National’s civil war continues
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- Date published:
9:08 am, August 9th, 2021 - 25 comments
Categories: john key, Judith Collins, national, racism, same old national, Simon Bridges -
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I feel like I write too much about National’s problems. But the problem is they keep offering up material. Their party is clearly in deep, deep trouble.
This weekend the party held its Unity Conference. If this was a Unity Conference I would hate to see what a Disunity Conference looks like. And I have been to one or two of those, not for many years but I know what the feeling is like.
They started off rather weirdly with a culturally respectful beginning to the conference. It is as if Judith Collins’ continuous dog whistle blowing in the name of Demanding the Debate was an attention seeking scam. I am pleased that the Party is indeed respectful of Te Ao Maori and that it went as far as singing the National Anthem in Te Reo as well as English even if the Te Reo version has the dreaded word “Aotearoa” in it.
Judith gave her speech. It was a hotchpotch of sound bites and within sentences was able to criticise Labour for doing nothing and doing things too fast. It was also full of what are euphemistically called fibs. Like the claim that banning future exploration of oil and gas has caused the current electricity shortage.
He Puapua received three mentions and the Mongrel Mob received four. We are going to have at least two more years of this.
The Covid response was mentioned along with the word “shambles”. Judith and her speech writers need to read up on what is happening overseas.
There was precious little policy announced, apart from a promise to reverse some of Labour’s changes and hold a tech summit. You get the feeling that if National lasts to 2031 its major policy will be to hold a tech summit.
Collins concluded by saying that “[w]e are better together”. She should tell that to her caucus.
The jaw dropping event was the re-election of Peter Goodfellow as National President. Lefties throughout the country celebrated. More of the same is exactly what is not in National’s interests right now but this is now their problem.
The result caused former Cabinet Minister David Carter to throw his toys out of the cot and publicly resign from the board and express no support for the leadership or for the party’s chances at the next election. From Jane Patterson at Radio New Zealand:
Judith Collins remains party leader and this weekend the board re-elected Peter Goodfellow as president.
Both are under enormous pressure to restore the party’s fortunes but the burden of the 2020 loss is heavy. The 2023 election is “winnable”, assured Collins in her speech, however that remains a distant dream, with her challenge first to fully reunite the caucus and re-engage the voting public.
One man convinced the party has taken a disastrous path keeping Goodfellow on as president is former MP, Cabinet minister and Speaker, David Carter, who broke ranks in a extraordinary manner.
After nine months on the board Carter quit in protest after unsuccessfully contesting the presidency; it was so abrupt Goodfellow had to announce his departure to a clearly surprised crowd in his own speech accepting the position. Carter was already on his way to the airport.
His reasons: “Zero” confidence in Goodfellow, the party will never rebuild under his watch, the board is run in a dysfunctional manner and the money is no longer flowing in.
Not sour grapes, insists Carter, he has plenty going on but won’t “waste time” on a board when he has such a low opinion of the chair.
Collins’s problems continue. A Newshub Reid Research poll states that 47.9% of National supporters think that she should be replaced as leader before the next election. And John Key refused to say that she will win.
But when it comes to endorsements for National leaders, not even some in Collins’ party believe she’s the leader to get them into Government next election.
Key isn’t convinced she’ll hold onto the job for the next election either. He says Collins is “working really hard” as the leader, but wouldn’t answer if he believes she’ll be rolled by the next election.
“Ultimately that’s in the hands of the caucus and the public,” he says.
“I think she’ll be a great prime minister if she gets that opportunity.”
The conference concluded with a dance off between Simon Bridges and Judith Collins. I think Bridges won but only because he made a greater spectacle of himself.
The conference has been compared to the Labour conference of 2012. Having been a participant in what happened at that conference I am in a position to comment. At that conference grass roots organisation managed to get through changes to the party’s constitution that increased the ability for rank and file to have a say in who the party’s leader should be. This was despite the senior levels of the party opposing the changes. Things blew up after that but on the first day a majority of members used their democratic right to make change. This weekend at National’s conference nothing of the sort happened.
And the comparison in the treatment of David Cunliffe then and Simon Bridges now is startling. Cunliffe was demoted and ostracised for not pledging support for Shearer. This year Bridges was able to sell his book at the conference.
