Leaders’ debate post
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6:59 pm, September 30th, 2020 - 115 comments
Categories: election 2020, jacinda ardern, Judith Collins, uncategorized -
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Post for discussion of the latest leaders’ debate scheduled for this evening. Be kind to each other.
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- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...20 hours ago - Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of PlentyThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...2 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand China CouncilThank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...2 days ago
- Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi householdsThe Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...3 days ago
- Government recommits to equal payThe coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...3 days ago
- Transforming how our children learn to readStructured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...3 days ago
- NZ not backing down in Canada dairy disputeTrade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...3 days ago
- Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable childrenThe rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...3 days ago
- Streamlining Building Consent ChangesThe Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...3 days ago
- Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...4 days ago
- Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...4 days ago
- Accelerating airport security linesFrom today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...4 days ago
- Community hui to talk about kina barrensPeople with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...4 days ago
- Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into forceKiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...4 days ago
- Mining resurgence a welcome signThere are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...4 days ago
- Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first readingThe return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...5 days ago
- Government to boost public EV charging networkEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...5 days ago
- Residential Property Managers Bill to not progressThe coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...5 days ago
- Independent review into disability support servicesThe Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...5 days ago
- Justice Minister updates UN on law & order planJustice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...5 days ago
- Ending emergency housing motels in RotoruaThe Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...5 days ago
- Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and DubaiTrade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...6 days ago
- Education priorities focused on lifting achievementEducation Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...6 days ago
- NZTA App first step towards digital driver licenceThe new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...6 days ago
- Supporting whānau out of emergency housingWhānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...6 days ago
- Tribute to Dave O'SullivanRacing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...6 days ago
- Speech – Eid al-FitrAssalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...6 days ago
- Government saves access to medicinesAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...6 days ago
- Pharmac Chair appointedHon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...7 days ago
- Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderHundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...1 week ago
- New sports complex opens in KaikoheRegional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...1 week ago
- Diplomacy needed more than everForeign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...1 week ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery BelgiumAmbassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...1 week ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk BairDistinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...1 week ago
- Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, TürkiyeMai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...1 week ago
- PM announces changes to portfoliosPaul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...2 weeks ago
- New catch limits for unique fishery areasRecreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...2 weeks ago
- Minister welcomes hydrogen milestoneEnergy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment BillThe coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...2 weeks ago
- Overseas decommissioning models consideredOverseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...2 weeks ago
- 'Māori Seabed, For Shore!' – Two decades on from the largest hīkoi in a generation
Twenty years has passed since the historic hīkoi against the controversial Foreshore and Seabed Act reached Parliament. ...48 mins ago - An Ode to .. Julie Anne Genter
Genterwocky After a hard days marching, Sir Doocey calls in at the Village Tavern For a pint of ale and a pork pie. The grim villagers stare at him. “Do not be travelling on the forest road,” warns a crusty old beak. “And why is that, antique peasant?” Grins Sir ...51 mins ago - National aims high while struggling to take offPolitical conferences after a party returns to power are usually a chance for some healthy, even unhealthy backslapping. Yet National Party president Sylvia Wood’s address to its mainland representatives on Saturday hardly contained the unalloyed delight that one might have expected following National’s escape from the wilderness of opposition. Yes, ...54 mins ago
- Real journalists can lead the war against deepfakesComment: Almost half the world is voting in national elections this year and artificial intelligence is the elephant in the room. There are genuine fears AI-generated or AI-edited deepfakes will potentially manipulate election outcomes not just in the US and UK, but critically in countries such as India. For that ...3 hours ago
- Meet the cast of Married at First Sight NZ for 2024
