Luxon’s little experiment
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11:32 am, February 12th, 2023 - 30 comments
Categories: chris hipkins, Christopher Luxon, labour, Maori Issues, maori party, national, same old national, treaty settlements -
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It is really difficult trying to appear to be Prime Minister material and inclusive and to appeal to racists at the same time.
Christopher Luxon this week has shown how difficult it is.
Waitangi day has now been and gone but it pays to reflect on what he said, using cards, so that his words were uttered accurately, he made soothing noises but then described Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a little experiment. He backed this up by repeating a Don Brash policy and said there should be full and final treaty settlements by 2030.
Then on Waitangi Day, the day that historically Labour cooked everyone breakfast Luxon did something peculiarly National like. He went and had breakfast at the Takapuna boat Club.
By contrast Chris Hipkins managed to be at the dawn service at Waitangi and then be at West Auckland to celebrate Waitangi at Waititi, an event organised by John Tamihere’s Waipareira Trust and Hoani Waiti Marae. The two organisations have very strong and deep links with the Maori Party. The mutual respect between Tamihere and Hipkins was clearly strong.
Luxon then had to perform yet another U turn on what he had earlier said.
From Radio New Zealand:
One part of Luxon’s speech … caused some controversy: “We started on the 6th of February 1840 as a little experiment, and look at us now – the 21st century success story able to tackle the challenges that come our way.”
Today, Luxon clarified that he did not mean to say that the treaty was an experiment.
“What we’ve done here in New Zealand is incredibly special, I mean if you think about the goodwill of those people who were here negotiating that treaty, it was unprecedented in many ways.”
Looking at what happened in other countries and how they have developed over time the treaty what had been done in New Zealand was incredibly special, he said.
“So it was a brave experiment to set up a treaty as a foundation for a whole new country, that didn’t happen if you think about it pre-1840 around the world.”
Hipkins has also shown this week that he is different to Jacinda Ardern. He threw a couple of jabs at Luxon and both of them connected.
About co govenance he said this:
“Those who seek to use misunderstanding around it for political advantage need to reflect on their own behaviour.
“I certainly think the Opposition – National and Act – have used, as they have done in the past, uncertainty to try and stoke fear.”
And about National’s criticism of Labour’s reset he said this:
“Look, I mean, I’ve come to accept that the National Party just like to sort of whinge and moan about things, it’s difficult to have a contest of ideas with them when they don’t really seem to have any,” he said.
“We’ve been very transparent about the things that are not going to happen and the things that we’re taking some more time on, to have another look at to make sure that we’re doing the right thing there.”
The pressure will be on National. They have to come up with some policy soon. Right now their relentless negativity will not persuade people that they are a Government in waiting.
And National supporters must go through the same sorts of emotions I went through when former Labour leader David Shearer was interviewed on morning report, wondering if he would come through unscathed. The latest interview of Luxon by Guyon Espiner would suggest that the comparison is valid.
This year’s campaign will be very interesting. Luxon is flat footed and once you strip away his programmed talking points he descends into nonsense and becomes easily flustered. He clearly relies on his briefing notes and in this interview repeatedly called Guyon Espiner “Corin” because that was what was written down.
By way of contrast Hipkins is very deft and nimble. He may not have Ardern’s emotional attraction but the current political dynamic may suit him.
The battle of the two Chris’s will win or lose the election this year. So far Chippy has a clear points advantage over Luxon.
And Luxon’s dog whistling may not provide him with the advantage that he is hoping for.