All I can say is how pleased I am with National’s conference. Winning the next Election is that much easier thanks to what happened.
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Over 41,000 Palestinian’s have been murdered by Israel in the last 12 months. At the same time, Israel have launched attacks against at least four other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. “You cannot play the aggressor and the victim at the same time,” said ...1 week ago
- Release: Costello makes a fool of the PM
Associate health minister Casey Costello has made a fool of the Prime Minister, because the product she’s been fighting to get a tax cut for and he’s been backing her on is now illegal – and he doesn’t seem to know it. ...1 week ago
- Work to do on climate adaptation
The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk. ...2 weeks ago
- End of free RAT tests means more exposure to virus
The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government breaks promise on ferry plan
Time has run out for Nicola Willis who has failed to keep her promise to deliver a solution to replace the Interislander ferries by today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports marches for better health
Labour supports Buller and Dunedin communities who are marching today and calling on the Government to act urgently to fix the health crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Raising speed limits will cost our communities
The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Buller community
The Green Party stands in solidarity with the Buller community in its silent protest for better healthcare. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Proposed job losses devastating for Timaru
News that the Smithfield meatworks could close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Question mark over financial sustainability of Polytechs
The Government is taking tertiary education down a worrying path with new reporting finding that fourteen of the country’s sixteen polytechnics couldn’t survive on their own,” Labour’s tertiary education spokesperson Dr Deborah Russell says. ...2 weeks ago
- TPM issues warning to Govt: Back down or prepare for the wrath of the million Māori
Today the government announced a $30m cut to Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori- a programme that develops te reo Māori among our kaiako. “This announcement is just the latest in an onslaught of attacks on te iwi Māori,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt set to break promise on Dunedin Hospital
The Green Party is calling on the Government to honour its promise to Dunedin and build its new hospital to full capacity. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Dunedin Hospital d-listed by Government
The non-announcement in Dunedin today had Ministers leaving broken promises and a likely severely diluted hospital build in their wake. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes UAE trade deal
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed today with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Hundreds more jobs cuts on housing frontline
The Government has shown its true intentions for the public service and economy – it’s not to get more public servants back to the office, it’s more job losses. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt not addressing health workforce crisis
The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts fair pay for bus drivers
The Government has cut funding for bus drivers to get paid fairly for the work they do, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown Minerals Bill Advances Colonisation
Today, the Crown Mineral Amendment Bill was read for the first time, reversing the ban on oil exploration off the coast of Taranaki. It was no accident that this proposed law change was read directly after the Government started to unravel the ability of iwi and hapū Māori to have ...2 weeks ago
- Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing
Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown should prove their rights to Foreshore & Seabed – Te Pāti Māori
Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Justice, Tākuta Ferris, has hit out at the Government, demanding the Crown prove its rights to the foreshore, following the Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill, passing its first reading. "Māori rights to the foreshore pre-exist the Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must urgently help whanau in Lebanon
The Government must immediately help evacuate New Zealanders and Lebanese whanau caught up in the current conflict unfolding across south Lebanon. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Government will revoke oil and gas permits
The Green Party vows to reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke permits when it returns to government following the coalition’s introduction of legislation to reopen offshore oil and gas exploration this afternoon. ...3 weeks ago
- Luxon wraps up East Asia Summit
The annual East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Laos this week underscored the critical role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays in ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. "My first participation in an EAS has been a valuable opportunity to engage ...12 hours ago - Feedback will improve health and safety system and grow the economy
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the feedback from the health and safety roadshow will help shape the future of health and safety in New Zealand and grow the economy. “New Zealand’s poorly performing health and safety system could be costing this country billions,” says Ms van ...17 hours ago
- Government releases more Fast-track detail
The Government has released the independent Advisory Group’s report on the 384 projects which applied to be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill, and further detail about the careful management of Ministers’ conflicts of interest, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. Independent Advisory Group Report The full report has now been ...18 hours ago
- Government releases plan for affordable electricity
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity clearly sets out the Government’s role in delivering affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. ...21 hours ago
- Govt broadly accepts Royal Commission findings
The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations. “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. ...22 hours ago
- Brakes put on contractor and consultant spending