Ahead of the reality franchise’s return to New Zealand, allow us to introduce the eight brides and grooms. Chuck on a veil and tie back your man bun, because it’s time to say “I do” to a new season of Married at First Sight NZ. The reality TV “social experiment” ...4 hours ago - The good news is the government plans to cancel $3 billion in student debt. The bad news is indexati...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Norton, Professor in the Practice of Higher Education Policy, Australian National University Every year on June 1, student debt in Australia is indexed to inflation. In 2023, high inflation pushed the indexation rate to 7.1%, the highest since 1990. This ...6 hours ago - Albanese government to wipe $3 billion in student debt, benefitting three million peopleSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Changes in the May 14 budget will cut the student debt of more than three million people, wiping more than $3 billion from what people owe. The government will cap the HELP indexation rate ...8 hours ago
- ICC demands end to threats against court amid Gaza war probeAsia Pacific Report The prosecutor’s office at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has appealed for an end to what it calls intimidation of its staff, saying such threats could constitute an offence against the “administration of justice” by the world’s permanent war crimes court. The Hague-based office of ICC Prosecutor ...9 hours ago
- New Caledonia’s women sit-in to support smeared Kanak journalistBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A women’s union in New Caledonia has staged a sit-in protest this week to support senior Kanak indigenous journalist Thérèse Waia, who works for public broadcaster Nouvelle-Calédonie la Première, after a smear attack by critics. The peaceful demonstration was held on ...10 hours ago
- New Zealand signs deal with Germany on Antarctica cooperationThe memorandum of understanding with Germany's Alfred Wegener Institute is expected to foster cooperation between the two polar science bodies. ...16 hours ago
- NZ food safety agency monitoring Indian spice mix recallsNew Zealand Food Safety is monitoring overseas recalls of Indian packaged spice products manufactured by MDH and Everest due to concerns over a cancer-causing pesticide. ...18 hours ago
- Fiji’s media freedom ranking jumps, Papua New Guinea’s plummetsBy Stephen Wright and Stefan Armbruster of BenarNews Fiji’s ranking in a global press freedom index has jumped into the top tier of countries with free or mostly free media after its government last year repealed a draconian law that threatened journalists with prison for doing their jobs. Fiji’s improvement ...20 hours ago
- The Boy in the Water: ‘I just can’t do this anymore’We might be in Invercargill but all anyone can talk about is Gore. Specifically, Salford Street. That’s where three-year-old Lachlan Jones lived, south of the centre of town, between the A&P Showgrounds and the Mataura River. Roughly 1.2 km away from the single level home he lived in with his ...1 day ago
- 'Data is the new oil': Call to save jobs of data security guardsNew Zealanders' data is at risk with the government's "unintelligent" proposal to cut information security jobs, the Privacy Foundation says. ...1 day ago
- The Secret Diary of .. Coalition Sheriff LuxonMONDAY I lined up the latest round of civil servants from city hall against the wall, and signalled for the firing squad to drop their rifles. I stepped up onto a wooden crate to look at the office workers in the eye. But that didn’t feel right, so I found ...1 day ago
- Liam Hewson seeks answers in natureKeen hiker and second-year MSc student Liam Hewson wears two hats when he’s in the great outdoors. “The scientist in me appreciates nature and goes, ‘Oh, there’s that thing and there’s another thing,’ but then the tramper and the outdoorsy person in me thinks, ‘Cool bush.’” Born and bred in ...1 day ago
- Dan Carter won’t stop kickingAfter a long and illustrious career as a goal kicker, Dan Carter’s favourite way to unwind is… kicking goals. Why can’t he get enough of it? And what it’s like to watch him do it for an hour straight? A semicircle of people wielding cameras and phones has formed in ...1 day ago
- ‘Everybody rolls their eyes’: Dame Susan Devoy’s guilty TV pleasureDame Susan Devoy takes us through her life in television, including late night ER debriefs, her proudest CTI moment and the show she watches in secret. Quite aside from her four world champion squash titles, Dame Susan Devoy will likely go down in history as one of the best Celebrity ...1 day ago
- Dunedin’s secondhand bookshops, ranked and reviewedHera Lindsay Bird reveals the best places in Ōtepoti to score more for your apocalypse-prep book hoard. Sometimes I get the feeling I’ve been killed in a car crash, and this second half of my life is just the brain unspooling itself, like one of those episodes of a hospital ...1 day ago
- Review: High Country is the ideal crime drama for a cold winter nightThreeNow’s new murder mystery series takes us on a dark, damp journey into the Australian wilderness. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. High Country is ThreeNow’s new Australian eight-part crime drama, set in a remote part of the Victorian highlands. It tells ...1 day ago
- Welcome to The WeekendIntroducing a new way to read The Spinoff every weekend. After nearly 10 years of being an online magazine, we’re finally embracing the weekend liftout. Despite our best efforts to convince you otherwise, writers and editors at The Spinoff don’t work weekend. It is through the sheer power of technology ...1 day ago
- Tips and tricks for when your therapist looks like your dadTip one: let yourself be nurtured by this big old man. Tip two: don’t ask him to adopt you. So, you’ve arrived at your first session with a new therapist. He tells you to make yourself comfortable and you opt for the tweed armchair, hoping it makes you look like ...1 day ago
- The Sunday Essay: The books that electrify and consume youI didn’t know books could open you back up; that there were books that stayed with you, where reading was like a chemical event. I knew nothing. The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand. Not too long ago, I was listening to the American ...1 day ago
- The Enhanced games, where drug use isn’t cheatingFormer Olympic swimmer James Magnussen has already started training for the Enhanced games, though says he won’t start taking performance enhancing substances until about nine months out from the competition. The Australian world champion was the first athlete to be announced by Enhanced, but he says the organisation has had ...1 day ago
