Housing and CGT were “bold” policies? I think that’s underselling what the concept of “bold” actually means.

        • xtasy 10.1.1.2
          26 February 2013 at 3:16 am

          Labour, like Nats have done all the time, are “re-marginalising” Maori voters, that is clear.

          They think they get away with it now, since the Maori Party lost it’s power and credit, and even Hone is struggling with family issues that grow over his head, and that start to stain his Mana Party. This is EVIL stuff. Add the open immigration policies that both Nats, ACT and Labour have promoted for years, and Maori will be on the tiny margin and fringe for good, lost and betrayed once and for all.

          I am still mystified that tangata whenua give any of these f-ing big parties any credit and let them get away with all this BS.

          Hone is far too sort, and Maori Party are losers and sell-out artists.

          Maybe Tame Iti will come up with a new “movement”, aye???

  11. Don't worry be happy 11
    25 February 2013 at 2:40 pm

    The only shuffle I want to see from Shearer is “off”….Call this leadership? It’s pathetic.

    • Polish Pride 11.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:02 pm

      Then perhaps you’d like to outline what leadership is and what it is that Labour needs to do to A with regard to policy in each area and B: win the next election.

      • AmaKiwi 11.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 3:26 pm

        Get a charismatic leader with brains.

        • Polish Pride 11.1.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 4:11 pm

          And isn’t it sad that this is all that is required to win an election in this day and age.
          Don’t worry about good policy just be charismatic (in fact you don’t even need the brains).

          • AmaKiwi 11.1.1.1.1
            25 February 2013 at 4:40 pm

            @ Polish Pride

            I don’t know your occupation is, but it is definitely NOT sales.

            Life has ALWAYS been about selling, whether it is a product, service, or policies.

            • Arfamo 11.1.1.1.1.1
              25 February 2013 at 7:28 pm

              The problem is voters are now just being sold a face. And too many bought it. But the face – the product – has caused a lot of damage,

            • Polish Pride 11.1.1.1.1.2
              25 February 2013 at 9:15 pm

              No not in sales. I’m in the business of fixing shit thats broken. Something politicians clearly don’t know the first thing about.

              What Arfamo said below is unfortunately exactly right

            • Polish Pride 11.1.1.1.1.3
              25 February 2013 at 9:17 pm

              And if you think life is about selling, sadly you don’t know the first thing of what ‘life’ is about.

              • AmaKiwi …
                25 February 2013 at 9:37 pm

                @ Polish Pride

                I simplified. My life is NOT about selling. But too often people think because they have a great service or product or do a great job the public should reward them. Sales is about 1) understanding people’s problems; 2) solving those problems.

                You can be a mystic or an artist or whatever and take great satisfaction in it, but don’t get angry that you are poor.

                Likewise, a party can have what they imagine to be brilliant policies but they must understand what people’s problems are and explain how they will solve those problems.

                • Arfamo …
                  25 February 2013 at 9:42 pm

                  Well so far “the face” party in government hasn’t solved any problems. Just created more.

                  • AmaKiwi …
                    26 February 2013 at 12:48 am

                    Their supporters would disagree.

                    • Tony …
                      26 February 2013 at 4:57 am

                      Their supporters would disagree because their supporters that are being looked after – not the general population. And who are you calling charismatic? John Key?? They guy is a JOKE. Most people I know who voted National voted for “change” rather than for JK – he really only appeals to white, mainstream, “sales” type people anyway. Selling stuff is for people who either A) love money or B) lack talent

                • Polish pride …
                  26 February 2013 at 9:40 am

                  A good product sells itself…

        • The Pink Postman 11.1.1.2
          26 February 2013 at 4:07 pm

          Hitler was,a charismatic leader and like it or not had brains . The worlds still recovering .
          Shearer is a decent understanding leader who I have no doubt will turn out to be an excellent
          Social Democratic Labour PM. Just keep watching the Standard.
          However instead of finding fault just work to get those none voter out who were the reason we now have this dreadful gang of Right Wing ant worker Tories.

  12. Freddie 12
    25 February 2013 at 2:40 pm

    National’s number 5 minister is CERA. the labour spokesperson is an unranked backbencher. notagoodlook.com

  13. js 13
    25 February 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Isn’t Lianne looking at the Christchurch mayoralty?

    • JK 13.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:20 pm

      to JS – Lianne said recently she wasn’t interested in the Ch’ch mayoralty. Maybe this is a not-so-subtle tip to get her to change her mind. I hope she doesn’t.

  14. Russell 14
    25 February 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Curran. Open Government. Snigger. How do Standard commenters and posters feel about that one?

    • Colonial Viper 14.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:51 pm

      Well I think she really embodies the heart, soul and values of open government and open debate. 😈

      • Rogue Trooper 14.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 5:13 pm

        🙂

      • The Al1en 14.1.2
        25 February 2013 at 5:53 pm

        “I think she really embodies the heart, soul and values of open government and open debate.”

        Did you mean

        I think she really thinks she embodies the heart, soul and values of open government and open debate.

        😉

        • Colonial Viper 14.1.2.1
          25 February 2013 at 7:44 pm

          Yes especially that lol

        • Rhinocrates 14.1.2.2
          26 February 2013 at 4:50 pm

          I had a manager like her once – she was so narcissistic that she was convinced that the was “quirky” and “outrageous” and that everyone loved her for it (rumour had it that she idolised Ruby Wax and wanted to be like her). She cost the organisation hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements to people she abused.

          That organisation, led by a former Labour cabinet minister, can’t fire her because they can’t afford the payout she’d demand.

          That’s irony for you. >:(

    • QoT 14.2
      25 February 2013 at 5:00 pm

      Mainly I continue to chortle/cry at the label – a cliche so cliched the first episode of Yes Minister was named after it. Thirty-three years ago.

      • Colonial Viper 14.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 5:16 pm

        lol I had actually forgotten that…

        • IrishBill 14.2.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 5:31 pm

          I should probably mention that she’s still trying to get the National council to put rules in place for members who blog and censures for those who are deemed to have blogged inappropriately.

          • QoT 14.2.1.1.1
            25 February 2013 at 5:42 pm

            *headdesk*

            • Anne 14.2.1.1.1.1
              25 February 2013 at 7:03 pm

              Aren’t right-wing, neo-fascist viewpoints in the Labour Party looked upon with horror or has that now changed?

              • QoT …
                25 February 2013 at 10:13 pm

                Clearly it’s different when it’s Curran doing it, because, you know, she believes in Open Government! So it can’t be authoritarian bullshit!

          • Colonial Viper 14.2.1.1.2
            25 February 2013 at 7:48 pm

            Slow learners in that caucus 😈

          • Lanthanide 14.2.1.1.3
            25 February 2013 at 8:23 pm

            Wow, really?

            Does she realise membership is voluntary?

            • Socialist Paddy 14.2.1.1.3.1
              25 February 2013 at 9:24 pm

              Does she fecking realise that she owes a duty to her members to represent the best interests of the Labour Party and that they do not owe her an obligation of preserving her privilege.

              Time for someone to put their hand up for Dunedin South.

              • Colonial Viper …
                25 February 2013 at 9:47 pm

                A 4,200 majority to Curran. If a sitting Cabinet Minister decided to stand in that seat, that majority may start looking very very thin 😈

      • Matthew Whitehead 14.2.2
        25 February 2013 at 8:16 pm

        I’d settle for cliché. The way she does open government it’s bloody newspeak.

        That said, she does the admirable job of not completely sucking in the IT portfolio. It’s so easy to do so incredibly badly that I think that actually does deserve praise, even though she doesn’t really *get* IT entirely.

  15. AmaKiwi 15
    25 February 2013 at 3:24 pm

    “Mr Shearer said his decisions were based on choosing the best person for each job.”