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30. ...1 day ago
- Accounts confirm need for spending restraint
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today. They show net core Crown net debt at ...1 day ago
- Minister to co-chair carbon market negotiations at COP29
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will chair negotiations on carbon markets at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) alongside Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. “Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s important for countries to be enabled to work together and support each other ...2 days ago
- Confirmation of Payee service to improve payment security
A new confirmation of payments system in the banking sector will make it safer for Kiwis making bank transactions, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “In my open letter to the banks in February, I outlined several of my expectations of the sector, including the introduction of a ...2 days ago
- Medicines access continues to increase
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour is pleased to see Pharmac continue to increase availability of medicines for Kiwis with the Government’s largest ever investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our ...2 days ago
- Strengthening NZ’s emergency management system
The Government has released its long-term vision to strengthen New Zealand’s disaster resilience and emergency management, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “It’s clear from the North Island Severe Weather Events (NISWE) Inquiry, that our emergency management system was not fit-for-purpose,” Mr Mitchell says. “We’ve seen first-hand ...2 days ago
- Brighter days ahead for Kiwis
Today’s cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 4.75 per cent is welcome news for families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Lower interest rates will provide much-needed relief for households and businesses, allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money and increasing the opportunities for businesses ...3 days ago
- Sport NZ asked to update Transgender Inclusion Guiding Principles
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has asked Sport NZ to review and update its Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport. “The Guiding Principles, published in 2022, were intended to be a helpful guide for sporting bodies grappling with a tricky issue. They are intended ...3 days ago
- Freshwater farm plan rollout set to be paused by end of year
The Coalition Government is restoring confidence to the rural sector by pausing the rollout of freshwater farm plans while changes are made to ensure the system is affordable and more practical for farmers and growers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “Freshwater farm plans ...3 days ago
- New report shows improvements in air quality
The latest report from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ, Our air 2024, reveals that overall air quality in New Zealand is improving, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly say. “Air pollution levels have decreased in many parts of the country. New Zealand is ...3 days ago
- New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador appointed
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the appointment of Stuart Horne as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador. “I am pleased to welcome someone of Stuart’s calibre to this important role, given his expertise in foreign policy, trade, and economics, along with strong business connections,” Mr Watts says. “Stuart’s understanding ...3 days ago
- Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low. The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...3 days ago
- Holding careless builders accountable
The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...4 days ago
- Further action to tackle driver licence wait times
The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...4 days ago
- Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...4 days ago
- Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations
Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...4 days ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...4 days ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...4 days ago
- Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...4 days ago
- Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses
This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...5 days ago
- New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...5 days ago
- Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval
Kia uru kahikatea te tū. Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...6 days ago
- Fast-track to boost renewable electricity
The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...6 days ago
- Fast-track to drive transport projects forward
The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...6 days ago
- Fast-track projects released
The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...6 days ago
- Ruakākā recreation centre opened
A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...7 days ago
- Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...1 week ago
- Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...1 week ago
- Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property
The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...1 week ago
- New Government support for residential construction market announced
The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. “We know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...1 week ago
- New appointment to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...1 week ago
- Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects
The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our Government is committed to delivering ...1 week ago
- Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes
Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...1 week ago
- Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future. “New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...1 week ago
- Latest census data highlights New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity
The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealand’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. “Today’s census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. It’s something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...1 week ago
- East Asia summit: ‘We’ll get it done’ – PM Christopher Luxon on India trade ...
