Matt King goes full nut job
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- Date published:
10:00 am, December 29th, 2018 - 77 comments
Categories: censorship, child welfare, making shit up, national, poverty, Propaganda, quality of life, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, twitter, you couldn't make this shit up -
Tags: matt king
Tis Christmas time. When MPs and political commentators go on holiday, recharge their batteries and make plans for the next year.
Unless your name is Matt King in which case you scour the papers for evidence of extreme left wing propaganda and then allege that the voices of the right are being suppressed.
Yes, this is exactly what he did recently.
The offending article, written by Lana Hart in Stuff is well written and I found myself agreeing with her every paragraph. I guess this would be Exhibit A for King and his claim of left wing bias.
The theme of the article is the level and extent of neglect that the change of Government has unearthed.
Like in Health:
Middlemore Hospital was the poster child for chronic under-resourcing, but it was far from the only hospital in the country with asbestos and mould, earthquake-prone and leaky buildings, and entire departments that had stumbled along for years with facilities not acceptable in First World countries.
And the alarming increase in child poverty:
From social welfare benefits that hadn’t kept pace with cost of living and the wearing down of services that directly affected children, such as mental health and education funding, to a housing crisis created mostly by a belief that the free market could provide for everyone, kids in our country suffered disproportionately by government responsibilities left undone. The government’s role of protecting the most vulnerable members of our country from the crush of poverty had been largely ignored.
And even the most mundane aspects of the Government’s responsibility to regulate in the public good:
The NZ Transport Agency had for several years reneged on its regulatory function to monitor companies that certify vehicles for road safety.
Due to what the transport minister described as “process failures and under-resourcing over the last decade”, cars and trucks with meaningless warrants of fitness are now on the road, with one estimate of the number of potentially unsafe vehicles at 150,000. Unlikely that will help improve our road toll this year.
Or how about the last Government overseeing the use of private investigators to spy on us like goddam totalitarian thugs?
It’s not OK, we’ve learned, for insurance companies to use private investigators engaged by government departments to record our conversations about personal interests such as property or environmental views. We don’t like it when we are forced to unleash a flood of personal information to someone working in a government agency or to comply with government regulations that may have seemed important to the policy wonk who wrote them in 1984, but now seem onerous and irrelevant.
I thought her conclusion was very apt:
Surely this – enabling people to live good lives – is the role of all governments, whether local or national. They should exert some influence over us with legitimate rules without getting in the way of our individual rights to autonomy and free choice. Since some of us need more help than others, governments also need to step in to even out the inequalities that life throws at us.
After a few years looking after what Kiwis have collectively built, it will probably be time for the current Government to move out. Hopefully they will leave the public house in a better condition than when they first arrived.
Drawing on real life examples she formed a conclusion about the overall direction the last Government took us in. And concluded, rightfully in my opinion, that it was the wrong direction.
The comments were interesting. It seems to me that National must have a whole army of old men shaking their fists at clouds ready to fill comments sessions with their bile. Like this one from Sherbert2:
Lana must have had her head in the sand if she thought all the problems she mentioned came to light after the election.They were invented by Labour pre-election.Remember the 80,000 kiddies living in poverty ? where are they now ? The homeless that were on our screens day in and day have been forgotten because it was all staged by the most honest, transparent, and caring govt ever .Give me a break.
Mr F Dagg had a rant:
it’s amazing the blinded bitterness the socialists still cling to… if you take a deep breath & look at the numbers you’ll find that clark/cullen under-funded core services cv to the relative generosity of national… the latter had a few fiscal issues to deal with on the few resources they were left, yet managed to relatively over-fund core services whilst carving an economy the envy of the oecd world…
what you clearly overlook is that all public services are money sinks, no matter how much money you throw at them they’ll always want more… the greed from striking public servants this year is clear proof of that…<
#socialismisaracetothebottom
And Flintstone:
well the writer of this opinion piece does highlight the fact that more needs to be spent on mental health!
And Beachboy:
What a load of dribble, firstly Middlemore had no leaks or mould, secondly the Minister does not do Warrant of Fitness inspections or run the companies which do them, thirdly the previous govt had put aside $20 plus billion to do its 17 roads of National Significance. All this govt has done is cancelled those so the roads are again delayed so they can re allocate the money to their pet projects. They have been great at reannouncing like all the homes being built by the previous govt as their own.
This government needs to take ownership of its stuff ups and there have been many of those with its KiwiJoke, lack of transparency, secretly signing the UN MOU on Migration, stopping oil and gas exploration, just to name a few.
Most people do not want government to interfere with their lives and we don’t want waffle and continual b*&(sh&^ with outright lies and mis truths. The general population can see through the waffle that nothing is being done except lots of non productive meetings
And Fisherman:
Its interesting that even 15 months into its term, this government and its deciples continue you place blame for everything that is supposedly still wrong in NZ at the feet of the Key/English administration. At some point the blame game is going to have to cease and this rabble will have to actually become accountable. The PM in particular will at some stage have to front and provide some proper leadership.