    Except Shearer is not the best person to be leader.

    • Colonial Viper 15.1
      25 February 2013 at 4:29 pm

      Major reshuffles like this must be run on the ability of capability and merit. The only relevant metric in choosing who goes where on the field is the winning strength of the team going into 2014.

      The shame is, I don’t think that this is what has happened here.

    • Tony 15.2
      26 February 2013 at 4:58 am

      Dude, you’re obviously a tory, so why do you care? Or are you just here to try and stir things up…?

      • Matthew Whitehead 15.2.1
        26 February 2013 at 10:45 am

        Tories are allowed to care about how a Labour government would be run, too, just as long as they aren’t concern trolling. The same way we give a hoot about which National MPs are ministers and cabinet members- because we want competent people in important jobs, even if we don’t agree with them.

  16. Michael 16
    25 February 2013 at 3:25 pm

    ACC taken from a heavyweight (albeit down towards the bottom of the ranking) who knew something about the portfolio and given to a lightweight who knows little and probably cares even less. Ardern’s promotion could be seen as realization that welfare matters to Labour’s base but, OTOH, was probably for packaging reasons. I think Clark and Parker will work well together (they have before) but a shame Cunliffe remains outside. King didn’t do Ryall any damage in health last time; little chance she will do so this time round, either. Labour needs to have someone understudying Goff in Foreign Affairs and Defence; he won’t be there forever, while the Nats have screwed up both portfolios (thanks to McCully and Maestro Coleman).

  17. Alex 17
    25 February 2013 at 3:42 pm

    I find it incredibly hard to care about reshuffles generally, though I would just like to ask one pertinent question. Have any frontbenchers been matched with portfolios that reflect their careers before they entered parliament? If not, why not?

    • Colonial Viper 17.1
      25 February 2013 at 3:55 pm

      What if your career before Parliament was Parliament?

      Will Labour be able to show the electorate that it has what it takes to be different and to deliver, and hence to turn out the 800,000 who did not vote in 2011.

      18 months and counting down, to the next elections.

      • Skinny 17.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 4:48 pm

        Viper the Nats are doing the job for Labour r.e the hundreds of thousands of non engaged non voters. With all the nasty welfare/ privacy/ youth/ education etc policies the slackers will come out to vote national out. Should be a good contest between Labour & Greens as to who gets the huge party votes on offer.

  18. pollywog 18
    25 February 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Fa’afoi gets Police and Corrections?

    Nigga puhlease!…just cos he prolly got a few cuzzies on the inside don’t mean he knows shit about jack.

    Crushers gotta be pissing herself laughing thinking how this chump is gonna try keep her honest.

    • Skinny 18.1
      25 February 2013 at 4:36 pm

      Polly you have had too many crackers! Chris is a top guy in my books but I won’t be justifying that to you.

      Little should have got ACC ( scheming Sue?… I nod my head in disbelief) & associate employment Robbie needs a hand with all the jobs he has.

  19. tc 19
    25 February 2013 at 4:26 pm

    Congratulations to DS on making his first significant moves toward making labour an even smaller party in 2014.

    The old guard is expectedly featured, loose cannons (jones) and non performers (Curran etc) not demoted and obvious matches not made (Twyford keeping transport to go with housing, Little getting employment or similar) and DC being thrown a bone attached to some minders.

    The ‘peter principle’ in action as expected, the hollowen and advsiers like Hoots etc will be very pleased.

    • Socialist Paddy 19.1
      25 February 2013 at 9:32 pm

      Aye. It is almost as if ABC are setting Shearer up by making him make the divisions in Caucus even more stark. Cunliffe supporters are almost all demoted and Shearer supporters or those whose support he bought off are promoted.

      What is the bet that Robertson within the next 12 months stages a coup “in the interests of the party”. Shame he did not think about the interests of the party 15 months ago.

      And don’t get me started on Shane Jones. I bet he touted himself to both sides to get himself the biggest advantage.

      • tc 19.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 9:41 pm

        Relying on Jones to be an effective member of the team sums it up for me.

        The man’s never been anything but a loud mouthed, rude, self serving lazy ineffective member of both gov’t and opposition. In a word untrustworthy.

        • Socialist Paddy 19.1.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 9:49 pm

          Aye. The fecker is as much a socialist as I am a Monarchist. He is Labour’s version of Peter Dunne but without the social graces.

          He has done nothing for the party. Yet he has so much power?

          It is time for the members to take their party back from the careerists and timeservers and psychopaths.

  20. the sprout 20
    25 February 2013 at 4:38 pm

    Precisely the post of bullshit you can reliably expect from the ABCers ruling the Labour caucus.
    Talentless, divisive, myopic.
    A triumph of self-interest over duty – Roger Douglas would be proud.

  21. Annette King 21
    25 February 2013 at 4:42 pm

    For your information Michael I have never been up against Ryall . I left health in 2005. Two ministers followed me who were against Ryall as opposition spokesperson- Pete Hodgson and David Cunliffe.

    • David 21.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:31 pm

      I would say I wish you the best of luck Annette, but you don’t need it, you have a wealth of experience to draw on. It would be good to see some hits on Ryall, he’s got more teflon than DuPont. I am hoping that the people who don’t seem to match up to the portfolios ( I don’t need to elaborate, plenty of people already have) are in preparation for handing some portfolios to the greens. I have faith, I haven’t written off Labour in the least, but if you leave the greens in the lurch again, I will be getting on my soapbox.

    • George D 21.2
      25 February 2013 at 5:45 pm

      Thanks Annette. I look forward to you engaging the health sector against the mendacious Ryall.

    • VivaciousViper 21.3
      25 February 2013 at 6:46 pm

      @ Annette, great to see you engaging with us, you apply yourself well in the house,strong
      and articulate and i have often thought you would make a good leader.
      I have no faith in Shearer, would you consider the leadership at all ?

    • hush minx 21.4
      25 February 2013 at 9:29 pm

      It will be interesting to see you in action Annette, given your extensive experience in the portfolio, which I think dates back to opposition in the 1990s? But I am curious about how you choose to engage with commentators here. I seem to recall one of the previous times you came on there was a series of questions that you didn’t get back to.? From my experience watching stuff, I think one of the most important aspects of real engagement in this social media space is the art of following and replying. Of course we’re happy to know your reading but the next step would be cool too…

    • Rupert Snodgrass (stupid banned troll) 21.5
      25 February 2013 at 9:46 pm

      Full Moons.

      And teenaged boys.

    • Michael 21.6
      25 February 2013 at 10:17 pm

      I stand corrected, Annette. Go get him. May I suggest that a pledge by Labour to restore DHB cuts to Disability Support Services (in real terms, no faffing about with “details” that undermine the entire pledge – cf “income related” [sic] rents for HNZ tenants) and cancellation of contracts awarded to foreign loss-leaders, with no compensation, would be an excellent way for you to begin your new role.

    • xtasy 21.7
      26 February 2013 at 3:33 am

      Annette, I hope you will read the emails that a mate of mine sent to you and Ardern, re “Rising to the Challenge”, the NatACT agenda for mental health and addiction services for the coming 5 years!

      NO extra money, NO extra care that can be measured, NO support of relevance, much of lies, lies and more lies by a Nat led government, so now come you, in your new portfolio, being the “old” one, and on which I congratulate you, and which I picked correctly as being given back to you.

      That goes in line with the NatACT “welfare policies”, now before Parliament, about which your party has only offered “moderate” criticism, but hey, was it not the additional “health spend”, that was to make it all “work” and get sick and disabled into some form of work again???

      I look forward for your delivery of attacks and more, to the “rile” bastard on the other side!

      Your last chance this may be, to put your stamp on NZ politics to change for the better.