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New legislation passed by the Government today will make it harder for gangs and their leaders to benefit financially from crime that causes considerable harm in our communities, Minister of Justice Kiri Allan says. Since the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 came into effect police have been highly successful in ...5 hours ago - Stuart Nash dismissed from CabinetThis evening I have advised the Governor-General to dismiss Stuart Nash from all his ministerial portfolios. Late this afternoon I was made aware by a news outlet of an email Stuart Nash sent in March 2020 to two contacts regarding a commercial rent relief package that Cabinet had considered. In ...5 hours ago
- Tax incentive to boost housing passes third readingLegislation to enable more build-to-rent developments has passed its third reading in Parliament, so this type of rental will be able to claim interest deductibility in perpetuity where it meets the requirements. Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods, says the changes will help unlock the potential of the build-to-rent sector and ...7 hours ago
- Law levels playing field for low-emissions commutingA law passed by Parliament today exempts employers from paying fringe benefit tax on certain low emission commuting options they provide or subsidise for their staff. “Many employers already subsidise the commuting costs of their staff, for instance by providing car parks,” Environment Minister David Parker said. “This move supports ...8 hours ago
- 40 years of Closer Economic Relations with AustraliaToday marks the 40th anniversary of Closer Economic Relations (CER), our gold standard free trade agreement between New Zealand and Australia. “CER was a world-leading agreement in 1983, is still world-renowned today and is emblematic of both our countries’ commitment to free trade. The WTO has called it the world’s ...11 hours ago
- Amendments to mass arrivals legislationThe Government is making procedural changes to the Immigration Act to ensure that 2013 amendments operate as Parliament intended. The Government is also introducing a new community management approach for asylum seekers. “While it’s unlikely we’ll experience a mass arrival due to our remote positioning, there is no doubt New ...13 hours ago
- Progress on public service pay adjustmentThe Government welcomes progress on public sector pay adjustment (PSPA) agreements, and the release of the updated public service pay guidance by the Public Service Commission today, Minister for the Public Service Andrew Little says. “More than a dozen collective agreements are now settled in the public service, Crown Agents, ...13 hours ago
- Further legislation introduced to support cyclone recoveryThe Government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to further support the recovery and rebuild from the recent severe weather events in the North Island. “We know from our experiences following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes that it will take some time before we completely understand the ...1 day ago
- Duty relief for cyclone-affected businessesFurther assistance is now available to businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Customs able to offer payment plans and to remit late-payments, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has announced. “This is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to assist economic recovery in the regions,” Meka Whaitiri said. “Cabinet has approved the ...1 day ago
- Thousands of sole parents to be better off after child support changesMore than 41,000 sole parent families will be better off with a median gain of $20 a week Law change estimated to help lift up to 14,000 children out of poverty Child support payments will be passed on directly to people receiving a sole parent rate of main benefit, making ...1 day ago
- Green investment fund delivers on climate actionA major investment by Government-owned New Zealand Green Investment Finance towards electrifying the public bus fleet is being welcomed by Climate Change Minister James Shaw. “Today’s announcement that NZGIF has signed a $50 million financing deal with Kinetic, the biggest bus operator in Australasia, to further decarbonise public transport is ...1 day ago
- Tax credit boosts cash flow for Kiwi innovatorsA world-leading payments system is expected to provide a significant cash flow boost for Kiwi innovators, Minister of Research, Science, and Innovation Ayesha Verrall says. Announcing that applications for ‘in-year’ payments of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) were open, Ayesha Verrall said it represented a win for businesses ...1 day ago
- Te Awa shared path completedMinister of Transport Michael Wood joined crowds of keen cyclists and walkers this morning to celebrate the completion of the Te Awa shared path in Hamilton. “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come,” Michael ...3 days ago
- Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-RuaTreaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...3 days ago
- Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpartMinister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...4 days ago
- Government delivering world-class satellite positioning servicesWorld-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...4 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges. Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...4 days ago
- Notes of an address to the Environmental Defence Society Conference, AucklandTēnā koutou katoa. Can I begin by thanking Gary Taylor, Raewyn Peart and others in the EDS team for their herculean work in support of the environment. I’d also like to acknowledge Hon Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, my parliamentary colleagues, and the many activists here who strive ...4 days ago
- New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson TasmanA new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...5 days ago