And Annon:
It was completely unnecessary to start something about government control in our lives with an attack on the previous government and their supposed lack of funding. They only had so much to spend after auntie helen squandered it and they had to deal with several natural disasters during their time in power and still managed to leave money in the bank to be squandered by this government.
BTW labour are notorious for wanting to control people’s lives. They walk the extremely fine line between socialism and communism and history has shown that NEITHER of these work – even China has headed towards capitalism given the growth in their economy.
There were a number of anti Government comments, verging from slightly to considerably nutty.
It looks like a couple of comments got through but were deleted by the moderator. One response to a deleted comment was this:
You are a sad person wishing poor people who aren’t as fortunate as you are not to breed. The fact that your comments have got past the Moderator surprises me. You see my parents were poor, my siblings and I changed that through hard work. My family are successful Business people now. If your comments were enacted by a previous Government my family wouldn’t be here. Good luck to you I hope no misfortune happens to you or your family which reduces you or them to being poor.
The deleted comment must have been pretty extreme in a eugenics sort of way.
But Matt King was having nothing of this:
What a lot off left wing claptrap. I note centre right comments are heavily censored on this site. I have commented several times on articles like these but never get past the moderator and yet appalling left wing commentary does. https://t.co/u0EFjTxgtm
— Matt King Northland (@MattKingNorth) December 27, 2018
Responses were interesting:
https://twitter.com/richardneateNZ/status/1078406015014424576
https://twitter.com/fxbtnz/status/1078728914439208960
https://twitter.com/jeremy_pm/status/1078436756800716800
And it looks like SnarkyMcSnark had a screen shot of the deleted comment:
If they will publish this but not your comment…. pic.twitter.com/MCGnkKnWqk
— SnarkyMcSnark (@snarky_mk) December 27, 2018
I think that Matt should set out publicly what comments he had made which Stuff did not publish. They should be allowed the light of day to shine strongly on them so we can either revel in their magnificence or laugh at their stupidity.
But for a National MP to claim there is some sort of conspiracy to suppress right wing views in the media is bizarre. Right wing voices are incredibly loud and vociferous. To suggest otherwise is the sort of Trumpesque nuttiness that America sees far too much of.
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The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...8 hours ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...12 hours ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...17 hours ago - Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...2 days ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...3 days ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...3 days ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...4 days ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...4 days ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...5 days ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...5 days ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...6 days ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...6 days ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds Building Nations 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa, Thank you for your warm welcome and for having my colleagues and I here today. Earlier you heard from the Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, on our vision for the future of infrastructure. I want to build on his comments and provide further detail on some key elements ...6 days ago
- Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis. ...1 week ago
- Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...1 week ago
- Building consents data bad news for construction
News that the annual number of building consents granted for new homes fell by more than 20 percent for the year ended July 2024, is bad news for the construction industry. ...1 week ago
- Te Pāti Māori Pay Tribute to Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII
Papā te whatitiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu ki te rangi, i whētuki i raro rā, rū ana te whenua e. Uea te pou o tōku whare kia tū tangata he kapua whakairi nāku nā runga o Taupiri. Ko taku kiri ka tōkia ki te anu mātao. E te iwi ...1 week ago
- Release: Gaps still to be addressed in callouts response
The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...1 week ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...1 week ago
- Green Party pays respects to Kiingi Tuuheitia
The Green Party is paying tribute to the Māori King, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero XVII, after he passed away earlier this morning. ...2 weeks ago
- Potaka Brings Whakaata Māori to its Knees
Today’s Whakaata Māori announcement is yet another colossal failure from Minister Potaka, who has turned his back on te reo Māori, forcing a channel offline, putting whānau out of jobs, and cutting Māori content, says Te Pāti Māori. “A Senior Māori Minister has turned his back on Te Reo Māori. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt must help save 230 manufacturing jobs
Labour is calling on the Government and Mercury Energy to find a solution to the proposed Winstone Pulp mill closure and save 230 manufacturing jobs. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt shirks its responsibility to Whakaata Māori
The Green Party has called out the Government for allowing Whakaata Māori to effectively collapse to a shell of its former self as job cuts and programming cuts were announced at the broadcaster today. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 weeks ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Fast track still on track to environmental destruction
Our environment remains at risk despite the Government's proposed changes to its controversial fast-track legislation. ...2 weeks ago
- Ohinemuri River pollution highlights mining risks
The harrowing images of the severely polluted Ohinemuri River caused by an old mining shaft could become a more common occurrence under the mining regime the Government is looking to roll out. ...2 weeks ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...7 hours ago - Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...8 hours ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...9 hours ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...3 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...3 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...3 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...3 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...4 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...4 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...4 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...4 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...4 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...5 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...5 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...5 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...5 days ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...5 days ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...6 days ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...6 days ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...6 days ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...6 days ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...6 days ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...6 days ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...6 days ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...7 days ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...1 week ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...1 week ago
- Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...1 week ago
- Building reliable and efficient roading for Taranaki
A record $808 million for transport investment in Taranaki through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Taranaki’s roads carry a high volume of freight from primary industries and it’s critical we maintain efficient connections across the region to ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland
A record $1.4 billion for transport investment in Otago and Southland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more resilient and efficient network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in Otago ...1 week ago
- Delivering connected and resilient roading for Northland
A record $991 million for transport investment in Northland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s connections and support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that every transport dollar is spent wisely on the projects and ...1 week ago
- Top of the South to benefit from reliable transport infrastructure
A record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will build a stronger road network that supports primary industries and grows the economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is ...1 week ago
- Government delivering reliable roads for Manawatū-Whanganui
A record $1.6 billion for transport investment in Manawatū-Whanganui through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s importance as a strategic freight hub that boosts economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. ...1 week ago
- Restoring connections in Hawke’s Bay
A record $657 million for transport investment in the Hawke’s Bay through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support recovery from cyclone damage and build greater resilience into the network to support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that ...1 week ago
- Transport resilience a priority for Gisborne
A record $255 million for transport investment in Gisborne through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and restore the cyclone-damaged network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With $255 million of investment over the next three years, we are committed to making sure that every transport ...1 week ago
- Prioritising growth and reduced travel times in Canterbury
A record $1.8 billion for transport investment Canterbury through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Christchurch is the economic powerhouse of the South Island, and transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and ...1 week ago
- Supporting growth and freight in the Bay of Plenty
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Bay of Plenty through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and unlock land for thousands of houses, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in the Bay of ...1 week ago
- Getting transport back on track in Auckland
A record $8.4 billion for transport investment in Auckland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will deliver the infrastructure our rapidly growing region needs to support economic growth and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Aucklanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, phantoms projects, ...1 week ago
- ‘Didn’t care enough’: here’s what the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide foun...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Wadham, Professor, Director, Open Door: Understanding and Supporting Service Personnel and their Families, Flinders University After three years of investigations, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has delivered its final report with 122 recommendations. The commission has carried much ...1 hour ago - What is 3-phase power? And how do I know if my house needs it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asma Aziz, Senior Lecturer in Power Engineering, Edith Cowan University If you’re building, renovating or planning to install a solar battery, your builder or installer might ask whether you’ve considered upgrading from single-phase to three-phase power. This upgrade often comes with a ...2 hours ago
- MSG is back. Is the idea it’s bad for us just a myth or food science?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Dr. Victor Wong/Shutterstock MSG is making a comeback. The internet’s favourite cucumber salad recipe includes fish sauce, cucumber, garlic and – as the video’s creator ...3 hours ago
- South Australia is proposing a law to ban kids under 14 from social media. How would it work?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University Artie Medvedev/Shutterstock The South Australian government is moving ahead with plans to ban children under 14 from social media. Under the proposal, teens aged 14 ...3 hours ago
- Australia’s construction industry needs more hands on deck – so why is it ignoring skilled migra...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Loosemore, Professor of Construction Management, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Australia’s construction industry is facing a perfect storm: enormous targets for building – 1.2 million new homes and A$230 billion worth of infrastructure over the next five years – at ...4 hours ago
- At Melaka Art & Performance Festival I watched dancers overcome by a trance in the rain, and the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan W. Marshall, Associate Professor & Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University Feifei Liao performing in the village ruins. Photo by and courtesy of Teo Swee An. Melbourne-based Tony Yap is a leading figure in ...4 hours ago
- Google is facing another crucial court case in the US – and it could have major consequences for o...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbora Jedlickova, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, The University of Queensland One month after a US court ruled Google had illegally maintained its monopoly on internet search, the tech giant will this week face the start of yet another important antitrust case. ...4 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon refuses to speak about Treaty Principles Bill after it was handed to Cabinet