Analysis - Christopher Luxon made the most of his first East Asia Summit, but the harder ask will be now translating that to tangible results. ...27 mins ago - New Zealand First to savour electoral victory at Annual General Meeting
Voted out of Parliament in 2020, NZ First clawed its way back to more than 6 percent of the vote, guaranteeing seats in Parliament and at the negotiating table. ...1 hour ago
- Anne Salmond: Arrogance laced with ignorance
Comment: After a talk I gave recently, a member of the audience, concerned about the coalition Government’s high-handed dismissal of evidence and its avoidance of public scrutiny on many issues, described their style of governance as ‘arrogance combined with ignorance.’Its difficult to disagree. I have tried, for instance, and failed ...1 hour ago - How artificial intelligence could be a leap forward for brain disease detection
Two words uttered during a phone call home inspired an AI expert to create an app that can detect brain injuries.“I said, ‘hi mum’ and she said, ‘ okay, what’s wrong?’. It was just two words, how did my mum realise that I’m not in my best mood?” asks Sam ...1 hour ago
- Short story: Baby without a name, by Kirsteen Ure
Even Ailsa’s hair is tired. Thin, split and hungry like the baby. He is five weeks old, with nothing you could call hair yet, just fuzz and dry skin, a sweet smell and sharp nails that Ailsa knows she needs to deal with before he scratches himself.And so far, no ...1 hour ago
- The Secret Diary of .. the HMNZS Manawanui
Christopher LuxonLook, I’ve been at a social function with Amanda, you might have seen the Instagram pictures we’ve been posting of us out and about, so I’ve not read the report into the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui yet, or any of the briefing papers, which I would like to, ...1 hour ago
- ‘Party in the sky’ over Waiheke: The documentary maker and the UFO encounter
Alex Casey talks to filmmaker Alexis Smith about documenting her journey to communicate with extraterrestrial life. It began with just a few sudden bursts of light. Filmmaker Alexis Smith had been lying on a trampoline with her friend for a few hours on Waiheke Island, and nothing had happened. Exasperated, ...2 hours ago - ‘You’ll love it, but you’ll hate it’: Christian Cullen on becoming CTI’s most unlikely sta...
Former All Black and current Celebrity Treasure Island castaway Christian Cullen looks back on his life in TV. Every season of Celebrity Treasure Island brings with it a surprise breakout star, and often it’s the person you know the least about or have the lowest expectations for. This season, as ...2 hours ago
- The Weekend: When did you stop listening to new music?
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. I will preface this newsletter by acknowledging that I have been old from the day I was born. I was born prematurely but was 10 and a half pounds. A friend once looked at a photo of me at two days old ...2 hours ago
- Why young women like me are rotting in our bedrooms
It’s become an internet trope, but the art of girl rotting dates back at least to the 19th century. The Spinoff Essay showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous support of our members. I went for a walk after spending a day ...2 hours ago
- ‘A balm for the brokenhearted’: Kirsten Morrell’s perfect weekend playlist
The former Goldenhorse frontwoman shares her perfect weekend playlist. Kirsten Morrell recently finished reading Pip Williams’ The Bookbinder Of Jericho, a novel about women working in a man’s world, and what gets lost when knowledge is withheld. Reading is how the UK-born former Goldenhorse frontwoman enjoys spending her weekends, but ...2 hours ago
- Podcast: The price we pay for cutting costs
The government aims to slash costs without raising taxes, but will slashing spending boost long-term stability or cripple New Zealand’s growth? Bernard Hickey asks finance minister Nicola Willis to explain her thinking. The coalition government plans to significantly cut spending across health, housing and transport with the goal of ...2 hours ago
- 1 News but not as we know it
Comment: Having been badly mauled by the E tū union and the Employment Court for not carrying out proper staff consultation over earlier cutbacks TVNZ’s management is staying silent about its latest cost reduction strategy.The bungled axing of Sunday and Fair Go means no one outside TVNZ is privy to ...2 hours ago
- West Papua – the war on our doorstep under The Pacific spotlight
Pacific Media Watch ABC’s The Pacific has gained rare access into West Papua, a region ruled by Indonesia that has been plagued by military violence and political unrest for decades. Now, as well as the long-running struggle for independence, some say the Melanesian region’s pristine environment is under threat by ...4 hours ago - Published by the Star – the genocide advert that Stuff didn’t want you to see
By John Minto Published in the Christchurch Star newspaper yesterday — this was the advert rejected last week by Stuff, New Zealand’s major news website, by an editorial management which apparently thinks pro-Israel sympathies are more important than the industrial-scale slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza and Lebanon. Stuff told the ...5 hours ago
- Bring France into decolonisation talks, French Polynesian president tells UN