- National’s education policy: where’s the funding?After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment. “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...5 days ago
- Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventorsPeople aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...5 days ago
- Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economyA cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...5 days ago
- Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...6 days ago
- Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business ForumDeputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...6 days ago
- Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island$2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...6 days ago
- Pasifka Futures Whānau Ora Conference[CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY] E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā tangata katoa, o moana-nui-a-kiwa, E ngā mate, haere, haere, haere atū ra, manuia lau Malaga. Thank you for the kind introduction and opportunity to join you this morning. It is always good to be here in Aukilani, where I ...6 days ago
- Alzheimers New Zealand conference – Opening AddressE nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi, tēnā koutou katoa. Talofa lava and thank you Catherine, for the warm welcome. I’m sorry that I can’t be there in person today but it’s great for the opportunity to contribute virtually. I’d like to start by acknowledging: Alzheimers New Zealand, ...6 days ago
- Government future-proofs EV chargingTransport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...6 days ago
- World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZersAssociate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...6 days ago
- First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners CourtHon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...6 days ago
- Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floodsThe Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...6 days ago
- New appointment to Māori Land Court benchE te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...7 days ago
- Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...7 days ago
- Vertical farming partnership has upward momentumThe Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...1 week ago
- Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote AddressE nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...1 week ago
- New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patientsThe new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...1 week ago
- Second Poseidon aircraft on home soilDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...1 week ago
- Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and SyriaAotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...1 week ago
- Community voice to help shape immigration policyMigrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...1 week ago
- State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for TaranakiConstruction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...1 week ago
- Indonesian security forces attack West Papuan rebels holding NZ pilot
By Finau Fonua, RNZ Pacific journalist, and Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Indonesian security forces in Papua last week launched an offensive against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) command holding New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens hostage, RNZ Pacific can confirm. The operation was launched at 1am local time ...2 hours ago - Indonesian security forces attack West Papuan rebels holding NZ pilotBy Finau Fonua, RNZ Pacific journalist, and Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor Indonesian security forces in Papua last week launched an offensive against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) command holding New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens hostage, RNZ Pacific can confirm. The operation was launched at 1am local time ...2 hours ago
- Private security companies ‘holding PNG together’, claims ministerBy Gorothy Kenneth in Port Moresby Private security companies are currently holding Papua New Guinea together with the largest workforce of 29,445 and supporting the police in managing law and order issues. There are only 6832 policemen and women serving the country currently, according to reports. Internal Security Minister Peter ...2 hours ago
- Private security companies ‘holding PNG together’, claims ministerBy Gorothy Kenneth in Port Moresby Private security companies are currently holding Papua New Guinea together with the largest workforce of 29,445 and supporting the police in managing law and order issues. There are only 6832 policemen and women serving the country currently, according to reports. Internal Security Minister Peter ...2 hours ago
- Aukus ‘going against’ Pacific nuclear free treaty – Cook Islands leaderUS President Joe Biden (right) meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) during the AUKUS summit at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego California on 13 March 2023. Image: RNZ Pacific/Jim Watson/AFP “But it is what it is,” he said of the tripartite arrangement. ‘Escalation of ...2 hours ago
- Aukus ‘going against’ Pacific nuclear free treaty – Cook Islands leaderUS President Joe Biden (right) meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) during the AUKUS summit at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego California on 13 March 2023. Image: RNZ Pacific/Jim Watson/AFP “But it is what it is,” he said of the tripartite arrangement. ‘Escalation of ...2 hours ago
- Ankit Bansal Selected As National’s Candidate In Palmerston North
