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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- Another ‘Stolen Generation’ enabled by court ruling on Waitangi Tribunal summonsTonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Budget blunder shows Nicola Willis could cut recovery fundingIt appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...2 weeks ago
- Further environmental mismanagement on the cardsThe Government’s resource management reforms will add to the heavy and ever-growing burden this Government is loading on to our environment. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: RMA changes will be a disaster for environmentThe Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports urgent changes to emergency management systemLabour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls for New Zealand to recognise PalestineThe Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Three strikes law political posturing of worst kindThe Government is bringing back a law that has little evidential backing just to look tough, Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts unbelievably target child exploitation, violent extremism, ports and airpor...Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...2 weeks ago
- Three strikes has failed before and will fail againResurrecting the archaic three-strikes legislation is an unwelcome return to a failed American-style approach to justice. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Environmental protection vital, not ‘onerous’The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Ferris – Three Strikes targets those ‘too brown to be white’The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt cuts doctors and nurses in hiring freezeCuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...3 weeks ago
- Fast-track submissions period must be extendedThe Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Progress on climate will be undone by GovtNew Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...3 weeks ago
- Low gas production threatens energy security
There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...54 mins ago - Defence industry talent, commitment recognisedDefence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...10 hours ago
- Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for IndustryWelcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...10 hours ago
- Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data SummitIt is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government. I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...11 hours ago
- Ceasefire agreement needed now: PetersNew Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...17 hours ago
- Daily school attendance data now availableA new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...17 hours ago
- Ambassador to United States appointedForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America. “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says. “New Zealand and the United States have a ...20 hours ago
- New permit proposed for recreational gold miningThe Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...21 hours ago
- NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiationsMinister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...1 day ago
- New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to signNew Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...1 day ago
- Next stop NASA for New Zealand studentsSix tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...2 days ago
- $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crimeNew Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...2 days ago
- OECD reinforces need to control spendingThe OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli. ...2 days ago
- Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for AucklandThe Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...3 days ago
- Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with GermanyForeign 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 ...4 days 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 ...5 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 ...5 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. ...5 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 ...6 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 ...6 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’ ...6 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 ...6 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 ...6 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 ...7 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. ...7 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 ...7 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 ...7 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. ...7 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 ...7 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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). ...1 week 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 ...1 week 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 ...1 week ago
- Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey sought advice on ‘social impact bonds’ to fund services
Ministers have sought advice on 'social impact bonds', which offer a potential return on private investment in public services. ...34 mins ago - Managed retreat: How do we get out of the way of climate change?"Ad hoc" house buyouts after major disasters cannot continue, the Climate Change Minister says. ...34 mins ago
- Rules for property managers are scrapped. But what’s the worst that could happen?
Stories from the tenancy trenches, featuring spider infestations, cupboard rats and same-sex discrimination. Lucy’s brother was living in a damp 1930s building in Mt Eden where “he had to tie the cupboard doors closed so the rats didn’t get in”. Although he shared custody of his six-year-old son, his property ...43 mins ago - Explainer: What’s the deal with Auckland’s new water deal?Simeon Brown, Chris Luxon, and Wayne Brown climbed into a hole and announced a plan to solve Auckland’s water woes. This is how it’ll work. New Zealand’s pipes are munted. They’re cracked and leaking, and struggling to handle all the extra poos excreted by our rising population. It’s a big, ...53 mins ago
- ‘We didn’t behave very well in NZ’, says Wakefield heir
I knew Taika Waititi quite well when he was a kid. His mother lived in a tall narrow house in Aro St, and my youngest sister had a similar house two doors along. They were both single mums, they each had a son aged seven. Taika and my nephew Stepan ...54 mins ago - Govt risks another Havelock North by undoing water protectionsOpinion: “As time passes, knowledge of the circumstances of the August 2016 outbreak will fade and its immediate impact will be lost.” This statement is from the 2017 report of the Official Inquiry into the Havelock North campylobacteriosis outbreak. The then National-led government established the inquiry after the outbreak left ...54 mins ago
- Where to next for the Aukus ruckus?Opinion: Nicholas Khoo looks at two key points in the high-stakes foreign policy pact debate – and asks if NZ can engage with as little drama as possible. The post Where to next for the Aukus ruckus? appeared first on Newsroom. ...54 mins ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 8 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 8 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...54 mins ago
- ‘Think fast and act slowly’ is failing big projectsOpinion: ‘Reference-class forecasting’ is at the heart of improving pricing a project and identifying the expected timeframe but it doesn’t appear to be in use here The post ‘Think fast and act slowly’ is failing big projects appeared first on Newsroom. ...54 mins ago
- A controversial driving exam – put to the testWhat do a sombrero in Argentina and cognitive driving tests have in common? Don’t worry, we’re not setting up a bad joke. Hinengaro Clinic dementia clinician Gregory Winkelman has the answer on today’s episode of The Detail. “We ask a patient’s spouse or son or daughter: If you went to ...54 mins ago
- A long road back to a very long jumpWellington long jumper Phoebe Edwards is back and she’s having fun again. Until this year, Edwards, a top athlete in her teens, had never competed as a senior athlete in New Zealand. In March, the 26-year-old won a national long jump title in a lifetime best of 6.28m after ...54 mins ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 8 MayThe post Daily crossword, Wednesday 8 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...54 mins ago
- Persistent Green Party scandals delay caucus resetAfter replacing a fifth of their caucus in just four months, the Greens’ opportunity to reset, reshuffle and refocus on the Government is quickly slipping away The post Persistent Green Party scandals delay caucus reset appeared first on Newsroom. ...54 mins ago
- From Gallipoli to Gaza: remembering the Anzacs not as a ‘coming of age’ tale but as a lesson for...