- Short story: The boat in the shed, by Kyle MewburnEveryone thinks he’s dead. Every day they expect his body to be washed up along the coast. Most likely up Karitane way, the way the tide’s running. But nobody’ll be too surprised if his body’s never found. Even in death he wouldn’t have wished for such attention. He would have ...1 day ago
- USP Council votes to bring controversial VC back to FijiCouncil members voted 21 to 4 in favour of Ahluwalia returning to the Laucala campus following a much-awaited meeting in Vanuatu this week. It comes as USP and its two unions — the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the Administration and Support Staff Union ...1 day ago
- Public health expert urges govt to focus on disease preventionThe government needs to step up in the wake of a report showing a third of Kiwis have unmet health needs, Professor Boyd Swinburn says. ...2 days ago
- Figures like Andrew Tate may help spread misogyny. But they’re amplifying – not causing – the ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Henry, Professor & Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University Shutterstock Following an emergency meeting of the National Cabinet this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a raft of measures to tackle the problem ...2 days ago
- Free speech debate back on as Victoria University expands diversity on panelA perceived right-wing bias and concerns about panellist diversity have pushed Victoria University to reformat its debate. ...2 days ago
- Week in Politics: Polls, pay rises and a Green MP in troubleAnalysis - A poll showing the opposition is more popular than the government raises questions, politicians go through their 'trial by pay rise' and a Green MP loses her cool in the debating chamber. ...2 days ago
- Māori win customary title over Tokomaru Bay on East CoastThe entire stretch of Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast will be subject to a joint customary marine title for two hapū, and extending up to four miles out to sea. A High Court judge has found the two groups, who during the case settled a dispute over boundaries for ...2 days ago
- Universal’s music is returning to TikTok, ending a spat that hurt fans more than anyoneSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Hall, Lecturer, Media & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University A longstanding feud between TikTok and Universal Music Group seems to have finally reached an end, with both parties signing a deal that will see Universal-backed music returned to the social media ...2 days ago
- To tackle gendered violence, we also need to look at drugs, trauma and mental healthSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Siobhan O’Dean, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney After several highly publicised alleged murders of women in Australia, the Albanese government this week pledged more than A$925 million over five years ...2 days ago
- National raised $10.4m in donations in 2023Political parties have now fully disclosed the donations they received last year - with National getting more than double the cash of any other party. ...2 days ago
- Don't 'mistake' Pacific leaders 'quietness' on AUKUS as support for NZ'...A Pacific regionalism expert has called out New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for withholding information from the public on AUKUS military pact. ...2 days ago
- Florist says Julie Anne Genter exchange was 'massive imbalance of power'The Wellington woman says she felt degraded and humiliated after being confronted by the Green MP. ...2 days ago
- China’s new Moon mission is about to launch, and it’s a rare example of countries working togeth...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard de Grijs, Professor of Astrophysics, Macquarie University Bruno Scramgnon/Pexels All systems are “go” for tonight’s launch of China’s next step in a carefully planned lunar exploration program. Placed on top of a powerful Long March 5 rocket, the Chang’e 6 ...2 days ago
- National returned $200,000 donation day after Newsroom storyNational returned a massive donation the day after a Newsroom story linked the donors to a property being investigated for operating unlawfully as a migrant workers’ hostel. The party’s 2023 donation filings, released on Friday, show it returned a $200,000 donation from Buen Holdings on August 23. That was the ...2 days ago
- NZ slumps to 19th as RSF says press freedom threatened by global declinePacific Media Watch New Zealand has slumped to an unprecedented 19th place in the annual Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index survey released today on World Press Freedom Day — May 3. This was a drop of six places from 13th last year when it slipped out of its ...2 days ago
- Access to documents about Australia’s political history is fraught and inadequate. It needs to cha...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Political Historian and Administrator Officer, Australian Historical Association, Australian National University Australia has had its fair share of public record-keeping controversies in recent years. Some have been mere farce, as in the case of two formerly government-owned filing cabinets (containing ...2 days ago
- Greens have 'historically bad' start to the year – political scientistThe party has had faced a challenging set of circumstances over the past five months, Lara Greaves says. ...2 days ago
- HWPL Calls For Peace Amid Rising Tensions Between Israel And Iran
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a United Nations-affiliated organization dedicated to fostering peace through civilian-led initiatives, has issued a statement in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. ...2 days ago - The Friday Poem: ‘Mātou’ by Tessa KeenanA poem by Tessa Keenan, from AUP New Poets 10. Mātou These days we are a photograph; one of a farm strewn with cows that used to be bright harakeke or swamp. The kids point at it and say the sun sits behind a smudge (left by someone at Christmas); ...2 days ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending May 3The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Faber & Faber, $25) The masterful Irish writer ...2 days ago
- Marriages, Civil Unions, And Divorces: Year Ended Dec 2023Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. Key facts Marriages and civil unions In ...2 days ago
