National endorses Dunne in Ohariu – Nek minnit
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- Date published:
7:30 am, August 22nd, 2017 - 34 comments
Categories: act, campaigning, election 2017, national, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, united future -
Tags: Peter Dunne
So much for the all feared all conquering National Party campaign machine, able to destroy opponents and win the hearts and minds of New Zealanders at will through its organisation and competence.
This election campaign was meant to be a Crosby Textor training video for how to change leader and win a fourth term. But it has started to resemble an episode from the Thick of It.
The organisation used to be extraordinarily good. The party had won the last three elections while maintaining a significant vote. It had also managed to persuade the electors of two traditional National seats, Epsom and Ohariu, to hold their noses and vote for two rather unappealing leaders of puppet parties, David Seymour of ACT and Peter Dunne of United Future. This gave National a two seat buffer and helped with those really tight Parliamentary votes.
Make no mistake. In an MMP environment these two votes gave the right a distinct advantage. And National did not lose an MP, they just exchanged an electorate MP for a list MP and gained two pliant electorate MPs willing to do their bidding, at least usually.
And this Election the plan was to repeat it all again and hope the good people of Ohariu delivered again.
But National clearly did not factor in Jacindamania.
What looked originally like a fairly tight battle changed so that even Peter Dunne conceded that the writing was on the wall for him. And rather than put himself through a further campaign he has decided to call it a day and pull stumps and all that stuff.
In an example of really bad timing a couple of days ago National sent a letter out to pretty well everyone in Ohariu urging them to electorate vote Dunne.
A couple of screenshots of the letter (h/t Lloyd Burr) provide you with as much information as you need.
But Dunne’s announcement shows that National’s campaign plans are looking rather shaky.
National’s reelection plans for Ohariu are now in tatters. Suddenly Brett Hudson who has made an art form of not campaigning for the electorate vote will need every single vote he can get his hands on.
Jacinda fan boi Paddy Gower called Dunne a political cockroach, I am sure he meant it in the nicest possible way.
Greg O’Connor must be grinning from ear to ear. And suddenly National’s campaign has this rather distinct feel to it.
34 comments on “National endorses Dunne in Ohariu – Nek minnit ”
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- Govtâs emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Governmentâs Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets.  ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata MÄori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata MÄori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for MÄori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Billâwhich allows landlords to end tenancies with no reasonâignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...1 week ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Todayâs announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the countryâs rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willisâ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Memberâs Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Governmentâs Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing âlossmaking paper productionâ. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatreâs restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. âThe Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...9 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). âAt my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,â Mr Luxon says. âNew Zealandâs ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealandâs intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. âThe government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,â Mr Penk says. âApplications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Governmentâs measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âImproving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. âOur focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. âThe redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. âRegulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. âSynthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- NgÄruawÄhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the NgÄruawÄhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.âI would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...2 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. âI would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. âIt has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayersâ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. âTreasury and most ...3 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. âFreedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last yearâs Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Networkâs new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...3 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.âThe Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...3 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. âDelivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...3 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. âCabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...3 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. âAs a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...4 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. âMr Horsleyâs experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. âHe is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. âEarlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. âThe Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill â the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...4 days ago
- Hawkeâs Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawkeâs Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.âThe Government is moving at ...4 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. âPlanting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...4 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. âThese trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). âThe Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...4 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. âThis Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...4 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
âAccelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,â says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...4 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. âI would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. âThe appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Boardâs capacity ...4 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. âIn the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...4 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Governmentâs $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. âThis fund is part of the Governmentâs commitment to investing in ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...4 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commissionâs plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.âThe Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best â providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Governmentâs Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.âNew Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.âCouncils and voters ...5 days ago
- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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Peter Dunne – ‘i didn’t want to lose’ – truth.
Joyce on radio – he’d fake happy no matter what happened and that is dangerous. Please don’t underestimate the gnats – do not take your eye off them labour.
Greens withdrew… …Dunne couldn’t win… …nice. Well done. All that was needed, pick on Greens, they withdraw and your done Dunne.
Peters should be taking notes.
Can’t believe dunne was all in when he thought he could sleep walk back into parliament. Now it looks a bit difficult he throws in the towel. Meanwhile over at another blog it seems like this little bombshell never occurred.