    • Anne 21.8
      26 February 2013 at 12:46 pm

      For your information Annette King I don’t think the Labour Party has an ounce of moral fibre left in its body. I started out my work career as a school dental nurse too, and I’ve followed your political career with much interest. I’ve been involved with the Labour Party in some form or another since the early 1970s and yes… I know where a few bodies are buried. Not yours I hasten to add – have to cover oneself these days with the paranoid mutterings coming from the third floor of Bowen House.

      So, what do we have now?

      A leader who thinks its smart politics to dump on anyone who didn’t vote for him in Dec 2011, and who continues to punish them. Pathetic. Now we know the real reason why Charles Chauval quit the nest. Perhaps Labour’s most fiercely intelligent legal mind too. And don’t anyone throw in the rejoinder he has denied it because he has no choice but to do so.

      A fellow called Chris Hipkins who calls a colleague a Fink… and then proves to be the one who is the Fink. The parliamentary leadership arranges for him to spy on the counting of a caucus “secret ballot” so he could leak the results to them… who voted what way etc. Pathetic.

      Another fellow called Trevor Mallard who has been leaking like a sieve to the media for how long? The past four years? Pathetic.

      But wait… they get rewarded. Yes, we all know Mallard’s demotion is a Clayton’s demotion..

      I could go on but I won’t… no wonder Labour is a divided mess, and the current parliamentary leadership team (official and unofficial) must take the vast bulk of the blame.

  22. AmaKiwi 22
    25 February 2013 at 4:43 pm

    Tomorrow I send in my LP membership renewal form . . . shredded.

    • George D 22.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:48 pm

      Go on then, you’ve been promising this for a while.

    • xtasy 22.2
      26 February 2013 at 3:38 am

      Always be mindful of the environment, recycle, re-use and have a safe wipe of your bottom if that saves water, other paper or whatever other resource that could be wasted instead. You are hero if you can do this AK, you are worthy, indeed.

  23. NoseViper (The Nose knows) 23
    25 February 2013 at 4:56 pm

    I think Jane Clifton was having a ‘go’ at TS when on Jim Mora’s Panel. She made some veiled remarks about certain bloggers being paranoid?, or something about the present leadership driving the decisions, and said that Annette King was very popular. Some people just can’t get beyond treating politics as a sporting contest, where picking the next winner is merely a talking point.

    • Anne 23.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:56 pm

      I think Jane Clifton was having a ‘go’ at TS when on Jim Mora’s Panel. She made some veiled remarks about certain bloggers being paranoid?

      Aha… now that is interesting!

      • hush minx 23.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 9:22 pm

        Well she probably hears more of the anti ts perspective than the pro to be fair… might help if she read it?

    • Puddleglum 23.2
      25 February 2013 at 6:34 pm

      I heard that too.

      I thought it a bit unwise for her to comment about suggestions by a few “fear and loathing prone people who tend to write on a few blogs” that people like King, Mallard and Goff are “evil people in control of the Labour Party“. She apparently found the suggestions ridiculous.

      Such a comment goes beyond political commentary and starts to look like personally defending particular politicians by going out of her way to ridicule their critics. The hesitant delivery suggests that she was aware that she was treading a fine line.

      Podcast is here

      The comment is about 19mins 40s into the tape for those interested.

      • jbug 23.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 8:56 pm

        I’m not sure Jane Clifton is in a very informed position to determine just how many people are represented on this blog – certinaly quite a few more than her “mate” in Parliament would probably like to admit?

        • KhandallaViper 23.2.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 9:48 pm

          Mora is a CRAP WEAK twit.
          The interview remonds me how much the innner wellington crowd id seperated form teh rest of NZ.

          List to it in full. BORING middle class salaried smug gits

    • xtasy 23.3
      27 February 2013 at 12:52 am

      NoseViper:

      “I think Jane Clifton was having a ‘go’ at TS when on Jim Mora’s Panel. She made some veiled remarks about certain bloggers being paranoid?”

      Yes, I get paranoid every time I have to think about what the hell goes on in NZ. I am not alone though!

  24. Craig Glen viper 24
    25 February 2013 at 5:03 pm

    ( Shaking head shaking head) We Labour are screwed, National could easily get a third term. Being a Labour member is like being a Liverpool support, aint won shit for a long time and isnt likely to win in the foreseeable future.

    • Colonial Viper 24.1
      25 February 2013 at 6:22 pm

      3 Tory terms is fairly common though, historically.

      And Labour only need to get 31% or 32% on E-day to take the Treasury benches. (Although Winnie would have to co-operate…)

  25. gobsmacked 25
    25 February 2013 at 5:16 pm

    David Shearer on Annette King: “She was voted 3rd most sexiest woman in Parliament” (speaking on Newstalk ZB).

    And it’s a prepared line, coz he’s just repeated it on Radio Live with Duncan Garner.

    Memo to David: ask Phil Goff about Liz Hurley. This really doesn’t work.

    • RedBaronCV 25.1
      25 February 2013 at 8:50 pm

      Nice bit of disrespect there for a senior politician. Hope Annette reads out the sexiest men list. Remind me again – how many women vote labour –

    • Arfamo 25.2
      25 February 2013 at 8:54 pm

      Please tell me he didn’t really say “most sexiest”. If he can’t even handle basic grammar what the hell is he any good at?

    • QoT 25.3
      25 February 2013 at 10:16 pm

      Also, even ignoring the sexist wank, it’s a piss-weak deflection from the fact that King is many things, but hardly a fresh new face to bring a fresh new approach to healthcare.

      • Ennui in Requiem 25.3.1
        26 February 2013 at 4:52 pm

        Fekk I hate agreeing with you, but it is such B Grade sexist wank. What sort of crass pillock would make such a pathetic statement? More to the point what sort of pathetic political party would allow this bunch of nonentities to parade as MPs? I am so bored with Labour.

  26. talavera 26
    25 February 2013 at 5:22 pm

    Imagine what would happen if Graham Henry/Richie McCaw left one of their star players on the bench during a key game – we would think they were idiots. I cannot think of any clearer sign of fearful and weak leadership than what Shearer has just done re: Cunliffe.

    If you want to win, field your strongest team – make the most of the talent you have.

    I’ve been a LP member in the past, but there’s no way I’d consider getting involved again while Shearer’s at the helm.

    • gobsmacked 26.1
      25 February 2013 at 5:37 pm

      Shearer was asked by Larry Williams if Cunliffe was going to roll him: Shearer replied “Bring it on”.

      He made it clear he was joking but by then my head was already on the desk …

      • talavera 26.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 6:17 pm

        Sounds a bit like his recent comments that there is ‘absolutely’ room for homophobic views in the Labour Party. He has an unfortunate way of opening his mouth and thinking later – something that usually rules out a political career for most other people. The ABC crowd seem to be blind to this.

        If Shearer insists on staying around, please at least someone get him some media training!

        • felixviper 26.1.1.1
          25 February 2013 at 7:32 pm

          Too late for training talavera. The game is on. The ball is in play.

          He fumbles, he drops, he scores another own goal.

        • Arfamo 26.1.1.2
          25 February 2013 at 7:45 pm

          He’s had media training!! He just doesn’t have the nouse to apply it intelligently. They obviously told him he needs to sound tougerh so now he responds to media prods like a chest-beating gorilla and it just doesn’t work.

          • Arfamo 26.1.1.2.1
            25 February 2013 at 7:47 pm

            *tougher. Gawd. When will the edit function be fixed.

            • hush minx 26.1.1.2.1.1
              25 February 2013 at 9:32 pm

              Actually I think he’s had lots of media training and on an ongoing basis. Is goods to see that he has improved, though I guess you could argue it’s off a low base!