- Marriages, Civil Unions, And Divorces: Year Ended December 2023Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. ...2 days ago
- How effective are domestic violence advertising campaigns for preventing violence against women?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Waller, Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney shutterstock Cristina RasoBoluda/Shutterstock Domestic violence is a significant personal, community and social issue attracting much attention. After several recent horrific cases, media discussion, calls for a royal commission to end the violence and ...2 days ago
- Taiwan is experiencing millions of cyberattacks every day. The world should be paying attentionSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lennon Y.C. Chang, Associate Professor of Cyber Risk and Policy, Deakin University Taiwan stands out as a beacon of democracy, innovation and resilience in an increasingly autocratic region. But this is under growing threat. In recent years, China has used a variety ...2 days ago
- ‘There was life in the old girl yet’: Dame Susan Devoy on taking reality TV by stormIn this excerpt from her new memoir, Dame Susan Devoy remembers her turn as star contestant on the 2022 season of Celebrity Treasure Island. The most anxious time of every day was pre-elimination, when you knew this could be your final day on the show. I felt such contradictory emotions, ...2 days ago
- Auditor-General criticises way University of Waikato contracted Steven JoyceJohn Ryan says the University of Waikato did not invite multiple contractors and reached out to the former finance minister directly. ...2 days ago
- 'Not my first legal rodeo' – Winston Peters on defamation threatForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says he will not be cowed by threats of legal action, having received a legal letter from Bob Carr. ...2 days ago
- Can the Green Party’s holy mission survive its fallible disciples?A week that began in triumph ended in an all-too-familiar disaster for the Green Party. Duncan Greive asks if there’s something in the mission that breaks its best and brightest. A long, strange week for the Green party began with a fantastic poll result. On one level this is hardly ...2 days ago
- Vanuatu’s Kalsakau resigns, calls for delay on constitutional referendumBy Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Vanuatu’s former prime minister and opposition MP Ishmael Kalsakau has stepped down — just two days after he confirmed he was the rightful opposition leader. Kalsakau, MP for Port Vila, confirmed to ABC’s Pacific Beat, and the Vanuatu Daily Post on Thursday that he ...2 days ago
- Winston Peters gives China speech amid legal drama and AUKUS questionsThe Foreign Minister spoke about the NZ-China relationship amid lingering questions about the AUKUS security alliance . ...2 days ago
- Gone By Lunchtime: Mojo machine misfires, honeymoon cancelledWhat’s to blame for the coalition’s choppy start? Six months in, and the mojo meter is in the doldrums. A new poll would put National out of power and sees its leader, Chris Luxon, sliding in popularity. How much is it about policy, how much coalition management and a perception ...2 days ago
- The Waitangi Tribunal’s latest report is about far more than just child protectionThe striking report goes far beyond the proposed repeal of the Oranga Tamariki Act’s Treaty of Waitangi provision, and its impact should be felt far beyond the unique circumstances of the claim it addresses. Earlier this week, the Waitangi Tribunal released an interim report on the government’s proposed repeal of ...2 days ago
- Live Winston Peters gives China speech amid legal drama and AUKUS questionsThe Foreign Minister was speaking at the New Zealand China Council while questions linger about the AUKUS security alliance . ...2 days ago
- 'We weren't informed': Apprentice working on school unaware of asbestosThe Education Ministry is promising to do more about asbestos problems in schools, with tighter controls over detection and removal. ...2 days ago
- New Treasury Paper On The Productivity SlowdownThe world has been experiencing a productivity slowdown, from which New Zealand has not been exempt. COVID-19 temporarily boosted labour productivity, but more recently, productivity has retreated. The overall trend since 2007 has been one of slow productivity ...2 days ago
- The prison slushy story is back, baby, and it’s less nutritious than everWhat’s more wasteful than spending $315k on syrup and machine maintenance? Trying to drum up a controversy about it. Cast your mind back to the pre-pandemic idylls of 2019. A “rat” was a disgusting rodent and not a self-administered plague test; the sixth Labour government was in power; and the ...2 days ago
- AI can now generate entire songs on demand. What does this mean for music as we know it?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Oliver Bown, Associate Professor, UNSW Sydney PeamDesign / Shutterstock In March, we saw the launch of a “ChatGPT for music” called Suno, which uses generative AI to produce realistic songs on demand from short text prompts. A few weeks later, a ...2 days ago
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Miss Ardern … drink!
Easy for you to say, I have just started a fairly high octane home brew cider..
if it's Hoegaarden Forbidden Fruit, yes please 😛
Did you like the part when Collins out lefted Arden on house prices?..seems that Arden would rather let the country burn than see houses become affordable for our children…not even to fucking own but now, but even to rent FFS!
Also interesting to note that no media pick up on Collins support of Trumps Israeli "peace" policies …of course that is because she seems to be some sort of mad religious nutter who probably thinks it brings us closer to the rapture or something.
Jacinda sounding good when I tuned in. Glad they are being asked about covid.
but just can’t watch it! Too excruciating
Did Judthulhu pick up some debating technique tips from watching the US "debate"?
It's scarily similar…. including the static hair.
Funny you should say that Andre (3.1). I was thinking the same thing.
Judith Collins did a great repeat Trump debate performance last night. Jacinda in the main demonstrated good manners and respect towards her opposition, by allowing Collins to say her piece.
Lucky I'm not drinking every time one of them says "Paddy".
You forgot
"They think tax is love"
Opening round of hypotheticals goes to PM, as the questions have already been dealt with in the real world.