Procurement professional Ankit Bansal has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Palmerston North for the 2023 General Election. “I’d like to thank our local party members for endorsing me to campaign in Palmerston ...3 hours ago - Rima Nakhle Selected As National’s Candidate In TakaniniExecutive Manager of Te Mahia Community Village Rima Nakhle has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Takanini for the 2023 General Election. “The Takanini electorate is my home and I’m really excited to have the opportunity ...3 hours ago
- Dr Carlos Cheung Selected As National’s Candidate In Mt RoskillProperty management company director Dr Carlos Cheung has been selected as National’s candidate in Mt Roskill for the 2023 General Election. “Mt Roskill is my home and I’m grateful for the opportunity to campaign here for a National Government that ...3 hours ago
- Have Your Say On The Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation BillThe Chairperson of the Governance and Administration Committee is calling for submissions on the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill The Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill is the second bill in response to Cyclone Gabriel. The ...3 hours ago
- In full: The PM’s statement on Nash sacking
Prime minister Chris Hipkins’ full statement, as shared to media, on the decision to remove Stuart Nash from cabinet: This evening I have advised the Governor-General to dismiss Stuart Nash from all his ministerial portfolios. Late this afternoon I was made aware by a news outlet of an email Stuart ...5 hours ago - Fresh revelations of Cabinet rule breach leads to Stuart Nash's sacking
The Prime Minister has sacked Stuart Nash from all of his ministerial portfolios, following another breach of the Cabinet Manual. ...5 hours ago - Fresh revelation of Cabinet rule breach leads to Stuart Nash's sackingThe Prime Minister has sacked Stuart Nash from all of his ministerial portfolios, following another breach of the Cabinet Manual. ...5 hours ago
- ‘Conduct is inexcusable’: Four strikes and Stuart Nash is goneFour strikes and Stuart Nash has been ousted from cabinet. It follows revelations this evening that he shared private cabinet discussions with business leaders and criticised decisions made in a 2020 email, according to reporting by Stuff. In the email, Nash set out his opposition to a decision cabinet had ...5 hours ago
- Chris Hipkins mulling future of Stuart Nash, already on ‘final warning’The future of Stuart Nash, recently demoted to the bottom rung of cabinet, hangs in the balance following reports that he shared private cabinet discussions with business leaders and criticised decisions made in a 2020 email, according to reporting by Stuff. It follows Nash losing his police portfolio for breaching ...6 hours ago
- Citizens Advice Bureau delivers petition to Auckland Council in effort to halt budget cutsA petition with 20,000 signatures was handed to Auckland Council in a last-ditch effort to halt budget cuts to the Citizens Advice Bureau. ...6 hours ago
- Australia’s safeguard mechanism deal is only a half-win for the Greens, and for the climateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Crowley, Adjunct Associate Professor, Public and Environmental Policy, University of Tasmania Labor and the Greens on Monday announced a deal to strengthen a key climate policy, the safeguard mechanism, by introducing a hard cap on industrial sector emissions. But the ...7 hours ago
- Government announces plan to electronically tag asylum seekers who may pose riskCourts would be able to order that anyone claiming refugee status be monitored, with other conditions such as residency requirements and curfews. ...7 hours ago
- Native Kea Parrot’s Days Numbered By Poison Drops – Wildlife AdvocateThe native parrot the kea is under siege from aerial spread 1080 poison drops says a West Coast wildlife advocate Laurie Collins of Westport. While it is accepted that a good proportion of New Zealanders are opposed to aerial 1080 poison drops used ...8 hours ago
- Coast council sends ‘action man’ packing
West Coasters might have a taste for the gung-ho but pragmatism has taken a turn for the cautious at an extraordinary Greymouth council meeting Outspoken West Coast Regional Council chair Allan Birchfield has been rolled by his colleagues in a bid to make peace with the government and stem the ...8 hours ago - The Posie Parker Stouche: Some Positive Lessons For Our ElectionBy Tim Wilson, Executive Director, Maxim Institute* What does politics produce when mixed with violence and intimidation? Sadly nothing constructive, plus a humungous helping of anger, division, recrimination, spleen and confusion. Oh, and headlines. ...8 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Lambie urges return of former employment program for Indigenous comm...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Senator Lidia Thorpe’s defection from the Greens changed the power dynamic in the Senate. Now the government needs two crossbenchers (and the Greens) to pass legislation opposed by the Coalition. Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie and ...8 hours ago
- Australia’s safeguard mechanism deal is only half a win for the Greens, and for the climateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Crowley, Adjunct Associate Professor, Public and Environmental Policy, University of Tasmania Labor and the Greens on Monday announced a deal to strengthen a key climate policy, the safeguard mechanism, by introducing a hard cap on industrial sector emissions. But the ...8 hours ago
- Excitement As Security Guards Initiate For Fair Pay AgreementSecurity guards have made their voices heard and now have enough signatures to initiate a Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) for workers in their occupation. Since the Fair Pay Agreements Bill was passed in October 2022, more than 1000 security guards across Aotearoa New ...8 hours ago
- Tertiary Education Institutions: 2021 Audit Results And What We Saw In 2022...8 hours ago