The Prime Minister says ACT leader David Seymour will have more to say on the Bill soon. ...5 hours ago - Jesus’s vision fulfilled: David Seymour restores unity to the church
The Christian church has had quite a few dust-ups with itself over the last 20 centuries. This week, the Act Party brought it together. Since Jesus prayed that his followers may all be one (John 17:20-21), Christians have barely stopped fighting. Yes, they’ve occasionally broken off to slaughter people in ...5 hours ago - PODCAST: The Politics of Desperation – Trump, Netanyahu, Maduro, Ortega
Podcast: A View from Afar with Paul G Buchanan and Selwyn Manning. Building upon recent episodes of A View from Afar, Political Scientist Paul G Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning discuss The Politics of Desperation. This episode flows on from our discussions about long transitions and the moment ...5 hours ago
- Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste is powerful and symbolic, but also political
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Brincat, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of the Sunshine Coast Author provided, Author provided Timor-Leste has had much to celebrate recently. August 30 marked 25 years since the Popular Consultation – or “The Referendum”, as many call ...6 hours ago
- What’s the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? One’s about plumbing, the other...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Todorovic, Associate Professor of Medicine, Bond University Explode/Shutterstock In July 2023, rising US basketball star Bronny James collapsed on the court during practice and was sent to hospital. The 18-year-old athlete, son of famous LA Lakers’ veteran LeBron James, had ...6 hours ago
- If we truly want our Paralympic athletes to shine, their coaches need more support
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Bennie, Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education/Sport Development, Western Sydney University The 2024 Paris Paralympics delivered heightened attention and awareness of a pinnacle sporting event for para athletes. Australia has often set the standard for para sport, consistently achieving top ...7 hours ago
- New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this week
We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. If you love celebs out of their comfort zone: Celebrity Treasure Island (TVNZ+, starting September 9) We’re back on the beach for a new season of celebrity ...8 hours ago
- Harris’ lead dips in national US polls and it’s very close in the key states
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris ...9 hours ago
- Rewriting history: how the Treaty ‘principles’ evolved and why they don’t stand up to scrutiny
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images ACT Party leader David Seymour has said the goal of his Treaty Principles Bill is to stimulate an overdue conversation on te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi. ...9 hours ago
- Surge in non-disclosure agreements at Health NZ sparks Labour complaint
Nearly 70 staff at Te Whatu Ora have signed non-disclosure agreements since the end of November. ...9 hours ago
- ‘Numerous questions’, but Fiji govt sticks with new anti-corruption chief
By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The Fiji government is backing the appointment of the country’s new anti-corruption chief who was under investigation by the office she now heads, which has left Fijians asking questions. Barbara Malimali — who was also the Electoral Commission chairperson — was revealed as the ...9 hours ago
- Pope Francis calls for end to tribal ‘spiral of violence’ in PNG visit
Inside PNG reports that Papua New Guinea is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a proclamation even Pope Francis acknowledges. But Papua New Guinea is also challenged with socio-economic developments that do not reach the rural majority despite the presence of numerous extractive industries. The Pontiff in his remarks ...9 hours ago
- Anne Salmond: A Cabinet of principles?
The effrontery of David Seymour’s riposte to Church leaders over his Treaty Principles Bill is breathtaking. He accuses them of being undemocratic. When the Act Party took the idea of a referendum on Te Tiriti to a general election in 2023, it won just 8.6 percent of the vote. The other ...9 hours ago - Public feedback sought on new tolls for lower North Island
Consultation on the proposed tolling schemes for the Manawatū Tararua Highway and the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway is now open. ...9 hours ago
- A new festival celebrates the art of the picture book
Picture Me is a brand new book festival happening in Wellington and Christchurch between 11–28 September. Here’s the inside scoop on the international headliners and what they’ll be doing while in Aotearoa. A good picture book has a timeless quality: a story you don’t mind reading over, and over and ...10 hours ago
- Minister tried to hide NZDF criticism of boot camp comments
The criticism was revealed to RNZ in an official information act response, but new documents show Judith Collins asked for them to be redacted. ...10 hours ago
- LIVE@12:45pm – The Politics of Desperation – Trump, Netanyahu, Maduro, Ortega
The LIVE Recording of A View from Afar podcast will begin today at 12:45pm September 9, 2024 (NZST) which is Sunday evening, 8:45pm (USEDT). Building upon recent episodes of A View from Afar, Political Scientist Paul G Buchanan and journalist Selwyn Manning will discuss The Politics of Desperation. ...11 hours ago
- David Seymour hits out at church leaders over Treaty Principles Bill
The ACT leader says churches are abandoning their core beliefs, after 400 Christian leaders condemned his controversial Treaty Principles Bill. ...11 hours ago
- Some home truths about gene technologies
In response to criticism of proposed changes to our GM settings, scientist Revel Drummond says we should discuss the issue of regulatory change from a position of educated debate, not fear-mongering. New technologies often get pushback from sectors of society. In the 19th century people feared the unknown effects on ...11 hours ago
- Dane and Stacey on making travel a business, owning half a dog, and finding balance
Earning money while you travel sounds like a dream to many of us – so how hard is it to make the dream a reality? Travel content creators Dane and Stacey joined Kiwibank’s This is Kiwi podcast to talk about documenting their adventures online, and remembering to sometimes put the ...11 hours ago
- Councils’ credit ratings downgraded over debt, rising costs
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Matt King will most likely be back pushing lawnmowers and chainsaws after the next election. He may consider the security business or even a stint at medicinal cannabis farming.
Don’t mention lawnmowers !!!!!!!!!!!!
Otherwise you will be condemned to comment at least 50 times a day on Kiwiblog for eternity.
PS – not a criticism; just a bad attempt at humour. Sorry, Kat.
Sometimes ignorance is bliss and I recommend it for anyone who doesn’t understand the references to lawnmowers at Kiwiblog.
Apparently in the lawnmower shop he would demonstrate the quick jerk pull start technique till the cows came home.
LOL!
