National is being utterly irresponsible

Written By: - Date published: 7:46 am, November 19th, 2021 - 58 comments
Categories: chris bishop, covid-19, health, Judith Collins, national, same old national - Tags:

Yesterday’s behaviour from the National Party reinforced why I should use every spare minute I have to make sure that Labour and the Greens should continue to form the Government.

Because in the middle of a pandemic where the numbers in hospital are increasing and a number of Kiwis have died from a virus that is spreading promising the loosening of current restrictions is the most irresponsible, stupid, foolhardy, idiotic, imbecile thing I could ever expect a political party to do.

The outbreak is finely poised.  Vaccination rates are high, much higher than many other western nations.  Auckland’s daily new case numbers has stabilized, at least for now.  Elsewhere in the country infections are popping up and making their way down Te Ika a Maui.  I fear that the virus may soon cement a base in Te Wai Pounamu.  Hopefully vaccination rates everywhere will be sufficient to see the incursion off, or at least minimise the damage it is causing.

Citizens of Tamaki Makaurau will, all going well, have the chance to travel elsewhere over Christmas.  The right is not absolute, people wishing to travel will need to either be double vaccinated, have a recent negative covid test, or be under the age of 12.  December 15 is the date set.

The rationale is clear.  For as long as possible we need to prevent the spread of Covid to the rest of the country so we can continue to get vaccination rates up.

So what is the most irresponsible thing that a major party could do?

How about saying to all Aucklanders that they should be allowed to travel and that there will be no checks on them?  So that they can spread the virus far and wide.

This is profoundly anti scientific and completely reckless.

We are still in a good position despite recent incursions.  But for an extended period of time there will need to be in place health measures to dampen down the spread.  Loosening restrictions will only invite an increase of cases.

National’s use of this issue for political gain is appalling and totally irresponsible.

58 comments on “National is being utterly irresponsible ”

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  1. Patricia Bremner 1
    19 November 2021 at 8:08 am

    We could have expected that attitude Micky, as Judith Collins support for Matt King shows complete absorption with undermining the current Government effort.

  2. higherstandard 2
    19 November 2021 at 8:13 am

    Link to what National actually said ?

  3. Gezza 3
    19 November 2021 at 8:46 am

    What's this post about?

    I can't find any Press Release or see anything like this on the RNZ, Newshub, or The Herald websites?

    • Gezza 3.1
      19 November 2021 at 8:57 am

      Is his how Micky’s interpreting this Collins Press Release?
      …………………………..

      “Government’s Covid plan version 4.0 creates summer of chaos
      Judith Collins November 17, 2021

      Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister of a decision and an announcement that may happen in December is just the latest sign the Government has utterly lost the plot, says Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins.

      “This is an announcement that in two weeks’ time there will be an announcement on what the Cabinet will decide. This makes a total nonsense of the idea that we have to wait for public health advice to lift restrictions Aucklanders are currently forced to live under.

      “This is Government on the fly. Today’s bizarre and incomprehensible ‘plan’ will create a summer of chaos for all New Zealanders.

      “Every week that goes by, Kiwis are being flooded with new, confused and contradictory messaging.

      “It was less than four weeks ago the Prime Minister announced the 90 per cent DHB target. Now it has been abandoned.

      “It is clear that the DHB target was only ever about buying the Government time to get its vaccine certificate sorted.

      “If Aucklanders can travel on December 15, they should be able to travel today. Why should we need border checks?

      “The Prime Minister was unable to answer basic questions about how the new stop and search travel system would even work.

      “No idea how many cars police would be pulling over each day.

      “No idea whether people would need to provide photo ID alongside their vaccine certificate.

      “No idea if this would apply to 12-year-olds or just adults.

      “No idea if someone if someone is pulled over just south of Auckland, how will police know whether they have come from Huntly or Auckland?

      “We also hear today that areas with low vaccination will move to level red under the traffic light system. This is yet another criteria added to the traffic light system just weeks after it was announced.

      “This means that areas such as Gisborne or Taupo are now potentially going into tougher restrictions, with only a hundred fully vaccinated people allowed into bars.

      “Every region in New Zealand will now be trying to work out if it has high enough vaccination levels and if its bars and restaurants will be open for Christmas and New Year.

      “It is very hard to see how any of this is going to work.

      “Now, after four ludicrous plans, it’s absolutely clear the whole situation really is truly farcical.

      “National’s position is clear – once we reach 85 per cent double-vaccinated, or on December 1, whichever comes first, regional borders end.