The contender in the blue corner looks rattled. Despite calling in
ThunderbirdsBorder Protection Agency.Did I just hear Collins saying Samoa closed its borders a month before NZ???
Well talofa !
In actual fact they closed a couple days after NZ
Thanks will be subject to further consideration!
Jacinda gettin the Applause : )
I like Judith's red shirt. It's great to see her supporting our next Labour government.
Significant win for JC when the PM refused to say her govt would change the law if necessary to defeat businesses rorting taxpayers, after JC said she would do that as PM – those businesses who took the wage subsidy without needing it.
Ardern seems defensive. She's trying to be authoritative, only partially succeeding. Collins is talking over her answers, Gower is allowing that to happen, Ardern's appeals for courtesy & equal time to reply are being ignored. Makes her ineffectual.
To be fair JC would not change the law to get the money back but retroactively make them rorting the current system by lying legal so they can keep the money.
The current system is based on honesty that the information they supply is true and correct to get the money out as fast as possible without a long delay checking the info supplied is true. Just because a few business are lying to them and supplying false information to get a subsidy does not mean a law change needs to be made. They just need to be charged under current law if they have knowingly supplied false information to get the subsidy instead of asked nicely to pay it back.
Judith is an ABOSULTE train wreck tonight, history is the making, this snowflake will be exposed tonight.
Go Jacinda!!!
Yep last week I was slightly afraid. This week I am full of MEH.
I would repeat a few lines every so often
If the SFO was mentioned, suggest Judith knows more about them. Ask her how many final warnings Key had placed her on before she got demoted and investigated by the SFO.
The economy, mention Goldsmiths 8 billion hole, double counting etc. Can Paul balance his cheque book?
Nationals changed it's covid border policy 5 times this year, even more than the number of times it changed leaders
subtly paint Collins as the temporary National leader until after the election. Ask Judith how many times she stood for leader before she got it. How many National MPs were consdiering bringing back Bridges when it was a choice of Collins and Gerry. How long it might be before Luxon becomes the next leader.
A few jibes at Judith to get under her skin. She is clearly thin skinned about some of this stuff.
Feilding!
We made the tele!
Go Feilding! –making history tonight
Still no moral leadership from the PM on justice for cannabis users. She wants voters to believe civil rights for oppressed minorities are irrelevant?? Or she believes that particular minority deserves to be oppressed and is happy that the others have been liberated? At least JC is blatantly closet fascist.
I didn't see it like that, so dunno what debate you're watching
Yes, I also would prefer that she come out and say it. But given the surge of "No" vote propaganda lately, and the rise in the No vote in polls, I can understand her holding back her hand, given the foolishly conservative nature of so many voting Kiwis. Better to concentrate on winning the election, and there is nothing wrong with staying neutral on either of the referenda, which are conscience votes anyway, and should therefore remain private.
Jacinda is doing the wise thing rather than what she would like to do, maybe..
How to do it the wrong way…. john key and the flag springs to mind.
Nobody should be obliged to say how they would vote, in an election, on any issue, not even on a cannabis referendum.
Agree mikesh (15.3)
Jacinda can Te Reo…Judith…not so much
The problem is have lately iso Ardern is so vague with detail when answering.
Refuses to answer yes/no questions etc.
But I guess it is just not wanting to rock the boat with the polls.
Dr shane.. drink ! lololz
Gower is bloody annoying, but in a different way from Campbell.
Collins has just targeted the health system as being racist. . . .
Personally I think Paddy is doing a brilliant job in this role.
Thought Arderns answer was basically the same.
In fact they agreed on quite a lot, though that won't make the headlines (sugary drinks, period poverty and feminism, 4 year terms, even Te Reo).
Collins criticising Big Pharma was my unexpected nodding moment.
I thought her criticism unwarranted. At some point you have to draw the line on how much the state should spend on a treatment, which may not even work.
mikesh – Put in a nutshell. We expect a lot from government that many profess to despise. Having their cake and eating it too.
Ardern's delivery & presentation has been improving steadily. Collins has eased back on her dominance/ bullying tactic and sounded genuine in acknowledging how unconscious bias in decision-makers produces racism.
"It's not age judith, it's ideology and yours is outdated."
Clapping from the audience follows
Collins has persisted in doing a standing trainwreck impression on climate change and water policy. Clueless dork syndrome and nothing else to offer.
Are the debates being biased or preframed by the location and the audience. Looks like both are studios – no Marae background for instance -and I assume those studios are in central city locations with matching audiences. Would you get a different audience make up if say one was held in Manakau with the locals out in force?.
I'd say Level 2 Covid restrictions in Akld would have a fair bit to do with their choice of location and audience size.
Which makes me wonder why they don't go to a level 1 venue somewhere else. A good bit of Auckland already has.