              • Socialist Paddy …
                25 February 2013 at 9:38 pm

                Aye I no longer cross my fingers hoping that he does not make a complete tosspot of himself and I am confident that he will be barely adequate.

                But FFS is this what we are allowed to expect? What other miraculous qualities does he bring to the job that allows us to ignore his rather large inadequacies?

                • Colonial Viper …
                  25 February 2013 at 9:41 pm

                  He can talk down an AK74 pointed to his face and save millions of people. Also something about being able to successfully negotiate with terrorists and rebels?

    • Hami Shearlie 26.2
      25 February 2013 at 6:06 pm

      Totally agree, talavera! The biggest idiot and worst leader that Labour have ever had is Shearer. The most arrogant EVER!! What kind of man would stand for the leadership, lose 9 out of 10 debates and STILL put himself forward?? They’ve given Cunliffe some portfolios to use his great intelligence and innovative thinking, yet have made sure he’s in the background so he can’t get any publicity or credit!! The ABC crowd are very used to the big fat salaries (some have been there since the 1980’s) and don’t want a leader who will shake things up – it’s all about keeping big salaries, and safeguarding personal advancement, much more important than the Labour Party membership and the general public who are suffering!!

      • Paul 26.2.1
        25 February 2013 at 7:53 pm

        Maybe some people wanted a ineffective Labour leader…or at least one who would not break the neo-liberal grip on this country if she/he won. Tony Blair was supported by business in the UK because he was never going to undo the Thatcherite revolution. The Labour right are too compromised by the events of the 1980s…after all, it was a cabal of them that ushered in NZ’s own revolution which turned it from an egalitarian society to the free market dog it remains today.

      • centro 26.2.2
        25 February 2013 at 9:49 pm

        I think the argument that the old guard are only there for the salaries isn’t the reason they stay. Politicians of their experience and stature would most likely get far higher paying jobs if they left. I think they just really believe in the direction the party is going which we may not all agree with but you can’t fault them for doing what they believe is best for the country.

        • Socialist Paddy 26.2.2.1
          25 February 2013 at 9:51 pm

          But they are proved wrong repeatedly. They do not have any principles and they cannot gain ascendancy in the opinion polls.

          They are double losers. They should feck off and let the next generation take over.

        • Colonial Viper 26.2.2.2
          25 February 2013 at 10:01 pm

          Politicians of their experience and stature would most likely get far higher paying jobs if they left.

          Please name 4 organisations which you believe would offer (or have offered) ex Labour Government ministers jobs paying $250K pa or more.

    • Ennui in Requiem 26.3
      26 February 2013 at 5:00 pm

      No talavera: ever heard on 10 man rugby? You play a bunch of forwards who have no subtelty, just bash and crash, plus a first five and half back whose instruction is to kick the ball. The other 5 backs are mere spectators, their job is to not offer anything that looks like flair or is risky. Labours list are entirely capable of the stodgy game plan, it requires little IQ, attempts nothing.

      The end result is the opposition lose because they try something and get shut down by the negativity, Labours 10 men win by one point, the crowd is bored and go home unhappy. They lose their fan base and produce far less than meets the eyes. Sad really.

  27. Coronial Typer 27
    25 February 2013 at 5:23 pm

    So if merit had been the sole criteria, which of the new Top Ten would be there?

    – Shearer? Wouldn’t make the top 20.
    – Robertson? Practically silent outside the beltway.
    – Parker? Hasn’t landed so much as a jab on Joyce.
    – Ardern. Has sustained good profile, without major damage onto Bennett.
    – Cosgrove? Hasn’t focused the anti- asset sale petition project, and should have made far stronger SOE hits. Maybe top 20.
    – King. Labour’s only standout policy in 5 years.
    – Jones? Should have had a slow public rehabilitation, nor pre-emptied public release of A-G report. Also wouldn’t make the top 20.
    – Twyford. Strong performer. One to unquestionably deserves the place, on merit.
    – Street? So risibly weak that should no longer be in Parliament.
    – Hipkins Great hits, but so’s a Piniata. Maybe top 10 as a growth prospect.

    Instead we get yet another slow revenge play, like Hannibal salting the fields before the Romans arrive.

    The best chance of beating National as a Labour team is to have your best performers ranked in the highest place. Not this.

    Anyone game to rank what a purely merit-based shadow Cabinet top 10 would look like?

  28. ad 28
    25 February 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Ok so here is the counterfactual, run as if (my version of) merit was the sole criteria. My version being that this would be the best bunch and best grouping from what we have in Labour now for changing the government. With attractive policy groupings.

    1. King. Leader, SIS.

    2. Cunliffe. Finance, Economic Development, Savings and Public Capital, SOE’s.

    3. Ardern Poverty Alleviation (replacing Social Welfare), Children

    4. Parker. Science and Innovation, Commerce, Attorney General, Justice

    5. Dalziell. Health, Senior Citizens, Superannuation

    6. Twyford. Housing, Transport, Auckland, Regional Development, Canterbury Rebuild

    7. Robertson. Environment, Conservation, Climate Change, Primary Industries, Food Safety

    8. Mahuta. Treaty settlements, Maori, Constitutional Reform, Internal Affairs

    9. Goff. Trade, Defence, Disarmament, State Services, Immigration

    10. Hipkins. Education, Tertiary Education, Maori Education

    • Colonial Viper 28.1
      25 February 2013 at 6:28 pm

      Finance is too big to have anything else substantial in there apart from maybe Savings and Public Capital which may be complementary.

      I reckon GFC part two is going to start up in earnest sometime during 2014 or 2015…who ya gonna call???

    • xtasy 28.2
      27 February 2013 at 12:58 am

      Re Ardern: What the hell is she doing?

      On Tuesday (yesterday, 26.02.) the Nats used staged questions to ask Bennett on the “success” of “reforms” in welfare, so she “sold” her “Future Focus” crap, as if it was the best selling item in town.

      Ardern, like on hundreds of other cases, sat there, never bothered to raise any “supplementary question”.

      She recently “profiled” herself in Auckland’s Central Leader paper, showing off with people from BAMA, a beneficiary advocacy service in Mt Albert. So what the f*** has Ardern done to help beneficiaries, or to raise their concerns, I ask? NADA!

      She should not have kept the social welfare portfolio, but then also, who else in Labour’s caucus would bother?

      • Ad 28.2.1
        27 February 2013 at 10:50 pm

        re: Robertson, curiously mute on Nick Smith’s decision to “call in” the proposed toll road to Fiordland, and also the monorail. Politicising what should be a full and independent hearing with full media and public scrutiny is simply wrong. Robertson should have shouted that out hard. There’s a surprising number of blue-greens in English’s electorate who would have welcomed the political support about their opposition to these projects.

        When Nick Smith assents the monorail (as we know he will), will Twyford or anyone else break out with a rendition of the Simpsons’ “Monorail Song”, just as Brownlee did to Twyford about Auckland’s City Rail Link?

  29. The Al1en 29
    25 February 2013 at 5:55 pm

    No game changer.

    Go back to your constituencies and prepare for government 😆

  30. Robert Atack 30
    25 February 2013 at 6:21 pm

    You can see very clearly that ‘the wankers’ are taking the most serious issues seriously …………….

    Moana Mackey – Climate Change; Energy & Resources

    Not knocking Moana, (I’m sure she is as inept as any of them) But the 2 main ‘issues’ we face don’t even get in the top 20, let alone #1
    WASF

  31. VivaciousViper 31
    25 February 2013 at 6:59 pm

    Here’s a new theme in answer to the ABC’s
    ‘ABS ‘ Anyone But Shearer’.
    There is ABS brakes,(i think), well they need to be applied and soon.