ANALYSIS: By Olli Hellmann, University of Waikato When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day today on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also to mark a defining event for national identity. The battle of Gallipoli against ...4 hours ago - NZ local council calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza as strikes hitBy Robin Martin, RNZ News reporter A New Zealand local authority, Whanganui District Council, has passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemnation of all acts of violence and terror against civilians on both sides of the conflict and the immediate return of hostages. It comes as ...5 hours ago
- End this ‘cruel, barbaric use of force’ on Gaza – WILPF plea to NZAsia Pacific Report The Aotearoa chapter of the Women’s International league for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) has appealed to the New Zealand government to call out Israel over the “cruel and barbaric use of force” in Gaza and demand a permanent ceasefire. The league’s open letter was sent to Prime ...5 hours ago
- Albanese government to invest $566 million for ‘generational’ mapping to promote resource explor...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government will invest $566 million over a decade on data, maps and other tools to promote exploration and development in Australia’s resources industry. The project will fund “the first comprehensive map of what’s ...5 hours ago
- Prison spending: Waikeria to have capacity for nearly 2000 bedsThe government has clarified just how many beds the Waikato prison will get after a series of maths gaffes - 455, 600, 810 or 1865? ...7 hours ago
- ‘Repair colonial violence’ and support Gaza ceasefire, say Otago academicsAsia Pacific Report Following an open letter by Auckland University academics speaking out in support of their students’ right to protest against the genocidal Israeli war on Gaza, a group of academics at Otago University have today also called on New Zealand academic institutions to “repair colonial violence” and end ...9 hours ago
- Expelling students for bad behaviour seems like the obvious solution, but is it really a good idea?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda J. Graham, Professor and Director of the Centre for Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Ryan Tauss/ Unsplash, CC BY Two male students have been expelled from a Melbourne private school for their involvement in a list ranking female students. ...9 hours ago
- Green MP Julie Anne Genter responds after behaviour in the House, florist's accusations"I can do better," she says, acknowledging the need to work on her de-escalation strategy. ...10 hours ago
- If the RBA’s right, interest rates may not fall for another year. Here’s why – and what it mea...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University The Reserve Bank is now assuming Australians will see no interest rate cuts this year – and quite possibly none before the next federal election, due next May. That’s ...10 hours ago
- ‘Eye watering’ spending, growing debt make up surprisingly generous Victorian state budgetSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University The Victorian budget offered more of the same on Tuesday, with the only change being how the budget papers were packaged. The usual shrink wrap was gone, hinting at savings in the pages ...10 hours ago
- Budgeting service cuts: 'It's like watching a train derail'With some services facing closure after missing out on the latest government funding, there are for some of NZ's most vulnerable. ...10 hours ago
- Coalition demands amendments to government’s deportation bill, as crucial High Court judgement set...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Coalition is demanding extensive amendments to the government’s legislation targeting non-citizens who refuse to co-operate with their removal. In a dissenting report to the senate inquiry into the legislation, the Coalition says it ...10 hours ago
- MP's comments 'bang on' despite negative response from other parties – Te Pāti...Te Pāti Māori is standing by comments made by MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi which other parties have called inflammatory and offensive. ...13 hours ago
- A story of trauma, hope and regaining control, Nayika: A Dancing Girl is soul-stirring dance theatreSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanita Yadav, Senior Research Fellow, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Brett Boardman/Belvoir The complex and grappling issue of violence against women takes centre stage in the soul-stirring solo dance drama Nayika: A Dancing Girl. During a dinner conversation ...13 hours ago
- 'Pretty dire' situation for patients as junior doctors strike over pay cutsDisruption to patient care from a nationwide junior doctors strike is bordering on unsafe, a senior doctor claims, despite what health officials say. ...14 hours ago
- How does the drug abemaciclib treat breast cancer?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Ground Picture/Shutterstock The anti-cancer drug abemaciclib (also known as Vernezio) has this month been added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat certain ...14 hours ago
- How a filmmaker, a pile of old shells and a bunch of amateurs are bringing our oyster reefs backSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dominic McAfee, Postdoctoral researcher, marine ecology, University of Adelaide Robbie Porter, OzFish Unlimited Around Australia, hundreds of people are coming together to help a once-prized, but decimated and largely forgotten marine ecosystem. They’re busy restoring Australia’s native oyster and mussel reefs. ...14 hours ago