Maybe because that's where both leaders live?
crusher Collins? More like condescension Collins. Patronising as . Pretty weak
Have watched 30 mins of the second debate and the only thing I have taken from it is that both leaders consider that there are not enough votes to be determined by their presentations….will anyone bother with the third obligatory offering?
Par for the course.
didnt used to be….is there a future for TV leaders debates?
Would be interesting to know the viewing figures
Is there a future for the Fourth Estate in its current form?
good point
Maybe if we all hurry out and vote – so there is nothing left to vie for we might be spared the third one.
now that sounds like a plan
"What's your plan, Judith?"
Line of the night for me.
Followed by "Jeepers". And Gower's reaction.
The thing proceeded better the last couple of segments: bipartisan consensus got acknowledged on a bunch of topics. Overall, no king-hits. Collins scored the best laugh moment & probably won on points.
I'd saying judith wanting to scrap the gun register was a big hit via Paddy.
For most dimwitted swing voters, too long and they will have switched to some dumb home decoration or cooking programme. For my money, Jacinda won narrowly, but this is of no significance.
Another debate ; another host who thinks it is more about him. Paddy could at least let the person being asked a question answer it.
Judith Wong Tung has found christianity but will wipe the gun laws. Happy to work with David Seymour who is a man of principle.
More of Judith's linguistic skills on display ; plenty of "By the way" and "I'll tell you what".
Paul Goldsmith only made one error.
She admires Donald Trump's recent negotiating in the Middle East.
The audience seemed to be applauding more of Ms Ardern's statements but the panel (Trish Sherson / Mihi Forbes / ?? Pagani) thought the winner of the debate was Judith Wong Tung.
Is there really a need to call people names.
Her husband is Samoan so, talofa.
Mihirangi Forbes called it 50/50. No winner.
Josie Pagani and husband fell out with Labour around eight years ago – wanted Labour to go down the Tony Blair path. Ever since she has had it in for Labour so no surprises she picked Judith Collins.
Oh RIGHT….I had wondered about her. Never really took notice, but see now
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10847238
Pagani is another tame 'leftie' for balance when she clearly has none.
Par for the course in our MSM as it's got quite a few.
Yeah the link I put has her self described as "centre left" . Fark….
Whenever you see/hear her you know what's coming. They may as well ask any former Nat MP, the result would be similar.
I can't bring myself to watch. Its cringe TV. A solid one on one interview with identical questions would be a much better format then the obnoxious talking over each other.
It seems the winner on the night depends on what side of the political divide you are. I haven't seen one rightie claim that Jacinda won, and I haven't seen one leftie claim Judith won, (whatever a win is).
I think I will take Mihi's opinion – a draw.
If someone akshly won, we could forgo the bother and fuss of an election.
So Judith's husband is Samoan. What's your pount?
Swamp Kauri? More to this than you think?
What's your pout?
What's Codger's point?
Debates aren't really about "knockouts, winning on points" etc. That's the TV show, but it isn't what endures.
What matters is leaders being on the record, and then having to deal with that for a) the rest of the campaign and b) in government. An example would be Ardern putting abortion on the agenda in 2017. It happened because she committed to it on live TV.
By that measure, Collins gave two huge hostages to fortune. First on guns (a real vote-loser). And worse, being a cheerleader for Donald Trump. Polls show a majority of National voters don't like Trump.
She'll be asked plenty about both of those, tomorrow. Not what she wants the media coverage to be about.
Do ACT voters like guns and Trump?
You mean she was trying to win them back. Possibly, but a high price to pay.
Swing voters would have said "yeah, she can do some good gags, but a PM? No."
I think Judith is fighting a rearguard battle more than a frontal attack for the centre or swing voters. I think she’s losing on both fronts.
I would say act likes the money that follows guns(nra).
Was it Mihirangi that made the comments about the Kahui twins? Just watching Judith wallow in hyprocrisy. Nact removes the Bristol clauses but Judith wants to capitalise on the Kahui twins.
Tovea I'm over but who are the other two on the panels?
.
Of course. It is one of the nutbar constituencies that Seymour has cobbled together (reminds me of the 2005? Peter Dunne strategy).
The gun manufacturer and retailer lobby's sock puppet group leader is 3rd on the list as I remember it.
Okay I've worked out who the panel is . Tilting too the right methinks?
Collins gave the game away with the stupid flag question at the end, “why doesn’t Miss Ardern take it to a referendum, it worked so well last time.” You mean after the election Judith when she’s still prime minister?
History trivia question: is that the first time a PM has been addressed as "dear" in a debate?
Collins seems to think this line of condescension works (see also: "poor wee thing", "Miss Ardern" etc). I'm sure it appeals to the echo chamber of blokes who dismiss "Cindy". But that's a small minority of voters.
I don't think Collins possesses the self-awareness required to realise when she's being an obvious ass. She seems to think her pathological smart-arsery is witty and clever, when it just makes her look petty and childish. Still… plays well with a certain demographic no doubt.