By Stefan Armbruster 0f BenarNews French Polynesia’s president and civil society leaders have called on the United Nations to bring France to the negotiating table and set a timetable for the decolonisation of the Pacific territory. More than a decade after the archipelago was re-listed for decolonisation by the UN ...9 hours ago
- Ministers lift the curtain on fast-track approval conflicts
Analysis - RNZ understands the Cabinet Office would have eventually released it, but the narrative and claims of shady deals had grown loud enough to warrant getting it out earlier. ...12 hours ago
- A year of netball rivalry decided by a single goal
For an entire netball season, barely a hair’s breadth separated the country’s top two school sides, Howick College and Avondale College.Avondale may have been the defending national champions, but Howick seemed to have a slight upper hand each time they met – whether it was the final of the Auckland ...13 hours ago
- The government’s social media ban for kids will exempt ‘low-risk’ platforms. What does that me...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University BAZA Production/Shutterstock In a speech to the New South Wales and South Australian government social media summit today, Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland announced ...13 hours ago
- East Asia summit: Luxon upbeat on chances of free trade deal with India
India's leader wants more trade with this country and ultimately both nations will aim for a free trade deal, the prime minister says. ...14 hours ago
- Open Letter Calls For NZDF To Deploy Cleanup Team, HMNZS Manawanui Leaking Residual Oil
11 October: An open letter has been launched, supported by 350 Aotearoa, Greenpeace and student unions, calling on Defence Minister Judith Collins to urgently task the NZDF with immediately deploying a cleanup team to Sāmoa, to plug any leaks and remove ...14 hours ago - Lowest Support For National In 15 Months; Highest For Labour In 16 Months; In Latest Taxpayers’ Un...
Based on these results, National are down four seats on the last poll to 44, while Labour gains five to 38 seats. The Greens are down one seat to 13 while ACT is up one to 12 seats. New Zealand First are up one seat to nine from the last ...14 hours ago
- Billion-dollar backtrack by fast-tracked seabed mine
The economic windfall promised by a seabed mine off Taranaki was an incentive to use the fast track, but the company’s own claims about its profitability have had to be retracted.On Monday, Manuka Resources claimed its Taranaki seabed mine would contribute a billion dollars a year towards New Zealand’s export ...15 hours ago
- What is pelvic organ prolapse and how is it treated?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer King, Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Sydney Halfpoint/Shutterstock As a urogynaecologist I care exclusively for women with pelvic floor problems. These are the women with leaking bladders and weak supporting tissues allowing the vaginal walls to bulge outside. Pelvic ...15 hours ago
- Seabed miner Trans-Tasman Resources retracts claim it will earn $1 billion a year
It comes after the plan was included in the list of projects up for Fast Track Bill approval. ...15 hours ago
- Hope returns to Kashmir after elections, but the ultimate power still belongs to Narendra Modi’s g...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leoni Connah, Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University This year’s local elections in India’s northernmost territory of Jammu and Kashmir were the first since the national government controversially stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status in 2019. It’s also the first local ...16 hours ago
- National takes hit in new TPU-Curia poll
Christopher Luxon has also taken a hit as preferred prime minister, dropping five points to 27.7 percent. ...16 hours ago
- Why hurricanes like Milton in the US and cyclones in Australia are becoming more intense and harder ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dowdy, Principal Research Scientist in Extreme Weather, The University of Melbourne Tropical cyclones, known as hurricanes and typhoons in other parts of the world, have caused huge damage in many places recently. The United States has just been hit by Hurricane ...16 hours ago
- Christopher Luxon puts another rental property on the market
The Auckland property listed for sale on Friday has a current market valuation, according to Homes.co.nz, of $995,000. ...16 hours ago
- As the conflicts in the Middle East dramatically escalate, could Iran acquire a nuclear bomb?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University As Israel continues its assault on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran appears increasingly backed into a corner. Israel’s efforts to weaken Iran’s proxy network have focused on a number of objectives: eliminating key Hezbollah ...17 hours ago
- New teen dramedy Camp Be Better sparkles with potential
Tara Ward watches TVNZ’s new local series about a group of teen delinquents sent to an unusual rehabilitation facility. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. TVNZ’s new teen comedy-drama begins like no other. A balaclava-clad teenager breaks into a fancy house and ...17 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘the dancer’ by Zephyr Zhang