- ‘The reporting process was more traumatising than the assault itself’: LGBTQ+ survivors on acces...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bianca Fileborn, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock The following article discusses sexual violence, self-harm and suicide. Gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQ+) people experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence, but we still know very little about ...8 hours ago
- The First Nations Voice to parliament could get us to revisit conversations about Australia becoming...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jesse J. Fleay, Republic Constitutional Scholar, Federalist, Co-Author of the Uluru Statement, University of Notre Dame Australia Australia is preparing for a referendum to decide on the proposed Voice to parliament for First Nations people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated the ...10 hours ago
- Toni Collette was ‘totally inspired’ by Jacinda Ardern for new sci-fi series The PowerToni Collette and John Leguizamo tell Tara Ward about the electric drama set in a world where gender equality becomes a sudden and shocking reality. There’s a moment halfway through in The Power when it seems Toni Collette could be channeling Jacinda Ardern. A mysterious medical event is sweeping the ...10 hours ago
- Don’t let financial shame be your ruin: open conversations can help ease the burden of personal de...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matevz (Matt) Raskovic, Associate Professor of International Business & Strategy, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Nearly two-thirds of New Zealanders are worried about the cost of living, and a quarter are worried about putting food on the table. But ...10 hours ago
- Is ‘climate anxiety’ a clinical diagnosis? Should it be?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fiona Charlson, Conjoint NHMRC Early Career Fellow, The University of Queensland Shutterstock Last week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, comprised of the world’s most esteemed climate experts, delivered its sixth report and “final warning” about the climate crisis. It ...10 hours ago
- Government's security arm works on addressing spread of disinformationThe government's national security arm says it is working on how to address the spread of disinformation and this is not directed specifically at the general election. ...10 hours ago
- How to take a book apart: on compiling a poet’s life so farPoet Ash Davida Jane talks with poet Andrew Johnston about his Selected Poems, which spans 23 years of his published work. I’ve started writing this review in the notes app on my phone from the backseat of my friend’s car, which feels a far cry from the world of Andrew ...10 hours ago
- National Party leader Christopher Luxon demands Marama Davidson apologise to cis white menNational is demanding Marama Davidson apologise to cis white men over her comments from Saturday. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says he considers the matter closed. ...11 hours ago
- The ABC’s In Our Blood shines a light on lesbian activism during the AIDS crisis – but there’s...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Manlik, Casual Academic and PhD Candidate, Macquarie University ABC The recent ABC mini-series, In Our Blood, offers a fictionalised account of Australia’s response to AIDS, focusing on the development of a partnership between impacted communities, health professionals and government. ...11 hours ago
- Submissions on Auckland budget close tonightAucklanders – it’s your last chance to have a say on the council’s upcoming budget. Submissions close at 11pm tonight, after which they will be collated and considered by councillors before a final proposal’s released by the end of June. As my colleague Tommy de Silva explained earlier this month, ...11 hours ago
- Submissions on Auckland budget close tonightAucklanders – it’s your last chance to have a say on the council’s upcoming budget. Submissions close at 11pm tonight, after which they will be collated and considered by councillors before a final proposal’s released by the end of June. As my colleague Tommy de Silva explained earlier this month, ...11 hours ago
- NZ pushes China on lethal aid concerns over Ukraine war
After breaking a years-long gap between New Zealand ministerial visits to China, Nanaia Mahuta says the relationship is in good shape but the Government will keep discussing differences of opinion between the countries - including support for Ukraine New Zealand will keep pushing China to use its influence to help end ...12 hours ago - An environmental disaster was waiting to happen in Tolaga Bay. No one listenedThe government has commissioned an inquiry after forestry waste caused widespread devastation in Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. But records show experts have been sounding the alarm for decades – why did no one hear them? This story was first published on Stuff. Ten minutes into the grey wasteland of the Mangatokerau ...12 hours ago
- What is a paraben and why are so many products advertised as ‘paraben-free’?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Oliver A.H. Jones, Professor, RMIT University Shutterstock You might have noticed many skin and haircare products are advertised as “paraben-free”, or come across online influencers warning parabens are terrible for your health. But what is a paraben? And could a ...13 hours ago
- ‘Comments were… offensive’: Davidson should say sorry to white men – LuxonGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson should apologise to white men over the “sweeping generalisation” she made ahead of the Posie Parker counter-protest on Saturday. That’s according to National’s leader Christopher Luxon who was questioned on the comments this morning at parliament. Davidson was caught on camera blaming “cis white men” ...13 hours ago
