National’s annual conference
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9:47 am, November 22nd, 2020 - 64 comments
Categories: election 2020, Judith Collins, national, same old national -
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You would think that the conference held immediately after National suffered one of its worst drubbings in its history National would take the opportunity to refresh its leadership and change its direction.
If you did you will be disappointed.
From Newshub:
In a speech, Goodfellow began by thanking leader Judith Collins saying members “couldn’t be prouder” of her, to which the room clapped.
Goodfellow then went on to both praise and slam the Labour Government’s COVID-19 response and election campaign.
He said “reasoned debate became treasonous” during the campaign and it was a race of celebrity.
Goodfellow then went on to “give credit where credit is due” and praised Jacinda Ardern for her clear communication over the COVID-19 crisis.
In nearly the same breath, he characterised the daily COVID-19 updates as being “televangelistic”.
He finished his speech with a call for the National Party to rebuild and reunite over the next three years.
This is Trumpian in the quality of its analysis. Slamming the response of Labour’s Covid response is weird. As the virus ravages through most of the world New Zealand’s response stands out like a beacon. And there was lots of debate during the campaign. We even had minor parties peddle conspiracy theories out in plain sight. The problem was not with free speech being treasonous, it was because the quality of the speech was so poor.
And Goodfellow’s analysis is so shallow. Fancy praising Ardern’s clear communications but rubbishing the Government’s overall response.
But don’t take my word for this. National activist Ben Thomas thinks the same. From Radio New Zealand:
[F]ormer National staffer said Goodfellow was completely out of touch with voters.
Political commentator Ben Thomas said Goodfellow was putting personal gain above the party’s interests.
“He attacked the media and attacked Ardern, and called those Covid briefings a symptom of tyranny. Which is playing to the National Party’s base which is at that AGM that he wants to re-elect him as National Party president, but sounds ridiculous to the wider public, including all of those voters who deserted National to go to Labour.”
Then Judith spoke.
She urged unity, presuming behind her as leader. She urged her spokespeople to be bold but then trotted out the traditional National themes of government wasteful spending, the shackles holding back innovation and entrepreneurship, the failure of imagination, the lack of ambition, and the tolerance for bland mediocrity.
Apart from a token reference to the high tech sector there was no substance in what she said.
John Key also spoke. What he said contrasts jarringly with Goodfellow’s analysis. From Claire Trevett at the Herald:
Key was a guest speaker at the party’s first big gathering since the election, and used it to thump in the home truths about the reasons for the election loss. In short: themselves.
It is usually possible to gauge how far a party has come to terms with a dire election result from the length of time it takes for someone to blame the media and their political opponents for it.
In National’s case, that was not long. It came from President Peter Goodfellow, who railed against what he saw as the “clickbait” and bias of the media. He then launched into the “temporary tyranny” of Jacinda Ardern’s Covid-19 response, her “celebrity” leadership and “tele-vangelical” addresses to the nation.
There was only a fleeting reference to the woes National had brought upon itself.
It was a speech that seemed to show Goodfellow had learned very little about the reasons 2020 brought National to its knees in the first place – or why New Zealanders had thronged to vote for Ardern.
It was a gob-smacking speech. The interesting thing is the party faithful did not seem to buy it.
There was a deathly silence from the 600-odd packed into the room while Goodfellow was going through his tirade. It is likely some quietly agreed with him, but there was no spontaneous applause or murmurs of agreement.
Key’s response to the election result was entirely different.
His speech was not the usual platitudes and diplomatic expressions of support a former leader usually offers.
He delivered a stonker. He told them they had lost 413,800 voters, and he told them why. He told them their voters had flocked to Labour and to Act because of National’s disunity and leadership changes.
He warned them not to assume Ardern’s popularity would wane, because that was a mistake Labour made about him for almost a decade.
And he told them that Labour would spend the next three years focusing on keeping those 413,800 voters, and that it was clever enough to do just that. He set out the prospect National would lose again in 2023, 2026 and 2029.
He said the party needed a plan and a strategy: “Trust me when I tell you, hope is not a strategy.”
But the loudest applause was in response to Key’s warning to any National Party MPs leaking to the media. “If you can’t quit your leaking, quit the party.”
Astoundingly Goodfellow was returned as President. Lots of lefties cheered as that.
And as part of its reinvigoration it elected David Carter, former MP since 1993 onto its board. Renewal huh. Carter had sought presidency of the party but lost to Goodfellow.
I thought it would only be a matter of time before Collins was rolled. Given events on the weekend and the party’s clear inability to do something radical I am not so sure.