Agree, but most of those numpties will have stopped watching long ago. She may claim another victory, but it will be a Pyrrhic one, which I doubt she would understand
Others here have mentioned that Collins is becoming more ‘Muldoon-like‘ by the day. I wonder, will the final leaders' debate (on TV1 in two weeks time) end with an ‘I love you Miss Ardern‘ moment? I do hope so.
https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/the-1984-leaders-debate-1984
The debates are just slick posturing and showmanship, a joke show insulting to NZers intelligence as it pretends to advance informed voting choices.
What was new learnings tonight? Nothing.
Except pre debate Tova pointed out Natz Nicola Willis sitting in the Undecided block of seats in the studio audience.
Judith's still pushing her brand new 'I've found God' personna, that perverse revelation again tonight on tv3.
" As a Christian, I do actually believe in miracles but that ain't going to be one of them."
Judith with these and her comments on Hagar meeting the maker, was appealing to her righteous, voter base. There's that underlying seditious message similar to Trump's 'supremacist' hate tactics over time. " A vote to the other party is a threat to Christians ….. and so on."
Crusher has memory loss of neo-lib impacts, she must be an Old Testament follower of brimstone breath and ripping out eyes
retalliation techniques.
Judith trying to portray her innocence in her dirty politics relationship to Slater, Trump claiming innocence of tax evasion today in debate, Judith's ridiculous truck driver cap in winter another similarity…
I feel there is more debauched americanism as an influence in this NZ election.
Today in the US debate Trump was challenged about his white supremacist supporters during his shouty time with Joe Biden.
But when asked to denounce the far-right group "Proud Boys" by name, he said: "Stand back and stand by." That deflection tactic Judith uses.
A Proud Boys member must declare that he is "a Western chauvinist who refuses to apologise for creating the modern world" and has to wear a MAGA hat
https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-53018201
In a Trump manner Collin's re-colours the history of colonialism and deflects from answering issues… my husband is Samoan…, ' ' ' Is there something wrong with me being white?’ Collins twisting out of race relations questions at that time.
This year on The Hui, Collins said she'll "never apologise" for being who she is when questioned over her comments during a hearing of Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee.
Judith reacted to questions by Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey about Treaty partnership and Government procurement.
"Oh Jesus Christ, stupid questions," Collins said. Blasphemous Judith…
The committee chair – Labour's Deborah Russell – called that "a 'white girl comment' – crikey".
"Oh no," replied Collins. "It's actually someone who is utterly sick of being demonised for my ethnicity, thank you very much." That narcissistic turning of issues to be about herself.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/judith-collins-fires-back-at-critics-over-white-comments.html
Collins over weeks is moving away from a centrist position, dumping 'greening' policies – ' money for private Rio Tinto but NEVER for fixing injustice at Ihumatao' . Seymour for deputy PM would be excellent she feels . Collin's has dumped the tyrant softening baby blue jacket for Thatcher threads . Overtalking brashly, taking dog- shots ,Trump like in debate. It's not coincidental this week's old Judith styling herself as proud of her neo-lib inequality legacy and a proud christian and white girl.
Does anyone think it's fair to send someone to jail for three years, if he/she hasn't committed a crime, but simply for refusing to shop in a family member. It's not desirable that a guilty person should get off scot free, but it's not the end of the world.
It was the end of the world for that small human being and many more. How long do you want to turn a blind eye to our disgusting baby murdering stastistics?
Who's turning a blind eye. I'm pretty sure the police do their best to find out who the guilty party is, and prosecute. If they draw a blank, that of course is tragic. But does it justify sending someone to jail if he/she refuses to shop in a family member. It certainly doesn't in other situations.
Judith was simply pandering for votes by playing on people's emotions.
Three years – millions in fraud doesn't get that does it? It's a gotta show these low-lives who's boss thing I think. Which they already know and resent like hell being hassled.
Mihingarangi Forbes saying the debate was split and supporters will say their side won. Then the two muppets that followed her both said judith won. Tory hacks are so blatant these days.
Is it just me, or is anyone else over the rabid anti-intellectualism from the post debate female commentators on TV1 and TV3?
Never listen to the paid shills personally, most pass themselves off as objective commentators, however they're all part of manufacturing consent and meme pushing. That's why they're there.
People need to see it for what it is, 2 leaders of major parties wooing swinging voters.
Jude's needs to prevent them leaking elsewhere on the right, Jacinda just keeps it steady knowing the polls and her opposite's polarising nature shattering that sides vote to ACT etc.
Here's a clip from the leaders' debate, 1987:
https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/35680/party-leaders-debate-1987
Who "won the game" in 87? What did media talking heads reckon? Nobody cares today.
As mentioned, it's not the delivery of the lines, it's the content of the lines. What was promised is what matters. It's been put on the agenda. In this case, electoral reform.
Lange didn't follow up, but Bolger did. So 33 years later, we'll be voting in an MMP election.
What will endure, after last night's debate? My pick: Ardern's commitment to declare a climate emergency. It seemed to be off the cuff, but it's there now, can't be unsaid. So maybe the Greens were the real winners last night.