- What you need to know about the deadly fungus detected in New ZealandCandida auris is more likely to infect those who are already ill or immunocompromised and is fatal for 30-60% of those infected. What is Candida auris? Candida auris (also known as C. auris) is a type of fungus called a yeast. It was first identified in 2009 from the ear ...13 hours ago
- What’s Lorde up to next?Lorde’s always been mysterious and her latest newsletter to fans does nothing to change that. The New Zealand singer has just wrapped up her lengthy Solar Power tour in support of her third album released at the height of the delta Covid wave back in 2021. And while reports have ...14 hours ago
- Newsletter: March 27 2023 – Items of interest and importance todayNew Zealand Politics Daily is a collation of the most prominent issues being discussed in New Zealand. It is edited by Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project. Other items of interest and importance today POSIE PARKER RALLY The Facts: New Zealanders are world leaders in respecting transgender men and women Chris ...14 hours ago
- Greens call for universal Covid vaccine availabilty after nearly 2500 children under 5 hospitalisedThe Green Party says the number of under 5s hospitalised for Covid-19 is "horrendously high". ...14 hours ago
- Just 3% of $500m 'drawn down' to improve or build mental health hospital facilitiesNew figures show the government has called on just 3 percent of the half a billion dollars approved to build or expand mental health hospital facilities. ...14 hours ago
- Chris Hipkins says polarising debate in wake of Posie Parker visit not helpfulPrime Minister Chris Hipkins believes the polarising debate in the wake of British gender activist Posie Parker's New Zealand visit has not been helpful, nor was it helpful to bring ethnicity and race into the debate. ...14 hours ago
- Meet three local heroes helping their communities thriveThe Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year will be announced this Thursday. The judges have had their work cut out for them choosing a winner from these finalists. There are hundreds of New Zealanders across the motu who devote time to their communities. Those people who go the extra mile ...14 hours ago
- David Farrier v Sean Plunket v the Family CourtLate last year, at the time David Farrier was readying to release his new documentary Mister Organ, broadcaster Sean Plunket started tweeting out what appeared to be court documents. As we detailed in our extensive timeline of the Mister Organ saga, the tweets included claims that Farrier had been served ...14 hours ago
- PM’s media round dominated by Davidson remarksPrime minister Chris Hipkins’ morning media round has been largely dominated by remarks made by one of his ministers over the weekend. Marama Davidson, who is also co-leader of the Green Party, was caught on capture at a counter-protest to anti-trans speaker Posie Parker stating: “I am the prevention violence ...15 hours ago
- In the face of more extreme weather, how and where we build needs to change. Here’s how the insura...If insurers aren’t involved in discussions on how New Zealand adapts to climate change, we risk whole sections of the country becoming uninsurable. As New Zealand considers how to better prepare for a future affected by climate change, the insurance sector needs to be part the discussion on where and ...16 hours ago
- Zero speed camera warning signs set up since policy announced in 2019The new police minister says she has recently been made aware of the lack of progress - and has asked for more information. ...16 hours ago
- The Bulletin: No fix for Coromandel highway before ChristmasIt will also be a couple of months before a decision is made on what approach will be taken with Coromandel’s SH25A which has been closed since cracks appeared on January 27 in the wake of ex-Cyclone Hale. Any fix will take nine to 12 months to implement. Access in ...16 hours ago
- The ‘dubious’ green claims at the supermarketConsumer NZ has warned customers to be aware of “unsubstantiated” or “misleading” eco-friendly claims made at the supermarket. The watchdog has taken a closer look at several items including a supposedly “planet conscious” air freshener, “ocean plastic” bags and “industrial compostable” teabags. But Gemma Rasmussen, Consumer’s head of research and ...17 hours ago
- For the first time, astronomers have linked a mysterious fast radio burst with gravitational wavesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clancy William James, Senior Lecturer (astronomy and astroparticle physics), Curtin University ASKAP. CSIRO We have just published evidence in Nature Astronomy for what might be producing mysterious bursts of radio waves coming from distant galaxies, known as fast radio bursts or FRBs. ...17 hours ago
- ‘The media normalises war-mongering’: how Chinese Australians respond to talk of war in mainstre...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wanning Sun, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Early this month, the Daily Mail published a story online implying three Chinese men taking photos at the Avalon Airshow in Melbourne were spies. After complaints and ...17 hours ago
- What causes hiccups and how can you get rid of them?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vincent Ho, Associate Professor and clinical academic gastroenterologist, Western Sydney University Shutterstock We all get hiccups from time to time, and sometimes they just won’t seem to go away. Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm – the muscle ...17 hours ago
- 2022 was a good year for nature in Australia – but three nasty problems remainSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Van Dijk, Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University Shutterstock A new report card on Australia’s environment reveals 2022 was a bumper year for our rivers and vegetation – but it ...17 hours ago
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He (Luxon) really is an empty vessel, and like most empty vessels, makes a lot of sound!