A new poem by Zephyr Zhang. the dancer wavy air noodle flailing at the used car yard shake shake shaky shake it my tube bod writhes cosmic spaghetti on hot asphalt a flag in a hurricane waving to strangers in cars waving at shiny sedans ...17 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending October 11
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Faber & Faber, $37) Riveting and insightful interview between Rooney and Merve ...17 hours ago
- Fast-track projects: Government told to strengthen ties with iwi in areas like aquaculture
The government is being encouraged to engage with iwi to foster Māori economic development. ...18 hours ago
- Revealed: All the 300 Fast-Track projects and ministers’ conflicts of interest
The government has released a huge tranche of documents that show discussions between officials and ministers on which Fast-track projects would get the green light. ...18 hours ago
- Electricity Authority put on notice over encouraging competition in energy sector
The government has told the Electricity Authority to get more competitive as it tries to curb soaring electricity prices of late. ...19 hours ago
- Good hot chips are an art form – here’s where to find Wellington’s best
An impassioned culinary defence of the hot chip, and a guide to some of the capital’s finest examples. To some, hot chips are lowbrow. An article about hot chips is lowbrow. To them, chips hold no torch in comparison to more esteemed cultural pursuits. I disagree. The notion of something ...19 hours ago
- Government Fails To Cut Down On Debt Despite Higher Tax Revenue
Commenting on this, Taxpayers’ Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said: “This is not a good look for this government’s first financial statement. They were elected on a promise to deliver real tax relief during a cost of living crisis that hardworking ...20 hours ago
- An ode to the indie bookshop
Ahead of this year’s Bookshop Day, books editor Claire Mabey reflects on the great bookshops of her life. This Saturday, October 12, is Bookshop Day in Aotearoa. I’ve been following the campaign run by Booksellers NZ, the organisers of the festivities, for the last few weeks and getting emotional about ...21 hours ago
- SAFE Denounces Select Committee’s Failure To Act On Colony Cages
SAFE maintains that colony cages breach the Animal Welfare Act, as they prevent hens from displaying normal behaviours essential to their health and welfare, including the ability to move freely, dustbathe, and forage for food. ...22 hours ago
With National everything is about the almighty $.
Goodfellow guarantees them plenty of that. In their worst year in history, he still generated $3M in donations.
That is how short sighted they are.
John Key was there saying MIQ was a failure and that vaccinated NZers abroad should be allowed in with just home quarantine. The 'journalist' concerned did not ask him if he was aware that vaccinated people could both catch and transmit the virus, and that therefore, if home quarantine was not secure (which it isn't) they could be transmitting the Delta variant to a partially vaccinated population.
When he inevitably fluffed his response to that question and rambled about being "comfortable" with it (or some such meaningless greasiness), the next step would be to offer him the only three possible explanations for his comments: that he is ignorant/stupid and doesn't know the facts, that he does know the facts and is just reckless/insane and wants to put 'business' first, or that he is just mischief-making for political advantage. But none of that happened.
Time for the Nats to fold their tent and disappear out the back door of history. Otherwise they are a constant menace – always lurking and waiting for their chance to make all the major problems we face even worse.
Fair enough Micky to detail NZ National’s travails–a party full of dirty filthy tories–now openly split into urban, rural, libertarian, old school reactionary, and religious nutter factions! Who could not quietly enjoy such a spectacle after what the Key years put this country through.
Was “Merv from Manurewa”–former Board member Roger Bridge– anywhere to be seen?
But…this current, first and likely last for a while, majority MMP Labour Govt. better get the steel caps on and start telling the senior officials where it is at. The Deputy PM has an Implementation Unit that at least tells us there is some awareness of the intransigence in certain Ministries.
Likely too little (no pun etc.) too late though when WINZ/MSD remain as punitive and sadistic as they ever were. Sanctioning, standing down, moralising and instituting what are effectively life time debts on vulnerable working class people.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018807392/beneficiaries-ending-up-in-dire-straits-unnecessarily-moroney
Great reply. Bureaucrats are still running the system on National Party settings, which Labour is either unwilling or unable to change. Public tolerance for BAU has worn thin. The Nats' know how to dog whistle and manipulate the very people (non-rich) they actively shaft while in govt themselves. If Labour can't deliver meaningful improvements to the lives of non-rich people, they will march off to the Right, with Crusher playing the part of the Pied Piper.
Positive results from the Kahukura programme will help shut them up… Let’s hope we see some soon.
I guess they figured that dumping their current President would be seen as yet more evidence of National's disarray? Better to keep PG on and retain what little cohesion is left.