Pretty sure that Matt will comfortably win Northland at the next election.
As for the article/opinion piece, well, it might just have well been written at Labour HQ. But the be fair to Stuff, they have regularly published opinion pieces from the right as well, just not that many of them.
I personally find Stuff has a more left wing tilt than the Herald, which has a better balance of right and left commentators. Seems to be about 50% balance in the Herald and 75% left in Stuff. Which reflects that Wellington’s population and thus readership is generally more left than Auckland.
Papers/news media websites tend to reflect their communities/readerships. Which is hardly surprising.
No, Stuff is 50-50, and The Herald is 75% right wing.
+100 Mutton
Really? Please do tell us which Herald commentators you see as left-wing.
The reason Spray and Walk Away Wayne will not answer your question is because while of course he will say that he thinks the Herald is 50/50, what he believes is that every commentator at the Herald is left-wing.
There you go Wayne, saved you the trouble.
Give him a chance. I can see Rudman, Marvelly, maybe Simon Wilson – but that’s not half.
Wayne would think O’Sullivan was left wing.
I guess we will never know if you keep answering for him.
He seldom bothers to explain any of his crude idealologically-driven generalisations so you’re missing nothing.
I think you’ll find Stuff is just out for click-bait and the right give them more ammunition than the left. 😉
Probably.
As Northland farmers will vote for a gumboot, so long as it is coloured blue.
One of the 100k, MP’s?
ah the humble blue band gumboot.!!!….leaks like a sieve and costs a thousand bux a pair…but the peasants who make em get paid 2.50 a day
I think Northland is in a state of flux and I’d say all bets are off re: Who wins the seat next time round.
I feel my thoughts are confirmed by Winston scooping the pool time before last.
I’ve been up here for over a decade now and the change I speak of seems to have many faces. eg:
Freehold home owners cashing up in Auckland, buying a beaut house on the coast and sticking 500k in the bank – Right voters.
The reverse urban drift, people returning to a less pressured lifestyle in locations that their families have lived in for 700 years. – Left voters.
I think the Northland seat is open to the candidate that offers the most palatable offering of bipartisan hope, regardless of what party they are attached to.
Matt King is desperately trying to make himself relevant, he has two more years but based on current performance he won’t. The odds are against him winning the Northland seat again. Total share of votes in 2017 was: Matt King 15,243, Winston Peters 13,854, Willow Jean Prime 8,599 (others are not worth mentioning). Matt Kings majority of 1,389 is very assailable and especially if Winston stands again and that unknown may be the main “state of flux” that could influence the outcome.
Hi Kat, I’m hoping the next MP for Northland is someone that has never stood. Almost everytime I catch a comment from ex New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O’Sullivan I think ‘Yep, that makes sense to me.’
I encounter his grassroots good work at every turn. Sorting out a kid’s clicky hips or signing the paperwork to get a family home properly insulated. I don’t care what party he aligns with, he has my vote.
I think a wise party would be hard-out wooing him.
David, Northland will be a political hot potato come next election. Matt King is the sitting MP and unless hit by a bus or a runaway lawnmower will be standing for National. Willow Jean Prime is the Labour candidate and a current MP and difficult to see her not standing. For a credible shot on a party ticket that leaves Dr Lance O’Sullivan joining NZF as well as standing in Northland. He may join a party and stand somewhere else but highly unlikely to be Northland.
Yes Kat, I agree with your take on the Northland political landscape.
At the risk of pooping in my own nest, I’ve been a bit disappointed with how invisible Willow Jean appears to be.
It seems to be an ailment that follows list MPs about. I think she should be lighting fires, rattling cages and getting her name in the paper and through my eyes, it just hasn’t happened.
I saw Dr Lance romancing with the Maori Party but I think he has the potential to appeal to a wider audience. Willow Jean is there because the Labour party appointed her. I think Lance has the potential to pull up a chair in the Beehive because the people of Northland want him there.
You’re correct about MP’s in general , David…not just list MP’s…
Although list MP’s must follow the gatekeepers agenda more than electorate…or it’s list demotion time…
Lance O’Sullivan is unstable and unsuitable to be taken seriously…on any subject matter…
I am now convinced he is a good bloke. If One two doesn’t like him.
Actually he talks sense. Which means he will probably never be a politician.
Highly unlikely to be Labour, too.
Kat,
For you to be correct would require a deal between NZF and Labour. Now that could be possible. If Labour’s voters were prepared to follow direction, a win is possible for NZF. That assumes the Winston (or other serious NZF candidate) held on to at least 80% of the 2017 Winston vote. That will be a big ask in itself.
My money would still be on Matt holding the seat, since not all of the Labour vote would actually switch.
As for the Herald balance of commentators, Wilson, Marvelly and Rudman would all be left, Roughan, Hooton and O’Sullivan are right. Trevett, Dann and Young are basically centre.
I should also mention Fallow. Hard to pick. Maybe centre right, but could be centre left.