. . . "signifying nothing." McBeth.
And that's not even the most accurate bit of the quote… his rantings are, of course, "a tale told by an idiot"! Hopefully he'll strut and fret his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.
[My fave speech in all Shakespeare, btw, nice pick! 👏👍👏]
The birds here certainly agree with you. All I hear every morning is "Chippy! Chippy! Chippy!" 😁
Luxon is pandering to the high value donors when he goes on these absurd little excursions into nonsense.
The odd word here , the hanging phrases there, its all deliberate
The other week it was the talk about 'double voting', which is how MMP works but he wanted to give a different coded message.
the only coded messages luxon is giving are saying" help me". he is so obviously out of his depth that even the nat hacks on granny herald are talking about it.
Micky, your posts are always sensible, reasonable, and perceptive. In the current climate of extremism, thank you. Our new PM is handling his role very well and people I know seem happy about how he is performing.
That 'photo flatters him, as it was taken when he was slim!!
Luxon's face showing his displeasure in some 'photos is not flattering and actually reveals his thinking imo.
Find some of those photos where he is clearly calculating Micky.
You mean like the second photo in this Stuff article from 2021?
Easy enough to take a screen shot of it, but I don't know how to paste it onto the Standard.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/127212385/why-christopher-luxons-first-question-time-was-a-success-but-also-showed-jacinda-arderns-extra-gears
He looks really vengeful in this photo – watch out, bottom-feeders!
Let’s if copying and pasting the image address works.
Or maybe that "breakfast of champions" wasnt sitting well ? Give that hollow man some prunes : )
Maybe the masthead photo was taken at the recent National Party Conference. The party leader surrounded by diehard National supporters.
Made me think of a new moniker – "The Not-very-good Shepherd"
Have to say…I wanted to hear it for myself. And, oh boy , Mr Luxon was sure getting off his (pre?) prepared track. Gotta wonder..would he maybe have preferred "Corin"… and not Guyon?
Hopefully more questioning of him…will reveal all. Such as it is. A hollow man ?
Could be. Luxon has a lot to be hollow about – seven houses for a start.
Five Labour MPs , three Green MPs and one ACT MP don't own a property.
Hey Luxon, how about giving that ACT MP a hand-up – the Nats have done it before.
National has always run a candidate in Epsom electorate, so dont 'step aside' in your words. Their candidate doesnt campaign must be what you mean, but the ACT member would still win even if National made a bigger effort. Its that sort of electorate.
The MMP flaw is the party threshold is a bit high ( it should be taken from the viable party size 4 or 5 Mps rather than fixed 4 or 5%) and the coat-tail should go.
"Stepped aside" [in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014 GEs] are Kirsty Johnston's words.
The increase in % and number of Epsom voters who cast their electorate vote for Hide did soar in 2005 (when ACT's party vote collapsed to from 7% to 1.5% nationally) and 2008, and yes, the influence of any Nat "hand-up" (my words) in 2005 under Brash (later leader of ACT), and in 2008 under Key, is debatable.