- Official 2023 election result final check done in a few hours, under extreme pressureThe rushed assessment, which failed to identify multiple errors in the official results, would normally take two days. ...15 hours ago
- Curious Kids: what stops meteors hitting Earth and hurting people?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology Austin Human/Unsplash How does Earth stop meteors from hitting Earth and hurting people? –Asher, 6 years 11 months, New South Wales Alright, let’s embark on a meteor ...15 hours ago
- From pride rounds to rainbow guernseys, sports can be smarter when it comes to diversity and inclusi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rory Mulcahy, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of the Sunshine Coast Professional sports organisations regularly promote and develop initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion. While sport has the power to change attitudes by sparking conversations about political issues and social ...15 hours ago
- Grand designs? Why many Australian architects say their career makes them unhappySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Naomi Stead, Director of the Design and Creative Practice Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT, RMIT University SORN340 Studio Images/Shutterstock For years there have been suggestions of widespread poor wellbeing among architects. In many ways this is not surprising. It’s well established the ...15 hours ago
- Don’t embarrass the bossComment: The weekly Monday post-Cabinet press conference is a useful forum for observing Christopher Luxon and how he is developing into the job of Prime Minister. He attempts to convey the impression of a man of action, speaking fast, delivering memorised National Party strategies in a connect-the-slogans kind of way, ...15 hours ago
- Green MP Julie Anne Genter referred to Privileges CommitteeGerry Brownlee referred her to the Privileges Committee over complaints about her behaviour in the House. ...16 hours ago
- Six telling tidbits from the review of vote-counting errors at the 2023 electionDouble votes, missing ballot boxes, tired tech and stressed staff: how tick-tallying went astray at last year’s election. Cast your mind back to November 2023, that bleary-eyed post-election period during which we waited, and waited, for a coalition deal to be hammered out. A distraction from the hotel-hopping of our ...16 hours ago
- Government begins weekly reporting of school attendance figuresSchools should aim to have 94 percent of their pupils in class every day, David Seymour says. ...16 hours ago
- A ‘blistering’ ‘tour de force’: Australia loves After the Party tooInternational audiences are starting to discover what New Zealand already knew about After the Party. When After the Party aired in New Zealand last year, the response was fast and furious. In his preview for Rec Room, Duncan Greive said it was a “gritty, wrenching and highly confronting” series. By ...16 hours ago
- Iran is gaining credibility in the Muslim world and feeling emboldened. This doesn’t bode well for...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor of the Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), and Acting Director the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University Iran’s leadership has been a direct beneficiary of the months-long war in Gaza. With every missile that Israel fires ...17 hours ago
- ‘Uncanny notes that plague this place’: Hagstone by Sinéad Gleeson, reviewedClaire Mabey reviews the haunting and sexy debut novel from Sinéad Gleeson, who is about to touch down in Aotearoa for a string of live events. When Irish writer Sinéad Gleeson was in Aotearoa in 2018 with her spectacular collection of essays, Constellations, she told me she was working on ...17 hours ago
- Bougainville ‘other avenues’ report ‘sensationalised’, claims MakibaPNG Post-Courier Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba has described the Post-Courier’s front page story yesterday regarding a meeting between Bougainville and national government leaders as “sensationalised” and without substance. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (AGB) had warned it might use “other avenues to gain its independence” should the PNG government “continue ...18 hours ago
- Government on track for increased deficit despite fall in spending – TreasuryThe government books are worsening as a fall in tax outpaces cuts to spending, leaving it on course to post a sizable deficit. ...18 hours ago
- Luxon and Mitchell weren’t mixed up, they were using girl mathsWhere some saw the worst press conference given by the government to date, Anna Rawhiti-Connell recognised girl maths game. Nicola Willis, recently exasperated by comparisons to Ruth Richardson, said she was “a bit sick of being compared with every female finance minister that’s ever been out there.” Some think that’s ...19 hours ago
- Interim Financial Statements Of The Government Of New Zealand For The Nine Months Ended 31 March 20...
The March results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2023 (HYEFU 2023), published on 20 December 2023 and the results for the same period for the previous year. ...19 hours ago - NZ First MP Jamie Arbuckle, who wanted to keep his pay as councillor pay too, changes his mindJamie Arbuckle, the district councillor who became an MP but decided to keep getting paid for both roles, will instead donate one salary to charity. ...19 hours ago
- Jamie Arbuckle MP – Re: My Position As Marlborough District CouncillorThis is my fifth term as a Marlborough District Councillor, I am passionate about local issues, and I will continue to work hard for my community. ...19 hours ago
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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.