Agreed Observer…..I'm assuming (can't be bothered to look it up) that Judith and friends and Winston and friends prevented the CC Emergency being declared in the vote in parliament. For this reason alone it will be good to see these dinosaurs leave the house after Jacinda and James form their coalition.
The debate will have pushed young people's votes to the Greens on the cannabis issue because of Jacinda's refusal to say how she will vote and Judith's whipping of her entire caucus to vote No.
This is why Joe Rogan (love or hate him) has been so successful; the does the exact opposite of these debate formats.
I'm sorry, but, what are you on about?
I've never seen or heard anyone so blatantly and obviously make absolutely everything about him in the way Rogan consistently does. Which has been a consistent criticism of both debates thus far.
Rogan is not an interviwer in the conventional media sense. He's having a conversation with his guest, a human interaction where both people get to build on each other's idea's and experiences. As a result you get these fascinating discussions that go on often up to 3hrs. And when they end people, far from being bored, still want more.
So yes Rogan put's himself into it in a way that you don't see in the msm. And that's because he's not trying to do what they do, and he's hit on a formula that demonstrably works. Of course now he's become competition, the smear and hit jobs will ramp up.
It's not a smear or hit job to point out that Rogan is apparently quite happy for his platform to be co-opted by genuinely vile human beings seeking signal boost their racism, misogyny, and/or qanon-adjacent conspiracy theories.
Within the 'interview' sub-genre of podcasts he's often classified, the closest analogue to what Rogan does is Marc Maron. Maron is far more engaging as a host and demonstrates a level of research into why his guests are there than Rogan ever has.
Rogan has had a very wide range of guests. There will always be someone to hate on.
Rogan always manages to be the bigger bore.
Why am I not surprised your superior intellect would find the most popular podcaster of all time to be utterly beneath you.
So many ordinary people who like him … distasteful eh?
we suck
That Right to Silence thing? Which person would you prosecute? How would you know if they knew anything or nothing?
Sounds good to prosecute people on behalf of those poor little kids, but how and who?
Where there is a will, there is a way.
Prosecuting Catholic bishops who knew about priests sexually abusing children and did nothing, or worse covered it up, would be a great start.
Just prosecute anyone. Anyone will do. And if it sticks, job done. If it doesn't, at least we've had a go so still job done. Easy.
But yes, how is the question. So if someone refuses to talk are they convicted of refusing to talk? Is the penalty the same as if they’re convicted of the crime like refusing a blood test when suspected of drink-driving?
I don’t know how removing the right to silence in oveseas jurisdictions hasn’t worked, as Ardern said last night, but my guess is that you simply cannot properly enforce the crime of refusing to speak unless the penalty is the same as being convicted of the crime you’re being questioned about.
There used to be a phrase 'you have the right to remain silent'.
I don't like her, I won't vote for her but I feel JC won this round. She's a battler alright.
But no – still no National vote from me.
https://youtu.be/DoJVJpTruzg
Why are the commentators saying collins "won"? Why can't people see she's a proper psychopath? I must be the only crazy one who believes this.
Finally, proof collins is insane: she feels the need to deny it!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300121396/election-2020-judith-collins-rules-out-coalition-with-advance-nz-because-im-not-insane
They are a natural fit. Advance NZ are very close in ideology and policy to National. Both are pandemic deniers who want to open the border and Jamie Lee Ross is born and bred National Party.
Collins certainly won the smarmy, smugness, prize again, a real natural.
Much is being made of Judith's Trumpian tone. I wonder what Professor Flynn thinks. Wish I could remember more of his lecture on Hobbes. Leviathan anyone?
CNN noticed that we did a far better and more useful political debate while the USA was making a complete hash of theirs.
"Hours after United States President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden tore strips off each other before a horrified global television audience, a very different exchange played out on the other side of the Pacific.
Two women, a combined 50 years younger than the gray-haired men vying for the US presidency, were having a comparatively civil debate about the future leadership of New Zealand.
In front of an audience far smaller than the millions that tuned in worldwide for the US debate Tuesday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and opposition leader Judith Collins clashed and argued, but also laughed and complimented each other.
As Trump and Biden fought for air time, talking over the top of each other and the moderator, Ardern and Collins were reasonably polite. Even some of the questions from moderator Patrick Gower gave an impression of a kinder, gentler polity across the Pacific."
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/01/asia/new-zealand-ardern-trump-election-debate-intl-hnk/index.html
I think we should be glad debates are pretty irrelevant in this race, as – with the best will possible – I'd score it 2-0 to Collins at this point. She's far better at it than Ardern, who often seems flustered, reactive and can't get her ideas out in a pithy soundbite. Also, she has to run on her government's record which – other than the whole Saving the Nation thing – is pretty ropey.
Of course, being good at a debate is not really an essential skill for being PM. But I'm glad there is a 20% gap between the parties, not a 2% one.