Young and Roughan are tribally Nat rather than Act, but I’d hardly call that ‘centre’. I’ve most often seen Trevett slavishly echo Nat talking points and angles too.
You seem to have omitted Hosking, Hawkesby, Soper and Duplessis-Allen – or do they also count as ‘centre’ in your eyes?
It’s all consistent if ‘centre’ is ‘where National is’.
Hosking is typically on the back page. Half the time I don’t get there. But yes, he is right. Soper, I would say is centre, though I think Dupleiss-Allen is centre right. As for Hawkesby, centre. While they are both couples, they are not political mirrors of each other.
While Audrey is from a National family, she works hard to be a centre voice. Yes. some of her articles might seem right, but then plenty are also left. It depends on how well the govt or the opposition are actually doing.
Clair Trevett puts a lot of humour in her articles, seems happy to prick anyone’s ballon.
Interesting. Thank you for responding.
I should also mention Little. He is left, but is primarily a social rather than political commentator. Also an entertaining writer.
I have come to enjoy Claire Trevett. Even when I don’t agree with what she is saying, I love the way she says it. She has a remarkable way with words.
There won’t be a “deal” between Labour and NZF. Only National/Act supporters need directions on how to vote, as in Epsom. Voters have two ticks remember, party and candidate and come the next election if Winston or Shane Jones stands it will be a no brainer for Labour/NZF voters what to do. This is the nightmare reality for National in Northland and a number of other electorates.
The other problem for National is that on one hand they accuse Shane Jones of buying the electorate being the champion of the provinces and on the other accuse the govt of doing nothing in Northland. National can’t have it both ways and if they have any hope at all they need to change tact and start producing serious alternative policy that is relevant to the 21st century.
Have a great New Year, Wayne.
King comfortably winning next time is more a comment on the idiots who vote for him.
National treated Northland like crap for years and got a scare when Peters won it. Then they crapped themselves when their buddies didn’t get into Government. That has seen clowns like King running around all aggrieved and saying how badly Northland is doing with roading.
Can anyone from the National gaggle haunting this site explain why a corporate focused Murdoch -esq media – even in its most indulgent moments support the a Labour Party or its allies – or even democracy itself for that matter.
I’ve cancelled BOTH my Taranaki Daily News & NZ Herald. Neither are papers as they used to be. Neither publish balanced reports, only biased ones.
Matt King If he was telling the truth would not have “Matt King For Northland” on his sign, it would read “Matt King For Himself (and anyone who gives him a decent legal bribe)”
He can always promise some more bridges.
yes simon would make a great bridge
Watch him on channel 31 and he is a bi-polar right wing bombiddybom tory nutter.
Matt King ate a pie once – hold the front page, more details soon, now back to the studio for expert commentary…
marty mars. dont do that when I am drinking my tea please!
Matt Headroom.
Please Gabby hon
Max Headroom was funny.Still is.
Also the invention of clever dry minds.
Matt King more like a concoction of missing wonky links,a little bit like his current leader..
I couldn’t resist …
https://twitter.com/GregPresland/status/1078797552596574208
In Australia back in the day they had introduced video relayed court proceedings. I was locked up for drunk and disorderly (which is how we roll in Aussie) and not presenting a passport (was in a safe in Bundaberg, long story) and put in a video courtroom with a Brisbane judge on a monitor – who looked just like Max Headroom. To make matters worse there was a video delay giving him the jerky appearance of the TV character.
I was biting my cheeks really hard to stop from laughing. It was uncannily like the show, and everything seemed detached from reality that hungover day…
I’m glad we have people on this site who have Really Lived. WtB
All symptoms of the fear that comes with the elites loss of control thats occurring worldwide…..something about chickens and roosts.
Collins – King ticket for 2020.
That BBQ was rained out.
Matt King and probably the whole of the National Party and their apparatchiks
should donate their brains to science so that the effects of modern civilisation can be studied from those who have been most diseased by the neo-liberal, free market plague.
That suggestion just makes me visualise a laboratory full of empty jars and scientists sitting around twiddling their thumbs.
Oh there is mass there, but it’s a mess. And as full mask and safety gear will need to be worn to prevent the virulent strain from spreading, there is likely to be a high turnover in lab staff.
Thanks for bringing this to notice, MS.
A thought provoking article well worth reading, which I would probably have missed.
(Please note that the Press journalist’s name is Lana Hart – not Hutt as in your post. No criticism – summer holiday brains are allowed.)
I find Matt King’s Twitter response to her article really interesting as a day or so ago (27/28 Dec) there were reports on both RNZ News and in The Herald that Dr Shane Reti – King’s Whangarei Nat MP mate – had also not ‘closed down for summer’ and was criticising the Government on the Northland meningococcal vaccine roll-out being too slow.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=12181790
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/379131/officials-slow-on-meningococcal-w-outbreak-mp
At the time, cynical me thought OK is this a one off? Or are the Nats going to spend the Summer recess chasing cars and barking about every little which thing they can find to attack?