      ‘That’s something everyone can understand.’ ”
      ……………………..

      Why even pay any attention at all to this ridiculously woman? My da would call her “Silly as a two-bob watch!” And he’d be right.

    • mickysavage 3.2
      19 November 2021 at 9:24 am

      The graphic is something National released on twitter.

      • Gezza 3.2.1
        19 November 2021 at 10:02 am

        Oh, I see. I never visit Twitter. There be dragons there. 🐉

        (Actually it’s really just that I mostly post here on me 2011-release iPad2 & its latest version of Safari is “Not Supported” by the Twit People. )

    • NiandraGem 3.3
      19 November 2021 at 10:58 pm

      Stop being wilfully obtuse. Maybe you should stick to posting bird videos.

      • Gezza 3.3.1
        19 November 2021 at 11:30 pm

        I’m not being wilfully obtuse. God almighty, yet another hopeless mind-reader who thinks they know what other people really thinking.

        I have explained my puzzlement over Micky’s post. Micky has explained its origin.

        Maybe you should stick to watching my bird videos & not post comments, if that’s a sample of what your typical contributions amount to?

  4. Enough is Enough 4
    19 November 2021 at 8:53 am

    National is playing politics, but…what they are advocating for is essentially what is happening in 3 weeks in any case.

    When the Auckland border comes down the virus will appear in every town in New Zealand within days.

    • Tricledrown 4.1
      19 November 2021 at 9:55 am

      National are advocating what's happening in Ireland and Germany letting Covid get out of Control. Forcing future lockdowns closing of hospitalizations large gatherings.

      National don't give a flying fuck about our already overstretched health system or the highly educated health professionals who have cost the taxpayers $ billions to educate.

    • left_forward 4.2
      19 November 2021 at 10:43 am

      Has National expressed support for the traffic light system then?

      As far as I was aware, we've only heard that Judith finds it confusing and too hard to understand.

  5. Lukas 5
    19 November 2021 at 8:56 am

    Do you really believe there is a difference between what National want and what Labour are going to do other than the date? And that date is only two weeks apart.

    You seem to be doing what you accuse National of- opposing whatever the “other side” put up is your default position.

    • left_forward 5.1
      19 November 2021 at 9:48 am

      What?

      The Government projects a set of clear policy guidelines with their best, but sometimes flawed efforts to reduce the harm from this dangerous virus under very challenging circumstances. The opposition, in contrast, projects confusion and befuddlement when everyone, including their own constituents, need unified action.

      So yes, this opposition unthinkingly opposes during a time that requires them to act differently – i.e. with wisdom.

  6. Tiger Mountain 6
    19 November 2021 at 9:22 am

    Is “Merv” from Manurewa in a secret bunker somewhere producing these daily mood swing memos from NZ National?

    Hard to take Nats seriously on COVID matters since Mr Woodhouse’s “homeless man” and Ms Boag’s cavalier attitude to privacy, and now, Mr Bishflap’s weekly acrobatics. His flip flops on restrictions and testing could be amusing if worried, sick, and deceased New Zealanders were in anyway funny.

    Surely it is time for serious pundits to admit that National are not genuine in any way on the pandemic beyond political tactics to benefit their class. Leave your post up Micky!

  7. Bearded Git 7
    19 November 2021 at 9:55 am

    The Nats have missed a massive opportunity here. They could have supported almost everything Jacinda et al have done on a bipartisan basis while criticising the odd obvious error. This would have given them the look of a reasonable party with the interests of the country and wider community at heart.

    Instead they (and especially Chris Whinging Bishop) have carped on endlessly, cravenly supporting the narrow interests of the business elite. They will not be forgiven for this by the electorate. (But the Mike Hosking fan club will vote for them)

    • Brendan 7.1
      19 November 2021 at 11:14 am

      Nat voter here.

      If you want the Nat party to agree to what the Government is doing you invite them into the government. And then you modify policy to as such.

      But no such offer has been made as I am aware.

      And so we have the outcome we have now – they are saying what they might do if they were in government.

      Want to shut them down – start working with the Nat's like you did with housing.

      • Ad 7.1.1
        19 November 2021 at 11:31 am

        Demonstrably untrue.

        As National's leader said two weeks ago, "adversarial politics should be put aside in case of an emergency – and housing has become an emergency."

        So it was clear in the joint press conference that National could figure our how to form common interest with the government, in an emergency:

        “National sees the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill as a step forward. The changes it contains will allow New Zealanders to do more on their land without needing a resource consent, reducing the time, cost and complexity that too often greets those who want to build new dwellings.”