Yep Dunne’s legacy will be that of a quitter. The going got tough so he got going. Not unlike our esteemed former PM Sir Teflon John đ
No valedictory for Dunne but then he was not much of a talker in parliament. Did he give his questions to Seymour?
He talked out of the arses of Nat MPs. A kind of ventriloquism in reverse
Yup. He is still deluding himself that Ohariu elected him on merit. He has no fight… stands for nothing… and took the salary. Also voted against equal pay for women as one of his last actions.
The Nats got stood up via txt.
They’d booked the table, ordered an aperitif, paid the escort agency’s non-refundable deposit, and now this?!
His legacy is still that of a Quisling.
Off topic I know, but speaking of that picture, what happened with the decision in the Eminem case? Back in May it was reserved but expected to be released in a few months. That’s the last MSM article I can find on it.
Dung on the AM show did a Tui advert
Can’t remember the exact words but it went like:-
“The country is a better place now since I came into parliament 30 years ago”
Yeah right.
Can’t have been to Auckland recently. The amount of rough sleepers has escalated in the last few years. And the traffic.
He meant the fields aroubd his retirement farm
A great day for the integrity of our electoral system.
It’s very 2008 redux, but reversed, and the tide isn’t going out as fast on National as it did on Labour.
Last line is an own-goal clanger!
“…led by a confused coalition of parties who can’t even govern themselves”.
Give Nats a mirror, for some self reflection.
They say if you see all the rats start to jump off of a ship and start swimming away, head for the lifeboats immediately as it is a sure sign the ship is about to go down!
The hole in the National party ship must be bigger than what they are letting on and no amount of bailing it out is going to keep it afloat.
NZJester
National = ‘Six Months In A Leaky Boat’
“Split Enz ”
If only it had been 6 months in a leaky boat. But that boat has been leaky since the start and they just hid the fact well with their super Crosby Textor bilge pump keeping them afloat, but it is starting after all this time to wear out and the numerous holes are just getting too big for it to handle.
Big ray key left the rest to go down on the ss natonal he knew when to fold and run
Crosby Textor are going to have to start pulling the rabbits out of the hat soon.
Attack Ads have been released. Now will the electorate see this as a desperate move by a losing team.or…
Not fair to the UF candidates. They don’t appear to have been informed of this decision until it hit the media.
Huge National presence at the markets this week, along with the Greens and NZ First.
National are in the lead and will win on the day. MSM is trying to change the outcome, but it won’t work. Go National/NZ First…I am looking forward to our first Maori PM! Thought Bill English looked very calm and contented on TV tonight, does not seem worried.
Bingles permanently looks calm and contented. He’s a robot. There are some cracks appearing though.
Who is going to be the first Maori PM, btw?
Our dear Winston of course, who else.
So you are saying National are going to form a government with NZF and Winston Peters will head that government.
You seem like a dickhead.
seem?
I say it is a possibility, and a strong one. He may get Finance Minister instead, but as Kingmaker he will have high expectations, and I believe, National will come to the party.
Govt is where they want to be after all, not Opposition.
You’re either deliberately being an idiot, or are not very bright.
Let us know which.
He isn’t called Kingmaker for nothing…
Ok, it’s both then. Thought as much.
——– Forwarded Message ——–
Subject: Tane Woodley, 28 February 2007
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2017 09:13:10 +1200
From: Robert
Reply-To: robert@oilcrash.com
To: james.shaw@greens.org.nz
CC: Robin Westenr , bill.english@national.org.nz, jacinda@jacinda.co.nz, president@nzfirstparty.org.nz, tane.woodley@greens.org.nz, checkpoint@radionz.co.nz, Gareth Morgan
James
I have to ask how these three things DON”T clash?
Kiwisaver
And
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/greens-deliver-labour-massive-surprise-unexpected-candidate-ohariu-electorate-race
And
http://www.oilcrash.com/articles/oilconfl.htm
The evidence is in, basically a green party candidate is saying Kiwisaver is a crock ie there simply isn’t another 47 years of growth left on the planet, so you are lying to your young voters, well all of them actually.
Please explain Mr Shaw, how can you till your 18 – 20 year old voters that there is a future pension via this oil/growth dependent investment scam?
Robert Atack
0274 301 574