One MP does not a strategy make; two a coincidence? Time will tell. A bit like the sudden appearance of the motorway signs…
No rest for the wicked?
Isaiah 57:20 “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.”
LOL
[Ta. Now fixed – MS]
Where’s JasonEvil these days?
Good question. I haven’t a clue. Last I heard of him he left Wellington in Sept 2014 after quitting his job and the National Party and headed north to Auckland for a cushy job, no doubt arranged by his Nat party friends such as Key.
But wait, there is more … Google really is our friend.
in 2014 this makes some conjectures but doesn’t really tell us much
https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/10-08-2017/dirty-politics-turns-three-where-are-they-now/
And now, Linked In can also be useful (even though I don’t belong).
https://nz.linkedin.com/in/jason-ede-9ab943169
Jason Ede – Wellington and Wairarapa
Communications & Strategy Manager
Property Institute of New Zealand (PINZ)
September 2016 – Present 2 years 4 months
Back to Google and this listing for PINZ does not want to work ….
EDIT. Now working at https://propertyinstitute.nz/
Address etc
69 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Mon
Phone: 0800 698 258
Further contact details if you want to send him Seasons Greetings …
https://propertyinstitute.nz/ContactForm?Action=View&ContactForm_id=13
Other links:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1807/S00170/property-institute-move-a-game-changer.htm
http://info.scoop.co.nz/New_Zealand_Property_Institute
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Property_Institute_of_New_Zealand
(Bit messy – perhaps Ede needs to do his job and improve it.)
National and their various MPs and supporters eg the Mouthpiece of the NZ National Party(aka the NZ Herald)will always blame everyone else but the faces staring back at them in the mirror.
Perhaps such denial by National MPs that they caused alot of problems due to their arrogance, pig-headedness, greed, ego, etc.etc.etc should have such an illness identified as being the “Denial Syndrome”.
It’s clearly a mental illness that is rampant amongst politicians that have been in a job far too long and taking it, the job of being an MP on a fantastic pay packet and perks of the job, a little bit too much for granted.
Anthony Robbins once referred to a relationship in crisis as being something where the “Law of Familiarity’ comes into effect. That is being with someone(or in the instance of Matt King and co)in a job like politics for far too long is they start taking things for granted.
Politicians do start behaving as if the world OWES THEM a living and not vice-versa.
If King, like Key, doesn’t like hearing National and the previous government being criticised then it’s time King dropped off the scene and gave the job to perhaps a more credit-worthy and meritable person.
But we all know he like his ilk in politics(the National Party)will not do the honourable thing and resign. Not whilst there is the NZ taxpayer to rip off at every opportunity.
farming …..failed………Cop…….failed…..MP…….Completely failed.Give it up Rodders.
I am strongly feeling like I need to do a “Lets Bash National and their MPs urge coming on”.
And lets go:
Where was Matt King when John Key was sexually harassing a waitress on more than ONE occasion by pulling her ponytail despite the fact she told him not to????!! Oh right he, King, was probably thinking all righteousness shines out of Key’s rectum. Either that or he just deemed the waitress as a lowly worker and not one meriting any rights as a worker.
Where was Matt King(if he was even an MP at the time)when John Key in one of his ‘pre-election promises'(tui billboard time)promised no increase in GST? Oh right King was probably still admiring the aforementioned rectum.
Where was King when Bill English was Double Dipping and treating those who caught him out with such disdain because English considered it(ripping off NZ taxpayers)as being his democratic right? As per usual not a peep out of King.
Where was King when Key promised just to impress Prince William to ‘bring out our boys’ after the Pike River disaster? Naturally not a peep out of King.
Where was King when over $64million was spent on Beemers with bum warming seats that ONLY a few eg King and co; could enjoy? Not a peep.
Where was King when Key on one of his Ego-quests wasted $26million on a flag referendum no-one but John Key and the National Party wanted? Not a King peep.
Where was King for the promised bridges that the current national party leader Simon Bridges promised for Northland whilst he was transport minister? Probably doing what National are infamous at i.e behaving like the three monkeys ‘see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil(which there is a National government).
National and its various MPs will always try to paint themselves as being as pure as the driven snow. They will try to give us voters the illusion they have never, ever made a mistake in their entire lifetime especially in politics. It just shows how shallow minded and selfish they truly are.
Where was King for when Aaron Gilmore yelled at a waiter: Do you know who I am? or Brownlee saying to yet another worker(another law abiding NZ citizen ‘I am running late for a plane’?
And so it comes across that King wants to be noticed and have attention heaped upon him He obviously misses the publicity that he deems as his right and privilege whilst giving scant attention to those homeless people and everyone else living in poverty which has become more pronounced over the past 9 years there was a National government that were living on a Meth Myth and evicting families from HNZ homes with the intent of on-selling to wealthy overseas investors who donated heavily to the NZ National Party.