        Labour, National announce sweeping housing density law, three-storey homes without consent | Stuff.co.nz

        In COVID National clearly has the capacity to form common approaches with the government, but instead plays raw politics.

      • bwaghorn 7.1.2
        19 November 2021 at 6:14 pm

        Haha hoho oh my. Surely you just.

        Maybe if national hadn't pissed on everything labour did from the fuckung word go labour might have given them a seat at the covid table ,

  8. Cricklewood 8
    19 November 2021 at 11:24 am

    Well Maori vax rates in the North are at 58 percent, given the vaxxed can carry and spread covid should be not be asking for everyone leaving Auckland to the North test negative prior to depature? Protect vulnerable populations etc etc… or are we sending them covid for xmas?

    • Alan 8.1
      19 November 2021 at 11:42 am

      um, they could go and get vaccinated….free, accessible, painless, you might even get a voucher.

      • Cricklewood 8.1.1
        19 November 2021 at 12:23 pm

        But they haven't so…. I guess you're saying tough shit im vaxxed I can go and do what I want…

        Reality is what is happening all over the world has made it clear that a bunch of other measures are needed to help keep a lid on delta vaxx alone doesnt cut it

        • Alan 8.1.1.1
          19 November 2021 at 1:08 pm

          If people will not accept very easy measures to help themselves, then ultimately it does become their problem.

          I am not saying tough shit, I am saying take advantage of the easily accessed solution – help yourself, stop blaming everyone else.

          How hard is that?

    • alwyn 8.2
      19 November 2021 at 11:47 am

      "are we sending them covid for xmas?"

      Labour are far more generous than that. They aren't just going to give a Christmas present to North Auckland. They are going to let the entire country have Covid for Christmas. Thank you Santa.

      • Enough is Enough 8.2.1
        19 November 2021 at 11:53 am

        Yeah but they are delaying it by two weeks from what National is proposing.

        Somehow one is following science, the other is "being utterly irresponsble"

        • Ed1 8.2.1.1
          19 November 2021 at 12:41 pm

          No police checks? I did not realise Labour were proposing to have no restrictions on movements, and presumably free movement for both vaccinated and unvaccinated – including no requirements for Vaccination certificates. Enough is indeed enough ; small differences can have a large effect on outcomes.

          • Enough is Enough 8.2.1.1.1
            19 November 2021 at 1:24 pm

            Do you seriously think the Police will check the vaccine status of every person leaving Auckland?

        • lprent 8.2.1.2
          19 November 2021 at 12:44 pm

          Yeah but they are delaying it by two weeks from what National is proposing.

          Not even close you complete idiot…

          To quote the scientific moron the dishonourable Judith Collins.

          “National’s position is clear – once we reach 85 per cent double-vaccinated, or on December 1, whichever comes first, regional borders end.

          ‘That’s something everyone can understand.’ ”

          What she means is that it is simple enough for her to understand. Simple for everyone else to understand as well – she doesn't want to take any precautions about the spread of covid-19.

          Look at what she says elsewhere in her press statement – she implies but carefully doesn't state (becasue she likes being a weasel) – that National wouldn't have police checks for people being double vaccinated.

          Probably that borders like entry to places like pubs would be unrestricted as well. – to make it easier for the hospo industry and for covid-19 to spread. Next she will be stating that that the vaccination docs are a waste of time – probably because she can't figure out how to work it on her phone (she was known to be a useless technophobe when she was a lawyer).

          Looks like National are just chasing the nutter vote – like you.

          Taking her at her word,

          • Enough is Enough 8.2.1.2.1
            19 November 2021 at 1:13 pm

            I have no idea why you would think National's position is supported by me?

            Nowhere have I even remotely advocated for the position they are taking.

            The 14 December date is artificial and has only been made so that Aucklanders can go to the bach for Christmas. It has nothing to do with public health.

          • Higherstandard 8.2.1.2.2
            19 November 2021 at 1:18 pm

            Bad week ?

      • bwaghorn 8.2.2
        19 November 2021 at 6:16 pm

        So alwyn you favour still keeping Auckland locked down ,or is it up?

  9. Ad 9
    19 November 2021 at 11:52 am

    Maori leaders in Northland are also being completely irresponsible.