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The Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta’s presence in New York today at the United Nations General Assembly is a contempt of New Zealand’s “caretaker government” convention. Despite the long-standing caretaker convention, Minister Mahuta is today at the UN to sign a highly contentious “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement”, delivering a ...5 days ago - Back To Black ResponsiblyThe Pre-Election Fiscal Update Changes Everything Within an hour of this speech there is going to be a debate between the political parties that the media, under MMP, still think are the only parties that matter in this campaign. Both of those parties are riddled with inexperience, as evidenced by ...5 days ago
- Stop the cuts before they start – Labour launches new TV adNational and ACT's tax plans don't add up, and that means deep cuts to the public services New Zealanders rely on, says Labour Campaign Chair Megan Woods. ...6 days ago
- Free school lunches paid for with a wealth taxThe Green Party will expand free school lunches and pay for it with a fair tax system. ...6 days ago
- The Pacific Reset & the Blue ContinentThank you for your invitation to speak with you this afternoon about New Zealand Foreign Policy. After offering one or two general thoughts about the nature of foreign policy, the focus today will be the Pacific Reset and why its goals remain even more important today as when they were ...7 days ago
- Release: Huge hole in National’s climate budgetNational’s plan to cut policies that are reducing New Zealand’s climate emissions will result in a huge gap in the country’s emissions budgets and could see Kiwis paying significantly more at the petrol pump as a result of Christopher Luxon hiking the ETS price. ...7 days ago
- Greens would push Labour much further on solar powerLabour’s plan to support rooftop solar is a step in the right direction, but falls short of what could be achieved through the Green Party’s Clean Power Payment. ...1 week ago
- Release: Doubling rooftop solar to reduce bills & emissionsLabour will double the number of houses with rooftop solar in New Zealand, lowering household power bills, reducing emissions and boosting renewable electricity generation. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour will advance women’s health, careers, and legal protectionsA re-elected Labour Government will continue its proud tradition of advancing women’s health, employment, and legal rights Spokesperson for Women Jan Tinetti said. ...1 week ago
- Green Party confirms plan for five weeks annual leaveSpeaking at the E Tū Election Launch in Auckland today, Green Party co leader Marama Davidson outlined the Green Party’s manifesto commitment to ensure everyone has five weeks of annual leave. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour to keep lifting worker wages and rightsA re-elected Labour Government will protect hard-fought workers’ rights and keep the momentum on wage growth to lift incomes for all New Zealanders, leader Chris Hipkins announced today. ...1 week ago
- New Zealand First Party List 2023New Zealand First is proud to announce the Party List for the upcoming 2023 General Election. We have had a great number of applicants and potential candidates moving through the selection process over the past few months. Our final selection for our list proves we have a wide range ...1 week ago
- A National/ACT Government would make life miserable for those already worst offOnly a party vote for the Greens will end poverty. ACT’S welfare policy announced today is as cruel as it gets. ...1 week ago
- Release: Willis’ resignation call means only one thing – $2 billion more cutsMassive cuts to public service are on the cards as Nicola Willis has promised to resign if she doesn’t deliver tax cuts but is refusing to make the same commitment if she doesn’t raise enough income from her bungled foreign buyer’s tax. ...1 week ago
- Release: A faster justice system focused on victimsLabour will help more victims of crime achieve justice faster by introducing a formal class-action regime, modernising consent laws and increasing the use of technology to speed up hearings. ...1 week ago
- Release: Gaping hole confirmed in National’s tax planA whopping $2.1 billion dollar hole has been confirmed in National’s tax scheme in a new report released today. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour pledges biggest ever increase to training DoctorsLabour will deliver the largest ever increase to the number of doctors trained each year, adding an additional 335 doctors a year to our health workforce from 2027, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has announced. ...2 weeks ago
- PREFU Exposes Political PromisesToday’s PREFU has some alarming statistics showing an economy deteriorating and the cost of unaffordable government expenditure, mainly in the 2022 and 2023 budgets. Despite this alarming economic and fiscal picture, political parties are making unaffordable promises, talking about a surplus by 2027, or four years time, all of which ...2 weeks ago
- State of books makes clear case for wealth taxThe case for a wealth tax has never been stronger. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour pledges free cervical screeningIf re-elected Labour will make cervical screening services free to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 years, delivering better cancer care for over 1.4 million New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Chris Hipkins sets out 9 key pledges to New ZealandLabour Leader Chris Hipkins has set out nine key pledges to be achieved in his first full term as Prime Minister. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour's Plan 2023Labour is running a positive, forward-looking campaign that's focused on fixing the cost of living, keeping people and communities safe and investing in education, health and housing. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Coalition of Cuts and Chaos would be NZ’s most unstable governmentStatements from David Seymour and Winston Peters have called into question whether National would be able to lead a functional government if they were in a position to do so after the election. ...2 weeks ago
- Healthy Ocean Act – Marama Davidson SpeechHe mōhio ō tātou tīpuna ki te tirotiro taiao. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens will demand Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to lead ocean rescue planThe Green Party will protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, create an independent Ocean Commission to advise the government, and put a Green Minister for Oceans and Fisheries in charge of making it happen. ...2 weeks ago
- Plan for 3,000 more public homes by 2025 – regions set to benefit
Regions around the country will get significant boosts of public housing in the next two years, as outlined in the latest public housing plan update, released by the Housing Minister, Dr Megan Woods. “We’re delivering the most public homes each year since the Nash government of the 1950s with one ...1 day ago - Immigration settings updatesJudicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap increased by 500 Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement More roles added to Green List Three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders The Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of ...2 days ago