And so whilst National were so busy demeaning and denigrating NZ workers at every opportunity they conveniently forgot through selective amnesia as to whom was paying their pay packet and perks of the job. And so whilst Key was referring to NZ protesters as “rent a protestor’ he was in fact showing to us all how much he hated NZ, NZers and the NZ workers.
And that says alot about National and their MPs when all things considered.
” Where was King when Key ect”
Oh and where indeed was Matt when his predecessor slunk off – his disgraceful peccadillos hidden behind a National Party created media smokescreen
I reckon this, and Chris Bishop’s bill to get drunk at the races, and the three billboards outside any holiday traffic jam is a calculated Nat strategy to try to keep relevant in the summer break.
Most people will have had enough of polititians by now but National MPs having the ego they do think we need a little more when trying to spend time with our families.
They are but they are uttered by deaf old white men who have trouble recalling their latest rant.
The striking thing about that column is how unusual its perspective is in our press.
lana hart is so accurate she males me feel like a commie.
king will need to work a lot harder on his Trump-style to shift any votes. its a stale as pitching roads to farmers.
Matt King is one of those people that you just know has never had an original thought in his life. He displays the pathology of the provincial squatocracy, perched on the edge of the Empire. Acutely aware of his status and living what he thinks is an exemplar life of the capitalist, but which is actually just a stale and sterile parody of how the ruling elite live in Virginia or Florida.
Stuck in the cultural cringe of the white settler mindset he is simply intellectually incapable of developing an indigenous variation of anything, so of course he seeks solace and information from the true home of the colonial – the Anglo-Saxon Empire and it’s current cultural nexus of the USA. And as befits any hayseed colonial aping his supposed superiors, he adopts a crude pastiche of the most extreme views found on Fox News, in order to prove his loyalty by being a better citizen of the Empire.
The worrying thing is that you only have to listen to Bridges spouting conspiracy theories about UN agendas on immigration to realise that the Breitbart paranoia and conspiracy theories of the US hard right are colonising National’s base. What a shitty party. Half of it wants to sell us out to Trumpism, and the other half wants to sell us out to the Chinese Communist party. I guess what unites them is a greed for foreign cash, presumably so they can leave this horrible colonial outpost and shoot through to a country estate somewhere more civilised.
😆
I think there is something screwy about stuff’s comment section. I have posted comments that have never turned up but I have seen them when I go and look for them in another browser. Also the count of comments can be different on different browsers, it’s not just out by one or two but substantially out.
what i found was that when you reply to several right leaning comments on one issue it is trolling apparently and will get you banned….had an interesting convo with their editor who wasnt interested at all….they are definitely right leaning….just not as overt as the NZ Herald
Not that its a biggie, but Matt King has blocked me on Twitter. I can only recall responding to a tweet of his once – and then it was a stretch to remember who he is. Doesn’t take long for new MPs to think they know best and only want to hear good things about their very important selves. Having said that, I give grudging kudos for Simeon Brown who plugs along, albeit stupidly, but at least leaves comments open.
The Natz holiday hysteria reeks of true desperation and for what? What are they offering? A leader few people rate at all and if even only ½ of the issues in the news item applied in revealing the way they let NZ down over nine years and they have not changed what do they expect NZ to accept any sort of sound and forward thinkg govt? It pretty shallow and digusting really.
Aaron Gilmore all over again.
Morrissey…..if you mean to identify Matt King with your Aaron Gilmore reference you probably go too far. Matt King is ‘nice’, Demonstrably so. ‘Nice’ to the point of gushing over the rock hard scones and over-sweet feijoa jam still found in Northland’s rural hinterland.
Nothing to add. Errh…..In respect of the scones…..baking powder maybe.
what a dick we had to put up with 9 years of the hosk whale blubber dirty politics john keys lies now that there lies doesn’t work they complain just another gnat twat
I bet poor young Sarah Higgins got to the bottom of the meth testing rort…any politician who tries to do something good, get’s ‘dirty politicked’…some stand up to the EUOF like Jami-Lee Ross…others like Sarah fail dismally and it was fatal…Meka Whaitiri MP got accused of bullying…is it because she got too close to what goes on with John Key’s immigration scam? Or drugs coming into the country through Customs? And Clare Curran accused by Carol Hirschfield…was it because of Clare finding out about the likes of Rob Pope (he who framed Scott Watson and whitewashed the Crewe review) being head of CERT? Yet those like old Judas Collins can ignore a sworn affidavit about a gun not handed to police in one of NZ’s largest cold cases, the Crewe murders, gets away with it….all starting to add up?
So all of the article points out thing the Nats did and portrays them in a bad light. Then his attempts to comment are blocked.
So he is correct in saying this was a left wing article, and in blocking comments Stuff supports the left wing narrative. Just one article is not proof of a trend.
My own veiw.
I’ve looked at 100s of Stuffs articles, analysing and commenting on another site, and they are experts at propaganda in regard to feminism, and yes they are left wing biased.
It’s the old story again, cherchez la femme!