    Covid 19 Delta outbreak: Northern iwi leaders condemn Auckland border call – 'you may as well send up body bags' – NZ Herald

    "The Māori leaders' forum in the North, Te Kahu o Taonui, raised its concerns in a statement.

    Ngāti Kahu chair Professor Mākere Mutu says it's not the responsibility of Te Kahu o Taonui to check vaccination statuses.

    "Te Tai Tokerau will not be the collateral damage – you might as well send body bags," she said.

    They should stop the bullshit moaning and issue a statement to all Northland unvaccinated Maori instead, along the lines of "take responsibility for yourselves and each other and get vaccinated and you have until December 15th".

    Stop the histrionics and blaming the government when all they have to do is get off their asses and get vaccinated, rather than worry about the 93%+ double vaccinated Aucklanders by December 15th.

    • left_forward 9.1
      19 November 2021 at 4:36 pm

      What patronising nonsense ad. Do you think that Northland Maori should all think the same and all be held accountable for each other's behaviour? Are you responsible for the behaviour of the members of your family, or your kind?

      Te Kahu o Taonui are legitimately expressing their concerns about the safety of their people.. they are not moaning.

      Do not presume they are not working hard to send out messages and increase vaccinations… the evidence of the impressive efforts by Northland Maori leaders suggests otherwise.

    • Sacha 9.2
      19 November 2021 at 8:39 pm

      all they have to do is get off their asses and get vaccinated

      Yep, must be laziness that's the problem. Same as in 1918. You'd think they would learn. Oh, roadblocks you say?

  10. Reality 10
    19 November 2021 at 11:58 am

    John Bishop is a sour bitter loser. He has all these critical things to say about our PM, but not a peep about Judith Collins' failing leadership and numerous shortcomings.

    There was nothing wrong with the PM being photographed in the APEC attire. She is the PM after all. It was great to see an attractive photo on the front page of the Dominion Post. We easily can recall "soft" photos of John Key mincing down a catwalk for example. And people are genuinely interested in little Neve snippets occasionally.

    Wonder what he would say about Judith Collins and Simon Bridges embarrassing themselves cavorting round the stage at their conference. In contrast, Jacinda has always conducted herself with dignity on all occasions.

    There seems to be a very intense jealousy from the Nats about Jacinda. And for Bishop to claim she has no skills to deal with tough times is ludicrous. She has had more tough times in her four years as PM than many other leaders in the past.

    • aj 10.1
      19 November 2021 at 6:57 pm

      I kept this quote from someone on twitter a few weeks ago. So true.

      There is certainly an enormous amount of antipathy among older men in conservative circles about Jacinda. Way beyond what any impartial analysis would indicate. I agree it is largely because of her personal characteristics, which enrage some beyond reason

  11. Pete 11
    19 November 2021 at 5:45 pm

    There are people like Mike Hosking telling the world that the Government has totally mishandled covid. There is the Groundswell group (with their next big protest coming up) telling the world that the Government has totally mishandled everything.

    So to salve the disgruntlement the Government should just butt out and let people get on. Because people need to be trusted and because we know people will act responsibly.

    "For an extended period of time there will need to be in place health measures to dampen down the spread." Well we'll do that won't we because we're appreciate the possible dire consequences?

    Bullshit. And when people act like people are wont to do and things are down the crapper the Groundswell mob will have something else to bitch about won't they. Of course it'll be the Government's fault

    • bwaghorn 11.1
      19 November 2021 at 6:22 pm

      Made the mistake of engaging with a frothy anti Jacinda type on facbook, (his 1st post said he’d debate with anyone) turnd instantly into personal abuse (his side only)with a few other terriers nipping at my flanks ,

      Makes me wonder why I've been here defending rural kiwis for fucking far to long.

  12. observer 12
    19 November 2021 at 7:30 pm

    There is no National party position on the Covid response any more.

    Any of us can point to a statement by one MP one day and then a different one from another MP the next day. Mandates, for or against? Vax passports, for or against? Police checks on the roads, for or against? Protests, for or against? You tell me.

    Some might think this is classic forked-tongue strategy, contradictory messages to different audiences, wink wink. It's an old trick as we all know.

    But in this case I think it's simply the deep divisions in the party and the collapse of caucus discipline. There isn't really any strategy at all, just a power play between leadership candidates. And they really don't care about the consequences for anybody outside their private club. Not even in a pandemic.

    • tc 12.1
      20 November 2021 at 8:36 am

      Nationals been consistent through covid. Whatever it takes to get back in.

      Score political points where possible, weasle words, it's all labours fault etc