- Poroporoaki: Tā Patrick (Patu) Wahanga HohepaTangi ngunguru ana ngā tai ki te wahapū o Hokianga Whakapau Karakia. Tārehu ana ngā pae maunga ki Te Puna o te Ao Marama. Korihi tangi ana ngā manu, kua hinga he kauri nui ki te Wao Nui o Tāne. He Toa. He Pou. He Ahorangi. E papaki tū ana ...3 days ago
- COVID-19 funding returned to GovernmentThe lifting of COVID-19 isolation and mask mandates in August has resulted in a return of almost $50m in savings and recovered contingencies, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Following the revocation of mandates and isolation, specialised COVID-19 telehealth and alternative isolation accommodation are among the operational elements ...3 days ago
- Appointment of District Court JudgeSusie Houghton of Auckland has been appointed as a new District Court Judge, to serve on the Family Court, Attorney-General David Parker said today. Judge Houghton has acted as a lawyer for child for more than 20 years. She has acted on matters relating to the Hague Convention, an international ...3 days ago
- Government invests further in Central Hawke’s Bay resilienceThe Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...4 days ago
- Govt boost for Hawke’s Bay cyclone waste clean-upAnother $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...4 days ago
- Taupō Supercars revs up with Government supportThe future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...4 days ago
- There is no recession in NZ, economy grows nearly 1 percent in June quarterThe economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...4 days ago
- Highest legal protection for New Zealand’s largest freshwater springsThe Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today. “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...4 days ago
- More support for victims of migrant exploitationTemporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...5 days ago
- Strong export boost as NZ economy turns cornerAn export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...5 days ago
- Funding approved for flood resilience work in Te KarakaThe Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...5 days ago
- Further business support for cyclone-affected regionsThe Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...5 days ago
- New maintenance facility at Burnham Military Camp underwayDefence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...5 days ago
- Foreign Minister to attend United Nations General AssemblyForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...6 days ago
- Midwives’ pay equity offer reachedAround 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...1 week ago
- New Zealand provides support to MoroccoAotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests in West Coast’s roading resilienceThe Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests in Greymouth’s futureThe Government has today confirmed a $2 million grant towards the regeneration of Greymouth’s CBD with construction of a new two-level commercial and public facility. “It will include a visitor facility centred around a new library. Additionally, it will include retail outlets on the ground floor, and both outdoor and ...2 weeks ago
- Nanaia Mahuta to attend PIF Foreign Ministers’ MeetingForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Suva, Fiji alongside New Zealand’s regional counterparts. “Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply committed to working with our pacific whanau to strengthen our cooperation, and share ways to combat the challenges facing the Blue Pacific Continent,” ...2 weeks ago
- PREFU shows no recession, growing economy, more jobs and wages ahead of inflationEconomy to grow 2.6 percent on average over forecast period Treasury not forecasting a recession Inflation to return to the 1-3 percent target band next year Wages set to grow 4.8 percent a year over forecast period Unemployment to peak below the long-term average Fiscal Rules met - Net debt ...2 weeks ago
- New cancer centre opens in ChristchurchPrime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall proudly opened the Canterbury Cancer Centre in Christchurch today. The new facility is the first of its kind and was built with $6.5 million of funding from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group scheme for shovel-ready projects allocated in 2020. ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests in top of the south’s roading resilience$12 million to improve the resilience of roads in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions Hope Bypass earmarked in draft Government Policy Statement on land transport $127 million invested in the top of the south’s roads since flooding in 2021 and 2022 The Government is investing over $12 million to ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealanders continue to support the revitalisation of te reo as we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Mā...Ko tēnei te wiki e whakanui ana i tō tātou reo rangatira. Ko te wā tuku reo Māori, e whakanuia tahitia ai te reo ahakoa kei hea ake tēnā me tēnā o tātou, ka tū ā te Rātū te 14 o Mahuru, ā te 12 o ngā hāora i te ahiahi. ...2 weeks ago
- New Wildlife Act to better protect native speciesThe 70-year-old Wildlife Act will be replaced with modern, fit-for-purpose legislation to better protect native species and improve biodiversity, Minister of Conservation Willow-Jean Prime has announced. “New species legislation is urgently needed to address New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis,” Willow-Jean Prime said. “More than 4,000 of our native species are currently ...2 weeks ago
- Further safety initiatives for Auckland City CentreCentral and Local Government are today announcing a range of new measures to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour in the Auckland CBD to complement Police scaling up their presence in the area. “Police have an important role to play in preventing and responding to crime, but there is more ...2 weeks ago
- Govt confirms additional support for Enabling Good LivesThe Government has confirmed $73.7 million over the next four years and a further $40.5m in outyears to continue to transform the disability support system, Minister for Disability Issues Priyanca Radhakrishnan has announced. “The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach is a framework which guides positive change for disabled people, ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand gets AAA credit rating from S&PStandard and Poor’s is the latest independent credit rating agency to endorse the Government’s economic management in the face of a deteriorating global economy. S&P affirmed New Zealand’s long term local currency rating at AAA and foreign currency rating at AA+ with a stable outlook. It follows Fitch affirming New ...2 weeks ago
