Luxon’s latest gaffes
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9:48 am, August 4th, 2022 - 57 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, class, Economy, politicans, uncategorized, unemployment, welfare -
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I can see this being a regular post. And it does appear that Christopher Luxon’s honeymoon is well and truly over and many Kiwis are realising that he is lacking in substance.
And it seems lately that every time he opens his mouth it is for the purpose of changing which foot is in it.
Hot on his confusion of Hawaii with Te Puke he has dropped a couple of new clangers.
First up he back tracked on his promise to increase health funding by more than the rate of inflation.
From Ireland Hendry Tennent at Newshub:
National leader Christopher Luxon has backtracked on his promise to match healthcare funding to inflation if elected despite repeated assurances his party would.
Luxon previously committed to at a minimum increasing health funding to keep pace with inflation.
When asked by AM co-host Ryan Bridge last month whether he would commit to keeping health spending in pace with inflation, Luxon said “absolutely”.
But his promise was thrown into question when National’s finance spokesperson and Deputy Leader Nicola Willis told Q&A on Sunday it was “undecided” whether the party’s health funding would match inflation.
Speaking with AM on Wednesday, Luxon repeatedly re-confirmed his promise before backflipping at the last moment.
“We are going to increase the health and education Budget each and every year that we are in Government,” Luxon initially said on Wednesday.
When asked whether Willis’ comments on Q&A were then wrong, Luxon said they were both right before suggesting some years funding wouldn’t actually keep pace with inflation.
“We’re both right, we’re both going to make sure we increase our funding on health and education,” he said.
“I can tell you for many years it will probably be ahead of inflation, some years it might be behind but over the long run we are going to be increasing health and education consistently each and every year that we are in Government. So people shouldn’t be concerned about that.”
He then “clarified” his earlier comment by backtracking furiously:
National leader Christopher Luxon has clarified a government he leads will increase health and education spending “by the amount of inflation” after he appeared to backtrack on the promise.
His comments on AM on Wednesday morning – that suggested he was walking back a commitment to peg spending to inflation – were described as “concerning” by Labour’s Chris Hipkins and received criticism from unions.
“As a minimum, our health and education spending will be increasing by the amount of inflation going forward in our government,” Luxon told reporters later in the afternoon.
Backtracking from a backtrack deserves its own special name.
He then reinforced his earlier bottom feeder comment and his class prejudice by saying that people are not going to get rich sitting on welfare.
He also got his figures completely wrong. From Radio New Zealand:
“I think what’s more disturbing … is you’ve got 50,000 more people on a Job Seeker benefit, that’s a short-term benefit to accompany, help people through a job transition.”
The benefit numbers for the year at the end of June showed a 9.7 percent decrease in work-ready people on Job Seeker support compared to the previous year.
That was 100,086 people, about 60 percent higher than the 63,030 when Labour took office in 2017 but down from the peak 2020 year when the number was 123,966 people.
Perhaps most disturbingly he wants to remove unemployment as a consideration for the Reserve Bank and wants to focus solely on inflation. Mass unemployment and downward pressure on wages is a perfect solution for inflation.
His current default face expression is a scowl. National must be really worried.
Update: and just like this there is more shambolic policy making. National has now dropped its tax cut plans. So why would a right winger vote for them?
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All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
The Government has used its final post-Cabinet press conference of the year to punch down on local government without offering any credible solutions to the issues our councils are facing. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...6 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...6 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
The Green Party is appalled with the Government’s new child poverty targets that are based on a new ‘persistent poverty’ measure that could be met even with an increase in child poverty. ...1 week ago
- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
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- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
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- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
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- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
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- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
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- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
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- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
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- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
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- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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"Willis, Stanford come across well".
Don't see it Anker. Neither of them impress me. National breeds nasties of both genders.
Luxon is in real trouble now. Even Farrar's buddies at the Taxpayers' Onion have turned on him.
(note: I would not normally link to that nasty bunch, but this is a tweet and you can decide for yourselves if you want to go there)
https://twitter.com/TaxpayersUnion/status/1554947702299009025
Excerpt:
"Time for National to stand for something.