2002: 22% (7059 votes)
2005: 43% (15251 votes)
2008: 56% (21102 votes)
Agree about lowering the threshold (maybe in cautious 1% increments, to ~2%), and ditching coat-tailing.
The party threshold should the minimum number of votes to have a viable party , at least 4 maybe 5 Mps. I think about 4.2% will give you 5 Mps
An electorate MP is just that mostly on his/her/there own. But if you are going to be a party it needs to be viable for sittings in the house , committees and the staffers that do all the work
A variable % as a minimum to achieve a certain number of MPs then means something . Theres no rationale behind say 2% or 3%
A candidate can win with a majority of only one vote over their nearest rival and become an Electorate MP. Yet, a Party needs to receive 100,000 or more votes to be a ‘viable’ party and allowed to be in Parliament at all!?
If it is about the workload and efficiency of one MP on their own then Parliamentary Services need to ensure that they receive sufficient support to fulfil their duties & responsibility as a representative of the people. This should not depend on the size of a party. You got it completely wrong – the resources & efficiency should not limit representation in Parliament, only the number of votes received should limit it!
Whether one MP on their own calls themselves a Party or Independent is a red herring – irrespective, they represent a number of voters and that number is much greater than one.
Imho, your comment @6.1.1.1.1 contains a trivial inconsistency. As you say:
and
Fwiw, a "no rationale" 3% will give you 4 MPs. You’d be on former ground if you changed “at least 4” to ‘at least 5’.
https://elections.nz/stats-and-research/mmp-seat-allocation-calculator/
Yes. Its around 2.5% for 4 Mps and 3.6% for 5. Thanks for settling that
I expect a staffer prepares his briefing notes for him and he/she assumed Corin Dann would be the interviewer. Luxon just follows what he’s told.
The picture above of Chris Luxon doesn't look right. His head looks as though it's been planted on to another body. Even his hand on the fence looks odd in comparison to the rest of him. But it's good to see his followers behind him, bleating away about nothing, like their leader!
Meanwhile, Luxon is National's "…little experiment…"
Can see the phrase "…little experiment…" coming back to haunt the boy. Probably very soon after the window for a by-election closes and they can get rid of him cleanly, kinda…
The Nat voters I know can’t stand the guy, say he’s not up to the job and going to loose a dead cert election.
The words “little experiment” evoke so many negative connotations that are diminishing and misleading of Te Tiriti. I could write pages about it but in the end, it all comes down to Luxon’s personal set of values and expectations. For example, one would assume that to Luxon faith, family & friends, marriage, and parenthood, for example, are not ‘little experiments’ but long- if not life-time commitments that endure and overcome inevitable obstacles and difficulties. But each of these examples are also dynamic, they change over time, they grow, develop, and evolve. And the commitment endures, or doesn’t it, Mr Luxon? Luxon seems to view Te Tiriti more as some kind of (business?) contract or deal …
"Aye, that's the Tories fur ye"…
Luxton is National's Little Experiment which has gone horribly wrong.
Tax cuts and racism – as a political strategy this is the gift that keeps on giving and has proven highly successful in overseas elections from Brexit in the UK (getting rid of filthy Eastern European workers) to Modi in India (responsible for the massacre of over a 1000 Muslims) and Netanyahu in Israel (responsible for the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians). Nothing galvanizes the average voter more than the opportunity to kick the "underserving" in the face.
Luxon may not have blood on his hands (yet) but the forces he is tapping into are extremely dangerous to civil discourse and race relations, but likely to garner him huge amounts of support across the electorate.
Disturbing, yes. But is there evidence that it works in NZ?
Brash lost in 2005, Key won in 2008 by toning down the "Iwi/Kiwi" rhetoric.
"Huge amounts of support"? No polling evidence to suggest that. The loud are not the crowd, and headlines are not votes.
The more that voters learn about Luxon, the less they like him:
Latest poll numbers
Tick, tock … pick the date the cold blue knives go in his back, I'm sticking with May.
Luxon is a biggus dickus a wind up dildo who can't think on his feet.if he debates anyone of substance he will be found out.He sounds like a nagging school boy.He has had his time to impress and that plane has flown.there is no way back.National have no body to replace him so will have to stick with this luddite bellend.