- Appointment of Environment Court JudgeChristchurch barrister Kelvin Reid has been appointed as a Judge of the Environment Court and the District Court, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. Mr Reid has extensive experience in Resource Management Act issues, including water quality throughout the South Island. He was appointed to the Technical Advisory Group advising the ...2 weeks ago
- NZ’s biggest ever emissions reduction project hits milestoneNew Zealand is on track to have greener steel as soon as 2026 with New Zealand Steel’s electric arc furnace project reaching a major milestone today. The Government announced a conditional partnership with New Zealand Steel in May to deliver the country’s largest emissions reduction project to date. Half of ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Paki Leslie Māngai NikoraPokia ana te tihi Taiarahia e Hine-Pūkohu-rangi Hotu kau ana te manawa! Horahia ana te whārua o Ruātoki e te kapua pouri Tikaro rawahia ko te whatumanawa! Rere whakamuri kau ana te awa o Hinemataroa Ki te kawe i te rongo ki te mātāpuna i nga pōngaihu Maungapōhatu, tuohu ...3 weeks ago
- 50,000 charges laid in crack down on gangsPolice Minister Ginny Andersen has today congratulated Police in their efforts to crack down on gangs, after laying 50,000 charges against gang members and their associates through the hugely successful Operation Cobalt. As at 31 August, Police have: Laid 50,396 criminal charges against gang members and their associates Issued 64,524 ...3 weeks ago
- Farmers and cyclone-affected properties supported with tax rule changesThe Government has confirmed details of the tax changes to the bright-line test for cyclone-damaged properties, with the release of the required legislative amendments. Revenue Minister Barbara Edmonds has released a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) to be considered by the Finance and Expenditure Committee in the next Parliament, as it ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand wins CPTPP dispute against CanadaMinister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor has welcomed the CPTPP Panel’s ruling in favour of New Zealand in our dispute against Canada, a significant win for our primary sector exporters. The Panel found that Canada’s dairy quota administration is inconsistent with its obligations under the Comprehensive and Progressive ...3 weeks ago
- The RMA is dead, long live the RMA: why NZ’s resource laws won’t change overnight after this ele...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeffrey McNeill, Senior Lecturer in Resource & Environmental Planning, Massey University RMA – three letters that have struck fear into a generation of farmers, developers, politicians and anyone building a house. Or so legend would have it. Whatever its original goal of ...25 mins ago - Luxon confident he could make three-way coalition work
Christopher Luxon has told reporters on the campaign trail in Matamata that he could manage a multi-party coalition with both Act and New Zealand First, if needed. In a social media video this morning, Luxon finally revealed that he was open to working with Winston Peters if the votes fell ...42 mins ago - Newsletter: September 25 2023 – Items of interest and importance todayNew Zealand Politics Daily is a collation of the most prominent issues being discussed in New Zealand. It is edited by Dr Bryce Edwards of The Democracy Project. NZ Politics Daily: 25 September 2023 NZ FIRST, COALITION WITH NATIONAL 1News: National’s Christopher Luxon would work with NZ First if he has to ...47 mins ago
- Rt Hon Winston Peters RE: The Call For Corporate Manslaughter Legislation
This matter begins with the Pike River investigation being inadequate, inexplicably lengthy, and after millions of dollars, the evidence that should have been placed before the public still has not been. We have always believed that Pike River is ...57 mins ago - Election 2023: Labour releases climate manifesto with more policy plans
Labour has revealed policies for a second emissions reduction plan, a new ministerial role, and increasing renewable electricity generation. ...1 hour ago - Election 2023: The tertiary education policies in two minutesHundreds of thousands of New Zealanders engage with the tertiary education sector each year. Here’s everything you need to know about funding, governance, student allowances, fees and research in two minutes. See more from our policy in two minutes series here. More than 300,000 New Zealanders are enrolled in programmes ...1 hour ago
- Government’s employment white paper commits to jobs for all who want them – and help to get themSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The employment white paper, released on Monday, has outlined multiple measures the Albanese government will implement to assist the about three million people who want jobs or more hours of work. They include making ...1 hour ago
- Government’s employment white paper commits to jobs for all who want them – and help to get themSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The employment white paper, released on Monday, has outlined multiple measures the Albanese government will implement to assist the about three million people who want jobs or more hours of work. They include making ...1 hour ago
- What it’s like to wear the most expensive diamond ring in New ZealandThe biggest and most expensive diamond ring to be auctioned in New Zealand went under the hammer in Auckland on Sunday. In the name of luxury, Gabi Lardies went and tried it on. The bubbles are on ice, the scented candles are lit and I am quite explicit about not ...1 hour ago
- Do blue-light glasses really work? Can they reduce eye strain or help me sleep?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Downie, Associate Professor in Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Blue-light glasses are said to reduce eye strain when using computers, improve your sleep and protect your eye health. You can buy them yourself or your ...2 hours ago
- Do blue-light glasses really work? Can they reduce eye strain or help me sleep?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Downie, Associate Professor in Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Blue-light glasses are said to reduce eye strain when using computers, improve your sleep and protect your eye health. You can buy them yourself or your ...2 hours ago
- Labour’s Climate Manifesto – Commendable Condiments But Missing The ‘main Meal’Greenpeace Aotearoa says the Labour Party’s Climate Manifesto, launched today, reads like a shopping list of condiments that has missed off the main meal: action on New Zealand’s biggest climate polluter, intensive dairy. "There are many ...2 hours ago
- Labour’s Climate Announcement Is Economically And Scientifically IlliterateResponding to the release of Labour’s Climate Manifesto, Taxpayers’ Union Deputy Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: "Yet again, we are seeing a swathe of policies that fail to recognise the genius and effectiveness of our existing Emissions ...2 hours ago