The Taxpayers’ Union is slamming the National Party for jettisoning one of its very few policies: income tax relief.
“Backing down from their income tax reduction policy after copping a hard time from other parties demonstrates how quickly Christopher Luxon is willing to cave under a bit of pressure.”
Ouch.
Well they are all over the place because it was the Taxpayers Union's political arm, the ACT Party, which criticised National's tax cuts and spending as to inflationary.
The right seem to be in total disarray. Long may it continue.
Well, that fits in nicely with his bottom feeding comment doesn't it.
It might sound trivial but I am suspicious when I hear a politician talk about "going forward" from whatever… but rarely states clearly – if at all – what we are going forward to.
"People are not going to get rich sitting on Welfare"
So, in Luxon's eyes getting rich is the be all and end all of life? Most of us just want enough to be able to live a comfortable existence for ourselves, family and friends. What a truly sad outlook.
The frequently fatuous "going forward" has spread far and wide – stay sceptical.
"People are not going to get rich sitting on Welfare"
Strange comment from an idiot who is being paid by the Government – one could argue that all politicians are on welfare.
@ Christopher Randal (3.2) That's true … in other words State Dependants.
Look at one Paula Bennett (Nat) for instance, up until she grabbed her money and retired from Parliament, most of her adult life was spent as a State Dependant! The ultimate "bottom feeder", one might say!
Will he last to election?
Willis crossing the boss is noticeable.
35% just isn't enough to win.
Year the acid test of polling. That Roy Morgan drop must have hurt. It might be Roy Morgan but it does match the incredulity I am sensing with Luxon's poor performance/
Do you think he has ever performed well?
Initially he was mixed. Recently he has had a shocker.
He’s flustered and still jetlagged from his trip to Te Puke.
😀
the walk to his Limo at TePuke terminal,is liken to a marathon.
Incognito (4.1.1.1.1) … Yes, I guess travelling first class to Te Puke does have a debilitating effect on one.
If 35% isn't enough what would you say about a party that is on 34%?
Will you start emulating Private Frazer and begin announcing "We're doomed"?
Labour has good options and proven poll upside. Sure Labour loses about 12 generally lightweight MPs boo hoo.
National can't get Greens or Te Maori.
Only Labour will form government next year.
Not my call but judging by past experience of National's caucus yes.
A number of years ago a moderator/commentator named Blip compiled a quite extensive list of Key's lies.
Perhaps it's time, Micky, for someone to do the same for Luxon's many gaffes?
I have been thinking of it but we want him to hang around as leader …
An English#2 / Collins-length leadership would be all too brief, imho.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leader_of_the_New_Zealand_National_Party
We wanted Collins to stay too- she who replaced Reti who replaced Muller who replaced Kaye who replaced Bridges who replaced English way back in 2018. For Willis to come in would be 5 Leaders (and two temps) in 4 years. Not even the Nats would do that, would they?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leader_of_the_New_Zealand_National_Party#List_of_leaders
A backtrack on a backtrack needs it’s own name?Hhmm…would be called a CLuxon per chance?
A fusterCluxon?
And now we have a reversal of the clarification of the backtrack of the proposal of the commitment of the …
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2208/S00047/our-mistake-christopher-luxon-still-committed-to-indexation.htm
Note that this to-ing and fro-ing and general chaos is happening through proxies. Luxon has gone to ground and is not saying anything in person. Presumably because if he finds a camera and actually speaks … it only gets worse.
How did this guy ever 'run' an airline?
Many businesses are actually 'run' by operations folk lower down the hierarchy. The good ones know that the real art is in stopping the boss doing anything too stupid, while appearing not to be doing that by allowing the boss to 'take ownership' of the actually viable thing they converted his/her delusions into.
Yes AB,
Have there been any comments, leaks from air nz re Luxon idiocy while Ceo?
@ dv (7.1) … an airline which relied on government (bottom feeding) handouts!
A double-Cluxon?