  32. Tim 32
    25 February 2013 at 7:28 pm

    “Labour Reshuffle”:
    a mediocre start that demonstrates some awareness of the life-long Labour voter’s pissed-offness. There’s till time before the next election to demonstrate that egos aren’t trumping representation.
    Not YET enough for a change though in my (and probably about 30 others in family & friends) to give a party vote to a left alternative (OTHER than Labour) even though they may reluctantly support a Labour electorate candidate (Robertson).

    The least worst option is no longer Labour especially when there are options where alternative political parties have shown a repeated commitment to principle, unlike Labour who demonstrate a paranoia towards highly intelligent, logical and rational candidates with ideas and a commitment that isn’t based on a sense of entitlement resulting from longevity as politicians.

    There’s time, but brinksmanship with the voter is not a good idea. For us – it’s no longer about opting out – but opting back in! as there is with many others.

    Best outcome – bovver boy at the back, but its a crying shame there’s not an over-ambitious, insipid little prick placed as doorman standing just behind the back bench.

  33. felixviper 33
    25 February 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Shit team.

    Sorry but there it is. It’s the reserves and the golden oldies.

    It’s like if the Nats put Collins and Ryall on the back bench and gave the top jobs to Aaron Gilmore and Tau.

  34. Truelabour 34
    25 February 2013 at 8:07 pm

    There are so many issues that stand out from this reshuffle but I’ve selected just three to highlight:
    1. Maryan loses Health because she didn’t scored hits against Ryall. Lets look back a few years. Straight after the 2008 election, Ruth Dyson is the Health Spokesperson. She loses the portfolio because she wasn’t deemed effective in the role (Ruth demoted). The porfolio is given to Grant Robertson. He doesn’t score any hits either but he continues on a trajectory of being promoted and now Maryan is demoted for under performing (how convenient that underperformance is ignored in some instances)
    2. Chris Hipkins is promoted in to the education spokesperson role because according to his caucus mates (the same ones who would have been put the resources behind him to get the publicity that he did get) he performed well while Mahuta was on maternity leave. In the ‘real’ world, if someone was seconded in to a role because a woman went on maternity leave, you couldn’t just dispense of her because you felt that her replacement had done a better job. But hey – who are we to hold the Labour Party to good employment law. It’s important to keep in mind here that the leadership never truly backed Mahuta as the education spokesperson – in fact I think it is fair to say that she was pretty much set up to fail (well done labour).
    3. Louisa Wall gets her marriage equality members bill up and does a stellar job of fronting the issue (the greens could have so easily run this issue) and yet, she doesn’t feature in the list of MPs promoted….?

    It’s this kind of thing that leaves a Labour voter shaking their head in dismay. You just want the party to GENUINELY get their shit together. One of Labours fundamental principles is ‘fairness’ but that doesn’t seem to factor in to labour caucus practice.

    • Arfamo 34.1
      25 February 2013 at 8:40 pm

      The only way Shearer is going to get any traction before the next election is probably for this crew to all now get their noses to the grindstone, get their media performances polished, and for him to let them front on all portfolio-related issues. He is a media disaster. If Labour are stuck with him, maybe he needs to rebrand himself completely as someone with a different style of political management, someone who will put together policy and manage that process, and then just direct and back his shadow cabinet. He should stop trying to match Key by mimicking his style and being the principal spokesperson. He can’t sell himself as an anti-Key. It doesn’t work. He’s not a “quick on his feet” thinker and that’s painfully obvious. The less he says, the wiser he sounds.

  35. RedBaronCV 35
    25 February 2013 at 8:58 pm

    At the very least you’d think self interest would click in.
    DC on the front bench would have dragged in a few more votes and brought a prime ministerial salary closer.
    Some how Shearer doesn’t have the perspective. This country has been in some sort of recession (high unemployment) for the bulk of the last 30 years, right wing induced, and he goes ” wages haven’t moved much since 2009.” Actually they haven’t moved much since 1989.

    • Arfamo 35.1
      25 February 2013 at 9:06 pm

      I agree. My fear is Labour under Shearer is going to turn out to be really only National-lite, fiddling at the margins, essentially maintaining the new right economic approach of the last 30 years. I’m looking for the party that has a better plan than simply a continuation these divisive and economically corrosive policies.

  36. saarbo 36
    25 February 2013 at 9:21 pm

    I recently went to a Labour party branch meeting, what a joke. I have concluded that Labour is in a mess. There is no way that this party could run an affective government when it cant even run its own party. I come back feeling disillusioned with Labour, so will join the Green Party.

    But realistically we are not going to have a strong left government in New Zealand without a strong Labour Party, certainly in the short term anyway. That is why the polls are not budging, even though National cant put a foot right. Danyl McLaughlan has hit it on the head “I’ve seen people on Twitter wondering how anyone could still support National, but if you think about the Shearer-led Labour/Greens/New Zealand First alternative, it’s hard to imagine that being anything other than a short-lived disaster. Centrist support for National seems very sensible from that perspective.”.

    If this Labour party do fail in 2014 then there needs to be a massive clean out and re build, personally I believe that is probably the best path for New Zealand long term.

  37. Truelabour 37
    25 February 2013 at 9:24 pm

    A shadow cabinet based on four things – merit, rejuvenation, public appeal and ability to perform with the portfolio:

    1. David Cunliffe (Economic Development and Revenue)
    – Whether the caucus likes it or not, DC is the best one to lead labour at this time. He’s smart and can speak competently to a range of issues. He’s also got much more public appeal than DS. The public need to believe that the the leader of the labour party can be the leader of the country.
    2. Andrew Little (Deputy leader – Employment Skills Training, Labour)
    – This is his area of expertise and it is what could win Labour the next election
    3. David Parker (Finance)
    – Only because if DC is in the leadership role there DP is the only other person really equipped to take on this portfolio
    4. Jacinda Ardern (Health, Arts Culture and Heritage)
    – Unfortunately she’s not ‘street’ enough to take on Paula. No one else has made a dent in Ryall but she works hard and will try to get him from every angle – it’s definitely worth a try. Auckland Central = Arts and JA hangs in those circles so makes sense that she also holds this.
    5. Grant Robertson (Environment and SOE’s)
    – He’s got more connections in the public sector than any other labour MP and has his hand on the pulse when it comes to SOE’s. The environment is something that could be a strength of his.
    6. Louisa Wall (Social Development, Children)
    – She’s tough and is like a dog with a bone when it comes to these types of issues. She could take it to Paula
    7. Sue Moroney (Education and tertiary)
    – Hardworking and knows the issues
    8. Phil Twyford (Housing, Auckland Issues and Transport)
    – Housing and transport are two major auckland issues. He’s competent and can cover these three things well.
    9. Lianne Dalziel (Justice, Attorney General, Earthquake recovery)
    – She has been under utilised. One of the most competent labour MPs. Should be acknowledged for being so.
    10.Nanaia Mahuta (Maori Development, Youth, Associate Education)
    – She seems to have resigned herself from having lost education but shouldn’t be under estimated. Give her these jobs for now but when labour wins the next election, she could take on any of the other big portfolios

    Note – when you look at the above line up you see a good mix of the two different camps. Its a unifying arrangement but one that works and doesn’t compromise Labour being able to put it’s best foot forward in the major portfolio areas. This is the stuff that could win Labour the 2014 election.

    • KhandallaViper 37.1
      25 February 2013 at 9:33 pm

      Spot on….nearly but not inspired..

      “Grant Robertson (Environment and SOE’s)
      – He’s got more connections in the public sector than any other labour MP and has his hand on the pulse when it comes to SOE’s. The environment is something that could be a strength of his.”

      The lad only knows planet government. He has not had a breath of air outside on the beltway.