- National-Act-NZ First government would be ‘rightwing circus’, says HipkinsAt his press conference to launch Labour’s climate manifesto in New Plymouth today, Chris Hipkins was quick to offer his thoughts on Christopher Luxon finally admitting National would work with New Zealand First to form the next government if it needed to. “I want to for once in my life ...2 hours ago
- Labour and National bicker over climate policy as Hipkins releases manifestoChris Hipkins has released Labour’s “climate manifesto”, which brings together a range of existing policies plus adds a handful of new ones. These include a plan for a “minister for just transitions” to oversee New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy, and to a plan to invest an additional $300 ...2 hours ago
- New to streaming: What to watch on Netflix NZ, Neon and more this weekWhat are you going to be watching this week? We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+. The biggies Neighbours: The Return (on Prime Video from September 25) Neighbours is back, baby. The long-running Australian soap that ended ...2 hours ago
- Luxon's call on NZ First could come back to bite him
Christopher Luxon has given the voters what they wanted – transparency on who National will work with. But, in doing so, some of his supporters worry he may have given New Zealand First a boost. Comment: National Party supporters at a meet and greet in Matamata with Christopher Luxon were ...3 hours ago - Te Whatu Ora Must Stand By Employees’ Rights To Freedom Of Thought And Speech25 September 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Te Whatu Ora must stand by employees’ rights to freedom of thought and speech The Free Speech Union insists that Te Whatu Ora stand by their employees’ rights of freedom of thought and speech ...3 hours ago
- Te Whatu Ora Must Stand By Employees’ Rights To Freedom Of Thought And Speech...3 hours ago
- NZ election 2023: Bryce Edwards: The most hollow campaign in living memoryThe 2023 general election campaign must be the most hollow in living memory. There really isn’t much that is positive or attractive about the electoral options on offer. This is an election without inspiration. There is a definite gloominess among the public right now — with a perception that not ...3 hours ago
- Severe Weather Demands Voters' AttentionMore severe weather and floods in regions demand voters’ attention. Floods in Queenstown and Southland, wildfires in South Canterbury, and further risk of flood in Gisborne, are a warning that the biggest issue in this election has to be climate ...3 hours ago
- Labor and Albanese recover in Newspoll as Dutton falls, but the Voice’s slump continuesSource: 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 A national Newspoll, conducted September 18–22 from a sample of 1,239, gave Labor a 54–46 lead, a one-point gain for Labor since ...4 hours ago
- Peters defends decision on 2017 coalition and repeats Bill English claimsWinston Peters has repeated his claim that Bill English said he was about to be rolled as National leader during negotiations after the 2017 election. According to the New Zealand First leader, English said during post-election negotiations that he was about to lose his position as leader of National. It’s ...4 hours ago
- Luxon left looking ‘slow and expedient’ after Peters rule-in announcementWe’ve been waiting weeks months for a captain’s call from Christopher Luxon on whether or not he’d work with Winston Peters – and that finally came today. As I detailed this morning, Luxon, in a video shared to social media, finally admitted he would work with Peters if necessary after ...5 hours ago
- Are fish oil supplements as healthy as we think? And is eating fish better?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, is promoted for a number of health benefits – from boosting our heart health, protecting our brain from dementia, ...5 hours ago
- What lies behind Luxon’s change of heart on NZ First?The 11th-hour decision to rule in Winston Peters if necessary leaves the National leader looking slow and expedient. When Chris Hipkins declared last week that National’s polling was beyond its peak, it seemed born more of hope than data. It is hard to avoid concluding, however, that Christopher Luxon has ...5 hours ago
- Watch live: Election debate – Parties questioned on policies affecting PasifikaRNZ Pacific has partnered with Pacific Media Network to question major parties on how their policies will affect Pacific peoples. ...6 hours ago
- EPA Annual Charges On Forestry Participants Unlawful?...6 hours ago
- A teenager’s OCD journeyA 17-year-old shares their reality living with the ‘doubting disease’. A version of this essay was first published on Emily Writes’ Substack. Every day I return to my house, gently closing the door behind me. Each time I unpack my bag, wash my lunch box and water bottle, place my ...6 hours ago
- The ‘community of care’ improving the wellbeing of Sāmoan teachersAn ambitious initiative in Sāmoan early childhood centres is improving the health and wellbeing of children, families and teachers across Auckland – with aspirations to extend nationwide. The Seugagogo Aoga Amata Pre-School had humble beginnings. Situated close to the town centre of Auckland’s Ōtāhuhu and founded as a playgroup ...6 hours ago
- National would work with NZ FirstWelcome to The Spinoff’s election live updates for Monday, September 25. I’m Stewart Sowman-Lund: on deck today from the mighty Manawatū. Get in touch with me on [email protected] Find out more about the political parties at Policy.nz The agenda Christopher Luxon has confirmed he would work with Winston ...6 hours ago
- Election 2023: National Party confirms it could work with NZ FirstChristopher Luxon says his preference is to work with ACT in government, but could work with New Zealand First too. ...7 hours ago
- Is it ethical non-Indigenous people get to decide on the Voice? Is it OK for one group to have right...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Formosa, Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy, and Co-Director of the Macquire University Ethics & Agency Research Centre, Macquarie University Australians will soon be asked to vote on whether we should “alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples ...7 hours ago
- America’s leaders are older than they’ve ever been. Why didn’t the founding fathers foresee th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jared Mondschein, Director of Research, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney The US Congress has had no shortage of viral moments in recent months. Senator Dianne Feinstein seemingly became confused over how to vote. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced two extended ...7 hours ago
- We need urban trees more than ever – here’s how to save them from extreme heatSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Renée M Prokopavicius, Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Ecophysiology, Western Sydney University Torychemistry, Shutterstock Australians are bracing for a hot spring and summer. The Bureau of Meteorology has finally declared El Niño is underway, making warmer and drier conditions more likely for ...7 hours ago