I think Luxon has, in saying that he saw the Job Seeker Benefit as a short term transition benefit, indicated where he intends to take policy (though I suspect limiting support as per the American model – which includes faith based providers – is intended to be hidden and revealed as part of a NACT coalition agreement).
That, when combined with removing unemployment from the RB Act and higher levels of immigration, is of a design to drive down wage levels. It will however require spending on police and prisons.
Oh my – It seems that Luxon flip-flops more than a centipede wearing jandals.
Luxon doesn't know his arse from his elbow, but he's the best National has got by all accounts. Come back Simon all is forgiven.
Babbling clown with a few fixed, predictable ideas going round and round in his head trying to find a vacuous phrase to wrap themselves in. It won't matter though because voters don't notice or care because he seems like an OK friendly sort of bloke.
Great to see Hipkins in straight attack mode.
He's a better forward than Sam Cane.
He's always in attack mode. Unfortunately he doesn't care whether he's attacking the opposition, disobedient members of his own party, or members of the public who dare to criticise his government.
He's the nastiest little worm nz politics has ever seen, and no-one who has met him will be surprised if some day in the future he gets locked up for assaulting a prostitute or throwing a cat from a moving vehicle.
[Banned for 6 months for slanderous insinuations about misogynous violence and animal torture. The site’s Policy clearly states that even ‘jests’ about violence will be met with “a no-tolerance humourless response as the only possible response” from Mods – Incognito]
I would be slightly kinder and suggest that Hipkins is 100% pure politician; every sentence is tooled and turned. Come the election that attack capacity comes in handy.
He must be the number one prospect to replace JA when she decides to go.
If it was a Tory cat I would at least expect an investigation into who was funding it's cat food before I came to judgement.
Mod note
Hipkins is by far the best performing Labour MP which is why he has become Mr Fixit. Although saying that, they have not set the bar very high.
Having problems promising things about future budgets? Being made to look bad by his finance spokesperson?
He might be good at mid level corporate boardroom stuff but what politician in their right mind thinks this is a good thing to say?
Totally out of touch.
Well, what can you expect from a toilet cleaner salesman?
Muller 2.0 seems a prime example of the Peter Principle in action.
There's a rather large supposition in that statement, “You’re not going to get rich sitting on welfare”, which philosophers have discussed for ever- who wants to 'get rich', and why?
One of the differences in humanity that actually is important as to how we live, how we treat others and how we allow others to be treated.
I took it to mean as well the Tory prejudicial view that people are creaming it on welfare. An extension of the having babies to get DPB. The lifestyle choice.
This is the excuse not to lift benefits further – roof painting anyone, under the table payments.
The workers produce milk, those on benefit are getting the cream.
As in : What an……
Well Clustopher…..seems to not do soundbites. His go-to is Brain Farts : )
You will get rich as a multiple property owner, regardless of whether you work or not.
And you won't pay much tax either, not CGT, not wealth and not estate, nor gift duty.
Crikey Hooten doesn't hold back on Luxon this morning in the Herald.
Still could be worse. You could fire your leader, give him no support, make him re-apply, and have him come back unopposed. Top work Greens.
Now Shaw looks stronger than ever. Invincible, really.
Green activists got the opposite of what was intended.
Amen to that. James Shaw was the reason I voted for the Greens last time around.
It's got to be most elegant shutdown / correction / reconciliation of a party faction in NZ history.
If only the National Party was able to deal with it's internal divisions with similar grace….
It'll never happen in a party of wanna-be alphas.
Where's iPredict when you need it. Books on incumbent tenure and possible replacement would be interesting.
None of this will matter a hoot if sufficient shallow-brains decide they've seen enough of Jacinda and fancy a change – any change.
When (if) it comes to Luxon and Adern on a leader's debate during the next election campaign Jacinda will run circles around Chris because she is so much better at this kind of thing. National will have to have some pretty sound policies to burst Labour's bubble – just counting on the anti-Labour vote will ultimately not be enough – but we haven't as yet seen what National actually stand for.