    • xtasy 37.2
      26 February 2013 at 3:50 am

      It is largely dream stuff agenda but then again:

      “6. Louisa Wall (Social Development, Children)
      – She’s tough and is like a dog with a bone when it comes to these types of issues. She could take it to Paula”

      Now that could be addressing issues I face daily, but Ardern is to me like a useless opportunist with a lifestyle she chose to “live” politics, to “further” her later “career”, and while she only shows the odd bit of appearance (Central Leader on “BAMA”, Auckland, 20.02.13), she does FUCK ALL for the ordinary beneficiary, of whom I happen to presently be one of.

      Thank you Jacinda, you need to bloody learn and get the smell of sweat, stench and despair into your nostrils, before you even think of representing us!

      I see and hear NOTHING that you have done for us since you have been social security spokesperson. How the f-ing hell does anybody in a party like yours get such a “job”, if I may ask? Is this a put your name in the pot and we will draw the winner kind of game?

      Never to vote Labour ever again, for sure, thanks!

  38. KhandallaViper 38
    25 February 2013 at 9:29 pm

    Clare Curran has not delivered in her Telco role: she failed to analyse and challenge the Telecom Chorus split.
    Clare Curran has not delivered to the Labour organisation: she failed to deliver a basic blog site; coals to Eskimos.
    Clare Curran has not delivered to the people of Dunedin. see her poor performance here
    http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/Electorates/e/6/f/DBHOH_Lib_EP_DunedinSouth_TOC_1-Dunedin-South-Electorate-Profile.htm
    (that puts her in the same league as King, Robertson, Hipkins and Mallard- a de-facto wellinton clique member)

    clare curran HAS delivered loyalty to Shearer.

    she is a winner….

  39. Jenny 39
    25 February 2013 at 9:41 pm

    A pretty comprehensive list of portfolios and responsibilities.

    But no shadow cabinet MP is named as responsible for Climate Change Issues.

    Even the National Party makes a front row MP responsible for Climate Change.

    At number 14 Hon. Tim Groser, Minister of Trade, Minister for Climate Change Issues.

    This exposes the Labour Party as a CCI party.

    The Labour Party under David Shearer leadership, is actively ignoring climate change. And hoping for a deal, the Greens are falling into line.

    That the Labour Party can get away with this, is only because of the connivance and agreement of the parliamentary Green Party leadership.

    The only front bench Labour MP who actively spoke out against climate change has been demoted and silenced.

    It all points to a terrible and corrupt Obama/Romney type three way electoral stitch up in 2014. Where it is agreed by all three major parties not to challenge, or defy the powerful fossil fuel lobby.

    • xtasy 39.1
      26 February 2013 at 3:57 am

      Jenny – It is ignoring that and welfare, for sure. But they may be intent on handing the difficult portfolios to the likely Green Party coalition or support members. They will likely give them the difficult ones, so to ruin them, same as National is rubbishing the Maori Party, as Labour earlier rubbished the Alliance, as others did all the same before.

      The agenda is clear, set the agenda, challenge, hand difficult jobs to the weak and small, yet needed parties, and in the end, they will try to look better, and hope for more votes. Simple, really.

      • Jenny 39.1.1
        27 February 2013 at 6:57 pm

        Jenny – It is ignoring that and welfare, for sure. But they may be intent on handing the difficult portfolios to the likely Green Party coalition or support members.

        xtasy

        In this list Climate Change is not a portfolio anymore.

        The Labour Party in deliberately downgrading of Climate Change so that it is no longer a portfolio.

        Ensures that whoever is awarded it, will be powerless to do anything.

        How ugly, how corrupt, how tragic.

  40. Benjamin B. 40
    25 February 2013 at 10:02 pm

    Conservation, *who*? I am totally unable to find a single connection between Ruth Dyson and conservation. Instead I found a drink driving thing. Is that all that Labour has? Really? Even Kate Wilkinson was more of a conservationist.

    • Colonial Viper 40.1
      25 February 2013 at 10:29 pm

      Nick Smith a very strong Conservation Minister. Unfortunately I do not believe that Dyson will be able to touch him.

      • Benjamin B. 40.1.1
        25 February 2013 at 11:52 pm

        Yeps he’s strong in a way that nobody needs… except the ‘business’ ‘community’ who celebrates him as the ‘new mining czar’, i.e. ork: http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/nick-smith-new-mining-czar-ck-126120

        And he probably has all sorts of tricks up his sleeves, so Ruth Dyson is presumably no match for him.

        This is certainly not a way to get conservationists’ votes.

        • Colonial Viper 40.1.1.1
          26 February 2013 at 12:25 am

          And you think putting Dyson in that portfolio is a serious alternative for winning Green votes?

          I’ll put it another way. National aren’t interested in winning votes of Labour. They’re looking at winning the Blue-Greens back off the Greens.

    • xtasy 40.2
      26 February 2013 at 3:58 am

      Benjamin B.: Get honest, the most “conserving” substance that exists is ALCOHOL, right!

  41. peterlepaysan 41
    25 February 2013 at 10:19 pm

    This “reshuffle” is going make all those non voters turn out and vote for the LP at the next general election?

    I do not think so.

    All those non voters are looking for is a a party that cares about what matters to them, not Wall Street morally bankrupt wheeling dealing Gordon Gecko economic ideology.

    Caucus cabals need very deep war chests to manipulate their membership.

    The LP is bankrupt. The membership is revolting (what is new?) but are a shadow of what once was.

    Shearer has the singular misfortune of being the right person in the right place at the right time to oversee the LP demise.

    Until the LP caucus realises that there is actually an electorate out there, and it matters, the NZLP is doomed to failure.

    Sigh!

    • xtasy 41.1
      26 February 2013 at 4:09 am

      Let me repeat this again:

      It is time for a NEW Left Party to form and take off, the time could and should never be better. Those that honestly have ideas, answers and care for the average NZ workers and non workers, they deserve much better than this shit presented by a lying Labour Party that does not even represent workers and disenfranchised. It is trying to become a middle of the road win all votes party, to compete with a National Party under Key that did the same in 2008.

      Shearer and Labour leaders need their bloody heads read to present this hopeless line up and crap to the public.

      I say again, to all those that do NOT bloody GET IT.

      Labour is finished, lost and gone, and think out, create, found and start a truly left of centre, social democratic, or socialist, democratically minded, resolute, dedicated, firm and bloody HONEST LEFT PARTY, thanks.

      I hate repeating myself, I mean bloody well.

  42. Ed 42
    25 February 2013 at 11:17 pm

    Overall it seems to me a compromise all around, which is really what I would have expected. It has some moves that may well be a signal for either an improved performance or further reduced responsibilities. I can’t get very excited about order other than those seated in the front row whose smiling faces should strike fear into the current government; it includes a welcome return to responsibilities for Cunliffe, and effectively a challenge to him to shine in those areas. Too much is made of personality and not enough of policies and commitments. Lets hope we see some commitments to reverse some of the more stupid / egregious of Nationals errors, while also outlining each time the principles behind such decisions. I am pleased that maternity leave is being treated seriously; I hope that Nanaia Mahuta returns in due course with added perspectives and benefits from the ability to take a slightly different perspective for a while.

    There may well be further changes closer tot he election, but the priority in the next period will be bedding down, with the help of membership, the detail behind the principles the party holds, and the priorities for what looks like yet another disaster economy to be inherited by a Labour government.

  43. the pigman 43
    26 February 2013 at 1:53 am

    Fuck “bedding down”, that is all caucus-apologists have been saying for the last 18 months. It has been an abject failure.

    Meanwhile Trevor Mallard is making a song and dance on his facebook page (in case anyone cared) and is at pains to highlight that his demotion was all about his plans to be Speaker after the next election… *shudder*… while his annointed successor continues in the patsy job of shooting holes in Parata and presumably preparing for another round of flipping out at DC on television after DS loses 2014.

    gg Labour.