- How to manage exam season: don’t forget to take regular breaks and breatheSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Ginns, Associate Professor in Educational Psychology, University of Sydney Oleksandr P/Pexels Around Australia, Year 12 students are heading into the final stretch of study before exams start in early term 4. This is typically seen as a very intense ...7 hours ago
- ‘An insatiable and unrestrained desire for passionate love’: the holy slut-shaming of Mary of Eg...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olympia Nelson, PhD Candidate in Modern Greek & Byzantine Studies specialising in Byzantine art and literature, University of Sydney Mary of Egypt, The Pantanassa Monastery, Mystras, Peloponnese, Greece Olympia Nelson, CC BY-ND Mary of Egypt, a fourth-century saint with a large ...7 hours ago
- How Māngere plans to become the cycling capital of the PacificA beloved community group is shifting transport habits in this Manukau suburb. As I biked down Coronation Road in Māngere, a driver beeped and yelled, “Get off the road and onto the footpath!” When I didn’t get out of their way, they yelled again, telling me it was for my ...7 hours ago
- It’s poll dayNewshub’s next poll will be revealed at 6pm tonight, teased by political editor Jenna Lynch as one that shows the face of the election is “changing in more ways than one”. Is that a reference to New Zealand First, especially given National’s decision to commit to working with them (if ...8 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Where’s the urgency on drinking water?Andrea Vance has been on a tear of late, publishing a series of fired up columns about the dire state of political discourse as we head towards the election. This week’s Sunday Star-Times column (paywalled) is on the “stonking great elephant in the room” that none of the party leaders want to ...8 hours ago
- Gloves come off as Robertson and Willis show their leaders how it’s doneThe finance chiefs’ Q&A debate was some of the most compelling TV of the election season so far, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Tempers flare in the TVNZ studios Grant ...8 hours ago
- Act And National A Coalition For Change“ACT and National are on the same page about a future coalition Government, with both parties working together in a strong coalition to overcome the significant challenges New Zealand faces,” says ACT Leader David Seymour. “Christopher Luxon confirmed ...8 hours ago
- Political Leaders Must Back Corporate Manslaughter Law – Pike FamiliesPike River family members Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse have called on political leaders to agree to introduce a corporate manslaughter law following charges for Whakaari deaths being dropped. Anna Osborne, who lost her husband Milton in the Pike ...8 hours ago
- Providing Real Choice In Education“We need to get the politics and bureaucracy out of New Zealand’s education system, bring high standards for attendance and learning in, and treat the profession with respect. While Labour is responsible for lowering the bar and leaving kids even ...9 hours ago
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Do you mind pointing out where he rubbished Labour's "overall response" in your article?
Thanks
"Goodfellow then went on to both praise and slam the Labour Government’s COVID-19 response and election campaign.
He said “reasoned debate became treasonous” during the campaign and it was a race of celebrity.
Goodfellow then went on to “give credit where credit is due” and praised Jacinda Ardern for her clear communication over the COVID-19 crisis."
He seems to be just criticising the pointless daily updates that didn't need Ardern there.
Which to be frank seemed to turn into free party political broadcasts.
I see praise of Ardern's overall response, not criticism.
There are none so blind.
Fair call.
Explain why Ardern needed to be there and speak for about 25 minutes, when it could have just been Bloomfield.
"Explain why…"
That's a tetchy demand there, ChrisT – are you coffee-deprived or something?
You said, "He seems to be just criticising…" when in this thread, Mickey has clearly stated that Goodfellow said, “reasoned debate became treasonous” during the campaign and it was a race of celebrity", 2 criticisms more than the "just" you want to focus on. There are none so blind as those who will not see.
How is that "rubbishing Labour's overall response"?
"Goodfellow then went on to both praise and slam the Labour Government’s COVID-19 response and election campaign."
(My italics)
How is slamming Labour's Covid response & election campaign not "rubbishing Labour's overall response" ?
I'm somewhat puzzled by your protestations and reasoning, Chris T.
That is called an opinion sentence without any actual back up quote to what they accusing them of.
It would be a bit like me saying "Ardern had a harsh look in her eye, when she read the result of the weed referendum"
Utter bollocks I made up.
QFT
Curious! You don't feel confident that the journalist at the Nat event could be correct in reporting that there was both praise and slamming by Goodfellow? Pray tell why you feel that way!
On another thread, Chris T, you wrote,
"Sorry.
Re-reading that post I probably came across as a bit blunt and a prick tbf."
Reading that, I thought, fair call.
A lot of the decisionmaking was done at the Cabinet level, so it was correct for a Cabinet Minister to be present to explain those decisions and answer questions about them.
Because when things are shit a real leader takes the lead .all our daily freedoms we enjoy at this time are due to Ardern convincing this country she had the plan that would work .
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-07/jacinda-ardern-set-to-win-second-term-in-new-zealand-after-covid-response
Thanks
I rest my case.
Welcome to the MSM turning into womens day
Most appreciated.
FB is not MSM. FB is not “womens day” [sic] either.
You demanded an answer to this question @ 1.1.1.1.1:
Don’t ask questions if you cannot handle the answers.
Or you could just answer.
What exactly did she add after Bloomfields summaries apart from a Labour ad?
She calmed the farm, Chris, and the farm needed calming.
And so do you
What she added for me was the weight and authority of the highest elected position in the country in giving advice, support and instruction to five million citizens- advice that was constructive and effective as anyone can appreciate from the Covid results here compared to just about anywhere.
Why? Because that was Leadership, and I for one am proud of my country's leader and grateful that she was PM.
Cometh the hour, cometh the woman.
I note in passing that countries which did well with Covid tended to have women in the leadership role whereas countries that bolloxed the job were run by men……………
Mac1
Sorry. There is know reply button on your post
I get people like to think some how sex comes into leadership.
That is cool and you are right with Covid. And Ardern’s…At least initially handling it well.
Your problem is when most countries came out of WW2 and all flourished they were all dudes,
Which is obviously a shallow way of looking at things.