Collins and Bridges dancing on stage was bizarre! Trying so hard to "have fun" but like the praying in church episode it was staged and phoney.
Interesting to read in Stuff Des Gorman was at the conference. No surprise there. He is National's best buddie, opposing everything the Government does re Covid.
Collins and Bridges dancing on stage was bizarre!
It was downright grotesque! And was that Luxon gyrating on the right? Yikes!
I was also present at the 2012 Labour conference and recall talking about my observations on this site. For my efforts I was sent to Coventry by a few Labour luminaries and it was made clear to me I was no longer a member of their circle. It was not a tear shedding moment.
Labour members have a habit of reminding their hierarchy that the party belongs to the members and they retain their exalted positions at the courtesy of those members. National members are like a herd of baaing sheep who are happy to be pushed and prodded in whatever direction their hierarchy wish to take.
In other words the Nats operate from the top down while Labour is more into the bottom up approach. (which sounds vaguely rude but is not meant as such 😳 )
Labour's hierarchical too. It seems to have modelled itself on the nats, at least as far as power and control are concerned. Branches are largely a thing of the past, while LECs exist just to rubber stamp Head Office edicts. HO, in turn, is dominated by the Leader of the Parliamentary Wing's office. No space for genuine grass roots democracy.
Let them burn to the ground.
Disgraceful mob looking for a 'leader' to con NZ into more terms of plunder whilst quaking in fear at the incumbent.
Brown, penk, bishop, hipango, Stanford, brownlee, woodhouse etc is what passes for talent in national. Underwhelming at best dangerous if elected.
So just to get this straight, Collins gave a speech announcing mass debate was the main thing the Nats wanted to do?
Yes, she wants everyone to mass debate
National need an Andrew Little and a Jacinda Ardern.
Thankfully they would not select them if they had, as their method would preclude choosing them on qualities recognised by the members.
We look at Key and wonder how he dodged being exposed as a front, then we look a a number of journalists who fawned on him.. 'nuff said.
Thank you Andrew, thank you Jacinda and Labour team, saving us from that lot.
May you continue the good work and have at least two more terms to get projects completed. Righting many wrongs during a pandemic is difficult, but you are making progress in spite of recalcitrant ministry bods.
We know we are in safe hands, and along with the Greens you will try to do what is best for Aotearoa and the people, unlike some who used their positions for selfish ends.
I am a labour /green supporter, and am more proud of my choice every day.
With 100% Patricia.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300377710/no-longer-the-party-of-rural-nz–national-members-furious-following-conference
All is well on Planet Key.
Surely she's been misquoted which's easy as 'bent' is close to 'best'.
Let's not forget she's ace at faith also now.
The Nat Board no longer has a farmer on it.
ACT are making inroads in rural communities.
What chance that at the next election ACT and the Nats get about 20% each?
I must say I'd prefer National any day over ACT.
There's very little difference under the Crusher/Badfellow regime.
If ACT takes over the role as a conservative rural party from National, then that leaves National to the other major right wing role of urban liberal at which it has very poor credentials at the moment with both its MPs and policies, instanced by its refusal to even see the recent Bill on gender reassignment go to a select committee to receive submissions and allow further debate.
Are people going to not vote for National because they are a rabble? Are they going to vote Act because The Boy Wonder is always so sensible?
Are they going to not vote Labour because of poverty, housing, roading? And not vote for anyone? Or vote Act?
As Stephen (above) says Act/Nat could cobble together 40%. They are marginally under that right now. They have plenty of time to get their crap together and most importantly, Labour has plenty more time to not impress.
nationals are the party of snobs who think they are better than the rest of us and who want power to loot the treasury. pad the payrolls and break up the state for the preferment of their mates
If Collins falls hard she’ll get treated like Cunliffe. Both old party hands who pissed off people in and out of their parties. If she gets a bit of distance back she’ll be remembered more kindly than DC.
Bridges getting sympathy. Cunliffe got a run and f-d it up. If Bridges had gone down in flames at the election the Nats and the media would have got him out of their system.
when hootgen was still persona grata at the nationals party his big meme was shambolic. now the the nationals are worse than that. they are on complete disarray. their greed is overriding any principles of decent behaviour that is if they ever had any.