    • xtasy 43.1
      26 February 2013 at 4:13 am

      Drunk on his new “partner” and re-invigorated sex life, on past “fame”, arrogance, ignorance, stupidity or whatever, that is where you assign certain persons to the gutter, the toilet, the street theatre, the asylum or whatever. They surely have no more place in charge.

  44. xtasy 44
    26 February 2013 at 6:36 am

    No more of we ask, we say, we need, weseek, we may, we think and all that, WE WANT and WE NEED that must be the bloody message, dear David, dig it, hear it, earn it and deliver it, thank you!

    Labour says, stands for, and Labour IS, demands, bla bla and bla, I want to hear that, no drivel, mediocre chat talk and the likes.

    Maybe, maybe, maybe one day, one night and all the rest, stand your ground thank you.

  45. RobertM 45
    26 February 2013 at 2:46 pm

    Magnificent. Shearer has shown great courage. Lianne Dalziel has been too flaky and her support of Edward Malarky and Selmans fanatical anti alcohol and anti joy campaign was a bit too far. People are meant to have a life of pleasure and joy not to slave for Bridges $550 min wage. As a middle class wastrel, its half of what I can barely survive on twice that.
    David Parker and the support finance team of Cunliffe, Cosgrove and Shane Jones is immensely strong. I’m a fan of Cunliffe and Jones and believe there centrists who will try and take NZ forward with none of the extremity of Prebble and the former member for St Albans and deputy leader

    • Colonial Viper 45.1
      26 February 2013 at 2:51 pm

      “take NZ forward” to where???

      Why was Dalziel singled out as flaky and not…a dozen and a half other Labour MPs who weren’t Cunliffe supporters but far more flaky?

      Magnificent. Shearer has shown great courage.

      Yeah the AK74 thing very boring and irrelevant

  46. Hami Shearlie 46
    26 February 2013 at 4:00 pm

    I just saw David Cunliffe speaking in Parliament!! Talking eloquently on child-support with no notes. A very engaging and clever man – It just confirms why he should be Labour’s leader every time he speaks. David Shearer – Look in the mirror and realise you are NOT and will NEVER BE a viable leader for the Labour Party!! And make the caucus look in the same mirror!!

    • Grassroots 46.1
      26 February 2013 at 7:44 pm

      +1

      • xtasy 46.1.1
        27 February 2013 at 1:06 am

        Hah, yes, to me David Shearer looks like an unwashed, smelly, wet towel, and I met a fair few faces like him, generally all unappealing.

        And Labour put his face on their front website 10-fold. It is like selling smelly socks to the sensitive, choosy buyers. Horrific, really, so what the hell is making those in majority in caucus tick, one wonders. It cannot be common sense and intelligence.

        Ghastly all this, I am sorry, I have given up some time ago anyway. There are and will be other options.

  47. Caleb 47
    1 March 2013 at 12:49 pm

    http://cutyourhair.wordpress.com/2013/03/01/where-is-christchurch-in-the-labour-reshuffle/ This is a shameless plug for my own blog, where I’ve noted promotions, demotions, regions and factions/cliques… on the latter I’m not too confident, so anyone who cares to can please feel free to correct me or fill out my information.

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    Way Beyond Reform: Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer have no more interest in remaining permanent members of “New Zealand’s” House of Representatives than did Lenin and Trotsky in remaining permanent members of Tsar Nicolas II’s “democratically-elected” Duma. Like the Bolsheviks, Te Pāti Māori is a party of revolutionaries – not reformists.THE CROWN ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • When does history become “ancient”, on Tinetti’s watch as Minister of Education – and what o...
    Buzz from the Beehive Auckland was wiped off the map, when Education Minister Jan Tinetti delivered her speech of welcome as host of the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers “here in Tāmaki Makaurau”. But – fair to say – a reference was made later in the speech to a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Climate Catastrophe, but first rugby.
    Morning mate, how you going?Well, I was watching the news last night and they announced this scientific report on Climate Change. But before they got to it they had a story about the new All Blacks coach.Sounds like important news. It’s a bit of a worry really.Yeah, they were talking ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What the US and European bank rescues mean for us
    Always a bailout: US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the Government would fully guarantee all savers in all smaller US banks if needed. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: No wonder an entire generation of investors are used to ‘buying the dip’ and ‘holding on for dear life’. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Who will drain Wellington’s lobbying swamp?
    Wealthy vested interests have an oversized influence on political decisions in New Zealand. Partly that’s due to their use of corporate lobbyists. Fortunately, the influence lobbyists can have on decisions made by politicians is currently under scrutiny in Guyon Espiner’s in-depth series published by RNZ. Two of Espiner’s research exposés ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • It’s Raining Congestion
    Yesterday afternoon it rained and traffic around the region ground to a halt, once again highlighting why it is so important that our city gets on with improving the alternatives to driving. For additional irony, this happened on the same day the IPCC synthesis report landed, putting the focus on ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Checking The Left: The Dreadful Logic Of Fascism.
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    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • Good Friends and Terrible Food
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    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – What evidence is there for the hockey stick?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
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    5 days ago

  • Carry right on up there, Corporal Espiner
    RNZ has been shining their torch into corners where lobbyists lurk and asking such questions as: Do we like the look of this?and Is this as democratic as it could be?These are most certainly questions worth asking, and every bit as valid as, say:Are we shortchanged democratically by the way ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • This smells
    RNZ has continued its look at the role of lobbyists by taking a closer look at the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Andrew Kirton. He used to work for liquor companies, opposing (among other things) a container refund scheme which would have required them to take responsibility for their own ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • Major issues on the table in Mahuta’s  talks in Beijing with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has left for Beijing for the first ministerial visit to China since 2019. Mahuta is  to  meet China’s new foreign minister Qin Gang  where she  might have to call on all the  diplomatic skills  at  her  command. Almost certainly she  will  face  questions  on what  role ...
    Point of OrderBy tutere44
    5 days ago

  • Inside TOP's Teal Card and political strategy
    TL;DR: The Opportunities Party’s Leader Raf Manji is hopeful the party’s new Teal Card, a type of Gold card for under 30s, will be popular with students, and not just in his Ilam electorate where students make up more than a quarter of the voters and where Manji is confident ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • Make Your Empties Go Another Round.
    When I was a kid New Zealand was actually pretty green. We didn’t really have plastic. The fruit and veges came in a cardboard box, the meat was wrapped in paper, milk came in a glass bottle, and even rubbish sacks were made of paper. Today if you sit down ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on how similar Vladimir Putin is to George W. Bush
    Looking back through the names of our Police Ministers down the years, the job has either been done by once or future party Bigfoots – Syd Holland, Richard Prebble, Juduth Collins, Chris Hipkins – or by far lesser lights like Keith Allen, Frank Gill, Ben Couch, Allen McCready, Clem Simich, ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    5 days ago

  • CHRIS TROTTER:  Te Pāti Māori’s uncompromising threat to the status quo
    Chris Trotter writes – The Crown is a fickle friend. Any political movement deemed to be colourful but inconsequential is generally permitted to go about its business unmolested. The Crown’s media, RNZ and TVNZ, may even “celebrate” its existence (presumably as proof of Democracy’s broad-minded acceptance of diversity). ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Shining a bright light on lobbyists in politics
    Four out of the five people who have held the top role of Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff since 2017 have been lobbyists. That’s a fact that should worry anyone who believes vested interests shouldn’t have a place at the centre of decision making. Chris Hipkins’ newly appointed Chief of ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Auckland Council Draft Budget – an unnecessary backwards step
    Feedback on Auckland Council’s draft 2023/24 budget closes on March 28th. You can read the consultation document here, and provide feedback here. Auckland Council is currently consulting on what is one of its most important ever Annual Plans – the ‘budget’ of what it will spend money on between July ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    5 days ago