While I admit Ardern has done as well as other leaders have after bad shit, it is hardly a new thing and I personally think the sex of the person in charge is irrelevant as long as they are doing a good job,
Chris T, I was being a little jocular there with the gender attributions. I was reflecting a FB post I saw which posted three women leaders and three men leaders and then underneath made the point the difference between the two groups was not their sex but the way they dealt with Covid-19. Trump, Johnson, Bolsonaro versus Ardern, Merkle, Jacobsdóttir.
Though I do wonder whether the willingness of these three women to be compassionate, wise and able to take advice is at least a part of the feminine psyche as opposed to the butch, brutal and narcissistic hubris of the three men exhibiting the worst of male traits.
Ask yourself. Would you rather be a woman around these three men or a male around these three women- in terms of treatment?
Many years ago, I attended a Play Centre Conference. I was the only male there as a participant, (the only male apart from a bus driver and the caretaker.) I remember thinking that I was being treated with far more respect than if I had been the sole woman in a group of 150 men.
Interesting musings……
It actually is to be fair!
Not that many moons ago I worked for a place where I was the the only bloke out of about 20 people.
I learnt a few things.
Women like meetings. I have no idea why. They just cant do shit without a meeting. TBF it is probably better than just going in blind, like blokes do.
They tend to be nice as to work with and actually care.
And last, They can be the most dirtiest talkers when you go to the pub and they forgent there is a bloke (me) there.
Had some funny nights, but all good people
It has already been answered to you here many times but you seem unwilling to hear and/or accept the answer. After a while, your rather demanding line of questioning is becoming tedious especially when it is clear that we’re all wasting our time trying to engage with you in good faith. I have a solution for that 😉
You may want to explain how the PM appearing alongside the DGH during lockdowns was, for all intents and purposes, free ads for the Labour Party. In some parts of the world, people were dropping like flies and we were watching party ads!? You’re starting to test the boundaries of incredulousness.
Rather like the"bit", I admit I only saw as it's paywalled, from Audrey Young on Collins "She was well turned out in a smart blue wool coat, fine jewellery and "
With a link https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/audrey-young-election-2020-national-leader-judith-collins-almost-a-pro-on-the-campaign-trail/WWFEAOBL6UUSLJ2MVUXM4LE7CE/
Because the success of NZs response was the success of people being compliant with the lockdown.
And the compliance was down to leadership and communication.
To not be there would be have been shirking the responsibility and failing to lead, leaving people aimless.
There is a difference between not being there at all and getting a free ad for your partyevery day for weeks
Really difficult to understand that sentence, Chris T.
You really have thrown yourself into this thread though, if you don't mind me saying so, you've made no headway at all!
Would you have preferred cowardice?
https://twitter.com/ChristnNitemare/status/1329962014857437190?s=20
We will all remember National being happy with John Key's "celebrity" photo ops and smiling and waving! So rather hypocritical for Goodfellow to bemoan Jacinda's popularity. Clutching at straws. Pathetic.
Perhaps he should have focussed on the grubby tactics of some of their MPs and party members during this election year. And demanded some ethics and decent behaviour in future. Labour also ran an excellent campaign in comparison.
You probably don't want to go down that road.
Neither do you – if the full extent & where Falloon & co's efforts were displayed & what they were people will really see & understand why Muller panicked. That Collin's utilised her favoured "double down" on ILG's family will show clearly what her nature is like – it's more than overdue.
Do tell..!
Do you have a link to this?
Thanks
Collins' statements about doubling-down and revenge are well known. This is not an admirable approach to managing personal relationships or political matters, in my opinion. She said it loudly and clearly, proudly even, and in that we take her at her word; she said she would, she did and will continue to behave appallingly when she chooses to.
You missed posting a link to "Collin's utilising her favoured "double down" on ILG's family"
It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest to learn that she had done that.
Would you be surprised?
I wouldn't be anything till I saw some actual proof of accusations.
I wouldn't be anything till I saw some actual proof of accusations.
Ha! I see you've doubled-down!
There are somethings you won't actually see word for word in writing but the double down/pay back double is an accepted trait of Collins & exactly the trait shown when she shot a warning bullet across the bows of the govt by revealing ILG's personal indiscretion to the entire country. IMO which I'm allowed to have it was a sort of an insurance against the scope of the imagery Falloon was distributing & the fact it wasn't limited to him. Stuff & Barry Soper both alluded to it briefly but were shut down by a more dignified set of behaviour on the part of govt.
Not sure what exactly you’re chasing after or what windmill you’re tilting at but FWIW here’s the opinion of a ‘hard lefty’ on JC in context:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/122222331/ministerial-takedown-offers-a-glimpse-into-a-judith-collins-premiership
Incognito, exactly. I found the same article as an answer to Chris T's demand for proof of accusations. Didn't bother to respond. Thanks for doing so.
Just based my comments on the fact unfortunately because I saw the "image" as the "spreading"of it was wider than Falloon – he was reckless enough to be caught. Whether it was a "meme" that was bring trolled around or a "porno" image it was briefly referred to (in a Stuff – I think – story) as something targetting a "Government MP – I'll have another go at finding it). Barry Soper also tried to raise that aspect of it at a stand-up press conference at the time & was dismissed with a dignified silence. The detail of all that is, once again IMO, why I believe Collins made an "example"of ILG is I have no doubt any pursuing of the scope of spreading of the image out anyone with skeletons in the closet on notice,
Too late Chris T, sorry. A lot of extremely alert people were watching your fellow legionnaires ignoring the blind bends, potholes, impassable slips and sudden drop-offs in their bold march along that particular road. As they do now.