  • Talking’ Posey Parker Blues
    by Molten Moira from Motueka If you want to be a woman let me tell you what to do Get a piece of paper and a biro tooWrite down your new identification And boom! You’re now a woman of this nationSpelled W O M A Na real trans woman that isAs opposed ...
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    6 days ago

  • More Māori words make it into the OED, and polytech boss (with rules on words like “students”) ...
    Buzz from the Beehive   New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti is hosting the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers for three days from today, welcoming Education Ministers and senior officials from 18 Pacific Island countries and territories, and from Australia. Here’s hoping they have brought translators with them – or ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Social intercourse with haters and Nazis: an etiquette guide
    Let’s say you’ve come all the way from His Majesty’s United Kingdom to share with the folk of Australia and New Zealand your antipathy towards certain other human beings. And let’s say you call yourself a women’s rights activist.And let’s say 99 out of 100 people who listen to you ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Greens, Labour, and coalition enforcement
    James Shaw gave the Green party's annual "state of the planet" address over the weekend, in which he expressed frustration with Labour for not doing enough on climate change. His solution is to elect more Green MPs, so they have more power within any government arrangement, and can hold Labour ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • This sounds familiar…
    RNZ this morning has the first story another investigative series by Guyon Espiner, this time into political lobbying. The first story focuses on lobbying by government agencies, specifically transpower, Pharmac, and assorted universities, and how they use lobbyists to manipulate public opinion and gather intelligence on the Ministers who oversee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Letter to the NZ Herald: NCEA pseudoscience – “Mauri is present in all matter”
    Nick Matzke writes –   Dear NZ Herald, I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. I teach evolutionary biology, but I also have long experience in science education and (especially) political attempts to insert pseudoscience into science curricula in ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • So what would be the point of a Green vote again?
    James Shaw has again said the Greens would be better ‘in the tent’ with Labour than out, despite Labour’s policy bonfire last week torching much of what the Government was doing to reduce emissions. File Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Green Party has never been more popular than in some ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Gas stoves pose health risks. Are gas furnaces and other appliances safe to use?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Wesseler Poor air quality is a long-standing problem in Los Angeles, where the first major outbreak of smog during World War II was so intense that some residents thought the city had been attacked by chemical weapons. Cars were eventually discovered ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Genetic Heritage and Co Governance
    Yesterday I was reading an excellent newsletter from David Slack, and I started writing a comment “Sounds like some excellent genetic heritage…” and then I stopped.There was something about the phrase genetic heritage that stopped me in tracks. Is that a phrase I want to be saying? It’s kind of ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • BRIAN EASTON: Radical Uncertainty
    Brian Easton writes – Two senior economists challenge some of the foundations of current economics. It is easy to criticise economic science by misrepresenting it, by selective quotations, and by ignoring that it progresses, like all sciences, by improving and abandoning old theories. The critics may go ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Geoffrey Miller: New Zealand’s Middle East strategy, 20 years after the Iraq War
    This week marks the twentieth anniversary of the Iraq War. While it strongly opposed the US-led invasion, New Zealand’s then Labour-led government led by Prime Minister Helen Clark did deploy military engineers to try to help rebuild Iraq in mid-2003. With violence soaring, their 12-month deployment ended without being renewed ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    6 days ago

  • The motorways are finished
    After seventy years, Auckland’s motorway network is finally finished. In July 1953 the first section of motorway in Auckland was opened between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Mt Wellington Highway. The final stage opens to traffic this week with the completion of the motorway part of the Northern Corridor Improvements project. Aucklanders ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    6 days ago

  • Kicking National’s tyres
    National’s appointment of Todd McClay as Agriculture spokesperson clearly signals that the party is in trouble with the farming vote. McClay was not an obvious choice, but he does have a record as a political scrapper. The party needs that because sources say it has been shedding farming votes ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • As long as there is cricket, the world is somehow okay.
    Rays of white light come flooding into my lounge, into my face from over the top of my neighbour’s hedge. I have to look away as the window of the conservatory is awash in light, as if you were driving towards the sun after a rain shower and suddenly blinded. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • So much of what was there remains
    The columnists in Private Eye take pen names, so I have not the least idea who any of them are. But I greatly appreciate their expert insight, especially MD, who writes the medical column, offering informed and often damning critique of the UK health system and the politicians who keep ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Mar 12, 2023 thru Sat, Mar 18, 2023. Story of the Week Guest post: What 13,500 citations reveal about the IPCC’s climate science report   IPCC WG1 AR6 SPM Report Cover - Changing ...
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    1 week ago

  • Financial capability services are being bucked up, but Stuart Nash shouldn’t have to see if they c...
    Buzz from the Beehive  The building of financial capability was brought into our considerations when Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced she had dipped into the government’s coffers for $3 million for “providers” to help people and families access community-based Building Financial Capability services. That wording suggests some ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Things that make you go Hmmmm.
    Do you ever come across something that makes you go Hmmmm?You mean like the song?No, I wasn’t thinking of the song, but I am now - thanks for that. I was thinking of things you read or hear that make you stop and go Hmmmm.Yeah, I know what you mean, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • The hoon for the week that was to March 19
    By the end of the week, the dramas over Stuart Nash overshadowed Hipkins’ policy bonfire. File photo: Lynn GrieveasonTLDR: This week’s news in geopolitics and the political economy covered on The Kākā included:PM Chris Hipkins’ announcement of the rest of a policy bonfire to save a combined $1.7 billion, but ...
    The KakaBy Peter Bale
    1 week ago

  • Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua
    Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...
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    1 day ago

  • Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpart
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...
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    1 day ago

  • Government delivering world-class satellite positioning services
    World-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...
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    2 days ago

  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges.  Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson Tasman
    A new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • National’s education policy: where’s the funding?
    After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment.  “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...
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    3 days ago

  • Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventors
    People aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...
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    3 days ago

  • Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economy
    A cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times
    77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...
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    3 days ago

  • Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business Forum
    Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...
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    3 days ago

  • Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island
    $2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...
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    3 days ago

  • Government future-proofs EV charging
    Transport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...
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    4 days ago

  • World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZers
    Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...
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    4 days ago

  • First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners Court
    Hon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...
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    4 days ago

  • Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floods
    The Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...
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    4 days ago

  • New appointment to Māori Land Court bench
    E te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...
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    4 days ago

  • Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work
    113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...
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    4 days ago

  • Vertical farming partnership has upward momentum
    The Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...
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    5 days ago

  • Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote Address
    E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
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    5 days ago

  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
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    5 days ago

  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
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    5 days ago

  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
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    5 days ago

  • Community voice to help shape immigration policy
    Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today.  “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
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    5 days ago

  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
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    5 days ago

  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
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    6 days ago

  • Government confirms vital roading reconnections
    Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
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    6 days ago

  • Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
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    6 days ago

  • Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in Aotearoa
    Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
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    6 days ago

  • State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone Gabrielle
    A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
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    6 days ago

  • Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
    Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
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    1 week ago

  • Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability services
    The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
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    1 week ago

  • Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and member
    Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
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    1 week ago

  • Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announced
    Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today.  The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
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    1 week ago

  • Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High Court
    High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
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  • NZ still well placed to meet global challenges
    The economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...
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    1 week ago

  • Western Ring Route Complete
    Aucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...
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    1 week ago

  • Briefings to Incoming Ministers
    This section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...
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    1 week ago

  • Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient Fiji
    Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...
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    1 week ago

  • Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recovery
    The Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...
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  • Next steps developing clean energy for NZ
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