Well we complain here enough about Labour.
And then we get to see the alternative. Life isn't so bad after all.
It came across to me like the good cop/bad cop routine being played out in reverse order:
Goodfellow was the bad cop pandering to disinformation and prejudice which would have appealed to a significant chunk of his audience and probably assured him a further term as party president.
Key followed with the good cop drill pointing out the reality of their loss and what they needed to do about it or else fade into obscurity.
Very little happens by chance in the National Party. There is always calculated method in their apparent madness.
Given the choice was between Carter and Goodfellow, he may even have been the lesser evil.
@ad..(to your glib conclusion..)..um..!..no..!…and in case labour don't realise it yet..if they fail to deliver they stand to bleed large amounts of votes to greens and maori party..and a certainty is they can wave bye-bye to the maori seats…unlike the clark years (the incrementalism on real issues and middle-class/corporate welfare ardern is aping) there are now those two parties there to pick up those 'transforming' reins discarded by labour…this may be a time of great success for labour (of course explained by handling of covid/national in disarray) but it is also a time of great peril for them….if they don't deliver real reform on poverty etc (and only what she promised in 2016 after all)…that support/mandate will disappear like a sandcastle facing the incoming tide..
From Key's view – far more representative and politically experienced than yours – the risk is the opposite: Labour in power for 12 years or even more.
Sometimes politics really is a popularity contest.
That is a very f.p.p.-based prediction…I tend to think we are reaching a new maturity in m.m.p….i don't see the maori party going away again anytime soon…and they will soon enough own the maori seats..(a good thing..to my mind)..and I see the green party support growing…reasons:they aren't seen as scary any more ..and the growing climate change imperatives becoming normalised..mean that they are a/the party for these times…and the left/social-democrats in labour will see more and more merit in voting for the greens ..to have more chance to get the political outcomes they so desire…so yes..labour may well be part of coalition governments for the foreseeable future…but it will be as a far more equal partner to both the greens and the maori party..this period of them ruling alone is an aberration..with a use-by date of 2023…and if labour continue with their neoliberal incrementalism…they could end up squabbling with national over that ever-diminishing pool of voters continuing to support/cleave to that bankrupt/tattered ideology…(think nz first nativism as the blueprint for their rump-party future..)
Are you sure you're not on Trump's election fraud litigation team?
You'd have to be for that amount of foolish optimism.
Labour just ate the Greens' lunch, threw a scrap to the Maori Party, and have had the highest vote share since Norman Kirk.
Not only are the Greens now irrelevant to government, the entire left is now irrelevant.
If you want the attention of this government, own a business.
All of which supports what I said…and the reasons why,.not the least of which is the hubris amplified/personified by your words..(oh.!.and your (obligatory?) insult is a tad laboured..eh..?..
Was “Merv” re-elected?
Merv was so confused that he ended up calling the AA for directions to the venue, which he couldn’t remember the name of. Mervellous!
I'm not sure Goodfellow is a necessary loss for National, given that the Boagiewoman has removed her shadowy presence from National's campaign. But the dirty tricks that became prevalent under Key are not consistent with the image they mean to project, as a party of competent managers – safe hands on the wheel for the choppy seas of the post – Covid world. Dirty tricks come with invidious impressions:
CUNNING, n. The faculty that distinguishes a weak animal or person from a strong one. ~ Ambrose Bierce.
If National want to regain their lost voters, they need a bit of ἀρετή. Ardern has some.
I thought that central quote of Key's, re leaking, was disgraceful. Such deceit – the very idea that the public should know what these people are like and how they operate is grounds for expulsion?!
Ugh.
I am picking Collins to be rolled before the next election. The poison cup she currently holds would not be a popular thing to inherit I think. A number of National MP's will still be holding their noses having Collins as leader. The pong will not be very pleasant. Any time Collins preaches loyalty the malodour of hypocrisy will be stronger still. As she stands she won't lead National to victory in 2023. If she is their best bet it illustrates just how deep down into the barrel National is stratching. Muller was right when he stated "National won't win the election with Bridges as leader.' The same applied to him and applies to Collins.
Judes warming the seat for Luxon who has parliamentary ropes to learn first then she'll likely be shuffled aside.
Uncomfortable questions from a decent media would be around this perceived arrangement or simply why is she still there after even Nationals base seemed to reject her.
I realize that the "1 pm" myth is now ingrained in the National party folklore, but just for historical accuracy, this was what happened …
May 22 2020: Caucus coup against Bridges, Muller new leader.
July 14 20201: Muller quits, Collins new leader.
Before, during and after those dates, a hundred stories (and that's no exaggeration) about the National party, all created by the National party. Too many to list, pick almost any date at random, you'll find a resignation or a row or a gaffe or a leak. They were incredibly creative in finding ways to grab the headlines – all bad.
Between those dates (and 102 days in total) … Covid-19 cases: zero. Ardern gave only a handful of press briefings, and hardly anybody watched. Because it wasn't the news.
The National party was the news. Every day. And that is all on them.
I think they are crazy to keep Goodfellow on, but not surprised about Judith staying as leader.
They make a great pair. Good for the government. It’ll be business as usual at nat headquarters.
Will Carter get his Knighthood in the New Year's List or in the June lot?
According to Willie Jackson, Goodfellow said:
“Democracy gave way to a time to a form of temporary tyranny; no-one should fear death threats or violence for voicing an opinion no matter how much you disagree, but that was the reality in a Jacindamania world and I’m sure you felt that too throughout the year, I certainly did,”
Idiocy.